The Christ Church Community Update
For the week ending December 13, 2009
Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome at Christ Church, as you are, to receive the blessings of God so freely given.
Greetings!

The third Sunday of Advent is here, and the Christmas season, with all of its joy and beauty at Christ Church, soon arrives.  All of us at Christ Church look forward to sharing in worship with you, and we hope you bring your family and friends. Please note the service times for Christmas Eve services:  5 PM, 8 PM and 11 PM (the joyous music begins at 10:30 PM).  Thanks to our friends from Park America, we have Valet Parking for the 11 PM service.  Details below.
 
This Saturday, we need a hard working crew to clean and make ready Christ Church for Christmas.  Parish workdays are of great service to Christ Church, and when our community of friends gathers, it doesn't even feel like work.

I pray God's blessings be upon you in this most holy and joyous of seasons.
workdayParish Workday this Saturday morning, December 12
We will make Christ Church as bright and lovely as we are able, vacuuming pew cushions, polishing brass, scrubbing floors, and touching up the paint.  All ages are needed.  Parish workdays have saved the parish thousands of dollars this year, and this one is the most important.  Let Jeanne Stuardi know you're coming.  Coffee and donuts are out at 8 AM, but come when you can.
Sunday Service Schedule for December 13
9 AM--The Holy Eucharist, Rite II with hymns
11 AM--The Holy Eucharist, Rite I with choral anthems and hymns
The Rector's Forum at 10:10 is studying the Advent scriptures, prayers and hymns. The Sunday lections are found here.

2 PM--The Memorial Service for the First City Troop
The First City Troop arrives at Christ ChurchThe First City Troop--an active unit of the National Guard that dates back to its commissioning by General George Washington--gathers on the date nearest Washington's funeral for a memorial service.  Many of the Troop's members have been recently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Your presence as the Troop arrives on horseback, at 1:30 PM, shows your support and concern for their heroic service.
Advent Angel Tree Gifts Due Sunday
The annual Angel Tree Project provides a direct link from the Christ Church family to people who are caught in the poverty cycle in Philadelphia.  Gifts will be gathered this Sunday in Neighborhood House.
Christmas Flower and Music Memorials
At Christmas time we have the opportunity to remember loved ones and to offer special thanks by making a donation to the Christmas Flower Fund to decorate the church for Christmas services or to the Christmas Music Fund to provide for the spectacular music on Christmas Eve. Gifts are accepted through Monday, December 14, by returning the special envelope in the pew and last Beacon, through our website, or by contacting Cecilia Wagner.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule, and special parking news
Plan to join in the celebration of Christ's birth with family and friends at Christ Church.  At 5 PM, we have our yearly "Come As You Are" Christmas Pageant in the joyous Eucharist service for all ages, but especially children.  At 8 PM, the Eucharist is quiet, beautiful and meditative.  At 10:30 PM, our Organist, Choir and Brass Ensemble begin the glorious music of Christmas, and at 11 PM, the festive Eucharist of Christmas, with choir, organ, brass and percussion, will light up the city through joy and praise.  The complete schedule is found here.

"Attending Services" placards will be in use for parking from 4 PM onward, and special parking attendants will help direct you to parking.  At 9 PM, Park America will offer free Valet parking for worshipers turning from 2nd onto Filbert Street (between Christ Church and the Arden Theater).  We are grateful to Park America.
Christmas Cookies for the Coffee Cup Thursday Dec. 17, 4 PM
Attention all bakers! You can help to provide homemade cookie gift boxes for "Coffee Cup" seniors.  Our unique gift is the homemade cookies, which are not available to "Coffee Cup" patrons through any other means.  We would love to receive your favorites and invite you to join us for packing the boxes.  Baking the cookies and packing the boxes is a project in which children love to participate. We gather on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 4:00pm in Neighborhood House. If you are unable to attend the packing, please deliver your cookies to Neighborhood House before the 17th. Thank you for your help. Questions?  Please call Helen Niedermayer at 215-592-8238.
Sandwiches for the Homeless Saturday Dec. 19, 8:30 AM
Come join the crew of sandwich makers who monthly make 350 bologna sandwiches for the shelter at St. Mary's.  We gather next on Saturday, December 19, 8:30-9:30am. Kids love to help, too!  Questions?  Please contact Wayne Christman.
The People of Christ Church are Generous and Give Abundantly
The friends and members of Christ Church give of time, talents and treasure, making Christ Church possible, allowing God's blessings to be given freely to the community around us.

December is the month we receive the pledges, gifts and offerings that make it possible to balance our budget, and begin our 315th year with financial health.  The Accounting Warden is expecting $65,000 in completed pledges by Dec. 31st.  If you need to know your pledge balance, or would like to receive a statement, please contact Jeanne Stuardi.  Mindful of the economic stress that so many are experiencing, and for our own planning, please let the accounting warden or rector know if you will need more time with your 2009 pledge.

So many of our members and friends remember Christ Church with a special offering at Christmas.  We are praying for $10,000 this Christmas season to balance our budget.  With one gift for $1000, two for $500, four for $250, 20 for $100, 40 for $50, and 100 for $20, we will be close to this goal.  Special offering envelopes are arriving in the mail, and gifts may be made through our website.  As always, offerings are an expression of our gratitude for God's blessings, not an obligation.  Give joyfully!
Quick Links...
Telephone: 215.922.1695
Valet Valet Parking Christmas Eve
If you are driving to the Christmas Eve 11 PM service, Park America (who operates our parking lot) will valet park your car for free (of course, the valet attendant welcomes holiday cheer!).  Beginning at 9 PM, Park America will offer free Valet parking for worshipers turning from 2nd onto Filbert Street (between Christ Church and the Arden Theater).  We are grateful to Park America.