I am very grateful that the Christ Church community contributed more than $4000 to the Haiti relief effort through Episcopal Relief and Development.  As I wrote last week, there are many good ways to support the people of Haiti, and giving through ER-D is an excellent way to get your financial resources quickly used.
 
After contributing on the ER-D website, one parishioner wrote to me:  "I am thrilled to hear that Episcopalians are making a difference on the ground in Haiti.   I am thrilled that our church, which means much to me, is on the ground and doing what can be done and efficiently."
 
We will continue to collect contributions for Episcopal Relief and Development this Sunday, and I certainly commend a direct donation through their website.  Learn the latest news about the Episcopal Church working in Haiti here.
 
Our mission concerns must be both local and global.  I am grateful that 30 parishioners are now tutoring at the Charter High School nearby Christ Church at 7th and Sansom (more volunteers are needed, more info here).  This Sunday, in the Rector's Forum at 10:10 AM, we'll hear from parishioners Joe Hetrick and Joanne Kundrat and parishioners from St. Peter's who traveled to Guatemala in November to paint and refurbish a school in a poor barrio of Guatemala City.  The current crisis in Haiti reminds us all that we cannot wait for a natural disaster to reveal the conditions that our neighbors live in, be they near or far.  The next trip to Guatemala is being planned, and if you have interest in ministering in this important way, please attend Sunday.
 
Susan Richardson and I have been reading the materials and listening to the recordings of the 55 gifted church organists and musicians who have asked to be considered as our next Director of Music.  Please join Susan and me Saturday morning, January 23, 8:30 AM, for a simple breakfast, followed by a morning prayer service at which we will ask God's blessings and guidance on our search as we shortly develop a list of finalists for the position.  We will be able to speak directly to the many questions of what skills and qualities that we are looking for in our next director of music.
 
I reported last week the Vestry's and my gratitude that we met revenue budgets and pledge income for 2009, and we were able to end 2009 with our budget in balance.  In this next week, pledgers and regular givers will be receiving their 2009 year-end charitable giving tax statements, as well as acknowledgement of their pledge for 2010.  If you have not yet made your 2010 pledge, please do so now.
 
Christ Church is a powerful instrument of God's grace and love, made possible by your faithful stewardship and generosity.