The Christ Church Community Update
For Sunday, June 27, 2010
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.
June 27--The Fifth Sunday after the Pentecost

9 AM--The Holy Eucharist, Hymns and Sermon
10:10--The Rector's Forum:  Bible Study and Discussion (in the shade of the North Garden)
11 AM--Morning Prayer and Sermon, with Choral Soloist and Hymns (no Eucharist)
Sunday July 4th, Independence Day
One Service, 10 AM
Be sure to wear red, white and blue!
Greetings!

My email earlier this week was about our budget, and I want to share one story of inspirational stewardship that resulted.  In the email, I wrote about how we are still seeking $35,000 in additional pledges and giving over what is currently anticipated so that we can have a balanced budget for the remainder of 2010.  Parishioners Alison Fritz and Dan Pohlig--she is our head usher, he is on the Vestry, and both are leaders in The Bridge--put forth this challenge:  they would increase their pledge and giving to Christ Church by $1000 in 2010 if members of The Bridge made first time pledges, or increased their existing pledges, by $3000.  I write this a few hours after Susan Richardson first sent out the challenge, and already $1200 has been committed--just $1800 to go!  If you would like to participate in this challenge opportunity, contact Susan Richardson, who is keeping track of the totals.

Please keep our staff member Jeanne Stuardi in your prayers this week, as she is having shoulder surgery.  Drop a get well email to Jeanne here.

Our one service on July 4th at 10 AM is always worshipful, wonderful and welcoming to the many, many visitors who attend.  Please plan to be there.

Our Beacon newsletter is in the mail, but if you would like to download an electronic copy click here.

Stay cool!

Timothy Safford
Christ Church Welcomes Philadelphia on Signers' Day - July 3

Have you ever wondered what stories Benjamin Franklin would tell if he were alive today? Or what it would be like to meet Robert Morris, the "Financier of the Revolution?" On Saturday, July 3, families, local residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the nation's independence, meet the Founding Fathers and gain a deeper understanding of our country's early history at Christ Church's Signers' Day, part of Wawa Welcome America, Philadelphia's Fourth of July celebration. Christ Church's signature, enriching event begins with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 1:30 p.m., and continues until 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church Burial Ground, the final resting place of five signers of the Declaration of Independence. Also, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. family activities at the Church and Burial Ground bring history alive with the Patriots & Heroes Guided Tour, engaging History Hunts and compelling stories from Historic Philadelphia's "Once Upon a Nation" storytellers.  For more information call 215-922-1695 x32 or visit www.christchurchphila.org.

Summer Yoga

Want to feel great this summer? It's easy... come join a YOGA class at the Christ Church Neighborhood House with deliver me yoga. You won't want to miss this opportunity to increase your strength and flexibility, improve your balance, boost your immune system, increase your energy and calm your mind. You can reconnect mind and body with yoga, no matter your current level of fitness or flexibility. Classes will be themed vinyasa yoga practices with options for each pose to make the practice assessable for all levels.  No yoga experience required, yet we promise to encourage and challenge you. Two six-weeks sessions for the summer.

Session 1: 12-1pm Thursday, July 1 - August 5
Session 2: 6-7:15pm Thursdays, July 8- August 12.

How to get started? Call to preregister for the full six-week series for $90 ($15/ class) or attend any 4 of the 6 classes and preregister for $ 64 ($16/ class) Or you can drop in for any class for $18 /class. Call to pay by credit card or send payment to deliver me yoga, p.o. box 423, Narberth, PA 19072.  

Wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle, towel and a friend! Classes will be held in Neighborhood House. Contact Alice Dommert at 215.870.7775 or alice@delivermeyoga.com to preregister or for more information.

Christ Church Gardeners
The volunteer gardeners will gather for their next work day on July 10 at 10:00A.M.  Please join us in the North Garden.  Newcomers are always welcome.  We hope to see you there. Questions?  Please contact George Niedermayer.
 
Sandwiches For The Homeless
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, July 17, 8:30-9:30am. Kids love to help, too!  Questions?  Please contact Wayne Christman.

Open Choir Nights at Christ Church begin August 19.
"Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength." --John Wesley
 
For four Thursdays from 7-9pm, August 19 through September 9, come "lift up your voice with strength" at Christ Church's open choir nights. All are welcome, regardless of experience or note-reading ability. Each Thursday we will practice congregational music for the upcoming Sunday and learn choral music for the season ahead, all the while working on the basics of good singing technique and music literacy. Even if you come feeling "half dead or half asleep," you will leave with a bounce in your step and a song in your heart. Able participants will be invited to continue singing with the choir Thursdays and Sundays after our section leaders join us mid-September.
 
If you are interested in attending, or just curious, please contact incoming Director of Music Parker Kitterman. And remember, if you can sing "lustily and with good courage" in the shower or the car, then you can do it in church. OK? OK!


OUR FALL SMALL GROUP PROGRAM
ENCOUNTERING THE GOD WE NEVER KNEW 

For the past several years, parishioners have gathered in small groups during the fall for spiritual formation and fellowship, and we will do so again this Fall in our small group program, Encountering the God We Never Knew.

On Tuesday evenings, beginning September 21, we begin a ten week spiritual journey exploring our most basic beliefs about God, and the images for God given to us by creed and doctrine, and the images that we develop ourselves.  As well, we will explore with each other new images of God that some of us will find expansive and liberating while others may find confusing and unappealing.  God as Rock, Judge, Whirlwind, Redeemer, Father, Punisher and King may be more familiar that images of God less visual:  God as Spirit, Womb, Creator, Compassion and Love.  In our small group discussions, led by fellow parishioners, each participant will be able to share their own spiritual journey with God and explore how each of us images and understands God.

Each Tuesday begins with a brief presentation, and each of these presentations will begin with our new Director of Music, Parker Kitterman, exploring with us how hymns we sing, and the images of God in those hymns, have so influenced our understanding of the divine.  In the first weeks, he will explore the hymns we know so well and cherish, and as the program proceeds, explore with us how the hymns from all over the world-Asia, Africa and Latin America-have forged new images of God.

The program will continue through Tuesday, November 23rd.  Each week begins at 6:30 PM, preceded by a potluck /brownbag supper at 5:45.  Each evening ends promptly by 8:15 PM.  Childcare will be available. For more information, please speak to one of the clergy, and to register, complete the form below or be in contact with Cecilia Wagner in the parish office by phone (215.922.1695, ext 21) or email (cwagner@christchurchphila.org)

THREE WEDNESDAYS IN AUGUST
WORSHIP FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP
IN THE NORTH GARDEN
August 11, 18 and 25
 
On three Wednesday evening in August our parishioners, friends and neighbors gather outdoors for an informal time of worship followed by a meal and other activities.  It is a great opportunity to socialize and get reacquainted with old friends while making new ones in a casual setting.  We will be cooking up hot dogs on the grill.

On August 18 and 25, our newly arrived Director of Music, Parker Kitterman will lead us in some old-fashioned hymn singing.  Come and greet him
 
 
Volunteers needed to help with preparation and serving and to donate fruit and cookies. Please help the Christ Church community make this hospitality not only possible but wonderful. 
Contact Cecilia Wagner to commit to helping on just one Wednesday - or more!
Telephone: 215.922.1695