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The Christ Church Community Update
Friday, December 17, 2010
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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.
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Greetings!
Advent ends this Sunday morning with the 9 and 11 AM services, and we tell of the faith and courage of Mary and Joseph. At the end of each service, we sing this great hymn:
People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
Christmas Eve services are at 5 PM (especially appropriate for children and families), 8 PM (a quieter, reflective service in a candlelit church), and 11 PM (with brass, timpani and all the glory we can muster). At 10:30 PM, the choir offers Pachelbel's Magnificat, so be sure to arrive early.
There is plenty of parking, and look for our attendants in the orange vests who will have "Attending Services" placards. Be sure to put the placard in the front and back windshields.
On Christmas Day, we gather at 10 AM for a simple services with carols.
Blessed Advent, and Merry Christmas!
Timothy Safford
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December 19--The Second Sunday of Advent
9 AM--The Holy Eucharist, Hymns and Sermon
10:10--The Forum: Where Scripture Meets Real Life
The Courage of Joseph and Mary
11 AM--The Holy Eucharist and Sermon, with special music for the fourth Sunday of Advent
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A survey on the Episcopal Hymnal
What are your favorite hymns? Do we need a new hymnal? Christ Church has been asked to participate in a survey for the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music regarding updating our hymnal. To participate in the survey, please go to this website, and use this code: 6579-5866.
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Three Ways to Give to Christ Church this Christmas
First and foremost, be present at worship this Sunday, and on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Our most important gift to Christ Church is ourselves, especially at this time of year when so many people visit our historic church.
Second, make a Christmas gift to Christ Church. Generous parishioners have challenged us to gather a $10,000 Christmas offering this year, and they have offered the first $5,000. To meet this challenge, put an offering in the plate or in the mail using the Christmas envelope, or give online, using the Christmas Offering option.
Third, please complete your pledge to the Christ Church Operating Fund by Sunday December 26. As of today, more than $60,000 is outstanding on 2010 pledges with just two weeks left in the year, an amount that represents ending our budget year in financial health or financial chaos. If you are unsure of your pledge balance, please contact Cecilia Wagner, who can send you an e-statement, or you can check online.
Would you prefer to give securities or mutual funds to Christ Church? Please be in touch Cecilia who will send the instructions and appropriate banking numbers.
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Meal at the Homeless Shelter
Christ Church parishioners of all ages gather once a month at the homeless shelter at Old First Reformed, corner of 4th and Race Streets, 6 to 8 p.m., to create unique, excellent meals, and eat and enjoy fellowship with the men. Plus, we need help the day before to head to the Italian market to buy fresh ingredients - go local, go green! It's great to help those in need and to enjoy each other. The next shelter dinner date is December 20. Can you help, even for a few minutes? For more info on shopping, cooking or serving the food, contact Nick DiPatri.
Christmas Cookies for the Coffee Cup
You can help in this annual project as we 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.
Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Time: 4:00pm
Place: Neighborhood House 1st Floor
If you are unable to attend the packing, please deliver your cookies to Neighborhood House before the 21st. Thank you for your help. For more information or questions, please call Helen Niedermayer at 215-592-8238.
Calling All Angels for the Christmas Eve Pageant
At the Family Eucharist at 5P.M. on Christmas Eve, all kids of all ages are welcome to participate in the telling of the Gospel by dressing up as a character or an animal in the Christmas story; visiting family and friends are also most welcome to join in. Please bring your child to the Great Hall at 4P.M. to choose a costume and prepare for the service. We'll have snacks and caregivers on hand. Use one of the church costumes, or bring one of your own - there's always room for more! Questions? Contact Leza Kramarenko.
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