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The Christ Church Community Update
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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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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Let us rejoice in the arrival of Neela Kitterman, born to Imali Sirisena and Parker Kitterman June 15th. All are well, healthy and happy.
This Sunday, we want to acknowledge the ministry of two faithful servants who have contributed greatly to the ministry of Christ Church.
 Leza Kramarenko, whom our children, infants and toddlers love and know as "our minister," began her work at Christ Church in 2004, having been recruited and trained by Teri Ruiz. She began in the nursery, and transitioned to our church school atriums, learning the "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd." In 2007, when Teri became a full-time Philadelphia school teacher, Leza became our nursery coordinator and atrium coordinator, and our primary teacher of children and toddlers. She has brought love, gentleness and creativity to her ministry here. She has lived boldly into one of the most (maybe the most, if I am honest) responsibilities in the church--forming and enlivening our children in the faith.
Leza has just now finished her undergraduate studies at Holy Family and has begun her full-time work as a teacher. This Sunday, we give thanks to God for the many blessings Leza has brought to Christ Church over seven years, and pray God's blessings on her as she becomes, no doubt, the best teacher ever.
 As well, this Sunday we give thanks to the Rev. Callie Swanlund for being our interim Assistant Minister these past seven months. Callie jumped in boldly when Susan Richardson became Rector of Grace-St Paul's in New Jersey last November. She brought leadership to The Bridge and our youth group. She is a fine preacher who has blessed us in many sermons, and she is a faithful and caring pastor to the many people she has brought comfort and spiritual direction.
What a joy it has been to watch her newborn daughter, Elliot, grow and worship among us. During her maternity leave, I was greatly assisted by her husband, the Rev. Phil Fackler, for which I am grateful. What a joy it was last January when we presented Callie for her ordination to the priesthood.
Callie is a fine liturgist, and has helped give voice to new forms of prayer, especially in our Lenten program. Callie is unflappable and has been of great assistance to me; I am thankful that recently I was able to attend my niece's college graduation on a Sunday and Callie calmly presided at a funeral, two Sunday services and three baptisms--all without breaking a sweat!
This is not Callie's last Sunday. She will be with us in July and some in August as she prepares for her next call in our diocese, and she will help the transition with our next Assistant Minister, Kate Spelman. But, before too many of us scatter to summer distractions, we wanted to thank Callie this Sunday for her service and ministry at Christ Church in these recent months.
Let us heartily give thanks to God for gifts bestowed upon the community of Christ Church through these two faithful servants. Please be there this Sunday to give your thanks.
Timothy Safford
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Sunday, June 26--The Second Sunday after Pentecost
9 AM--The Holy Eucharist, Hymns and Sermon10:10--The Forum: Where Holy Scripture and Real Life Meet
11 AM--Morning Prayer, Sermon and Choral Music (no Eucharist).
Remember! On Sunday July 3
One Service--10 AM
A joyous celebration of the history of our faith in the founding of the nation.
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