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The Christ Church Summer Update
Wednesday, August 17, 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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Friends:
It's going to be a lovely evening in Old City tonight; the cooler weather will be moving in. Join us for worship in the North Garden at 6 PM, followed by a delicious potluck barbeque and fellowship and fun.
Kate Spelman and I are pleased to announce that Robin Parke will be our next Minister for Children's Formation, taking over our Sunday School Atriums I and II and overseeing our nursery, as well as helping to minister to parents and guardians as they help bring up our children in the Christian life and faith.
 | Robin Parke and her daughter Ella
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Robin has taught elementary school in the Philadelphia district, has specialized training, and runs several marathons a year, so we know she possesses the skills and endurance for leading our already-successful Atrium program. Robin and husband David are proud parents of Atrium student Ella; as a church school parent Robin also comes to us fully aware of the gifts and needs of our children.
In the Atriums, Robin will be primarily using the Godly Play curriculum designed by Episcopal priest James Berryman. The program "teaches children the art of using Christian language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives." ("What is Godly Play?" Read more here.) Godly Play is very similar to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, already in use in the Atriums I and II; Godly Play also utilizes the Montessori-based system that allows children to work at their own pace and through their own interests, focusing more on engagement with the sacred than dogmatic catechizing. A group time for storytelling and exploration is followed by a time in which children are encouraged to respond to the Scripture using art, journaling, or play.
Parents who have questions about Godly Play or who are interested in be trained to help in the classroom (you don't need to be a parent), should be in touch with Assistant Minister Kate Spelman. Our first training, being held with other Center City churches using Godly Play, is on Saturday, September 17.
Please note that Robin has set a new schedule for the Atriums, beginning September 18. For children ages 4 to 6, Atrium I will be offered at 9am each Sunday, and for children 7 to 10, Atrium II at 10am. There will be no Atrium programming offered during the 11am service. As before, nursery care will continue to be provided for children birth to three years from 8:45am to 12:15 pm every Sunday.
Kate Spelman will convene our Youth (ages 11-17) each Sunday at 10 AM, beginning September 18.
Our Sunday morning programs for children and youth are not the only way we can educate and form our younger members. All of our children now have the opportunity to work with Parker Kitterman as he begins a music program for children and youth and integrates children and youth into their own choir. Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays, 5 to 7 PM. This is a terrific opportunity to work with a gifted teacher of children, and I commend the program to all. Please be in touch with Parker Kitterman for more details and information.
Timothy Safford
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Sunday, August 21--The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
9 AM--The Holy Eucharist, Hymns and Sermon
10:10 AM--Fellowship in the North Garden (No Forum).
11 AM--Morning Prayer, Sermon, Hymns and Choral Music by the Summer Choir (no Eucharist).
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