|
|
|
The Christ Church Community Update
Friday, October 14, 2011
|
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.
|
|
Sunday, October 16
9 AM--The Holy Eucharist, Hymns and Sermon10:10 AM The Forum Where Scripture and Real Life meet
11 AM--The Holy Eucharist, Sermon, Hymns and Choral Music by the Christ Church Choir
|
Friends:
Philadelphia, according to the Census Bureau, is the poorest big city in the United States. Twenty-seven percent, which includes one-third of our children, live beneath the federal poverty line, and another study reveals that half of our residents struggle to purchase food to meet basic needs (the article I get this from is here). In 1988, Lynn wrote in her doctoral dissertation that the increasing disparity of income distribution in the U.S was dangerously high, and 23 years later, matters are only worse. This isn't a "liberal" issue; fiscal and political conservatives see the same problem. Business Week writes that the "widening gap between rich and poor is reshaping the U.S. economy, leaving it more vulnerable to recurring financial crises. Left unchecked, the decades-long trend may condemn Wall Street to a generation of unimpressive returns. . . ."
The reality of chronic poverty is what drives many of the protestors to camp out at Wall Street and Philadelphia's City Hall. Honestly, I don't see Wall Street as the culprit; we have a failure of government. We must regain our national sense of commonwealth, which is a religious ideal at the heart of our nation's identity. We are each stewards of God's bounty; the private wealth entrusted to us in our earthly life flows from the public wealth endowed in the land, natural resources, and common ingenuity of the people. We must each labor for our wealth, but never forget from where the wealth comes, and never forget those who cannot labor and do not have access to the commonwealth that so many of us take for granted. This isn't Marx or Keynes; it's Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Benjamin Rush.
In church, we call these topics, Stewardship. Stewardship is not, I repeat, not just about giving money to the church in the offering plate for the remainder of 2011; stewardship is not about making a financial pledge to the church for 2012 (but please keep reading). Stewardship is the spiritual discipline of evaluating how we use our talents that God has bestowed upon us in the time we have in this earthly life. Also, then, stewardship evaluates how we use the treasure (and money) that has both been entrusted to us and that we have gained through our talents and time. Stewardship is about how we rightly live our lives and contribute to God's commonwealth that encompasses all of God's people and creation.
Yes, this Sunday we begin to distribute your 2012 Stewardship letters, which states what you will still contribute to Christ Church in 2011, and asks what you will pledge financially to Christ Church in 2012. Stewardship, then, means foremost how we honor God, the source of all that we have, with our talent, time and treasure. In these letters, each member of Christ Church, and those who wish to be members, declare how they will give thanks to God through making gifts to Christ Church. Pray for Christ Church, through its governance, to have the wisdom to give Christ Church away to the world and better serve those who live in the poorest big city in the land.
Timothy Safford
Notes The startling numbers about poverty in Philadelphia make it more imperative that Christ Church discerns whether to join and work with POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Reform), and community organizing movement that joins churches, synagogues and other faith communities. Join me at a organizational meeting Monday, October 17, 6:30 PM, at Mother Bethel Church, 6th and Lombard. Learn more about POWER here. It is not too late to join our midweek adult formation program. On Tuesday evenings, Walt Lowe and I are leading The Historical and Apocalyptic Jesus, and you can catch up on the class through its blog here. Join us next Tuesday, October 18 at 7 PM. Kate Spelman is offering on Wednesday Evenings, 5:30 PM, a class on Worship and Using the Book of Common Prayer. The Employment Support Group also meets Wednesdays. As well, there is a Compline Service at 7 PM, all are welcome. |
|
This Week's Announcements
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011
No Youth Group Today
Youth Group will not meet this morning but continues next Sunday and thereafter at 10AM. It is led by Assistant Minister Kate Spelman and loosely follows the acclaimed Journey to Adulthood curriculum. This group for ages 11 -17 yr olds continues to explore a range of topics affecting the spiritual and social lives of youth.
Life At Christ Church Classes
In Life at Christ Church, all of your questions will be answered, at least your questions about Christ Church, the Episcopal Church, and your place within our community of faith. The Fall class concludes today from 12:30 to 2:30pm in Neighborhood House.
UPCOMING THIS WEEK
Tuesday Evening Adult Formation
"Who do you say that I am? Knowing both the Historical and Apocalyptic Jesus". A Tuesday evening class led by the Rev. Timothy Safford and Dr. Walter Lowe which includes a visit to the Philadelphia Art Museum to view the special exhibit, "The Face of Jesus." Continues through November 15, 7:00PM -8:30PM. Though the subject is complex, the class will be totally accessible to all with a discussion base relying on scripture, and writers as diverse as Soren Kierkegaard, Walter Rauschenbusch, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Stanley Hauerwaus. Our goal is to discover how we are to act ethically in our multi-cultural society because of how we both understand and answer Jesus' question: "Who do you say that I am?"
Sign up for this class by contacting Cecilia at 215-922-1695, ext 21 or cwagner@christchurchphila.org.
Intercessory Prayer Opportunity
Gratitude, sadness, concerns, joys...of our own and others, we bring before God in intercessory prayer at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays before the noon Eucharist. We simply sit together in the pews by the south windows to have a quiet time of conversation with God. Could you bring your presence and voice from time to time? No ticket or reservation needed!
Wednesday Noon Eucharist
No longer than 30 minutes, this simple liturgy is a perfect respite from hectic downtown life.
Career and Employment Support Group
Christ Church offers a support group to those who are seeking employment and those in career transition with the services of parishioner Mike Landis. Mike is a partner with a national search firm, so he spends his days searching for qualified candidates and helping others guide and shape their careers. Mike and the Rev. Palmer Hartl lead these sessions which are held on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:00PM in Neighborhood House. If interested, contact Cecilia Wagner at the parish office, 215-922-1695, ext 21.
Children's Choir
Christ Church Children's Choir has Wednesday evening rehearsals at 5:30pm. All children and youth aged 4-13 are invited to participate, regardless of experience or religious affiliation. The choir will sing throughout the year in various Sunday morning services and other occasions. Even if you're not sure about committing, bring your child, and invite their friends, to one of the September Wednesday rehearsals and give it a shot. It promises to be a fun, challenging, and rewarding endeavor. For more information, please call or email Director of Music Parker Kitterman at 215-922-1695 x 27 or pkitterman@christchurchphila.org.
Wednesday Evening Adult Formation
"A lifetime with the Prayer Book" will meet Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm - 7pm, continues through November 16. After sharing dinner together, we'll take a closer look at the wealth of religious and spiritual material in "the red book" led by the Rev. Kate Spelman. In addition to confronting some of life's biggest changes by looking at rites of baptism, confirmation, ordination, and burial, we will look at the daily office and explore how to integrate the BCP prayers into everyday life. Participants will explore personal and communal prayer within and beyond the prayer book's pages. Join us for a seven-week series of discussions that will cover a lifetime of material! A great way to encounter the material for the first or millionth time, this program will be suitable both for those new to the Episcopal Church as well as those who have prayed the Collects for a lifetime already. Sign up for this class by contacting Cecilia at 215-922-1695, ext 21 or cwagner@christchurchphila.org. Childcare is available for this evening class if requested in advance.
Wednesday Evening Worship At 7:00pm
Beginning on October 5, there will be a brief worship service each Wednesday at 7:00PM. Filled with contemplative music and prayers to close the day, this will be a perfect time to add reflection and thankfulness to your weekly routine. Come and experience the beauty of an evening worship and make this your habit for the fall.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
Baptisms at Christ Church 2011
October 30 at 11AM (Children & Youth Sabbath), November 6 at 9AM (All Saints' Day Celebration)`. If you would like to have a baptism for yourself or your child, please contact the Rev. Timothy Safford at the church office.
Open Committee Meeting for CYF
The Children, Youth and Family Committee will have an open meeting on Sunday, October 30 from 8am- 8:45am in Neighborhood House. This is a great opportunity to find out about all the opportunities for kids and families available at Christ Church AND offer feedback on how we can strengthen or add to our programs. No long-term commitment required. Baked goodies provided - bring your coffee and join us in the Harding Room (to your immediate right when you walk in the glass doors of Neighborhood House). The nursery will be open from 8am on that morning to provide childcare for anyone attending. Please come join us! Questions or comments, but can't make the meeting? Email kspelman@christchurchphila.org to share.
Calling All Sages
Bring out your inner child this Halloween! The Sages, seasoned members of our congregation, are planning a Halloween party for the children and mothers at St. Barnabas Mission on Sunday afternoon, October 30. Mark your calendar now so you can be part of the festivities. And you don't even have to be one of the Sages! If you have art supplies or items for costumes that you wish to donate, please leave them with Cecilia Wagner in Neighborhood House. If you would like to help or have ideas for activities, please contact Jean Bodine at 215 627-8393 (jeanbodine@verizon.net) or Kate Hall at cyprus8018@verizon.net.
Parish Work Day
Mark your calendars for our next parish work day, Saturday, November 5, 8:00A.M. to 2:00P.M. We'll gather as a community to clean and polish the Church and Neighborhood House. Many hands make light work and even one hour of your time is helpful. So come and join your fellow parishioners for a community building time.
Remembering All Saints
Sunday, November 6, will be our All Saints' Day Celebration at the 9:00A.M. and 11:00A.M. Services. On that morning, we will read a list of friends and loved ones who have died since last year's All Saints' Day Celebration (November 7, 2010). If you have a name to add to this list please contact Cecilia at cwagner@christchurchphila.org or 215.922.1695.
Fall Back
Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time on November 6.
Bishop's Blend Coffee, Tea and Honey!
Our Outreach Committee offers Bishop's Blend Coffee, tea, and honey, for sale the first Sunday of the month after Services. The proceeds of this special organic coffee, grown under fair-trade conditions, will support the work of the Episcopal Relief and Development programs.
Organ Recital at Christ Church
Please join us on November 6 at 5:00p.m. for an organ recital in the church. Cindy Castillo, a dynamic young Belgian artist, offers a special program of French symphonic, baroque and contemporary music, played on the Curtis Memorial Organ.
Christ Church Gardeners
The volunteer gardeners gather for the next work day on November 12 at 9:00am. Please join us in the North Garden. Newcomers are always welcome. We hope to see you there. Questions? Please contact George Niedermayer at niedy711@aol.com.
Sandwiches For Those Experiencing Homelessness
Come join the crew of sandwich makers who monthly make 350 bologna sandwiches for the shelter at St. Mary's. We gather next on November 19, 8:30-9:30am. Kids love to help, too! Questions? Please contact Wayne Christman at waynechristman@comcast.net.
TOURISM EVENTS
Yellow Fever 1793
At Christ Church Burial Ground, by far its saddest and darkest days occurred in 1793. The guides of Christ Church will lead tours around the burial ground to tell the story of the 1793 plague. They will share stories of those who died of Yellow Fever and of those affected by this horrific epidemic. They will provide details of the effects of the epidemic on the city, and of the heroism displayed by doctors, free black Philadelphians and others who remained in the city to care for the sick.
Fridays in October at 5:30 PM
Christ Church Burial Ground
5th and Arch Streets
Admission is $5 per person
Memorial Flowers
Flowers may be placed on the altar of Christ Church as a memorial to a person who has died, or to commemorate a special event or anniversary. The suggested donation is $50.00. Please call the parish office at 215.922.1695 to make arrangements, or email: mail@christchurchphila.org
|
Quick Links...
Stay connected to Christ Church throughout the week! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
