The Communicant
The E-Newsletter of Christ Church Cranbrook

This Weekend's Readings
The Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King

Click HERE to view this weekends readings (Track One).
This Weekend's Preacher
The Reverend Canon Dr. William J. Danaher, Jr.
In This Issue
Upcoming Holiday Events
This Week's Intercessions
UTO This Weekend
Rector's Forum
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Sunday School Outreach
Item of the Month
ECW Program
Youth Mission Trips
High School Hang Out
Women's Spirituality Group
Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts / Venturers
Thursday Night Movie
Fact and Fiction Fun
Advent Lessons and Carols
Salon Concert
Festival of Gifts
Healing Ministry
Understanding Your Grief Support Group
Advent by Candlelight
Blue Christmas Service
Christmas Day Brunch
St. Francis Choir
Do You Need a Ride?
All Saint's Resale Shop
Interfaith Question of the Week
Live Streaming
Online & Text Giving
CCC on Facebook
11/19 Thursday
8:30 AM - Morning Prayer
5:00 PM - Cranbrook Choristers Rehearsal
6:30 PM - Thursday Night Movie
7:30 PM - Christ Church Choir Rehearsal
11/20 Friday
11/21 Saturday
11/22 Sunday
8:00 AM - Holy Eucharist: Rite I
8:00 AM - Prayer Shawl Ministry Sale
9:00 AM - Rector's Forum
9:00 AM - Middle School Sunday School
9:00 AM - Wreath Sales
10:00 AM - Holy Eucharist: Rite II
10:00 AM - Sunday School
11:15 AM - High School "Hang Out"
11:30 AM - Docent Tour
11:30 AM - Healing Ministry (Order of St. Luke)
11:30 AM - Acolyte Quarterly Retreat
11:30 AM - Liturgical Drama Cantor Rehearsal 
6:00 PM -  Congregatonal Evensong  
11/23 Monday
8:30 AM - Morning Prayer
7:00 PM - Cranbrook Choristers Rehearsal  
11/24 Tuesday
8:30 AM - Morning Prayer
5:30 PM - Liturgical Drama Rehearsal
7:30 PM - Shiloah Meditation Group
7:30 PM - Christ Church Choir Rehearsal 
11/25 Wednesday
7:30 AM - Bible Study
8:30 AM - Holy Eucharist: Rite II
9:15 AM - Prayer Card Ministry
9:30 AM - Adult Children of Alcoholics Meeting
7:00 PM - Thanksgiving Eve Service and Liturgical Drama
11/26 Thursday
Church Offices Closed
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Two Upcoming Holiday Events
Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service

Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the National Thanksgiving holiday in 1863 as, "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our Almighty Father who dwells in Heaven."  We at CCC have declared that we will honor this tradition on Wednesday, November 25, at 7:00 PM.  As an integral component of our worship that evening the children and youth will enact a Liturgical Drama.  The theme of our Liturgical Drama is "Thankfulness" and we will hear a brief history of the American tradition of Thanksgiving and Jesus' healing of the 10 Lepers. I love Liturgical Dramas because of the potential they hold for our children and youth. Through Liturgical Drama's, children and youth get a chance to exercise their ministry muscle by leading us in worship with potential to encounter a truly transformational experience. In the end, the children walk away from this experience intimately knowing a Bible story, which becomes THEIR story. 20 children and youth will perform in the drama and carry us all directly to heaven with their story and singing. Begin a new family tradition and join us to praise our Almighty Father who dwells in Heaven.

Advent Family Fair

A few years ago I purchased The Advent Book while living in Illinois, during a fellowship event at our church.This book has been a bit hit in our house and reading it together has become my family's favorite Advent tradition ever since.

The Advent Book is a beautiful keepsake. It tells the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. Each day you read the pages leading up to the current day of Advent. It builds as you add one more section as each day passes. Since you are repeating the previous days, the story becomes memorable as you read the book. My boys know it well and they are 8 and 12 years old. My friends with older children say their teens still look forward to reading through the book because it brings back such fond memories. It forces you to slow down each night and spend a few quiet minutes together. The illustrations are beautiful and the quality of the book is such that it will last for many years.

CCC will host the author and illustrators of The Advent Book, an heirloom keepsake book by Jack and Kathryn Stockman, during the Advent Family Fair on Sunday, November 29 at 11:30 AM in the Hospitality Center. Jack and Kathryn will visit with parents and discuss Advent and other family traditions. This special coffee hour will include advent activities for the children while the parents visit with the author.

The Advent Book has sold over 65,000 copies worldwide. There will be a personalized book signing afterwards for those who wish to purchase it as part of a new family tradition or as a gift to loved ones.

- Jill Bednas
This Week's Intercessions
United Thank Offering This Weekend
For over 125 years, the United Thank Offering of the Episcopal Church has helped needy persons in our country and around the world. Begun in 1889 by two Episcopal women raising funds for female missionaries, over time UTO broadened its reach, but it is still administered by women. The values of the United Thank Offering are thankfulness (for joy, blessings, and challenges), generosity, ministry (expanding the church), and mission (meeting human needs). UTO pools our donations with those of other churches and then bestows grants.  Recent grants in Michigan include Episcopal churches in Pontiac, Ann Arbor, and Grand Haven.

Our autumn collection for UTO is this weekend. As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, please consider your many blessings and give with gratitude, prayer, and generosity. All funds collected are granted, and administrative costs are low. Blue UTO envelopes are in the pews and will be there next weekend as well. Checks should be made out to Christ Church Cranbrook with "UTO" in the memo line.
The Rector's Forum
Living Religion(s)
Sundays at 9:00 AM in the Hospitality Center

We live, as the saying goes, in interesting times. Religion, once considered a spent force in society, continues to figure in world events as a source of conflict and compassion, of violence and peace, of wounding and healing. Join us for an informative and interesting look at some of the world's religions as we look for the overlaps that exist between them as well as their different claims about God and humanity.

The Rector's forums are recorded and can be viewed by clicking HERE
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry would like you to mark your calendars for the annual Knit Sale Extravaganza at CCC. We will be in St. Dunstan's Café on two Sundays, November 15 and 22, during Coffee Hours. A variety of hand made items including hats, scarves, mittens,ornaments, baby sweaters booties, and blankets, will be available. Think Christmas, Festival of Gifts, and Outreach Item on the Month. All of the proceeds go to outreach programs supported by Christ Church Cranbrook. Last year the Prayer Shawl Ministry was able to make contributions to Bound Together, Wellspring, The Mayson Scholarship Foundation, and the Boulevard Harambee.

It is never to late to join the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Experienced knitters and those who wish to learn are welcome. Our next meeting is Monday, November 9, from 12:00-2:00 PM. in Rooms 201-202.
What a wonderful God we have-he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Sunday School Outreach
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Pennies for Piggies

In November and December we will collect a special offering during Sunday School for the Episcopal Relief and Development organization to help impoverished families make a living by raising pigs. Go "Hog Wild" and help the Sunday School with your spare change.
 
Item of the Month
Throughout the month of November we will acknowledge and give thanks for our abundance and for our ability to share gifts with all of God's creation. Parishioners are encouraged to bring warm hats, mittens, scarves, gloves and blankets to be distributed to the Baldwin Center to help the needy fend off the cold winter. Donations are needed for adults and children. Please be generous and think of those whom these warm items would be a significant and meaningful gift. Kindly place your donations in the bins located in the Narthex and at the South Entrance. Thank you for supporting this worthy cause.
Episcopal Church Women
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:00 AM

Everyone is invited to join ECW for our first meeting in December, as we welcome the holiday season with a program of Christmas music in the Guild Hall at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 1st. Our featured artist is singer, pianist, and composer Alice Bentley of Royal Oak. She will perform and share stories about how several popular carols came to be written, and we will sing some of our favorites to her accompaniment. Lunch will be provided in the Guild Hall in lieu of the potluck. All are welcome!
What? and When? are the Youth Mission Trips?
Every CCC Middle and High School youth has an opportunity to go on a mission trip! A mission trip provides an important avenue of spiritual formation for all young people. On mission trips, youth grow in faith through the disciplines of manual labor and simple living in community.  While working for others, youth experience the generosity of those whom they are helping. These week-long trips provide a way to experience God that has lasting impact on a young person's life.
CCC is offering four mission trips for youth:

*    June 27-July 4, 2016: Dominican Republic
*    July 4- 11, 2016: Dominican Republic
*    July 17- 23, 2016: Chicago
*    August 7-12, 2016: Mission: Possible! In Detroit

Current 6th and 7th graders are eligible for the Detroit trip. Current 8th graders through college students may go on any trip.  Trips range in cost from approximately $150 to $2,000, including transportation. Each student can receive help in raising funds. This year, we are delighted to be partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan and local churches to make these trips possible.

If you are interested in the Dominican Republic trips, speak to Pastor Manisha or visit http://www.edomi.org/yaya/camp-compassion/ to secure a spot and place a deposit.  The trips will fill up fast. 

Questions: contact Pastor Manisha (mdostert@christchurchcranbrook.org) or Jill Bednas (jbednas@christchurchcranbrook.org)
High School Hang Out
An opportunity for High Schoolers to hang out and connect with their peers and make a connection. If you are in 9th - 12th grade come check it out, come to the parlor immediately following church service. This is a new location. The parlor is the room straight ahead of you, as you exit the church at the end of the hallway, on your way to Guild Hall. Youth Leaders will be there to greet you: Pastor Manisha, Jill Bednas, David & Joan Jensen,or Michael & Maryilyn Roche. This is sort of High School coffee hour with guided conversation.
Women's Spirituality Group
Women's Spirituality Group (WSG) on Fridays from noon to 1 PM.  WSG is a way for women to develop a rhythm to their spiritual life by living in "seasons." We are in the season of the Scriptures. Pastor Manisha is leading a study on Galatians, a book in the Bible with a razor-sharp focus on Christ's work of setting humans free. Come for any or all sessions through December 18. Brown bag lunch and fellowship begins at 11:30 AM in Room 201-202. All are welcome!
Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts / Venturers
A religious education program is being offered at Christ Church Cranbrook to encourage the spiritual growth of youth. This Religious Emblem Program is recognized by the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA. The programs offered are: God & Me (grades 1 - 3), God & Family (grades 4 - 5), God & Church (grades 6 - 8) and God & Life (grades 9 - 12). Upon completing the program, a scout is awarded the religious emblem medal suitable for uniform wear. For registration and additional information, contact Scott Bednas at 313.686.1020, or email: sbednas@umich.edu
Thursday Night Movie
"Atonement" 2007
November 19, 6:30 PM, Hospitality Center

Based on the best-selling British romance novel by Ian McEwan, this drama/mystery portrays a 13 year old who accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit. Stars include James McAvoy, Keira Knightley and Vanessa Redgrave. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Score, and was nominated for six others, including Best Picture. Mike Frank will lead the discussion of this interesting, thought provoking and fabulous movie.
Fact and Fiction Fun
Fact and Fiction Fun will meet again on Monday, November 30, 2015 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 PM in the Conference Room at Christ Church Cranbrook.  The selection for this  month is Chaucer's Tale: 1386 and the Road to Canterbury by Paul Strohm. In addition to reading the book, we will also read one of the Canterbury Tales: The Wife of Bath, which can be Googled and obtained online. Please come and join in the discussion.
 
At the beginning of 1386, Geoffrey Chaucer-lauded today as the father of English literature-was a middle-aged Londoner with a modest bureaucratic post; his literary successes had been confined to a small audience of intimate friends. But by year's end, he was swept up in a series of disastrous events that would ultimately leave him jobless, homeless, separated from his wife, and exiled in the countryside of Kent. Unbroken by these worldly reversals, Chaucer pursued a new life in art.  In this highly readable social history, Paul Strohm, one of the finest medievalists of our time, vividly recreates the bustle of everyday life in fourteenth-century London while he unveils the fascinating story behind Chaucer's journey from personal crisis to rebirth as the immortal poet of The Canterbury Tales. In addition to reading the book, we will also read one of the Canterbury Tales: The Wife of Bath, which can be Googled and obtained online. 
Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 6 at 6 PM, Pre-Service music at 5:30 PM

Join us for a service of Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 6 at 6:00 PM. A pre-service recital of music with baroque strings will begin at 5:30 PM. Our God in the City preacher will be Mary McLaren Honsel, the Executive Director of Crossroads of Michigan. All are welcome!
Salon Concert and High Tea
Wednesday, December 9 at 4 PM

A beloved tradition at Christ Church Cranbrook, these jazz flavored musical presentations are offered with Tea and Hors d'oeuvres in the Guild Hall. Join us for what has become an annual holiday tradition by welcoming back harp trio, Christa Grix Trio - Chrisa Grix, harp, Kurt Krahnke, bass, and Pete Siers, percussion. Free-will offering. All are welcome!
Festival of Gifts
A long-standing Christ Church Cranbrook tradition continues.

On Saturday, December 5 (5:00 PM) and Sunday, December 6 (10:00 AM), the Acolyte Corps of Christ Church Cranbrook will present a long-standing parish tradition - the Festival of Gifts - telling and acting out the Christmas story. The highlight of this special event is the live nativity - complete with real animals - in St. Paul's Chapel. Parishioners are invited/encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts, which will be collected by various service agencies in southeast Michigan. They are:
  • Baldwin Center
  • Bound Together
  • Butzel Family Center
  • Children's Aid Society of Detroit
  • Crossroads for Youth
  • Crossroads of Michigan
  • Easter Seals
  • Federation of Youth Services
  • Lutheran Social Services of Michigan
  • Matrix Human Services
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Oakland County Children's Village
  • Oakland Family Services
These agencies will "shop" on Monday, December 7 for those in need - at-risk, low-income youth and young adults, ages newborn to 21. Items requested include, but are not limited to cold weather gear, college-themed hoodies (teen/adult sizes), infant/toddler clothing, toys, board games, card games, arts and crafts, age appropriate books, puzzles, action figures, dolls and sporting good items.
Healing Ministry
Are you interested in joining our Healing Ministry?  Members of Christ Church Cranbrook Healing Ministry are embarking on a new study for induction into the Order of St. Luke. The International Order of St. Luke the Physician is made up of clergy, health professionals, and lay people who feel called to make Jesus' ministry of healing a ministry they will engage in at their respective churches. Our brown bag studies will take place on Sunday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on November 15, November 22, December 6, January 11, January 24, and February 7.  We welcome those from other Christian churches who want to discern their call to healing ministry. Please contact the Reverend Joyce Matthews if you are interested at jmatthews@christchurchcranbrook.org or 248.644.5210, Ext. 15.
Understanding  Your Grief Support Group
Experiencing the death of someone you love may be one of the most difficult things you have ever done. Understanding your grief describes ten touchstones that are essential physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual actions for you to take to help yourself heal. The group will meet at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on: November 18 (Conference Room) and December 2 (Room 201-202). To register please contact the Reverend Joyce Matthews at jmatthews@christchurchcranbrook.org or 248.644.5120, Ext. 15.
Advent by Candlelight
Advent by Candlelight is a moment of quiet in the chaos that Christmas can so easily become. Many women describe it as the one thing they do for themselves during the holiday season - an evening of delicious food, warm fellowship, and thoughtful worship. It's a special holiday gift to our sisters, our mothers, our friends and ourselves and believe it or not, it's right around the corner. Mark your calendar for Monday, December 7th. All women are welcome! If you would like to hostess a table this year or if you would like to be our guest, just let us know! You may sign up to hostess a table or attend at the Advent by Candlelight by clicking HERE.  

No special invitation is required. We hope you'll add this special evening to your holiday calendar. Reserve your spot by signing up at SignUpGenius site or with Mandy Andrews (mandycheesecake@yahoo.com) or Hillary Orlowski (hillaryjane@hotmail.com) by November 27.

As part of this event, we are collecting feminine supplies for Crossroads of Michigan. Please consider making a donation to support this outreach ministry.
Blue Christmas Service
Sunday, December 20 at 4:00 PM - St. Dunstan's Chapel

This service offers comfort, hope, and healing for all who are challenged by this year's holiday season. The holidays have a way of focusing and heightening our sorrows, sadness and fears. We are missing our loved ones, worrying about money, and obtaining suitable employment, wondering what's true. At the Blue Christmas service, we will have a chance to address the sad, dark things that are weighing us down and ask God's help to endure them, pray for their healing, and reach for hope. The Service will include: Prayer & Song, Comforting scripture and words of encouragement, Holy Eucharist, Healing station for very specific and private prayer, and Pastoral counsel, light refreshments and friendly companionship.
Christmas Day Brunch
Join us on December 25th at 11:00 AM for a traditional Christmas Day feast with turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. You will also enjoy appetizers, festive music and warm-hearted conversation with others in the community. Please RSVP by December 22 to Shirley Green at 248.253.1316 or the church office at 248-644-5210. Transportation can be arranged if needed. All are welcome!
Saint Francis Children's Choir
St. Francis Choir meets on Sundays following the 10 AM Service! All children, 4 years old to second grade, are welcome and encouraged to join the St. Francis Choir and experience the joy of choral singing. Kate Bublitz will direct the choir again this year. Rehearsals are held in the Choir Room immediately following Sunday's 10:00 AM service. For more information contact Kate at kate.bublitz@hotmail.com.
Do You Need a Ride to Church?
Do you or someone you know need a ride to the 10:00 AM service on Sundays? We now have a shuttle running from Fox Run retirement community in Novi to CCC every Sunday for the 10:00 AM service.  The shuttle leaves Fox Run at 9:15 AM and will make stops between there and Christ Church Cranbrook. If you or someone you know lives in Farmington Hills, W. Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Beverly Hills or Birmingham and would like a ride to church, please contact Mr. Don Canavesio at 586.747.6587.

If a ride is needed, you need to contact Don by Saturday at Noon for a ride for the next day. Seating is limited so rides are on a first come-first served basis. There is no charge for this service.
Old Rectory Resale Shop at All Saints', Pontiac
The Old Rectory Resale Shop at All Saints' Pontiac has new hours and all new stock.  Fridays & Saturdays 10-2. All new, but gently used, fall and winter clothes, kitchen and decorating items, plus a huge stock of Christmas decorating items, at fabulous prices. The Produce Market is right next door, open Saturdays 10-2, with fresh fruits and vegetables at near wholesale prices. Our Book Nook has thousands of gently read titles for adults and children, Saturdays 10-12. Come by to shop or to volunteer. New help is always welcome for these major ministries of All Saints'. Pike & Exchange Sts., west of Woodward, between Orchard Lake and M-59.  Check out our new website  www.allsaintspontiac.org  or Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/oldrectoryresaleshop.
Interfaith Question of the Week
As a way of learning about our neighbors of different faith traditions, we will be providing a link to the Question of the Week on the InterFaith Leadership Council (IFLC) of Metro Detroit's website. Please feel free to submit our own questions to IFLC for consideration to be featured.
 
              
The InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is a faith-based civic organization made up of visionary religious and lay leaders of many faiths whose shared values compel them to work toward a community that lives together in harmony.
 
Our Goals:

BRING TOGETHER, encourage and nurture interfaith groups and networks

SUPPORT CONCILIATION between and among religious groups as well as the community at large through active conflict resolution

PROMOTE INTERFAITH EDUCATION so that the metropolitan Detroit community can benefit from the synergies and creative benefits that knowledge and understanding can provide.
CCC Services Live Streamed
Christ Church Cranbrook is now live streaming our 10:00 AM Sunday service!  No matter where you are you don't have to miss a service. To view services, please click HERE. Videos of previous services are archived on this page as well.
Online and Text Giving - It's Easy!

Contributions can now be made online and by text messaging.  Please click HERE and see how quick and easy it is. 

We invite you to consider our new electronic "Online Giving" program as a way to automate your donations to Christ Church Cranbrook. Read more  

 

We encourage you to consider these new giving opportunities.

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