September 3, 2010

TODAY AT CHRIST CHURCH

MEET THE SEPTEMBER ARTISTS today during the coffee hours after the 9:00 and 11:15 AM services.  Mother and son artists, Alice Stebbings and Benjamin Stebbings, will be exhibiting their paintings at the Preston Cutler Gallery throughout the month of September.  Both artists have exhibited their work at a number of galleries on the North Shore and Benjamin's work has also been shown in Boston.  The exhibit will feature an eclectic collection of media and subject matter.

FOR CHILDREN AT ALL SERVICES:  Please borrow a canvas tote while you are here.  Inside, you’ll find a choice of crayons, paper, crafts, etc.  You are welcome to take home your creations.  When you leave this morning, please return the tote, crayons and silk bags to be refilled for next time.  Thanks !

MUSIC AT CHRIST CHURCH: For many people, the Episcopal Church is best known for the beauty of its Anglican music and liturgy. It is, of course, St. Augustine who reminded us that “he who sings prays twice.” Music at Christ Church is grounded in this Augustinian philosophy in that the musical offerings, whether choral, instrumental, or vocal are intended to enhance and nourish the worship of Almighty God. In this context all music serves the liturgy and does not call undue attention to itself. Recognizing that all members of the congregation are co-creators with God of our liturgy, those who sing or play do so with the understanding and belief that the drama of the liturgy in this Eucharistically-centered parish is a collaborative experience in which the principal actors are the congregation. The “prompters” are the clergy and lectors, those who serve at the altar, the choir and other musicians, and, most importantly, the audience is God. Vigorous and hearty congregational singing is a hallmark of Christ Church and is supported by both volunteer and professional musicians. Thus, music at Christ Church is very much a part of Christian Spiritual Formation recognizing that worship is really a “rehearsal for eternity.” Timeless texts in hymns, anthems, and spiritual songs contribute to a “musical repertoire” that becomes familiar with repetition and assists the congregation in the development of a communal spirituality. The musical heritage and traditions of the Episcopal Church provide a treasure trove of uncommon richness and variety from which our Sunday music is drawn. It is both understood and expected that, given this vibrant musical tapestry of historical tradition and practice, worshippers will develop particular likes and dislikes regarding musical styles as well as favorite and not-so-favorite liturgical practices and customs. Within such a context it is paramount to remember that those charged with planning and organizing the liturgies do so prayerfully and with a commitment to exploring and sharing the very best of our extraordinary liturgical and musical heritage – a heritage of great hymnody, psalm singing, plainsong, chanting, and more recent expressions of congregational song. To this end, all are invited to make their desire to share their musical talents at Christ Church known to the Director of Music at any time.  The first rehearsal of the program year at Christ Church will occur in the Choir Room on Thursday, September 9, at 7:30 pm. All are welcome. Solo Deo Gloria!  (John Russell)

THIS WEEK AT CHRIST CHURCH

UPCOMING EVENTS

TIME, TALENT & TREASURE

COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE: I like coffee and you probably do too. It turns out our friends and neighbors who visit the Acord Food Pantry (a ministry we support) always ask for bags of coffee when they visit. Sandy Friedrich tells us they are often disappointed as there is none on the shelves. Please help by regularly bringing a bag or two of coffee (instant is fine) and placing it in our Acord basket outside the PCR. Of course fair trade coffee is preferable. We are making a special effort on Sunday, September 19th and hope everyone will bring some coffee that day which we will give to Acord. We’d like Christ Church to be known as the “coffee church!”
The Missions Committee - Penny Wingate

THE MINISTRY OF HEALING PRAYER is looking for new members who are interested in offering this form of prayer to those seeking God’s healing in their lives.  If you are interested or even just curious about what this ministry entails, please contact Beckie Aiken by phone 978.927.5340 or by email.

THE ALTAR GUILD is seeking persons who are interested in the vestments, vessels, and the care of sacred spaces to come together in service to the Lord. The ministry requires approximately 15 minutes after each of the three services to clean and put away the Eucharistic vessels and linens, and between 1 and 2 hours on a Friday or Saturday housekeeping and setting God's table. A meditative ministry, the Guild is typically made up of teams of two who work one month on and as a group during Christmastide and Easter week. Currently the head of the guild is Robert Preston; two faithful members, Judy Riggs, and George Dunning, are also currently working with him. Please approach any of us to learn more about this ministry. One thing to consider, this ministry's work schedule easily accommodates participation in other lay ministries you may also be interested in. Judy can be found at the 8:00 AM service, Robert, most often, at the 9:00, and George at the 11:15 service, come talk to us. You may reach out to Robert with your questions by contacting him at 978-626-0039 or by email.

REFUGEE IMMIGRATION MINISTRY (RIM): The next meeting for the North Shore Cluster is going to serve as training for anyone who would like to be more involved with refugee and immigrant families. This meeting is Thursday, September 9th at 7:00 PM at the Friends Meeting House, Friend Street, Amesbury.
English Tutoring: We are still looking for people to help teach English to refugee families who have recently arrived in the North Shore area. ESL training is scheduled for Saturday, September 11th from 9:30-11:30AM at Trinity Episcopal Church in Topsfield. Please contact Heidi Busch at 970-946-9948 or by email for more details.