The Vestry
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The business affairs of Christ Church Parish, Kensington, are administered by the Vestry. The Rector chairs the Vestry. Membership consists of the Rector, Assistant Rector and 12 persons elected for 3 year terms at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the Bylaws. The Vestry has responsibility for representing the views and best interests of the Parish membership. Annually, Vestry members elect a Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary and Treasurer. Other Vestry members serve as the lay leadership of the individual ministries listed noted in this Guide. The Vestry meets monthly.
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Parish
Council
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Parish Council is comprised of the chairs of all ministries, groups and organizations in the parish. As such it provides essential support to the parish lay leadership in the implementation of the Vision and Mission of Christ Church. It is also responsible for short-range planning and coordination of parish activities and development of a parish calendar of these activities. The Council meets quarterly.
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Diocesan Affairs and Programs
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Diocesan delegates who are selected by the parish represent Christ Church at the yearly diocesan convention held the last weekend in January. The number of delegates varies, 3 or 4 depending on the number of parishioners. Occasionally these delegates also represent Christ Church at Region IV meetings of the Diocese of Washington. Region IV is one of six geographical regions of the diocese including northwest DC and eastern Montgomery County.
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Parish Administrator
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The Parish Administrator manages the day-to-day operations of the parish, supervises the office staff, and attends all Vestry meetings. The Administrator also works with administrative office volunteers in tasks such as assembling the monthly newsletter, answering phones, and taking messages. Anyone who has a few spare hours to volunteer at the church is encouraged to call the office. It is most helpful if you can commit to a regular schedule, but there is often a need for help with special projects. Training is offered whenever necessary.
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Budget and Finance
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Budget and Finance
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The Budget and Finance (B&F) Committee is an advisory committee providing financial expertise to the Vestry. The committee consists of the Vestry Chair, the Treasurer, and several parishioners with financial expertise. It meets monthly, typically on the second Wednesday of the month. The Treasurer and Vestry Chair are asked to prepare a draft of the annual budget, with significant input from the Rector and parish staff as well as the various ministry leaders. This budget is reviewed by the B&F Committee and presented to the Vestry for consideration. The Treasurer reports monthly to the Vestry on the status of Christ Church's finances. The Treasurer and Vestry Chair are available to assist the various church committees and ministries in the preparation and management of their separate ministry budgets. The B&F Committee researches financial issues as requested by the Vestry and makes recommendations to the Treasurer for the investment of church funds. The Treasurer and Vestry Chair work with the Parish Administrator in overseeing the accounting functions in the church, seeking advice from the B&F Committee.
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Christian Education Ministry
Barbara Shen, Sunday School Administrator
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Adult
Education
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Education programs for all age groups is an important part of our parish life. The Adult Forum (education hour) is offered on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in the undercroft. It is conducted during the same time period as the education hour for children and youth. A mid-week Adult Forum is held during Wednesday Community Night. Topics of discussion include current affairs, Christianity in contemporary society, Christian ethics, spirituality, theology, church history, and Bible Study. Church leaders and guests lead these programs. Two committees of parishioners oversee this effort - one focuses on the Sunday program and the other oversees the Wednesday Night program.
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Children's Chapel - Children's Chapel takes place in the undercroft during the sermon portion of the 9:15 worship service (following Communion). Chapels are led by volunteer chaplains, seminarians, and clergy, serving on a rotating basis. The program encourages participation in prayer, music and worship, and includes a presentation of the Sunday Gospel lesson on an age-appropriate level. Senior Chapel (grades 1-5) meets in the section of the undercroft nearest the kitchen. Junior Chapel (pre-K through kindergarten) meets in the rear of the undercroft (where the pre-K Sunday School classes meet). Children proceed to their Sunday School classes immediately following Chapel.
Education for Children - After Chapel until 11:00 AM, there are three programs for children. The 3, 4, and 5 year olds enjoy Bible story dramatizations using the Godly Play program. Children in grades 1 through 4 take part in multimedia workshops with rotating programs. The workshops provide multiple ways of learning Bible stories and Christian concepts. Pupils in grades 5 and 6 have a special transitional program this year as they prepare for the Rite 13 Group next year. Teams of volunteers teach each class. Lesson outlines and materials are provided to the teachers.
Preparation for Baptism and Communion - Instruction is always available for children over the age of three who are to be baptized, and for all children before they receive Communion for the first time.
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Programs for Youth
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Journey to Adulthood - Journey to Adulthood is a spiritual formation program for 11 to 17 year-olds following a curriculum widely used by Episcopal Churches throughout the country. Journey to Adulthood attracts, instructs, and nurtures young people at the ages when they are most likely to drift away from the Church. The program is based on two key concepts: that manhood and womanhood are gifts from God, and that adulthood must be earned. The curriculum includes in-depth exploration of Self, Spirituality, Sexuality, and Society. The six-year program is divided into three two-year components: Rite-13, J2A, and YAC. Each group stays together as they progress through each stage in the program. More detailed descriptions of the three components follow. The Rector selects the adult leaders.
Rite 13 - Young people enter Rite-13 when they are anywhere from eleven to thirteen years old. When they turn 13, this event is celebrated in the church with a service loosely modeled on the Jewish bar mitzvah. The two years of Rite-13 are fun, but also deal with serious issues such as Scripture, prayer, and the encounter with God. Activities are geared to build this community, establishing trust and safety in an environment where young people know that this is their church, and that they are safe and welcome within it.
J2A - J2A builds on Rite-13 by training young people in six necessary skills of adulthood: Listening, Assertion, Negotiation, Research and Information Management, Partnership, and Leadership. The emphasis is on knowing oneself and how one relates to society and to God. After the completion of the fourth year, and before entering the YAC program, young people make a holy pilgrimage. They go on pilgrimage for one reason, to seek to find Christ. As a group they organize and carry out fundraising activities to finance a large percentage of the pilgrimage expenses.
Young Adults in Church (YAC) - YAC builds on the previous four years of the Journey to Adulthood Program to enable the young people to practice their newly acquired skills in the context of the supportive congregation community. YAC youth are encouraged to explore ministries of their choice with Ministry Mentors. YAC meets for worship services that they design themselves, as well as for occasional social and service gatherings.
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Bible Study
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Bible study is offered on a periodic basis - usually seasonally. The topics vary from biblical critical studies to inspirational readings, encompassing sections of scripture such as the Gospels, Epistles or Old Testament stories.
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Centering Prayer is contemplative prayer grounded in the principle of the Divine Indwelling, which holds that the Trinity is present in each of us and is the source and sustenance of our being on every level. Centering prayer is a simple method of praying where we are essentially "consenting to God's presence and action within." The method is easily described to newcomers and over time its effects become increasingly powerful. It can be practiced alone or with a group. The Christ Church Centering Prayer group meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Rector's study.
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Wednesday Community
Night
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In January 2005, Christ Church initiated this mid-week opportunity for fellowship and adult education. Following the Wednesday night Eucharist, at 6:30PM, all are invited to share a catered dinner in the undercroft, offered at a modest fee. The Community Night Committee coordinates parish needs with the caterers and organizes volunteers to help set tables and clean up.
Following dinner, there are a number of alternatives: Adult Education, a Book Club, a Sewing Group, Rehearsal for the Junior Choir, and a Study Hall with volunteer tutoring for students through the high school years. Some church committees also hold meetings during this time. For parents with children in Youth Choir these programs offer something reallyworthwhile to do while the children rehearse!
Adult Education - The Wednesday Night Adult Forum focuses on issues of interest to the Parish community that are broader and deeper in scope than can be properly investigated in the limited time of the Sunday Adult Forum. For instance, one subject that was discussed over several weeks was Bioethics: the moral implications of stem cell research, moral reasoning and professional ethics. Presentations are always thought provoking and stimulating.
Book Club - The book club meets under the auspices of Christ Church to expand our horizons and fellowship. Each month the club selects a book and meets once a month to share thoughts. The club delves into a variety of books (heavy and light, history and fiction, theological and not) and hopes to eventually expand the number of groups discussing books.
Sewing Group - Do you enjoy sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch or other fiber arts? Perhaps you have a project, but haven't found time lately to work on it. Non-fiber crafters are welcome as well. If you have a project, bring it with you or if you are interested in starting a project, but haven't yet, you are welcome to come to get ideas. All levels of experience are welcome. No long-term commitment is required.
Christ Church Choristers Rehearsal - Christ Church welcomes all enthusiastic young singers to join in our choir, regardless of their musical knowledge or previous experience. All you need is the ability to read, a love of music and a desire to sing. We follow the Royal School of Church Music program that provides outstanding voice instruction along with training in choir life.
Study Hall - Volunteer Tutoring is provided to students while other family members are engaged in Wednesday Community night activities. For those who prefer to study on their own, a quiet space is available.
Student Craft Group - For the young people who have their homework finished and are not choristers, materials are available to make whatever they can imagine.
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Inquirer's Class
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Adult and youth Inquirers' Classes are held annually in the post-Christmas/Spring term for those seeking confirmation in the Episcopal Church, reception into the Episcopal Church from another tradition, or the reaffirmation of baptismal vows. Inquirers' Class is also appropriate for anyone who wishes to learn more about Anglican tradition and our Judeo-Christian heritage.
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Group Spiritural Direction
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The lay-led group concentrates on discernment of spiritual giftedness and our use of these gifts in our daily living. Using processes of group spiritual direction in the contemplative tradition, this adult group meets every other week in the evening, 7:00-8:45PM.
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Communications Committee
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This committee focuses on all aspects of both internal and external parish communications. The internal communications group designs and produces parish publications, including the Sunday service bulletin. They also implement strategies to inform the parish members about the numerous activities and events taking place at CCPK. Working in collaboration with other ministries, such as Worship, Education and Newcomers, methods are developed for publicizing the exciting progress we are making towards reaching the goals established through the Visioning Process. Volunteers write articles for the newsletter, develop the ministry bulletin boards, and maintain a photo library of parish life. The external communications group explores and implements creative ways to reach out to the community and to invite all doubters, seekers and believers to join us.
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Leadership Development Team
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To enhance the effectiveness of our work together, the parish offers leadership training to all committee chairs and to those who have an interest in leading small and informal groups to address a variety of topics and timely issues. By developing skills for organizing and directing groups, we can make the best use of our time, talent and treasure. The Leadership Development Team identifies ways to tap the gifts of parishioners and to provide training that is needed or requested for successful group endeavors.
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The Christ Church Website is designed and maintained by a cooperative effort of church members. Our mission is to provide the parish with current information on church events, educational opportunities, and activities, as well as links to other sources of information about activities in the diocese and the community. We also provide visitors to the church and church website with an overview of our vibrant church life. Anyone interested in supporting this great ministry should email Webmaster@ccpk.org. Website experience is not required!
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Helping Hands Ministry
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Helping Hands Committee
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Want to make a difference? Interested in helping others? HELPING HANDS NEEDS YOU! Below are opportunities to support, encourage, and/or directly assist other parishioners.
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CARE Packages for College Students
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Twice a year CARE Packages are prepared and sent to our parish college students during their freshman year to let them know their church is thinking of them. Items for the packages, such as prepaid phone cards, postage, paperback books, snacks, or small items, can be placed in the CARE Package collection box near the Helping Hands bulletin board. During the later years of college, students receive cards from the parish.
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Caregivers Support Group
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These volunteers offer warm support and friendship to those coping with the responsibilities of a caregiver to the elderly or ill. They exchange ideas and share insights in a comfortable, confidential setting. The group meets the second Monday of every month at the church.
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Funeral Receptions
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Forty years ago a group of Christ Church women came together to form the original Christ Helping Hands group to offer help to grieving parishioner families who had lost loved ones. The group started by Diantha Powers and Tudie Turner organizes, at the family's request, receptions to be held either in the family's home or the church undercroft. The group coordinates and makes the food, such as tea sandwiches, cookies, and beverages, and sets up the reception.
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Helping Hands Casserole Meals
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For parishioners just home from the hospital, or in other ways "laid up", a lovely casserole ready to just heat and serve is a tremendous help. Please place the ready-to-serve meal in a non-returnable container, label with what it is and the primary ingredients and how it needs to be reheated. Put your name and the date on it, and place in the church's freezer on the shelves designated Helping Hands Casseroles. Father Hague or lay people deliver the meals to those in need
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The Prayer Tree provides immediate prayer support for parishioners who are undergoing traumatic events in their lives. We offer Prayers for the People as a community during our services. The idea is simple. Father Hague or the Church Office contacts the first person and that person contacts the next (by e-mail or phone) and so on. Prayers are offered immediately. A phone call or e-mail and a prayer - that's all it takes. A sign up sheet is on the HELPING HANDS bulletin board located between the office and the Sanctuary.
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St. Margaret's Guild
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St. Margaret's Guild consists of a group of women who visit sick parishioners and send cards to parishioners who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Each year, members sell pecans and candy to raise money for Christ Church and various charities. The Guild donates holiday flowers in memory of past members, and organizes an occasional Quiet Day at church or area facilities. The Guild also organizes Classical Movies held the 1 st Friday every month from 11-2. Women of all ages are encouraged to join this group.
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Telephone Ministry
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Members of The Telephone Ministry group call housebound members of the parish to keep in touch, bring friendship, cheer, and a listening ear. This caring endeavor can be as simple as a phone call or friendly card in the mail.
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Transportation
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The parish maintains a listing of members who can provide transportation to and from church for those parishioners who do not or cannot drive but wish to worship on Sundays or attend weekday services or event. Drivers are matched with non-drivers in their geographic area to minimize inconvenience. A parish van is now available. Call the office to schedule transportation to church.
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Women of Christ Church
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The Women of Christ Church is an energetic group of parishioners whose activities raise funds for much needed items that are not covered by the church budget. They hold rummage sales, bake sales and card parties to purchase furnishings and supplies for the church and Sunday School. Each year, they organize and run the Agape Supper on Maundy Thursday, sponsor bi-annual cleanings of the church kitchen, and make contributions to the Grounds Committee. Meetings are held at 10:30 a.m. on the third Monday of each month. All women are welcome.
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Outreach Ministries
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January:
Children's Inn at NIH
Contact:
Christina Doyle
Website: www.childrensinn.org
Telephone:
301-496-5672
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A private, non-profit, family-oriented residence for pediatric outpatients and their families at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda.
Gift of Time: volunteer to man their front desk or ask for the many projects they have to offer
Gift of Talent: offer to bake cookies or participate in the parishsponsored dinners or send cards to
the children and their families
Gift of Treasure: donations are always needed
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February:
Virginia Theological Seminary
Contact:
Candice Loescher
Website: www.vts.edu
Telephone:
703-370-6600
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Provides graduate theological education for the Anglican community. Trains men and women for lay or ordained leadership in ministry of the church. Our parish seminarians are from this Seminary.
Gift of Treasure: donations are always needed to support the program and for student assistance.
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March:
Heifer International
Contact:
Barbara Shen
Website: www.heifer.org
Telephone:
888-422-1161
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Heifer International is a community development
organization assisting families to produce food and
income for themselves using animals.
Gift of Treasure: donations of money are always needed -
Watch for Agnes the Lamb during Lent
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April:
Parish Mission Trip
Contact:
Darlene Lugenbuhl
Website: www.ccpk.org
Telephone:
301-942-4673
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Youth and adult laborers group from our Parish will spend a week working on-site to aid rebuilding efforts for Katrina victims. This people-to-people mission will share our time and talent with those still recovering from the devastation of the hurricane.
Gift of Time: planning, organizing, and implementing our group trip to help with rebuilding activities in New Orleans area
Gift of Talent: all skills and skill levels to clean up, fix-up (painting, repairs), feeding other volunteers, and documenting
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May:
Carol Jean Cancer
Foundation
Contact:
Karen Ramsepaul
Website: www.cjcf4kids.org
Telephone:
410-531-0758
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The Carol Jean Cancer Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families throughout the metropolitan area, by providing year round
recreational and support programs free of charge.
Gift of Time: occasional labor intensive chores to get camp ready for summer session; eating out at designated venues who share proceeds with the Foundation
Gift of Talent: watch for opportunites posted on the Outreach Bulletin Board
Gift of Treasure: donations and support of their community events is always needed
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June:
Ceylon School for the Deaf, Sri Lanka
Contact:
Rukmani Willis
Website: www.cbmiusa.org
Telephone:
301-942-4673
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Providing educational resources leading to employment
in a challenging poverty stricken area.
Gift of Treasure: donations of money are always needed
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July:
Hearts and Homes for Youth
Contact:
Liz Quinn
Website: www.hh4y.org
Telephone:
301-589-8444
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A non-profit organization that helps troubled children and youth in Montgomery County, who are abused, neglected or runaways, realize their potential to become independent,
productive adults. Hearts & Homes operates the only shelter program for homeless and runaway youth in Montgomery County.
Gift of Time: make cookies or call and see if they need
volunteers to man their desk
Gift of Talent: watch for community events
Gift of Treasure: donations are always needed
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August:
Crossway
Community
Contact:
Virginia Sheard
Website: www.crosswaycommunity.
org
Telephone:
301-929-2505
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Crossway is an entrepreneurial, non-profit organization providing residential facilities to single mothers and their children, with a mission to promote learning, creativity, and community for all families.
Gift of Time: assisting with skills training program, particularly workplace computer technology, personal finance management, and other skills
Gift of Talent: volunteers are always needed – no experience necessary
Gift of Treasure: donations are always needed or support them through their community events.
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September:
Meals on Wheels
Contact:
Elspeth Nunn
Website:
www.mowaa.org
Telephone:
703-548-5558
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Is a non-profit that prepares and delivers healthy meals to elderly and home-bound in the Kensington-Wheaton area. Nutritional meals are prepared in a local kitchen, packaged for easy reheating and use, and delivered to individual homes and apartments.
Gift of Time: food preparation and packaging for delivery on weekdays
Gift of Talent: no special skills needed to cook and individually package and deliver meals
Gift of Treasure: donations are always needed
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October:
Our House
Contact:
Bob Quinn
Website:
www.our-house.org
Telephone:
301-990-2550
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Our House provides an opportunity for at-risk adolescents to become productive members of their communities by participation in a rigorous residential program of “hands-on” instruction in carpentry and other skills.
Gift of Time: offer your construction/carpentry skills
Gift of Talent: make desserts (they are boys!)
Gift of Treasure: donations are always needed
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November:
Bethesda Cares
Contact:
Emily Berry
Website:
www.bethesdacares.com
Telephone:
301-907-9244
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A community outreach program based in Bethesda that responds to the needs of the homeless and working poor in Montgomery County by providing
meals, education, a personal support network, and
other means to help meet the needs of the homeless.
Gift of Time: our Parish provides sandwiches for their Saturday meal twice a month. We also provide some clothing particularly in winter
Gift of Talent: making sandwiches; needs no particular skills
Gift of Treasure: donations are always welcomed to defrayexpenses
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December:
Rebuilding Together
Contact:
Dick Nunn
Website: www. rebuildingtogethermc.org
Telephone:
301-933-2700
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Rebuilding Together Montgomery County is a volunteer organization that works in partnership with the community to address the needs of low-income homeowners, primarily the elderly, disabled and those with children.
Gift of Time: volunteer to assist in office duties; volunteer on Project Day
Gift of Talent: all year— organizing and management
skills; Project Day—carpentry, painting, plumbing, doing and helping throughout the week as an assistant to their Handyman.
Gift of Treasure: donations are always needed or support Rebuilding during their community
events.
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Project Help
(the "White Board")
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Christ Church works with local social service agencies to help meet the needs of area residents who need help with rent, furniture, transportation, or other needs. The WhiteBoard, which is located outside the sanctuary, provides information on how Christ Church parishioners can help with targeted donations. Members of Project Help interface with the county social services, and maintain the White Board.
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12 Step Program
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Christ Church supports 12 Step Programs, including AA, Al Anon and WHOW (Women Helping Other Women). These groups meet weekly, both in the morning and evening, in Christ Church meeting rooms.
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Women in Transition
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We provide support to women and their children as they seek a stable home and work life.
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Parish Life Ministry
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All Parish Coffee Hour is held from 10-11 AM on the third Sunday of each month. It is a time for fellowship and an opportunity for those who attend the 9:15 and 11:15 services to meet one another. It is often a time when the parish family can gather to honor a special event in the parish, acknowledge a job well done, or introduce a new staff member. People are asked to contribute a baked good, or something in keeping with the theme of the day. There is also a coffee hour following the 11:15 service every Sunday. Anyone is welcome to contribute, coordinate, or try something new.
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Intentional Hospitality Committee/
The Newcomers' Committee
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The Intentional Hospitality Committee coordinates the Greeters Corps and the Newcomers Parties held at the Rectory. The Greeters Corps meet and greet newcomers and visitors after the 9:15 and 11:15 services every week, answer questions about the church, its programs and activities, and describe how newcomers can get involved. The Committee's goals include finding new ways to identify and welcome visitors and newcomers to our parish, as well as assisting them in matching their interests with parish activities. We invite them to participate with us in our journey together as a community, and to share in the warm fellowship that characterizes the parish family of Christ Church. By employing the ideal of an "Episcopal Welcome," we hope to discover their interests and needs as well as their gifts.
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Fellowship Committee
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The Fellowship Committee is responsible for the social life of the parish. They sponsor a variety of functions, such as a multi-generational square dance in the Fall, the Art Auction, the parish talent show and the foyer group gatherings throughout the year.
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Groups of 10-12 parishioners make up each foyer group. Over a 4-6 month period, they get together on a mutually agreed schedule for potluck dinners in the homes of parishioners. These gatherings provide a relaxed time for people to get to know each other better. Groups may choose to establish a focus for the evening. New groups are constantly forming and the concept calls for periodic rotation of members to other groups to enlarge the social circles within the parish. Sign-up in the vestibule (hallway) leading into the Sanctuary if you would like to join an existing foyer group or to start a new one.
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Volunteer Coordination
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Each of us is endowed with special gifts from the Holy Spirit; and as we use these gifts, God is working through us. Whether directly or through the example we offer as we live our everyday lives, our spiritual gifts are a means of helping the entire church. The Parish Volunteer Coordination program is dedicated to helping each parishioner find the way that they can enrich our parish life by contributing their gifts to one or more parish ministries listed in this Guide. We serve God by working in the trenches as well as being a member of the clergy or being an evangelist. Please be sure to fill our the inventory of your interests so we can know our gifts and work with you on finding ways to use them to build an ever stronger Christ Church.
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Planned Giving Ministry
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Legacy Society
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The Legacy Society honors and recognizes those who have arranged to make a planned gift to the endowment of Christ Church Parish, through a provision in their wills or through other planned giving arrangements. By supporting the Endowment Fund, parishioners can care for our spiritual home for generations. Members of the Legacy Society are recognized publicly at the annual Legacy Society Celebration. Further information about the Legacy Society and the Endowment Fund is available from the Rectors or from the members of the Planned Giving and Endowment Committee.
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Planned Giving and Endowment Committee
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The Planned Giving and Endowment Committee is a group of parishioners working to establish and nurture a permanent endowment for Christ Church Parish, to help assure that, in the future, the Church will be equipped for its mission with "the best of our resources, not just what's left over." Recent activities include the establishment of Christ Church's Legacy Society, inaugurated at the first annual Legacy Society Celebration on Christ the King Sunday. The Planned Giving and Endowment Committee also sponsors outreach and educational efforts within the parish, with presentations to the Adult Forum, a Wills Awareness Workshop, and other events.
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Property Ministry
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Building Committee
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The Building Committee handles the maintenance of the church and rectory to include repairs and updating/upgrading of systems as well as being on-call to troubleshoot problems. The committee oversees sub-contract work and organizes parishioner volunteer efforts such as painting parties and Green Team Day. The committee welcomes all, particularly those with expertise related to building management.
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Grounds Committee
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The Grounds Committee is responsible for year-around maintenance of our beautiful site. Activities include planting, weeding, mulching, summer watering, fall leaf clean-up, and winter snow removal of sidewalks and entries. The committee also coordinates contracts for lawn mowing and parking lot snow removal. Each year the committee sponsors and provides plants and mulch for Green Team Day, held the first Saturday in May. The committee also supports Plant Out Day for the Sunday School, held the second Sunday (Mothers Day) in May.
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Stewardship Ministry
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Stewardship Committee
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The Stewardship Committee guides the annual fundraising effort that finances Christ Church's operating budget. With a goal of 100% participation in annual giving by each parish family, the committee develops and implements a year round strategy of building parishioner awareness of and appreciation for how our resources are used. All parish programs are dependent on the success of fundraising efforts, so our committee fulfills an important ministry for Christ Church. Activities include coordination of mailings to parishioners, engaging speakers for Sunday services during stewardship drives, conducting activities to promote stewardship, and participation in follow-up calls to parishioners.
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Worship
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Altar Guild
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The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the church for all services. Four volunteer teams of four or more members work one Saturday each month maintaining the linens, silver and brass; changing the hymn boards and hangings; and preparing the altars. Team members reset the altars in between services on Sunday. Each member of the Christ Church Altar Guild is also a member of the Diocesan Altar Guild. Serving on the Altar Guild is a wonderful way to work behind the scenes while enjoying the fellowship of other parishioners.
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Acolytes assist the clergy in conducting services of worship at Christ Church. Acolytes serve as crucifers, torch and flag bearers, and holders of the Gospel Book during the reading. We welcome both youth and adults. Most acolytes are scheduled to serve at Sunday worship services once a month, although acolytes who are not scheduled are welcome to assist because there is always something to do. Serving as an acolyte gives you an opportunity to learn more about worship in the Episcopal Church and, at the same, take an active role in the service.
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Choir
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Christ Church has two services with choral music. On the first Sunday of the month, the entire choir sings at the 9:15 service. On the fourth Sunday of the month the entire choir sings at the 11:15 service. On the second and third Sundays, the choir is divided between the two services.The Children's Chapel music program is part of the Sunday School program. Creative, talented, energetic children and committed parents interested in nurturing their child's "inner musician" participate in this program.
Warmups for the 9:15 service begin at 8:30 in the choir room. Warmups for the 11:15 service begin at 10:35.
Practices are Wednesdays from 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm. NEWCOMERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
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Flower Guild
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The Flower Guild creates the beautiful floral displays that adorn the altar and other areas of the church. Two alternating teams of arrangers meet in the Flower Room (next to the Sacristy on the Franklin Avenue side of the church) on Saturdays from 10:00 AM until noon to create the arrangements. Some guild members are trained in the art of flower arranging but many learn on the job. The Flower Guild also provides the special Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving decorations. Following the Sunday services, the flowers are delivered by the Usher Group to housebound members of the parish.
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Gloria Dei Handbell Choir
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The Gloria Dei Hand bell Ringers add the silver tones of a three-octave set of hand bells to services approximately once a month, and on major feast days. High school students and adults with an interest in learning this ancient musical art and who can read music and make a reasonable commitment to rehearsals, are welcome to join this group. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings, 7:30-9:00 pm.
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Through the laying on of hands, the Healing Minister provides a blessing to any person wishing to ask for Christ's help specifically for the healing of their own mind, body and/or spirit or of a loved one. Healing Ministers receive training in how to let God's gift of healing flow through them. The Healing Ministry is available at all services following Holy Eucharist at designated locations in the Sanctuary that are announced at each service. Contact Father Hague if you have an interest in this ministry.
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Lectors and Chalicists
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Lectors assist the clergy by reading the lessons that precede the gospel and leading the prayers of the people. Adults and young people who read well are encouraged to join this ministry. It's a great opportunity to participate in the service. The frequency of service varies.
Eucharistic Ministers (Chalicists) assist the clergy by administering the elements during the celebration of Holy Eucharist. A brief formal training is required, and chalicists are licensed by the bishop on the recommendation of the Rector. At Christ Church, chalicists serve approximately once every six weeks. If you are interested in either of these ministries, ask one of the vergers for more information.
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Parish Retreat
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Each year, Christ Church Parish hosts a weekend retreat away from home and the busy-ness of our lives. Scheduled in the springtime, this two-day, multi-generational getaway is a wonderful opportunity for rest, reflection and recreation with our church family. Adult programs, children's activities and musical events are planned by a 10-12 person committee. One person coordinates each segment of the weekend. The committee is always looking for new talent and enthusiasm for program development and implementation. Meeting times vary. After January we meet on a monthly basis as a lead-up to the May retreat.
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Eucharistic Visitors (formerly PVLEM)
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This program allows designated members of the congregation to deliver consecrated Eucharist to parishioners who are unable to attend our church services. Once every two weeks, kits containing the Eucharist elements are blessed at the altar and given to pairs of parishioners at the conclusion of the Holy Eucharist portion of Sunday services. The team then takes the kit to ill or housebound parishioners. One member of each team is specially trained to administer the Holy Eucharist off-site; however, anyone is eligible to be on a team. Serving in this ministry provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners and make them feel part of our church community even if they cannot attend services. Volunteers for this ministry are generally scheduled every six weeks.
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Vergers
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Christ Church enjoys the services of 3 vergers, whose duties are to work with the Priests and members of the Liturgical teams to insure the smooth running of each service, training of acolytes, and chalicists, and other such activities as requested by the clergy. These persons have knowledge of liturgy and know in detail what is required of acolytes, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, chalicists, choirs, lectors and ushers.
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Ushers
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Each service at Christ Church is staffed by the Usher Corps. Designated ushers welcome parishioners, guests and visitors when they enter the church. They distribute service bulletins, and collect and present the offering from the congregation at the altar to support God's work. In addition, they assist the congregation to and from the altar on Communion Sundays and straighten up the pews after each service. The Usher Corps is responsible for raising and lowering the American flag on the church grounds and delivering altar flowers and church bulletins to parishioners who are ill or housebound. Members are scheduled for service approximately once every two months for the 11:15 service and once every month for the 9:15 service.
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A wedding is a special day for the bride and groom, and solid planning ensures a smooth and memorable event. At Christ Church, a wedding coordinator works with the couple and minister to carry out a plan that minimizes the potential for mishaps and maximizes the beauty of the church and ceremony. The assigned coordinator meets with the couple to discuss the church set-up and help them comply with church rules and forms. She prepares the church for the ceremony and attends both the rehearsal and service to assist where necessary and clean up. This ministry is a wonderful way to participate in joyous church occasions and is much appreciated by the wedding couple and their families. Coordinators are called on several times during the year.
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