HIGHLIGHTED MINISTRIES FOR FEBRUARY 28
CHRIST CHURCH NEEDS YOU!
Volunteering at Christ Church is much more than giving your time to help the Church, a ministry, or an outreach program. By giving your time and talents, you will build relationships with others and strengthen your spiritual life. Christ Church is currently seeking volunteers and participants for…
Parents Night Out: Parents gather for dinner and board games such as various editions of Trivial Pursuit played in teams. Childcare provided. The next Parents’ Night Out is today at 5PM. Contact Emma Staton at emma.staton@comcast.net.
Lectors: Members of the parish are invited to read scripture lessons and to lead prayers of the people at Sunday and Wednesday Services. Contact: Cecilia Wagner at cwagner@christchurchphila.org.
Episcopal Relief Development Coffee Project: Bishop’s Blend coffee and teas, organic and grown under fair-trade conditions, are sold once a month between Sunday services. Proceeds support the work of ERD programs around the world. Contact Grace Layne at gracelayne@comcast.net.
Interfaith Witness Against Gun Violence: Heeding God’s call to witness against gun violence in Philadelphia. This group gathers for peaceful protests, meetings and prayer vigils. Contact Enny Cramer at ennycramer@aol.com.
Bell Ringers: The Bell Guild at Christ Church is a group of parishioner volunteers with keyboard training who peal the bells in the tower before and after worship Services. Contact Paul Yaros at paul.yaros@activant.com.
Parish Work Days: During Parish Work Days parishioners work together to perform to tackle basic maintenance projects for the Church. Even children have participated in these work days which have saved the Church thousands of dollars. The next Work Day is on September 18. Contact Jeanne Stuardi at jstuardi@christchurchphila.org.
ACOLYTE
Acolytes play an important role in our worship, assisting clergy and helping bring focus and movement to worship. It's also a special way in which our children and teens provide leadership in worship. If you are interested in becoming an acolyte, helping as a coordinator or as a parent helper, please contact the Rev. Susan Richardson at 215.922.1695 ext 25.
ALTAR GUILD
The 1926 National Cathedral Handbook for Altar Guilds quotes Phillips Brooks, "Duty makes us do things well. Love makes us do things beautifully." This is still true today for those of our Christ Church family who reverently prepare the altar for Christ Church services.
ATRIUM VOLUNTEER
Atrium Volunteers are called to assist in the Church School at Christ Church. The Church School is a spiritual formation program for children ages 4-10 offered Sunday mornings from 9 to noon in our Neighborhood House "Atriums," serving ages 4-6 in Atrium 1 and ages 7-10 in Atrium 2. Through a sensorial Montessori curriculum, the "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd," children learn Jesus' parables, the story of Jesus' life and ministry, the seasons of Advent through Easter and the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Please contact Leza Kramarenko at elezavetak@gmail.com to volunteer.
BELL GUILD
The Bell Guild at Christ Church is a group of parishioner volunteers with keyboard training who peal the bells in the tower before and after worship services. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Bell Ringer, please contact Cecilia Wagner at 215-922-1695, ext. 21 or cwagner@christchurchphila.org.
CHALICE BEARER
Parishioners are invited by the clergy to train to bear the Communion Cup at worship Services.
CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR
The Christ Church Choir is comprised of an eight singer professional core with volunteer choristers from the parish. The full choir also rehearses Sundays between the 9 and 11 A.M. services and after the 11 A.M. Service. We welcome new singers!! Please contact Diane Belcher at 215.922.1695 ext 27 if you are interested in being part of this ministry.
FLOWER GUILD
The members of the Altar Flower Guild consider it a privilege and find great joy in arranging the Christ Church flowers each week.
GARDENERS
The garden committee is primarily responsible for the North Garden and the horticultural elements surrounding the main church building. Volunteer Gardeners meet the second Saturday of each month March through November.
HOSPITALITY
This group of volunteers provides hospitality and refreshments for parishioners and visitors after Services.
LECTOR
Members of the parish are invited to read scripture lessons and to lead prayers of the people at Sunday and Wednesday Services.
OUTREACH, PEACE and JUSTICE
Advent Angel Tree: An opportunity to be a secret angel and participate in meeting the wish or need of a child, family, or adult during the holiday season. The gifts go directly to our neighbors at identified programs through the city of Philadelphia.
CHAD Tutoring Program: Join in Christ Church's partnership with the nearby public Charter High School for Architecture and Design to help teens realize their full potential.
Episcopal Community Services Partnership: Christ Church supports an ongoing partnership with ECS to meet the needs of families in transition from homelessness to permanent housing through specific identified projects throughout the year.
Episcopal Relief Development Coffee Project: Bishop’s Blend coffee and teas, organic and grown under fair-trade conditions, are sold once a month between Sunday services. Proceeds support the work of ERD programs around the world.
Interfaith Witness Against Gun Violence: Heeding God’s call to witness against gun violence in Philadelphia. This group gathers for peaceful protests, meetings and prayer vigils.
Public Church Events: As a witness to the larger community throughout the year Christ Church hosts a variety of public events of both faith and historical relevance. Announcements are posted in The Beacon and the weekly Sunday leaflet.
Meals for the Homeless: Refer to “The Bridge” under Parish Life Section.
St. Mary’s 350: Come help make sandwiches to provide lunch for the homeless shelter at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. This group meets on the third Saturday of every month at 8:30am in Neighborhood House.
PARISH LIFE
Altar in the World: A Christian program for adults that builds community while encouraging individual spiritual growth. Beginning in the fall, the clergy lead participants on a journey of 10 weekly sessions. Each session contains two parts: a presentation led by clergy on the central teachings of the Christian faith, followed by an hour-long response in small groups led by members of the congregation trained to facilitate the discussions. Registration is required.
The Bridge: Formerly the 20’s and 30’s, this ministry is open to all focusing on creative exploration of faith journeys, worship, and service to those in need in our Old City neighborhood. Activities include:
Lunch & Spirituality Group – monthly Sunday gatherings for lunch and a time to explore questions of faith and life as we really live it.
Justice Ministry for the Homeless: This group prepares, serves, and shares a meal at the Old First Reformed shelter for men, 4th and Race, once a month.
Family Retreat: An annual weekend for fun, fellowship, prayer and enjoyment of fellow parishioner’s company. Fall 2009
Gay & Lesbian Fellowship: LGBT members and friends meet monthly for food, fellowship, and discussion. The Fellowship provides a way for new folks to meet others who share a similar journey.
Lenten Mid-Week Adult Formation: Mid-week potluck supper and program centered on “Exploring the Heart of the Christian Faith” for six weeks.
Sunday Forums: Adult formation offering Bible study, thoughtful group discussion, and speakers of faith, life, and current events. The forums are held on Sundays at 10:10am in Neighborhood House.
Sages: A new group for the “slightly more mature” that periodically gathers for a meal and various activities.
Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Celebration: Evening of pancakes and activities for everyone in preparation for Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent.
Stewardship Season: A celebration of the giving of our time, talents, and treasures to Christ Church. We commence our ministries season with Eucharist and a parish festive lunch.
Volunteer Recognition Choral Evensong & Cookout: Celebratory evening to express our gratitude to the numerous volunteers who serve the Christ Church community throughout the year in every aspect of our ministry to the city, nation, and world.
USHER
Ushers welcome and assist parishioners and guests at worship Services on Sundays and are also called upon to serve on special occasions, including Christmas and Easter