Christ Church
E P I S C O P A L
Faith Formation
FIRST SUNDAYS LAUNCHES OCTOBER 2

Programs for All Ages, 5-6 PM:
FORUM : Understanding Anxiety: how to prevent it from impacting your life.
Guest Speaker: Donna Purcell, Psy. D., LCP

BIBLE STUDY: The Gospel According to Luke: Bible Study Led by Rev. Shirley Smith Graham

Plus, activities for children & nursery care for toddlers & babies.

Fellowship Meal from 6-7 PM
 Taco/Taco Salad Bar provided by Rico's Mexican Grill

There is a Lot Going on at the Garage
Our Youth Confirmation info meeting is this Sunday, September 25 at 12:15 PM in the Garage. If you have a student who is a sophomore or older and want to learn about Confirmation, please join us.

Got an hour to spare? Volunteers are needed to help raise money for summer missions this Friday evening and Saturday morning selling concessions at the Fall Consignment Sale. Please contact Adam if you can help – your time could help a student have the transformative experience of serving in the mission field.

Register now for Service Saturday on October 15. As stewards of God’s creation, we’re teaming up with RVA Clean Sweep to help clean up Byrd Park. We’ll be stopping for lunch afterwards, so make sure to bring a little money.
Invite children in your life to ...
SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 9:00 AM, START IN THE EDUCATION BUILDING
All children ages 3-5th grade are invited to join other children for a fun time learning about Jesus! 

CHILDREN'S CHAPEL AT 10:45 AM, START IN WORSHIP
New this year! Children ages 3-5th grade will begin in worship and head to the parlor for a lesson tied to that Sunday’s Bible readings.
Support Group for Parents Experiencing a "Launch in Progress"
It can feel so odd when children have moved out of the home. If you are in this phase of life, you are welcome to join this support group for all parents who have “launched” their children into a college or their first time living away from home.  Many feelings occur with parents that no one talks about i.e. sadness, loss, fear, and the proverbial “where did all the years go." It helps to talk about it! The group will meet Sunday, September 25, 12:15-1:45 PM REGISTER NOW
A Message from Adam Williams, Minister to Students
As with every fall kickoff at the Garage, the new program year brings with it tons of exciting and creative possibilities for student faith formation. Our weekly Youth Groups on Sunday nights, and the curriculum we use during our time together, are certainly no exception!

I am delighted to share that our approach to group formation continues to evolve as I, and our other leaders, engage different learning styles and incorporate various medium (art, service, social media) to help sustain our teaching of the Gospel of Christ. Even better, our new curriculum is written and published by educational leaders in the Episcopal church!  

This year, our Mid-High Youth Group curriculum is “ God Talks! ”—a collection of topical, multi-week series that focus on vital and relevant aspects of young teen faith exploration. Some of the topics include:
  • “Who am I?”
  • "Who is God?”
  • “The Gifts God Gave Me”
  • “Making Decisions”
  • Download a sample lesson and see for yourself!
Our Sr. High Youth Group curriculum is “ Making It Real & Relevant .” With both a lectionary and topical approach, “ Making It Real & Relevant ” integrates daily life with student faith formation by including contemporary multimedia and encouraging opportunities for group reflection and discussion. Check out a sample lesson !

I hope you’ll join me and our adult volunteers in our enthusiasm for yet another exciting season of Youth Ministry at the Garage. As always, please call or send a message if you have any questions about our new curriculum changes. I would love to chat!  - Adam
Ways to Serve & Give
Consignment Sale, this Saturday, September 24
The Children's Consignment Sale features  high-quality kids' clothes, toys, books and equipment ranging from infants to juniors, and even maternity clothes, at a fraction of their retail costs. It’s a great deal, with a great mission --  the profits help fund our mission and outreach ministries. Shop, save, and help others in need! It all starts at 7:30 AM on Saturday morning.
Make a Difference in the Life of a Child
Our partnership with the Micah Initiative provides an array of ways to serve the children at George Mason Elementary School in historic Church Hill. Volunteer time commitments range from once-in-awhile to weekly.
Support our Scouts & Purchase Some Tasty Treats
Cub Scouts from Pack 788 will be selling popcorn and peanut products at Christ Church this Sunday, September 25, from 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM. Sales proceeds will help fund pack activities, allowing the pack to maintain a quality scouting experience for the boys. If you would like to purchase one of our yummy treats, please stop by our table on the 25th. Thank you for your support of Pack 788!
Don't Miss This
Social Media Sunday

This Sunday people all over the world will be sharing photos, videos, and comments online about how they experienced God's love that day.

We invite you to:

* check in at church through Facebook or Twitter
• post a photo of yourself or one of your church buddies
• share a lyric, scripture, or prayer you hear during worship
• upload a short clip of the sermon or anthem
• or more! 

Cub Scout Pack 788 is Looking for a few New Scouts!
Do you have a son or grandson in elementary school? If so, and he is interested in joining a Cub Scout pack, please consider attending Pack 788’s pack and parent meeting. We are meeting in the Sanctuary on Monday, September 26 from 6:30-7:30 PM. If you cannot attend the meeting but are interested in joining the pack, please contact Tom Tyler at 804-677-1626 or tr.tyler@ymail.com.
Yoga as a Praise Practice Starts October 14
Yoga, as a praise practice, uses body postures, breath, relaxation, and meditation to improve strength and flexibility, calm the mind, and deepen our relationship with God. Being flexible or fit is not a requirement to enjoy this 6-week beginning level yoga class. Come enjoy the restorative benefits to mind, body and spirit, that open us more fully to God's grace and love.
Labyrinth Retreat
Click here to learn more about a special Labyrinth Retreat for adults at Shrine Mont on October 14-16. Led by Fontaine Williamson, participants will use an outdoor labyrinth to learn about the life stages of spiritual growth and development through scripture, story, reflection, journaling and prayer.
Fall Camp at Shrine Mont
Fall Camp is an opportunity to spend time in the mountains of Virginia with other seniors (no a age limit!) from across Virginia. The Camp is an attempt to take seriously the spiritual needs and journeys of primarily retired people. We attempt to challenge participants through keynote speakers, workshops, worship and interaction with one another. 
Take CCE On the Go!
You are probably familiar with CCE Online, our churchwide, online database that allows you to sign up for Bible studies, make financial contributions, register your child for Sunday School, and more.

But did you know there is a mobile app called Church Life that allows you simple, convenient access to CCE Online from your mobile device? This app will give you access to the online pictorial directory (for all who have opted in), the church calendar, the ability to register for events from your phone, as well as mobile giving.

Christ Church Episcopal   |   804-364-0394  |     www.christchurchrichmond.com