We have a deep relationship with Clinton Elementary School. Our playground serves a natural bridge to Clinton and is used during recess and as part of both their field day activities and as their gathering spot in case of fire or other emergency. I am proud to serve as a part of their Transformation Team, a board of teachers, administrators, parents and community members.
We are working on increasing our relationship our immediate neighbors. We have provided our Christ Church Summer Camp for 54 years, a true blessing for parents and children in our community. We also work with Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church, the Rotary Club and local partners in Backpacks, Supplies and More - a way to get school supplies to the students in our community.
This year, we have become a charter organization for a Cub Scout Troop. We have students from Clinton and Krieger Schools that meet at Christ Church on Wednesdays after School. Under the leadership of John Borchert and Glen McBride, this group has grown quickly to 11 boys. We will continue to look for ways to support their efforts.
Of course, the children of our own parish continue to be our most cherished young population. The new service at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings is designed to provide them with leadership opportunities every Sunday in worship. Young people serve as acolytes, readers and ushers. Songs are chosen both with educating them in the traditions of Episcopal hymnody and fun in mind. After only a few weeks, we have about thirty in church on a Sunday with some new faces joining us each week. Our education at 10 a.m. is led by Sally Taylor and Liz Botsford (Pre-K-3rd grade) and Celia Serotsky and David Nohara (4th-7th grade) using the Episcopal Church Curriculum. It has gotten off to a strong start.
Supplementing that service and education will be intergenerational events. We will have an intergenerational event on the first Sunday of each month offering a chance to learn about the tradition of the church and also "do church" with members of our community of all ages. We will also have intergenerational events throughout the year - All Hallows Eve (October 27), Hanging of the Greens (December 17) and other events throughout the year that give members of our church of all ages a chance to worship, serve, and share community together.
The nurture of young people is one of the greatest responsibilities any community is given. It is our opportunity to help shape the future of our city, our neighborhood, and our church. We delight in the gifts of the next generation and we look forward to continuing to witness their blessing among us continue to grow.
Dear Friends,
