The Weekly News
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November 7, 2018
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Greetings!
In this issue of
The Weekly News:
- Prepare the way . . . for Service to Others
- Veterans Day Observance
- An Invitation from The Daughters of the King
- Christmas Outreach Project
- Backpack Ministry
- How to Pledge Online
- Dates for Your Calendar
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The theme of the 2019 Stewardship Drive
"Prepare the Way! . . ."
Prepare the way for God's coming . . . make the road smooth and straight! Mark 1:3
Each week between now and November 18, we will focus on an area of "preparing the way" that will help us achieve what we believe God is calling us to do to fulfill his dream for St. Christopher's. The following is about the fifth area of focus.
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Prepare the way . . . for Service to Others
In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Disciples of Jesus find meaning and purpose in serving others, and St. Christopher’s parishioners are very much involved in making a difference in people’s lives in Hamilton and Marion Counties. Providing holiday and spring break meals to the Indianapolis families served by the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center is one of our most popular and fulfilling ministries. Every Christmas, we deliver over one hundred bins
of holiday-meal supplies to Mary Rigg families.
In addition, St. Christopher’s Crops provides fresh produce to pantries of the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank and other agencies. During this summer, St. Christopher’s provided needed meals to 49 children through the Carmel Summer Lunch Program. Now that children served by the Summer Lunch Program have returned to school, the parish is participating in the Weekend Backpack program, packing weekend food for 219 children four times during this school year. In addition, small grants are provided to organizations providing direct assistance to
people in need.
Additional funding would provide:
- Direct backing of existing programs without undertaking additional fundraising.
- Expanded grants program in support of active volunteer participation.
- Adult mission trips in response to needs resulting from disasters, tragedies, and systemic poverty.
Each new or increased dollar pledged for 2019 earns a dollar for debt elimination. A matching grant gives everyone the opportunity to help with debt elimination.
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Observing Veterans Day at St. Christopher’s
This year, Veterans Day falls on a Sunday - November 11. The country will observe the holiday on the next day, as has become the custom with other federal holidays, to give employees and others a three-day weekend. At St. Christopher’s we’ll mark the day at both the 7:45 and 10:00 am services.
This year, November 11 also marks the 100th anniversary of World War I – “the war to end all wars,” as it was known at the time. At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, the Armistice between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers was signed at Compiègne, France, effectively ending all military operations and hostilities in all theaters and fronts of the war.
Combatant casualties topped ten million. Civilian casualties were over seven million, making the war the most devastating to that point in human history. People traditionally have observed a two-minute moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. local time. It is a sign of respect for, in the first minute, the people who died in the war, and in the second minute dedicated to the living left behind, generally understood to be wives, children and families left behind but deeply affected by the conflict.
In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. With the support of then-President Dwight Eisenhower, the U.S. Congress amended the original bill that had established Armistice Day on June 1, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been known as Veterans Day since.
At St. Christopher’s we’ll mark the day by singing Hymn 579, “Almighty Father, strong to save,” – what many of us know as “The Navy Hymn” – with words expanded to include those who have served, “on air, and land, and sea.”
We’ll also say special prayers for all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We will observe a period of silence at the 10:00 am service, no matter where we are in the liturgy. And we will pray for peace with justice, which is the only way lasting peace can be established. World War I did not “end all wars.” Other wars and conflicts have followed it. So on Sunday, November 11, we will honor and recognize those who have served. Please join us.
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Common Grounds
An Adult Formation Forum
November 11, 9:00 - 9:45 am
In the Parish Hall
Sunday's Topic:
Evangelism in Action
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Does the word Evangelism make you anxious? Do you break out in hives? As Christians we are called to share the Good News of Christ, yet as Episcopalians we often find this a very difficult task. Join us as we discuss our perceptions of Evangelism, why it is difficult and ways in which we can more easily share our faith with integrity and grace.
Jennifer Lawson and Marty Torrance will lead this Common Grounds forum.
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An Invitation from The Daughters of the King
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The Mary and Martha Chapter of the Daughters of the King meets on the second Saturday at 10:00 am in the Bridal Parlor from September to May, with the exception of January. All women in St. Christopher’s Church are invited to attend any of our meetings. For our November meeting we have a presentation by our Associate Interim Rector.
Evangelism with Integrity
A Presentation by The Reverend Dr. Larry Walters
Saturday, November 10 at 10:00 am in the Bridal Parlor
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“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call upon him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” Romans 10: 12-17
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St. Christopher’s Christmas Outreach Project
Holiday Tote Pickup, November 11
The holidays are quickly approaching and plans are to help the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center bring joy to families living on the Southwest side of Indianapolis. One hundred totes will be available on Sunday, November 11, for you to take home and fill with suggested items for a special Christmas dinner for families participating in the MRNC program. Last year the Center distributed over 600 totes of food to families in need. The joy felt and support given were God’s love in action. Please join our mission to help bring Christmas cheer to the MRNC families.
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Backpack Ministry
In advance of our next delivery date in December,
we are asking for donations of individual mac & cheese cups, canned pasta, and individual cereals. Please consider adding these items to your grocery list and purchase them as you shop for your household. Then bring your donations to church on Sundays. You will find baskets marked "Backpack Ministry" in the narthex.
Please note the next packing dates on your calendar: December 9 and 16.
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How to Make Your Pledge Online
Please consider making your 2019 pledge to St. Christopher's online in Realm, the church's administrative system. There are several benefits to doing so:
- You can manage payment options in your personal account and change them at any time
- You can check your giving history/statement from your computer or mobile device
- Pledging online creates less work for the administrative staff who must otherwise enter the information from printed pledge cards
You will find "Tips for Making a Pledge Online" on the round table in the narthex. Or view or download them for printing using the link below.
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Important Dates for Your Calendar
The
Save the Date page
of St. Christopher's website is updated weekly. Check this resource for new information. You also may want to review the insert in the Sunday bulletin, as it provides the schedule for the coming week.
November 11, 11:30 am | Anti-Racism Meeting
November 12, 6:30 pm | St. Christopher's 4Cs
November 14, 11:30 am | Young at Heart Luncheon (note earlier than usual date)
November 22-23 | Church office closed for Thanksgiving
December 2, 11:30 am | Advent for All
December 2, 11:30 am | Garden Planning Meeting
Church Office hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 12 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
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