August 20, 2023

Christ Church exists to show everyone God loves them unconditionally.

We do that by EXPERIENCING, EMBRACING, AND EXTENDING

God's love.

There are three ways to give to the mission of Christ Church:

you can mail in your pledge, give online, or text GIVE to (850) 403-6673.

We experience God's love (Worship)

Sunday 10:30 AM service streamed on Facebook Live or YouTube 

Click here to listen to last week's sermon.

**An email is sent on Saturdays with links for Sunday worship and Christian Education.

In-Person services on Sunday at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM

In-Person service on Wednesday at 12:00 PM



We embrace God's love (Study/Formation)

New Adult Christian Education Offering

"Christ Church’s One Foundation" ~ led by Fr. Michael and Rev. Katie

Sundays ~ 9:30 AM ~ Parish Hall

Join Fr. Michael and Rev. Katie as we focus on who we are as the people of Christ Church and the foundations of our faith. This class will lead us into the Fall and look at how we Engage, Experience, and Extend the love of God and practical ways to live out those foundations at Christ Church and in the world.

Adult Christian Education Offering

"Bad Girls of the Bible & What We Can Learn from Them"

Sundays ~ 9:30 AM ~ Rm. 31 of Education Bldg. or by Zoom link here

Meeting ID: 878 4884 3240 Password: 510649

The story of “Samson and Delilah” told in the Biblical book of Judges has inspired songs, books, and movies. In those artistic works usually depict her as a tempter who is solely responsible for Samson’s demise and death. What is really known about Delilah? Was she as vile as portrayed? Her importance in and for the life of God’s chosen people will be the center of conversation for this coming Sunday’s class.   

We extend the love of God (Outreach/Parishioner Support)

Bridging the Gap

Our neighbors without homes are in great need of new or used clothes (especially men’s), socks, washcloths, and toiletries – including bars of soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, hand sanitizer, and hand cream. Donations can be left in the boxes labeled 'Bridging the Gap' in the back hallway of the church offices. Please click here for more information on how to help.

HAPPENINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Second Grade Bible Presentation

Sunday, August 20

Christ Church Choristers begin

Wednesday, August 23

Seekers begin

Wednesday, August 23

Christ Church Women's Retreat

September 22-24

NEW ADULT EDUCATION OFFERING

"Christ Church’s One Foundation" ~ led by Fr. Michael and Rev. Katie

Sundays ~ 9:30 AM ~ Parish Hall

Join Fr. Michael and Rev. Katie as we focus on who we are as the people of Christ Church and the foundations of our faith. This class will lead us into the Fall and look at how we Engage, Experience, and Extend the love of God and practical ways to live out those foundations at Christ Church and in the world.

SECOND GRADE BIBLE PRESENTATION

Sunday, August 20 ~ during the 10:30 AM service

On Sunday, August 20, during the 10:30 service, we invite our 2nd grade families to join us to be recognized and for a bible presentation. We have purchased special bibles that are age-appropriate and easy to fold into your family’s life. These bibles are theirs to take home, read, and learn from over the next few years. We encourage parents to read these bible stories with your child and to let them read them on their own. In addition to receiving their bibles, second graders are also invited to be readers on Sunday morning at any service; contact Victoria to be included.

SEEKERS (for 2nd - 5th grades) BEGINS AUGUST 23

Wednesdays ~ 2:30-3:15 PM ~ Undercroft

On Wednesday afternoons, 2nd graders through 5th graders solve a weekly mystery using scripture - finding out who God is, how he works, and what he calls us to do. Tess (Christ Church Youth Director) and Victoria (Dir. of Children & Family Ministry @ Christ Church) lead "Seekers" from 2:30-3:15 PM on Wednesdays in the Undercroft. All children must be picked up from Christ Church at 3:15 PM except for those transitioning to Choristers.

This year, Seekers is broken up into two sessions. Session 1 runs August through November and is accepting registrations NOW. Session 2 runs January through April. Registration is required to participate (especially for families wanting us to pick up their child from EDS and walk them over) but that is the most formal thing about this whole afternoon! Click here to register. Interested in joining Dr. Jason and the Chorister program at 3:30? This is the perfect bridge for families that have early release and don't want the back and forth! 

CHRIST CHURCH CHORISTERS REGISTRATION

NOW OPEN!

Registration is now open for the Christ Church Chorister program! Rehearsals are slated to begin Wednesday, August 23. Junior Choristers (Grades 3 – 5) will rehearse from 3:30-4:30 PM and Senior Girls (Grades 6 – 12) will rehearse from 4:00-5:30 PM in the Choir Room. Based on registration numbers, the two groups may be combined for a rehearsal from 3:30-5:00 PM, if necessary. The final rehearsal schedule will be clearly communicated to chorister parents.

Christ Church Choristers is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music and will utilize the RSCM Voice for Life curriculum, allowing motivated choristers to achieve recognition for their musical achievements. In addition to instruction in singing and music theory, Choristers will also receive training in the history of sacred music and liturgy. There is no cost to participate in Christ Church Choristers. The Choristers join the Parish Choir at the 10:30 AM Eucharist on the first and third Sundays of each month, as well as the Christmas Eve 6:00 PM service and Easter Day 9:00 and 11:00 services. In the future, the Choristers will also join the Parish Choir for Choral Evensong and Lessons & Carols services. The Christ Church Chorister Registration form may be found here.

Save the date!!

CHRIST CHURCH WOMEN'S RETREAT 2023

"Retreat, Re-Center, Renew"

September 22-24 ~ Beckwith Camp & Conference Center

Register online; forms also available on the information table in the Parish Office.

YACC (YOUNG ADULTS OF CHRIST CHURCH)

Tuesdays ~ 6:30 PM

Odd Colony

Starting in August, we meet at Odd Colony at our new time: 6:30 PM. Come join us for conversation, fellowship, and Bible Study on the Book of Amos (no preparation needed). Please contact Rev. Katie or Tess with any questions.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Thursday, August 17 ~ 9:00 AM ~ Parlor

Newcomers always welcome; instructions provided for those who wish to learn!

Attention 6th—12th graders!!

JOIN AN ACOLYTE TEAM!

Acolytes are “ones who help” and are important individuals that make worship possible on Sunday mornings. From serving as a torch bearer that shines the light of Christ to being a server who helps prepare the Lord’s Table, there are many ways to be part of the team. Any 6th-12th grade youth can become an acolyte, serving roughly one Sunday a month. Click here to learn more or join an acolyte team.

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OFFERING

Bad Girls of the Bible & What We Can Learn from Them

Sundays ~ 9:30 AM

Rm. 31 of Education Bldg. or by Zoom link here

The story of “Samson and Delilah” told in the Biblical book of Judges has inspired songs, books, and movies. In those artistic works usually depict her as a tempter who is solely responsible for Samson’s demise and death. What is really known about Delilah? Was she as vile as portrayed? Her importance in and for the life of God’s chosen people will be the center of conversation for this coming Sunday’s class.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

8:00 AM – Worship with Nursery available. The Nursery is available for children ages infant through 3 years old. This year, special books, age-appropriate activities, and a snack are offered.

9:30 AM – Sunday School is available for children and youth. The Nursery is available for children ages infant through 3 years old. Godly Play is offered for children 4 years old through 3rd grade. Journey Through the Bible is offered for children in 4th and 5th grades.

10:30 AM – Worship with Nursery available. The Nursery is available for children ages infant through 3 years old. This service also includes Children's Chapel during the sermon, designed especially for children ages 4 years old and up. Children are invited to follow the cross down the main aisle during the sequence hymn and will return during the peace, just in time to have communion with their families.

STAY CONNECTED WITH

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY!

Children and Family Ministry (CFM) has two ways to keep our families connected with Christ Church during the week. CFM is on Instagram, @cckidspensacola, and shares what is happening on Sunday mornings & ideas for how to keep faithful conversations happening during the week. CFM also has a bite-sized weekly email with the "5 Things" our families need to know for the week – Sunday reminders, save the dates, and more. Would you like to be added? Email Victoria to be added to the list!

EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY NEWS

EYC NEW FALL SCHEDULE!

Our calendar is now digital! Find it on the EYC page on the church's website, in the weekly newsletter email, or scan the QR code on the paper calendar that was mailed out. If you want to receive a mailed calendar and have not, please email Tess with your name, youth names and address. 

Weekly & Monthly Meetings

Sunday School ~ Sundays, 9:30-10:15 AM ~ in the Undercroft 

High School Bible Study beginning August 31 ~ Thursdays, 7:15-8:00 AM

(location TBD)

Youth Group ~ Mondays, 7:00-8:30 PM (all youth) 

Drop off at back gate in the parking lot and pick up from the front doors of the church.

Volunteering

All youth opportunities are offered the 3rd Saturday of each month. Look for sign-ups in advance!

Presidential Points of Light Award

An award for outstanding volunteer service! See the EYC page on the church's website for more details about requirements and how to submit hours. All hours acquired from August 2023-August 2024 are accepted.

UPCOMING DIOCESAN EVENTS

ALTAR FLOWER DEDICATIONS

Each week our worship service is enhanced with beautiful fresh flowers. After the Sunday services, the altar flower arrangements are reworked into smaller arrangements. These arrangements are delivered to members of our parish family that are unable to attend a Sunday service. The altar flowers are a memorial, a thanksgiving for an anniversary, a birthday, a new birth, or a thanksgiving for God's blessings. The donation is listed in the weekly bulletin. Forms to participate in this ministry are available here and on the information table in the Parish Office.

CARE IN COMMUNITY

Christ Church is here for you. There are many ministries to love and support the people who are the church. If you are interested in assisting with staying connected to our church family, please email Rev. Katie or call her at the Parish Office, 850-432-5115. It is easy to feel alone or disconnected, so reach out to one of the priests or someone at the church to say hello. Contact Rev. Katie if you or anyone you know has any needs. If you have a pastoral emergency, please call our pastoral care emergency line to speak directly with one of the priests: (850) 462-5137.

PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY

I. For Those in Need. Including the poor, the unemployed, the lonely, the hungry, the homeless, the abused, the sick and dying, and those who grieve. For those suffering in body, mind, or spirit—including Members: Don Meyer, John Hunt, Joel Maddox, Elaine & Bill Parker, Joan & Paul White, Chuck Riley, George Andrews, John & Gail LeRoy, Leonora Edwards, Susan Martin, Nancy Stafford, Laura Wolfersperger, Dee Whisenhunt Family & Friends: Judy Andreolli, John Lind, Evy, Melanie Smith, Steve Corman, Kelly Currin, Rob Wilmer. 

II. For Those in the Armed Forces, especially—Erik Barton, Stewart Bova, Morgan Cochran, Danica Roark Domokos, Sam Gaston, Robert Geiger, Sterling Gilliam III, Mitchell Harless, William Harper, Harry B. Harris, Benjamin Jensen, Joshua Justin, Art Lantigua, Hillary Leonard, Ben Mathis, Kathryn Martin, Sean McAbee, Tony Miller, Austin Ordway, Gavin Harris Patterson, Kyle Roberson, Peter Shelton, Evan Valdyke, Wesley Valdyke, Jake Willstatter; and all those who serve this nation in harm’s way.

III. For All who have Died. May their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

IV. In Thanksgiving. For those in our parish celebrating birthdays—Jim Allebach, Naomi McGraw, Ken Woolf—and anniversaries—Melissa & Gary Lincoln (40 yrs).

To submit a prayer request, email prayer-request@christ-church.net and let us know if this is for the public prayer list or for our confidential intercessory prayer list. You may also fill out the prayer request form online at our website (found on the Pastoral Care page under “Ministries”). All published prayer requests on this list also go on the confidential intercessory prayer list. Please note that names remain on the prayer list for 4 weeks and on our confidential intercessory prayer list until you ask to be removed. Please resubmit your request if you or a loved one needs to remain on the list. This helps keep our prayers current. Names in bold print indicate new additions to the prayer list.

TRANSITIONS

We welcome

John & Della DeWitt who visited with us on 30 July 2023.

We welcome to Christ Church

Norborne Alexander (Alen) Brown, III

who has transferred to us from St. John's, Tallahassee, FL.

STAY CONNECTED