Christ Church Chronicle 12-17-23

December 17, 2023

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OUR PARISH MISSION

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)

Advent Christian Formation Offering

“Spoken through the Prophets” led by Fr. Michael & Rev. Katie

Sunday, December 17 ~ 9:30 AM ~ Parish Hall

Join Fr. Michael and Rev. Katie as they conclude their Advent series, “Spoken through the Prophets”. The season of Advent is a time of preparation, and we hear several passages from the Prophet Isaiah. In this class, we will study the birth narratives in the Gospel of Matthew and Luke and what we hear from the Prophets Isaiah, Micah, and Malachi. This class will be held at 9:30 AM in the Parish Hall.

Adult Christian Education Offering

An Advent Meditation — Preparing the Way: Christian Practices for Advent

from The Forward Movement

Sundays, December 17 & 31 ~ 9:15 AM ~ Rm. 31 of Education Bldg. or by Zoom link here

Meeting ID: 878 4884 3240 Password: 510649

The season of Advent is a time for reflection, watching, and expectant waiting to see the Messiah. How do Christians do these things? Participants are to read the daily Advent meditation which includes an activity to enhance understanding of God’s intention for the Messiah. Then on Sunday morning the group will gather to share insights and effects of the activities for deeper meaning for the season.

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

Montclair Angel Tree

Christ Church is supporting students in great need at Montclair Elementary School with gifts for Christmas. The Angel Tree is in the Parish Hall. “Adopt” a student to provide an outfit and toy for Christmas or a teacher to provide gift cards for needed classroom items and appreciate the work they do. Too busy or prefer not to shop? No problem! Donations are greatly appreciated via a check made out to Christ Church, clearly marked for the Angel Tree, that can be dropped off at Church, in the Parish Hall, mailed in, or you can give online (please select outreach fund). We will also need volunteers to help shop, sort, and transport gifts. To volunteer or if you have any questions, contact Krista. All labeled, unwrapped presents must be brought to the church by Wednesday, December 13.

Ministry Opportunities & Ways to Serve

What does it mean to be the Church? The Church is not a building, but a community of people and there are many opportunities where you can share your gifts within our community. How is God leading YOU to serve in new and exciting ways at Christ Church? For a full list of ministry descriptions, please click here; for volunteer signup form, click here.

Host Ministry

Hosts welcome visitors and parishioners to Christ Church on Sunday mornings before the 8 AM service, 9:30 AM formation hour, and 10:30 AM service. Hosts provide directions to various locations to aid in navigating our church campus, creating a welcoming experience. Contact Krista to be part of this new ministry.

HAPPENINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Angel Tree

& Christmas Flower Dedications due

Wednesday, December 13

Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 17

Christmas Eve Services

Sunday, December 24

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE

Children's Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 17 ~ during the 10:30 service

Christmas Eve ~ Sunday, December 24

9:30 AM Holy Eucharist ~ Nursery care available

**Please note we will offer only one service in the morning on Christmas Eve.**

(**No Christian Education**)

4:00 PM Holy Eucharist for Children & Families ~ Nursery care available

6:00 PM Holy Eucharist ~ Nursery care available

10:00 PM Christmas Prelude Concert with the Parish Choir

10:30 PM The Midnight Mass of Christmas

**Please note we will not offer a service on Christmas Day.**

The Parish Office will be closed

Monday, December 25 through Monday, January 1.

THE MONTCLAIR ANGEL TREE IS HERE!

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DEDICATIONS

The beautiful poinsettias and live greenery that adorn our altar, chancel rail and chapel are a special part of the celebration of Christmas at Christ Church. We invite all parishioners to share in the experience through a memorial or thanksgiving gift. Names of the loved ones you honor or remember will be printed in the Christmas bulletin. Flower dedication forms are available here and on the information table in the Parish Hall and are due no later than Wednesday, December 13.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Sunday, December 17 ~ 10:30 service

The Children’s Christmas pageant, "The Friendly Beasts", takes place *during* the 10:30 AM service on Sunday, December 17. This interactive pageant tells the story of Jesus' birth through the eyes of those that were in the stable with him, the animals. Our fourth and fifth graders open the pageant and the younger children of Christ Church help them to take us all on a very special journey. The congregation takes part in singing the Christmas songs we know and love so well. There’s something for everyone! Children (2 yrs. old and up) that want to participate in the pageant can be dropped off in the Parlor at 10:15 AM that Sunday morning to put on costumes and prepare for their big moment. From 10:15 to the start of the pageant, they will be cared for, filled with donuts, and have some Christmas fun. Pageant participants will then be escorted to the church for the pageant. There are no additional rehearsals for the pageant prior to the 17th.

The 10:30 service on December 17 has all of the traditional service pieces in a shorter timeframe. (Father Michael has promised a short and sweet sermon.) The pageant begins immediately following the Hymn in Procession. Both the service and the pageant fit within the “normal“ 10:30 AM service footprint. The nursery is always available for those who prefer that option. There will not be additional offerings/Sunday School/Children's Chapel for children on Sunday, the 17th, as everyone is invited to join the pageant. There is room for every child that would like to participate. We have plenty of costumes and roles available! For questions, please contact Victoria.

ADVENT CHRISTIAN FORMATION OFFERING:

“Spoken through the Prophets” led by Fr. Michael & Rev. Katie

Sunday, December 17 ~ 9:30 AM ~ Parish Hall

YACC (YOUNG ADULTS OF CHRIST CHURCH)

Tuesday, December 12 ~ 6:30 PM ~ Odd Colony

YACC CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

Tuesday, December 19 ~ 6-8 PM ~ Parish Hall

Join the Young Adults of Christ Church on Tuesday, December 19 for a Christmas Social! We will meet in the Parish Hall from 6-8 PM. Come for a catered meal by Moe's and stay for the holiday games and treats! Please bring a new, wrapped ornament to participate in our ornament exchange.

Please contact Rev. Katie or Tess with any questions.

CIRCLE OF CARE MEETING

Wednesday, December 13 ~ 11:00 AM ~ Library

PRIMETIMERS CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

Wednesday, December 13 ~ 1:30 PM ~ Library

The Primetimers will have a Christmas social on Wednesday, December 13 at 1:30 PM in the Library. Please join us and bring your favorite goodie with some to share. We hope to see you there!

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Thursday, December 14 ~ 9:30 AM ~ Centering Prayer Room

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

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EfM) REGISTRATION FOR NEW YEAR

The Outline of Faith in our Book of Common Prayer asks the question “Through whom does the Church carry out its mission?” Our answer is “The church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.” EfM will enrich your spiritual life and support you as you discover and live out your ministry. How can you best use your gifts and talents? EfM is designed for lay people with big questions and a hunger to better understand our faith. We join together weekly to study Old Testament, New Testament, church history and theological thinking in a four year program but you only commit to one academic year at a time. The seminar builds fellowship, understanding and a sense of how God is working in your life. Registration for our new year ends December 12. We will meet on Tuesday evenings at Christ Church, 5-7:30 PM beginning January 9, 2024. Tuition includes the 2022-2023 Reading and Reflection Guide. For additional information, contact Pam Tanner with questions.

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION OFFERING

An Advent Meditation —

Preparing the Way: Christian Practices for Advent

from The Forward Movement

Sundays, December 17 & 31 ~ 9:15 AM

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

HOLY BAPTISM AT CHRIST CHURCH

Upcoming Dates for the Sacrament of New Birth

January 7, 2024 — Baptism of our Lord

Please contact Kelly at the Parish Office to make preparations.

SUNDAY CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

**Please note Sunday School will not be offered

on Sundays, December 17, 24 & 31;

it will resume on Sunday, January 7.**

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 hymn of praise 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 DECEMBER EVENTS

Sunday, December 17

No Youth Sunday School at 9:30! Sunday School will resume in January.
Advent Youth Chapel — EYC will pause our usual Sunday School at 9:30 AM. Instead, join us for chapel during the 10:30 service. Youth will leave the service and head to the Undercroft to talk about how we prepare during Advent. We will return to church at the announcements. Youth Chapel runs through Sunday, December 17.
High School Only Christmas Party in the Undercroft on Sunday, December 17, following the 10:30 service. Lunch provided. Please bring a wrapped $10 gift to participate in our dirty Santa gift exchange!

CHRIST CHURCH NAMETAGS

Christ Church nametags are back! To request yours, please sign up after services on Sundays in the Parish Hall or online here. Nametags may be picked up in the Parish Hall the Sunday after your request is submitted.

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 Hall.

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.

BIRTHDAYS & WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

FOR THE PARISH FAMILY

We would like to give thanks for these special days and to add your name to the published prayer list in the Chronicle. Please print your name on the calendar on the information table in the Parish Hall. The calendar is checked weekly before the prayer list goes to print.

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, John & Gail LeRoy, Leonora Edwards, Susan Martin, Laura Wolfersperger, Dee Whisenhunt Family & Friends: Noel Cole, Mary Ann Ahearn, Scott Harbison, Stacey Kenefick, Dwayne McKinney, Jeff Roser, Jane Buttram, Craig Carlson, Pierre Montambault, Jeff, Ghada, Stephen & Sabastian Pribble, 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, 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—Mary Clark Cannington, Ray Jones, Lucy Adams Stevenson—and anniversaries.

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.

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STAY CONNECTED