October 1, 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)

Adult Christian Education Offerings

8-plus — A casual time of conversations and coffee following the 8 AM service. Each week we will look at one foundational aspect of our faith. This offering is held in the Parlor.

Foundations — A new adult formation opportunity at 9:30 AM. This is an opportunity in which we look at the foundations of our faith. Each week we will hear from voices in our tradition and each other. This same curriculum will be used in two separate classes:

Foundations for Families – led by Fr. Michael in the Library.

Foundations – led by Rev. Katie in the Parish Hall.

Adult Christian Education Offering

POST-Traumatic Jesus: A Healing Gospel for the Wounded

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

Meeting ID: 878 4884 3240 Password: 510649

In chapter seven of this book, Episcopal priest David Peters examines what he calls societal dis-EASE. And in chapters eight and nine he writes about ways that Jesus’ healing teachings of the Beatitudes and the parable of “The Good Samaritan” minister to the dis-EASE. You are welcome to join the conversation about these familiar stories even if you have not read the book. Rev. Peters’ purpose for this book is for Christians to see the true good news for those experiencing the dis-EASE of social uncertainty.

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

Be a Montclair Elementary Mentor/Volunteer

Over the past several years, Christ Church has built a strong relationship with the students and staff at Montclair Elementary. We are thrilled to return to in-person mentoring and volunteering this school year! If you are interested in serving as a mentor – someone who can commit to regularly listening, supporting, and encouraging a student for one hour each week or every other week during the school year – or a volunteer – someone who assists occasionally with needs around the school – please email Krista. All mentors and volunteers (returning and new) will need to fill out a new application and be screened. Mentor and volunteer training will be held at Christ Church in the Library on Friday, October 13 at 11 AM.

Favor House Learning Kitchen Amazon Drive

Christ Church is supporting Favor House in providing a new learning kitchen for the children and women survivors of domestic violence. Favor House has created an Amazon wish list of items for their new family education center kitchen. To donate, click here. Favor House has provided us with three wish lists, which you can find on the left-hand side of the Amazon page. For delivery options, please select “Jennifer Hill.” Please contact Rev. Katie with any questions.

HAPPENINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Spaghetti Dinner

Sunday, October 1

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 7

Consecration Sunday

Sunday, October 29

COMMUNITY SPAGHETTI DINNER

Sunday, October 1 ~ 5:00-6:30 PM

The Downtown Clergy Association is hosting an Interfaith Spaghetti Dinner! All are invited to join us for an evening of fellowship and good food! We will enjoy our meal at banquet style tables lining Wright Street, between Guillemard and Palafox. Occurring during the Festival of Sukkot — the Feast of Tabernacles, we hope the event will honor the festival’s themes of gratitude, community, and hospitality. This event is a collaboration of Christ Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Temple Beth El, First Baptist Church, Allen Chapel AME, and First United Methodist Church. 

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Saturday, October 7 ~ 9:00 AM ~ Front Courtyard

Each year on the weekend closest to St. Francis Day we have the Blessing of Animals. Any animal you can bring is welcome — along with a donation of canned or packaged pet food for our local animal shelter!

BE A MONTCLAIR ELEMENTARY MENTOR/VOLUNTEER!

Over the past several years, Christ Church has built a strong relationship with the students and staff at Montclair Elementary. We are thrilled to return to in-person mentoring and volunteering this school year! If you are interested in serving as a mentor – someone who can commit to regularly listening, supporting, and encouraging a student for one hour each week or every other week during the school year – or a volunteer – someone who assists occasionally with needs around the school – please email Krista. All mentors and volunteers (returning and new) will need to fill out a new application and be screened. Mentor and volunteer training will be held at Christ Church in the Library on Friday, October 13 at 11 AM.

FAVOR HOUSE LEARNING KITCHEN AMAZON DRIVE

Christ Church is supporting Favor House in providing a new learning kitchen for the children and women survivors of domestic violence. Favor House has created an Amazon wish list of items for their new family education center kitchen. To donate, click here. Favor House has provided us with three wish lists, which you can find on the left-hand side of the Amazon page. For delivery options, please select “Jennifer Hill.” Please contact Rev. Katie with any questions.

NEW 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. A training will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 10 AM beginning in the Nave. Contact Krista to be part of this new ministry.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES & WAYS TO SERVE

AT CHRIST CHURCH

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.

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.

ECW OCTOBER LUNCHEON

Tuesday, October 3 ~ 11:30 AM

Parish Hall

“Filling the Mayflower”

ECW welcomes DeDe Flounlacker, Executive Director of Manna Food Pantries, and Jen Bradshaw of Coastal Moving and Storage, Mayflower Vanlines to speak about their dynamic partnership to help our community! Cost of box lunch is $15; payable at the door. Please sign up by Friday, September 29, by contacting Kelly at the Parish Office, 432-5115, or by email here. There is also a sign up sheet on the information table in the Parish Office.

BELLS ARE RINGING AGAIN!

The handbell choir is excited to be back in swing again after a long hiatus from the pandemic. We had a “soft opening” in August, and are now back on a regular schedule of practice and playing for church. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 5 PM in the Library. We need more ringers, so if you are interested in learning how to ring, please contact Danny Lyons.

YACC (YOUNG ADULTS OF CHRIST CHURCH)

Tuesdays ~ 6:30 PM

Odd Colony

September 26 ~ No gathering. Look forward to seeing you next week!

October 3 ~ Join us for conversation, fellowship, and Bible Study on the Book of Amos

(no preparation needed).

October 10 ~ Join us for conversation and fellowship

with our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Russell Kendrick.

Friday, October 13 ~ YACC attends Dracula at PLT. Contact Tess for more information.

Please contact Rev. Katie or Tess with any questions.

EPIC BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, October 4 ~ 3:00 PM ~ Library

**Please note change of location!**

The Epic Book Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 3:00 PM in the Library on the second floor of the Christian Education building. The September book discussion will be The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron. Please click here to be added to the email list for updates, and/or join our Facebook group (EPIC Bookclub of Christ Episcopal Church).

ST. LUKE’S CHAPTER

Tuesday, October 10 ~ 11:00 AM ~ at the home of Bonnie Benz

This month we will have a potluck lunch at the home of Bonnie Benz, 4350 Gusty Terrace. Please RSVP to Marcia Sevold.

HOLY BAPTISM AT CHRIST CHURCH

Upcoming Dates for the Sacrament of New Birth

November 5, 2023 — All Saints' Sunday

January 7, 2024 — Baptism of our Lord

Please contact Kelly at the Parish Office to make preparations.

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION BOOK STUDY

POST-Traumatic Jesus: A Healing Gospel for the Wounded

by Rev. David W. Peters

Sundays ~ 9:15 AM

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

In chapter seven of this book, Episcopal priest David Peters examines what he calls societal dis-EASE. And in chapters eight and nine he writes about ways that Jesus’ healing teachings of the Beatitudes and the parable of “The Good Samaritan” minister to the dis-EASE. You are welcome to join the conversation about these familiar stories even if you have not read the book. Rev. Peters’ purpose for this book is for Christians to see the true good news for those experiencing the dis-EASE of social uncertainty.

SUNDAY 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 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

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 Meetings

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

(access through the black gate in the parking lot)

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

(drop off at the black gate in the parking lot; pick up from the front doors of the church —

     parents are welcome to join us for compline in the church at 8:15 PM)

High School Bible Study ~ Thursdays, 7-8 AM ~ at Bodacious

Volunteering

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

View our calendar of events here

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: Greg, Connie Marse, Christy Moore, Judy Andreolli, 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—Brianne Huie, Meg Melvin, Roger Sherman, Tracie Stitt—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.

STAY CONNECTED