Dear friends,
I am so proud of us, the people of Christ Church.
Colossians 4:5-6
Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders. Make the most of every moment and every encounter. When you speak the word, speak it gracefully (as if seasoned with salt), so you will know how to respond to everyone rightly.
For 14 months we have been adapting, learning, and growing together. You have been sharing the message of Christ to friends and families, inviting them to “check out” our online and Facebook worship. We have never missed a Sunday of worship in our sanctuary. That is pretty unusual my friends. I am proud of us.
Together we have learned about gifts of technology. Octogenarians and younger folk have embraced zoom bible study, zoom meetings, and experiencing the Holy Spirit through our online presence. It hasn’t been easy for everyone; however, the commitment to Christ and Christ Church is indeed strong.
Episcopalians have never been good at evangelism, in the direct sense of inviting someone to church; however, you (because of and in spite of a global pandemic) have become good at inviting others to our mission and ministry at Christ Church. You indeed have made the “most of every encounter” and become good evangelists!
We will continue to open slowly. Our church services (inside) are limited to 60. We meet as God’s people the best we are able. Our outside worship under the new wonderful tent will begin June 13th, 9am and many upcoming opportunities and offerings will be Covid-19 safety compliant.
I am proud to announce, because of our Diocesan-wide reputation for outdoor worship and excellent audio video capabilities we will be one of the few sites to host Confirmation. This will happen the week following the Harvest Festival, September 18th.
YES, the Harvest Festival is back!!!!! September 11th is the date! We will continue to celebrate our 175th Anniversary, honor First Responders and this country. We will continue to be evangelists!
The Christ Church Vestry is the governing body of the Festival. Liaisons have been assigned to varying committees. Committee chairs will be seeking volunteers, experienced or inexperienced, to help that day.
Our 175th Anniversary celebration will officially be held October 3, 2021. The day will begin with worship at 10am. A wonderful catered brunch beneath the tent with live music will follow. We will have limited tickets (100-120) for sale soon. It will be a wonderful day!
Our 175th Anniversary will officially end on January 9, 2022, with the Right Reverend Alan M. Gates celebrating and preaching. Bishop Gates will also be baptizing! I don’t know the last time a Bishop has baptized any person at Christ Church. Please let me know if you know!
You are “speaking the Word gracefully.” I thank each and every one of you as we endure the Great Pandemic of the 21st Century.
Alan+
Fr. Alan Hesse