Weekly newsletter from Christ Church

A message from the Rector

On Monday, I had the true joy and privilege to welcome the Rev. Raymond Harbort, rector of Christ Church from 1971-1987, and his husband, Henry Baird, back through our red doors. Father Harbort is retired (though Henry emphasized the flexible nature of that word for him) and now living in Pennsylvania.

During his tenure here, Father Harbort guided Christ Church through a significant time of change and liturgical renewal. At that point in our history, the entire Episcopal Church was transitioning to a new prayer book in 1979 which would lead to the weekly celebration of the Eucharist (rather than Morning Prayer as previously practiced.) A few years later, the 1982 Hymnal became our official hymnal.

And of course, much has changed since then, too. As we toured the church and rectory, we regaled each other with tales -- his of the past, mine of the present and what scraps I've gathered in between. My favorite story of his was probably the one about the bishop running over an hour late for confirmation, so Father Harbort had to officiate until the bishop arrived -- including composing a sermon in the time from the procession to the reading of the Gospel. (This is actually a nightmare I have regularly.)

Thanks be to God for the opportunity to share the life and heritage of this church with one another! I've asked Father Harbort to consider visiting again, next time on a Sunday to return to our pulpit and altar. I've even heard that Henry swings a mean thurible. Here's hoping.

Grace to you and peace,

Amber

Upcoming events

Chili cook-off

Tuesday, February 21, 6:00 p.m.

The men's group of Christ Church invite all to join us for a Fat Tuesday chili cook-off fundraiser! Everyone who attends will be given a bowl to sample as many chilis as you like. We'll have a jazz band, cash bar, and voting for best chilis. At 7:30 p.m., we'll hold a liturgy of burning greens to be used for the next day's Ash Wednesday services. Entrance: $8 for chili, toppings, and drinks. Sign up here.

Women's group

Friday, February 24, 6:30 p.m.

Come learn about the Thrift Store ministry over dinner with other women of the church! Bring a bag of donations (clothing, shoes, housewares) and be entered into a raffle. Bring a dish and/or beverage to share. RSVP to Louise Schultz or text (845) 641-4482.

Book club

Tuesday, February 28, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion on Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet by Thich Nhat Hanh. New members are always welcome! Email Lisa Laico to be added to the contact list.

Pastoral care

February's pastoral care team is led by Edda Agosto. Feel free to reach out with any pastoral care concerns.

Episcopal Youth Community

Wednesday, February 15, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

All 6th-12th graders are invited to EYC! We will meet at the Warwick ShopRite to restock items for our Blessing Box and have dinner at Luca Pizzeria.

Wednesday, March 1, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

It's Stone Soup and Psalm Bomb night! We'll make soup as well as greetings to share with our church family. Please bring one item (veggies, broth, spices, etc.) to add to our soup pot. RSVP to Joanne O’Keefe if you plan to attend and let us know what you will add to our community soup pot.

Confirmation classes

Wednesdays through 2/15, 6:00 p.m.

What's an Episcopalian, and what makes us a unique expression of Christianity? Come find out in this ongoing class taught by our rector.

Poetry of transformation and repentance

Wednesdays during Lent, 6:00 p.m.

The Greek metanoia is often translated as repentance, but suggests a deeper sense of transformation. Join Amber, our rector, for a discussion of works of poetry that explore these concepts of the season of Lent.