Weekly newsletter from Christ Church

A message from the Rector

The progress on our nave continues at a remarkably efficient pace. Any worry I carried about being back before Easter has dissipated entirely. The scaffolding has been removed, the painters are hard at work on the walls (having completed the ceiling), and our Woglom guys are constructing the new, safer barrier for the choir loft.

So you'll probably understand why my sermon was not on the Gospel last week. While standing in the temple, Jesus makes the claim that everything will be torn down and then raised again in three days. The bystanders say, "Are you kidding? We've been building this thing for 46 years!" It just didn't resonate, given that our outstanding crew have been working well within every deadline they've set.

If I had commented, though, I would've reminded you that Christ Church has been under construction for far longer than 46 years. There are the physical aspects of what has changed since 1866: lighting, heating, cooling, and the like. But Jesus interprets this building spiritually, and so do we. To go to church is to face the dying and raising of our lives -- the weekly return to our burdens and crosses, our hopes and prayers, our surrender to and trust in the Lord who promises that whatever is torn down will be built up.

As Winston Churchill remarked, "First, we shape our buildings. Thereafter they shape us." Thank you for carrying on this work of restoration, which resounds in every level of our lives.

Faithfully,

Amber

Upcoming events

Change your clocks

This Sunday, we spring forward an hour. Don't forget to change your clocks.

Save the Nave!

All of Christ Church is invited to a series of six parties to come together in fellowship and learn about our historic nave. If you haven't received an invitation to one of these gatherings, let us know.

EYC

Thursday, March 14, 6:00 p.m.

All 6th-12th graders are invited to a gathering of our Episcopal Youth Community. We will meet at Liberty Green to join residents in a craft activity. EYC staff will be present in the lobby of Building 1 to greet and dismiss EYC members. Dinner included. Please RSVP to Melissa Wilkinson.

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 p.m.

This week, we will meet at the Warwick United Methodist Church on Forester Ave to assemble Easter baskets for the Alamo. Please RSVP to Joanne O'Keefe.

Men's group breakfast

Wednesday, March 20, 10:00 a.m.

Our men's group will gather for breakfast at the Edenville Deli. Let Bill O'Keefe know if you can make it.

Stump the priest

Every Sunday at 10:10 a.m.

During coffee hour, Amber will give an update on our building project and then tackle some of your questions on God, faith, life, or anything else. Submit some of your religiously-affiliated questions here.

Confirmation classes

Beginning Easter season on Wednesdays

Mark your Wednesday nights during the Easter season for this year's round of confirmation classes leading up to our bishop's visitation. You'll learn about where the Episcopal Church came from and what guides our prayers, thoughts, and actions.

Alamo Easter basket drive

Christ Church will join with Warwick United Methodist Church to provide Easter baskets to families in need. We hope to assemble 100 baskets and need to collect Easter candy, coloring books, crayons, small toys, and chocolate Easter bunnies. We also need baskets of all sizes (used or new.) Unable to shop? Let us know and we will purchase needed items with your donation.

A box will be set up in our kitchen for donations on Sunday, March 10 & March 17. Baskets will be assembled at the Methodist church on Thursday, March 21. Let Joanne O'Keefe know if you can help.

Book club

Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

March's selection is The Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen. An invitation to acknowledge our brokenness and awaken to the abiding love that God has for us, this classic explains the spiritual life in simple and powerful terms.

Cabaret Fundraiser

Saturday, April 20 - Mark your calendars!

Music starts at 7 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm). Tickets can be purchased from Barbara in the church office -- please make payment in advance of the event. The ticket price is $85, and includes table seating, light fare, and an intimate event featuring our wonderful professional musicians! Please join us for an incredibly fun evening for a great cause, and stay tuned for future announcements concerning this year’s silent auction items, baskets, and a 50/50 raffle!

Questions, please contact Ellen Metzger or Jean Storckman.

Community breakfast

Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Every Saturday morning, Christ Church volunteers serve a free hot breakfast to our anyone who needs it. This will continue as a take-out service as long as we're worshiping in the parish hall. Sign up to volunteer here.