The Courier

March 2003

Volume 56, Issue 3

Center of the Square – Christ Church Community Center

After many months of preparation and planning, the not-for-profit community center at Christ Church is ready to begin its work. Many people have been involved to make this happen, both parishioners and neighbors. We recognize Barbara Harrington, Jim Oppenheimer, Denise Quis, David Sherwood, Alice and Fred Bunnell, Don Moore, and Rosemarie Calista for playing active and significant roles in the founding of the community center. Please read further to learn more about the work of the center and to be clear about how it is structured.

The rationale for this initiative is two-fold. First of all, because the arterials effectively divide the City of Poughkeepsie into “north and south” many of us see a need to operate a neighborhood community on “our side” of town. On the north side, the Catharine Street Community Center has served its neighborhood well for over seventy-five years. A similar facility is needed for the neighborhood around our church which brings me to the second reason for opening the center. Christ Church does not have the resources on its own, to open and operate such a center. More importantly, even if it did, it probably shouldn’t do so, without the obvious and intentional participation of the people who love here. The community center therefore does not only serve the neighborhood, but it also brings us into a relationship with our neighbors that does not currently exist.

The Community Center will begin with three programs: Climb the Beanstalk, the Summer Camp, and the Latino cultural orientation programming. The community center Board is working with CME this year to complete the transition of these three programs from church to community center. Once that has occurred, the Board will begin to look at other services it may be able to offer. Although the Center will be open to everyone, it will focus primarily on the needs of the people and institutions within the Clinton School catchment area.

The Board will be responsible for funding the Center’s programs. A grant writing committee is in place and working. One of its identified sources of income is the Christ Church Winant Fund. The Vestry, at the recommendation of CME, has already outlined a process that could make Winant Fund income available to the Community Center. The Board will write a grant and submit it to CME, which will work through the specifics of the request with the Board. If CME feels the request is legitimate, it will then forward the request to the Christ Church Vestry for approval. The Vestry acts on the request, and remains the only body with authority to disburse Winant Fund income. This process provides a clear channel for Winant income serving the neighborhood, while also providing a “checks and balances” on the direction of the Community Center. The Board will have to gain funding from many sources in order to fulfill its mission.

One such source is the communities of faith in Poughkeepsie and surrounding area. During the month of March, the Vestry has approved a “Founding Donors” campaign at Christ Church. This is the Board’s first fund raising effort. However the goal is modest—two hundred and fifty dollars. The Board would like to see everyone at Christ Church on a record as a “Founding Donor” of the Community Center. Therefore, donations will only be received in the on dollar to five dollar category! It is the Board’s hope that everyone from the newest of the newborn to the more senior on fixed income will be able to contribute and have their name listed in the archives. Donation forms will be available on Sundays and included with this Courier. If you need more forms, please see Michele at the parish office. The campaign will end on March 31, 2003.

These are exciting times for Christ Church. Our successful capital campaign will give us a boost to recover and restore our building and grounds. This Community Center will develop and strengthen our partnership with out immediate neighbors. The official history of Christ Church, published in 1910, refers to this block as “Christ Church Square.” The name of the community center will build upon that concept. Look for our new sign announcing the “Center of the Square—Christ Church Community Center.”

Michael

ASH WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

The schedule for Ash Wednesday is the following:

7am- Christ Church

Noon- St. Paul’s

7:30pm - Christ Church (bi-lingual). The sermon will be said in English at the 7am service and said in Spanish at the 7:30pm service. A printed copy of the sermon in English will be available.

A Note from God

March 2	Psalm 27:5-11	I Kings 19:9-18	II Peter 1:16-19 (20-21)	Mark 9:2-9
March 9	Psalm 25:3-9	Genesis 9:8-17	I Peter 3:18-22	Mark 1:9-13
March 16	Psalm 16:5-11	Genesis 22:1-14	Romans 8:31-39	Mark 8:31-38
March 23	Psalm 19:7-14	Exodus 20:1-17	Romans 7:13-25	John 2:13-22
March 30	Psalm 122	II Chronicles 36:14-23	Ephesians 2:4-10	John 6:4-15

From the Warden

The Vestry spent the weekend of January 24-26, 2003 in retreat at the House of the Redeemer in New York City. Alternating work, prayer and fun, this was a rejuvenating and community building event, laying the foundation for the tasks ahead.. We used intentional periods of quiet discernment and arrived at Vision, Mission and Value Statement: “The Vestry of Christ Church discerns the Spirit calling our parish to expand its diversity in all areas, such as: age, ethnicity, race and gender. This effort must be undertaken without promoting or continuing colonial attitudes. The Vestry further discerns that we are being called to expand the diversity of the congregation.” At the February vestry meeting we shared our reactions to the retreat and recommended an annual retreat for each newly coming vestry! This is an invitation! We also received and accepted with sadness Joe Crown’s resignation from the vestry and his position as treasurer. Joe and Mary Lou plan to move to North Carolina to be near two of their daughters and grandchildren. We wish them God’s speed, recall with love and fondness the joy they have brought us in so many ways, AND we give them a great send off! We are thankful that Lloyd Lee has agreed to be our new treasurer! Thank you Lloyd!

Our annual stewardship campaign has come to a successful conclusion. As a parish we have pledged $194,000.00 for our annual operation expanses for 2003. That is an increase of $6,000.00 over 2002. Thank you everybody, thank you Sally Vasse and Don Moore and all the other quiet, persistent helpers!

Peggy Kraft, Senior Warden

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

There will be a meeting of the Administrative Council on Sunday, March 16 at 12:30 pm in the Rector’s office.

ADULT FORUM

The Passion Narratives, compared:

You’ve read the story of the passion of our Lord many times. But have you ever compared the way the story is told in each of the Gospels? It is a fresh outlook on familiar stories. Each Gospel has a different point of view, and when we look at them together, it dramatizes the differences, and can help us appreciate the Gospel and the roots of our faith in a deeper, more meaningful way. The story of the Passion is a very good place to start, because so much of our faith has its origins in that text.

During several Sundays in Lent (March 9 through April 6), I will lead Adult Forum, which will feature an exploration of the Passion Narratives, comparing the way the story is told in each of the four Gospels. Printed handouts will display the Gospels side by side, so that they can be more easily compared. There will be no required readings, because the group will read all the texts together during the sessions.

Many people are very surprised at what they discover when they read a story as told by each of the four Evangelists. Join us, and find out more.

James Oppenheimer

DEACON’S BENCH

Why would you ever want to be a Pastoral Team member, or a Lay Eucharistic Minister, or a Lay Reader? Probably the best reason is that when you are involved in one or more of these ministries you are privilege to visit with some of the finest folks it’s ever been our honor to meet. You also get the chance to learn a lot of Christ Church and Poughkeepsie history. To say nothing of the fact that while you venture out to lift the spirits of a fellow parishioner, or the good people at Vassar-Warner Home, it is you who are uplifted.

Perhaps one of these roles is something you’ve been thinking about, and aren’t sure if you have the time to dedicate. You will be pleasantly surprised then at just how flexible participation can be. Let’s talk and see if this is a place for you to act on your Baptismal Covenant.

What you may not realize, if you are a visitor, a LEM or a Lay Reader, is just how important your visits are to those whose lives have become confined and even isolated because of old age, infirmity or frailty. When you are scheduled to go and visit someone, or take communion, please go. If you are a Lay Reader, please call me and volunteer for a convenient month to lead services at Vassar-Warner.

Also, during Lent we will be renewing the Licenses for all Lay Readers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, and Chalice Bearers. Renewal forms will be available from me on Sundays or from the Parish Office during the week. All will need to renew this year.

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Mary

PROPERTY EPISKOPOS

To date we have contracted to have the Parish house basement windows covered, the Parish House refrigerator repaired, and the circulation pump on the church boiler repaired. New spot lights have also been installed in the outside light fixtures. Snow removal has loomed large on our agenda recently.

Property will also be working with the Capital Projects Team, headed by Hal Gregorius, as work gets underway.

Louise Im

OUR PRISONS AND JUSTICE

On Thursday, March 20, From 6 to 7 pm there will be a panel on prison reform at the House of the Redeemer, 7 East 95^th Street in Manhattan, with refreshments afterwards. The panel will consist of four or five people who have special experience or perspective concerning our so-called correctional facilities. If you intend to come, please let Robert Fortna know (212/987-2291 or fortna@vassar.edu). And if you can, come at 5:30 for Evening Prayer in the chapel.

A TOO MANY TIMES TOLD TALE

“It hasn’t sunk in yet, I think. Just a week ago I was working: not making much but holding my own, sort of. Compliments were coming from my boss on the way I handled my job and I was looking forward to better times – until the end of that Wednesday, when the pink slip came, just before the rent was due, too. Now I don’t know where I’ll sleep tonight; it’s cold, and all I have left is what is on my back. Everything else I had – what there was – is gone. God knows where.”

Night is the worst time: feral, primitive. People about on the streets don’t know they are standing right next to another civilization; one that is primitive, with its own rules, if you could really call them that. I’ve already become pretty good at hiding, trying to wake up whole, without frost bite or worse.

But the worst is not the physical stuff; it’s knowing that I am no longer part of the same civilization. People look at me different now, like I really don’t belong on this planet with “real people” anymore. They spot me coming when I want to ask for work, for help, for anything.

The physical part is tough enough though as well. It takes a lot of energy to keep moving; to keep from getting busted for vagrancy or trespass. I can get a meal at a shelter sometimes but it’s just not enough. And scavenging for food is a real art form; trying to get some nutrition without a disease.

I know I have to get myself into a program somewhere but there are a lot more of us on the street now and there are waiting lists. Maybe I can keep myself together and safe until something good happens but every day seems like that is further away. Which reminds me; I saw an old roll of carpet behind one of the stores. If its still there, I could use it to roll up and keep out some of the cold tonight.

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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! The homeless population in Dutchess County – and Poughkeepsie, especially – is up substantially from last year. We immediately need two volunteers for our night at Hillcrest House on March 25. Also, there is a possibility that the shelter will be moved and expanded, creating a serious need for more volunteers. Please call me at 845-486-0230 or at the shelter at 845-452-5197.

Thank you,

David Newsome

FROM THE BATON OF LAURA RUSSELL, MUSIC DIRECTOR

John Sullivan’s Organ Recital on February 9^th was a great success! Nearly one hundred people came to hear “Fantasies, Fanfares, & Jigs – O My!” – a delightful exploration of lighter, foot-tapping organ works.

February services – healing of the pain of racism was for me a deeply meaningful collaboration of music, liturgy and prayer, which culminated for the choir in a concert of “Songs of Healing, Freedom, and Forgiveness.” I continue to feel blessed to be in the company of a choir who cares so deeply and who shares their musical gifts in worship. It is also deeply satisfying to me to have music to be included so intimately in our worship. Collaborating with Michael, Mary, and John on this February project has meant a great deal to me. Those of you who were unable to attend the concert in person may purchase a CD of the choir’s performance by contacting Laura Russell at the church office.

The benefit cello concert that Christ Church hosted in January raised $700 for the Poughkeepsie Children’s Home!

2003 Spring Concert Series at Christ Church

Sunday, March 2^nd at 3:00pm: Chamber Music for Woodwind Trio

Come hear the “Mistral Trio” with Ann Churukian on oboe, Joanna Schroer on Clarinet, and Elizabth Ronamo on bassoon as they play early 20^th century French music by Auric, Canteloube, Stravinsky, and Saint Saens. This concert will take place in the Community Room.

Christ Church Spring Choir Concert – Saturday May, 3^rd at 4pm

Come hear the Christ Church Choir and Orchestra perform Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, Haydn’s The Heavens are Tellin”, Britten’s Te deum and Bruckner’s Tota pulchra est.

All the concerts are free and open to the public. Donations to the Music Concert Fund are always welcome!

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

“Extra Money”

We exceeded our goal of $350,000 for the capital campaign. Thanks have already been expressed to all of our donors and workers. I now add mine. Thank you. I believe we are building good things for the future of Christ Church. Although Christ Church has a grand and glorious past, I continue to believe that our best days lie in the future.

Because we exceeded our goal. I have already been asked by at least two people, “What will we do with the “extra money?”

Please listen carefully to my response. “We don’t have any extra money, at least not yet.” What we have are pledges and estimates for work. We do not have money in the bank, nor do we have contractor’s bills to be paid. Anyone who owns a house knows that once work is begun on a project, it can easily cost more than originally intended. The estimates may be fine, or off by a little, or off by a lot. On the income scale, some people who made pledges might move away, or lose their job, or decide for all sorts of reasons that they cannot make good on their pledge. I hope this won’t happen,, but it might. Finally, some of the estimates were given in 2002 dollars. Some of the work will not be performed until 2005. Inflation will likely have an effect on those estimates.

Therefore, our goal is to work diligently on all the projects outlined in the campaign materials until it is completed to our satisfaction. In other words, we need to do what we told the donors we would do, and do it well. When that happens, at that point, if there is still money in the account, we will have “extra money” and the Vestry will establish a process for deciding what to do with those funds. Until then, let’s focus on the work in front of us.

Michael.

AN EVENING OF DINNER AND THEATRE

On April 26, Parish Life will be holding its first fundraiser. The money raised will be used to fund the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program. It is a combined dinner and theatre event. We will begin by serving a dinner in the Community Room of Christ Church starting at 6pm. Then we will caravan over to the nearby Bardavon Opera House where we will see The Eileen Ivers Band. The show begins at 8pm.

Cost: $45 per ticket includes dinner and the show.

Eileen Ivers “has established herself as the world’s pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle. Backed by her brilliantly versatile band, Eileen creates programs that showcase a unique Irish-fusion sound, drawing upon a wide range of musical styles while remaining true to Celtic traditions”.

A sign up list will be kicking around on a clipboard near and about Michelle’s office. So put this post-Easter date in your calendar.

This event is open to everyone, so please help us by selling tickets to your friends, neighbors, family and co-workers.

Call James Monteith for further details at 471-1952.

Lenten Study Series

Dates: March 12, 19, and April 2 & 9. All dates are on Wednesdays

6:00 pm- “Stand Up” Eucharist and dinner

7-8:15 pm- Study Groups

8:15pm- Compline

8:30pm- Adjourn

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNUAL KIRK RUMBLE SILENT AUCTION AND SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

The Silent Auction and Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will take place on Tuesday, March 4. The supper and auction bidding will begin at five o’clock. Bidding closes and winners will be announced at seven o’clock. We appreciate your attendance at this event, as it is our main means of support for our Summer Camp and Climb the Beanstalk Programs. Items can be put in the Lay Ministry Room after March 1^st between the hours of 9am and 4pm or call Alice Bunnell.

Thank you.

ASHES FOR LENT

Please bring your palm branches from last year and deposit them in the box provided. They will be burned on Shrove Tuesday.

CHRIST CHURCH SUMMER CAMP – A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY

The Summer Camp Committee is working on plans for the thirty-sixth year of our respected six-week program for children going into first through fifth grades. We are very happy that camp Director Tory Wally will be back with us again because last summer was positive in every way for both kids and staff. Consistent with our mission to promote ethnic and cultural diversity, the Committee is hoping to attract both the “Anglo” and the Latino congregations as well as again enrolling a majority of campers from our neighboring Clinton School community. The Committee would like Christ Church parents to give serious thought to enrolling your children for this summer. It will enrich their experience in many ways beyond good sports, crafts, reading and journal writing, swimming, drama, games, and field trips. It will be a multicultural experience they may not otherwise have. It will begin June 30^th and continue until August 8^th, every day except July 4^th, from 8:30 to 3:30. The tuition is $275.00 and includes both breakfast and lunch. We have before- and after-camp care for a modest extra charge for children of working parents. Our brochures will be ready for mailing or pick-up at church some time this month. Call Michelle in the church office to get on the mailing list, or talk to co-chairs Margaret Dietsche and Sally Taylor for more information.

Thank you.

DIRECTORY UPDATE
The following are additions to the 2003 Directory:

Ruth Anderson The Rev. Elena Thompson
10 Rinaldi Blvd. 3319 Wheeler Road
#5K Augusta, GA 30909
Pough., NY 12561
473-1792

Dutchess Outreach is in need of food pantry items. Suggested donations are as follows:

Canned meat, tuna, chicken Canned stew, chili, hash

Dried & canned soups Macaroni and cheese

Spaghetti sauce Cold cereal and oatmeal

Peanut butter and jelly Baked beans

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