The Courier

November 2002

Volume 55, Issue 11

Campaign for Growth

Later this month, on November 23, we will officially kick off our Capital Campaign. Christ Church has not conducted a capital campaign for fourteen years. The campaign itself will last three weeks, during which time everyone in the parish will receive a visit from a fellow parishioner who will explain the elements to be funded and answer questions. The work to be funded is so necessary and important to the future of Christ Church that, even though these are tight times financially, I hope the campaign will be stimulating and uplifting for all of us.

In the past few newsletters, I have shared some of the “restoration” elements of the campaign. The other aspect of the campaign is targeted at church growth. There are three main projects planned which will help us grow the parish. They won’t accomplish that task by themselves; we will still need to invite our friends and neighbors to “come and see”. But they will lower barriers to new and potential members. The three projects are: (1) off-street parking; (2) a new nursery for infants and toddlers; and (3) an improved chancel and sanctuary. Let me say a few words about each project.

We are a mobile society. Think about your own patterns. How often do you get into your car to run errands, go to school or work, shop, or recreate. Now compare that with how often you do those same activities by either walking or riding a bicycle. I suspect that for most people, the majority of trips they take begin with getting into their car. Most businesses provide an adequate and easy way for their customers to find parking. Parking lots make the unspoken statement that we are expecting you, we want you to come, and that we have prepared a place for you when you arrive. The plans for the lots will respect the park-like environs of our block, Christ Church Square. We are not planning “acres of free parking” like malls or shopping mega-centers. The lots will be small and scattered, with each one relating to an entrance. They will also be attractively landscaped to retain a sense of being part of the urban park.

One of the demographic groups in our church that is underrepresented is the twenty- and thirty-year-old “young family”. Although we offer excellent Christian formation programming for elementary and high-school aged children, our nursery set-up is less than adequate. We currently wheel our nursery play toys to a corner of the Community Room, which is our best option among many unsatisfactory options. Like parking lots for car drivers, if we want younger families with infants or toddlers to join our community, we must provide a nursery that is clean, safe, protected, and inviting. Without such a facility, we are sending the unspoken message for them to come back when their children are older. Of course, what they will do is find a church with a good nursery and stay there as their children grow. A good nursery is the entry point for families with children. Currently we do not have the portal open wide with a “welcome” sign hung. The campaign will correct this situation.

Finally, we will be making slight but important changes to the chancel and sanctuary of the worship space. The plans call for bringing the choir out of the north transept so that their sound will directly fill the main hall, the nave. This will be accomplished by extending the “stage” platform about eight feet. In so doing, we will create steps which can serve as “altar rail” for receiving communion. People who have trouble climbing steps cannot be with their family or friends at the altar rail. With the new plans, everyone will receive communion on the main floor level. In this way, people in wheelchairs or walkers, or those who cannot physically climb stairs, will be able to be next to other members of their family or friendship circle. Both choir and altar rail objectives will be accomplished without losing any of the front pews. Our architect’s concepts from the Design Team era had shown removing the first two or three pews. This would have further increased the distance between the altar and the front pew.

Our campaign is for “restoration and growth”. Both are important to us and to the future of Christ Church. I hope that everyone can participate with a sense of joy and gratitude. My own personal campaign motto is “Give ‘til it feels good”. The Christ Church community has so much to offer, and the need is so great in our neighborhood and our world. So many people could have their lives changed and enriched by becoming part of our spiritual community. The campaign will help us make it easier for them to join us.

Michael

A NOTE FROM GOD

November 3	Psalm 43	Micah 3:5-12	1 Thessalonians 2:9-13,17-20	Matthew 23:1-12
November 10	Psalm 70	Amos 5:18-24	1 Thessalonians 4:13-18	Matthew 25:1-13
November 17	Psalm 90:1-8,12	Zephaniah 1:7,12-18	1 Thessalonians 5:1-10	Matthew 25:14-15,19-29
November 24	Psalm 95:1-7	Ezekiel 34:11-17	1 Corinthians 15:20-28	Matthew 25:31-46

FROM THE WARDENS

The following is an outline of the Adult Forum presentation of October 6, 2002. This was an informational presentation on the Capital Campaign and how the goal of $350,000 was arrived at by the Vestry. Jackie Vierno was the chair of the Design Team, and she reported on the Design Team’s work and progress.

The planning for the Capital Campaign really began in 1997 with the Vestry’s commissioning of the Lichten-Craig Report on Conditions of the Physical Plant at Christ Church.

In 1998-1999, the Vestry convened the Design Team to assess our current physical resources and their adequacy for Christ Church ministries and activities. Input came from groups using Christ Church space, from Christ Church ministry teams, and from a Congregational questionnaire. The work included a report with conceptual drawings to the Congregation and recommendations to the Vestry, which were accepted by the Vestry in the Fall of 1999.

2000: The Vestry commissioned The Design Restoration Task Force to begin looking at possible costs of the work proposed by the Design Team, and to organize the Design Team recommendations into a list of priorities. The Lichten-Craig Report was used to inform this effort. Presentation of priorities were given in 2000 to the Vestry, which the Vestry accepted.

Spring 2001: Renovation of Lower Level to make it usable for Summer Program. This was considered something of an emergency at the time, and was done with money borrowed from the Endowment. Space is much more usable and is currently used by the Summer Program, Climb the Beanstalk, and PASWORD.

Spring, 2001: Vestry voted to proceed with exploring a Capital Campaign.

Fall, 2001: Discernment phase to determine/evaluate readiness.

Spring, 2002: Tentative Case Statement and Feasibility Study Research, personal interviews and direct mail survey (39% participation in all).

May, 2002: Presentation of report from feasibility study to Vestry. Recommendations:

• Goal of $350,000 is realistic and appropriate
• Revise plans and priorities to match goal
• Engage professional assistance to run campaign

The Vestry accepted the report, voted to proceed with the campaign with a goal of $350,000, with Holliman Associates as consultant. The Vestry directed the Capital Campaign Priority Task Force to revise plans and priorities to match each goal. The Task Force consisted of two members from the Design Team, representation from each Episkopos, and Deacon Mary Gregorius. With consideration of input from the Design Team concept, the priorities voted on by the Vestry, and the priorities reported on in the Feasibility Study, and working with the Tentative Case Statement, the Task Force presented a revised listing of priorities to the Vestry. The Vestry modified the listing slightly to give greater emphasis to Worship and accepted the list given here. Necessarily, some of the plans included in the Tentative Case Statement did not survive the final cut. The entire process has proceeded with care and deliberation.

Phyllis George, Sr. Warden

Peggy Kraft, Jr. Warden

CRAFT FAIRS/BAZAARS

Crafts ‘N More

Saturday, November 16

9AM – 4PM

Trinity Episcopal Church

Parish House

Route 9, Fishkill, New York

*******

ORNAMENTS

WOOD CRAFTS

CANDLES

FIRE STARTER BASKETS

GIFT BASKETS

HOME BAKED GOODS

REFRESHMENTS: BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Bazaar

Saturday, November 16

10AM – 3PM

Lunch 11AM – 2PM

Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church

Route 376, Poughkeepsie, New York

Between Vassar Road & Red Oaks Mill

*******

DECORATIONS & WREATHS

HANDCRAFTED GIFT ITEMS

HOMEMADE GOODIES

LUTHERAN CARE CENTER

Each year at Christmas, we have been able to provide 5 gifts to each of the residents of the LCC. For some of our residents who have no families, these are the only gifts they receive. Gifts are made possible by the generosity of people in the community, as well as the local churches. We invite you to participate. Here are some helpful ideas:

Men: Shirts (not flannel), lightweight pajamas, undershirts & T-shirts (L/XL)

Men & Women: Socks, sweat suits, cardigan sweaters, slippers-non skid bottoms, large print calendars, wood hats & gloves

Miscellaneous: Books, board games, lap blankets, coin purses, decorative scarves

For more information, please call Susan Leone at 845-486-9494. On behalf of the entire LCC family, we extend our thanks to all of you.

SCHEDULE FOR THE CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

We will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:55 in the Atrium of the Parish House.

November 3	The 23rd Psalm
November 10	The Land of Israel (topographical map of the Holy Land)
November 17	Puzzle Map of the Holy Land
November 24	Giving Thanks
December 1	The Prophecy of the Light
December 8	The Incarnation
December 15	The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
December 22	Birth of Jesus and the Adoration of the Shepherds
December 29	No Catechesis (Christmas Week)
January 5, 2003	The Adoration of the Three Kings
January 12	The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

We will give you a schedule for the rest of the year in January. Topics we will work on include Baptism, the liturgical calendar, more work with the Altar, and the parables.

“TIME TO HOPE”

We will be going by caravan on Saturday, November 9 at 9AM to see the exhibit “Time to Hope” at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The exhibition is on display only from September 7 to November 24, 2002. It has been sent by the nation of Spain to commemorate the events of 9/11. The exhibit of 100 objects includes works of Goya and El Greco. If you wish to go, or are able to drive, either call James Monteith at 471-1952 or sign up on the clipboard in the hallway of the church. All are welcome. We will be meeting at Christ Church.

Thank you.

James Monteith

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

The DEADLINE for the October “Courier” is Sunday, November 17. Please bring items to the parish office, or you may e-mail articles to me at christchurch@mindspring.com.

Thank you!

Michele Haynes

EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT

You are part of this! I am part of this!

Planting seeds of hope – 2001 ERD Annual Report

It is exciting, stimulating and hopeful. Have YOU read it? If not, dig out your copy and do it now! If you don’t have a copy, let me or Michele know and you’ll soon have a copy.

This is what the Episcopal Church is doing! This is what we are doing through our offerings!

Examples:

Pg. 10 Ho Van Lai (Vietnam) tests his new prosthetic leg and hopes to again play soccer;

Page 3 Healthy children in Haiti eat healthy food at a nutrition program;

Page 6 Rescue workers at World Trade Center find solace and relief at St. Paul’s chapel;

Page 8 Tahira and family, refugees from Kabul, receive emergency food and supplies at Pakistan camp;

Page 1 Presiding Bishop Griswold writes: “This year has been one of violence, heartache, and loss for millions of people around the world. It has also been one of overwhelming generosity, heroism, and triumph. Throughout it all, Episcopal Relief and Development has been there, right on the front lines. And so have Episcopalians, through their support of this great ministry. You have participated in the joyful task of planting seeds of hope around the world.”

And You of Christ Church! Will you be on the front lines? Will you be planting seeds of hope? Our Annual Christ Church ERD Advent Offering is December 1. Please use your offering envelope, which was included in this month’s “Courier” mailing.

Christ Church ERD Representatives,

Gordon and Petty Plowe

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN KICK OFF EVENT

“Tending our Treasures”

Kick-Off Dinner

Saturday, November 23

Dutchess Golf & Country Club

Social Hour – 5PM

Dinner – 6PM

RSVP – Parish Secretary

452-8220

On behalf of the “Tending our Treasures” leadership, we would like to invite you to our Kick-Off Dinner Event which officially begins our Capital Campaign. There is no charge for attending this event. We appreciate your commitment to and support of the “Tending Our Treasures” Capital Campaign. Your attendance at this event will give you a better understanding of our campaign goals. A formal invitation will be mailed to you in the near future. Please call Michele at the Parish Office to reserve a place at the dinner. We look forward to seeing you at the dinner. Thank you.

The Kick-Off Event Committee,

Peggy Kraft

Ruth Fairbanks

Lillian Easton

FROM THE CHOIR DIRECTOR

Fall Concerts, 2002

Sunday, 11/10 at 4:00 p.m. “A Highly Romantic Afternoon” Benedikt Kellner, tenor and Maria Rivera White, piano: songs by Schumann, Berlioz, and Mahler

Sunday, 11/24 at 11:00 a.m. Cantata 140 by J. S. Bach “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme”: Christ Church Choir and Orchestra perform the Cantata as a Choral Postlude, following the 10:00 a.m. service. You may come to the service or just for the Postlude.

Sunday, 11/24 at 4:00 p.m. Baroque Organ Recital: David Shuler, organ; sponsored by the American Guild of Organists: selection of baroque organ works. Good-will offering to benefit the organ fund.

Saturday, 12/21 at 8:00 p.m.: “Saint Nicholas” by Benjamin Britten – performed by Cappella Festiva Chamber Choir and Orchestra with Children’s Choir. Tickets: $15/$12 – call 473-9897.

Tuesday, 12/24 at 10:30 p.m.: Festival Concert featuring brass, choir, and organ music by Gabrieli, Poulenc and Pinkham. 11:00 p.m. Festival Eucharist with Christmas hymns and lessons.

Wednesday, 1/1/2003 at 3:00 p.m.: “A New Year’s Day Gift to the City” – choral music from diverse musical and religious traditions, including Jewish music, African drumming, Eastern Orthodox music, Christian music, Gospel music – and more!

For more information, call (845) 452-8220.

All concerts take place at Christ Church. They are open to the public and, unless otherwise indicated, are free. Donations to the Christ Church Concert Fund are always welcome!

ALTERNATIVE GIFT IDEAS

Heifer Project International Domestic animals and trees for people suffering from hunger and poverty

Box 808

Little Rock, AR 72203

(800) 422-0474

e-mail: info@heifer.org

website: www.heiferproject.org

Koinoia Farm Pecan and peanut products – sales support teaching of peace, kindness and simplicity

Route 2

Americus, GA 31709

Pueblo to People Crafts from Latin America

(800) 843-5257

SELFHELP Crafts from developing nations. A program of the Mennonite Central Committee

Box 500

Akron, PA 17501

(717) 859-4971

SERRV (Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation Vocations). Crafts from developing nations.

Self-Help Handicrafts

500 Main Street

New Windsor, MD 21776

(800) 423-0071

website: www.serrv.org

UNICEF Medicine, water purification, nutrition, clothing and shelter supplies for children in need.

Holiday Shopping List

333 East 38 Street

New York, NY 10016

(212) 686-5522

(800) 367-5437

website: www.unicefusa.org

CONSUMER ALERT!

As we consider the spirit of Thanksgiving and plan our long weekend activities, the forces of consumerism are also making big plans for us. The day after Thanksgiving is the heaviest shopping day of the year and commences a season in which half of our annual consumer spending occurs. Consumerism depends on our buying (generally on credit) to feel good and to impress others. To combat this trend, a movement has emerged around the country. It’s called Buy Nothing Day, and it is observed on the day after Thanksgiving. People concerned with the effect of consumerism on their lives have resolved to spend the day after Thanksgiving in enriching family activities: a trip to the country, reading aloud, making music together, preparing for the Advent season in a spiritual way, and other thoughtful activities. Happy Buy Nothing Day!

On the web: www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd/

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