Christ Church Parish Life

Christ Church Programs

Christ Church offers Christian Formation programs in spirituality, social justice, and Biblical study from age 3 through adulthood. We invite you to participate in any or all of our programs.

Nursery Care: Nursery care is available for children through age 2 from 9:45 a.m. until the end of the 10:00 a.m. service. The nursery is located in the Christ Church Community Room.

Ages 3-Grade 1: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 meets on the 2nd floor of the Parish House from 9:50 a.m. until they join the adults for the Eucharist during the 10:00 a.m. service (approximately 10:45 a.m.).

Grades 2-5: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level II meets on the 2nd floor of the Parish House from 9:50 a.m. until they join the adults for the Eucharist during the 10:00 a.m. service (approximately 10:45 a.m.).

Grades 6-up: Youth Catechumenate (a two-year course of study culminating in Confirmation) meets one Sunday per month on the 2nd floor of the Parish House from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Adult Forum: Adult Forum meets in our Community Room after the 10:00 a.m. service, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Next Series:

"Spirituality and Family-Generations as Lovers and Strangers"

Beginning on Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 11:30 a.m.

We will explore ways in which our generational peer group and its events shape who we are, what we value, and how we behave. We will also devote some time to ways of bridging the divide that occurs because of these differences. We are issuing a special invitation to our Middle and High School members to join us and represent their generation in the mix.

Companions of Christ Church: The Companions of Christ Church is open to women of all ages and faiths. It is an opportunity for women to join together for worship, fellowship, study and a wonderful meal. There is an Evensong service on Friday evening followed by a Potluck Supper. Saturdays are usually contemplative or instructional in nature and revolve around a specific theme or activity..

Episcopal Church Women's Prayer

Almighty God, we pray that you will bless our work in mission and ministry in the world. Make us so thankful for the power of your love, given through your son, Jesus, that we may pray, labor and give liberally to make known that love throughout the world. Bless us that our lives may shine forth the joy and wonder we share in your name. Amen.

Oracion de las Mujeres de La Iglesia Episcopal

Omnipotente Dios, te pedimos que bendigas nuestros esfuerzos de mision y ministerio en el mundo. Haznos agradecidas por el poder de tu amor dado a nosotras en Jesus, Tu Hijo, que podamos orar, trabajar y donar generosamente para que conozca tu amor en todo el mundo. Bendicenos para que neustras vidas resplandezean con el gozo y las marvillas que compartimos en Tu Nombre. Amen.

Men's Breakfasts: (various times throughout the year).

Coffee Hour: Every Sunday following the 10:00 a.m. worship service.

Parish Breakfast: First Sunday of every month prior to the 10:00 a.m. service. The meals are entirely self-supported by donations from the diners.

Acolytes: Acolytes assist at services as torchbearers and servers. This ministry is open to all members from Age 10 through adult. Deacon Mary Gregorius coordinates this ministry and provides instruction for all new acolytes.

Altar Guild: The Altar Guild is a special ministry devoted to the maintenance of the altar and sanctuary and the care of the vestments, linens and vessels used in worship. The Altar Guild members set up for communion, launder linens, see to the cleaning of frontals and vestments, wash silver, polish brass, vest the altar for each liturgical season, and decorate the church for Christmas and Easter.

Pastoral Care: The Pastoral Care Team is a small group of people who are committed to provide contact and support to members of the congregation who are no longer able to be present for church-based activities of worship and socialization. Through visits, cards and phone calls, sometimes providing a meal or a ride, members of the team are a reminder to the individual as well as the larger community of the bonds that each member of Christ Church shares.

Ushers: Many members of Christ Church serve as ushers at the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Sunday services and special holiday services. They perform a variety of duties, including greeting newcomers and distributing service sheets, selecting and overseeing those who collect the offering and bring up the elements, taking the census, and regulating the flow of the congregation during communion.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Lay ministers bring communion to those unable to attend services due to illness and administer the chalice during the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services.

Lay Readers: Lay readers lead monthly services at the Vassar-Warner Retirement Home and also provide readers for our Sunday 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services.

Lectors: Lectors assist at the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services by reading the first and second lessons from the lectern.

Christ Church Choir: The Christ Church Choir is united in the joy of singing and dedicated to providing music for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service. The choir also performs at the Christ Church Concert Series several times each year.

Volunteer Office Receptionists: The volunteer office receptionists are available to be in the church office whenever the secretary is on vacation or not available. They also assist in the mailing of the monthly newsletter, other special mailings, and help with the preparation of service bulletins.

George III Charter Society: This society is open to all parishioners who have named or who wish to name Christ Church as a beneficiary of a posthumous gift. There is no minimum for membership, and all gifts are gratefully acknowledged. For further information, contact the parish office.

Parish Life Episkopos: The Parish Life Episkopos has oversight of all internal activities for the congregation, including everything from education, to music, to fellowship, to stewardship, to worship.

Community Ministry Episkopos: Hearing God's call to love our neighbors as ourselves, the Community Ministry Episkopos, with the active participation of the parish, supports and enhances the existing community ministries of Christ Church. The Committee also engages in a process of evaluation and discernment to shape its local, national and global ministries of the future.

Property Episkopos: The Property Episkopos is responsible for the maintenance of the church and parish buildings, including renovations to existing structures, restoration of the Christ Church Tower, landscaping, and consultation with architects and other experts.

Vestry: The Vestry is a group of elected lay people whose function, by Canon Law, is to govern the "temporal" activities of the parish. The vestry consists of twelve members and two Wardens. The Rector presides over the meetings.