Letter from the Senior Warden, November 2021
Dear Christ Church Family,
When Paul Walker told me that I was not required to cite Scripture in the annual Stewardship letter, I must admit to breathing a sigh of relief. I expect Paul was relieved too, as he wouldn’t be required to “gently correct” any citations. And in truth, we don’t need to see the Gospel cited here because we see it and hear it every Sunday, across four beautiful and diverse services. The quiet contemplation of the 7:45am service. The uplifting music and children at the 9:00am service (especially when we are holding the service outside, as we are now!). The soaring beauty of the voices of the choir at the 11:00am service. The energy of the 5:00pm service, with the college students (followed by a great meal!). The simple beauty and fellowship of the midweek communion service on Wednesdays at noon. And our virtual services, which began as a short-term response to the pandemic and have now become part of the fabric here, enabling us to connect with friends new and old.
Christ Church continues to meet people where they are. In our great Adult Education programs, And in Men’s Bible Study. And in Women’s Bible Study. And in 20s and 30s Bible Study. And in Children’s Chapel. And in Youth Group. If you are detecting a theme here, well subtlety has never been a strong suit of mine. The Gospel is alive and well at Christ Church. The Gospel and everything that comes with it – the good news of the Cross, the Grace, the Forgiveness, the Joy, the Fellowship, the Peace. This is the message that Christ Church continues to bring, day after day, regardless of pandemics, elections, economic prosperity, and recession. The message and the mission have not changed and will not change.
The other thing that has not changed is the fact that we do not charge an entrance fee, ever. The doors of Christ Church, like those of Christ’s Kingdom, are open wide to all who wish to walk through them. Your pledge will help ensure that the physical doors of our Church remain open, and that we continue to meet people where they are. The Outreach Ministries of Christ Church have not only continued during the pandemic, they have expanded and are more important than ever. Many of them are familiar, like Our Daily Bread, the Jail Ministry, PACEM and the Haven. Some of the missions are new, including most notably Counseling at Christ Church, where our talented staff are helping meet emotional and therapeutic needs, along with their spiritual ones.
Hopefully, the missions and the message of Christ Church are reaching you, where you are. Please consider pledging generously. Your contribution will be used well and wisely, and it will make a difference.
Sincerely yours,
Senior Warden