September 2011

christchurchguilford.org

Back in the Swing!

As a new school year starts, the rhythm of life changes: summer isnt over, but vacations are; camps conclude, new classes begin; and, very important to light freaks like me, daylight continues to last into the early evening! So be sure to read this issue of Glad Tidings for news about new classes in Sunday School, for youth and high school ages, the return of the Rectory Forum and Bible study, plus a Tuesday Supper Group. After an exciting week of Music Camp, the Choristers and Choir will resume their Thursday rehearsals and support of Sunday worship from the balcony. The ECW picks up their round of fellowship and service. And then there are those things which we might call New Traditions (defined by a former boss of mine as, We tried it once and liked it!) such as Backpack Sunday and Alumni Choir.

Lets get back in the swing!

Harrison+

Our Second Annual Blessing of the Backpacks

also known as Backpack Sunday, will be on Sunday, September 11, 2011. At both services you are encouraged to bring your back-to-school backpack or briefcase with you for a blessing for the new school year. Whether or not you have a backpack or briefcase, you are also invited to contribute school supplies to be shared with our neighbors in need through Guilford Social Services. Everything from tablets, pencils, crayons, rulers, and erasers to backpacks are needed. Join the fun of shopping the back-to-school sales, and help all Guilfords children have the materials they need for the classroom.

August 28, 2011... Hurricane Irene hits Guilford and its beautiful Green!
This is a picture taken last Sunday of one of the paths along the Green. Can you see our church and rectory through the fallen trees? They both weathered the storm just fine! We apoligize for Glad Tidings delayed delivery. Mother Nature and power outages changed our printing schedule!
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Moses and the People

The story of Moses and the people known as the habiru (the origin of our word Hebrew, meaning wanderers) will be our Old Testament readings until the end of October. We dont pay as much attention to the parallels in the life of Moses and the life of Jesus as the Church once did. Michelangelo even painted the parallel events on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel. Biblical scholars identify five books within the Gospel according Matthew as a new teaching, corresponding to that of the Torah, the five books of Moses. The story itself captures the imagination: themes of slavery, liberation, wandering, becoming a people, receiving (or not) Gods teaching, entering into a new land, depending upon Gods providence, etc., echo in the lives of nations, communities, and individuals. Bruce Feiler explores the connection between the story of Moses and the stories of America in his recent book, Americas Prophet: Moses and the American Story. In this engaging book, by the bestselling of author of Walking the Bible and Abraham, Feiler shows how the Moses story inspired the Puritans coming to a new land, the founders of this nation (Benjamin Franklin and George Washington both thought Moses should be on the Great Seal of the United States!), the struggles to end slavery and for civil rights, the lot of exiles, of immigration and emigration, the Westward Movement, and our understanding of the nature of Law. While the Thursday morning Bible study (Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., beginning September 8) will stick to the propers for the coming week, the Tuesday Supper Class (beginning September 13 at 6:00 p.m.) and the Rectory Forum (beginning Sunday, September 18, at 9 a.m.) will spend at least six weeks working our way through the topics raised by Feiler in Americas Prophet. You do not need to read it to participate in the conversations; if you would like to read it -- my mother and I recommend it -- check the library, your favorite local bookstore, or on-line. By the end of October, I hope we will have a better appreciation for the Moses story. My prayer is that Mosess story may inspire our own. Harrison West+

Good News and...

not-so-good news from the Finance Committee. You may have noticed that the Finance Committee has not issued any dire requests to Keep Your Pledge Current during summer holidays. That is because a number of parishioners have fulfilled their pledges in full. The Rector remarks that he is one of the exceedingly few clergy in the Episcopal Church who can report that pledge payments in hand exceed the budget for this time of the year. That is good news! The not-so-good news is that the rest of us are behind in fulfilling our pledge commitments, and the cushion from early pledge-giving will soon be exhausted. Similarly, those of us who choose not to pledge are also behind in our typical patterns of giving to Christ Church. Non-pledge income is below budget by over $22,000. Given this situation, we have had to postpone needed repainting and repairs until funds are in hand. The good news is that, at present, we are current with staff compensation and all of our vendors and loans. Statements will soon be sent to pledgers and givers-of-record reflecting giving through the end of August. So here comes the dire request: Please be as generous as you can in fulfilling your pledges and continuing your support for the worship and witness of Christ Church. Bob Donahue, Treasurer
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September 25 - Outreach Coffee Hour Sponsored by ECW

The ladies of the ECW are repeating their popular "Diapers for Babies" coffee hour to support the Guilford Food Bank. Please bring in diapers, wipes, or a monetary contribution so items can be purchased. ECW will hold its general meeting on September 8th at 11 a.m. We will begin with our business meeting, followed by a carry-in luncheon at 12 noon and a program to begin at 1p.m. We are looking forward to seeing everyone after a long, hot summer. Barbara Ayotte

Vacation Bible School and Music Camp

The first ever VBS and Music Camp at Christ Church, held August 22 - 26, proved to be a great success. The VBS program had 13 kids in attendance; 12 boys and 1 brave little girl! Our theme was Clean Water for Gods Children. Children learned about the importance of water to our health and safety and how lucky we are to live in a country that provides clean water. Each day featured stories from the Bible that involved water, including Jonah and the Whale, Noahs Ark, and the Baptism of Jesus. A special thanks goes to Fiona Vardy, Katie Ferrall, Kay Claiborn, Jean Valentine, and John Mayo for their help and dramatic readings. Thanks also goes to John Baringer for providing a fun daily music session for the kids. An average of 25 children gathered each morning in the parish hall for music camp. Many people volunteered their time and talent to make music camp possible. Ted Ervin, Mark Sorensen, Vicky Reeve, Suky Bryan, and Kay Claiborn all came in throughout the week to help where needed. Different recitalists also visited the camp to perform mini-recitals for the students. The performers featured were Kat Wallace, violin; Jessica Petrus, soprano; Vicky Reeve and Carol Wright, piano duet; and Mark Sorensen, organ. A special thanks goes to all those volunteers who purchased, prepared, and served our snacks over the course of the week: Jean Meiselman, Ann Rae, Donna LaFata, Suky Bryan, Koryn Agnello, Melissa Lamoreaux, Sara Trotter, Winnie Seibert, Jane Ferrall, and Becky Patino. Thanks again to all those who helped make VBS and Music Camp a wonderful week. What a great way to finish the summer! Frank Dodd & Lisa Ste. Marie

Concertato Concert Series

Save the Date! Saturday, October 1

The 2011-2012 season of Concertato kicks off on Saturday, October 1, with a performance by jazz vocalist Giacomo Gates. "Gates is one of the most extraordinary singers working in jazz today, the owner of a joyful baritone who has synthesized a host of influences -- Eddie Jefferson, Jon Hendricks, and Sinatra among them -- and turned them into something uniquely his own" (Glenn Whipp, LA Daily News). The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church and will be followed by a reception in the parish hall.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL News

Welcome back everyone! We look forward to greeting new and old friends on the first day of Sunday School (September 11). This year, Sunday School classes are offered to children from age 3 through 6th grade. We will begin with Children's Chapel at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall, featuring fun music, games, and activities. Sunday School classes begin at 10:00 a.m. and children will join their families in the sanctuary following the Passing of the Peace. Based on parent and teacher feedback, we've decided to use a new curriculum that is "scope and sequence" based versus lectionary. A lectionary-based curriculum follows each Sunday's lessons. With our new curriculum, the emphasis is on understanding the characters and stories from the Old and New Testament. Registration is currently under way. If you have not received an e-mail communication about registration, please contact the church office and ask to be placed on the distribution list. We look forward to a great Sunday School year! Lisa Ste. Marie, Director of Sunday School

Sunday School Calendar 2011-2012

September 11 November 27 December 17 December 18 December 25 January 1 February 19 April 8 May 27 June 10 First Day of Sunday School No Sunday School (Thanksgiving) Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Christmas Pageant No Sunday School (Christmas) No Sunday School (New Years) No Sunday School No Sunday School (Spring Break) No Sunday School (Memorial Day) Last Day of Sunday School

Highlights of August Vestry Meeting

At its scheduled meeting on August 10, 2011, the Christ Church Vestry: Was informed of a bequest from the estate of Frank Turner, with the accompanying request that it be placed in the Endowment; a recommendation will be forthcoming from the Finance Committee; appropriate thanksgivings and acknowledgments have been/are being made. Received a summary financial report through July from Treasurer Bob Donahue showing expenses significantly below budget ($9K) but ahead of operating income, which is trailing the budget by roughly $22,000; the Vestry sent four questions to the Finance Committee.
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Junior Warden David Kish reported that heating oil contract renewal negotiations had begun -- heating oil appears to be almost a dollar more a gallon now than when the last contract was signed; replacement of the failed parish house and church fire alarm panel cost more than $1,400; given the revenue situation, discussion of repairs and painting beyond DIY was postponed. Discussed dates for a mutual ministry review with the search committee, program leaders, and the Rector led by search consultant Jane Inrig (will be September 28). Senior Warden Ed Seibert reported on the staffing changes at Diocesan House -- the positions of onequarter of the Diocesan House staff have been cut, including the Christian Education department, due to decreased giving by parishes; Christ Church continues to fulfill the canonical request of 12.5% of operating income; Learned that former Christ Church Rector Norman MacLeod will be leaving his interim post at St. Johns Church, Waterbury, to accept the call of St. James Church, Woodstock, Vermont, to be their settled Rector; after September 1 the address for Norman & Elizabeth will be 2 Church Street, Woodstock, VT 05091.

Changes to Junior and High School Programs

Over the last five years -- notwithstanding a back brace, service on the Search Committee, and long-distance family caregiving -- Susan Shackford has given unstintingly of her time and energy to lead the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program for the youth of Christ Church. With the young people, their parents, and colleague Page Pelphrey, Sue has established significant parish youth traditions: the Spaghetti Supper with its fancy youth-made desserts, youth-decorated Christmas wreaths sold at the chili supper; face-painted pumpkins for folks at home at Halloween; the 30-hour famine; and retreats at camps and St. John the Divine. Five years is a long time to keep this going -- it is time to give Sue a break! And, it is time to take a break from J2A and the Rite 13 programs. I dont announce this lightly: I am a fan of these programs; they require more volunteer support than we are able to muster at this time. I am happy to announce that (1) Sue will continue to coordinate the traditions which have become so important to Christ Church, and (2) Sue has agreed to take on coordination of the Acolytes now that Martha Maxwell and family are on assignment in Germany. But coordinating the Acolytes will be Sues only Sunday morning responsibility -- one she will fit between her fall travels. Our program for juniors and high school students will more closely follow the pattern of their schools. Classes for the junior high age groups will include a fifth and sixth grade class led by Melissa Perez and Linda Reich, and a seventh and eighth grade class led by Page Pelphrey. These classes will meet on Sunday morning at the same time as the Sunday School, perhaps beginning during Childrens Chapel. A new high school class for those in the 9th through 12th grades will meet two Sunday evenings a month for supper and discussion, typically the first and third. We will begin September 18th at 5:30 p.m. with our own version of the September-October Moses discussion, but ours will be based on watching Cecil B. deMilles Ten Commandments and include supper. More details will follow, and Ill welcome your comments, questions, and support. Harrison+
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MUSIC News
Welcome Back Sunday on September 11th also marks the welcoming-back of the Adult Choir to the 10 a.m. service. Rehearsals for the Adult Choir will begin on September 8th, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Anyone from 9th grade through adult is invited to join. The choir rehearses Thursday nights from 7:30-9:00 and sings weekly at the 10 a.m. Sunday Eucharist. There is no better time to join the choir than at the beginning of a new season! The Christ Church Choristers will also begin their rehearsals on September 8th after enjoying a nice summer vacation. Rehearsals for the Choristers take place on Thursday evenings from 5:45 -7:15. The invitation to join Choristers is open to all school-aged children (grades 2-8) from Christ Church and the wider community. Please spread the word to family and neighbors who may be interested. After much success last year, we are continuing to serve the choristers a light meal when they arrive for rehearsal at 5:45. Volunteers are needed to supply this meal each week. Please contact Frank Dodd at (814) 392-5383 or at [email protected] if you can help in this way. Calling all alumni of the Christ Church Adult Choir! We will have our first ever Alumni Choir on September 25. This is a special event where former choir members are invited to join the Adult Choir in singing the Sunday morning offertory anthem. The anthem will be performed in the chancel, so no need to worry about climbing the balcony stairs. All those interested in participating are encouraged to attend a rehearsal on September 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Looking ahead: The Music Committee and Christ Church Choirs are sponsoring a Covered Dish and Hymn Sing gathering on October 23 at 5:30 p.m. This event is a chance to build community at Christ Church by enjoying each others food and fellowship, followed by a time of singing your favorite hymns. We hope you will join us!
Frank Dodd, Organist/Choirmaster

Marking 10 Years
Ten years ago, September 11th became a turning point: There was life before, and there was life after. Most of us remember where we were when we heard the news of the attacks; we remember the iconic images of the day; we remember the stories. During their morning services on September 11, 2011, Guilfords churches will mark the tenth anniversary of the tragedies and heroism of that day in 2001. Then, at 4 p.m., we will gather for an Interfaith Service of Commemoration hosted by Guilfords First Congregational Church, featuring the choirs of the participating shoreline houses of worship, including Christ Church. As worshipers leave the hour-long service, we may choose to stop for a moments reflection at the 9/11 marker on the Green near First Church.

September 2011
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Sunday

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7:30 AA PH 7:30 AA PH

7:30 AA PH

7-9 pm AA Hall - special

7:00 p.m. Yoga PH

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7:30 AA PH 7:30 AA PH 9:30 Bible Study R ECW Luncheon 5:45 Chorister Rehearsal 7:30 Choir Rehearsal PH 7:30 AA PH 5:30 p.m. AA PH 7:30 p.m. OA SSR 7 p.m. Womens AA PH 5:30 pm AA SSR 6:45 p.m. Dog Club PH 7:30 AA PH

7:30 AA PH

7:30 AA PH

10

7:30 AA PH

8 a.m. HE, Rite I 10 a.m. HE , Rite II with Baptism

Labor Day Office Closed 5:30 AA/Alanon 8pm AA SSR & PH 7:30 AA PH 7:30 AA PH 9:30 a.m. Sta Mtg 6:00 p.m. Supper Class R 5:30 AA PH 7:30 OA SSR 7 p.m. Womans AA PH 5:30 p.m. AA SSR 7:15 p.m. Vestry Mtg R

11 8 a.m. HE, Rite I

12

13

14

15 7:30 AA PH
9:30 Bible Study R 10:30 ECW PH 5:45 Chorister Rehearsal 7:30 Choir Rehearsal PH

16

7:30 AA PH

17

7:30 AA PH

9:30 Childrens Chapel Backpack Blessing at the 10 a.m. HE 5:30 AA/Alanon 11a.m. Rite 13/J2A 7:30 Finance Mtg 4 p.m. 9/11 Service* 8pm AA SSR & PH

18 8 a.m. HE, Rite I

7:30 AA PH 7:30 AA PH 6:00 p.m. Supper Class R 5:30 AA PH 7:30 OA SSR 7pm Womans AA PH 5:30 p.m. AA SSR

20

21

22 7:30 AA PH
9:30 Bible Study R 10:30 ECW PH 5:45 Chorister Rehearsal 7:30 Choir Rehearsal PH

19 7:30 AA PH 9 a.m. Rectory Forum 9:30 Childrens Chapel 10 a.m. HE, Rite II** 5:30 AA/Alanon 11a.m. Rite 13/J2A 8pm AA SSR & PH Ministry Fair - after service Movie night - 5:30pm R NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
7:30 AA PH

23

7:30 AA PH

24

7:30 AA PH

25 8 a.m. HE, Rite I

7:30 AA PH

26

27

28 7:30 AA PH

29 7:30 AA PH

30

7:30 AA PH

9 a.m. Rectory Forum 9:30 Childrens Chapel 10 a.m. HE, Rite II*** 11a.m. Rite 13/J2A (Trainings)

5:30 AA/Alanon 8pm AA SSR & PH

9:30 Bible Study R 9:30 a.m. Sta Mtg 10:30 ECW PH 6:00 p.m. Supper Class R 5:30 p.m. AA SSR 5:45 Chorister Rehearsal 5:30 AA PH 6:30 p.m. Mutual 7:30 OA SSR Ministry Review 7:30 Choir Rehearsal PH 7 p.m. Womans AA PH

* Marking 10 Years - Interfaith Service of Commemoration of 9/11 Sunday, Sept. 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church ** Commission Teachers

** * with Alumni Choir; plus ECW Outreach (Diapers & Wipes) Fundraiser

NOTES: SSR = Sunday School Room PH = Parish Hall R = Rectory CH = Church GR = Guild Room

Christ Episcopal Church P O Box 574 Guilford, CT 06437

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Guilford, CT 06437 Permit Number 1

Change Service Requested

GLAD TIDINGS

September, 2011

Christ Episcopal Church 11 Park Street Guilford, Connecticut

Glad Tidings

September - Back in the Swing of Things...

The Rev. Harrison West Rector [email protected] 203-453-2279 Edward Seibert Senior Warden [email protected] 203-458-6516 Pat Wakefield Parish Administrator [email protected] 203-453-2279 Diane Barker Managing Editor [email protected] 203-457-9484 Pat Daunic Graphic Design

Backpack Sunday & 1st Day of Sunday School - Sept. 11 Tuesday Supper Classes - Sept. 13, 20, 27 at 6:00 p.m. Ministry Fair - Sunday, Sept. 18 after the 10:00 service Movie Night & Supper: The Ten Commandments
Sept.18 at 5:30 p.m. for the High School Students Alumni Choir & Outreach Coffee Hour - Sunday, Sept. 25

Concertato: Giacomo Gates Jazz Vocalist

Saturday, October 1, at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church

Marking 10 Years Interfaith Service of Commemoration

9/11

Sunday Services

9 a.m. Rectory Forum 8 a.m. HE, Rite I Service

9:30 Childrens Gospel 10 a.m. HE, Rite II Service with Hymns 11:00 a.m. Rite 13/J2A