8:00pm - Christ Church

December 2007
THE BEACON
Plann in g a he ad . . .
DECEMBER 2007
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Angel Tree begins
Advent Lessons & Carols
5:00pm
Evening Prayer 5:15pm
DOCC 6:00-8:00pm
Evening Prayer 5:15pm
DOCC 6:00-8:00pm
St. Mary’s 350 8:30am
Advent Quiet Day 10:00am
Angel Tree Gifts Due
LGBT Brunch 12:30pm
Spirituality Group 5:00pm
Bridge Dinner 6:00pm
Evening Prayer 5:15pm
DOCC 6:00-8:00pm
Christmas Cookies for
Coffee Cup 4:00pm
Contemplative Prayer
5:30pm
Holy Eucharist & Healing
6:00pm
Christmas Eve Services
5:00pm, 8:00pm &
11:00pm
Christmas Day Service
10:00am
JANUARY 2008
New Year’s Day
First Friday Concert
8:00pm
Contemplative Prayer
5:30pm
Holy Eucharist & Healing
6:00pm
DOCC 6:00-8:00pm
DOCC 6:00-8:00pm
Spirituality Group 5:00pm
Bridge Dinner 6:00pm
Martin Luther King Jr.
Day
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2008
Baptism Schedule
January 6, March 22 (Easter
Vigil), March 23 (Easter), May
18 (Bishop’s Visitation)
of Christ Church, 20 N. American St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
TWO STORIES, BOTH TRUE AND GOOD
#1 Not many parishioners present in 1947 remember the baptism of Jack Colegrove, the son of Edith Colegrove, a single mother. He was 21, a U.S. Marine, and
had been badly injured in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Eugene and Charles Frohlich
were baptized the same day. Jack later died from complications from his war duty.
Edith married and, with several step children, lived in Moorestown. She attended
Christ Church. Some decades ago, she moved to Seattle.
After Edith’s husband died, she would return to Philadelphia occasionally for the
Flower Show and to visit Christ Church, the last time two years ago. As well, two
years ago, she planned her will, making provisions for generous bequests to a hospital that cared for her late husband, friends, family, and the U.S. Marine Corp
medical trust that had cared for her son. Any remainder funds were to be distributed equally to the Salvation Army and to Christ Church, in thanksgiving for the
ministry that she and her son had received over the years.
#2 On Stewardship Sunday, November 11th, one of our acolytes, a children’s music participant, and Sunday School regular, heard the message of how important
every persons’ pledge was to the future of Christ Church. He asked for his own
pledge card, filled it out, and put it in the offering plate. I was overwhelmed by this
gesture, because he truly seemed to be doing it from his own initiative.
I learned later that, while serving as an acolyte that morning, he sat with two other
of our kids who already had pledge cards, and had filled them out. He was encouraged by them. If they were supporting their church, he wanted to, also. Many at
Christ Church recoil at the idea of a stewardship canvas, where one member of the
church actually asks another for a specific pledge. All I can say is that the acolytes
don’t seem to have this reluctance.
On Stewardship Sunday, our four newest pledges are from members of children’s
community, totaling $124.
Both stories show tremendous faith and vision. Both stories show the real way in
which the people of God put their very lives into the future of the Church. Both
stories show what makes Christ Church possible, with the grace of God. Both
stories show the givers to be true stewards of God’s abundance and the work entrusted to us all.
Each of these gifts are of equal value, for they represent a portion of the resources
each giver had to give. We give equal thanks that one is for $270,000, and one for
$10. It’s all the same.
May we all live up to the challenges put before us. May we all honor God with the
substance of our lives. And may we all get our pledges in that reflect the substance
of our lives and in gratitude to God.
If not, the next knock on your door might be an acolyte from Christ Church.
Timothy Safford
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CHRIST CHURCH
THE HOLIDAYS AND THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
As we come into the season of Christmas, the spirit of giving is often more and bigger than any other time of the
year for most of us. Generous hearts abound here at
Christ Church as we seek to meet the many needs that
arise in our community during the winter months. Our
call and response to be Christ in the world finds its way in
and through our faith community in a variety of ways both
near and far. Look for opportunities to get involved if you
are able. Here are a few ways to do so this holiday season.
• Participate in the Advent Angel Tree beginning December
2. Take a tag off the tree, purchase the requested gift,
and return it to the church on December 16 to be
delivered to the recipients for Christmas.
• Purchase a Gift of Life through Episcopal Relief and
Development, a compassionate response of the Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. Give a
special gift in honor of a loved one, friend, or business
associate and help children and families survive disasters and climb out of poverty at www.er-d.org.
• Volunteer to help out in the winter shelter for the
homeless at Old First Reformed Church at 4th and
Arch Streets.
• Bake cookies for the Coffee Cup senior’s program.
Members of our community make cookies and package them up for delivery to elderly citizens in our
neighborhood.
• Make a donation to the Outreach discretionary fund to
assist clergy in meeting personal emergency needs of
others during the winter months.
Check the back of the Sunday service leaflet for other opportunities that may develop in the coming weeks.
A TIME FOR MARY: ADVENT QUIET DAY
Culture and history portray Mary, the mother of Jesus, in
many different ways. But how does this iconic woman,
who first became known in the Gospel story as a young
unwed mother probably in her teenage years, journey with
us now? How is she with us in our daily life, our own
search for Jesus, and our transforming community at
Christ Church? Join us Saturday December 15, 10 a.m. to
noon for a morning of prayer, Scripture, and meditations
focusing on Mary, ending in Eucharist. Pull up a chair or a
cushion, kick off your shoes, enjoy the inner and outer
space; come for the whole two hours, or plug in whenever
you can. Childcare provided. For more information, contact the Rev. Susan Richardson.
EVENING PRAYER IN ADVENT
Make plans to join us on Tuesday evenings in Advent, Dec.
4, 11 & 18, for Evening Prayer at 5:15pm in the church.
CHRISTMAS COOKIES
FOR THE COFFEE CUP
Attention all bakers! Adorn your aprons,
turn on your ovens, mix your dough and get started.
You can help in this annual project as we provide
homemade cookie gift boxes for “Coffee Cup” seniors.
Our unique gift is the homemade cookies, which are not
available to “Coffee Cup” patrons through any other
means. We would love to receive your favorites and invite you to join us for packing the boxes. This project is
one in which children love to participate.
Date: Thursday, December 20, 2007
Time: 4:00pm
Place: Neighborhood House 1st Floor
We Need Your Cookies
If you are unable to attend the packing, please leave your
cookies at Neighborhood House before the 20th. Thank
you for your help. For more information or questions,
please call Helen Niedermayer at 215-592-8238.
FLOWER & MUSIC MEMORIALS
At Christmas time you have the opportunity to remember
loved ones and to offer special thanks by making a donation to the Christmas Flower Fund or to the Special
Music Program. Donations to the Flower Fund help
cover church decorating expenses for our Christmas celebrations. Donations to the Special Music Program will be
added to the Special Music Fund which augments our special services, such as Christmas Eve, with additional instruments. Please use the enclosed envelope to make your
gift by December 17 or pick up an envelope in the church
on any Sunday. Thank you for your generosity.
CHRIST CHURCH GIFT SHOP
When was the last time you visited the Christ Church Gift
Shop? If you haven’t stopped by recently, it is time to take
a look. The shop has been redesigned and stocked with
many new items, including a Staffordshire 10” plate featuring Christ Church in the center with scenes around the
border including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and
the Betsy Ross House. Special thanks to Deborah Bishop
for her work in the development of the plate. A new
Christmas card is also available as well as ornaments,
books, and Nativity sets from around the world including
fair trade sets from Mexico, Peru and El Salvador, salt
glaze sets from Eldreth Pottery in Pennsylvania, and
carved wood sets from the Holy Land. All profits support
the preservation of Christ Church. We hope to see you
NOMINATIONS FOR NEW VESTRY
In preparation for our 2008 Annual Meeting, nominations
for new Vestry members are now being accepted. If you
have a parishioner to nominate, please call the office for a
Nomination Form or pick one up in Neighborhood
House. Completed forms are due by December 9.
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soon!
SUNDAY
DECEMBER 2
5:00 P.M.
ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
Please join us for this beautiful candlelight service with
the Christ Church Choir and Organist/Choirmaster, John Binsfeld.
We will retell the miraculous message of The Incarnation through Carols,
the prophecies of the Old Testament and the Gospels.
Immediately after Lessons and Carols, all are invited to Neighborhood House
for a potluck supper. Bring a dish to share and a friend.
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Christmas Eve
at Christ Church
5:00pm Family Eucharist and Sermon
8:00pm Christmas Eve Eucharist and Sermon
10:30pm Christmas Carols with brass ensemble, timpani,
organ and Christ Church Choir
11:00pm Holy Eucharist and Sermon with brass ensemble,
timpani, organ and Christ Church Choir
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AN EMERGENT MINISTRY: THE BRIDGE
In recent years, the 20s/30s ministry within the Christ Church community has continued to grow and thrive,
serving those already active in worship and leadership here as well as those newly bringing their doubts, fears, and
hopes to our door. In recognition of that growing ministry and its inclusiveness, the group has changed its name to
the Bridge, welcoming people of all ages to intentional exploration of new possibilities in worship, justice work, and
spiritual discussion. Yet at its heart still lies a vital interest in asking hard questions about faith and life, in creative
hands-on work serving those in need, and in supporting each other in a deepening quest for authentic Christian
identity. In short, it bridges the past and the future, doubts and hopes, and those who feel “in” and “out” of the
church. For more information on any of the Bridge activities listed below, please contact the Rev. Susan
Richardson at srichardson@christchurchphila.org.
SPIRITUALITY GROUP
get more info, by emailing the Rev. Susan Richardson,
srichardson@christchurchphila.org.
Join us as we spend time with the Gospel of Matthew.
What's the history of the book, what does scholarship say,
how are we to read references to different religious groups
- and how is it touching us today?
December 2, 10:10am
December 16, 5pm
EUCHARIST WITH PRAYERS FOR
HEALING
We gather in the simple space of the Great Hall for
creative, experimental approaches to bringing our thanks,
fears, hopes, and needs to God. At 6pm is a time of
Eucharist and healing prayers, preceded at 5:30pm by a
guided spiritual practice such as yoga or contemplative
prayer. If you’d like to be involved in liturgical planning –
with art, poetry, photography, icons, dance, music, whatever interests you – please contact the Rev. Susan
Richardson at srichardson@christchurchphila.org.
December 23 Eucharist and healing in preparation for
Christmas, especially for those who struggle with the
meaning or memory of Christmas.
THE BRIDGE 20s/30s DINNERS
Folks in their 20s through early 40s gather as a community
that dares to bring both its doubts and its hopes, and to
support each other in looking at life through a different
lens. We get together once a month for dinner and social
time, to share the language, culture, and humor of seekers
in this range of ages.
December 16, 6pm – Dinner provided by the church –
bring your own beverage. Rsvp for dinner or childcare, or
OUR LIVING HISTORY
…BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Alice (1686-1802) was the daughter of two slaves who arrived in Philadelphia aboard the Isabella in 1684. In that year it is believed that the Isabella brought the first large number of slaves, one hundred and fifty, into the city. Alice is thought to have
spent the early years of her life worshiping in the first structure known as Christ Church. It was through her descriptions told
to our Vestry members later in her life that we learned of how the first church building looked. Alice would spend her life as a
slave; many of those years as a toll taker for Dunk’s Ferry crossing. Through the years she was known as a story teller and an
oral historian. Many visitors to our city would seek her out to hear and learn the early tales of our young nation. Alice is one
of many people the Christ Church tour guides will be referencing in 2008 with our new theme: Declaring Freedom: Slavery in
Philadelphia. Beginning in March 2008, the new tour theme will focus on those former parishioners with a connection to slavery. A few special events connected to this theme will be announced in the next few months.
John Hopkins, Burial Ground Coordinator
BURIAL GROUND WINTER HOURS
In December, the Burial Ground will be opened from 12 noon to 4pm each day except Saturdays 10am-4pm, weather permitting. The Burial Ground will be closed in January and February, with the exception of Benjamin Franklin’s birthday on January 17.
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UPCOMING SUNDAY SERVICES & EVENTS
Dec 2
First Sunday in Advent
9:00am
10:10am
11:00am
5:00pm
6:00pm
Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Rector’s Forum
The Bridge Spirituality Group
Music Class for 4-10 year olds
Journey to Adulthood for 11-17 year olds
Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Advent Lessons and Carols
Parish Potluck Dinner
Dec 9 Second Sunday in Advent
9:00am
OR
10:10am
11:00am
Holy Eucharist and Sermon in church
Family Eucharist in Atrium I
Rector’s Forum
Mission Trip 2008 Forum (see sidebar)
Journey to Adulthood for 11-17 year olds
Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Dec 16 Third Sunday in Advent
9:00am
10:10am
11:00am
5:00pm
6:00pm
Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Rector’s Forum
Faith and Family Series
Music Class for 4-10 year olds
Holy Eucharist and Sermon
The Bridge Spirituality Group
The Bridge Dinner
Dec 23 Fourth Sunday in Advent
9:00am
10:10am
11:00am
5:30pm
6:00pm
Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Rector’s Forum
Opening Up the Christmas Story (see sidebar)
Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Contemplative Prayer
Holy Eucharist with Prayers of Healing
Dec 30 The First Sunday after Christmas
9:00am
10:10am
11:00am
Holy Eucharist, Healing and Sermon
Rector’s Forum
Holy Eucharist, Healing and Sermon
RECTOR’S FORUM 10:10AM EACH SUNDAY
December 2 – Living with the Psalms
Each week, we read from four separate books of the Bible in our services, generally
two from the Old Testament, and two from the New. The most neglected, probably, is the reading from the Book of Psalms. Jesus quoted the Psalms frequently,
and at Christ Church, only the psalms were used as hymns in the Sunday service in
our first century, a practice we still follow each week at 11:00am. Each Sunday, we
will study carefully the Psalm appointed for the day, and what Psalm has to say to
the lesson appointed from the New Testament. We will use new translations of the
Psalms from Robert Alter’s new and majestic The Book of the Psalms. No need to
purchase this $35 book to participate, but Psalm-lovers will definitely want it on
their Christmas list.
December 9 – Living with the Psalms
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December 16 – Living with the
Psalms
MISSION TRIP 2008
In 2006 and 2007 members of Christ
Church traveled to the Gulf Region of
Mississippi and Louisiana to help with
post Hurricane Katrina restoration
and rebuilding efforts. Our congregation provided tremendous support on
many levels to extend our care first
hand to our brothers and sisters in
those storm ravaged areas. Folks are
asking about the “next trip” down
south. If you are interested, join us on
Sunday, December 9 at 10:10am in
Neighborhood House to talk about
the possibilities of another mission
trip next spring.
OPENING UP THE
CHRISTMAS STORY:
Special Combined Atrium, 10:10,
December 23. The story of Jesus’
birth is rich, complex, and full of
imaginative possibility. We invite the
whole family to the Atrium on this
special Sunday so the children can all
take turns in reading the verses and living into the parts, as we renew this ageold story together.
Christmas Pageant –
“Angels Needed”
Children of all ages are encouraged to
join us in our Christmas pageant, to be
presented at the 5:00pm Family Eucharist on Christmas Eve. Children need
to arrive at 4:00pm on Christmas Eve
to pick out a costume and prepare music; holiday snacks will be on hand.
Homemade costumes are welcome,
too. Please send any questions to Rev.
Susan Richardson.
INSIGHTS FROM THE ATRIUM
The children at Christ
Church give thanks for:
All our friends
Our brothers and sisters
Our moms and dads
Our pets
Christ Church
Family
LIFE AT CHRIST CHURCH
Parent’s gather to enjoy an evening together in Neighborhood House
Above, a few members of The Bridge get a cameo moment while Christ Church youth mug for the camera.
Below, DOCC participants create their faith lifelines at a Saturday retreat in the Great Hall.
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FELLOWSHIP and FAMILY
GAY & LESBIAN FELLOWSHIP
As a welcoming church, Christ Church is blessed to have
gay and lesbian parishioners involved in every aspect of
our life together. The LGBT Fellowship provides a way
for new folks to meet others who share a similar journey.
Make plans to join the LGBT community and friends for
brunch at FARMiCia Restaurant at 12:30pm on Sunday,
December 16. RSVP to the Rev. Carol Anthony at
canthony@christchurchphila.org by 12/12.
YOUTH GROUP, GRADES 7-12
Bring your questions and feelings and even a friend, and
join us for fun and a chance to talk in a different way from
anything else in your busy life. Journey to Adulthood is a
spiritual and educational program for youth ages 11 to 17
years old. Where: the 3rd floor of Neighborhood
House. When: 10:10am, on December 2 & 9. Working
with the youth group will be the Rev. Susan Richardson
and our new seminarian from Lutheran Seminary, Christoph Schmidt, with additional help from members of the
Bridge group.
SANDWICHES FOR THE HOMELESS
Come join the crew of sandwich makers who once a
month cheerfully make 350 bologna sandwiches for St.
Mary’s. We gather next on Saturday, December 15, 8:309:30am. Kids love to help, too! Questions? Please contact
Wayne Christman at waynechristman@comcast.net.
NEWEST VESTRY MEMBER
At the October meeting of the Vestry, and in accordance
with Christ Church’s by-laws, the Vestry approved the appointment of Sandy Karger to fill the remainder of John
DiPaolo’s term who recently
began a new job in New
York. Here is a little
background information on
this newest Vestry member.
CONGRATULATIONS NEWLYWEDS
Alison Fritz & Dan Pohlig, November 10
PARISH BIRTHDAYS
Congratulations to our parish family members
celebrating birthdays this month:
December 1, Peter Allen
December 2, Richard Lawless
December 3, Anthony Paschall, Jr.
December 5, Morgan Frohlich, Sheldon Hackney
December 6, Carla Castillo
December 7, Jessica Beers
December 8, Alley Moorehead
December 9, Tim Margulies, Doug Wilkerson
December 10, Elizabeth Celata, Anne Koerner
December 12, Nate Adams, Tom Falone
December 14, Kelly McCabe, Josh Silver
December 15, Sherman Poland
December 16, Juan Hardy
December 17, Anthony Candelori, Kristi Fox, Brian
Zittlau
December 19, Ted Warren
December 20, Nancy Hulme, Ebony Lanctot, C.W.
Markham, Sally Mullen
December 21, Noah Gansallo
December 26, Alexander Weldon
December 27, Beth Cote
December 28, Bromley Lowe, William McCardell, Rowan
Ziegler
December 30, George Mark, Michelle Salerno-Ziegler
December 31, Julia Lawless, Stephen Walker, Jr.
Did we miss your birthday? Please contact Cecilia in the
church office.
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Sandy was born in
Philadelphia and was
confirmed by Bishop
Armstrong. In 1974, she
worked as a volunteer in the
chaplain’s office at the
University of Pennsylvania
Hospital, focusing on the development of a program utilizing lay people to visit terminally ill patients. In 1976,
Sandy served as the patient counselor and coordinator of
volunteer activities for the Bryn Mawr Hospital Hospice
Program. During this time she graduated from Antioch
University and received a Masters Degree from St. Joseph’s University. This past January, Sandy retired from
Paoli Hospital, Main Line Health where she was Director
of Community Services.
Sandy married Bob Karger at Christ Church in 1997 and
together they have 8 children and 8 grandchildren. She
plays the cello in the Main Line Symphony and, with Bob,
loves “bumming” on the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard.
Sandy served a previous term on the vestry, 2003. She is a
member of the Flower Guild and currently a facilitator
with the DOCC program. In her own words, “Christ
Church and its people hold a very special place in our
hearts and lives and we are grateful to be a part of this vibrant Christian community”.
Christ Church: A user’s guide
9:00 AM Eucharist and Sermon
Rite II, celebrated with vocal quartet, organ and
hymns.
Mailing address and church office entrance:
20 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Email: mail@christchurchphila.org
Website: www.christchurchphila.org
10:10 AM Christian Education
Adult education each Sunday in Neighborhood
House. Education for Children and Youth on the
second and third floors of Neighborhood House
from September to June.
Main Phone Number: 215.922.1695
FAX Number: 215.922.3578
Cecilia Wagner - ext. 21 or cwagner@christchurchphila.org
The Rev. Timothy Safford - ext. 22
tsafford@christchurchphila.org
The Rev. Carol Anthony – ext. 23
canthony@christchurchphila.org
The Rev. Susan Richardson – ext. 25
srichardson@christchurchphila.org
The Rev. K. Palmer Hartl – kphartl@aol.com
Wayne West - ext. 24 or wwest@christchurchphila.org
Jessica Schane - ext. 26 or jschane@christchurchphila.org
John Binsfeld - ext. 27 or jbinsfeld@christchurchphila.org
Teri Ruiz - ext. 28 or truiz@christchurchphila.org
Don Smith - ext. 29 or dsmith@christchurchphila.org
Neil Ronk - ext. 30 or nronk@christchurchphila.org
Anne McLaughlin-ext. 32 or amclaughlin@christchurchphila.org
John Hopkins - ext. 33 or jhopkins@christchurchphila.org
Jeanne Stuardi - ext. 36 or jstuardi@christchurchphila.org
11:00 AM Eucharist and Sermon (all Sundays in
Advent)
Rite I or II celebrated, with organ and hymns, and
vocal leadership from Christ Church Choir
11:00 AM Morning Prayer and Sermon ( returns in
January)
Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available
from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM each Sunday.
Wednesdays
12:00 Noon Eucharist
Rite II, briefly and informally celebrated with a
short homily. About 20 minutes, this liturgy is a
perfect addition to relieve “hectic downtown life
syndrome.”
Visiting/Getting in touch
The Church, located on 2nd Street just north of Market
Street in Old City Philadelphia, is open for visiting,
prayer and meditation from 9am to 5pm daily.
The Beacon is published monthly for members, friends and supporters of Christ Church, the Rev. Timothy B. Safford,
Rector. Deadline for the January issue is December 10. Please e-mail articles to cwagner@christchurchphila.org
The Beacon
20. N. American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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