Christ Church Connections

Lenten Labyrinth

2010-02-23T10:02:00.003-07:00

The Christ Church Sunday School classes walking the Lenten Labyrinth on the First Sunday of Lent!

Christ Church Pew Modification photos

2010-01-31T09:26:00.004-07:00

Christ Church recently modified several pews in our sanctuary to increase accessibility for our members and friends. Here are several photos taken of the process!

Rethink Christmas: Operation Sleeping Bag

2009-12-10T10:22:00.001-07:00

December Events!

2009-12-10T10:15:00.002-07:00

Children’s Christmas Pageant

During the 10:15 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 13, the chancel will transform into a live nativity, featuring our children and youth. Special music provided by the Christ Church Children’s Choir, directed by Joy Jenkins.

Christmas Eve Worship

Invite your family & friends to our candlelight worship celebration on Christmas Eve, December 24, at 7:00 p.m. The service will feature our special Christmas Eve Communion liturgy and music from the Chancel Choir.

Water Words: December 2009

2009-12-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

As we enter the holy day and holiday seasons of Advent and Christmas...

May we all remember that we have enough; there is more than enough to go around.

Not just enough food for the table, or enough money for the gifts.

But we have enough time for the things that need our attention.

We have enough vision to see those who have needs.

We have enough patience for the impatience of children.

We have enough heart to listen to the hurting hearts of others.

We have enough clothes to shed some and give away.

We have enough spirit to lift up the downtrodden.

And we have a big enough table providing room for any who are hungry.

And that my friends, is what the Kingdom of God looks like, enough... more than enough to go around.

As you prepare for the Celebration of the Birth of the Christ Child, celebrate what’s right about Christmas. Celebrate the blessings and the opportunities and the freedom we have to give individual expression to our faith. Celebrate the fullness of time! Celebrate the many people and activities that fill your life! Celebrate all that is a reflection of the goodness and presence of God in our world.

—Carolyn Waters

Rally Day: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:28:00.002-06:00

Please join us on Sunday, September 13, as we kick-off the Christ Church fall program season!

The excitement begins at 9:00 a.m. with Children’s Sunday School for ages Preschool to 6th Grade. Also at 9:00 a.m. will be the opening session of the Adult Seminar, held in the Chapel.

At 9:15 a.m. in the Upper Room, Eric Strader will lead our new “coffeehouse theology” adult class on the history of Christianity and Methodism.

The Christ Church Chancel Choir return to sing in the 10:15 a.m. worship service following their summer break, and the Christ Church Children’s Choir begin their rehearsal season during the worship service.

Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for community and fellowship on Rally Day, Sunday, September 13!

Water Words: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:27:00.002-06:00

I was talking with a member of Christ Church today and we started laughing about the irony of what we learned when we were young. Many of the things we were taught are “bad” are actually very good and sacred; i.e., our sexuality. And many of the things we grew up believing are very good are actually quite bad; i.e., fried chicken!

My father ate two fried eggs every morning for breakfast, most of the meat he consumed was fried, and he chewed tobacco! He lived to be 94! But his work was physical labor on the farm and his body was in very good shape. The life I live is very different from that of my father’s. He would laugh out loud at the thought of me paying $19.00 a month to go to a gym to work out.

Life is constantly changing. What worked well 20 years ago doesn’t work so well now. Some of what was the best 40 years ago is still very good, but is easily replaced. How do we know what to do and who to be in changing times?

I believe our faith community is where we best live into the future and challenge one another about the way we think, our social values, and our political opinions.

Where else can you sit down with a cup of coffee and be taken seriously when you say, “I just don’t know what to think about…?”

Rally Day is September 13. Rally Day is the effort we make to remind folks who have taken a summer break or changed church routines that it is now time to come back, to be back, to show up, and to engage with one another.

I hope you will make Christ Church a priority in your weekly life specifically for the purpose of having one place where you constantly engage in the harder questions and difficult challenges of life. Whether it’s you sexual identity or your attempt to maintain a healthy diet, we are on the journey of figuring out how to live this life in a good and holistic way.

Let life be your religion and welcome the Christian journey as your road map.

See you in church?

—Carolyn Waters

Children's Choir: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:26:00.006-06:00

All kids preschool through 6th grade are invited to join Joy Jenkins this fall in the Christ Church Children’s Choir!

The Children’s Choir meets on Sunday mornings during the regular 10:15 a.m. worship service. Choir members leave the service just following the Children’s Moment and return to the service during the doxology.

With regular singing appearances throughout the season, the Children’s Choir gives our kids the opportunity to actively participate as worship leaders in Sunday morning services. If you have any questions about the Children’s Choir, contact Ben Riggs at 303-322-0784, x.202, or briggs@christchurchcolorado.org.

Rehearsals begin on Rally Day, September 13 — see you then!

Children's Education: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:24:00.004-06:00

WACK: Wonder, Arts and Christianity for Kids

4th, 5th, & 6th grades: This year we will be shifting from a Sunday School format to more of a learning “club” format. We are hoping for suggestions from the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders for a name for this new format! We are creating our own curriculum for this group, engaging in 6-8 week learning modules, each finishing with a special activity or event outside of the regular Sunday School hour.

Here are some of our modules: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Worship, Refugees and Immigration, Prayer Practices and the Holy Days of our Christian faith. Our hope is this new format will honor the skills and capacities to truly contribute to the world. We are open to any suggestions and topics for further explorations from parents and participants.

Faithful Parenting Class

Parenting is one of the most challenging responsibilities charged to the human race. As parents we are the primary educators of our children in so many arenas, but particularly in matters of spirituality, religion, and ethics. This year we will be offering a year-long, monthly gathering for parents to gather and discuss their shared labor of parenting Christ Church’s children. By sharing our struggles and insights gained in the parenting journey, we hope to strengthen our own capacity to help our children.

The class will meet on the third Sunday of each month, from 9:15-10:00 a.m., upstairs in the Adult Study room. Good coffee and baked goods will be provided. Our conversation will be primed by shared readings, but will flow to the topics and struggles that participants most want to discuss. Parents are welcome to drop in for the whole series, for just a book that is interesting to them, or even just for one session.

A more detailed schedule will soon be available, but we will be working with the following books:

Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar, The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children (Sept.—Nov.)
Susan V. Vogt, Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference: Helping Your Family Live with Integrity, Value Simplicity, and Care for Others (Dec.—Mar.)
Elizabeth Caldwell, Leaving Home with Faith: Nurturing the Spiritual Life of our Youth (Apr.—May)

Some books will be available for purchase at the church, but all three are easily available online. Even if you choose not to read the books, you will be able to participate in the conversation. The conversation and coffee will be facilitated by Katherine Turpin and Sue Lawson. Hopefully we will all be teachers to one another as we walk this path together.

—Katherine Turpin & Eric Strader

Adult Education: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:22:00.001-06:00

Adult Seminar

The new season of the Adult Seminar begins on Rally Day, September 13, at 9:00 a.m. in the Christ Church chapel. Seminar coordinator Neva Windbigler and the Adult Education committee have prepared an outstanding year of speakers under the banner “America’s Changing Mosaic.”

On September 13 & 20, Dr. Dolph Grundman from Metro State College will speak on “The First Amendment.” Then on September 27, Dr. Daniel Carroll from Denver Seminary will present “Christians at the Borders.”

Join the Adult Seminar every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. for exciting guest speakers from the Denver community.

Coffeehouse Theology

Are you looking for an alternative to sipping coffee at your kitchen table on Sunday morning? Are you looking for coffee and some great conversation? Eric Strader will be leading an Adult Study on Sunday mornings this fall, starting on Rally Day, September 13.

The class will meet in the Upper Room, 2nd Floor, from 9:15-10:00 a.m. We are first going to explore the History of Christianity and the History of Methodism. Eric will use stories of early Christianity to discuss issues surrounding theology and our understanding of the Bible. The class will journey through the life and beliefs of John Wesley as Methodism expanded across the country. We will break in Advent to spend time in the season of preparation for the Christ-child’s birth. Come and go in the class as you can. All are welcome — coffee and juice are FREE!

—Eric Strader

Upcoming Events: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:21:00.000-06:00

Save the Date!

On Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m., Emily Smith and Kevin Sladek will wed in the Christ Church sanctuary.

As many of you know, Emily was raised in our church and was an active member until she left for college. She has fond memories of her time here, and of you. We hope that you will be able to celebrate this momentous and sacred event with them. A mini-reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. No gifts, please. Your presence will be their present!

— Don & Jane Smith

Adults (20-35)

The Adults will join together for brunch on Sunday September 13. We will meet at Hotcakes, 1400 E. 18th Ave. following the worship service and Coffee Hour. This is a time to connect with others from Christ Church. Hope you will join us.

Pub Theology

Monday September 21, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Irish Hound, corner of St. Paul and 6th Ave. Pub Theology is a time to share theological thoughts and beliefs in an open safe setting. Come share with us!

Blessing of the Animals

Christ Church will offer a Blessing of the Animals service on October 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Friends, families, and community neighbors are invited to bring family pets. Please leash and cage appropriately! This will be a great time for kids ages 2 to 92! Even if you don’t have a pet, but love animals, come and be a part of this exciting afternoon.

—Eric Strader

Financial Stewardship Drive: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:20:00.000-06:00

To maintain our current level of outstanding worship services, education and other programs, the members of Christ Church who are able, need to increase their financial support of the church. Without additional giving, we are likely to be $30,000 under budget for the year. Even this figure is misleading because the budget assumes withdrawing $43,258 from endowment funds (gifts from the past), and fundraising projects of $15,000. Our endowments will run out if we keep using them to run the Church.

The nominating committee has asked the two of us to co-chair a stewardship committee to bring in additional money for this year’s budget and to plan the fall stewardship campaign for next year. Several members have volunteered to be on this committee, including Brian Smith, Laurie Fujinami, Ben Houston and Linda Reinhardt. We are accepting additional volunteers.

The immediate goal is to raise $30,000 in additional funding for this year. We recognize that in the current economic climate, not everyone is in the position to increase their support of Christ Church. We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to seriously consider what they can contribute.

To start with, each member of the Administrative Board has been asked to seriously consider their personal financial situation to determine if they can donate more money to Christ Church. The committee chairs have been asked to approach their committee members about considering increasing their own gifts to Christ Church. The committee members will be asked to approach other members of our community about increasing their donations to Christ Church. Finally, the Stewardship Committee will ask those who have not been contacted to consider increasing their support of Christ Church.

Here is some food for thought:

The current Christ Church budget is for $316,823 per year. This amounts to $868.01 for each day of the year. Please consider your contributions in light of the needs of the church. If you have not made a pledge, we encourage you to do so, and if you have, to consider increasing it or making an additional gift. Again, we fully understand that some members of the church are not able to increase their giving at this time, but we appreciate your considering what you can do.

—Gene Tucker and Joan Foster, Stewardship Co-Chairs

Chancel Choir: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:19:00.003-06:00

The Christ Church Chancel Choir begins it’s new season with rehearsal on Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room (2nd floor).

The Choir’s 1 hour, 15 minute rehearsal takes place every Wednesday evening throughout the program year.

Membership in the Chancel Choir is open to everyone at Christ Church, as well as community neighbors and friends — it’s an excellent way to invite new people to come to church and check us out! No audition is required, just the desire to sing and fellowship.

If you are interested in singing with the Chancel Choir, please contact Ben Riggs at 303-322-0784, x.202, or briggs@christchurchcolorado.org.

Potthoff Lecture Series: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:17:00.002-06:00

Growing, Living, Dying with Grace:

Rev. Darryl Fairchild

Friday, September 25, 7:00—8:30 p.m.:

Session in the Chapel

Saturday, September 26, 10:00—11:30 a.m.:

Session in the Fellowship Hall

Sunday, September 27, 10:15—11:15 a.m.:

Worship in the Sanctuary with Rev. Darryl Fairchild

The Adult Education Committee recently brought you an Oral History of Christ Church. We wish to continue to bring you our history with an eye on our future spiritual lives.

Dr. Harvey Potthoff, our former pastor and renowned educator left us the ways and means to bring you meaningful speakers on occasion.

Rev. Darryl Fairchild from Dayton, Ohio interned at Christ Church while studying at Iliff School of Theology. He taught Dr. Potthoff’s classes on the subject of death and dying. Darryl continues to teach and live the philosophies.

Friday evening Darryl will be discussing some of Dr. Potthoff’s wisdoms with one subject being about the difference between being alone and being lonely.

Saturday morning we will invite you and resource people to have the opportunity to converse about things like the story from Harvey. Stuart Mace was interviewed and was asked what he thought of the aspen in the fall. Mace said, “Dying with grace.”

Sunday’s sermon then balances reason with mystery.

— Kenita Gibbins

Prayer Breakfast: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:16:00.003-06:00

Bishop Elaine Stanovsky invites you to attend the Denver Urban Ministries Prayer Breakfast. The event will be held on Thursday, September 10, from 8:30-10:00 a.m. at Warren United Methodist Church (1630 E. 14th Ave., Denver).

Join us for a morning of sharing and prayer for the hungry, vulnerable, and those who serve the low-income community. All pastors, staff, mission team members and laypeople are invited. Please RSVP to Tammy at 303-350-5060 or tammy@denum.org.

United Methodist Women: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:14:00.002-06:00

Labels for Education

UMW members please remember we are still contributing our Campbell Food UPC labels (includes Franco-American, Pace, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Swanson, V-8) to McCurdy School in Espanola, New Mexico. McCurdy serves children in pre-school through 12th grade. The Campbell’s “Labels for Education” program provides an amazing number of needed educational items, such as overhead projectors, microscopes, TVs, VCRs, dictionaries, computers, software and sports accessories. There is a box for the UPC labels in the Christ Church Narthex. If you have any questions please call Marilyn Degginger.

UMCOR Kits

The deadline for bringing any UMCOR Kits to the Church is September 13. Diane Lewis is collecting these kits for the District (which will send them to UMCOR by September 19). There has been a very positive response to this UM Committee on Relief ministry and we have collected a lot of kits! Thanks.

UMW Reading Program

The cart which contains UMW’s selected reading program books (located in the Narthex) is being changed. A space on the bookshelves in the Narthex is being created to hold our program books. They will be properly labeled as UMW and a sign-out sheet will still be available for signing books out. This is being done in an effort to consolidate and organize that area.

VIBE Circle & Mission Team

VIBE Circle will meet September 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room. Carol Everett will provide the program and Diane Lewis will be acting as hostess. The next Mission Team meeting will be held November 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room.

Upcoming Events

Other upcoming events include the UMW Annual Meeting for the installation of officers on Sunday, November 15 at 11:30 a.m. This will be a potluck lunch meeting. The UMW bi-annual Valentine Tea will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010.

—Sheryl Byers

Joys & Thanks: September 2009

2009-08-27T14:12:00.001-06:00

Thanks from Ecumenical Refugee Services: “Words are inadequate to express the gratitude we...feel about the fantastic effort you put forth to make our July 26-28, 2009 distribution of clothes to refugee children a success.... The happiness of all was even noted by some neighbors who live near Christ UMC. The neighbors noticed how joyful the families were as they left the church and were very inquisitive....” If you would like to donate clothing or backpacks for the next distribution on November 7-8 at Christ Church, please contact Marsha Carey at marshacarey@comcast.net.

Worship Brunch!

2009-07-30T12:37:00.004-06:00

Sunday, August 16 — 10:15 a.m.

Please join us on Sunday, August 16, for a special congregation-wide Worship Brunch! Held in the Fellowship Hall during the regular 10:15 a.m. service time, the Worship Brunch will be a combined worship service/community meal.

Food for the brunch will be supplied pot-luck style, so dust off that scrambled-egg-casserole recipe and bring enough to share! A sign-up list for brunch items will be available during worship on Aug. 2 & 9. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for worship and fellowship at the Worship Brunch, Aug. 16 at 10:15.

Upcoming Events: August 2009

2009-07-30T12:36:00.000-06:00

Pub Theology

Monday, Aug. 10, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Irish Hound (St. Paul & 6th Ave.) Pub Theology is open to all in the congregation who seek to talk about God and faith over food and drink. We will dive into great conversations with openness and dialogue. See you there! Come and go as you are able.

AIDS Walk

Would you like raise money and awareness for AIDS support? Eric is walking in the AIDS Walk and invites any and all to join him. Sign up or get information at . The walk is on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9:00 a.m. Contact Eric at if you are interested in participating in the AIDS Walk.

Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing

Join Christ Church on Sunday, August 23, at 10:15 a.m. for a rousing worship service featuring some of the great old hymns from the Methodist tradition! Expect several hymns with lyrics by Charles Wesley, as well as old favorites like “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.” If you have a favorite hymn you’d like to nominate for the hymn sing, contact Ben Riggs at the church office or give him your nominations in person on Sunday morning.

Youth News: August 2009

2009-07-30T12:35:00.000-06:00

Parents and Youth Meeting: Sunday Aug. 30 following the worship service we will go to Hotcakes for a conversation over brunch. Eric will present the new strategy for the fall. Please RSVP to let Eric know you are coming. All are responsible for their own meals.

—Eric Strader

Staff Parish Relations: August 2009

2009-07-30T12:34:00.001-06:00

Dear Christ Church,

I would like to announce a change in staff responsibilities. Ben Riggs is turning over the duties of Christian Education to Eric Strader. Eric will supervise the weekly children’s Sunday School program and assist with the Children’s and Adult Education committees, to include serving on Ad Board.

Ben will continue in his position as worship and music director, as well as communications director (newsletter editor, marketing, webmaster).

Please show your support of our fine staff members as we continue to grow and worship together.

—Julie Major-Frunz, Staff Parish Relations Chair

Pilgrimage: August 2009

2009-07-30T12:29:00.001-06:00

Whether we go to the Ganges or Graceland, maintaining a spirit of observance and self-reflection is key. —Gregg Levoy

We are in the middle of that long-held American tradition called August vacation! Many in our congregation will be finishing vacations before school begins or taking some time before new projects start in September. Amy and I will be traveling to a place we have never been before, Las Vegas—Lord, have mercy on us!

As a society, we use vacations to rest, rejuvenate our souls, and to ready ourselves for the onslaught that is the fall. Do we see this as a simple vacation or can we conceptualize it as something deeper? The Bible is full of characters who took pilgrimages, Moses, Jesus and Paul to name a few. I love the story of how Abraham went to a new land because God said “go.” I imagine as Abram walked through this new land he could just look at the changing landscape. He had no iPod or DVD player or Harry Potter book to occupy his time on the journey. He could pray, talk with fellow travelers and observe the scenery. He was changed, finding a new home and encounters with God along the way.

One summer my family drove our Ford Aerostar van from Wichita, Kansas, to Orlando, Florida. Yes, we were headed to Disney World! It was a total journey of 1,400 miles. My sister and I read almost the entire way. I remember my dad saying, “Look out the window! There’s the Mississippi!” We continued reading and really did not care about a river of water. We were not in a spirit of observation. Can you blame us after 25 hours of driving?

Vacations are like pilgrimages. We may journey to Ireland for Celtic spirituality, or the Middle East to visit sacred sites of Christianity. There are other vacations that also engage us with the Divine. Trips to sacred places of our past, visits with family and school reunions or a favorite family vacation spot. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to return home changed. To walk into your home, breathe deep, and know that you are not the same as when you left.

No matter where your August vacations or journeys lead you, may you look for the sacred. May your destination be a place that deepens your connection with God. May you be in a spirit of observation and find the Divine waiting to meet you.

—Eric Strader

United Methodist Women: August 2009

2009-07-30T12:27:00.000-06:00

An informal UMW picnic took place July 13 in Hale Park with 10 UMW members present. Those attending had an enjoyable summer evening picnic and fellowship.

Mission Team will meet Monday August 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room.

VIBE Circle will begin meeting again September 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room with Carol Everett providing the program and Diane Lewis acting as hostess.

All UMW members should bring their UMCOR kits to Christ Church no later than Sunday, September 13.

Thank you to everyone who signed up to help with Coffee Hour in July and August. Great job!

—Sheryl Byers

Cares & Concerns: August 2009

2009-07-30T12:26:00.001-06:00

Bonnie Whittlesey has been in and out of ICU and is now home. Please keep Bonnie and the Whittlesey family in your prayers. Cards may be sent to: 7877 E. Mississippi, #707E, Denver, 80247.

Edith Sullivan recently returned home from a long hospital stay. Cards may be sent to: 1155 Ash St., #401, Denver, 80220.

Joys & Thanks: August 2009

2009-07-30T12:21:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to church member Kristen Bunker on her marriage to Robert Hampton. Rob and Kristen were married on July 4th at the Botanical Gardens at Chatfield. Rob’s daughter Alita, who recently joined the church through Confirmation, was also part of the service sharing in the union of this new family. May God bless their journey.

Special thanks to Cherish Edwards for her generous donation to the Christ Church Food Pantry.

Congratulations to Kenita & George Gibbins on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary last month!

Congratulations to Pam & Denny White on the celebration of their 36th wedding anniversary last month!

All-Church Picnic 2009

2009-07-19T17:08:00.000-06:00

CCUM @ Denver Gay Pride Parade

2009-06-30T16:11:00.002-06:00

Sharing the Gay Pride Parade Experience

2009-06-30T16:09:00.001-06:00

From Sandy Houston, Pride Parade participant:

Ben and I had an awesome experience both parading and selling the water to help Jay out! I saw people I know who rushed out to thank me; a lady on sidelines thanked Charles and me for basically representing the real spirit of Christians.

Everyone of all diversity seemed to be having fun. Young guys seemed a little amazed to walk up to our water booth and see a lady of mature years such as me and thanked me.

This is in fact the huge civil rights issue of the autumn of my life and I would love to be included in anything Ben and I can do to help. Civil rights for African Americans was the issue of the spring of my life and while I spoke up for them and did some things, I can now see my helping so much more on this civil rights issue. We are progressing, folks, step by step by step!

Let us each "Be the change we want to see in the world." --Gandhi

Chancel Choir party & workday photos!

2009-06-25T13:45:00.002-06:00

Check out this slideshow of CCUM Chancel Choir members as they celebrate the end of their successful 2008-09 choir season! As a bonus, the slideshow continues with photos from the "choir room rehabilitation" workday from last fall.

Denver Gay Men's Chorus in worship this Sunday!

2009-06-10T13:45:00.004-06:00

At our 10:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday, June 14, members from the Denver Gay Men's Chorus & Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men's Chorus will be presenting musical excerpts from their upcoming concert, "Songs of our Families." Please join us in worship to hear portions of a unique new musical work which challenges us to broaden our perception of "family values."

The Denver Gay Men's Chorus and Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men's Chorus combine voices for the first time to perform a very special concert, "Songs of our Families." The centerpiece work is the Colorado premiere of This House Shall Stand: Songs of My Family -- a unique choral work which explores themes in the lives of GLBT families with soaring melodies and beautiful, touching lyrics.

Denver Performance at 3:00pm - June 21st Only
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
1980 Dahlia St

Colorado Springs Performance at 7:30pm - June 20th Only
First United Methodist Church
420 North Nevada Ave

A 45-minute song cycle for men's chorus and chamber orchestra, This House Shall Stand: Songs of My Family is a collection of actual stories about GLBT families from around the country set to music by Portland-based composer Robert Seeley and lyricist Robert Espindola. With the pressing issue of gay marriage rights in the forefront of the national political arena, the performance of this important musical work is more relevant now than ever. The "Songs of our Families" concert will also mark the first major performance of the Denver Gay Men's Chorus in the city of Colorado Springs.

''The inspiration came from stories from all over the country,'' shares composer Robert Seeley. ''Teenage kids to elderly folks -- it ran the gamut of family in the new millennium, how it can be defined. And we ran with it. Particularly moving was a girl whose father was gay, but who had kind of lost himself living in the closet so long. But he found a partner...and became the father she hoped he would become, through that happiness. He became a completely loving partner and individual.''

Advance tickets available online at www.rmarts.org, at Wild Flowers in Denver and Poor Richard's Bookstore in Colorado Springs.

Denver - Adults: $22 advance, $24 at door; Adults 55+: $20 advance, $22 at door; Students 13-2:1 $16 advance, $18 at door. Colorado Springs - Adults: $20 advance, $22 at door; Adults 55+: $18 advance, $20 at door; Students 13-21: $16 advance, $18 at door. Children 12 and under are always free.

Our New Neighbors: SNOOZE!

2009-06-02T15:37:00.003-06:00

Rev. Carolyn & I were so excited to hear the news that Snooze: An A.M. Eatery was opening up a second restaurant next door to Christ Church (at 700 Colorado Blvd) that we decided to have lunch today at the original Snooze. Carolyn's been in touch with owner Jon Schlegel, welcoming him to the neighborhood, and we were hosted today by Jon's brother Adam.

Wow, did we have a great time! Check out their awesome breakfast menu, with some real-time entree photos posted below. Snooze is going to be an exciting addition to our 7th & Colorado neighborhood!

Mmmmm, pineapple upside-down pancakes:

Huevos rancheros:

Pork Benediction (so appropriate for a church lunch!):

Denver Women's Chorus

2009-06-02T15:28:00.006-06:00

IN CONCERT

2:00 & 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 6

2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 7

Please join us in hosting the Denver Women’s Chorus (DWC) in concert on June 6 & 7. June marks a very special anniversary: The Denver Women’s Chorus is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary, and we invite you to celebrate with us!

Our Retrospective concert will take you on a musical journey through many years of our herstory of building community through music, including many selections from our last eight years with Mark Zwilling as our acclaimed artistic director.

The DWC perform in the Christ Church sanctuary on June 6 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and June 7 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, and are available to purchase online at rmarts.org.

Water Words: June 2009

2009-05-28T14:30:00.003-06:00

Summer may be my favorite time of the year! Especially since moving to Colorado where the days are wonderful even when hot and the evenings are always perfect unless there is rain! But heat is expected in the high desert and rain is always a welcomed relief!

Heat comes in other ways related to the life of Christ Church. The heat (unwelcomed part) of the summer at church shows up as lower attendance and insufficient giving.

Summers are great time to get out and enjoy this amazing state we live in. So be sure and do that! And if it means missing worship, remember to pray and give thanks where you are.

But don't forget that we still have salaries, and bills to pay. If you want the church to be here for you when summer is over, we need you to remember to be here for the church even if you are gone.

The financial challenges for us as a congregation are looming over our head. We must raise $30,000 above the pledges for this year to make the budget. We are falling behind. Some of you are challenged with current economic realities, others of us are simply holding on tight and perhaps a little too afraid.

If anyone has a generous ability to help toward the $30,000 that would be wonderful! If anyone is willing to serve on the new stewardship committee that would be great! If all of you would think of and pray for our congregation in these challenging financial times, that could be enough.

Want to talk about it over a cup of ice water? Give me a call.

—Carolyn Waters

Youth News: June 2009

2009-05-28T14:00:00.000-06:00

Youth Camping Trip

Camping Trip to Durango. June 24-27. Make sure you let Eric know you want to go, ASAP! Congregation, please pray for the youth as they journey, experience God in the world and are in relationship with each other.

Dialogue & Dinner

What’s on your mind? Faith, politics, world change. Join Eric and Amy Strader for dinner and discussion. Eric will provide the main dish, you provide your home. Let’s join together for great conversation and a full-course meal. Starting in June. Not limited to individual families, get your own group together. I look forward to getting to know you and your family better. To sign up or ask questions email Eric at estrader@christchurchcolorado.org.

—Eric Strader

United Methodist Women: June 2009

2009-05-28T13:55:00.000-06:00

The Gathering Place

This month UMW will tour The Gathering Place, one of the missions we support. The Gathering Place (1535 High St. ) is a refuge for rebuilding lives and a place that exists to support women and their children who are experiencing homelessness and poverty by providing a safe daytime refuge and resources for self-sufficiency. Our tour is scheduled for Friday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Margaret Simmons if you plan to attend. Anyone wishing to car pool, please meet at the Church at 2:00 p.m. and if anyone would like to join some of us for lunch prior to the tour, please meet at the Church at 12:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Summer Brunch

Our annual UMW Summer Brunch will be held Saturday, June 27. We will meet at Carla Schwartzkopf’s house at 9:30 a.m. and plan to eat at 10:00 a.m. Per usual, this is a pot luck, so please bring a dish to share. Our speaker this year is Louana George, who will be talking about the Prayer Quilt Ministry. This is always an enjoyable time to get together in an informal setting and eat and visit.

Upcoming Project

A project coming up for the Fall (September 19) involves assembling kits for UMCOR (for global disaster relief). There is a choice of sending a Health Kit, School Kit and/or Sewing Kit.

UMW Circle Dates

Our next Mission Team Meeting will be held Monday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study room. Our next VIBE Circle meeting will be held September 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study room. The program will be presented by Carol Everett and refreshments supplied by Diane Lewis.

—Sheryl Byers

Adults (20-35): June 2009

2009-05-28T13:50:00.000-06:00

Brunch @ Hotcakes

Join us on Sunday, June 7, for brunch at Hotcakes (1400 E 18th. Ave.) Bring your friends! We will meet following the morning worship service.

Pub Theology

Join us on Monday, June 22, at the Irish Hound Pub (6th Ave. & St. Paul) from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Pub Theology is a space for talk about God and all sorts of topics.

—Eric Strader

Reconciling Ministries: June 2009

2009-05-28T13:40:00.003-06:00

CCUM Allies of LGBT Community

When this congregation decided to become an official Reconciling Congregation, it took a huge and courageous step in the Civil Rights movement for Gay rights. As a minority, gays cannot win our rights without you. We continue to need your support, your action, and your prayers. We deeply thank you for it.

Here are some next steps you can take. Many of you are probably already doing these things. Please know how much that means to us:

March with us in the Pride Parade, June 28. We’ll meet in Cheesman Park. Be there before the parade starts at 9:30 a.m.
Come to rallies and protests. Bring signs supporting us. Your role as an ALLY is key. The news media and the rest of the country needs to see that it is not just gays who are demonstrating.
Keep talking. Speak up against gay bashing. Tell people why you belong to a Reconciling Congregation. Don’t “let it slide.” Continue to teach your children by the examples you are setting that hate is wrong.
Vote. Whenever there is a ballot measure affecting gays, vote and inspire others to vote for civil rights and against hate.
Websites. Each of these is an action based organization:

The Colorado Queer Straight Alliance: <coqueerstraightalliance.ning.com>
Soul Force is a national faith based movement that started in Colorado: <soulforce.org>

Join the Impact gives action updates: <jointheimpact.com>

—Lauren Fortmiller & Pam Thiele

Joys & Thanks: June 2009

2009-05-28T13:30:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Carol Tudor, who is recently engaged to be married to her fiancé Stephen!

Congratulations to Daniel & Lynn Hammond on the marriage of their son Ato Hammond to Vicki King on May 30!

Colorado Conductors' Chorus

2009-05-11T12:16:00.004-06:00

Colorado Conductors' Chorus

IN CONCERT
Sunday, May 17
7:30 p.m.

Please join us in hosting the premiere Denver performance of a new ensemble, the Colorado Conductors’ Chorus. This unique group is comprised entirely of choral conductors who gather to perform great choral music at a professional level.

The May 17 concert will be held in the Christ Church sanctuary, and is free and open to the public. Colorado Conductors’ Chorus will perform choral works by Byrd, Brahms, Verdi, Lauridsen, Whitacre, and many other exciting composers. The Chorus is conducted by Dr. Lawrence Kaptein, Director of Choral Activities at CU—Boulder.

Reconciling Sunday

2009-04-30T14:00:00.003-06:00

Worship Service
Sunday, May 3, at 10:15 a.m.

Join Christ Church as we celebrate our 3rd Anniversary of becoming a Reconciling Congregation. We will affirm the full inclusion of our LGBT members & friends, with special musical guests the Denver Women’s Chorus and special guest preacher Rev. Malcolm Himschoot.

Rev. Malcolm Himschoot completed his undergraduate study at Amherst College and then went on to get his Masters of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado.

Malcolm was ordained into the United Church of Christ in 2004, serving an inner-city ecumenical ministry in Denver. He also served as Associate Minister for Outreach at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota for a period of time. In addition, he served as interim Open and Affirming Coordinator for the United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns, during an important period of transition for the program.

Malcolm's work is focused on the transformation and wholeness of Christian communities across society’s dividing lines. Over the course of his final two years in seminary he took part in filming the documentary Call Me Malcolm where he openly discussed his transition from female to male along with his personal faith journey. In conjunction with that film, he has spoken at churches, colleges, and universities around the country.

Malcolm and his partner Mariah welcomed twins into their family in January 2008. While Malcolm has now shifted much of his time towards fathering his children, he continues to do occasional presentations on transgender concerns.

(M)OTHER play

2009-04-30T13:55:00.004-06:00

Friday, May 1
5:30—8:30 p.m.

Christ Church United Methodist and The Gathering Place invites you to an inspirational performance of Beth Osnes’ show, (M)OTHER, exploring how to get the people of one nation to authentically care about the children of other nations. The show is an intimate, funny and provocative look at one mother’s personal transformation, moving from concern to action on behalf of the world’s children.

(M)OTHER is accompanied by a workshop — a rehearsal for activism — where each mother will gain vocal confidence and strength, declare her most passionate concern facing the world’s children and devise an attainable plan for action based on that concern.

United Methodist Women: May 2009

2009-04-30T13:48:00.003-06:00

UMW Mission Team will meet on Monday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room #203.

VIBE Circle will meet on Monday, May 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room #203. All women of Christ Church are welcome to attend.

Upcoming events:

UMW will be hosting the Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Brunch May 17 at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
We are planning a trip to The Gathering Place on Friday, June 12, at 2:30 p.m. Please check the Sunday bulletins for further info. This trip is designed to help educate UMW members and/or other interested church members regarding the function and purpose of the Gathering Place (a mission UMW supports).
The Annual Summer Brunch is still in the planning phases. We plan to set a definite date after hearing what the date for the church picnic will be. This year’s Summer Brunch will be held at Carla Schwartzkopf’s house—thanks Carla!

—Sheryl Byers

Christ Church Visionaries

2009-04-30T13:47:00.000-06:00

CCV (Christ Church Visionaries) will be gathering May 12, 6:00 p.m. at the church. CCV is a newly developed group resulting from the Christ Church Vision Quest weekend. All friends and members of Christ Church are invited and encouraged to attend as we work to “Create what isn’t & improve what is!” Due to the meeting time, feel free to “brown bag” it.

Theology Corner: May 2009

2009-04-30T13:40:00.003-06:00

The Dangers of Reticence

In the beginning I thought, if economists were morally responsible, they would occasionally stay quiet. They tell the public that the recession is partly caused by public pessimism. Then, it seems, they say everything they can to make the public feel economically pessimistic.

Why, in the interests of keeping their diagnosis from contributing to the disease, could economists not just, please, for awhile, stifle their pessimism . . . like, practice the great, under-rated virtue of omission?

But how can we say this without contradicting ourselves? We have already criticized economists for not telling us something (that the bubble would soon burst). Can we now criticize them for telling us something?

Russian novelist Vladimir Nabokov titled his autobiography Speak, Memory. Economists ought to write a candid, running biography of the U.S. economy, titling it, Speak, Economy--and they ought to let the economy do just that day after day, without allowing it to stay silent about anything.

Economists have much at stake. The New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof recently wrote, "According to World Bank estimates, the global economic crisis will cause an additional 22 children to die per hour, throughout all of 2009"--and he added that the World Bank admitted it might be twice that. All economists were largely in the dark, but some thought they saw this coming and said too little. Others hardly tried to see what was coming, and they said almost nothing. Either way, governments and businesspeople lacked the truth they needed to stop this slaying of children--and most economists were, at least, slightly implicated.

Theologians also have much at stake, as they prepare us for the next great spiritual recession (triggered, perhaps, by a new disregard for personal meaning and for a basis for that meaning). Perhaps we should demand that they be less reticent about what has happened and what might happen.

For example, they tell us that, because God acts in history, some good things happen that would not otherwise happen, because we alone could never make them happen. There must be at work everywhere a Good that is not our own good--a "Good not our own," as one theologian put it. But very bad things also happen, such as 22 innocent children dying every hour. But here theologians switch their logic, saying that God does not act in the history of calamity, leaving only humans and nature to blame--omitting that, perhaps, because God acts in history, some bad things happen that would not otherwise happen. Theologians, it appears, may be selectively silent about the moral status of the powers they call divine.

Yes, theologians see only through a fog, and economists have fogs of their own. Neither, perhaps, is careful enough to provide a complete picture, which is to say that both are too often silent. Important things are foggy enough as it is, so that staying silent only makes things worse.

We may be better equipped to take care of ourselves if we recognize that we live in a world whose Depth, or Ultimate Power, as Ernest Hemingway and many others have said, may not be entirely fair. We might perform better if we knew that the divine fields of force may be great at creation and redemption but only so-so at morality.

— William Dean, Theologian in Residence

Men's Breakfast photos!

2009-04-25T18:19:00.000-06:00

Easter Egg Hunt 2009

2009-04-24T13:44:00.000-06:00

Christ Church Children's Choir

2009-04-17T11:12:00.003-06:00

The Christ Church Children's Choir singing on Easter Sunday morning!

All kids are invited to sing in our choir. Rehearsals are held every Sunday morning during the 10:15 a.m. worship service, following the Children's Moment.

Christ Church in Words

2009-03-24T13:18:00.004-06:00

These words were taken from our Christ Church Connections blog. The larger words are used more often. What a great representation of our community! You can create you own "word cloud" by visiting www.wordle.net.

Men's Breakfast: Saturday, April 25

2009-03-24T13:15:00.002-06:00

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-19T10:22:00.002-06:00

In accordance with our Carbon Fast Lenten Discipline, we encourage everyone to observe Earth Hour 2009, Saturday, March 28, at 8:30 p.m. wherever you are around the world.

Visioning Retreat

2009-03-08T14:30:00.004-06:00

This past weekend the Christ Church congregation gathered to vision for our future. Here are some of the results of our work together.

CHRIST CHURCH VALUES

Integrity (walk the talk)
Progressive Thinking (aspiring, not liberal)
Christian Church (value the Christian tradition; individuals are able to define what that means for them)
Openness to Growth (as congregation & individuals)
Empowerment of Children & Youth
Sacraments, Silence, Worship, & Music
Sense of Community (unconditional belonging & acceptance; caring for each other)
Inclusiveness
Knowledge
Outreach
Food
Fellowship
Questions (more than answers)
Financial Integrity
Boundaries (but not walls)
Safe Sanctuary
Diversity

CHRIST CHURCH VISIONS

Valuing Questions

We will honor your questions and support you as together we search for answers.

Progressive Thinking

We will become the epicenter of this neighborhood.

Worship

We will expand worship to encompass additional services, locales, & worship styles.

Community

We will nurture a "Cheers" type of atmosphere ("where everybody knows your name").

Fellowship

We will form an embracing community of faith based on deep interactions.

Inclusiveness

We will welcome you with open arms and encourage you to share what's inside of you.

Empowerment of Children & Youth

We will nurture social action for youth to create a safe space, get non-traditional tools to understand their faith journey, and include youth in the sanctuary and church life.

Christian Church

We will show the relevance of Christian traditions but provide something attendees can't get elsewhere.

Social Justice (Inclusiveness)

We will affirm the matrimony of all people.

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25 @ 6:30 p.m.

2009-02-24T13:13:00.006-07:00

Commemorate the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent with Christ Church on Ash Wednesday, February 25.

The 30-minute Ash Wednesday worship service will be held at 6:30 p.m., will be contemplative in mood, and will feature the traditional Imposition of Ashes.

UMW International Potluck

2009-02-09T14:52:00.002-07:00

Click here to view photos from the United Methodist Women's International Potluck (Sunday, February 8, 2009) — view as "slideshow" is recommended!

Concert @ CCUM

2009-01-28T12:23:00.004-07:00

Peter Mayer
Friday, March 13,
at 7:00 p.m.

Peter Mayer, folksinger & songwriter from Minnesota, will be performing in concert at Christ Church in March! Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. To purchase advance tickets, please email the church office, or call 303-322-0784. To learn about Peter Mayer and his music, please visit his website: <petermayer.net>.

Christmas Eve Worship, 7:00 p.m.

2008-12-22T20:51:00.002-07:00

Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.

Please join the Christ Church community for Christmas Eve worship on December 24 at 7:00 p.m. This special worship services will feature a traditional candle-lighting ceremony, Christmas Eve communion, carol-singing, and special music by the Christ Church Chancel Choir.

Christmas Eve Worship, 7:00 p.m.

2008-12-18T17:47:00.005-07:00

Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.

Take Note! Concert at Christ Church

2008-12-18T17:40:00.003-07:00

Please join Take Note!, the Denver Women's Chorus Small Ensemble, as we Celebrate the Season with two holiday concerts in December. We are excited to welcome to our annual Holiday concert the youth from Mosaic Youth Chorus. Our "Home for the Holidays" concerts are December 20 at 7:30 p.m. and December 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church in Denver.

Tickets to all shows are $10 for adults and students 13-18, in advance, with NO service charges. Day-of-show price is $12. Children 12 and under are free. Purchase tickets online at www.rmarts.org or visit and support our two retail partners: Wild Flowers at 12th and Madison in Denver or Poor Richard's Bookstore on N Tejon St in Colorado Springs.

Free tickets are available for youth 14-20 interested in seeing Mosaic Youth Chorus. Contact us via our website for instructions.

We look forward to seeing and celebrating the season with you! Thank you for your support of the Denver Women's Chorus and Rocky Mountain Arts Association!

Changing the Sanctuary lightbulbs!

2008-12-18T17:35:00.001-07:00

Children's Christmas Pageant

2008-12-14T13:07:00.006-07:00

Click here to view the fantastic photos

from the Children's Christmas Pageant and Advent Worship Brunch.

(View as "slideshow" is recommended!)

With more than 120 people in attendance, this morning's pageant and brunch were our most successful ever! Many thanks to everyone who helped provide the delicious brunch dishes and to everyone who helped clean-up. Special thanks to Joy Jenkins for directing the Children's Choir, and to the Children's Ed committee and all of our Sunday School teachers for preparing the children for the pageant!

Early Voters!

2008-11-01T11:46:00.003-06:00

Early voters lined up outside of Christ Church on Friday, October 31! Christ Church is also a polling place for Precincts #851, 854, & 855 on Election Day, November 4.

Denver Early Voting

2008-10-20T12:48:00.004-06:00

Come to Christ Church to cast your ballot! The Denver Election Commission is holding early voting and ballot drop-off at Christ Church from 11:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. on October 20-25 and October 27-31. Christ Church is located at 690 Colorado Boulevard, at 7th Avenue. Click here for more information about early voting in Denver.

Choir Room renovation

2008-10-09T10:47:00.005-06:00

The Chancel Choir are working on a much-needed renovation of the Christ Church choir room. Check out these great photos of choir members hard at work last Sunday...

Christ Church trip to Ireland

2008-09-29T10:53:00.003-06:00

Rev. Carolyn Waters, along with several members of Christ Church & St. Andrew UMC, on their recent trip to Ireland.

Celtic Ring blessing

2008-09-29T09:51:00.001-06:00

Kenita & George — Celtic ring blessing on Ireland trip

Worship Brunch 2008

2008-08-17T12:48:00.003-06:00

Thank you to the Worship & Arts committee for their fantastic organizing of this summer's spectacular Worship Brunch! Check out this slideshow to see the fun & fellowship, as well as the neon table settings & matching daisies!

CCUM Youth Group

2008-07-29T09:43:00.002-06:00

Click here to view photos of the CCUM Youth Group summer shenanigans in the church courtyard (Sunday, July 19, 2008).

All-Church Picnic 2008

2008-07-29T09:38:00.002-06:00

Click here to view photos from the CCUM All-Church Picnic (Sunday, July 13, 2008).

Special thanks to the Children's Education committee for planning, organizing and running the All-Church Picnic!

More Pride Parade photos

2008-07-21T15:24:00.002-06:00

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T10:09:00.001-06:00

Christ Church marches in 2008 Denver Gay Pride Parade!

2008-06-23T10:22:00.003-06:00

An excited group of Christ Church members marched in the 2008 Denver Gay Pride Parade last Sunday, June 22. This was our very first year participating in PrideFest, and we had an incredible turnout of 25 people (which included LGBT members, Straight members, 4 youth, and 3 kids!)

One of the Christ Church participants had this to say about the Pride Parade experience:

We made it!! I was so proud of us for taking a stand yesterday in our march. And I was really proud of me as a 60s-something, back- impaired person for making it the whole parade route. This is a shining example of advocating for equal rights, whether for women, impoverished, black and Hispanic, disabled, gays and lesbian and transgender; human nature being what it is, advocacy will always be needed. God bless and let's plan an even bigger presentation next year!!

The photo above is from the 9news.com coverage of the parade.

Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

2008-05-23T16:52:00.002-06:00

Click here to view photos from the annual Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Breakfast (Sunday, May 18, 2008). Thank you to all of our spectacular Sunday School teachers from the 2007/08 season: Kristi, Julie, Barbara, Sandy, Chelsea, Billy, Sandy, Joel, Dawn, & Wendy!

Plant Sale photos

2008-05-17T14:31:00.002-06:00

Click here to view photos from the first annual CCUM Plant Sale!

Reconciling Sunday photos

2008-05-08T15:18:00.003-06:00

Click here to view photos from Reconciling Sunday ("view as slideshow" is recommended!) This year we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of becoming a Reconciling congregation on May 4, 2008, with special music from our guests, the Denver Gay Men's Chorus.

May Newsletter

2008-05-08T15:17:00.001-06:00

The May 2008 edition of the print Christ Church Connections newsletter is available to download (.pdf format) in the brand new, updated Newsletter Archive. Please note that the Newsletter Archive can now be found at its new address on the Christ Church website!

Adobe Reader is required to open documents in .pdf format -- if your computer does not already have the program installed, you can download it for free here.

Fort Worth Roller Coaster

2008-05-08T14:26:00.003-06:00

by Troy Plummer
Executive Director
Reconciling Ministries Network

I actually love roller coasters -- ups, downs, turns, surprising drops, surprising loops. With a bit of inner ear nausea, I'm still processing what it all means. While I'm not clear yet, I would like to share briefly with you some information. Unlike previous General Conferences (GC), where there was a direct downward spiral legislatively on LGBTQ inclusion, this Fort Worth's Future With Hope was mixed.

GC kept the original basic membership language that was misinterpreted in JC #1032 (49%-51%), but strengthened open transfers of membership and later by a 2/3rds vote replaced a "list" to include with the words "ministry to all" in the UM Constitution section on Inclusivity.
GC maintained "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching" (45%-55%) while it added "loving caregivers" and "same-sex couples with children" to the definition of family.
GC kept a funding ban on "promoting homosexuality" but stressed that it could not be used to "reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends" and further passed anti-homophobia, anti-heterosexism pieces that mandated providing resources to educate and reduce harm.
Finally, GC gave us two peaks to celebrate: 1) the election of moderates to the Judicial Council who hopefully can tell the difference between "may" and "shall" in the eligibility section for membership and 2) the refusal to discriminate against transgender persons -- lay or clergy.

What smoothed the ride out on this roller coaster was the consistent spirit presence of the One Family Tree witness from the Parent's lunch, Young Adult drumming and rally, Reconciling Worship at First UMC, Good Friday "die in" and "Were You There?" floor witness, to the Easter hope wedding of Sue Laurie and Julie Bruno. We started with family and ended with family. We can't create One Family Tree by human means alone, but God can with and through us. Remembering our long-haul mission, planning for 2012 in Florida has already begun.

Easter Egg Hunt photos

2008-03-22T14:58:00.001-06:00

Click here to view photos from the annual Children's Easter Egg Hunt ("view as slideshow" is recommended!)

Maundy Thursday Seder photos

2008-03-22T14:54:00.002-06:00

Click here to view photos from the annual Maundy Thursday Seder meal ("view as slideshow" is recommended!)

Grassroots Miracle: Delegates Receive "For The Bible Tells Me So"

2008-03-12T16:43:00.002-06:00

On January 13th about 75 persons gathered for an adult forum with Phil and Randi Reitan, a Minnesota family featured in the award winning documentary “For the Bible Tells Me So.” Those of us in the room that day were touched deeply as we heard their story, a story of pain and rejection by the church and by people of God after their son Jake declared he was gay.

At the close of the forum there was a sense in the room that we had to do something, but what? How could we, a group of people in a congregation that declares God loves and accepts ALL people make a difference? What could we do? Someone blurted out the words “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all the delegates attending the United Methodist General Conference could see this film?”

That was the igniting spark. You could feel the unifying affirmation in the room. Yes that’s it. Let’s do it.

Seven weeks later, over $16,000 has been raised and all the DVD’s have been mailed. All US delegates and alternate delegates were sent the DVD. We’ve also sent the DVD to our Minnesota Bishop, our District Superintendents, and one DVD was mailed to every Reconciling Congregation in Minnesota. Because of DVD formatting conflicts and language differences we chose not to send it to the delegates from foreign countries.

Besides an overwhelming financial response by our Good Samaritan community, we received contributions from individuals and churches from greater Minnesota, Kansas, Arizona, Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, California, Nebraska, and Illinois.

Thank you to all who not only gave financially but also worked hard to spread the word about what we were doing, to the Good Samaritan Church Council who gave unanimous approval to this project, and to all who diligently gave of their time to package and mail the DVD’s.

Please continue to pray with us now that the same Spirit that moved us to share this film will move in the hearts of all who view it, that they may be open to receiving the incredible message of God’s inclusive love that it portrays.

Marlys Rechkemmer and Dandy Lewis
Coordinators of this unbelievable adventure

via Reconciling Ministries Network

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6 @ 7:00 p.m.

2008-01-30T11:09:00.002-07:00

Commemorate the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent with Christ Church on Ash Wednesday, February 6. The 30-minute Ash Wednesday worship service will be held at 7:00 p.m., will be contemplative in mood, and will feature the traditional Imposition of Ashes. The Chancel Choir will be in attendance to provide special music.

Seeing "Blue" at the Greening of Christ Church

2008-01-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed the blue recycling cans around Christ Church recently? The social action council hopes you have. This past year, the social action committee has taken on the “greening” Christ Church. Our green projects have included:

Informational articles in church newsletters about using less energy
Light bulb exchange program
Purchase of a more energy efficient coffee system
Switching from foam coffee cups to paper cups
Blue recycling cans for the Sanctuary floor of the facility

In addition to this work of the social action committee, the trustees have been able to replace energy leaking windows with new windows and have recently put in programmable thermostats so that we won’t be heating rooms not in use and at night. There is more to be done, of course, but we, the congregation, are well on our way to decreasing our non-essential energy usage. Before you toss out that item you have in your hand, think about it, can it go in the blue recycling can instead?

So, look around and spot those blue recycle cans (can’t miss ‘em, they’re the ones with the recycle symbol on them) and use them for all of your recyclables. Below is a list of what can be recycled not only at church but in your home as well:

Mixed office paper/Sunday bulletins
Junk mail
Magazines and catalogs
Cereal boxes, tissue boxes, cookie boxes—any paperboard
Brown paper bags
Newspapers (including inserts and ads)
Corrugated cardboard
Phone books
Plastic bottles (without the caps)
Glass bottles
Glass jars
Aluminum cans
Steel cans
Aluminum foil
Aluminum pie tins
Empty aerosol cans

The social action committee thanks you.
The environment thanks you.

Prayer Quilt Ministry

2007-07-12T12:06:00.000-06:00

You don’t have to sew to become part of the Prayer Quilt Ministry! Carla Schwartzkopf and Louana George invite all interested Christ Church members to come to the first meeting of this new ministry on Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 11:30 (after church service) in the Fellowship Hall.

Prayers and Squares, the Prayer Quilt Ministry, began near San Diego, California in 1992. There are three guiding principles for this ministry:

The recipient agrees to receive the prayers and the quilt (no surprise presents).
The purpose is the prayer, not the quilt.
There is no charge for the quilt – it is a gift of love.

Christ Church has applied to become a chapter of this ministry. Churches of many denominations are part of Prayers and Squares. Hundreds of quilts have been made and “prayed”; each a gift of love.

When the idea that we should start a prayer quilt ministry was introduced to the Epiphany UMW circle a few months ago, the entire group responded enthusiastically and voted YES to start this ministry at Christ Church. The same response came from Rev. Waters who immediately sponsored a prayer quilt for Jim Meier, one of our members in need of our prayers and this tangible reminder that the congregation is praying for him.

What is a PRAYER Quilt? A prayer Quilt is a personal quilt, tied with heavy thread. These threads are tied with a square knot by members of the congregation during a worship service. As each knot is tied, a silent prayer is offered for the person receiving the quilt. There is no cost for the quilt-it is a gift of love and prayer. It is a statement of our faith in God and our belief in God’s power to comfort, strengthen, and heal.

Who Makes the Quilts? Anyone who wants to! You do not need to know how to quilt. The purpose is to provide prayers through the tying of the knots. A quilt, no matter how simple, is a gift from the heart.

Who are the Quilt Recipients? Prayer Quilts are for people in special need of prayer, primarily due to serious illness or injury, and challenging life circumstances.

Is this Ministry for You? You don’t need to be a quilter or even know how to sew! There are many tasks to do. If you’d like to be a part of this rewarding ministry, we’d love to have you. Then you can become a witness to the awesomeness of prayer.
Join us!

UMW Monthly Minute for Social Action

2007-07-12T12:01:00.000-06:00

Immigration has certainly been in the news over the past month. As of this writing (6/13/07), Congress has failed to pass a immigration bill and the prospects for doing so soon do not seem likely.

Last month I introduced you to the website of Public Agenda. Public Agenda suggests there are three different points of view held by both experts and the public regarding the immigration issue. These perspectives are:

Perspective #1: Honoring our commitment to newcomers
Perspective #2: Cutting back to preserve our security and culture
Perspective #3: Cutting back in response to economic realities

Any future immigration reform package will almost certainly be based on ideas from all three.

Last month's Monthly Minute included an expanded argument for Perspective #1. The arguments for #2 and #3 are...

Cutting back to preserve our security and culture:
We need to control immigration to secure our borders and protect our unity. Sept. 11 showed how our immigration policies have failed to keep criminals and terrorists out of the country. Millions of people have evaded our immigration laws and the government has no idea whether any of them pose a threat to us. In addition, the recent wave of immigration has brought increasing pressure to accommodate immigrants by accepting bilingualism. We should honor diversity, but not at the cost of breaking the bonds of cohesion — common ideals, a common language, and common political institutions — that hold the nation together.

Cutting back in response to economic realities:
The first concern should be the economic cost imposed by the huge influx of immigrants and their effects on wages and jobs. The fact is that we need to educate and employ the people already here before we can worry about paying for the education, welfare, and health care of hundreds of thousands of newcomers each year. Plus, the burden isn’t spread evenly – most immigrants settle in big cities and Sun Belt states. We should restrict the number of newcomers, and look more closely at how their arrival affects us. The immigrants we do accept should either have jobs waiting here or have the skills to support themselves. The nation’s first obligation is to protect the welfare and well being of those who are already American citizens.

Article submitted by Julie Zerbe
(Source)

June Newsletter

2007-06-03T13:39:00.001-06:00

The May 2007 edition of the print Christ Church Connections newsletter is available to download (.pdf format) in the brand new, updated Newsletter Archive. Please note that the Newsletter Archive can now be found at its new address on the Christ Church website!

Adobe Reader is required to open documents in .pdf format -- if your computer does not already have the program installed, you can download it for free here.

Wilderness on Wheels

2007-05-14T14:45:00.000-06:00

Thank you to the workers who participated in the volunteer work day at Wilderness on Wheels (W.O.W.): Sonia Leach, Michele Perkins, and Carol Palazzotto. Even though we were a small group, the day was extremely rewarding and the volunteer managers of the facility were grateful. We spent the day clearing camp sites of branches and dead trees, hauling them to a burn pile, clearing the boardwalk of debris, and cleaning the accessible restroom the first day of its season being open. We plan to organize another day with this organization later in the summer. It is a beautiful place and there is plenty of work that needs to be done. If you want to know what it’s like riding in the back of a pick-up truck being driven in reverse up a mountain, be sure to join us on the next W.O.W. adventure!

Family HomeStead collection

2007-05-14T07:44:00.000-06:00

What do you get when you add 74 bars of soap, 65 toothbrushes, 31 tubes of toothpaste, 24 sticks of deodorant, 18 bottles of shampoo/conditioner for adults, 13 brushes and combs, 12 bottles of kids shampoo, 12 packages of razors, 9 bottles of body lotion, 6 containers of laundry detergent, 6 cans of shaving cream, 4 chap sticks, 4 bottles of body wash, 3 containers of talcum powder, 3 packages of tissues, 3 rolls of dental floss, 2 bottles of sun block, 2 bath puffs, 1 container of bleach… and 1 jar of lime marmalade?

Answer: One very generous congregation! The “Bare Necessities” collection for Family HomeStead was a huge success because of the participation from our wonderful congregation. It takes a whole community to allow Family HomeStead to help families in need, and we are an important part of that community. Thank you.

May Newsletter

2007-05-01T18:55:00.000-06:00

Habitat for Humanity Trip

2007-05-01T11:11:00.000-06:00

Later this year Christ Church Chancel Choir member Allison Moe will lead a Habitat Global Village work trip to Craiova, Romania. Allison still has some spots open, and is looking for participants. The trip is September 8-20, and costs $1500 plus airfare. Global Village is a program that connects people all over the world, bringing them together to build a home for a family in need. Most of the trip will consist of working onsite, with a few days dedicated to exploring and getting to know the community and its people, plus a few days of organized R&R. The R&R will be a short trip into the Carpathian mountains of Transylvania, with sightseeing and hiking.

If any of you are interested, or know anyone else who might be, please email Allison at almogv@hotmail.com. For more information, click here to check out the informational website for Allison’s trip!

Friends to the Finish

2007-05-01T11:05:00.000-06:00

From the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative's May 2007 Newsletter.
(Pictured from left to right: Patricia Dean, Gene Tucker, Carol Palazzotto and Tracy Kiass)

Last year, Tammy and Howard Jones moved to Denver from California, with their 14-year-old son Dillon, looking for a fresh start. They relocated in hopes of moving forward, leaving negative influences and reminders of old patterns, which hindered them from succeeding. But when the home of the friend they were staying with became unsafe, they were left homeless.

Happily, the Jones' found shelter at The Crossing, the Mission's transitional housing facility. They stayed at The Crossing for six months, where Tammy participated in life skills workshops and Dillon, who suffers from ADHD and a mood disorder, was able to bond with the kids and the leader of his youth group there. During their stay, Tammy and Howard also secured full-time employment.

Now, ready to take charge of their own lives, they also received welcome support from Family & Senior Homeless Initiative, who paired them with Christ Church United Methodist Church's (CCUMC) faith mentor team, led by Carol Palazzotto, along with Patricia Dean, Gene Tucker, and Tracy Kiass.

Family & Senior Homeless Initiative faith mentor teams work to help families obtain funds for a security deposit and first month's rent on a home. To make this a reality, the CCUMC congregation creatively hosted what Carol jokingly refers to as an "un-talent show, called the 'Inner Beauty Pageant,'" where folks, young and old, performed together with the single goal of helping the Jones' and another mentored family further along the road to self-sufficiency.

The Jones family moved into their new apartment, which was furnished and decorated mainly with items donated from the Denver Rescue Mission. Then, the family and their faith mentors began digging into the issues at hand. One issue was working together to discover options which would meet Dillon's special needs and behavior issues, and his parent's concerns with raising him. Just talking with her mentors helped Tammy get Dillon involved in a school program that addresses his special needs.

Another issue the Jones' mentor team handled was to help motivate Tammy to begin her GED program, so she could prepare to enroll in college. Right now, she works 40-50 hours a week managing a photo studio, facing a definite time challenge as she begins pursuing more education.

The Jones' also took advantage of some other beneficial local aid programs to ease their burden. Mentor Carol notes that she's been grateful that CCUMC's mentor group has been able to meet the family's emotional and basic needs in ways that many aid programs aren't designed for. "We're not paid to be there for them. We don't have office hours. We've chosen to befriend this family as equals, and we can be called on in the future as friends," says Carol.

At the celebration which completed their mentoring commitment, CCUMC mentors gathered together at a local arcade with the Jones family for a fun and relaxed time in each other's company. "Although our official commitment has ended, we plan to stay in touch with this family, and we wish them every success as they forge ahead with their goals and dreams for their new life," says Carol.

Tammy echoes this sentiment: "We really enjoyed the camaraderie of our mentor team - they've been wonderful! It's been a great thing not being and feeling all alone as we've begun our new life."

Thank you Christ Church United Methodist Church faith mentors for extending true friendship to the Jones' in their brave transition!

Lenten Devotion: Easter Sunday, April 8

2007-04-07T12:50:00.000-06:00

by Ben Riggs

Christ the Lord is Risen Today
United Methodist Hymnal #302
Words: Charles Wesley, 1739
Music: Lyra Davidica, 1708

1
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
2
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!
3
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!
4
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
5
Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!
6
King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!

Each Easter Sunday millions of people around the world attend services of worship, some of them for the first and only time all year. Nearly all of those worship services in the Protestant or Evangelical tradition begin with a bombastic rendition of the hymn, “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.”

How does one account for the immense popularity of Charles Wesley’s resonant Easter hymn? Maybe it has something to do with that persistently repetitive Alleluia, our ancient exclamation of praise and rejoicing. If you attended worship at Christ Church on the first Sunday of Lent, you saw Katherine Turpin lead our children in a ritual that placed the word “Alleluia” into the closet for the duration of the Lenten season. Katherine reminded us of the centuries-old tradition of abstinence from speaking or singing Alleluia during Lent. We temporarily put our Alleluias in the closet to remind ourselves that Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, and remembrance.

There are moments like that in our personal lives, as well; situations when we need to put a portion of ourselves away in a safe place apart from public view. These can be times of grief, of indecision, of depression, and of transition. Sometimes the need to hide a part of ourselves is completely out of our control, placed on us by expectations from our job, our peers, our family, or our environment. The Lenten season gives us the opportunity to express these heavier emotions in the context of worship.

Having grown up in a different religious tradition, I never really experienced a season like Lent. Worshiping God in my tradition meant singing Alleluias every Sunday (and Sunday night, and Wednesday night Bible study!) There were parts of my life that were deeply hidden from my family, from me, and most especially from my limited understanding of an Alleluia-only God. How could I genuinely sing the Lord’s song when my heart was lost in such a strange land?

The Easter miracle has much greater significance for me now that it is preceded by a season of quiet contemplation. I am no longer plagued with guilt for keeping parts of myself sheltered away from harm. The third chapter of Ecclesiastes reminds us that we need to allow ourselves time for weeping and mourning as well as laughing and dancing. This Easter Sunday, after my own time of weeping and searching and mending and healing, I look forward to the supreme joy of finally letting my heartfelt Alleluia out of the closet.

Lenten Devotion: Holy Saturday, April 7

2007-04-07T12:45:00.000-06:00

by Katherine Turpin

Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown
United Methodist Hymnal #386 & 387
Words: Charles Wesley, 1742 (Gen. 34:24-32)
Music: Trad, Scottish melody, harm. By Carlton R. Young, 1963

1
Come, O thou Traveler unknown,
whom still I hold, but cannot see!
My company before is gone,
and I am left alone with thee;
with thee all night I mean to stay
and wrestle till the break of day.
2
I need not tell thee who I am,
my misery and sin declare;
thyself hast called me by my name,
look on thy hands and read it there.
But who, I ask thee, who art thou?
Tell me thy name, and tell me now.
3
Yield to me now—for I am weak
but confident in self-despair!
Speak to my heart, in blessing speak,
be conquered by my instant prayer;
speak, or thou never hence shalt move,
and tell me if thy name is Love.
4
’Tis Love! ’tis Love! Thou diedst for me,
I hear thy whisper in my heart.
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
pure Universal Love thou art:
to me, to all, thy mercies move—
thy nature, and thy name is Love.

This hymn includes part of a fourteen-stanza poem based on the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel at the ford of the Jabbok (see Genesis 32:24-32). I choose it for the day after Good Friday because of the story found at 387 in the hymnal: “A little over two weeks after his brother's death, John Wesley tried to teach the hymn at Bolton, but broke down when he came to the lines ‘my company before is gone, and I am left alone with thee.’” This vignette speaks to the loving bond between the two brothers, and John’s deep grief at the loss of his brother. On this day when we think of Jesus’ followers grieving the death of their friend and leader, this hymn seems most appropriate.

In the hymn, Charles Wesley uses the story of Jacob’s wrestling as a metaphor for our common human struggle to know the nature of God. The hymn invites us into the perspective of Jacob by using the first person pronoun throughout. As in the Genesis account, left alone in the terrible struggle throughout the night, Jacob will not let go until he knows the name and the nature of the One with whom he struggles. Though wounded and despairing, Jacob refuses to let go. In Wesley’s poetic rendering of the story, the nature and name is disclosed in the ninth verse (verse four in the musical setting of the hymn):

’Tis Love! ’tis Love! thou diedst for me,
I hear thy whisper in my heart.
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
pure Universal Love thou art:
to me, to all, thy mercies move—
thy nature, and thy name is Love.

The last line, “thy nature, and thy name is Love,” serves as the refrain for the final six verses. It is, for the Wesley brothers, the central and most important theological conviction: the nature of God, revealed in Christ, is “pure Universal Love.”

Moments of deep grief and despair, particularly at the loss of a loved one, can be the impetus for serious wrestling. Like Jacob, we may walk away from the experience of grief and loss forever marked. Hopefully, like Wesley, we may also come away with a profound experience of the loving nature of God.

Lenten Devotion: Good Friday, April 6

2007-04-06T00:01:00.000-06:00

by Patricia Dean

O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done?
United Methodist Hymnal #287
Words: Charles Wesley, 1742
Music: Isaac B. Woodbury, 1850

1
O Love divine, what hast thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father's coeternal Son
bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th’immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
2
Is crucified for me and you,
to bring us rebels back to God.
Believe, believe the record true,
ye all are bought with Jesus' blood.
Pardon for all flows from his side:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
3
Behold him, all ye that pass by,
the bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come, sinners, see your Savior die,
and say, “Was ever grief like his?”
Come, feel with me his blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Why did Jesus die? In his hymn, “O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done,” Charles Wesley offers the traditional view that Jesus died to atone for human sins: “The Son of God for me hath died…Pardon for all flows from his side.” This belief updates a pre-existing belief, operative in many cultures, that the gods, angered by human behavior, need to be appeased with sacrifices, either animal or human. In the traditional view espoused by Wesley, Jesus is the Final Sacrifice, ending the need for any further blood sacrifice.

Some find it difficult to believe in a God that requires that kind of sacrifice as a prerequisite for the forgiveness of sin. That seems to be a primitive understanding of the divine-human relation.

What Jesus’ death on the cross offers, instead, is a new understanding of the divine-human relation, retaining the power of the sacrificial act as a religious symbol but transforming it into a gesture of love. In committing his life to delivering the message of a radical new vision of the world, Jesus was consciously challenging the power of both Roman and Jewish authorities, thereby exposing himself to their systems of “justice.” The “kingdom” that Jesus offers is grounded in principles that threaten those in power. As the messenger for a salvific Kingdom of God, Jesus chose to be crucified for a vision that now stands for Christians as the most powerful force for good in the world and one that will inevitably be in conflict with flawed human “kingdoms.”

Lenten Devotion: Maundy Thursday, April 5

2007-04-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

by Julian Rush

O the Depth of Love Divine
United Methodist Hymnal #627
Words: Charles Wesley, 1745 (Jn. 6:35-38)
Music: Carlton R. Young, 1986

1
O the depth of love divine,
the unfathomable grace!
Who shall say how bread and wine
God into us conveys!
How the bread his flesh imparts,
how the wine transmits his blood
fills his faithful people’s hearts
with all the life of God!
2
Let the wisest mortals show
how we the grace receive;
feeble elements bestow
a power not theirs to give.
Who explains the wondrous way,
how through these virtues came?
These the virtue did convey,
yet still remain the same.
3
How can spirits heavenward rise,
by earthly matter fed,
drink here with divine supplies
and eat immortal bread?
Ask the Father’s wisdom how:
Christ who did the means ordain;
angels round our altars bow
to search it out, in vain.
4
Sure and real is the grace,
the manner be unknown;
only meet us in thy ways
and perfect us in one.
Let us taste the heavenly powers,
Lord, we ask for nothing more.
Thine to bless, ’tis only ours
to wonder and adore.

What actually occurs in the act of Holy Communion? Some believe the bread literally becomes the body of Christ upon ingestion, just as the wine becomes Christ's blood. At the opposite end of the spectrum is a belief that the elements are simply a symbol to remind one of the significance of Christ. The common denominator, of course, is one's recognition of communion as a deeply meaningful experience and practice.

In this hymn, “O the Depth of Love Divine,” Charles Wesley expresses the wonder one is able to discover in Holy Communion. The love and acceptance God has for us, as Wesley describes, is “the unfathomable grace,” or in contemporary words, the experience of God accepting us and working within us.

As a high school sophomore, I attended a Methodist camp meeting in southern Mississippi, where something happened. I don't recall any words or messages from the evening service, but I lay awake most of that night contemplating my existence for the first time. I emerged from that “wrestling with my angel” with a decision to go into ministry. Some might consider my experience implausible, but there was no “hocus pocus” about it for me. Whatever took place that night was real and still is. Somehow I opened myself up to God in a way I had never had before, and, to my surprise, something happened! And what happens with each of us personally during the act of Holy Communion can be real as well. The miracle of God working within us, in Wesley's words, is “only ours to wonder and adore.”

The message delivered by Wesley in “Come, Sinner, to the Gospel Feast” is intrinsically connected with the Holy Communion experience. God accepts us, all of us, just as we are. We are all worthy of God's love—an idea which is difficult for us twenty-first century creatures to buy when we are so constantly bombarded with images of unworthiness: too-thin people, fat people, poor people, ridiculously rich people, sick people, old people, people different in skin color or culture or nationality or religious or political persuasion or, god forbid, orientation! Unconditional acceptance is not an easy concept for us to entertain, but Wesley's hymn, even today, hammers the message home. We are loved and accepted.

The poor, maimed, and blind of Christ's day are included in the gospel feast, just as all the unworthies of our own time must be as well. God loves and accepts us all. The message is timeless. We are still being invited to the feast, and if we open ourselves to that invitation, something might actually happen!

Dear God, during this Lenten season, help me to remember that I am loved; I am accepted; I am worthy. Enable me to open my heart and mind and my life to You. Then, help me to be very, very still and to listen patiently. In Christ's name, Amen.

Photos from 2006 Seder Meal

2007-04-04T15:25:00.000-06:00

Relive memories from last year's Seder for Maundy Thursday by viewing this slideshow of great photos.

Lenten Devotion: Wednesday, April 4

2007-04-04T09:08:00.000-06:00

by Darlene K. Harmon

Jesus, Lover of My Soul
United Methodist Hymnal #479
Words: Charles Wesley, 1740 (Wis. 11:26)
Music: Joseph Parry, 1879

1
Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide;
O receive my soul at last.
2
Other refuge have I none,
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing.
3
Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
more than all in thee I find;
raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is thy name,
I am all unrighteousness;
false and full of sin I am;
thou art full of truth and grace.
4
Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound,
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
freely let me take of thee;
spring thou up within my heart;
rise to all eternity.

Throughout the season of Lent there is much to be learned about the courage it takes to trust in God. As we study the last days in the life of Jesus, we can begin to recognize the courage that he exhibited in his trust in God. His greatest teachings were best represented in the way he lived his life. He taught us much by the example of his own relationship with God. In his hours of despair in Gethsemane, he prayed, “…all things are possible for you. Take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.” (Mark 14:36 TEV) He surrendered himself to God and prayed to accept God’s will for his life. Yet, our Lord felt despair again and prayed as he hung on the cross, “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?” (Matthew 27:46 TEV) Again he showed his courage by trusting in God at the end of his earthly life with these words: “Father! In your hands I place my spirit.” Yes, the human side of Jesus surrendered to God, then doubted, then surrendered again. Is this so much different for us today as we face the difficulties and great sorrows that our lives hold?

In the days ahead, we are all called to examine our relationship with God as set by the example of Jesus. We, too, are called to have the courage to put our trust in God. When we clutch our problems, live with fear and rely on our human understanding, we close ourselves off from God, our source of help beyond our understanding. It takes courage to trust that God is indeed with us. We must humble ourselves before Him, as Jesus did, and be willing to accept God’s will for our lives. We must have the courage to trust that God’s ever abiding presence is with each of us as our lives unfold. Let God be God—He is all wise and all powerful. Let us remember the words of Christ as he appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 28:9 TEV)

In his hymn, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” Charles Wesley so well depicts our need for courage to trust in God and our need to surrender to His care:

Other refuge have I none,
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing.

Yes, let us all have the courage to trust that we are in God’s care and will not falter under the “shadow of His wing.”

Lenten Devotion: Tuesday, April 3

2007-04-03T14:35:00.000-06:00

by Shelly Spalding

Jesus, United By Thy Grace
United Methodist Hymnal #561
Words: Charles Wesley, 1749
Music: Johann G. Nageli; arr. by Lowell Mason, 1845

1
Jesus, united by thy grace
and each to each endeared,
with confidence we seek thy face
and know our prayer is heard.
2
Help us to help each other, Lord,
each other's cross to bear;
let all their friendly aid afford,
and feel each other's care.
3
Up unto thee, our living Head,
let us in all things grow;
till thou hast made us free
indeed and spotless here below.
4
Touched by the lodestone of thy love,
let all our hearts agree,
and ever toward each other move,
and ever move toward thee.
5
To thee, inseparably joined,
let all our spirits cleave;
O may we all the loving mind
that was in thee receive.
6
This is the bond of perfectness,
thy spotless charity;
O let us, still we pray,
possess the mind that was in thee.

Charles Wesley wrote “Help us to help each other, Lord, each other’s cross to bear; let all their friendly aid afford, and feel each other’s care. Touched by the lodestone of thy love, let all our hearts agree, and ever toward each other move, and ever move toward thee.” (vss. 2 & 4)

What would the world be like if each of us practiced kindness and love as Jesus did? What if we walked through the world with an eye ready to see, an ear ready to hear, a hand ready to help, and a heart ready to feel? “Kindness is a grace that all can understand,” wrote J.C. Ryle, an Anglican Bishop. As we move through this Holy Week, let us strive to remember these words from Robert Fulghum:

“All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sand pile at Sunday school. These are the things I learned:

“Share everything; Play Fair; don't hit people; Put things back where you found them; Clean up your own mess; Don't take things that aren't yours; Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody; Wash your hands before you eat; Flush; Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you; Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some; Take a nap every afternoon; When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together; Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that; Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup—they all die. So do we; And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned—the biggest word of all—LOOK.

“Everything you need to know is in there somewhere—The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

“Take any of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or your government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if all—the whole world—had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

“And it is still true, no matter how old you are - when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.” (from All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum)

Read Ephesians 4:17—5:2

Lenten Devotion: Monday, April 2

2007-04-02T19:07:00.000-06:00

by John Jaruzel

Forth in thy Name, O Lord, I Go
United Methodist Hymnal #438
Words: Charles Wesley, 1749
Music: John Hatton, 1793

1
Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go,
my daily labor to pursue;
thee, only thee, resolved to know
in all I think or speak or do.
2
The task thy wisdom hath assigned,
O let me cheerfully fulfill;
in all my works thy presence find,
and prove thy good and perfect will.
3
Thee may I set at my right hand
whose eyes mine inmost substance see,
and labor on at thy command,
and offer all my works to thee.
4
For thee delightfully employ
whate'er thy bounteous grace hath given;
and run my course with even joy,
and closely walk with thee to heaven.

John and Charles Wesley were quite a team, as we at Christ Church have been learning recently. Part Moses and Aaron, part George and Ira Gershwin; together they had a message along with a method to share it with God’s people. Adult Education’s Lenten study of the book A Perfect Love, with reflections on John Wesley’s teachings by Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki, has led us to a deeper understanding of some of Wesley’s great sermons. We now reflect on Charles’s ministry through music.

“Forth in thy Name, O Lord, I Go” was written in 1749, at the midpoint of Charles’s ministry. An apt message for this season, the words bring out the emphasis of mission and service. All we do in this life is in the service of God—not just the extra effort to attend six out of seven services at Christ Church during Lent, but kindness to family, friends or strangers around us, or even brushing our teeth.

In recent years I have served the congregation as Director of Social Action. Big community projects are easy to point out in our history of service. Painting Steven’s house or an apartment for a homeless family, work in the Church yard or work in Mississippi after Katrina, the Inner Beauty Pageant, or working with homeless families, all have emphasis on serving others.

Charles Wesley reminds us that this mission has a broader range. “In all my works thy presence find.” That is 24/7! Is this an impossible and undesirable request, or a way of life that can come as easily as fitting into our favorite old sneakers? We do many things in life that have an emphasis on service, though we may not think of it in that way. Packing lunch for the kids, calling an old friend or calling “hello” to a neighbor over the fence, these too are in God’s service. One of the amazing messages of Christ’s ministry is the radical idea of just being nice to others.

Our lives are full of “whate’er thy bounteous grace hath given.” We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, we live under a democratic government, and we have the freedom to worship at our “open and reconciling” church. Our mission this week and always is to try to return that grace to our community. In this Holy Week let us all make an effort to see ourselves in the role of service giver in all that we do.

Lenten Devotion: Palm Sunday, April 1

2007-04-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

by George Gibbins

O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
United Methodist Hymnal #57 & 58
Words: Charles Wesley, 1739
Music: Carl G. Glaser, 1839

1
O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
2
My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.
3
Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life, and health, and peace.
4
He breaks the power of canceled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.
5
He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.
6
Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your Savior come,
and leap, ye lame, for joy.
7
In Christ, your head, you then shall know,
shall feel your sins forgiven;
anticipate your heaven below,
and own that love is heaven.

In 1739, 268 years ago, Charles Wesley penned the words to this hymn. Could it be sung around the world in more than 200 countries in many different languages by Christians on this Palm Sunday?

As I sit and read the line from the hymn, “Hear him, ye deaf; his praise ye dumb, your loosened tongues employ; ye blind, behold your Savior come; and leap, ye lame, for joy,” I am both depressed and grateful for science and modern technology that has been, and is continuing on a daily basis, to be developed to improve the lives of those men and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Not only are our military personnel being injured and killed, but so are many more innocent men, women and children in two countries embroiled in civil strife The war will go on because politics deems it. The injuries and deaths will continue because they are a result of warfare. Healing will take place because medical science, doctors, nurses and patients will remain hopeful of surgery, physical therapy and time.

The lame will receive some form of prosthesis. They will learn to walk and even run with the aid of a mechanical foot or leg. Artificial hands and arms are being developed that operate by means of the thought process of the brain.

The blind will embark on a new journey. Instead of sight, the blind will learn to read Braille with their finger tips; computers will read to them and recordings on cassettes and CD’s will educate and entertain.

Exploding bombs will take more tolls on hearing and speaking. Again technology will provide assistance to those injuries that are not life threatening, but debilitating in some form. Life continues for the living. By the grace of God, mankind must meet all challenges. May peace be soon to come? Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise!

Seder recipes online

2007-03-31T16:52:00.000-06:00

If you are still looking for that perfect recipe for a dish at next Thursday's Seder meal, click on over and browse through these resources:
Food Network: Passover Seder recipes
All Recipes: Passover Seder recipes
About.com: Passover Seder recipes

Or, pick up a printed packet of recipes this Sunday morning in the church narthex!

Seder for Maundy Thursday

2007-03-31T16:51:00.000-06:00

This year Christ Church will again commemorate Maundy Thursday, April 5, by hosting a Passover Seder Meal in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m., followed by a brief Tenebrae worship service in the Sanctuary. Passover is the oldest and most important religious festival in Judaism, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and the creation of the Israelite people. The Seder is a re-telling of the deliverance story utilizing ritual and symbolism throughout the course of the meal.

The Seder is an inter-generational family event; children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate. To facilitate the organization of the Seder meal, please let us know that you are planning to attend by contacting the church office with your name and the number of people attending. Please also let us know if you are interested in helping prepare the meal, or would simply like to contribute ingredients or groceries.

April Newsletter

2007-03-31T16:48:00.000-06:00

The April 2007 edition of the print Christ Church Connections newsletter is available to download (.pdf format) in the brand new, updated Newsletter Archive. Please note that the Newsletter Archive can now be found at its new address on the Christ Church website!

Adobe Reader is required to open documents in .pdf format -- if your computer does not already have the program installed, you can download it for free here.