As many of you may know the Church of the Epiphany closed and many of their members found a home here at Christ Church.   The memorial markers and in some cases the ashes of some of their former members were moved to the fenced in area next to the rectory.  Over the years this area has become overgrown and is in need of a complete renovation.

Father Don drew a diagram of what he thought a memorial garden should contain; labyrinth, altar, benches, trees, shrubbery, etc. After a discussion with Father Justin a committee was formed and bids were sought from Bay View Nurseries, Lange Garden Center and Action Landscaping.   The successful bidder was Bay View Nurseries as their diagram and detailed estimate won over the committee.

Prior to the committee selecting a contractor a meeting was held with the former warden of the Church of the Epiphany, Jeff Hight, Father Justin, Patti Mathias, Canon Phyllis Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese, and myself.   The purpose of the meeting was to request from Canon Jones funding from the diocese for this project.   Money had been left over from the closing of the Church of the Epiphany and the selling of its property. After contacting another warden and vestry member Canon Jones gave us approval to move forward with full funding from the diocese from the aforementioned funds.

Planning has started with Bay View Nurseries meeting with various contractors that will assist in completed the project by installing new fencing, a handicapped access ramp, new steps, retaining wall, brick accents, an altar as well as trees and shrubbery. There will be ample room for expanding the memorial garden to include additional parishioners. Additionally planned is a underground irrigation system as well as solar lighting.

We plan to have the project completed prior to the Bishop's visit on October 8^th.

As some of you may have seen the shed, formerly in the garden, was sold and the monies received will now be deposited in a Christ Church Memorial Gardens Account.   This account will be for the ongoing maintenance of this garden and the other areas around the church where former members of Christ Church are memorialized.

Some of you have asked how you may contribute to this fund and thus the ongoing maintenance of these areas.   More information will be forthcoming shortly.

 

Respectfully submitted,

William E. Snyder

 

Teachers Needed! Adults, please consider giving of your time to teach the children of our church. There is a need for a second teacher for the 1st-4th grade class to alternate teaching weeks with Amy. There is also a need for someone who would be willing to serve as a substitute teacher when neither classroom teacher is available. We use Sparkhouse's lectionary Sunday School curriculum which has the lessons all planned out for the teacher. Please contact Amy at [email protected] to volunteer.

Also, last month of summer freedom is upon us, and plans are underway for the upcoming September 10 start of Sunday School.  If you would like to register your child for our Sunday School program, please email Amy Seaman at [email protected] promptly so that needed supplies may be ordered.  Please include the following information for each child you wish to register:

• the child's name
• current age
• birth date
• grade level in the fall

Thank you for your quick response!   We will see all children in the undercroft at 9:00 on September 10.  Remember your backpacks for blessings at the 10:00 service!

Blessings,