Christ Church Chronicle 11-23-25

November 23, 2025

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OUR PARISH MISSION

Christ Church exists to show everyone God loves them unconditionally.

We do that by EXPERIENCING, EMBRACING, AND EXTENDING

God's love.

There are several ways to give to the mission of Christ Church:

you can mail in your pledge, place in the Sunday offering,

give online, or text GIVE to (850) 403-6673.

We experience God's love (Worship)

Sunday 10:30 AM service streamed on Facebook Live or YouTube

Click here to listen to last week's sermon.

**An email is sent on Saturdays with links for Sunday worship and Christian Education.

In-Person services on Sunday at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM

In-Person service on Wednesday at 12:00 PM

We embrace God's love (Study/Formation)

Adult Christian Education Offering

The Anglican Communion led by Fr. Michael & Rev. Katie

Sunday, November 23 ~ 9:30 AM ~ Parish Hall

Join Rev. Katie and Fr. Michael for a recap of the Young Adults of Christ Church pilgrimage to Canterbury. The class will include a panel of young adults as they share their reflections on their pilgrimage experience. This class will be in the Parish Hall between services at 9:30 AM.

New Adult Christian Education Offering

Handel's Messiah - A Bible Study led by Fr. Michael & Rev. Katie

Sundays, December 7, 14, & 21 ~ 9:30 AM ~ New Library

Join Fr. Michael and Rev. Katie for the three-week Advent series, as we explore the texts of Handel’s Messiah.

Adult Christian Education Offering

Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians by Amy-Jill Levine

Sundays ~ 9:30-10:15 AM ~ Rm. 31 of Education Bldg.

The last part of chapter six, “Politics”, is Levine’s commentary on Jesus’ commandment to disciples to “take up your cross” and his parable of the “Sheep and the Goats.” These stories will be the focus for discussion and understanding for Christian discipleship. Did Jesus mean for a disciple to use these stories to evaluate success at following Jesus?

We extend the love of God (Outreach/Parishioner Support)

Angel Tree

**All gifts due by Tuesday, December 9**

Christ Church is supporting students in great need at Montclair Elementary School with gifts for Christmas. We will also be supporting teachers at Montclair Elementary by donating gift cards for needed classroom items and for personal appreciation for the work they do. You can also donate online (Outreach Fund) or by check made out to Christ Church ("Angel Tree" on the memo line). The Angel Tree is available in the Foyer. All labeled, unwrapped presents must be brought to the church by Tuesday, December 9. We also need your help shopping for gifts, sorting and transporting gifts. Email christchurchangeltree@gmail.com to volunteer or if you have any questions.

HAPPENINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Gathering

Wednesday, November 19

Community Thanksgiving Service

Sunday, November 23

Parish Office Closed

Thursday, November 27

& Friday, November 28

Advent Wreath Making

Sunday, November 30

THE GATHERING

~ Wednesday, November 19 ~

5:00 PM ~ Church; 5:30 PM ~ Parish Hall

Every third Wednesday of the month, we will gather for Eucharist, Dinner, and a short presentation from one of our outreach partners. Eucharist is at 5 PM in the Church; dinner is at 5:30 PM in the Parish Hall followed by the program at 6:00 PM. Come for worship, food, fellowship, and to learn about our greater community! Our speakers for November will be Fr. Michael and Rev. Katie about the Compass Rose Society. Suggested donation: $10.

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OFFERING

The Anglican Communion led by Fr. Michael & Rev. Katie

Sunday, November 23 ~ 9:30 AM ~ Parish Hall

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Sunday, November 23 ~ 5:30 PM

First Presbyterian Church

Join Pensacola’s historic downtown congregations for our annual interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 23. This service is a collaboration of Christ Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Temple Beth El, First Baptist Church, Allen Memorial AME, and First United Methodist Church. The service begins at 5:30 PM at First Presbyterian.

The Parish Office will be closed

Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving.

ADVENT WREATH MAKING

Sunday, November 30 ~ 9:30 AM ~ Parish Hall

**Please note we will not offer

Christian Education on this Sunday.**

The Advent Wreath is full of symbolism and is a physical way for us to see the passage of time through Advent. The season of Advent is a time where we focus on the hope, peace, joy, and love of God as we prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. Families of all ages and sizes are invited. Make a wreath, make a memory, start a tradition, and learn how to easily make your holiday season more focused as a family.

PLEASE NOTE...

For those parishioners who attend our Wednesday noon service, we ask that you now enter the Church via the foyer. Thank you!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO REPRESENT CHRIST CHURCH PARISH

DURING THE 55th ANNUAL CONVENTION

OF THE DIOCESE OF THE CENTRAL GULF COAST IN 2026?

The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast will gather for convention at the Hilton Pensacola Beach, February 27-28, 2026. At its regular December meeting, the vestry of Christ Church will elect delegates and an alternate to represent our parish at this annual convention. To be eligible for election, you must be at least sixteen years of age, a confirmed member in good standing at Christ Church who regularly attends, and make a regular financial contribution to this parish. If you would like to be considered as a candidate, please email Kelly. Sign-up deadline is Friday, December 5, 2025.

NEW ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OFFERING

Handel's Messiah - A Bible Study led by Fr. Michael & Rev. Katie

Sundays, December 7, 14, & 21 ~ 9:30 AM ~ New Library

Join Fr. Michael and Rev. Katie for the three-week Advent series, as we explore the texts of Handel’s Messiah.

THE ANGEL TREE IS HERE!

**All gifts due by Tuesday, December 9**

THE BAKE SALE IS QUICKLY APPROACHING!

~ Sunday, December 14 ~

The women of Christ Church invite everyone (men included!) to donate their favorite homemade cookies, cakes, pies, breads, candy or other specialty! A sign up sheet for bakers is in the Foyer on the information table. The first 10 people to sign up will receive a special gift! Drop off for baked goods will be Friday, December 12. For questions, contact Allison Mitchell.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE

Children's Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 21 ~ during the 10:30 service

Christmas Eve ~ Wednesday, December 24

4:00 PM Children & Families Service ~ Nursery care available

6:00 PM Candlelight Service ~ Nursery care available

9:00 PM Festive Service

**Please note we will not offer a noon service on Wednesday, December 24

or a Christmas Day service.**

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EfM) REGISTRATION FOR NEW YEAR

The Outline of Faith in our Book of Common Prayer asks the question “Through whom does the Church carry out its mission?” Our answer is “The church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.” EfM will enrich your spiritual life and support you as you discover and live out your ministry. How can you best use your gifts and talents? EfM is designed for lay people with big questions and a hunger to better understand our faith. In a revised EfM: Classic curriculum, we join together weekly to study Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Christian Ethics and Spirituality in a four-year program but you only commit to one academic year at a time. In addition to Classic, there is a new voice “EfM: Wide Angle.” Wide Angle is a one-year taste of Classic’s four years. It takes a narrative approach and introduces participants to Classic by touching on elements of all four years of the classic program in one year. Anyone can take Wide Angle at any time. Our group will consist of both Classic and Wide Angle participants.

If it has been a while since you took EfM or are new to EfM, now may be the time to join a group. The seminar builds fellowship, understanding and a sense of how God is working in your life. Registration for our new year ends December 12, 2025. We meet on Tuesday evenings at Christ Church, 5-7:30 PM beginning January 6, 2026. For additional information, contact Pam Tanner with questions.

YACC (YOUNG ADULTS OF CHRIST CHURCH)

Tuesdays ~ 6:30-8:00 PM ~ Odd Colony

Come weekly for fellowship and conversation as your schedule allows! We gather in the back room at Odd Colony. We will be doing a Bible Study in November on the readings heard in Church. In December, we will be doing an Advent Study to prepare for Christ. Please contact Rev. Katie with any questions and for information on our YACC friendsgiving and Christmas parties. Follow us on Instagram @yaccpensacola.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Thursday, November 20 ~ 9:30 AM ~ Parlor

Newcomers always welcome;

instructions provided for those who wish to learn!

For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please click here.

The Thursday Women's Bible Study

is taking a break over the holiday season.

We will resume on Thursday, January 8 with the study of John, Chapter 6.

EPIC BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, December 3 ~ 3:00 PM ~ Old Library

The Epic Book Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 3:00 PM in the Old Library on the second floor of the Christian Education building. The December book discussion will be The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Upcoming reads: January – An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin; February – The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea. Please click here to be added to the email list for updates, and/or join our Facebook group (EPIC Bookclub of Christ Episcopal Church).

MOM'S BIBLE STUDY

Fridays ~ 8:30 AM ~ New Library

**Will resume Friday, December 5**

Come weekly for fellowship, conversation, and Bible Study, as your schedule allows! We will resume on Friday, December 5 at 8:30 AM in the New Library with an Advent study. Please contact Rev. Katie with any questions.

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OFFERING

Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians by Amy-Jill Levine

Sundays ~ 9:30-10:15 AM ~ Rm. 31 of Education Bldg.

SUNDAY CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

8:00 AM – Worship with Nursery available. The Nursery is available for children ages infant through 4 years old. Special books, age-appropriate activities, and a snack are offered.

9:30 AM – Sunday School is available for children and youth. The Nursery is available for children ages infant through 4 years old.

10:30 AM – Worship with Nursery available. The Nursery is available for children ages infant through 4 years old. This service also includes Children's Chapel during the sermon, designed especially for children ages 5 years old and up. Children are invited to follow the cross down the main aisle during the sequence hymn and will return during the peace, just in time to have communion with their families.

STAY CONNECTED WITH

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY!

Children and Family Ministry (CFM) has two ways to keep our families connected with Christ Church during the week. CFM is on Instagram, @cckidspensacola, and shares what is happening on Sunday mornings & ideas for how to keep faithful conversations happening during the week. CFM also has a bite-sized weekly email with the "5 Things" our families need to know for the week – Sunday reminders, save the dates, and more. Would you like to be added? Email Sarah to be added to the list!

EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY NEWS

MIDDLE SCHOOL EYC

Mondays ~ 6-7:30 PM ~ Undercroft

HIGH SCHOOL EYC

Wednesdays ~ 6-8 PM ~ Undercroft

For the current EYC newsletter, click here.

PRE-ADVENT QUIET MORNING

Saturday, November 22 ~ 9:00 AM-12:30 PM ~ Holy Trinity Episcopal

Holy Trinity, Pensacola, is offering a Pre-Advent Quiet Morning on Saturday, November 22, 9 AM to 12:30 PM. The Quiet Morning is to help participants plan how they want to live the Season of Advent for the sake of God’s liberating and transforming Love having an affect on their lives. This is limited to 25 participants and all are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes (perhaps bring a sweater) and bring a Bible and something in which to write/record thoughts and insights. There is no cost to attend other than your willingness to sacrifice the morning. Refreshments will be provided. Fr. Bob Graves will lead our Quiet Morning, sponsored by the Holy Trinity Daughters of the King. The morning’s activities will end with Holy Eucharist from 12 to 12:30. To register, please text or call Melinda Hamilton at 850-324-8206. The deadline to register is November 19.

Contemplative Outreach of Pensacola invites you to

AN ADVENT QUIET MORNING OF HOPE

Saturday, December 6 ~ 10 AM - Noon

The Chapel at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church

We will share two periods of Centering Prayer and times of silent reflection. Reverend Dan Baughman from St. Marks Methodist Church, Pensacola, will lead a guided meditation. Bring a journal, notebook, or notepad and a pen for recording thoughts, prayers and reflections. $10 per person. Register at centeringprayerpensacola.com under "Events".

THE PENSACOLA BAY CONCERT BAND presents

"Snowy Nights and Christmas Lights"

Monday, December 15 ~ 7:30 PM

First United Methodist Church

The Pensacola Bay Concert Band presents their Christmas Concert, “Snowy Nights and Christmas Lights”, on Monday, December 15 at 7:30 PM in the Henry Roberts Activity Center at First United Methodist Church. Come join us as we celebrate the holiday season with unique arrangements of familiar seasonal tunes, along with an audience-participation sing-along. The concert is free, but audience members are asked to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to Manna Food Pantry.

CHRIST CHURCH POPs

Join Christ Church for POPping sermons and conversations! Here we will share the Preaching Of the Parish as well as conversations with People Of the Parish and Partners Of the Parish. Each week we will alternate between past sermons and interviews.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christ-church-pops/id1727616547

CHRIST CHURCH NAMETAGS

To request yours, please sign up online here. Nametags may be picked up from the information table in the Foyer the Sunday after your request is submitted.

ALTAR FLOWER DEDICATIONS

Each week our worship service is enhanced with beautiful fresh flowers. After the Sunday services, the altar flower arrangements are reworked into smaller arrangements. These arrangements are delivered to members of our parish family that are unable to attend a Sunday service. The altar flowers are a memorial, a thanksgiving for an anniversary, a birthday, a new birth, or a thanksgiving for God's blessings. The donation is listed in the weekly bulletin. Forms to participate in this ministry are available here and on the information table in the Foyer.

CHURCH PRAYER SHAWLS

A few prayer shawls have been placed on a stand just inside the front doors of the church that may be used during services. If you are a bit chilly or just want something to hold, pick up a prayer shawl to use. It is the hope of the Prayer Shawl Ministry that these items, prayerfully made, will offer comfort and a sense of well-being to the borrowers and they will feel God’s love and peace.

CARE IN COMMUNITY

Christ Church is here for you. It is easy to feel alone or disconnected, so reach out to one of the priests or someone at the church to say hello. There are many ministries to love and support the people who are the church. Contact Rev. Katie or call her at the Parish Office (850-432-5115) if you or anyone you know has any needs.

BIRTHDAYS & WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

FOR THE PARISH FAMILY

We would like to give thanks for these special days and to add your name to the published prayer list in the Chronicle. Please print your name on the calendar on the information table in the Foyer. The calendar is checked weekly before the prayer list goes to print.

PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY

I. For Those in Need. Including the poor, the unemployed, the lonely, the hungry, the homeless, the abused, the sick and dying, and those who grieve. For those suffering in body, mind, or spirit—including Members: Terry Pate, Brian Thomas, Kay Mitchell, Dee Whisenhunt Family & Friends: Elizabeth & Matt, Marian Oddo, Angie, Doris, Brodie Lewis, Regina Noonan, Kelly Currin, Rob Wilmer.

II. For Those in the Armed Forces, especially—Erik Barton, Stewart Bova, Blake Busse, Morgan Cochran, Danica Roark Domokos, Pierce Fiveash, Sam Gaston, Robert Geiger, Sterling Gilliam III, Mitchell Harless, Benjamin Jensen, Joshua Justin, Michael Kukenberger, Hillary Leonard, Ben Mathis, Kathryn Martin, Sean McAbee, Mac McArthur, Tony Miller, Riley Nofziger, Austin Ordway, Gavin Harris Patterson, Kyle Roberson, Matthew Hewett Sale, Peter Shelton, Evan Valdyke, Wesley Valdyke, Harrison Williams, Jake Willstatter; and all those who serve this nation in harm’s way.

III. For All who have Died. May their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

IV. In Thanksgiving. For those in our parish celebrating birthdays—Ben Early, Sr., Harriet Gram, Peter Gram, Dick Grayson, Chris Hart, Jason Morrow—and anniversaries.

To submit a prayer request, email prayer-request@christ-church.net or fill out the prayer request form on our website (found on the Pastoral Care page under “Ministries”). Please let us know if this is for the confidential prayer list only or for the published public prayer list as well. Please note that all names remain on the prayer list for 4 weeks. Please resubmit your request with an update if you or a loved one would like to stay on the list for another four weeks. This helps keep our prayers current. Names in bold print indicate new additions to the prayer list.