Dear family and friends of Christ Church,

The last three Saturdays have seen funeral liturgies celebrated at Christ Church. I was also asked to help lead two other funerals outside of our sacred space, bringing the month’s total to five. I thought I would use this article to share some brief reflections.

1. I think praying the burial office (funeral liturgy) is one of the most faithful acts we can engage. I find myself continually moved by family and friends who share hope, encouragement and support alongside grief, sorrow and loss. One of the most powerful parts of the office proclaims that “even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia”. Only a deep and abiding faith in the resurrection to eternal life through Christ can allow these words to leave our lips. Praying at a funeral – I mean really praying the prayers at a funeral – is a profound and public witness of faith.

2. I am filled with gratitude for the many members who aid in these services. Every funeral, regardless of size, requires hours of extra work from many in our parish family. Each of our three Saturday funerals included a lunch in Holley Hall. The ways so many of you pitch in to demonstrate the love at the heart of our community is seen and deeply appreciated. Thank you.

3. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you: the music at Christ Church is exceptional. Time and again I receive feedback from funeral congregants on the quality of music they experience when worshipping with us. This is not by accident or happenstance. Our musicians work diligently to ensure a level of excellence and aid us in offering our very best to God. While always tricky to single out individuals (and risk offending others), I hope you will join me in recognizing the particular efforts of Diana Greene and Shannah Yerofeyev at our last three funerals. Leading worship with them is a gift.

4. I observed several of you this month attending the funeral of someone you did not know. I noticed, and several family members noticed. Never underestimate the impact and power of your presence. Standing beside grieving family and friends not because we knew their loved one, but because we are siblings in Christ, demonstrates our faith in a concrete and profound way.

On the afternoon of the month’s fifth funeral, I met with the family of an infant preparing for baptism. Later this week, I am meeting with two couples for premarital counseling. The rhythm of life transitions is the heartbeat of our community. It is a privilege to walk with others for a segment of their journey and, with God’s help, offer guidance and grace.

See you in church! Blessings and peace,

Chris

The Rev. Chris Streeter, Rector

Children's Summer Workshops

Children’s Summer Workshops will be offered on Sundays, June 21st - September 6th, during the 10:00 a.m. service. Children will begin worship in church with their families and then be dismissed for 30–40 minutes of fun activities and learning. Children will return to the service in time for the Eucharist.

Youth Group

Students in middle school and high school are invited to participate in the Christ Church Brunch in a Bag program by preparing and serving bagged lunches for our neighbors in need on Sunday, June 28th. Sandwiches will be prepared, 9:30 - 9:55 a.m.; food will be distributed in the sanctuary immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service.

Additional service projects are available throughout the year. Contact the Reverend Randy Parks, 862-266-0513, or randolph.parks@atlantichealth.org with questions.

New Beginnings Community Breakfast

On Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:30 a.m., a crew of volunteers serve a hot breakfast to approximately 40 of our neighbors in need. Our guests are also invited to learn about community resources to assist in their recovery, growth, or progress towards self-sufficiency. Want to help? Sign up to assist with serving our guests, set up, or clean up by calling the church office, 973-383-2245.