ABOVE: Bishop McConnell officially welcomed Biff Carpenter into the fold
as a full-fledged priest in the Episcopal Church. More below.
August Events & Calendar
I really don't care for August. I mean I love the weather and the festivals that happen within the month. But even at age 42, the thought of school starting again still bothers me. Don't ask me why. Perhaps it's a form of PTSD? The thought of winter coming? The world may never know.

At Christ Church we're gearing up for a new program year. See the "Save the Dates" below for some of the upcoming events this fall. For now, here's what's up in August:

THURSDAY 8/1: 9:00 a.m. - ELL Kindergarten Readiness

SUNDAY 8/4: 8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite I; 9:10 a.m. - Adult Forum; 10:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite II; 10:00 a.m. - Summer Children's Program; 11:55 a.m. - Contemporary Eucharist

MONDAY 8/5: 9:00 a.m. - Kindermusik by Lynda; 9:00 a.m. - Preschool Beach Camp; 6:30 p.m. - Chapel Hill Association Meeting; 7:30 p.m. - Recovery

TUESDAY 8/6: 9:00 a.m. - Preschool Beach Camp; 6:00 p.m. - AA Meeting; 6:30 p.m. - Cumberland Woods Eucharist

WEDNESDAY 8/7: 9:00 a.m. - Beach Camp; 9:30 a.m. - Jubilee Cooks; 12:00 Noon - AA Meeting

THURSDAY 8/8: 9:00 a.m. - Preschool Beach Camp

FRIDAY 8/9: 9:00 a.m. - Preschool Beach Camp; 10:00 a.m. - MOMs Club

SATURDAY 8/10: 8:30 a.m. - Men's Bible Study

SUNDAY 8/11: 8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite I; 9:10 a.m. - Adult Forum; 10:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite II; 10:00 a.m. - Summer Children's Program; 11:55 a.m. - Contemporary Eucharist

MONDAY 8/12: 9:00 a.m. - Kindermusik by Lynda; 7:30 p.m. - Recovery

TUESDAY 8/13: 6:00 p.m. - AA Meeting; 7:00 p.m. - Vestry Meeting

WEDNESDAY 8/14: 9:30 a.m. - Jubilee Cooks; 12:00 Noon - AA Meeting

SUNDAY 8/18: 8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite I; 9:10 a.m. - Adult Forum; 10:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite II + BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS ; 10:00 a.m. - Summer Children's Program; 11:55 a.m. - Contemporary Eucharist

MONDAY 8/19: 7:30 p.m. - Recovery

TUESDAY 8/20: 6:00 p.m. - AA Meeting; 6:30 p.m. - Cumberland Woods Eucharist

WEDNESDAY 8/21: 9:30 a.m. - Jubilee Cooks; 12:00 Noon - AA Meeting

SATURDAY 8/24: 8:30 a.m. - Men's Bible Study

SUNDAY 8/25: 8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite I; 9:10 a.m. - Adult Forum; 10:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite II; 10:00 a.m. - Summer Children's Program; 11:55 a.m. - Contemporary Eucharist

MONDAY 8/26: 11:00 a.m. - Staff Meeting; 7:30 p.m. - Recovery

TUESDAY 8/27: 6:00 p.m. - AA Meeting

WEDNESDAY 8/28: 9:30 a.m. - Jubilee Cooks; 12:00 Noon - AA Meeting

SATURDAY 8/31: 5:00 p.m. - Private Party

See you in church!
Save These Dates!
  • Sunday, August 18: The Blessing of the Backpacks at the 10:00 service.
  • Sunday, September 8: Sunday School Resumes; Oktoberfest after the 10:00 service.
  • Saturday, September 28: Run for Thy Neighbor 5K
  • Sunday, October 6: The Blessing of the Animals; First Sunday Potlucks resume.
  • Friday & Saturday, October 18 & 19: The Good Stuff Sale.
  • Sunday, October 20: Instructed Eucharist at both the 8:00 and 10:00 services.
 
WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION about the above events and series and much more. Subject to change. Keep an eye on your email boxes for further updates!
Artist of the Month - Mark Collins
The Little Gallery is located just off the Narthex in the office hallway just outside the rest room. Each month we feature one of Christ Church's talented artists with some of their unique work. The Artist of the Month for August is Mark Collins. Here is a little about Mark's work in his own words. Stop by the gallery to see his display!

Several years ago, I began to re-build tabletops and desks using old gym floors and toboggans. I also re-fit discarded organ pipes into lamps.

What you will see, both in pictures and live, are made from items found on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Construction Junction, thrift stores, flea markets, or liberated from the trash.

What drove me to take this hard left turn into woodworking… with no training, no background, no previous experience? I don’t know. Let’s say divine intervention, because I can’t think of anything else. Who knows - maybe the toboggan was tired of its old life and just needed a fresh start with a new purpose. Sometimes that works for us, too.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I enjoy making them.

About purchasing items:  The “prices” for each item are based on my feelings about each piece. (I doubt they teach this pricing system at Harvard Business School.) So, if you are particularly moved by something you see, please let me know. Maybe we can strike a deal, maybe not. In any case, I will be thrilled that you liked it.

A portion of the proceeds on any item sold will go to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund.
A Word From the Director of Communications
As you know, our administrative assistant, Janet McClintock, retired at the end of May. She continues to work a few days a week until somebody else can be found. Meanwhile, Canon Jim approached me in late May with a proposal to step up my duties as Director of Communications to include the bulletins and The Little Link that you receive each Sunday. (By the way, can we have a chat about taking your bulletins home with you after church? They're yours to keep.) With that, I have also added two main office days to my schedule.

It occurs to me that with such a change it might be a good idea to (re)introduce myself to some of you.

In short, I am a lifelong Christ Church member. My paternal grandfather was organist and choirmaster from 1965 to 1972. My mother was the parish secretary from 1987 to 1995. Therefore I grew up around here. It's likely that I heard things as a kid that I probably shouldn't have... but I promise if it was about you, I've long since forgotten! I also probably paid a little bit too much attention in Sunday School, and willingly read the catechism in the back of the Book of Common Prayer with great interest. (It starts on page 844. Just don't read it during the sermon.)

But my true calling is radio. I went to school for it and, after some time on the periphery of the business, have spent the last 12 ½ years working for one of Pittsburgh'a smaller station operators. When I started there, there were just two stations. Now there are seven full power stations - soon to be eight - and six low-power FM translators. It really got to be too much due to my health, the distance I had to drive, and single-handedly managing all of the stations for 8 hours - even just two days a week. I willingly gave up the bulk of the job to take on my expanded role here at the church.

However, I will continue to do several projects both on and off the air for the stations using my studio set up in my “bunker office” in the education building. I will also continue to work on my personal website, PBRTV.com , which covers the local media scene and my program for Internet radio station WMcK.fm . So I am not leaving radio.

Back to church related matters, please be aware that I should be receiving all items for both THE LINK and THE LITTLE LINK. Please send them to both thelink@christchurchpgh.org and office@christchurchpgh.org to ensure that I get it. My main office hours are Thursdays and Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Eric O'Brien
Father Biff Received in The Episcopal Church
On the morning of Wednesday July 24, at 10:00 a.m., The Rev. Canon James Shoucair and The Rev. Canon Aiden Smith acted as witnesses to the reception of Holy Orders for The Rev. William “Biff” Carpenter in the office of Bishop Dorsey McConnell. 

It is an unusual process because once a person has received Holy Orders they are a priest for life unless defrocked. Nor is a person ever “re-ordained”. Instead, a person’s Holy Orders to the Priesthood are “received” after a thorough evaluation of their person, character, and proficiency. The Bishop’s examination was taken from the ordination office found in the Book of Common Prayer. An oath of conformity was taken and signed, and a hearty handshake affirmed the conclusion to the process. 

I entered the Cathedral as a priested lay person and exited as The Rev. William Carpenter once again. Above all else I want to thank Canon Jim, the staff of Christ Episcopal Church, and the wonderful folks of the church who were a constant source of encouragement and will always remain close to my heart for their affection and kindness. Thank you all so very much!  
Men's Bible Study
Guys, are you looking for a little boost on a Saturday morning? Have you been wanting to brush up on your Bible browsing? Do you wish to share some fellowship time with your peers from the parish? Here's your chance! Men's Bible Study meets on the following Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. - August 10 and 24. All men are welcome!

See Biff for more details, or send him an email at biffvf95@yahoo.com .
Blessing of the Backpacks - August 18
On Sunday, August 18, our parish is offering students some divine help! Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpack or book bag to church for a Blessing of the Backpacks at the 10:00 Service. Many of us are starting a new school year and August is a busy month of preparation. We finish our reading assignments; find out our teacher's names; discover who is in our classes; and we shop for back to school supplies for our backpacks. We are ready to learn!

Yet, Jesus teaches his disciples that it is not just the things we do and the things we have that are important, but rather it is the feelings and thoughts that we have in our hearts that matter most. That is why at the Blessing of the Backpacks, we will gather to celebrate the beginning of the new school year and to thank God for our students and teachers and ask that all their schools will be dynamic places of learning and discovery for them. We will ask that this year will be full of promise, that they will experience new beginnings and grow in knowledge and wisdom during their school year. And finally, we will ask that God bless them with understanding and respect for one another and that they will be guided by his love. In this way, we hope that their backpacks will be a sign to them that they will have everything they need to learn and grow this year in school and in Sunday school. 

Everyone in the community is invited to bring their backpack for a blessing. Join us for worship at 10:00 on Sunday, August 18. You may contact Deacon Lorena at the church by calling 412-364-2442, Extension 17.

Please share this with your friends and neighbors!
Getting Ready for Sunday School 2019
The Sunday school needs additional help this fall. Christ Church Sunday school is a community of children, teens and adults committed to growing in the love of God and neighbor together. Do you love working with children? Being part of the teaching team? Does helping to create a safe place, where children and adults can wonder and learn together; practice and play together; study and pray together. Sound inviting to you? If so, then please give me a call in the next couple of weeks and let’s talk about it! If you are interested, please contact Deacon Lorena at:

or 724-612-4672
Good Stuff Sale - October 18 & 19
Our second annual sale has been put on the church calendar for Friday and Saturday, October 18 & 19 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day. We're planning to rent 24 tables in the undercroft to parishioners, their friends or relatives so everyone can sell just about anything they're ready to let go. Household items, crafts, collections, holiday decorations, antiques, books, artwork - you name it. 

Something different this year is that we'll have 8 parking spaces available for those who want to sell items directly from their car, van, truck, or trailer. You could even bring a pop up tent if you like. If it rains, we'll find room for you inside or you'll get your rental fee back. 

Also, in conjunction with the Good Stuff Sale is our BIG BIG Bake Sale. This was such a big hit last year and we're hoping that parishioners will help out again with lot of wonderful baked donations. 

All proceeds will go to our Food Pantry funds. 

If you're interested in reserving a table or space ($30.00), contact Jan Krotine ( jankrotine@verizon.net ), Mona Saba ( rbsaba@verizon.net ), or Diane Stuart ( dis2art@gmail.com ). Pass the word along. We need sellers, we need buyers, and we need bakers. October will be here before you know it!

CLICK THE GRAPHIC IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER TO DOWNLOAD A FLYER. It has all the details!
Altar Flowers & Aumbry Candle
The flowers on the altar and the aumbry candle (the Light of Christ that is always flickering above the reserve sacrament) are usually sponsored by a parishioner or parishioners in memory of a loved one or in celebration of an occasion. The money given from these help the Altar Guild with their expenses which are not a part of the regular church budget.

While we can certainly have more than one dedication for the week's flowers or candle, there are several weeks in the upcoming months where there are no contributions listed. To sign up, you may look for the green binder in the gallery to sign up. (If it's not there, it will be in the office.) You may also call (412-364-2442) or email ( office@ChristChurchPGH.org ) the office with your request.

Flower sponsorships are $35.00 and Aumbry Candle sponsorships are $5.00 . Checks may be made payable to Christ Church Altar Guild.

The Sundays currently completely without a sponsor for Flowers are:
September: 8, 22, 29
November: 3 (All Saints' Sunday)
December: 1, 8, 15, 22 (December 29 will feature the Christmas Poinsettias)

The Sundays currently completely without a sponsor for the Aumbry Candle are:
August: 4
September: 1, 8, 22, 29
October: 6, 20, 27
November: 3, 17, 24
December: 1, 8, 15, 22
Celebrations
2 Elwood & Luella Krah; 5 Mark & Sandee Collins; 6 Rich & Ellen Seagraves; 7 Jim & Lynn Ellenberger; 10 Carl & Pam Niehaus; 18 Steve & Mary Jo Dunn; 19 John & Euniann Grove, Ben & Gwen Elko; 20 David & Allison Dix; 22 John & Cheryl Kraynek; 23 Steve & Susan Elmore; 25 Joe & Carol Eiden, David & Susana Steppan; 26 Ken & Jan Krotine; 30 Brian & Tracy Rearick; 31 Chris & Mary Barker, Bill & Lorena Ringle
1 Tim Herald, Joe Eiden, DD Treser; 2 Phyllis Guering, Martin Raitt; 3 Temisan Adoki; 4 Keith Christy; 5 Lila Duty, Marcia Kaminski; 6 Dave Nelson; 7 Steve Dunn; 8 Maurin Stone; 11 Annalise Rearick; 12 Mitchell Higgins, Will Tarle; 13 Cindy Allshouse, Nicholas Radomski; 14 Matthew Blough; 15 Kathy Downey, Joan Mazur; 16 Harvey Clough; 17 Aidan Humphrey; 18 Grace Antol, Molly Werner; 19 Bryan Lawson; 22 Sam Heineman, Veronica Lawson; 23 Keith Johnston; 25 Cheryl Kraynek, Emma Weaver; 26 Nancy Ley, Tristan Peace; 27 Marguerite Gormley, Wyatt Karn; Liz Krystyniak; 29 Ben Mathews, Anastasia Penton; 30 Ruth Ann Hall
Prayers of the People
Please help us to keep our prayers focused. If there is someone whose name can be removed, please let the office know.

For those who are ill: Shelly, Danny Hoffman, Matt Zufall, Tracy Shamonsky, Debra Peck, Thomas K., Nyder Johnson, Helene, T.J. Vasselo, Marylee Fidago, The Volkman Family, Aria Guite, Charlotte, Jeff Peretic, Traci Tambussi, Anne K, Robert Powell, Bill, Pam, Kathy Hunkele, Alicia Spencer, Fannie White, Doris Neiger, The Ward Family, Emmett Paul, Joe J., Marty O’Lear, Ned, John Wiley, Dolores Spitz, Jay & Beverly, George Collins, Dolores, Michael Lawrence
  
For those who are shut-in: Evelyn Arlow, Betty Christy, Tudy DeWalt, Alice Feitl, Gretel Gormley, Edwina Hoard, Luella & Elwood Krah; Nancy Maxson, Jo Plunkett; Joyce Pontzloff, Ann Lyn Witt

For those who have died: Ruth Dodds
Deadline Reminder
The next email date for The Link's second August issue is Tuesday, August 13. Anything received by Sunday, August 11 is guaranteed a spot! Don't be left out!

Send items to:
Eric O'Brien, Director of Communications - TheLink@ChristChurchPGH.org
Important Links in The Link
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