Bishop George's Final Weekend

Be sure to join us this weekend as it will be Bishop George's final weekend serving as Interim Rector at St. Christopher's. Following the 10:30 am service, there will a reception in the Parish Hall. All are welcome! A basket will be available to place cards and notes in for Bishop George.

Thank you, Bishop George, for your love and guidance during our transition season. And remember: Once a Christopher, always a Christopher! We love you!

Wednesday, July 29

9:00 am - Bible Study - Room Change! Parish Hall

10:30 am - Yoga - PH

11:45 am - Centering Prayer - Chapel

Saturday, August 1

5:30 pm - Holy Eucharist Rite II - Chapel

Sunday, August 2

8:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I - Church

10:00 am - Nursery opens

10:30 am - Holy Eucharist Rite II - Church

*** Children will remain in church for the Bishop's last service. No Children's Chapel***

Service Sign Up Reminders

Reminder phone calls will resume this week to those who have roles in worship services each weekend and to the Cookie Brigade group.

Schedules for each group will also be posted to the hallway bulletin board, listed in the Lantern, and if space allows, printed in the church bulletins. If you are unable to complete your scheduled duty, please contact your group lead and/or find a replacement. Thank you for serving!

Name Tags and Pictures!

As we prepare for the arrival of our new Rector, let's all help welcome Lisa+ by making sure you have a nametag and a picture of you or your family updated in Realm.

Send in your nametag request and pictures to Michelle Haskew michelle@scpen.org or call the church office (850) 433-0074 with questions.

Opportunities to Serve and Support!

• The JUST Pensacola Investment Drive is underway until July 31st and is more important than ever. If you value this ministry that gives us a concrete and proven way to love our neighbors by addressing systemic injustices, please go to https://www.justpensacola.org/invest and invest $200 or an amount meaningful to you. Nothing is too small!

• August is Acolyte Alumni Month at St. Christopher’s. Adults who would like to serve as an acolyte for a 10:30 am service in August are encouraged to sign up here as soon as possible. No experience needed!

• Volunteers needed for Summer projects! We have big projects and little projects, indoor and outdoor projects and projects you can do at home. See Sr. Teresa (AKA Nan) at all 3 services or call the church office (850) 433-0074 for ways you can help.

Faith Forum

Led by Rev. Clelia Pinza-Garrity

Join us for two Sunday Faith Forums coming up on August 9 and 16 at 9:15 am in the Homer Davis Conference Room. Together we will explore 1 Peter, a frequently overlooked letter written to communities in a Christian diaspora who are called to witness to the transforming joy of Christ even as they suffer for Christ’s name. 

You are encouraged to purchase our study guide in advance: Now You Are God’s People; Reflections on 1 Peter for God’s Church in God’s World. Eds. Justin Welby, Jennifer Strawbridge,and Abilgail Harries Martin, from Amazon.

Education for Ministry

Registration is open now!

Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EFM, is a program of the School of Theology, University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four year program.

Year One offers a study of the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament).

Year Two offers a study of the New Testament.

Year Three offers a study of the history of the Christian Church.

Year Four offers a study of theology and ethics.

Students meet in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors on Tuesday evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Henry Baggett Parish Hall. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years plus 18 Continuing Education Units each year. EFM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service. You will learn how to think theologically, deepen your faith and understanding of your Christian heritage. 

The curriculum was completely revamped in 2025. An online format and new textbooks were introduced last year. A new one-year program is also now offered called "Wide Angle Lens". Registration is open through early August. 

Seminars will begin in September and run the academic year. For tuition costs, registration, or further information, please contact Nan DeStafney or Mari Abbate at abbate3@gmail.com.

Acolyte Training

As a reminder, mark your calendars for August 9th for Acolyte Training after the 10:30 am service. This is required for all acolytes and open to anyone who is interested in becoming an acolyte. Please let Jen+ jen@scpen.org to let us know that you will be attending.  

Youth Confirmation Classes

Beginning August 23

Students in 7th through 12th grade are invited to attend Confirmation classes as we explore what it means to confirm your faith in the Episcopal Church.

Classes will run on Sundays from August 23 - October 4 at 9:20 am in the Youth House. 

Not sure you are ready? That’s okay—come join us for fellowship, conversation, and community. 

Please sign up at this link

Any questions, please contact Andie at eyc@scpen.org or text her at 518-229-5405

Children's Chapel

Bishop George will spend his last Sunday with us this weekend, so we will all stay together in the 10:30 am service and not have Children's Chapel. See you Sunday as we extend our love and thanksgiving to Bishop George!

Alice Ann Ferguson

Children & Families Minister