Weekly newsletter from Christ Church

A message from the Rector

Friends, it is thrilling to write you with the news that we will return to worship in our nave on Palm Sunday, March 24. This is a full Sunday earlier than projected by our contractor, a miracle in and of itself. It also means that our Holy Week preparations and worship will be done in singleness of mind -- no juggling deadlines and construction details.

Our fundraising efforts for this work of restoring our nave continue, concluding with one final Save the Nave gathering this Thursday evening. Stay tuned next week for a video and the good news of how we're managing this project financially (thanks to you.)

I can't wait for you to see the fruit of so much labor, and I cannot imagine a better way to re-enter our nave than in our triumphal procession with Christ and the beginning of our journey into Holy Week. Hope to see you this Sunday for our final services in the parish hall; we certainly are moving from strength to strength.

Grace, peace,

Amber

Holy Week services

Palm Sunday

March 24, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

We begin in the parking lot and process into the nave, reenacting Jesus' triumphal entry. These services include the passion narrative.

Holy Wednesday

March 27, 5:15 p.m.

Our Healing Eucharist focuses on the commemoration of the bargain of Judas.

Maundy Thursday

March 28, 7:00 p.m.

Jesus leaves us with his final mandate. A service of Holy Eucharist with optional foot-washing and stripping of the altar.

Good Friday

March 29, 12:00 p.m. (spoken) and 7:00 p.m. (with choir)

A day of solemn prayer as Jesus descends to the dead. Stations of the Cross follow the noon service.

Easter Vigil

Saturday, March 30, 7:30 p.m.

This is the night! A people who begin in darkness witness the new fire and the light of resurrection. Festive reception follows.

Easter Sunday

March 31, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist with choir and brass, egg hunt between services.

Upcoming events

Tiny tots play group

Christ Church is blessed to have so many young children in our pews. If you're interested in participating in the Christ Church Playgroup (primarily ages 5 and under, older siblings always welcome) please email Kim Ruesch.

EYC

Thursday, March 14, 6:00 p.m.

All 6th-12th graders are invited to a gathering of our Episcopal Youth Community. We will meet at Liberty Green to join residents in a craft activity. EYC staff will be present in the lobby of Building 1 to greet and dismiss EYC members. Dinner included. Please RSVP to Melissa Wilkinson.

Thursday, March 21, 6:00 p.m.

This week, we will meet at the Warwick United Methodist Church on Forester Ave to assemble Easter baskets for the Alamo. Please RSVP to Joanne O'Keefe.

Men's group breakfast

Wednesday, March 20, 10:00 a.m.

Our men's group will gather for breakfast at the Edenville Deli. Let Bill O'Keefe know if you can make it.

Stump the priest

Every Sunday at 10:10 a.m.

During coffee hour, Amber will give an update on our building project and then tackle some of your questions on God, faith, life, or anything else. Submit some of your religiously-affiliated questions here.

Confirmation classes

Beginning April 10

Mark your Wednesday nights during the Easter season for this year's round of confirmation classes leading up to our bishop's visitation. You'll learn about where the Episcopal Church came from and what guides our prayers, thoughts, and actions.

Alamo Easter basket drive

Christ Church will join with Warwick United Methodist Church to provide Easter baskets to families in need. We hope to assemble 100 baskets and need to collect Easter candy, coloring books, crayons, small toys, and chocolate Easter bunnies. We also need baskets of all sizes (used or new.) Unable to shop? Let us know and we will purchase needed items with your donation.

A box will be set up in our kitchen for donations on Sunday, March 10 & March 17. Baskets will be assembled at the Methodist church on Thursday, March 21. Let Joanne O'Keefe know if you can help.

Book club

Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

March's selection is The Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen. An invitation to acknowledge our brokenness and awaken to the abiding love that God has for us, this classic explains the spiritual life in simple and powerful terms.

Cabaret Fundraiser

Saturday, April 20 - Mark your calendars!

We have had a very generous response to donate baskets for the raffle. If you have approached us about a basket, could you please email us with a title/description of your basket as well as who put it together? (E.g., "Dog Lover's Basket" - Polly and Ernie VanderKruik)

Also, we are looking for a volunteer or two to sell 50/50 raffle tickets prior to the music and during the intermission of Cabaret. If you are willing, please email Ellen Metzger or Jean Storckman.

Community breakfast

Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Every Saturday morning, Christ Church volunteers serve a free hot breakfast to our anyone who needs it. This will continue as a take-out service until April 6, when we will return to a seated breakfast. Sign up to volunteer here.