Chatham, Massachusetts

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Wide-ranging discussion

Bishop Shaw shares thoughts

at St. Christopher's public forum

More than 80 people filled the Parish Hall to hear Bishop Shaw speak.

The Right Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, the Episcopal bishop of Massachusetts, praised St. Christopher’s AIDS in Africa program during a wide-ranging conversation with about 80 parishioners Aug. 30 in the Parish Hall.  “What wonderful work you are doing,” he said about the AIDS program. “You are a beacon to the rest of the Diocese.  You were the first parish to take on a parish of your own.”
    Answering questions from the audience, Bishop Shaw also addressed a variety of topics, including the possibility of schism in the Anglican Church, stewardship, St. Christopher's capital campaign, and the new presiding bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. For the full story, see our Events page.

Diocese convention to honor Faith In Action

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts will recognize St. Christopher’s and three other churches at its annual convention in Boston Oct. 27-28. The diocese will point to St. Christopher’s Faith In Action program as an example of a strong, vital, youth outreach. The Diocese believes nurturing and recruiting teens and young adults is an important strategy to increase church numbers. To see the full story, click here.

Pastoral Care

Kathleen Rusnak to share lessons

on 'Loss, Grief and Elder Care'

On June 7, St. Christopher's Pastoral Care will partner with Broad Reach Hospice to host another seminar featuring Dr. Kathleen Rusnak, talking about "Loss, Grief & Elder Care."
     Dr. Rusnak spoke at St. Christopher’s last October to health professionals and the public about the world of the dying. Her knowledge, humor, and compassion educated us to become more sensitive and  less fearful towards the last stage of life.
     Because 85 percent of us will die in an institution, either in a hospital or long-term facility, it’s important to recognize the signs of loss and grief while in the care of others.
    Dr. Rusnak will speak about becoming more sensitive to the many losses people face in an institutional setting. She also encourages staff to become more emotionally invested in the care of elders.
    CEUs are available. For details, contact Anne Wormer at (508)945-2832.

Forward in Faith

Capital Campaign for church renovations

begins with gala Kick-Off event

After months of planning, surveys, forums and meetings, the next phase of the renovation and expansion of St. Christopher’s will be launched with a gala Kick-Off for the Forward in Faith Capital Campaign on Sunday, April 30.
      From 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the entire church will be filled with activities for parishioners of all ages, highlighted by the world premier of the new DVD on St. Christopher’s, produced by Bill Gould.
      During the campaign, from April 30 through July 16, parish volunteers will call on members of the church to share information on the plans so carefully developed by the Building Committee with Dan Barton of Maugel Architects.
      Latest estimates peg the total costs for the project at $4 million. Capital campaign consultant Andi Tilmann of Holliman Associates, encourages us to set a goal of $3 million to assure success of the campaign. Yet fundraisers will work toward a parish challenge to exceed that goal, raise the required $4 million and accomplish the entire project in one phase.
      As part of the drive, summer parishioners will be feted at a Welcome Back reception on Sunday, June 26, 5-7 p.m. The completion of the campaign effort will be marked with a celebration event on Sunday, July 16.
      For details on the Forward in Faith Campaign or to make a donation, call (508) 945-2832.

 Promote your event

Publicity Workshop to reveal techniques

on getting notice for  programs, fundraisers

Want to learn how to generate publicity for your committee or event?
      Lynn Van Dine and Tim Weller, St. Christopher’s communications coordinators, will hold a Publicity Workshop May 4 at 7 p.m. Participants will learn how to write an effective press release, make the right media contacts, tricks of timing and when to place an advertisement. For details, call Lynn or Tim at 430-0741.

Faith in Focus

Bishop Williams to lead discussion

on 'What About Human Sexuality?'

The former head of the Anglican Communion Committee on Human Sexuality, The Right Rev. Arthur B. Williams Jr., will be the special guest speaker at the a series of discussions on May 12-13 on “What About Human Sexuality?” The forum is free and open to the public. It is part of St. Christopher’s “Faith in Focus” series.
    Currently the Interim Director of Ethnic Congregational Development for the Presiding Bishop and a faculty member of CREDO, Bishop Williams is the Episcopal Visitor to the Order of St. Benedict.
    He chaired the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee of the Executive Council and the Committee on Human Sexuality of the 73^rd General Convention. From 1995 to 2003, he served as vice president of the House of Bishops.
    The forum begins at 7:30 p.m. May 12 and resumes at 9:15 a.m. May 13. On each day, Bishop Williams will share his thoughts, with time for questions and discussion afterwards. Refreshments will be served.

AIDS in AFRICA Lenten series focuses

on stricken area in Kenya helped by church

    The AIDS in Africa Committee will host a series of meetings during Lent to help parishioners gain a broader understanding of the area the church is supporting through the orphan feeding program in Kenya.
    The meetings will be held each Wednesday in March at 4 p.m.  Tea will be served.  Registration is not required.  Just come!
    Topics to be covered:
    March 8: Present-day Kenya: government, politics, economy and culture.
    Christine Karangwa will be the presenter and discussion leader.  Mrs. Karangwa was born in Uganda, and lived in Kenya.  She now lives in Boston and is associated with Diocese of Massachusetts Refugee Immigration Ministry.  Her husband, the Rev. Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, may be with her for this session.
    March 15: Diocese of Maseno North and the Anglican Church of Kenya.
    The Rev. Maggie Geller, R. N., Jubilee Ministry, Diocese of Massachusetts, will be the presenter and discussion leader. She was with the delegation headed by Bishop Tom Shaw that traveled to Africa last summer.
    March 22: Health and medical issues in sub- Saharan Africa.
    Razia Ali Hamm will be the presenter and discussion leader. As a member of Doctors Without Borders at a former Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda,  Mrs. Alihamm has had wide experience with diseases associated with poverty in East Africa and the appropriate interventions.
    March 29: Khwiliba Parish.
    Derek vanGulden, will be the presenter and discussion leader. He spent 10 weeks in Maseno North conducting a comprehensive survey of both adults and children involved in the orphan feeding program. He has also been asked to give his thoughts on what’s next both for Maseno North and for St. Christopher’s response to their needs.

Poet Mary Oliver cancels upcoming appearances

    Pulitzer-winning poet Mary Oliver has cancelled her appearance in a two-part discussion on "The World as Gift" at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Chatham, on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11,  part of the Faith in Focus series of public forums about the application of faith in today's world. The event has not been resheduled.
 

Rehearsals underway for Rescue in the Night

    The youths of St. Christopher’s Church are embarking on an exciting new project, the musical Rescue in the Night, the story of Daniel and the Lions Den, under the direction of Nancy Hubley, Lisa Jason and Julie Winchell. Rehearsals began January 22 and are held at the Sunday School opening circle and Mondays after school. All are welcome!

Sunday Chefs to serve special pancake breakfast

    Shrove Tuesday-on-Sunday will be held Sunday, February 26 when the Faith in Action Sunday Chefs serve up a delicious pancake breakfast directly after the 10 a.m. service. Tickets will be available at the door.
    Please come for a festive Mardi Gras experience as we usher in the Lent season.

Parishoners invited to building plan forums

The first of three forums on proposed plans for the renovation and expansion of St. Christopher's Church was held Sunday, Nov. 6. The presentation focused on Christian Education aspects of the plans. Ilene Bendas, director of Christian Education, went over plan schematics to describe features that may be added to better serve children and education programs. The Rev. Marshall Hunt explained how some features would better house adult education programs. Bruce Wood, head of the Building Committee, also answered questions. Senior Warden George Olmsted led the forum.

The next forum, to be held Nov. 13 after the 10 a.m. worship service, will focus on fellowship, public spaces and outreach areas:  The consignment shop, food pantry, library, administration areas and outdoor spaces. Jamie Chalker, Priscilla Chick, Marjorie Witherell and Dick Carroll will discuss plans and answer questions.

On Sunday, Nov. 20, the focus will be on sanctuary, worship and music. Architect Dan Barton will lead this forum on the sanctuary, chancel areas, organ and choir placement, seating arrangements, capacity and liturgical appropriateness.

All parishioners are encouraged to attend these forum. Your comments and suggestions will be appreciated.

A Quiet Day to focus on forgiveness

The newly formed Vestry Commission on Spiritual Life is making plans to include times of quiet and refreshment for the body, mind and spirit in our calendar of activities at St. Christopher’s.

For women of the parish, “A Quiet Day” will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The theme for the day will be forgiveness.

The event will be led by Brother Gerald Beauchamp, a monk from the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge (this is The Right Rev. M. Thomas Shaw’s community).

The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a gathering over coffee and doughnuts, followed by a series of meditations and silences until noon, when Holy Eucharist will be conducted. A brown-bag lunch will follow.

The day is co-sponsored by the Companions of the Holy Cross and the Vestry Commission on Spiritual Life.  Other quiet days are being planned for January and March and will be open to both men and women.

Please call Victoria Hunt at (508) 432-2612 if you have questions.

For reservations, please call Jamie Chalker at (508) 945-2832 or sign up at church no later than Nov. 6.

Faith in Focus

Bishop Shaw to discuss 'Inner Being of Faith'

The Right Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, our Diocesan bishop, will discuss “The Inner Being of Faith” at this month’s Faith In Focus series, Oct. 14 and 15. The series is a public forum focused on the application of faith in today’s world. The series will begin Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. with coffee and dessert, followed by the talk. On Saturday, Oct. 15, a light breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the presentation and dialogue at 9:15 a.m.

Treasures abound at Rummage Sale

    A browser’s delight and bargain-hunter’s heaven will take place when St. Christopher’s hosts it annual Rummage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 625 Main Street in Chatham. Shoppers will find a wide variety of delights, including books, household items, kitchenware, china, decorative pieces and clothing.The public is invited to attend. For details on the sale or to volunteer, contact Parker Chick at (508) 945-2479 or Joyce Jacobson at (508) 432-9500.

Bring pets to Blessing of Animals St. Francis service

    Four-legged friends that bark, growl, meow or squeak, along with all other favorite family pets, are invited to a special Blessing of the Animals for St. Francis Day, to be held Sunday, Oct. 2, to begin near the close of the 10 a.m. service. A procession of the animals (and their owners) will walk down the center aisle of the church and onto the church grounds for the blessing. The ceremony is open to the public.

Sojourners bereavement support group begins

    An upcoming bereavement support group series called “Sojourners” will begin just in time to ready participants for the holidays, a difficult time of the year for those mourning the loss of a loved one, according to coordinators Kathy Budreski of Broad Reach Hospice and Anne Wormer of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. Its first meeting will be Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. in the library of St. Christopher’s Church. The eight-part series helps participants better understand their journey through grief by honoring their individual feelings and developing skills to move into a meaningful life. The group will meet weekly. The series will be completed just before Thanksgiving.

Ecumenical Beach Services

All are welcome to participate in ecumenical beach services to be held every Sunday morning at 8 a.m. at Oyster Pond Beach, beginning July 10 and continuing through August 28, when our Rector, Brian McGurk, will conduct services..

Friday Night Grill

Join us for franks and fun at our weekly Friday Night Grills, held every Friday on the front lawn through the summer until August 26. All are welcome. (And volunteers are needed!)

TV journalist describes dire AIDS conditions in Africa

In a sobering speech, ABC news correspondent Jim Wooten told an overflowing crowd at St. Christopher’s on August 4 that “Africa is a place that is, quite literally, dying” from the AIDS epidemic.
    Wooten wrote the critically acclaimed book on the crisis, We Are All The Same: The Life and Death of Nkosi Johnson. The church’s AIDS in Africa Study/Action Group invited him to speak.
    Wooten’s message was emotional and direct:  “The struggle against AIDS in Africa is being lost,” he said.
    Wooten discussed his relationship with the AIDS-stricken boy Nkosi and his foster mother, Gail Johnson, and how it evolved from respect into love.  He explored the history of the disease on the continent and speculated what Africa might be like in 10 to 20 years.
    “The countries of the world ignore this at their peril,” he said, predicting a generation of children raising children in the most abject conditions.  Such abject desperation could make Africa"a massive breeding ground for terrorists."
    However, Wooten praised St. Christopher’s parishioners for getting involved and doing what they can to help. “Without small deeds, there are no large deeds,” he said.
    He noted that churches and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Africa are the most effective groups providing help.  He also implored St. Christopher’s and other small parishes to focus on specific, attainable needs.
    “A small parish must do one thing first,” Wooten said. “Identify what you want to do.”
    There are three ways you can help:
    - Buy a copy of We Are All the Same: The Life and Death of Nkosi Johnson. All proceeds support the Nkosi Johnson Foundation.
    - Send a check to the Nkosi Johnson Foundation, c/o Gail Johnson, P.O. Box 403, Melville, 2109, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. The foundation’s web site is: www.nkosi.iafrica.com/nkosi_aidsfoundation.
    - Send a check to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, marked “AIDS in Africa.” The address is 625 Main St., Chatham, MA 02633.

Vacation Bible School

Children went on a Prayer Safari into the Kingdom of the Son when St. Christopher's Episcopal Church hosts this year's Vacation Bible School for Chatham's Main Street Churches, July 25-29.   Structured activities include skits, songs, crafts and snacks for children 3-10 years old. Times are 9 a.m. to noon daily and the cost is $25 per week or $5 per day. For details, contact Ilene Bendas, director of Education at St. Christopher's, (508) 945-2832, or Amy Middleton at First Congregational Church, (508) 945-0800.