Faith and Foreign Policy Forum: On Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m., parishioners and members of the wider community are invited to the C. Boyden Gray Auditorium for a presentation by fellow parishioner Dr. Shireen Hunter, who will speak about the intersection of religion, state, and foreign policy in the Middle East. Light refreshments will be served. The cost of the event is $10 per person, payable upon registration or at the door. To register, click here.
With a career spanning more than 50 years in international affairs, Dr. Shireen Hunter served as Iran’s first woman diplomat, directed programs at leading think tanks, was a professor at Georgetown University, lectured worldwide, and published prolifically in the field. Among her published works: God on Our Side: Religion in International Affairs (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017), Iran Divided: The Historical Roots of Iranian Debates on Identity, Culture and Governance in the Twenty-first Century (Rowman & Littlefield, 2014), and The Future of Islam and the West: Clash of Civilizations or Peaceful Coexistence? (Praeger, 1998).
Thrift Shop Update: The Christ Church Thrift Shop is closed for the summer. It will reopen on Wednesday, September 9. Because inventory has reached a critical low, donations of unused or unwanted treasures are needed at this time: clothing, jewelry, antiques, china, glassware, household items, etc. Contributions are being accepted by appointment at the Parish Office.
Calling all Veterans and Active-duty Parishioners: The Rector and other parish leaders are considering the formation of a Veterans Affinity Group at Christ Church, as well as the organization of a dinner on Veterans Day, November 11. If you are a veteran or an active-duty member of the military, and would like to be part of the conversation, please email us here.
Altar Flowers: If you would like to make a contribution to help offset the cost of the flowers that will adorn the altar on a particular Sunday or feast day, contact the Parish Office. The Flower Guild accepts contributions in memory of the departed, in celebration of births, and in thanksgiving for the reception of Christian sacraments. Contributions marking private secular celebrations are welcome, but they will not be acknowledged in service leaflets or the Prayers of the People. In such cases, donors are encouraged to let loved ones know of their contribution with a greeting card. The suggested donation is $150.
Mark your calendar: As we prepare to embark upon a new program year, please add these special liturgical events to your personal/family calendar:
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost | October 4
The annual Blessing of the Animals will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel Garden. Choral Evensong will resume at 5:00 p.m., and continue on first, third, and fifth Sundays of the month through May. A reception follows each service.
The Eve of the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed: All Souls’ Day | November 1
Join us at 5:00 p.m., when we will mark All Souls’ Day with a liturgical performance of Gabriel Fauré’s sublime Messe de Requiem, Op. 48, sung by the Choir of Christ Church with chamber ensemble. A reception will follow.
The Second Sunday of Advent | December 6
The annual Service of Lessons and Carol for Advent, sung by the Choir of Christ Church, will take place at 5:00 p.m. A reception will follow.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 20
The annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol for Christmas, sung by the Choir of Christ Church, will take place at 5:00 p.m. A reception will follow.
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany | January 17
The annual Service of Lessons and Carol for Epiphanytide, sung by the combined professional choirs of Christ Church, Georgetown and Saint John’s Church, Lafayette Square, will take place at 5:00 p.m. (at Christ Church).
