Christ Episcopal Church - Martinsville, VA

The Body of Christ Church

I started working at Christ Church October 10th of last year, so I am in the last couple months of doing things here for the first time. Whenever a big event comes up that I have never experienced I feel a bit of lingering anxiety. A misguided sense of importance leads me to think that somehow I am ultimately responsible and capable for ensuring the success of any event at Christ Church. Even though I am often the face of our community I deserve very little credit for anything that happens within our walls. To assume that any one person should or could completely organize something like fall flavors, loaves and fishes, the parish picnic, or even worship on Sunday is not only inaccurate, but also unbiblical. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans that we are all members of the body of Christ. Each of us is simultaneously vital to the life of the Church, while being completely dependent on the other members. This is just like how each of our organs is vital, but completely dependent on the rest of the body. The parish picnic this past Sunday is a perfect example of how this model works in our community.

Blessings,
Fr. Nick

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What is Taize?

We have been singing Taize chants during communion for the past few months, but what is Taize, and where does the music come from?

Taize is actually a small village in France, in the section of France known as Burgundy. In 1940, shortly after the German occupation of France, a Swiss Protestant founded a Christ centered monastic community in Taize, in Vichy France. Their goal was to live a life according to scriptures, and to be a sanctuary for war refugees. In the 77 years since then, they have served among the poor all around the world, and since the 1960's, have also served the youth of the world. Men from all denominations are brothers in the community--it is truly ecumenical.

In 1955, the community ( then consisting of 20 brothers) asked the cathedral organist, Jacques Berthier, to compose music for them. Again in 1975, as many young people were drawn to Taize, Berthier was again asked to compose chants that they could sing. In worship, the community includes people and traditions from all around the world, sung in many languages. The music emphasizes simple phrases, from Psalms or Scripture. The atmosphere that is invoked is meditative.

The music becomes a prayer, and that prayer becomes a way of listening to God. The continuous reputation of the phrases open the singers to the divine, and that is the essence of Taize.

Join the choir at 7PM on Thursdays, no experience is necessary.

Lynn Gardner, Organist/Choirmaster

Pray, Fast, Act: A Message

from Michael Curry

Why does Michael Curry request us to pray, fast, and act on the 21st of each month? Fasting on the 21st of each month reminds us that by that date, each month, 90% of SNAP benefits run out for families. This means that the last week of the month is usually the hungriest week in America. Monthly fasting began on May 21, 2017 and will conclude in December of 2018. View his message and consider becoming a part of this movement.

You Spend, the Church Earns!

Annual earnings from participation in rewards programs continue to grow. The next time you shop at Amazon, Food Lion, or Kroger, support Christ Episcopal Church with your purchase. For every dollar spent at one of these businesses a percentage is donated to the church. Giving is easy!

Amazon Smile: You Shop, Amazon Gives. Christ Episcopal will receive a donation equivalent to .5% of the price for eligible purchases. Click here when you make purchases from Amazon and a portion is returned to the church!

Food Lion: Purchase a grocery card at church on Sunday or in the office during the week and use it to pay for your purchases. They are available in denominations of $25, $50, and $100, $200 and $300.

Kroger: Link your Kroger Plus card to the church. Go to the Kroger website, register your card by account number, enter Christ Church’s NPO number, 82143, in the search field, click search, select the church and then click on enroll. Then all you have to do is shop. The rest is automatic for one year. Please update your enrollment annually.

Join Us!

Christ Episcopal Church is teeming with ways to get involved! Come to Sunday School, take a hike with the youth group, serve for Loaves and Fishes, knit a prayer shawl, read a book and discuss it with others. Join the choir or attend a weekday service. Take a look at our monthly calendar and join us for a variety of services, clubs, and activities. We invite and welcome all to become a part of the growing Christ Episcopal Church family!

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311 E. Church Street
Martinsville, VA | 24112 US

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