The Ministers of the Church
We use the word “minister” a bit differently than many other Christian traditions. Many Churches consider ministers to be ordained people, or maybe individuals that have some sort of official leadership position within the Church. We claim that the ministers of the Church are bishops, priests, deacons and all baptized Christians. So, in other words, every member of the congregation is called to minister to the Church and to the world. In the best occasions Churches see this as an empowering approach to showing Christ’s love. They see it as a rallying cry, and motivation to shape the world. Unfortunately, this approach is often totally neglected, or dismissed as wishful thinking. I have seen many vibrant Churches and many stagnant ones, but I have never seen a Church that looks quite like ours. Energy and leadership seem to naturally rising to the surface of our community, and this affects everything from altar guild, to worship, to our buildings, and even the parties that we throw. I imagine that those of you who have been here for a long time may see this as completely normal, so I thought I would share just a couple of the amazing things I have seen and show you just how delightfully unusual they are.
Blessings,
Fr. Nick

Garrison Keillor on Episcopalians and Singing!

We make fun of Episcopalians for their blandness, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed and also for their secret fondness for cheese straws and ham biscuits.  But nobody sings like them.
If you were to ask an audience in Des Moines, a relatively Episcopalianless place, to sing along on the chorus of “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”,  they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their underwear.  But if you do this among Episcopalians, they’d smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! ...And down the road!
Many Episcopalians are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony,  a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your little head against that person’s rib cage.  It’s natural for Episcopalians to sing in harmony.  We are too modest to be soloists, too worldly to sing in unison.
When you are singing in the key of C and you slide into the A7th and D7th chords, all two hundred of you, it’s an emotionally fulfilling moment. By joining in harmony, we somehow promise that we will not forsake each other.
I do believe this, people: Episcopalians, who love to sing in four part harmony are the sort of people you could call up when you’re in deep distress.  If you are dying, they will comfort you. If you are lonely, they’ll talk to you.  And if you are hungry, they’ll give you chicken salad!
Episcopalians believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray out loud.
Episcopalians like to sing, except when confronted with a new hymn or a hymn with more than four stanzas.
Episcopalians believe their rectors will visit them in the hospital, even if they don’t notify them that they are there.

-Lynn Gardner,
Organist/Choirmaster

Mission Committee Expands Loaves and Fishes Ministry!

The ministry of Loaves and Fishes is expanding to offer free community breakfasts on Sunday mornings.  They will be served from 8:30 to 10:00. We are beginning with three offerings:
August 26 under the leadership of Susan Critz; September 23 under the leadership of David Cole and Lewis Pitzer with assistance from the Youth; October 28 - looking for an individual or group to take the lead.
Please help welcome our guests and come for breakfast!

Summer Picnic is August 26, Join the Fun! 

The annual Christ Episcopal Church Summer Picnic will be held at Smith River Sports Complex.  Kayaking on the Smith River will be offered alongs with games, fellowship, music and food!  Find all the details here.

Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser, August 18!

Infinity Acres will host a back to school family spaghetti dinner fund raiser on Saturday, August 18 in the undercroft of Christ Episcopal Church.  Llamas will greet you in the parking lot. Dinner will be served from 4 to 8, costs $4 (children under 8) or $8 for others, tickets are advance-sale or walk in, carry out is available.  Call 276-358-2378 for tickets and details.  Learn more about Infinity Acres here! All funds raised will help support the programs of Infinity Acres.

Come to Church!

So many good things are happening at Christ Episcopal, we would love to include you.  From services to outreach ministries and clubs to special events, there is always something fun in the air.  Check out our calendar and website for details.  The Youth program and Sunday School will start in September with a breakfast, details will soon be available.  One last note, we are now on Instagram, christepisco_pals, follow us!
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