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THIS WEEK AT CHRIST CHURCH, GEORGETOWN
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
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Stewardship 2021: October is Stewardship Month, when we ask those who make Christ Church their spiritual home to prayerfully consider the role this parish plays in their lives, and to decide what they would like to offer in support of its mission, ministry, work, and witness. All parishioners and friends of the parish should have received a stewardship letter and email this past weekend. If you did not, please contact the Parish Office. To submit a pledge, simply click here or return the pledge card that was delivered to your home. We are most grateful for your support!
New Members/Confirmation/Reception Course: The next round of classes for new or returning adult members of the parish, as well those who would like to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church from another denomination, will take place on Saturdays, November 14 and 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Both sessions will be led by the Rector. Those who have completed a portion of the course in the past are also encouraged to participate. We have not yet decided if the sessions will take place virtually or in-person. A hybrid model is also possible. This will largely depend on the number of participants and the comfort level of those who have registered. To sign up, contact Tish Mills in the Parish Office. Please note that the Bishop of Washington, the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, is tentatively scheduled to make an official visitation to Christ Church on Sunday, December 13. It is our hope that she will confirm or receive those who have completed the course that morning.
Interested in studying the Bible? Whether you have never studied scripture before or are a seasoned biblical reader, exploring the Word of the Lord together with fellow Christ is both intellectually rewarding and spiritually edifying. If you are interested in being part of a new, small group Bible study, contact the Reverend Melissa Hollerith. Topics and meeting days/times to be determined.
Sunday School Update: We are pleased to report that the first day of Sunday School, September 27, went incredibly well, with many students, parents, and even grandparents attending classes via Zoom, in addition to one in-person gathering (with distancing and masks) here at Christ Church. Our dedicated volunteer teachers, who have truly missed seeing their students, were thrilled with the turnout. Even during these unusual times, the substance of Sunday School remains the same: learning about God, learning about our Church, enjoying each other’s company, and deepening friendships.
Classes generally take place each Sunday, at 10:00 a.m. (10:30 a.m. for the Godly Play class), via Zoom, although each class gathers in-person once a month in rotation. All children and youth, as well as the young at heart, are welcome to participate. For more information or to register, contact Tish Mills. We hope to zee you zoon!
Parish Office Hours: The Parish Office is open for telephone inquiries on a limited basis. Members of the staff are available Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In an effort to protect both parishioners and staff, in-person visits are discouraged until further notice.
Parish Office Closure: The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of the federal holiday.
Greetings from Sewanee: Please take time to read a note of thanks from fellow parishioner and seminarian Catherine Ann Ballinger, who is about to be ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons.
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Sunday Service Schedule: The current schedule of Sunday services, detailed below, conforms to ongoing city-wide restrictions and has the approval of the Bishop of Washington.
NOTE: Due to space limitations, those who wish to attend in-person Sunday services must register in advance here. The deadline is Thursday (tomorrow) at 8 a.m.
Virtual Holy Eucharist
A virtual celebration of the Holy Eucharist will be posted on the parish blog, Grace under Quarantine. Those who participate in the virtual liturgy have the opportunity to come to Christ Church and receive the blessed sacrament one at a time (or by household) on Sundays, from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, at 9:00 a.m.
An in-person celebration of the Holy Eucharist for up to 30 people takes place in the Chapel Garden each Sunday.
Holy Eucharist: Rite One, at 11:15 a.m.
An in-person celebration of the Holy Eucharist for up to 100 people takes place in the Church each Sunday.
Those who wish to attend either Sunday service or receive the blessed sacrament in the afternoon must first do the following:
2. Complete the Sunday Worship Registration Form on the parish website. The weekly deadline to reserve a space for you or your household is Thursday (tomorrow) at 8:00 a.m. If capacity has been reached, those who are unable to attend in-person worship on a given Sunday will receive first right of refusal to attend the next.
3. Upon arrival, all attendees must have their temperature taken and check in so as to facilitate contact tracing should it become necessary. Masks are required and proper social distancing must be observed at all times. For more information, see the parish’s Regathering Document.
Note that although extensive safety precautions are being taken, some element of risk is inevitable. We advise those who are vulnerable due to age or underlying medical condition to participate in the virtual Eucharist and consider coming to Christ Church individually (or by household) on Sunday afternoon.
These services, while limited in many ways, represent a great witness. Gathering even under extraordinary conditions is a sign of the resilience of the Church and the power of the Gospel. We look forward to seeing those parishioners who are able to attend and remain firmly united with those members of our community who, for whatever reason, continue to worship virtually.
Training Session for Worship Guilds and Groups: We offer sincere thanks to those who have volunteered to participate in upcoming in-person Sunday liturgies. Before serving, all ushers, acolytes, lectors, choristers, and members of the Altar Guild must view a pre-recorded COVID-19 Training Session. A link to the video is here.
Children’s Homily: A brief homily for children will be posted on the parish blog, Grace under Quarantine, on Sunday, October 11. We encourage young people and their families to make time to watch the video.
Weekday Services: The current schedule of weekday services is as follows:
Monday: Virtual Morning Prayer
Tuesday: Morning Prayer in the Chapel of Saint Jude, 7:30 a.m.
Wednesday: Virtual Sung Evening Prayer
Thursday: Morning Prayer in the Chapel of Saint Jude, 7:30 a.m.
Friday: Virtual Morning Prayer
In keeping with both diocesan parameters and guidelines, and District of Columbia restrictions, no more than ten people may attend Morning Prayer on Tuesday and Thursday. Masks must be worn and appropriate social distancing must be kept at all times. Since copies of The Book of Common Prayer have been removed from the Church and Chapel, attendees are encouraged to bring their own. To purchase a simple pew edition of the Prayer Book, click here. To purchase a leather-bound Prayer Book and Hymnal combination, click here.
PLEASE NOTE: All who plan to attend Morning Prayer in the Chapel of Saint Jude must read, sign, and date the Diocesan Covenant for Regathering in Worship. Contact information (email and phone) should also be included. Signed copies of the Covenant should be mailed, or scanned and emailed, to the Parish Office in advance if possible. Alternatively, copies are available at the entrance to the Chapel.
Virtual Sung Evening Prayer on Wednesdays features members of the choirs of Christ Church and Saint John’s Church, Georgetown, who chant various portions of the liturgy.
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Contemplative Life Ministry: The special, six-session series, Hermitage Living: A New Reliance on the Inner Life, will continue on Sunday, October 11, 2:00–3:00 p.m., in the Chapel Garden. The in-person gathering is limited to ten individuals with the possibility of online participation by others. The pandemic and partial lockdown have left many less scheduled and more alone, often anxiously awaiting a return to normalcy. Some are finding that, as for monks and nuns through Christian history, when outer involvements recede, an inner space opens up, creating broader possibilities for knowing ourselves and knowing God. Through silent prayer, journaling, and quiet conversation, participants will consider what happens when we attune the inner ear to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. For more information, click here. Each gathering is a stand-alone event, and parishioners may attend on any date. However, in order to comply with parish coronavirus protocols, all will need to book a space in advance, week by week. If you have questions or would like to register, contact parishioner Merrill Carrington.
Women’s Bible Study: The next meeting of the Women's Bible Study group will take place on Tuesday, October 13, at 6:00 p.m., via Zoom. Throughout the Fall, participants are reading Conversations with Scripture: The Acts of the Apostles, by C. K. Robertson, Ph.D., D.D., Canon to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the General Theological Seminary. The group, led by the Reverend Melissa Hollerith, Interim Assistant to the Rector, will meet twice a month through December 8. The remaining schedule is:
Tuesday, October 13 Chapter 3
Tuesday, October 27 Chapter 4
Tuesday, November 10 Chapter 5
Tuesday, November 24 Chapter 6
Tuesday, December 8 Chapter 7
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Emergency Financial Assistance: Parishioners who are experiencing financial hardship due to the health crisis are encouraged to contact the Rector. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of a number of parishioners, he is able to offer support on a case-by-case basis. Please note that all requests for assistance will be kept strictly confidential.
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Mission Partner Spotlight: In 2020, the Mission Committee of Christ Church is set to grant $145,000—ten percent of pledge revenue—to 22 local, national, and international non-profit organizations, making a difference in the areas of education, housing/homelessness, poverty, anti-trafficking, job training/life skills, and animal welfare.
In the coming weeks and months, we invite you to visit this space, reading about Christ Church’s mission partners—one each Wednesday—and considering how you might become more engaged and involved, particularly during this challenging time, when so many partners are struggling and in need of additional financial and hands-on assistance.
In 2016, Washington Humane Society and Washington Animal Rescue League merged, forming Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), placing all DC animal protection programs and services under one roof. HRA advocates for DC’s animals, and supports and celebrates people’s love and compassion for them. HRA programs include sheltering and adoption of homeless DC animals; low- to no-cost veterinary and other services for low-income pet guardians; behavior classes to help animals succeed in their homes; humane education; and help from officers for lost, injured, and abused animals. HRA serves DC residents and 60,000+ animals per year. HRA never turns a DC animal away and is open 24/7/365. HRA seeks to create a city where there is a loving home for every unwanted animal, affordable medical care for every sick or injured animal, an end to animal abuse and cruelty, and a stronger bond between animals and their guardians.
HRA is sponsored by the Saint Francis Guild of Christ Church, Georgetown. Funding from Christ Church will be applied to HRA’s HOPE program, which removes financial challenges as a barrier for families and individuals who are struggling to care for their pets. Launched in 2015, HRA expanded access in 2018 to residents across the city, nearly doubling free spay/neuter and vaccines (from 260 to 427 and 650 to 1,000) and launching a multi-location Pet Pantry, providing essential food and supplies on a regular basis to pet owners. The grant from Christ Church, Georgetown, will support no-cost veterinary services, including vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries, and provide basic pet supplies (food, litter, leashes, toys, etc.) for low-income pet owners. Volunteer opportunities include HRA education and outreach programs in the community, including “pet service deserts.” For more information or to become involved, contact parishioner Sheila Ward.
Photos: Blessing of the Animals 2020, courtesy of Scott Marquardt
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IMPORTANT LINKS
To sign up or reserve space
for a program or event,
email the Parish Office
or call 202-333-6677.
Click here for audio
recordings and printable
copies of sermons from the
11:15 Sunday service.
To view the readings
appointed for Sundays
and feast days, visit the Lectionary Page.
For more information about
Christ Church, visit the
parish website.
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SUNDAY SERVICES
Advance booking required
for all Sunday services.
Reserve your spot here by Thursdays at 8 a.m.
Prior to arrival,
all worshipers must also
have signed a copy of the Diocesan Regathering Convenant and submitted it
to the Parish Office.
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
9:00 a.m.
in the Chapel Garden
(up to 30 people)
Holy Eucharist: Rite One
11:15 a.m.
in the Church
(up to 100 people)
Virtual Holy Eucharist
with in-person administration
of the blessed sacrament
1:00–1:30 p.m.
in the Church
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WEEKDAY SERVICES
Monday and Friday
Virtual Morning Prayer on
Grace under Quarantine
Tuesday and Thursday
In-person Morning Prayer
in the Chapel of Saint Jude 7:30 a.m.
(up to 10 people)
Copies will also be available at the entrance to the Chapel.
Wednesday
Virtual Sung Evening Prayer on Grace under Quarantine
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