Christ Episcopal Church, Meadville, Pennsylvania

And after the Annual Meeting...

2012-01-29T22:12:00.000-05:00

We all, yes, all, gathered for lunch. We are a small parish but growing more and more healthy.

When it is a pot luck we seem to eat especially well.

Next week when the bishop is with us we will get four plus two new members. The plus two are Ace, left, and Manley, right. They may be even more popular than their charges who are very special people.

Annual Meeting Sunday, 29 January 2012

2012-01-18T13:30:00.001-05:00

As has become our custom, the Annual Meeting will be held after the eucharist in the church followed by lunch in the Parish Hall. Bring something edible to share.

The Diocese of NW PA is in the news

2012-01-14T21:10:00.006-05:00

This article talks about the diocese's efforts to prevent abuse.

Midweek eucharists

2012-01-03T08:39:00.000-05:00

The Wednesday eucharist will be at 5:30 pm on 4 January 2012 and all first Wednesdays of the month. There will be supper during the discussion this week. The noon (12:05) eucharists will continue on subsequent Wednesdays.

On Friday, 6 January 2012, the eucharist will be celebrated in the church at 12:05 as the three wise men arrive with their gifts for the baby Jesus.

Wednesdays eucharists are in the Walker Room. Use the Parish House entrance from the parking lot.

Schedule

2011-12-23T11:27:00.004-05:00

Christmas Eve - 7:30 pm eucharist

Christmas Day - 10:00 am eucharist

New Years Day - 10:00 am eucharist

Wednesday, 4 January - 5:30 pm eucharist - The midweek eucharist will be at 5:30 pm on the first Wednesday of each month. The 12:05 pm eucharists will be celebrated the remaining Wednesdays of the month.
Friday, 6 January 2012 - 12:05 - Epiphany eucharist

Join us!

Lessons and Carols 2011

2011-12-11T20:08:00.001-05:00

The choir hangs out in the sacristy before Lessons and Carols. Tough to keep us quiet.

The acolytes wait too.

The choir was augmented by two Presbyterians and one member who can't sing regularly. Our priest sings also.

We are a traditional Episcopal parish. Organ and flute today. No guitars or drums. Ever. We sing the liturgy and the psalm too at the 10:00 am service.

The nine lessons were read by various people. Between each lesson, with two exceptions, there was an anthem by the choir and a hymn. The congregation gets to sing 11 hymns, I think. The choir sings those and this year only seven anthems.

It was nice to see parish people attending. Sometimes there are more visitors than members. Urging from the pulpit seems to help.

There was a lovely reception afterward and nearly all stayed and talked and stayed and talked...

Week of 4 December 2011

2011-12-04T17:12:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, 7 December, there will be NO noon eucharist.

Thursday, 8 December, 3:00 pm, Gladys Gordon funeral.

Sunday, 11 December, 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist

Sunday, 11 December, 4:00 pm - Lessons and Carols

December Events and Schedule

2011-11-28T10:13:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, 11 December 2011 at 4:00 pm, the traditional service of Lessons and Carols will be offered at Christ Church.

On Saturday, 24 December 2011 at 7:30 pm the eucharist will celebrate the birth of Jesus.

On Sunday, 25 December 2011 at 10:00 am the Christmas Day liturgy will include many Christmas carols with the eucharist.

On Wednesday, 28 December 2011 there will be no Wednesday noon eucharist.

Thanksgiving schedule

2011-11-20T18:55:00.000-05:00

The Meadville community Thanksgiving service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, 22 November 2011. The church is on the corner of Main Street and Chestnut Street at Diamond Park.

The Christ Church Wednesday noon eucharist will not be held on the day before Thanksgiving, 23 November.

There will be no service at Christ Church on Thanksgiving Day to allow the Elberfelds to be with his family.

Christ Church Meadville's 2011 Turkey dinner

2011-11-19T07:27:00.001-05:00

We demolished three turkeys and so much more that the dessert table was barely touched. Many thanks to all who contributed effort and food. It was a great gathering of the clan.

Come to the Turkey Dinner 6:00 pm, Friday, 18 November 2011

2011-11-16T14:20:00.001-05:00

Join us for our annual Turkey Dinner at 6:00 pm on Friday, 18 November 2011 in the parish hall downstairs. There is limited parking and a handicapped entrance in the alley behind the church (North Cottage Street). If you come in thru the parking lot door, go straight ahead to the double doors and down the stairs to the parish hall.

Bring something to share and join the rest of the Christ Church family for fellowship. If you can, come a little early to help set up and/or stay a little late to help clean up. All are welcome even if your presence is all you can offer.

Leftovers will be given to the Green House (the women's shelter) but don't let that stop you from filling your plate!

Abe's August adventure

2011-10-30T17:07:00.002-04:00

Abe Finton had a bucket list adventure this summer. His list consisted of two wishes - to go to sea again and to go thru the Panama Canal. Abe is a retired dentist and a retired Navy man. He applied to serve on a Navy hospital ship which would leave from the west coast and traverse the Canal on the way to provide medical services in Haiti. At 78 he thought he had little chance of being accepted.

After demolishing a dinner of various meatloaves and fall casseroles,

we all carried our chairs to the little stage to see the photos and hear about Abe's adventure.

Congratulations, Abe, and thanks!

Organ Recital - 16 October 2011, 4:00 pm

2011-10-02T21:33:00.002-04:00

William Witherup, F.A.G.O., will play an organ recital on October 16^th at 4:00 pm, assisted by Bronnie Bond and her silver flute. The selections will span the 16^th through 20^th centuries. Please plan now to attend and to invite friends.

Christ Church (Episcopal), 870 Diamond Park, Meadville, PA
The church with the red doors

Blessing our Animal Companions 2011

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Picnic

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Christ Church will gather at Bicentennial Park after the eucharist on Sunday, 11 September 2011, for food, fun and fellowship. Even if you haven't signed up to bring anything, you are welcome. Meat will be provided. A couple of salads are already pledged. Desserts are welcome. You might bring a beverage.

See you Sunday!

Calendar Changes

2011-09-02T10:15:00.000-04:00

The September 2011 calendar no longer resembles the original one. Please go to the online Chronicle to check who is serving when.

Calling all acolytes and would-be acolytes

2011-08-22T21:25:00.000-04:00

If you are an acolyte or crucifer or are interested in becoming one or just curious, you are requested to attend a training session at 9:00 am this Sunday, 28 August 2011.

The only qualification other than baptism is the ability to negotiate the three steps to the chancel while carrying something. Our acolytes are all ages. It would be nice to have a male or two. It would be especially wonderful to have many volunteers so we can have torches again!

Last Sunday the need for acolytes/crucifers was very obvious as the scheduled person didn't appear and there were no others present.

Posting privileges

2011-08-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

Christ Church people who would like to post photos or other articles to this blog are most welcome to do so. Email Shel to be added to the roster.

Sunday at Christ Church Meadville

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Familiar faces

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Check out the home page and About us/Youth Ministry for some photos of very familiar, much loved Christ Church faces.

Taco Booth cancelled

2011-07-31T20:10:00.000-04:00

The vestry decided to cancel Christ Church's taco booth during Thunder in the City 2011. No planning has been done and nobody stepped forth to take responsibility. There are also other considerations which make the booth difficult including a wedding reception and limited parking. Many thanks to Sindi who obtained all the permits needed.

On Sunday, 10 July 2011

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Father Richard Rowe from Hermitage will celebrate the 10:00 am eucharist with us. Come and welcome him to Christ Church!

The 6 July Wednesday noon eucharist will happen as usual.

Noon Eucharist with Turkey

2011-06-27T19:41:00.001-04:00

After the Wednesday noon (12:05) eucharist on 29 June 2011, Bronnie will show her photos from her trip to Turkey. There may even be a bit of a repast to share.

Trinity Sunday and week

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For those of us not going to the diocesan picnic at Waldameer, Bronnie is providing a Turkish coffee hour. She will also be showing pictures from her trip. An additional reason to be in church on Sunday!

On Friday, 17 June, the Learning Center received permission from the Pennsylvania Board of Education to operate a K - 4 in classrooms in Christ Church. One Tuesday the Meadville Tribune will visit to prepare an article for the paper. Watch for the publicity. If you know of families who would prefer to educate their young people outside the public schools, please tell them about The Learning Center. More information will be forthcoming and an Open House will be scheduled for mid-July.

On Wednesday, 22 June, the vestry will be having a retreat to discuss the future of Christ Church. Your prayers are requested for those who will brainstorm where we could be in ten years and how we can get there.

On Sunday, 26 June, the daughter of Leah's violin teacher will be baptized at Christ Church. Come and help us celebrate this new member of the body of Christ. The Pettits are providing coffee hour.

What's in the belfry?

2011-06-15T18:02:00.000-04:00

Noon eucharist

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There will be no noon eucharist on Wednesday, 15 June. There may be someone in the office in the morning. The eucharist may be offered on Thursday if Father Richard is back. Call after 10 am on Thursday to check.

There will be no noon eucharist on Wednesday, 22 June. The vestry will be on retreat that day from 9 until 3 or so.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, the usual 12:05 pm Wednesday eucharist will be celebrated on 29 June and 6 July. See you there.

Pentecost artwork

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or what happens when you give the clergy white paper covering the table and crayons at clericus

It's Pentecost Sunday. Wear red!

2011-06-07T09:02:00.000-04:00

Put on your red dress, Baby! Here.

RIP Rose Dunn

2011-06-06T21:27:00.001-04:00

May the angels guide you to paradise and take care of Linda and Steven and all those who cared for you.

The funeral is Friday, 10 June 2011 at 10:00 am at Christ Church Meadville.

Altar Guild meeting Sunday, 5 June.

2011-06-04T21:50:00.001-04:00

The Altar Guild will meet with Father Richard after the liturgy on Sunday, 17 July.

Spring flowers

2011-06-03T08:56:00.001-04:00

Many of the spring plants around Christ Church Meadville have flowered and retreated. These are the current beauties.

Yes, Christ Church Meadville welcomes all!

The June Chronicle

2011-06-02T11:27:00.000-04:00

The newsletter has been frustrating this month. The printer ran out of toner and the box which supposedly contained black toner actually had yellow. Then the people who kindly helped fold, label and stamp the newsletters to be mailed forgot to tape them and the editor mailed them without realizing that. Of course the mailbox had already been emptied by the time the error was discovered. The recipients probably got a cover and a calendar only. Sigh.

There is an error in the time for the eucharist at Waldameer. Registration begins at 10 with the eucharist at 11.

If you know someone who receives the Chronicle via postal mail, please print it from the internet and visit them with. Of course that will be little difficult for our Virginia and Texas friends.

Meanwhile, Rose Dunn, we need you well and back home taking care of our mailing!

Beating the Bounds on Rogation Sunday

2011-05-29T18:13:00.000-04:00

ECW photos

2011-05-15T22:38:00.000-04:00

Diocese of NW PA ECW annual meeting - updated

2011-05-08T16:15:00.001-04:00

If you plan to attend the ECW Annual Meeting at Christ Church Meadville on Saturday, 14 May, you will be happy to know it is on.

1. If you haven't turned in your reservation, call Enid Bishop immediately.

2. If you have registered and/or intend to join us, welcome!

Update: The meeting will be held as scheduled. If you haven't registered, come anyway. We'll welcome and make room for you!

Calendar

2011-04-24T21:19:00.000-04:00

The calendar in the May Chronicle has been changed. Use the link at the right to get the updated version. If it is changed again, a note will be posted here on the blog and on the Facebook page - Christ Church Meadville.

Easter Vigil carpooling

2011-04-21T23:42:00.000-04:00

We will meet at Christ Church at 6:30 pm to carpool to the Great Vigil of Easter at the Cathedral of St Paul in Erie on Saturday 23 April 2011. Those being confirmed/received must be there at 7:30. The actual Vigil begins at 8:10. The odd hour is sunset in Erie.

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T16:04:00.000-04:00

The Palm Sunday liturgy began with the Palm Sunday procession welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem, otherwise known as the Holy Pretzel.

Tom read the part of Jesus.

Richard was resplendent in the red of Palm Sunday.

And so Holy Week begins. The Maundy Thursday eucharist will be followed by the Agape Feast. Bring wine, nuts, fruit, olives, cheese, crackers, etc.

The Good Friday liturgy will be at noon. Anyone who works and would like to attend the 7:00 pm Good Friday liturgy at Holy Cross in North East is welcome to ride with Shelley. Let her/me know before 4 pm on Friday.

The Easter Vigil will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St Paul in Erie where three Christ Church people will become received/confirmed. If you need a ride, check the easel by the office or call/email Shelley.

RIP Fran Hunter

2011-04-12T09:41:00.001-04:00

Frances Hunter died yesterday at home. The funeral will be Friday, 15 May 2011, 10:00 am at Christ Church. May Fran and her family find peace.

Help bail out our previous Senior Warden

2011-04-10T22:49:00.000-04:00

Tom will be arrested and thrown in "jail" on Thursday, 14 April 2011. Christ Church is pooling contributions to bail him out. Send your check to Christ Church by Tuesday, 12 April so we can present a big check for Muscular Dystrophy. Mark "jail" so we know what it is for.

Todo notices for Christ Church

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1. Put "outside cleanup" on your calendar for this Saturday, 16 April. If you aren't interested in gardening, come and help explore the cupboards in the kitchens. We'll be there at 9 am.

2. Don't forget Palm Sunday, especially if you have agreed to read one of the parts.

3. Money for Easter flowers is due in the office on Monday. Bring your check (memoed Easter Flowers) Sunday. Be sure to include the name(s) memorialized or honored plus the donor.

4. We will have the traditional Agape Feast after the Maundy Thursday eucharist. There is a list on the easel by the office to sign telling us what you will bring. You are attending.

5. There is another list on the easel for people who will be driving and those who need a ride to Easter Vigil at the Cathedral in Erie on Saturday, 23 April. Sunset will be at 8:10 so that is when the Vigil will begin. It would be wonderful to have a large Christ Church group to support our new members who will be received/confirmed then.

Laetare Sunday, Mothering Sunday, Rose Sunday

2011-04-03T13:51:00.000-04:00

Hopeful signs of spring

2011-04-03T13:49:00.001-04:00

Hopefully all the debris will get cleaned up in two weeks. But rain tomorrow and more snow is possible Tuesday morning. Our farmers can't work the mud.

Romp thru the Prayer Book

2011-03-27T15:11:00.000-04:00

Father Richard has been giving classes on the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. The gatherings have been popular with much lively conversation.

Easter Vigil at the cathedral

2011-03-27T15:07:00.000-04:00

Christ Church will be taking five people to the Easter Vigil to be confirmed/received. We will attend the Vigil at the Cathedral of St Paul in Erie on Saturday, 23 April 2011 at 8:10 pm. Check the easel in the parish house for carpool possibilities.

In and out cleanup day - 16 April

2011-03-27T15:02:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, 16 April we will once again gather to work on the parish both inside and outside, weather permitting. The Altar Guild traditionally has their cleanup day then so we will join them. It would be wonderful for the gardens to be neat for Easter! We also need to work on the two kitchens which we didn't get to during the very successful Organize the Clutter day.

Many thanks to all who came to help on 26 March! Much progress was made with useless and broken junque filling the dumpster with more to heave once it is emptied, useful toys going to Women's Shelter and other stuff either claimed by its owner or ordered carefully so it can be found when needed. We hope.

Special prayers

2011-03-24T11:56:00.000-04:00

Father Vic Kinnunen had a heart catheterization on 23 March. He is home and doing well.

Bill Williams is in ICU with multiple problems. Prayers requested for him and for the family.

Spelling Competition - Go Roarke!

2011-03-16T00:51:00.000-04:00

Our Roarke will represent Meadville in the 61st annual Western Pennsylvania Spelling Bee this Saturday in Pittsburgh. We know he will do well. We send our prayers for calm and concentration, especially for his father who will accompany him.

Organize the Clutter

2011-03-15T11:44:00.000-04:00

The parish will gather around 9 am, or whenever you can come, on Saturday, 26 March to toss, clean and organize the stuff that has accumulated in the Walker Room and the Sunday School rooms. Anyone who has a special interest in anything that is stored in the church must be there to protect their stuff or risk losing it. Please come and help!

Samaritan Supper, Wednesday, 23 March, 5:30 pm

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Be a good Samaritan – join us for supper

In the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus describes how the Samaritan traveler had compassion on a man who had been beaten and left for dead, offering his own time and money to aid in the wounded man's healing. Jesus's closing admonition is not just for the lawyer who questioned him but for all of us: "Go and do likewise".

In Lent, we are all called to offer compassion and aid to the poor and the wounded. We do this in part through prayer and through sharing what we have with others. To help us answer this call, we will be holding a "Samaritan Supper" at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23 to benefit battered women and children in our own community. The short prayer service, to be held in the Walker Room, will include a ritual of healing, and a simple meal of soup and bread will be provided.

Participants will be asked to bring an item from the list below or a cash donation for the Greenhouse (make checks payable to WSI Inc.). Contact Shelley or Elizabeth so we know how much soup to make.

The Greenhouse needs:
Disposable diapers (med. or lg.), New XL t-shirts, Prepaid phone cards, Feminine hygiene products, Orajel/anbesol, Umbrellas, Adult pain relievers, esp. non-aspirin, Hair brushes, Band-aids, Adult cold remedies, Adult toothbrushes, Laundry soap, Antacid tablets, Pepto-bismal, Note books, AA batteries, Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair brushes, Body Wash, Scrubbies, Boxes of tissues, Craft Supplies (glue, paint, markers, scissors, etc.)

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-08T10:05:00.000-05:00

The Ash Wednesday liturgy will be at 7:30 pm at Christ Church. The noon eucharist will be cancelled and will resume on Wednesday, 16 March at 12:05. See you in church!

Apology

2011-03-01T14:09:00.001-05:00

The calendar in the March 2011 Chronicle is now correct. Sorry.

A Science Scholar

2011-02-13T16:26:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Stephanie, for being a first place winner in the PA Junior Academy of Science regional competition on 29 January!

R.I.P. Lexie

2011-02-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

One of Bill's roommates died Thursday evening, 10 February 2011. She was a wonderful gal and will be greatly missed as she was friendly with certain visitors as well as her servant.

Hooray

2011-02-10T20:15:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Roarke Fernandez for winning the spelling bee! On to Pittsburgh!

Routley

2011-02-05T21:53:00.004-05:00

In his sermon on 30 January, Father Richard talked about Erik Routley. A good short biography including a list of his books is available here.

A Romp through the Prayer Book

2011-02-03T14:55:00.004-05:00

Beginning Sunday, 6 February 2011, Father Richard will gather those considering confirmation or reception or just interested to discuss what it is to be an Episcopalian. Grab your coffee hour goodies and join the group.

Weather

2011-02-02T07:26:00.001-05:00

Please call the church before venturing out to the Wednesday eucharist. If nobody answers, we didn't make it to the church. Above all, be safe.

After the annual meeting

2011-01-25T07:51:00.004-05:00

Despite the outside temperature of 7° F, Christ Church members came for the eucharist and stayed for the annual meeting. Special thanks to Mary and Hank for making the effort, walkers and all. We watched the diocesan video, "It's a Great Day in the Kingdom," then elected Rod and reelected Betty and Shelley to the vestry. There were a few questions about items in the budget which were easily explained. Outgoing Senior Warden Tom expressed appreciation for his predecessor Gay who held the parish together, Father Larry Donahue for bringing healing and Bishop Sean Rowe for sending Father Richard Elberfeld. Father Richard set out four areas the parish must address - Education/Formation, Outreach, Stewardship and Community Involvement. We can't pretend there are no big challenges.

Copies of the Annual Report are available in the church office.

A brief vestry meeting elected Shelley as Senior Warden, Bronnie as Clerk and Pauli as Treasurer. The Junior Warden election was postponed.

After the meeting most people stayed for a soup and salad lunch provided by several generous souls.

At Christ Church Meadville, there is much hope for a bright future given the cheerful participation of everyone in the parish. It is truly "A Great Day in the Kingdom".

Christ Church Annual Meeting

2011-01-17T16:04:00.000-05:00

The Annual Meeting of Christ Church Meadville will take place following the eucharist and before the dismissal during the 10 am liturgy on Sunday, 23 January 2011. A hot lunch will be provided afterward. Yes, provided. You won't have to bring anything unless specifically asked. For those who don't want to negotiate the stairs, transportation will be provided from the parking lot by the parish house door.

Seeking carpet

2011-01-16T14:58:00.003-05:00

If you have looked into the Sunday School room lately you may have noticed how stained and gross the carpet is. We need approximately $200 to replace it. If you can help. please mark "carpet"on your donation.

Noon eucharist on Wednesdays

2011-01-14T11:10:00.004-05:00

Beginning Wednesday, 19 January 2011, the liturgy of the eucharist will be celebrated at 12:05 pm on Wednesdays in the Walker Room at Christ Church. Holy Women, Holy Men, a publication of The Episcopal Church, will be used. Bring a bag lunch and join the discussion afterward.

The Rt. Rev. Robert Martin

2011-01-12T14:57:00.004-05:00

Today we heard that our beloved former priest Robert Martin passed away last night - 11 Jan 2011. The funeral will be Friday, 14 January 2011, 12 noon at St Andrews Episcopal Church, Pickering, OH.

The obituary is here.

Watch this blog for further news.

Christmas Mass Schedule

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is here.

Looking for a last minute gift?

2010-12-21T12:10:00.003-05:00

How about chickens or a goat or a tree or mosquito nets? Check out Episcopal Relief and Development for opportunities to help others have a much better 2011 and beyond. 85% of your contribution to ERD goes toward helping others. They have a 4 star rating from Charity Navigator.

The Bishop's visit

2010-12-19T14:13:00.005-05:00

Bishop Sean Rowe visited Christ Church Meadville this morning. It was fun to have a full complement of acolytes and a couple of extra people in the choir plus some friends we haven't seen in awhile in the congregation. Sorry I didn't get any photos during the service but I was a little busy and didn't even think about it until coffee hour.

Christmas Mass Schedule

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Christ Episcopal Church

870 Diamond Park
Meadville, PA

Sunday, 19 December 2010, 10:00 am - Bishop Sean Rowe visits

Christmas Eve, Friday, 24 December 2010, 7:30 pm - Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day, Saturday, 25 December 2010, 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist

Sunday 26 December 2010, 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist with Carol Sing

No matter where you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome at Christ Church!

Lessons and Carols program

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ORGAN VOLUNTARY
Creator of the Stars of Night - William Witherup
Good Joseph, Listen to Me - Jean-François Dandrieu
From Heaven High to Earth I Come - Johann Pachelbel
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine (Resonet in laudibus) - Guy Bovet

PROCESSIONAL HYMN: Once in David's Royal City - Irby
v. 1: Leah Elberfeld

THE BIDDING PRAYER

FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3 - An Acolyte, Stephanie Onyeiwu
CHOIR: Adam Lay Ybounden - William Witherup
HYMN: 105 - God Rest You Merry

SECOND LESSON: Isaiah 9 - A Choir Member, Shelley Huston
CHOIR: People, Look East (Besançon) - Philip Dietterich
HYMN: 60 - Conditor alme siderum

THIRD LESSON: Isaiah 11 - A Lay Reader, Margaret Heald
CHOIR: Thou Shalt Know Him - Mark Sirett
HYMN: 100 - Antioch

FOURTH LESSON: Micah 5 - A Eucharistic Minister, Stuart Thompson
HYMN: 78 - Forest Green

FIFTH LESSON: St. Luke 1 - A Eucharistic Minister, Shelley Huston
CHOIR: A Maiden Most Gentle (French) - Andrew Carter
HYMN: 265 - Gabriel's Message

SIXTH LESSON: St. Luke 2 - A Lay Reader, Alyssa Fernandez
CHOIR: Midwinter - Bob Chilcott
HYMN: 107 - In dulci jubilo

SEVENTH LESSON: St. Luke 2 - The Organist & Choirmaster, William Witherup
CHOIR: Infant Holy (Polish) - Mack Wilberg
HYMN: 96 - Gloria

EIGHTH LESSON: St. Matthew 2 - The Senior Warden, Thomas Collard
CHOIR: Ding-Dong! Merrily on High (French) - William Witherup
HYMN: 109 - The First Nowell

NINTH LESSON: St. John 1 - The Interim Rector, The Rev. Dr. Richard Elberfeld, Jr.
HYMN 83 - Adeste fideles

THE COLLECT & THE BLESSING

RECESSIONAL HYMN 87 - Mendelssohn

ORGAN VOLUNTARY
In Dulci jubilo, BWV 729 - Johann Sebastian Bach

Lessons and Carols, 4 pm, Sunday, 12 December 2010

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Father Richard Elberfeld and a few choir members who braved the snow Sunday posed for a photo to advertise the 2010 edition of Christ Church's Lessons and Carols.

Saint Nicholas Sunday

2010-12-03T09:44:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, 5 December 2010, Saint Nicholas will return to Christ Church after a long absence. He will bring small gifts in thanksgiving for the mite boxes we will give him. Come, bring your mite boxes and welcome St Nicholas back.

The 2010 Turkey dinner

2010-11-20T10:00:00.003-05:00

The dessert table was popular.

Turkey dinner, 6 pm, Friday, 19 November 2010

2010-11-15T07:48:00.004-05:00

Christ Church's annual turkey dinner will be held Friday, 19 November at 6:00 pm. Turkey will be provided. Bring your favorite potluck item such as sweet potatoes, veggies, salad, dessert, stuffing, whatever you "need" at a Thanksgiving dinner. There should be 30 or more people. We will gather downstairs. See you there.

Evensong 4:00 pm Sunday, 31 October 2010

2010-10-24T22:57:00.002-04:00

The choirs of Christ Church and First Presbyterian Church will present Evensong in the tradition of the 1662 Prayer Book on Halloween afternoon.

Healing Service 24 October 2010

2010-10-14T12:35:00.003-04:00

A service of healing will be held after the 10:00 am Eucharist on Sunday, 24 October 2010. All are welcome at Christ Church. Come!

Welcome, Father Richard!

2010-10-03T14:07:00.002-04:00

The Rev. Dr. Richard Elberfeld will be our priest at least until 2011 and perhaps beyond. The people who were in attendance this morning were enthusiastic. Another new era begins.

Organ and brass concert

2010-09-27T07:47:00.001-04:00

On a hopeful note...

2010-09-08T15:10:00.002-04:00

Christ Church will have a priest-in-charge beginning 1 October 2010 at least through the end of the year. The Rev Dr Richard Elberfeld has agreed to be with us two days a week. The Rev Kathleen Ziegenhine has agreed to supply at least the last two Sundays in September.

Now if only we could find a bi-vocational Episcopal priest who would relocate to beautiful Northwestern Pennsylvania!

Stay tuned...

On a sad note...

2010-09-05T17:08:00.003-04:00

The formal announcement of Father Larry Donahue's resignation as Priest-in-Charge at Christ Church was made this morning by our senior warden. We are sad to say Goodbye but we are even sadder knowing that further health concerns are causing the separation. We pray for Father Larry and his wife Pat as both have physical issues that complicate their lives and are difficult to deal with.

After the Apple Tree Mural dedication.

2010-09-04T19:41:00.003-04:00

The Right Reverend Sean Rowe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, blessed us with his presence on his day off to dedicate the Apple Tree Mural Friday night, 3 September.

The designer and painter of the four year project Jeri Hogan gave many personal tours.

A friend created a feast for the festivities

which many of us enjoyed.

There are more photos here.

If you would like to see Jeri's artwork, you are invited come to church on Sunday mornings for the 10 am service. Or you may find the church open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11 am and 2 pm. You may make an appointment at other times by leaving a message on the answering machine. Just be aware that it may take several days to get back to you however. You may also send an email to the address on this blog.

Apple Tree Mural Dedication

2010-08-27T09:56:00.002-04:00

Jeri Hogan's four year project to paint the history of Christ Church, Meadville and Crawford County on the parish hall walls is coming to a close. The mural will be dedicated 3 September 2010 at 6:00 pm by the Right Riverend Sean Rowe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. There will be an art show/sale, organ demonstration and church open house as part of the festivities.

Schedule:
Thu, 2 Sep, 5 - 9 pm and all day Friday - Church open for artists
Fri, 3 Sep, 5 - 9 pm Open House
Fri. 3 Sep, 6 pm Dedication by Bishop Sean
Sat. 4 Sep, 10 am - 5 am Open House
Sat. 4 Sep, 2 pm - Organ Demonstration

Munchies are needed. Leave a message on the church phone explaining how you will help or sign up on the easel by the office. Wine, Cheese and crackers are needed for Friday evening. Sandwich, fruit and veggie trays, chips, dips, punch (pineapple juice, Hawaiian punch, ginger ale) and ice for Friday.

The public is invited to attend, share the festivities and see the inside of this historic church.

The 40th Anniversary of Bill Witherup's service as organist/choirmaster

2010-07-04T16:33:00.001-04:00

The 40th Anniversary of Father Larry Donahue's Ordination

2010-05-30T21:45:00.001-04:00

June Chronicle

2010-05-27T22:13:00.002-04:00

The June Christ Church Chronicle is available here. You will need a .pfd reader such as Adobe Acrobat to open it. If you use Firefox on a Mac you can install this add-on to open .pdf files in Firefox.

Auction photos

2010-05-23T22:28:00.004-04:00

The event was catered by the Market Grille in the Market House in Meadville. The food was wonderful!!!

The auction is here

2010-05-21T21:08:00.002-04:00

The tables are covered and set. The treasures are being cataloged. Both an auctioneer and a Chinese auction will be available. The food will be prepared soon. You can buy tickets at the door. What a bargain! $14 each, $25 for two. Dinner included.

Christ Episcopal Church, Meadville, PA. The church is between the library and the armory on Diamond Park - across from the Court House. 6:30 pm. See you there.

Beating the bounds, 2010

2010-05-19T04:51:00.004-04:00

On Rogation Sunday, postponed a week this year, Christ Church people "beat the bounds". For us it means walking to the four corners of the church property, singing hymns, reading scripture and praying for the earth.

Auction!

2010-05-16T22:18:00.003-04:00

There are some great bargains available for bid at Christ Church's auction Saturday night, 22 May 2010 at 6:30. How about a condo in Florida for a week? Minimum bid is $400. Do you need a bicycle? How about a silver and turquoise cross? Plenty of smaller items as well including a Chinese auction.

A delicious dinner is included in the ticket price. The auctioneer makes the process fun.

Proceeds will be shared with the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center.

Buy a ticket. Donate something. Come join the fun!

Leave a message on the church telephone to reserve your ticket - 814.724.7389. See you Saturday!

New lights

2010-04-27T14:27:00.003-04:00

There are new brighter bulbs in the lanterns which have made the nave much lighter. Some people haven't noticed.

Rewarding

2010-04-17T09:31:00.002-04:00

Our organist/choirmaster prepares and serves a Chinese dinner to the choir and friends every year after Easter. The food is always wonderful. He's an excellent cook. Some photos...

Holy Week Schedule

2010-03-26T07:41:00.002-04:00

Holy Week Schedule

28 March, 10:00 am - Passion Sunday Eucharist
1 April, 7:30 pm - Maundy Thursday Eucharist and Agape Feast
2 April, Noon - Stations of the Cross
2 April, 7:30 pm - Good Friday Liturgy
3 April, 7:30 pm - Easter Vigil
4 April, 10:00 am - The Resurrection of our Lord

PB Katharine Jefferts Schori's Easter Message

2010-03-16T09:42:00.002-04:00

Easter 2010

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. (Isa 9:2; Matt 4:16)

The Diocese of Haiti has observed Lent in a very different way this year. When Bishop Duracin and I spoke just before Ash Wednesday, we talked about how this year would be different. He noted that the people of Haiti would need to practice saying Alleluia, so that when Easter came they could enter in with joy. In the midst of grief and darkness, it can be exceedingly difficult to believe that resurrection is a possibility.

Nora Gallagher makes a similar point in her book, Practicing Resurrection.

We are not born with the ability to insist on resurrection everywhere we turn. It takes the discipline and repetition that forms an athlete – in this case, a spiritually fit Christian. We practice our faith because we must – it withers and atrophies unless it’s stretched. We must continue to give evidence of the faith that is within us.

Easter prods and provokes us with an immense stretching exercise. God has renewed a life given to the evil of this world on behalf of those with no other helper. That earth-shattering and tomb-shattering rebirth has planted the seeds of hope in each one of us. Yet those seeds do not produce fruit without struggle.

The people of Haiti are finding new life in the midst of death and struggle. As a nation and a people they have repeatedly practiced resurrection through centuries of slavery, oppression, invasion, corruption, and privation. The joy of their art forms – music and painting in particular – gives evidence of the hope that is within them as a people. They know, deep in their cultural DNA, that God is continually bringing new life out of death. Yet each person must discover and nurture that hope. It is made far easier in community.

The shared hope of a community is essential. Most human beings cannot long survive the evil and death of solitary confinement or a concentration camp. It is the shared sense of suffering and the shared nurture of even tiny embers of hope that offers life. The greatest cruelty of places like Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib is the removal and destruction of such hope. The absence or disconnection from other people as sources of hope leads to suicide and even that mysterious ailment in young children called “failure to thrive.”

The Christian community is about shared hope in resurrection. The citation at the top first buoyed hope among a people exiled in a foreign land, without the support of familiar leaders or places of worship. That people developed a community that could practice its faith in a strange land, insisting that God was present among them even in exile. Jesus insists that that light is present even in the midst of Roman oppression, and that he will gather a community to remember that light and practice seeing and discovering it.

The Christian community is meant to be a mutual hope society, with each one offering courage to another whose hope has waned, insisting that even in the darkest of night, new life is being prepared. That work is constant – it will not end until the end of all things. And still the community persists, year in and year out, in time of earthquake and war and flood, in time of joy and new birth and discovery. Together we can shout, “Alleluia, he is risen! Indeed, he is risen, Alleluia!” even when some among us are not quite so confident as others. For indeed, the body of Christ is rising and risen when even a small part of it can rejoice and insist that God is renewing the face of the earth and light has dawned upon us.

Alleluia! Keep practicing that joyful shout. Someone needs to hear its truth. Alleluia!

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church

Scaffolding for lights

2010-03-14T13:14:00.005-04:00

Christ Church needs to find someone who can get up to the top of the nave to replace the lights that have long been dark. Several people have been contacted without success. If you have any ideas, please contact the church - 814.724.7389

PS the scaffolding needn't be quite this large...

Ed Ciesielski, RIP

2010-03-13T17:26:00.003-05:00

Ed Cielsielski passed on at Rolling Fields this afternoon. The viewing and funeral will be combined at the Tedesco Funeral Home, Wednesday, 17 March 2010, from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Set the clocks!

2010-03-13T09:34:00.002-05:00

Daylight time begins tonight. Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed.

Red Lobster

2010-03-11T20:59:00.003-05:00

For many years, a group of people associated with Christ Church has been meeting for supper at Meadville's Red Lobster on Thursday nights usually at 6 pm tho occasionally earlier. Some people seem to believe this is exclusive. Not. Anyone is welcome to join the crew. Bronnie Bond makes the reservations if she's in town. Otherwise it is Randal Miller. Let Bronnie know you would like to join us and she'll check with you around noon on Thursdays.

More good news

2010-03-07T14:07:00.004-05:00

Cheryl Nagurney is now able to drive herself for treatment. Apparently all that limited her life expectancy is now gone. Prayers of thanksgiving issuing!!! As well as continuing prayers...

Good news

2010-02-25T12:26:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all for the prayers for Pat Donahue. The doctors found the cause of her extra problems and she is home again. Continuing prayers appreciated but the emergency is over for now.

March newsletter

2010-02-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

The March 2010 Christ Church Chronicle is available online here.

Auction coming up in April

2010-02-21T19:45:00.002-05:00

While you are thinking about spring cleaning - yes, spring will get here eventually - remember the church auction which will be held in April this year.

2010-02-21T19:40:00.000-05:00

Please pray for Pat Donahue, our priest's wife. She is in Allegheny General in Pittsburgh with an as yet undiagnosed condition which, among other problems, interferes with her rheumatoid arthritis meds leaving her in constant severe pain. Please pray for those trying to treat her, her husband Larry and their family as well. Thanks.