Christ Church, Raleigh tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2009-08-05:/blog//1 2010-07-19T15:49:32Z Movable Type 4.3-en Jim Adams' July 18 Sermon tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.169 2010-07-19T14:40:31Z 2010-07-19T15:49:32Z The Rev. Jim Adams, recently called as 13th Rector of Christ Church, was our special guest celebrant and preacher at the 10:00 service on Sunday, July 18. CLICK HERE to listen to his sermon. Jim officially begins his rectorate on... staff CLICK HERE to listen to his sermon. Jim officially begins his rectorate on Aug. 10. His first Sunday with us will be Aug. 15.

]]> The Rev. Jim Adams named 13th Rector of Christ Church tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.166 2010-07-07T15:43:45Z 2010-07-08T19:09:19Z In a July 6 letter to the parish, the Vestry announced that the Rev. James Patrick Adams has accepted the call to become 13th Rector of Christ Church, effective Aug. 10. Jim Adams, 45, served the last 10 years as... staff
In a July 6 letter to the parish, the Vestry announced that the Rev. James Patrick Adams has accepted the call to become 13th Rector of Christ Church, effective Aug. 10.

Jim Adams, 45, served the last 10 years as Rector of Saint Alban's Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth, ME. He is known as a gifted preacher and teacher and his ministry at Saint Alban's was marked by dramatic growth as well as a sense of vitality, warmth and hospitality.

At the 10:00a service on July 18, Jim will be formally introduced to the parish, and will celebrate the Holy Eucharist and preach.
]]> Episcopal Relief & Development Supporting Gulf Coast Communities after Oil Spill tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.162 2010-06-06T19:04:49Z 2010-06-06T19:06:48Z staff
In many areas, fishing grounds and oyster beds have been closed because of oil contamination threats, leaving those who earn a living from fishing, shrimping, oyster harvesting and other related businesses without the means to support their families.  There has not yet been an emergency food stamp program established in the Terrebonne region, southwest of New Orleans.  Due to the 10-day waiting period for the standard food stamp program, families cannot get critical assistance when they find themselves in need.  In addition, many families do not have the necessary information to make informed decisions about taking out loans or accepting financial settlements related to the spill.

"We're working to leverage our existing ministries and connections in the region to reach people who are falling through the cracks," said Katie Mears, Episcopal Relief & Development's Program Manager for USA Disaster Preparedness and Response.  "This is happening because they can't access sufficient resources, whether because of transportation challenges, lack of information or uncertainty about the different avenues they might pursue for assistance."

Critical support will include distributing grocery cards that can be redeemed at local stores, gas cards for those who must travel to reach stores and distributing food items directly from the Dulac Community Center.  In addition to food assistance, volunteers will provide legal assistance, pastoral care and information referrals both at the Bayou Grace office in Chauvin and with the help of an ECSLA vehicle.  The RV will travel through the area on a set schedule, bringing information to those unable to travel to Chauvin.

 "Episcopal Community Services of Louisiana is proud to support the resilient and hard-working residents of our fishing communities, whose livelihoods and very way of life are so gravely threatened by this disaster," said Nell Bolton, ECSLA's Executive Director.  "As the long-term implications of the spill begin to sink in for all of us, we know that the Church needs to be a steady partner through these challenging times. ECSLA is also fortunate to be in partnership with Bayou Grace, with whom we share many values and whose local networks are invaluable to being able to reach the people most in need of our help."

"By helping to meet basic needs for food, providing information and pastoral care and offering guidance to address legal questions, we'll be able to assist families and communities in the face of ongoing anxiety and financial hardship," said Mears.  "It will be extremely effective to tap into the existing network of churches and community centers in the area, because leaders connected with these sites already have a good understanding of the people in need in their communities."

To learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development's work or make a donation, please visit www.er-d.org http://www.er-d.org/  or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States and an independent 501(c)(3) organization.  The agency takes its mandate from Jesus' words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow's challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria. ]]> Breakfast for a Buck: Sundays through Aug. 22, 9:00-10:00a tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2009:/blog//1.159 2010-06-03T03:25:20Z 2010-07-23T01:19:51Z staff
]]> Presiding Bishop's Pastoral Letter to the Church tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.158 2010-06-03T02:50:22Z 2010-07-08T12:56:55Z (Episcopal News Service) Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a pastoral letter to the Episcopal Church, in which she refers to the Pentecost letter from Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and urges continued dialogue with those who disagree with... staff
In his May 28 letter, Williams acknowledged the tensions caused in some parts of the Anglican Communion by the consecration of Los Angeles Bishop Suffragan Mary Douglas Glasspool and the ongoing unauthorized incursions by Anglican leaders into other provinces. Glasspool is the Episcopal Church's second openly gay, partnered bishop. MORE]]> Youth Service Week - Aug. 10-12 tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.145 2010-04-29T13:40:00Z 2010-06-21T22:04:18Z staff Liz Stroff.

The youth of Christ Church will go once again to Newton Grove this August to serve the migrant farmworkers and we need your help! We are looking for donations of gently used long sleeve oxford shirts and baseball caps. The shirts help protect the workers from tobacco poisoning while working in the fields and hats provide some shade and shelter during the long hot summer heat.  There will be a collection box in the parish lobby. Thanks for your support!
]]> Habitat house - April 24, 2010 tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.141 2010-04-26T14:10:25Z 2010-04-26T14:16:35Z staff

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]]> High School Bible Study tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.138 2010-04-09T21:23:59Z 2010-05-23T02:18:24Z Wednesday Evenings 8:00-9:00pmBible study meets weekly rotating to different students' houses. Make plans to join us whenever you can ... all you need to do is bring yourself! High School Bible Study will return in the fall.... staff Wednesday Evenings 8:00-9:00pm
Bible study meets weekly rotating to different students' houses. Make plans to join us whenever you can ... all you need to do is bring yourself!

High School Bible Study will return in the fall.
]]> The Cock-a-doodle Doo! newsletter is going green! tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.122 2010-02-24T18:33:52Z 2010-02-24T18:35:26Z The Cock-a-doodle Doo! is now being sent electronically. Hard copies are available in the lobby. You can also download it from the website here!... staff The Cock-a-doodle Doo! is now being sent electronically. Hard copies are available in the lobby. You can also download it from the website here!
]]> Holy Moses! It's time for Vacation Bible School! tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.123 2010-02-23T18:36:13Z 2010-02-24T18:53:37Z June 21-25, 9:00a-12:00n. Remember, volunteers are the heart of VBS. Priority registration for Christ Church members through Apr. 1. Deadline for t-shirt guarantee is Apr.15. Contact Anna or Carrie with questions (843-6259 x119).... staff June 21-25, 9:00a-12:00n. Remember, volunteers are the heart of VBS. Priority registration for Christ Church members through Apr. 1. Deadline for t-shirt guarantee is Apr.15. Contact Anna or Carrie with questions (843-6259 x119). ]]> This Sunday: Aug. 1 tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.115 2010-02-07T16:24:04Z 2010-07-26T14:21:11Z staff Sunday, Aug. 1

8:00am Holy Eucharist I, Church   Peter Hogg

10:00am Holy Eucharist II, Church   Peter Hogg

5:00pm Holy Eucharist II, Church   Peter Hogg

Readings for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost:
Hosea 11:1-11
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Colossians 3:1-11
Luke 12:13-21

]]> Contributing to Haiti Relief tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.102 2010-01-14T20:04:58Z 2010-01-28T22:47:17Z staff The immediate response from the Christ Church Vestry was to encourage our parishioners to provide initial monetary response to Episcopal Relief & Development (ER&D), which has agents and channels already in Haiti. Checks made payable to Christ Church with the memo "Haiti - ER&D" will go to ER&D and 100% will go to the short-term needs in Haiti. In response to this first appeal, Christ Church Outreach Ministries (CCOM) has approved the immediate disbursement of $4,521 in disaster relief funds to ER&D for immediate assistance to the people of Haiti.   

 In addition to this initial action, CCOM has begun working with agencies with which we have existing relationships to provide financial and other aid to the people of Haiti. In the past Christ Church has worked with Stop Hunger Now, which sent many of the meals we packed last November to Haiti. We have sent missionaries to Haiti through the Haiti Fund and its CODEP group that primarily focuses on Haitian development. We also have worked with the Water Ministries in Charleston, SC, to produce and distribute water purification units to Haiti and other locations. We believe that there will be a long-term need in Haiti, and these organizations will give our parish a direct way to assist the Haitian people in the months ahead.

Financial support will be needed for these Christ Church relief efforts to Haiti, and we ask for your support. Checks should be sent to Christ Church with the memo "Haiti - CCOM."  Checks can be placed in the alms basin during services, or mailed or brought to the church.  

As plans develop, we also will seek your direct participation in these relief efforts. Needs are being assessed on the ground, and we will identify the ways that our parish can reach out to the victims of this disaster. Your direct and personal support to Christ Church relief efforts may be through activities such as;

      - packing additional meals through Stop Hunger Now
      - preparing health and other aid packages
      - assembling additional water purification units
      - and for some, participating in mission trips to Haiti.  

For more information contact:
Andy Givens, Chair of the CCOM
Marshall Lamb, Haiti relief coordinator, CCOM
Cassie Struthers, church staff support for CCOM
 











]]> eNotes from Eden Jan. 8, 2010 tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.98 2010-01-06T21:54:59Z 2010-01-06T21:57:04Z staff Dead Man Walking
or
Marked As Christ's Own Forever

    For three years in the late 60s and early 70s I taught in the Virginia State Penitentiary. The electric chair was still "hot" (in use), as they said.  Anyone jailed in that special section also heard the phrase whenever they were going down a corridor, "Dead man walking."  They were "marked" men. They knew it. Everyone knew it.             
    
    Up Route 17 in Gloucester County, VA, sits a perfectly restored Episcopal Church, "Abingdon" (c. 1650), surrounded by the traditional low brick-walled cemetery on both sides. To historians, the Flemish-bond brick work and the true Greek-cross symmetry of the building is exquisite. That's the "church," as some would say. But every day the real "church" moves about that building inside and out with the living saints who come and go for spiritual sustenance and provide response to each other and the world beyond. Then there are the previous "saints" whose names are on weather-worn "tombstones" and not-so-worn brass grave markers. My sixth great-grandfather (Hughes) was the rector there, but I never knew the man and can't find his grave!  Members of Christ Church in this time of transition: you know... rectors!... they come and go just like the parishioners do.

    One area in that cemetery is marked "Hogg" and a section of that, with its own bronze plaque, already has the names of my mother, father, son and will embrace my name and my wife's. Whoever in our family also wants to snuggle in beside us in the future will decide that in the years to come - we've got a plenty  'a "plots!" But...

             ... but my heart's connection to that place is not in my blood lines past, present and future, but rather in the words that my wife and I chose for our (immediate) family bronze plaque for (up to) eight spots. The words are simply:  Marked As Christ's Own Forever.  Those words from the Book of Common Prayer's baptismal service (see note below) say it all.  We'll use them again at the 9:00 and 11:00 this coming Sunday, Jan. 10th, as we baptize another eight infants and one 10 year-old, and then sign their foreheads with the sign of the cross and proclaim them to be Marked As Christ's Own Forever.

    Somehow I've never felt the tug at the actual pouring of the water, be that right or wrong. But when I or another person says on behalf of all the faithful gathered, "You are marked as Christ's own forever," my heart strings just soar.  Why?

    Because it is was at my physical birth that I was certainly born into this world and its crazy, wonderful "ride" of both good and bad surprises.  But it is at my baptism that I was told, "You now are an integral part of the family of God and you will be loved, accepted, cared for... and, well, marked by Christ's embrace and beloved far beyond the date on any bronze cemetery plot.

    The only thing left for me is to feel that cross branded onto my forehead and march boldly into every new day as if I had the "father and mother God" holding me on each arm and the one power, the Christ, who lived and died as I do and will walk before me and beckon me to the new life of new days - for always.

    Yes I am a marked man. In one way I am marked for the "time's up" call just like those at the penitentiary, but I don't know how or when that will be -  for the moment.

    But in the most wonderful of ways I am also marked - marked as Christ's own forever; and you and I are one with each other in the this world and the next ride full of surprises far beyond the walled area of any Abingdon Church.

    My Epiphany - every year, every baptism, everyday, if I can remember it, is:  I am marked - as Christ's own forever.

    Are you?  Of course you are!  You're a marked [wo]man walking! 


                                    Peter Hogg


NOTE:
BCP page 308:  "N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own forever."
]]> Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.93 2010-01-05T18:08:29Z 2010-05-07T04:22:12Z EYC supplements the Sunday School program by providing fellowship and outreach activities to create a peer-based community, featuring open dialogue about faith and spirituality and opportunities for ministry in the church as well as the broader Raleigh community. EYC takes... staff
Jr. EYC grades 6-8 - 5:30-6:30pm
Dinner - 6:30-7:00pm all grades
Sr. EYC grades 9-12 - 7:00-8:00pm

EYC meetings will resume in the fall.]]> Christmas Pageant Videos tag:www.christchurchraleigh.org,2010:/blog//1.86 2010-01-03T16:58:20Z 2010-01-03T16:58:46Z Videos of the 2009 pageant will be available for $10. Please contact Anna Smith (asmith@christchurchraleigh.org or 834-6259 x119) to order your copy.... staff asmith@christchurchraleigh.org or 834-6259 x119) to order your copy. ]]>