Announcements, September 9, 2020 – STAY CONNECTED AT CHRISTCH.ORG
Sunday Services:
The 9am Contemporary Worship in the Parish Hall will begin with Praise & Worship with the Praise Band beginning at 8:45am with the service beginning at 9am. The Traditional Worship will is at 11am in the Church. The 8am Historic Worship Service will resume on September 27.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number of congregants in each of our worship spaces, so registration is required. A new registration is sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines being in place. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICES.
We will live-stream the 11am service on Facebook for those who are not ready or able to attend. Click here to join us on facebook for the livestream.The service begins livestreaming a few minutes before the service time. The service will also be available on the website a few minutes after the facebook livestream begins and our Youtube channel within a few hours of the service conclusion. All this information will also be included in the service email that is sent on Sunday morning.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services. Please bring one with you.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
The Rectors’ Forum begins on September 27 Our Rectors, Ted and Jady, will co-teach the New Testament letters 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, traditionally called The Pastoral Epistles, in the Parish Hall from 10:10-10:50am. "Jady and I are committed to teaching the Apostolic testimony, and call all adults to commit with us to learn God's Word for the Church." - Fr. Ted • Social distance seating & masks required. Please bring your Bible (they will also be available.) Register at ChristCh.org/RectorsForum
Family Service on September 20 Do you have your notebooks? Pencils? Mask? How about your Armor of God? Going back-to-school is an exciting and challenging time for kids. This year is more challenging than others. It’s a time to make new friends, adjust to new teachers, and get back to a more structured lifestyle. Parents and kids are also finding it can be a time of testing for their faith. At our Let’s Get Back Family Service we will sing and worship together and make sure we all have our Armor of God. Christ Church Children’s Ministry is planning a fun, family friendly experience with lots of interaction, singing and movement ending with a “sack dinner.” Social distancing and mask will be required. Registration closes on Thursday, September 17. Participation bags with props for the service and meals will be given out so registration is important! Register at ChristCh.org/familyservice.
Upcoming Men’s Events:
Men of Christ Church Meeting September 14 at 6:30pm Join the MOCC at the Men’s Shed for their monthly meeting featuring a Lowcountry Frogmore Stew and all the extras. Bring a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines in place by the Diocese.
Tuesday Prayer Breakfast resumes on Tuesday, September 15 in the Parish Hall at 7am. Meeting in the Parish Hall and on Zoom for those unable to meet in person. The best breakfast in town for $4. Bring a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines in place by the Diocese. The Saturday Breakfast for all will meet on October 3 at 8:30am.
Upcoming Women’s Events:
Young Mothers' Bible Study COVID got you down? Is your "mommy guilt" worse than ever? Do you go through cycles of inadequacy and despair? Do you crave the company of other moms who understand? Do you yearn for a remedy to your angst? Then mark your calendars for Thursday evenings beginning September 17 from 7–8:30pm in the Parish Hall for the Mothers of Young Children Bible Study. Led by Deacon Joyce Harder, this class will provide a safe haven from the challenges of motherhood and provide a network of sisters who are walking the same road as you. The anchor to this group will be God’s Word and how He can speak to and transform our lives. We will complete last year’s book of John for Everyone, Part 2, by N.T. Wright, then will immediately take up Acts for Everyone, Part 1, by the same author. Please procure a copy of the John book for the first class and copy of the Acts book by the first of November. There will be no nursery, so leave the kiddies at home and take some time for yourself! Social distancing and the wearing of masks will be observed. Click here to register.
Save the date for a Christ Church Women gathering on September 28. Join the women of Christ Church at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall for some socially-distanced, creative fun. They will be working with AR Workshop on a variety of DIY projects. Projects will range in cost ($28+) and a catalog will be sent to you to order your kit before the event. All items for the project will be delivered to the church and be ready for you to complete at the event. Are you still not ready to gather in person but want to do a project? These DIY kits can still be ordered through our link and done at home. Preregister for the event by clicking here. Once your pre-registration is received by Katy Hunter, you will be sent more information on how to select your project and pay for the event.
Anglican Women’s Retreat October 23-25 at St. Christopher- Ladies, flip your calendar to October and mark the 23-25 for a weekend of fellowship, teaching, rest and restoration at the Anglican Women’s Retreat at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center. Featuring guest speaker, Susan Yates, and worship leader, Chelsea Hamshaw, this is not something you want to miss. In order to allow for social distancing, space is limited to 80 for lodging and meals with an additional 20 commuters. Find out more and register by clicking here.
All Christ Church sponsored events and meetings must be approved by the Rector prior to being held. Please contact him at tduvall@christch.org for more information.
The Wednesday morning service will resume next week (September 9) at 11am in the Historic Church. Face masks and social distancing guidelines will be in place.
Announcements, August 26, 2020 – STAY CONNECTED AT CHRISTCH.ORG
Sunday Services:
The 9am Contemporary Worship in the Parish Hall will begin with Praise & Worship with the Praise Band beginning at 8:45am with the service beginning at 9am. The Traditional Worship will move to 11am in the Church.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number of congregants in each of our worship spaces, so registration is required. The 9am service did reach registration capacity last week. A new registration is sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines being in place. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICES.
We will live-stream the 11am service on Facebook for those who are not ready or able to attend. Click here to join us on facebook for the livestream.The service begins livestreaming a few minutes before the service time. The service will also be available on the website a few minutes after the facebook livestream begins and our Youtube channel within a few hours of the service conclusion. All this information will also be included in the service email that is sent on Sunday morning.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services. Please bring one with you.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
Save the Date: Family Service on September 20 Find out more in this Sunday’s announcements!
MOCC News:
Tuesday and Saturday Prayer Breakfasts suspended until September for Summer Break
Upcoming Women’s Events:
Save the date for a Christ Church Women gathering on September 28. Join the women of Christ Church at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall for some socially-distanced, creative fun. They will be working with AR Workshop on a variety of DIY projects. Projects will range in cost and a catalog will be sent to you to order your kit before the event. All items for the project will be delivered to the church and be ready for you to complete at the event. Are you still not ready to gather in person but want to do a project? These DIY kits can still be ordered through our link and done at home. Preregister for the event by clicking here. More information will be sent to you in the coming weeks.
Anglican Women’s Retreat October 23-25 at St. Christopher- Ladies, flip your calendar to October and mark the 23-25 for a weekend of fellowship, teaching, rest and restoration at the Anglican Women’s Retreat at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center. Featuring guest speaker, Susan Yates, and worship leader, Chelsea Hamshaw, this is not something you want to miss. In order to allow for social distancing, space is limited to 80 for lodging and meals with an additional 20 commuters. Find out more and register by clicking here.
All Christ Church sponsored events and meetings must be approved by the Rector prior to being held. Please contact him at tduvall@christch.org for more information.
The Wednesday morning service will remain suspended throughout the summer. The Blessed Little Thoughts will continue to arrive via email until further notice.
Announcements, August 19, 2020 – STAY CONNECTED AT CHRISTCH.ORG
Sunday Services:
This Sunday we will be adding an additional service. The 9am Contemporary Worship in the Parish Hall will begin with Praise & Worship with the Praise Band beginning at 8:45am with the service beginning at 9am. The Traditional Worship will move to 11am in the Church.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number of congregants in each of our worship spaces, so registration is required. A new registration is sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines being in place. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICES.
We will live-stream the 11am service on Facebook for those who are not ready or able to attend. Click here to join us on facebook for the livestream.The service begins livestreaming a few minutes before the service time. The service will also be available on the website a few minutes after the facebook livestream begins and our Youtube channel within a few hours of the service conclusion. All this information will also be included in the service email that is sent on Sunday morning.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services. Please bring one with you.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
MOCC News:
Tuesday and Saturday Prayer Breakfasts suspended until September for Summer Break
Upcoming Women’s Events:
Save the date for a Christ Church Women gathering on September 28. More information to come!
Anglican Women’s Retreat October 23-25 at St. Christopher- Ladies, flip your calendar to October and mark the 23-25 for a weekend of fellowship, teaching, rest and restoration at the Anglican Women’s Retreat at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center. Featuring guest speaker, Susan Yates, and worship leader, Chelsea Hamshaw, this is not something you want to miss. In order to allow for social distancing, space is limited to 80 for lodging and meals with an additional 20 commuters. Find out more and register by clicking here.
All Christ Church sponsored events and meetings must be approved by the Rector prior to being held. Please contact him at tduvall@christch.org for more information.
The Wednesday morning service will remain suspended throughout the summer. The Blessed Little Thoughts will continue to arrive via email until further notice.
The 9am Contemporary Service is returning on August 23! A few weeks ago, we made the decision to reduce the number of services due to attendance. Since then, our numbers have begun inching each week closer to our social-distanced capacity each week with the COVID guidelines in place, so we will be bringing the Contemporary Service back to help keep our safety measures in place. The service time changes will begin on Sunday, August 23 with the Contemporary Service at 9am in the Parish Hall and the Traditional Service at 11am in the Church. Face masks and weekly registration are still required to attend our services. If you are not able to register online, please contact the office so we can get you registered.
A livestream option will still be available for those not wanting to return to campus at this time. More information will be available in the coming days!
We look forward to beginning our fall season at Christ Church Anglican with you.
Announcements, July 28, 2020 – STAY CONNECTED AT CHRISTCH.ORG
We offer one Sunday worship service in the Church at 10am.
Since resuming in-person Sunday worship on June 7, our combined attendance has yet to reach our estimated social distancing seating capacity: thus, we are running two services which are able to be combined into one. Those who do attend will see more fellow parishioners, and will still be safe, as our Covid-19 precautions will continue to be for the one service exactly what they have been for the two services. Those who are not able to attend will continue to be able to access the service via the Facebook livestream (remember, you don’t have to have a FB account in order to access our service – just follow the instructions we send you with the order of service and Discipleship links). Dr. Barker and our great music team will combine the contemporary and traditional music for this service.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number in the church, so there is a registration system in place. This link will be sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines on the prior Monday via email and posted to the webpage. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICES.
We will live-stream the service on Facebook for those who are not ready or able to attend. Click here to join us on facebook for the livestream.You do not have to be a member of Facebook to access our page. Simply click the link for the page and scroll down on the page for the video. The services begin livestreaming a few minutes before the service time.The service will also be available on the website a few minutes after the service begins and our Youtube channel on Monday morning. All this information will also be included in the service email that is sent on Sunday morning.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance, and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
MOCC News:
Tuesday and Saturday Prayer Breakfasts suspended until September for Summer Break
Join the MOCC for their monthly meeting on August 3 at 6:30pm at the Men’s Shed featuring a Carolina Chicken Bog and a guest speaker, Charlie Barnhill. Please bring a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines in place by the Diocese.
Deacon Joyce is pleased to share that LifeWay is hosting a day-long simulcast for women on Saturday, August 8 from 8:30 - 4:15 featuring 10 of their most popular authors leading Bible studies throughout the day. You can participate in this wonderful opportunity in the comfort of your own home for only $20. Sign up by clicking here.
All Christ Church sponsored events and meetings must be approved by the Rector prior to being held. Please contact him at tduvall@christch.org for more information.
The Wednesday morning service will remain suspended throughout the summer. The Blessed Little Thoughts will continue to arrive via email until further notice.
Announcements, July 22, 2020 – STAY CONNECTED AT CHRISTCH.ORG
We offer one Sunday worship service in the Church at 10am.
Since resuming in-person Sunday worship on June 7, our combined attendance has yet to reach our estimated social distancing seating capacity: thus, we are running two services which are able to be combined into one. Those who do attend will see more fellow parishioners, and will still be safe, as our Covid-19 precautions will continue to be for the one service exactly what they have been for the two services. Those who are not able to attend will continue to be able to access the service via the Facebook livestream (remember, you don’t have to have a FB account in order to access our service – just follow the instructions we send you with the order of service and Discipleship links). Dr. Barker and our great music team will combine the contemporary and traditional music for this service.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number in the church, so there is a registration system in place. This link will be sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines on the prior Monday via email and posted to the webpage. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICES.
We will live-stream the service on Facebook for those who are not ready or able to attend. Click here to join us on facebook for the livestream.You do not have to be a member of Facebook to access our page. Simply click the link for the page and scroll down on the page for the video. The services begin livestreaming a few minutes before the service time.The service will also be available after on the website Sunday following the service and our Youtube channel on Monday morning. All this information will also be included in the service email that is sent on Sunday morning.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance, and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
Discipleship is still being offered remotely during the summer months on our website. All weekly offerings can be found on our website by clicking here.
Father Ted’s current offering “The Gospel in Miniature” looks at verses that “pack a punch” like John 3:16.
Dr. Koch continues his “Weekend Review” offering that covers a variety of topics ranging from current events to ancient philosophy.
Christ Church Kids is now offering clipboard activities during service times and online.
MOCC News:
Tuesday and Saturday Prayer Breakfasts suspended until September for Summer Break
Join the MOCC for their monthly meeting on August 3 at 6:30pm at the Men’s Shed featuring a Carolina Chicken Bog and a guest speaker, Charlie Barnhill. Please bring a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines in place by the Diocese.
ECCO has experienced exponential growth in need of food. In conjunction with our regular “Grocery Bag Sundays” on the calendar, we encourage you to continue supporting ECCO through regular donation. The below items are their current needs. These items can be dropped off directly to ECCO Monday-Friday between 10am and 2pm at 1145 Six Mile Road. The Outreach Committee has members who are willing to pick up items and deliver to ECCO for you, if you are unable. If interested, please contact Ken Schnupp at 843.990.3918 or at kenschnupp@icloud.com.
Their biggest need right now is for personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant)
Other needs: Peanut butter, jelly, canned soup, canned pasta (spaghetti o’s, ravioli), dry pasta (box and bag), mac n cheese, grits, beef stew, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, salad dressing), baking items (flour, sugar, oils), instant potatoes,, dish soap, laundry detergent, and household cleaning supplies.
All Christ Church sponsored events and meetings must be approved by the Rector prior to being held. Please contact him at tduvall@christch.org for more information.
The Wednesday morning service will remain suspended throughout the summer. The Blessed Little Thoughts will continue to arrive via email until further notice.
July 13, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This week’s important news: beginning this coming Sunday, July 19 we will offer one Sunday worship service, in the church at 10am.
Since resuming in-person Sunday worship on June 7, our combined attendance has yet to reach our estimated social distancing seating capacity: thus, we are running two services which are able to be combined into one. Those who do attend will see more fellow parishioners, and will still be safe, as our Covid-19 precautions will continue to be for the one service exactly what they have been for the two services. Those who are not able to attend will continue to be able to access the service via the Facebook livestream (remember, you don’t have to have a FB account in order to access our service – just follow the instructions we send you with the order of service and Discipleship links). Dr. Barker and our great music team will combine the contemporary and traditional music for this service.
A couple of other related notes:
We ask that you still register for the service when prompted by an email from the church each week, as there is still a seating capacity for the service. Registration for this week's service can be found below.
We continue to have mixed results with the sound in the church, and we continue to work on it. We thank you for your patience. As previously announced, our Vestry has been studying the state of the church sound system since last year, and has engaged a highly regarded professional to put a new system in place. A sub-committee of the Vestry is working with him right now. It is a major project, and while we don’t have an estimated completion date yet, we hope the work will be able to be accomplished this year.
Stay safe, stay connected, and pray for Christ Church and for Christ’s world.
Faithfully, Fr. Ted
Announcements, July 8, 2020 – STAY CONNECTED AT CHRISTCH.ORG
This Sunday services will continue to take place at 9 and 10:30am.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number in the church, so there is a registration system in place. This link will be sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines on the prior Monday via email and posted to the webpage.
We will live-stream both services on Facebook for those who are not ready or able to attend. You do not have to be a member of Facebook to access our page. Simply click the link for the page and scroll down on the page for the video. The services begin livestreaming a few minutes before the service time. Services will also be available after on the website Sunday at noon and our Youtube channel on Monday morning. All this information will also be included in the service email that is sent on Sunday morning.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance, and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
Men of Christ Church News
Saturday Prayer Breakfast - July 11 at 8:30am in the Parish Hall. Open to all and the best breakfast in town for only $4. Masks and social distancing required.
Men of Christ Church July Meeting - July 13 at 6:30pm at the Men’s Shed - Join the MOCC for an Independence Day celebration of fellowship, prayer, and cookout. They will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs and favorite sides. Guest speaker, Chip Sloan, will share comments concerning the recent order in favor of The Anglican Diocese of South Carolina. Please bring a mask and follow social distancing guidelines in place by the Diocese.
Men of Christ Church Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - meets in the Parish Hall at 7am and with Zoom for those not wanting to meet in person. Please bring a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines required by the Diocese. This upcoming Tuesday will be the last session for this year. They will then go on summer break until September 8.
Discipleship is still being offered remotely during the summer months on our website. All weekly offerings can be found on our website by clicking here. ○
Father Ted’s current offering “The Gospel in Miniature” looks at verses that “pack a punch” like John 3:16. ○
Dr. Koch continues his “Weekend Review” offering that covers a variety of topics ranging from current events to ancient philosophy.
Christ Church Kids is now offering clipboard activities during service times and online.
All Christ Church sponsored events and meetings must be approved by the Rector prior to being held. Please contact him at tduvall@christch.org for more information.
The Wednesday morning service will remain suspended throughout the summer. The Blessed Little Thoughts will continue to arrive via email until further notice.
Announcements, June 30, 2020 – STAY CONNECTED AT CHRISTCH.ORG
This Sunday services will continue to take place at 9 and 10:30am.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number in the church, so there is a registration system in place. This link will be sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines on the prior Monday via email and posted to the webpage. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICES.
We will live-stream both services on Facebook for those who are not ready or able to attend. Click here to join us on facebook for the livestream.You do not have to be a member of Facebook to access our page. Simply click the link for the page and scroll down on the page for the video. The services begin livestreaming a few minutes before the service time.Services will also be available after on the website Sunday at noon and our Youtube channel on Monday morning. All this information will also be included in the service email that is sent on Sunday morning.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance, and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
Outreach News:
ECCO has experienced exponential growth in need of food. In conjunction with our regular “Grocery Bag Sundays” on the calendar, we encourage you to continue supporting ECCO through regular donation. The below items are their current needs. These items can be dropped off directly to ECCO Monday-Friday between 10am and 2pm at 1145 Six Mile Road. The Outreach Committee has members who are willing to pick up items and deliver to ECCO for you, if you are unable. If interested, please contact Ken Schnupp at 843.990.3918 or at kenschnupp@icloud.com.
Peanut butter, jelly, canned soup, canned pasta (spaghetti o’s, ravioli), dry pasta (box and bag), mac n cheese, grits, beef stew, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, salad dressing), baking items (flour, sugar, oils), instant potatoes, personal hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant), dish soap, laundry detergent, and household cleaning supplies.
East Cooper Faith Network continues to be an active ministry. Just the past weekend a group of from MOCC participated in a Fix-It Project with social distancing in place to make repairs for a family in the community. If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved with this organization, contact Howard Althen at howardalthen@gmail.com.
My Sister’s House is regularly collecting from our donation bins located near the Church Office. Below you can find a list of the items they accept through these donation bins.
Discipleship is still being offered remotely during the summer months on our website. All weekly offerings can be found on our website by clicking here.
Father Ted’s current offering “The Gospel in Miniature” looks at verses that “pack a punch” like John 3:16.
Dr. Koch continues his “Weekend Review” offering that covers a variety of topics ranging from current events to ancient philosophy.
Christ Church Kids is now offering clipboard activities during service times and online.
All Christ Church sponsored events and meetings must be approved by the Rector prior to being held. Please contact him at tduvall@christch.org for more information.
The Wednesday morning service will remain suspended throughout the summer. The Blessed Little Thoughts will continue to arrive via email until further notice.
Ministry News:
Men of Christ Church Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - meets in the Parish Hall at 7am and with Zoom for those not wanting to meet in person. Please bring a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines required by the Diocese. This will continue through July 14. They will then go on summer break until September 8.
Saturday Prayer Breakfast - July 11 at 8:30am in the Parish Hall. Open to all and the best breakfast in town for only $4. Masks and social distancing required.
Men of Christ Church July Meeting - July 13 at 6:30pm at the Men’s Shed - Join the Men for hamburgers and hotdogs for game night at The Shed.
Announcements, June 23, 2020 – STAY CONNECTED AT CHRISTCH.ORG
We rejoice with this week’s news from the Diocese - South Carolina Circuit Court Releases Order in Favor of the Diocese and Parishes Clarifying Supreme Court Ruling - more information on this ruling can be found by clicking here.
This Sunday will be designated as our annual Patriotic Sunday Services. Services will take place at 9 and 10:30am.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number in the church, so there is a registration system in place. This link will be sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines on the prior Monday via email and posted to the webpage. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICES.
We will live-stream both services on Facebook for those who are not ready or able to attend. Click here to join us on facebook for the livestream.You do not have to be a member of Facebook to access our page. Simply click the link for the page and scroll down on the page for the video. The services begin livestreaming a few minutes before the service time. Services will also be available after on the website Sunday at noon and our Youtube channel on Monday morning.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance, and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
Discipleship is still being offered remotely during the summer months on our website. All weekly offerings can be found on our website by clicking here.
Father Ted’s current offering “The Gospel in Miniature” looks at verses that “pack a punch” like John 3:16.
Dr. Koch continues his “Weekend Review” offering that covers a variety of topics ranging from current events to ancient philosophy.
Christ Church Kids is now offering clipboard activities during service times and online.
All Christ Church sponsored events and meetings must be approved by the Rector prior to being held. Please contact him at tduvall@christch.org for more information.
The Wednesday morning service will remain suspended throughout the summer. The Blessed Little Thoughts will continue to arrive via email until further notice.
Ministry News:
East Cooper Fix-It Project and MOCC will be working on June 27 at 9am at 3636 Happyland Drive on a variety of tasks. Masks and social distancing are required. For more information on this event or to RSVP, please contact Howard at howardalthen@gmail.com or Gene at gverzaal@gmail.com.
Praise Band Livestream - We have archived all of the Tuesday night livestreams on our website. Worship with our Praise Band at any time by clicking here. Join our Praise Band now on Sunday mornings at 9am worship in person or on facebook.
Men of Christ Church Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - resuming in the Parish Hall at 7am and with Zoom for those not wanting to meet in person. Please bring a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines required by the Diocese. This will continue through July 14. They will then go on summer break until September 8.
Saturday Prayer Breakfast -July 11 at 8:30am in the Parish Hall. Open to all and the best breakfast in town for only $4. Masks and social distancing required.
Men of Christ Church July Meeting - July 13 at 6:30pm at the Men’s Shed - Join the Men for hamburgers and hotdogs for game night at The Shed. Please bring a mask and follow all COVID guidelines in place.
Announcements, June 9, 2020 –
In-person worship services resumed last Sunday. The services will take place in the Church at 9 and 10:30am. The church is our biggest space, and thus works best for the social distancing we are required to practice.
With social distancing we can only fit a certain number in the church, so there will be a registration system. This link will be sent out each week for the duration of these guidelines on the prior Monday via email and posted to the webpage. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WEEK’S SERVICES.
Masks will be required for all indoor worship services.
A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus).
We’ll have one entrance, and an usher will seat you.
Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
Ministry News:
Praise Band Livestream - Join the Praise Band tonight (Tuesday) at 6:30pm on our Facebook page for a live worship experience.
Men of Christ Church Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - resuming in the Parish Hall at 7am and with Zoom for those not wanting to meet in person. Please bring a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines required by the Diocese.
Previous Updates
June 1, 2020
A few weeks ago, we announced that in-person Sunday Worship services will resume this upcoming Sunday, June 7. The shape of which will largely be driven by the requirements of the diocesan guidelines.
■ Services will be at 8, 9:30 & 11am in the Church (the same service at each time). The church is our biggest space, and thus works best for the social distancing we are required to practice.
■ With social distancing we can only fit a certain number in the church, so registration is required. Please see below to register for this week. A new registration will be sent out on the Monday prior for the duration of these guidelines being in place.
■ While we will not continue taping a separate service, we will live-stream the 9:30am service for those who are not ready or able to attend on Facebook. After the the service, it will be available on additional platforms.
■ Masks will be required for all indoor worship services. Please bring one with you.
■ A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus). If you would like to serve on our Turnaround Team, please click here to sign up for one of these teams.
■ We’ll have one entrance (near the Quad), and an usher will seat you.
■ Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
I write with joy to tell you about the loosening of the restrictions under which we have been worshipping for the past two months. Bishop Lawrence has given permission and issued guidelines for the resumption of in-person worship services beginning May 17, 2020.
There are many important things to say about this permissibility and these guidelines…
First, permission as of a particular date has been given: there is neither a requirement nor a recommendation for any church to resume in-person worship, or to do so beginning on the 17th . Indeed, some churches in the diocese will resume on the 17th , and many will not – instead, choosing various dates thereafter (I have heard everything from later in May to possibly not until September). In addition to differences in perspectives about the advisability of resumption at this time among the leadership of the various churches, a number of other factors such as membership and building size are affecting these varied choices.
Second, this permissibility comes with guidelines that include a number of “requirements” and “recommendations” (which are subject to revision as the situation evolves!). So, trust me when I say that we’ve had a lot to consider as we receive this from the Bishop! But enough prologue – here’s a beginning look at the plans we are finalizing for Christ Church.
We will continue our present worship method through the last Sunday in May. Then, beginning on Sunday June 7, we will resume offering in-person Sunday worship services, the shape of which will largely be driven by the requirements of the diocesan guidelines.
(This is our first communication to you about this, and it is an overview: there will be others and I ask for your patience as more and more details are shared as we move forward – we will answer all the questions that I know this beginning information will generate!)
■ Services will be at 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. in the church (the same service at each time). The church is our biggest space, and thus works best for the social distancing we are required to practice. ■ With social distancing we can only fit a certain number in the church, so there will be a registration system (there are programs out there that make this easy; when a service fills up, you can’t register for that one and you register for another one, or… ■ While we will not continue taping a separate service, we will live-stream one of the Sunday morning in-person services for those who are not ready or able to attend. ■ Masks will be required for all indoor worship services. ■ A number of specific details will lessen contact with surfaces, and the pews and doors, etc. will be wiped down before each service (we’ve already done serious cleaning across the campus). ■ We’ll have one entrance, and an usher will seat you. ■ Neither Nursery nor classes are being permitted at this time; children are welcome and may sit in the service with their family. We will continue to post Discipleship classes online.
Well, there’s more, but this gives you a beginning picture of our emerging plan. I know that these restrictions will be awkward for all of us. I recognize that some will feel that we are being far too cautious, while others will no doubt feel that any physical gathering is reckless. I acknowledge, understand, and sympathize with both ends of that spectrum. I want to emphasize what I said when we first closed down our in-person worship: we’re trying hard, but we know that we’ll make some missteps and that we’ll correct and evolve as we go along – so, please, cultivate a generous spirit and be patient and forgiving with me and one another. Indeed, Christ commands nothing less of us not only now but always. In that regard, I want to particularly warn you away from what I’ll call “decision or choice shaming.” If someone attends, our presumption should be that they have made a prayerful, informed personal decision to do so. If someone does not attend, our presumption is that either they cannot for medical reasons, or that they have made a prayerful, informed personal decision not to do so. Both decisions will be respected at Christ Church. So while the freedom to have loving, respectful, thoughtful conversation (listening as well as speaking!) about differences in perspectives and practices of individuals, our church, or the society at large will be defended by your Rector, I will intervene personally if I experience the opposite on our campus. In this way, these times remind me of those during which we were deciding whether to stay in the Episcopal Church or leave it: I said then, and I say now, “inform your conscience, and then everyone go stand where they feel led to stand, and there, seek and serve Christ; and in that there is no cause for fighting.”
Finally, know that I do not consider either the present online services or these new restriction laden in-person services to be an adequate or long-term solution. It weighs heavily on my heart – both that we must continue to maintain distance and that any of you might be at risk. Still, we must face reality as it is. Although imperfect, the next step will hopefully bring us closer to that day, not far off, when we can gather together as a family free of some or all of these restrictions. In the meantime, remember that I love you and miss you, and more importantly the Lord loves you, and has your life in the strong and gentle palm of His hand.
Stay safe, stay connected, and pray for Christ Church.
Faithfully, Fr. Ted
May 5, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In those small exchanges one has when checking in with one another at the beginning of an online meeting, or passing a friend while on a neighborhood walk, I’ve found myself of late sharing that at the church, “we’ve developed a routine of communicating with the congregation, making phone calls to people, taping services and posting teachings…” Indeed, we have found a rhythm in which we are doing pretty much all we can or are allowed to do right now, and it’s good, and feels good: because we were made to be productive, “fruitful,” as stewards of ourselves, each other and God’s creation. And we see this clearly in both of the creation accounts – e.g. Genesis 1:28 & 2:15.
But, lest we forget, right in the middle of those two assignments – to have dominion and to till the garden – is God’s other intention for us, which is Sabbath, set forth in Genesis 2:1-3.
You know, a lot of what we see on the internet in these days is all about a real “can-do” productivity: it seems that a lot of folks are taking this forced time off to do, well, lots of stuff – from cleaning out closets and drawers, to big projects around the house or yard, to learning a foreign language or sewing masks for everyone at their local food-bank…or all that at once (remember the jokes about how Martha Stewart makes her own water?)! And, well, I think that’s great. Absolutely nothing wrong with that – in fact, I’d say that the chance to get after long put off projects, finally do some good reading, or use one’s talents in new ways, has probably not only been just helpful coping, but really life-giving to many. I rejoice in that.
In fact, I realized that as I contemplated what my message to you would be this week, my first thoughts were oriented around a kind “what to do next” mentality – we’d had the food drive for ECCO, and then donations for Camp St. Christopher…so what should the shameless huckster hawk next? But you know what? As good as what we’ve done the last two weeks was, that just didn’t seem right: instead, I think the Lord wanted this pastor to say to his people, hey beloved, don’t forget that I put Sabbath right in the middle of all of those assignments.
If you’ve cleaned out your drawers, good; and if you haven’t cleaned out your drawers, good also. If you’ve learned French, I’m proud of you; and if your mind has gone a little to seed, I say peace be to you my friend. The one who has sewn 50 masks is blessed, and the one who has sat in the peace of God’s glorious spring days in their backyard, just to be, and to rest, and to think and not to think for a little while, and to “smell the roses,” is blessed indeed. Fruitfulness is a good choice, but Sabbath is, too. Yes, Sabbath is God’s good gift, too.
In these days, this is my message to you, my people: I miss you; I love you; and may God’s peace – a peace which the world cannot give - be with you. I hope these are words which you can receive: you’re loved, you’re ok just for who you are, God is good and strong and safe, and we are in His hand.
Will there be more to say later? Certainly (yes, I’ve put a few announcements in a second message to you this week). And especially now that things are starting to open back up, I’m sure I’ll soon have news which will mobilize us again. But for now, for this week at least, this is all: peace be to you. Stay safe, stay connected, pray for Christ Church.
Faithfully, Fr. Ted
We thank everyone who contributed to the St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center donation campaign. It looks like we’ll be sending a check for $5,000 from the Parish to St. Christopher. Well done!
Pre-consecrated communion wafers will again be available for pick-up from 4-5pm at the church this Thursday and Friday, May 7-8. Sarah Fisher, our Director of Children’s Ministry will be there with us to hand out a special take-home item for the children and their families – don’t miss it!
{As to receiving the Sacrament of the Christ’s Body in these or in any days of this fallen creation, I am reminded of Psalm 11:3, “When the foundations are being destroyed,* what can the righteous do?” … “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to his disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’” (Matthew 26:26)}
We plan to recognize with honor our High School, College and Graduate School seniors on an upcoming Sunday: so that our lists don’t leave out anyone PLEASE send us your graduating senior’s name (indicating what they are graduating from) by emailing Katy Hunter at khunter@christch.org.
Finally, and perhaps of most interest to all…what about re-opening at the church? I anticipate that next week’s message will have new information about the permissibility and manner of in-person services and parish activities, so be patient, it is coming. This week the Bishop is meeting with the Diocesan Standing Committee (like the Vestry for the Diocese), the Deans of the Deaneries (priests who convene clergy meetings in the six geographical areas of the diocese), and then the clergy by Deanery, and decisions about dates and guidelines for some version of beginning re-opening plans will be probably be made as a result of those meetings. But we don’t have the official go-ahead yet, nor the parameters, nor each local congregation’s adaptation of those parameters given their own unique congregational size, building lay-out, other needs/perspectives, etc. Prayers for practical wisdom in the conceiving and implementation of plans as we move forward would be a blessing to your church.
April 28, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
My best reading of the "re-open" tea leaves tells me that we're not there yet, and that when the Bishop gives the word that we can gather together again it will not be an all at once, no restrictions kind of event, but rather a safety-layered process... Therefore, my pastoral bidding to you is to be patient.
Disciplined waiting, waiting with anticipation and hopefulness, has a long and rich history in our faith - think, for example, of the story of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38), which depicts Christ-seekers' faithful watchfulness over a long period of time. Patience.
Patience, of course, is not a bad thing, but is a part of the character of those in whom the Spirit of God dwells (Galatians 5:22). So I bid in you the cultivation of the Christian quality of patience: not the worldly habit of irritation at being wrongly held back - impatience! - but the active stance that says, "I am content to be ready while I wait for the Lord to come. Patience.
While we wait, we are caring for one another.
First, I am so proud of how generously you responded to our appeal to stock the East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) food pantry. We collected a ton of food, and they need it! One of our members, a regular volunteer at ECCO, tells me that a normal month at ECCO sees approximately 400 families coming for food (which is a lot). But from March 16 - April 15, the first month of the Coronavirus restrictions, ECCO served 900 families. Slightly over 250 of those families were first time ECCO clients. Your giving will make a difference for those in need. And the need will not end now, so I hope that as we have our regular 3-4 yearly ECCO bag Sundays, you will participate as you are able.
Second, one of C.S. Lewis's Narnia characters makes a great effort, but instead of then getting to rest as he thinks will be the case, he is immediately asked to do another task calling for self-sacrifice. Lewis writes, "Shasta's heart fainted at these words for he felt he had no strength left...He had not yet learned that if you do one good deed your reward usually is to be set to do another and harder and better one."
We have done well in giving to ECCO, and now I and the vestry are inviting you to another ministry of relief: we asking for monetary donations to help St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, which is facing serious financial challenges due to the shutdown: no guests, no income. Their appeal first went out a couple of weeks ago and so you may already know about it and perhaps have already given - we are not asking you to give again. Indeed, the broad economic impacts of the coronavirus mean we are all watching our budgets, so please do not give unless you are able! But if you are able - $5, 20, 50, 100, whatever you may be able to share - please make checks payable to Christ Church marked for Camp St. Christopher. The camp/conference center has meant so much to so many at Christ Church for so long that we felt it only right that we adopt their appeal as an official fund-raising effort for this week at Christ Church.
Third, pre-consecrated communion pick-up will be as last week: 4-5pm on Thursday and Friday.
And finally, a bonus offer: Libby Lewis is offering to make masks for anyone in the congregation who would like one. If you are interested, just email Libby by clicking here.
With love, I say - stay safe, stay connected, and pray for Christ Church. Faithfully, Fr. Ted
April 21, 2020
Dear Parish Family, This week's message is focused on two important matters: one is good news about the opportunity to receive, one is good news about the opportunity to give. First, Bp. Lawrence has given permission for the churches of the diocese to distribute pre-consecrated, pre-packaged communion elements beginning this Sunday, April 26. I am grateful for this development, as I have been eager for you to be able once again to physically/sacramentally receive the Lord's Supper. Here are the key details:
For now, we will distribute the bread of communion only - primarily as a practical, logistical matter, recognizing that Anglican Eucharistic theology has always recognized "communion in one kind" (the bread only or the wine only) as full communion.
The bread was consecrated at last Sunday's service.
Just as the Bishop made this practice permissible, but not mandatory, for the churches, we are making it available to you, but by no means mandatory: all may, but none must. We will take all sanitary precautions in the way we distribute the bread, but if you are not comfortable at this point with this transfer, that is perfectly alright...
We will continue to use the Prayer for Spiritual Communion, since some watching the service will have chosen not to, or not have been able to come get the communion bread from the church.
Distribution will be available from 4-5pm this Thursday and Friday by driving under the porte-cochere (circular covered drive between the Parish Hall and the church). You will stay in your car, roll down the window and let the gloved/masked distributor know how many in your household will be receiving this Sunday. You'll be handed a zip-lock bag with the wafers and an instruction sheet.
Second, thanks to God's grace working through the generosity and prayers of the congregation and the hard work of our good staff, our church is stable and healthy in what have become tough times for many. We therefore need to reach out to the community and help as we may be able. One of our primary local outreach partners is East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), and though we had an ECCO bag Sunday just as this pandemic was beginning, we want to follow that up with a strong, congregation-wide food pantry donation drive. We've asked ECCO what they need most, and this is their 7 item list: canned soup, rice (1 lb.), cereal, applesauce, breakfast bars, oatmeal, and condiments (mayo, jelly, ketchup, mustard). Over the next week (through next Wednesday 4/29) we're asking you to bring only these items to Christ Church (not to ECCO). Exchanging a donation bag for the communion bread could be a convenient way to drop off your donation. Otherwise, mornings are the best time to find someone in the office, but you may leave a donation bag under the blue awning of the office trailer if we're not here, and we'll check by often to secure it. And Remember:
To visit christch.org - COVID-19 Response to access worship and discipleship opportunities throughout the week;
To contact me (Fr. Ted) if you have a financial need, as Discretionary Funds are available;
To give as you are able to the general operating fund so that salaries and fixed costs can be maintained.
Stay safe, stay connected, and pray for Christ Church!
Faithfully, Fr. Ted
April 14, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many times I've told the story of the American missionary priest in Uganda who asked his Anglican Church of Uganda priest friend what the Ugandan church "thought it was all about." Without hesitation he replied, "We are waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and while we wait we are caring for one another." Perfect.
I hope that is what we are all about in these days of the novel Coronavirus. We can't do that exactly like we would want to, but in a fallen world, when have we ever been able to do it without some encumbrance or another - and isn't it true that even times of health and affluence are times of encumbrance for the work of the Gospel, as people find themselves allured to many other things apart from the life of the Church? But in these days, some of the ways we can and are caring for one another include:
Providing times of meaningful, Spirit-filled worship;
Disseminating faithful, clear preaching and teaching of God's Word and way;
Praying for one another, the Church, and the world;
Using all the tools at hand to connect with one another in new ways - Zoom!;
Physically isolating from one another in care for everyone's health, and staying connected in all the ways that are safe - by text, email, cards/letters, and calls.
Continuing to give in order to sustain our congregation's life so that it will still be here when we can gather together again.
So, for this week...
Holy Week & Easter services were so meaningful to us who led them: if you missed them, they are still available on the website. You can see those services by clicking here.
Tuesday at 6:30pm brings us the Contemporary Worship Band again, to lift our spirits with their praise music. Join them on Facebook Live by clicking here.
Wednesdays still mean that the Historic church is open for individual prayer and meditation from 10am to noon (please maintain social distancing). We're adding some printed devotional aids there to assist those who would like to use them. Also, Dr. Koch and I will begin filming a very short "BLT" - blessed little time - to post on the website midday on Wednesdays to help fill the gap created by the cessation of the Wednesday service.
Eastertide Sunday services continue in our now familiar online way, and I urge you to use this time to try to gather your family and experience our same blessed way of worship, but in your home, hopefully further hallowing it as a place where Christ is welcomed and adored.
Discipleship offerings are both new and ongoing on the website. On Sunday mornings Dr. Koch will be teaching on Prayer Book worship and our transition this year from the 1979 TEC Prayer Book to the 2019 ACNA Prayer Book. He will also be adding a Bible study through the website beginning next Thursday. I will be teaching the Adult Confirmation/New Member/Any Adult is Welcome class live via Zoom on Sunday nights. Please click here to register for any of these offerings. Finally, the more people who subscribe to Christ Church's YouTube channel, the easier it is for people to find it, so everyone is encouraged to subscribe. Please click here and click the red subscribe button.
I love you. Faithfully, Fr. Ted
March 30, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I feel like the town crier, "Week three, and all is well!" Well, no, we can't say that all is well, but this I will certainly remind you that Jesus said, and I will cry it this and every week: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)
...So here are some high-points to know as this week begins (I also plan to send out a video recap, with further details, mid-week):
Getting Information. The website, ChristCh.org, is the place to go. When there, think of it this way - for now the website has been scoped down into one place within itself: the COVID-19 section. For now, don't click all around the website, but always start with the COVID-19 icon and the Sunday Worship, Discipleship, Events, Giving, etc. icons there.
No-Gathering Timeline. I'll confirm this in my mid-week message after we've had what have become weekly Zoom clergy meetings with the Bishop, but I think I can say with confidence that we will continue the suspension of our in-person worship services and parish activities through the end of April (always hoping we'll be able to come back before then). We are working hard to bring you meaningful, Spirit and Word filled times of worship and discipleship online...
Palm/Passion Sunday. We'll be recording our service from the church this week and hope you will all attend virtually. We are finalizing plans for a safe palm frond pick-up time/method at the church later this week, so stay tuned for more information about that. Again, the link to the service is - website - COVID-19 - Sunday worship.
Discipleship. Gosh, we love teaching the Word and way of God! On the website, under COVID-19 and Discipleship, you'll continue to find new postings. My teaching for the last of the Lenten talks regarding temptation will be there this week, and though we normally do not hold classes on Palm Sunday or Easter, keep an eye out for Sunday classes nonetheless - we'll try to continue to post as preparation time allows, and for certain after Easter. Other things, like the Adult Confirmation and New Member class, need to proceed, so we'll be contacting those folks about how we'll do that in the coming days.
Holy Week. Yep. Taped services for Wednesday in Holy Week, Maundy Thursday (no foot washing), Good Friday noon-day service and online Stations of the Cross. Plus, since it will now be online, the Youth Confirmation leadership is making their Seder Meal event available to the whole congregation, so look for those times/instructions, too.
Giving. Please do. Like almost every organization, our church's main costs are not the discretionary ones, but the fixed ones - with payroll at the top of that list. Whether by traditional snail mail and written check, or by the new online/device-based giving called Give + (see the website, or contact Kim Banks at kbanks@christch.org), please remember that while Christ Church is not gathering in person right now, we are not closed, and we need your continued, regular gifts to support the proclamation of the Gospel in and from this place. Thank you!
Faithfully, Fr. Ted
March 24, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It’s Tuesday March 24, 2020 and I am writing, as I did last week, to stay in touch. I’m doing so in this written, email format because I know that not all of our members use other forms of social media, such as not being connected to our Christ Church Face Book page…but, if you are on FB then please see my video message there, sent today also, because it’s really nice always, and especially in these days, to see a body and hear a voice.
But whether in this print or that video, my message today is this:
Thank you for tuning in to our online Sunday worship service on the 22nd; and thank you, too, for all of the encouraging feedback about it – that so many found it connecting, uplifting, comforting, et. al. is a great joy to me, and I give God thanks for that! Tune in the same way (through the website!) and at the same time this week, too.
It was so good to hear from you about the worship service that I want to emphasize this bidding: keep staying in touch – with me, with the other clergy and staff and with each other. Your emails, texts, notes, phone calls, and voice mails are food for hungry souls in these days. Let us know how you are doing, and what you are thinking about the life and ministry of Christ Church.
Here’s a good way to stay in touch, and be uplifted: tonight at 6:30pm the Contemporary Praise Band, which leads musical worship at our 9am Sunday service, is getting together (with appropriate social distancing – 6 feet at least!) to play some of their worship songs, and livestreaming on our Face Book page so that you can listen in, feel connected and be blest. (Did you miss it? You can watch it here!)
The Parish Work Day scheduled for this Saturday is actually still on…modified. In order to accomplish social distancing, you can come before Saturday to do the tasks you sign up for – come, say, on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. On Saturday, there will be organizers to help you get plugged in…and to help orchestrate social distancing ☺. No lunch will be served as originally planned. Think you shouldn’t come? Not a problem – miss this one with our blessing.
We are now making available online and device-based giving to the church. For more information on this new way of giving, please click here. Contact Kim Banks (kbanks@christch.org) if you have any questions.
Finally, pray! (You thought I was going to say “wash your hands” – that, too!) Pray that God will intervene to help us all around the world in the midst of this pandemic and with all other ills; pray for all government, health, academic, business, and church leaders; pray for our church, and for the coming of the Spirit of Jesus in our midst.
Faithfully, Fr. Ted
March 18, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
As always, I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When I last wrote to you – on Monday March 16 – I said that we were preparing for Sunday worship and discipleship even though we can’t gather in person for it, and asked that you “stay tuned, and then tune in.” This is how it will work…
By clicking this link now, or by going to the parish website at any time and clicking on the “COVID-19 Response” link in the main header, you will be able to click on these prominently displayed buttons: Sunday Worship, Discipleship, Giving, and Event Status.
At Sunday Worship you will find a worship service, which you can view and participate in from home using the order of service link which will include portions of the service which you can say along with the ministers. The service video can be accessed beginning at 9am on Sunday.
At Discipleship you will find audio links to Fr. Ted and Dr. Koch’s Sunday Discipleship classes, as well as audio of the ongoing teachings for the Lenten program, Lead Us Not Into Temptation. Christ Church Kids will also have resources posted in this section in the coming days.
At Giving, you will find information about making your financial offerings.
And at Event Status, you’ll see information about any portion of the parish’s schedule that may be able to be held, if in a modified form.
My strong urging to you is to always go first to the website: that’s where the information will be, and that’s where the links will be.
We have suspended in person gatherings, but Christ Church is not closed, not shuttered – nor is the Gospel or the ministry! We will continue to be in touch as new information emerges, so continue to “stay tuned.”
Faithfully, Fr. Ted
March 16, 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Coronavirus pandemic has brought new developments every day, and as promised we are striving to make and communicate prudent, faithful decisions in light of this unfolding public health situation.
In consultation with the Bishop and other clergy of the diocese, and with the consensus of the Church Wardens, we are joining the other churches of the diocese in cancelling our Sunday worship services, along with the other activities of the parish, for at least the next two weeks (i.e. Sunday March 22 & 29).
We did not take this decision lightly, for as you know, I am “a shameless huckster for the life of the Church” – a somewhat silly way of saying the very serious truth that all that is given and received within the Body of Christ is of the greatest value (“the pearl of great price,” as per one of Jesus’ kingdom parables) and of eternal consequence.
However, the form of our duty to love our neighbors as ourselves is clear to me in these days: we must do our part to slow the spread of a virus which can be deadly and for which there is yet no vaccine, medicine or cure. And in addition to basic, personal hygienic practices (i.e. good and regular hand-washing) the biggest thing we can do right now is social distancing.
Therefore, effective immediately, all parish gatherings are suspended through the end of the month, or until further notice (we will be in regular contact).
We are in the process of creating a video worship service in place of our Sunday services, and details will be shared with you later in the week – so stay tuned, and then tune in!
The clergy will be available for pastoral care, as appropriate. If you have a pastoral need, please contact us and we will work out the best way to minister to you: Ted – 864-238-5637, tduvall@christch.org; Jady – 502-544-5711, jkoch@christch.org; Joyce – 843-452-6083, jharder@christch.org.
You may also reach any staff member by email (see staff directory by clicking here). And members of the staff will be reaching out to you in various ways during this time, so that we can stay connected and so that we can share resources for your ongoing spiritual life (for example, parents keep an eye out for materials from Sarah Fisher to use with your child).
We are aware that our elderly members are in an especially vulnerable population for the coronavirus, and therefore may be forced to practice social distancing more than others, making it difficult to be out in public for shopping, errands, appointments, etc. Therefore, please be aware that our Pastoral Associate, Deacon Joyce, is organizing an effort to offer assistance to any in our congregation in this situation. If you have a need, or are able to help assist those who do, please do not hesitate to contact Deacon Joyce.
Though the various activities of the church will be on hold for the time being, it is still the case that our largest parish expenses, such as payroll, insurance, etc. are ongoing, and I do ask that you keep your giving current, as you may be able. Checks may be mailed to Christ Church at 2304 Highway 17 N Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. We were already working on introducing online or device-based giving options, and hope to have those available soon. {If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the economic consequences of this pandemic, I invite you to contact me as I may be able to help in some way through use of the Parish Discretionary Fund.}
I do ask for your patience, and for a generosity of spirit as we walk and work our way through these extraordinary times: for I am sure that as careful as we will be, we will make some missteps, and it will take us some amount of time to hit our stride, as it were, operating in new ways. You know my love for you, and that of the whole staff for our congregation, and what good folk our vestry and our members are: let us now so love, that Christ’s presence among us will be manifestly evident; for the Bible teaches us that loves casts out fear: there indeed is the prescription for our times!
Yesterday’s Collect of the Day seemed so apt for our need in these days, and I offer it for us all:
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. – BCP p. 218
I bid your own prayers for God’s world, for all people, for Christ Church Anglican, for the Gospel and its advance.
