New Beginnings

Every fall is a time of new beginnings here at Christ Church. That is especially true this year. Our Sunday School classes begin the first week of September. We also begin a new Adult Formation classes this fall. Dr. Robert Baker will be teaching a class on the Johannine literature with an emphasis on the First Epistle of John. I hope this class will be well attended because our Christian understanding that God is love comes from John’s letters.

Another new beginning in October is the opening of our Center for Spiritual Development which will be staffed by Mary Buonagura and Carlene Kertesz. Each of these ladies has a Masters degree in theology and each has special expertise to complement each other and the Rector in spiritual and pastoral matters. The Center will initially be open for walk-ins or scheduled appointments for twenty hours each week. The Center will offer confidential guidance, direction and support for the various challenges we all face in our life's journey. It will be a professional, yet warm and friendly atmosphere where you may seek prayerful and confidential encouragement, as well as counseling and reassurance of God's love and care for each individual.

The Center for Spiritual Development is a place to receive Christian love and assistance in meeting the daily challenges of our Christian journey. At the Center parishioners may find answers, direction, more questions, and maybe even miracles. The Center is a safe place – a place where we can walk and talk with fellow Christians on our journey. My sincere hope is the Center for Spiritual Development will be a place to truly fulfill the two Great Commandments: “Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27.)

The last of our new beginnings involves another new lay volunteer who has stepped up in mission and ministry. That is Megan Chatham who is our new Coordinator of Small Groups. Megan is not exactly new to Christ Church since she grew up here. She has returned with some exciting experience in having been a small group ministry person in a number of churches around the nation. She will be assisting our Faith Families and facilitating the start of several new small groups in the next few months.

I am truly excited in seeing all these talented people stepping up to volunteer here at Christ Church. When you see them, say hello and thank them for their ministries. Also, please remember them in your prayers.