12
the messenger ON THE COVER Learn about a new Women’s Bible Study at Christ Church, Made to Crave. Participants share how prayer and community encourage them on their journey. ALSO INSIDE An uplifting story that will inspire you to find your place to serve - no matter your age! SPRING 2016

Spring Messenger, 2016

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Read our quarterly magazine-like publication that includes stories of God's mighty works through the people and ministries of Christ Church.

Citation preview

Page 1: Spring Messenger, 2016

the messenger

ON THE COVER

Learn about a new Women’s Bible Study at Christ Church, Made to Crave. Participants share how prayer and community encourage them on their journey.

ALSO INSIDE

An uplifting story that will inspire you to find your place to serve - no matter your age!

SPRING 2016

Page 2: Spring Messenger, 2016

Building Our Life Together

CHRIST CHURCH EPISCOPAL CLERGY

The Rev. Dr. Harrison McLeod Rector

The Rev. Robert Chiles Associate for Pastoral Care

The Rev. Gary Eichelberger Associate for Faith Development

& Worship

The Rev. Jeffrey Meadowcroft Assistant Priest

The Rt. Rev. Donald HultstrandBishop-in-Residence

The Rev. David JacksonSenior Chaplain of CCES

The Rev. Peggy MuncieExecutive Director of Canterbury

Counseling Center

Known as the “Parish in the Heart of the City,” Christ Church Episcopal is blessed by the beauty of its physical surroundings, which have been preserved and expanded by the energy and vision of its faithful stewards, both past and present. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are inspired to be A Joyful Community Sharing Life in Jesus Christ.

Christ Church is home to a diverse group of parishioners, composed of individuals who live in Greenville proper as well as various communities in and around the Upstate. We are a house of worship, prayer, education and care for all people, both in our parish and within our community, and offer a place for everyone. We hope you will join us.

The Messenger is a quarterly publication of Christ Church Episcopal. All articles are written by Christ Church parishioners and friends.

1 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 2

John Claypool was an Episcopal Priest for a good number of years serving in the Diocese of Alabama. As an immigrant from the Baptist Church, he valued the way in which the Episcopal worship style was constructed and the way in which the whole congregation was involved. He believed that it was from the act of corporate worship that the entire congregation was empowered for ministry. The acts of eating a sacred meal together in the Eucharist and the act of welcoming our youngest members into the church family through Baptism were defining aspects of our life together. Indeed, it is through these weekly activities that we become part of the same family, and not just any family, but the family of the faithful. Through the Eucharist and through Baptism we become the Body of Christ and are prepared

and nurtured for our life together and our witness to the world.

In this issue of The Messenger, you will be able to read about the various wonderful ministries of our parish. We are on the edge of restoring our beautiful historic church, and in doing so we will be presented with an opportunity to restore our spirits and our work. You will read about how the act of ushering can be a profound opportunity to welcome people into our life together as we serve. The entire issue speaks to our ability to live more fully into our call to be A Joyful Community Sharing Life in Jesus Christ.

As we move forward, I believe we will discover that it is not simply the act of worship that cements us together as a body of faithful Christians, but the work that we share and the relationships that we build. I hope you will linger over these stories and that they provide you with an invitation to become a full member in our life together here at Christ Church. With all of us together, there is no end to the good God can accomplish through us.

Faithfully,

The Rev. Dr. Harrison McLeod, Rector

Page 3: Spring Messenger, 2016

1 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 2

Sometimes a chance conversation with a stranger can lead to something very meaningful. In this case, the stranger was a customer at a boutique I own in downtown Greenville.

Last summer, a woman making a purchase told me what a cute shop I had, and how many pretty things I had for sale. Normally, this would make my day, but on this occasion, I responded in a not-so-optimistic way. I told her thank you, and then added, “Too bad I can’t wear anything in here myself.” Why I decided to share this pessimistic view with that particular customer on that particular day, I now see as God’s work.

Although my comment may have been a bit exaggerated, it was primarily true. You see, in my shop I sell swimsuits. I also happen to be very overweight, by over 100 pounds. It may seem strange that a person who is so out of shape would decide to open a boutique that specializes in such body-conscious clothing, but it had been a dream of mine for many years, and I decided that I was not going to let my weight keep me from it.

Often in the shop, I hear women speaking so poorly of their bodies that I want to cry. Most times, I cannot see the flaws which they are pointing to in the mirror, but

By Anne Mayher

they see it. However, it can also be quite inspiring. Having a woman come in and find a suit, which not only fits but looks great on her in her eyes, is quite rewarding. I have heard tears of elation and shouts of exuberance from the dressing room many times. When an eighty plus year-old lady came in and bought a bikini, despite her very wrinkled skin, I rejoiced. She was seemingly healthy and still active, and that is what I wished we women aspired to instead of worrying about a few dimples on our legs.

On that day last summer, I haphazardly voiced my frustration with my own body image with that random customer. Instead of discounting me, she was encouraging and spoke about a friend of hers who had struggled with weight her entire life. This friend had discovered a book titled Made to Crave as a part of a church Bible study, and it had helped her overcome her weight struggle.

Almost immediately, I began reading Made to Crave. Although I had prayed to God more times than I can count to take away my weight loss struggle, I had never thought to replace my cravings for food with cravings for God’s word and His presence in my life. My weight loss journey turned into a spiritual journey. I now believe God may have given me

this struggle in order to truly know Him. I knew I had to share this revelation with others.

I reached out to Lieshe Middleton, Director of Young Adult Ministries at Christ Church, who I had become friends with through the Young Adult Ministry. She was one of my customers who successfully lost weight and found a swimsuit complimenting her new body shape. I knew she would understand the power this book and Bible study could have in the lives of many Christ Church women.

The women in our group do not necessarily need to lose weight, but may have cravings that are unhealthy. It could be a craving for sugar or a craving for other’s approval. Together, and with God’s word, we are discovering how to manage and even overcome these unhealthy cravings. What I love about the group is the diversity of ages. We have women in their early twenties through their early seventies, but we share similar struggles. We are using God’s word to become healthier versions of ourselves, but we are also accountable to each other. We discover new activities together and share our faith and struggles in a safe, supportive environment.

Page 4: Spring Messenger, 2016

3 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 4

I've enjoyed this class for many reasons, but I delight in the knowledge and understanding of one important thing: we were made to crave. A real moment for me in this class continues to be my discovery that I am made for much more than a struggle with eating, dieting, etc... I am a beloved Child of God. I was not set here on this Earth to be miserable. And the first step of leaving that behind is to use God's strength within me to fill that void with His love. We are made for so much more than this... This is not a path to face alone. I love having the women of Christ Church with me, surrounding me with love on this journey.

Since beginning the Made to Crave Bible study in January, I have personally felt the power of this study. After my father passed away in late January, I was comforted just knowing I was a part of this wonderful group of women. I received so many wonderful cards and messages from them, and it helped give me a sense of belonging at a time when I felt such great loss. I feel the timing of my Dad’s death coinciding with this class is, again, God’s work.

I know there was a reason that I chose to reveal myself to that customer that day. I may never fit into one of the bikinis I sell in my shop, but I am more fulfilled with God in my life, and I have come to know many wonderful women as a result. My

hope is that after the Bible study ends, we will have lasting friendships and support systems. I also hope the Made to Crave Bible study becomes a recurring study at Christ Church. It is sometimes easier to not participate, especially when we have such busy lives. However, when you do become involved and truly give of yourself, especially at church, the rewards can be extraordinary.

Does this class interest you, but you were unable to attend this session? There has been so much interest that we might do it again. Contact Lieshe Middleton at 672.4145 or [email protected] if you have an interest in Made to Crave in the fall.

Eliza Alderman

This class isn't what I expected when I first felt led to sign up. God really put this on my heart to be present here and so I said, "OK Lord, please show me what you are going to do with this, and help me to be wise in you and receive it." I do crave more of God in every aspect of my life. One thing I quickly realized is that we all do. And we are all broken. We may not be able to name that thing that we use to fill that God-sized hole in our bodies, our hearts, our soul or our spirit, but it is indeed God that we all crave. He truly made us to crave... Him! Just as we are all very different people, how the void of Him manifests itself is very different and our filling of that void is very different too. But it all boils down to a root of separation from who God created us to be and who we are in Him. This space has been wonderful for us "Jesus girls" to get real with ourselves and each other, and most importantly with our Abba Father... And God Loves, cherishes and adores each one of us... Period! He loves us so much that He will not leave us where we are. And for that and so much more I am so very grateful.

Betsy Philmon

It has been wonderful making connections with each of you over the past month. I have enjoyed seeing y’all on Sundays and feeling such a part of community in our church.

Amy Hudson

We serve a really neat God, and I am sad that I spent years away, not listening and praying to hear. It's good to be back, and I know sometimes life is really tough - even close to God, and... sometimes God is silent.

Cindy McCravy

Page 5: Spring Messenger, 2016

3 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 4

By Ben Norwood

Christ Church has been blessed with so many wonderful new members who bring their time, talents and treasures to our church home. I always tell folks when I meet with them not to be intimidated by the size of our church - once you find a Sunday School class, an outreach opportunity, a particular service you like to attend or a Bible study, the church feels like home very quickly.

In order to help our newcomers make connections with other parishioners, we have formed a Welcoming Committee. Newcomers will be matched with a committee member who will contact them and welcome them to the church. At Christ Church, we have found that personal contact is the most effective way to get folks involved. Simply inviting a newcomer to attend a church service together, meet for a cup of coffee or join a Bible study will hopefully engage and involve newcomers right away.

Welcoming Committee members will also help with events for newcomers such as Discovery Weekend, Confirmation, Newcomer Social in the fall and New Member Dinner in the spring. If you are interested in being part of this new ministry, contact Emily Davis, 672.4152 or [email protected].

Finding a new church can take a lot of time and patience, but my family and I were lucky enough to find a new home at Christ Church after only a few visits. We loved our smaller church in Richmond, Virginia, so I was initially intimidated by the size of Christ Church. We had recently enrolled our youngest in Christ Church’s preschool and were very impressed, so we thought the church was a good place to begin our search.

During our first few visits, we were blown away by how helpful and welcoming everyone was to our family. The Reverend Jeffrey Meadowcroft immediately took us under his wing and introduced us to the amazing Ministry and Muffins Sunday School class. We continued to attend the 9:00 AM church service and Sunday School classes, but I think the turning point in our church search was Father Jeffrey encouraging me to speak during an Advent discussion

series. This was definitely outside of my comfort zone, especially being new to the church, but I trusted his advice and agreed to be one of the speakers.

This is when I realized the key to joining a new church is just saying “yes” when an opportunity arises. In doing so, a large church can feel so much smaller and more familiar. You open yourself up to new relationships and tap into the many ways you can serve God through your church involvement.

Since our first visit over two years ago, we have participated in Discovery Weekend and attended the Wednesday night programming. My husband was confirmed and I was reaffirmed last spring, and our oldest child took his first communion. We are regulars in the Ministry and Muffins Sunday School class and both of our daughters sing in the children’s choir. Our four-year-old continues to love her time at Christ

Church Preschool, and my son is playing on the church league basketball team. As a family, we were honored to light the Advent candles and we recently welcomed our fourth child, who we look forward to having baptized in May.

A few months ago, I was asked to join the Welcoming Committee, and I happily accepted. My hope is that I can help new members and their families feel welcome so they, too, can say yes to the many opportunities available as a member of Christ Church. And to all of the church members, staff and clergy who reached out to us during our time here, a special thank you. You are the reason we now call Christ Church home.

- Katie Burns

A Welcoming Face

Welcoming CommitteeAnn Bull

Katie & Worth BurnsMelanie & Robert Calder

Jean & Julian DorityBarb & Mike Evert

Elayne GeigerKait & Miles Henslee

Laura & Marshall JohnsonMarshall & Townes JohnsonMartha Louise & Lee Lewis

Elizabeth McCoolLauren & Peter Murray

Ann NuckollsJenny & Jeff Peer

Cheves & Garrett SteckAbbe & Patrick Weston

Page 6: Spring Messenger, 2016

5 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 6

Through the enduring liturgies of Holy Week, we have the opportunity each year to recognize and appreciate the critical ways in which our lives are bound up with and defined by the journey to the cross that Jesus of Nazareth took almost two thousand years ago.

As we enter Holy Week through the Procession of the Palms on Palm Sunday, we are invited to pray the following: “Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace.” It would be my hope for you that, as you prepare for Holy Week, you would consider this prayer and that, through the liturgies of Holy Week – as you walk in the way of the cross, you would recognize it to be just that – the way of life and peace.

On Palm Sunday, we start our journey by commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed and lauded with “Hosannas!” as “the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” However, within a matter of minutes, we find ourselves, in the reading of the Passion Gospel, joining in the demands of the gathered crowd that has now turned against him. As we shout together “Crucify him! Crucify him!” we acknowledge that, through our sins, we are counted amongst those responsible for his suffering.

On Monday and Tuesday evening of Holy Week, through our special services of Holy Eucharist, we first hear the account of Mary anointing Jesus’s feet with costly oil – which foreshadows both Jesus’s washing of the disciples’ feet on Maundy Thursday and his entombment on Good Friday – followed on Tuesday by the account of Jesus’s proclamation that “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

On Wednesday evening, following a tradition in the church dating back to the eighth century, we gather for the Tenebrae service, where we will have the opportunity to meditate on a succession of scripture readings as a series of candles are extinguished until we find ourselves in near darkness – symbolizing the dwindling devotion of the disciples over the course of the trials of Holy Week.

On Thursday, we enter the Paschal Triduum, consisting of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil – the three holiest days of the church year. As we approach the services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil, it is helpful to recognize that, though they span three days, the services actually constitute one continuous liturgy taking us from the Last Supper to the Empty Tomb. Thus, there is no dismissal at the conclusion of either the Maundy Thursday or the Good Friday service.

With sundown on Maundy Thursday, we are called upon to remember the Last Supper that Christ shared with his disciples on his way to the Cross and to recall how, through that meal, Christ washed the feet of his disciples and instructed them in preparation for the Eucharistic banquet that would become the center of the Church’s worship life after his resurrection.

As we then celebrate the Eucharist together on Maundy Thursday, we also prepare for an important distinction accorded to the two days that will follow. That is, Good Friday and Holy Saturday are the only

WALKING IN THE WAY OF THE CROSS

The Journey of Holy WeekBy The Rev. Gary Eichelberger

Page 7: Spring Messenger, 2016

5 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 6

two days of the church year when the Eucharist may not be celebrated. In anticipation of this absence, we sanctify additional bread and wine such that the Body and Blood of Christ may be reserved for distribution at the Good Friday service and available to be taken to the sick, if needed, over the course of the following two days. These reserved gifts of bread and wine are then veiled and processed to an altar of repose in the chapel, where parishioners will be invited to keep vigil in prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the hours between the conclusion of the Maundy Thursday service and midnight.

Before the Maundy Thursday service ends, however, the sanctuary must be prepared for the somber nature of the day that follows. Thus, as the congregation remains kneeling, the stripping of the altar takes place, whereby all ornaments are removed from the sanctuary. With the linens, altar hangings, sacred vessels, candles, and other adornments removed, the sanctuary is left dark and bare in anticipation of the continuation of the Triduum liturgy on Good Friday.

On Good Friday, a day of heightened self-examination, prayer, and fasting, we return to the church in solemn commemoration of the momentous events of this day. We hear the Passion Gospel once again. We pray the Solemn Collects. We kneel in adoration for the solemn Procession of the Cross. We receive the Body and Blood of Christ from the reserved sacrament. And, after the church bell tolls thirty-three times in remembrance of the years of our Crucified Lord’s earthly life, we depart in silence and await the setting of the sun on Saturday – when we will gather for the Great Vigil of Easter and complete the paschal liturgy with great joy and fanfare.

Holy Week & EasterPALM SUNDAY, MARCH 20

Regular Service Schedule No Sunday School

MONDAY, MARCH 21 & TUESDAY, MARCH 225:45 PM - Holy Eucharist, Chapel

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 237:00 AM - Holy Eucharist, Chapel10:30 AM - Holy Eucharist, Chapel

5:45 PM - Tenebrae, Chapel(Nursery available Infant - K5)

MAUNDY THURSDAY, MARCH 247:00 PM - Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing

and the Stripping of the Altar, Church(Nursery available Infant - K5)

Following the service, a Vigil will be kept with the Reserved Sacrament in Markley Chapel until midnight.

GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 2512:10 PM - Good Friday Liturgy, Church

12 noon - K5 - 5th Grade Stations of the Cross(Nursery available Infant - K4)

6:00 PM - Stations of the Cross, Church

HOLY SATURDAY / EASTER EVE, MARCH 264:30 PM - Baptism, Chapel

7:30 PM - The Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter, Church

EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 277:30 AM - Holy Eucharist, Chapel9:00 AM - Holy Eucharist, Church9:00 AM - Holy Eucharist, Chapel11:15 AM - Holy Eucharist, Church 11:15 AM - Holy Eucharist, Chapel

Nursery available Infant - K2 during 9:00 AM & 11:15 AMNo FaithSteps, Sunday School or 5:00 PM service

Having walked in the way of the cross together, we will then know it as the way of life and peace as we experience the present power and reality of

the Risen Christ and together acclaim: “The Lord is risen indeed!”

Page 8: Spring Messenger, 2016

7 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 8

I had the honor and privilege to work as a Christ Church tutor at the Sterling Torch Program with a young lady named Dasia Yearby during her 4th and 5th grade years.

Sterling Torch is an after-school program offered

in the Sterling Community Center at the old high school gymnasium. While working with Dasia, I was always talking about Christ Church Episcopal School (CCES). I wore the CCES t-shirts all the time, and talked about going to school there for thirteen years as well as teaching there for 23 years. Dasia had CCES burned into her brain.

One day, the Torch staff attended an educational seminar where CCES presented their scholarship opportunities. CCES asked the staff if there was a child participating in the Torch program who might qualify to attend CCES. Dasia came to their minds immediately.

The staff contacted Dasia's parents and this set the wheels in motion. The Yearbys met with admissions and toured the school. Dasia spent a day shadowing a student, was tested and interviewed and then

poof… Dasia was given a full scholarship! Only one student per year is offered this opportunity, which will last through high school graduation. She turned eleven years old and started 6th grade this year. During our time together, Dasia and I formed an incredible bond. On a recent visit to see her, she was so excited to see me and hugged me so tight I could hardly breathe. I hugged her back just as hard. I made an impact on her life and she has impacted mine as well. She is very happy, doing well and has made many friends. Her mom says her goal is to be the first female wrestler on the Christ Church team. She is already placing high on her community wrestling team. This is my 5th year serving as a tutor in the Sterling Torch Program. This year, we have 34 students and only 17 tutors. More tutors are needed. Do you want to make a difference in a child's life? YOU CAN! Volunteer as a Christ Church tutor just one day a week for one hour. There are kids from K5 through 5th grade, and you can choose which age you want to help. You don't have to be a former teacher like me to get involved. Being a tutor is very rewarding.

For more information on getting involved, please contact Debbie Rice at 282.3108 or [email protected].

can change a l ifeBy Helen Wallace

one hour a week

Part of the Angel Tree ministry opportunities in December raised money for Christ Church and Fourth Presbyterian to take the children of the Sterling Torch Program to Barnes and Noble to

pick out their very own books.

We are scheduled to take the children on this book buying experience the afternoons of May

12, 19 and 26. If you would like to join us, contact Debbie Rice at 282.3108 or [email protected].

Page 9: Spring Messenger, 2016

7 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 8

Jack Symonette has never been one to let a challenge slow him down.

He has always wanted to take an active role at Christ Church, and he has been encouraged by his family and church family to pursue those activities. He loves to sing in the choir and play hand bells. He has participated in Sunday School and EYC and has played, and now coaches, church league basketball.

Jack always watched the ushers at the different services we attended and would ask questions about what they did and how they were chosen. I would share with him what I thought their duties were and how it was a great honor to be chosen for this big responsibility. He asked a couple of times if he could usher, but I told him that would be something to do when he was older, as we never saw anyone his age doing it.

As usual, Jack would not be deterred. Every Sunday, he would ask questions about “ushering” and how old would he have to be to do it and how exciting it would be to do. I’m not kidding – every Sunday. So one Sunday, he asked if he could talk to one of the ushers. With a big sigh, I said, “Sure, why not?”

If not for Nelson Arrington and John Bethea, Jack would not be doing his dream job. Nelson was the first person we talked to about the requirements of the job. Jack asked how old someone had to be to usher. To my surprise and amazement – and with great Christian love – Nelson asked Jack how old he was. Jack answered fourteen; Nelson answered back that you had to be at least fourteen! I have never seen Jack smile as big as he did that very moment. He told Nelson quickly that he would love to be an usher. Nelson was kind enough to put Jack on his team and show him the ropes. But that wasn’t enough for Jack. He shows up early every Sunday, just in case a scheduled usher can’t make it at the last minute.

John Bethea saw how important this is to Jack and put him to work every Sunday at Contemporary worship, and Jack couldn’t be happier. Jack is in a wheelchair right now, recovering from some orthopedic surgery. Jack told his friend John about his upcoming surgery, and John asked if Jack was nervous about the procedure. In typical Jack fashion, he told John he wasn’t, but he did confide to John that he was worried about who would usher while he was in his wheelchair. John told him right then that Jack would not be getting any time off from his duties and that he would be the first usher at Christ Church to perform his duties from a wheelchair – even if John had to push him himself. Which John does every Sunday.

I hope one day I will “get it” like my son Jack and people like Nelson and John do. They take great joy in their service to God and others. Not as an obligation that needs to be done, but as an opportunity to touch the lives of those around them.

Nelson, John and Jack, thank you for showing me how wonderful service can be.

By Katy & Allan Symonette

God’s Light

SHINING through Others

---

---

Page 10: Spring Messenger, 2016

9 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 10

Our current youth programs operate with help from many volunteers, parents, young adults and, most consistently, our student leaders. When Kimberly Morgan was hired in August 2014, her vision of youth mentoring other youth was already in progress by Joel Tassie, but it needed to grow. With Joel's departure 11 months later, the need for more Student Leadership Team (SLT) members increased. Kimberly immediately began to look for more college interns to help with the high school youth, and to recruit more high school youth to help with the middle school programs.

Currently, we have eight young adults helping with youth Sunday School, Journey On... and Koinonia. Young adults are teaching, mentoring and serving as table leaders for Confirmation. The high school and middle school youth love seeing young professionals give back to the church by coming alongside them as they are "growing up."

There are also 12 - 15 older adults who help teach Sunday School or lead tables for Confirmation. We also have four college interns, all from Furman, who help with Journey On..., the high school Sunday night Bible study. These college interns play games, lead small groups and show the high school students that you can indeed be a "cool kid for Christ!" Chris Sherman, a junior at Furman states, "I think the middle and

high school years are so influential and important because it is when people become mature enough to really decide for themselves to take on a walk with Christ. I delight in any way I can be a part of this and it's a blessing to see youth with their own faith at a young age. It is an amazing thing."

“Being on the student leadership team is a rewarding opportunity. The high schoolers love being able to show the middle schoolers the same love, support and welcome that we were shown just a few years ago, by high schoolers then. Wednesday nights are more than planning, they are about showing the middle schoolers the love of Jesus. It is so fun being able to watch the middle schoolers interact and grow in their faith. Being on SLT is all about giving back and watching the transforming love of Jesus being shown through a great group of middle schoolers.” - Madeline Fletcher

On Wednesday nights, there are over 15 high school students that help with EYC! Many of these students have been student leaders for a couple of years, but the addition of several new members has given this team its strong sense of community and pride for what they are doing with the middle school students.

“I had wanted to be a part of SLT since I was in middle school. I wanted to show the current

middle schoolers the same love that SLT showed me when I was in middle school. It’s always a great feeling to be thanked by the middle schoolers or even them just asking to play a game during creative chaos. Overall, SLT has been a great experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” - Charles McKissick, Jr.

At EYC, you might see high school youth hyping up the middle school youth during large group games, leading games in the gym, running the AV equipment, giving talks about our topic, leading small group discussions, teaching youth how to throw a Frisbee and simply building relationships with these youth so that they feel welcome and loved on mid-week!

“SLT is so much more than teaching the youth, the leadership team that serves learns a ton too. It’s amazing how we go on Wednesday nights to teach them, but just in the basic actions of the night, I go home feeling like I’ve learned more than the kids. Often times the talks I give are reverberated to me, and our small group discussions are beneficial to both the leaders and the kids. I’ve been involved in SLT for four years now and every single night I’ve learned something new about myself, the kids, leadership in general, and most importantly, about God.” - Alex Wright

Student Leadership Team

Page 11: Spring Messenger, 2016

9 | The Messenger Christ Church Episcopal | 10

Anthony Pickett given by Lenora Ann Hultstrand

Beegi Oakley Clohan given by Dean Camak

Charlotte Pool Bennett given by David & Barbara Massey and Francis Neuffer

David N. Vaughan, Jr. given by Katherine P. Thomason

Dianne S. Gushue given by John F. Gushue

Dr. Clark Collins given by Wendy & Watt McCain

Edward Leon Smith given by Joanna B. Stone

Fletcher Cullen Mann, Sr. given by Blanche P. Mann

Frank, Shirley & Caine Halter given by Debbie & Mike Bell

Frederick Eugene Schroder given by Bill & Cindy Poe, Sherard and Steck families, Gladys L. Dyke, Mary Holt & Gunn Murphy, Joyce Parks, Rebecca Turner Riggs, Murray & Foster McKissick, JoLynne Pearce, and Randy & Sandy Freeman

Gil Gilreath given by Wendy & Watt McCain

Howard W. McCall given by Stephenson Insurance Agency

James Boyce Pressly III given by Wendy & Watt McCain

Jerry Lynn Shirley given by Dorothy Grimball, Mr. & Mrs. E. Marvin Harrison, Dr. Pam Snape, Marilyn S. Jones, Ashley & Tom Reynolds, Lenora Ann Hultstrand, Hamlin Withington, Jim Seel Jr., Wendy & Watt McCain, and Starla Revels

Larkin Hamilton Jennings III given by Wendy & Watt McCain

Lesa Ingram Dyar given by Gaye & Joel Sprague

Marcus Eddy Cunningham, Jr. given by MaryWills & Tom LeCroy, Michael & Joan Kellett, Buzz & Lou O’Brien, Joanna B. Stone, Mr. & Mrs. Laymon L. Echols, Wayne & Barbara Klasing, Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Stripling, Jr., Jean & Julian Dority, Four Bees Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. John M. Kohler, Jr., Don & Judy Lineback, Thayer Fleming, Ann & John Evans, Paula S. Ginger, Josh & Juliet Knowles, Janie & Lynn Yeargin, Ben & Sunshine Norwood, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hassold, Kitsy & Hy Small, Ladies Golf Assoc. of Greenville Country Club, Joyce & Duane Ford, Toni Ramsey, Charlotte & Jim Scott,

Howard D. McEwen, Patsy, Jim, Rebecca & Emily Jennings, Steve & Priscilla Pearce, Cary & Herman Walker, Martha M. Keller, Nancy Jennings, Chuck & Angelle Reichert, Nell & Will Lucius, Joan Mason, Lauren Mason Moulton, Fielding & Gally Gallivan, Marcy & Dexter Hagy, Dr. E. D. Jervey, Ashley & Tom Reynolds, Susan & David Donelson, Ann & Ron Copsey, Ken & Yoshiko Mizuno, Mr. & Mrs. O. Perry Earle III, Denby & Lee Davenport, Breeden & Dorothy Hollis, Deborah & Chris Klasing, Carroll & Jimsie Hart, Bill & Cindy Poe, Lenora Ann Hultstrand, Mr. & Mrs. James Foody, Ann & Joe Jennings, Bruce & Betsy Wagner, Louise E. Oxner, Chip & Sandy Whitlock, Dena S. Benedict, Wendy & Watt McCain, Starla Revels, Bob & Ann Haney, Ann & Morris Williams, Jo & Harry Ussery, Howard & Kay Daniel, Jean & Francis Mendenhall, Walt & Nancy Taylor, Benjamin & Martha Reed, Lucy H. Hummers, Joyce Parks, Ben & Karen Clark, Murray & Foster McKissick, JoLynne Pearce, Robert A. Smith, Barry & Christine Downs, Jeanne Bouton, Robert & Dorothy King, Jill & Rick Schwartz, Debra & Mark Youngblood, Bonnie Mitchell

Marguerite Taylor Ramage given by Wendy & Watt McCain

Mildred Robbins given by Lenora Ann Hultstrand and Wendy & Watt McCain

Patricia Nelson Earle given by Joyce Parks and JoLynne Pearce

Pedrick Stall Lowrey given by Jacob F. B. Lowrey III

Robert Reid McGowan, Sr. given by Donna I. Rhyne

Steven Arthur Hauser given by Janey & Larry House, Chip & Sandy Whitlock, and Andrew N. Poliakoff

Sue Haselwood Norris given by Lenora Ann Hultstrand, Sherard & Steck families, and Jeanne B. Bouton

The Antonakos Family given by Mr. Wayne Clayton

William Walton Rixey Jr. given by Lou & Buzz O’Brien, Bob & Page Hoyle, Lib Ann Harrison, Jeanne B. Bouton

GIFTS WERE GIVEN WITH THANKSGIVING By Jim Seel Jr.

Memorials Given in the Fourth Quarter

of 2015

A memorial gift to Christ Church is a thoughtful way to express sympathy for the loss of a special person. Gifts can also be made in honor of or in thanksgiving for those who are living. The church acknowledges these gifts to the

donor and provides a list of the donors to the family of the deceased or to the honoree. Memorial funds may go to a ministry that touched the deceased or the honoree, or to the Christ Church Endowment.

GIFTS WERE GIVEN IN MEMORY OF:

Page 12: Spring Messenger, 2016

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 367GREENVILLE, SC

Address Service Requested

10 N. Church Street • Greenville, SC 29601 • 864.271.8773 • www.ccgsc.org

What an exciting time.

We anticipate starting our restoration of the historic church at the beginning of August. It has been a long road from the first time we recognized that we could no longer delay in restoring our beautiful church to its previous glory to the present where we will actually see the scaffolding rise and the work begin. During the interim, which is expected to last 24 months, we will have our worship services in the All Saints Center (ASC).

When that building was constructed over ten years ago, I doubt that Christ Church imagined it would become so central to our worship life. What was envisioned as a center for our youth will now become the center of our worship services. While the ASC cannot compare with the magnificence of the historic church, worship there will continue to be dignified, uplifting and faithful to our Episcopal traditions. Even now, plans are being made to enhance the space to more easily accommodate worship services that are reverent and beautiful. We will have an altar, pulpit and font, and create a space that will allow for baptisms, Eucharists, funerals and all the other services that have come to mean so much to so many of us over so many years.

We are also in contact with several other parishes in Greenville about the use of their worship spaces for our weddings. Sharing liturgical space during major construction or restoration projects is very common among churches in any community. In fact, we have hosted weddings for other denominations when their worship spaces were under construction or renovation.

As I have said before, perhaps the most exciting aspect of the restoration project will be the opportunity it provides us to think creatively about our schedule and ministry. I can envision a coffee hour following a mid-morning service. Perhaps we could see the return of a ministry like “Holy Toast” to provide us with breakfast before Sunday School. Perhaps we will be able to gather as a single community at worship and enjoy the enthusiasm that comes from

a service where most of our church family is able to be present. The possibilities are endless.

I continue to pray that the restoration project will provide us with the wonderful opportunity to experience a kind of restoration of our common life and allow us to grow even more fully into the community God has called us to be.

As we move forward in this restoration, I hope you will visit frequently and invest yourself in the life and ministry of our parish. It is indeed an exciting time.

Church Restoration

UpdateBy The Rev. Dr. Harrison McLeod