The Messenger

So much happening @ Christ Church! EVERY SUNDAY Study ...... 8:30 AM Worship Service ...... 10:00 AM EVERY MONDAY Dropped Stitches ...... 2:00 PM EVERY WEDNESDAY Holy Communion ...... 10:00 AM Quilters Gather ...... 9:00 AM EVERY THURSDAY Never Again Never Alone ...... 7:00 PM EVERY SATURDAY Flute Choir ...... 11:00 AM Kyle Murphy ...... 1 10/4 ...... Animal Blessing Convocation Meeting Michael Knight ...... 10/7 ...... First Saturday 10/9 ...... Finance Com. Scott Rider...... 10/13-14 ...... Diocesan Convention Jean Lowery ...... 10/15 ...... Bread for the World Sunday 10/21 ...... Corning Trip Vicki Yeagley ...... 10/23 ...... Vestry 10/27—28 ...... Rummage Sale Tim Hanner ...... 10/29 ...... Sunday 11/4 ...... First Saturday 11/5 ...... All Saints Sunday 11/11 ...... Veronica’s Installation as Rector 11/18 ...... Victorian Christmas 11/23 ...... Thanksgiving 11/26 ...... Christ the King Sunday—Evensong 12/3 ...... Advent 1—Prayer Bead Workshop 12/10 ...... Advent Tea 12/17 ...... Greening of the Church Caroling on the Trolley 12/24 ...... Christmas Eve—10 AM, 5 PM, 10 PM 12/25 ...... Christmas Day 12/31 ...... Skrutsky/Graybill Wedding

October 2017 1 PLEASE WELCOME TWO NEW GROUPS TO OUR CHURCH HOME 1. Jeff Johnson and quilting friends will be gathering most Wednesdays from about 9:00 Oct. 4 5:30 PM AM to 3:00 PM to sew, quilt—and chat! All are invited—bring your sewing machine or In the courtyard on Fourth St. handwork. There is a rotation for providing Please encourage your family and friends to join us lunch. in the fun acknowledgement of the gifts of pets in 2. The Williamsport Flute Choir will be practicing our lives. in our choir room on Saturdays from 11—1. Please be sure to welcome these new friends and make yourself available to answer any questions they have about our beautiful church or the Episcopal way.

FIELD TRIP!

October 21 7 AM Bus trip to the Corning Museum of Glass, lunch downtown, a visit to our sister Christ Church & home again Bus Tickets: $17.00 ALL SAINTS’ DAY IS Museum & lunch additional THURSDAY, Sign up now to ensure you have a seat We will celebrate it at our regular service on , where we will remember each saint of our own heart by name. If you have family members or friends you would like to honor in this way, please either email the church ([email protected]) or add your names to the list at the sign up area.

October 2017 2 Dear Friends, Dear Friends, Greetings! By now I am sure you have heard me Well, I’m back from the cruise, and yes, it was great mention Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and my fun. We started with a few days in New York , course work for this fall. I thought I would take a visiting the 911 memorial and museum and touring moment, now that it is upon us and my schedule is the Intrepid. Then we had a day at sea, so we ate all solidified, to share it with you. A few weeks ago, I day—you cruise-goers know what I mean. began my nine-month chaplaincy at Geisinger. This

is a requirement for anyone seeking ordination. Halifax was lovely, and finally While in this program, I am required to work one seeing the Bay of Fundy and overnight shift per week and attend classes every Peggy’s Cove was a real treat. other Monday. My assigned shift is Wednesday Dan’s favorite part of the trip was night from 11 p.m. until 8:30 a.m. For that reason, I the superb tour of the Moosehead will not be in the office on Thursdays. Brewery. Here’s a picture of me drinking beer—a novelty for sure! CPE is an intense program that provides It was grapefruit beer. Dan says it’s a ruin of good opportunities to practice ministry and enables those beer, and I say it’s a ruin of good juice! involved to realize their full potential and to

strengthen the spiritual health of people in their care Boston was grand too—one of my favorite . as well as themselves. Since Geisinger is a Level 1 We took a tour on a fire truck; not to be missed if Trauma Center, I am dealing with people who find you go there. A sea day home, where we had a visit themselves in crisis and many others who are in by one of the hurricanes (the public areas of the ship need of meaningful spiritual conversations. were deserted—12 foot waves—I thought it was cool, but I don’t get seasick!) I’m so glad I took my On 22, my courses with the Stevenson vacation now, because it certainly doesn’t look like School for Ministry began. This term, which lasts there is any opportunity for time off through the rest until the middle of , I am taking two of the year. courses; Church History and Systematic

Theology. While I am at home on Thursdays I will Thanks mostly to the energy of our two young be writing papers, and participating in online leaders Kyle and Jeff, we have many wonderful discussion forums for these courses. adventures planned for the fall. I can’t tell you how lovely it is to be with all of you, and how much I Both of these programs have a long break built in appreciate your enthusiasm for all of our ideas. It is around the Christmas holiday so I will be able to surely a testament to your perseverance and stamina celebrate the holidays with you and my family and that you are all willing to jump right into this new have some time for replenishment and rest. era in your parish life. Thank you for your patience as we continue to settle in. Coming to any new I am looking forward to all of the exciting events congregation is a bit of a challenge, but training a we have coming up and I continue to cherish our ministry colleague and bringing in new choir time together here at Christ Church as we learn and master/organist pushes the excitement up just a bit! grow together. Know that you are always in my I am so grateful that Bishop Scanlan asked me to prayers. consider this adventure; it has brought a renewed vigor to my days. Much peace, It’s wonderful to be with you all—we’re going to have so much fun in the months to come, praising Kyle God, singing of the glories of life, breaking bread together, and serving the One who inspires every good thought and deed. Veronica +

October 2017 3 Sat. Oct 14

11:30 The backpacks and supplies Waltz’s Creamery we all donated went to The Lunch Bunch is a monthly get-together for Cochran , Stevens, and good food & fun. All are invited; please sign up in Hepburn Lycoming the Parish Hall so we can make the reservation. elementary schools. Happy kids! No lunch bunch in November; December be at The Valley Inn in South Williamsport FIRST SATURDAY OCTOBER 7 The menu will be a stuffed cabbage casserole. Ask how you can help!

UNITED CHURCHES FOOD PANTRY As our fast paced life beacons, let us not forget our REFRESHER TRAININGS Lord God who has blessed us all in many ways! Lectors...... As we praise and honor God remember to pray for all those who don’t have what they need to be Altar Guild ...... October 8 comfortable and fulfilled in our community and Altar Servers ...... October 22 around the world. Just one item from each of us could feed everyone who is in need in our Ushers ...... community. Each meeting will take place following coffee hour. Here is a list of some of our most needed items.... Anyone who is interested in any of these ministries Cereal Oatmeal Coffee (No K-Cups) is also welcome to join in—it’s a perfect way to Peanut Butter Jelly Ketchup start! Mustard Soups Pop Tarts

Mac&Cheese Spaghetti Sauce Canned Milk We have installed a collection center in Popcorn Canned Vegetables Jello/Pudding the Parish Hall. Please consider buying Canned Meats Stuffing Mixes Ramen Noodles one or more of the objects mentioned in Pasta Healthy Snacks Spaghetti-O’s these articles each time you shop. Thanks, Small Rice Bags Juice Canned Fruits Veronica Desert Mixes/Icing Tea Bags Hot Chocolate

October 2017 4 SHEPHERD OF THE STREETS FAMILY PROMISE The Shepherd’s office gives basic hygiene items to Here at Christ Church we have been prayerfully our clients in order to help them in general health. considering becoming a host congregation for Contributions of family-sized items are always Family Promise. We are still seeking feedback greatly needed. Baby items, especially diapers (size from you about whether or not you think God is 4 & 5) are also a prime need. Bedding is always calling us to this ministry. Not sure how if you needed. With fall and winter upon us, blankets are can help? Check out some of the details below! needed. Almost every person who comes through their doors is blessed by one or more of the hygiene Evening Drivers items people send. Approximate Time Spent: Less than 30 Minutes Guests depart Day Center on week days at 6:00 PM The list follows: Guests depart Day Center on weekends at 5:00 PM Toothpaste and Toothbrushes Shaving Cream and Razors Morning Drivers Shampoo and Conditioner Approximate Time Spent: Less than 30 Minutes Guests depart from church week days at 7:00 AM Women’s Hygiene Products Guests depart from church Saturday at 9:00 AM Towels and Wash Cloths Guests depart from host church Sunday at 8:00 AM Bedding and Blankets Tissues and Toilet Paper Evening Dinner Host(s) Approximate Time Spent: Less than 3 Hours Soap, Deodorant, Combs and Brushes Meal Hosts arrive to the church by 5:45 PM Baby Diapers, Shampoo, Oil, Wipes Powder to greet guests: stay with guests until Overnight Hosts arrive at 8:30 p.m. Dinner hosts provide a meal for the families who will be present that SPCA WISH LIST evening. (There can also be a group of people who 1. Cat Litter – Clay Type (not clumping type) can plan an activity or organize a game) 2. Kitten Food Overnight Hosts 3. Paper Towels Approximate Time Spent While Awake: 4. Laundry Detergent Less than 30 minutes 5. Cash donations to help pay for medicines Overnight hosts arrive to the church by 8:30 p.m. 6. Home-Grown Catnip Guest must be in rooms by 9:00 PM and up and 7. Copy Paper ready for departure at 7:00 AM on weekdays, 9 AM on Saturday and 8 AM on Sunday. 8. Postage Stamps There will be a comfortable private room made up 9. Foil-Bagged Dog Treats, Pig Ears, and Rawhides for the overnight hosts. 10. Gift cards for office supplies, department stores Basically, you show up and sleep! 11. Gasoline Cards for our Humane Officer’s trucks Other ways to help 12. Heavy Load Trash Bags  We can help organize the second floor to 13. Powdered kitten milk replacer provide a welcoming place for our guests to The SPCA collection box has also moved lay their heads. to the Parish Hall  We can support the program by collecting basic hygiene products.  We can hold our homeless neighbors in prayer.

Please talk with Kyle or Veronica about your feelings on this ministry.

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October 2017 7 Without Luther, without his brazen defiance of REFORMATION SUNDAY? papal authority, without his appeal to and protection Reformation Day (or Sunday) celebrates the by Frederick the Wise of Saxony, there might not disunity of the Church. It commemorates Martin have been an English Reformation. Had he not gone Luther’s break with Rome. Over the last almost 500 before, had he not shown a way, Henry VIII might years, Reformation Day has meant many things— not have had the courage to resist Clement VII. German Nationalism, the triumph of , the victory of the individual over the institution. Luther, the Protestant Reformation, remind us of the Like almost every other historical event, it has been important role of critique. They remind us that it’s invested with all sort of meaning, world-historical too easy to let the gospel be coopted by power; it’s significance. But that’s more than a single day, a too easy to compromise to make sure the institution single event, can bear. survives. When we remember Reformation Day, we are not celebrating the victory of the Protestant When Luther posted his 95 Theses, he sought Reformation over the forces of evil, we are calling debate on matters that he thought were of eternal for reformation of ourselves and of our churches; significance—the significance of the rite of we are calling for transformation: ecclesia semper penance. That his theses ended in a major schism reformanda! (Latin for "the church must always be within Western Christianity was unimaginable to reformed) him in 1517. That he might be excommunicated for his questions and for the ideas that he developed in Oh, and by the way, 2017 is the 500th response to his questions was also inconceivable. anniversary of Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses. The Rev. Jonathan Melton Yes, it’s a tragedy that Luther’s courageous witness ended in schism. It’s a tragedy that the Roman Catholic Church couldn’t find a way to embrace the The Harmonia Club will sing profound theological insights that Luther developed a Mendelssohn piece for (as has been documented recently, Luther’s ideas our Reformation Service were hardly unique in the early and there was significant support for much of what he on October 29 wrote as late as the 1540s). It’s a tragedy that after 500 years we remain divided in so many ways.

On the other hand, Luther’s insistence on the correctness of his theological insight in the face of Papal and Imperial opposition did something else. It provided inspiration to all those who in the last 500 years have sought to follow their vision of God and of Jesus Christ even when the authorities of Church and State have claimed their vision was wrong. It has given voice and power to the voiceless and powerless. It has provided a stance of prophetic opposition to the complacency and power of church and state. It reminds us daily that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not confined to the trappings of papal or imperial power, of state or church, or of Doris Herritt is looking for donations of unused institutional self-satisfaction. birthday cards to continue her ministry for us. Please give any donations to Deb Mechtly. For us Anglicans, by the way, who try to avoid the label of “Protestant” whenever possible, Luther and Thanks, Doris, for your ministry Reformation Day remind us of an uncomfortable to Christ Church! historical reality.

October 2017 8 Prayer Page IN OUR PARISH CONTINUED DISASTERS PRAY for Dan, Bob, Joh, Susan, Mary, Drew, Compassionate God… Richard, Judy, Donna, Erin, Sue, Olivia, Arn, Draw near to us in this time of sorrow and anguish, Declan, Shannon, Lauri, Charlie, Peggy, Jamie, Pat, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are Jose, Delaney, Ed, Tina, Scott, Pam, Kassie, Ben, weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to Jennifer, David, Elaine, Dorothy, Rick fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen HOLY WOMEN, HOLY MEN: CELEBRATING THE SAINTS

SHARING ABUNDANCE O Creator of all living things: We are all hungry in a world full of abundance. The possibilities of food for bodies and souls overflow in this beautiful world. We ask for the grace to see the abundance of our world and enough awareness to acknowledge our sins of greed and fear. Give us openness of soul and courageous, willing hearts to be with our sisters and brothers who are hungry and in pain. We ask for your intercession on behalf of every person hungry Give to the Episcopal Hurricane Relief Fund and for earthly food and hungry for the taste of the help people recover. This fund will support Spirit of God. We give thanks that we can be part of affected communities in the Caribbean and the that intercession. This world is blessed with enough US devastated after hurricanes and tropical food of the earth for every person to eat and be storms. Your donation will help meet urgent satisfied. We all can feed on the bread of Christ, needs after Hurricane Irma and other storms by through the Holy Spirit, as God makes a home in providing critical supplies such as food, water our hearts. We come together in awe and wonder and other basics and offering long-term at the Creator who loves us so much that we are assistance as needed. invited and urged to be co-creators with God in the http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can- care of our brothers and sisters. In the name of the do/give/donate-now/individual-donation tender Mother-Father of all people who hears every cry, Amen. ANN CASE

IRISH HALLOWEEN P RAYER

, a From ghoulies and ghosties nd long-leggedy beasties And things that go bump in the night,

Good Lord, deliver us!

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SECRET CAT DIARY DAY 52 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal.

DAY 61 –This appalling Beast is known by many names, "Cat Eater" being more appropriate than “Vacuum Cleaner.” Humans turn into raging monsters while under its influence, sucking up all the carefully shed cat hair and terrorizing the resident feline with evil glee. I hide.

DAY 71 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise of what they call singing, She didn't say I COULDN'T try it on.... and know Jeff has abandoned me forever. Just because I wouldn’t turn pages for him.

DAY 76 -Progress report:—the mice continue to elude me. Many bugs and little things that look sort-of like bugs have been destroyed—I get no thanks.

DAY 84 -They tell me that my primary human will be back in just a few more days. I will continue to search for where they buried her until I see for myself that she has not left me for all these petting fools.

LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS – All in all, I like it here. The crowds of people who live here apparently all work the night shift; I have to adapt and sleep at night, so I can keep an eye on them during the day.

Everyone thinks I’m beautiful and they all talk to me as though I care. Things are as they should be; most of them are totally under my control now. AND NO DOGS! Life is good!

Dante

National Cathedral Church Cat

October 2017 11 The Messenger The Messenger is the monthly newsletter of Christ Episcopal Church, Williamsport, in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. The Rev. Veronica Donohue Chappell Mr. Kyle Murphy, Lay Pastor 570-322-8160 [email protected]

We Worship Sunday: Holy Eucharist Rite, 10:00 a.m. Wednesday: Holy Eucharist with Healing, 10:00 a.m.

FOR SUCH A TIME is a commitment for each of us to pray, fast and act on the 21st of each month through December 2018, when the 115th Congress will conclude. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the ELCA invite us to commit to pray, fast and act to remember those in poverty and the challenges they face, and then to do something about it. See the Fasting Guide on pages 6-7 in this Newsletter

Christ Church Church Christ 426 Mulberry St. Mulberry 426 17701 PA Williamsport,

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