Who Seek God and Are Drawn by Christ

Home , Joy to the World (House)

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

IN THE CITY OF ROCKVILLE AND THE DIOCESE OF WASHINGTON

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

DECEMBER 24, 2020

AT 8:00 PM

PRELUDE A CHRISTMAS PRELUDE Charles Callahan Robert Toense, flute

AT THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE

CAROL O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL Adeste Fideles

O come, all ye faithful, Sing, choirs of angels, joyful and triumphant, Sing in exultation; O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem; sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; come and behold him, glory to God, glory in the highest; born the King of angels; (Refrain)) Refrain: O come, let us adore him; O come, let us Yea, Lord, we greet thee, adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ, born this happy morning, the Lord! Jesus, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, God from God, now in flesh appearing. Light from Light eternal, (Refrain) Lo! he abhors not the Virgin's womb; only begotten Son of the Father; (Refrain)

CCLAMATION A Priest The Word was made flesh and dwells among us. People We behold his glory. Priest There is on Body and one Spirit: People There is one hope in God’s call to us; Priest One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; People One God and Father of all.

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

READING We have been watching and waiting and Christmas is finally here! Tonight, we light the Candle of Hope, the Candle of Peace, the Candle of Joy and the Candle of Love. Now we add the large white candle in the center of Advent wreaths: the Christ Candle.

As all the candles are lit, we know that God’s love shines in our world and in our hearts. We are Children of Light and we can spread God’s light to other people by sharing God’s love.

PRAYER Dear God, thank you for being our Light in the darkness. Help us walk in that Light forever and ever. Thank you for Advent. Thank you for Christmas. Thank you for each other. Amen.

CAROL ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH Gloria

Angels we have heard on high, Refrain: singing sweetly through the night, Gloria, in excelsis Deo! and the mountains in reply Gloria, in excelsis Deo! echoing their brave delight: (turn page for next verses)

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, Why these songs of happy cheer? the new-born King. (Refrain) What great brightness did you see? What glad tidings did you hear? (Refrain) See him in a manger laid Whom the angels praise above! Come to Bethlehem and see Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, him whose birth the angels sing; While we raise our hearts in love. (Refrain)

COLLECT FOR THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD The Lord be with you. And also with you. O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

FIRST LESSON Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named them light has shined. You have multiplied the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before Father, Prince of Peace. you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when His authority shall grow continually, and there shall dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and be endless peace for the throne of David and his the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. and with righteousness from this time onward and For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for this. the fire. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

CAROL JOY TO THE WORLD Antioch A paraphrase of Psalms 98 and 96

Joy to the world! the Lord is come: No more let sins and sorrows grow, let earth receive her King; nor thorns infest the ground; let every heart prepare him room, he comes to make his blessings flow and heaven and nature sing, far as the curse is found, and heaven and nature sing, far as the curse is found, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing. far as, far as the curse is found.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; He rules the world with truth and grace, let us our songs employ, and makes the nations prove while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and the glories of his righteousness plains, and wonders of his love, repeat the sounding joy, and wonders of his love, repeat the sounding joy, and wonders, wonders of his love. repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

EPISTLE Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives his own who are zealous for good deeds. that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

CAROL THE FIRST NOWELL The First Nowell

The first Nowell the angel did say This star drew nigh to the northwest, was to certain poor shepherds o'er Bethlehem it took its rest, in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay and there it did both stop and stay keeping their sheep, right over the place where Jesus lay. on a cold winter's night that was so deep. (Refrain) Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Then let us all with one accord born is the King of Israel. sing praises to our heav’nly Lord; that hath made heav’n and earth of nought, They looked up and saw a star and with His blood our life hath bought. shining in the east beyond them far, (Refrain) and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. (Refrain)

GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were Augustus that all the world should be registered. This terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be was the first registration and was taken while afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city This will be a sign for you: you will find a child of David called Bethlehem, because he was wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." descended from the house and family of David. He And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. "Glory to God in the highest heaven, And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped and on earth peace among those whom he him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, favors!" because there was no place for them in the inn. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, In that region there were shepherds living in the the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the which the Lord has made known to us." So they went

with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made glorifying and praising God for all they had heard known what had been told them about this child; and and seen, as it had been told them. all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.

HOMILY The Rev. Meg Ingalls

CAROL AWAY IN A MANGER Cradle Song Away in a manger, The stars in the bright sky no crib for his bed, looked down where he lay; the little Lord Jesus the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. asleep on the hay.

PRESENTATION AND EXAMINATION OF THE CANDIDATES Priest The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.

Sponsor I present Chigozie to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Priest Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life? All I will, with God’s help. Priest Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ? All I will, with God’s help.

Priest Do you desire to be baptized? Candidate I do.

Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? Answer I renounce them.

Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? Answer I renounce them.

Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? Answer I renounce them.

Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? Answer I do.

Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? Answer I do.

Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? Answer I do.

Question Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support Chigozie in his life in Christ? People We will.

Priest Let us join with all who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.

THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT Priest Do you believe in God the Father?

People I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Priest Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? People I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Priest Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Priest Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? People I will, with God’s help.

Priest Will you persevere in resisting evil, and whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? People I will, with God’s help.

Priest Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? People I will, with God’s help.

Priest Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? People I will, with God’s help.

Priest Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? People I will, with God’s help.

PRAYERS FOR THE CANDIDATES

Leader: Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin People Lord, hear our prayer. and death. People Lord, hear our prayer. Leader Send them into the world in witness to your love. Leader: Open their hearts to your grace and truth. People Lord, hear our prayer. People Lord, hear our prayer. Leader Bring them to the fullness of your peace and Leader: Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit. glory. People Lord, hear our prayer. People Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader Keep them in the faith and communion of Priest Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into your holy Church. the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the People May the Wisdom of Christ light our power of his resurrection and look for him to come path. again in glory; who lives and reigns now and for ever.

Leader Teach them to love others in the power of People Amen. the Spirit.

THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER Priest The Lord be with you. People And also with you.

Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Priest We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt and into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.

We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.

To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory now and for ever. Amen.

THE BAPTISM Each of the candidates and their sponsors will come to the baptismal font in turn for the baptism of their candidate and take their places thereafter.

Priest Chigozie, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.

Chigozie, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.

Let us welcome the newly baptized.

Priest and People We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.

THE PEACE

The Peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

WELCOME Tonight, you are invited to light your own Christmas candles later as we sing Silent Night and place the Messiah in the manger. Many of you received the consecrated elements at the church to share in the Festival Eucharist with follows. Those of you who have not received the physical elements, join with us in the spiritual embodiment of communion with Christ and one another. Your tithes, gifts, and offerings may be presented to the church online at www.christchurchrockville.org. May you be blessed this Christmas and always.

LITURGY OF THE TABLE

ANTHEM SUSSEX CAROL arr. David Willcocks Lin Family Choir

CAROL WHAT CHILD IS THIS Greensleeves

What child is this, who, laid to rest, Why lies he in such mean estate on Mary’s lap is sleeping? where ox and ass are feeding? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, Good Christians, fear: for sinners here while shepherds watch are keeping. the silent Word is pleading. (Refrain) Refrain: This, this is Christ the King, So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; come, peasant, king, to own him; Haste, haste to bring him laud, The King of kings salvation brings, the babe, the son of Mary. let loving hearts enthrone him. (Refrain)

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING, EUCHARISTIC PRAYER B

Priest The Lord be with you. People And also with you.

Priest Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord.

Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.

Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS S124 David Hurd

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on who trespass against us. And lead us not into earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is bread. the kingdom, and the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

CAROL OF THE FATHER’S LOVE BEGOTTEN Divinum mysterium

Of the Father's love begotten, of the things that are, that have been, ere the worlds began to be, and that future years shall see, he is Alpha and Omega, evermore and evermore! he the source, the ending he,

The Celebrant says the following Invitation

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you and feed upon him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

CAROL O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM Forest Green

O little town of Bethlehem, How silently, how silently, how still we see thee lie! the wondrous Gift is given! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep So God imparts to human hearts the silent stars go by; the blessings of his heaven. yet in thy dark streets shineth No ear may hear his coming, the everlasting Light; but in this world of sin, the hopes and fears of all the years where meek souls will receive him, s are met in thee tonight. till the dear Christ enters in.

For Christ is born of Mary; O holy Child of Bethlehem, and gathered all above, descend to us, we pray; while mortals sleep, the angels keep cast out our sin and enter in, their watch of wondering love. be born in us today. O morning stars, together We hear the Christmas angels proclaim the holy birth! the great glad tidings tell; and praises sing to God the King, O come to us, abide with us, and peace to men on earth. our Lord Emmanuel!

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously grant us strength and courage to love and serve accepted us as living members of your Son our you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with Christ our Lord. Amen. spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and

BLESSING May we, like the shepherds and magi, come to see the child in the manger and bear the good news of his birth, life death, and resurrection into our world.

May we, like the angels, sing glorious alleluias for the gift of this child who brings love and joy and faith and peace for our world.

May we, like Joseph and Mary, choose to nurture this child in our hearts and turn him loose upon a needful world. And, may we be blessed by the Creator who created us all, by the Holy Child whose birth we celebrate, and by the Holy Spirit who leads us into joy and ministry. Amen.

CAROL SILENT NIGHT Stille Nacht

Silent night, holy night, heavenly hosts sing alleluia; all is calm, all is bright Christ, the Savior, is born! round yon virgin mother and child. Christ, the Savior, is born! Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night, Sleep in heavenly peace. Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from thy holy face, Silent night, holy night, with the dawn of redeeming grace, shepherds quake at the sight, Jesus, Lord at thy birth. glories stream from heaven afar, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

DISMISSAL Priest Go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit. Alleluia. Alleluia. People Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia.

CAROL HARK, THE HERALD ANGELS SING Mendelssohn

Hark! the herald angels sing Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; glory to the newborn King! hail the incarnate Deity. Peace on earth and mercy mild, Pleased as man with us to dwell; God and sinners reconciled! Jesus, our Immanuel! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, (Refrain) join the triumph of the skies; with the’angelic hosts proclaim Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Christ is born in Bethlehem! hail the Sun of Righteousness! Refrain: light and life to all he brings, Hark! the herald angels sing, risen with healing in his wings. Glory to the newborn King! Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, Christ, by highest heaven adored; born to raise us from the earth, Christ, the everlasting Lord; born to give us second birth. Late in time behold him come, (Refrain) offspring of the virgin's womb.

CLOSING VOLUNTARY JOY TO THE WORLD Fred Bock

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Acolyte: Robert James Lay Reader: Bill Thompson Vocalists: Jeff Lin Susan Lin Altar Guild: Anna Von Arx, Moss Kendrix, Linda Wright, Maggie Lin Gregory Lin Cheryl Renfroe, Madeleine Thompson, Teddy Lin Milo Reynolds-Dominguez Barbara Fennelly (decorations)

SERVICE MUSIC Acknowledgements and Permissions

O come all ye faithful, Words: John Francis Wade (1711-1786); tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880) and others, Music: Adeste fideles, present form of melody att. John Francis Wade (1711-1786); harm. David Willcocks, (1919-2015); © 1961 Oxford University Press

Angels we have heard on high, Words: French carol; tr. James Chadwick (1813-1882), alt.; Music: Gloria, French carol; arr. Edward Shippen Barnes (1887-1958)

Joy to the world! the Lord is come, Words: Isaac Watts (1674-1748), alt. Music: Antioch, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759); adapt. and arr. Lowell Mason (1792-1872)

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, Words: Traditional carol, Music: Cradle Song, melody William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921); harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

What child is this, Words: William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898), Music: Greensleeves, English melody; harm. Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871

Of the Father’s love begotten, Words: Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-410?); tr. John Mason Neale (1818-1866) and Henry Williams Baker (1821-1877), alt.; Music: Divinum mysterium, Sanctus trope, 11th cent.; adapt. Piae Cantiones, 1582; acc. Bruce Neswick (b. 1956)

O little town of Bethlehem, Words: Phillips Brooks (1835-1893); Music: Forest Green, English melody; adapt. and harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958); Copyright: Music: By permission of Oxford University Press.

Silent night, holy night, Words: Stanzas 1-3 Joseph Mohr (1792-1848); tr. John Freeman Young (1820-1885), stanza 4, English trans. Jane Montgomery Campbell (1817-1878); Music: Stille Nacht, melody Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863); harm. Carl H. Reinecke (1824-1910)

Hark! the herald angels sing, Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788), alt., Music: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847); adapt. William H. Cummings (1831-1915); harm. David Willcocks, (1919-2015); © 1961 Oxford University Press

 WELCOME TO CHRIST CHURCH (301) 762-2191 www.christchurchrockville.org

UPCOMING SERVICES

Sunday, December 27 – 1st Sunday after Christmas Day 10:00 am Christmas Lessons & Carols – Live Streaming online only

christchurchrockville.org OR https://www.youtube.com/CECRockville

CHRIST CHURCH SERVICE SCHEDULE 9:00am – Adult Forum 10:00am –Online Streamed Service: Holy Eucharist Rite II

MINISTRIES OF CHRIST CHURCH

Christ Church is committed to Christian Education for Children, Youth and Adults, Outreach and Service, Pastoral Care, and stewardship of the environment and God's creatures.

CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS Christ Church is committed to serving the needs of our youth through all stages of their development. Our Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries is working with our children through online gatherings, some few socially distanced gatherings, and through newsletters and other media-based conversation. We look forward to a time after we COVID when we can all return to our normal fellowship and educational activities.

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION "Christian Formation" is the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others and all creation. Christ Church's Adult Christian Formation activities include Adult Forums, Studies in Christian Faith classes, Bible Study, Advent Studies Class, Lenten Devotions and Film Series, classes for new members, and Faithful Professionals. Please view our website for when you can join with us in these activities.

OUTREACH & SERVICE Christ Church members are engaged in a wide range of outreach activities of service and love for our neighbors in our local community and the world. Activities include partnering with other organizations to alleviate poverty, hunger and homelessness.

PASTORAL CARE As a Christian community, we are called to care and pray for one another. Christ Church pastoral care activities include prayers for healing, calling the sick and elderly, and supporting each other in times of need.

CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT The Environmental Stewardship Committee consists of a number of concerned and caring people who want to conserve and protect our natural world. We focus on prayer, education, and activities that help to make a difference in our parish, communities, and through the initiatives of the Diocese of Washington.

ST. FRANCIS FLOCK - ANIMAL WELFARE MINISTRY St. Francis Flock is an animal welfare ministry, formed within the existing structure of the Episcopal Church, that seeks to honor God by being good stewards of God’s creatures. St. Francis Flock focuses on parish ministry and fellowship, community outreach, and education and communication.

MUSIC MINISTRY Music is a vital part of worship at Christ Church. As an Episcopal congregation, we cherish our glorious heritage of Anglican choral music - hymns, psalms, and service music that reflect upon the day’s readings. During COVID we have been careful to bring in only those singers whom we can socially distance during worship. But we look forward to a time when we can resume our choirs of children, teens and adults who both lead congregational singing in worship as well as provide a unique opportunity for spiritual expression and growth. We are blessed with a wonderful pipe organ and two Steinway grand pianos, plus strings and brass accompaniment for special occasions. Over the past year we have added choir chimes in addition to our bells to our musical instruments and we hope to recruit ringers soon.

CHRIST CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Carol Cole Flanagan and The Rev. Meg Ingalls, Co-Interim Rectors Michele Craig, Director of Children’s & Youth Ministries Jason Kent West, Interim Director of Music Ministry & Organist Judith Schneider, Parish Administrator

VESTRY OF CHRIST CHURCH Emily Pearce, Senior Warden Bayo Laniyonu, Junior Warden Kathy Bisselle, Recording Secretary Bola Adeolu Victor Ban Joyce Bryant Emily Correll Rob Follet Diana Locke Peter McCabe Jim Suit Bryant Trost Charlie Griffiths,11 Treasurer