Christian Education at Christ Church is on going and includes Church School
for our Preschool through Grade 6 children. When they reach Grade 7, they are encouraged to continue on into Confirmation instruction, which is a three year program. It includes a concrete study of the Bible, what it means to be a Christian and Episcopalian, as well as instruction in the Book of Common Prayer. At the conclusion of Confirmation instruction the Bishop of the Diocese comes and they are confirmed as full members of the Church and as witnesses for Christ. The church school classes meet on Sunday Morning at 10:00 AM for instruction and then join the congregation for the Holy Eucharist.

Youth Group: Open to grades 6 -12. They meet every other week for a couple of hours beginning at 5:30, with a meal, usually on Wednesdays. The purpose of the this group is to foster Christian education, social and religious interaction during the school year. Several social events also occur and THUNDERHEAD EPISCOPAL CHURCH CAMP is offered during the summer.

THE CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR has a long history of providing liturgical leadership—and beautiful music—for worship in Christ Episcopal Church.

That history continues with a group of 15 singers, junior high age and up (and up!), which not only prepares weekly anthems, less familiar hymns, descants, and other musical contributions, but also has a heckuva good time doing it!
Yes, the Christ Church Senior Choir offers its members much opportunity for worship, singing, fellowship, laughter, and—a favorite activity—eating! And new members are always welcome. Please join us on Wednesday evenings, in the church undercroft (basement), at 7 p.m.
The Choir participates as a group in worship from September through Pentecost. In 2006, we had 36 rehearsals, and sang for 39 Sunday services and four special services, including two Evensongs (one of which also incorporated guest singers from six other churches of four other denominations), performing 49 anthems/choir-only pieces of music.
We are blessed not only with gifted singers, but also with many talented instrumentalists. In 2006, ten of our choir members accompanied us at various times on piano and organ, of course, but also alto saxophone, bongos, carillon, clarinet, cornet, French horn, recorder, snare drum, wind chimes, and wood blocks!
Various choir members also sang solos, or in ensembles, or acted as cantors, as part of the choir’s musical worship leadership.
The choir sings a wide range of music, while not forgetting its Anglican roots. Worshipers may hear anything from Plainsong, Palestrina, Bach, and Vaughn Williams, to gospel, Native American, Spanish, and Taize. We have recently added a djembe (African drum) and finger cymbals to our resources, thanks to some special gifts.
Each year, we also do something special (for kids of all ages!) with our Sunday School, and take particular delight in singing brand-new music by our very own Christ Church organist and composer, Norm Wright.

Do you have questions about the choir? Contact our director, Kathy Grow (kgrow@iw.net) or the church office.

And please do join us. We’ll make you right at home, and put you to “work” immediately, making a joyful noise to the Lord!

UNITED THANK OFFERING.

This is one of the primary mission ministries of Christ Church. Members of the congregation take a "Blue Box" home and as they pray they drop coins inthe box and twice a year at a worship service we hold "ingatherings". (Spring and Fall)
The proceeds, every coin that goes into the box, are used for grants, made by the national United Thank Offering Committee.
One representative from every Province (8) sits on this committee, along with three members-at-large. Grants are made annually.

ADULT EDUCATION

Adult Forum meets on Sunday mornings, prior to the 10:15 worship service. A variety of studies occur at these gatherings, which usually include further studies in and about the church. This Forum is conducted by the priest.

Bible Study is held on Wednesday mornings at 10:30, with a discussion of the lessons for the following Sunday, as set forth in the Lectionary. This concludes with a noon Eucharist using the Rite II ritual.

BROTHER HOOD OF ST. ANDREW

This is a men's group that meets one hour at 7:00 A.M. on Wednesdays, at the Frying Pan Restaurant for prayer, study, good works and fellowship. Together with the youth they sponsor the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

All Women of the church ar invited to gather on the first Wednesday during the months of September-May at 12:30. for a luncheon and program. This is preceded by the noon Holy Eucharist. The gatherings open with devotions and the programs
concern local and outreach topics, book reviews and current issues of interest. Christmas in July is their main yearly fundraiser. They also provide many services to the vestry and membership of the church.

LAY MINISTRIES:

Acolytes: Our youth are encouraged to serve by assisting the Rector during all services, which includes lighting candles, carrying crosses and torches, etc. Children can begin this ministry at the age 9. Special training is administered each acolyte prior to their beginning service.

Senior Choir: The choir provides the impetus for good music/singing and leads the congregation in the singing of hymns during the worship service and provides special anthems sung during the Offertory. They meet on Wednesday evenings for rehearsal.

Greeters: This is open to any member of the parish. Their duties include welcoming members and visitors on their arrival for the service, handing out the Sunday bulletin, taking up the offering; presenting the elements and the offerings received to the Glory of God at His altar.

Lay Eucharist Ministers: This is also open to any member of the parish. Special training is provided by the Rector prior to beginning this ministry of assisting the rector at the altar during services. LEM's also can provide Eucharist to shut-ins, those in nursing homes and others when the rector is absent. Chalicebearers, officieants and/or preachers are considered LEMS.

Lectors (Open to men,women and young adults) Read the Bible lessons durng services.

Intercessors: (Open to men, women and young adults) Lead the congregation in prayers.

Altar Guild: Open to both men and women and young adults. The members serve in the preparation of the sanctuary for all church services.