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A Message from Mother Katrina
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This week our stewardship focus is “serve.” There is a general weariness in America. The fatigue of stress from challenges wrought by the pandemic, the exhaustion of hyperbolic political rhetoric, and the strain of change has generated anxiety and pervasive weariness. It may seem that there simply isn’t enough energy to serve others in the midst of it all. Actually, serving others is one of the healthiest, best ways to overcome lethargy and find meaning. Humans are meant to be connected and support one another. So, it is energizing to participate in ministries that change lives. Spending time in Christ Church’s CHOW pantry or helping people in Katie’s Clothing Closet makes a huge difference in the lives of Binghamton residents. Serving in worship as an usher or singing in the choir connects you to the people who come to our parish. Raking leaves in our green space and greeting those who walk by is service, too. There are so many ways to serve, including serving on the Outreach Committee, soon to be formed. As we acknowledge that many are weary and focus on serving others, our scripture this week reminds us that God empowers us to new life and promises a hopeful future. We are enlivened in this way to bring hope and healing as we serve as Christ’s heart and hands in Binghamton.
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A Reading from the Prophet Ezekiel
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The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:1-14
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Consider the many ways you have been blessed and acknowledge that God is the source of it all.
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- the power of God to bring new life when hopelessness pervades
- the Holy Spirit which renews weary bones and enlivens heavy souls
- the worship at Christ Church that nourishes and sustains our faith
- the community of Christ Church that nourishes and sustains our faith
- the city of Binghamton and its inhabitants, especially the vulnerable
- hearts to serve others within our church and outside our church
- wisdom to understand how we can affect positive change in our neighborhood
- the renewal of our life as a nation at peace internally and globally
- the wisdom and commitment to be good stewards of the planet and our wealth
God, maker of marvels, you weave the planet and all its creatures together in kinship; your unifying love is revealed in the interdependence of relationships in the complex world that you have made. Save us from the illusion that humankind is separate and alone, and join us in communion with all inhabitants on the earth; give us wisdom to discern how best to serve and hearts to do so joyfully, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who brings new life through the the Holy Spirit, and who lives and reigns with you, for ever and ever. Amen.
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adapted from Liturgical Materials for Honoring God in Creation
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Stewardship Facts
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In 2020, the average pledge at Christ Church was $2,251. While the average pledge has stayed relatively stable, our pledging units have dropped to 63.
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In 2021, the CHOW food pantry served 360 scheduled clients. Katie’s Clothing Closet served, on average, 33 clients a month.
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Cottage Meetings
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The Vestry will be hosting five cottage meetings during the month of November. These meetings will be held to rebuild our connections with one another and share our hopes for Christ Church. Our Interim Rector, Mother Katrina, will be at these meetings to listen and share ideas about congregational development. We hope you can attend one of these cottage meetings and be part of the conversation about our future.
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Thursday, November 17 – 7:00 PM at the home of Ed and Sue Sarzynski:
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6 Lolita Street, Chenango Bridge (607-648-3776)
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Sunday, November 20 – 3:00 PM at the Christ Church Great Hall – hosted by Barb and Gene Stanton
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Monday, November 21 – 7:00 PM at the home of Susan MacLennan:
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16 Rossmore Place, Binghamton (607-222-2615)
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Tuesday, November 29 – 7:00 PM at the home of Marianne McCormick:
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34 Patricia Street, Binghamton (607-760-2901)
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Wednesday, November 30 – 7:00 PM at the home of Stacey Gould and Jim Ehmke:
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2 Front Street, Binghamton (607-723-1513 and 607-759-5905)
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The host’s phone number for each cottage meeting is also listed, if you need directions.
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Sign-up sheets are available in the Great Hall, however, you may also send an email to Susan MacLennan (smmaclennan@stny.rr.com) with your meeting request.
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Worship Services
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Each year on All Saints’ Day, Christ Church prints a list of deceased family members and friends whom you would like remembered in prayer. If you would like any name(s) added to the list for All Saints’ Day 2022, please e-mail the office at christchurch1810@gmail.com. Please note a new list is being created for 2022.
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You need to request any name you would like included in 2022, even if it had been part of a previous list.
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Sunday Worship Service
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Join us at Christ Church Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for Holy Eucharist.
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This service will be live-streamed via YouTube at 10:00 a.m. and available for playback within 24 hours.
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Weekday Worship
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Holy eucharist at Noon in the Lounge.
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Masks are encouraged as COVID continues to spread in Broome County.
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Sunday School
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Sunday School will meet every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
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Rosary
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Rosary will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m.
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Upcoming dates are as followed:
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November 8th
November 22nd
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For your Prayers
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Prayer List
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In the week ahead, please pray for comfort and healing for: Annie, Barbra K., Don, Ellen, George, Jeanette, Joell, Katelyn, Kathy, Sally, Shea, Tricia, and Judy.
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Outreach
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Winter Warmth Project
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Once again we will be collecting scarves, gloves, and hats to hang on our outdoor railing. These items are currently available at most dollar stores for $1.25. Last year over 300 sets were taken, not including the sets placed on our railing by members of the community. Each year our winter warmth project and the community's awareness for this ongoing outreach program grows. Any donations you can make will be greatly appreciated!
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Katie's Closet
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We are currently looking for volunteers for a couple of hours each month to help with the clothing closet. If you are interested please contact Rick Pescatore, Diane Button, or the church office. Thank you!
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Announcements
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Donations
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We thank all who have supported our work and worship and ask for your ongoing contributions that we may remain a positive presence in the lives of many and in caring for one another.
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You can donate via our website at www.christepiscopalbing.com/donate/. You can now click donate to send your pledge or other special donations. You can donate specifically to CHOW, Katie's Closet, the Rector's Discretionary Fund, Organ/Bells Repair and Upkeep.
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A big THANK YOU to those who already have!
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Christ Church Amazon
When you're shopping on Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com and list "Christ Church Binghamton" as your charity of choice. The Church will receive .5 % of your purchase!
$744.24 has been given to Christ Church from your Amazon purchases since its program began. THANK YOU for designating Christ Church to receive these proceeds. Every little bit helps.
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Sunday Servers
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To find this weeks' lessons in advance, click the blue button below.
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Reader Schedule
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Chimer Schedule
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Vestry Greeter and Lock Up Schedule
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A Word From Your Senior Warden
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NO WORDS NEEDED
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Despite the changes around us we are a Church and a community that stands together in faith despite adversity. We feel fortunate to have each other during these difficult and uncertain times.
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