GOODNEWS
STORIES FROM CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DAYTON
Fall 2024 | No 2 Vol 4
Quiet Walks & The Reconciliation Labyrinth A Seminarian Summer: Hospital Chaplaincy + Grace “Creating Community” at Christ Church
GOODNEWS atChristChurch
Editor: Emily Joyce
Director of Communications & Parish Life
Contributors:
The Rev. Peter Homeyer
Tom Schaefer
MaryJane Plote
Esther Brownsmith
Jen Sammons
Monica Neiderman
Christ Episcopal Church 20 W 1st St. Dayton, OH 45402
www.daytonchristepiscopal.com @christchurchdayton
WELCOME TO OUR FALL ISSUE
As we enter into a new season together, it brings me great joy to highlight the common life we’ve shared over the summer months
In this issue, we’ll begin with reflections from members of our parish on where they saw God at work in their lives over the course of the summer What a gift it is to offer and receive these stories. In the second portion of this issue you’ll find information for the many programs and ministries offered at Christ Church this fall
Whether you’ve been at Christ Church a short time, or for many seasons of life, we’re so glad to be walking the journey with you
Happy reading!
Emily Joyce Director of Communication & Parish Life
WELCOME TO CHRIST CHURCH
“ForCreationwaitswitheagerlonging.”–Romans8:19
At my house a large, messy, pine tree dominated the front yard. The tree rose high above the roof of the house, cast a deep shadow over almost the entire front, and dropped a thick carpet of pine needles each fall. This summer the tree was removed; now many other plants are now thriving with the improvement to their light and soil A little attention to conditions, a little care, provides nature room to grow and thrive.
Beginning in September, Christ Church is celebrating a Season of Creation. We are joining others locally and nationally in setting aside time to honor what the Prayer Book calls, “this fragile Earth, our island home”. We are clearing space, remembering our role as the stewards of creation. Changing, we pray, our soil, through adult forum programming, special services, and intentional Earth focused prayers. Letting in light to honor God’s first revelation, creation
Like the grasses and flowers in my front yard, we too can grow and thrive, if the conditions are right. We are eager to grow. We are ready to drink deep
We can take in the rich nutrients offered to us and put on new growth, new life. But first we must clear the way, stop shading out God’s light and love.
This fall, Christ Church is offering lots of ways to let God’s light into your world! This newsletter is a great place to begin Here you can read about lots of ways to feed your spirit and set the conditions for growth. There are new classes for both mature and younger members, special outings for families, music concerts, small group gatherings, and much more
May this fall be a season of care, for you and for the Earth, a season of hope and expectation God is waiting for you with eager longing, if we only make room
Yours in Christ,
Rector, Christ Episcopal Church
BLOOMING WHERE WE’RE PLANTED
Incaseyoumissedit,here’safew summerstats:
145 83 7 1.6 9 7 1
Volunteer hours spent building projects in 8 classrooms on the second floor
MILLION DOLLARS of local medical debt was abolished in Montgomery County as a result of our Easter fundraising campaign, “Become Good Soil”
Christ Church members were Baptized, Confirmed, Received or Reaffirmed their faith
foot Banner installed on Main St. side of church building, spreading the Good News to all who pass by
Parishioners enjoyed faith-centered camping at Procter Camp & Conference Center
“Creation Windows” art installations were revitalized on the west exterior wall of the church building
New staff member: Katherine Wagner joined our team in April as Parish Administrator
DESERT STORIES SUMMER CHILDREN’S CHAPEL:
By Jen Sammons
This summer during Children’s Chapel, we’ve been journeying through the desert. Each week the story begins in the same way.
This is the desert box, I say, tracing my hand around the rectangular lid of the heavy storage box before opening it to reveal the sand inside. So many wonderful and important things happened in the desert that we need to know what it is like
I move my hand through the sand as we tell the next part together, pausing to let the children fill in the familiar words.
The desert can be a dangerous place. It is always moving, so it can be hard to know where you are.
There is little water, so people can get very…thirsty. Almost nothing grows there, so there is almost nothing to eat and people can get very…hungry. In the daytime the sun shines so brightly and it is very…hot, but at night it is very…cold.
Throughout the introduction, the children have inched closer to the desert box, leaving their carpet squares behind. They are vibrating with desire to touch the sand.
Attentive and eager, they know their turn will come
First, I’m going to touch the sand and tell a story, I remind them Then, you’ll have a chance to touch the sand and help to tell the story, too First, watch and listen.
Small hands mirror me as I point to my eyes, to my ears, then fold my hands in my lap
Throughout the summer we traveled with Abram and Sarai through the desert to their new home I wonder if you ’ ve ever moved to a new place or started something new? I wonder how you felt?
We laughed with Sarah and Abraham when they learned that they were going to be very, very old parents.
I wonder if you ’ ve ever been surprised by God?
We helped Moses lead God’s people away from Pharaoh and through the Red Sea on dry land.
I wonder if you ’ ve ever done something brave?
And we learned the three big ideas from the 10 Commandments:
Love God, Love People, God Loves You.
I wonder which one is the most important?
Finally it is time Fr Greg plays soft music on the guitar as the children take turns touching the sand– slowly, gently, joyfully– before we dust off our hands and put the lid back on until next week when it's time to return to the desert again.
Our kids are eager to share stories about their time in Children’s Chapel, they’re just waiting for you to ask!
WITNESSING GOD’S
By Stephanie Sexton
LoveatPride
In June, Christ Church celebrated Pride month by being a witness to God’s love in our community We marched in the Pride Parade, welcomed new friends by hosting a booth at the Pride Festival, and launched community engagement project featuring large Pride flags along our front walk, a with descriptions of what they symbolize.
Photography by Emily Joyce
God is love, a love that is liberating, unconditional and abundant. I have never felt such love as I do when I am experiencing and participating in Pride.
Pride embodies everything that God wishes for us expression of our authentic selves, contagious love, life in living color, and passionate pride for ourselves and for each other.
Our days can feel grim, as the injustices of our world weigh heavy on us but during Pride the sun peeks out of the clouds and with radiant beams we are reminded of God’s presence. With every burst of color, striking dance move, chord of music and embracing hug, Pride lifts us from the darkness and reveals the joy we carry inside.
To participate in Pride is an honor, an honor to witness and experience God’s children living, loving and expressing themselves exactly as they were meant to be. I can’t imagine God could be any prouder.
Maureen Boyles welcomes visitors to the Episcopal Church booth at the Dayton Pride Festival
HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY & GRACE
By MaryJane Plote
It was an incredible experience to be invited into someone’s room during some of the most painful and difficult moments of their life. I consider myself privileged that someone would share their heart this way with a stranger Early on, I was in the room with a patient when they received a devastating terminal diagnosis I had the honor of journeying with him and his family throughout the summer as he transitioned to hospice care in his hometown I grew close to a young woman who was in the hospital awaiting her second doublelung transplant, and was blessed to celebrate with her and her mother when the day arrived that she could move out of the ICU after the surgery! On many occasions I sat with, prayed with, and listened to the families of someone who was nearing death
Itwasasolemnsummer inmanyways,asIdrifted fromdifficult conversationtodifficult conversation,withmany ofmydaysmarkedby deaths,yetitwas incrediblyprofoundand solidifiedinmanyways myowncalltoministry.
On my final day at the hospital, I had my first visit with an Episcopalian! (Dallas and the surrounding states are very Baptist after all). A call came into the pastoral care office from a nurse saying that the family needed an “episcopalian” and did we have one of those, whatever that is The nurse had no idea what such a thing was, (they could have sent up a towel for all he knew) but as I stood in the office I responded to the triage manager “I’m an episcopalian!” and with that they handed me a post-it with a room number, patient name, and said that I was to offer “last rites.” So off I went. I read through the prayers for the ministration at the time of death and then the wife requested I read the anthem at the start of the funeral liturgy… “I am the resurrection and the life says the Lord…” and as I read this prayer, the patient died A lifelong episcopalian, his wife said he must’ve been waiting to hear this. His wife and I spoke a little and then I went on my way For me, this visit synthesized the whole experience I loved hospital chaplaincy, and certainly found my groove over the
course of the ten weeks I liked getting to experience all different kinds of faiths including visiting with those who are of no particular faith.
ButIamcalledtobean EpiscopalPriest,andin thatvisit,heartbreaking andtragicasthisvisit was,Iwasabletoserve inthewayIhavebeen calledto.
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to be formed in such a pressure-cooker setting as a hospital through CPE, especially as I enter year two of seminary and begin my field education I continue to reflect on and pray with the experiences of the summer and know that I will carry it with me through the remainder of seminary and into my ministry I pray it has helped me to sit
QUIET WALKS
By Tom Schaefer
The Reconciliation Labyrinth at Christ Church was constructed in 2019. Providing space outdoors in the heart of the city for a reflective walk or quiet meditation is part of our mission of being an inviting community of faith
Photography by Tom Schaefer
A few years ago when I was anticipating retiring from teaching, I pondered what all I might be doing to keep myself busy when I didn’t have to face students every day. Among other thoughts, the one thing that kept popping into my head was “keep walking ” Something there is about stepping away from the house for a quiet spell with just me in the neighborhood, or in a local park, that grants some restorative meditative time Turns out I don’t walk as often as I
thought I might, but I still value a quiet amble for the solitude and exercise it offers
And then somewhere along the way Cindy and I lucked into finding a South Carolina beach that gave us the emotional & spiritual lift teachers seek during spring break. Rest & relaxation were essential, but so was beach walking Often I’d head out in the morning for a stroll at the tide line where I’d find a pretty shell or two, then stop now and then to just gaze out at the ocean, hopeful of seeing a dolphin dorsal fin surface. When they did, I figured we had a lucky day coming, all born of a quiet amble on the beach. On days when I didn’t see anybody other than terns, gulls, and pelicans and all I pondered was sand and water along my ramble, benefit was just as tangible.
“Allweknow whenwe engageisthat we’reonour owntotryto understand whatevertruth ormysteryfinds usalongour pilgrim’spath...”
Here in town I don’t spend lots of time walking The Reconciliation Labyrinth, but prize those occasions when I do Lately that’s been with a small group of parishioners who join in some conversation before considering a short piece of contemplative writing With whatever attitude each brought with us, we then head up the memorial path one at a time for a unique personal experience. There is no one right way to approach a labyrinth walk All we know when we engage is that we’re on our own to try to understand whatever truth or mystery finds us along our pilgrim’s path on that particular day. Christ Church doesn’t keep record of who walks the labyrinth There is no guest book for friends and neighbors to sign But like a meaningful neighborhood or beach walk, a labyrinth amble is so personal it doesn’t need a record kept. All it requires is a quiet
demeanor and a spirit open to the experience I do hope you’ll make time for a labyrinth excursion sometime Hard to tell what you’ll learn about Life or yourself, but then that’s the beauty of quiet meditation, even in the heart of the city
Creating Creating Community Community
W WearecraftingalongsideGod earecraftingalongsideGod
By Esther Brownsmith
Emily Joyce & Katherine Wagner
Every Sunday, we worship and pray to a God whom we call “Creator”: the Maker of heaven and earth. I have often been struck by the fact that we could just as easily translate “Creator” as “Crafter.”
God is our Crafter, a deity who lovingly designed and shaped every intricate detail of the world around us, from the shimmer of a butterfly wing to the stark beauty of a windswept desert
Sometimes, we also talk about humans as co-creators in
“Creating Community” craft gatherings were held monthly at Christ Church, May through August.
God’s work Of course, we do this metaphorically every time we imbue the world with a little more love and a little more hope. But when we use our own hands, the metaphor becomes especially tangible. Each time we prune the courtyard, paint a classroom, or bake a treat for coffee hour, we are crafting alongside God, building Christ Episcopal Church into a more welcoming space for all who seek God’s presence
This summer, I joined several others for monthly Creating
Community crafting gatherings at CEC. At these gatherings, we usually had a new craft to try together, such as braiding bracelets or painting watercolor boxes, but we could also bring along whatever craft we had in progress (Like many others in the community, I have several crochet projects going at any point!) Each gathering was filled with warmth, laughter, and curiosity as we learned new skills and admired each other’s talents. Longtime members sat beside newcomers, building community through our
Photography by
handiwork The finished products were inevitably both diverse and gorgeous.
When I pause to notice the beauty of the natural world something that is easy to do in these balmy days of late summer I cannot help but see that God’s creation is not purely utilitarian We are surrounded by gloriously unnecessary beauty, like a crafter whose home overflows with cross-stitch samplers and colorful hand-pieced quilts By adding to that beauty with the work of our hands, our Creating Community gatherings joined and amplified God’s own crafts We grew in community with each other, working together on a shared and joyful task, but we also built a more beautiful world by following in the footsteps of the Crafter of All
A CITYHEART STORY
By Monica Neiderman
Founded as a program of Christ Episcopal Church in 2006, CityHeart meets urgent needs and connects people with other community resources to enable long term solutions.
CityHeart continues to build on the reputation of this church as a leader in responding to the needs of our community in the heart of the city. Through our partnership, any requests we receive for assistance are directed to CityHeart, who is best equipped to address their needs.
Photography by Emily Joyce
“CityHeart overflows withkind, gracious folkson bothsides ofthedesk andthe phone.”
nice to be chilly on my porch this morning. With that, I'll ask you to look through your closet and find a winter coat you don't wear While you're out shopping, a bag of socks, gloves and hats will be treasures for some of our guests. As would some chap stick and basic toiletries Our CityHeart friends will need them when the cold weather creeps in
Being able to volunteer at CityHeart has be key part of my recovery It motivated me to learn our bus system and get around while b It made me feel useful and wanted again I started coming for just half of a day and wo up my endurance to stay the whole day. Eve that, it's 5 hours, with one of those having lu with people I adore. I'm not the most reliab volunteer, especially when my eyes say “not today!” I often wonder why the team puts u with me, but I'm always welcomed back A us think about doing some good volunteer w but worry about the time commitment. CityHeart has a place for you It could be as little as 2 hours per week.
Comegiveacuppaandagranolabartosome seriouslygratefulstreetpeople.
Ifyoucometocoffeehour,you'vegot whatittakestobeatCityheart!You'llbe sogladyoudid,it'llbeyourfavourite2 hourseveryweek.
MISSION&MINISTRY
By Emily Joyce
Have you ever heard the saying “the work of the church is never complete”? What a beautiful and messy space that invites us into! It reminds us that today, and all of our tomorrows, are full of opportunities to do what God asks of us: Love God. Love People.
Over the course of the spring and summer months, the faithful people at Christ Church have continued the beautiful and messy work of loving God, and loving people through the many forms of mission and ministry present in this community. As Director of Communications & Parish Life, I extend heartfelt gratitude to each and every parishioner engaging in mission and ministry. Maybe your ministry is inside the walls of our church or maybe your ministry extends beyond our walls, taking the church out into the world
Maybe you don’t know what your ministry is yet - that’s ok. Pray on it, open your heart to where God is moving you. If you’re interested in talking about where you feel drawn to be part of our mission and ministry, I’d love to connect with you! Email me at christdaytonjoyce@gmail com
FALL CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
9/15 Worship: Baptism, Blessing of Food Donations
9/15 Adult Forum: For the Beauty of the Earth | Spark Family Programs
9/15 “Super Foyer” Kick-Off Event
9/22 Adult Forum: For the Beauty of the Earth | Spark Family Programs
9/29 Worship: Brenna Seifried as Guest Preacher
9/29 Adult Forum: For the Beauty of the Earth | Spark Family Programs
9/29 The Great Lady Concert Series presents “The Ruckman Piano Duo”
OCTOBER
10/05 “Take, Eat” Ministry Serving Lunch at St. Vincent Shelter
10/06 Worship: Feast of St. Francis & Pet Blessing
10/06 Adult Forum: Make Me An Instrument | Spark Family Programs
10/10 CityHeart Gala
10/13 Worship: Healing Sunday, Ofrenda Opens in Nave
10/13 Parish Health Ministry: Blood Pressure Screening
10/13 Adult Forum: Monitoring Your Health | Spark Family Programs
10/20 Worship: Stewardship In-Gathering Begins, Blessing of Food Donations
10/20 Adult Forum: Make Me An Instrument | Spark Family Programs
10/20 Acolyte Training
10/27 Worship: Halloween Fun - Costumes Encouraged!
10/27 Adult Forum: Make Me An Instrument | Spark Family Programs
10/27 Spark Outing: Pumpkin Patch & Hayride at Fulton Farms
NOVEMBER
11/02 Spark Family Programs: Parent Cafe at Old Scratch Pizza
11/02 “Take, Eat” Ministry Serving Lunch at St. Vincent Shelter
11/03 Worship: All Saints Sunday, Final Stewardship In-Gathering
11/03 Adult Forum: Prayers for an Election | Spark Family Programs
11/10 Worship: Healing Sunday
11/10 Parish Health Ministry: Blood Pressure Screening
11/10 Adult Forum | Spark Family Programs
11/17 Worship: Blessing of Food Donations
11/17 Adult Forum | Spark Family Programs
11/19-22 94th Annual Waffle Shop
11/22-23 Diocesan Convention
11/24 Worship: Christ the King Sunday
11/24 No Adult Forum | No Spark Family Programs 18
JOINUS THISFALL
We love entering new seasons with you! Keep reading for a few highlights of what’s coming up at Christ Church this fall.
For information on all of our parish programs and events, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, The Broadcast, or check our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
For fruit and flower, plant and bush, for morning robin, evening thrush. For all your gifts, of ev’ry kind, we offer praise with quiet mind. Be with us, Lord, and guide our ways around the circle of our days.
LIGHTTHE SPARK!
A New Year of Children and Youth Ministry Begins
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you again soon!
Jen Sammons
Director of Children and Youth Ministry
Kick-off Formation Event!
Sunday, September 15 marks the beginning of our new program year! All ages, from children to adults, are invited to gather in the parish hall at 9 am for an intergenerational program to celebrate our fall theme of creation care through singing and an interactive presentation.
Our separate classes will begin the following week at 9:00 am. he elevator to the 2nd floor to sign your child in.
Room 204: Nursery care for infants and toddlers
Room 207: Sunday School for preschool and elementary age children
Room 208: Youth Group for middle and highschoolers
r! Sunday School teachers and Youth Group leaders will bring their classes down to the Parish Hall to rejoin their families at the conclusion of the adult forum (10:00 am)
Children’s Chapel
During the 10:30 service, all children are invited to follow the children’s cross during the Gospel Hymn to Children’s Chapel in the parish hall and will return to their families just before communion.
Save the Date for Fall Events!
Sunday, October 20 - Acolyte Training after church (All 4th-12th graders welcome!)
Sunday, October 27 - Pumpkin patch hayride at Fulton Farms after church
Saturday, November 2 - Parent Cafe at Old Scratch Pizza 12:30-2:30 pm
New Choir Season Begins September 18!
Come join us for weekly music-making and fellowship! We rehearse on Wednesday evenings beginning September 18th from 7:30pm to 8:45pm in the Choir Room The Christ Church Choir welcomes anyone who loves to sing, learn new music and enjoy the fellowship Come join our FUN, nurturing group! For more information, contact Yun Kim at 513.330.3276 or yunkimhughes@hotmail com
Introducing Christ Church Jubilee Ringers!
With enthusiastic support of our clergy and the vestry as part of celebrations of the Jubilee Year, we are so excited to announce the formation of a handbell choir at Christ Church! A set of 37 Schulmerich handbells have been beautifully refurbished and voiced with much help from our mentor, Margaret Dill, director of Gem City Ringers.Following a bell-polishing party (many thanks to all who came out to help), 8 ringers are about to begin this new adventure with weekly rehearsals on Thursdays at 6:30pm
The Ruckman Piano Duo
The 2024-25 Great Lady Concert Series opens with Dayton’s beloved duo pianists, the Ruckman Duo, who will showcase our Ruby on Sunday, September 29 at 3pm.
Robert and Tiraje Ruckman are a husband-and-wife team; both graduated from the Juilliard School and have been highly regarded as performers and teachers for many decades.
Mark your calendar and spread the word!
• Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @christchurchdayton
• Keep up with our mission & ministry at daytonhristepiscopal.com
• Worship with us anytime, anywhere youtube com/@christchurchdayton