STORIES FROM CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DAYTON
TO OUR SPRING ISSUE
As we enter into a new season together, it brings me great joy to highlight the common life we’ve shared over the winter months.
In this issue, we’ll begin with reflections from members of our parish on where they saw God at work in their lives, and the life of our church What a gift it is to offer and receive these stories. In the second portion of this issue you’ll find highlights of upcoming programs offered at Christ Church this spring.
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
I hope you have seen our sign hanging on the Main Street side of Christ Church. It shares the simple message at the heart of what Jesus taught us: to love This is what we are asked to testify, to share with the world.
This phrase, from our former Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, is the essence of what he termed, “the Jesus Movement” A way of sharing the story of Jesus which emphasizes a church that looks, and acts, like Jesus A movement Jesus launched when he called his first disciples to follow his loving, liberating, and life-giving way.
Here at Christ Church, we continue to make and remake ourselves into followers of Jesus Through prayer, worship, teaching, preaching, healing, action, family, work, play and rest, we aim to offer the same kind of generous example that Jesus offered us. In the words of Michael Curry, “In all things we seek to be loving,
liberating, and life-giving – just like the God who formed all things in love; liberates us all from prisons of the mind, body, and spirit; and gives life so that we can participate in the healing of God’s world.”
While an 85-foot banner on the outside of our building is impressive, the real work of “this branch of the Jesus Movement,” can be found inside this newsletter. Here you will find stories of how we celebrate, remember, worship, and serve together. Here you will read about how the people of God go about the work of offering the world, and each other, more love, more emancipation from oppression, and more joy and hope
I pray that you will find this newsletter filled with Good News And that it might inspire you to ask the simple question: How could my words, actions, and heart, more closely reflect the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus?
Yours in Christ,
Rector, Christ Episcopal Church
CHURCH FAMILY
By Margaret Clinch
Photography by Emily Joyce
Maureen Boyles is not related to me at all She isn’t a sister or a cousin to either of my parents, nor has she ever been married into my family. And yet, I cannot recall a time in my life where I have not known her as one of my church aunts.
Maureen was a member of a Crusillo reunion group (a prayer group for people who had all been through a spiritual retreat program) along with my parents and a few other members of the
church. In the early 90s, they met at my parents house most of the time for convenienceMom and Dad were the only ones with small children, and taking 4 kids anywhere on a weekday evening was no easy task I really remember it most when the group had shrunk down to four people - my parents, Maureen, and another woman named Diana.
And that care and attention wasn’t just on Wednesday evenings, it followed us to church on Sunday mornings where she would look out for us during coffee hour when Mom or Dad were taking care of Sara, to church activities and events where she was always one of the adults to connect with us, and to the rest of our lives.
Maureen cared, and Maureen chose to be family to us. During a childhood where most of my biological aunts and uncles lived more than a day’s drive away from us, I never felt the absence, because I had church aunts and uncles. People like Maureen, who chose to love me.
Neither Maureen or Diana had any responsibility to us kids. But both of them chose to engage with us, week after week, n addition to meeting with Mom and Dad for prayer and conversation Maureen especially chose us kids She chose to be involved in our lives, to ask us questions and listen to us talk, chose to pay attention to us, and yes, chose at times to call us out and let us know that yes, you messed up, so now here’s how we’re going to fix it
That, for me, is one of the biggest gifts I have been given, growing up and becoming an adult at Christ Church I was surrounded by a church chosen family, in addition to my own biological family I was given a community of love, a community that chose, in so many large
and small ways, to show up and be present in my life And I have been given the chance to not just return the favor, but to pass it on. I have been given the chance to step up and be the kind of church auntie for the next generation that Maureen has been to me. I get to choose to love, support, and be present for the people I see around me. Thanks be to God.
WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED
The Return of Foyer Groups
By Kris Sexton
Foyers at Christ Church have been part of the fabric of our parish life for many years Members of the congregation gathering regularly in small groups for a simple, common meal, and getting to know each other better by sharing our stories and experiences.
Originally started as part of the church’s participation in The Community of the Cross of Nails, after former Rector Gordon Price traveled to Coventry Cathedral in England. He was impressed with the work of reconciliation being done there in efforts to restore the community and the world to Christ amidst the shambles of a sacred space torn apart by the ravages of war.
As the cathedral was literally rebuilt from ashes, so too were the relationships among religious and political leaders joining the community across the globe, renouncing the evils of war, with many following a Benedictine Rule of Life.
As programs will, the foyers have come and gone over the years, some groups continuing to meet for many years, with or without a formal program In the early years, there was an intent to follow a prescribed format for the gatherings, and then later they became more informal Key elements that have always been maintained are that everyone is welcome to join, and no one should feel that it need be a formal affair.
Think casual attire and comfort food, with everyone bringing a part of the meal
Each group will find a style that suits them best. Some have bible study, some play games, others discuss faith related topics or current events. Most eat in, some go out to restaurants, and those without adequate space can offer to host at the church or in another members home. What is most important is that we have the opportunity to “reconcile” ourselves to each other, to find
ways to exist alongside others with different points of view and do so in a way that makes us compatible as friends in Christ.
I appreciate the time we have spent this year with old friends and getting to know the new friends in our group. Since it is customary to meet for a program year and then change the groups, I look forward to switching it up and being part of a new group in the fall.
If you have not joined a Foyer group this program year,
I encourage you to consider signing up when the opportunity comes up again, and I think you will be glad you did, for when two or three are gathered in His name, Christ will be in our midst
NICE ONE, Jesus
April serving update from “Take, Eat” our shelter feeding ministry
By Gary Kuziensky
As a companion to my Lenten journey, I have been reading The Disciples Way: Daily Reflections for Lent, a Forward Movement publication. The cover of the booklet features a woodcut of a ship with seven sails recalling the seven steps of discipleship: turn, follow, learn, pray, serve, worship, and share. This fourth week in Lent was all about serves.
So today, Karla, Greg, Nate, and I served lunch to the families and single women at the St Vincent de Paul Shelter on Apple Street. Karla and Greg had signed up to serve, Nate just showed up out of nowhere. Nate is a UD student who wants to go to dental school He is working on adding community service hours for his school application. One thing I have learned about serving is that Jesus always shows up
whether it be on one side of the serving counter or the other Nice one, Jesus
Speaking of the "other", one of our neighbors with purple coloring in her hair and who was in a wheelchair, said as she came back for seconds"i never come back for seconds, but today it was so good I just had too." Nice one, Jesus.
Janet Brubaker who is the new Central Kitchen Manager came with her daughter to help deliver and set up for today's lunch After set-up, they left for a while to go to track practice. When track practice was canceled, they came back. One of our guests today was very agitated and it did not appear that it was the first time - she might have even had a reputation Janet talked to her first across the counter and then she went and sat at the table with her. When I left, Janet was still there talking to her and the agitation had left too. Nice one, Jesus.
The following quote is from Marcus George Halley, one of the authors in the Disciples Way -
"We are the sacrament of Christ's ongoing presence in the world, called to do what he did: serve the poor and marginalized, forge connections and relationships, and heal harm and brokenness. This requires that we learn to make space for others and, in doing so, learn to make space for God."
Nice one, Jesus. It was a very good day in the neighborhood!
ArtworkfromthecoverofTheDisciplesWay: DailyReflectionsforLent,aForwardMovement
By Chip Williamson
Pictured left is an art piece by Chip that “reflects the elephant lessons I learned. I did a series called Elephant Poetry.”
The second panel in the series is entitled, "Elephants also Mourn"
It may seem surprising that the behavior of elephants could so profoundly shape one’s faith, but that has been my experience. Elephants are remarkably social and highly intelligent creatures. As I read about their behavior, I was struck by their deep emotional capacity When a member of their clan dies, they grieve mourning the loss of a father, mother, cousin, or child. They remain with the body for days, offering comfort to
one another, even shedding tears. And then, when the time comes, they continue their journey together. Yet, they do not forget Season after season, as they pass the place where their beloved once lay, they stop. They gather, touch the earth, walk in circles, and remember comforting each other once more Their love is not fleeting; it is a lifelong bond
and even strangers stood with us, offering comfort in our brokenness Jen and I were but life demanded that we continue forward.
When our son was killed in a car accident, our family was thrust into a grief we could not comprehend. Elijah left behind a widow and two young children As a father and patriarch, I did my best to hold my family together, to surround them with love Friends both close and distant,
Yet, in my grief, I realized I needed something more I needed to be part of an extended family that would walk this journey with me. I longed for a place of welcome, a community of gentle gatherings where healing could begin. We found that place at Christ Church. We remain because of the warmth, the camaraderie, and the assurance that, as a Christian family, we do not walk alone I am not yet whole, but I am healing I still feel unmoored, but I am learning to anchor myself again. I am present, yet I have not forgotten the journey. We have now been part of the Christ Church community for just over a year. Each passing
anniversary of our loss brings fresh waves of pain. Yet, more than ever, I recognize the need to walk this road with others. Like our pachyderm friends, we journey onward because we must But with family by our side, the burden is always more bearable.
GOD & THE RUNAWAY BUNNY
By Jen Sammons, Director of Children & Youth Ministry
Growing up as the daughter of two Episcopal Priests meant that I spent a lot–and I mean A LOT– of time at church. Kids at school often asked me what it was like to be a double PK. I don’t know what it’s not like, was always my reply. Church was home and home was church and I was equally comfortable, happy, and safe in both places.
My childhood parish in Michigan was large enough to have four clergy on staff. The three Associate Priests, which included my parents, took turns leading Children’s Chapel during the 9 am service each Sunday The Rector, however, was more elusive. He appeared at Children’s Chapel just once a year: on Good Friday, about halfway through the noon to three pm service, wearing clericals, and carrying a book and a small covered basket
The book? The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
He read to us about a young bunny who wants to run away and a mother who promises to
follow him wherever he goes, in whatever form he takes.
“If you become a rock on the mountain high above me, ” said his mother, “I will be a mountain climber, and I will climb to where you are ”
I remember being a little anxious at the premise of this book– running away, potentially getting lost, hoping my parents would find me–but Rev. Cobden soothed these feelings
This is what it’s like with God, he would tell us each year We’ll never be alone If we get lost, we will always be found because we are His beloved children He won’t ever stop searching for us no matter how far we go
It’s easy to get lost and to feel like running away sometimes. As adults we get lost in things like financial worries, workplace and relationship stress, and caregiving obligations. But what this season reminds us is that not only can we rest in the arms of the Mother who calls us home, we are also called to be the ever-searching, unconditionally-loving parent to all for whom we love and care.
Photography by Emily Joyce
When Children’s Chapel was finished, Rev. Cobden would lead us up the staircase from the undercroft to the nave, pausing just outside the door to turn towards us and uncover the basket he’d been carrying. Can you guess what was inside? Jellybeans.
Our faces lit up as Rev. Cobden placed one singular pink or orange or purple sugar stone into our cupped hands. I remember hesitating, unsure. Wasn’t it still Lent?
It’s okay, said Rev. Cobden, it's close enough to Easter now. And so, delighted, we broke our Lenten fast together the sweetness of knowing we were loved and would always be found by the (almost!) risen Christ, by our grownups, and by our church family filling us up from the inside out.
April12, PalmSaturday
10:00-11:30AMSparkFamilyPrograms GatheringintheParishHallatChristChurch
April13, PalmSunday
8:00AMQuietHolyEucharistRiteII GatheringintheNaveatChristChurch
9:00AMAdultForum | SparkFamilyPrograms GatheringintheNaveatChristChurch
10:30AMHolyEucharistRiteIIwithMusicandPassionNarrative GatheringintheNave,Live-streamed
April17, MaundyThursday
6:30PMAgapeMeal GatheringintheParishHallatChristChurch
April18, GoodFridayWalkforJustice&Peace
11:45AMGatheratChristChurch GatheringintheFrontHall
12:00PMWalkbeginsatCourthouseSquare
April18,GoodFridayVenerationoftheCross
7:00PMGoodFridayLiturgywithPassionGospelReading GatheringintheNaveatChristChurch
April19, FirstEasterLightParty
8:00PMCasualCampfireattheRector’sHouse
April20, EasterSunday
8:00AMHolyEucharistRiteIIwithoutMusic GatheringintheNaveatChristChurch
9:00AMCarry-InBreakfast GatheringintheParishHall
10:30AMFestivalHolyEucharistRiteIIwithBrassMusic GatheringintheNave,Live-Streamed
SPRING CALENDAR
APRIL
4/12 Spark Family Event: Palm Saturday
4/12 RenewalWorks Workshop Team Meeting
4/13 Worship: Palm Sunday, Healing Sunday
4/13 Parish Health Ministry: Blood Pressure Screening
4/13 Adult Forum led by DSO Missioner for Latino Ministries | Spark Family Programs
4/17 Worship: Maundy Thursday Agape Meal
4/18 Good Friday Walk for Justice & Peace
4/18 Worship: Traditional Good Friday Liturgy with Veneration of the Cross
4/19 First Easter Light Party & Casual Campfire at Rector’s house
4/20 Worship: Easter Sunday, Blessing of Food Donations
4/20 Easter Carry-In Breakfast, No Education Hour
4/21-22 Church Office Closed
4/27 Worship: Bishop Visitation with Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White
4/27 Spark Family Programs | No Adult Forum
4/27 150th Jubilee Year-End Celebration with Food Truck Lunch & Cake
4/27 The Great Lady Concert Series presents “The Dayton Metro Barbershop Chorus”
MAY
5/04 Worship: Flowering of the Cross
5/04 Adult Forum: Foyer Breakfast
5/11 Worship: Healing Sunday
5/11 Parish Health Ministry: Blood Pressure Screening
5/11 Adult Forum | Spark Family Programs
5/11 Spark Family Outing: Picnic at Hills & Dales MetroPark
5/13 Vestry Meeting
5/18 Worship: Blessing of Food Donations
5/18 Adult Forum | Spark Family Programs
5/22-26 “Sanctuary for Peace” Prayer Event during NATO Summit
5/25 Worship: Service held at St. Mark’s Episcopal due to NATO Summit
5/26 Church Office Closed
JUNE
6/01 Spark Family Programs | No Adult Forum
6/07 Christ Church Celebrates at Dayton Pride Parade & Festival
6/08 Worship: Pentecost Sunday, Baptisms, Recognition Sunday
6/08 Parish Health Ministry: Blood Pressure Screening
6/08 Adult Forum “The Sabbath of Sabbatical” | Spark Family Programs
6/15 Worship: Trinity Sunday, Blessing of Food Donations
6/15 Special Presentation: RenewalWorks, 9am & 11:45am
6/23 Rector’s
Christ Episcopal Church will host "Sanctuary for Peace," a community gathering offering prayers for peace and maintaining a vigil for peace in our sanctuary during the NATO Summit. Open for all people of all faiths!
From May 22–26, downtown Dayton will be transformed into "NATO Village" when the NATO Parliamentary Association, including 300 parliamentarians from the 32 NATO countries, comes to town. Christ Episcopal Church Dayton is near the center of the secure zone, yet our church building will not stand empty; in recognition of the powerful need for peace in our time, we will offer "Sanctuary for Peace".
The sanctuary will be open each day of the Assembly, with your help, from 8am-8pm for prayer. Prayer resources, music, and art projects will be available to helps guests engage in prayer and peaceful contemplation.
Each day we’ll offer two structured prayer opportunities for about 20-30 minutes. The first will be at 1pm, led by community faith partners. The second will be at 7pm in the Episcopal tradition.
Community Prayer Gathering during the NATO Summit
www.daytonchristepiscopal.com/peace
Who can attend?
Anyone! This prayer gathering is for all people of all faiths, intended for everyone in the community who wishes to offer words of encouragement and support for the work of peace, both through NATO and throughout the world. Although Christ Church is in the security zone, access is available by foot for everyone from about 1-2 blocks away.
Help us promote “Sanctuary for Peace” by passing out flyers, sharing on social media and by word of mouth as materials become available.
2.Volunteer!
Volunteers are needed for 4hr shifts during each of the five days of the event. Volunteers will help keep the sanctuary a peaceful and welcoming space for guests.
Fill out the volunteer registration form online at daytonchristepiscopal.com/peace
JUNE 7: DAYTON
PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL
We’ve
“The Great Lady Concert Series”
When: Sunday, April 27 at 2pm
Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 20 W. First St., Dayton, OH 45402
This concert is free and open to the public!
• Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @christchurchdayton
• Keep up with our mission & ministry at daytonchristepiscopal.com
• Worship with us anytime, anywhere youtube.com/@christchurchdayton 2024-2025 Series Finale featuring The Dayton Metro Barbershop Chorus Get
