Dear Friends,

What a joy to be the pastor at Christ Church! 

On any given Sunday, in the hour before the worship service, you can see the story of Christ Church.

People begin to assemble - first, the coffee hour hosts, with dozens and dozens of donuts.  Then the choir and Sunday School teachers - and their families, who will patiently enjoy coffee and donuts before the service. 

There will be babies being passed from mother to adopted-grandmother, children scurrying about getting their choir robes, and teenagers checking-in with each other in the church kitchen.

Music begins to drift down from the choir rehearsal - singing, instruments, tambourines and hand bells.  The worship service, on any given Sunday, will have a wonderful mixture of music as well as a message of hope.

The greeters begin their ministry of hospitality, saying hello to long-time members and welcoming guests. On any given Sunday baskets are put in place for collections of food for the needy - or boxes for the clothing drive - or sign-up sheets for mission projects and there may be sign-up sheets for a party or a study group as well.

Prayer concerns are shared and, on any given Sunday, there is delight all around that someone returns to church from a time away or a hospital stay.  The caring of the congregation is never more obvious than on Sunday morning before the worship service even begins.

We are told that Christ Church has a wonderful welcome and that the caring of the congregation is what matters most to our new members.  I think it is true.  The music is amazing.  The worship is faithful.  The faith journey of the membership is rich.  But none of that would matter very much at all if we became a closed club - and it is Christ Church's inclusive welcome that is such a joy.  People come in pairs, as singles, and with all kinds of families.  People come who are young or old - and they immediately sense that we cherish this mixed-up multi-generational church family of people finding their way closer to God's love. 

It is a joy to be the pastor at Christ Church.  Please join us some Sunday morning - and don't worry, if you don't come to the gathering before church, there will be donuts and gathering after church as well!

           Yours,
            Rev. Patricia