CHURCH HAPPENINGS
Happy Anniversary Christ Church!
Historical Overview 1800-1850
In 1815, our congregation abandoned the Blaser Church location because the building was no longer large enough. A site in the growing community of Elizabethtown was chosen because of its location on the main corridor between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Our congregation worshipped at that location until 1909, until our current building was dedicated. Historical records during the early 1800s are sketchy, but we do know that these 50 years were turbulent despite having one minister from 1808-1841 (Rev. Henry Schaffner). During this time, Elizabethtown experienced significant growth, but also significant differences in religious beliefs that created upheaval in the religious community. As we continue to reflect on our 265 years of serving Christ, please look on Market Street for a new banner commemorating our anniversary.
Please share your favorite recipes with us for a 265th Anniversary Cookbook. Email to Mardi Sawyer at xraymardi@comcast.net or place in recipe box on the table under the mailboxes. All proceeds benefit future mission adventures.
HARTMAN CENTER, MILROY, PA
November 7-9, 2008
If you would like to help plan for this year’s retreat weekend,
please see Pastor Fred!
A theme for the retreat and weekend activities are needed!
Have ideas? Pass them along
SEPTEMBER 7, 2008
Worship Services at 9:00 & 10:30 AM
Fellowship at 10:00 AM
What a summer it’s been! The entire basement level has been renovated with new paint, new flooring, a new kitchen and restrooms. The upper and lower level classrooms have been converted into exciting new workshop spaces, the Infant Nursery has a beautiful Noah’s Ark mural and the 3 & 4 year old Pre-School classroom has been relocated (it’s across from the new Media Room) and redecorated as well. Some areas are still in the final stages of completion, but hopefully by the end of September all parts of the building will be finished.
Along with the changes to the church building comes a major change to the Christian Education program as we begin the Workshop Rotation Model for Church School classes Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. As the name implies, the children will rotate to a different workshop each week to experience the unit’s Bible lessons through different types of experiences and formats. The classrooms have been significantly changed to add excitement, interest, and fun to enhance the learning environment.
Let us celebrate change and the rejuvenation of spirit that it can bring as we resume the fall schedule of two worship services at 9:00 and 10:30 AM, along with the start of our new Church School program at 9:00 AM on Sunday, September 7. Let us fill the pews, overflow the workshops, join the committees, and help wherever needed in service to God. Wouldn’t that be an “extreme makeover”!
OCTOBER 5, 2008
9:00 and 10:30 AM
Worship Services
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper this Sunday, united not only with Christ, but with all of our sisters and brothers in Christ, giving thanks that there is no east, west, north, and south, and no walls to keep people apart. We are a family and celebrate our differences in language and culture but identify ourselves as belonging to one holy church.
Throughout scripture, God reveals his table grace and extravagant hospitality to all of us, inviting us to eat without price. So together may we say thanks—Gracias, Grazie, Merci, Spacibo—and come together with our God and each other at the table.
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me will never go hungry,
and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)
OCTOBER 5, 2008
2:00 PM
A special invitation is extended to those who may be homebound or ill, to attend a special Communion Service in the church sanctuary. We welcome your family and friends who may be providing transportation and coming with you. If transportation is a problem, please call the church office at 367-1208.
Thank you to everyone who donated high stools to use for the Carillon Choir to relieve backs and legs, especially during our rehearsals. We appreciate your “support” of our ringers.
HEALING TOUCH CLINIC COMING TO CHRIST CHURCH
Starting Saturday, October 18th, from 9:00-12 noon, Christ Church members and friends are welcome to come to church to have Healing Touch treatments. Costs are free or a $5.00 donation to the Heifer Project. These sessions are wonderful for stress relief, arthritic joints, aches and pains, relaxation, or clearing one’s head before a test. One person described it as floating on a pillow or going on vacation for 15 minutes to an hour. You will stay fully clothed for a session and will be welcomed to lie down on a massage table, sit in a chair, or use your own wheelchair. All ages are welcome!
There will be a Healing Touch demonstration on October 12 at 10:00 AM in the basement Social Room. You may want to check out the Healing Touch website at www.healingtouchprogram.com or more information is available at the church.
DELEGATES FOR THE LANCASTER ASSOCIATION
FALL MEETING, November 22, 2008
Please see the pastors if you would like to represent Christ Church
and learn more about this local UCC organization!
We are in need of additional people to serve in the Nursery during the worship services. All parents of Preschool children are asked to sign up to help , as well as any other adults who remember what a blessing it was to be able to leave your children in good hands while you enjoyed time to worship.
PLEASE NOTE: If you change places with someone, let Karen Heilner and the church office know. Also, if Karen leaves a message reminding you of Nursery duty, please call her back to confirm so that the Nursery is definitely covered on Sunday mornings.
Organ Spectacular! — the World’s Largest Organ Concert
An international event celebrating the King of Instruments.
This celebration of the organ is designed to increase appreciation for the enduring majesty of the instrument and its music in people of all ages and backgrounds.
On Sunday, October 19, 2008, the American Guild of Organists (AGO) will present more than 2,000 performers in more than 225 concert venues throughout North America and abroad. A family audience of more than 100,000 is expected to attend these concerts. This one-day celebration of the pipe organ is designed to increase public awareness of the organ and is one of various events celebrating the International Year of the Organ, 2008-09.
The events comprising Organ Spectacular! — World’s Largest Organ Concert will feature the organ in its historic and evolving roles as a solo, accompanying and ensemble instrument. This event offers the rare opportunity to hear the same music on distinctly different instruments in different acoustic spaces. Music has been commissioned for organ plus instruments which will be performed in each of these venues. Additionally, there will be a variety music from all time periods and styles for both solo organ and organ with instruments and voice. The instruments range in age from almost 60-years-old to the one at Camp Hill Presbyterian that is being dedicated at this concert. So, for die-hard organ enthusiasts, there is LOTS of music to be heard by attending a concert every two hours.