A Newsletter by and for the people of Christ Church Bronxville

TheSpire

October 2010 VOL. LXV, No. 2

Contact us:914.337.3544

Monday-Thursday

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Fridays9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

www.ccbny.org

Children’s Formation 2

Adult Formation 3

Stewardship & EYC 4

Music at CCB 5

Outreach 6

Parish Events 7

October Highlights 8

At a Glance

“What is your favorite prayer in The Book of Common Prayer?” It is a question I have been asked a number of times in the years since my ordination as a priest. And I have consistently found it a difficult, if not impossible, question to answer. Our Prayer Book is such a rich assemblage of a variety of prayers, appropriate in many different contexts and under many different circumstances. Here I would like to focus on just one of those prayers (one that would certainly qualify as among my most favored). It is the prayer that a bishop or priest prays immediately following a baptism (page 308 BCP):

Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.

I am always deeply moved by this prayer, because I think it captures the very essence of what it means to be bathed in God’s grace, to be immersed in God’s love. Baptism is about forgiveness and newness of life. It is the sacrament that announces the fact that we are God’s beloved, and that we belong to the community of God’s beloved. Baptism is our way of saying “Yes” to the fact that God has always and already said “Yes” to us. Yes, yes: Count Me In!Some have suggested that Christian stewardship is best defined as everything we do after saying this Yes. It is our total response to God’s Yes to us—with all that we are, all that we have, and all that we do. We Episcopalians have our own tradition of living out this call to stewardship. It is expressed in the way we approach Scripture, in our history, in our worship, in our mission and ministry in the world. There is something distinctive about the way we Episcopalians live out our response to God’s grace and love. At its best, our tradition is marked by a spirit of inquiry and discernment: we are marked by a certain curiosity about faith and meaning; about the ways of God in this world; we are mindful and questioning; and we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we search for answers. Continued on page 3

Inquiring and Discerning Hearts

2

Children’s Christian FormationWeekly Children’sChristian Formation Schedule

The Spire

Blessing of the AnimalsThe Blessing of the Animals-October 3rd

Attention all creatures great and small (including dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, birds, snakes and llamas)! You are cordially invited to join us on Sunday October 3rd for the 5:00 P.M. service as we observe a beloved Christ Church tradition, the Feast of St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals. We will join together with our faithful companions for a lively service of blessing and thanksgiving in the church. A reception follows with treats for both people and pets. Join us for this boisterous celebration of God’s creation.

Godly Play (Pre-K-1st Grade)Oct. 3rd The Story of Abraham

Oct. 10th The Story of Sarah

Oct. 17th Youth Sunday/No Church SchoolOct. 24th The 10 Best WaysOct. 31st Halloween: Special Service during church, with party afterwards

Second GradeOct. 3rd God Gives & Remembering

Oct. 10th Forgiving

Oct. 17th Youth Sunday/No Church SchoolOct. 24th Belonging as a theme in the EucharistOct. 31st Halloween: Special Service during church, with party afterwards

Third and Fourth GradeOct. 3rd The births of Jesus & John the BaptistOct. 10th Jesus’ ChildhoodOct. 17th Youth Sunday/No Church SchoolOct. 24th Jesus’ Baptism & TemptationOct. 31st Halloween: Special Service during church, with party afterwards

Fifth & Sixth GradeOct. 3rd The founding of the ChurchOct. 10th What is a Saint?Oct. 17th Youth Sunday/No Church SchoolOct. 24th St. Polycarp and BlandinaOct. 31st Halloween: Special Service during church, with party afterwards

For more information please contact: Barbara PotgieterChildren’s Christian Formationbpotgieter@ccbny.org

Calling all Ghouls, Goblins & Princesses!!! You are warmly invited to attend our Halloween Party!!When: Sunday, October 31st, at 10:00 AMWhere: Church and then Taylor HallAll children are invited to attend the 10:00 AM service in costume. It will be a special spooky Halloween service, and directly after church there will be aparty in Taylor Hall with games (such as pulling surprises out of a huge tubof jello, “make your mommy a mummy”, etc.), crafts, pizza, and decorate-your-own cupcakes.

COME IN COSTUME TO PLAY GAMES, DO SPOOKY CRAFTS AND TRY A SCARY SNACK, IF YOU DARE!

Afterwards all are invited upstairs for a special 5:00 PM Service, lit with Jack-O-Lanterns and accompanied by scary, loud organ music.

Nursery Care is available for babies and children too young

for Church School.

Fall “Sunday Shorts” Series: Inquiring and Discerning HeartsThis exciting series is open to everyone, whether you are “just visiting,” are a relative “newcomer” to the Episcopal Church, or are among the proud and few “cradle Episcopalians.” Join us as we explore the distinct identity of Episcopal Church and how we at Christ Church Bronxville embody that identity. (Nursery care provided).

Week #1: October 17 (Leader: The Rev. Amy Lamborn) Introduction to the Series Episcopalians and the BibleWeek #2: October 24 (Leaders: The Revs. Michael Bird and Jennifer Lanier) A Brief History of Anglicanism and the Episcopal ChurchWeek #3: October 31 (Leader: The Rev. Michael Bird) Worship/Liturgy in the Episcopal Church The Book of Common PrayerWeek #4: November 7 (Leader: Ms. Hondi Brasco) Spirituality and Prayer in the Episcopal ChurchWeek #5: November 14 (Leader: The Rev. Amy Lamborn) The Mission and Vocation of the Church Roundtable Wrap-upPlease purchase a copy of the book Your Faith or Your Life: An Introduction to the Episcopal Church, which will serve as our text for the series. This can be purchased from an online vendor or ordered at our local bookstore. For more information contact The Rev. Amy Lamborn at 914-337-3544 or alamborn@ccbny.org.

3

Adult Christian Formation

Front Page - cont’dGive them inquiring and discerning hearts. . . . Being good stewards of our tradition and heritage requires lifelong inquiry and discernment. Whether we grew up in the Episcopal Church or have found our way here from other backgrounds and places, we are called to a perpetual curiosity about our faith. And that’s why we are offering an Inquirers’ Class here at Christ Church this fall. Take a look at the topics and speakers below. We hope we can count you in as you participate in this exciting educational offering! - Mother Lamborn

4 The Spire

EYCTaizé’s Brother John to visit Christ Church Monday, October 4th at 7:30 PMAt a special Monday service of Evening Prayer on October 4, Christ Church Bronxville is pleased to welcome Brother John, a monk from the ecumenical monastery at Taizé, France who will be visiting the United States. Thousands of teens from around the world gather year-round to experience the sense of community, spirituality, reconciliation and unique musical reflection Taizé offers, and it has become a Christ Church custom for the youth of the parish to make an annual pilgrimage there during winter break. Brother John will spend time with the CCB teens and their parents at a dinner before the service. The service itself begins at 7:30 PM in the church. All are welcome to join us and experience something of what Taizé is all about.

Please carefully read this year’s stewardship materials and reflect on our goals and recurring themes: • 100% participation • Being connected to a faith community means I intentionally reach out to others because people matter. • I practice trust in God and give thanks for everything. • It’s not how much I have, but what I do with what I have that is important.

How do I accomplish this? (see pledge card for suggestions) • By volunteering some of my time at Christ Church Bronxville (CCB) as a ... • By using some of my talents at CCB when I ... • By pledging a portion of my treasure to CCB so that God’s mission and ministry may continue at home, in the area, and in the world. • And by prayerfully considering to stretch beyond what feels comfortable in sharing time, talent and treasure, as a reflection of my love for and trust in God.

How does 100% participation affect the life of this parish? • When many volunteer, more is accomplished -- I want to be part of the success. Count Me In! • When many share their talents, extraordinary things happen -- I want to be part of the enthusiasm. Count Me In! • When many give generously, the mission and ministry of Christ Church Bronxville are free to develop and expand beyond imagination -- I want to be part of that dream. Count Me In!

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 1 Peter 4:10

Stewardship

5

Music

October Primary Choir ScheduleSunday October 3 11:15am RehearsalSunday October 10 NO RehearsalSunday October 17 Youth Sunday No Rehearsal after churchSunday October 24 11:15am RehearsalSunday October 31 No Primary Choir Rehearsal

“To Sing is to Pray Twice”

It’s never too late to register for choir! Contact

Christopher Wells for details.

Sunday October 17The Feast of the Dedication of Christ Church Bronxville Youth Sunday at 10:00AM and Evensong 5:00 PMJoin us for one or both services on Sunday October 17. The morning service will be led by our younger members: The Primary Choir, Sing n’ Ring, and the Treble Choir along with youth readers, ushers, chalice bearers, and acolytes.

The evening service will be led by Schola Cantorum (teens) and The Christ Church Choir (adults).

The evening service (Evensong) will be preceded by a 30-minute Organ Prelude by our new Organ Scholar, Vaughn Mauren. Vaughn will be playing works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Olivier Messiaen, Marcel Dupré, and Maurice Duruflé.

An informal reception will follow Evensong with Pumpkin Doughnuts and Apple Cider in the Columbarium.

6 The Spire

Outreach Don’t Feel Miserable

3: Nikolaus Bender, Barbara O’Donoghue, Robert Singleton, Samuel Gilliam; 4: Velma Dougherty, Meg Gourd; 5: Claire Kraemer; 6: William Neild, Frederick Romley, Nicolette Romely; 7: James Murphy; 9: Charles Campbell; 10: Ashley Kaye 11: The Rev. Michael A. Bird, Linda Blakely, Helen Noone; 12: Thomas Brasco; Jamie Carroll, Diana Horne; James Garvey, Peter Johnson; 18: Richard Bower; 19: Barbara Deller, Katie Sica, Michael Pollack; 21: Charles Elliot, William Murphy, Izaak Thoms; 23: Brigid Buendia, Timothy Cushman; 25: Patricia Garvey, Betsy Goodell; 26: Jeffrey Barrett; 29: Jason Hornick; 31: Thomas O’ Donoghue, Centes Williams.To submit birthdays please send to acapeci@ccbny.org or Elisabeth Campbell at ecampbell@ccbny.org.

Midnight Run

OctoberBirthdays

It’s a tough evening.I’m in the process of digesting the many delicious but heavy chilis prepared for the tailgate party at the Nagle’s and it does not help to watch the NY Giants being murdered by the Colts.A difficult digestion and the humiliation of my favorite team tend to put me in a foul mood. What really makes me mad, though, is to know that I don’t have a leg to stand on in my misery. To be aggravated by such a trivial matter is an insult to logic. I’m so blessed in every way and still I don’t want to acknowledge it.If I just look around I see friends and neighbors with health, personal and financial tragedies, never mind to look at the news on TV. And I am annoyed about a football game!!? Now I’m embarrassed, and it’s time to do something to remedy the situation.Well! CCB’s outreach committee is here to come to my rescue… There are so many things I can do to help.The Sacred Heart soup kitchen needs me to prepare or serve meals for the people of Mount Vernon, just ask Shawn O’Neil.Maybe instead I’ll go and help Jim Sutton keep the Bronx River Park clean and safe.And what to say of providing canned food for the Interfaith Food Bank as Erin Pazienza reminds me to do. Ken Richardson is always full of great ideas for CCB’s Global Mission to help, from Africa to Haiti, those who are really, really in dire need.Wait a second! Midnight/Breakfast Run and the homeless people of Manhattan need my donations and participation as well, and so do the guys at Fessenden House who are recovering from severe illness and addictions.Camille Mordaunt is waiting for my ideas and efforts for Outreach Sunday, and the Outreach Committee itself is always looking for new members and great connections to those in need.Well, I certainly can’t sit here complaining about a sour stomach and an ugly football game. It’s time to think outside my self and get involved. Maybe you could come and join me and get involved too.-P.G. Costa

The Next Midnight run is:Friday October 15th – meet at 7:45 PM in the Christ Church kitchen. Volunteers and donations are needed. In particular we are in need of jeans, sweaters, sneakers, ski jackets, and backpacks. For information contact PG Costa at pg@piercosta.net or Krista Dias at kdias@ccbny.org.

7

Christ Church Welcome Back Tailgate Party – Chili Cookoff!

Cousins Michael Conaton and Chris Behrens strategizing for the next phase of powerwashing.

Fire and Brimstone 2 Onions chopped3 Green peppers cut into large pieces5 Jalepenos peppers sliced3 Cubenelle peppers chopped4 Carrots sliced Sauté all of the above ingredients in a ¼ cup of oil. Cooking for about 15 minutes. Then add: 2 tablespoons of chili powder¼ cup of Tabasco¼ cup of hot buffalo wing sauce¼ cup of habanera sauce2 cans of whole tomatoes Cover and cook over low heat for 1 hour. Taste and add salt and more spice as needed.

Then add 4 cans of favorite beans:Small red beansNavy beansWhite beans Cover and cook for 30 minutes. If you desire a thicker sauce add 3 large handfuls of crushed tortilla chips, stir and cook 5 minutes. Enjoy with additional hot sauces!

Thank you to Art and Paige Nagle for hosting the very successful Tailgate/Homecoming Chili Cook Off. We also want to thank all those who cooked chili, or brought salads and desserts, as well as our energetic stewardship chairs Tracey Gilliam, Debbie Cook, Jim Redpath and Sarah Kraemer. Kudos to Andrea Bates for her help in organizing the event.

One of the Winning Recipes

Please join us in supporting the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen in Mount Vernon. We will be helping the organization by delivering cooked meals, serving guests, collecting non-perishables for their pantry and making bag lunches. The upcoming date for cooking a meal is Wednesday, October 12 from 12-2 pm. Cooking will take place in the Christ Church kitchen. The next date for serving meals at the M.V. Soup Kitchen will be Wednesday, October 20, 4:45-6:15. We will meet in front of the church and transportation will be provided. Ages 11 and up are welcome. Please help us show our strong commitment to feeding the hungry. For Information or to R.S.V.P. please contact: Shawn O’Neil @ 395-3965 or email domesticceo@hotmail.com. Also, look for sign up sheets in the Undercroft at Coffee Hour.

The Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen

8 The SpireThe SpireChrist Church Bronxville17 Sagamore RoadBronxville, NY 10708-1599

Sunday, Oct. 3rd 5:00 PM Blessing of the Animals

Monday, Oct. 4th 7:30 PM Evening Prayer with Brother John from Taizé

Wed., Oct. 6th 10:00 AM Divine Dialogues (Crispell Lounge)

Monday, Oct. 11th Columbus Day-Church Office Closed Friday, Oct. 15th 7:45 PM Midnight Run

Sunday, Oct. 17th 10:00 AM Youth Sunday 11:15 AM Sunday Short Series 5:00 PM Solemn Evensong

Sunday, Oct. 31th 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist in costume 11:00 AM Halloween Party

Highlights