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Christ Episcopal Church Newsletter November 2002 Looking Towards Advent 2002 From the Rector:
To say the least 2002 has been an interesting year at Christ Church Accokeek. We have gone from a messy court battle with the Diocese of Washington, to getting a full time Priest through intense yet honest negotiations with our new Bishop, John Chane. I feel we are finally beginning to be a real church again, where proclaiming the Gospel is our primary goal. I think today’s example of Alison’s and Eric’s Baptism is an outward and visible sign of our true mission. And I would like to welcome both of their families into this family here at Christ Church. Through all of our ups and downs this year I have to say that I am very pleased that our financial status has continued to be strong. These improvements were made: * Purchased a second van to transport children primarily for Camp Accokeek One disappointment this year was the announcement that the Word of life Christian Academy would not be able to reopen this fall due to financial set backs. For the school to get all of the needed permits to operate before and after care services they would have had to spend thousands of dollars, and the money was just not there. As most of you are aware the Chapel in Pomonkey has been closed since the fall of last year. An AME church is still using the facility on Sundays, for which they pay a monthly rent. Chapel members attended vestry meetings in late spring of this year and indicated that there were only 6 members at that time who would consider worshiping there. They would have to discuss if it was financially feasible to worship at the Chapel and also see if they had the drive or desire to seek growth. Nothing has been determined at this point but in the very near future the Vestry will be making some decisions on the status of the Chapel. Fr. Stephen Arpee is currently our full time Rector, however his time with us is not long term. Both Stephen and Janet were retired and would like to resume that retired status as soon as we are able to find a full time Rector that meets our needs here at Christ Church. In the not too distant future we will be starting the search process for another Rector. So in the mean time this congregation will have to do some self evaluating on what our mission is here at Christ Church, how do we want that mission to be expressed outwardly and what kind of Rector would be suitable to help us along in this mission. In determining our Rector status we have to strongly consider our financial situation. As a congregation, what are we willing to financially support. I think much prayer and soul searching will be needed in order for each of us to financially contribute in a way that expresses our personal desire in fulfilling Christ’s mission here in Accokeek. Right now your financial support is telling this vestry that we do not want a full time Rector with experience and that we do not want a full time organist with experience. That is why it is so important for us to define what our mission is and how can we accomplish it. Finally I would just like to remind everyone that our 77th annual Oyster and Ham dinner is coming up on November 23rd. There is much preparation that goes into the dinner especially the week prior to the dinner. The kitchen needs to be cleaned, the candy is being made both Sundays prior to the dinner, and the potato salad is made on the Friday before the dinner. Please make yourselves available as many days as possible and especially on the day of the dinner. It is a wonderful time to meet new people and have great conversation and really get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ. Barbara Sturman
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