Newsletter 0103

  • January 2003

    FROM THE RECTOR
    In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity

         We live in an exciting and challenging time in the life of the Church, not just in Accokeek, but in the whole of global Christianity.  Traditional beliefs and ways of behavior are being tested and refined, and new patterns of life are being forged.  Step by step, we are having to think through much of our life as Christians.  What is essential, and permanent? What is secondary, or temporary? We need to find the answers to these questions together; and it will take some time. St. Augustine provided this guideline: In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity (meaning generous, patient, good will). What do we Episcopalians understand the "essentials" of the Christian faith to be; and what are the "non-essentials," about which we can disagree and still remain in fellowship with one another---still be friends and partners in ministry?

         During six of the Sundays in the Epiphany season, January 19 – February 23, we will have a series of discussions on, "The Essentials of the Christian Faith." We will use  a revision of the Thirty-Nine Articles [BCP pp. 867-876] prepared at a Canadian conference in 1994. The full text will be available both in hard copy and on our web site:     [essentials.html].  This will be an opportunity to look at basic Christian teaching as we have received it in the Anglican tradition, and to do so in the context of leisurely, informal conversation.  We will meet in the Parish Hall on Sunday evenings at 5:00 PM, have supper, worship, and study and talk together, finishing up about 7:30 PM.  (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on January 26, Super Bowl Sunday.)

         Plan to participate if you possibly can!  This can be a time of exploration and learning for all of us; and it should be very useful as we develop a parish mission statement in the months ahead, and get ready for the next general meeting of the congregation.   STA


    FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN
    Current Vestry actions

         I hope this letter brings along with it an excitement for the New Year, and a sense of enthusiasm in the participation of the life at Christ Church. 2002 was a very successful year financially, but more importantly I think we experienced a beginning to a spiritual growth that has long been overdue.  I am so grateful for the efforts of Fr. Arpee and his continued faith in this congregation. With his help the Vestry plans to make 2003 even more glorious.

         The Vestry has been making major improvements on the rectory. We gave it a new face-lift, which included adding more insulation on the exterior walls and all new windows. We will be replacing the furnace in the rectory in the very near future. We also plan on trimming back some of the big tree branches that hang over top of the rectory.  We are making a conscious attempt on improving the rectory in order to make it an attractive incentive for a prospective new Rector.

         The Vestry in the first stages of developing a mission statement for Christ Church.  This is a very important document that defines who we are as a congregation and what our mission is to the rest of the world. The mission statement will help us all better understand what God’s will is for this congregation.  It will also help us in very practical ways, for instance, how we can make use of our church hall and in what ways do we want to reach out to the greater community around us. The mission statement will be a source of discussion at future forums and other gatherings, so please make an effort in being an active participant in the shaping of “Who we are.”

         The Vestry is also currently working on our by-laws.  We are in the process of making some necessary changes and also updating parts, and omitting parts that are no longer relevant. Of course, there will be a congregational meeting and vote to officially make any changes, but we are now in the process of producing a draft set of by-laws that will help us to operate as a congregation more efficiently.

         I have enclosed with each newsletter a pledge card. Please take some time to pray about your financial contribution to Christ Church for 2003.  I pray that all of us will substantially increase our financial giving from last year.  In the near future we will be looking for a new rector and it is of great concern to me that our choices will be limited in who we can call, not because of lack of suitable candidates, but because we cannot financially support them. If you do choose to pledge this year, please feel free to fill out the card and drop it in the mail to the church address or just put it in the offering plate on Sunday morning.

         May the Lord do amazing things through all of us here at Christ Church!

    Barbara Sturman