Christ Church, please welcome our NEWEST sub-deacon, Jim Blake, and our NEWEST acolyte, Monesty Howard.
Thanks to Jim and Monesty for answering the Appeal for Altar Crew volunteers!
For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might;
thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, the one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, and win with them, the victors crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Editor note: Members of our Stewardship team have been sharing heartfelt thoughts regarding Christ Church, and this seems a great place to highlight them. We have Joe Schaller, Pru Kirkpatrick, Steve Remy, and John and Kathy D'Amanda.
Because I believe in the grace of God, and all that it implies in my present life, and a life hereafter, it is my only reasonable response to be grateful for God’s grace. Gratitude is an action word. It’s not a slogan, not something that merely receives an occasional nod and a few words of thank you Lord for what you have given me. Gratitude is a call to action. And like many things spiritual, meaning God centered, it’s a call to taking inconvenient actions. Actions which rub against my nature for a life free of responsibilities. It’s a call to leave my own personal garden of Eden.
It is my experience that the strength of our church body, is that it nourishes my soul. And it is only through this nourishment that I can transform my reluctance, my hesitation, and my proclivity to whine into a service rendered with a grateful and cheerful heart. It is the power of love in our Eucharist that is gifted to me, not in isolation, but as given to all.
I believe that all God-centered spiritual activity plays out in our physical reality. Faith is found in community and as a community we have chosen to meet and worship here for more than 100 years. We believe it is God’s call on our lives. We believe that we have a legacy which God would have us to continue to refine and improve and to carry out with gratitude for his grace.
Christ Church has also is given me a connection to a community of believers so that I may stand with a light in my hand in a world of great darkness. The Holy Spirit has lit the candle, but so have you. Christ Church has given me a profound spiritually-based liturgy. It has given me the loving and powerful word of the good news of the gospel: exclaimed from our pulpit by a minister dedicated to the betterment of all, including our community both near and far. It is given me a soaring and majestic music which tells me that we can aspire to be what God has called us to do.
By making a commitment to our annual stewardship program I am linking up my hands, with you in Christ. I give secure in the knowledge that I have answered the call of God in my life. I stand here this morning because I have received, from God and through you, the courage to take the halting and inconvenient and maybe in some cases dangerous steps that that call of God’s will as expressed in this body requires of me. I give to the best of my ability. I give my talent, my time, my treasure. I give to give. I do not give to get. I am redeemed whether I give or not. That is a great joy! Giving is an expression of my gratitude for that great joy and for your steadfast and holy fellowship. Giving is an action word!
Joseph Schaller
We are standing on the shoulders of giants. I am reminded of this when I enter our building at the Lawn Street entrance and walk past the portraits of the clergy, past and present, or when I read the "In memory of..." plaques in the sanctuary. These persons, working with generations of devoted parishioners, managed to ensure that Christ Church survived and thrived the many vicissitudes of the past 160 years. Now we find ourselves uniquely positioned to be Christ's light in our world. We have been given enough. In the of my favorite Offertory Sentence, "All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee."
-- Sonja Shelton
Hannah Sommers ©2011 watercolor
Ruth's column
“O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in thee in thee,
For all are thine.
Alleluia, alleluia!”
- Hymn #287, “For all the saints, who from their labors rest”
As many of you know, I fully engage in that hallmark of our Anglican identity, which is openness to ambiguity! My faith is as much about the love of questions as the certainties. When it comes to All Saints Day, I am blessed with certainty. For as long as I can remember, it has never occurred to me that the people I love who have died don’t hear me when I pray for them. In fact, before I was taught anything different, I used to pray TO my grandmother. She was the first person I loved and lost. We called her “Angel.”
For a time after Angel died, she became a regular fixture in my bed time prayer routine. After the Lord’s Prayer, I would give my attention to Angel. I went through God, of course. I asked God to quiet the streets of heaven so that a message could get through and be heard by my grandmother. It never occurred to me that God didn’t quiet everyone in Heaven briefly to sound my message through the streets by broadcasting my own voice saying the words to Him: “Hi, Angel, it’s Ruth. How are you doing? I am doing fine. I miss you. I love you.”
All of these years later, it still does not occur to me that the ones I love and see no longer do not receive my prayers and join me there. It never occurs to me that we have not been knit together into one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Christ.
I no longer picture cobbled, Heavenly streets with people bustling about but pausing when prayers and other announcements are given over the celestial intercom. When I am in that space where wordless, contemplative prayer delivers me, I am one with the God who is all in all. All who came before, all who are now, all who will come after; all of time, before time, and beyond time; all of what we can see, know, or believe and all of what we can’t see, know or believe. The mystics call this “unitive seeing,” but it’s not reserved for mystics only. In this seeing, or “space,” I know beyond any doubt that I am communing with God in whom we live, move and have our being, and communing with all being that lives, moves, and has itself in God!
Baptisms, Eucharists, music, prayer, liturgies – these guide us to the crossroads, the touch stone, of the Saints in Heaven and on Earth. But Heaven and earth are also joined together within us when we give ourselves fully over to the presence of God. I no longer envision a veil between Heaven and earth that is temporarily lifted from time to time. I imagine that the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us is as near and present as Lawn Street is outside my office window. As are the saints of God, the souls of our loved ones died to this life, we ourselves and every other living thing that fills the overflowing cup who is God.
See you in church,
Ruth+
Did you know that Ruth has a blog? It's beautiful and you can find it here-
Notes from Stephen Kennedy
We celebrated All Saints at Christ Church at the Sunday Eucharist with two anthems from the 20th century. "Give Laud Unto the Lord" by Ernest Bullock (1890-1979), and "How Beauteous Are Their Feet", by Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924). These sacred choral anthems are staples in the Anglican repertoire. Their texts, outlined below, are rich in imagery of All Saints. Sacred choral works such as these were not performable at Christ Church until the advent of the Hook & Hastings organ. We are grateful for our collaboration withe the Eastman School of Music which has brought about the possibility of expanding our repertoire to include such works.
"Give Laud Unto the Lord"
Text: Give Laud Unto the Lord, from heaven that is so high. Praise him in deed and word, above the starry sky: an also ye his Angels, all, armies royal, praise joyfully. Ye boundless realms of joy, exalt your maker’s fame, his praise your song employ. Ye Cherubim and Seraphim, to sing his praise.
"How Beauteous Are Their Feet"
Text: How beauteous are their feet
who stand on Zion's hill
who bring salvation on their tongues
and words of peace instil! How happy are our ears
that hear this joyful sound
which kings and prophets waited for
and sought, but never found. How blessèd are our eyes
that see this heavenly light
Prophets and kings desired it long
but died without the sight. The Lord makes bare his arm
through all the earth abroad
let every nation now behold
their Savior and their God.
Stephen Kennedy
Music Director
Christ Church Rochester
Instructor of Sacred Music
Eastman School of Music
"Cobbs Hill" Tim Jutsum©2006 acrylic on canvas
EVENTS
EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS in This Issue
Upcoming Event Music Poster
Latest Sunday Bulletin
(when you click on an image below it will become full size and you can scroll through the pages)
Baptism on All Saints Sunday
Report on the Diocesan Convention
Candlelight Concert Schedule 2017-2018
Old News, but Good News
Meet the new VanDelinder Fellows for 2017
Episcopal Relief and Development
The Care Team
Christ Church Open House
GRANTS UPDATE
Vestry Minutes
1 Crown him with many crowns, 2 Crown him the Son of God
the Lamb upon his throne; before the worlds began,
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns and ye, who tread where he hath trod,
all music but its own; crown him the Son of man;
awake, my soul, and sing of him who every grief hath known
who died for thee, that wrings the human breast,
and hail him as thy matchless King and takes and bears them for his own,
through all eternity. that all in him may rest.
3 Crown him the Lord of life, 4 Crown him of lords the Lord,
who triumphed over the grave, who over all doth reign,
and rose victorious in the strife who once on earth, the incarnate Word,
for those he came to save; for ransomed sinners slain,
his glories now we sing, now lives in realms of light,
who died, and rose on high, where saints with angels sing
who died, eternal life to bring, their songs before him day and night,
and lives that death may die. their God, Redeemer, King.
5 Crown him the Lord of heaven,
enthroned in worlds above;
crown him the King,to whom is given,
the wondrous name of Love.
Crown him with many crowns,
as thrones before him fall,
crown him, ye kings, with many crowns,
for he is King of all.
All Saints Sunday Johan Riley Blackman received the sacrament of Holy Baptism
We rejoice and welcome Johan into the family of God at Christ Church and congratulate his family.
Report on Diocesan Convention
Report on Diocesan Convention 2017
I had the pleasure of representing Christ Church at this year’s Diocesan Convention, which was held at RIT on October 28th. The convention passed two significant resolutions.
The first was brought by Roja Singh and Dawn Gandell, “Against Caste-and Descent-Based Discrimination 2017.” Roja mentioned how a large majority (around 70%) of Christians in India are Dalits, or so-called “Untouchables.” The resolution asked that the Episcopal Diocese of New York “acknowledge the fundamental injustice of caste-and descent-based discrimination, a clear human rights violation; engage in legislative advocacy and education to raise awareness of the pervasive nature of this human rights violation; and that the Episcopal Diocese of New York charge the India Network with the preparation of an e-mail document outlining caste-and descent-based discrimination and the atrocities associated with it, such document to be distributed to all Diocesan parishes before the next Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.” The resolution passed and will be forwarded to the National Convention for their approval as well.
The second resolution was that the South Wedge Mission be entered into union with the Diocese of Rochester. The South Wedge Mission is a congregation supported jointly by the Lutheran Church and Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. It is accepted as a mission church, and “agrees to abide by and conform to all canonical and legal requirements of mission churches in union” with the Diocese of Rochester. You can find a wonderful description by Rev. Matthew Nickoloff of how the mission has grown and all their activities on the Diocesan website.
The Convention was livelier than in the past, in my opinion. In addition to the business of the day (approving the audit report, passing the budget, and electing people to Diocesan committees), the Diocese had ministry highlights from various congregations on videos produced by our new Communications Specialist Steve Richards. And there were some other informal but informational presentations, one presenting the work and objectives of an anti-racism group in Rochester, and one featuring Diocesan young people speaking about what faith means to them. All the kids were excellent speakers and had great things to say, and our own Hannah Sommers was the final speaker in the group. She talked about her experiences in the church that help her say “I am not afraid for the future of the church” because she’s seen people act in faith outside church walls: she talked about her trip to Standing Rock and witnessing others going to court and advocating for refugees and migrants. She was so articulate and passionate, and she got a standing ovation! And there were multiple moments of worship, prayer, and getting to know our table mates from all over the Diocese.
We will be looking for three delegates for next year’s convention. Please consider spending a fulfilling day in the company of Episcopalians from all over the Finger Lakes region of New York. It’s a wonderful opportunity! --Deb VanderBilt
Candlelight Concerts, Compline, and Music Events
at Christ Church 2017-2018
Old News, but, Good News
This is some of the things that happened during the summer and in previous weeks. Some are things that you may have already seen and know about and others may be new to you. Seeing them as memories or for the first time reminds us of the many wonderful things that we shared. Cheers!
Pet Blessing
The Feast of St. Francis, October 4th, was the inspiration for the blessing of our pets as a part of the liturgy at the 11:00 on October 8th.
Goodbye, Marianne!
Jazz Fest
Report to the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry
2017 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival
Made in the U.K. Series
Each year for nine days at the end of June, the East End becomes this Musical Oasis with thousands walking in the neighborhood enjoying all sorts of good music, good food and drink, and the kind of community spirit that makes a city a good place to be. Since 2008, Christ Church has been a major part of this annual event known as The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, considered to be one of the top four in the USA. We welcome 6,000 people through our doors for two performances each evening and our front lawn becomes a place for people to relax and enjoy music emanating from the free stages and other locations. This year, A Meal & More held a successful earring sale on our front lawn to support their food ministry to this neighborhood all year long.
Our participation in XRIJF began in 2008, and the first year we were designated the venue for Made in the UK was 2009. Prior to that, the parish hosted a jazz-style mass as our neighborhood participation. XRIJF is the largest public event at Christ Church each year.
The attendance figures for the 2017 XRIJF are as follows:
No other event draws this kind of attendance, and no other event involves nine straight days. When we first got together with the Jazz Festival people, our intent was for this to be a major Public Relations/Community event. Fund raising was not a part of the decision, but we were intent that it be “revenue neutral” or our out-of-pocket expenses be minimal. Our current agreement calls for a $1,500 payment from the Festival for Moses’ extra time and paper supplies for the bathrooms. The Festival pays Adamski Moving directly to move the piano and Mitch Moore from Eastman to tune the piano daily during the Festival. Our out-of-pocket expenses are the cost of additional water and electricity. This is approximately $50 for the water and less than $100 for the electricity.
We are staffed by a loyal crew of volunteers – about 5 each night – to usher, give out bottled water (which this year resulted in $400 of donations), and watch over the nave and hallways. About 2/3 are parishioners. We can say with absolute certainty that people regard Christ Church as one of the top venues and the most hospitable. We know the British musicians feel this way, as we have received high praise in such publications as British Downbeat magazine and in what they say here and abroad. Each night, we conduct several tours of interested people and after each performance we hear very kind words about the beauty of the church and how well we treat festival-goers. Several of the ensembles are interviewed by the newspapers and television stations with flattering shots of our building, and committee members are likewise called upon for TV interviews. We also give the opening announcements each evening at both shows and use this as an opportunity to invite people back to see us after the Festival. Between XRIJF print and web material, the news media, and word on the street, the name “Christ Church” and its beauty is constantly in front of the community for nine days each June!
Our involvement as an XRIJF venue began at the same time the Craighead-Saunders Organ was being installed. We believed that this unique organ would draw a great deal of local, national, and international attention to Christ Church. Opening our doors to a major music festival would be yet another opportunity for the parish to showcase its building and its community to a large audience. Our experience over the years has taught us that more people than we can imagine have a very positive image of Christ Church and its role in the Downtown Community, especially in the area of music and the fine arts. We are limited only by our imagination to further exploit such opportunities.
Looking ahead to 2018 and beyond, we look for suggestions as to how we might improve our participation and also how to best work with things like potential repairs to the nave.
Respectfully submitted,
Joe and Vicki McCutchon, Carlos Mercado
Ad hoc Jazz Festival Committee
Here is the link to an excellent documentary on Made in the UK:
Meet Our VanDelinder Fellows for 2017-2018
More about the Roy E. VanDelinder, Jr. Fellowship Program at Christ Church Rochester.
Through the combined resources of Christ Church’s Liturgical Music Program and the Eastman School of Music’s Organ Department, this exciting program offers vocational training and practical application in liturgical music skills for Eastman organ students who are pursuing a career in liturgical music. Fellows will receive a scholarship for participating in this program, and a large cash prize is awarded each year to the Fellow who demonstrates the greatest diligence and achievement. Under the leadership of Music Director Stephen Kennedy, Fellows will receive training and experience in improvising, composing, arranging, hymn playing, anthem and motet accompaniment, chanting, conducting, and rehearsing choirs and instrumentalists as well as other components within a church music program. This program is made possible by a generous gift from the Roy E. VanDelinder, Jr. Fund of Rochester Area Community Foundation.
Fellowship in Liturgical Organ Studies
Fellows will be selected by the VanDelinder Committee. This committee will base their decision on the student’s résumé, playing skills, and two letters of recommendation. Fellows will receive a scholarship of around $4,700 for the academic year. This amount will be re-figured this year, so it may be slightly more than this amount. Fellows may participate in this program for up to three years but the VanDelinder Committee makes the selection of Fellows each year.
Prize in Liturgical Organ Skills
Each year, the VanDelinder Committee will select one acting Fellow to receive the Roy E. VanDelinder, Jr. Prize in Liturgical Organ Skills that includes a cash prize of $8,000 above the scholarship. This prize will be awarded to the VanDelinder Fellow that demonstrates the greatest diligence and achievement. The prizewinner will be expected to remain in active duty as Fellow for a negotiated number of Sundays beyond the school term. Fellows who do not win the prize will be excused at the end of the school term.
Past Winners of the Roy E. VanDelinder, Jr. Fund of Rochester Area Community Foundation Prize in Liturgical Organ Skills
Käthe Wright Kaufman in 2014
Käthe Wright Kaufman in 2015
Jeremy Jelinek in 2016
Madeleine Woodworth in 2017
Episcopal Relief and Development
How about some lovely farm animals as a gift this Christmas? Or maybe a nice micro loan? I have to admit that I've never put farm animals on my list of things to get. I'm actually not a fan of farm animals. I have, however, wished for a micro loan, back in the day when we were a younger family. The opportunity to be creative is something that is so close sometimes, yet just out of reach for some of us. This is particularly true if you live in a place where food security is more hope than reality. A lot of people live in that place. It's not always just about location. Helping people make their hopes of opportunity come true this Christmas may be the very thing God is asking you to do. If you are inclined to want to make this a farm animal Christmas for someone who has this at the top of their wish list, check this out- http://www.episcopalrelief.org
The Care Team
is here to help
The Christ Church Care Team is a volunteer ministry to help parishioners on a temporary basis as they recover from surgery, suffer the death of a loved one, are home bound or in the hospital, or need support due to another kind of loss or difficult transition. The Care Team assists parishioners in need with the following: shopping, meals, pet care, house help, phone calls to check in, and home and hospital visits. Please notify the Rector if you or someone you know could use Care Team support. [Care Team Leaders: Shirley Ricker, Norma Kurmis, Lydia Worboys, Peg Britt, Elizabeth Dugdale, Kyle Liddell and Jim Blake]
Christ Church Open House- Sacred Sites
Dear Christ Church,
Thank you to all who made our Stained Glass open house a big success! We had about 70 visitors, including a group of 40 on a group tour led by Pike Studios, and they were unbelievably enthusiastic--asked a million questions, took a million pictures--in fact, the tour guide couldn't get them out of there and on to their next venue!
The volunteers made this open house possible. They were welcoming and generous hosts. I've attached 2 pictures--one which Vicki McCutchon entered into the Sacred Sites Photo Contest after the weekend, and one which shows the beautiful way Carlos set up the front of the church.
Huge kudos and thanks to all who helped.
Deb VanderBilt
Warden
Grants Update
The grant-writing team (Deb VanderBilt, Tom Foster, Meg Mackey, Peg Britt, and Hugh Kierig) has finished this year’s round of applications. In general, grants are available in the historic preservation category; in other words, we have to specify a building project and the grant will go toward repairs. Here’s an update on where we are with our grants.
In January, we applied for a grant from Sacred Sites (a part of the New York Conservancy Trust) for $50,000 for our buckling wall on Lawn Street. We received $25,000, which the grant administrator told us is typically the upper limit of what they award. We must match that grant 50-50 (no problem, since the wall repairs will cost at least $130K).
In May, we applied for two grants for the wall as well: to the Rochester Community Foundation Grant for $25,000 and to the Partners for Sacred Places for an unspecified amount (the first step is a “letter of intent”). We should hear from RCF in October, and we already heard we did not make the first cut from Partners for Sacred Places.
In July, we applied to New York State for a Historic Preservation Grant. Because our church is in a zip code that is characterized by high poverty, if we get this grant it will be a 75/25 match (we pay 25%). We applied for the grant for clerestory window repair, since the criterion for the grant is urgency. Water infiltration caused part of the ceiling under these leaky windows to fall down, so we believe we have a good case that window repairs are urgent. The application was for about $120,000, and we will hear in January about whether or not we receive it.
We also applied in May for a Congregational Development Grant from the Diocese. This grant can be used for our deficit, so it is very different from the historic preservation grants. If we get it, we are eligible to be on a 5-year cycle of grant renewal, but it will be less each year as we work toward sustainability. To apply for the grant, the team worked on a plan of action to “develop” our congregation: communicating better about what we do to the community and other ways of growing our congregation. We applied for $35,000 and we will hear in September or October from the diocese if we get the grant. They can say no, give the full amount we asked for, or give a lesser amount based on the total they have to allocate within the diocese.
It’s because of this final grant that Ruth, Deb, and Joe were required to attend the College for Congregational Development, to learn tools that will help us grow Christ Church both “inside,” in what we do to develop spiritual lives and fellowship in our church, and outside, in what we do to live out our mission and attract others to work with us on that mission.
It’s also in connection with the Diocesan grant that you took the survey about what attracted you to Christ Church and why you stay. Here are the results of that survey (except the comments, which even though anonymous we are treating as confidential:
Member Survey: 63 responses
Question 1: What caused you to visit Christ Church for a church service (other than Compline) the first time? (Click all that apply)
I was looking for a faith community 50.00% 26
Heard about it from someone I know 46.15% 24
Found it through the website 13.46% 7
Was in the neighborhood and was curious 13.46% 7
Attended Compline, then came to a service 7.69% 4
Read about it in the newspaper 1.92% 1
Found it via Facebook 1.92% 1
Attended Jazz Festival then came to a service 0.00% 0
Question 2: What was it about Christ Church that caused you to attend regularly or become a member? (Click all that apply.)
The music 70.4% 43
The preaching 63.9% 39
The Christ Church community 59.0% 36
The way the service is conducted (the liturgy) 57.3% 35
The physical space (Sanctuary) 47.5% 29
The outreach initiatives of Christ Church 34.4% 21
Question 3: If you had to pick a PRIMARY reason why you attend Christ Church regularly or are a member, what would you pick?
The music 26.6% 16
The Christ Church community 26.6% 16
The liturgy 20% 12
The preaching 18.3% 11
*Question 3 responses by those at CC 8 or fewer years:
The preaching 31% 9
The Christ Church community 24.1% 7
The music 20.6% 6
The liturgy 17.2% 5
Vestry Minutes, October 2017
Vestry Minutes October 17, 2017
1. Report from Treasurer: Vestry welcome Norm Geil for his quarterly visit to the Vestry. He noted an end of month surplus in March and April. He is anticipating that Quickbooks will generate a statement of contributions, according to the expectations of the Quickbooks consultant working on our system. A third checking account has been opened for the Capital Campaign. The Vestry decided to hold an open budget meeting to promote transparency, along with a 15 minute tutorial on how to read budgets. The meeting will be Dec. 7.
2. Capital Campaign Committee Report by Joe Schaller
Committee members: Ruth Ferguson; Gale Lynch; Lucy Parfitt; Joe Schaller, Bill Soleim; John Urban; Deb Vanderbilt
A Gift & a Promise
Goal: $1,000,000
Contributions: $107,500
Pct. of Goal: 11%
• Mailing to the neighborhood: Sagamore, Gibbs/Selden St. neighborhood, Tower 280, and Manhattan Square Apartments. Approximately 100 pieces were mailed. Purpose of the mailing was to inform nearby residents of programs at Christ Church. Included in the mailing was a note from the Rector, a card listing programs and a Schola Cantorum CD.
• Farash Foundation: A tour with the Executive Director will be scheduled. The foundation has previously made a grant to Christ Church and we will request a second grant.
Case statement – with capital projects
• Case statements for multiple audiences were previously completed, to be used in the solicitation of external organizations/individuals.
• A State of Christ Church working draft is being reviewed.
• Capital projects were prioritized. Total cost of projects will equal the campaign goal of $1 million.
• A limited Conditions Report for our project areas from Bero is expected in the next 6 weeks. This is a very important step in presenting our case for support especially from the community, who know less about the state of our building.
Campaign Policies
• Completed policies were presented to the Vestry for approval
• Naming/Recognition policy being finalized
3. Deb moved that policies for the Capital Campaign donations be approved by the Vestry. Val seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Vestry Liaison Reports
Reports from Vicki regarding special events, weddings, and meals:
• Right now Vicki has 5 weddings paid for in-full for 2018. The goal is 8 weddings for 2018, which would bring in $12,000 total. Vicki has overseen 7 weddings this year and one included a small reception.
• Vicki does not need further resources at this point, and reports that she loves working with Moses and Stephen, and is also happy to have Lydia as a backup as needed.
Report on Care Team—Ruth
• The Care Team was split into different categories in July: Pet Care, Food Prep, Phone Calls, Home visits, Housekeeping, Hospital Visits
• Norma Kurmis took the lead on helping to organize volunteers for the food prep service. Meals have been brought to parishioners on a rotating basis since July.
• The response from parishioners receiving meals has been mostly positive, with only a few hiccups in terms of communications.
Report on Foyers—Val
Foyers has been on hiatus due to low turnout. Three parishioners signed up for the last round of foyers. We will advertise Foyers further in advance in 2018.
5. Rector’s time: A huge welcome to Pat Knapp, the new church secretary! Ruth is very excited to have her on board.
n liturgy news, December 24th will be a full day at Christ Church. It is both Advent 4 AND Christmas Eve. There will be a 10 a.m. Advent 4 Eucharist; a 5:30 (said) Christmas Eve Eucharist and a 10:30 (sung) Eucharist. Also, Easter Vigil will be a joint venture this year with the clergy, choirs, and people of St. Thomas' and St. Paul's joining us. Rob Picken will sing the Exsultet, Leslie Burkhardt will preach, and Ruth will preside. The people of St. Thomas' and St. Paul's will share the lectern with us as readers, and members of both choirs will be invited to join the CC choir and the music performed under Stephen Kennedy's direction. The idea is that the Vigil, which has been shrinking in numbers for all three churches, will be a movable feast, and we will join St. Paul's next year and St. Thomas' the year after.
he last part of the meeting was given over to Evening Prayer. “Defend us from all dangers and mischiefs, and from the fear of them; that we may enjoy such refreshing sleep as may fit us for the duties of the coming day.”
Vestry Minutes September 2017
Vestry Minutes Tuesday, September 19, 201
1. Nominating Committee: Deb VanderBilt, Carolyn Mauro, and Meg Mackey will serve from Vestry, and Deb will recruit members from Parish.
2. Worship Liaison report: Carolyn Mauro reported on needs of the groups for which she is liaison.
• Altar Guild: Bill Soleim would like us to have one fair linen for each altar, totaling three. We currently have one. Ruth will suggest a fair linen for memorial gifts for those who inquire.
• More ushers would be helpful to the team. The teams are now two official ushers, with helpers to bring up the elements. Carolyn will consult with worship leaders again, after Advent and Christmas.
3. Sponsorship Policy Proposal: The vestry passed a sponsorship policy proposal, for use of the church’s name in activities we want to sponsor officially. Any church member can request this, and we would ask them to follow the protocol (attached).
4. Amsden Fund monies will be awarded to a seminarian, approximately $5,000. Ruth will work with the Bishop and the Diocesan Commission on Ministry on identifying a student with financial need.
5. Capital Campaign: Joe Schaller’s gave a report on the committee’s activies (which will be included in a handout to the parish). Deb reported that the outcome of vestry pledges was 100% participation. Combined number, including vestry pledges and two grants equals $107,450. If the vestry is representative of the entire parish (10 people pledging $65,450 = 100 people pledging $650,000), our goal of $1,000,000 is within reach!
A new initiative coming out of Campaign discussions is the third Sunday Lecture Series beginning October 15, 8:15-8:45P.M. We will encourage people to attend, using every communication avenue we have!Ruth led the Vestry in a healing service in which each one had the opportunity for the laying on of hands in prayer, and anointing with oil.
The Spirit was moving, but the house was not shaken, which was a good thing, considering the Lawn St. wall and all.
Vestry meetings as of October will begin at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by David C. Jutsum, clerk of the vestry.
SPONSORSHIP GUIDELINES – Christ Church, Rochester NY
Passed by the Vestry on September 19, 2017
Purpose
Christ Church is committed to “justice and peace for all people,” according to our mission statement. The following policy outlines how Christ Church will proceed in sponsoring events or activities, including lending the name of Christ Church as an endorsing or sponsoring organization to another non-profit or its activities.
“Sponsorship” by Presence of Rector
The presence and voice of the Rector of Christ Church at events promoting social justice is within the individual rights of the Rector. This includes the Rector being associated with the church in media reports.
Sponsorship (in writing) of an Outside Organization by Proposal to the Vestry
Official sponsorship (in writing) of an event may be requested by any parishioner or the Rector. This might include co-sponsoring an event, providing rent-free space, placing an ad in a program, or hosting a fundraiser. If a special collection is part of the activity, the organization must be a 501(c)(3) organization.
A sponsorship proposal to the Vestry should be submitted to the Wardens and Rector:
• Briefly describe the activity, including date, time, location, and audience.
• State how the activity supports the Church’s mission.
• Estimate staff and/or volunteer time required, if any.
• Estimate the cost to the Church, if any.
• Indicate the duration of the sponsorship requested.
• Describe any potential for financial loss or other liability.
The Vestry will give priority to organizations whose mission is congruent with the Church’s mission. If approved, the sponsorship, when appropriate, should use wording that clarifies the sponsoring organization (“The Sanctuary Group” or “The Vestry”).
Other kinds of sponsorship
No advocacy or sponsorship of activities in support of political candidates or parties is allowed.
If sponsorship of an activity of an outside organization involves a contractual agreement, Vestry approval is required. Only the Rector is authorized to sign sponsorship contracts with outside organizations.