Save the Date
Christ Church Book Group
Join us each second Thursday in the undercroft as we explore insights from thought-provoking works. This month, the selection is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This book is "a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus."
Thursday Evening Bible Study
The Reverend Cathy Zappa will be leading a weekly Bible study on the Gospel of Luke. All are welcome! There is no preparation required. Simply come as you can to spend time in lively discussion, good company, and the good Word!
Thursday Evening Bible Study
The Reverend Cathy Zappa will be leading a weekly Bible study on the Gospel of Luke. All are welcome! There is no preparation required. Simply come as you can to spend time in lively discussion, good company, and the good Word!
Evensong and Potluck
Please join us for a potluck supper in the undercroft after Evensong on December 4. Evensong begins at 6:15 p.m., and the potluck will begin immediately following at around 6:30 p.m. This will be a casual affair. Bring your favorite pot of soup, casserole, or any other dish to be welcomed by all as we enjoy a meal together in the company of our choristers and choir members. This will be a wonderful opportunity to join together in fellowship as we kick off the Advent season!
Over the Moon Youth Service Project
Following the 10:30 a.m. service on December 8, all youth in grades 6-12 (and parents, too, if you'd like to join) are invited to take part in a service project with Over the Moon Diaper Bank. Please invite friends as well ― this is a great opportunity to log some service hours, and even to introduce friends to the community of Christ Church. We'll head over to the Parish House right after the service to pack supplies for our Chatham County neighbors, and after we finish our work (around 1:00 p.m.) we will have pizza and salad together. Please RSVP to John Audette, john.audette@ccesavannah.org.
The Joy of Christmas
Ring in the Christmas season in this festive benefit concert! Join in singing favorite hymns, hear the choirs of Christ Church sing anthems and carols both ancient and modern, and support Emmaus House. Ticket reservations are available now via our Eventbrite page for congregation members and November 15th for the general public. Tickets are always free. They simply ensure that you can get a seat without standing in a long line and enable us to maintain required safety and capacity standards.
Baptisms at Christ Church
Many will recall the joyful torrent of baptisms we experienced throughout this past spring and into the summer! We've had eleven baptisms in the year 2024, a powerful testimony to the work of new life that God is doing in our midst.
In response to the growing numbers of baptisms taking place at Christ Church, we are moving to what is actually the more traditional model for baptisms recommended by the Book of Common Prayer: instead of scheduling individual days for baptism throughout the year, Christ Church will offer specific days of baptism that are especially fitting for the occasion.
All who are interested in receiving the sacrament of baptism are invited to take part on these days. The next baptisms at Christ Church will take place on October 6 (transferred Feast of St. Francis of Assisi), November 3 (Sunday after All Saints' Day), and January 12 (the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord). If you are interested, please reach out to one of our clergy.
Mid-day Music, If Music Be the Food of Love
Twice per month, we offer a free half-hour concert immediately following the Wednesday noon Eucharist in the church, featuring musicians from all over the region. A freewill offering is taken to support Emmaus House's mission. This week's performance features Roger Moss, Jr., baritone.
Thursday Evening Bible Study
The Reverend Cathy Zappa will be leading a weekly Bible study on the Gospel of Luke. All are welcome! There is no preparation required. Simply come as you can to spend time in lively discussion, good company, and the good Word!
Baptisms at Christ Church
Many will recall the joyful torrent of baptisms we experienced throughout this past spring and into the summer! We've had eleven baptisms in the year 2024, a powerful testimony to the work of new life that God is doing in our midst.
In response to the growing numbers of baptisms taking place at Christ Church, we are moving to what is actually the more traditional model for baptisms recommended by the Book of Common Prayer: instead of scheduling individual days for baptism throughout the year, Christ Church will offer specific days of baptism that are especially fitting for the occasion.
All who are interested in receiving the sacrament of baptism are invited to take part on these days. The next baptisms at Christ Church will take place on October 6 (transferred Feast of St. Francis of Assisi), November 3 (Sunday after All Saints' Day), and January 12 (the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord). If you are interested, please reach out to one of our clergy.
Evening Program
Ordinary Saints: How Christ Shines Through the Lives of Everyday People
Sundays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 in the Undercroft, 6:00 p.m.
Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King—these are the kinds of people who come to mind when you hear the word "saint." But what about those us who don't build orphanages, tame wolves, defend France, or lead great movements of justice? Join us each Sunday in October at 6:00 p.m. in the undercroft as we hear about the extraordinary things God does through seemingly ordinary people. Each week, a different panel of Christ Church members will share their stories of following God's call (even when they didn't realize it at the time!). Discover your own story in theirs, and learn how God leads us not to become somebody else, but always to be more truly ourselves: ordinary saints, through whom God does extraordinary acts of love.
Evening Program
Ordinary Saints: How Christ Shines Through the Lives of Everyday People
Sundays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 in the Undercroft, 6:00 p.m.
Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King—these are the kinds of people who come to mind when you hear the word "saint." But what about those us who don't build orphanages, tame wolves, defend France, or lead great movements of justice? Join us each Sunday in October at 6:00 p.m. in the undercroft as we hear about the extraordinary things God does through seemingly ordinary people. Each week, a different panel of Christ Church members will share their stories of following God's call (even when they didn't realize it at the time!). Discover your own story in theirs, and learn how God leads us not to become somebody else, but always to be more truly ourselves: ordinary saints, through whom God does extraordinary acts of love.
Evening Program
Ordinary Saints: How Christ Shines Through the Lives of Everyday People
Sundays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 in the Undercroft, 6:00 p.m.
Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King—these are the kinds of people who come to mind when you hear the word "saint." But what about those us who don't build orphanages, tame wolves, defend France, or lead great movements of justice? Join us each Sunday in October at 6:00 p.m. in the undercroft as we hear about the extraordinary things God does through seemingly ordinary people. Each week, a different panel of Christ Church members will share their stories of following God's call (even when they didn't realize it at the time!). Discover your own story in theirs, and learn how God leads us not to become somebody else, but always to be more truly ourselves: ordinary saints, through whom God does extraordinary acts of love.
Book Group
Join us each second Thursday in the undercroft as we explore insights from thought-provoking works. This month, the selection is The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan. The Lemon Tree is a moving work bringing the tragedies of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to a human scale. In 1967, Bashir, a young Palestinian, journeys to Israel with the goal of seeing his beloved old stone house that he had fled 19 years earlier. Unexpectedly, he is greeted by Dalia, a 19-year-old Israeli college student, whose family fled Europe for Israel following the Holocaust. Dalia and Bashir began a rare friendship tested over the next 35 years in ways that neither could imagine.
Evening Program
Ordinary Saints: How Christ Shines Through the Lives of Everyday People
Sundays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 in the Undercroft, 6:00 p.m.
Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King—these are the kinds of people who come to mind when you hear the word "saint." But what about those us who don't build orphanages, tame wolves, defend France, or lead great movements of justice? Join us each Sunday in October at 6:00 p.m. in the undercroft as we hear about the extraordinary things God does through seemingly ordinary people. Each week, a different panel of Christ Church members will share their stories of following God's call (even when they didn't realize it at the time!). Discover your own story in theirs, and learn how God leads us not to become somebody else, but always to be more truly ourselves: ordinary saints, through whom God does extraordinary acts of love.
Baptisms at Christ Church
Many will recall the joyful torrent of baptisms we experienced throughout this past spring and into the summer! We've had eleven baptisms in the year 2024, a powerful testimony to the work of new life that God is doing in our midst.
In response to the growing numbers of baptisms taking place at Christ Church, we are moving to what is actually the more traditional model for baptisms recommended by the Book of Common Prayer: instead of scheduling individual days for baptism throughout the year, Christ Church will offer specific days of baptism that are especially fitting for the occasion.
All who are interested in receiving the sacrament of baptism are invited to take part on these days. The next baptisms at Christ Church will take place on October 6 (transferred Feast of St. Francis of Assisi), November 3 (Sunday after All Saints' Day), and January 12 (the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord). If you are interested, please reach out to one of our clergy.
Sunday Morning Adult Forum
A Different Community: Christians in the Public Square
Beginning October 6, 9:30 a.m. in the Parish House
As Christians, we are called to be a community transformed into the image of Christ. This transformation is powerful enough to reach every sphere of our lives—not only when we show up at church on Sunday morning, but also when we scroll through our social media feeds, sit around the Thanksgiving table with distant relatives, and park next to that car whose bumper stickers betray an ideology very different from our own. Many narratives of our current cultural and political climate tell a story of "division," but the truth is that there's much more we have in common. Join the Revs. Cathy Zappa and Samantha McKean as we explore together how our identity in Christ shows us a different way to be in the world, empowering us to live into the unity, reconciliation, and love that God offers us in Christ.
Choral Evensong for St. Michael and All Angels
Offered by the parish choir, this introspective liturgy is sung almost entirely by the choir, allowing the congregation to relax, reflect, and recharge surrounded by beautiful music in this sacred space. Evensong is a uniquely Episcopal tradition observed by churches and cathedrals around the world.
Mid-day Music, If Music Be the Food of Love
Twice per month, we offer a free half-hour concert immediately following the Wednesday noon Eucharist in the church, featuring musicians from all over the region. A freewill offering is taken to support Emmaus House's mission. This week's performance features pianist Cameron Fuhrman.
Neighborhood Parties
A party is coming to your neighborhood! On Sunday, September 15, neighborhood parties will be held wherever Christ Church members are found. These casual gatherings are a great way to connect with your literal Christ Church "neighbors" in a fun and relaxed setting. No need to bring anything but a smile! To RSVP to your neighborhood party, use the link at the top of the Christ Church website.
Children's Sunday School
Parish House, Second Floor, 9:30 a.m.
While the grown-ups are in Adult Forum, kids will be engaged in their own spiritual formation! All children in pre-Kand up are invited to the second floor of the Parish House for a time of learning, praying, and growing together. In addition to Children's Chapel during the 10:30 a.m., these interactive Sunday School sessions are a wonderful way to deepen kids' faith. The class is led by Claire and Stephen Rilee.
Church Open for Quiet Prayer
The church will be open for quiet prayer from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11. The Revere and Son Bell will ring at the moments of impact: 8:46, 9:03, 9:37, and 10:07.
The docent program will resume tours from 10:15 a.m. until 12 noon.
Bibles for Christ Church Kids
All 3rd-5th graders are encouraged to take part in this fall's "Bibles for Christ Church Kids" program! Each Sunday during Children's Chapel, participants will engage deeply with scripture, asking questions, learning new skills, and responding each week to the story of God's love. On November 17th, these students will be presented with a Bible as a gift from Christ Church as they participate in a special rite marking this stage of their faith journey.
Interim Rector Cathy Zappa's First Sunday
Today we are joined by the Rev. Cathy Zappa, Interim Rector of Christ Church. Cathy comes to us from The Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, where she has served as Canon for Liturgy and Pastoral Care for ten years. Cathy enjoys teaching in multiple settings and styles, working with volunteers and guilds, mentoring staff members, and leading ministry training.
At the Cathedral, she was instrumental in expanding pastoral care through new community partnerships and support groups, including off-site worship services. She has deep experience in both homeless and prison ministry.
Cathy is originally from Atlanta and has received degrees in English and German from the Universities of Georgia and Texas, as well as a Master of Arts in German Literature from the University of Texas Austin and Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
She and her husband are recent "empty nesters" with a child in college and two recent graduates. For many years, she has had a family home in Savannah and is familiar with the area. Cathy enjoys running, walking her dog, and doing jigsaw puzzles.
It's also important to note that we have posted a call for a new Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries to fill some of Helen White's many roles. A big thank you to Savannah Young, who has been coordinating Children's church during this interim period.
About 6 months after we settle into this interim phase, we will commission a Search Committee. This phase will include writing a Parish Profile and doing the actual search. The entire process will likely take 12-18 months, and we will continue to provide updates throughout the process.
Adult Forum
"From There to Here: Flourishing in Times of Transition" — In the Parish House, 9:30 a.m.
All are invited to take part in a special adult forum series which began this morning. It will continue through November 17 in the Parish House, led by Interim Rector, the Rev. Cathy Zappa, and other Christ Church clergy.
Together we will ask, What does it mean to be in an interim period? What might we expect during this time? Join us as we discuss the hope and promise of living into a season of transition.
The nursery will open at 9:15 for children 4 and younger, and a children's bible study will be held across the hall for older children.
Sung Evening Prayer
To conclude their three-day Chorister Camp, the Christ Church Choristers will lead a service of Sung Evening Prayer in the church at 5:45 on Thursday, August 22. Come support these young singers and end your day with this 15- minute service of prayers, readings, and anthems.
Pool Party for Kids and Youth
Make a splash at our annual pool party for Christ Church kids of all ages. Join us from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the home of Dan Suwyn and Kim Bockius-Suwyn: 425 Suncrest Blvd. Pizza will be served! Suggested donation is $5. Please RSVP to the Rev. Samantha McKean: samantha.k.mckean@ccesavannah.org.
Back-to-School Blessing
Calling all students and teachers! At our 10:30 a.m. service next Sunday, August 18, we will have our annual Back-to-School Blessing with prayers for all in our school communities for the coming year.
In the Spirit
"In the Spirit'' is a discussion group for those who seek to deepen their faith through meaningful conversations. Join us on Monday at The 5-Spot in Sandfly (7360 Skidaway Road), where you can grab something to eat or drink as we spend time together. We'll gather at 5:30 p.m. and begin our discussion at 6. This week's topic is Is the Bread if Life Gluten-Free?.
In the Spirit
"In the Spirit'' is a discussion group for those who seek to deepen their faith through meaningful conversations. We are making a one-time change. Join us on Tuesday at The 5-Spot in Sandfly (7360 Skidaway Road), where you can grab something to eat or drink as we spend time together. We'll gather at 5:30 p.m. and begin our discussion at 6. This week's topic is Peace and Violence.