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SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP
Week of February 29, 2024                                                        PRAYER LIST 

Sunday, March 3: The Third Sunday in Lent
9:15 a.m.      Nursery Opens
9:30 a.m.      Adult Forum in the Parish House
9:30 a.m.      Children's Sunday School in the Parish House
10:30 a.m.    Holy Eucharist: BULLETIN
6:00 p.m.      Evening Program and Choral Compline

Wednesday, March 6
12:00 p.m.    Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing
12:30 p.m.    Mid-Day Music: George Fergus, organ

Livestreamed services can be found on the on the Christ Church YouTube channel


MESSAGE FROM THE REV. MAX MAXWELL

Lately I’ve been trying to see more deeply into the truth of things… things like anger and hatred, joy and kindness. Not so much as a Lenten practice but out of necessity. I sometimes find the news of our country and the world so distressing that I’m nearly incapacitated, unable to think or feel. Incapacitation is seemingly a defense against pain. But then, of course, my defenses gradually dissolve and I begin to think and feel once more… until I read or hear the news again.

The temptation to despair arises. It’s a foreign temptation for this normally cheerful, positive person, and a sinful temptation especially for a clergyperson. We’re in the business of hope, after all. All of which has led me to this effort to try to see more clearly and deeply. I’ve been reading my Bible, of course, but I’ve also been reading a lot of poetry.

In The Revelation to John, chapter 12, we’re told of a war in heaven. If the dragon (Satan) and his angels fight St. Michael and his angels so close to the throne of God, should we be surprised that good and evil are at war on earth… at war sometimes even within our own hearts? In the Aeneid the poet Virgil writes “sunt lacrimae rerum”, which Seamus Heaney translates as “there are tears at the heart of things.” Good and evil, joy and sorrow seem to be intertwined somehow.

This is something we all know, but often try to ignore. Just as we usually ignore our own impermanence. Life is fleeting; existence is transient. A lesson that is taught us in Ecclesiastes (3:1-8): “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die… a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” But reading that again, a particular word leapt out at me: "heaven."  Ah, heaven! While we all live but a moment, there is something that is permanent: God, our creator, in whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Now, as I try to look more deeply into the truth of things, I also strive to remember the greatest truth of all: the maker and sustainer of all creation is the God of love. Although good and evil are mysteriously woven together in this world, we can be assured that Love will triumph in the end. And, as we struggle and suffer we are not alone. As Canon Lasch preached last Sunday, Christ, who knows our brokenness, accompanies us, giving us sustenance and strength as we journey. As Jesus promised:  “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28: 20).


CONNECTION

Christ Church Shoe Drive: Donate New or Gently Used Shoes this Lent

Mark this Lenten season by donating new or gently used athletic shoes at church this Sunday. These shoes will be collected by Steps for World, a youth-led nonprofit that connects youth in East Africa to needed supplies. Because many youth travel by foot, access to shoes can mean access to education, water, and a better quality of life. Any shoe size is greatly appreciated, and youth sizes are especially in demand.

Donation bins will be available in the narthex (church entrance) and in the undercroft on Sundays, March 3, 10, and 17. Providing shoes for those who need them is a great way to travel with Christ through the wilderness this Lent. Many thanks to Steps for World for partnering with Christ Church in this project!


Tonight: The Philadelphia Eleven Film Screening at St. Peter's

Thursday, February 29, 5:45 p.m.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church invites all to a free screening of the documentary The Philadelphia Eleven, which tells the compelling story of the first women to become Episcopal priests. The event will take place Thursday, February 29 at 5:45 p.m. at 3 West Ridge Road, Savannah, GA 31411 with snacks served. Donations are accepted, and seats are first come, first served.


Adult Forum: Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Listening for God's Call: The Spiritual Practice of Discernment

Join us on the second floor of the Parish House each Sunday in Lent as we explore what it means to listen for the call of God in the various stages of our lives. Nursery is provided for children ages 0-4. On Sunday, March 3, Bertice Berry will host a panel of Christ Church members to discuss the way they each discerned a unique ministry of service. Afterwards, we will engage an exercise to help us discern our own way to Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.


Children's Sunday School: Sunday at 9:30 a.m
Let's Build Some Bible Stories



Children and youth are invited to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Modeled after "Adventures with Moses" from last summer, we are going to create immersive art focused on five great Bible stories. For the third Sunday in Lent, we will build the story of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.


Evening Program: Sunday at 6:00 p.m. 
Embracing the Dark, followed by Choral Compline


During the third part of this four-part Lenten series, Christ Church member and professor of art history Gary Radke will lead a program on "Darkness and Drama in Caravaggio's Art."

A service of Choral Compline will follow the program. Sung Compline comes from the monastic cycle of daily prayer, and is the last service appointed for the day. Reflect, meditate, and pray while the choir offers prayers and psalms in plainsong, the very earliest music of the Christian church.


Mid-Day Music: If Music Be the Food of Love

Wednesday, March 6, 12:30 p.m.

Join us for If Music Be the Food of Love following the noon service on Wednesday, March 6. Director of Music George Fergus will play a half-hour program of organ music inspired by the Psalms.


Louise Shipps (1931–2024)

Christ Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia mourn the death of Louise Shipps, who died this week in Hospice care at the age of 92. Her gracious presence and amazing gifts as an artist were among the reasons she was beloved by many in central and south Georgia and across the Episcopal Church.

A gifted artist and iconographer, Louise Shipps was the creator of our own Christ Church seal, which was unveiled in 2010. The seal features a stylized Lamb of God symbol, which has been used by Christ Church since its early history. The Lamb is surrounded by an azure blue field, holding the Primatial staff with a Resurrection banner emblazoned with the cross of Saint George. Centered beneath this image is a single Cherokee Rose, which is the state flower of Georgia.

Louise Shipps married Harry W. Shipps in 1953. She supported him in his call to ordained ministry as he studied at Sewanee and served congregations in Albany, Savannah, and Augusta, prior to his election as the 8th Bishop of Georgia. Bishop Shipps served from 1983–1994.

Louise Shipps was a graduate in art studies from Boston University. She exhibited in numerous one-person and juried art shows and taught painting to adults and children. She also studied Eastern Orthodox Iconography and taught icon workshop retreats in Dallas, Augusta, Savannah, and Kanuga Conference Center in North Carolina. She is survived by daughters Ruth Shipps, Susan Anderson, and Rebecca Eidson; a son, David Shipps; seven grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren.


Request for Historic Christ Church Photographs and Materials

Our Generation to Generation Strategic Plan is going ahead full tilt with many parishioners working on various aspects of the plan. Our new history book is well underway and is under contract with the University of Georgia Press. The working title is Christ Church Savannah: The Mother Church of Georgia since 1733; we hope it will be out in the next two years, anticipating a 300th Anniversary Edition in 2033. The author is Barrie Bradley with editorial advice from Gary Radke and new photography by Mills Fleming.

Barrie is seeking historic photographs and any material such as old fliers, bulletins, newspaper clippings, etc. that you may have and be willing to lend or donate to the Christ Church Collection at the Georgia Historical Society. You can email Barrie to make arrangements for scanning or donating items you have. Thanks!  


Easter Flowers for the Altar


Remember and celebrate loved ones by donating toward the flowers that will cover the altar this Easter. The gifts can be given in memoriam or in thanksgiving, and the names will be printed in the Easter bulletin. You can make your donation of at least $30 at the Christ Church website, or fill out the form in Sunday's bulletin and place it in the alms basin. Donations must be received by March 24.


Lent at Christ Church

Listening for God's Call: The Spiritual Practice of Discernment
Sunday Adult Forum, 2nd Floor of the Parish House, 9:30 a.m.
Nursery provided for ages 0–4

The spiritual work of discernment is ongoing and part of the Christian experience, no matter your age or stage. We discern our studies, professions, relationships, parenting, financial decisions, retirement, and a million decisions in-between. The Church offers many tools and great wisdom on discerning vocation—the call of God—in ways big and small. However, these gifts have primarily been used by those seeking ordination. In this series, we will explore some of the ways you may discern the decisions in your life in the context of Christian faith.

Let's Build Some Bible Stories
Children's Sunday School, 2nd Floor of the Parish House, 9:30 a.m.
Nursery provided for ages 0–4

Children and youth are invited to roll up their sleeves and get to work. We are going to create immersive art focused on five great Bible stories.

Embracing the Dark, followed by Choral Compline
Sunday Evenings in the Nave, 6:00 p.m.
What happens if we abandon our preconceptions of Lent as primarily a season of doom and gloom and instead seek to find inspiration and even illumination in darkness? Join Christ Church member and professor of art history Gary Radke for a four-part Lenten series on the positive power of darkness in Renaissance art. Discuss how all of us might meaningfully embrace darkness, shadows, and obscurity. Consider "Renaissance Depictions of Night" (February 25); "Darkness and Drama in Caravaggio's Art" (March 3); and "Problems with Light" (March 10). Sessions will be held in the church nave from 6–7 p.m., beginning with a visual presentation and discussion followed by Choral Compline sung by the staff singers. You are welcome to attend one, several, or all four gatherings.

Christ Church Book Group
Thursday, March 14 in the Undercroft, 10:30 a.m.
When Bad Things Happen to Good People
, by Rabbi Harold Kushner

Often imitated but never superseded, When Bad Things Happen to Good People is a classic that offers clear thinking and consolation in times of sorrow.

Lenten Book Study
Wednesday, March 20 in the Undercroft, 6:00 p.m.
This book was chosen in tandem with the Sunday evening program, Embracing the Dark. In Learning to Walk in the Dark, Episcopal priest and New York Times bestselling author Barbara Brown Taylor steps away from our "solar spirituality." She explores the uncomfortable experiences of darkness, physically and spiritually, and encourages us to seek God's presence there also.

In the Spirit: Lenten Discussion Series
Mondays, February 26, March 11, & March 26 at the Sandfly 5-Spot, 5:30 p.m.
"In the Spirit" is a discussion group for those who seek to deepen their faith through meaningful conversations. Join us this Lent as we explore questions surrounding change, conflict, and Christ's mandate to love.

Mid-Day Music
Wednesdays following the noon Eucharist in the church
Contemplative organ music will be offered by area organists each Wednesday in Lent. These programs are free and open to the public, with a free-will offering to benefit Emmaus House's homeless meals ministry.


Next Week at Christ Church


Sunday, March 3: The Third Sunday in Lent
     9:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
     9:30 a.m. Adult Forum & Children's Sunday School (Parish House)
     10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
     6:00 p.m. Embracing the Dark, followed by Choral Compline

Monday through Friday, March 4–8
     10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Docent Tours

Wednesday, March 6
     12:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing
     12:30 p.m. Mid-Day Music. If Music Be the Food of Love
     7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
 

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK







Thanks to Mills Fleming for the photographs
Centered in Worship
All are Welcome
Joyful Living

Servant Leadership


We invite you to worship with us at Historic Christ Church.
Copyright © 2023 Christ Church, All rights reserved.
Church Location: Johnson Square | 28 Bull Street
Our mailing address is:
28 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31401

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