A Newsletter by and for the people of Christ Church Bronxville

TheSpire

Oct. 2008 VOL. LXIII, No. 2

Contact us:914.337.3544

Monday-Thursday

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Fridays9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

www.ccbny.org

Children’s Formation 2

Music at CCB 5

Adult Formation 3

Parish Life 6

Youth & Confirmation 4

October Highlights 8

At a Glance

“In every aspect of nature, from the internal workings of organisms to whole ecosystems, we find the connections between things are as important as the things themselves.”— David Holmgren, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability

Dear Friends in Christ,

It’s been over a month since I returned to Bronxville from my third visit to the beautiful African country of Malawi, and my miracle-radar is still on high alert. Each morning of our trip, one of my small band of travelers would look up and say aloud, “Okay, God, what do you have to show us today?” I had planned our journey carefully. I had phone numbers, maps, timetables, tickets and hotel reservations. But God was our travel agent with surprises in store that did not appear on my itinerary. God’s revelation was never, ever what we expected. God showed us what we needed to see instead.

One of these revelations took the form of a man named Pastor Joseph Chawawa. Pastor Joseph – minister and preacher of the “Go Ye Restoration Church” and expert on Permaculture agriculture – took us on a tour of his vast, wild and beau-tiful farm in Kanengo outside the capital city of Lilongwe. What at first looked like an untamed tangle was revealed to have a carefully thought out design backed by clear logic and creative intent.

The theory of Permaculture is that nature provides a design for agriculture which values frugality and making use of every good while minimizing waste. Instead of planting acres of segregated crops, which deplete the soil, limit productivity and depend heavily on surface irrigation and chemical fertilizer, Permaculture invites “companion planting” – mutual and cooperative relationships in which vegetables and herbs share earth, sun and water and help each other to flourish.

One example Pastor Joseph showed us was the “guild garden.” A circular bed, defined by a pattern of bricks, had at its center a main plant or tree. It was sur-rounded by different plants and herbs that, in some way, benefited both the main plant and one another. Some attracted insects, which would otherwise eat the vegetables. Some drew water deeper into the earth. Others fixed nitrogen in the soil. A guild garden, on a very small piece of land, can produce abundant crops with little interference by the farmer as individual elements in the garden create a web of mutual benefit and cooperation.

We at Christ Church are a guild garden. Each of us has multiple and varied gifts. Even when you feel a little wild and tangled up, remember that God has planted us together so that we may nurture one another, grow together and share the blessings we’ve been given. Enjoy the fruits of the Christ Church garden. And keep your miracle-radar on alert for the unexpected revelation God has in store for you. Faithfully,Mo. Malin+

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Children’s Christian Formation

Confirmation Class Scavenger Hunt

Godly Play (Pre-K-1st Grade)Oct. 5th The 10 Best WaysOct. 12th The Ark and the TentOct. 19th Youth SundayOct. 26th The Story of Ruth

Second GradeOct. 5th ForgivingOct. 12th Caring & BelongingOct. 19th Youth SundayOct. 26th Giving & Sharing

Third GradeOct. 5th The Story of AbrahamOct. 12th JacobOct. 19th Youth SundayOct. 26th Joseph

Fourth GradeOct. 5th Jesus’ Baptism & TemptationOct. 12th Jesus’ Early Ministry (P. I)Oct. 19th Youth SundayOct. 26th Jesus’ Early Ministry (P. 2)

Fifth GradeOct. 5th The Bible in EnglishOct. 12th The Church beginsOct. 19th Youth SundayOct. 26th The Ancient Church Era

Sixth GradeOct. 5th Overview of Christian DenominationOct. 12th Comparison of Christian DenominationsOct. 19th Youth SundayOct. 26th Catholics & Espiscopalians-what is the difference?For more information please contact:Barbara PotgieterChildren’s Christian Formationbpotgieter@ccbny.org

School CalendarVolunteers for Youth SundayIf your child (in grade 4, 5 or 6) would like to be an usher on one of our Youth Sundays, and they are not in the Sing ‘n Ring choir, please contact Barbara Potgieter or Deborah Ross. There are two Youth Sundays this fall: October 19th and December 7th – we need 4 volunteers for each Youth Sunday.

Nursery Care

is available for babies and children too young

for Church School.

The Spire

CCB takes Manhattan and finds God at work all over the City

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Adult Christian Formation

ONE TuesdayTuesday October 14 at 6:00 pm

The Harvest is Plentiful: Goats and Gardens in MalawiJoin Mother Kate Malin and her fellow travelers for a lively presentation on this summer’s two-week trip to Malawi and hear about our plans for next summer.

Meet the people of Chikwawa Parish, home to our “Goats for Malawi” project, and many other creative and deter-mined Malawians who are working with Christ Church and our partners to empower the rural poor to grow the food they need throughout the year on their own land. This program is appropriate for the entire parish family.

Working Mothers’ FellowshipContinues on Wednesday, November 5th at 7:00 pm in the Crispell Lounge. If you are a working mom with a sense of humor who sometimes feels she’s hanging by a thread, join us for a little wine, cheese and reflection on finding grace in the midst of juggling kids, job, spouse, shopping lists, carpools, parents, pets, and our ever-more-complicated schedules. All are welcome, Christ Church members and non-members alike. WMF meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month. For more information, contact Mo. Kate Malin at kmalin@ccbny.org.

The Sacrament of HealingThe laying on of hands and anointing with oil for healing will continue to be offered monthly during the 10:00 am service. People choose to receive the laying on of hands and anointing for many reasons—personal illness, worry for a beloved, loneliness, need for strength. No matter the reason, we believe that God is present in this ancient sacrament, and that offering one’s brokenness and need in prayer can be essential to healing. If you are feeling broken in any way, or desire prayers for yourself because you are caring for another, offer yourself for a moment of prayer in the Lady Chapel after communion. May we all be blessed to know the healing power of God’s love. For the complete schedule of healing Sundays, visit www.ccbny.org.

Sunday Short SeriesBegins Sunday October 26th at 11:15 am

Mary, the Mother of GodWhat can we know about this first-century Jewish Woman in relationship to her Son, and how did she become so central to (and sometimes so marginalized within) Christian devotion? Get ready for Advent with an in-depth look at The Mother of God, in Scripture, Tradition, Anglican Devotion and the Arts — even our Lady Chapel kneelers!This series will be held on October 26, November 2, November 9, and November 16 at 11:15 am, following the 10:00 am Eucharist, in the Crispell Lounge. Feel free to drop in for any or all classes. For more information, con-tact the Rev. Cody Unterseher at cody.ccbny.org

Sunday LuncheonsBegin Sunday October 19th at 11:30 am in Taylor HallOver the years, those members of Christ Church Bronxville who do NOT have young children on the soccer field or baseball diamond all weekend have enjoyed gathering for “Heritage Teas.” These regular opportunities for fellowship, food and on occasion entertainment often centered around a seasonal theme or honored guest and gave parishioners of all ages the chance to catch up over tea, sherry and delectable treats. We have decided to expand this festive tradition by offering Sunday Luncheons at the church immedi-ately following the 10:00 am service on four Sundays during the year. We will offer a light luncheon, a little “food for thought,” and the opportunity to enjoy one another’s company. Please R.S.V.P. to Vicky Carter if you plan to attend at vickycar54@aol.com. The com-plete schedule of Sunday Luncheons is as follows:Sunday October 19Sunday December 7Sunday February 8Sunday May 3

Multi-faith Dialogue Groups Be part of a multifaith dialogue! The Center for Jewish Christian Muslim Understanding is initiating a series of multi-faith dialogue groups around Westchester County which will meet once a month to look at some of the mysti-cal texts of each of the three religions. There will be a group for high school students, one for college students, and two adult groups. For more information contact Hondi Brasco (mmhdb1@aol.com).

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EYC

2009Taizé Monastery and Cultural Experience in Paris February 2009

EYC Calendar: October10th – Midnight Run24th – EYC Trip to Opening Night of High School Musical 3 and Lock In!29th – Volunteer Opportunity

During the February break the EYC will experience the culture of Paris and spend a week in personal prayer at theTaizé Monastery in Burgundy . Taizé is a monastery for all Christians focused on peace and reconciliation that draws tens of thousands of young people between the ages of 14 and 30 each year. It is a place where teenagers from around the world gather to spend time in prayer and silence, build friendships and learn about other cultures. When Christ Church was at Taizé this past February the EYC made fast friends with 160 teens from Toulouse France as well as teens from several other countries. They learned the same game and its accompanying song in four languages! The teens who went to Taize last year continue to talk to and share videos with the teens from Toulouse over facebook regularly and hope to meet them again. Many teens on the trip went home feeling that Taizé was the place where they truly discovered their personal relationships with God and began to understand the things we all have in common.

Mission Trip to Costa RicaAugust 2008

Christ Church, deeply rooted in the Christian traditions of service and charity, frequently presents Bronxville’s youth with ample opportunities to give freely of themselves. Students often gather to organize and execute the Midnight Run—an opportunity to hand out necessities to New York City’s homeless population—in addition to taking part in other local service projects. However, Christ Church’s generosity expands beyond domestic borders.The Episcopal Youth Community (EYC), composed of teens aged from 14-18, traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica to refur-bish the first non-Catholic church in the country: La Iglesia del Buen Pastor. Armed with hammers and safety goggles, twenty-five teens and four chaperones worked side-by-side to repair damages, deepen friendships and better understand a culture foreign to their own.From an evening of cultural exchange—dancing, singing and playing with local Costa Rican teens—to nights spent in song and meditation, Bronxville’s youth had a wonderful combination of faith and fun during their eight-day excursion. Renewed by the gratitude of the patrons of La Iglesia del Buen Pastor, the students experienced a restoration of faith in themselves and humanity. They were able to recognize their abilities as individuals—the impact that they have on other individuals—as well as observe the grand accomplishments of teamwork, and its effects on greater humanity.

Please check the website for this year’s calendar and contact Director of Youth Ministry Krista Miller (kmiller@ccbny.org) for more information

Registration Due October 15th: available at ccbny.org or by e-mailing Krista Miller at kmiller@ccbny.org

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Music

Chorister Installation Now in its sixth season, Voice for Life will install several new choristers to the choir on Sunday October 26. This is a meaningful part of their experience as choristers as they seal their commitment to Christ Church in their ministry as a chorister. Help us support these choristers as they pray

“Bless, O Lord, us Thy servants, who minister in Thy temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips, we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts, we may show forth in our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.”

Music CommitteeThe Music Committee is a guiding and supportive presence for music and the choirs at Christ Church. The committee meets three times a year to discuss how to best serve the music program and continue to ensure the splendid sounds that are such an important part of worship at CCB. Each of the choirs is repre-sented on the committee by their chair, in addition to a vestry representative, publicity coordinator, music committee chair and secretary. If you have any ques-tions or suggestions for the music programs at Christ Church, we welcome your thoughts. Please contact Christopher Wells at cwells@ccbny.org or music chair Ken Richardson at krichardson@ccbny.org.

The 10AM service on Sunday September 28 marked the culmination of this fall's choir camp for the Sing 'n Ring and Voice or Life choirs. This year's two-night sleepover took place at Incarnation Camp in Connecticut. Choristers attended music seminars with Christopher Wells and Jessica French, who instructed on the elements of music theory and rehearsed the singers on pitch, rhythm and dynamics. Additionally, Mother Malin spoke on the role of

music and the choir in our liturgy, and Ken Richardson led a discussion on community building. During down time, at-tendees were treated to a nature walk, game night, playtime in the gym and "sang for their supper" on Saturday when they performed in the dining hall for the other guests. The choirs returned early Sunday morning for breakfast, and to rehearse and sing at the 10:00 service, to show us just how much all that hard work paid off.

YOUTH SUNDAY The First Youth Sunday is October 19thChoristers in the Primary Choir and Sing ‘n Ring will lead the music for this service. Parents – PLEASE make sure your chorister is ON TIME so rehearsals will run smoothly. 8:50AM Sing ‘n Ring get robes on 9:00AM Sing ‘n Ring rehearsal 9:20AM Primary Choir get robes on 9:30AM Primary Choir rehearsal 10:00AM Service begins

THE PARISH CHOIR DATES FOR 2008-2009November 23, March 8, April 19, and June 7Participation in this choir requires on the 9:00AM rehearsal on. Singers Grade 3 through Adults are welcome and encouraged!It’s never too late to register for choir! Contact Christopher Wells if you have not registered, but would like to enroll.

7th Annual Choir Camp

6 The Spire

OctoberBirthdays

1: Nancy Clifford; 3: Nikolaus Bender, Antonio Montero, Gordon O’Brien, Barbara O’Donoghue, Robert Singleton; 4: Velma Dougherty; 5: Kendall Connors, Claire Kraemer; 6: Alison Hoover, William Neild, Frederick Romley, Nicolette Romley; 7: James Murphy; 9: Charles Campbell; 11: The Rev. Michael A. Bird, Linda Blakely, Helen Noone; 12: Thomas Brasco; 14: Jamie Carroll, Diana Horne; 15: James Garvey, Michael Hoover, Peter Johnson; 18: Richard Bower; 19: Barbara Deller, Moira Sica; 21: William Murphy, Izaak Thoms; 23: Brigid Buendia, Timothy Cushman; 25: Patricia Garvey, Betsy Goodell; 26: Jeffrey Barrett; 28: Pamela Humbert; 31: Thomas O’Donoghue, Centes Williams

Parish Life

Help Conserve with the new, reusable CCB tote!

Patronal FeastMidnight Run: Friday, Oct. 10We have a Midnight Run Friday the 10th and are meeting at 7:45 PM in the kitchen. Volunteers and donations are needed, especially blankets. Blankets, sleeping bags, backpacks, ski/sport jackets and all other clothing.

Please contact Carol or P.G. Costa (pgcosta@verizon.net) for more information.

Want to help conserve oil and keep the environ-ment clean? Stop using those plastic bags from the grocery store! They may be convenient, but more than 200,000 plastic bags, most used only once, are dumped into landfills every minute. And it takes an estimated 1000 years for them to photodegrade. More than that, by not using plastic bags you’ll be helping to conserve the more than 12 million barrels of oil it takes to produce the 100 billion bags Americans use in a year. And it costs over $200 million per year to clean up the ones that float around or make

their way into sewer drains as litter. You may even save some cash, as some local stores offer as much as a nickel for each reusable bag of your own you bring. At the very least, make sure to recycle your plastic bags at your gro-cery store. (Among local stores, both Stop & Shop in Eastchester and A&P in Bronxville have bins for bags.)Better yet: You know what makes a good substitute for all those plastic bags from the grocery store? The new, reusable CCB tote! If you didn’t get one at Homecoming Sunday, you can pick up your free tote at the Parish Office. Stylish, and it sends just the right message!

All Creatures Great & Small! UshersA belated “Thank You” to all the ushers for a wonderful job last year! I really appreciate everyone’s time and energy in greeting parishioners and visitors, and always making everyone feel part of the services. This Fall we welcome Emily Simpson as a new member of the team. We look forward to another enjoyable season.

SOleMN eveNSONGOctober 19 5:00 PM

Christ Church Choir and Schola Cantorum

Arts and Spirituality, introduced to the parish last year, plans a full schedule of events for the 2008-2009 program year including trips to museums, cathedrals and the performing arts. More information will be available on the website at www.ccbny.org in the coming weeks, but here is a taste of what we’ve planned:MARC CHAGALL On Tuesday Oct. 14, 2008, join us for a morning trip to the Museum of Biblical Art to see the visionary art of Marc Chagall, who melded the iconography of Jewish Hassidism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity into his deeply nuanced expressions of Biblical themes and stories. We will leave Christ Church at 9:30AM to see the exhibit and have lunch in the city. The cost is $7.00 for admis-sion plus lunch. Contact Christ Church at 337-3544 or Hondi Brasco 771-8870 (mmhdb1@aol.com) if you are interested.

ART AND LOVE IN RENAISSANCE ITALY, Metropolitan Museum of ArtOn November 21st, Letizia Seirup will lead a group to see this fascinating explo-ration of various objects—paintings, jewelry, decorated linen chests for brides, boxes, birth trays, and works of art on paper—created to celebrate love and mar-riage in the Italian Renaissance.

CHOIRS OF ANGELS: Painting in Italian Choir Books, 1300-1500, Metropolitan Museum of ArtOn February 7th, Letizia Seirup will lead a group from Christ Church to see these inspiring choir books illustrations from the Italian Renaissance in the Medieval Sculpure Hall. With jewel-like color and gold, these precious images spring from the unique, artful marriage of painting, text, and music. We will leave Christ Church at 9:45 am and travel by van to the museum. After visiting the exhibit, we’ll reflect on what we saw over lunch in the city.

Blessing of the AnimalsWith a church full of barks, mews and giggles, CCB celebrated the Feast of St. Francis on Sunday October 5 with our traditional Blessing of the Animals. In the wonderfully boisterous service, with the nave of our church looking some-thing akin to Noah’s Ark, over 50 Christ Church pets (including dogs, cats, gerbils and hamsters) lined up to receive their individual blessing from Father Bird and Mother Malin. Following the service, treats for all species were enjoyed in the Columbarium. Special thanks to Betsy Goodell for organizing the post-service get-together.

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Arts & Spirituality

Above: March Chagall, Samson Destroys the Temple

8 The SpireThe SpireChrist Church Bronxville17 Sagamore RoadBronxville, NY 10708-1599

Monday Oct. 13th Columbus Day-Church Office Closed Tuesday Oct. 14th 6:00 PM ONE Tuesday Arts & Sprituality-Trip to the Museum of Biblical Art

Wednesday Oct. 15th 9:30 AM Altar Guild Meeting

Sunday Oct. 19th Youth Sunday 11:30 AM Sunday Luncheon

Friday Oct. 24th EYC Trip to HSM 3 and Lock-in!

Highlights Save the Date!December 7 Lessons and Carols

with the Kensington Brass