A Newsletter by and for the people of Christ Church Bronxville

TheSpire

Mar. 2010 VOL. LXIV No. 5

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

Adult Formation 3

Youth 4

Music at CCB 6

Parish Life 6

Holy Week Schedule 8

At a Glance

Lenten Discipline, Lenten JoyLent is generally viewed as a time of self-examination, prayer and penitence in preparation for the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. One Christian tradition that has emerged as part of Lent is for individuals to give up something as a symbolic gesture of self-denial or to take on a spiritual discipline as part of your regular routine.As you continue your own Lenten journey this year, we invite you to take on a spiritual discipline connected to Outreach at Christ Church Bronxville. Nicholas Kristof, on January 17th, wrote an interesting OP-ED page in the New York Times. In it he quoted a fascinating book “ The Happiness Hypothesis” by Jonathan Haidt, a psychology professor at the University of Virginia. This book suggests that people who focus on good works, religion and spirituality, or friends and family are happier than the ones focusing on achieving wealth and career advancement. Professor Haidt notes that the one thing that can make a lasting difference to your contentment is to work with others on a cause larger than yourself.Other studies confirm this theory and it seems we are hard-wired to be altruistic. In other words it is hard to be truly selfless because generosity feel so good. “The most selfish thing you can do is to help other people,” said Brian Mullaney, a former executive that became the co-founder of Smile Train an organization that helps children born with cleft lips.There are, of course, other reasons for helping people in need besides the pleasure we derive from doing good. The Gospels give us the commandment to love one another as Christ loves us, and we actively participate in shaping the Kingdom of God when we do so. Somebody asked George Mallory, the famous British alpinist, the reason why he wanted so badly to climb Mount Everest. His answer was “because it is there”. The needy, the poor, the sufferings, the forgotten, the weak, the lonely they are all there. CCB has many ministries designed to serve others, and more could be added to suit your talents, but your participation and enthusiasm are required to make them realities. We need your ideas, creativity and involvement. We know it is hard to take time and resources away from your family and friends, school, work, little leagues and well-deserved relaxation. Those are all understandable priorities. But maybe you can carve some time out of your busy schedule to help us.How to volunteer? Just ask the Church Office and you’ll be referred to the right person or, if you prefer, please contact us, PG and Carol Costa at pgcosta@verizon.net. Either way we are waiting for you!

2

Children’s Christian Formation

Church School begins each Sunday with Children’s Chapel at 9:45 AM in Taylor Hall

Godly Play (Ages 3 to 1st grade)Mar. 7th The Parable of the Mustard SeedMar. 14th The Story of St. Patrick Mar. 21st Youth Sunday (No Church School)Mar. 28th Jesus the King (Palm Sunday)

Second GradeMar. 7th Easter Story: Benjamin’s Box-Part IMar. 14th Easter Story: Benjamin’s Box-Part II Mar. 21st Youth Sunday (No Church School)Mar. 28th The Creed and the Trinity

Third GradeMar. 7th SamsonMar. 14th RuthMar. 21st Youth SundayMar. 28th Samuel

Fourth GradeMar. 7th Jesus’ Last Days (Part 1)Mar. 14th Jesus’ Last Days (Part 2)Mar. 21st Youth SundayMar. 28th Jesus’ Last Days (Part 3)

Fifth/Sixth GradeMar. 7th What is Hinduism?Mar. 14th Study of HinduismMar. 21st Youth SundayMar. 28th What is Buddhism?For more information please contact:Barbara Potgieter Children’s Christian Formation bpotgieter@ccbny.org

Church School Calendar Easter Egg Hunt

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for all Church School and Nursery children.

Gather in the undercroft after the 9:00 AM service and please bring a basket for each child!!

Calling All Coffee Drinkers, Donut Eaters and Socializers-We are in need of Coffee Hour Hosts! Please email Laura Villani, lrlrvillani@gmail.com. If you are able to host on any of the following dates. Feel free to join forces with a friend! Thank you!!March 28thApril 11th , 18th - Youth SundayMay 30th

The Spire

Nursery Care is available for babies and children too young

for Church School.

March HighlightsTuesday, Mar.2nd 8:00 PM Centering Prayer GroupWednesday, Mar.3rd After 7:00 AM Service, Lenten Breakfast 7:00 PM WMFThursday Mar. 4th 9:00 AM Women’s Spirituality Trip to Planitarium Saturday, Mar. 6th Progressive Dinner Sunday Mar. 7th 11:15 AM Lenten Sunday Short Series

Tuesday Mar.9th 8:00 PM Centering Prayer Group

Sunday Mar. 14th 11:15 AM Lenten Sunday Short Series 2:00 PM Counseling Center Concert 5:00 PM Evensong Tuesday Mar.16th 8:00 PM Centering Prayer GroupWednesday Mar.3rd After 7:00 AM Service, Lenten Breakfast 7:00 PM WMFThursday Mar. 19th WMF Retreat Sunday Mar. 21st 11:15 AM Bronx River Conservancy

Sunday, Mar. 28th Holy Week (See back page)

Breakfast during LentWednesday Mornings during Lent after the 7:00 AM service, please join us for Lenten Breakfast in the Undercroft

3

Adult Christian Formation Lenten Sunday Short SeriesThe Book of Job continuesMarch 7and March 14The book of Job is an ancient story of a person of faith—an innocent man—who suffered great loss and endured tremendous pain, all through no fault of his own. The story raises questions about the human suffering, divine presence/absence in the midst of suffering, the issue of evil, and the nature of faith in the face of it all. All of these topics are particularly pertinent in our post 9/11, post-Katrina, post-tsunami, post-economic collapse, and post Haiti earthquake world. Join The Rev. Amy Lamborn for what promises to be a bible study. . .and more: All seminars will take place in the Crispell Lounge, beginning around 11:20 AM, following the 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist.

March 2, March 9 and March 16This Lent we are pleased to offer a spe-cial group that will en-gage in the study and practice of Centering Prayer, a silent way of listening to God through meditation.Join The Rev. Amy Lamborn and Hondi Brasco, Director of the Center for Spiritual Life, on four succes-sive Tuesday evenings from 8:00 to 9:00 PM:Each week we will

spend about 20 minutes discussing short readings from Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation, by Martin Laird. We will then engage in about 20 minutes of silent prayer as a group, and we will conclude by sharing reflections that arise out of the prayer experience.Please register in advance for this group, by emailing Amy Lamborn at alamborn@ccbny.org. Copies of the book may be purchased through amazon.com (or another vendor of your choice). All meetings will be held in the Chapel of the Guardian Angels.

Introduction to Centering Prayer

Center for Spiritual Growth: Journey to the Stars

Thursday, March 4 9:30 AM (meet at Christ Church in the lobby) 2:30 PM Return homeWe can offer travel to the planetarium by car, but not cannot guarentee travel home. There are a limited num-ber of drivers.Cost: $24.00 admission for adults/ $18.00 seniors plus the cost of lunch in the cafeteriaJoin us as we journey to the stars on Thursday, March 4th to the Hayden Planetarium. Intrigued by the dialogue between science and religion, the Women’s Spirituality Group is traveling to the planetarium to ex-plore the Rose Pavilion, and see the newest feature film, Journey to the Stars which traces the big bang through 13 billion years and tracks the life and death of stars. This event is open to all parishioners. Albert Einstein once said “ The most beautiful emotion we can experi-ence is the mystical. It is the source of all true art and science.”Sign up quickly, space is limited. Please let us know if you need transportation. Call the church at 337-3544 or Hondi Brasco 771-8870 for more information.

4 The Spire

EYCOn February 12th, twenty-three teenagers from Christ Church Bronxville’s Episcopal Youth Community for high school students set out on their annual pilgrimage to the Taizé Monastery in France and cultural experience in Europe. Led by Youth Director Krista Dias, Father Michael Bird, Mother Jennifer Brown and John Dias, the group was the largest ever to travel to Taizé with Christ Church. The EYC began their pilgrimage in one of Europe’s great cities: London. Though they were tired from their flight overseas, the teens were excited to see history come alive as they walked through the city. Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, Big Ben, St. Martin in the Field, Lambeth Palace, Covent Garden, Platform 9

3/4 and Parliament were among the many significant places toured during the EYC’s whirlwind London adventure. Though the youth group’s time in London was memorable, the most meaningful part of the trip began on day three, when the teens traveled to the Taizé Monastery. Taizé is a monastery for all Christians in France’s Burgundy region, founded during the Second World War as a place of peace and reconciliation. Each year, tens of thousands of young people from all around the world, travel to Taizé in search of God. When Christ Church’s EYC arrived at Taizé this year, they were accompanied by around Eight-Hundred other teenagers from France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Austria, South Korea, Poland, Belgium and Canada.

5

EYC Pilgrimage to Taizé - cont’dMarch

Birthdays1: Corbin Callaway; 1: Tracey Gilliam; 2: Nora Hogan, Sam O’Neil, Sophie Feinberg; 3: Cameron Elkerton; 4: Thomas Kenney, Patrick Sica; 5: Monna MacLellan; 6: Julia Castle, Louisa Eaton; 7: Catherine Bird, Rosalie Frost, Ann Tighe; 8: Bradford Marvin; 9: Laney Goodrum, William Kelsey; 10:Laura Hibbler; 12: Mary Clifford, Clifford Schneider; 15: Juan Buendia; 16: Cathleen Abboud, Courtney Cherna, Kevin Ewy,Susan Rooney; 17: Gary Hayes, Dylan O’Donoghue, Arthur Taylor, Beatrice Welch; 18: Barbara McKinnon, Sheldon Reynolds;19: Mary Engelhardt; 20: Emma Fursland, Jeannette Gray; 21: Courtney Crystal; 22: Jayne Warman; 24: Michael Abboud, Ansley Jones, Eleanor Pennell, Andrew Sullivan; 25: Ashton Minich, Charlotte Reynolds; 26: Carol Bender, Joseph Kratovil, Owen Thomas, Hank Thomas; 29: Alina Atayan, Megan Whitney; 30: Mark Sears; 31: Steven Ahmuty

The teens were immediately drawn in to the life of the monastery. Each day the EYC, along with all of the other pilgrims at Taizé, attended church three times. The services, structured like our Daily Office, consist of sung prayer, a period of silence and a few readings from the Bible. Spending time in quiet prayer helped the teens let go of the stress of day-to-day life. They stopped worrying about school pressure, what cliques they should be in, the clothes they wear and what their futures hold. In the absence of that stress they developed personal and deeply meaningful relationships with God. In between church services the teens contributed to the monastery by washing dishes in the kitchen, cleaning bathrooms and clearing out garbage cans. The EYC also spent time each day in Bible study with one of Taizé‘s brothers, and teens from several countries. Their growing awareness of God’s presence in their lives enabled the teens to truly be themselves, and honor the people around them. Bible study gave the teens an opportunity to build friendships with each other and with the other teens at Taizé . Christ Church’s group developed a particularly strong relationship with a large group from Toulouse, France. Some of the teens from Toulouse knew a few of our teens from previous trips to Taizé . One French boy even had a sweatshirt that belonged to a teen from Bronxville, and had been swapped with his two years ago. Other strong friendships were formed with Germans and Italians. On one particularly memorable afternoon the teens from Christ Church’s EYC taught the European teens how to play American football. The Americans teamed up with the Italians to play against the French and Germans. On the morning of the EYC’s departure from Taizé, the teens from Toulouse woke up at 5:30AM to sing for the EYC. They walked the EYC to the bus, surrounded it as the EYC boarded, then kissed it goodbye as the bus left. All of the teens at Taizé, no matter what after school activity they are a part of, what music they listen to, what language they speak or what country they live in, respected and honored each other. During the course of the EYC’s week at Taizé, every one of the teenagers was transformed. They let go of the hectic nature of daily life and chose to listen to God instead. They became aware of God at work in and through them, and let their true selves shine. The EYC returned to New York inspired and ready to continue doing the work that we are all called to do, living as Christ’s body in the world.

Maundy Thursday Lock-InApril 1st, 8:30PMIt has become a beloved tradition of the EYC to spend all night Maundy Thursday at the church, sitting with the Blessed Sacrament, singing Taizé songs and praying in silence. The group also decorates the Paschal Candle to be lit first on Easter and again throughout the year at times such as baptisms. The EYC will meet in Taylor Hall directly following the Maundy Thursday church service (around 8:30PM). Teens should bring a sleeping bag, pajamas and $5 for dinner. For more information contact Director of Youth Ministry Krista Dias at kdias@ccbny.org

6 The Spire

Evensong

Photo by Ken Richardson

CHOIR MUSICAL-March 21st 2010

Music

Music for Holy Week and EasterSunday March 28 – Sunday of the Passion Procession of the Palms with Handbells The Passion Reading (Luke) – solemn Passion tone with choral responses by Tomás Luis de Victoria Phillip Moore – It is a thing most wonderfulWednesday March 31 – TenebraeSung by the Christ Church Camerata. A core of singers from the Christ Church Choir are joined by local musicians who simply cannot get enough of the amazing repertoire for Holy Week. This liturgy marks time in Holy Week with music, read-ings, and psalms. Music this year will include compositions by Gregorio Allegri, William Walton, Anton Bruckner, and Johann Sebastian BachThursday April 1 – Maundy Thursday F.Melius Christiansen – Beautiful Savior Antonio Lotti – Missa Brevis Songs from TaizéFriday April 2 – Good FridayThe Passion Reading (John) – Solemn Passion tone with choral responses by Tomás Luis de VictoriaAnton Bruckner – Christus factus estTomás Luis de Victoria – The ReproachesSaturday April 3 – The Easter Vigil The Exultet W.A. Mozart – Mass in C David Hurd – Easter Antiphon Charles Tournemire - Improvisation sur le ‘Te Deum”Sunday April 4 – Easter Day Music for Organ, Choirs, Brass, and Timpani Richard Dirksen – Hilariter Charles-Marie Widor – Toccata

Easter Flowers and Music

Help bring the gift of flowers and music to Christ Church Bronxville this Easter. Donations are accepted in memory of loved ones or in thanksgiving for blessings received. In an effort to keep costs to a minimum during this difficult economic time, we will have a brass quartet instead of a quintet. But a quartet still costs $2,600!

Sunday March 14 5:00PM Double-Choir EvensongThe Christ Church Choir will team-up with The Concordia College Choir for a Double-Choir Evensong. A highlight of the Evensong will be a new Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis written for Christopher Wells and the choirs of Christ Church Bronxville. Choral Prelude by the Concordia College Choir begins at 4:45PM.

Sunday March 21 Choir MusicalImmediately following the 10:00 AM service, our children’s choirs will present a musical - “The Case of the Puzzling Parables”. This year Staff Singer Hans Ericson will join the choir in the role of Mr. Townsend – a Sunday School Teacher. You surely will not want to miss “The Prodigal Son Rap”!!

7

Parish Events

Friday, May 7th at 7:30 PM-Concert Organist Ken Cowan to Perform at Christ Church Bronxville

Ken Cowan is one of North America’s finest concert organists. Praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, he maintains a rigorous performing schedule which takes him to major concert venues across America, Canada and Europe. Recent and upcoming feature performances include appearances at Grace Cathedral San Francisco, Philadelphia’s Verizon Hall, Spivey Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris, France.A native of Thorold, Ontario, Canada, Mr. Cowan received the Master’s degree and Artist Diploma from the

Yale Institute of Sacred Music, studying organ with Thomas Murray. Prior to attending Yale, he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia where he studied with John Weaver.Mr. Cowan is Assistant Professor of Organ at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, NJ, where he was recently awarded the 2008 Rider University Distinguished TeachingAward. Previouspositions have included Associate Organist and Artist in Residence at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, New York City, Assistant Organist posts at St. James Episcopal Church, the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York City, and Saint Clement’s Church in Philadelphia. He has also been on the roster of Associate Organists for the famous Wanamaker Grand Court organ in Philadelphia. Mark your calendars!

Masters of the GrillThe men of Christ Church Bronxville display their mastery of pancakes for Shrove Tuesday.

Pictured here are Arthur Taylor, Joe Kratovil and Bob Singleton

Photos by Ken Richardson

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

Palm Sunday, March 28th Palm distribution at all services8:00 AM Holy Eucharist (Traditional Language)9:45 AM Holy Eucharist and Palm Procession 10:00 AM (Choral family mass) 5:00 PM Contemplative Eucharist

Monday, March 29th 7:00 AM Holy Eucharist

Tuesday, March 30th7:00 AM Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, March 31st 7:00 AM Holy Eucharist w/ Breakfast7:00 PM Tenebraemusic and meditations for Holy Week

Maundy Thursday, April 1st 7:00 PM Choral Eucharist with Stripping of the Altar8:30 PM All Night Vigil over the Blessed Sacrament

Good Friday, April 2nd 12:00 PM The Passion according to John and Good Friday Liturgy Children’s Service with age-appropriate Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday, April 3rd 7 :00 PM The ancient chant “Exsultet” The Great Vigil of EasterThe First Eucharist of Easter

Easter Sunday, April 4th 9:00 AM Festive Holy Eucharist with Children’s Choirs, Brass, & Tympani

10:30 AM Easter Egg Hunt

11:15 AM Festive Holy Eucharist with Choirs, Brass, & Tympani

Holy Week