FORMATION - BECOMING DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST

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On Sunday mornings, we gather to study a particular part of Christian discipleship. Recent studies have been in different ways to pray, Church history, the Sacraments. Upcoming topics include a class for newcomers to the Episcopal Church, a discussion on planned giving, and a hands-on look at icons. We gather between our two services at 9:15. During July and August we give our minds and hearts a sabbath rest!

Learning about God entails learning about how other people have seen or see God! On Sunday nights at 7:30, we gather online to discuss books within and around the Christian tradition. Recent books have been The Forest Unseen by David Haskell; Advent by Fleming Rutledge; and Telling the Truth by Frederick Buechner. Interested? Get in touch with Father Tim for the Zoom link.

You can find our reading schedule for 2022-2023 on the following page - just click here!

Our Christian Formation Director, Rebecca Russel, leads children ages K through 8th grade in learning about God's love for the world in Jesus Christ. Each month, children take part in and lead a children's chapel, where they read from Scripture, pray, and receive Absolution. During other weeks, dedicated teachers guide children in age-appropriate lessons that deepen the youth's already-present relationship with God.

In the Episcopal Church, any baptized child (from whatever tradition) is welcome to receive the Eucharist. That said, it's always good to know more! This autumn, Rebecca and Father Tim will offer a "first communion" class for youth and parents, not as a requirement but as a space to ask questions and learn more about what the Church teaches.

You can find out more information about our youth formation on our youth page.

High school students are eager to know how the Church is helping a hurting world. In partnership with organizations around the Syracuse area, we offer youth opportunities to see and participate in living the call of Jesus Christ in the world around us.

How do you raise a child as a Christian with an open heart to others? How do you find and deepen your own spirituality in the busy life of being a parent? Father Tim, Rebecca, and many guests inside and outside Christ Church have come together to answer these (and other) questions in a podcast called Four Hands, Two Hearts. Head over to our blog and  podcast page to check it out!

Youth of any age are welcome to take part in our worship service. And, beginning in middle school, youth are invited to help lead worship. Some youth acolyte, some bear the processional cross, others help set the Altar, and still others act as lectors or intercessors. Father Tim walks each youth through training to feel confident in front of others, to be proud of their skills and voices, and to find where God is calling them.

Want to help teach or guide others in discipleship at any age or level? Just ask Father Tim or Rebecca. Everyone has something to share!

Want to learn more about our Children Formation leaders? Head over to our Staff page to learn about Father Tim and Rebecca!

Christians sing. And with the awesome leadership of our choir director and organist, Christ Church LOVES to sing. Whether it's anthems in four-part harmony or new hymns, the walls of Christ Church resound with beautiful music each and every Sunday.

Throughout the liturgical year, four different chime and bell choirs perform during our Sunday morning liturgies. Our youngest choir begins at 1st grade, and we have two more youth choirs for middle- and high-school students. Our adult choir performs most often and especially at the most holy times in the Church year. 

Children love to sing! Starting at 2nd grade, children are gathered into choirs to help teach them how to use their voices to raise praises to God. 

Each Lent, our musicians lead us in a special Taize service (7:00 p.m. on Sundays). Quiet, contemplative, deeply musical and Scriptural, these services help set the mood for Lent as we walk the pilgrim way with Jesus Christ in preparation for Easter Day.

Everyone is welcome to join any of the various choirs at Christ Church. Feel free to get in touch with Father Tim or our parish administrator, Deirdre, to ask about which choirs are performing at what times. Also, check out our Staff page for more information on our musicians!

Throughout the year we gather on the first Friday of each month to break bread together. During Lent and other times, we offer delicious fish fries for dine-in or take-out. Whatever the occasion, the food is fantastic and the company is great!

Every other Tuesday, from 1:30 to 4:00, crafters of various mediums (knitting, crocheting, sewing, drawing, etc.) gather to practice their crafts with the company of one another. Have a craft and want some company? Feel free to join us. 

Parenting can be tough, and the Church is here to help! Whether it's to go out on a date with your partner or take a nice, two-hour nap, our trained volunteers are happy to watch the little ones. And the best part: it's free! Check out our calendar or contact our church office for dates.

Each Monday afternoon, a fair-sized group of folks from the church gather from 2 to 4 to play mah-jongg together. Beginners and seasoned players are welcome! Get in touch with our church office for more details - or just come by on Monday and check it out!

Our new Little Free Library is just off our parking lot behind the church building. Go and take a peak at what's there. You never know what you might find!

Before Father Tim was ordained a priest, he taught writing and rhetoric in college. For any youth of Christ Church, he offers help with any papers or applications. Contact Father Tim if you need help, but please give him a week or two to read the piece and get back to you!