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428
Pee Dee Avenue, Albemarle, NC 28001 (704) 982-1428
The
Rev. Dr. James B. Bernacki, Rector
Parish
Activities
Episcopal
Church Women (ECW)
All women of the church are encouraged to participate in ECW
activities. The group is involved in helping families at Christmas
and throughout the year as needed. The ECW also provides meals
and assistance to church members during times of illness, death,
or hardship. |
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Ladies
Noon Out
The women of the parish gather once a month at a local restaurant
for fellowship and informal discussion of topics that are of interest
to the group.
Men's
Group
The men of Christ Church are active in many of the activities of
the church from participation in worship to the maintenance of the
buildings and grounds. A monthly breakfast gathering on Saturday
morning provides fellowship and a time to discuss the needs of the
parish and community. Community projects include participation with
other churches in the building of homes for Habitat for Humanity.
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Acolytes
Adults
and young people serve as acolytes for the Parish Eucharist
each Sunday as well as for special services. Training sessions
are held for new acolytes as needed. Parent volunteers direct
the participants and see that the vestments are clean and
in good repair.
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Altar
Guild
The Altar Guild is composed of members of the church who work
together to prepare the church and altar for worship. |
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Vestry
The Vestry is a group of nine individuals who serve as the elected
governing body of the parish. Three new members are elected each
year at the annual parish meeting to serve for a period of three
years. Members are assigned specific areas of the church program
for which they are responsible. Subject to the approval of the vestry,
the rector nominates individuals to serve as Senior Warden, Secretary
and Treasurer. The vestry elects the Junior Warden to assist the
rector and vestry. Following the year-end elections the vestry goes
on a retreat in January to establish yearly goals.
Ushers
Members of the church work in two-person teams as ushers for the
Sunday Eucharist and for special services. Ushers fold and distribute
the Sunday bulletin, count the number of people at the services,
take up the collection and assist the congregation during Holy Eucharist.
Nursery
Nursery service with a paid staff is provided during church school
and the parish
Eucharist. Parishioners take turns assisting the nursery staff according
to a schedule published in the newsletter and the bulletin. Nursery
care is also provided during other parish functions as needed.
Coffee
Hour
Coffee hour is held after the 10:30 AM Sunday Eucharist. It is a
time of fellowship shared by all members of the church, guests and
visitors. Families take turns providing snacks, fruits and other
light foods, while the church supplies coffee and punch.
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Choir
The Choir at Christ Church is comprised of adult members who
wish to express their celebration of God through the gift
of singing. The choir rehearses each Wednesday evening from
7:15 - 8:00, and performs an anthem on Sunday mornings at
the 10:30 Eucharist from the Sunday following Labor Day through
early June. |
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Foyer
Groups
Foyer Groups provide a way to encourage adult members of Christ
Church to become better acquainted with each other while acknowledging
and celebrating the diversity of the parish family. Parishioners
wishing to participate sign up for a six month period. Groups of
approximately ten members are then selected randomly to meet once
each month in members' homes for conversation and a meal. Members
who are able rotate hosting the event in their home while everyone
shares the responsibility of the evening meal by bringing a dish
that is determined at the previous meeting. Every six months the
program is reorganized to begin with new groups of individuals.
Friday
Niters
Social evenings for adult parishioners are held on an occasional
basis in a variety of settings so that parishioners may get to know
one another in a setting other than church.
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Parish
Suppers
Pot luck suppers are held in the Parish Hall at various times
during the year for the benefit of the entire congregation.
They are held for fellowship and in connection with special
called meetings of the parish.
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Shrove
Tuesday Pancake Supper
This supper, sponsored by the men of the church, is held on
the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. All are welcome, including
people of the community. There is no charge for the meal,
however donations for special projects and ministries designated
by the men's group are encouraged.
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Easter
Eve Agape
This festive celebration, marking the beginning of the Easter season,
is held in the parish house following the Easter Eve Vigil.
Parish
Day Picnic
Each year on a Sunday in late spring the church gathers for
the day at Morrow Mountain State Park where everyone can experience
the joys of God's creation during the morning outdoor Eucharist
and during a picnic, fellowship and games. |
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Ice
Cream Social
Held on a Sunday afternoon during the summer, the Parish Ice Cream
Social is a time of fellowship and fun for all ages as we sample
various flavors of home-made ice cream made by parishioners.
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Hanging
of the Greens
Following the service on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the
entire congregation joins in the fun of decorating the church
and Parish House for Christmas. Everyone is encouraged to
wear work clothes to church that day in preparation for the
making of wreaths, garlands, and other decorations, and for
the raising of a Christmas tree in the Parish House. |
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Trips
Trips ranging from half-day outings to overnight jaunts have been
organized for education and fellowship. Past educational excursions
have included a pilgrimage to the National Cathedral in Washington,
DC and another to visit historic churches in Charleston, South Carolina.
For lighter fellowship, the adults have gone on a picnic trip to
a nearby winery and have taken the youngest members of the parish
for a hayride and visit to Santa's reindeer at a local zoo.
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