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What Christ Church Means to Me
by Betsy Crosby
November, 2003
hen
George Ross
asked me if I would speak about my thoughts regarding
stewardship, my immediate thought was 'what would I have to offer/say?'
But... as I began to reflect, I thought about all that Christ Church has meant
to me and to my family over time... from the early years in the late 70's when
my husband, John, and I moved to Summit and became members of this church,
when our children were baptized at the same time (our daughter, Amanda, was age
4 our son, Jay was 1 /1/2). I remember the informative years when our children
attended church school and reflect upon the many years that we have attended
Christ Church since then. I do have fond memories of teaching Sunday School and
John ushered years past and now is assisting with the Treasury duties of Christ
Church. Our children were confirmed here in our unique (for Summit) Christ
Church confirmation service, and memorable moments for us, over the years, have
included our warm and welcoming baptism services, our communion services in the
round, the Advent Workshop and the midnight Christmas Eve services as well as
many incredibly stimulating sermons presented from the pulpit and phenomenal
music and dramatic presentations, to name a few.
John and I were both raised as Episcopalians, but we turned to Christ Church as
adults because we felt a sense of stimulation and caring here in a religious
realm that captured our hearts, our beings. Over the years, we have considered
this our religious home and we have been constantly nourished by many incredibly
engaging and caring ministers who have overseen this flock. It is a wonderful
haven, a most nurturing and giving environment.
We had only gratitude to convey to this congregation two years ago when our
family lives were shattered by the loss of our daughter resulting from a fire.
Amanda's hospitalization and struggle to live coincided with my husband, John's,
diagnosis with kidney cancer and his ensuing operation. It was a horrendous
time for us, and our lives will never be the same. The caring and support by
Chuck, Tom Reiber and so many people from this congregation meant a tremendous
amount to us as we faced adversity beyond our wildest dreams. As a result of
the extraordinary outreach from members of this congregation at that time, I
formed several new friendships that have meant a great deal to me to this day.
I would like to think that my son, Jay's, current path to Divinity School at the
University of Chicago where he is currently pursuing a Masters and potentially a
Doctorate degree- with a concentration in comparative religions- has something
to do with his foundation in this church. He is a first year student in the
program and is finding it both challenging and rewarding.
And so, as I reflect upon what Christ Church means to me, I think of the nurture
of my soul from song , the stimulation from sermons, the warmth of friendships
and, most importantly at this moment, the opportunity that I have to give back
to this church and to the greater church community through my annual
stewardship gift -- to see this church continue its mission of caring and
outreach and in appreciation of Chuck and everyone here who nourishes our souls
with such warmth and caring. I hope that you will join me both in reflecting
upon what Christ Church means to you and in potentially increasing your gift
this year during this Stewardship Campaign.
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