Christ Church, Summit NJ

Home Page

Reflections

Who we are

Sermons

Barnwell

Bulletins

Adult Ed

Sunday School

Youth Ministry

Music

Outreach

Members Pages

UCC Connections

Staff

Finding us

Life in Summit

Links

What Christ Church Means to Me

by Betsy Crosby
November, 2003

When 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.