Photos by Hayward Learn

Christ Church youth and adult volunteers returned from Athens
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Older youth and adults arrived early in the week to work on the building  of an outdoor shower to be used by mission groups coming to the farm.  Other youth and chaperones joined them later in the week and helped with the garden, pantry, and farm chores. More information about Good Earth can be found at the following link.  http://www.chogs.org/goodearth.htm

To see more pictures from the Youth Group Mission Trip, click here.

Singing in an Alien Land

“How shall we sing the Lord’s song upon an alien soil?”  (Psalm 137:4) This was the lament of the Jewish people during their captivity in Babylon in the 6th Century BCE.  They learned that God was not tied to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  They learned that they could remember who they were as God’s chosen people.  They learned that God could work through very unexpected means—even gentile kings like Cyrus of Persia.  They were angry and sad and felt totally powerless (check the rest of psalm 137!) but they came to know that God had not abandoned them.  They remembered how to sing.

Sometimes our own beloved Episcopal Church looks like alien soil.  I’m out in cyberspace regularly looking at churches that are looking for their next priest.  The old assumptions of 'one church, one priest, full-time' are disintegrating all around the church, especially for churches smaller than Christ Church Dayton as most are.  As I read parish profiles and peruse websites, I can’t help but think that for them, this time in-between is alien soil.  Insulated in the safety of familiar ways, buildings, words and roles, the reality of the changes in the Church and world hit hard.  “But we’ve always done it this way!” in the church is tantamount to saying “How shall we sing the Lord’s song…?”

In other parishes, I read how they’ve remembered they were God’s chosen people.  They’ve lamented and grieved.  They’re now enthusiastic about the amazing things God is doing in their community.  They’re finding new ways to be a church which is like writing new verses to the on-going song.  They’re saying, “We shall sing the Lord’s song despite the alien land.”

It doesn’t take the departure of the rector for the reality of the changes in the Church and world to hit hard.  We’ve been wrestling with those realities at Christ Church Dayton for years.  We’re trying new ways to work even more closely with St. Andrew’s and others.  Some things have worked better than others.  We’re working on writing our own, new verses to the song.  Some are dissonant and get scrapped; others show promise and get re-worked.  We may wonder sometimes how; but, we shall sing the Lord’s song - even in an alien world.

--Mary Slenski

Modern Day Slavery:  Men Named John.  Sunday, July 11, at 9:00 a.m. Presenters:  Norma Ryan and Joanne Hale. 

Norma and Joanne have worked to develop programs to assist women in escaping prostitution and have pioneered efforts to re-educate the “Johns.” Norma has recently been appointed to the Governor’s task force on human trafficking and will share her knowledge and experience with us.  Recent reports identify Ohio as one of America’s most active states in human trafficking and the Dayton area leads the state. This is a good program for parents and teachers to learn about preventing sex trade activity that is now occurring in our local high schools and colleges.

The Rest of the Story...         

A few months ago, in a City Heart article, I quoted one of our walk-ins who said he  had difficulty seeing a case manager at the Gateway Men's Shelter. At that time, the shelter was in the process of moving to a new location on Gettysburg Avenue, so perhaps proceedings were a bit slow. Perhaps, but, when I couldn't reach anyone at the shelter to verify, well, I should have kept trying. I have since spoken with the very helpful staff and I am delighted to provide an update.

When a man goes to The Gateway shelter, he is met by a person trained as a "front door" interviewer. Sometimes the man doesn't really need a shelter and could be housed by a family member—especially if that family is offered assistance (extra food stamps, etc). This approach, at least temporarily, avoids some homeless situations.

If our man does stay, he will be assigned one of the shelter's two-hundred beds. He will have his own locker with a key and be provided three meals a day. Staff is available for immediate needs. A case worker will then begin assessment and within two weeks present an individualized plan for more permanent housing. At the shelter he can take classes, offered several times a day. Some of the offerings are: life skills; budgeting; nutrition; housing application; job skills, including computer training; drug and alcohol issues.

This summer some residents are learning a new skill—gardening. You may have seen a recent Dayton Daily News article, "Homeless men tend a Garden and Their Futures." While planting tomatoes, cucumbers and cantaloupes, the men in this program earn money provided through a grant. Their homegrown harvest goes to other shelters and is also sold through a collaboration of local farmers.

One of the men working in the new organic garden told the DDN reporter that the experience "has made me want to turn my life around."  With Gateway Shelter's help, I am quite hopeful that he will do just that!

Peggy Barnes
City Heart volunteer

For Our Troops

This afternoon (June 13th) our Foyer met at the Town and Country Shopping Center location of the Blue Star Mothers for our first “packing party”.  It was a very rewarding experience!  Thanks to your generous donations and some items that were previously donated to the Blue Star Mothers we packed 27 boxes.  It is amazing how many items we could pack into those boxes!  Three of the boxes were sent to friends or relatives of our parishioners—SSgt. Joseph Schaefer, Lt. Jesse Brumbaugh and Terry J. Walker.  The other 23 boxes will be sent to troops who do not receive mail or packages from anyone at home.  That is so hard to believe but it is true.  The Blue Star Mothers receive their names from Chaplains who are deployed. The monetary donations that you have given were used for postage for the boxes.  Each one costs $12.50 to mail.  We were able to give them $150.00 and they were so grateful and appreciative.  In addition to all of the donated items we placed a note stating that the package was sent from the people from Christ Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio.  The Blue Star Mothers had also received letters that school children had written to the troops so we included those in each box.

The Blue Star Mothers Chapter 3 of Dayton is the largest in the country!! They feel very fortunate to have a location for packing which is provided free of charge by Town and Country Shopping Center.   We are so proud and honored to have worked with them today and we plan to continue to collect donations and send boxes.  We hope you will help us continue to support our troops.   They told us that donations in the summer are always down—we hope to change that.   If you travel this summer and receive travel size lotions and shampoos that you cannot use please bring them home for the troops.   The lists that you used in the past are still the things they need right now.  Some things will be added when the weather gets cold.  Right now they are working in 130 degrees in some areas.  We wish you could have heard some of the stories that they shared with us.

Thanks again for being so generous.  I wish we could see the faces of the troops as they open the boxes and know that they are appreciated and not forgotten.

If you have any questions please contact a member of the Foyer:  Judy & Jack Kovacs, Cathy Skardon, Joan & Lonnie Franks, Doris Miller, Martha Materne, Ray McDermott, Gina Paget, Ruth & Gordon Price or Donna and Frank Boensch.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA

“Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad.  Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Christ Church parishioners participate in 5K Walk/Run

A special thank you to those who braved the hot and humid weather and supported CARE HOUSE.  The 5K Walk/Run which was held on June 11 was a great success.  We all had fun and look forward to doing it again next year.  Thanks also to those who could not participate but contributed. 

Christ Episcopal Church/Dayton Deanery KIVA loans

We contributed to ten microloans in June for a total of 27 since we started the CEC micro fund program.  A total of $850 has been loaned and we have received $105 in repayments; which was loaned out again.  We have loaned money to folks from 17 countries, including several from the United States.  Our Dayton Deanery Kiva community has contributed to 70 loans and loaned out over $2,000.  We are now the third largest Episcopal group on Kiva (out of 13).   You can contribute to the CEC micro fund by marking your contribution for Microloan outreach Program or you can sign-up on Kiva with a personal account and make your own loans.  We have been meeting between services on Sunday to make loans.  I’ll try and do the next meeting after the 10:30 service.  Please check the e-crossing for an announcement. Check out our Kiva website community at http://www.kiva.org/team/dayton_episcopal_deanery

This year we have an outreach budget ($1,000) so please see me if you have any ideas for new or existing outreach efforts.

In His Service, George Slenski , CEC Outreach

Christ Church
Canoe and Camping Trip
August 13-15
at
Morgan's Canoe
on the Little Miami River
Ft. Ancient, Ohio

Hosted by the
Youth of Christ Church


No age limit, but children younger than Youth Group must be accompanied by an adult.

Fees*: $20 per youth, $30 per adult; $65 per family. Children under 5 free.
Payment due by August 1, 2010.
The signup sheet is posted in the Parish Hall at church. For more information, contact Hayward Learn: hlearn@sbcglobal.net.

*Cost underwritten by the Youth of Christ Church, Dayton.

The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio                            
2010 Summer Camp                                                                     

It's that time of year again!  
Join other families and youth for fun at the
2010 Summer Camp Season
at Procter Camp and Conference Center.

• 123 Camp (June 30-July 3) $200 per camper:
  -For children entering 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade and one adult chaperone.
  -We will learn Bible Knowledge and Bible Trivia.
• Boys and Girls Camp (July 6-10) $200 per camper:
  -For children entering 4th or 5th grade.
  -Learn about prayer, Bible Scavenger Hunt.
• Junior Camp (August 2-7) $220 per camper:
  -For Children entering 6th or 7th grade.
  -Learn to read the lessons, write prayers, and learn about the Bible through the Bible Amazing Race!
• Intermediate Camp (July 26-31) $220 per camper:
  -For those entering 8th or 9th Grade.
  -Learn about Liturgy, the Bible and share your faith with others.
• Senior High Camp (July 19-24) $220 per camper:
  -For those entering 10th, 11th, 12th grade, and graduated seniors.
  -There are many formation tracks to choose from, including Biblical Storytelling, Peer Ministry, Worship through Music, Carrying Your Faith Confidently after High School, among many others.
• Creation Camp (July 12-16) $200 per camper:
  - For those entering 6th-12th Grade.
  -Formation tracks will focus on Creative Arts and Sports.
• Outdoor Adventure Camp (June 30-July 3) $200 per camper:
  -For those entering 6th-12th Grade.
  -See God in nature as you sleep in a tent, learn to cook your own food, and participate in many outdoor activities such as canoeing!
• Family Camp (June 25-27, July 16-18, or August 11-14) $120 per adult camper, $60 per child camper under the age of 18:
  -Age specific activities.  Bible Study for all ages.
  -Spend quality time with your family.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIOCESAN SUMMER CAMP
REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

Great Movies of Faith
from 6:15-9:00 p.m.
Wednesdays:  July 7, and August 4 from 6:15-9:00 p.m. and
Sunday: August 15 after the service
at
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
1060 Salem Ave.
Dayton, OH 45406
937.278.7345

Wednesday, July 7
DOUBT: The 2008 film written and directed by Patrick Shaneley about a priest in a Catholic school suspected of pedophilia. The story raises questions about how to proceed when sexual abuse is suspected. Is the suspicion justified or is it based on an overactive imagination? Does one destroy someone's reputation or career on mere suspicion? Does one just keep quiet?

Wednesday, August 4
THE APOSTLE: The 2008 movie, directed by Robert Duvall, who also stars in it as an enthusiastic, charismatic, evangelical preacher, who kills his assistant in a fit of rage after discovering his own wife is having an affair with the man. He flees punishment to set up a small church in an out-of-the-way Louisiana town, but knows that at any moment the past may catch up with him. The work explores his complex character, opposing his sincere apostolic fervor with his very human passions of sexual desire and anger.

Sunday, August 15 after the service with lunch provided at intermission.
THAIS 2009: Metropolitan Opera extravaganza starring Thomas Hampson as an early Christian, cenobitic monk who leaves his desert retreat to go to the great city, Alexandria, convinced that he can turn the glamorous courtesan (Renee Fleming) from her life of sin and pleasure. The story, based on the novel by Anatole France, opposes the hedonistic and ascetic, the physical and the spiritual, at their most extreme. In addition to great music (Massenet) and wonderful singers in parts seemingly made for their talents, Ms. Fleming's costumes were designed for her by Christian LaCroix, and the Met dancers are extraordinary.  As former parishioner Peg Cooper said, it's “everything grand opera should be!”

• Mission Share Review:  Discussed the Mission Share Review meeting held with diocesan representatives on May 26 concerning the amount Christ Church pays to the diocese.  The representatives will make a recommendation to the diocesan council and the council will make the decision. Our request was fashioned around our two capital needs: brick pointing and the ramp replacement.
• Greenville Contract Extension:  an extension of the contract between Christ Church and St. Paul's Greenville contract was accepted by the vestry. 
• Assistant to the Rector:  On June 30, The Rev. Mary Slenski's contract ends and the money we get from the diocese for compensation ends at that time.  This will be discussed at the next vestry meeting. 
• Ramp:  The current ramp is deteriorating rapidly and will probably need to be repatched before it can be replaced.  The diocese suggested we try for a loan and/or a grant from The Church Foundation.  The finance committee was asked to make a recommendation on a possible fundraiser for the ramp project.
• Building Committee:  We need a building and grounds committee that has a number of people on it, who will plan and prioritize work days and repairs.  Certain parishioners have the skills to do work which minor electrical or plumbing repairs.  John plans to convene a building and grounds meeting.  They will take the maintenance list and do a walkthrough of the building to see if there are other building issues.  Priorities will be set and decisions made as to whether we have parishioners who can do the work or if we need to hire people.
• Security on Sunday Mornings:  Jim Rehling's presence on Sunday mornings is working out well.  His hours on Sunday mornings are 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but will stay longer if needed. 
• Nursery Care: Interviews for childcare providers will take place in the next week.  At this point, we are looking for three or four people so we can have a rotation.
• Upcoming events include: Sundae Sundays, a play called "Fruit in its season", adult forum entitled "Modern Day Slavery - Men named John", Annual Canoe and Camping in August, Annual church picnic in August.

Contemplative Prayer Group will resume meeting on Wednesdays on August 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at United Theological Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Road, Harriet L. Miller Women's Center (2nd floor)

This approach to prayer emphasizes silence and relies on instruction from the 14th century book The Cloud of Unknowing and Centering Prayer as taught by monastics Thomas Keating and Basil Pennington as well as influences from other contemplative paths. 

This group does not confine their prayer practice to those found exclusively in Christian groupings.  Their approach to prayer respects and embraces the contemplative approach found in other religious and spiritual disciplines.  They welcome serious, like-minded people who wish to cultivate an interior life of prayer. 

Look for more information on the Christ Church bulletin board or call Brian Billar, 937-768-5023.

What a wonderful story of faith Kris Sexton reported in last month's City Heart article.  Thank you for this ministry and for continuing to lift up the reality of profound need to those who may still believe that people should "pull themselves up by their bootstraps."  We are all one in Christ and as we reach out as a community to those in need, each of us becomes more whole/holy.  Thank you for being the "heart of Christ Church" and the face of Christ to those marginalized and in need. 

Love, Karen Francis