Christ Episcopal Church

Christ Church Waltham is a welcoming Episcopal community brought together in our common worship of God and united in our desire to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

750 Main StreetWaltham, MA 02451

781.891.6012

Office HoursTuesday through Thursday 10-3 office@christchurchwaltham.orgwww.christchurchwaltham.org

Our ParishChrist Church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, which includes greater Boston and the Cape. Our diocesan bishop is The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE. He works with suffragan bishop The Rt Rev. Gayle Harris. Each parish is governed by a vestry, which in collaboration with the clergy sets the course for the community and oversees the budget and operating of the church. Christ Church is also home to St Peter’s Ugandan Anglican Church, who celebrates worship in the Luganda language at 12:30 pm.

Our Clergy The Rev. Sara H. Irwin is our rector, and has been serving here since 2005. Sara grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she attended St Mary’s Episcopal Church. After graduating from New College of Florida with a degree in religion/gender studies in 2000, she moved to the Boston area to participate in the Micah Project, a program for recent college graduates in discernment for ministry. From there she moved to New York City, where she attended General Theological Seminary, and returned to Boston in 2004 for ordination. Sara’s interests include delicious food, writing, and contemplative prayer. She and her family (husband Noah, the rector at Grace Church Episcopal in Medford, and children Adah and Isaiah) live in Medford.

Our Worship LifeEveryone is invited to receive Communion in the form of bread and wine. We welcome anyone– adults and children, of any faith—to come forward for a blessing. One of the things that Anglicans believe is that the way we pray is the way we believe. Our liturgy is one of the

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things that binds us together as Anglicans. We use different words, music, and languages, but the shape of our liturgy is the same all across the world. The Episcopal Liturgy that we use today was adopted in 1979, after a long study process that led to the revision of the former Book of Common Prayer (from 1928). The '79 book uses more contemporary language and reinstates the early church practice of celebrating the Eucharist every Sunday.  Sunday 8:30 AM Holy Eucharist, Spoken (in “Rite One” traditional language during the seasons of Advent and Lent; off for the summer)

Sunday 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist: This service is our principle Sunday service, with choir. This service is done according to “Rite Two” and occasionally includes prayers from other sources in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition that offer more expansive language and theology. Most of the hymns we sing are taken from the traditional Hymnal of the Episcopal Church (1982), but we use music from other sources as well. Sunday School is offered for children for the first part of this service, and the children join us for communion. This service lasts about an hour, and is followed by coffee hour. In July and August we have one service at 9:30.

(Advent and Lent) Tuesday 7:30 PM: Holy Eucharist: this service is in a meditative style, with simple chant and songs. There is no sermon, and our prayer is more spontaneous than the forms we use on Sunday morning. The service lasts about 30 minutes.

How is the service structured?

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There is a wide variety of ways of worship in the Episcopal Church, but the Holy Eucharist (or “Mass” or “Communion”) always has the same components and the same shape. If you’ve been to a Roman Catholic or a Lutheran Church, our services will feel pretty familiar. The service breaks into two parts:  The Liturgy of the Word: We begin by praising God through song and prayer, and then we hear readings from the Bible. Usually one from the Old Testament, a Psalm, something from the Epistles, and (always) a reading from the Gospels. The psalm is recited in unison.  Next, a sermon interpreting the readings appointed for the day is preached. The congregation then recites the Nicene Creed, written in the Fourth Century and the Church’s affirmation of faith. Next, the congregation prays together—for the Church, the World, and those in need. In certain seasons of the Church year, the congregation formally confesses their sins before God and one another. In the Episcopal Church you can do the sacrament of Reconciliation (sometimes called “Confession”) one-on-one with a priest, but it is never mandatory—the forgiveness we find together on Sunday mornings is sufficient. In pronouncing absolution, the priest assures the congregation that God is always ready to forgive our sins. The congregation then greets one another with a sign of “peace,” where we all shake hands or hug and greet one another in God’s name. The Liturgy of the Table: Next, the priest stands at the altar, which has been set with a cup of wine and a plate of bread or wafers, raises his or her hands, and greets the congregation again, saying “The Lord be With You.”  Now begins the Eucharistic Prayer, in which the presider tells the story of our faith, from the beginning of Creation,

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through the choosing of Israel to be God’s people, through our turning away from God, and God’s calling us to return. Finally, s/he tells the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, and about the night before his death, on which he instituted the Eucharistic meal (communion) as a remembrance. The bread and the wine are blessed, and the congregation recites the Lord’s Prayer. Finally, the bread is broken and offered to the congregation as the “gifts of God for the People of God. Everyone then shares the consecrated bread and the wine.  We gather at the altar to receive—you can either drink from the large chalice or dip your bread into the small one. If you are unable to leave your seat, the ministers will bring communion to you—just let an usher know.

The Episcopal ChurchChrist Church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Our Diocese is part of the Episcopal Church USA, which is part of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide body of Anglicans. (Anglican just means "of England," since we all find our church origins in the English Reformation).  The Anglican Communion recognizes the Archbishop of Canterbury as the head of the Anglican Church, but his leadership is spiritual as a "first bishop among equals." He has no explicit governing power. Like all Anglican churches, the Episcopal Church is distinguished by the following characteristics:

Protestant, Yet Catholic: Anglicanism stands squarely in the Reformed tradition, yet considers itself just as directly descended from the Early Church as the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox churches. Episcopalians celebrate the “Mass” in ways similar to the Roman Catholic tradition, yet do not recognize a single authority,

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such as the Pope of Rome.  From the Greek, the word “Catholic” just means “universal.”  Worship in the language of the people: Episcopalians believe that Christians should be able to worship God and read the Bible in their first language, which for many Episcopalians is English, rather than Latin or Greek, the two earlier, “official” languages of Christianity. The Book of Common Prayer has been translated into many languages, so that those Episcopalians who do not speak English can still worship God in their native tongue. Some churches have taken this belief even further than worship in English, to worship in the style of the community. For example, in the South Bronx, NY, there is a “hip hop mass.” We believe God comes to us in many different ways,  not only in “thees and “thys” (those some folks do prefer that language—that’s why we still celebrate Rite One during Advend and Lent at 8:30!). The Book of Common Prayer: Unique to Anglicanism is the Book of Common Prayer, the collection of worship services that all worshipers in an Anglican church follow. It’s called “common prayer” because we all pray it together, around the world. The first BCP was compiled in English by Thomas Cranmer in the 16th Century, and since then has undergone many revisions for different times and places. Many other worship resources and prayers enrich our worship, but the Book of Common Prayer is the authority that governs our worship. The prayer book explains Christianity, describes the main beliefs of the Church, outlines the requirements for the sacraments, and in general serves as the main guidelines of the Episcopal life. Our worship leaflet contains all the

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prayers for the service, but you will find a prayer book in the pew. You can also explore it online at www.bcponline.org. Scripture, Tradition, and Reason: The Anglican approach to reading and interpreting the Bible was first articulated by Richard Hooker, also in the 16th Century. While Christians universally acknowledge the Bible (or the Holy Scriptures) as the Word of God and completely sufficient to our reconciliation to God, what the Bible says must always speak to us in our own time and place. The Church, as a worshiping body of faithful people, has for two thousand years amassed experience of God and of loving Jesus, and what they have said to us through the centuries about the Bible is critical to our understanding it in our own context. The traditions of the Church in interpreting Scripture connect all generations of believers together and give us a starting point for our own understanding. Episcopalians believe that every Christian must build an understanding and relationship with God’s Word in the Bible, and to do that, God has given us intelligence and our own experience, which we refer to as “Reason.” Based on the text of the Bible itself, and what Christians have taught us about it through the ages, we then must sort out our own understanding of it as it relates to our own lives. Anglicans across the world do not all necessarily agree on what certain aspects of the Bible mean, but we do our best to remain in fellowship with one another even in our differences.

Membership and Ministry at Christ ChurchIn Biblical times, the word used for church was “ekklesia,” which is based on the word used for “call.” We are each called to our own ministries in building up the Body of

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Christ. What is your ministry at Christ Church? Whether you’ve been here for 90 minutes or 90 years, your gifts are received with gratitude by this community. What is it that you love to do? Is there a way you could share that with Christ Church? To be an official “member,” you need to attend worship regularly and offer a pledge of financial support. The amount is up to you—the important thing is that you promise to support the parish. You do not need to officially be confirmed as an Episcopalian to be a member, though that step might be meaningful to you.

BaptismMany families find returning to church after a child is born, hoping that they can be baptized. The Book of Common Prayer calls baptism “full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church.” (298) The Episcopal Church recognizes all baptisms; you do not need to be “re-baptized” in order to become an Episcopalian or to participate in the Eucharist. All baptized persons, of any age, are welcome to receive Communion. If you would like to have your child baptized at Christ Church, please take a few months to “try us out” to see if you’d like for Christ Church to be your spiritual home. Then, please contact the clergy to arrange a time to plan for the service. Baptism isn’t just about the person being baptized—it’s about all of us! At each celebration of the sacrament, the whole community gathers and renews their own baptismal covenant. We promise to proclaim God’s word, to “seek and serve Christ in all persons,” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” Since baptism is about our participation in Christ’s Resurrection, the most fitting time to celebrate

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baptism is at Easter, and in Easter season. Other times during the year are after Epiphany, the Sunday after January 6 when we celebrate Christ’s baptism; the feast of Pentecost, in May, and the Sunday after All Saints Day, in November.

Parish LifeA coffee hour is held weekly after the 10 AM service, a way for newcomers to begin meeting members of the parish and for all of us to get to know each other better. We try to know and care for each other on a deeper level by joining together for outreach, social time, and special events.

Adult FormationRegular classes in Christian formation for adults are held seasonally throughout the year. For Advent and Lent, we meet in conjunction with a Tuesday evening dinner and Eucharist. We have a Sunday book group for 4 weeks in the summer, as well as an “Introduction to the Episcopal Church” Class each year in the late spring, in conjunction with confirmation.

College Students & Young AdultsWe are blessed to be diverse in age as well as in other ways, and we have a 20’s and 30’s group that meets for dinner once every month or two. Sasha Killewald organizes the group.

Children’s MinistriesOn the first Sunday of the month at the 10 AM Eucharist, there is a special children’s sermon. Our Sunday school program, Godly Play, gives our children the opportunity to engage with God and with the story of God's people in

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the Bible. Godly Play consists of gathering in a circle on the floor, listening to a story, wondering and then the children choose their "work" ( i.e., art materials or the ever popular 'sandbox' desert.) The central idea is to not impose answers or meanings but instead let children wonder about what the story means, in the circle and through their "work". There is also a “feast” before we lead the children upstairs for Communion with their families.  Godly Play was developed by Jerome Berryman. It has its roots in the educational approach started by Maria Montessori .The children join their parents in church for the Eucharist. The annual Christmas pageant is open to all. There are several ways to help with the program: as a teacher, for which training is provided, or a “door keeper,” who works as a greeter and helps with the juice and cookie feast. Our older kids’ classes use a lectionary-based curriculum to follow along with the regular lessons in the church year (they meet twice a month), and our teen confirmation class is held regularly.

Community OutreachAs a parish we are committed to being open to how we can be God’s hands in the world. Grandma’s Pantry, a food pantry for Waltham’s elderly has been held weekly since 1990. Residents over 60 are invited to come Friday mornings between 9 and 11 to receive fresh vegetables and canned goods. Donations and volunteers are always welcome. Through our clergy discretionary fund, food cards are available to those in need. Each year during the holidays, we sponsor baskets of Thanksgiving dinners for local families in need. Our most recent project is a partnership with the Community Day Center, a local day-shelter for homeless and poor adults looking for a cup of coffee, some computer time, or just a place to rest. We

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bring lunch once a month. Our diaper bank, “Diaper Depot,” offers diapers to families in need. Each child is eligible to receive 25 diapers per month, and it’s currently open just to Waltham residents. Around 2,000 diapers are distributed every month. Sally Lobo is the director of the pantry (email pantry@christchurchwaltham.org), and Cathy Hughes coordinates Diaper Depot(diapers@christchurchwaltham.org) The Vestry The vestry, working together with our wardens, Jonathan and Victoria, and our priest, Sara, helps to lead the church and take care of our material resources. Vestry members are elected at our annual meeting (held in January). They meet at 7:15 on the third Monday of the month. Anyone is welcome to observe a vestry meeting.

Building and Gardening Help make our grass green and our flowers bloom! Our raised beds are hosted by different families who sign up at the beginning of the growing season and are invited to share the produce with our food pantry. We begin spring planting in late May. Doug Whittington and Mike Hughes organize the garden.

Communications: The office sends out the weekly “E Crier” with a meditation from the rector each week. Our Quarterly print newsletter is edited by Kristin Harvey. Email her to contribute at news@christchurchwaltham.org.

Parish Life Along with the rector, Louise Wilkes helps coordinate our parish visitors to homebound members

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and hospital visits. You can always email parishlife@christchurchwaltham.org.

Serving on SundaysEveryone has a gift to bring to our altar. Below are some of the ways you might participate in our worship.

Music: Sing or play! Our heavenly voices meet after each ten o’clock service. They also warm up at 9:15 for the service to come. New members are always welcome, and especially needed! Our Organist and Choir Director is David Collins, who also works at Lesley University and Wellesley College. Guest singers and musicians are always welcome. Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Acolytes: Adults, children, and teenagers all have important roles to play in our liturgy, and serving at the altar is its own spiritual gift. The crucifer acolyte carries the cross that leads the procession. Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM’s) help distribute the wine in the chalice for communion and set the table during the service.

Lectors: Readers participate in the service in taking the Old Testament, Epistle, or lead the prayers of the people. Generally you’re scheduled around once a month. Sasha Killewald organizes the readers and LEM’s.

Altar guild: The altar guild is a ministry that makes our worship possible. Altar guild members set up and clean up for each service. This involves keeping the linens clean, preparing the silver chalices and patens, and setting up for the service.

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Greeters: These folks are the first friendly faces newcomers and parishioners see each Sunday. They help all of us to feel at home during worship and at coffee hour. Sarah Staley coordinates the assignments.

Coffee Hour: Bring a treat and make the coffee for our fellowship time after the service. Stick around to clean up, too—but you can usually find help. Cathy Hughes schedules the coffee servers.

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