Reflection for March 29 – Danielle Webber
In Mark 15, Jesus’ indifference to authority takes a deadly turn.
Learn & Grow
Jesus did not come into this world to launch a religion or rules. He came to invite us into a relationship with the living God who created us and whose love for us never quits. Finding our way into that relationship, into the incredible story of God-With-Us, is a lifelong journey of learning and growing.
Christ Church offers many on-ramps for that journey so that children, youth and adults can find their way into love. Whether you are a seeker exploring spiritual traditions, or a long-time believer in Jesus Christ as Lord, or someone with a whole lot of questions about God, join us as we seek to grow like trees, rooted in spiritual practices that give us life and help us find peace; with a core of strength to support new life, branches that reach out beyond ourselves and bear abundant fruit. Find your way here!
Branches: Christian basics (bible, history, theology)
Roots: spiritual growth activities
Fruits: outreach and justice
LENTEN REFLECTIONS: Meeting Jesus Again – or For the First Time
Each day this Lent, we offer a reflection by a member of Christ Church in La Plata and Christ Church Wayside on a passage in the Gospel of Mark, focusing on how they meet Jesus in that passage. Find them all here.
Virtual “Stations of the Cross”
Can’t get to church Good Friday? Click here to move through an interactive Stations of the Cross service online.
Bible Study
BIBLE STUDY – Wednesdays, 7 – 8 p.m.
Each Wednesday evening an international group gathers online for bible study. You don’t need to know anything coming in – and you’ll be surprised at how much wisdom you can share. Join in on Zoom Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. for an hour of bible study, laughter, keen observations and profound questions. We jump off at 8 p.m. for Night Prayers. Currently, Rev Kate is leading us in an exploration of the Gospel of Luke.
Lunch & Learn
Lunch & Learn is a (mostly) in-person gathering at Christ Church Wayside (13050 Rock Point Road, Newburg) each Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Over a fine lunch of homemade soup, bread and salad, the group discusses topics at the intersection of spirituality and current events. Beginning January 11, we are discussing our Bishop Mariann Budde’s new book, How We Learn To Be Brave. On January 4, those gathered listened to Diane Rehm’s recent interview with Bishop Budde about the book – you can find that here. For those who cannot attend in person, a Zoom link can be provided; contact Kathleen Jackson.
Sunday School for Children
Children’s Sunday School classes are offered from the Sunday after Labor Day until our annual “Prayers at the Port” service in June. Classes meet at 9 a.m., and end when the children join their parents in the Sanctuary for Holy Communion. The lessons follow closely the Sunday readings in church, and the seasons of the church year.
Children participate in special activities during the year such as the Palm Sunday Processional and Easter Egg Hunt.
Faith Exploration for Adults
Thursday Lunch and Learn Join us for soup, salad, and group discussion of topics relevant to our everyday lives. We meet in the Christ Church Wayside parish hall at 11:30 a.m.
We seek to offer more classes that people can take on their own time, which you can find on this page.
ADVENT STUDY: An Invitation To Wonder
Alpha – Alpha is a 10-week course oriented around hospitality that is a great way to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith – and to deepen that faith through experiences of God’s love and power. Each evening begins with supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by a talk and discussion. We end by 8:45 p.m. Childcare and homework help can be provided – put the little ones in pajamas and bring them along! Click here to inquire about the next Alpha Course.
Quiet Days and Retreats
Periodically we offer a Quiet Day (one-day retreat) or weekend Retreat for rest, reflection and recharging our spiritual batteries. These are wonderful opportunities for drawing closer to God and to the community at Christ Church.
Confirmation/Baptism Preparation
Periodically we offer a course to prepare youth and adults for Confirmation or Baptism. Here is what we typically cover:
- Building a Relationship with God (Prayer)
- The Owner’s Manual (Bible)
- What Christians believe (the Creeds)
- How Episcopalians Worship (the Sacraments and Prayer Book)
- How Episcopalians believe and live their faith (History/Polity)
- Being a member of the Body of Christ (Gifts, Ministry, Stewardship, Faith-Sharing)
Please contact Rev. Kate if you are interested in Confirmation or Baptism.
Training for Ministry
We try to support our leaders (that’s most of the congregation…) by offering training and support for the ministries people undertake. Whether it’s how to teach Church School, how to pray for others, or how to run an effective meeting, we are delighted to provide ongoing support.
Spiritual Assessment Inventories
- Take the Inventory for Confession (pdf for printing) or Inventory for Confession (Word for downloading and writing).
- Pray the Litany of Forgiveness.
- Take the Spiritual Growth Inventory.
- Take the Inventory of Offering (or online).
- Take the Inventory of Priorities (or online).
- Take the Inventory of Spiritual Readiness (or online).
“…we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” – St. Paul, in Colossians 1:9-1
