From the Deacon's Bench

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:35-40

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Our 6th Annual Fine Arts Camp went very well. We had a magnificent group of students, probably the best we ever had. Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers and those who made donations. YOU made this happen! One especially awesome part of camp was the decision of one camper, Eden Ginsberg, to be baptized. This special celebration happened on July 26th. We are already starting to plan for Fine Arts Camp 2027.

There is another ministry with which we REALLY need your help

Do you knit or crochet? We would like to revive our Prayer Shawl Ministry. These creations mean so much to those who receive them. They will be blessed by Rev Randi and then taken to those who are ill, shut-ins, those with new babies, and those celebrating other events in their lives. These shawls are a reminder as to how much the Christ Church community loves them and cares about them.

This is a ministry you can do from home. No meetings or deadlines! Please let me know if you wish to be a part of this ministry so we can keep a list and hold all creators in prayer.

** Another way you can help is by donating yarn or other supplies. These could be items you have but no longer need or by purchasing items when you see a good sale. We will distribute these items to those creating the shawls.

** Did you read some good books this summer?

It’s time for another book drive. Middlesex Department of Social Services keeps books to distribute to their clients who may be unable to purchase books.

This ministry helps in a few ways:

· You get to clean out books you no longer need to make room for NEW BOOKS

· You help promote literacy in our community.

· We show our community that Christ Church Parish cares about them.

Please let me know how you can help with these ministries. deacon@christchurchparish.com or 804-869-3867, or when you see me

We are each expected to care for others. Christ calls us to do so. These ministries and others help us show His love to others. ALL others. Where are YOU called to serve? Pray for answers to this question. It will be different for each of us.

Thank you, Peg+