Christ Church, La Plata

BENEDICTINE GROUP
Every month, interested members and friends gather in someone's home to study and pray together in the style of St. Benedict, led by Deacon Eric Shoemaker. The Rule of Benedict constitutes the basic guide for these and thousands of Christians who are committed to the monastic movement, as well as those seeking a special depth to their faith outside of religious communities. The Rule was written between AD 530 and AD 560 by St. Benedict, the founder of the monastery of Monte Cassino, though the historical evidence does not allow a conclusive proof of authorship. St. Benedict's biographer, St. Gregory the Great (pope from 590 to 604), indicates that Benedict "wrote a Rule for monks that is remarkable for its discretion and its clarity of language." Many disciples of Jesus followed the Rule in the past and many still do so today. The Rule was followed in thousands of monasteries in Europe, so much so that the Church of the early Middle Ages, beginning especially in the ninth century, was characterized as monastic.

Christ Church, Port Tobacco Parish sponsors a community of men and women of the parish in the study and practices of stability, hospitality, and humility that is the core to Benedictine spirituality. From time to time the community will offer a course that introduces the Benedictine approach to living out our Christian journey. The group meets monthly at members' homes for fellowship, prayer, and listening. We welcome all newcomers. For more information contact The Reverend Eric Shoemaker through the church office at 301-392-1051.

A "Prayers at the Port" picnic group smiles for the camera.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, our Sunday School children prepare a reenactment of the Christmas story, complete with costumes and Bible reading by the older children. The congregation joins in singing carols appropriate to each part of the story for a very charming family event.

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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW)
This active group serves in fellowship together as an integral part of our parish family. The women hold fundraisers for specific projects, support the youth of the church, and provide supplies for coffee hour after church. The Parish House kitchen is often the scene of excitement and activity. The ECW hosts various receptions for special services and social events. They assist wherever help is needed, whether it is in the church office, or keeping in touch with the sick or shut-ins by visits, cards, and phone calls. All women of the church are welcome to share in this fellowship and love of the parish family.

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Church members on a 2005 bus trip to visit the World War II Memorial,
the Museum of the American Indian, and the two visible cherry blossoms!

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: "THE LEAF"
Our newsletter is called "The Leaf" in commemoration of Port Tobacco Parish's start as a tobacco-supported entity through the Church of England in colonial days. Now that tobacco is no longer a major crop in Southern Maryland and fewer people are smoking, the name is increasingly quaint, but the newsletter is full of lively articles and word of upcoming events. Church history is an ongoing topic, and we are presently gathering interesting stories from our long-time members to be published in "The Leaf," as well as for historical records. A calendar for the current month is available in each issue, for an overview of what will take place at the church. Two new additions for October are a recipe column and "Teens Seen," which tracks the activities of our high schoolers. If you would like to be on our mailing list to receive "The Leaf," please contact Barbara Busch at the church office: 301-392-1051.

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MEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Cleaning the church's kitchen from top to bottom in February and hosting the Parish picnic in June have been our activities so far this year. We will soon be doing some yard maintenance before winter sets in, and we'd like to re-paint the Parish Hall so that all the surfaces have the same color! Watch for announcements on these activities, where many hands make light work — and the food's not bad, either!

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Junior Warden Bruce Dalton in the process of improving
the Church Street entrace to the Parish House in March.

PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION
Our Sunday School children create paper flowers and paper chains to adorn a donkey, and then we gather outside for a Blessing of the Palms. As the donkey is led around the back of the church and onto Church Street, the clergy, the choirs and the congregation follow, singing a Palm Sunday hymn. Upon arrival at the church door, they enter the church, following the crucifer. This tradition is many years old, and some of our older members can recall processing all the way around the Charles County courthouse and walking down Charles Street! Modern day traffic has made that part of the processional impossible, but our shorter walk does not lessen the enjoyment.

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PRESERVATION FUND
In January 2006, a Preservation Fund was established to raise money for use in maintaining the church in ways beyond the ordinary everyday maintenance domain.

Window panels before replacement — after pictures coming soon!

The first project undertaken was the replacement of the yellowed protective panels over the church's 31 stained glass windows. The plexiglas which had been in place since 1983 no longer allowed the windows to be seen from outdoors. The old panels protected the windows well over the years, especially during the April 27, 2002 tornado, which passed by just across Charles Street from the church! But the new Lexan panels improved the church's appearance and allow the colors to be seen from the outdoors, especially at night. It is planned that the large rose window over the front doors will be lighted from inside during the early evening hours, creating a beautiful and welcoming sight for all who pass the church.

Christ Church has stained glass that dates from the early 1900s, as well as panels that were installed much more recently. Several of the oldest are of Tiffany glass, and the newest is from the 1990s. A booklet being planned will track the history of each window, telling who donated the window and to whom it was dedicated. All available locations are now fitted with stained glass, giving the church sanctuary a warm, vibrant feel on both sunny and overcast days.

Window panels before replacement — after pictures coming soon!

The Gragan and Sons Glass Co. completed the window panel project in early August 2006. The results are spectacular! Deep reds, blues and purples appear on the floor and walls in the morning and afternoon, and on August 27, the altar was simply glowing at the start of the 10:30 service. The angle of the sun will determine where the light hits from week to week, but that moment was one to behold and remember! Thanks to all who made this possible:

Sheila Smith
Robert and Cecelia Petri
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
Ray and Marion Denniston
Joseph and Joy Trigg
Bruce and Judy Dalton
Gerald and Lucille Dyson
Southern Maryland Oil
Jerry and Kay Volman
Richard and Donna Young
Arehart-Nichols Funeral Home
David Chapman
Community Bank of Tri-County
County First Bank
Tom and Pamela Hamorsky
Barry and Mary Kercher
Vince and Verna Kordack
Michael and Eileen Peerless
Beverly Stone
Joan Dempsey
David Wilt
Lou and Barbara Wilt
David Wilt
Anita Wood
Stan and Paula FitzGerald
Margaret Farthing
Thomas and Barbara Willson
Clyde and Evelyn Abell
Dorothy Barbour
Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Bowling
T.F. Frye

Future Preservation Fund projects will be announced as the Vestry announces each project. To donate to the Fund, please contact the church secretary, Barbara Busch, at 301-392-1051.

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Gloria Groeger, Judy Dalton and Lesley Harris visit the World War II Memorial in April 2005
when the Greeter Ministry arranged a bus trip to see the cherry blossoms and museums.





		CHRIST CHURCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

		July 6 at 10:30 - Holy Eucharist with Patriotic Music No Sunday School until September

		ONGOING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Benedictine Group • Episcopal Church Women (ECW) • Men's Fellowship • Prayer Chain • Preservation Fund • Visitations • Wedding Coordinator SEASONAL/SPECIAL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Monthly Newsletter: "The Leaf" • Annual Parish Meeting and Luncheon • Annual Spaghetti Dinner • Christmas Pageant • Epiphany Celebration (Twelfth Night) • Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper • Palm Sunday Procession • Holy Week • Easter Celebration • Summer Handbell Camp

		BENEDICTINE GROUP Every month, interested members and friends gather in someone's home to study and pray together in the style of St. Benedict, led by Deacon Eric Shoemaker. The Rule of Benedict constitutes the basic guide for these and thousands of Christians who are committed to the monastic movement, as well as those seeking a special depth to their faith outside of religious communities. The Rule was written between AD 530 and AD 560 by St. Benedict, the founder of the monastery of Monte Cassino, though the historical evidence does not allow a conclusive proof of authorship. St. Benedict's biographer, St. Gregory the Great (pope from 590 to 604), indicates that Benedict "wrote a Rule for monks that is remarkable for its discretion and its clarity of language." Many disciples of Jesus followed the Rule in the past and many still do so today. The Rule was followed in thousands of monasteries in Europe, so much so that the Church of the early Middle Ages, beginning especially in the ninth century, was characterized as monastic. Christ Church, Port Tobacco Parish sponsors a community of men and women of the parish in the study and practices of stability, hospitality, and humility that is the core to Benedictine spirituality. From time to time the community will offer a course that introduces the Benedictine approach to living out our Christian journey. The group meets monthly at members' homes for fellowship, prayer, and listening. We welcome all newcomers. For more information contact The Reverend Eric Shoemaker through the church office at 301-392-1051. A "Prayers at the Port" picnic group smiles for the camera. CHRISTMAS PAGEANT On the fourth Sunday of Advent, our Sunday School children prepare a reenactment of the Christmas story, complete with costumes and Bible reading by the older children. The congregation joins in singing carols appropriate to each part of the story for a very charming family event. [to the top] THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) This active group serves in fellowship together as an integral part of our parish family. The women hold fundraisers for specific projects, support the youth of the church, and provide supplies for coffee hour after church. The Parish House kitchen is often the scene of excitement and activity. The ECW hosts various receptions for special services and social events. They assist wherever help is needed, whether it is in the church office, or keeping in touch with the sick or shut-ins by visits, cards, and phone calls. All women of the church are welcome to share in this fellowship and love of the parish family. [to the top] Church members on a 2005 bus trip to visit the World War II Memorial, the Museum of the American Indian, and the two visible cherry blossoms! MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: "THE LEAF" Our newsletter is called "The Leaf" in commemoration of Port Tobacco Parish's start as a tobacco-supported entity through the Church of England in colonial days. Now that tobacco is no longer a major crop in Southern Maryland and fewer people are smoking, the name is increasingly quaint, but the newsletter is full of lively articles and word of upcoming events. Church history is an ongoing topic, and we are presently gathering interesting stories from our long-time members to be published in "The Leaf," as well as for historical records. A calendar for the current month is available in each issue, for an overview of what will take place at the church. Two new additions for October are a recipe column and "Teens Seen," which tracks the activities of our high schoolers. If you would like to be on our mailing list to receive "The Leaf," please contact Barbara Busch at the church office: 301-392-1051. [to the top] MEN'S FELLOWSHIP Cleaning the church's kitchen from top to bottom in February and hosting the Parish picnic in June have been our activities so far this year. We will soon be doing some yard maintenance before winter sets in, and we'd like to re-paint the Parish Hall so that all the surfaces have the same color! Watch for announcements on these activities, where many hands make light work — and the food's not bad, either! [to the top] Junior Warden Bruce Dalton in the process of improving the Church Street entrace to the Parish House in March. PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION Our Sunday School children create paper flowers and paper chains to adorn a donkey, and then we gather outside for a Blessing of the Palms. As the donkey is led around the back of the church and onto Church Street, the clergy, the choirs and the congregation follow, singing a Palm Sunday hymn. Upon arrival at the church door, they enter the church, following the crucifer. This tradition is many years old, and some of our older members can recall processing all the way around the Charles County courthouse and walking down Charles Street! Modern day traffic has made that part of the processional impossible, but our shorter walk does not lessen the enjoyment. [to the top] PRESERVATION FUND In January 2006, a Preservation Fund was established to raise money for use in maintaining the church in ways beyond the ordinary everyday maintenance domain. Window panels before replacement — after pictures coming soon! The first project undertaken was the replacement of the yellowed protective panels over the church's 31 stained glass windows. The plexiglas which had been in place since 1983 no longer allowed the windows to be seen from outdoors. The old panels protected the windows well over the years, especially during the April 27, 2002 tornado, which passed by just across Charles Street from the church! But the new Lexan panels improved the church's appearance and allow the colors to be seen from the outdoors, especially at night. It is planned that the large rose window over the front doors will be lighted from inside during the early evening hours, creating a beautiful and welcoming sight for all who pass the church. Christ Church has stained glass that dates from the early 1900s, as well as panels that were installed much more recently. Several of the oldest are of Tiffany glass, and the newest is from the 1990s. A booklet being planned will track the history of each window, telling who donated the window and to whom it was dedicated. All available locations are now fitted with stained glass, giving the church sanctuary a warm, vibrant feel on both sunny and overcast days. Window panels before replacement — after pictures coming soon! The Gragan and Sons Glass Co. completed the window panel project in early August 2006. The results are spectacular! Deep reds, blues and purples appear on the floor and walls in the morning and afternoon, and on August 27, the altar was simply glowing at the start of the 10:30 service. The angle of the sun will determine where the light hits from week to week, but that moment was one to behold and remember! Thanks to all who made this possible: Sheila Smith Robert and Cecelia Petri Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Ray and Marion Denniston Joseph and Joy Trigg Bruce and Judy Dalton Gerald and Lucille Dyson Southern Maryland Oil Jerry and Kay Volman Richard and Donna Young Arehart-Nichols Funeral Home David Chapman Community Bank of Tri-County County First Bank Tom and Pamela Hamorsky Barry and Mary Kercher Vince and Verna Kordack Michael and Eileen Peerless Beverly Stone Joan Dempsey David Wilt Lou and Barbara Wilt David Wilt Anita Wood Stan and Paula FitzGerald Margaret Farthing Thomas and Barbara Willson Clyde and Evelyn Abell Dorothy Barbour Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Bowling T.F. Frye Future Preservation Fund projects will be announced as the Vestry announces each project. To donate to the Fund, please contact the church secretary, Barbara Busch, at 301-392-1051. [to the top] Gloria Groeger, Judy Dalton and Lesley Harris visit the World War II Memorial in April 2005 when the Greeter Ministry arranged a bus trip to see the cherry blossoms and museums.