The
Open Doors
November 2015
Christ Church
“You might
say that
All Saints’is
one way
God
reminds me
that we’re
meant to
run into,
not just
run past
each other
in this life.
It’s a simple,
inconvenient
gift that
I treasure
a little more
each year.”
-Scott Walters
Our street has fewer driveways than houses, much less cars. So on an ordinary day a
vehicle or two is parked at the curb in front of most of the neighborhood homes. When
we moved in, I assumed this detail was a tick against Crystal Court, as much as we love the
old houses and big trees.
As a practical matter, our parking challenge means that there are certain bends in
the street one must creep through very carefully. Meet an oncoming car, and somebody
will have to pull over and maybe back up a bit to let the other one through. It’s an
inconvenience. You won’t get where you’re going quite as quickly on a street like ours.
But recently my eyes were opened and I saw that our little traffic jam of mostly empty
cars is a great benefit if you’re walking or sitting on your porch. It’s a lot less pleasant (and
safe) to do so on a street like nearby Markham where the cars fly by at 40 miles per hour.
The obstructions to speeding past too quickly means we have to acknowledge one another,
negotiate our passings, slow down and take notice.
All Saints’ Day is a little like our street, in a way. It’s all we can handle in our fast paced
lives to maintain meaningful relationships with the living. Do we really have time for
the dead as well? There are so many of them. And, let’s face it. Their bodies have stopped
moving. They’re parked for all eternity. Wouldn’t it be better just to clear them out of the
way, even in our minds?
Of course not, you say. But, left to ourselves, we do tend to move on, don’t we? It’s
all I can do to get the lunches packed and my emails answered and the oil changed and
the bills mostly paid and hopefully have a little time left over for conversation with a few
people I care about before bedtime.
But in spite or maybe because of all that, the Church drops All Saints’ Day onto my
calendar every November and asks me to slow down, maybe back up a bit, and remember.
“Remember the communion of God’s saints,” she says, “saints past and yet to come.
Consider the great cloud of witnesses within which your life is unfolding. You will be
better, maybe even more fully alive, for it.”
And when I do slow down and remember, I see that it’s true. When I slow down and
pray, even for a day, with the memories of people I’ve loved and lost, I see the living more
clearly, maybe rush past them a little less fast. You might say that All Saints’ is one way
God reminds me that we’re meant to run into, not just run past each other in this life. It’s
a simple, inconvenient gift that I treasure a little more each year.
THE MONTHLY NEWS FROM LITTLE ROCK’S DOWNTOWN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION
Parish Community
Commemorative Gifts
received by October 20
In memory of Bert Parke
Trudie Cromwell
Martha & George Lubke
Betsy & Cyril Hollingsworth
Susan & Timothy Boe
Ann & Al White
Jan & Tom Fowler
Hayden & Gordon Rather
Maurey B. Miller
Nancy & Russ McDonough
W. Wilson Jones
Helen Porter & Jim Dyke
Rosiland Smith
Athens Paper
W. Donald Jenkins
Baptism
We welcome this new member to the
Christ Church community
through the sacrament of Baptism.
Patricia Chaffin
Helen C. Buchanan
Mack & Barbara Moore
Nell & Bob Lyford
Joanne H. Riddick
Janet & Bob Jones
Ellen & Jim McLean
Annice Steadman
George Rook & James Greene
Catherine & Kevin Crass
Marianna & Tim Pardue
Allison Pickell
Tom Blackmon
Fred Poe
Ordination Invitation
Saturday, November 21 at 10 am
Christ Church, Little Rock
All are cordially invited to the ordination service for Larry
Burton. Larry will be ordained as an Episcopal priest. A
reception follows.
New Grandparents
Ellen Blair Hastings
with parents Mary Katherine and Andrew Hastings
ECW (Episcopal Church Women)
Fall Gathering
November 6-7 at St. Michaels in LR
Fall Gathering featured speakers will be The Reverend Marti
Dalby, vicar of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Heber
Springs, Arkansas; and Betsy Jacoway Watson, author of
Turn Away Thy Son: Little Rock, the Crisis that Shocked a
Nation. Questions? Contact Sandy Smith at 501-663-5778
or [email protected].
Ladies Night Out
Thursday, November 5, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Not to be outdone by the men’s group, the women of the
parish are cordially invited to a social gathering at Kate
Alexander’s home in Hillcrest. Appetizers will be provided,
feel free to bring a beverage to share or nothing at all.
For address and to RSVP, contact Kate at kalexander@
christchurchlr.org
Elaine Marie Thacker
daughter of Catie and DJ Thacker
granddaughter of Jean and Dan Carter
Page 2
New CC Directories
New church directories are now out and available in the
office. Please remember that this directory is for private use
and not to be used for commercial purposes.
The Open Doors
Fall Formation
A Trip to the Sanctuary aka
Children’s Formation
Scriptures in Life and Art
Sunday in the Bishop’s Room at 9:15 am
Curiosity. Wonder. Fascination. These attributes, while
naturally occurring in children, sometimes get lost in
the crush of moving toward adulthood. A teenager may
become less curious about the world and more fearful as
she or he tries to figure out who they are. A young adult
may exchange fascination for anxiety as they learn to be
independent in the world. Adults may have little time for
wonder as they juggle job and family and faith.
Therefore, these fragile
attributes must be
intentionally nurtured
as children grow. We
take this seriously here at
Christ Church, believing
that wonder and curiosity
are essential to human
flourishing. We also think
that the classrooms offer
fertile ground on which
children may engage that
fascination.
Take for example our youngest children’s classroom. These
kids, ages 3-5, have been learning about the objects used at
the altar. What is a chalice? A paten? By investigating the
particulars, we hope they will develop a curiosity about the
greater mystery
that lies within
the sacrament.
To reinforce this,
we recently took
these children
on a tour of the
church. They
explored what
goes on behind
the scenes at Eucharist. They held the real live objects that
the real live priests and deacons use during the service. The
kids’ curiosity was palpable, as these pictures capture.
Thank you for trusting us with your children. We feel lucky
that we get to be around them because they remind us to be
curious and full of wonder, too.
After Thomas Spence Duche.
The Right Reverend Samuel Seabury, DD, 1786
British Museum
For the beginning of November the Scriptures in Life and
Art class will continue the special mini-series on church
history, focusing on the Episcopal Church in the late 19th
century to the present. By the first Sunday in Advent at
the end of the month, the class will return to its usual
format of considering the Bible lessons for each Sunday,
thinking about them in historical and theological contexts,
and looking at works of art related to the lessons. All are
welcome to attend this class which meets in the Bishop’s
Room...come every so often, or become a regular member.
For more information contact Floyd Martin at fwmartin@
ualr.edu or J. B. Cross at [email protected].
Sunday Forum
9:15 am in the Parlor
The question of how the Christian faith matters to life out
in the world is old and essential and something we’re meant
to consider in community. So each Sunday morning in the
Parlor we look at newspaper articles, blog posts, poems,
essays, short stories, and timely topics through the lens
of Christian scripture and tradition. Discussion is frank,
lively, and free ranging. To join the email list and receive
the readings the week beforehand, contact Scott Walters
([email protected]). All are welcome. Come join
us.
Page 3
Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
Children’s Choir
Youth Handbell Choir
Rehearsal Schedule
November 1
November 8
November 15 November 22
November 29
3-4 pm
3-4 pm
3-4 pm
3-4 pm
No rehearsal
Choristers rehearsing before Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Choristers will sing November 15 at the
10:30 am service. We are delighted to have 16 members
this year! If you like to sing and are in grades 2 through 8,
come join us. New members are always welcome. For more
information, contact Mary Kay Burton at mkbnonna@
gmail.com.
Happening #34
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ft. Smith, AR
November 20-22
Happening is a renewal weekend for the young people of
the Episcopal Church in grades 10-12. The weekend centers
on the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, which are
discussed in the atmosphere of joy and happiness, in a way
that relates to the lives of today’s young people. Small group
discussions, large group activities, singing and drama fill the
weekend from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
To register for Happening #34 please go to eycarkansas.
org/happening/. For more info contact Murdock Jones at
[email protected].
Page 4
Rehearsal Schedule
November 1
November 8
11:50-12:20 pm
9:00-9:15 am - Play at 10:30 am service
No rehearsal after church
November 15 11:50-12:20 pm
November 22 11:50-12:20 pm
November 29 No rehearsal
The Youth Handbell Choir will be playing the prelude on
November 8. This will be the first time four of our newest
members have played for a service. In preparation for
this, and for playing at the first Christmas Eve service, the
months of November and December are very important
times for regular practices. The Youth Handbell Choir
welcomes any young person in 3rd grade up through high
school. Ability to read music is not required. The main
requirement is a commitment to attend rehearsals regularly
during the academic year. For more info please contact
Floyd Martin at [email protected].
EYC (Episcopal Youth Community)
Schedule for Grades 6-12
Sunday from 4-6 pm in Youth Room on 2nd floor
unless otherwise noted
November 1
November 8
November 15
November 22
November 29
Movie Night
Sardines Night
Faith Night
Cooking Night
No EYC-Thanksgiving Break
Other important upcoming dates are:
Winterstar March 11-13 (6th-12th grade)
Pre-Happening #35 April 1
Happening #35 April 29-March 1
For questions and more information about EYC contact
Murdock Jones at [email protected].
Moms’ Group
November 4, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Christ Church moms are invited to this monthly gathering
of support, strategies, and snacks. New and expectant moms
are especially encouraged to attend. Childcare is available
in the nursery. Contact: Kate Alexander, kalexander@
christchurchlr.org
November 2015
In the News
Just Communities
of Arkansas:
Walk for
Community
Sunday, November 1
3 pm - 5 pm
Little Rock River Market
Pavilions
For the third straight year, Christ Church is fielding a team
for the Just Communities of Arkansas’s annual Walk for
CommUNITY. This is a fun and relatively easy walk from
the River Market Pavilion across the Clinton Library bridge
and back. For Individuals, entry is $10, $30 day of event,
$10 students, $50 families (up to 5 household members).
To join our team and learn more about the Walk, go to:
jca.kintera.org/Walk2015/christepiscopalchurch or contract
Chuck Cliett at [email protected].
United Thank Offering
(UTO) Sunday, November 8
The UTO is a special offering to support mission and
ministries in the USA and worldwide. This offering will
assist in shelters, food, and projects. Special blue and
white envelopes will be available in the pews on Sunday,
November 8 for your contribution.The Episcopal Church
Women (ECW) sponsors UTO, but everyone is asked to
participate. Place your UTO gift in the special alms basin
or in the regular offering plate. A donation can be received
after that date as well. Thank you for becoming part of the
mission and ministry of our church.
Pets on the Steps
“Introduction to Compassion
Cultivation Training™ (CCT)” Seminar
Dr. Dent Gitchel will be offering an “Introduction to
Compassion Cultivation Training™ (CCT)” seminar from
1-4 pm on November 14th in Parke Hall. CCT is a
curriculum developed at the Center for Compassion and
Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University.
This seminar will consist of instruction, short guided
meditations, information about compassion-related
scientific studies and self-reflective activities. This seminar is
intended for those with any levels of experience or interest.
This is being offered free of charge but pre-registration
is encouraged to plan for seating and handouts, and so
that Dr. Gitchel can contact you with information. For
registration information, or to be notified of future classes,
please email [email protected]. Note: This
is not an official CCT class. The full curriculum runs for
8-9 weeks and will be offered in the winter of 2016.
The Stained Glass Restoration
Project Update
Pledge to help us close the gap! We are fundraising for
this unique opportunity
to repair and restore our
beautiful windows for
generations to come.
Thanks to the remarkable
generosity and enthusiasm
of this community, we
have raised $939,500
toward the $1 million goal.
The project overview and
pledge forms are available
at the church and on the
website. For more information, contact Brooke-Augusta
Ware, committee chair, [email protected].
Stewardship begins November 1
In honor of St. Francis Day, all pets were welcome to come
to the steps of the church at 5:30 pm for a blessing Sunday,
October 4. Those pets able and willing to come to church
were welcome to join us inside for the Eucharist at 6:00
pm.
The Open Doors
We hope you will consider making a financial commitment
to our shared life together here at Christ Church. Watch
for packets with information and pledge cards beginning
November 1. There will also be a handy “Pledge” button in
the e-news and on the website when our stewardship season
begins.
Page 5
Church and Community
Abide Meeting
Sunday, November 15
12-1 pm in the Sixth Street Library
Interested in Baptism?
“Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy
Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church” (from the Book of
Common Prayer). We have some baptismal dates coming
up this fall and winter, open to adults and children. If you
are interested for yourself or on behalf of a child of any age,
please contact Kate Alexander, kalexander@christchurchlr.
org.
Coming to The Undercroft
Adrian+Meredith
Friday, November 20
Show starts at 8 pm
Tickets at the Door for $5
Abide is a group of young people in their 20’s and 30’s
who meet the third Sunday of every month for a potluck
lunch and lively discussion. We hope you can join us! For
more info about Abide contact Brooks Cato at bcato@
christchurchlr.org or Patricia Matthews at pmatthews@
christchurchlr.org.
Alternative Holiday Giving
This holiday season, consider supporting the good work
of Green Groceries, which partners with the farmers of
Arkansas
Local Food
Program
to provide
fresh, local
foods to
households
in need.
Donations will go directly to buying food in the program.
For example, $25 will cover the food pick up for one home
during a distribution. Donation recognition cards that can
be given to a loved one in lieu of a gift will be available at
the church on the Sundays of Advent. For information,
contact Susie Shinn, [email protected].
Page 6
Adrian + Meredith
Adrian+Meredith isn’t just another folk-duo travelling the
country. They’re a dynamic, hard-working tour-de-force,
ready to entertain anyone in their audience path, making
instant fans at every show. They blend folk, old-time, postpunk, pre-war jazz, soul, rock and roll, country and acoustic
music in the same set, sometimes in the same song. Adrian’s
twisted storylines drive home poignant stories that make
you think about what you’re drinking, while Meredith’s
fiddle drives the mood. While Adrian plays clawhammerguitar, Meredith’s old-time and cajun fiddle, and trad
clogging treat you in new familiars.
November 2015
Important Information
Membership
Interested in
becoming a member
of Christ Church?
This can happen through
baptism, confirmation, or
by requesting a letter of
transfer from a previous
church. See Carol Lou
Flowers in the church
office for details. If you’re
interested in getting more
involved at Christ Church, And the blessing of stuffed
animals
please speak with one of
our clergy or with Carol
Sixth Street Library at Christ Church
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 12 Noon
Sunday 9:30 am - 12:15 pm
Christ Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 12 Noon
Weekly Worship Schedule
Sunday:
8:00 am Rite I Holy Eucharist
9:15 am Christian Formation for all ages
For Adults:
-Bible Study in Bishop’s Room
-Book studies, topical discussions in Parlor
For Children and Youth:
3 years-K – The Good Shepherd Atrium (1st floor)
Grades 1-3 – The True Vine Atrium (1st floor)
Grades 4-6 – The Covenant Atrium (2nd floor)
Grades 7-12 – Junior & Senior High (3rd floor)
Staff Contacts
Unless noted otherwise each of the following may
be reached at Christ Church 501-375-2342
• Baptisms, weddings, funerals, visits to sick or home-
bound, pastoral counseling:
Scott Walters, [email protected]
Kate Alexander, [email protected]
Brooks Cato, [email protected]
• The E-News: Kate Alexander,
[email protected]
• Meeting space scheduling, prayer list names, volunteer assistance:
Carol Lou Flowers, [email protected]
• Choir & Handbells:
Steve Bullock, [email protected]
• Outreach:
Joyce Hardy 351-7217, [email protected]
• Children, Youth & Family Ministry:
Patricia Matthews,
[email protected]
• Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) Coordinator:
Murdock Jones, [email protected]
• Planned Giving: Clay Patty 375-5061
• Announcements and The Open Doors:
Lally Brown, [email protected]
Monthly Groups
Moms’ Group - November 4, 5:30 pm
Daughters of the King - November 1, 12:00 pm
Stewpot - November 12, 9:30-11:30 am; 11:30 am-1 pm
Vestry - November 16, 5:15 pm, Parlor
Green Groceries - November 3, 17, 5 pm
Aspiring Angels -November 2, 7 pm
Integrity - November 8, 12 pm
Abide - November 15, 12 pm
Weekly Groups
AA - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 12 noon
10:30 am Rite II Holy Eucharist (with choir)
Yoga - Monday, 5:30 pm
6:00 pm Informal Holy Eucharist
Basketball - Tuesday, Thursday, 6 pm
6:45 pm Compline - sung prayers (with choir)
ALFN Food Pick-up - Monday, 4-6 pm
Wednesday: 12:05 pm Holy Eucharist & Prayers for Saturday, 10-12 pm
Healing
Journey Group - Tuesday, 6 pm
Friday: 8:10 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel
M-Thursday 9:00 am Morning Prayer in the Sixth Street Library
November 2015
Page 7
Little Rock’s Downtown Episcopal Church
509 Scott St, Little Rock, AR 72201
phone: 501- 375-2342
www.christchurchlr.org
Christ Church Vestry
Marion Fulk, Senior Warden
Frank Parke, Junior Warden
Roger Webb, Clerk
Jack Bell
Mary Kay Burton
George Cole
Shannon Gitchel
Elizabeth Henry
Alison Hitt
Jay Jennings
Joe Lampo
Olivia McKee
Emily Paul
Mallory Taylor, Treasurer
Bob Wayland
The Rt. Rev. Larry R. Benfield
Bishop of Arkansas
Christ Church Staff
The Rev. Scott Walters, Rector
The Rev. Dr. Kate Alexander, Associate Rector
The Rev. Brooks Cato, Curate
The Rev. Joyce Hardy, Outreach Coordinator
Steven Bullock, Organist/Choirmaster
Patricia Matthews, Director of Children,
Youth & Family Ministry
Murdock Jones, EYC (Youth) Coordinator
Carol Lou Flowers, Parish Administrator, Lay
Ministries & Volunteer Coordinator
Phyllis Danielson, Bookkeeper
Bettylee Green, Receptionist
Lally Brown, Communications Assistant
Christ Church Recycles
Please recycle this newsletter
The Open Doors |November 2015
at Christ Church
presents
Adrian + Meredith
Friday, November 20
Show starts at 8 pm
Tickets at the Door for $5
Stay in Touch. Stay Connected. Stay Informed.
Receive The Weekly E-News and monthly
newsletter, The Open Doors, by emailing Carol
Lou at [email protected] or “Like” us on
Facebook for the latest news. Deadline for The Open Doors
is the the 20th of the preceding month.