Rejoice December 2018/January 2019
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Rejoice December 2018/January 2019
118 N. Washington St. ✠ Alexandria, VA 22314
www.HistoricChristChurch.org ✠ 703-549-1450
Christ Church Foundation—Beginning Its Fifth Decade
By Brian Wommack, Foundation President
“The Foundation is a promise to
help keep the church properties
and missions into perpetuity.”
Anne Shine, 2000–04 Foundation President
O n January 22, 1979, the Christ
Church, Alexandria, Virginia
Foundation was incorporated. This
month, the Christ Church Foundation
begins its fifth decade of service to the
church, its buildings and grounds, and
its mission outside the parish.
“I expect some will be surprised
that [the Foundation] is ‘only’ 40
years old.” The Foundation funds have grown also has stepped up to meet specific
Anne Reed, 2014–15 Foundation President steadily over the years, thanks to the needs, serving as the lender of record
Founding officers Ralph Flynt, How- generosity of parishioners and friends. in the acquisition of the Fowler House,
ard Smith and David Burke estab- To date, the Foundation has received and providing start-up funds for the
lished the Foundation with the funds over 20 fulfilled bequests and notifica- church’s website.
of the church’s small endowment tion from more than 50 donors of their “We have no way of knowing what
trust, begun with a bequest from intent to remember the Foundation in ministry in 2059 and beyond will look
Mary Custis Lee, last living child of their estate plans. The Foundation is like, or what ‘properties’ might in-
Robert E. Lee. The Foundation’s cur- also grateful for the many recurring and clude. The Foundation will provide for
rent assets are in excess of $5.5 mil- memorial gifts received each year. the needs of the future.”
lion. In addition to the funds directly “The Foundation was created to [pro- Elizabeth Rudolph, 2016–17 Foundation
managed by the nine-member Board vide] funds to meet the responsibilities President
of Trustees, the Foundation receives associated with the stewardship of our
income from the William Smith Since its founding, the Christ Church
historic properties.” Foundation has embodied the con-
Trust, separately managed under the Stetson Tinkham, 2009–13 Foundation
terms of his bequest. In recent years, tinuing legacy of the faith and gifts
President
the Foundation assumed manage- of our parish family. We enjoy this
ment of the Tri-Centennial Trust, In turn, the Foundation makes an church because of the generosity
maturing in 2076 for the church’s annual distribution of a determined of those who came before us. Our
continuance into the nation’s third percentage for the church’s build- privilege will be to give to those who
century. ings and grounds. While in the past will follow. Let us join together, now
the Foundation would select specific and in the decades to come, to con-
“Every generation makes a projects to be funded, the trustees now tinue building the Foundation as an
contribution.” make a quarterly distribution for the invisible bulwark behind the visible
Nancy Carson, 2006-08 Foundation church to determine its use. In rare brick and glass, ensuring that Christ
President instances in the past, the Foundation Church’s life and ministry will endure.
Rejoice is the official Advent and Christmas Schedule of Services
monthly publication Wednesday, December 12 and 19
of Christ Church, Communion and Carols (Holy
Alexandria, Virginia, an • 6:00 p.m. – Wednesday Night Eucharist Rite II)
Episcopal church in the Prayer Service– Chapel Monday, December 31, New Year’s Eve
Diocese of Virginia.
Sunday, December 16 10:00 p.m. – Prayer service with
The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston • 5:00 p.m. – Christmas Pageant readings from the Bible
Thirteenth Bishop of Virginia
(the story of Jesus’s birth as
The Rt. Rev. Susan Ellyn Goff
retold by the children of the Christ Church Administratiive
Bishop Suffragan
The Rt. Rev. Robert Wilkes Ihloff, parish) Office Holiday Schedule
Bishop Associate Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Vestry offices closed
• 3:00 p.m. – Worship with
Emily Bryan, Senior Warden Tuesday, December 25 –
Communion and Carols (Holy
Dave Riggs, Junior Warden
Eucharist Rite II) offices closed
Abas Adenan, Jane Baird, Nancy Wednesday, December 26 –
• 5:30 p.m. – Worship with
Carson, Kelley Brooke Hostetler, offices closed
Steve Humphrey, Jim Lafley, Communion, Choir, and Carols
Thursday, December 27 –
Kevin Metz, Anne Shine, (Holy Eucharist Rite II in the
offices closed; church open to tours
Sandra Thompson, Julie Zahn Historic Church)
from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Ken Knapp, Treasurer • 5:30 p.m. – Family Worship Friday, December 28 – offices closed;
Bill Baker, Assistant Treasurer (Holy Eucharist Rite II in the church open to tours from noon to
Clergy Auditorium) 4:00 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Noelle York-Simmons, • 8:00 p.m. – Worship with Com- Saturday, December 29 –
Rector munion, Choir, and Carols church open to tours from noon to
The Rev. Dr. Lyndon Shakespeare, (Holy Eucharist Rite II)
Associate Rector
4:00 p.m.
• 10:30 p.m. – Worship with Monday, December 31 – offices
The Rev. Seldon Walker Communion, Choir, and closed; church open for tours, First
Associate Rector/Curate Carols (Holy Eucharist Rite II) Night and service at 10:00 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Richard Jones Tuesday, January 1 – offices closed
Tuesday, December 25, Christmas Day
Parish Visitor
• 10:00 a.m. – Worship with
The Rev. Dr. Diane Murphy,
Rev. Dr. William B. Roberts
Priest Associates
Director of Music New Year’s Eve at Christ Church
T
M. Jason Abel his New Year’s Eve, Christ Church will once again be a venue for First
Christ Church embodies God’s
unbounded love by embracing,
Night Alexandria, Alexandria’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Christ
liberating, and empowering people, Church will host new performers this year, both local bands, Ruthie and the
whoever you are and wherever you find Wranglers and Lunch with Bob. There are over 100 different performers all
yourself on your journey of faith. over Old Town,
The Rejoice deadline is the third of the culminating in fire-
month preceding publication.
Please email proposed articles to
works at midnight.
mbracco@historicchristchurch.org. For tickets and fur-
Those accepted are subject to editing for ther details about
length and content. Susan Hahn edits events scheduled
Rejoice while Craig Keith provides design that night, visit
and layout. Carol Donlan gives her time
firstnightalexandria.
and talent as an advisor. Meredith Bracco
is the staff liaison. org. We will also
hold a New Year’s
Eve service at 10:00
p.m., independent
@historiccc of First Night ac-
tivities.
Page 2 ✠ Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019
Advent is Marked by God’s Surprises for Us, and a Reminder We Are Never Alone
By The Rev. Dr. Noelle York- in Isaiah’s prophecies, ing ways to break in to our story. Our
Simmons, Rector beginning with Advent story and our Christian story
R ead together, they Creation in O is not one of smooth sailing, of easy
sound like some kind Sapientia: O Wisdom, answers and quiet living. Our story,
of ancient spell: coming forth from the as the O Antiphons reflect, is marked
O Sapientia, O Adonai, O mouth of the Most by God’s surprises for us, the ultimate
Radix Jesse, O Clavis Da- High, reaching from surprise being the birth of Jesus, the
vid, O Oriens, O Rex Gen- one end to the other, ultimate break in our story, the ulti-
tium, O Emmanuel. They mightily and sweetly mate game changer and rule breaker.
are the O Antiphons, ordering all things: As you follow the stories we tell
sung or read during night- Come and teach us in Advent, hear those times when
time prayers in the last the way of prudence. God is tipping things over, when
seven days of the Advent And ending with God is breaking in and shaking
season, alongside the Magnificat, the the coming of the Messiah in O things up. And also hear the fact
prayer of Mary. Each of the O Anti- Emmanuel: O Emmanuel, our king that God is present while the
phons calls forth a different name or and our lawgiver,the hope of the inbreaking happens. In times of
attribute of God: Wisdom, Lord, Root nations and their Saviour: Come and turmoil or unrest, whether they are
of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, save us, O Lord our God. personal or corporate or national,
King of the Nations, God with Us. In This movement— from the begin- God is with us, reminding us that
addition to naming the traits of God, ning to the middle of our shared we are never alone in our struggle
the O Antiphons call forth the story narrative— is important because it to learn, grow and adapt to the
of God’s movement among us, as told reminds us that God is always find- world as it changes.
Let’s Have a Pageant!
J oin us for the annual Christmas
Pageant on Sunday, December 16
at 5:00 p.m. in the Historic Church.
A Yuletide Feast of homemade ziti,
meatballs and Italian sausage, and
stuffed peppers follows in the Audi-
torium.
Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019 ✠ Page 3
New Mission Committee Chair Outlines a Look Ahead
nately, Melanie Gray came to my res-
By Haley Harger, cue by suggesting becoming a member
Mission Committee Chair gation it is. I saw the
international mission of the Mission Committee, where the
I have big shoes to fill. work mentioned in leaders of each individual commit-
After four years as Parish Life right away tee come together to keep everyone
Chairperson of the Mis- and was intrigued. informed, share lessons learned and
sion Committee, Tom As a nurse, I have opportunities discovered, and invite
Linthicum passed the participated in medi- collaboration wherever possible.
reins to me in October cal mission work in It was a perfect suggestion for me.
2018. Tom’s thoughtful, Haiti and was deeply Since joining the Mission Committee,
conscientious leadership interested in continu- I have been truly amazed by the dedi-
helped guide the Com- ing this type of work. Upon hearing cation of Christ Church to its interna-
mittee to bolster existing strengths as more about the individual missions tional partners in mission, as well as by
well as to move in some exciting new in Covenant Class—Our Little Roses the parishioners who bring all manner
directions. His experience, insight, Home for Girls in Honduras, Mengo of personal and professional knowledge
and vision made him a perfect fit. Hospital in Uganda, and the Diocese and skills—not to mention passion
I must admit that my own path to of Renk in South Sudan, I knew I and commitment—to the table. While
this role owes a lot more to my in- had to get involved; however, I had a the work done so far in each mission
decisiveness. My husband and I first conundrum. has been impressive, I am excited
came to Christ Church nearly three I felt drawn to and inspired by all about the new possibilities in all of
years ago and were immediately three missions. How could I choose these areas, as we build on the strong
interested in what an active congre- just one to which to commit? Fortu- foundations already in place.
Food Rescue at the Old Town Farmers’ Market
Saves 4,100 Pounds of Fresh Produce
and senior centers that provide food apples, kale, radishes, squash, peppers,
By Stephanie Roberts Windus,
Gleaning Volunteer Coordinator to those in need. carrots, and breads! It would have
Generous vendors at the market oc- been easy to gloss over those small
A s we closed November out with
turkey, family gatherings, shop-
ping lists, and all the hustle and
casionally have unsold produce at the
end of the market day. Every Saturday
crates and move on with my ever
growing to do list and hit the road for
from June to November, a group of the Thanksgiving holiday. However,
bustle that comes with welcoming dedicated volunteers answered the there I was humbled by the news
December and Advent, we are grate- call to gather to collect, bag, and haul that we had rescued more than 4,100
ful for the past 11 months of planting, produce from those vendors. The pro- pounds of produce and baked goods
sowing, and harvesting completed at duce gleaned by Christ Church and over a 22-week period—food that
home, at work, and in our community St. Paul’s is shared and distributed to would have gone to waste, instead
One such place of harvest has been their respective Lazarus food pantries. went to feed families in need in the
Christ Church’s commitment to food I was reminded of how bountiful City of Alexandria. Thank you to all
rescue at the Old Town Farmers’ Mar- the work we do is when I collected our gleaning volunteers who provided
ket (OTFM). This Outreach program the final food donations at the Old their time to rescue these donations
is an annual partnership between Town Farmers’ Market on Novem- to nourish these grateful Alexandria
Christ Church, St. Paul’s, the City of ber 17, the last day of our gleaning families!
Alexandria and Hunger Free Alex- season. It was the weekend before Special thanks goes to this year’s
andria to rescue, or glean, food from Thanksgiving, and we anticipated a donating vendors: Ashton Farms,
Alexandria’s Old Town Farmers’ Mar- smaller donation from vendors as the Bread and Water, Diaz Berries, Lo-
ket. The mission of this program is to market was quieter than in previous pez’s Farm, Maribeth’s Bakery, Mon-
connect fresh, locally grown produce weekends and vendors were packing toya’s Farm, and Spring Valley Farm
with food pantries, homeless shelters, up. But we received six full crates of and Orchard.
Page 4 ✠ Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019
More than 170 Children and Teens Delighted by Christ Child Ministry
On Saturday, December 8 from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., more volun-
teer elves helped the moms and dads
shop, keeping their lists and account-
ing straight for each child, helping
create what would become a wonder-
ful Christmas for their children. Gift
cards for $25 to Walmart were given
to each family at the checkout thanks
to additional anonymous donors!
Thank you to every single person
who shopped, donated, waited in
line, braved big box stores, went
online, set up the online shopping
choice, helped at the ingathering, did
the pricing, set up the store, worked
as an elf, helped carry bags — this is
the largest volunteer effort we do all
year, and it takes dozens and dozens of
people working together to make this
a Merry Christmas. We want to offer
a special thank you to Patrice Hall
This year we continued our partner- from the Boys & Girls Club for her
From the Christ Child Ministry Team: ship with Washington Street United continued support with this ministry.
Susan Anderson, Caroline Carbaugh,
Methodist Preschool. The preschool
Nancy Carson, and Melanie Gray, Anne
donated and assembled 19 bicycles.
Ramsey, and Stephanie Roberts
These bicycles were blessed on No-
T he 2018 Christ Child Ministry
was a great success, thanks to the
volunteers who took part in the store!
vember 26. We are grateful for their
time and effort on supporting the
Christ Child Ministry. This ministry
We shopped for 173 children from 68 supports local businesses, physical ac-
families from the Boys & Girls Club, tivity, and literacy as well as children!
and from our Lazarus and Refugee Teams of volunteers orchestrate
ministries. the entire project. From shoppers
There are many components to this with church money, including Christ
generous ministry. The core team Church youth, to those using their
begins work in September by deter- own funds, gifts of all kinds were
mining what activities and sponsors brought to the Sunday Ingathering.
are needed. They prepare a shoppers The pricing team marks down items
list in October to be ready for the by about 75 percent so that the $25
program’s kick-off on the first Sunday per child paid by the parent would
in November. This year’s list was gen- purchase approximately $100 worth
erated by our Sunday school youth to of gifts.
ensure shoppers get the right items Then the Friday evening pop-up
for 2018. For many years, Charlie & store set up team got to work. Creat-
Sally Chadbourn have taken time to ing an amazing retail space from an
gather just the right books from Hoo- empty auditorium takes imagination
ray for Books on King Street with an and effort. Some strong volunteers
anonymous donation from within the carried 12 shopping carts up the stairs
church. from the Ross store.
Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019 ✠ Page 5
Fowler House Is Both A Critically Needed Ministry Space and Financial Asset
By Dave Riggs, Junior Warden
F owler House is an important as-
set of Christ Church, providing
outstanding space for many of our
ministries: Sunday School, English
Language Learners, and our choirs,
to name a few. Many in our parish
may not fully realize the additional
importance of Fowler House as a fi-
nancial asset of Christ Church.
When Christ Church purchased
the Fowler House in 1998, the
Church entered into the commercial
real estate business. We inherited
a lease with the parent company of
our pledges and offerings of $1.59 mil- of the store, that Ross will wish to
lion, and it is greater than the annual continue as our tenant past lease ex-
disbursement from the Christ Church piration. Given market conditions for
Foundation for church maintenance retail operations, we will be in pos-
and repairs. session of a 70-year-old commercial
The rental of the Fowler House cov- building that is functionally obsolete,
ers a number of expenses directly relat- at the end of its useful life, requir-
ed to the commercial operation, such ing significant capital investment.
as utilities ($56,000) and the payment The expense for replacement of the
of our real estate taxes ($57,000). Fowler House roof alone could run as
But after the deduction of those di- high as $1 million. It seems unlikely
rect expenses, Fowler House provides we could find a retail tenant for the
$275,000 free and clear to fund Christ current building that would pay suf-
Church Ministries. Contrast that posi- ficient rent to cover the expenses
tive revenue to the amount we spent necessary to renovate the building,
in 2017 from our operating budget pay utilities and real estate taxes, and
Ross Dress for Less, and, we inher- for our ministries, $227,000, and the continue to provide the current fund-
ited all of the responsibilities of a importance of the Fowler House asset ing level to support our important
commercial landlord. Christ Church is clear. Compared to another bud- ministries.
is responsible for maintenance and get item, our outlays for property and Doing nothing, your Wardens and
upkeep of the property, per the terms plant maintenance from the operating Vestry believe, is not a viable option
of our lease, and pays property taxes budget, Fowler House could be said to for the health of the church. Do-
and other assessments to the City of cover 85 percent of our expenditures ing nothing would create a deficit of
Alexandria. to operate and maintain the Historic $332,000—our net income from the
Since its acquisition, Fowler House Church and the Parish House. Ross lease plus our real estate tax pay-
has become a key financial asset of Like any other commercial land- ments, which will continue regardless
Christ Church. In our most recent lord, we now face a crossroads with of occupancy—in 2021 and every
full fiscal year, 2017, Fowler House the Fowler House asset. In 2017 we year thereafter. Further the need for
generated rental income to the agreed to an extension of the Ross repairs to the building will not go
Church of $404,000. That repre- lease, receiving no other offers from away. This is why we, the Parish,
sented almost 20 percent of the total prospective tenants. The current Ross must seriously consider the need to
Christ Church operating revenue of lease expires in January 2021. Our real face our responsibility to the future as
$2.1 million. Our income from the estate advisors believe it is unlikely, we consider the redevelopment of the
Fowler House was second only to given the recent financial performance Fowler House.
Page 6 ✠ Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019
Parish Input to be Sought for Envisioning Fowler House and Ross Building 2.0
By Emily R. Bryan, Senior Warden
In the current real estate climate, a approve entering into a long-term
T he Fowler House/Ross building
was purchased thanks to the
generosity and vision of the parish-
long-term ground lease appears to be
the best option for the church’s finan-
cial and missional health. In a ground
ground lease.
The Vestry and Fowler House
Committee members are eager to
ioners and leadership of our church lease scenario, the church would con- speak with as many parishioners as
25 years ago. The acquisition of the tinue to receive rental payments that possible. We will host parish Q&A
building allowed Christ Church to escalate over time, but would not be sessions on January 6 at 9:00 a.m. and
expand its physical campus, creating financially responsible for the ongoing January 13 at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00
dedicated space for our choir, chil- maintenance and upkeep of the build- p.m. in the Meade Room. Vestry and
dren’s programs, outreach activities, ing. The lessee will likely construct a Fowler House Committee members
teens, and much more. The Fowler new building on the site of the current will be visiting as many ministries
House has helped us to grow our Fowler House. We would retain con- and small group gatherings as pos-
programs, and the space it provides is dominium rights to a mutually agreed- sible during the month of January.
critical to our church’s future. upon space, which we will have 24/7 We will be scheduling visits for
For the last four years, the dedicat- access to and full control of, to house January in December; if you would
ed parishioners on the Fowler House the programs that currently use the like someone to visit your group and
Committee, led by Chris McMurray, Fowler House space. We would become have not heard from us by December
John Weaver, and Jim Coakley, have owners of the updated building at the 15, please email me at emilyrbryan@
been exploring our options for what end of the ground lease period. gmail.com.
to do if Ross vacates the building. Significantly, we would need to This is an exciting time for our par-
I encourage you to read Chris’s ar- rebuild the new space. The very pre- ish, and also one that creates oppor-
ticles in the September and October liminary cost for this, updated from tunity for creativity. Noelle is in the
Rejoice for a better understanding of the work which we did for the original process of forming committees to en-
the way the group has approached its Fowler House buildout, is $1 million. vision what our new space could look
work. We are confident that the parish will like and to address how we continue
Last year, Ross renewed its lease rise to this occasion and will provide to provide top-notch programming
through January 31, 2021. When the funding necessary to build out during the construction phase. Please
we told Ross that we were explor- the new space, just as our parish has hold these groups in your prayers as
ing marketing the property and they stepped up many times in the past - they dream and plan for the physical
needed to let us know if they had an HVAC, now fully paid off, being the shape of our parish’s future.
interest in remaining beyond that most recent. Over the years, our parish has put
time, they responded that they were Indeed, we have already received a numerous faith-based initiatives in
not prepared to consider or commit strong indication that a substantial gift place: Mengo Hospital, the HVAC
to anything. Additionally, they let us toward the redevelopment of Fowler system, Our Little Roses, and the Bag
know that if they ultimately decided House will be forthcoming. Even if this Lunch Program, just to name a few.
they were interested in remaining it bears fruit, we will need the financial With your assistance, guidance, and
would be for less space. support of our parishioners to make a prayers, we are confident that we can
The Fowler House Committee has new space for our parish a reality. have a similarly successful result un-
recommended that we enter into To protect the interests of the parish, derway when the Ross lease expires
discussions with a developer with a the Episcopal Church canons and the in two years.
history of successful condo develop- Diocese of Virginia have a significant Members of the Vestry and Fowler
ment with non-profits and churches. approval process before any disposition House Committee are eager to an-
At the November Vestry meeting, of property occurs. Parish approval, swer parishioner’s questions about the
the Vestry authorized the group to approval of the Standing Committee process. Please seek us out over the
sign a non-binding letter of intent of the Diocese of Virginia, and the ap- coming months with your questions
with that developer. This gives the proval of the Bishop of Virginia must and ideas.
committee the ability to negotiate be obtained. Additionally, the Circuit
terms in a meaningful way with the Court will need to approve any agree-
developer, but does not lock us in to ment. In February, we will begin that
an agreement. process by asking the parish to vote to
Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019 ✠ Page 7
A Time for Thanksgiving from Senior Adult Ministries Founders
By Joan Woodbury, Special to Rejoice
Committee on Aging was formed to be a help to other
T hank you all so much for the wonderful Gathering
in October to honor those of us who had founded
our Senior Adult Ministries in 1983. Coordinated by
Episcopal Churches with their senior ministries.
Sunny and Barney Nolan, active members of our se-
nior ministries, were busy using their creative and busi-
Fran Usher and Betsy Hahn, we were welcomed with ness skills to create the new Meade Room kitchen and
escorts and transportation, a delicious luncheon with the beautiful new Christ Church Gift Shop. Sunny and
tables beautifully set ,even roses, surrounded by the many Barney, who had owned an antique shop, (the Delightful
friends who had helped us along the way. It was absolute- Muddle), were a natural to create these lovely new rooms.
ly wonderful! Thanks be to God and all of you! They were responsible for the access ramp leading into
These ministries began with the awareness that our the Meade Room and Gift Shop.
senior population, healthier and eager to continue to be Our Senior Adult ministries responded to the need
useful, was growing. Inspired by our own aging parents, for transportation to church for our seniors. Our Rector,
we sought the advice of our Rector, The Rev. Mark An- Mark, and Barney decided a van would be best for this
schutz. Mark assigned his new Associate Rector, The Rev. endeavor. Sunny planned a wonderful “Town and Country
Benjamin Smith, to work with us. We started in June Fair” in 1986. This involved the entire church with its
1983 with a simple luncheon for 40 seniors to discern creative décor, baked goods, hand-made items, antiques
these needs. In July a steering committee was formed and a delicious barbecue/sandwich lunch. This fair made
of excited seniors. In August, we had our first luncheon almost the entire amount needed to purchase the van!
program, a fashion show. We, seniors, modeled our own In addition to this successful event, Sunny organized the
vintage clothes from our closets. We had begun! Christ Church Bicentennial Celebrations.
Training was offered through the Alexandria Commu- When the Fowler House was planned for more space for
nity Mental Health Center under the supervision of Di- our children, teens, and young adults, Sunny and Barney
rector Kitty Nicholson, LCSW. After a year of supervised filled these spaces with attractive furniture and arrange-
training, weekly visits were made to aging seniors. Kitty ments that invited fellowship. They enhanced the en-
was soon asked to be the social worker at Goodwin House trance to the Fowler House, especially the bridal rooms,
Alexandria. I was asked to assist her. Kitty developed pro- with warmth that welcomed everyone.
grams about seniors that were open to all. The Goodwin Thanks to all of you who started many major senior
House ministry was started with Christ Church parish- ministries! One of these was the amplification of the
ioners visiting seniors for fellowship at both Goodwin Church for the hearing impaired.
House Alexandria and Bailey’s Crossroads. As we move forward, we invite the next group of rising
I became a member of The Virginia Diocesan Homes seniors to respond to this ministry as they can – making it
Board. This Board supervised the founding of new Epis- special for their own seniors as they age.
copal retirement communities in Virginia. The Diocesan
Consider Year-End Giving
There are several different ways to give required minimum distribution, and the Christ Church Foundation. This
to Christ Church, whether it’s year excludes the distribution from the tax- gift will avoid capital gains tax on the
round or as 2018 comes to a close. For payer’s income. increase in the value of the stock, and
more information on any of the options Gifts from Donor Advised Funds: Do- will provide a deduction up to the full
listed here, contact the Christ Church nor Advised Fund: If you have estab- fair market value of the stock.
Foundation at foundation@historicchrist- lished a Donor Advised Fund, consider No matter how you choose to give,
church.org requesting that the fund administrator the 2018 tax law changes still allow for
or Stephanie Woodland Kelly, make a contribution to Christ Church deductions of charitable gifts for donors
Controller, at 703-778-4933. or the Christ Church Foundation. who itemize. To qualify for a charitable
Qualified Charitable Distribution Gifts of Appreciated Stock: The 2018 deduction for this year, please ensure
from IRA: The 2018 tax law changes tax law changes still allow for deductions that your gift check to Christ Church
still allow donors aged 70 ½ and older of charitable gifts for donors who item- or the Christ Church Foundation re-
to give up to $100,000 directly from ize. If you have stock that has grown in ceived by December 31. (If mailed, the
their Individual Retirement Accounts. value, you can contribute the appreci- envelope will need to be postmarked by
This counts toward satisfying the ated stock directly to Christ Church or December 31.)
Page 8 ✠ Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019
A Brief Summary of the Organ Project and A Support Opportunity
By M. Jason Abel, Music Director working with John Cole of Cole & Denny Architects in
C ap & Marilyn Bromley made a generous donation to
Christ Church in the spring of 2016 that allowed us
to begin the process of securing a new organ to replace the
design plans and city code requirements. The Harrison &
Harrison organ will be slightly smaller than our current
organ and will be voiced to offer support of congregational
current instrument. After detailed evaluation, it was de- singing without overwhelming it. In short, the new organ
termined that replacing the present organ was preferable will not be louder than the current one.
to fixing it, a decision based on financial reasons and for The present instrument has been listed for sale. While
musical and aesthetic qualities. the likelihood of making much money off the sale of
A committee composed of Cap & Marilyn Bromley, this instrument is slim, we are hopeful not to pay for its
Bill Usher, Jay Bartol, Anne Shine, Barry Stauffer, Julie removal. It is probable that there will be an extended
Wommack, Bill Roberts, and myself considered propos- amount of time between the removal of the current organ
als by several different builders. In the end, we chose to and the installation of the new one. During this interim
go with the firm of Harrison & Harrison Organs. Their period, we will rely on the piano and other instruments to
long track record of building quality organs, exceptional help lead our worship musically.
business reputation, and their understanding of our needs We are in the process of confirming the final details of
allowed us to feel confident in choosing them. The Vestry the new instrument (stop list, console design, etc) and
approved entering into a contract with them and we re- should soon know the final cost. The Bromley gift has
ceived our place in line for a new organ to be installed in already been applied, along with a number of other gener-
the fall of 2020. ous gifts we have received since our project became pub-
Unlike pianos, each pipe organ is custom built for the lic. In the near future, the parish will be made aware of
space in which it will be played. No two organs are identi- the full amount still owed on the instrument and for ways
cal. So, it’s not as simple as walking into an Organ Store people can contribute. In the meantime, any donations
and selecting which model we want to have. are welcome, and if one is interested in “naming opportu-
We explained many times to the builder that we wanted nities” for the organ and would like to pay for the remain-
an organ that looks like it has always been in Christ der of it, we would be delighted to discuss this with you!
Church, but will offer a tonal palette of sound needed for Our new organ will be coming from the U.K. where
a modern 21st century Episcopal Church music program. Harrison & Harrison is based. The current exchange rate
The new organ will be situated in the back center of the with the British Pound is quite favorable to us.
church’s gallery. I am tremendously
With this location, excited about what a
the organ will sound new instrument will
evenly into all parts do for this parish. I
of the room and truly believe it will be
will resemble the transformational to
central structure our worship life. If you
of organs installed have any questions, I
in early American am more than happy
churches. Two of the to speak with you and
five previous organs share any of the more
at Christ Church minute details of the
had this same place- process that has gotten
ment. We will actu- us to this point.
ally have more open
floor space with this
arrangement than
what we have pres-
ently.
We have been
Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019 ✠ Page 9
Christ Church Gift Shop The Gift Shop’s donation helped the
Gives Back coordinators fill in gaps in the mer- ARMONIA NOVA
Invites you to celebrate
Y ou have heard us say that all chandise needed for the program.
profits from the Gift Shop go to Some other organizations that have the season!
charities, but have you been wonder- received support over the years from
ing just which charities they are? the Gift Shop include: 17th Annual Holiday
Two -- Lazarus Ministry and Meals The Carpenter’s Shelter, which Tradition
on Wheels -- receive monthly con- supports the homeless in achieving Sunday January 6, 2019 at
tributions from us, and we donate to sustainable independence through 6:00 p.m.
many other nonprofits periodically. shelter, guidance, education and ad-
In case you’re not familiar with vocacy. Its continuum of care offers Christ Church
Christ Church Lazarus Ministry, it of- continuous services, helping chroni-
fers immediate assistance to Alexan- cally homeless shelter through their
dria residents in crisis situations. That transition back into independent
assistance takes many forms including living. O Luminous Night
financial aid, health counseling and Community Lodgings, a nonprofit
A Celebration of
food for families in need provided by founded by a collective of Episcopal
food donations from our members and churches to help families break the Epiphany & the
local businesses. cycle of poverty by providing both Winter Solstice
Just about everyone knows what transitional housing and low-income
Meals on Wheels does -- volunteers housing, family counseling, budgeting
deliver prepared meals to shut-ins, and employment skills training. Savor the holiday season
the sick and the elderly. Here at The Campagna Center Head Start with an evening of glorious
Christ Church our dedicated Meals and Early Head Start, programs that music celebrating Winter
on Wheels volunteers work in pairs support the mental, social and emo- Solstice. Armonia Nova
to deliver meals to people along seven tional development of children from offers music this year from
routes on the third Wednesday morn- birth to age five. Children and fami- northern European lands –
ing of every month. Our financial lies also receive ongoing health and joyous music that heralds
assistance goes to the local Meals on nutrition services, including medical the earth’s reawakening. We
Wheels organization to help keep it and dental exams. Family service spe- welcome you to join us for
financially secure. cialists assist parents with their own Armonia Nova’s 16th annual
One of the programs receiving our educational and vocational goals. performance of ‘Twelfth
periodic financial support this year The Campagna New Neighbors Night’!
was the Christ Church Refugee Min- English Language Learner Program,
which offers English classes and ser-
Constance Whiteside: director,
istry, which was established on June medieval & triple strung
30, 2016. The goal of this outreach vices to immigrants and refugees from
around the world who have settled
baroque harps & tambourine
is to assist refugees in financial need.
So far, the program has assisted 21 in Alexandria and the Northern Vir- Tina Chancey: vielle, viol,
families with rent, utilities, medical ginia area. renaissance violin, & kamenj
bills and car repairs. Our support of these organizations
Another program receiving support and others is the direct result of your Jacqueline Horner-Kwiatek,
again this year was the Christ Child shopping at the Gift Shop. All profits mezzo-soprano
Ministry. This program serves 200 of at the shop go to outreach programs,
so you can feel good knowing that
“one of the two finest and
Alexandria’s children. It helps them most inspiring concerts of
have a happy Christmas by provid- every time you shop with us, you are
also helping meet the needs of others.
the Christmas season”
ing parents an opportunity to shop
for Christmas gifts for their children. Thank you for your support! The AllArts4UReview
Parents pay $25.00 to participate in volunteers at the Gift Shop wish you
the program, then get to select items a happy, healthy and prosperous New
for their children at a 75% discount. Year.
Page 10 ✠ Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019Adult Forum
January Dates
Faith and Flourishing: Human Life with God
January 1 New Year’s Day—
January 13–March 3, 2019 loneliness, belonging, healing, free- Office Closed
The Christian life is a human life. dom, and forgiveness inform how we January 5 —
Walk the Labyrinth -
Epiphany is a season that brings this learn to become fully human in our 9:00 a.m.–Noon
into particular focus as we rediscover life with God and one another. We January 6—Epiphany
how the fullness of God is revealed will begin on Wednesday, January 16. Sunday School Resumes
in the humanity of Jesus of Nazareth. Contact Lyndon for more information Armonia Nova Concert at
During this season, we will reflect and to sign-up. 6:00 p.m.
together on the ways our life and January 9—Dinner Church
our world are sites of divine activ- Embodied Witness: A Day of January 13 —Baptisms at 10:00 a.m.
ity through which we come to know Readings from Rev. Dr. Martin
January 18—Youth Ski Trip at Shrine
God and each other more deeply. Our Luther King, Jr.
Mont, Bryce (6th–12th grade)
series will include topics ranging from Monday, January 21, 11:00 a.m.–
4:00 p.m. with a service of thanksgiving January 20—January All-Parish
human development, finances, and
the joy born of serving with others. at noon Breakfast
Christ Church will mark Dr. Martin January 21—Martin Luther King, Jr.
Luther King, Jr., Day, on Monday, Day, Office Closed
Other programs
January 21, by hosting a day of read- Day of Readings of the
How to be Human (Going Deeper)
Online Class beginning January 16 ings from the works of Dr. King. From Works of Dr. Martin Luther
What does it mean to be a human 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with a King, Jr. (Church)
being? For Jean Vanier, philosopher service of thanksgiving at noon, join 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
and founder of L’Arche, it is first a us to hear the writings, speeches, and January 27–Foundation Sunday
matter of recognizing that we are sermons of Dr. King. Families with
human becomings more than simply youth or children are encouraged to
human beings. Our next course in the attend. This event will be open to
d
Going Deeper series will be an online the public and anyone may sign up to
reading group on Vanier’s book, Be- read. Watch for sign-up instructions
coming Human. In this work, Vanier in Parish Life. Contact Lyndon for
addresses how the experiences of more information.
February Dates
February 2 Walk the Labyrinth
Bringing Advent Home 9:00 a.m.–Noon
February 3 Choral Evensong
O ur annual Advent wreath making workshop on No-
vember 25, billed under the new name of “Bringing
Advent Home” was a wonderful way to welcome the
5:00 p.m.
February 6 Dinner Church
season of Advent! Christ Church parishioners of all ages February 17 February All-Parish
made over 45 Advent wreaths to enjoy in their homes Breakfast
as the Meade Room filled with conversation, laughter, Celebrate George
and the sweet smell of evergreen. Each wreath was ac- Washington’s Birthday
companied by four candle tags that assigned each candle a (Washington Bible on
“word of the week” along with a verse of scripture and a display)
con- versation starter. Additionally, cards with collects for each Sunday and February 18 President’s Day,
background information on the season of Advent were distributed. We are Office Closed
so thankful for those helped with this workshop by setting up, cleaning up, February 24 All-Parish Meeting
distributing Advent wreath supplies, bringing greens, or all of the above. See
page 12 for photos! We look forward to “Bringing Advent Home” together
again next year!
Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019 ✠ Page 11Advent Happenings Photos shown are from the Fellowship Breakfast, Advent Wreath building, the Gathering Luncheon, and the unveiling of the new World War I historical display Page 12 ✠ Rejoice ✠ December 2018/January 2019
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