An Invitation to Spiritual Growth
"Our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee," wrote Saint Augustine. These words remind us of our need to connect with God and enter into healthy relationships with others. We live in a busy world and our busyness often distracts us from taking the time to know and hear the whispers of God's voice. A brand new year is beginning, filled with new possibilities, new challenges, and new beginnings. You are invited to think about your spiritual journey and consider the many opportunities at Christ Church where you can be refreshed and move your heart into a richer, fuller life with Christ.

Weekly Worship
Christ Church is committed to vibrant, intelligent, engaging worship for people from a variety of backgrounds. We have services at 9:00 and 11:00 on Sundays. Morning Prayer is held at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in the Chapel.

Bible Studies
Disciple I is a year-long (34 week) Bible study that journeys through the Old and New Testaments, taking participants from Genesis through Revelation and prompting them along the way to consider their human condition and become disciples. Students read, reflect, and pray daily in preparation for the weekly experience. Shared community is also an important component of this study. The Reverend Javier A. Viera and Christ Church member Joyce Palevitz, President of the New York Annual Conference Board of Trustees, will be facilitating this course, designed for everyone interested in gaining a solid foundation of scripture.

Beginnings is designed for fairly new Christians or persons interested in a refresher course in the fundamentals of our faith. We will dialogue about issues such as who Christians believe God is, how God touches our lives, and how our relationship with God might be strengthened. Participants will discover spiritual practices to sustain them on their journey such as sharing faith stories, lectio divina, holy listening, etc. Come as you are; no prior Christian experience is necessary.


World Religions: A Journey Towards Loving Our Neighbors, Part 2 This half-day experience will invite participants into a deeper understanding of some of the world's grat religions found in our own backyard. Our pilgrimage will begin with the New York Buddhist Church on Riverside Drive, and end with a mosque on 116th Street in Harlem. Participants will hear lectures from religious leaders and on the basic teachings of their faith, as well as tour their sacred space. The course will culminate with a fellowship dinner and conversation about the impact of the experience, how each religion forms our own faith journey, and how we all manage to find a common spiritual home. The session will be led by Luke Bauman and the Reverend Cathy S. Gilliard. This course will be held on Saturday, May 31.

Dispelling the God Delusion A new cadre of atheists is receiving best-selling reception across the world. Authors such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and others base many of their arguments on the violent and superstitious uses of religion. How can people of faith respond to these substantial critiques? This three-week seminar will explore the current popular criticisms of religion, and show how religion is more than the delusions the new wave of atheists rightfully deplore.Matthias Beier, Ph.D. is the presenter for this course. He is the author of A Violent God-Image (Continuum, 2004) and a forthcoming book (2009) on God, science, and healthy faith. He is Coordinator and Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Counseling in the Doctor of Ministry Program at Drew Theological School, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pastoral Counseling at the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University. A practicing psychoanalyst in New York City, Matthias is an affiliate member at Christ Church, and is appointed for extension ministry as pastoral counselor by the South German Annual Conference. This course begins May 6.

Become a Member
If you are interested in learning more about this community of faith, how you might become a member of Christ Church, or in exploring the relationship between your faith and life, we invite you to participate in this opportunity to develop a deeper commitment to God and this community. This is an introduction to our common life and allows you to consider your connection to our people and ministries. This is also a great oportunity to meet other who are interested in similar questions. If you would like more information, please contact the church office.

Covenant Groups
For those desiring a small group experience, one in which to share challenges, joys and successes, Christ Church offers Covenant Groups led by members of the church at various times during the week. These groups gather regularly for support, nurture, accountability, and Christian community.

Adult Forum
Sundays at 9:45 a.m. on the fourth floor.
Turn Toward Promise: The Prophets and Spiritual Renewal
When we face a crisis of faith, how can we find hope and promise? Spiritual renewal often involves change and redirection. This study draws on the stories of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and their prophetic messages which are still relevant today. Join us for this six-week course of study and experience God's love through the voices of these prophets as you find transformation in your own life. Classes begin May 11.

Wednesday Morning Prayer
A small group gathers in the chapel each Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. to offer prayers for our church, community, nation, and world. These intimate settings have proven to be essential for strengthening the lives of many, including those who meet and share in this ministry. Some participants choose to pray openly while others sit silently embracing the presence of God. All are welcome to join us. If you have prayer needs or concerns you may fill out a prayer card and leave it in the church office.

Women's Bible Study
The Women's Bible Study will resume on Thursday, September 13 at 9:30 a.m. Each week a small group of women will gather in the vestry for a time of study, prayer, and sharing. Child care is available. All are welcome!

Explore the Art and Architecture of Christ Church
The second Sunday of each month, following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. "Christ Church is an achievement of living faith. Those who worship here find a sanctuary of beauty, a spiritual home, a place of fellowship, and a center of Christian education." It is for this reason that you are invited to tour our sacred space. We are often asked about the uniqueness of the space, the mosaics, icons, and symbolism. By touring the space, you will gain a deeper understanding of its history, its art and architecture, the theology it expresses, and hopefully how it can become a space of spiritual pilgrimage and devotion. The tour begins in the pews just in front of the pulpit. You may also call the church office to inquire about the possibility of group tours at other times.