Christ Church Episcopal

All of the services listed offer Communion. We invite and encourage all people to receive Communion with us.

Paid nursery attendants are available during both services, and for the education hour between services. Our nursery is located in the Parish Hall, which is accessed through the church entrance foyer. Please ask a greeter to assist you in locating it.

Sunday 8:00am - Holy Eucharist without music.

Sunday 10:30am - A choral service featuring uplifting choir anthems and congregational hymns.

Note: During the service, children have the option of attending "Kingdom Adventure" during the adult sermon. At "Kingdom Adventure", kids hear the day’s Gospel story, sing songs, get to move around, and pray together. Children return for the Communion portion of the regular service.

Sunday 1:00pm (Spanish) - This service, led by a Spanish-speaking priest.

Healing Ministry

Wednesdays at 12 noon

Christ Church offers a mid-week service of prayer for healing at 12 noon Wednesdays. Anointing with holy oil and laying-on-of-hands form the basis of our prayers for physical, mental, and/or spiritual health for ourselves, loved ones, the people of our parish, and others. This healing ministry is also available in the home for the sick and dying. Please contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org for more information.

Worship Ministries

For more information about, or to join, any of the following ministries, please contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org.

Acolytes: Our participatory worship enables children to be of critical support in the conduct of our services. Beginning at age 8, children can become "acolytes." Younger kids serve as Gospel Book bearers and Torch bearers, while older youth serve as Cross and Banner bearers. Acolytes are trained quarterly, during which time they also enjoy fun and fellowship.

Altar Guild: Members of the Guild prepare for each worship service, from Baptism to Communion, from Weddings to Funerals. They are essential for the conduct of our liturgies, especially during such special times as Holy Week, Easter, and Christmas.

Art Ministry: Christ Church has one of the finest collections of Christian art prints in the area, detailing the story of the Bible beautifully. Seasonally appropriate art is displayed throughout our buildings.

Catechists: These mature Christians assist priests in the preparation of adults for Baptism by sharing their faith and studying the Bible with baptismal candidates.

Eucharistic Ministers: These are lay people authorized by the Bishop and trained by the parish to administer the consecrated elements (bread and/or wine) at Communion. At Christ Church, our Eucharistic Ministers also assist at Communion by reading lessons and leading the recitation of the Nicene Creed.

Eucharistic Visitors: These are lay people authorized by the Bishop and trained by the Diocese to take the consecrated elements (bread and wine) from Communion to those who were unable to be present because of an illness or infirmity.

Music Ministry: Members of the adult choir make up the bulk of our music ministers. The choir leads congregational singing and provides special music at the 10am service and all special events. Practices are on Wednesdays from 7:30pm – 9pm and on Sundays between the services. New members are welcome to join this (arguably) the most fun-loving group at Christ Church! Contact Jack Louden or cell phone 770-870-8334 for information.

2009 Choir

Additionally, we have numerous soloists and ensembles that offer special music on a regular basis.

Our Spanish speaking service has its own group of musicians who lead both traditional and contemporary Hispanic hymns and songs.

A children's choir along with a children's chimers group offer special music on a regular basis. The children's choir is assembled on an ad hoc basis several times a year, while the chimers is a standing group with regular practices.

The Christ Church Chimers were started in the fall of 2004 with a loaner set of chimes from the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. After a year, we had to send the chimes back but we were able to buy our own set of chimes with an anonymous donation from one of our generous parishioners. The Chimers are open to anyone from 2nd grade up with no musical experience necessary. We have had between 8 and 12 chimers each season. We generally play for the congregation during the Christmas Season and then again during the Easter Season. If you have a child who would be interested in joining our Chimers, please contact Carol Brocksmith or 678-358-3029.

Children's Chimers

Readers: These are dedicated lay people comfortable with and gifted in public speaking who read Bible lessons during worship.

Vergers: This is a team of specially trained leaders who help facilitate worship by coordinating the many worship participants. Vergers also assist in the training of the above ministers, and in readying the Church for worship. They have the ceremonial role of leading worship processions, and during worship they "mc" by ensuring that all participants are in place and playing their role at the appropriate time. Vergers also assist at Communion by seeing to a steady supply of consecrated bread and wine.

Spiritual Formation Ministries

Adult Education

For information about our Baptismal Preparation program (the "catechumenate") for adults, please see Baptismal Information.

Christ Church offers a wide variety of adult Bible study and theological discussion groups, designed to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and empower our service to His world. In addition to our regular offerings, listed below, we usually have several special classes, seminars, retreats, and one-time events. Check Current Happenings or This Week at Christ Church for updated information, or call the office at 770-447-1166 or email to office@ccnorcross.org.

Please check the above sources for current information as to what each regular group is studying, where it is meeting, and who is leading it. Call the office at 770-447-1166 or email office @ccnorcross.org to enroll in any class.

Women's Small Group: Sundays at 9:00am

Men's Small Group: Sundays at 9:00am

Education for Ministry

This offering, held when sufficient numbers register, is a four year seminary extension course (although participants sign up for one year at a time.) Classes are held during the regular school year. The course offers a detailed study of the Old Testament (year 1), the New Testament (year 2), Church History (year 3), and Theology (year 4). A registration fee is required.

Children’s Education

For information about our Baptismal Preparation program for infants and children, please see Baptismal Information.

Scouting

Christ Church supports a wide array of scouting opportunities for girls and boys with the presence of highly active Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Girl Scout groups on site. To obtain contact names in order to learn more about Christ Church scouting, please call the office at 770-447-1166 or email at office@ccnorcross.org.

Prayer and Spiritual Enrichment

To request prayer on behalf of yourself or for some particular need click Prayer Request.

Daughters of the King (DOK)

Periodic meetings on Saturdays and Sundays -TBA Contact the church office for more information.

The DOK take vows committing themselves to prayer service and evangelism. At Christ Church, the DOK is responsible for our prayer list. Members pray regularly for those listed. The DOK also runs our "Adopted Families" outreach ministry, and administers our Maundy Thursday prayer vigil. DOK members are heavily active in all facets of Church life.

In 2004, the DOK started a Jr. DOK chapter for young girls. These
children also commit themselves to prayer, Christian growth, and service. This is an excellent way for girls to be nurtured in the Christian faith and identity as their relationship with Jesus deepens and gets lived out.

Contact the office at office@ccnorcross.org or 707-447-1166 for more information about either the DOK or the Jr. DOK chapters or go to the DOK Chapter www.freewebs.com/dokgrace/links.html.

For further information on Spiritual Enrichment, please see the Worship, Adult Education, Children's Education, and Youth Education sections above.

Caring Fellowship

Pastoral Care

Christ Church offers pastoral care and spiritual guidance through its clergy, who meet with people by appointment to pray about and discuss life issues and faith questions. Contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org and request that a pastor contact you to set up an appointment.

Emergency pastoral care is available to parishioners by calling the Rector's cell phone.

Stephen Ministry

What is the Stephen Ministry?

A special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another in time of need.
A structured program of training and preparation for a caring relationship.
An opportunity to reach out to others -- the lonely, the depressed, the inactive, the bereaved, new people in town, those hospitalized and convalescing, the divorced, the aged.
An on-going helping relationship with scheduled regularity, dependability, and confidentiality.
A meaningful way for Christ Church to use more fully our many talents in sharing one another's burdens and joys.

Who are the Stephen Ministers?

Lay men and women from our congregation who have developed their gifts for bringing the concern and care of Christ's community to people in need.
People who come from all walks of life, age ranges, and backgrounds.
Caring Christians desiring to offer their help to support others in time of need.
Trained Christians having developed their skills through intensive coursework.
Dedicated Christians commissioned by our church to confidential, in-depth caring.

Stephen ministers are not professional psychologists; experts in law, medicine, or church doctrine; or social workers with access to extensive physical services. But neither are they superficial "visitors" who merely "drop-in" from time to time.

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister or if you are in need of a Stephen Minister to talk to, please contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org.

Health Ministry

For a description of our healing prayer ministry, please see "Healing Ministry" under Worship

Christ Church also has a volunteer Parish Nurse ministry that conducts health education and activities while assisting with parish pastoral care.

As a part of this ministry, the congregation has a variety of healthcare equipment that it loans on a short-term basis to needy households, including crutches, walkers, commodes, shower chairs, tub chairs, wheel chairs, etc. Contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org for more information.

Parish Fellowship
Foyers are groups of six to eight people from our community that meet in the spring and fall. The groups are chosen at random, from all those who have requested to join. Any and all adult members of Christ Church-singles, widowed, divorced, couples, young, middle-aged, mature, new members, active members and not-so-active members can sign up for Foyers. Each group meets once a month (for three or four months) in each other's home to get to know and care for each other as part of the larger community of faith. Usually a meal (sandwiches are fine) is shared, but the format is decided by the group. There are no agendas, projects, or programs, just a great way to increase Christian Fellowship and loving and caring among members of our Church Family.

Each Foyer group has a Convener, who contacts other members and coordinates the time and place of the first meeting. Future meeting times are mutually chosen by members of each group. Most Foyer groups usually meet sometime during the weekend, Friday or Saturday night, Sunday Brunch, etc.

In addition, our Parish Life forum organizes numerous recreational and fellowship opportunities throughout the year, from our annual parish picnic to recreational retreats and family gatherings to group attendance at plays, sporting events, and concerts. Check the Current Happenings for up-to-date information.

Evangelism

Christ Church's Evangelism ministry under girds and interweaves all of its ministries and activities, for our mission is not only to "nurture" but also to "communicate" the love of God as present and available in Jesus Christ.

To this end, our evangelism team seeks to make Christ Church known as a place where the multi-faceted needs of many people are met as they develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as He is present within His Church.

The "Evangelism Forum" is thus responsible for all parish advertising and marketing, and for the warm welcome of visitors and the full incorporation of new members. The forum seeks to ensure that parish programs match the felt and actual needs of real people, and works with other parish groups to make sure that newcomers are nurtured and cared for. It also works with newcomers and other parish groups to see that people have every opportunity to use their unique gifts and abilities for the service of God in ways that build them up to become all that God envisioned.

Note: Those interested in knowing more about, or participating in, one of the following may contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org.

Hispanic Ministry

Hispanic Ministry

Greeter's Ministry

Christ Church greeters welcome visitors to our worship services. They offer a friendly, helpful presence as they assist newcomers in becoming oriented to our building and worship. Greeters can introduce parents to our nursery, offer folks unfamiliar with Episcopal worship a brief service tutorial, and make sure interested people receive information and a follow-up call from our Pastor and staff. Greeters meet people at the door of the Church as they arrive, and staff our "welcome table" following services.

Parish Welcomers

Christ Church welcomers take a basket of goodies and information to households who recently visited one of our worship services. The intention is to reinforce our welcome, and encourage people to ask questions and become a part of our Church family.

Ushers

Ushers assist greeters in welcoming people to Christ Church, specifically to its worship space. They stand ready to help orient people to Episcopal worship in a more detailed way than is possible for our greeters, and they can also assist newcomers with finding their way around the building. Ushers play a further role in our worship services as they present bread and wine for use in the Eucharist, and as they collect and bring forward the offering. Ushers always are available to help any attendee who is in need during worship.

Outreach

Outreach ministry, designed to help the children of God as they are in physical, mental, and/or spiritual need, is a principal way Christ Church fulfills it mission to "nurture and communicate" the love of Jesus. Members of Christ Church give generously of their time, their abilities, and their money to make these dynamic, life-changing efforts possible.

Those who would like more information about these ministries, or who would like to get involved, please contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org.

If you would like to make a financial gift to one or more of these ministries, please click here to be linked to

Adopted Families

Our "Adopted Family" program involves a longer-term relationship between a family or individual within Christ Church and a household in the community that needs outside support. The program offers a generous basket of food items, personal supplies, and a grocery gift certificate at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The Christmas basket includes gifts for family members, and the Easter basket family treats. The Daughters of the King coordinate this effort.

Norcross Co-Operative Ministries

Christ Church was one of the founding churches of the Norcross Co-op, a community effort designed to meet the physical needs of the local population. The Co-op offers financial counseling and assistance, as well as food and clothing support. Limited medical assistance is also available through a joint relationship with an area clinic. The Norcross Co-op has been lifted up as one of the most efficient, modern, and caring efforts of its kind, and it has proven not only essential to our community, but also successful in addressing the needs of its clients. www.norcrossco-op.org

Rainbow Village

Christ Church founded "Rainbow Village," which now exists as its own non-profit 501c3 organization under the direction of an independent board. Its Executive Director is The Rev. Nancy Yancey.

Rainbow Village offers "a holistic approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness" for women with children. Consisting of several homes and apartments around the county, as well as a popular and active after-school program, the Village makes it possible for clients to break destructive habits of living by learning new patterns, with their finances, in their relationships, and at work. Strict requirements and a caring, involved approach ensure a high measure of success, defined by lives changed for the better as women come to appreciate their own dignity and achieve the independence needed for successful living and parenting. Psychological counseling and spiritual direction are offered as needed or requested since the Village's objective is to nurture to fullness the person's whole self, understanding that mental and spiritual well-being are essential for healthy living. www.rainbowvillage.org

Click here to see images from past projects.

Mission Trips

From one to several times a year, Christ Church will organize a mission trip, involving adults and/or youth, to a place where volunteer hours are needed for human service. The following describes of one such trip.