Changing lives, one outfit at a time

Whether you're walking into a job interview or simply going to school, everyone deserves to feel confident. With that mission in mind, the Caring Clothes Closet provides consignment-quality clothing to people who need a hand up. The pre-loved garments donated to the Caring Clothes Closet get a second life with people who are also starting over — families emerging from a crisis or struggling to rebuild their lives.

Our Wednesday Women's Bible Study recently gathered to tour and celebrate the new location of the Caring Clothes Closet. Not only does this group have a heart for Jesus and a mind for mission, they also have a special connection to the Caring Clothes Closet -- it's founder, Sara Fender, has been a part of the Wednesday Women's Bible Study for years.  "It is completely her gifting and passion," says group leader Becky Hansell, "and she is amazing at it!"

The group has loved and prayed Sara through the journey and they were thrilled to celebrate this milestone with her.

You never know what doors open to you through CCE small groups! Click here to learn about current ongoing groups and stay tuned for information coming soon about new and refreshed groups.

Please keep Sara and the CCC in your prayers. If you feel called to give, visit here for more information.

Healing Ceremony for "Circle of Care"

Our pastoral care ministries hosted a healing ceremony to acknowledge and process all we've lost during the pandemic. The Community of Hope and Circle of Care members gathered to pray, sing, reflect, and share what has been lost during this time of illness, distancing, fear, and sadness.

Lee Bowles sharing the gift of music

Space was also created to share the things gained during the pandemic. Participants named before God the blessings that have come during this time. After each petition, the reader spoke, “Holy God, bringer of blessings,” and the group responded with “We thank and praise you."

Consider today, where do you need healing? Give these concerns to God by saying, “Holy God, source of health, hear and have mercy.”

What blessings have you seen in the past year and a half? Give thanks and praise, saying,

Jesus, eternal Son of the Father,
Jesus, healer of our infirmities,
Jesus, redeemer and safe-guarder,
We praise you and thank you.

If you are interested in hosting a healing ceremony for your small group or family, please contact us and we're happy to share a simple liturgy for you to use.

 

Full circle: the first CCE Preschool class graduates high school this year

Christ Church has reached a special milestone! Today we celebrated "Senior Sunday" at worship, a time-honored tradition that recognizes students that are graduating high school. The past year was certainly exceptional, as this group of students had the strangest junior and senior years in recent history (thank you, pandemic, but you can leave now), showing tremendous resilience and strength. But another sweet spot is that these students represented the first graduating class of the Christ Church Preschool, founded 15 years ago. That's love, full circle!

Celebrate with us...

Love Gathers: new partnership with Autism Society Central Virginia helps celebrate God's diversity

Christ Church is thrilled to forge a new partnership with the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV). Our mission of being a beacon of hope to all people -- and our faith in Jesus Christ, who served and love all -- compel us to welcome and celebrate the autism community.

As the prevalence rate of autism continues to rise, community services like the ASCV are as vital as ever.  The Autism Society Central Virginia (ASCV) serves as one of the region’s premier sources of education, advocacy, services, and support for individuals with autism, their families and friends, and professionals.

The Grand Finale of the ASCV's AuSome 54-Day Challenge concluded Saturday on our campus as we welcomed participants at Christ Church to receive their rewards, t-shirts, and more. 

 

 

This summer, Christ Church is proud to host the ASCV summer camp. These two weeks of in-person summer camps offer engaging and interactive opportunities for children of all ages. We can't wait to share stories of this camp with you!

 

At Christ Church, neurodiversity is a reality for many of us, our family, and our friends. We want the autism community to feel at home on our campus and beyond. Join us in saying out-loud and proud: different is good and every brain is beautiful. Together, we offer prayer and praise for this budding relationship with special community partners.