The Blog

East High Street Churches Walking Tour

Sat. Jul 23, 2022 10:00am – 11:30am

Springfield’s houses of worship serve as anchors in the revitalization of our historic neighborhoods. The East High Street Historic District is home to three landmark churches close to downtown: Christ Church, designed by the eminent Detroit architect Gordon W. Lloyd (1874); High Street United Methodist Church, one of Frank Packard’s best examples of the Craftsman Style (1904); and the spectacular St. Raphael Catholic Church, designed by local architect Charles A. Cregar. Join historian Kevin Rose as he delves into the history and architecture of these ecclesiastical landmarks. The cost is $15 for the general public and $12 for the Westcott members; we will meet outside Christ Church, 409 East High Street, at 10 am.

Making Provision for the Homeless: An Ingathering at Christ Church

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing” (Matthew 25:35)

On Sunday, December 13th at 11am, Christ Church will host a very special outreach and fellowship event. Here’s the plan. First, bring your contribution to one of the initiatives listed below and drop it off at the East Entrance. Then, find a parking spot, roll down your windows, and listen to Christmas carols sung by socially distanced members of the choir. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy carefully prepared holiday cookies, and to share in a blessing of the donations and a prayer for all those in need.

In addition to offering an opportunity for in-person gathering, this event was organized by the outreach team to provide Christ Church with an opportunity to support several projects in our community that aim to address the escalating homelessness and food insecurity problem, which the Springfield City Commission has declared a public health crisis. Here are the ways you can give aid to those who are in great need.

• The Sock and Underwear Drive. IHN needs socks and undergarments for all genders and ages.
• Hygiene Products for Men and Women. IHN could use the whole gamut: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving gel, razors, tampons, sanitary pads (thinner ones), chap stick, and hand sanitizer.
• Toilet Paper for the Food Pantry. The Christ Church Food Pantry is back in business, but without much traffic in the church, the donations of toilet paper have fallen off. Your contributions can help Christ Church better serve the people who face challenges in addressing their basic needs.
• Donations. There are three good ways to direct a financial contribution.
  • Cooler Packs. Because there is no more available shelter in our community, IHN would like to provide those who can’t be taken in with a cooler for food and a cold weather kit, which includes blankets for those living in cars. Each cooler pack costs $100, and IHN is aiming to have 100 to offer. (There are currently over 200 people on IHN’s waiting list.)
  • The Christ Church Food Pantry. This congregation’s effort to address food insecurity can always use financial support.
  • Second Harvest Food Bank. Second Harvest has seen more demand in 2020 than ever before, and direct contributions do the SHFB maximizes your food buying power.

Thanks for being part of a compassionate response to this rising need in our community and for contributing to the outdoor fellowship on December 13th.

Interfaith Hospitality Network: February 9^th  and 15^th

Christ Church is responsible for providing dinner to the guests at Interfaith Hospitality Network Saturday, February 15^th at 6 pm.  If you can help with this ministry please contact Lori Swafford (lori.swafford67@nullgmail.com (937) 605-7625).

June 1st Christ Church members and friends will cheer on the Champion City Kings during their home opener at 6:30 pm at Carleton Davidson Stadium. Tickets are $5 per person. Please let Rev. Maggie know how many tickets you want on or before Tuesday, May 28th(revmaggiels@nullgmail.com).

Summer 2019 Flyer

For further details contact Rev. Maggie Leidheiser-Stoddard at revmaggiels@nullgmail.com

Taizé Service:  at 5 pm

The next Taizé service will be held at First Baptist Church on Sunday, January 12th at 5 pm.   Taizé is a quiet, peaceful service of readings, songs, prayers, and candlelight. The name Taizé comes from an ecumenical religious community in France. After WWII, young adults from all over Europe flocked to it, looking for healing and reconciliation. To help these people of many different languages worship together, the monks of Taizé wrote simple, beautiful, moving chants, which are easily learned. Taizé continues to be a pilgrimage destination for young people—now from all over the world— and their simple, quiet worship is held all over the world, as well.

Follow Taize on facebook. com/pg/Springfield-Taize

Please join us for the Holy Eucharist and Healing service in the Chapel on Wednesday, September 13th at 10am followed by the Episcopal Church Women’s Hobo Potluck Picnic. The potluck will be in Hobosville , Ohio (Dodi Holme’s backyard) at 1021 Bahia Dr. Springfield, Ohio. Burgers and hot dogs will be provided. All are asked to dress as hobos as there will be a judging and prizes. If your need a ride after chapel, contact Anita Beardsell at anitabeadsell1234@nullgmail.com or Juanita Artis at 937-399-4237.

Lunch Bunch will be at 11:30 am at Tea Baggers Restaurant, 127 N. Main St. Urbana, Ohio.  All parishioners available during the day are invited to a pleasant luncheon together on Tuesday, November 8th.  Please let Anita Beardsell, 937 390-6548, know if you are planning to come so, she can make plans with the restaurant. (Please note it is easier on everyone if you RSVP).