THE SPIRE A Newsletter by and for the people of Christ Church Christine Pohl, in her book Living into Community, writes about the practices that lead to healthy families, healthy communities, and whole and holy lives. They are: In a related sermon, preached mid-summer, I quoted the extraordinary poet Mary Oliver, from her book of essays entitled Long Life. “The different and the novel are sweet, but regularity and repetition are also teachers… And if you have no ceremony, no habits, which may be opulent or may be simple but are exact and rigorous and familiar, how can you reach toward the actuality of faith, or even a moral life, except vaguely? The patterns of our lives reveal us. Our habits measure us.” The wisdom of these two theologians took root in my heart and left me with this growing question: If promise- keeping, truth-telling, gratitude and hospitality are essential to wholeness, how can we (Christ Church) help knit them into the patterns of our lives? How can we make these practices our habits? I won’t pretend to have it all worked out. Not even close. But one thing I do know is that as Christians, people of the Way, we are meant to be active not passive. We can not stand idly by and expect our lives and the lives of others to be transformed. We can not assume or even demand an end to violence, division or brokenness unless we ourselves jump in with both feet and commit ourselves to love and deep connection - the two things that demand the most of us and pull the best from us. And it all starts with this simple vision - that we are a Fall 2015 Volume LXVI, Number 1 Christ Church Bronxville 914-337-3544 www.ccbny.org page 5 page 4 family held together by a Love that will not let us go. “Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12-17) Set the bar high. That’s what I always say. A brilliant year lies ahead of us as the people of CCB build the habits of a life well-lived, a holy life. So, I hope to see you all soon - in worship and at study, as we make music and serve God’s children. Come join us for our first big Sunday on the 20th when we bless the new front steps and give thanks to God for all the hard work that went into building them. Come to Sunday School. Come be challenged by one of our classes or short courses. Come meet the new members of our staff - each uniquely gifted to serve God in this place. Come and find the slightly crazy, hope-filled, grateful, truth patterned, love abundant family that you’ve always wanted to be part of. Come and see. - Michael + • promise-keeping • truth-telling • gratitude • hospitality page 12 page 14 page 17
Transcript
THE SPIREA Newsletter by and for the people of Christ Church
Christine Pohl, in her book Living into Community, writes about the practices that lead to healthy families, healthy communities, and whole and holy lives. They are:
In a related sermon, preached mid-summer, I quoted the extraordinary poet Mary Oliver, from her book of essays entitled Long Life. “The different and the novel are sweet, but regularity and repetition are also teachers… And if you have no ceremony, no habits, which may be opulent or may be simple but are exact and rigorous and familiar, how can you reach toward the actuality of faith, or even a moral life, except vaguely? The patterns of our lives reveal us. Our habits measure us.”The wisdom of these two theologians took root in my heart and left me with this growing question: If promise-keeping, truth-telling, gratitude and hospitality are essential to wholeness, how can we (Christ Church) help knit them into the patterns of our lives? How can we make these practices our habits?I won’t pretend to have it all worked out. Not even close. But one thing I do know is that as Christians, people of the Way, we are meant to be active not passive. We can not stand idly by and expect our lives and the lives of others to be transformed. We can not assume or even demand an end to violence, division or brokenness unless we ourselves jump in with both feet and commit ourselves to love and deep connection - the two things that demand the most of us and pull the best from us.And it all starts with this simple vision - that we are a
Fall 2015Volume LXVI, Number 1
Christ Church Bronxville 914-337-3544www.ccbny.org
page 5page 4
family held together by a Love that will not let us go. “Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12-17)Set the bar high. That’s what I always say. A brilliant year lies ahead of us as the people of CCB build the habits of a life well-lived, a holy life.So, I hope to see you all soon - in worship and at study, as we make music and serve God’s children.Come join us for our first big Sunday on the 20th when we bless the new front steps and give thanks to God for all the hard work that went into building them. Come to Sunday School. Come be challenged by one of our classes or short courses. Come meet the new members of our staff - each uniquely gifted to serve God in this place. Come and find the slightly crazy, hope-filled, grateful, truth patterned, love abundant family that you’ve always wanted to be part of. Come and see. - Michael +
• promise-keeping• truth-telling
• gratitude• hospitality
page 12 page 14 page 17
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SUNDAYSRite I Eucharist 8 amChoral Family Eucharist 10 amContemplative Eucharist 5 pmMONDAYSYAA Rising Stars Ensemble 4-6 pmYAA Stars 4-6 pmSenior EYC 6:30-8 pmConfirmation Class 6:30-7:30 pmHandbell Choir 7-8 pmTUESDAYSYAA Rising Stars 4-6 pmYAA Rising Stars Ensemble 4-6 pmWEDNESDAYSRite I Eucharist 7 amYAA Stars Choir 4-6 pmChrist Church Choir 7-9 pm THURSDAYSWomen’s Spirituality Group 9:30-11:30 amScarsdale Ballet at YAA 4-5:15 pmYAA Vocal Performance 7-8:30 pmSATURDAYYAA Rock Band 9-12
CCBNY Weekly Schedule
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Children’s Christian FormationGODLY PLAY (AGES 3 THROUGH 1ST GRADE)Godly Play is a Montessori inspired way of sharing Bible stories and Christian tradition. Stories are told using simple wooden props in a way that allows the children to experience the stories deeply and prayerfully. Godly Play also helps children learn the liturgical language of our faith. They will hear the stories of the Bible and our Christian traditions. Through wondering questions, discovery and art, children will have the opportunity to connect the stories with their personal experience, and become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. Goldy Play children enter the service during the Fraction Anthem for Communion.
COMMUNION PREPARATION CLASS (2ND GRADE)Second Graders spend the entire year studying Holy Eucharist. They learn about all the parts of the service and what they mean, with a particular focus on the real presence of Christ that we encounter in the consecrated elements of bread and wine. After meeting in the Crispell Lounge, the 2nd Graders move to the Chapel of the Guardian Angels, their special classroom for the year. The second graders enter the service during the Presentation Hymn.
GODLY DIALOGUE (3RD THROUGH 6TH GRADE)2 CLASSES - 3RD & 4TH GRADES 5TH & 6TH GRADESBuilding on the philosophy of Godly Play, Godly Dialogue encourages our older children to engage the stories of our Faith in a different way through conversation and interaction with their dedicated group of teachers. It is in that forum that our children will learn the tradition of our faith and become steeped in the liturgical language and rituals of the Episcopal Church. Following their lesson from the new Episcopal curriculum “Weaving God’s Promises”, children will join their parents in the church during the Presentation Hymn.
CONFIRMATION (7TH & 8TH GRADES)MONDAY EVENINGS 6:30-7:30 PMRegular Confirmation class begins on Monday evening, September 21, 6:30-7:30PM.
This year the Seventh and Eighth graders will take a thematic approach to studying the Bible – both Old and New Testaments. Much of their growth will be centered on applying biblical knowledge, reflection and experience to their daily lives. Regular church attendance and service to others is required, and participation in Breakfast Runs, Service projects and Retreats is expected.Please visit www.ccbny.org/youth for a full Confirmation calendar and to register your student!
Please prayerfully consider volunteering an hour every month to teach Church School.
Want to help but not sure what to do?
All Godly Play teachers will spend a day with Linda Clapp, Accredited Godly Play Teacher Trainer on September 19th. She will walk through a typical lesson - a great opportunity for new and experienced teachers!
All are encouraged! Email Mother Brown at [email protected] to participate.
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THE CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR (ADULTS)WEDNESDAYS 7:00-9:00 PMThis warm and dedicated group offers their time and talent to the Christ Church community as leaders in worship. They sing a wide variety of music from and offer several special performances during the year.
THE PARISH CHOIRPeriodically through the year volunteers gather to enjoy the choir experience without making a weekly commitment. This choir joins the Christ Church Choir for the Wednesday rehearsal prior to singing on Sunday.
HANDBELL ENSEMBLEMONDAYS 7:00-8:00 PMEver wish you could take part in Christ Church’s music program, but singing is not for you? Consider ringing! The Handbell Choir is made up of a great group of people with various musical abilities, who enjoy working together to make beautiful music! And unlike an orchestra, we always play in tune. All that ringers must do is count, pay attention, ring and have fun! We rehearse on Monday nights and play several times a year. Our first rehearsal is Monday, September 14 from 7-8 p.m. in the Undercroft. If interested or need encouraging, contact Debbie Cook at [email protected].
CHILDREN’S CHOIR (AGE 3 - 6TH GRADE)We are excited to announce a collaboration between Church School and Children’s Choir. Music will be taught as an integral part of Church School. Music education and singing God’s praises for everyone! All Church School children will also sing during the 10am service the fourth Sunday of every month. The littlest ones will sing and then head off to Church School as the Primary Choir has in the past. Music will be covered in the curriculum on Sundays during Church School without extra rehearsals. Save the dates: October 25thNovember 22nd December 20th
First Rehearsals:
Christ Church Choir - Wed, Sept 9th, 7:00-9:00pm
Handbell Ensemble Mon, Sept 14th, 7:00-8:00pm
Parish Choir Wed, Oct 1st, 7:00-9:00pm
Visit ccbny.org/choirs to register!
SUNDAY, SEPT 27THSUNDAY, OCT 25TH SUNDAY, NOV 22ND
SUNDAY, JAN 24THSUNDAY, FEB 28TH SUNDAY, APRIL 24TH
Join us for Evensong at 5pm
CCBNY Music Program 2014-2015
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Well, not quite -- although that might have been fun too! This August, ten intrepid fisherman from the Christ Church Men’s Group set aside their “Fishers of Men” hats and went fishing for fish in the Long Island Sound.
The trip crossed generational boundaries with ages of the fisherman ranging from 12 years to 80+ (although fishing prowess ranged from “Poor” to“Non-Existent”). Notwithstanding their lack of experience, the Intrepid Ten caught plenty of porgies, sea robins and even a crab using clams and sandworms as bait.
Several prizes were awarded including first fish (Martin Witt), most fish (Hershell George with 7) and most interesting fish (Martin again, with a crab). Jason and Izaak Thoms caught the most fish per family with a total of 8. And Tim Donahue caught some chum splash when the mate threw the chum bag overboard! For the second year in a row, the prize for “fish that looked most like the fisherman” went unclaimed. Check out the pictures online!
Join the Men’s Group for their first meeting on Monday,
September 14th at 7:30 pm at Tap House in Tuckahoe!
Discussions include the Harvest Supper and a work project.
1: Caroline Yerkes 2: Claire Elkerton, Caroline Kirby, Victoria Mordaunt 3: John Barrett, Ron Cappello, Nicola Phillips 4: Dylan Richardson, Caroline Geba 5: David Morse 6: Warren Ilchman, Nancy Whitney, Steven Srebnik, Julien duChateau 7: Jane Kratovil 8: Robert Crystal, 9: William Rabsey 11: Arthur Nagle, Jennifer Thomas 12: Priscilla Newman, Jeffrey Minich, Logan Calvert 13: Natalie Beit, Jamie Murphy 14: Parker Callaway, Maria Hayes, Denise Stephens 15: Emma Donahue, Amanda Torres, Sarah Reynolds 16: Sam Wagner, Holland Sullivan 17: William Campbell, Katharine George 18: Cynthia Ahmuty, Robert Bonet 20: Ben Murphy 22: Caroline Beit 23: Nicole Sears, William Turino, Rita Ferrone, Kenneth Mandanas 25: Mona McAlarney 26: Jason Cushman, Robert Devlin 27: Hershell George, Piper Gilliam, Marco Supelano 29: Patricia Mutolo, Jack Redpath, Jonathan Saltzberg 30: Olivia Cappello
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What should the congregation call you? “McKenzie” is great!Where did you grow up? I grew up primarily right here in Bronxville. However, my family and I moved to Birmingham, Alabama when I was a sophomore in high school. My family is still in Birmingham.From where are you joining us? In May, I graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens. I’m joining the CCBNY team after receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Women’s Studies.What are some of your hobbies?Most pastimes that bring people together are hobbies of mine. First and foremost, music is immeasurably important to me. Although I cannot play an instrument (unless knowing “Blackbird” makes me a guitarist), I love listening to new, old, recorded, or live music, participating in sing-a-longs or choirs, and attending concerts. Secondly, eating delicious food is not only amazing for my tastebuds and the health of my soul, but sitting around a dinner table with friends and family is an experience that can’t be beat. On top of these, watching new movies, drinking tons of coffee, and (badly) playing trivia are things I often find myself doing.Do you have a favorite activity in NYC? Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of my all time favorite things to do. From the breathtaking view to the bustling energy, I love everything about it - even the tourists!
Read any good books this summer? Do tell!I just caught up with 1996 and finally got around to reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. Definitely recommended, especially if you have yet to see the movie. Currently, I’m about halfway through All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, a historical fiction novel set in World War II. I can already say this book is a must-read.Tell us about a summer adventure. This summer was especially adventurous for me! A friend and I took a five week cross-country road trip to Colorado and spent time hiking around Telluride. From there we were able to visit the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and many other awesome places. It was a truly beautiful experience. On top of it all, I traveled to Cuba for the EYC summer mission trip. It was spectacular in so many ways.What are you most looking forward to at CCBNY?I grew up attending and loving Christ Church Bronxville and its youth group. I am most excited about the opportunity to continue my involvement with the church, but from a new perspective. Being Youth Minister gives me the unparalleled opportunity to give back to a program that means so much to me and to share the love of Jesus Christ with a wonderful and growing community of young people - while simultaneously deepening my faith and experience of God.
McKenzie Burton youth Minister
Help us welcome new staff of CCBNY & YAA. We are excited to have you join our community!
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What should the congregation call you?Deacon EllaWhere did you grow up?I grew up in North Carolina and in New York City. I am a mixture of both places.From where are you joining us?Trinity St. Paul’s in New Rochelle.What are some of your hobbies?There are many: reading, movies, watching sports, parasailing, listening to all types of music, and shopping.Do you have a favorite activity in NYC?Just being in Manhattan, feeling the energy from the people, and experiencing the wonder of the City is a favorite activity.Read any good books this summer? Do tell!I have started reading My Church Is Not Dead by Greg Garrett. The foreword by The Right Reverend Greg Rickel, Bishop of Olympia in Seattle, Washington is very interesting. I’m excited to continue the read!
Tell us about an adventure from your summer.This summer marked the first time we traveled with our dog on an airplane. She has traveled with us on short trips in the car, but never for long trips in a plane. Snouzzer proved to be a good passenger and visitor, but was happy to return home.What are you most looking forward to at CCBNY?Getting to know, and working with the people as we travel on our spiritual journeys.
THE REV. ELLA ROUNDTREE-DAVIS DEACON
What should the congregation call you? Please call me Shiane.Where did you grow up? I grew up in the Bronx and spent summers in Panama.From where are you joining us? I am a member of The Church of Ascension and am training to become a deacon.What are some of your hobbies?I love arts and crafts, going to the movies, reading, playing and listening to music. I also love video games, bowling, and shooting pool.Do you have a favorite activity in NYC? A favorite activity is to go down to the water to watch the boats and read. Attending a play, ballet, and/or concert never gets old!
Read any good books this summer? Do tell!A Clergy Guide to End of Life Issues by Martha R. JacobsTwelve Women of the Bible by Lysa TerkeurstThe Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisJezebel’s Daughter by Jacqueline ThomasWalking in this World by Julia CameronTell us about an adventure from your summer. I took the train to Montreal to experience the Jazz Festival for 10 days. I met amazing artists that I love, and was introduced to new artists, both American and Canadian.What are you most looking forward to at CCBNY?I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning as much as I can.
SHIANE LEE DEACON IN TRAINING
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What should the congregation call you? Alex is fine!Where did you grow up? I grew up in Stoughton, Massachusetts. It’s a small town about a hour from Boston (without traffic!)From where are you joining us? Currently I live at Lincoln Center and am studying organ performance at Juilliard. What are some of your hobbies?I have a couple of pastimes unrelated to music. I love photography - of a sunset, a church, the starry night sky or New York City. I find astronomy really interesting. I keep up with the latest from NASA and other space news fairly often. Do you have a favorite activity in NYC? It’s difficult to pick a single favorite activity in a place with so much to do. While I’m not sure it’s fair to call this a favorite, I really do enjoy getting gelato at Grom in Columbus Circle!Tell us about a summer adventure. One of this summer’s highlights was traveling to Pittsburgh to visit a classmate. I hadn’t been there before, and I was surpirsed to see a picturesque landscape, a pleasant and engaging city and a hospitable population. Read any good books this summer? Do tell!Honestly, I’m not a big reader, so I didn’t get into anything this summer. However, I expect to do a lot of reading for classes this year!What are you most looking forward to at CCBNY?I am extremely excited to work closely with a number of tremendously talented musicians, while playing a world class organ every single week. I’m looking forward to meet as many members of the congregation as possible and to make the best possible music to enhance worship at Christ Church to glorify our Lord.
ALEXANDER PATTAVINAORGAN SCHOLAR
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What should the congregation call you? PhilipWhere did you grow up? I was born in Bletchley in Buckinghamshire, England. Of course, this may sound familiar to some as Bletchley Park made the critical contribution of codebreaking and intelligence in World War Two, the birth of computing and electronic security, and recently portrayed in the Oscar winning film The Imitation Game. I then moved to London, aged eight years old, to become a chorister at Westminster Abbey and live at the Choir School next to the Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. We had to wear short trousers all year round! From where are you joining us? I am a freelance composer, choral conductor and organist. I am regularly commissioned to compose choral music for choirs all over the world, and have 65 publications with publishers Hal Leonard and MorningStar Music. My last “proper” job (as my Mother likes to say!) was Director of Music at Belfast Cathedral, Northern Ireland, but now I live in Chester, England. What are some of your hobbies?I enjoy travelling, which I get to do with my work, dining out with friends, keeping fit at the gym, swimming, classic or rare cars, making videos of concerts to post online, television, and a little retail therapy stopping off for coffee along the way. Do you have a favorite activity in NYC? I have been to NYC on a number of occasions, and once with my whole family. I have done lots of the sights and some shows, so I am looking forward to having the opportunity to get to know the City more thoroughly over the few months. I enjoyed cycling around Central Park in the summer time, and admiring the skyscrapers. Read any good books this summer? Do tell!I have been so busy this summer with commissions that I have not had a moment to stop, if I’m being honest. This year I have composed settings of O Nata Lux, The Star Of Kings, My Beloved Spake, There Is No Rose, Christ Is Our Cornerstone, Ave Maris Stella, Singing To Share With The World, Psalm 34, I Sing Of A Maiden, Epiphany Carol, Let All The World, and a piece for a church in Cambridge that is as yet untitled! So this has kept me rather busy.
Tell us about an adventure from your summer. I managed to get a weekend away in Ireland, both north and south. As I used to live in the north in Belfast, it was a treat to meet up with one of my American friends and stay in the five star Merchant Hotel. When you live in a place you never stay in the local hotels, and people had told me it was wonderful, so I couldn’t resist a night being pampered. It was lovely. This also gave me a chance to show my friend the grave of St. Patrick at Down Cathedral, in Northern Ireland, and to introduce him to champ; mash potato and scallions. The difference in our terminology for food always makes me smile. I also attended the wedding of a friend at Castlebellingham in the Republic of Ireland which was very glamourous. There’s something very special about these Irish Castles and Stately Homes, and you can see why Downton Abbey has become so popular, echoing these lovely residences across the country. I also got the chance to visit the Irish Cathedral of St. Mel in Longford, near the Shannon River. The Cathedral burnt down in 2009, and after a five year rebuild costing £30 million looks truly wonderful. I composed a setting of Christ Is Our Cornerstone for the anointing of the altar and reopening of the Cathedral, but was unable to be there on the day, so it was wonderful to finally see “the space” and bond with the building, acoustic and new Ruffatti organ! I shall be going back next year for some music making with their local choirs. Ireland is a three hour ferry ride from Holyhead, England - I enjoyed taking my convertible car! What are you most looking forward to at CCBNY?I am very much looking forward to joining the worshipping community at Christ Church and leading the music for this interim period as best as possible. I hope to bring a different perspective to the music and worship and I am looking forward to working with the choir and organ scholar. I hope to introduce some new repertoire (perhaps some of my own!) and to open the hearts and minds of those people who attend worship. I look forward to being fully immersed in the services at Christ Church with a view to leaving you with some new music that is both suitable and inspiring after my time is done.
PHILIP STOPFORD INTERIM DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE
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What should the Young at Arts students call you? Students can call me Mr. Faiman.Where did you grow up? Urbana, ILFrom where are you joining us? I’m adding YAA to my pre-existing freelance musician’s schedule, which includes teaching and accompanying at Concordia College, teaching ear-training at Hoff-Barthelson, and accompanying, coaching, and musically directing at The Bronxville School.What are some of your hobbies?I love swimming, reading, and photography.Do you have a favorite activity in NYC? Discovering the best dumplings and bubble tea in Chinatown.
Read any good books this summer? Do tell!The Abbey by Chris Culver, a detective thriller with a Muslim heroThe Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño, an epic novel that spans 20 yearsTell us about an adventure from your summer. Went on 2-week road trip with my 2 young boys down to Florida and back. Visited over a dozen cousins along the way and swam a lot!What are you most looking forward to at YAA?Collaborating with students and staff to make beautiful music and theatre together!
JONATHAN FAIMANACCOMPANIST, CONDUCTOR & VOCAL COACH
What should the Young at Arts students call you? Students can call me Ms. KatWhere did you grow up? I was born and raised in Brooklyn then moved to the BronxFrom where are you joining us? I am was on tour with Beyoncé for the last 10 yearsWhat are some of your hobbies?I love watching movies and spending time with my son
Do you have a favorite activity in NYC? I love finding good restuarants!
Read any good books this summer? Do tell!I am currently finishing The Artist by Julia Cameron
Tell us about an adventure from your summer. I would say my adventure starting of the summer was moving from PA to New York in JuneWhat are you most looking forward to at YAA?I am looking forward to working with all the staff and eventually starting a band
KAT RODRIGUEZ YAA MUSIC TEACHER
3: Barbara O’Donoghue, Robert Singleton, Samuel Gilliam, Rebecca Ingles 4: Velma Dougherty 5: Claire Kraemer 6: Frederick Romley, Nicolette Romley 7: James Murphy 9: Charles Campbell, Jackson Formoso 10: Charles Sanford, Amelie Kaufman 11: Fr. Bird, Linda Blakely, Helen Noone 12: Thomas Brasco, Cheyenne Talbot 14: Jamie Carroll, Diana Horne, Cheyenne Talbot 15: Peter Johnson, Nancy Brady 18: Richard Bower, Evelyn Goddard 19: Barbara Deller, Michael Pollack 20: Coco-Noel Williams 21: William Murphy, Izaak Thoms 23: Timothy Cushman, Richard Crawford 25: Betsy Goodell 26: Jeffrey Barrett, Chris McCormick 27: Carol Bartold, Henry Scholes, Katherine Bryce 29: Jason Hornick, Jack Henry 30: Matthew Ingles 31: Thomas O’Donoghue, Centes Williams
BirthdaysOCTOBER
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RISING STARS2 GROUPS: GRADES 3-5 & GRADES 6-8 NO AUDITION NECESSARYTUESDAYS 4:00-6:00 PMRising Stars is a choral music and drama program where students learn the foundations of vocal technique, sight-singing, acting and performance skills. Rising Stars is a great way to enjoy the benefits of the strong YAA curriculum with less of a weekly commitment. The Rising Stars will perform throughout the year at Christ Church Bronxville. Tuition $900 is yearly.
RISING STARS ENSEMBLEBY AUDITION/INVITATION ONLYMONDAYS & TUESDAYS 4:00-6:00 PMRising Stars Ensemble is a rigorous choral music and drama program where students learn the foundations of vocal technique, sight-singing, acting and performance skills. Rising Stars is for the singer who is committed to attending rehearsal 2 times per week and 10 or more public performances per year. The Ensemble represents YAA in the community and serves as the main treble chorus of Christ Church Bronxville, committing to singing once a month at the 10:00 AM service, as well as being involved in each of our musical salons and end of year production. Tuition is $900 yearly.
STARSHIGH SCHOOL GIRLS & BOYS*BY AUDITION/INVITATION ONLY MONDAYS 4:00-6:00 PMStars are students who are ready to take on greater artistic independence. Students will further build upon vocal technique and interpretation through small ensemble a capella and accompanied singing, solos, duos and trios, scene work and study of styles and historical periods in greater depth. The Stars meet once a week, but are highly encouraged to take the Vocal Performance Class to take advantage of further solo vocal training. Stars sing several public performances throughout the year and are the leaders of many of the YAA musical salons, the annual benefit and our end of year production. *Boys with changed voices included in this choir. Tuition is $900 yearly.VOCAL PERFORMANCEMIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
BY INVITATION ONLY THURSDAYS 7:00-8:30 PMThis class is for students who are ready to perform solo in front of their peers, faculty and visiting guest artists in order to build better performance and audition skills. Students will study different styles of music as they prepare repertoire for NYSSMA, auditions and for YAA salons, the benefit and our end of year performance. If they are ready, high school seniors will work towards a final senior recital. Tuition is $300 per session.Session 1: Sept. 24 – Dec. 17 (Recital Dec.17)Session 2: Jan 7 – March 17 (Perform at Benefit)Session 3: March 31 – May 26 (Recital May 26)
ROCK BANDSATURDAY 9AM-12PM (1 HOUR/BAND)Open to all, though space is limited.Rock Band is a place for the instrumentalists in our midst to get involved, and for our more adventurous singers to let loose! YAA’s Rock Band program is part music-history, part music-theory, part lots of fun! Rock Band students will learn the value of working together as an ensemble, learning to be spontaneous, and not being afraid to jump in and try new things. Band members will be matched by age, instrument, and musical interests. Tuition is $300 per session.Session 1: September 26 – December 5Session 2: January 9 – March 12Session 3: April 2 – May 21
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Scarsdale Ballet at YAAYoung at Arts is thrilled and honored to collaborate with the Scarsdale Ballet Studio to bring the very best in dance training to our community. Scarsdale Ballet, directed by former New York City Ballet ballerina, Diana White, is the leader in the region for teaching impeccable technique and artistry, from the very beginning dancer to the most advanced. Their teaching methods translate into powerful body habits that your child will take along for life. All classes below will be held on Thursday afternoons in Taylor Hall. FOR BOYS ONLY (AGES 8-14)THURSDAYS 4:00-5:15 PMA master ballet teacher and coach from Russia, Simon Kazantsev was plucked from an ice hockey rink in Moscow to be trained by the world famous Bolshoi Ballet. Since his professional stage career, he has devoted himself to training young people in the US. Simon will tailor this class specifically to the needs of building strength, agility, speed, and coordination in boys, which will translate onto the stage, to the field, and to everyday life. This class will be a challenge, so be prepared!
BEGINNING BALLET FOR GIRLS (AGES 11-18)THURSDAYS 4:00-5:15 PMThis class is perfect as an introduction to Ballet Technique, the gold standard for developing stage presence and dramatic movement skills. It is never too late to start! Besides learning classical positions, steps and combinations, dancers will also develop their core strength, alignment, flexibility and coordination, leading to better posture overall. A must for all types of performers, ballet training will positively affect both vocal technique and theatrical performance. In fact, this class is ideal for all young women seeking to enhance their physical confidence, grace and assurance, as they become leaders of our next generation. Taught by Ellen Shea.
Please register through Scarsdale Ballet’s website (scarsdaleballetstudio.com) To inquire about scholarships, please email [email protected].
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YAA Spends a Week at Incarnation CampAs I drove down the narrow path leading into the rocky “parking lot” of Incarnation Center, where all of Young at Arts was to stay for the week, I immediately felt at home. The familiar green of the woods, singing of cicadas, sound of tires driving over rocks, apple orchard, basketball courts and gaga ball pit, teepees, and bunk beds welcomed me back. Despite this feeling of familiarity, I knew this year’s camp experience would be completely different. I was no longer a camper, intern, or even program member, but one of the 8 chaperones. I was ready to experience the program from a different point of view. My very first job as a chaperone was to check-in each camper as they arrived, and as I did so I felt a surge of pride. This year’s Young at Arts camp was an accurate representation of the very heart and soul of the program. It brought together 43 children from different schools and choirs - campers represented middle and high schools from Bronxville, Eastchester, Scarsdale and Mt. Vernon. Like a classic summer camp environment, Incarnation Center offers hiking, sports, cooking, and arts and crafts. On top of this, every camper participated in choral rehearsals. Groups differed - kids focused on drama, acapella or rock band. This year’s camp experience was filled with more magic than previous years as 43 campers created art together and became a family. Whether they were experiencing YAA for the first time or were seasoned veterans,
campers were inspired to try new things, growing as artists and individuals. Chaperones encouraged the kids as they wrote original songs, performed in front of each other (and the lifeguards!) and sung / acted all day.
As a chaperone, I watched each student grow over the course of the week. It was an honor to be given a position to support the campers as they explored their own talents and abilities, found their voices, became comfortable in a new environment, and auditioned for solos.I made it my mission to pass on to the students what I gained from my 10 years at Young at Arts. YAA gave me a strong passion for the arts, confidence, and a second family. Through Young at Arts I was encouraged to attend New Rochelle High School and apply for the PAVE program. I have gained leadership skills, assurance, social skills, and developed a pretty amazing work ethic. And now that I guide the younger members of the program, I get to share so much of what I’ve been given. This fall I will study acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, under an annual scholarship.As the week came to a close, chaperones and students were reluctant to leave, turning to social media and group chats to hold onto their new Young at Arts family. I was overcome with joy seeing everyone come together under the magic of Young at Arts.-Talia Oliveras
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EYC GOALS FOR THIS YEAR:1. To create a dynamic and comfortable space for eating and meeting on Monday evenings.2. To keep our weekly participation between 25-30 teens.3. To help you get your teenagers to church at either the 10am or 5pm service.4. To work through important issues that our teens are facing now or will face in the future.
Item number one: the positives and perils of privilege.Item number two: a Christian response to violence and racism.Item number three: nurturing a spiritual life in the turbulence of adolescence.
5. To give them the skills and opportunities to put their hands, hearts and minds to work.6. To open their eyes to the beautiful complexity of the world around them.
MEETING TIMES & START DATEEYC meets each non-holiday Monday from 6:30 – 8:00pm. The teens will begin with a shared meal and then move on to their activity. In addition, every third Sunday of each month the EYC will be participating in an outreach project. These projects will be held locally, throughout NYC, and around the state. Regular youth group meetings will kick off on September 21st in Taylor Hall at the normal time.REGISTRATIONPlease register your teen for EYC at www.ccbny.org/registration.
Our first EYC event will be an all-day “retreat” exploring NYC on September 15th. We will leave Bronxville in the morning and return around dinnertime. We’re hoping this will provide much needed fellowship before the stress of school begins.
Register online!ccbny.org/eyc-retreat
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EYC Mission Trip to Cuba: August 4-11 After a harrowing 4 hour flight - passing above and through lightening storms, enduring airplane ham and cheese sandwiches, and with strangers seated well within my personal space, we were finally in Cuba.When the humidity hit us as we disembarked right onto the tarmac, we knew it would be like something we’d never experienced before. The Havana International Airport was shockingly tiny, and lined out front were all sorts of trucks and cars originally manufactured in the US in the 1950’s. Every route we took on our ride from Havana to the small farming town of Itabo was dabbled with colour - every vehicle, and every reconstructed, deconstructed and mid-construction house was pulled right from the rainbow. When our bus - a surprisingly comfortable coach bus with A/C - stopped outside of our home for the next week, the Santa Maria Magdalena Church, it was just past midnight. Yet, there stood a half dozen Cubans, welcoming us warmly and hauling our bags from the bus without a second thought. This was my first inkling that Cubans had attitudes that could maybe change mine. Each day these wonderful Cuban women, men and children greeted us with the most wondrous meals - bread, espresso, mangoes and avocados picked right from the trees on their farm, and chickens and pigs we’d met the day before in their pens. And with each meal came wonderful time and conversations with these funny, kind and absolutely hospitable people.Each morning, after leaving our splendidly cool rooms for the arduous heat, we headed to the fields for a few hours of good clean fun - hoeing out thousands of weeds from the farm. Hoeing turned out to be tremendously harder than I’d thought it would be - three hours of
constantly engaging my core and actually using my upper arm “strength.” The first day, the young Cuban man overlooking my progress insisted that he take over the area I was to hoe, so I gladly went to hauling rocks from the chicken coop instead. These seemingly grueling tasks weren’t so bad, even in the height of the beating Cuban sun, because we were together. The thirteen of us that embarked on this trip from Christ Church managed to keep up conversation despite the yards between us and the sweat we seemed to be swimming in. By mid-week we were not only dressed to the nines in dirt, but we were fitted with baseball gloves and catchers uniforms. It was Beisbol Across Cuba’s turn to show them what we were made of. Through dozens of generous donations, Steve, Claudia, and their son Zip were able to bring fifteen full bags of baseball equipment across the border. We played a full game of baseball, which to be honest I didn’t understand a second of, to the intense enjoyment of the local Cubans. They’d never played a game with full equipment before and they were absolutely ecstatic. The pure joy they experienced because of something we have at our disposal was eye opening. Thursday and Friday were fiestas. DJ Bob blared everything from Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus to people I’d never come close to hearing; and every child, teen and adult, from two to sixty-two could dance like nothing I’d ever seen before. Coming into this experience, I didn’t have any idea what to expect. But everyday without fail I had clean water, the freshest food I’ve had the pleasure of consuming to date, and I was surrounded by the most happy and welcoming people. -Alekzandra Thoms
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Christ Church’s EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) has returned from its fourth mission trip to Cuba, and as always it proved to be a unique learning and cultural exchange experience. This year, we were joined by Claudia, Steve and Zip Malley of Bronxville, representing their recently-formed non-profit, Béisbol Across Cuba. EYC helped carry 15 large duffel bags (weighing a total of over 600 pounds) of baseball equipment to the youth in the villages of Itabo and Favorito, in Matanzas Province, east of Havana. After distributing the equipment, which included bats, balls, milts, bases, clothing and cleats, a friendly game of baseball was played, with a very jovial and energized crowd of supporters from the community looking on.
This year, EYC contingent was again accompanied by our indispensible friend, The Rev. Yamily Bass-Choate, Missioner for Latino and Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of New York and Vicar of San Andres Episcopal Church in Yonkers, and the delightful McKenzie Burton, Christ Church’s new Youth Minister.
Over the years, we have been fortunate to come to know the country and the people, and have developed ongoing friendships. We also have noticed positive changes occurring, even during in our relatively short acquaintance with the country. This most recent trip, for instance, was the first during which we did not lose electricity in Itabo for an hour or two each day (thanks to the shiny new Canadian-built power plant which was completed adjacent to the not-so-shiny Russian-built power plant). In Old Havana, the streets are being dug up for installation of new water mains, many buildings are covered in scaffolding and undergoing renovations, from the National Capitol Building to the Great Theatre of Havana.
We all look forward to continuing to build our relationshipswith the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba and of Itabo and Favorito. We are discussing the possibility of organizing an outreach trip for adults during the winter, so stay tuned for updates! - Michael Pollack
Traveling to Cuba - An Adult Perspective
BirthdaysNOVEMBER
2: Mason Snyder 4: Donald Sharp 5: William Elder, Myles Gould, Brittany Vellucci 6: John Barrett, Kristofer DePalermo, Holt Goddard, Alexa Jackson 8: Karen Day, Sinclair Welch 9: Lila Al-Omoush 10: Catherine Sullivan 11: Elena Licursi, Paul Licursi, Bashir Al-Omoush 13: Gillian Goddard 14: Mary Behrens 5: Ella Crystal, Philip Swoboda 16: Suzanne Srebnik, John Allen 18: Corky Frost, Julia O’Connor, Paul Philips 20: John Warman 21: Olivia Bruton, Daphne Hood 22: Cornelia Bower 23: Taylor Reynolds, Dorothy Yohannan, Zoe Hamerling 25: Georgeann Delli Venneri 26: Lee Johnson 27: Leighton Welch 28: Jamie Elkerton, William Goodell 30: Deborah Ross, Rosemary Palmer
Project Linus EventJoin Jody Maier and Randy Frost on Sunday, November 15th in Taylor Hall 11:30 am - 12:45 to make “no sew” fleece blankets and a tied quilt for children at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in Northwest Yonkers, a home for children and teens with complex medical and neurological challenges requiring continuous 24 hour care. The pediatric center provides medical services, rehabilitation, palliative care, creative arts and therapeutic recreation, special education and pastoral care.Jody and Randy provide the supplies for the fleece blankets and quilt. Project Linus welcomes participation from everyone at Christ Church.
This activity is suitable for children beginning at age 8.
This summer, Eliza Corwin Frost brought back its Summer Camp and it was a fantastic success! We had an 8 week long program with a total of 30 kids per week, ranging in age from 2 to 4. ECF’s new playground equipment proved to be a popular activity! Favorites included the water station and the newly acquired play grill.Along with plastic burgers and hot dogs, campers enjoyed (real!) ice cream parties and outdoor sprinkler time. Music and dance with Tricia Arenson, ECF parent
and music teacher, kept kids moving before running through the sprinkler on the coutryard. Kids enjoyed theme-highlighted weeks including zoo animals, the beach, city and country, and bugs and insects. Books, arts & crafts and music class encouraged kids to interact with the weekly theme.Many thanks to all the current and EYC alumni who gave their mornings to be counselors and chaperones throughout the summer. The kids loved your energy and we did too! - Kara Polinsky, Director
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Construction Update from Facilities CommitteeSummertime and the living is easy--except at Christ Church. Summer means routine maintenance such as cleaning and rewaxing the floor of the Church. But it also means that projects inside the buildings that are hard to do during the busy church year can be done, and this year was no exception. The Steps—almost done! The capstones for the cheek walls are on order (and may be installed by the time the new church season starts.) We are still examining options for a handrail as well as signage to replace the existing sign, which has seen better days. In addition to the new lights on the end of each step, we have replaced the lights on each side of the doorway to provide better overall lighting. The outer doors, which were an addition to the original construction, would have had to be completely rebuilt or replaced. Instead we have removed them and in so doing we have restored the entranceway to the original plan and created a more welcoming look to the Church. The pitch on the roof of the Arcade has been changed to ensure water runs away from the Church wall and the Corner Stone to the Church has been uncovered. With a reduced summer congregation and the move to Taylor Hall in August we were able to take out chairs to be repaired and to enlarge the shelf under each seat so that it can hold a Hymnal without falling out. Also on the summer schedule was the installation of double doors, with glass inserts to the Choir’s rehearsal room in the Undercroft. This will allow the piano to be rolled out and used in the Undercroft with its
fine acoustics. Notice how much lighter it is in the Undercroft with the new doors! Also notice the newly installed Choir vesting room at the opposite end of the Undercroft.The only remaining item not completed this summer is a new roof on the Kensington building. With the help of parishioner Barbara O’Donoghue we have found a suitable replacement roof that will also allow us to add needed insulation under the roof. And so another summer of maintenance, repairs and improvements has come and gone and the buildings are good for another church year.P.S. Even though the facilities will appear clean and shining when the new Church year begins, there are numerous projects that need to be undertaken as money is available. The stained glass widows in the Church are in need of major repair - Glass is missing, windows are bowed and the lead holding the glass in place has deteriorated to an alarming degree. The Lady Chapel is ready to be repainted and the window repaired. The stucco on the Kensington building and the Sagamore building needs to be repaired and repainted, the windows needs to be replaced, and the two buildings air conditioned. Air conditioning the Church is still on the list of potential projects. The roof over the Crispell Lounge will have to be replaced soon. Better security for the courtyard and Eliza Corwin Frost has already begun. We also need to rebuild and re-roof the walkway under the Arcade to stop water leaking onto the stage roof in Taylor Hall. -Arthur Taylor
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2015LOOKING AHEAD AT
Tuesday, Sept 15thVestry MeetingEYC RetreatSunday, Sept 20thHomecoming SundayWelcome Back BBQBreakfast Run
