Christ Episcopal Church

Holy Ground for People on a Faith Journey

Parish Profile

Community Demographics :: Our Parish History :: Telling Our Story
Church Involvement :: Buildings & Grounds :: Worship :: Christian Education
Lay Ministry :: Outreach & Evangelism :: Parish Administration
Goals & Expectations :: Stewardship & Finances

Community Demographics

Norwich was founded in 1659 by English Puritans from Old Saybrook, at the juncture of the Thames, Yantic and Shetucket rivers. The present 27.1 square miles was purchased from the local Native American Mohegan Tribe.

In the city's early years, Norwich merchants were involved in shipping goods directly from England, but as the Revolutionary war approached, Norwich was forced to become more self-sufficient.

Ponehma Mills, Taftville borough of Norwich

Soon large mills and factories sprang up along the three rivers which meet at the town. As an important colonial city, Norwich produced noteworthy figures including Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and Benedict Arnold.

From the 19th century until the early 20th century, Norwich was the home of many large mills. The population grew as immigrants from Europe and French-speaking Canada came here to work in the mills and on the railroad. These new residents helped to build the city's schools, churches and social centers. Although the ancestral homes of Norwich residents have changed over time, the city continues to attract new immigrants, including more recent arrivals from China, Haiti and Latin America. More than 30 languages are spoken in the city's public schools.

Norwich has 11 neighborhood elementary schools and two middle schools. The Norwich Free Academy, (N.F.A.) is the primary high school for the city's students, providing a public school education in a unique private school setting. Students can also choose to attend the state-run Norwich Technical High School. From its new building in the city's East Great Plains area, Three Rivers Community College offers two-year liberal arts programs and technical career training.

Norwich is less than an hour's drive to many other colleges and universities. The United States Coast Guard Academy, Connecticut College and the University of Connecticut are all within easy commuting distance. Norwich is served by two newspapers, the W.W. Backus Hospital and the Otis Library.

The occupations of Norwich residents are as diverse as the languages they speak. While earlier generations worked in the mills, and later for the defense industry, today's residents face a very different employment situation. The United States Navy Submarine Base and General Dynamics/Electric Boat are located in nearby Groton, continuing to employ many area residents. Two of the largest tribal casinos in the world, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, are located just beyond the city's borders and employ many of our new residents. The median household income for Norwich is approximately $48,000, with a median age of 39.

Today, Norwich is a thriving city with a stable population of approximately 38,000. The city offers a wide range of municipal services, a modern industrial park, its own utility company and a positive outlook for residential and business growth. Rich in history and the arts, Norwich is a destination for anyone interested in history, sculpture, boating, golf and walking trails. The variety of attractions in Norwich provide something for everyone. With easy access to major highways in all directions, Norwich is an equal distance between New York and Boston. The city is also less than an hour away from two major airports, in Hartford and Providence. In many ways, Norwich is an ideal hub from which to visit other sights in southeastern Connecticut and New England.

Our Parish History

In a city settled by refugees from the Church of England, it's not surprising Norwich's first Episcopalians were a tiny minority among their Puritan neighbors. At a meeting on January 7, 1747, it was decided to "build a church for the worship of Almighty God, according to the Litergie of the Church of England."

A year later, Captain Benijah Bushnell accepted five shillings for the land he offered the new parish on what is now known as lower Washington Street site of the present church building.

The name "Christ's Church in Chelsea (Norwich)" first appeared in 1758. But it wasn't until 1768 that the Rev. John Tyler became the parish's first rector. The church was closed and services held in the rectory during the Revolution. As sworn supporters of the English king, Defender of the Faith, Episcopalians were unpopular to say the least.

Bishop Samuel Seabury in 1791 dedicated the parish's second building, this one on Main Street. The land on Washington Street became the parish burying ground. The old building was sold in 1829 to the Episcopal Society of Salem (Connecticut) for $800. It was knocked down, removed to Salem, and reassembled on the town green. The town purchased the building when the Society disbanded a few years later, removed its spire and pews. It served as the town hall until just a few years ago. The building is now the headquarters of the Salem Historical Society.

A year after Rev. William F. Morgan arrived to become rector in 1844, he proposed yet another new church. Richard Upjohn, the leading English Gothic architect, was engaged to draw the plans. The parish decided to go back to the Washington Street lot. The graves were removed and the remains interred in a common grave. The remains of the Rev. John Tyler and his wife, Hannah, were placed in a crypt under the chancel. The headstones and footstones were, and still are, stored in the cellar. The cornerstone of the present building was laid on August 31, 1846.

A group within the parish refused to move to the new building on Washington Street. After a great deal of negotiation, they chose to purchase the old building on Church Street, renaming it Trinity Parish. The present English Gothic, brown Portland sandstone building with black walnut interior was consecrated on April 18, 1849. Two additions were made over the years, a century apart. A two-story wing was added at the back in the 1850s, and another two-story wing was added on the north side in the 1950s.

Disaster struck in 1963, when the VanTassel chemical warehouse across the river exploded and left the church a shambles. The walls and the roof were badly damaged; nearly every piece of glass was blown in. All but the two large stained glass memorial windows in the rear of the nave were destroyed, as were the large lancets of the altar window and the five small lancets in the chancel.

The most difficult decision in making the needed repairs was what to do about replacing the windows. Seldom does an old church have the chance to install windows with continuity in their theme. As the two large memorials at the rear of the nave had survived the blast and both depicted events in the life of Christ, the Annunciation and the Resurrection, it was decided to continue this theme in the new windows, which picture the Nativity, the Baptism, the Transfiguration, the Crucifixion, the Ascension, Pentecost, and the Great Commission. Although modern in feeling, the windows are in the Byzantine-Romanesque style. The three large lancet windows in back of the Altar and the five side lancet windows in the chancel depict the Descent of the Heavenly Jerusalem, taken from the Book of the Revelation.

Christ Church witnessed more change in the 1960s than in any single decade in its history. Changes proposed for the Book of Common Prayer were introduced. Lay participation in the service increased. The altar and communion rail were moved closer to the congregation in keeping with the theological emphasis on participation in the Eucharist as a celebration of community and unity in the body and blood of Christ. Women assumed liturgical and administrative positions. The physical plant was redesigned to meet modern needs. The parish reached out to other denominations.

The trend continued into the 1970s and was magnified by people who left the Episcopal Church over the new prayer book and the ordination of women. The 1980s brought still more change. The 1982 hymnal introduced a number of new hymns and service music.

The parish in the early eighties honored organist Earle M. Potter for serving 50 years in music. Ten years later the parish did the same to honor his 60 years of service. Our rector, the Rev. Donald R. Lillpopp provided a teaching program to educate parishioners about the changes brought by the 1979 prayer books in particular making the Eucharist the principal service of Sunday worship.

The eighties were a time of rampant inflation. Our parish was hard-pressed to keep up with rapidly increasing budgets. During this time the parish received a large bequest from Charles Gilbert, which helped a great deal. With fewer communicants it had become increasingly difficult to have a balanced parish budget.

The parish marked its 250th anniversary in 1997, organizing a parish history and celebrating in special events and services throughout the year. A short history of the parish covering our first 250 years is available here.

Telling Our Story

Many of our parishioners said how much they learned about "us" when we gathered for lunch in the Pine Room after Sunday Eucharist to "tell our story" on Sunday, December 6, 2009. One thing we all learned was the richness of our "living history," with members who span the decades from before World War II to the present.

Our oldest members recalled the years of WW II, when goods were rationed to each family, women began to work in the factories and they relied on radio to get their news. Other members recalled the turmoil of the 1960s, landing on the moon, the war in Vietnam and the civil rights movement. The 1970s brought gas lines and the 1980s a surge in the economy and the ordination of women as priests.

They described times when the parish grew in size, and periods of decline. Men's and women's roles evolved, questions were asked and answers pondered. All the while there have been steadfast members who are the cornerstones of our parish.

Throughout the decades, families grew up, children moved away and new people arrived. We see a future of hope, with our efforts concentrated towards mission and steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. Together, we expect to continue working for a world that demands justice and peace.

Church Involvement

Our Journey to Adulthood young people attend an annual pilgrimage overseen by a professional leader. Our Rite 13 group prepares the youth for the Journey to Adulthood program.

We participate in the interfaith community in Norwich, including an annual Thanksgiving service, Blessing of the Palms and Stations of the Cross. We are committed to assist in feeding the hungry in our community. We participate in Angel Food ministry, provide the funds each month to purchase the milk at the homeless shelter, assist a neighboring church in providing community meals for the homeless, and recently opened our own food locker. Our Corner Cupboard helps fund both the local food bank and fuel bank each year. We also participate in CROP walks.

Christ Episcopal Church is well known in Norwich for our music program. We host a chamber music series, piano recitals and vocal concerts. We also participate with other city churches, and take turns hosting, a Spiritual Open Mic series.

We have a good relationship with the Diocese, and our pledge is generous and paid in full. We have no debts or loans. We have Diocesan and Deanery delegates with alternates.

Buildings & Grounds

Our church is located at 78 Washington Street in Norwich, Connecticut. The building is an English Gothic, brown Portland sandstone with a black walnut interior. A 1962 explosion destroyed all of the church's stained glass windows except the rear Renaissance-style aisle nave windows depicting the Annunciation and Resurrection. The replacement windows, in the Byzantine Romanesque style, continued the theme of events in the life of Christ with greater realism, originality, perspective, new poses and lighting effects.

Inside, the columns were painted to brighten the place up a bit, though most of the original interior remains intact. We removed three pews at the back of the sanctuary to install our new state-of-the-art Rogers organ.

We have been meeting with contractors to obtain estimates for a new roof which we hope to have installed by October 2010.

The downstairs Pine Room (named for the room's warm pine paneling) is where we meet after services for fellowship, coffee and snacks.

Children of our parishioners, as well as neighborhood children, enjoy our outdoor playground. Some neighborhood kids have joined us for Sunday worship after spending time in the playground. We are working to enhance the exterior of the building by planting perennials on the grounds, and with new flags and signage.

Surrounding our church is the Heritage Trail. It is a fine walk and way to explore Norwich. We are located near to downtown and very convenient to the surrounding areas.

Our rectory is located at 226 Hunters Road, more than a mile from the church itself. It is on a large piece of property with a wooded back yard. The house is a yellow four bedroom Colonial-style home with a two-bay garage. It offers a small patio at the rear entrance to sit and enjoy the quiet serenity of nature. We are in the process of updating and renovating the rectory so it will be ready for move-in by September 2010.

Worship

In our worship, and in our life as a community, we seek to live according to this concise description found at the Episcopal Church Visitor's Welcome Center:
The Episcopal Church strives to live by the message of Christ, in which there are no outcasts and all are welcome. Walking a middle way between Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions, we are a sacramental and worship-oriented church that promotes thoughtful debate about what God is calling us to do and be, as followers of Christ.

At Christ Episcopal Church we worship God in our liturgy with our celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday at 8:00 AM, in the chapel, without music; and at 10:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary, with music including our adult choir.

On the last Sunday of the month we offer a healing service in the chapel, following the worship services. Healing is also available upon request.

We celebrate Morning Prayer on Tuesday at 9:00 AM, and Holy Eucharist on special occasions. Morning Prayer is led by lay leaders, and features our organist.

Our summer worship is combined Sunday morning service at 9 a.m. This gives the entire congregation the chance to see one another–and save us all from the summer heat.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the Holy Sacrament to homebound parishioners, as needed. We also call parishioners we notice are missing to make sure they are ok or ask how we can be helpful.

Our music director leads the choir and arranges supplemental musical offerings - including guitarists, violinists, brass and woodwinds. We enjoy our state-of-the-art Rogers organ, which is superbly outfitted for our sanctuary.

On Sunday mornings, we offer Christian Formation for adults, children and youth as follows:

Adult Formation, 9:15–9:45 a.m.
Rite 13 (for youth from 11-13)
Journey to Adulthood ("J2A" for youth from ages 13-16)

We offer Confirmation instruction for baptized Christians ages 16 and up Other special services include Lenten services of Maundy Thursday, which includes a Christian Seder meal; the Watch at the Altar of Repose; Good Friday services at 12 Noon; and the Great Vigil of Easter on the Saturday eve before Easter Sunday.

Christian Education

The Journey to Adulthood program begins at work toward a public recognition ceremony on their 13th birthday when their gifts of manhood and womanhood are recognized as part of their growing maturity in faith. This program is staffed by a paid director and four volunteers, plus mentors and parental involvement.

As part of the J2A program the youth donate their time and work to fund a pilgrimage which has been conducted by a professional leader from outside the parish. The youth are invited to take a broader role in the parish as they participate in the Sunday liturgy as Lectors and Acolytes. Many volunteer with the Angel Food Ministry distribution day on a monthly basis. After the pilgrimage a confirmation program is offered.

Adult Formation continues with choices to participate in a Sunday morning form, currently studying the Letter to the Romans, led by the Interim Rector. There is a Morning Prayer Worship Service on Tuesday mornings, and two Bible study groups which meet on Thursday mornings. One is currently discussing the upcoming Sunday lectionary readings. The second is studying the Bible, seeking to better understand the presence and place of women throughout the span of Biblical history and faith.

Lay Ministry

Eucharistic Ministers and liturgical participants of all ages assist in a variety of ways. We have openings for:

Ushers
Greeters
Torch Bearers
Crucifers
Servers
Counters

The Sunshine Club contacts missing members via telephone calls, and sends cards to those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, as well as to those who are shut-in or ill.

Hospitality Ministry provides us with the opportunity to meet and greet visitors as part of our Sunday morning coffee hour after both worship services. The coffee hour appeals to extended family members, new and longstanding members, after which we send the children and youth off to their programs.

Angel Food Ministry is a national program that gives us the opportunity each month to provide nutritious groceries at affordable prices to members of our parish–and beyond. Each month, on a Saturday morning, teens and elders from our parish staff grocery pick-up stations set up in the sanctuary while others escort "shoppers" who have placed an order to collect their food.

Episcopal Church Women meet informally on Tuesday mornings, after the Morning Prayer service. We enjoy fellowship time, and support a variety of ministries, including:

Corner Cupboard: Located in the Pine Room, our small thrift shop accepts and re-sells a variety of new and gently used items, including cards, books, some antiques and fine quality kitchen Roda steel knives and implements. We can help with downsizing and offer last-minute gift items at attractive prices, especially for children's pocketbooks. The funds we raise have been contributed to the Norwich Food and Fuel Banks, and occasionally another organization in need.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Prayer shawls are made and given to those whose need comes to our attention.
Seaman's Church Institute: Knitted hats, scarves and vests are made and given. Knitted afghans are made and given to those in need through the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). If you can knit or crochet a 7" x 9" rectangle, you can participate. If you can't knit or crochet and want to learn, someone will gladly teach you how. RSVP also gives hats, mittens, scarves and warm winter boots at Christmastime.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meet in the Pine Room (our parish hall) at 6 PM on Wednesdays.
Norwich Youth meet from 2 PM-4:30 PM on Saturdays.

Outreach & Evangelism

We are seeking to make our presence better known in our community by installing "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" signs to direct those who will come to our variety of outreach programs.

To feed the hungry

We are beginning our own Food Locker so we can assist people who knock on our door. We have contributed food donations to the Norwich Clergy Foodbank.

We give out a number of food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmastime. Many participate in this ministry via a sign-up sheet in the Pine Room and contribute a small item, or a few items so that families in need can more joyfully celebrate these days of giving thanks.

From December to March, we participate with other local organizations to provide pizza to the homeless on Saturday nights at the Norwich Homeless Shelter.

Sunday afternoons. Participants help set up, serve meals and then clean up at the designated site. This is a multi-generational, stewardship offering, and a humbling experience.

To reach a wider community, in the spring of 2009 we became a local site for nationally known Angel Food Ministry. Angel Food Ministry provides low-cost boxes of fresh, frozen and packaged food selected and paid for in advance from menus available in a box outside our side door, and on the Angel Food and our parish websites. Everyone qualifies for Angel Food-there are no restrictions, conditions or forms to fill out. You may use debit cards, cash or Food Stamps and there is no limit on how many boxes you may purchase. Food pick-ups are at CEC between 8 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month.

Many people have joyfully volunteered to help. We offer some office hours for those who wish to come and make their purchase in person. Otherwise, purchases can be made through the Angelfood web site (angelfoodministries.com), or 1-877-FoodMinistry (877-366-3646).

To feed the soaring spirits

In the fall of 2009 we launched the Christ Church School of the Arts, as a nonprofit outreach program. Our Director of Music already offered piano and organ instruction, and we wanted to further support our local youth and artists. This is our good faith offering to help "feed" our Norwich-area community in the arts.

Five faculty musicians now provide instruction in brass, classical guitar, guitar, organ, piano, violin, viola and woodwinds. The school currently enrolls about 40 students, ages 5–84, and offers some scholarship funds. We host an annual recital to allow our students to publicly share their musical accomplishments.

In the near future we will include "Mozart Math" for pre-K and Kindergarteners. This nationally recognized program includes movement and music through singing and percussion experience. This program is known to increase children's mathematical understanding as they begin mathematical studies in elementary school.

We also offer concerts on a quarterly basis. For example, in May 2010, the Genesius String Trio performed "Vienna : Old School," featuring the music of Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart.

Please see ccsarts.org for further information.

Spiritual Open Mic nights take place monthly on at 5 PM on Sunday evenings. They are hosted by various churches in Norwich. Guitarists and others can sign up to perform their favorite spiritual songs and psalms.

Parish Administration

Vestry

The Vestry of Christ Episcopal Church consists of nine members, each elected at the annual meeting for a three-year term. These terms are staggered. The Vestry also includes two wardens, one clerk, one delegate, an alternate delegate and the rector. Vestry meets on the third Tuesday of each month, from September through July.

The Senior Warden also chairs the Pastoral Care Committee; the Junior Warden chairs the Building Maintenance Committee; and the Treasurer chairs the Finance Committee.

Staff

The Parish Administrator is usually the first person someone encounters when contacting Christ Episcopal Church. Her position is part-time, 30 hours per week. She coordinates the events calendar for the church and outside groups; publishes the weekly bulletin and the monthly newsletter (The Clarion); maintains church records; and assists in the daily operations of the parish. She also maintains the accounts payable and works directly with the Treasurer on any needed financial matters.

The full-time music director Jesse Nathan Glaude, conducts the choir which practices on Thursday evenings, and is also the executive director of Christ School of the Arts. The school has a faculty of five, and offers instruction in organ, piano, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings and voice. It currently enrolls 40 students.

Mr. Glaude in 2006 founded the Christ Episcopal Church Chamber Series, designed and supervised the installation of our new Rogers organ. He is a graduate of the Westminster Choir College, and is the dean of the New London County chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He is assisted by an administrative assistant, who works for the school.

The Youth Ministry Coordinator is responsible for Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood. She is assisted by a staff who include three mentors and six teachers.

The Sexton works part-time to maintain the church building and the rectory. She helps prepare for and clean up after events, as well as maintain grounds. Although snow removal in the parking lots is contracted out, the Sexton is responsible for snow and ice removal on sidewalks and steps.

The Treasurer is unpaid, and manages accounts receivable as well as donor and employee tax reports. This individual also prepares financial reports and is responsible for the annual budget.

Volunteers

The church could not run without our dedicated volunteers, including:

The Alter Guild

Set up the altar for every service, including the chapel
Change the colors according to the church calendar
Arrange flowers for the Sunday services
Maintain and replace altar linens
Schedule the ordering of palms for Palm Sunday
Order wine, wafers, candles and oil
Write a report for the annual meeting

Priests are responsible for their own vestments.

Lay Eucharist Visitors

The rector is responsible for training these important volunteers.

We provide communion for homebound parishioners in health care facilities or in private homes. Lay ministers visit alone or in pairs once a month.

Others

Ministers of communion, servers, crucifers, torch bearers, nursery attendants and ushers/ greeters are all essential to the smooth running of our church.

Episcopal Church Women maintain the Corner Cupboard (gift shop), and knit for the Merchant Marine Service, afghans for nursing home patients and prayer shawls for those in need.

Our Goals & Expectations

Goals

We have identified these four goals as the most important for Christ Episcopal Church and our next rector:

Increase and retain membership.
Encourage, identify, foster and increase participation in individual ministry.
Reestablish a pastoral care committee.
Foster cultural bridge-building and youth/young adult development.

Expectations

We expect our next rector be able to:

Manage the affairs of the congregation and its relationships within the diocese, including programs, organizations and finances.
Lead in the design and implementation of comprehensive programs of Christian education.
Reshape or restart existing ministries.
Train and lead persons to proclaim by word and action the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to invite others into Christian fellowship.
Support congregational ministry through music, e.g. lead, inspire, perform, compose, train and coordinate.
Equip and serve the community of faith by ministering to persons in need within and beyond the congregation.
Care for people so they are nurtured and equipped for growth within the community of faith.
Preach with clarity and make the Gospel relevant to people's lives.
Enable our members to become aware of and participate in community concerns and encourage others in the formation and development of a deeper spiritual life.
Lead in the development and use of individual and congregational resources.
Teach members of all ages to understand and live the Christian faith.
Use the gift of pastoral care by visiting members in their homes.
Inspire the youth and incorporate them into the full life and ministry of the church.

Further Expectations

Our new rector should be able to listen to various points of view, foster productive communication, demonstrate a collegial yet firm leadership style, be able to formulate and strategically plan for and achieve a goal-oriented vision, and possess sufficient humility and adaptability to reformulate strategy as circumstances require while continuing to press toward achieving our shared goals and vision.

What Our Next Rector Can Expect of Us

We the people of Christ Episcopal Church commit ourselves to being:

Warm and welcoming, enthusiastic and supportive.
Supportive of our new rector's ministries.
Open to change.
Patient with the new rector during the transition.
Willing and eager to cooperate.
Ready to meet new challenges.
Dedicated to the continued growth of the parish.
Able to offer a newly refurbished rectory.

Stewardship & Finances

At Christ Episcopal Church, stewardship is more than the Every Member Pledge Canvass. Over the past 10 years we have strived to emphasize that Christian stewardship involves a strong commitment to mission and the giving of not only one's treasure, but also of one's time and talent. By looking beyond ourselves and sharing God's gifts with others, we become greater stewards of His grace. We believe that stewardship is about all that we do with all that we have, all of the time.

Please see our complete "Parish Profile" [.pdf] for Pledging, Finanace Committee, Fiscal Realities, and Budget Summary.