Real Men Can Cook


The Real Men Can Cook (and also clean up) Committee was conceived in 1994 during a brainstorm session of the Church Council. Its purpose is to afford the men of Christ's Church and of the Saxtons River community, an opportunity to engage in a social enterprise with the additional benefit of support to the church as well as to other area charitable efforts and needs. These public suppers are highly anticipated by area residents, with Milt Bellow's Old Fashioned Yankee Pot Roast Suppers receiving broad acclaim.
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Senior Choir

The Senior Choir is a long-standing volunteer organization, participating in Sunday worship each week and in special services during the year. The group has changed over the years and is now about six members, all women. They rehearse for 45 minutes before each Sunday service and are able to sing in up to three parts. During holiday seasons, the group is usually augmented by former members and family members so that they are able to sing more challenging music. The choir has always been identified by its faithfulness and willingness to be present at every service. Another unique trait is its flexibility as the members are able to present appropriate music no matter how many are present on any particularly week. 'Through the years, the choir has worked around family situations, illness, education, and other demands on time, but has remained committed. We are proud of being able to participate in each service and hope that there will be a choir at Christ's Church for many more years.(back to top

Bell Choir

Bell Choir 4th of July

Christ’s Church Handbell Choir Christ’s Church Bell Choir, also known as the Saxtons River Ringers, began in the late 1980’s with memorial gifts in memory of a longtime Saxtons River resident, Donald Musgrove. Extensive fund raising by the music committee of Christ’s Church provided enough additional funds to purchase 2 octaves of Schulmerich Handbells and rehearsals began in the fall of 1989 with Mary Jane Bosworth as director. Eventually a 3rd octave of bells was also purchased.

In June 1991 the choir attended the Area I American Guild of English Handbell Ringers’ Festival at UVM in Burlington, VT. This 4 -day conference of workshops and rehearsals culminated in a spectacular concert featuring over 700 ringers!

Since that time the choir has attended numerous Area I Festivals and Annual Spring Rings. They have provided music for Sunday worship service, Christmas concerts for the annual Village Tree – Lighting, music for several memorial services, performed at the Springfield Library, and recently provided music for Brenda Thomson and Rick Barbour’s wedding in the hills of Topsham.

New members are welcome at any time! (back to top)

Children's Hand Chime Choir

Children of all ages are invited to join a hand chime choir which will be meeting on Sundays at 3:45 to 4:15 p.m., immediately before afternoon worship. Chimes are easier to strike than handbells, but equally rewarding to play. If you know of a child who would enjoy this activity, please let Mary Jane Bosworth know.  (back to top)

Rhythmic Dancers

Rhythmic Dancers

Our Rhythmic Choir was formed in the late 70’s and was made up of young people in our Youth Group. However, over the years it has developed into a group for all ages from teens through senior-aged members. We participate in all our Christmas Eve Services – as a Candle Choir, develop and participate in an Easter Sunrise Service as well as special occasions at our church. The Choir provides an opportunity for fellowship as we work on worship through movement depicting praise or telling a story. We do not meet at a regular time, but set a schedule geared to that of our participants as we prepare for a particular service. We are always open to and invite new members. Choreography is set within the range of individual physical abilities and dance “experience” is not necessary. (back to top)

Prayer Circle

The Prayer Circle has about twelve members, no meetings,dues,fund raisers or telephone calls to make. Most of the participants are members of Christ's Church, but anyone who feels called to pray for others is welcome to join us. Most requests for prayer are sent by
e-mail but occasionally they have been delivered in person or by phone. Prayer Circle participants are asked to keep the individuals in their thoughts and prayers throughout their day. Those who have requested or received prayer have reported they have been very appreciative of the support and feel it made a difference for the person in need of prayer and for the supporting families and friends as well. For more information, to request prayers for a loved one, or to join the Prayer Circle, send a message to the minister on the contacts page. (back to top)

Micah Circle

The Micah Circle represents the governing body of Christ’s Church. Micah 5:8 is our guiding scripture…”And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?”
The Micah Circle was instituted a few years ago and represents a change from the traditional Church Council and has been evolving ever since its inception. Members commit to a one year term and work with other Micah members in conducting the business of the church. With the above scripture in mind, the Circle takes care of immediate matters but strives to make sure there is meaningful worship and educational opportunities, to encourage others to volunteer and serve where there is a need, to make sure there is good communication, dialog and feedback with the congregation in decision making and any interests brought before it. It also strives for good communication and interaction within our village…and beyond.
The Micah Circle usually meets once a month and oversees a monthly congregational meeting. New members to the Circle are elected at the Annual Meeting of the Church. Present members are: Ed Warner, Susan Warner, Wanda Salter, David Moore, Elaine Bowen, Beth Smallheer, Barbara Bye, Lynn Wickberg and Susie Webster-Toleno. (back to top)

Church School

Our church currently school meets on Thursday afternoons from 3-4 p.m. The children are taught some of the basic stories of our faith and led in activities that reinforce the values of our congregation. They are taught by the fearless trio of Jane Cook, Roberta Geist, and Rev. Susie. Newcomers are always welcome -- but remember, when there's no public school, there's no church school!  (back to top)

Women's Fellowship

Women's fellowship

The membership of Women's fellowship includes all women of the church and is also open to women in the community who wish to fellowship with us. In keeping with our stated purpose to cultivate the spirit of Christ in every area of human life, the Women's Fellowship continues to support missions both at home and abroad. Our Missions include Christ's Church, Our Place and Kurn Hattin locally, Food for Life in Africa and Concern America in Columbia.

Most meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month during the school year. December dates include:

December 3th at 1:00: The annual Christmas Tea with Eric Robinson's traditional story-reading and Christmas sing-a-long. Please join us and bring a friend.

December 10th at noon: Kurn Hattin Christmas Luncheon and Concert. Members, spouse and other invited guests are welcome. Since reservations are required for this event, Executive Board members will be calling to see if you are planning to attend.

Members of the Executive Board: Marj Adams, Susan Warner, Roberta Geist, Mary Jane Bosworth, Eloise Chevrier, Elaine Bowen, Arnice Long and Louise Morse. (back to top)

THE BLUE DOOR KIDS 'FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

The blue door on the back parking lot of the church has welcomed kids and adults for five summers. Begun as a way to make up for the absence of free and reduced price lunches available to kids during the school year, it soon became a welcoming place for all children, teens and adults to meet over a simple lunch from Mondays to Fridays during the weeks of summer vacation. The menu is simple and kid-approved -- sandwiches, cookies fruit and drinks. Specials include mac and cheese, grilled cheese, ice cream cones and pizza, all on special days of the week.

We have welcomed family groups, mothers with young children, baby-sitters with their charges, and visiting grandparents. This past summer we opened our doors to the kids at the Saxtons River Rec Area day camp. Board games are available for rainy days and we were visited this past summer by a literacy group who held a story hour and distributed free books. Most days the staff consists of two adults and perhaps a teen earning community service credit. It has proved to be a rewarding experience for Blue Door . (back to top

The Monday Morning Coffee Place

Initially begun as a place to sit with friends over a cup of coffee on a Monday morning when local restaurants were closed, this group has been meeting for more than ten years now. It was originally set up at small tables in the side hall of the downstairs level, but after the death of one of its founders, Helen Frey, the meeting place was moved to the church dining room so that the kitchenette could be renovated in Helen's honor. From the beginning, regular and decaf coffees were served along with one or two selections of home-baked goodies. A regular crowd soon gathered, not only Christ's Church people, but neighbors, friends and an occasional tourist who saw our sign.

The informal conversations which take place over coffee every Monday are often as intense and informative as any study group, and we are regularly joined by our pastor, Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno. The group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. each Monday and new faces are always welcome! (back to top)