“I look forward to attending service each week, even more so when I’m serving on a ministry team. Whether it’s greeting parishioners when they enter church as a Welcome Ambassador, delivering God’s words as a Lector, or feeding them as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. The connection I feel with them and serving with others, fills my heart with joy and gratitude.” -Tim Smalarz
“I’ve been deeply moved by the many cards I’ve received and the prayers offered by people of all ages during my recovery from a stroke. Morning prayer and the Thursday Bible Study on Zoom has sustained me, as has our Eucharistic visitors who have brought communion to my home. Thank you for the many gifts of time and care. They have helped me weather the storms of life.” -Betsy LaVela
“When I hear our clergy welcome ALL to communion – whoever you are and wherever you find yourself – I’m filled with emotion. Being part of a community whose leadership voices the wideness of the God’s table restores my hope in the power of transforming love.” – Rachel Ippel-Redman
“When I come into the sanctuary, there is such a presence of God, in the beauty, the laughter, the community. It helps me step out of my busyness. I am able to turn off my phone and leave all my cares at the door — at least for the next hour or so — and to reconnect with the deep truth of my life and my faith. It’s a spiritual recharge that I look forward to each week!” – Kathy Myers
“Christ Church of Cranbrook has blessed me with opportunity after opportunity to use the gifts God has given me to serve others in ways I could never have imagined. And every time I say yes, it shifts my focus outward and generates feelings of such fulfillment and gratitude.” -Victoria Jump
“I am nourished by the CCC community. When at the altar rail, or in a small group, or assembling dinners for those who are homeless, or in learning in a Sunday forum, or praying the Prayers of the People, Christ is in our midst. I am blessed when I receive Christ from you and blessed when I am able to share the love of Christ with you. The CCC community anchors me, provides me opportunities for service, supports spiritual friendship, and spiritual growth.” -Frances Hammond
You can partner with Christ Church Cranbrook in the work of feeding the spiritually hungry by making a pledge for 2026. You can make your pledge today by going to christchurchcranbrook.org/pledge!
Despite life’s challenges, I feel a strong sense of God’s presence and peace at Christ Church Cranbrook. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Him. Greeting the members at the start of our services is a truly rewarding experience that gives me a sense of belonging. I am thankful to be a member of Christ Church Cranbrook.
I am so blessed to be a member of Christ Church Cranbrook. On Sunday Mornings, I find such peace sitting in the pew waiting for the service to begin. Communion is especially comforting knowing all are invited. The people are so inclusive and friendly from the greeters to the clergy. I feel I have found my home.
From the first time I entered Christ Church Cranbrook on Christmas Eve 2024 to hear the choir sing Handel’s Messiah, I have felt the sense of community and the love of Christ. I came back for Christmas brunch and Father Bill was serving ginger cookies to everyone on a tray. I attended the wonderful women’s retreat and have served at coffee hour. It’s been almost a year and the love and acceptance here continues to renew my faith and warm my heart.