Christ Church Cranbrook truly feeds my soul. When I’m there, whether for service or for a meeting, I feel wrapped in a community of caring people—a mix of backgrounds, ages, and stories, all coming together with kindness and purpose. I always leave feeling lighter and better than when I arrived. I’m proud of the work we do together and grateful to be part of a place where hearts are open, people show up for one another, and faith is lived out in meaningful ways. – Jill Bednas
It is the people of the church which have spiritually nourished and inspired me. Following your example has also helped me grow and to find myself in a world of way too much noise. And, it has led me to work with the homeless, food pantries and most recently, helping immigrants impacted by the mass deportations. The need for change is very large, but it helps to know I can contribute in a small way to righting some of the injustices happening around us. – Donna Censoni
“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
“The Church nourishes my soul with its commitment to helping those in need. Through outreach, the Church lifts not only my spirit but also the spirits of the brothers and sisters I may never meet.” – Marcia Wilkinson
“After leaving my former church of 30 years, I searched for a church home and knew from the first service at Christ Church Cranbrook that I had found my spiritual home. It offered me a place to serve, to offer my gifts and to grow spiritually — it’s had a profound impact on the way I live and think. The support and love of clergy, staff and friends during the death of my husband held and uplifted me when I didn’t see a way forward. Many weekdays I went to church to sit quietly, pray and think. Christ Church Cranbrook has nourished my soul in countless ways, and I’m humbly grateful.” – Linda Truxell
“The willingness of people to come together to help those who are needy and also the harmony of people working together. In my mind Jesus is visualized as reaching out to help the needy and that gives me spiritual happiness.” – Rachel Duggal
“For me it’s the music that takes me away from the mundane and points me closer to God.” – Rob Carrigan
Christ Church Cranbrook is a place of beauty to behold and music to soothe. Its clergy provide spiritual guidance and celebrate God’s glory with love, insight, and humor. There is community to feel included and outreach to feel of service. Life is full of blessings and loss and mystery, and the church provides the place to contemplate it all on the path to peace. – Susan Learman
For us it’s “home!” The church has nourished our family by guiding us through the rituals of spiritual as well as everyday life – creating space and support for baptisms, weddings, and funerals; providing ways to give our time and gifts to the community; offering myriad educational opportunities to better understand our Episcopal faith and the teachings of the Bible; and allowing us to come and go as life requires us, while always welcoming us back “home.” – Kristen and Jim Goran
The church is such a blessing in my life. The services, sermons, small groups, as well as outreach opportunities have afforded me the opportunity to be truly connected to an amazing community. I felt especially blessed this past summer as my daughter was hospitalized with some significant health issues and members of the congregation reached out to me with calls, cards, texts, visits, offers for meals and flowers and consistent prayers. I truly felt the power of God’s love and community during a very challenging time for our family, and I’m grateful and blessed for so many individuals in the congregation that reached out, some of whom I didn’t even know well, to show His love. – Steven Tyshka
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! – Nancy Taylor
Christ Church Cranbrook lifts my spirits. It gets me out of my head and into a community where we can deal with issues of life and death and learn how to love each other even if we disagree. And it literally lifts my heart and soul when I walk into the beautiful building and the high roof and the windows draw my mind and my eyes up. This church has given me space to make a better life and become a better person. – Marla Carew
I pledge because it’s important to support the church’s mission and operations — but also because it’s so important to have a reserve so that we can help to meet the unexpected needs in our local community and beyond, especially in these financially trying times. – Ed Burke
On November 22/23, we invite everyone who considers Christ Church Cranbrook to be their spiritual home to consider making a pledge to support the mission and ministry of this church in 2026. Please pray about how Christ Church Cranbrook feeds you and how you might be called to give this year. You can make your pledge anytime here.
Questions? Contact Father Chris: charris@christchurchcranbrook.org