SaintChris Newsletter 3rd Quarterly 2009

StChristopher’s Quarterly Edition: Fall 2009 Page 1

St. Christopher’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church and Montessori School

NEWSLETTER

Headmaster/Rector’s Remarks

In the book “Tale of Two Cities,” the author begins . . . “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” While the opening to Dickens’ book has almost

become cliché, the truth of his words written so many years ago are no less true today.

This is the toughest economic climate since the Great Depression. Economists indicate that many of us have compensated

by lifestyle choice changes: cutting back on spending, increasing saving when possible, and defining or redefining our values. This is happening on international, national,

local, and family levels concurrently.Old models for planning are under

scrutiny. It behooves us to consider the

intrinsic values of life as we plan for the future. Here are some things to consider.

➙ The church is available pastorally. I have had an increasing number of requests for help. Economic stress is the most significant factor for marital

relationships according to psychologists.

Job loss, upside down property values, and a host of other issues are taking a toll on many among us. Our church and school family can help, so don’t suffer alone.

➙ Be intentional about defining

values. This is a great opportunity to

increase our spirituality. Doing so will give us more

depth of character to face difficulties. Values based spirituality is

lived, not just learned. Applying Christian values daily will positively influence our family and loved ones. It will

help us identify with others who can pray for you and help with difficulties you are experiencing.➙ Another benefit of being

intentional about spiritual values: you will be helping others. This is a win-win situation. The worst of times can

be transformed into the best of times.

Regarding the School - Laura Miller

As we embark on the 2009/2010 school year, I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you” to all school parents, parishioners and our faculty for enduring the challenges of summer construction. The children are now busy at work in their beautiful new preschool surroundings. Last Sunday’s Preschool

Dedication and Barbeque was a very well attended and joyous occasion.

Admissions have been busy since the opening day of school. Several new students have joined the St. Christopher’s family. We continue to receive applicants for the current year and now begin the admissions process for 2010-2011! Our first Admissions Open House and Tour is Thursday, October 8th, at 9:30 a.m. In addition, our faculty will present a full morning Montessori Workshop on October 20th. Both are wonderful opportunities for perspective families and current families to learn about our educational philosophy and how our Montessori program and materials offer the finest preschool and elementary experience.

With four new faculty members, our faculty is well rounded, rested and excited to begin a new year. At our August 24 faculty meeting, members received lap top computers thanks to the generous underwriting of our PTO. Your school campus is now wired!

Our students arrived eager to learn and optimistic about the possibilities life holds in store for them at St. Christopher’s this year. What a blessing to guide each of them as they realize their greatest potential. We look forward to a great year!

St. Christopher’s Partners with Seraphic Fire for 2009-2010 Season Concerts beginning October1stFounded in 2002 by Artistic Director Patrick Dupré Quigley, the chamber choir Seraphic Fire

Excellent

95 Harbor Dr. Key Biscayne, FL 33149 ✠ 305-361-5080 ✠ www.stchriskb.org

Story Continued on Page 4

50th Anniversary Year

StChristopher’s Quarterly Edition: Fall 2009 Page 2

Mission ForwardHabitat Build Day held Saturday, June 17Early in the morning, a stalwart and determined group from St. Christopher’s headed off the “Bubble” and journeyed to North Miami for the Key Biscayne Habitat Build Day. While most of those in attendance

were members of the church, there were others from the village that went to help. The day went well. Wall frames went up on the inside of the home and shingles were nailed onto the roof. By day end, all were tired from the work well done. Thanks to all involved. We’ll do it again.

First Fridays ContinueFirst Fridays at the Community Center for the Homeless .... A great way to serve the Lord by serving the hungry and homeless. Each First Friday of the month all who can make it are encouraged to meet at the church at 4:45 PM and serve about 400 meals to families and individuals living at the Chapman Homeless Assistance Center located at 1550 North Miami Avenue in downtown Miami. Faith at Work funds pay for the food.Call Joanna 305-361-2846 or Ricardo 305-476-9880 for info.

Sunday School - Christian FormationWhen Sunday School classes resumed in September. Children were excited about the

new direction it is taking. They are coming into church involved in

bringing the offerings forward, and they are energized.

What is making the difference? New

leadership. Meg Holderman and others are thinking creatively, reaching children at their level and providing an interactive learning environment.

The first week, a tent was set up in the parish hall and the library was the staging area for sand art.

Last Sunday, Father Burt led the class on sacraments, liturgy, and Holy Communion at a level that was meaningful

and understandable for the children.This coming Sunday children are asked

to wear cloths that they may never be able to wear again. It’s going to be messy fun!

Call Meg for details: 305-365-7780.

Many of the titles are specifically to help you with values and spirituality.

The Book LibraryThere is a new book library located by the

kitchen counter in the Parish Hall. The books are donated and are freely lent out to anyone who finds a title interesting of helpful. We are going to

link book reviews and other information on the website in the near future.

StChristopher’s Quarterly Edition: Fall 2009 Page 3

Preschool RenovationsThe work is done! Except for a few punch list items. And the classrooms are beautiful. The feedback from everyone has been awesome.A special thanks to the members of the Steering Committee and to Tom Weber our Project Manager.

From the PTOOn behalf of St. Christopher's PTO, I

would like to send a warm welcome to all new and returning families to an exciting new school year packed with fun-filled events. We hope that you had a wonderful and relaxing summer.

The PTO is comprised of parents, teachers, Father Burt and our directress Laura Miller, who are committed to providing a quality education experience for all St. Christopher's children, as well as, enhancing the Parent-Teacher relationship. For those who have attended, the PTO meetings have been a great source of information and community contacts. The PTO sponsors and contributes to many wonderful aspects of your child's education: school equipment, lessons for the classrooms and in-house field trips to name a few.

In order to support these initiatives, your PTO board has worked hard planning a calendar of events and fundraisers for the 2009-2010 school year. Our major sales fundraiser this year will be Square 1 Art

and our ongoing fundraiser is Greenraising; the profits from these help support our many programs and events. In addition, we will have a spring fundraiser with silent auction, parent dinner, field day,

casino night, book fair and many in-house field trips for our children including visits from the Children's Theater, Women's World Chess Champion Grandmaster Alexandra Kosteniuk, New World Symphony, Lego League and International Dancers to name a few.More information about the PTO is available in several ways: the PTO Planner, the St. Christopher's website at

www.stchriskb.com and the PTO meetings. You are encouraged to come to our PTO meetings and find out for yourself what’s going on at St. Christopher's. One of the best investments you can make in your child is being involved with their school and PTO is a fun & easy way to do it. PTO meetings are scheduled for Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall on September 17 and April 22. With your help we are looking forward to an AMAZING 2009-2010.

Holly GiovannettiPTO President

Grilled Mahi Mahi Ceviche StyleIngredients4 skinless mahi-mahi fillets,

approximately 2 pounds2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 cup diced red onion1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 tablespoon minced jalapeno1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed1/4 cup tequila

1 tablespoon olive oil1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro leavesDirections

Rub the fillets with kosher salt and set aside. In a non-reactive bowl, combine the onion, lime juice, orange juice, jalapeno, sugar and tequila. Mix to dissolve the sugar, and add the fillets to the bowl. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2

hours, turning the fillets once after 1 hour. Remove the fillets from the marinade and set it aside. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels and lightly coat with the olive oil.

Heat a grill to high and place the fillets over direct heat until they are just cooked through - opaque at the center but still moist, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side.

While the fish is grilling, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan and heat until it is reduced to

about 3/4 cup. Using tongs, remove the fillets to serving plates and divide sauce equally among them. Top with the cilantro.

Submitted by: Holly Giovannetti

Holly Giovannetti

StChristopher’s Quarterly Edition: Fall 2009 Page 4

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SAILING

StChristopher’s by-the-Sea Episcopal

Church and Montessori School

95 Harbor Drive ✠ Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Blessing and BBQWe blessed the newly renovated

classrooms on Sunday, September 20th, beginning at 4:30 PM, followed by a BBQ. Students used sprigs to sprinkle

water blessed by Father Burt in the classrooms. The classrooms were properly baptized!

Thanks to the PTO for the great meal from Shorty’s BBQ.

has garnered critical acclaim both locally and nationally. Lauded by the Miami Herald as “one of the best choirs anywhere,” Seraphic Fire brings together talented young singers from

across the country for cutting-edge concerts of rarely heard classical music. The group continues to build on their reputation for giving dynamic

performances. Artistic Director Quigley was recently featured in Ocean Drive Magazine, which credited the young ensemble with “putting

a fresh, hip face on classical music.”Tickets may be purchased for individual

concerts or for the entire season. Seraphic Fire’s Concert at Christmas at the Adrian Archt Center

for the Performing Arts is an annual sellout, with season ticket subscribers gaining access before the general public. www.seraphicfire.org for tickets.

St. Christopher’s is delighted to partner with this exceptional group, adding greater diversity to our music offerings for residents of Key Biscayne

and the surrounding Miami community. Other music venues include Taizé and the

¡Celebration! service. The Taizé services are held each first Sunday beginning at 7:00 PM. This

candlelight service with contemplative sacred music really feeds the soul.

¡Celebration! is a family oriented service held

in the garden area weather permitting or in the parish hall if rainy. It is for the young and young of heart. ¡Celebration! Services are held on the

3rd Sunday of the month beginning at 5:30 PM.

Seraphic Fire Concert Series

Calendar at a glanceWorship Opportunities:• Sunday 10 AM worship & Sunday

School

• Wednesday Chapel (everyone welcome) 9 AM church

• Wednesday Healing Service, Noon

• 1st Sunday Taize, 7:00 PM church

• 3rd Sunday Celebration, 5:30 PM in the garden (weather permitting)

• Wednesday, October 7th, Blessing of the Animals - in the garden, 9 AM

Seraphic Fire, Thursday, Oct. 1, in the church at 7:30 PM, reception with wine and hoursderves proceeding at 6:30 PM

Taizé, Sunday, Oct. 4, 7 PM, in the church.

Book club meetings scheduled. The first one Wed., Oct. 14th, library at 6:00 PM lite meal provided, so RSVP office please. Book: “The Shack.”

Back to school parent dinner, parish hall, Oct. 15th at 6:30 PM eBlast forthcoming.

¡Celebration! Service, Oct. 18th, 5:30 PM in the garden, meal following

Scouts Meeting, Oct. 21, parish hall

Sock Hop, Friday, Oct. 30 parish hall 6 PM

Saraphic Fire, Nov. 2, church at 7:30 PM

First Fridays, Nov. 6th, 4:45 PM, meet in the church parking lot

Taizé, Sunday, Nov 8th, 7 PM church

Diocesan Convention, Nov. 13-14, Key West

¡Celebration! Service, 5:30 PM, October 18, garden

First Friday, Dec. 4th, 4:45 PM, meet at church

Seraphic Fire, Dec. 10, church 7:30 PM preceded by reception 6:30 PM

School Christmas Show, Dec 16th, 9 AM church

(Cont. From p. 1)