Yes folks, it’s October and the fall season is well underway - and so are the many activities that Christ Church has become famous for. This month we’ll all have the opportunity to share in the “May Ham Dinner” on October 4 which has raised a good deal of money so far thanks to the generous contributions of parishioners and friends of Christ Church.

Chairperson Colin Reed tells us that there are well over 110 food sponsors; in fact, you may have noticed the names of two Japanese ladies on the list and on the commemorative menu and wanted to know more. Well, it seems that when Colin’s sister, Barbara, who lives in St. Alban’s, England, was co-chair of the dinner some years back she was telling two Japanese house guests about the May Ham Dinner and they promptly donated ten pounds to our cause. In fact, 21 people who have no connection to Christ Church but wanted to support our feeding ministry, have contributed well over $400.

Do you remember when Frank Kehoe took a week to make the vichyssoise for the May Ham Dinner several years ago and lost his valuable ring somewhere among the four large garbage containers that Barbara sorted through to find the ring? When she found it, Frank proposed marriage, but Barbara went happily back home the way she came. By the way, thanks to this year’s May Ham Dinner we’ve all had a chance to share in a sight that’s been most unusual - and in some cases frightening: Colin Reed in a shirt and tie on a Sunday morning! As part of his fund raising efforts - and thanks to the generous donation of one of our parishioners - we were all treated to the “formal” Colin Reed for several weeks during the summer.

And speaking of vichyssoise, this year our own Victor Stanwick has taken it upon himself to provide us with this delectable delicacy. And speaking of Victor (please pardon the really BAD segue,) please take a moment to check out the finely crafted bible stand that he designed and built. It is currently located in the Vestry room and holds the Christ Church bible that has been an integral part of our parish for many, many years.

For the past two months the Tower Chimes has been enhanced by the exceptional writing of our own Susan Fowler. And for those of you who can’t get enough of her short stories, you’ll also be able to find them from time to time in selected issues of The Staten Island Register. Bravo, Susan!

This year the membership of the Christ Church choir has been increased by the addition of two lovely young ladies to our soprano section. We welcome Stephanie and Christina Santiago, daughters of Elvis Santiago, who have been attending Sunday morning rehearsals for the past few weeks as they prepare to join us for Sunday services. These two talented young ladies, who currently attend IS 61 here on Staten Island, have many musical talents to share - not only can they sing, but they are also accomplished violinists. Both began their training at a young age, have both won scholarships, and continue to take lessons. Perhaps one day they’ll favor us with a short “pre-service” recital on a Sunday morning. It’s also good to have Ann Sohm back with us in the choir in one piece. She took a rather nasty fall this summer and injured her wrist.

By the way, have you noticed the melodious new Anglican chant that the choir has been using for the weekly Sunday morning psalm. This piece was written by organist and choir director, Tom Sarff, especially for the choir. Tom has written many short pieces for the choir - mainly in the form of hymn descants for the soprano and alto sections.

Congratulations to Gail Bernardez, a recent recipient of the bronze medal for shuffleboard during the 2003 Senior Olympics in Cortlandt, New York. This week-long sports extravaganza took place from June 10 through 15 and was a great opportunity to make new friends and participate in some interesting and challenging events. This was a very busy and joyous summer for Gail, especially when her daughter and son-in-law left their current home in Paris to spend a month here on Staten Island with Gail.

It’s so good to see Paul Smith’s smiling face back on the altar on Sunday mornings. His children’s sermons, during the summer and at the 9:00 a.m. Family Service, have been both inspirational and entertaining for the parents and children alike. In addition, both Paul and Victor have been doing yeoman service on Sunday mornings while Father Michael has been away on sabbatical. They continue to make our visiting clergy feel right at home and are always there to lend a hand and help them through any “rough spots” during the services.

And let us not forget the extra time and efforts of our two wardens - Richard Sigman and Nick Lettiere - during Father Michael’s absence. Both of these hard working gentlemen have been spending extra time at the church, assuring that things continue to run smoothly. By the way, Father Michael returns to us next month and he’ll be back to celebrate services on Sunday, November 2.

Our condolences to Father Michael on the passing of his dad, Earl Allen. Mr. Allen had been sick for several months and during the past few weeks of his life had been under hospice care in Idaho.

That’s it for now. If you’ve got news to share about yourselves or family members please be sure to let us know.