Christ Episcopal Church
Welcomes You 803 Church Avenue Mena, AR The Rt. Rev. Larry R. BenďŹ eld 13th Bishop of Arkansas 479-216-2645 The Rev. David Benham Est. 1899
Clergy
OUR MISSION We strive to reflect God’s love in non-judgmental service to our families and neighbors.
Christ Episcopal Church
Welcomes You 803 Church Avenue Mena, AR 479-216-2645 Est. 1899
To all who are weary and need rest, To all who are friendless and desire friendship, To all who believe in God and wish to worship Him, To all who are grateful and would give thanks,
The Rt. Rev. Larry R. Benfield 13th Bishop of Arkansas The Rev. David Benham Clergy
Monthly Schedule of Services
9:30 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM Fellowship 11:00 AM Morning Prayer/Holy Communion* *Subject to change in Visiting Priest’s schedule
To all who know sin and need the Savior: Christ Episcopal Church opens wide its doors and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ bids you “WELCOME”.
SERVICES
raised the remaining money needed to build the church and provide altar linens, choir and clergy 9:30 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM Fellowship vestments, and carpeting. 11:00 AM Morning Prayer/Holy Communion *Subject to The corner stone of the first church building was change in Visiting Priest’s schedule laid on January 19, 1899. The number of registered parishioners listed in 1900 was 48; number of CLERGY families 12. David D. Benham The original building, a frame structure was was ordained to the destroyed by fire on March 8, 1967. Services were priesthood at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Little Rock, held in the parish house until the new church could Arkansas. Soon, he was assigned to St. Andrew’s be completed. The church was rebuilt and dedicated Episcopal Church in Rogers, Arkansas, were he served on November 19, 1969 by the Right Rev. Robert R. as Priest-in-Charge for five years. During his retireBrown, Bishop of Arkansas. Most of the furnishings ment, he has served as celebrant for churches while from the original church were saved from the fire are they were seeking a permanent priest. Among these incorporated into the are St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Fort Smith, present building. Arkansas, All Saints in Bentonville, All Saints in Ten percent of our Russellville and St. Theodore’s in Bella Vista. annual budget is deDuring his earliest years, Rev. Benham resided in signated for community the home of his grandfather, Tonemah, who was one of outreach. In addition, the first converts to Christianity among the Kiowa we are joined as a companion congregation with the Indians in southwest Oklahoma, near present-day Fort Rosebud Episcopal Mission in South Dakota which Sill. He attended public schools in Oklahoma and ministers to the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Arkansas. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; Masters in ALTAR GUILD Religious Education from SouthAny member from our congregation can particiwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, pate in the Altar Guild. Thisgroup of parishiners are Texas; and Doctorate of Ministry from Golden Gate responsible for dressing the altar and pulpit for the Theological Seminary, San Fransisco, California. He is different church seasons; maintaining the candles married to Angie Evans Benham, a clinical psycholoand cleaning the chalice and plate according to gist, and they are the parents of three children, six ritual. Training is available for anyone wishing to grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. volunteer.
CHURCH HISTORY
Christ Episcopal Church of Mena was organized as
a mission in 1899 and was admitted to the Diocese of Arkansas in 1900. The Right Reverend William R. Brown, Bishop of Arkansas, made a pledge of two hundred dollars to the St. Agnes Guild (later changed to St. Mary’s Guild) to assist with construction of the church. The congregation and the women of the Guild
HOLY COMMUNION
We welcome to Christ’s Table those who have been admitted to the Holy Communion within their own church and who wish to participate in this Eucharistic offering. Morning Prayer/Holy Communion observed *Sunday at the 11:00 AM service. *Subject to visiting Priest’s schedule.
CHURCH WOMEN
The Guild was founded in 1899 and has been an important part of the life of the church ever since. The Guild holds a rummage sale in spring and a bazaar in the fall. Funds raised by these activities go exclusively to support community out reach. In December the Guild participates in the Swaddling Clothes Project which supplies warm clothing for newborns, food items, mittens and gloves for adults and children and other requested items to Rosebud Missions. GUILD MEETINGS 3rd Thursday of each month.
MONTHLY OUTINGS
Our congregation enjoys periodic socials through out the year! Outdoor adventures and trips throughout Arkansas, cook-outs, game nights, taking in a play at the local Ouachita Little Theater as well as other local events.
BULLETINS
If you are interested in receiving a copy of our calendarplease contact: jillcombs@sbcglobal.net We also have a Facebook page for you to view and like at /Christ Episcopal Church, Mena, AR . It is here you can find news of our various activities, upcoming events, and postings on the church family.
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You
We invite you to come and worship with us. We believe you will leave refreshed in the Spirit. We look forward to seeing you and your family at one of our services soon.