Christ Episcopal Church helps people near and far

HURON — Christ Episcopal Church has strong roots in the Huron community. The historic church, at 120 Ohio St., offers regular services at 10 a.m. Sunday and a 5 p.m. service between Memorial and Labor days. On Sundays, about 60 people gather at the church, which bases its teachings on the gospel. During the week, the church offers a healing service at 7 p.m. every third Wednesday and a time for teaching and prayer 9 a.m. Wednesday. Adult groups also meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 10:30 a.m. Fridays to study Biblical teachings.Father Michael Floyd, who is originally from Australia, has been with the church since November 2015, just one month after he was ordained in the Episcopalian Church. He went into ministry after spending several years in a Christian theater group called the Covenant Players."It's been a growing experience," Floyd said. "This is my first time as a priest in charge, which is a three-year initial appointment and then the congregation decides if you should stay. We're in talks with me staying."Christ Episcopal Church is actively involved in the community, allowing an Alcoholics Anonymous to meet at 8 p.m. Wednesdays. During the school year, it hosts tutoring sessions for Shawnee Elementary students at 3:30 p.m Thursdays.The church supports the Huron Community Food Bank and has a free food bank box outside of church's main entrance."It's available for people who have needs and can't get to the food bank immediately," Floyd said.A box with free food and supplies and a prayer request box stand in front of Christ Episcopal Church at 120 Ohio St., Huron. The church reaches people internationally as well. Floyd just returned from an eight-day mission trip in Belize with 10 people from the diocese."We hope to establish a relationship with them so more people from our church can go down," he said.A number of congregants participate in a prison outreach ministry, where they go to a prison to minister to inmates. Christ Episcopal Church also supports mission organizations in France and Mexico.The church is celebrating its 180th year in Huron as the oldest surviving church building in the city. To commemorate the milestone, the bishop of the Episcopalian Church will visit in October to dedicate a time capsule that will be buried on church property. Before his visit, the church will have a special evening celebration.The church is also installing a lift and new windows in the sanctuary.Aside from its history, the people who attend the church make it special."Christ church's congregation is a small congregation with a big heart," he said. "It's a welcoming group of people. We're a church that's open to growing with people. Christ Church is a place of grace," he said.Christ Episcopal Church at 120 Ohio St., Huron.Get to know Christ Episcopal ChurchAddress: 120 Ohio St.Phone number: 419-433-4701Website: christchurchhuron.orgFacebook page: Christ Episcopal Church, Huron, Ohio (@christchurchhuron)Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodFather Michael Floyd stands in front of Christ Episcopal Church at 120 St., Huron.