Although ‘retired’ for a number of years, the Rev. Joe Gatto has plenty of energy and passion, especially for the work of the Gospel. “They asked me to start a mission congregation in the Episcopal Church, out of my retirement, which I did. We began with just 4 people, but grew to over 150 in three years. Then we tried to join the (Anglican Communion) Network,” reflected the pastor with more than 40 years experience. “It got crazy.”

The Rector of the sponsoring parish refused to allow such an affiliation, and Rev. Gatto resigned, both from the church and from decades of ministry as an Episcopal clergyman. “At that point we wanted to be outside the Episcopal Church USA—in a place where Scripture is accepted as the Word of God. We simply wanted to get on with the mission of the church, and not be sidetracked by all of this ‘stuff’ going on.” Rev. Gatto stated.

A corporation known as “The Society for the Traditional Expression of Anglicanism in Midlothian” (STEAM) was formed to support the establishing of a new church, now Christ Church, worshiping in a booming area 20 minutes from downtown Richmond. The Rev. Gatto and members of Christ Church were received into the Anglican Mission in The Americas May 1st by the Rt. Rev (retired) C. FitzSimons Allison on behalf of the Mission and the Province of Rwanda. The affiliation followed a number of months of prayerful discernment.

AMiA's Bishop Thad Barnum, a long-time friend of the Gatto's, will serve as Bishop for the congregation.  In his letter of reception he stated, "I thank the Lord for the witness that you and Carol and your family have made by standing firm in the gospel of the Lord. I am confident of His blessing upon you and the blessing you are to many. I am personally and deeply thankful for your friendship in the gospel, our partnership in the Lord Jesus, and the love we have shared in Him for so many years. You have been an extraordinary encouragement and blessing to me."

Christ Church has an intentional goal to reach the un-churched—a goal that is in step with the values of the Anglican Mission, a missionary movement sponsored by the Anglican Province of Rwanda to reach out to the 130 million un-churched in America. The congregation welcomes all to attend but they insist on serious commitment from those who want to become members. A three part series entitled ‘The Joy of Belonging’ touches on things such as identity, belief and stewardship. Each member is asked to sign a commitment statement.

Over 90 adults, youth and children participate in the weekly worship services of the new church, and new faces are a constant feature. Now meeting at Swift Middle School, Christ Church will be moving their services to a high school in July. Fr. Gatto is pleased with the direction, “We are reaching out to the community and setting up regular discipleship opportunities. Our primary resources are our people and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The mood is good right now”.

For more information on Christ Church, Midlothian, VA call 804-379-5266.

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