January 15, 2014
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The ECW Winter General meeting will be Saturday, January 25th. For more information, see below.
The Frederick Cousins Guild Oyster Roast and Bar-B-Que will Sunday, January 26th. For more information, please see below.
Rector's Ramblings

January is half over, but we still have a lot of exciting things to come before the end of the month. I'm looking forward to my first Oyster Roast (Frederick Cousins Guild members are selling tickets for the 26th), although I had to google "How to shuck an oyster" to prepare myself (see picture - the guy has a chef outfit and an oyster glove, so he must know what he's doing). I knew from our arrival at CCF that it would involve a knife and a glove, but the rest was a mystery. Don't get me wrong, I've eaten oysters for years, but they've always been served already opened. I'm like a city kid who doesn't know about cows but thinks milk is just "made" and put into cartons (the sort of kid we Lancaster-raised kids couldn't believe existed). Let's just say where I grew up we had plenty of cows, and not a lot of oysters. I fully expect that when I roll up on the 26th of this month, I will have multiple people show me "the right way" to shuck and oyster.

 

The day before the Oyster Roast (25th) is the ECW General Meeting, and our bishop will be on hand to share some of his vision with the women of Christ Church. I know he is well aware of the good works our ECW does through its various initiatives, and I think he's going to enjoy being here as much as we'll enjoy having him. He has been going around the diocese sharing his vision for the Diocese of Georgia, and inspiring people to think about our shared ministry in new ways. From what I've heard on the street, such conversations have been well received, and no doubt this one will be too.

 

Whether it's shucking oysters they way our grand-daddy taught us, or presenting a vision of the church in a new way, there are always things to learn, and new ways to see the world around us.   My guess is that there are more than one right way to shuck and oyster, just as there are as many visions for a diocese's ministry as there are members of that diocese. One person's view does not negate and diminish another's, just because it is different. At the end of the day, if we get to eat the oyster and the gospel is proclaimed, all is right in the world...although I doubt those two have ever been presented in the same sentence before.

 

All too often we get caught in the place where our view, our ways, our knowledge is the only meaningful measure of something. Doctor Seuss's Butte Battle Books was one of the ways I learned about this reality. As a kid, I didn't know it was an anti-war book, and was oblivious to the cold-war parallels.   All I knew was that some Zooks ate their bread butter side up while others at their bread butter side down. Because they thought their way was the right way, it led to a standoff that the book never resolves. I think that such a petty disagreement such as buttered bread eating leading to the equivalent of mutually assured destruction is pretty clever, and useful in helping to disarm us when we find ourselves in such a standoff.

 

What I have seen over and over again is that any kind of serious intractable argument will often lead to some form of mutual destruction - it's not good for anyone. I'm not talking about wars at this point, but the sorts of disagreements that shatter community instead of building it up. I'm glad that there is room for different visions in this parish and in this diocese. I'm proud that our tradition is one that conserves different ways of being alongside one another without destroying either. And, I'm eager to learn how to shuck an oyster...the right way. I'm quite sure we'll all behave ourselves, and that at the end of the night the only thing we will have destroyed will be a whole lot of oyster shells.

 

Peace,

Tom

 

O Lord and Savior Christ, Who camest not to strive or cry, give unto me, in whatsoever contention I may be, a wise, a sober, a patient, an understanding, a peaceable, a courageous heart. Grant me always to speak thy truth in love, and so to present it that it may be loved; for they mercies' sake. Amen.

In This Issue
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The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia
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Vestry Elections
The Vestry elections were held this past weekend at all five services. We would like to thank all those who stood for election. Congratulations to the four newest members of the Christ Church Vestry:
Edward Bland
Mark Davis
Sandy Rice
Beth Smith
Worship
George Dunbar Memorial Service
The memorial service for George Dunbar will be Friday, January 17th at 3 p.m. in the Christ Church Cemetery. A reception will follow.
The Rev. Edward "Bo" Chapman Celebrations 40 Years of Ministry
The Rev. Bo Chapman will celebrate his 40th anniversary of his ordination on Saturday, January 25th with a Eucharist in Christ Church at 9:00 a.m. All who know Rev. Bo are invited to attend.
The Bishop's Annual Visitation to Christ Church
The Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase, Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia, will have his Annual Visitation to Christ Church on Sunday, February 23rd. Bishop Benhase will join us for the 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. He will also join us for reception following the 11:15 service. Please make arrangements to join us on this special day.
Fellowship

The Frederick Cousins Guild Oyster Roast and Bar-B-Que

tickets will be on sale during coffee hour. Tickets are $20 per person ($50 per family) in advance, and may be purchased at the Parish House office. You may also purchase them the day of the event as well, the price at the door will be $25. 

 

ECW invites all ladies of the church to join us for a fun morning of Christian fellowship and our informative Winter General meeting Saturday, January 25th from 10 a.m.- noon.

 

Featuring a yummy brunch of Shrimp and Grits, followed by our speaker, Bishop Scott Benhaase, Bishop of Georgia. We are also expecting a surprise visit from some other characters so don't miss this fun morning!!!

 

To RSVP online, please follow this link, you can simply call the church office at 912-638-8683...don't miss this one!

Tour of Homes Kick Off Coffee

The Christ Church, Frederica ECW 61st Annual Tour of Homes will be on March 15, 2014. For more information on how you can be involved, please speak to Lynn Nazzaro ([email protected]) or Beth Smith ([email protected]).

 

We hope you have marked Feb 5th 10:00-12:00 on your calendars for the Annual Kick-Off Coffee. It will take place at the Spanish Lounge in the Cloister Hotel on Sea Island.  Please call the church office to RSVP 638-8683.

The Susanna Wesley Guild
The Susanna Wesley Guild will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in the Parish House.  Please join us for an interesting program "Voices from the Civil War", presented by Dr. Phil Callicutt.  You might want to bring a friend and your camera!
Parish Night - January 30, 2014

The Evengalism and Outreach Taskforce will host at Parish Night on Thursday, January 30th at 6:00 p.m. 

 

Jingle Davis, a retired journalist who worked for the Atlanta Constitution often covering South Georgia on the Coast and Ben Galland, a photographer and Partner with h2o Creative Group in Brunswick, and a member of Christ Church bring their new book Island Time through a narrative and media presentation, appropriate for youth, parent and grandparent ages to our January Parish Night, 2014.

 

Spaghetti Dinner and Dessert start the evening. Children's class and nursery and toddler care will be provided.

 

Discover anew how these historic folk:  the Macama Guale Indians, Spanish Friars, Pirates and Privateers, British Soldiers and Settlers, German Religious  Refugees,  enslaved African and  Antebellum planters--all left their  mark on St. Simons Island.

 

Make your reservations on-line or by calling the church, 638-8683. 

Information
Annual Meeting Reports
You may download the reports for the Annual Meeting of the Parish by clicking on this link. We hope you find this information helpful.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
The office will be closed Monday, January 20th in honor the Martin Luther King King, Jr. holiday.
Vestry Meeting
The Vestry of Christ Church, Frederica will meet on Tuesday, January 22nd at 5:45 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Formation
Living Compass
Life is a journey, and like any journey, it is important at times to make sure you are intentional about the direction in which you are heading.  Living Compass is a program that creates the opportunity for you to pause and check your bearings. Living Compass is designed to help us find whole-person wellness. As a Christian, whole-person wellness means that we are called to seek wholeness in all dimensions of our well-being. Based on the following verse that appears in both the Old and New Testaments, we know that we need to seek wholeness in heart, soul, body and mind:  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind." Luke 10:27, Deuteronomy 6:5. As this verse shows, whole-person wellness is not "new age," but is actually a very ancient practice. 

 

Over the course of six weeks, and using the Living Compass tool, participants will ask questions like, "Am I heading in the direction that I desire for myself?"  You will also ask, "Am I heading in the direction God desires for me?" 

 

Fr. Tom, trained in the use of the Living Compass program, will lead the six sessions on Wednesday evenings beginning January 8, 2014 - February 12, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm in the parish hall.  Materials will be provided, although donations to offset the cost of the participant materials will be welcomed.  To be sure that we have materials for everyone, please let Fr. Tom know if you plan to attend the group, or if you have any questions.  His email is [email protected] or you may call the office, 912-638-8683. 

EC101

For those who are new to the Episcopal Church or who want to refresh their understanding of the Episcopal Church's approach to the Christian faith, we are offering an EC 101/Inquirers Class beginning in January of 2014.  For those who are interested in joining Christ Church and possibly being received or confirmed into the Episcopal Church, this class is a requirement in that process.  On Wednesday evenings, January 8, 2014 - February 12, 2014, the class will meet in the parish hall beginning at 7:30 pm.  Fr. Tom will be leading and organizing the class, so please be in contact with him to let him know if you are able to attend or if you have any questions.  His email is [email protected], or you may call the office, 912-638-8683.  The class is open to all persons who are interested in learning more about our Episcopal faith.  There will be some light reading as a part of this class.  Books will be provided, and donations to offset the cost of the books will be welcomed.  Topics will include: worship, tradition, scripture, history and more.

Wednesday Night Bible Study

Continuing on the theme of SPIRITUAL GROWTH, we will begin a 9-lesson Bible Study series on Wednesday January 22, 2013. The coming series will also be based on specific pre-selected passages beyond the four Gospels. As in the past, the studies would be an open forum for discussion and should be informative and spiritually rewarding. It will also be a good opportunity to learn parts of the Bible beyond the Gospels in greater depth.

  

The text and theme for next Wednesday's session is: 1 Corinthians 12: 1 - 11; Spiritual Gifts.  

 

The last study before we stop for Lent will be on Feb 26 (Ash Wednesday - March 5) and we will resume after Easter on April 23 (Easter - April 20), to end the series on May 7. The group will meet in the Parish House Vestry Room from 6 to 7 pm. You are warmly invited to attend. Have a very blessed New Year.
 
-Godfrey Draviam
Pastoral Care
Prayer Needs
    
Pastoral Care Leader Meeting
There will be a Pastoral Care Leader Meeting on Sunday, January 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Vestry Room. If you would like more information please contact Rev. Leigh.
Outreach
Manna House
Christ Church will serve at Manna House on Monday, January 27th. If you are able, please join us in this important ministry.
Ministry to the Sages: Drivers Needed
Christ Church has many parishioners who are unable to drive to evening or night services or events (or at all) due to vision impairment. Our Ministry to the Sages (parishioners age 55+) seeks to connect these folks with a driver who could provide transportation to and from church for evening events or services. If you feel called to assist with this much needed ministry, please contact Rev. Leigh by calling the church office (912.638.8683) or by emailing her ([email protected]).
Backpack Buddies
The Backpack Buddies will meet on Thursday, January 9th at 1 p.m. in the Son Porch Sunday School Class room to pack this week. If you are available, please join Susan Shipman and the incredible volunteers as they minister to children in need.
Calendar of Events
Serving This Week

 

Saturday, January 18, 5:30 PM (St. Ignatius Chapel)

Charles Lamkin - Altar Guild; Ralph Wade - Chalice Bearer, Lector

 

Sunday, January 19, 8:00 AM (Christ Church, Frederica)

Bonnie Shuman - Altar Guild; Robert Brown - Chalice Bearer, Lector; Gil Morgan and Vernon Reed - Usher

 

9:15 AM (Christ Church, Frederica)

Henry Heery and Robert Wray - Acolyte - TB; Emily Owens and Peggy Goad - Altar Guild; Jody Bradford - Chalice Bearer; David Boland - Chancel Master ; Barbara Sullivan - Lector; Bud and Margie Dorsey - Greeter; Clif Jones and Douglas Lane - Usher

 

11:15 AM (Christ Church, Frederica)

Nathaniel Steelman - Acolyte - C; Bonnie Harris - Altar Guild; Dorothy Faye Smith - Chalice Bearer; Laura Ann Harrell - Lector; Wallace and Ann Harrell - Greeter; Clinton Winne - Usher

 

5:00 PM (St. Ignatius Chapel)

Irene Glucksman - Altar Guild; Ralph Wade - Chalice Bearer; Lector 

Calendar of Events
This week at Christ Church and St. Ignatius' Chapel:

 

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

8 a.m. - Morning Prayer at St. Ignatius' Chapel

5 p.m. - Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

6 p.m. - Living Compass

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Adult Choir Rehearsal

7:30 p.m. - EC 101

 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

8 a.m. - Morning Prayer at St. Ignatius' Chapel

5 p.m. - Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

 

Friday, January 17, 2014

8 a.m. - Morning Prayer at St. Ignatius' Chapel

11:30 a.m. - Healing Service

5 p.m. - Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

 

Saturday, January 18, 2014

5 p.m. - Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

5:30 p.m. - Worship at St Ignatius' Chapel

 

Sunday, January 19, 2014

8 a.m. - Worship at Christ Church, Frederica

9:15 a.m. - Worship at Christ Church, Frederica

10:15 a.m. - Coffee Hour

10:30 a.m. - Sunday School for All Ages

11:15 a.m. - Worship at Christ Church, Frederica

5 p.m. - Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

5 p.m. - Worship at St. Ignatius' Chapel

5:30 p.m. - Evening Book Study

 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Martin Luther King, Jr's Day - Office is Closed

Newsletter Submission Deadline

5 p.m. - Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

10:30 a.m. - Susanna Wesley Guild

5 p.m. - Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

5:45 p.m. - Vestry Meeting

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

8 a.m. - Morning Prayer at St. Ignatius' Chapel

9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Manna House

5 p.m. - Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

6 p.m. - Living Compass

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Adult Choir Rehearsal

7:30 p.m. - EC 101

Christ Church, Frederica | (912) 638-8683 | [email protected] | http://ccfssi.org
6329 Frederica Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522

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