January 22, 2014
IMPORTANT EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND
The ECW Winter General meeting will be this  Saturday. For more information, see below.
The Frederick Cousins Guild Oyster Roast and Bar-B-Que will be this Sunday night, please see below.
Rector's Ramblings

Give your prayer book a little hug today, if you didn't remember to give it one yesterday, that is. Yesterday was the birthday of our Prayer Book, officially put into service on the 21st of January, 1549, for the first time! At the ripe old age of 465, the 1549 Book of Common Prayer is the oldest member off the AARP (Anglican Association of Retired Prayer books...not to be confused with the lesser known AARP in this country). It's fair to say she's had some work done over the years, but in many ways, the prayer book as we know it still contains a lot of that original book.

 

For example, the Collect for Purity that we say at the start of every Eucharist was a part of that first book. Many of the other collects we use in our weekly lectionary were penned by Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was largely responsible for compiling that first book. You can still hear other phrases from that first book in other prayers of the book all the way through our most recent iteration of the church's book. Over the last four and a half centuries, bits and pieces have changed and moved around, and yet the essence of the Book of Common Prayer has remained consistent.

 

Another of the commonalities between the prayer books throughout the centuries is controversy. It is hard to overestimate how unpopular the early versions of the BCP were. The attempt to straddle the divide in the newly forming church between the Catholic and Protestant influences largely meant that everyone was unhappy. No one got what they wanted. In fact, pushback was so strong against the early books that it took the full force of the crown and the monarch's armies to enforce its use. It was an act of parliament that established the first Book of Common Prayer for use in England on January 21, 1549.

 

It took the threat of jail time - up to life in prison - to keep the clergy in line, forcing them to use the first book. It was difficult to forge a path down the middle way between Catholicism and Protestantism, the Via Media as we call it, a process that didn't really get its feet under it two more prayer books, skipping over the 1552 version (which was worse than the original and only used for months until Mary came to the throne, realigned the church with Rome, and burned Cranmer at the stake), and culminating in the 1559 version, when Elizabeth came to the throne and personally shepherded the process of finding way to keep her country together and build religious unity. Thank goodness modern prayer books haven't brought controversy...

 

It's a fascinating history for a book that still binds together over 80 million Anglicans worldwide, despite the modern reality that many of us have our own unique version of the Book of Common Prayer. Our book's history traces through a series of revisions since that first book in 1549: 1552, 1559, 1604, 1662, 1789 (U.S.), 1892 (U.S.), 1928 (U.S.), finally arriving at the 1979 (U.S.). While the 1662 version remains the "official" Book of Common Prayer in England, it is no longer in use, and instead there are Anglican Prayers said in over 50 countries and 150 languages around the world every day, many from the local version churches use in their home country (including England), all of them preserving the Reformation tradition of the vernacular (as opposed to the pre-Reformation Roman insistence on Latin).

 

Give thanks for the Prayer Book today and all those who have had a hand in its creation and its care, ultimately passing it along to us. It is a deep well of riches that continues to nourish us day in and day out in our understanding of God and our relationship to our Lord. Happy Birthday, BCP, and here's to many more!

 

Tom

 

Almightie God, unto whom all hartes bee open, and all desyres knowen, and from whom no secretes are hid : clense the thoughtes of our hartes, by the inspiracion of they holy spirite : that we may perfectly loue thee, and worthily magnifie thy holy name : through Crist our Lourde. Amen.

            - Collect for Purity from the 1549 BCP
In This Issue
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Worship
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 is this Sunday, January 26th at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. 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 Benhase, 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 by tomorrow...don't miss this one!
Tour of Homes

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 (lynnienazzaro@gmail.com) or Beth Smith (bsmithapril@gmail.com).

 

Kick Off Coffee  

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.
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. 
Wine and Cheese Gala

The 11th Wine and Cheese Gala Hosted by the Mary and Joseph Guild of Christ Church will be on Friday, February 21, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $30, and proceeds from this event will benefit programs that positively impact the lives of children. Reservations can be made by calling the Parish House office at 912-638-8683.

Information
Ushers Needed
We are looking for more ushers to serve at Christ Church services. Please consider signing up for this important, welcoming ministry. If you are interested, please contact Glenn in the office, who will get you connected with the usher team.
Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee will meet on Thursday, February 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Vestry Room.
Joint Meeting of the Vestry and Finance Committee

There will be joint meeting of the Vestry and Finance Committee on Thursday, February 20th at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall to present the year end financial statement to the Parish.

 

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 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. 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 tom@ccfssi.org 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 p.m.  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 tom@ccfssi.org, 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 (leigh@ccfssi.org).
Backpack Buddies
Backpack Buddies will pack food bags on Tuesday, January 28th at 1:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Please consider joining this fantastic team of volunteers who are committed to serving children in our community.
St. Athanasius' Food Bank
We will be collecting food for the St. Athanasius' Food Bank at all our services on Saturday, February 1st and Sunday, February 2nd. Please bring non-perishable food items with you when you come to worship that weekend.
Calendar of Events
Serving This Week

 

Saturday, January 25th, 5:30 p.m. - St. I

Pat Vinton - Altar Guild

 

Sunday, January 26th, 8:00 a.m. - CCF

Weezie Campbell - Altar Guild; Bob Theobald - Chalice Bearer, Lector; Peg McBride - Usher

 

9:15 a.m. - CCF

Will Scott - Acolyte - C; Chris Holt and Leah Scott - Acolyte - TB; Edith Tayloe - Altar Guild; Jody Bradford - Chalice Bearer; Janice Vickers - Chancel Master; Catherine Holt - Lector; Steve and Catherine Holt - Greeter; Oscar Covington and Ben Slade - Usher

 

11:15 a.m. - CCF

Laura Ann Harrell - Acolyte - C; Te Turner - Chalice Bearer; K. Martin Worthy - Lector; Sue Henning and Bootie Wood - Greeter; Royce Wood - Usher

 

5:00 p.m. - St. I

Billie Huggins - Altar Guild; Paul Salter - Chalice Bearer, Lector

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

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

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

9:30 a.m. - Manna House

11 a.m. - Funeral Service for Fay Durden

4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Choristers  

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

5:30 p.m. - Living Compass

6 p.m. - Small Group Bible Study - 1 Corinthians 12: 1 - 11; Spiritual Gifts.

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

7:30 p.m. - EC 101

 

Thursday, January 23, 2014

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

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

 

Friday, January 24, 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 25, 2014

9 a.m. - Rev. Edward (Bo) Chapman - private Eucharist on 40th anniversary

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - ECW Winter General Meeting - The Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase Guest Speaker

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

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

 

Sunday, January 26, 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

1 p.m. - Pastoral Care Leader Meeting - Vestry Room

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

5 p.m. - Worship at St. Ignatius

5:30 p.m. - Evening Book Study

6 p.m. - Frederick Cousins Guild Oyster Roast

 

Monday, January 27, 2014

9:30 a.m. - Manna House

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

 

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

1:30 p.m. - Backpack Buddies

2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - Handbell Choir Rehearsal 

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

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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

4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Choristers

5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer at Christ Church, Frederica

5:30 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 | glenn@ccfssi.org | http://ccfssi.org
6329 Frederica Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522

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