December 10, 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Blue Christmas
Christmas Eve Services
Youth Ministry
Advent Series
Wednesday Night Classes
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Christmas Food Basket Food Collection
Christmas at Sea
Angel Tree
Parents Day Out
Susannah Wesley Guild
Wreath Making
Tour of Homes
Memorial Poinsettias
Prayer List
Dates to Remember
Save the Date
Serving This Week
This Week at Christ Church
QUICK LINKS

 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please follow this link to see our Advent Worship Schedule.

The Advent Series continues this evening, click here to learn more.
Rector's Ramblings

RR

This week I want to start the ramblings with a prayer instead of ending with one:

O Lord and Savior Christ, Who camest not to strive nor 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 the truth in love, and so to present it that it may be loved; for thy mercies' sake. Amen.

The Rector's Rambling was delayed last week in large

part because the Rector was at a loss for words - a rare occurrence. More specifically, I have been struggling to find the "right words" to address the ongoing racial divisions in our nation. I have struggled to find words that might call us to reconciliation and prayer, as opposed to words that divide and scare away. Since last week I have written and deleted thousands of words. Probably more than with any sermon I've ever written. And why am I struggling so mightily? Why not ignore it, and stay with a safe an innocuous topic like the annoyance of the holiday rush as it rubs up against the quiet of Advent? I think part of my issue is the season of Advent itself.

When headlines rub up against our faith, the Spirit is on the move. I cannot separate the cries of people who are calling out for justice from the cries of the world into which God came as a child. When Mary learned what God was doing through the child in her womb she sang, "...He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty." What a different song that must seem to those who have the power and the full stomachs and the wealth, than to those who do not have power, who go hungry and who live in poverty. I am fully aware of which one of those groups I fall into. I hear Mary's song differently than some others. I hear the cries for justice differently too.

 

 


Worship


Blue Christmas at St Ignatius
All are invited to our Blue Christmas service, to take place on Sunday, December 14th, 6:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius'. This service is designed especially for those who struggle with grief, sadness, or isolation during the Advent season. This service, which contains a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, acknowledges the difficulties many of us face this time of year and provides a safe space for those for whom this is not a happy time. For more information, or to assist with the service in some way, please email Rev. Leigh.
Christmas Eve Services

Plan to join us for one of our Christmas Eve services as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  The Christmas Pageant is at 4 p.m. in the Parish Hall followed by services in the church at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Overflow seating will be available in the Parish Hall for the two later services.  Because the church is usually filled to overflowing, if you would be comfortable sitting in the Parish Hall overflow seating, please feel free to go there.  There will be clergy and singers in the Parish Hall for the duration of the service to help lead the service as we follow along on the big screen and enjoy the festive holiday hymns and music including the full choir and brass.  Holy Communion will be brought from the church and distributed immediately in the Parish Hall. Please know that if you plan to sit in the church, ushers will not allow seats to be saved.  In order to be hospitable to all our guests, seating is on a first come first served basis.  Please plan to arrive early accordingly. For information please email [email protected]
Formation

 
Youth Ministry

EYC Ski Retreat at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

January 16-19.  The cost is 280.00/includes 3 nights of worship, 3 nights lodging, breakfast on Saturday through breakfast on Monday, and two full days of skiing(rentals included). The registration deadline is November 30th, but we need to get an estimate as soon as possible.  We will need to leave around noon on Friday the 16th so early check out arrangements from school will need to be made.  Stay tuned for details regarding the schedule, etc. For more info please contact Brad at [email protected]

 

 


ASAdvent Series - Wednesday,10 and 17 - 5:30 pm
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy 
Matthew Sleeth, MD writes in 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life that this is "the only commandment that begins with the word remember - almost as if God knew we would forget.  Well, guess what?  We did."  Using Dr. Sleeth's book, we will explore ways to follow his prescription for a healthier, more God-centered life in a 24/7 constantly "on" and connected world. As we anticipate the birth of Jesus, we have the opportunity to be transformed by rest during the busy holiday season.

Fr. Tom and Dcn. Becky will team teach the three-week course.  Books are available from the church office.  Donations to offset their cost ($13 each) are gratefully accepted or please accept the book as a gift.  Please let Dcn. Becky know if you plan to join the group.  She is best reached at [email protected] or 638-8683.
Wednesday Night Classes

We will offer two Wednesday night choices for the Season of Epiphany. Both will begin on January 7 at 5:30 p.m.and run for six weeks:

"Embracing an Adult Faith." Book by Marcus Borg. This six-week study invites us to contemplate Christianity's most fundamental questions: Who is God? What does salvation mean? What place does Jesus hold in the Christian faith? Addresses the fundamental questions of how to grow and live a faith as adults. Taught by Fr. Tom.

"Serving from the Heart: Finding Your Gifts and Talents." Book by Yvonne Gentile and Carol Cartmill God's plan for the church calls for each member of the Body of Christ to play a vital role. Sometimes we think that serving God is an obligation, a duty, or even a chore that isn't meant to be enjoyable. However, the truth is that God wants us to find joy and fulfillment when we serve. That happens when we serve in a role that matches who God created us to be. Team-taught by Rev. Lee and Dcn. Becky.

For more information please email [email protected]

Wednesday Night Bible Study 

Starting January 21, 2015 Wednesday Night Bible Study will begin. The theme will still be Spiritual Growth. The studies will focus on extracting the underlying messages in the books we chose (Old and New Testaments), and, how it spoke to the people then and how it speaks to us today. We will cover major events contained in the books and the time-lines. It would be both a study and discussion group, in a small group setting. We begin at 6:00 pm and end at 6:55. You are most welcome to attend. For more information please contact Godfrey at 638-8747.

Outreach


Christmas Food Basket Food Collection

If you would like to donate food to those who are in need this Christmas, for Christmas Food Basket Food Collection, please bring the food items to worship with you on the weekend of December 13th and 14th, as well as the 20th and 21st. Faithful basket packers will be putting together the baskets and delivering them on the 22nd at 9 a.m. Please email the office ([email protected]) for more information.
Christmas at Sea


Most of us are blessed with family and friends during the holidays, but Christmas can be a lonely time for seafarers. Every year during the season of Christmas (Thanksgiving through Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7th) the International Seafarers' Center (ISC) spreads the love of Christ through the Christmas at Sea program. About 1500 seafarers travel through the port of Brunswick from Thanksgiving to January 7th. ISC hopes to give every seafarer a Christmas present. Often this is the only gift they receive as they travel the seas transporting 95% of the goods that we use every day.

 

How can we at Christ Church help? Collect 12-15 items from the list below, from as many of the different categories as possible, place them in a shoebox, wrap it in Christmas paper, and bring it to Christ Church.  Gifts will be accepted now through January 6.  If you need more information, call Dcn. Becky.

Clothing 
Food
Writing
Socks
Handkerchiefs
Gloves
Knit caps
Baseball caps
T-shirts
Scarves
underwear (size M)
undershirts (size M)
Longjohns (size M)
(non-perishable in sealed packages)
Crackers
Gum / Candy
Raisins
Nuts
Canned meat (pop-top)
Juice
Pudding
Mints
Pencils / Pens
Phone cards ($5 at ISC)
Note pads
Pencil sharpener
Post cards
Address books
Highlighter pens
Book marks
Calendars 2011
Medical / Health
Toiletries
Other
Tylenol / aspirin
Chapstick
Baby oil
Band-Aids
Antibotic ointment
Deodorant
Bath Soap (bar or liquid)
Hand Lotion
Shampoo / conditioner
Soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shaving cream
Razors
After-shave lotion
Bath powder
Combs
Manicure kit
Small scissors
Bibles
Novels in all languages
CDs, DVDs (new or used)
Playing cards
Sudoku puzzle books
Local souvenirs
Key chains
Sewing kit
Flashlight, batteries

 

Angel Tree

The angel tree is coming to the Christ Church Parish House on Sunday, November 30th.  Please pick an angel off the tree and purchase a jacket for a child in need, then wrap your jacket in Christmas paper and attach the angel to your wrapped gift and deliver it to the Parish House and place it under the big Christmas tree no later than Monday, December 15th.   All of your generous gifts will go to children and teens at Morningstar Treatment Center in Brunswick. Thank you for your participation in this very worthy cause. If you have any questions please contact Dorothy 638-2700 or Avery 638-0355

Parents Day Out

On December 23 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Christ Church is hosting Parents Day Out. This is for Christ Church families to give parents the opportunity to last minute shopping or enjoy time together while their children are here at the church.  Please email the office ([email protected]) to register
Fellowship

 
Susannah Wesley Guild

The Susannah Wesley Guild will meet on Thursday, December 18 at 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. This is our Christmas meeting, and we cordially invite all the women of the church to join us. Our members will be preparing special treats, and musical entertainment will be provided by our own Kathleen Turner and her accomplices in the making of joyful sound. Please come! For more information email [email protected]
Wreath Making

Please join all members of the Altar Guild on December 22nd at 9 a.m. for wreath making in the Parish Hall. Don't forget to bring gloves and clippers. For more information email [email protected]
Tour of Homes

Thank you Christ Church!  Volunteers and Benefactors are coming in daily! You are a generous and loving church!  So far we have 31 Benefactors, 28 House Docents, 9 Parkers, 6 Cemetery volunteers, 3 mailing/administrative volunteers, and 18 Parish House/Baked Goods volunteers!! AND we have 6 beautiful homes for our 62nd Annual Tour. As you know it takes over 400 volunteers to make our Tour run smoothly.There's a job for everyone!  If you have lost your volunteer/benefactor cards, you can simply contact one of us.


 

Beth Smith,  [email protected](telephone: 912-506-7577), or

Lynn Wade, [email protected] (telephone: 912-230-2935) 

You can also volunteer by going to our website: christchurchtourofhomes.org

We strive for 100% participation!!
  • Benefactors will be receiving a letter for tax purposes very soon. As you are planning for tax deductions for 2014, please consider this ministry.
  • Like us on Facebook!
  • We are also on Twitter and Instagram
Information

 
Memorial Poinsettias
If you wish to remember a loved one at Christmas with a memorial poinsettia, please send the name, along with a check for $20, to Ethel Horton, 402 Palm Court, S.S.I. Checks should be made payable to "Christ Church Altar Guild" and received no later than Wednesday, December 17thIf you have any questions, please call Ethel Horton at 634-8327

 


Outreach


Prayer List

Carolyn Baker
Winn Baker
Glenn Bellion
Mary Frances Benning
Mary Bliven
Tory Braden
Alice Bradford
Jerrie Brooks
Dylan Brown
Jeff Cammon
Bobbye Canaday
Julia Carpenter
Carroll
Kay Clarke
Pat Clay
Kay Cupka
Irene DeBerry
Mary Lou DeBisschop
Charlene Dickson
Terry Doster
Jack Downes
Carolyn Ewing
Betsy Fitzgerald
Jennett Foley
Lynn Fox
Susan Garrett
Frazier Green
Christopher Greklek
Burgess Hartsell
Kay Harvey
Mike Herrin
Christopher Hewetson
Bill Higginbotham
Bill Hitt
Carol Hoffine
Greg Hollis
Beach Hough
Lara Hough
Alexander Hutcheson  

 

 

Lois Irvin
Jenny
Edris Kalin
Joan Kellam

Carlin Kenny
Mary Ann King
Linda Krider
Charles Lamkin
Betty Leonard
Bill Littleton
Sam Livesay
Mary Lloyd
Eileen LoForte
Martha Lovett
Mary Ann
Cathy McCarthy
Betty McCartney
Don McClain
John McCleskey
Abigail Christy McCready
C.J. Miller
Benjamin Mitchell
Cecelia Mohlman
Debbie Moore
David Murray
Zel Murray
Nicole
Laura Olevic
Nancy Owenby
Mary Elizabeth Paris
Mitchell Peck
Carol Pettit
Dick Pipe
Jean-Claude Porson
Sue Purdy
Hope Queener
Rajika Reed
Linda Rivera
Scott Russell
 


  

To amend our prayer list, or to update the church on the condition of your loved one, please email Rev. Leigh Hall ([email protected]) or call the church office at 912.638.8683. 

Save the Date


Dates to Remember

 

  • Sunday, January 4 - St. Athanasius Food Bank Donations
  • Sunday January 11, 2015 - Donna Neilson Studio Recital Sunday, January 11, 2015 - Newcomers Brunch
  • Friday January 16, 2015 - 12th Annual Wine and Cheese Gala
  • Sunday January 18, 2015 - Classical Guitar Concer
  • Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25 - Vestry Voting begins Saturday night after worship at St. Ignatius' Chapel
  • Sunday, January 25  - Parish Annual Meeting and Chili Cook-off 
Advent At Christ ChurchACCF
The Advent Schedule is as follows:

December 3rd, 10th, and 17th
5:00 p.m. - Meal
5:30 p.m. - Advent Series

December 14
6:00 p.m. - Blue Christmas @ St. Ignatius' Chapel

December 21
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. - Lessons in Carols

December 23rd
Parents Day Out

December 24
No healing service and no X Church
4:00 p.m. - Pageant
6:00 p.m. - Holy Eucharist in Christ Church, Frederica
8:00 p.m. - Holy Eucharist in Christ Church, Frederica

December 25
10:00 a.m. - Christmas Day Eucharist @ St. Ignatius' Chapel

December 31
12:00 p.m. - Healing Service
No X Church
This Week at CCF

 
Serving at Christ Church

Wednesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m. - X Church

Susan Shipman - Chalice Bearer

Susan Shipman - Lector - First Lesson 

     

Saturday, December 13, 5:30 p.m. - St. I

Charles Lamkin - Altar Guild

 

Sunday, November 14,  8:00 a.m. - CCF

Bonney Chuman - Altar Guild

Robert Brown- Chalice Bearer

Robert Brown- Lector - First Lesson

H. Clay Stallworth - Usher

 

9:15 a.m. - CCF

Henry Heery - Acolyte - C

Kathleen Chitty- Acolyte - TB

Seiler Thompson -  Acolyte - TB

Hayes Chitty - Acolyte - PW

Maryalice McDonald - Altar Guild

Sandy Rice - Altar Guild 

Catherine Holt - Chalice Bearer

Robert Brown - Chancel Master

Barbara Abbate - Lector - First Lesson

Barbara Sullivan - Lector - Second Lesson

Jeannie Wade - Greeter
Ralph Wade - Greeter

Bud Dorsey - Usher

Tracy Poulos- Usher
Annabelle Salter - Coffee Hour
Jeff Poulos - Coffee Hour
Sandy Rice - Kidurgy Shepherd

 

11:15 a.m. - CCF

Ava Parker - Acolyte - C
Mimi Rogers - Altar Guild
Nancy Zell - Altar Guild
Susan Shipman - Chalice Bearer
K. Martin Worthy - Lector - First Lesson
K. Martin Worthy - Lector - Second Lesson
Sandy Rice
 - Greeter 
John Killgallon - Usher
This Week at Christ Church

Morning Prayer is held at St. Ignatius' Chapel at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday - Friday.  

 

Evening Prayer is held daily at Christ Church, Frederica at 5:00 p.m.

 

*Unless noted otherwise, all events take place at Christ Church

Wednesday December 10, 2014

10:45 a.m. - Gentle Yoga for Seniors

12 p.m. - Healing Service

4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Choristers

5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Adult Choir

5 p.m. - Supper in the Parish Hall

5:30 p.m. - Advent Series

7 p.m. - X Church

Thursday December 11, 2014

5 p.m.Finance Committee Meeting

 

Saturday December 13, 2014

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


 

Sunday December 14, 2014

8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. - Worship at Christ Church, Frederica

10:15 a.m. - Coffee Hour
10:20 a.m. - Sunday School for All Ages
6:00 p.m. - Blue Christmas

6:30 p.m. - EYC

 

Tuesday December 16, 2014

8 a.m. - Men's Bible Study

2 p.m.  - 3:15 p.m. - Handbell Choir

5:45 p.m. - Vestry Meeting 


 

Wednesday December 17, 2014

10:45 a.m.  - Gentle Yoga for Seniors

12 p.m. - Healing Service
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Choristers
5 p.m.  - 6:30 p.m. - Adult Choir
5 p.m. - Advent Series

7 p.m.  -  X Church