December 16, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
Important Information
Be sure read the "Save the Date" information for upcoming activities at Christ Church.

Vestry Nominations are open. Follow this link to learn more.

The 2016 SGHS Bridge Run is coming up, and we are beginning to form our team. Click here for more information.
Rector's
Ramblings

 


 
 
 
Winning and losing isn't always black and white. Sometimes you can lose and still come out a winner. At other times you can win, and realize later that you actually lost. I've been thinking about winning and losing after getting caught up, like most of our community, in the excitement of Glynn Academy's bid to win the state championship in football. I found myself experiencing emotions like excitement, pride, and then disappointment even though I don't know anyone on the team. In fact, I can still feel those emotions even now, days after I saw the score online, telling me that our team was going to have a much quieter ride home than I was wishing for them.
 
It is always wonderful when a community rallies the way this one has in recent weeks. Just from what I've seen in my few years here, it is big deal for Glynn County to share such a moment of pride.   If I had to guess I would say that the effect of this football season won't come to an end anytime soon, as it has sent ripples out into the future that we can't fully measure yet. This is one of those occasions when a loss is still a win. A big win. I just hope all the young men on the team do or will come to see it this way.
       
READ MORE
Vestry NominationsVN
Vestry Nominations for 2016's Annual Meeting are open.  This year's Nominating Committee is comprised of the four outgoing Vestry members: Cindy Atwood, Jody Bradford, Dale Pierson, and Will Varn, as well as the two most recent former Senior Wardens of the parish:  Clif Jones and Ed Turner.  Along with the Rector, these six individuals will work to put together the slate of nominees for election at the Annual Meeting on January 24, 2016.  Nominations can be made to any member of the committee between now and December 24, 2015.
The Vestry is the leadership body of the parish who work with the Rector to direct our common life.  The Vestry is comprised of 12 elected members, plus a few ex-oficio members, with the Rector presiding.  The Vestry has a legal role to play in financial and property matters, and also shares in setting the strategy and mission of the parish.  The Vestry meets monthly on the the third Tuesday, and takes an annual weekend retreat.  

Candidates for Vestry must be confirmed communicants of the Church who are faithful in supporting the congregation through their presence and participation on Sunday mornings and beyond, and who also support the parish financially.  Ideal candidates love the Church and are willing to think and pray and act as necessary to help the Parish do the work God calls us to do as a community.  Vestry service may not be a glamorous ministry, however, it is essential for the life of the Church and can be quite rewarding.  If you know someone you'd like to nominate, please share their name with the Nominating Committee.
Staff Appreciation
The Christmas Season is approaching!   This is a time for all of us to reflect on the past 12 months as well as to anticipate the coming year.  The staff of Christ Church works diligently to make our parish a wonderful place of worship and an appealing church community.  Some of the effort is visible, but much of it is behind the scenes.  The Vestry has established a Staff Appreciation Fund so that members of the Congregation may make donations to fund Christmas bonuses for staff members, as bonus payments are not part of the Church's operating budget.  These bonuses will be distributed by the Rector and the Vestry on the basis of full-time and part-time employment.  Contribution checks should be made out to Christ Church, with a notation of "Staff Appreciation Fund" in the memo line, and may be mailed or placed in the offering plates.  Contributions to the fund cannot be earmarked for a specific employee.  If there is a specific staff member to whom you wish to make a gift, it should be given to that individual directly and will not be tax-deductible.

Worship


Memorial Poinsettias
Please contact Ethel Horton today if you wish to remember a loved one at Christmas with a memorial poinsettia, you can send the name(s) along with a check for $25 for each plant to Ethel Horton, 402 Palm Court, S.S.I. Checks should be made payable to "Christ Church" with a note for Memorial Poinsettias in the memo line, and received no later than December 16. If you have any questions, please call Ethel Horton at 634-8327. Why not do it this week and you can tick off one item on your Christmas to-do list!
Altar Guild Wreath Making
The Altar Guild will make wreaths for Christ Church on December 22nd in the Winn Bldg. Your help is needed. Bring your shears and gloves and everything else will be provided.  
12th Night
Hearken one and all: Come ye to yon Parish Hall on Wednesday, January 6 at 5:30 to join with the Kings, Queens, Princesses, Princes, Wenches, Troubadours, Knaves, Minstrels, Trolls and the like  for a magical evening of fun and delight to celebrate our own Twelfth Night.  Every age will have a place to create, laugh, sing, and learn while our own yule log will cease to burn. Out with the old; in with the new. It will not happen without you!!! Please reply by January 4. (Call the church office @ 638-8683) Costumes are encouraged, but not required!!
Formation

 
Living Well Through Advent 2015: Practicing Patience With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind


Designed for use as an individual reflection or for group study, Practicing Patience With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind provides a frame for those seeking a deeper experience of the Advent season, one that will help prepare us for the true meaning of Christmas. Each Sunday in this 48-page guide offers a reflection written by a guest writer; and every other day of the week begins with a scripture or quote, followed by a reflection, and then space to record any thoughts, feelings, or insights. The Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner-author and founder of Living Compass, a faith and wellness ministry initiative-has served his community for more than 30 years as an Episcopal priest, psychotherapist, retreat leader, and spiritual director. In Living Well Through Advent 2015, he is joined by guest writers The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, The Rev. Nurya Love Parish, The Rev. Tom Purdy, and The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor.

Because Fr. Purdy is one of the guest writers, we have been given copies of this study to distribute. He would like anyone who would like one to have one.  You need not pay for it, however, if you would like to make a contribution to the Rector's Discretionary Fund, those gifts will go towards helping the needy. We have enough that you may take multiple copies and give them to friends, neighbors, and family members.  Copies may be found in the office and in the church.
Youth News

EYC
 
Our EYC meetings on Sunday evening continue to flourish with lots of students participating and taking on some leadership.  In the coming weeks we will be intentional in transitioning to a student led evening.  We have lots of gifted and talented students waiting for their potential to be unlocked as leaders in the present and as adult leaders in the future for our parish.  This is happening in all aspects or your youth programming, but especially in our worship portion of EYC.  We close our Sunday meetings with Celtic evening prayer with music and candles.  It seems to be something the really enjoy.
 
Contact Brad Hamil ([email protected] or 912-223-7276 ) if you are interested or have any questions.
Parenting Book Study
The parenting reading group will not meet this Sunday.  The group will meet in the Vestry room and will be reading, The Busy Family's Guide to Spirituality: Practical Lessons for Modern Living from the Monastic Tradition, by David Robinson.  Books are available for $18 and will be available on Sunday mornings.  Please call the church to sign up for the group.
Advent Book Studies Study
November 29 - December 20, 2015
 
This Advent, we will join with Episcopalians across the Diocese in studying Rowan William's Being Christian. This work, written by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is based on talks given at Canterbury Cathedral as part of a series of open lectures in 2013.
"While the work is brief, the view Williams' offers is deeply Anglican, immanently accessible, and bracingly profound."

"In this simple, beautifully written book Rowan Williams explores four essential components of the Christian life: baptism, Bible, Eucharist, and prayer. Despite huge differences in Christian thinking and practice both today and in past centuries, he says, these four basic elements have remained constant and indispensable for the majority of those who call themselves Christians."

There are two opportunities to participate in this study: On Sundays during Advent you are invited to join The Rev. Dr. Bob Borwn's adult bible class, which meets at 10:30 a.m., The Adult Classroom is just outside the Choir Room.  You are also invited to join Fr. Tom's Wednesday evening Advent book study, beginning Wednesday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. Fr. Tom's group meets in the Parish Hall. 

You are encouraged to be a part of either Class to share your thoughts face to face each week in Advent, but you can also participate with the rest of the Diocese on line. First, each week in Advent read the selected portion of the 96-page book or listen to the corresponding part of the 2 hour and 25 minute audio version. Then each Sunday in Advent, the Diocesan office  will add a reflection on the section for the week to the website 1book1diocese.georgiaepiscopal.org where you can also take part by adding your comments on that reflection as well as your thoughts on the questions Williams poses at the end of the chapter. Selections to read will be shared at the 1Book1Diocese website, and in "From the Field", and at the diocesan Facebook page.

Books will be available through the Church office.

Adult Formation
Benedictine Spirituality and The Rule of Life
Join Fr. Tom for the four weeks of Epiphany (beginning January 13) as we take a look at Benedictine spirituality and begin the process of crafting our own rule of life. St. Benedict founded a monastic community more than 1500 years ago and crafted what is now known as the Rule of St. Benedict to help the members of the community order their life. It is a brief rule, and yet it is full of wisdom that continues to stand the test of time. Taking the lead of Benedict's Rule, we will lay the groundwork for crafting our own personal rules. A Rule of Life reminds us what is important in our life and specifically how we continue to nurture our life of faith and grow in Christ. There are no assigned books for this class, however, there will be books offered for suggested reading for those who want to go deeper.

Book Study with Fr. Rian
Fr. Rian will lead an afternoon book study group beginning January 13. Details to follow next week.

EC 101
Episcopal Church 101 is a six-week study for anyone wishing to know more about the Episcopal Church, either in preparation for being confirmed, received or reaffirmed (wonder what the difference is among those?) or simply to answer those "why do we" questions. EC 101 will meet on Wednesday evenings beginning after Easter. If you are interested in joining this group or would like to know more, please contact Mtr. Becky at [email protected] or call the church office at 638-8683.

Fellowship


2016 SGHS Bridge RunSGHS

 
Be a Part of Team Christ Church at the 2016 SGHS Bridge Run!

The 2016 SGHS Bridge Run will take place during the morning of Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Sidney Lanier Bridge, Brunswick. Once again, Christ Church will have two teams, one for walkers and one for runners. The cost for team members is $35 and includes a 2016 Bridge Run dri-fit shirt, as well as your Christ Church team shirt. If you would not like to participate but would like to sponsor a runner or a walker, we will gladly accept your donation. Please make checks payable to CCF with "Bridge Run" in the memo line. All donations over and above the registration fee will go to support Cancer Care Programs of SGHS. Our registration deadline is Sunday, January 10, 2016.

To Register
Download and print this form. Return the completed form and payment (check only) by January 10, 2016 to the church office, attention Glenn Queener. Please make checks payable to Christ Church, Frederica, and mark Bridge Run in the memo line. Forms are also available at the church office. Friends are welcome to join our team as well, and runners are especially needed.
 
Honoring Our Loved Ones
As a way of honoring friends and family who have been affected by cancer, we are soliciting the names of those who have had or currently have cancer so that they can be printed on the back of our Team Christ Church shirt. If you would like to include the name of someone who has been affected by cancer, please email the name to
 Glenn Queener. Team shirts will be available for $12 for all to purchase.

More Information
For more information on the 2016 Bridge Run, please visit the SGHS page: http://www.sghs.org/bridgerun or contact the church office.
ECW
Christ Church ECW has voted to sponsor 3 children in this challenge which so beautifully fits our calling. Are there others who would like to join us? 

Dear Friends of Our Journey,

 

Please Give Our Journey a Helping Hand and take this CHALLENGE!

 

Across town from Nakuru, Kenya and out in the country a bit, are two schools run by local Kenya Pastor Pastors David Kinyanjui and his wife Anne Kinyanjui in Njoro--Sunshine Academies A & B. 100 children here, are also being given a chance to live by learning the basics in education--ABC's and 123's. Whether they have uniforms or not OR shoes on their feet or not, children are welcomed to come and learn at Sunshine. Most cannot pay the even minimal cost of 100 shillings per month (that equal to about $1) for their tuition. They are never turned away though.  Many of these children are orphans living with elderly ladies in the local neighborhood.  The meal they receive daily at school is the only food they eat most days (food is a major reason many children even become interested in education--they just want to eat!)  It's our dream to help these children by offering them something better. Better resources, new uniforms for all (uniforms are standard and required in all of Kenya schools).

 

If you can't tell, Sunshine Academy is on our heart. We are wondering if any of our supporters would take a step of faith with Our Journey this Christmas and sponsor one of these 100 children over the next year. One dollar a day. That's it. That's only $365.  Most of us in the US waste that kind of money at fast food restaurants or on other things we don't really need. I promise you the money isn't wasted and ALL of it will go to support these children and their school. No donation is too small.  If you would like we can send you an Our Journey Christmas card to send out  stating you made a donation in someone's honor.

 

You can make a donation on line at www.ourjourneyinc.org or mail your donation to:

 

Our Journey, Inc

15617 US Hwy 17

Townsend, GA 31331


Outreach

 
Feed My Sheep Book and Coat Drive
The St. Athanasius Feed My Sheep Food Bank is again in need of books for elementary school age children and coats for people of all ages. The food bank provides books for families who come for food. If you have new or gently used children's books you'd like to donate (no adult books, please), bring them to church on Sunday or to the church office during the week.
 
Manna House
On December 23 and 28 Christ Church cooks and servers will prepare meals for the hungry who come to Manna House for lunch. For info on this ministry, call the church office at 912-638-8683 or email [email protected]
 
Christmas Food Baskets
The annual collection of food for Christmas food baskets for needy families in our community will continue through December 20. Chair Jeannie Wade asks you to bring non-perishable food items to services at St. Ignatius and Christ Church. Monetary donations are welcome too. Volunteers will be at each church service to collect the food items and checks. Make your check to Christ Church, Frederica and note that it is for Christmas baskets. Checks may also be placed in the collection at each service. Food items may also be brought to the parish hall throughout the week and left in Oscar Covington's office (1st office on right). On December 21 at 9 a.m. you are invited to help assemble the food baskets in the parish hall. Call or email Jeannie Wade at 638-6462 or [email protected] to get more information or to volunteer to help collect, assemble or deliver the food baskets.
International Seafarers' Center - 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 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 6th. 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. Go to the group's website at seafarerscenter.org for a list of items to buy, place them in a shoe box, 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 Mthr. Becky.
Parents' Day Out
On December 22 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Christ Church is hosting Parents Day Out. This is for Christ Church families to give parents the opportunity to do last minute shopping or enjoy time together while their children are here at the church.  Please email the office ([email protected]) to register.
 
Angel Tree
The Angel Tree is Back and collecting jackets to be given to children at Morningstar Children & Family Services!  Beginning Sunday, December 6th - you will find the Angel Tree in the Parish Hall of Christ Church decorated with Angel Tag Ornaments.  On the back of each ornament you will find the name, gender, age, color and size. We ask that after you have purchased your gift for this special child, you return the wrapped gift with the Angel Tag attached to the parish hall by December 20th.   Please contact Natasha Williams at [email protected] OR 912-222-8921 with any questions.
Prayer Shawls
Would you please put an announcement in bulletin about the next prayer shawl meeting - December 14, at 12:00 in the Parish House.
Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed
The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to ring the bell during the Annual Red Kettle Drive. There are three locations on the Island, Winn Dixie, Harris Teeter, and Chick-fil-A. To volunteer, please call or email Major Betty Sharp, [email protected] or 912-268-4452.

Pastoral Concerns


Prayer List
 
Please help us keep the prayer list current by notifying Mtr. Becky of any changes in the status or condition of your loved one.
  
Scott Benhase
Ella Bothwell
Tory Braden
Chris Bradley
Dylan Brown
Barbara Canaday
Kay Clarke
Emma Covington
Sean Daily
Brenda Davis
Jack Davis
Mary Lou De Bisschop
Phillip DeMartino
Mary Lou Detwiler
Charlene Dickinson
Charlotte Doster
Terry Doster
Toby Ellington
Betsy Fitzgerald
Ben Grace
C.J. Griffin
Pamela Hamilton 
Burgess Hartsell
Kay Harvey
Mike Herrin
Christopher Hewetson
Bill Higginbotham
Mark Highland
Greg Hollis
Alexander Hutcheson
Otto Igel
Edris Kalin
Carlin Kenny
Christi Lambert
Bill Littleton
Sam Livesay 
Eileen LoForte
Martha Lovett

Gwynn MacGregor
Cathy McCarthy
Betty McCartney
Mamie Meadows
Paul Owenby
Frank Owenby
Mary Elizabeth Paris
Jim Pearson
Vivian Peterson
Hope Queener
Rajika Reed
Jack Riner
Mark Robinson 
Richard Somerville
Richard Stamper
Carolyn Stephens
Bill Torrey
Ansley Tripp
Pat Turbeville
Carah Wheeler
Summer Wheeler
Ruth Wright
Hollis Younger
Alexander    
Betty    
Elizabeth    
Jeff    
Jenna    
Mary Ann    
Nicole    
Sandy

The Departed
Mary Bliven  
To amend our prayer list, or to update the church on the condition of your loved one, please email Mtr. Becky Rowell ([email protected]) or call the church office at 912.638.8683. 
Save the Date

 STD


12/2-16 - 5:00 p.m. Advent Book Study
12/20 - 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. - Lessons and Carols
12/23 - NO X CHURCH
12/24 - 4:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant
            6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Eucharist
            8:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Eucharist
            11:00 p.m. Midnight Mass
12/25 - Christmas Day Eucharist at St. Ignatius
12/30 -    NO X CHURCH
1/6 -    5:30 p.m. 12th Night
1/24 -     6:00 p.m. Parish Annual Meeting and Chili Cook Off

This  Week


Serving this Weekend

 
Saturday, December 19, 5:30 p.m. - St. I
      Gay Barron - Altar Guild
      Susan Shipman - Chalice Bearer
 
Sunday, December 20, 8:00 a.m. - CCF
      Sherry Bowen - Altar Guild
      David Boland - Chalice Bearer
      David Boland - Lector - First Lesson
       - Usher
 
9:15 a.m. - CCF
      Seiler Thompson - Acolyte - C
      Stewart Gash - Acolyte - TB
      Maggie Holt - Acolyte - TB
      Robert Wray - Acolyte - PW
      Edith Tayloe - Altar Guild
      Te Turner - Chalice Bearer
      Paul Salter - Chancel Master
      Catherine Holt - Lector  
      Barbara Sullivan - Lector  
      Bud Dorsey - Greeter
      Margie Dorsey - Greeter
      Dale Stoddard - Usher
      Rees Sumerford - Usher
      Linda Allen - Coffee Hour
      Beth Smith - Kidurgy Shepherd
 
11:15 a.m. - CCF
      Kathleen Chitty (sub req.) - Acolyte - C
      Jennie Doyle - Altar Guild
      Paul Salter - Chalice Bearer
      Elizabeth Killgallon - Lector
      Clinton Winne - Usher
 

This Week at Christ Church
Morning Prayer is held at St. Ignatius' Chapel at 8:00 a.m., Monday - Saturday.  

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 16, 2015
12 p.m. - Healing Service 
3 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - X Choir 
5:30 p.m. - Adult Formation, Advent Book Study 
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Christ Church Choir 
6 p.m. - Wednesday Evening Bible Study 
7 p.m. - X Church

Saturday, December 19, 2015
5:30 p.m. - Worship at St Ignatius

Sunday, December 20, 2015
8 a.m.  - Worship at Christ Church, Frederica 
9:15 a.m.  - Lessons and Carols at Christ Church, Frederica 
10:15 a.m.  - Coffee Hour 
10:20 a.m.  - Sunday School for All Ages 
11:15 a.m.  - Lessons and Carols at Christ Church, Frederica 
6 p.m. - EYC

Monday, December 21, 2015 
      1:30 p.m. - Handbell Choir

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

9 a.m.  - 2 p.m. - Parent's Day Out 
9 a.m. - Altar Guild Wreath Making 
5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. - Christ Church Junior Choristers

Wednesday, December 23, 2015
9:30 a.m.  - Manna House 
12 p.m. - Healing Service 
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Christ Church Choir 
5:30 p.m. - Adult Formation, Advent Book Study 
6 p.m. - Wednesday Evening Bible Study