November 18, 2020

IN THIS ISSUE
We are in urgent need of non-perishable foods for the Thanksgiving Baskets this year!

All types of foods, from canned vegetables and fruits, to rice, soups, stews and packaged desserts are needed by Sunday, November 22! Monetary donations are needed, too. Please scroll down to get complete details. 

Many thanks to Alice Barlow for delivering a detailed account of the 199th Georgia Diocesan Convention last week. You can find the report here.

The church office will be closed on Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27, in observance of Thanksgiving.

Rector's Ramblings


I was planning to reflect on Veteran's Day last week, but I was under the weather most of the week and was not able to get a Rambling written. This is my belated reflection. As I try to do every year around this time, I re-watched the HBO docudrama, Band of Brothers, and its later companion, The Pacific. Both series were produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and are incredibly well done. They are based on dramatized accounts of real people, taken from interviews and books. Both Stephen Ambrose's book, Band of Brothers, and Eugene Sledge's book, With the Old Breed, were used as source material for these series. I highly recommend both books along with both series.

Worship


Worship This Week

Please join us on Sunday, at 9:15 am, for online Rite II Holy Eucharist, which will be available on the Christ Church Facebook page here, on our YouTube page here, or the Christ Church website here. 
Outdoor In-Person Worship - Every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:15 am 


Join us for outdoor Holy Eucharist every Sunday at 8:00 am (BCP 1928) or 11:15 am (Rite I) under the Christ Church tent. All worshipers must register in order to attend outdoor services by calling the office (912-638-8683) Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, or on Fridays, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please bring your mask and a comfortable chair.
Celebrate Communion with Us Via Drive-Through Every Sunday Until 11:15 am 
Join us for Drive-Through Communion at Christ Church each Sunday, following the live stream of the Eucharist. There is no need to make a reservation. Cars will enter at the gate next to the mailbox on Frederica Road and drive down the path. Car windows should remain closed until directed to be lowered by the clergy. A member of the clergy will administer the Eucharist, after which parishioners may exit onto Stevens Road.

 Communion will be served until 11:15 am each Sunday.
Evening Prayer

If you enjoy hearing Evening Prayer read, please look for it at 5:00 pm on the Christ Church Facebook page here. The Rite I bulletin for evening prayer can be found here. The Rite II bulletin for evening prayer can be found here.

Christmas Worship Survey - If You Haven't Taken This Survey Yet, Please Do Now
Christmas is just around the corner and we're eager to plan a meaningful Christmas Eve experience for Christ Church.
There are a lot of things up in the air around this pandemic, and we do not know exactly what will be possible when late December arrives. Nonetheless, we want to get a sense from you about your thoughts around Christmas Eve so we can be effective in our planning.
 
At this time we know that we will not be holding large services indoors. Diocesan guidelines are still favoring outdoor worship for reduced risk, and if this virus does make itself known through a second wave in Glynn County as things get colder, indoor worship may not be possible in any number. This is a heartbreaking reality for us, as we know it is for many of you.  
 
Please take a moment to fill out the survey we have prepared, available at a link HERE and below. We know Christmas Eve will not look like the traditional services we've become accustomed to, however, the ability to gather to praise God for the birth of the Christ Child remains.  If shepherds could hear the Good News and celebrate from the fields, I am quite certain we can also find meaningful worship in this season of the pandemic. 

Christmas Poinsettias
You may purchase beautiful memorial poinsettias to remember a loved one and decorate our worship spaces for Christmas. The cost is $30 per poinsettia and checks should be made payable to the Christ Church Flower Guild. Please send checks and the names of those you wish to honor to Ethel Horton, at 402 Palm Court St. Simons Island, 31522 by Sunday, December 13.
Music News
  Thank you Sara Sheffield! 

It is a pleasure to share Sara's organ and piano skills during our 11:15 am outdoor worship service. 

Be on the lookout for a piano and organ duet with a Thanksgiving feel to it this coming Sunday, November 22 (for our 9:15 Livestream Service).



December 20 - Advent IV Lessons and Carols Liturgy
Last year we offered African Advent Carol with Michael Hulett leading the way on vocal leads and saxophone. This year, we're taking it one step further by adding a lot more rhythm and spunk in a Virtual Choir offering. Now I know my inbox and cell phone will be ringing off the hook with volunteers to join in on this . . . so don't be surprised when Miss Kathleen reaches out with a personal invitation. 

Formation 


Painted Prayers: Prayers During a Pandemic

Renew Spirit, Inspire Hope,
Take Positive Action

 Enter the holidays feeling more hopeful about the future by participating in parishioner Randy Siegel's exhibition at Glynn Visual Arts: Painted Prayers: Prayers During a Pandemic. The exhibit explores three intentions: gratitude, trust, and service; each has been paired with an invitation for positive action.
 
Gratitude - November 11 through 25 
Email your gratitude(s) to GVA at info@glynnvisualarts.org, and a $1 donation, per gratitude, will be made on your behalf to the Community Arts Committee for children's art supplies for the Rise Risley Community Center in Brunswick.

Trust - November 26 through December 10 
Text or email a one-word prayer/intention to GVA at info@glynnvisualarts.org. Prayers, intentions and wishes will be displayed on a "prayer wall" in the GVA classroom. 

Service - December 10 through January 2 
Bring non-perishable food to GVA, at 106 Island Drive, on Saint Simons Island to support Sparrow's Nest, which supplies food and financial assistance to those in crisis in our community. 
 
Visit the Glynn Visual Art website HERE, for more details and to see the show on-line, or visit The Gallery at GVA, at 106 Island Drive, Tuesday - Saturday, from 10 am - 5 pm. Masks are required in The Gallery. Private in-person showings are also available by appointment by calling 912 638-8770. 
 
For More Information, Contact:
912-266-1970 or Randy Siegel, Artist - Painted Prayerslink2randy@gmail.com,  828-301-0819
Wednesday Men's Study Group Meeting Remotely 
The Men's Study Group meets via Zoom on Wednesdays, at 10:30 am.
They are beginning a study of Mere Christianity, by C. S. Lewis.
If you'd like to join the group for this study, please contact Te Turner at royteturner@gmail.com for the Zoom access information.
Advent Book Study
A blended group of in-person and on-line participants are invited to read Dr. Ed Robb's Making Room: Sharing the Love of Christmas. In this book and Advent study, Dr. Robb explores the importance and warmth of welcome at Christmas. A maximum of ten people will gather in the parish hall (masked and social distanced) for four weeks beginning Tuesday, December 1 at 1:00 pm. An unlimited number may join via Zoom. Participants are asked to purchase copies of the book, which can be found HERE. Anyone needing assistance in obtaining the book should contact the church office. Let Mtr. Becky at becky@ccfssi.org know if you'd like to join the group.
Advent Study - Arts and Faith Meditations
Join Fr. Tom beginning Wednesday, December 2 at 7:00 pm for virtual meditative sessions during the season of Advent. The four weekly sessions will use works of sacred art inspired by the Sunday scripture to take a new look at the coming of Jesus. A brief video will be followed by a guided meditation designed to help us prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth through prayer and reflection. No purchase necessary. Contact Fr. Tom at tom@ccfssi.org to join the group.   
Women's Book Study
The Women's Book Group will begin a new book on Thursdays during the Season of Epiphany.  We will be reading Take This Bread by Sara Miles.  

Take this Bread is a journey of person's faith and the impact of the Sacramental Faith. If you would like to be a part of this group discussion or have any questions, please contact Mother Ashton at ashton@ccfssi.org.
Devotionals
If you are a regular reader of the Forward Day by Day devotionals that are typically available in the Christ Church office and would like to continue to have access to them, please contact Glenn Queener at glenn@ccfssi.org. Glenn would like to have your name and street address, so he can send you copies of the booklets. You can also find the devotionals online here.
Adult Sunday Class Continues Break
The Adult Sunday Class, led by the Rev. Bob Brown continues to be on hiatus. For questions about the class and future studies, please contact Bob at rwb385@gmail.com.
 Children and Youth

 
Virtual Sunday School for Children 

Zoom Sunday school is back in session for our children from PreK through Grade 5 this week!

Worship: Hear the Bible story for the week in the Kidurgy service! - available by 8:00 am on Sunday Morning.

Share: At 10:20 am, sign on to our Zoom Sunday School class and listen with Mr. and Mrs. Turner for the PreK-2nd Grade, or Mr. Lenon and Mother Katie for the 3rd-5th grade class! These sessions will be about 15-20 minutes sessions maximum, so you can get to drive-thru communion if you need! Use the Zoom link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84574938145
 
Learn: Take advantage of further learning with the lesson leaflet (that will be passed out at the drive-thru or delivered to your door!) and an On Demand lesson to accompany that weeks lesson, available by Monday morning to do at your leisure that week!
 
Participate in all or one offering to help form your child in the Christian Faith! 
 
If you'd like more details about the upcoming Sunday school classes please contact Mtr. Katie at katie@ccfssi.org.
Kidurgy
Join us on Sunday mornings for Kidurgy online. The lessons are great for all ages! Kidurgy is now using an Anglican Rosary for the Prayers of the People. If you do not have a rosary to use to follow along with at home, please let Mother Katie know and she will deliver! (They are also available at the drive-through communion line!)  Kidurgy will be emailed at 8:00 am on Sunday morning as well as posted on Facebook at 7:00 am.

You can watch this past Sunday's Kidurgy message here.
Christ Church Youth and Pathfinders


Youth Group

The Christ Church Youth will meet this coming Sunday, November 22, 2020, at 6:30 pm in the Parish House. All youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join us for fun and fellowship. This week, we'll be working on a service project! Don't forget to wear your mask and bring a water bottle!

For more information about Youth Group, please contact Mtr. Katie at katie@ccfssi.org.

Pathfinders

Calling all 3rd, 4th and 5th Graders! Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 22, 5:30 - 6:15 pm and come to the Christ Church Parish House!

We will be putting together clear plastic shoeboxes and ditty bags of gifts for Christmas at the Sea - Christmas boxes for Seafarers. Start collecting clear boxes at your house to bring and pack! These boxes will be packed and delivered to the ships' crew members, who cannot be home with their families for the holidays. We will fill the boxes with hair brushes, puzzles, books, pencils, notebook paper, socks, hats, deodorant, handkerchiefs, etc. You can bring some of these items, we will ask Christ Church for donations, and we will supply others. 
 
Please wear a mask, bring a water bottle, use the bathroom before you come!
Christ Church Families on Facebook
Families! Please join the Christ Church Families Facebook group to keep up with all the latest events and activities. Find us on Facebook here!

 

Mission and OutreachMissionandOutreach


Thanksgiving Baskets - ALL FOODS NEEDED!ThanksgivingBaskets


The annual collection of food for Thanksgiving food baskets for twenty-three needy families in our community is concluding and we are still in need of a lot of food, as well as monetary donations! 

The absolute final date for food collection is Tuesday, November 24, by 9:00 am, though we would really like to have your donations by Sunday, November 22. 

Chair Jeannie Wade asks that you bring non-perishable food items to the Christ Church Parish House and leave them on the front porch, in the boxes marked "Thanksgiving Baskets" over the next few days, or on Sunday.

Monetary donations are most welcome, too, as they will help to purchase a turkey for each basket. Make your check to Christ Church, Frederica and note that it is for Thanksgiving baskets. Checks may be placed in the collection plates at our outdoor worship services and at Drive-through Communion, or mailed to Christ Church, at 6329 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522. Monetary funds may also be left in the church office during regular business hours. 

You are also invited to sign up to help assemble the food baskets in the Parish Hall, on Tuesday, November 24, at 9:00 am. Contact Jeannie Wade at jswade125@att.net to get more information or to volunteer to help collect, assemble or deliver the food baskets. 
Angel Tree 2020 - Sharing the Spirit of Christmas with Our Young Friends
Our Angel Tree is online this year! Christ Church is partnering with Safe Harbor, Streetbeat, and Burroughs Molette to collect Christmas gifts for young adults and kids in our local community. 

If you would like to help us spread Christmas joy this season, it is simple. Just take a look at the Christmas wishes HERE. If you see a gift or gifts you would like to purchase, click on the item(s) and fill out the required contact information. If you'd like to make a donation for the item and have someone else go shopping, please sign up for the item and then contact Donna at donnajmpurdy@gmail.com for an estimated cost. If you know someone who cannot use this online portal that might like to help, they can call 912-638-8683 or visit the office and a member of the staff will assist them. Once you purchase your gift, add a "nametag" to help us make certain the item goes to the right child.

Bring your UNWRAPPED gift to Christ Church by December 12,  We will collect gifts Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For contactless delivery, ring the doorbell and leave your gift in the basket by the doors. If you attend a service in person, leave your gift at the check-in table.
If you have any questions, please contact Donna at donnajmpurdy@gmail.com .

Thank you for helping us to brighten the lives of so many this Christmas season!
Daughters of the King Service Project
During the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, the Daughters of the King will be filling Christ Church tins with baked goods and/or candy. These tins will then be put in the holiday food baskets that are delivered to families around Glynn County. 
 
Daughters, we have 144 tins to fill, half of which need to be filled and brought back to the church office by Friday, November 20. Please contact Mother Ashton at ashton@ccfssi.org to pick up your tins, if you need candy that has been donated for this project, or if you have any questions.  
Christmas at Sea for Our International Seafarers
Every year during the season of Christmas, the International Seafarers' Center spreads the love of Christ through their Christmas at Sea program. About 1500 seafarers travel through the port of Brunswick from Thanksgiving to January 7 and the Center hopes to give every seafarer a Christmas present. 
 
If you'd like to be part of this ministry, it's as easy as filling a ditty bag with 12 - 15 item from the list found below and bringing it to either the Parish House, or to the International Seafarers Center, at 307 Newcastle Street in Brunswick.

Christ Church Comforters Gear Up for the Christmas Season
The Christ Church Comforters will once again be making warm knit watch caps that are suitable for the International Seafarers who visit Brunswick regularly. If you'd like to join this knitting/crochet project, please contact Gay Barron at gaylor61@gmail.com to get more information.

Group members who have already created caps are invited to drop them off at the Parish House during regular business hours (Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Friday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm) where they will be blessed before distribution.

If you're filling a box for a seafarer and you'd like a cap, please contact Mtr. Ashton at ashton@ccfssi.org or Gay Barron at gaylor61@gmail.com
Honor a Loved One - Adopt a Backpack Buddy for Christmas 
If you've thought about adopting a young buddy, or have had one in the past, this is a great time to think about doing it in honor of a friend or loved one for Christmas. A sponsorship for a child is $100, which will supply the youngster with weekend food bags for the entire school year. Just let us know who you'd like to honor. 

You  are welcome to donate by check (just mail it to Christ Church, at 6329 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522 - check memo, Backpack Buddies)  or give online HERE (choose Backpack Program).

We are always grateful for your help with the Backpack Buddies mission! If you have any items you'd like to donate this week, they may be dropped off on the front porch at the Christ Church Parish House. If you have any questions about the Backpack Buddies program, please contact Susan Shipman at susanshipman920@gmail.com.
Help Needed for the Humane Society
As part of her English 1102 course at the Coastal College of Georgia, Christ Church parishioner, Waverly Brown, is doing a service project for the local community. She has chosen to do her project with the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia. Waverly will be collecting dry and canned pet foods, treats and toys in donation boxes that she has placed in four locations, including the front porch of the Christ Church Parish House. Please help her out by donating to this outreach project for the Humane Society!
Stay Informed

 
Giving Made Easy


You may use the CCF website to make pledges, donations and payments for some activities. Just select "Giving" at the top of the CCF homepage. This brings you to the pay portal. The process is fast and easy and allows you to pay by credit or debit card or by electronic bank transfer. You may change or add new payment methods at any time. Contact: Stan Kyker, CCF financial administrator at 912-638-8683.


Pastoral Care and Prayer List


Pastoral Care 

Your pastoral care team is here for you! If you have a pastoral concern, a blessing you'd like to share, want to arrange a hospital or home visit, and/or receive Holy Communion, please contact Mother Ashton Williston at 912-638-8683 or ashton@ccfssi.org.

Prayer List

To amend our prayer list or to update the church on the condition of your loved one, please email Mtr. Ashton Williston at ashton@ccfssi.org or call the church office at 912-638-8683.
Nancy Acree
Sam Barrick
Beryl Blatchford
David Blatchford
Tory Braden
Judy Bradford
Rowland Bradford
Anne Brown
June Brown
Beverly Burns
Jackie Byrne
Colleen Cassidy
Zoann Covington
Jim Curran
Sarah Dance
Jackie Davis
Linda Davidson
Marie Dennard
Mary Lou Detwiler
Natalie Dixon
Jennie Doyle
Dave Geiszler
Julie Hancock
Kim Harrison
Burgess Hartsell
Larry Hartsell
Andrew Hobbs
Carol Hoffine
Lise Hofmann
Angela Holland
Jessica Hope
Bob Huggins
Gordon Jackson
Mark Jicha
Sally Jones
Holly Lamb
Mary Landen
Bill Littleton
Dott Marler
Tom Martin
Kathy Marvel
Claire McCarty
Frank Owenby
Andy Padgett
Judy Paige
Pep Peppiatt
Dale Pierson
Johnny Riddle
Julia Riddle
Terry Hall Robbins
Willou Smith
David Somerville
Sam Spak
Nancy Stamper
Mike Swindling
Edith Tayloe
Christina Taylor
Sam Ward
Sarah Whitman
Jennifer Willingham
Royce Wood
Ava
Betty
Bob
Carol
Dale
Dave
Dick
Gail
Jack
Jake
Jim
Joanne
Jordan
Larry
Maria
Marianne
Marjorie
Marla
Megan
Michael
Muriel
Pidge
Richard
Susan
Tom 
Traci
Virginia
Walter