WEEKLY E-NEWS
from Christ Church Episcopal
O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

We are called to respond to Christ in faith through the showings of his divinity recorded in the gospels of the Epiphany season. Join others in Christian community as we answer this call together!
A Message from Rev. Shirley
We are each given life. What a gift! Every gift has its wonderfulness and it’s challenges. Same goes with our bodies and minds. For many people, a mental health factor is as real as someone else’s diabetes or heart condition. As a culture, we have some distance to go before we stop shaming people and families for having mental health conditions that they no more asked for than did the diabetes or heart patient. I’m incredibly grateful for the leadership of our Youth Ministry Team and Student Minister, Adam Williams, for providing a new Teen Mental Health Awareness and Support Initiative. This series will educate and equip youth to access care when they need it and be a supportive peer community. Please take a look and lend your prayers and support to what they are doing. - Shirley
Men's Breakfast this Saturday
Men of all ages are invited to gather this Saturday at 8 AM in the Worship Building for conversation and breakfast together. We will be continuing our "Monday Christians" series, focusing on how we live out our faith at work.  Our speaker this month will be Gordon Macgill, who will talk about a recent career transition that has led him to be a teacher at the Faison Academy, a school for autistic youth. It's a very inspiring story, you won't want to miss it! Contact Dave Wasik with any questions.
Adult Forum this Sunday
Join others in the parlor this Sunday at 10:15 AM as we continue our three week series on the "Way of Love" practice to Bless.
Chat and chew at our new "Connection Sunday" on January 26
Join us for a casual time to connect with others and enjoy good food. We'll gather in the Milling Area between worship services -- around 10:15 AM -- on Sunday, January 26 . If you are able, please select a refreshment from the list in Realm Events or just grab a treat to share on your way to church that Sunday. Stay for as little or long as you like, enjoying the company of new and old friends. And look forward to more connection gatherings coming soon....
February 9: Come hear how YOU are resourcing our mission & ministry
We hope you know your financial support provides mission and ministry here at Christ Church and far beyond! Let's take a victory lap, celebrating our many blessings, as we talk about the 2019 financial report, discuss the 2020 budget, and engage in community conversation.

We'll gather in the Library at 12:15 PM on Sunday, February 9 . All are welcome! Come hear how we are resourcing our mission and ministry.
Save the Dates

Book Drive for GMES: Jan. 25-Feb.9
*new* Connection Sunday: Jan. 26
Scout Sunday: Feb. 9
Annual Meeting, Part 2: Feb. 9
Shrove Tues. Pancake Supper: Feb. 25
Ash Wednesday: Feb. 26
Benefit Concert: Mar. 7
Learn a new skill this year! Flower Arranging Workshop on January 25
Have you been interested in floral design or maybe joining the flower ministry, but have been too intimidated? If so, please attend the Christ Church flower arranging workshop on January 25 at 10:00 AM. All ages welcome! We suggest a donation of $15 for the cost of the flowers provided, but is not necessary to attend. You can bring your own container or borrow one at the church.   Please RSVP by January 23 to lay leader Lynne Still .  Questions? Email Lynne or call her at 804-360-9842.
Children's Choir resumes January 22
All children K-5th grade are invited to join us for Cycle #3 of Children's Choir! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, beginning on January 22. This cycle will culminate in the children singing at our annual benefit concert on Saturday, March 7, at 5:00 PM. All children are invited and friends are always welcomed and encouraged!
There is still time to register for the renowned "Financial Peace University"
Are you ready to take control of your money? Financial Peace University (FPU) is a nine-lesson course designed to help you build a budget, dump debt, grow your wealth, become a generous giver, and leave money stress behind! With the class, you will also get a member workbook and one year of Financial Peace Membership, with access to exclusive online tools to help you on your journey. The class begins on February 3, 2020, and is limited to 20 people . Contact Rev. Richard or check out class details at www.fpu.com/1105891.
Youth Updates
On Saturday, January 18, all youth are invited to "Service Saturday" Blue Ridge Senior Living from 10 am to 12 PM. (12411 Gayton Road). Help us spread warmth and fellowship as we do crafts with the residents of Blue Ridge.

This Sunday, youth will participate in a very special discussion on bullying and enjoy a fellowship meal . This is part of the new Mental Health Awareness initiative brought to us by the Youth Ministry Team and licensed professional counselor Terri Becker-Fritz. Click here for more details.
  • Mid-High discussion—5:00-5:45PM
  • All ages fellowship meal—5:50-6:35PM
  • Sr. High discussion—6:45-7:30PM
  • All CCE youth and their friends are welcome!
 
Youth Lock-Out/Lock-In—January 24-25
  • Join us for our annual all-nighter filled with fun around town and a sleepover at the Garage.
  • Log into Realm for more details and to register!
New "Episcopal 301" course is for you. Yes, YOU!
Have you been through Episcopal 101 and want to learn more? Or maybe you have been through Episcopal 201? Maybe you have not been through either, and yet, you want to learn more about the Episcopal Church’s teachings on the sacraments. Any way you slice it, Episcopal 301 is for you!

The sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist are the primary means of grace we experience in our weekly worship. In Episcopal 301, Rev. Richard Pelkey will lead a four-week series exploring the liturgy, history, teachings and theology of the two great sacraments. We will learn about the scriptural warrants for these practices, how they developed over the centuries, how they are given to us in the Book of Common Prayer, and deepen their meaning for our lives in Christ.
Class begins Tuesday, January 28.
Take a hike! Outdoor Fellowship Opportunities through our Men's Ministry
Come one, come all for fun outdoor fellowship gatherings for men of all ages. (And women, too, for the co-ed Biking trip in the fall.) The first excursion is Saturday, January 25 to North Anna Battlefield Hike (3 to 5 miles - low to moderate level). We will meet at CCE parking lot at 9:00 AM to carpool, do the hike, then have lunch, and head back. The group should be back to CCE by 2:00 PM. Please contact lay leader Jeff Kapinos or Rev. Richard Pelkey for details.
God is good! We pledges totaling $820,573 . Thank you, Christ Church! There is still time to make your pledge. Additional pledge cards are available in the worship building and office or you can pledge online in Realm. Visit ww.ccerva.org/give .
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