February 3, 2021

IN THIS ISSUE
Please note that all in-person worship and other in-person programs at Christ Church, (except for Backpack Buddies), are temporarily suspended until COVID restrictions from the Diocese of Georgia are lifted.

Rector's Ramblings


I've always enjoyed problem solving. Not that problems are fun in and of themselves, but I've always enjoyed looking into a problem and coming up with a solution. I suppose I like to let my inner MacGyver play once in a while.  I think it started when I was a kid. I used to like brain teasers and riddles. I wouldn't always get them right, but I sure did like the process of trying to figure them out. One of my children has inherited this sort of strange appreciation and keeps asking to go to an escape room. After the pandemic lightens up, I think we'll try that.  
 
Problem solving and learning new things are part of the reason I enjoyed having a Jeep. Yes, that's past tense. I sold it several months ago. I had found that problem solving car issues is only fun for so long. It gets old and it gets expensive. I needed something I could rely on a bit more, so after I had it all ship-shape and purring, I sold it. I lost money on it after putting so much into repairs, but it also kept me out of trouble for a year, so there's that. I wanted a more reliable car and came back to the Toyota family, which we've driven for years.  

Worship


Worship This Week

As a result of the number of cases of COVID-19 in Glynn County, paired with an increase in local hospitalizations, we have suspended in-person worship in accordance with Diocesan policy. This means there will be no tent worship this Sunday at either 8:00 or 11:15 am.

When our hospital system is under strain, as it is now, we must work together to help bend the curve back down again. In the spirit of care for our community and one another, we will take another step back in our common life until things improve.  We will be back together again in the tent soon.  
 
We will keep you updated as the local situation changes in the coming days and weeks. Please be vigilant in wearing masks and keeping distances where you can and stay safe.

We invite you to join us online at 9:15 am on Sunday for Holy Eucharist. This service is available on Facebook, YouTube or via the Christ Church website HERE. Drive-Through Communion will begin immediately at the conclusion of the Livestream service, at approximately 10:15 am and conclude at 11:15 am. All are welcome to join us there. Please wear your masks and if you have dogs, bring them along for a blessing and a treat, too!
Ash Wednesday - February 17, 2021
Our Ash Wednesday services will be a little different this year, due to the pandemic and the current high case numbers in our Diocese. We will Livestream a service from Christ Church at 12:00 Noon, which will be followed by Drive-Through Communion and the Administration of Ashes for two hours afterwards, in the Christ Church cemetery. All are welcome to participate in the Drive-Through.

If COVID conditions improve in Glynn County, the Diocese relaxes its restrictions, and we are able to add services, we will give you that information as soon as it's available.
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.


Formation 


Upcoming Lenten Study - Christ Walk
Join Mtr. Becky this Lenten season to explore Christ Walk: A 40-Day Spiritual Fitness Program. Christ Walk is a program developed by a nurse and cancer survivor (also Episcopalian) to blend physical, spiritual and emotional health. She suggests walking/running/biking programs appropriate for all levels of fitness based on walks Jesus made. You can walk on your own, but I hope that the group can do at least a few of these together. If a bum knee, hip or foot is hampering your walking, join us anyway! Walking not required. Beginning on February 18, we will meet on Thursdays at 1:00 pm via Zoom to discuss each week's readings. Drop me an email at [email protected] if you are interested. All are welcome! (If you need help acquiring a book, let me know.)

From Amazon:
"What's better than feeding your soul while developing healthy practices for your body and mind? Christ Walk outlines a 40-day program for individuals and groups to focus on improving physical health while engaging in spiritual and mental reflection and growth.

Individuals and groups select different biblical routes to complete (through walking, running, biking, etc.), while reading a reflective passage on health and spirituality each day of the journey. Each chapter is a daily meditation on different aspects of mind, body, and spiritual health tied to biblical teachings and Christian traditions. The appendices include options for groups and individuals to transform their Christ Walk experience from journey to journey."
Diocesan Lenten Study
From the Diocese of Georgia:
This year the Diocese will be offering daily reflections during Lent, written by both clergy and laity throughout the Diocese. Monday through Friday will be reflections on the Daily Office readings, Saturday reflections will be focused on a spiritual practice that you may be able to incorporate into your routine, and Sunday will be dedicated to a reflection of a piece of music. These reflections may be used as a resource for your congregation or as a personal guide through Lent.
 
The reflections will begin on Ash Wednesday and carry through to Easter Sunday. These reflections continue with the theme for November's convention. Jesus gave this image of him as the vine and us as the branches to his followers on the night before he died as he knew they would face tremendous hardships and he wanted them to see how life-giving connection to him is for each of us.
 
Look for more information about Thriving in the Vine: Daily Reflections for Lent as we move towards Ash Wednesday.

Men's Study Group
The Men's Study Group, which meets on Wednesday mornings, at 10:30 am, via ZOOM, is beginning a new book for the new year. They will be reading, The American Story, Conversations with Master Historians, by David Rubinstein. 

If you are interested in joining the group, Please contact Bill Abbate at [email protected] to get ZOOM sign-in information.
Women's Book Study
The Women's Book Group has been reading Take This Bread by Sara Miles on Thursdays at 1:00 pm, as their Epiphany study. 

Take this Bread is a journey of person's faith and the impact of the Sacramental Faith. If you would like to read the book, please contact Mother Ashton at [email protected].
Episcopal Church 101
Episcopal Church 101 (EC 101) is an eight week class for those interested in joining the Episcopal Church or for those who simply want to learn more about our practices and beliefs. The series is a great refresher, too, for those who are already Episcopalians but may have forgotten why we do some of the things we do. We take a look at church history, theology, liturgy, mission, and go behind the scenes at Christ Church to see how Sunday worship comes together. Classes will take place via Zoom on Thursdays evenings at 5:30 beginning February 11. If you would like to join this group, please contact Mtr. Becky at [email protected] or call the church office at 912-638-8683.
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 [email protected]. 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.
 Children and Youth

 
Thank You for Supporting the Youth's Super Sunday Fundraiser!

A big THANK YOU to all who donated soup, chili, cornbread, and cinnamon rolls, and those purchased any of the delicious items this past Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the to the youth Souper Sunday fundraiser. Thanks to your support and the hard work of the kids and their super sponsors, they were able to raise $834.00 to go towards their future trip! We couldn't have done it without everybody's help, so thank you, Christ Church!
Youth and Children's In-Person Activities Temporarily Suspended
As a result of the number of the high number of cases of COVID-19 in Glynn County and the potential strain on our hospitals, we are suspending in-person activities for our children and youth in accordance with Diocesan policy. The following is a list of affected programs:
 
Kidurgy video will still be available Sunday Morning. We will NOT be gathering at 10:20 under the Tent. 
 
Drive through Communion: You can still receive the sacrament or a blessing this weekend. Come through the drive-through from 10:15 am to 11:15 am. 
 
Youth Group will not gather on Sunday evening this week. 
 
If you have questions, please contact Mtr. Katie at [email protected].
Kidurgy Continues!
Even if our children and their families can't meet for lessons and worship in person, we can still watch Mtr. Katie's Kidurgy videos each week. If you'd like to see the video from January 31, 2021, click HERE. If you're still interested in making your own Anglican Rosary, check out the instructional video from Mtr. Katie HERE.
Confirmation Class for Age 16 and Up
We are happy to announce that we have about eight high school youth interested in attending Confirmation Class this spring. Mother Katie will be sending out a dootle poll (something that can evaluate several schedules) to best fit those interested. Those who have signed up will receive an invitation to the poll this week.

If you have questions, please contact Mother Katie at [email protected].
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


Drive-Through Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 
February 16, 2021 - 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Mark your calenders for Tuesday, February 16, 2021 and plan to hop in your car and come to the first Drive-Through Pancake Supper at Christ Church! Our youth and the dedicated Christ Church griddle team will be serving tasty pancakes, sausages and a bit of Mardi Gras cheer that you can take home in a convenient carry-out container. There's no charge for dinner, but a suggested donation of $5 to cover costs would be welcome. Tell your friends and neighbors, because all are welcome! If you have questions about this event, please contact Mtr. Katie at [email protected].

We're Sweet On Our Backpack Buddies!


Valentine's Day is a perfect occasion to show our young Backpack Buddies a little extra love! Our Backpack Buddies team is busily preparing Valentine cards for all 550 of the youngsters we serve. We are also providing fruity snacks in the shape of hearts, heart lollipops, and everyone's favorite  - Hershey Kisses! Since Valentines is on Sunday, we're going to spread the love over two weekends. That's the grand plan!!

Please consider "adopting" a Backpack Buddy. A sponsorship for a child is $100, which will supply the youngster with weekend food bags for the entire school year. You  are welcome to donate online HERE, (choose Backpack Program from the drop-down menu), or by check (just mail it to Christ Church, at 6329 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522 - check memo, Backpack Buddies). If you have any questions about the Backpack Buddies program, please contact Susan Shipman at [email protected].
A Little Extra Love for Our Friends in Senior Living Centers
Covid-19 fatigue and loneliness are real for our most vulnerable seniors. You can brighten a senior resident's day with the simple act of sending a "Thinking of You" or Valentine card to one of our area's senior living centers. Addresses and contract names appear below. Your message doesn't have to be elaborate-it can be as brief as, "I wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you." Valentine's Day is February 14th. Let's show our seniors we care. Contact Mtr. Ashton at [email protected] if you'd like to know which Christ Church parishioners live in these senior centers or for any other questions.
 
Addington Place  890 Scranton Road Brunswick, Georgia 31522  Attn: Hilary Kent
 
Gracemore Nursing Home 2708 Lee Street Brunswick, Georgia 31520 Attn: Tiffany Auge
 
Marsh's Edge  136 Marsh's Edge Lane  St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522  Attn: Dustyn Sloane
 
Magnolia Manor  2255 Frederica Road  St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522 Attn: Roberta Lawnichak
 
Sears Coastal Nursing and Rehab  3311 Lee Street Brunswick, Georgia 31520  Attn: Michelle Ellison
 
Thrive at Frederica  3615 Frederica Road  St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522  Attn: Melinda Fleeman

Book Drive for Burroughs Molette Elementary School
We are looking for donations of new and gently used books, to give out to some of the young students at Burroughs Molette Elementary School (particularly ages 3 - 8). The books will be used in the classrooms, or delivered to students who are doing virtual learning. If you have books for young children you'd like to donate, please bring them to the church office in the Christ Church Parish House during regular business hours, Tuesday - Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm, or Friday, 9 am - 2 pm. We will be collecting books throughout the Lenten Season and will finish on Easter Sunday. For more information, please contact Mtr. Ashton at [email protected].
SGHS Bridge Run to be Held Virtually in 2021
Christ Church Runners and Walkers, we encourage you to participate in the VIRTUAL RACE this February 13, 2021, since the formal bridge run will not be held. 

While the race, which is the major fundraiser for programs at the hospital, cannot be held, those charities need aid more than ever. Cancer and cardiac issues have not vanished just because COVID has assumed the spotlight. They need funding more than ever

To make a donation to The Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation, go to: 
or call 912-466-3360.

Thank you! 
CCF Bridge Run Co-Chairs Judy Douglas and Diane Sheehan
Stay Informed

 
Vestry Election Results for 2021

Voting for our new 2021 Vestry members took place on Sunday morning, January 31, 2021, via drive-through voting in the Christ Church cemetery. Many thanks to all who worked to make this arrangement possible. The results were announced at the virtual Christ Church Annual Meeting, which took place later that evening at 6:00 pm. 

The new Vestry members are Sarah Kreimborg, Scott McQuade, Troy Meeks and Julianne Temple, (who will start a new term, after completing the term of another Vestry member). Van Black will serve as the first alternate. Congratulations to all of our new Vestry members!

We sincerely want to thank Deb Luginbuhl, Gay Barron, Gordon Zeese and Van Black for their willingness to run in this election and rejoice that they will continue to share their gifts and talents with us at Christ Church in the many ministries in which they already serve.

The Vestry met on Sunday evening, at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, to elect officers for the 2021. Those serving last year will remain in their same positions: Senior Warden - Beth Smith, Junior Warden - David Blatchford, Treasurer - Bonney Shuman, Secretary - Gordon Zeese.

If you would like to read the 2020 Annual Report that was presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting, you can find it HERE.
Looking for a New Christ Church Financial Administrator
We are searching for a new part-time Financial Administrator at Christ Church, to replace our retiring administrator, Stan Kyker. Stan has been with us for seven years and we thank him for his expertise, long-term commitment and dedication to excellence in all that time. He will be a hard act to follow, but we're hoping to find the right person to fill his shoes. If you know anyone who would be interested in this job and is qualified to do it, please contact Glenn Queener at [email protected] or at 912-638-8683.
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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] or call the church office at 912-638-8683.
Nancy Acree
Jeanne Barefoot
Sam Barrick
David Blatchford
Tory Braden
Judy Bradford
Rowland Bradford
Andraus Brice, Sr.
Anne Brown
Beverly Burns
Jackie Byrne
Colleen Cassidy
Adgate Cole
Oscar Covington
Zoann Covington
Jim Curran
Jackie Davis
Linda Davidson
Marie Dennard
Tom Dennard
Natalie Dixon
Becky Dorrell
Patricia J. Ellison
Dave Geiszler
Kim Harrison
Tori Harvey
Burgess Hartsell
Larry Hartsell
Andrew Hobbs
Jessica Hope
Gordon Jackson
Mark Jicha
Drew Kessel
Holly Lamb
Mary Landen
Dott Marler
Tom Martin
Kathy Marvel
Carlotta Martz
Jack Martz
Claire McCarty
Sharon Moser
Frank Owenby
Andy Padgett
Judy Paige
Pep Peppiatt
Stewart Phinizy III 
Dale Pierson
Johnny Riddle
Julia Riddle

Terry Hall Robbins
Kathy Roux
Janet Smith
Phoebe Smith
Willou Smith
David Somerville
Sam Spak
Nancy Stamper
Edith Tayloe
Glenda Ward
Sarah Whitman
Jennifer Willingham
Royce Wood
Amy
Ava
Beth
Bob
Carol
Dale
Dave
Dick
Dr. Pep
Dorothy
Drew
Jack
Jake
Jamie
Jim
Jordan
Karen
Katherine
Larry
Maria
Marianne
Marjorie
Marla
MarySusan
May
Megan
Michael
Muriel
Pidge
Richard
Susan
Tom 
Traci
Walter