News You Can Use
March 17, 2021
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We're happy to announce the return of the annual Christ Church Easter Egg Hunt this year, on Sunday, April 4, 2021, at 11:05 am, just outside the Parish House! We will be collecting candy-filled plastic eggs until March 28. Please scroll down for more details. |
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In February of 2020, I wrote about my then upcoming summer sabbatical. At that time I had no idea that within about a month, the whole world would be turned upside down by the pandemic. My sabbatical was cancelled, with the hopes that it was only a postponement. It was only postponed, as it turned out, and we have been able to keep all the funds Christ Church was awarded for my time away to use in 2021. I will be away from the parish beginning in May and returning in August. Rather than re-write the introduction to that process, I am sharing what I wrote last February. I will say more in the next two months. I am still grateful that I even have an opportunity to take sabbatical, and grateful that I will be able to do something for renewal this summer. It just so happens that this last year of delay was also the hardest single year of ministry since I was ordained. That reality makes me more grateful than ever. Tom+
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Worship This Week
Please join us for in-person worship in the Christ Church tent each Sunday for BCP 1928 Worship at 8:00 am, Family Worship at 10:20 am or Rite I Worship at 11:15 am. All rules for safe gathering will be followed, including wearing masks, maintaining 6 feet of distance between members of different households and limiting the overall group size.
If you would prefer to worship in the comfort of your own home, we invite you to join us online at 9:15 am on Sunday for Rite II 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!
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The Lottery Is Open for 9:15 AM Worship in Christ Church |
On Sundays, we invite up to six people to join us for worship in the historic church during the 9:15 am live stream service. Worshipers in the church will remain masked at all times and will be screened for COVID symptoms prior to participation. Please call the office (912-638-8683) Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, or on Fridays, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm to have your name entered into the lottery. You do NOT need to call each week for the 9:15 lottery. Your name will remain in the lottery until your name is drawn.
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The Healing Service has returned for the Lenten Season every Wednesday at 12:00 NOON. Worship services will be held in the Christ Church tent, with COVID-19 safety precautions in place, including masking and social distancing. Please bring your prayers and petitions and we will write them down, then offer them up to the Lord. If you have any questions, please contact Mtr. Ashton at ashton@ccfssi.org.
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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.
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We will observe the annual tradition of decorating the the church for Eastertide this year, in addition to decorating the new Christ Church tent. You can remember a loved one at Easter with a memorial Easter lily. Send the name(s) and a check for $30 for each memorial to Ethel Horton, 402 Palm Court, St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522. Make checks payable to "Christ Church Flower Guild." Please order by Friday, March 26, 2021. Contact: Ethel Horton at ethhorton@comcast.net or 912-634-8327
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Holy Week and Easter Schedule for 2021 |
We greatly appreciate the detailed feedback we received from the 2021 Holy Week and Easter Worship Services Survey and have incorporated as many of your selections and suggestions into this year’s worship schedule as possible. Below, you will find the list of services we will be holding at Christ Church, along with the times and locations.
You can register for the services online** or by calling 912-638-8686, beginning March 23, 2021, at 9:00 am. If you call in for registration, you must speak with a staff member or volunteer in order to make a reservation - do not leave a voicemail message, text or email. As space for worshipers in the indoor services at Christ Church is very limited, names will be put into a lottery for attendance there.
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
12:00 pm - Healing Service (Tent)
7:00 pm – Tenebrae (St. Ignatius Livestream Only)
Thursday, April 1, 2021
12:00 pm – Maundy Thursday Eucharist (Tent)
1:00 pm – Drive-Through Eucharist (Christ Church Cemetery)
7:00 pm – Maundy Thursday Eucharist (Church & Livestream)
Friday, April 2, 2021
12:00 pm – Stations of the Cross
Reflections on the Pandemic
(Livestream Only)
4:00 pm – Stations of the Cross (St. Ignatius Garden)
7:00 pm – Good Friday Eucharist (Church & Livestream)
Sunday, April 4, 2021
6:15 am – Easter Vigil (Tent & Livestream)
8:00 am – BCP 1928 Easter Eucharist (Church)
9:15 am – Rite II Easter Eucharist (Tent & Livestream)
9:15 am – Rite II Easter Eucharist (Church)
10:30 am – Rite II Easter Eucharist (Tent)
10:30 am – Family Easter Eucharist (Parish Hall)
11:05 am – Christ Church Easter Egg Hunt
(Parish House Front Yard)
11:30 am – Rite II Easter Eucharist (Tent)
** The link for online registration will be emailed to you prior to the beginning of all registrations on Tuesday, March 23, at 9:00 am.
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Lenten Study - Christ Walk |
Mtr. Becky is leading Christ Walk: A 40-Day Spiritual Fitness Program for the Lenten Season. 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 you are welcome to join the walking group on Wednesdays at 4:00 pm. Call Mtr. Becky at 912-6438-8683 to find out where the group will be meeting to walk next week. The group also meets on Thursdays at 1:00 pm via Zoom to discuss each week’s readings. Contact Mtr. Becky at becky@ccfssi.org or 912-638-8683 with any questions. If you’d like to puchase a copy of Christ Walk: A 40-Day Spiritual Fitness Program for the Lenten Season, it can be purchased online HERE, or it can be ordered at G. J. Ford Bookshop, on St. Simons Island.
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Wednesday Lenten Book Study |
Join Father Tom each Wednesday in Lent as we explore Adam Hamilton's new book, Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today. The group meets via Zoom each Wednesday at 1:00 pm. Books can be ordered for pickup/purchase at the Christ Church office for $15, or you can order your own copy online. Please let Fr. Tom know if you'd like to join the group and if you'd like him to order a copy of the book for you. Email him at tom@ccfssi.org. A very brief introductory video from the author can be found here: WordsofLifePromo.mp4
The Men's Study Group, which usually meets on Wednesday mornings, at 10:30 am, will not meet at their regular time during Lent, but will attend Fr. Tom's book study at 1:00 pm, via ZOOM, instead. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Bill Abbate at drfwa@comcast.net to get ZOOM sign-in information.
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Living Compass Lenten Devotion |
Living Well Through Lent 2021: Listening With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind
Join tens of thousands of individuals across multiple denominations who use our daily devotionals as preparation for the coming of Easter. Designed for use as an individual reflection or for group study, this guide provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Lent, an experience that will help prepare us for the true meaning of Easter. Includes reflections from: Martha Bourlakis, Robbin Brent, Randall Curtis, Donald Fishburne, Jan Kwiatkowski, Heidi Kim, Malcolm McLaurin, Craig Phillips, Lisa Saunders, Scott Stoner, and Dawna Wall. You can download your free devotional HERE.
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Lent Madness began in 2010 as the brainchild of the Rev. Tim Schenck. In seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church's Calendar of Saints, Tim came up with this unique Lenten devotion. Combining his love of sports with his passion for the lives of the saints, Lent Madness was born on his blog "Clergy Family Confidential" which has subsequently moved locations and become "Clergy Confidential."
Join in the fun and learn a lot at the same time during the Lenten Season this year. Check out Lent Madness HERE.
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If you are a regular reader of the Forward Day by Day devotionals, you may pick up a copy in the church office during regular business hours Tues. - Thurs., 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, or Fri., 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. You can also find the devotionals online HERE.
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Christ Church Annual Easter Egg Hunt |
This year’s Christ Church Easter Egg Hunt will take place at 11:05 am, in front of the Christ Church Parish House. Please register for the egg hunt when you register for a service and let us know how many children will attend (to make sure we have enough eggs!).
We will be collecting candy-filled plastic eggs up until Sunday, March 28. Just leave your contributions at the porch of the Parish House. Thank you, in advance, for your donations!
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Kidurgy continues to be available each week, for our young worshippers, their families and anybody who would like a wonderful weekly lesson. If you're still interested in making your own Anglican Rosary, check out the instructional video from Mtr. Katie HERE.
If you'd like to see Kidurgy from Sunday, March 14, 2021, go to the link HERE.
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Confirmation Classes on Sunday Evenings |
Confirmation classes have begun on Sunday evenings, from 5:00 to 6:15 pm, and take place in the Parish House. For any questions, please contact Mother Katie at katie@ccfssi.org.
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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!
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ECW Tour of Homes Outreach Campaign 2021 |
Although Covid-19 prevents us from holding the 67th annual Christ Church Tour of Homes in 2021, the commitment of Tour Organizers and Volunteers to its mission, assisting women and children in need, stands firm.
We ask you to consider donating to the Tour Outreach Fund to support organizations that have come to depend on grants from the Tour. In recent years our total grants reached up to $70,000 per year. With the generosity of Tour supporters, former volunteers, former ticket holders and other members of the community we hope to raise at least half that amount in 2021. Please look for the letter from the Christ Church ECW in your mail for more details.
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ECW Scholarship 2021 - Accepting Applications Now |
Christ Church ECW is now accepting applications for the ECW Scholarship for young women for the 2021-2022 academic year. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors or those who have graduated from high school and want to further their education. The applicant must be from Glynn or McIntosh County and an active Episcopalian. The application deadline is April 21, 2021. Get more information HERE.
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Backpack Buddies - Can You Share Some Easter Treats? |
Our Backpack Buddies ministry consists of a large and diverse group of dedicated individuals, from our set-up, packing and delivery teams at Christ Church, all the way to the youngsters at the schools who help unpack and deliver the weekend food bags to their fellow students. We are so proud of our student helpers and this week, we salute our young and super strong helpers throughout the county!
Easter is fast approaching and we’d like to share some Easter cheer with our young Backpack Buddies by including Easter candy in their weekend foods bags. If you can donate bags of small wrapped Easter treats like chocolate eggs, jelly beans, Skittles, Hershey Kisses, lollipops, etc., they would be greatly appreciated. Since the children are going on spring break right after Easter, we are also planning an extra bag for them for Easter week. It will include a jar of peanut butter and some snack items. We will need some sleeves of Ritz crackers to go with the peanut butter if you would like to bring in boxes of those.
Food donations may be dropped of at the Christ Church Parish House during regular business hours, Tues.-Thurs. 9 am-5 pm, or Fri. 9 am-2 pm. Thank you for your generosity!
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; memo line, Backpack Buddies). If you have any questions about the Backpack Buddies program, please contact Susan Shipman at susanshipman920@gmail.com.
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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 until Easter Sunday. For more information, please contact Mtr. Ashton at ashton@ccfssi.org.
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COVID-19 Guidance for In-Person Worship Revised in Lent |
From the Diocese of Georgia:
With cases dropping, and every county where we have an Episcopal Church down in the yellow recommendation area in our guidance chart, Bishop Logue announced some slight revisions made possible by experience and input from public health officials. Lengthening the total time present to an hour indoors and 1.5 hours outdoors, adding the possibility of a nursery, and processions indoors (still with no singing in procession) are among the changes.
Stability in planning for Easter
Given the input from public health officials, this is the guidance in effect through at least Easter and we are hopeful that it will remain in effect as the cases remain down. Here is a simplified copy of the PDF that shows only this guidance in effect now:
What if there is another surge?
The color-coded guidance chart will come back into effect if cases spike again and we face a new surge of COVID-19. The difference will be that, based on experience, the hospitalization numbers will no longer be used as a criteria. If there is a spike of cases in your area, checking the data on your hospital, to take into account if they are overwhelmed, remains prudent. We will no longer use regional hospital data to guide our color-coded system, which will be based solely on case counts per 100,000 people.
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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: Glenn Queener, CCF Parish Administrator at 912-638-8683.
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Pastoral Care & Prayer List |
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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
Alice Barlow
Bob Budd
Beverly Burns
Oscar Covington
Zoann Covington
Jim Curran
Jackie Davis
Jack Erikson
Kurt Federer
Sydney Federer
Lynne Fox
Mark Jicha
Mary Landen
Davi Langston
Jennifer Littlejohn
Kelly Macjewski
Carlotta Martz
Jack Martz
Chuck Moore
Connie Moore
Katie Orrel
Pep Peppiatt
Stewart Phinizy III
Dale Pierson
Michael Principato
Willou Smith
David Somerville
Edith Tayloe
Kelly Valentine
Glenda Ward
Jennifer Willingham
Chamblee
Virginia
Departed:
The Rev. Nancy Acree
Todd Littlejohn
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