January 27, 2021

IN THIS ISSUE
Drive-Through for Communion, Vestry Voting and the Youth Soup/Chili Fundraiser is this Sunday, January 31, from 10:15 am - 12:00 pm. Look for more details about each event in the articles below.

Don't forget to join us for the virtual 2021 Christ Church Annual Meeting, beginning at 6:00 pm. (You can pop in as early as 5:30 pm, too.) Scroll down for more details.

Rector's Ramblings


Sometimes having hope is a scary endeavor. That sounds like a strange assertion, but I know it to be true, and I'm guessing you do, too.  I think we tend to think that hope pairs with happiness, and it can and does at times. Alternately, hoping can be a risky endeavor, and one that raises a sense of unease. I suppose I've known this for a long time in some sense, but it was just recently that I really identified my own experience with it. 
 
Hope is particularly scary after a time of turmoil, pain, or loss. In moments when our thoughts go to what went wrong or turned out badly previously, it can be so overpowering that we don't allow ourselves to be hopeful, lest those hopes be dashed. We can lose our sense of hope altogether if we've had a series of experiences that showed us that our hopes were misplaced. The most obvious example of this is from the Peanuts cartoons when Charlie Brown tries repeatedly to kick the football, only to have Lucy pull it away. On one hand, those are funny moments, but on the other, they capture the pain of Charlie Brown's repeated and frustrating failure. Those moments, despite how cutely they may have been drawn, become less funny when we have lived them. 

Worship


Worship This Week

Please join us this Sunday for our regular schedule of Holy Eucharist worship services.
 
8:00 am: Holy Eucharist, 1928 BCP, in the Tent^
9:15 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II, livestreamed from 
historic Christ Church*
10:15 am: Drive-Through Communion
11:15 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite I, in the Tent^
 
^Please call 912-638-8683 during regular business hours, Tuesday-Friday, to reserve your place.

* Due to the current Red Zone status for COVID-19 transmission in Glynn County, we will not have any additional participants in the 9:15 am service at this time. Please join us online via Livestream.
Family Worship Service 


We invite you and your family to join us outdoors, under the Christ Church tent, on Sundays at 10:20 am, for the child-centered Family Worship Service. Though this service is particularly tailored for our younger worshippers, all are welcome! Please call the church office Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, or Friday, 9:00 am-2:00 pm, to sign up for the 10:20 am service. We will continue to follow the guidelines for social distancing - six feet apart from others outside your family unit, wear your mask, and please stay home if it might be possible that you have COVID.

If you have any questions, please contact Mtr. Katie at katie@ccfssi.org.
Drive-Through CommunionCommunion
Drive-Through Communion will be available on January 31, 2021, from 10:15 am until 12:00 NOON. There is no need to make a reservation. Cars will enter at the gate next to the mailbox on Frederica Road and exit onto Stevens Road.
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 becky@ccfssi.org 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."
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 drfwa@comcast.net to get ZOOM sign-in information.
Women's Book Study
The Women's Book Group will start back up on Thursdays, January 14th at 1:00 pm. Our discussions will take place via Zoom. 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.
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 becky@ccfssi.org 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 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

 
Confirmation Class for Age 16 and Up
This spring we would have offered a Confirmation Class under normal circumstances. If you are 16 or older and are interested in becoming an individual member of the church, by making a statement of faith in front of the whole church, please contact Mother Katie at katie@ccfssi.org by February 1, so that we can make a confirmation class schedule that will accommodate you.

It's Souper Sunday and So Much More This Year!SouperSunday
On Sunday morning January 31, between 10:15 am and NOON, our youth will be selling pints and quarts of soup and chili, as well as corn bread and cinnamon rolls, at the end of the drive-through line for Communion and Vestry voting. All funds raised will go towards a youth group trip that they will go on as soon as this pandemic is over.

Please consider signing up to make a few pints or quarts of chili or soup, or making corn bread or cinnamon rolls to donate. You may sign up HERE. All donations will be mostly gratefully appreciated!

And make sure to come to the drive-through this Sunday and purchase some delicious soup, chili, cornbread and/or cinnamon rolls! If you have questions, please contact Mtr. Katie at katie@ccfssiu.org.
Youth Group in January
Photo from pro-COVID restrictions in early 2020. Our youth are vigilant about wearing masks and maintaining social distance in 2021!
Our youth in grades 6 - 12 will have their regular Sunday night tent meetings, at 6:30 pm, on January 31, February 7 and 14. They'll have devotion time, plan their future activities and play, too! Kids: make sure to wear a mask, bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. This Sunday looks like it could be on the damp side, so think water-resistant jackets and maybe boots! If you have questions, please contact Mtr. Katie at katie@ccfssi.org.
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 katie@ccfssi.org.

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 ashton@ccfssi.org.
Backpack Buddies - Fighting Hunger at Home 


Help fight hunger in Glynn County, especially hunger in children and young adults who don't have access to nutritious food on the weekends, while they're away from school. 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 susanshipman920@gmail.com.
Stay Informed

 
Get to Know Our 2021 Vestry Candidates and Come Vote Via Drive-Through on January 31VestryCandidates


In keeping with the specific requirements of our bylaws, voting for the Vestry will take place in-person only, on January 31, 2021, after our 8:00, 10:20, and 11:15 am outdoor services and via drive-through in the Cemetery from 10:15 am - 12:00 pm. If there is a line at noon, everyone in line will be given a chance to vote. Please follow the directions of staff and volunteers when you arrive to vote. Communion will also be available during the full drive-through timeframe. 

With regard to the coronavirus, the drive-through is an extremely low-risk method by which parishioners can vote safely. All must wear masks and maintain social distancing. Drive-through voters will be registered by tellers, and given a ballot to fill out in their cars. Using your own pen (not pencils) is preferred, but sanitized pens will be available. 

The results will be announced at the virtual Annual Meeting beginning at 6:00 pm, on January 31, 2021.

Our slate for election to the Vestry for 2021 is as follows: Gay Barron, Van Black, Sarah Kreimborg, Deb Luginbuhl, Scott McQuade, Troy Meeks, Julianne Temple, Gordon Zeese. Please learn more about each of these faithful and well-qualified candidates HERE.

The four new candidates who are elected will be joining existing Vestry members Beth Smith (Senior Warden), David Blatchford (Junior Warden), Susan Garrett, Catherine Holt, Chris Jordan, Bascom Murrah, Christine Plank and Ed Turner. Parishioners Bonney Shuman and Gordon Zeese serve as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.

Vestry members who will be retiring from their terms this year are: Ellen Kuehm, Tisa O'Cain and Rip Graham. We wish to sincerely thank them for their years of hard work and dedicated service!
Annual Meeting 2021AnnualMeeting2021

Our upcoming Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held via Zoom given the pandemic guidelines in place. You may participate in the meeting online, or just listen in on the proceedings via telephone. Meeting sign-in information is as follows:

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join.
Or join us by calling in: Dial one of the numbers listed here. (For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1-312-626-6799 or +1-646-876-9923 or +1-301-715-8592 or +1-408-638-0968 or +1-669-900-6833 or +1-253-215-8782 or +1-346-248-7799
Webinar ID: 822 1767 0962
If you would like to read the 2020 Annual Report in advance, you can find it HERE.
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
Jeanne Barefoot
Sam Barrick
Beryl Blatchford
David Blatchford
Tory Braden
Judy Bradford
Rowland Bradford
Andraus Brice, Sr.
Anne Brown
Beverly Burns
Jackie Byrne
Colleen Cassidy
Oscar Covington
Zoann Covington
Jim Curran
Jackie Davis
Linda Davidson
Marie Dennard
Tom Dennard
Natalie Dixon
Becky Dorrell
Patricia J. Ellison
Dave Geiszler
Julie Hancock
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
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

Departed:
Bob Huggins