CHRIST CHURCH WEEKLY A Newsletter for Members and Friends
Tacoma, Washington
Friday in the Fourth Week after Pentecost,
July 3, 2020
CHRIST CHURCH IS ALIVE AND WELL DURING THE PANDEMIC
Our buildings are closed until further notice for the safety of all, but Christ Church is a people, not a building, and we are not closed. WORSHIP, PRAYER, LEARNING, FELLOWSHIP and SERVICE continue in many ways, including online gatherings.
READ ON TO DISCOVER WHAT'S GOING ON AND JOIN IN!
Office Staff can be reached by email TUESDAY - FRIDAY 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
shannon@christchurchtacoma.org mary@christchurchtacoma.org
Clergy and Program Staff can be reached by email:
Mother Janet Campbell, Priest in Charge: janet@christchurchtacoma.org
Father Samuel Torvend, Associate Priest for Adult Formation: samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
Archdeacon Gen Grewell: ggrewell@ecww.org
Co-Directors of Music Ministries Kathryn Nichols and Mark Brombaugh: music@christchurchtacoma.org
IN THIS ISSUE: HIGHLIGHTS (complete information in the sections following)
Sustaining and Building Community Community Resources Christ Church Connections
Christ Church Calendar: Events This Coming Week
Our Life of Worship and Prayer Online New: Christ Church Recorded Video Worship for Sundays Wednesday Conversation and Compline Tuesday Morning Prayer and Thursday Lectio Divina Groups Monthly Taizé Prayer via Zoom - Second Monday; Fourth Thursday
Our Life of Formation and Study
Classes: Summer Foundations Course - Christian Guidance in the Midst of Pandemic (by Zoom) Monastery of the Heart - The Gifts of Benedict for Christian Faith and Life Today (by Zoom)
Articles: Keeping a Eucharistic Fast - Samuel Torvend
Thinking Again About Assembly in a Time of Pandemic - Gordon Lathrop
Our Life of Service and Advocacy New: Associated Ministries Rent Assistance New: "Advocacy Tools for Loving Your Neighbor" online training Tacoma LGBTQ Pride Online Celebration
Service Opportunities
Nourish Food Banks Urgently Need Volunteers
The Episcopal Church of Navajoland needs our help to serve people in need Meals for Healthcare Heroes
Our Life Celebrating the Arts
Video Organ Recital- Mark Brombaugh and the Christ Church organ
Hear Christ Church Music and Singing
Christ Church Information
Our Ministry Continues Links to Diocesan News and Informational Resources
SUSTAINING AND BUILDING COMMUNITY
IN THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC
CHRIST CHURCH COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
GO TO THE PARISH WEBSITE:christchurchtacoma.org
+ There you will find:
- Mother Janet's Letters to the parish
- Household Worship guides for Sundays and Feast Days
- Information about online Prayer and Meditation Gatherings
- Adult Formation online Class offerings and materials
- Christ Church choir, hymn and organ recordings
- Opportunities for Service
- Opportunities to Connect with others
In a pastoral emergency (a serious diagnosis, an accident, hospitalization, a death) please contact Mother Campbell as soon as you can. Email her at janet@christchurchtacoma.org and she will respond as soon as possible.
Parish Practical Help Team: Need errands run, groceries, meals provided, medication pickup, etc.? contact Deacon Gen Grewell: ggrewell@ecww.org (email preferred) or call her cell phone 360-280-5593
Parish Telephone Check-in Team: Team members check in periodically with every parishioner, using the new 2020 Parish Contact Directory. We want to know how you are doing and if you have needs with which we can help. Like to talk on the phone? New callers are welcome, contact Deacon Gen, as above.
Parish Pen Pal Team: Team members write regularly to parishioners without internet and personal telephone service. Like to join? Contact Deacon Gen, as above.
Online Gatherings: Easy-to-use Zoom offers free 45-minute online meetings for computer, tablet and smartphone users. See and chat with Christ Church friends from your home to theirs. Go to Zoom.com to set up your free account. Follow the Zoom recommendations to ensure the security of your meeting.
2020 Parish Contact Directory: If you don't have a directory, contact Parish Coordinator Shannon Farley to receive one by email. If you aren't yet in the directory, let Shannon know. We will provide directory additions and updates monthly by email. shannon@christchurchtacoma.org
The Financial Challenge of this time
While we are not meeting weekly for worship, please remember to keep your pledge and other regular giving current as you are able. If you have the capacity, this is the time to make a special gift to Christ Church. Use these ways to give to the ongoing work of Christ Church:
+ Online giving at christchurchtacoma.org
- Click on Give at the homepage
- Click on Give to Christ Church through Tithe.ly
- Follow the instructions and use either a credit card or bank transfer
- Questions? Contact Mark Brombuagh at mark@christchurchtacoma.org
+ Mail your weekly or monthly check to the parish office
+ We understand hardships. Please let us know if you are unable to meet your pledge. Contact Shannon Farley shannon@christchurchtacoma.org
As always, thank you for your generosity and support of our common life and ministry.
CHRIST CHURCH CONNECTIONS Interested in Joining an Interest Group?
Join one of the groups below by contacting the person listed via email. Each group will convene virtually and decide how best to gather (Zoom, Email, Facebook). Enjoy new relationships, fellowship, interests, worship, ideas.
Monday, July 6
10:00 a.m. Program Staff Zoom Meeting
7:00 p.m. Christian Guidance in the Midst of Pandemic, Formation Zoom Gathering Tuesday, July 7
7:30 a.m. Lectio Divina (by Zoom)
11:00 a.m. Vestry Leadership Team Zoom Meeting
6:30 p.m. Monastery of the Heart, Formation Zoom Gathering Wednesday, July 8
7:00 p.m. Conversation & Compline Zoom Gathering with Mother Campbell Thursday, July 9
7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom)
7:00 p.m. Choir Zoom Meeting
Sunday, July 12 THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Any time on Sunday: Christ Church recorded Worship Service for Pentecost 6
11:00 a.m. Live-stream Worship - Saint Mark's Cathedral https://saintmarks.org/worship/live-stream/
OUR LIFE OF WORSHIP AND PRAYER
HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: Find this Sunday's Household Worship booklet on our website here.
CHRIST CHURCH RECORDED VIDEO WORSHIP BEGINS THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, JULY 12 -The pandemic continues to prevent us from gathering for worship, so our worship staff has been working on a format for a recorded video service for each Sunday, patterned after that Sunday's Household Worship Resource. A collaboration of staff and parishioners, each service will include that Sunday's readings, a short homily or reflection on the readings, prayers and music. Contributors will record their parts at home and the pieces will be assembled into a video accessible from our website and also from an email invitation with link. Each Sunday's video will be available from 6 a.m. that Sunday morning until the following Sunday, when a new video for that Sunday will be posted.
WEDNESDAYS - CONVERSATION AND COMPLINE: 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. (by Zoom) Gather with parish members and staff for a word to all from Mother Janet, small group conversation in breakout rooms, ending with regathering for Compline, the church's nighttime prayer. Watch your inbox for the Conversation and Compline Invitation and Zoom Log-in link each Wednesday.
TUESDAYS - LECTIO DIVINA 7:30 a.m. (by Zoom) and THURSDAYS - MORNING PRAYER 7:30 a.m. (by Zoom) A small group of Christ Church members meets twice weekly for prayer by Zoom. Tuesday mornings for Lectio Divina, reflection on one scripture passage; Thursday mornings for Morning Prayer, the beautiful Anglican prayer tradition. Interested in participating in one or both of these prayer experiences? Contact Rod Blackburn: rodblackburn@rodblackburn.com
SECOND MONDAYS, FOURTH THURSDAYS - TAIZÉ PRAYER 7:00 p.m. (by Zoom) Join a small ecumenical group of Roman Catholics and Episcopalians for Taizé Prayer every second Monday and fourth Thursday of the month. Email Dotti Krist-Sterbick to receive a Zoom invitation and link: dkrist.sterbick@gmail.com
THIS WEEK OUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR: Members and Friends of our Community: Janice Stamey; Rosemary Rhea (recovery from knee replacement); Barb Fox (recovery from a stroke); Dick Gregory (recovery from a fall); Gary Grewell (recovery from hip replacement); Lee MacClellan (healing from surgery); Karen Standley (sister of James); Jim Elliott (recovery from knee replacement); Jim Pierson (brother of Vikke); Charles Mellinger and his sister Lisa; James Standley; Ian Michael McClellan (brother of Savannah); Dolores; Ruth; MaryLynn; Elin; Barbara and Hank; Michael and Mary Kay Preparing for Baptism: James Tedrick and his sponsor Kevin Montgomery Those who have died: The Rev. Eugene (Gene) Wiegman; The Rev. John Allen; Rayshard Brooks; Manuel Ellis; George Floyd; Ahmaud Arbery; Breonna Taylor For the African American community and communities of color everywhere in this time of anguish and protest. That God's spirit will spread abroad healing in our land, give our leaders the wisdom and courage to confront and root out American racism, and teach and lead each one of us in the path of witness and reconciliation. For all in need: For all affected by the novel coronavirus: for those treating the sick and those seeking to discover its cause and stop its spread. For all who risk their health to care for others by keeping essential businesses and resources open. For all who have lost jobs or businesses. For our Governor and his staff. For Dr. Anthony Fauci. For our Bishop and his staff. For solutions for the crisis of homelessness. For progress in reversing global warming. For all affected by storms, flooding, wildfires and earthquakes. For all working to eliminate bigotry, racism and violence. For all serving in the military. Diocesan Prayer Cycle: Huston Camp & Conference Center, Gold Bar; St. Andrew’s House, Union; Refugee Resettlement Office Anglican Prayer Cycle: Pray for the United Church of Pakistan, The Most Revd Humphrey Peters - Bishop of Peshawar & Moderator of the Church of Pakistan To request prayer: e-mailmary@christchurchtacoma.org. If you are submitting a name other than your own, please ask permission from that person first. You must send the full name of the person in order for us to manage the prayer list. Names remain on the list for four weeks, unless renewed by the one who submitted them.
OUR LIFE OF FORMATION AND STUDY
ADULT FORMATION
SUMMER FOUNDATIONS COURSE - "Christian Guidance in the Midst of Pandemic,"Monday, July 6, 7:00 p.m. (by Zoom) The pandemic we are experiencing is not the first in Christian history. In this summer gathering, participants will explore the advice given by Christians who experienced the Plague of Cyprian in North Africa, the Black Death in Europe, and the Yellow Fever Epidemic in Tennessee. We will consider the guidance given to political and religious leaders by a bishop, a university professor, and a community of Episcopal nuns. If you want to participate in this Zoom gathering, please send an email to Fr. Torvend at samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
MONASTERY OF THE HEART – "The Gifts of Benedict for Christian Faith and Life Today," Tuesday, July 7, 6:30 p.m. (by Zoom). Join Father Michael Peterson, OSB, Director of Oblates and of Vocations at Saint John's Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota for a discussion of the Gifts of Benedict for Christian Faith and Life today. There will be ample time for conversation with Father Peterson after his presentation. Father Peterson plays the Native American flute and it is our hope that he might also share some of its haunting and beautiful melodies with us. And keep in mind that the feast of St. Benedict is July 11. Please let Father Torvend know no later than today, Friday, July 3, of your intention to join the conversation so that you may receive a Zoom invitation: samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
THINKING AGAIN ABOUT ASSEMBLY IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC - Liturgical scholar and author and retired ELCA pastor Gordon Lathrop writes about the loss of Christian assembly during this time of pandemic and urges Christians to recover the ancient Christian practice of household prayer and worship until all are able to gather safely in the Sunday assembly. Find his article on our website's Household Worship and Formations Resources page here.
KEEPING A EUCHARISTIC FAST - This is not the first time in history that plague or pandemic have kept Christians from gathering for Eucharist. It is the first time Christians have been able to watch live-streamed Eucharists. Is there such a thing as "virtual communion?" Why is Christ Church keeping a Eucharistic Fast? Read Fr. Torvend's article on our website here.
MONDAY BIBLE STUDY - on hiatus during the pandemic.
CHILDREN’S FORMATION
SUNDAY SCHOOL - on hiatus during the pandemic.
OUR LIFE OF SERVICE AND ADVOCACY
IN COMMUNITY AND WORLD
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES (AM) RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO HOUSEHOLDS WHOSE INCOME HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 CRISIS - If you can't pay your rent due to the pandemic, AM offers help through their Community Resource Connection Center (CRCC). Apply online at https://associatedministries.org/rental-assistance/ OR
Call the CRCC at 253-383-3056, ext. 128 to schedule a telephone appointment and you will be contacted within 48 hours to discuss your situation OR
Come in and see the receptionist to schedule a phone appointment (office hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 901 South 13th Street, Tacoma).
“ADVOCACY TOOLS FOR LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR” ONLINE TRAINING, Thursday, July 9, 9:30-11:00 a.m. - Our thoughts and prayers inform our actions. “Advocacy Tools for Loving Your Neighbor” is an online training event jointly hosted by The Episcopal Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to equip you. Both Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, plus advocacy leaders from both denominations, will be part of this time of exploring the nature of faith-based advocacy, the issues to which we can speak, and the ways we can make our voices heard. Lutherans, Episcopalians and friends both lay and clergy are welcome to the free webinar and will leave with tools and inspiration to make a difference.
Registration: https://bit.ly/advocacyforlove
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/958154837963751/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ELCAadvocacy/status/1277665343020949508
TACOMA RAINBOW CENTER ONLINE PRIDE CELEBRATION - Saturday, July 11, 12:00 noon. Tacoma's Rainbow Center celebrates LGBTQ Pride online this year with "Points of Pride." For information about the festivites go to rainbowcntr.org Christ Church, St. Andrew's Church, and St. Matthew's Church, all in Tacoma, and Good Shepherd in Federal Way together organized a local Episcopal Church Pride Committee. The committee received a grant from the Diocese of Olympia last year and is supporting "Points of Pride" with a $100 donation.
Learn more about LGBTQ life in this time of pandemic and racial reckoning at quarantini.lgbt hosted by Dr. Eric Cervini, Harvard and Cambridge-trained historian of LGBTQ+ culture and politics, where you will find his book, movie reviews and a wealth of other information.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC Even though many of us are still sheltering at home, there are many ways we can continue to serve the community around us by assisting organizations helping others: Food Banks, Homeless Shelters, Blood Banks, Animal Shelters. Donations and volunteers for various tasks (such as fostering a homeless pet in your home) are needed. Contact any service provider first by phone or website for guidance on the best ways to help and donate.
NOURISH FOOD BANKS URGENTLY NEED VOLUNTEERS - Next week the National Guard will move from food bank support to other missions. Nourish Pierce County will lose significant support and urgently needs new volunteers to box and distribute groceries to clients at the following locations:
- Lakes Area (Lakewood) - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10 am-6 pm
- Edgewood - Wednesdays, 9:30 am-12:30 pm; Thursdays, 2-7 pm; Fridays, 9:30 am-1:00 pm, Saturdays 9 am-3 pm
- Northwest - Wednesdays, 9 am-5 pm, Saturdays 9:30 am-3:30 pm
- Warehouse - Weekdays, 9 am-11 am loading mobile food banks (4 people needed)
- Warehouse - Weekdays, 1 pm-3 pm packing groceries for distribution
Volunteers are asked to commit to a full shift and, if possible, sign up for more than one shift per month. All volunteers must be 17 years or older and able to bend, lift and carry at least 25 pounds. Visit the Nourish website to sign up. For more information or questions, please email Volunteer@nourishpc.org. If you're not able to join in activities outside your home, you might choose to help by sending a financial donation to support the work of Nourish Food Banks. If you are able to volunteer for service outside your home, please exercise great care, wear a mask, carry hand sanitizer, wash hands frequently where possible, and maintain at least 6 feet physical distancing from others not of your household.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NAVAJOLAND NEEDS OUR HELP TO SERVE PEOPLE IN NEED - With travel restrictions and because the reservation is closed to visitors, a major income source of both the Navajo Nation and the Diocese of Navajoland has dried up. COVID-19 is creating great hardship on the reservation; the Diocese seeks our help to serve its community. Resources are limited and the needs are great. Many people must go 20 or more miles for food, other necessities and medical treatment. Many homes don’t have running water, making hand-washing difficult. The Church is providing food and water and support to seniors and others who live by themselves, as well as online worship (for those who have internet access) and worship packets for home use, a daily meditation and prayers. Our contributions will help to support that ministry.
Make out your check to the Diocese of Navajoland with COVID-19 in the "memo" line. Send it to: The Rev. Leon and Madeline Sampson, P.O. Box 618, 1 Kit Carson Drive, Fort Defiance, AZ, 86504.
HERO MEALS - help provide meals for healthcare workers - Hero Meals, a program of the Downtown Tacoma Partnership and neighborhood restaurants, provides meals for healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Join in supporting our local frontline healthcare heros and our local restaurants. TO DONATE: visit downtowntacomapartnership.com/hero-meals and select a restaurant. Every $25 sends three meals to healthcare workers.
OUR LIFE CELEBRATING THE ARTS
VIDEO ORGAN RECITAL - Mark Brombaugh, Co-Director of Music Ministries, plays a video organ recital with colorful music by Buxtehude, Scheidemann and Bach. This is a great way to enjoy the sounds of our Christ Church Brombaugh organ while worship services and recitals are suspended. Go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7wgttIT6zNF1XP1KHJUvnpqcjjazh3gZ
You can click on Play All at the upper left and hear the entire recital without interruption, or choose from the individual pieces on the right.
THIRD FRIDAYS AT NOON CONCERTS - suspended until further notice. Please check our website for the latest updates.
CHRIST CHURCH INFORMATION
Our Ministry Continues + The buildings are cared for by Sexton Tim Williams
+ Office staff Shannon Farley and Mary Smiley continue to work from home
+ Mother Campbell, Father Torvend, Mark Brombaugh, Kathryn Nichols and Deacon Gen Grewell continue to work from home
+ Weekly Worship Resources are created and posted on the church website
+ Weekly Adult Formation Resources are created and posted on the parish website and Facebook page
+ Parish ministry teams meet by Zoom and continue to serve as able
+ Zoom gatherings are held for members and friends of the parish
+ Coordination of volunteers to assist members with errands continues
+ Formation for those to be baptized, received, or renewing Holy Baptism continues
+ Marriage counseling continues
+ Pastoral visits continue via telephone, email, and FaceTime or Zoom
+ Ways to help and serve others are listed in this Weekly under Our Life of Service and Advocacy
+ Coordination with the Diocese of Olympia, Washington State, City of Tacoma offices and public health officials continues
To subscribe to the Christ Church Weekly e-newsletter, fill out the Welcome Card in the pew back or contact the office at the address below. To submit an announcement for the Weekly e-newsletter, send an electronic copy to Parish Coordinator Shannon Farley by TUESDAY NOON. Announcements may be edited for content or length.
NO OFFICE OPEN HOURS DURING THE PANDEMIC Office Staff Shannon Farley and Mary Smiley are working from home and are in the office only for necessary business operations. They are available by email (see below) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
VESTRY Mr. Dennis Johnson, Senior Warden; Ms. Linda Johnson, Junior Warden. Ms. Cynthia Anthony, Ms. Ciara Aylsworth, Mr. Eddie Bang, Ms. Susan Beer,
Mr. Rodney Blackburn, Mr. Tim Chen, Ms. Mary Hanneman, Mr. Robert Hicker,
Ms. Nancy Gow Knudsen, Ms.Vikke Pierson. Ex officio, non-voting: Winfield Giddings, Treasurer; Mary Smiley, Vestry Clerk
STAFF
The Rev. Janet Campbell, Priest in Charge janet@christchurchtacoma.org No in-office hours during the pandemic;
Happy to meet with you by Zoom or telephone; kindly email to set up a time.
The Rev. Samuel Torvend, Associate Priest for Adult Formation samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
The Rev. Robert Carver, Priest Associate;
The Rev. Bill Tudor, Priest Associate
The Ven. Gen Grewell, Deacon ggrewell@ecww.org
The Rev. Kathryn Nichols and Dr. Mark Brombaugh, Co-Directors of Music Ministries, music@christchurchtacoma.org
Mr. David Dahl, Director of Music Ministries Emeritus
Ms. Shannon Farley, Parish Coordinator shannon@christchurchtacoma.org • 253-383-1569 ext 18
Ms. Mary Smiley, Secretary/Receptionist mary@christchurchtacoma.org • 253-383-1569 ext 10
Mr. Tim Williams, Sexton tim@christchurchtacoma.org • 253-310-5178
Ms. Karen Jeffery, Lead Nursery Attendant
Ms. Mary Smiley, Nursery Assistant
LINKS TO DIOCESAN NEWS AND INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES: Episcopal News Service (ENS): https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/ -- digital newspaper delivered to your inbox with news stories, responses to social and political events, and links to posts from various Episcopal bishops and leaders and from the broader church. Episcopal Church on Facebook: www.facebook.com/episcopal-news-service-260131260715544/
The Diocese of Olympia: www.ecww.org The Diocesan website.
Bishop Rickel’s Blog: www.bishoprickel.com
