Christ Episcopal Church is an affirming and inclusive Christian community. Our members and leaders strive through love, worship and service to welcome all people just as God created them. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, our welcome knows no boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, or economic condition. We believe that God delights in the diversity of creation and so do we.
WHERE IS NEW
LIFE BLOOMING? A Message from The Rev. Rilla Barrett
Photo credit: seattlemag.com
Dear Friends,
A friend of mine writes that she could not find yeast in the grocery store to make her children their traditional rolls for Easter morning breakfast and that the family felt sad in the loss of that tradition. My older son, Aaron, says that his customary grocery store feels awkward with masked and gloved people darting around, avoiding one another amidst the many empty shelves. I am experiencing technology far beyond my level each time I lead a worship from our home. So many challenges in these times, but so many chances for newness.
Easter gives us these lessons. Out of death and loss and darkness will come light and life and love. Out of the otherness of these days, days without access to our customary routines, our customary purchases, our usual time with our families, friends and together as a congregation in worship. These days, from which we seem to find loss at every turn – these days, I’m finding many opportunities for newness.
Twice a week for the past four weeks, I have met, by way of FaceTime, with Juliette, a sweet six-year old Dutch girl. We talk about all sorts of things – rabbits and birds and vegetables and her stuffed animals. I generally read her a story, and she listens and then we “talk” about it. We giggle and try to explain things to each other. The reason for our time together is to strengthen and encourage her English language skills, but there are far more benefits. I’m thankful to be a part of her lessons – and of her life. This is extended family. Juliette’s mother, Karin, was an exchange student who lived with us back in 1994-95, attending Sedro Woolley High School. Since then, she has been an important part of our family. So, twice a week, following my time with Juliette, I enjoy a little catch up time with Karin. How blessed I feel having this on-going, regular time with these precious people, with whom we have stayed in touch – just not this often. If schools had not been closed in The Netherlands, and I had not been home as much as I am now, this would not have happened.
What newness have you experienced as a result of this halting of routine, this isolation? Where do you see new life blooming as a result of the life (as you knew it) slowing so severely? Give thanks for it. Raise it up. God blesses you and the newness you are experiencing.
Christ is Risen!
Faithfully,
Rilla+
CHRIST CHURCH CALENDAR 4/19 Bishop's Committee Meeting, 10:45am (via Zoom)
4/20 Loads of Love
5/4 Loads of Love
5/18 Loads of Love
LOADS OF LOVE
This vital ministry of Christ Church Blaine provides laundry money, detergent, dryer sheets, and refreshments at The Washhouse on 3rd Street on the first and third Mondays from 5-7:30pm.
To learn more, or volunteer to help, contact Susan Thomson.
APRIL BIRTHDAYS 4/7 Gary Little
4/9 Matt Emerick
4/21 Monika Kiley
4/25 Kaitlyn Troutmann
4/29 Victor Bliven
PRAYER LIST Please join us in praying for the following during the month of April: Camilo
Duncan & family
Elizabeth
Health care providers
Inice, Jade & Jason
Jodith & Mark
John
Joshua & Amanda
Joyce
Kathi, Jeff, Linda, Ed, Mike & Diane
Kelley
Leah & Shom
Leslie
Lindsey K.
Lynnea
Molly & family
Nancy & Don
Nikki
Rachel
Randy
Rev. Brent
Velma
Please send your prayer requests to Jodith Allen, prayer list steward, at jodith@maritzia.com. Jodith updates our list and shares it with the prayer team for daily prayers by the prayer team.
CHURCH CLOSURE UPDATE All churches in the Diocese of Olympia are to remain closed through at least May 4. Since we will be unable to worship together,
you may wish to tune in to the online streaming from...
NOTE FROM THE TREASURER Please continue to send your pledges by mail to Christ Church, Blaine. If you normally place your pledge in the offering plate on Sundays, please consider mailing it while worship services are cancelled to 382 Boblett St., Blaine, WA 98230 Please note that pledges may be modified or changed, especially if you are experiencing financial hardship during this crisis. Email Susan Thomson, our pledge secretary, if you need to make any changes.
DIAPERS NEEDED The Blaine Food Bank is in need of continued donations, especially diapers.
Donations may be left on the back porch at Christ Episcopal Church, Blaine, for delivery by Bruce Smith each week.
BISHOP’S COMMITTEE
Doug Dahl, Senior Warden; Mary Rebman, Junior Warden;Jodith Allen, Gary Little, Sexton Pro Tem; Eileen Richardson, Secretary; Myra Ryneheart Corcorran; Jim Savidge, Sexton Emeritus; Bruce Smith, Peter Smith,April Thomson STAFF
Carl Bradley, Organist
Mary Rebman, Housekeeping
Eileen Richardson, Treasurer
Susan Thomson, Bookkeeper and Guitarist/Choir Leader
MINISTRY LEADERS
Altar Guild: Mary Rebman
Children’s Giving Garden: Wendy Kunst-Massey
Choir/Music Committee: Susan Thomson
Crafters: Eileen Richardson, Caroline Hodgins
Garden Team: Brooke Finley
Hospitality: Jeane Austin, Leslie Mason
Outreach: Susan Thomson
Prayer Team: Myra Ryneheart Corcorran
Ushers: Jeanne Austin
Want to get more involved?See our list of contacts/ministry leaders if you feel called to help in a particular area of worship or parish life. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, and we welcome your help.