CHRIST CHURCH WEEKLY A Newsletter for Members and Friends
Tacoma, Washington
Friday in the Nineteenth Week after Pentecost
October 16, 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.
In this Issue
Prayers for this Election Season
Annual Fall Pledge Campaign
New this Week
Worship and Prayer
Formation and Study
Service and Advocacy in Community and World
Parish Community Notes
Celebrating the Arts
Christ Church Calendar: Parish Events This Coming Week
Christ Church Prayer List
Sustaining and Building Community in this Time of Pandemic
Christ Church Information
Links to Diocesan News and Informational Resources
PRAYERS FOR THIS ELECTION SEASON
Grant, O God, that your holy and life giving-Spirit may so move the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicians disappear, and hatrereds cease; that our divisions bweing healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, teach the people of this nation to rely on your strength and to accept our responsibilities to our fellow citizens, that we may elect trustworthy leaders, make wise decisions for the well-being of our society, serve you faithfully in our generation, and honor your holy Name, for yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head over all. Amen.
Get “I’m an Episcopalian and I voted” stickers, magnets and pins!
Write to the Episcopal Church at eppn@episcopalchurch.org.
DO YOU NEED A RIDE TO THE BALLOT BOX?
Contact Deacon Gen Grewell ggrewell@ecww.org (email preferred)
or call her cell phone 360-280-5593
and she'll arrange for someone from the Parish Help Team to drive you.
ANNUAL FALL PLEDGE CAMPAIGN "Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of their treasure what is new and what is old." [Matthew 13:52] Being Church in a Time of Pandemic
PLEDGE UPDATE AS OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16: 21 pledges totaling $ 115,008. Good work! Keep them coming!
From Mother Janet:
Our fall pledge campaign is underway and is extremely important this year. Our pledges for 2021 will support how we keep on "being church" in this difficult time: worshipping, praying, proclaiming the gospel and serving our neighbor.
As economic challenges continue and grow, some of us may not be able to pledge what we used to or what we wish we could. Know that if we each simply pledge what we're able to, it will add up to be enough, because we, Christ Church, are enough for what God calls us to do.
You have probably received by now our mailed campaign packet with a letter from me, a pledge card and a stamped, addressed envelope to return your pledge card to Christ Church.
You can also visit our Fall Pledge Campaign page on our website here, where you can see three short "Stewardship Moment" videos from parishioners Holly and Demorie Joseph, Truman Coggins, and Phyllis Gill, read my letter, and make your pledge online.
Please send your pledge by All Saints' Sunday, November 1. At the All-Parish Coffee Hour Zoom on that day, we'll celebrate our pledges and look forward to all the treasures we'll enjoy together in 2021 (whatever "together" may mean in 2021). The earlier our leadership can know the total pledged, the better it will be for our Finance Committee as they build our 2021 budget, and for our Vestry, who are responsible for passing it.
Thank you for your generosity this year, and for your thoughtful and prayerful consideration of your pledge for 2021.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns: janet@christchurchtacoma.org
NEW THIS WEEK
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT NAMES FOR THIS YEAR'S ONLINE ALTAR OF REMEMBRANCE. See the section "Worship and Prayer" to learn how to submit names of loved ones.
"HOLDING ONTO HOPE: A NATIONAL SERVICE FOR HEALING AND WHOLENESS"- Sunday, November 1 from Washington National Cathedral - See the section "Worship and Prayer."
ALL SAINTS "IN MEMORIUM" CONCERT - The National Lutheran Choir of America's annual All Saint's program presented virtually - See the section "Celebrating the Arts."
FEATURED INTEREST GROUP THIS WEEK: Knitting/Needlework -See the section "Sustaining and Building Community."
WORSHIP AND PRAYER
CHRIST CHURCH ONLINE RECORDED VIDEO SUNDAY WORSHIP Readings of the Sunday, short homily or reflection, prayers of the assembly, hymns and organ music. Each new Sunday's video link is posted on our website homepage beginning 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening.
HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP RESOURCE BOOKLET FOR SUNDAYS - Introductory reflection by Fr. Torvend, the Gospel with a written meditation from a variety of sources, prayers, images, links to recorded music, and a Table Prayer for the week. Available on our website here. Image: "The Tribute Money," etching, Rembrandt
ALTAR OF REMEMBRANCE -This year's Altar of Remembrance will be on our website beginning All Saints' Sunday (November 1) and continuing for 8 days (an octave). It will also be on screen before the singing of the kontakion during the All Saints' Sunday Worship Video.
Send names of loved ones you would like to have remembered at the Altar to Parish Coordinator Shannon Farley: shannon@christchurchtacoma.org
Names will be posted around the cross.
Names must be submitted by TODAY, October 16. Because of production schedules for video and website, names cannot be added after today.
Cross by the Santera Marie Romero Cash
Altar: Sue Stibbe, Photo: Teresa Gutierrez "HOLDING ONTO HOPE: A NATIONAL SERVICE FOR HEALING AND WHOLENESS" Sunday, November 1, 1:00 p.m. PST Livestream from Washington National Cathedral - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry leads a service of prayer "as a beacon of hope for the nation." In the midst of pandemic, racial reckoning and an historic election, the live-streamed service will gather Americans for prayer, song, lament, hope and a call to love God and neighbor.
WEDNESDAYS - CONVERSATION AND COMPLINE: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. (by Zoom) A word to all from Mother Janet, small group conversation in breakout rooms, regathering for Compline, the church's nighttime prayer. Watch your inbox for the Conversation and Compline Zoom Log-in link each Wednesday.
MORNING PRAYER (by Zoom) Mondays 9:00 a.m. & Thursdays 7:30 a.m. (25-30 minutes)
Prayers, psalms, canticles and scriptures from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer and Enriching Our Worship. Participants share in reading the passages aloud. Each service begins and ends with a recorded musical offering. The short (approximately 25 -30 minutes) service is a peaceful, centering and friendly way to start the day.
LECTIO DIVINA (meditative reflection on a passage of scripture) (by Zoom) Tuesdays 7:30 a.m. (25-30 minutes)
Participants listen to a passage (usually of Scripture) several times, engaging deeply with the text as its meaning unfolds and evolves with each reading. Those who wish briefly share their "take-aways" from the passage with each other. For Zoom link to Morning Prayer or Lectio Divina:rodblackburn@rodblackburn.com
THIS COMING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Join this small ecumenical group for Taizé Prayer every second Monday and fourth Thursday of the month. For the Zoom link, email Dotti Krist-Sterbick: dkrist.sterbick@gmail.com
Photo: Dotti Krist-Sterbick
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH ALL PARISH COFFEE HOURS - SAVE THE DATES: All Saints' Sunday, November 1 The Second Sunday of Advent, December 6
FORMATION AND STUDY
ADULT FORMATION
The Spirituality of Bread in the Christian Life - Mondays, October 19 and 26,7:00 p.m. via Zoom. "I am the bread of life,” says Jesus. What might that declaration mean for us today? In this companion to the spirituality of wine, participants will explore the role of bread, the staff of life, in Christian spirituality. We will consider bread’s various meanings in Scripture, Christian history, and its significance for our lives today. Those who register will receive a handout before each gathering that will serve as the basis for our discussion. Participants will also receive a special bread recipe. Register by Sunday, October 11, with an email to Fr. Torvend at samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
We all know it's an Election Year! - Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 12 Noon as we discuss The Political Commitments of Anglicans and the secular sacrament of voting. No worries: No one will tell you how to vote but we will discuss why engagement in politics is a significant dimension of Christian faith and life. Register bySunday, October 18, with an email to Fr. Torvend at samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
Keeping in Touch with our Beloved and Not-so-beloved Dead
All Souls' Day, Monday, November 2, at 7:00 PM
November 2 is All Souls, the day on which Anglicans and Catholics keep vigil with our beloved dead. For many Americans, the dead are simply dead – perhaps remembered with affection or regret – but gone and never to be seen again. Is that what Christian faith teaches us about our beloved dead? Join us as we explore how we are bound to the dead . . . who are alive to God. Register byWednesday, October 28, with an email to Fr. Torvend at samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
CHILDREN’S FORMATION
SUNDAY SCHOOL AT HOME ON ZOOM - Sunday School for ages 3-11 (Preschool-5th Grade) meets every other Sunday for 30 minutes. Children gather together for prayer, a story, and time for projects and sharing. Materials needed will be sent to children in their own Sunday School tote bag. For questions, to register, and for the Zoom linkplease email Children's Formation Leader Christi McCarren: christi.mccarren@multicare.org.
Sunday, Oct 18 - The Story of Abraham 2020 Sunday School dates: Oct 18; Nov. 1, 15, 29; Dec. 13, 20
Image: Abraham Contemplates the Stars, Ephraim Moses Lilien 1874-1925
SERVICE AND ADVOCACY
IN COMMUNITY AND WORLD
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC Even while sheltering at home, we can continue to serve the community around us by helping 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. If you engage in 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.
EMERGENCY FOOD NETWORK "ABUNDANCE" VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION - Saturday, October 19 - Friday, October 25. Without leaving your home, purchase "incredible" items and experiences while supporting our neighbors suffering food insecurity. Information on ways to bid will be provided to all registered attendees prior to the auction opening. Register for free at efoodnet.ejoinme.org/abundance.
LIFE FOOD PACKS - HOME MADE! - Do you miss having Life Food Packs to share with hungry people you encounter? Because of the pandemic, we can't gather in our usual coffee hour fun Food Pack Assembly Line. So, the Community Service Leadership Team is initiating a way for you to make food packs in your home that you can distribute to people in need. And there is much need in this time of growing food insecurity. If you're interested, please contact Jim Limerick (445jrl@gmail.com), Bill Tudor (wetudor@comcast.net), or Len Johnson (lljbrownspt@gmail.com) of the Community Service Leadership Team (CSLT). They'll e-mail you a reply with a list of Life Food Pack Items to purchase on your next grocery run and a one-page list of Tacoma/Pierce County Resources for people experiencing homelessness to print and include in the packs.
KNIT CAPS FOR SEAFARERS - Seafarers are essential workers not only in this time, but always. Cruise season has been interrupted by the pandemic, but cargo ships are still sailing. The Seattle Seafarers' Center of the Mission to Seafarers asks for our help providing hand-knit watch caps to distribute to ship workers who come to the port of Seattle. This is a great ministry we can do while staying safe at home. Mail finished hats to Mission for Seafarers, 3568 West Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106. To download the hat pattern, go to https://www.mts-seattle.org/watch-cap-pattern. For questions, go to office@mts-seattle.org
NOURISH FOOD BANKS URGENTLY NEED VOLUNTEERS - Nourish Pierce County urgently needs volunteers to box and distribute groceries at several locations. As the pandemic continues, the number of people relying on food banks has greatly increased. Volunteers must be 17 years or older and able to bend, lift and carry at least 25 pounds. For more information or to sign up, email Volunteer@nourishpc.org. If you're not able to join in activities outside your home, you can also help by sending a financial donation to support the work of Nourish Food Banks here.
PARISH COMMUNITY NOTES
MEAL PROGRAM FOR MILANA McLEAD- Our sister and friend Milana is on her way through months-long treatment for breast cancer. We can support Milana and Doug by providing meals for them through the Meal Train program. Go to the Meal Train link: https://mealtrain.com/w14z4w to see dates available.
CELEBRATING THE ARTS
ALL SAINTS "IN MEMORIUM" CONCERT - The National Lutheran Choir of America brings the annual All Saints program to a virtual world-wide audience on November 1, 2020. “In Memoriam (We Remember)” sees the Choir offering recorded music of Remembrance, Perseverance, and Hope, with names of loved ones who have died shared by listeners in the comment section during the livestream as backdrop to the music and message. Livestream on the NLCA website on Sunday, November 1 at 4pm CST (2 p.m. PST); available for later viewing on the NLCA YouTube Channel.
VIDEO ORGAN RECITAL - Mark Brombaugh, Co-Director of Music Ministries, plays a video organ recital with colorful music by Buxtehude, Scheidemann and Bach. Go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7wgttIT6zNF1XP1KHJUvnpqcjjazh3gZ
Click on Play All at the upper left to hear the entire recital without interruption, or choose from the individual pieces on the right.
VIEW CHRIST CHURCH ARCHIVE VIDEO MUSIC RECORDINGS on our YouTube channels:
THIRD FRIDAYS AT NOON CONCERTS - suspended during the pandemic
CHRIST CHURCH CALENDAR: PARISH EVENTS THIS COMING WEEK
Sunday, October 18 THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Christ Church recorded Worship for Pentecost 20
Link available on our website homepage from 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening Christ Church Household Worship Resource for Pentecost 20
on our website here when posted.
9:00 a.m. Sunday School Zoom
Monday, October 19
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom)
7:00 p.m. The Spirituality of Bread in Christian Life (by Zoom) Tuesday, October 20
7:30 a.m. Lectio Divina (by Zoom)
6:30 p.m. Vestry Zoom Meeting Wednesday, October 21
7:00 p.m. Conversation & Compline Zoom Gathering with Mother Campbell Thursday, October 22
7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom)
10:30 a.m. Program Staff Zoom Meeting (not meeting this week)
7:00 p.m. Choir Zoom
7:00 p.m. Taizé Prayer (by Zoom) Friday, October 23 - Saturday October 24
110th Annual Diocesan Convention (Held Virtually) Saturday, October 24 110th Annual Diocesan Convention continues 11:00 a.m. The Political Commitments of Anglicans - Zoom Webinar
Sunday, October 25 THE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Christ Church recorded Worship for Pentecost 21
Link available on our website homepage from 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening Christ Church Household Worship Resource for Pentecost 21
on our website here when posted.
4:00 p.m. Liturgical Visual Arts Zoom Meeting
CHRIST CHURCH PRAYER LIST
Members and Friends of our Community Mary Rider, Cecil Rider and family; Jimmy Duncan; The Rev. Connie Carlson; Florence Sandler; Leslie Brooks; Eunice Hansen and family (evacuated ahead of Oregon wildfires); Barb Fox (recovering from a stroke); Kristin Carver (recovering from shoulder surgery); Milana and Doug; Dennis, Liz, their daughter Greta and grandson Jack; Kris and Dominic; Jim Pierson (brother of Vikke); James Standley Preparing for Baptism James Tedrick and his sponsor Kevin Montgomery Those who have died Ronnie Jo Rider; Harold Moss; Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg For all offering themselves for public service in this election season and all who are voting and preparing to vote. 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 the President and his family; for those treating the sick, working toward treatments and prevention. For a spirit of cooperation in stopping the current rise in infections. 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 wildfires in California, Oregon, Washington and the West, especially those who have suffered great losses, and those fighting the fires. For all working to eliminate bigotry, racism and violence. For peace in the streets of our cities. For all serving in the military. Diocesan Prayer Cycle St. Benedict, Lacey; St. Christopher, Olympia; St. John / San Juan, Olympia Anglican Prayer Cycle Pray for the Episcopal Church The Most Revd Michael Curry - Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church To request prayer e-mail mary@christchurchtacoma.org. If you're 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.
SUSTAINING AND BUILDING COMMUNITY
IN THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC
INTEREST GROUPS
Join any of the groups below by emailing the person listed. Each group convenes virtually (Zoom, Email, Facebook, etc). Enjoy new relationships, fellowship, interests, worship, ideas.
FEATURED GROUP THIS WEEK - Knitting/Needlework Do you like to knit, crochet, do other needlework? This is the season to get started on a sweater, cap, mittens or scarf. Perhaps you have another project that you would love to share with a group of needle artists, or you may want to learn. Pat Chen, a needle and fabric artist started this interest group last year, meeting in the Christ Church library on Friday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. They now meet on Zoom, same day, same time. Contact Pat for more information pat@tichenassociates.com
Fall-Winter 2020-21 Parish Contact Directory - Has been distributed by email. If you have not received yours, check your spam folder first; if no luck, email Parish Coordinator Shannon Farley (shannon@christchurchtacoma.org). For any corrections or additions contact Shannon. Printed copies of the directory have been mailed to members without internet service.
In a pastoral emergency(a serious diagnosis, an accident, hospitalization, a death) please contact Mother Campbell as soon as you can: janet@christchurchtacoma.org
Parish Help Team 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 Pen Pal and Telephone Team Team members call parishioners without internet service and write regularly to parishioners without internet and personal telephone service. Like to join? Contact Deacon Gen, as above.
THE FINANCIAL CHALLENGE OF THIS TIME
Please keep your pledge and other regular giving current as you are able. If you can, this is the time to make a special gift to Christ Church. Use these ways to give to the ongoing mission and ministry of Christ Church:
+ Online giving at 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 INFORMATION DURING THE PANDEMIC
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 ON-SITE OFFICE 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. Class of 2021: Ms. Cynthia Anthony, Mr. Eddie Bang, Mr. Tim Chen, Ms. Linda Johnson
Class of 2022: Ms. Susan Beer, Mr. Rod Blackburn, Mr. Dennis Johnson, Ms. Vikke Pierson
Class of 2023: Ms. Ciara Aylsworth, Ms. Mary Hanneman, Mr. Robert Hicker,
Ms. Nancy Gow Knudsen Ex officio, non-voting: Winfield Giddings, Treasurer; Shannon Farley, Vestry Clerk
STAFF
The Rev. Janet Campbell, Priest in Charge janet@christchurchtacoma.org Working from home during the pandemic;
Happy to meet with you by Zoom or telephone; please email to set up a time.
The Rev. Samuel Torvend, Associate Priest for Adult Formation samuel@christchurchtacoma.org working from home during the pandemic
The Rev. Robert Carver, Priest Associate
The Rev. Bill Tudor, Priest Associate
The Ven. Gen Grewell, Deacon ggrewell@ecww.org working from home
The Rev. Kathryn Nichols and Dr. Mark Brombaugh, Co-Directors of Music Ministries, music@christchurchtacoma.orgworking from home and in the church building
Mr. David Dahl, Director of Music Ministries Emeritus
Ms. Shannon Farley, Parish Coordinator, working mostly from home shannon@christchurchtacoma.org • 253-383-1569 ext 18
Ms. Mary Smiley, Secretary/Receptionist, working mostly from home mary@christchurchtacoma.org • 253-383-1569 ext 10
Mr. Tim Williams, Sexton, on-site, managing the buildings and security tim@christchurchtacoma.org • 253-310-5178
Ms. Karen Jeffery, Lead Nursery Attendant nursery closed during the pandemic
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
short homily or reflection, prayers of the assembly, hymns and organ music. Each new Sunday's video link is posted on our website 
ALTAR OF REMEMBRANCE - This year's Altar of Remembrance will be on our website beginning All Saints' Sunday (November 1) and continuing for 8 days (an octave). It will also be on screen before the singing of the kontakion during the All Saints' Sunday Worship Video.
"I am the bread of life,” says Jesus. What might that declaration mean for us today? In this companion to the spirituality of wine, participants will explore the role of bread, the staff of life, in Christian spirituality. We will consider bread’s various meanings in Scripture, Christian history, and its significance for our lives today. Those who register will receive a handout before each gathering that will serve as the basis for our discussion. Participants will also receive a special bread recipe. 
We all know it's an Election Year! - 
EMERGENCY FOOD NETWORK "ABUNDANCE" VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION
LIFE FOOD PACKS - HOME MADE! - Do you miss having Life Food Packs to share with hungry people you encounter? Because of the pandemic, we can't gather in our usual coffee hour fun Food Pack Assembly Line. So, the Community Service Leadership Team is initiating a way for you to make food packs in your home that you can distribute to people in need. And there is much need in this time of growing food insecurity. If you're interested, please contact Jim Limerick (
NOURISH FOOD BANKS URGENTLY NEED VOLUNTEERS - 
interruption, or choose from the individual pieces on the right.
