CHRIST CHURCH WEEKLY A Newsletter for Members and Friends
Tacoma, Washington
Friday in the Twentieth Week after Pentecost
October 23, 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 hatreds cease; that our divisions being 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 23: 43 pledges totaling $ 257,628. Good work! Keep them coming!
If you’ve been part of our Christ Church Fall Pledge Campaign in years past, you’ll recognize two old friends: the pledgehog and pledgeape. If you’re new to our Campaign, perhaps an explanation is in order: these two characters are wont to appear during the announcement time in the liturgy, asking, reminding, cajoling, tormenting us until our pledging is complete. Well, they can't do that this year, but they are giving the Weekly a try, having brought out of their treasure something new to meet the challenges of this time. You can make them smile under their masks by getting your pledge in by All Saints' Sunday - November 1 - our Ingathering Sunday, when we'll celebrate our pledging at an all Parish Coffee Hour.
How to pledge: Mail - send in the pledge card that came with the pledge packet you received by mail. If you didn't receive a pledge packet or have lost yours, email Shannon Farley to request another: shannon@christchurchtacoma.org Email - email your pledge amount to Shannon at the address above. Website - go to the Fall Pledge Campaign page and make your pledge there. Making your pledge online doesn't mean you have to pay your p[ledge online.
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.
NEW THIS WEEK
INTERFAITH SERVICE LIVESTREAM: "United for Good, Gathering in Silence to Quell the Darkness" - from Seattle's St. James Cathedral Sunday, November 1, 6:30 p.m. - see the section "Worship and Prayer"
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES REQUESTS DONATIONS for Project Homeless Connect - See the section "Service and Advocacy."
FEATURED INTEREST GROUP THIS WEEK - Journaling: Meditating, Writing, Sharing -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 Beatitudes" Hyatt Moore, n.d.
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.
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.
INTERFAITH SERVICE LIVESTREAM: "UNITED FOR GOOD, Gathering in Silence to Quell the Darkness" - Sunday, November 1, 6:30 p.m. As we confront challenges to our health, our civil society and our body politic, we are at a crisis of conscience. And though the voices of extremism and vitriol often resound loudly, it is the quiet resolve, the reasoned discussion, and the judicious wisdom of the good, the undaunted, and the hopeful that will see us through this crisis. Local religious leaders will gather in Seattle's St. James Cathedral for a brief interfaith service of quiet reflection before election day, as we affirm the principles that transcend our differences and the common cause that will bind the wounds of this Great Nation. All are invited to join the livestream at https://vimeo.com/event/344850. (Co-sponsored by Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, St. James Cathedral, Temple De Hirsch Sinai, First African Methodist Episcopal, Church Council of Greater Seattle.)
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
SECOND MONDAYS, FOURTH THURSDAYS - TAIZÉ PRAYER 7:00 p.m. (by Zoom) 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
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 -Monday, October 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.
THE POLITICAL COMMITMENTS OF ANGLICANS - has been rescheduled for January. More information to follow.
THE MONTHLY READING GROUP - Sunday, October 25, 6:30 p.m. (by Zoom) Join us to discuss Caste: The Origins of our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson. Everyone interested is welcome. If you have questions and for the Zoom link, contact Don Johnson: weddjohnson@msn.com
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH OUR BELOVED AND NOT-SO-BELOVED DEAD All Souls' Day, Monday, November 2, 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 - All Saints' Sunday, November 1 - Celebrating the Saints
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. Image:"All Saints' Day 1", Wassily Kandinsky, 1911 2020 Sunday School dates: Nov. 1, 15, 29; Dec. 13, 20
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.
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES REQUESTS DONATIONS for Project Homeless Connect (new items only, please): Hats, Gloves, Socks, Small bottles of hand sanitizer, Rain coats/ponchos, Hand/foot warmers. Donations can be dropped off at Associated Ministries, M-F, 9-12 and 1-5 with the receptionist (let her know they are for PHC). Associated Ministries 901 S. 13th Street Tacoma, WA 98405. Questions? contact Michele Cotton: michelec@associatedministries.org or 253-426-1507.
LIFE FOOD PACKS - HOME MADE! - Do you miss having Life Food Packs to share with hungry people you encounter? The Community Service Leadership Team has a way for you to make food packs in your home to 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 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. TURNING TO THE OTHER: Martin Buber's Call to Dialogue in I and Thou- Not long ago we congratulated Don Johnson on the publication of his book Turning to the Other. Copies are now available for purchase from Don for the super-low price of $20.00 (retail price $39.00). Order by email at weddjohnson@msn.com
CELEBRATING THE ARTS
ALL SAINTS "IN MEMORIAM" 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 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
Monday, October 26
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom)
7:00 p.m. The Spirituality of Bread in Christian Life (by Zoom) Tuesday, October 27
7:30 a.m. Lectio Divina (by Zoom)
11:00 a.m. Vestry Leadership Team Zoom Meeting
7:00 p.m. Community Service Leadership Team Zoom Meeting Wednesday, October 28
7:00 p.m. Conversation & Compline Zoom Gathering with Mother Campbell Thursday, October 29
7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom)
10:30 a.m. Program Staff Zoom Meeting
7:00 p.m. Choir Zoom
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
SET CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR BEFORE YOU GO TO BED
Sunday, November 1ALL SAINTS' DAY Christ Church recorded Worship for All Saints' Day
Link available on our website homepage from 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening followed at 11:00 a.m. by All-Parish Zoom Coffee Hour
and Celebration of our Fall Pledge Campaign.
Christ Church Household Worship Resource for All Saints' Day
on our website here when posted.
9:00 a.m. Sunday School (by Zoom)
CHRIST CHURCH PRAYER LIST
Members and Friends of our Community Mary Rider, Cecil Rider and family; Jimmy Duncan; The Rev. Connie Carlson; Florence Sandler; Milana and Doug; Dennis, Liz, their daughter Greta and grandson Jack; Barb Fox; Kris and Dominic; Jim Pierson (brother of Vikke); James Standley Preparing for Baptism James Tedrick and his sponsor Kevin Montgomery Those who have died Mary Hughes; 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. Hugh of Lincoln, Allyn; St. Germain, Hoodsport; St. David of Wales, Shelton Anglican Prayer Cycle Pray for the Church in Wales The Most Revd John Davies - Archbishop of Wales & Bishop of Swansea & Brecon 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 - Journaling: Meditating, Writing, Sharing -
You may want to document some experiences, explore your thoughts and feelings or even write a memoir for your family. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to fulfill this desire. The Journaling Interest Group gathers on Zoom, Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m., 1 hour before Christ Church's Zoom Conversation & Compline gathering. The group is led by Dennis Johnson, a retired educator and journalist who will guide you to a successful experience. Email Dennis for more information: dennisjohnson@harbornet.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
"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. 
LIFE FOOD PACKS - HOME MADE! - Do you miss having Life Food Packs to share with hungry people you encounter? The Community Service Leadership Team has a way for you to make food packs in your home to 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.
