CHRIST CHURCH WEEKLY A Newsletter for Members and Friends
Tacoma, Washington
Friday in the Twenty-fourth Week after Pentecost
November 20, 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
A Prayer in a Time of Pandemic
Fall Pledge Campaign Update
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
A PRAYER IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC
O Healer of the Nations, we pray to you as the novel coronavirus pandemic increases around the world and in our own nation and neighborhoods. Give your people willingness to accept the limitations that this time places upon us, that we may slow the spread and keep ourselves and one another safe. Give us courage to persevere in faith, assured of your presence with us. Soothe the sick, comfort the dying, have compassion on the grieving, protect health care workers, give wisdom to our leaders and public health officials, and strengthen all who are working for effective treatments and vaccines. Inspire us to serve our neighbors in need by supporting food banks, homeless shelters, animal rescues, and all organizations working to help the many who are vulnerable and at risk. This we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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, November 20
74 pledges totaling $341,195
Thank you for your commitment to the life and ministry of Christ Church.
If you intend to pledge but just haven't quite gotten around to it,
please send in your pledge this coming week -
perhaps as part of your very-different-this-year Thanksgiving celebration.
Even though the coronavirus drags on and on,
we are still alive and well as Christ Church.
Our financial support is needed to sustain our life and ministry in 2021,
all the way through this pandemic to the other side!
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 to Shannon at the address just 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 pledge online.
NEW THIS WEEK
REMINDER - JOIN MOTHER JANET FOR A THANKSGIVING MORNING Zoom Coffee Hour - Thursday, Nov. 26, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Get a cup of tea or coffee and a snack, and drop in for conversation, to give thanks for the blessings we've known in this challenging year, and to pray for those in need. Watch your inbox for the Zoom link Thanksgiving morning.
In the section "Service and Advocacy" ASSOCIATED MINISTRIE'S QUARTERLY COMMUNITY MEETING ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
LITTLE FREE FOOD PANTRY AT CHRIST CHURCH
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: Christ the King, He Qi
See all Christ Church Video Worship Services on our YouTube channel: Christ Church Tacoma https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcx7zVPOU_lHVBZ9fQhkPw
INTERFAITH CELEBRATION OF GRATITUDE (Zoom) - Tuesday, November 24, 7:00 p.m. Associated Ministries' annual thanksgiving celebration bringing together people of many faith traditions. For 35 years, the service has included choirs and participants from the Bahá'í, Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Center for Spiritual Living, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, Sufi, Native American and Unitarian Universalist faith traditions. This online gathering promises to be both different and a wonderful evening of exploration, reflection, and fellowship! Click here to register (please note registration is free but will be required).
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 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 service is a peaceful and centering 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) NOTE: No gathering on Thanksgiving evening. The group will meet instead on Monday, November 30 with prayers for Advent. 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 ZOOM COFFEE HOURS
SAVE THE DATES: SPECIAL Thanksgiving Morning Zoom Coffee Hour - Thursday, Nov. 26, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Get a cup of tea or coffee and a snack, and drop in for conversation, to give thanks for the blessings we've known in this challenging year, and to pray for those in need. Watch your inbox for the Zoom link Thanksgiving morning. The Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 11:00 a.m.
FORMATION AND STUDY
ADULT FORMATION
AN ADVENT QUIET MORNING WITH JOHN THE BAPTIST -
Saturday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (by Zoom).
What could we possibly gain from spending a morning with someone who wore camel hair and dined on locusts and wild honey? Intriguing, yes? Join us as we consider the gifts this prophet offers as we enter into the beloved season of Advent, an oasis from the hubbub of secular noise and commercialism. Register by Sunday, November 29, with an email to Fr. Torvend at samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
Image: John the Baptist, el greco, 1600-1605, Museu de Belles Arts de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
THE MONTHLY READING GROUP- Sunday, November 29, 6:30 p.m. (by Zoom) We are trying something new: a poetry exchange. If you want to participate, you can send one or two poems to Sandy Johanson at srjohanson@harbornet.com by November 20. She'll collect and send all the poems to contributors. Whether you send poems or not, all are welcome to zoom in to the reading and discussion. If you have questions and for the Zoom link, contact Don Johnson: weddjohnson@msn.com.
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 on Zoom for prayer, a story, and time for projects and sharing. Materials needed are sent to children for each session. For questions, to register, and for the Zoom linkplease email Children's Formation Leader Christi McCarren: christi.mccarren@multicare.org. 2020 Sunday School dates: Nov. 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.
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES' COMMUNITY MEETING TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS (on Zoom) Thursday, December 10, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Wondering how your congregation can impact the lives of those experiencing homelessness? Learn from experts at our next Community Quarterly Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 5:00-6:00 pm via Zoom. This is a free event but registration is required (click here). If you have questions please contact Sandy Windley at sandyw@associatedministries.org .
LOCAL FOOD BANKS NEED OUR HELP - There is unprecedented need for food among our neighbors due to the economic impact of the pandemic. Food Banks are stretched to the limit. Can you make a contribution to Emergency Food Network (which distributes food to food banks), or to Nourish Food Banks of Pierce County? Click on the links to donate.
LITTLE FREE FOOD PANTRY AT CHRIST CHURCH - Our Community Service
Leadership Team (CSLT) has made and installed a Little Free Food Pantry in the grass verge along the K Street side of our campus. Although the CSLT did much preparatory consultation with other places with Free Pantries, there will still be a learning curve for how best to manage it in our particular location and circumstances. The pantry is monitored and supplied by CSLT members on a daily basis. We now begin a four-week trial period during which any glitches will be identified and addressed. Once the trial period is over, there will be an announcement in the Weekly letting you know how you can make contribute to this ministry with gifts of food or by taking a turn monitoring the pantry. Thanks to the CSLT for taking on this ministry and for the beautifully designed and constructed Little Food Pantry.
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.
PARISH COMMUNITY NOTES
THANK YOU FROM MILANA McCLEAD - Milana reports that there are still "tons of meals" scheduled for her and Doug, and they have all they will need for some time. Thank you from both of them for your generosity and the deliciousness of your cooking!
CELEBRATING THE ARTS
THE VISUAL ARTS
CHRISTMAS CRECHE WEBSITE GALLERY DISPLAY - The Liturgical Visual Arts Group invites you to participate in a curated exhibition of favorite household creches (nativity scenes) - a visual community celebration of Christmas. The exhibition will be shown on our website from Christmas Eve through the 12 Days of Christmas. You're invited to submit a photo of your special creche to Mother Janet by Monday, December 7. Make sure your creche is well lit and in focus! We can't guarantee that we'll be able to fit all the submissions in the display, but we'll try. We're hoping for a wonderful array of creches from a variety of cultures.
MUSIC
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, November 22 The Reign of Christ(Christ the King) Christ Church Recorded Worship
Link available on our website homepage from 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening
Christ Church Household Worship Resource for The Reign of Christ
Available on our website when posted.
4:00 p.m. Liturgical Visual Arts Group Zoom Meeting
Monday, November 23
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom) Tuesday, November 24
7:30 a.m. Lectio Divina (by Zoom)
7:00 p.m. Community Service Leadership Team Zoom Meeting Wednesday, November 25
7:00 p.m. Conversation & Compline Zoom Gathering with Mother Campbell Thursday, November 26 7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom) 10:00 a.m. SPECIAL Thanksgiving Morning Zoom Coffee Hour Get a cup of tea or coffee and a snack, and drop in for conversation, to give thanks for the blessings we've known in this challenging year, and to pray for those in need. Watch your inbox for the Zoom link Thanksgiving morning.
Thanksgiving Holiday Observed (Office Staff Enjoys Time Off)
Sunday, November 29 The First Sunday of Advent Christ Church Recorded Worship
Link available on our website homepage from 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening
9:00 a.m. Sunday School (by Zoom)
Christ Church Household Worship Resource for The First Sunday of Advent
Available on our website when posted.
CHRIST CHURCH PRAYER LIST
Members and Friends of our Community 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 Delores Hayes (mother of Liz Johnson); Jim Oberg; John L. Heyn (brother of Amelia Carroll); Sir Sean Connery 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 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, especially those who have suffered great losses. 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. Hilda - St. Patrick, Edmonds; Our Saviour, Monroe Anglican Prayer Cycle Pray for the Church of Bermuda (Extra-Provincial to the Archbishop of Canterbury) The Rt Revd Nicholas Dill – Bishop of Bermuda 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.
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. Archdeacon Gen Grewell, ggrewell@ecww.org working from home
The Rev. Deacon Donna Arellano, donna@christchurchtacoma.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
organ music. Each new Sunday's video link is posted on our website 
SECOND MOND
Group invites you to participate in a curated exhibition of favorite household creches (nativity scenes) - a visual community celebration of Christmas. The exhibition will be shown on our website from Christmas Eve through the 12 Days of Christmas. You're invited to submit a photo of your special creche to Mother Janet by 
interruption, or choose from the individual pieces on the right.
