Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett St., Blaine, WA USA
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.
CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE
The process of calling a new Vicar to Christ Episcopal Church is progressing smoothly. Most of the process is confidential (so forgive the lack of details) but the Call Committee and Bishop's Committee want all of our members to know that progress is being made. The Call Committee is interviewing a candidate and continuing with the process. Watch this email newsletter for further updates soon.
ALL ARE INVITED ~
VIRTUAL CONFIRMATION AND RECEPTION LITURGY by The Rev. Rilla Barrett
Dear Friends,
On my desk is a photo of a special day in my life – my baptism, which took place when I was 6-months old. I’ve spoken to you before about this photo and its meaning to me. It is a cherished piece of my history, and it recalls to me a vital piece of my identity as God’s child. Our baptisms are that way. According to The Book of Common Prayer, Holy Baptism is “the sacrament by which God adopts us as his (God’s) children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.” (BP 858).
Baptism. Though adult baptism is now the norm in The Episcopal Church, many of us were baptized as infants or children, and so our parents and sponsors made promises on our behalf. Confirmation. Then, later, when we reached an age of maturity, a time when we were able to confirm the promises made on our behalf at baptism, we were confirmed. There again, perhaps you, like I, have a prayer book or photo from the day you were confirmed. The bishop who confirmed us laid his hands on our heads and we received strength through the Holy Spirit in our commitment to follow Christ.
Reception. If a follower of Christ has been a member of another Christian denomination, but later wishes to become affiliated with the Episcopal Church and to make a public affirmation of their faith and promise, he or she can request to be Received. Reception (also done in the presence of a bishop) is an important event in the life of one who wishes to become a member of The Episcopal Church. These profoundly personal events, done in the presence of community, mark important times in the life of a follower of Jesus, as each becomes members of the body of Christ through Baptism and later affirms those decisions in Confirmation.
Valerie Hamilton, will be received into the church this Saturday, 11/21, at St. Mark's Cathedral. See links below for livestream viewing.
As the body of Christ, we work together to uphold the rest of the members, and so I wanted to let you know that one among us, Valerie Hamilton, will be received into the church next Saturday, 11/21. Valerie and her husband Dave live in Blaine, but for the past two years, they have been worshipping in Agassiz, BC , where they have a cabin. You might have seen them at Christ Church on weekends when they were home in Blaine.
Dave and Valerie Hamilton (pictured at right, in front of Grand Coulee Dam, courtesy photo) were being prepared for his Baptism and Confirmation and for her Reception all to be done in Canada, when CoViD hit. Dave was able to stay in Canada, but because of her work, Valerie needed to stay in Blaine, and so when Dave was baptized and confirmed, she attended virtually. However, for Valerie, her Reception into the Anglican Communion seemed too important to her to wait, and so, she is to be received this Saturday at St. Mark’s Cathedral in the annual service of Confirmation and Reception. Bishop Rickel will preside and lay his hands on Valerie and the others– even while following CoViD protocols. He will say to Valerie (and to all those who wish to be received,) “We recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion.”
And so, I invite you to attend – virtually – the service of confirmation and reception – all to be done under a tent on the front yard of St. Mark’s Cathedral this next Saturday, November 21 at 10:30am. The link to the service follows.
Faithfully,
Rilla+
Join Bishop Rickel and the rest of the Diocese of Olympia via the Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle live-stream for this special diocesan confirmation liturgy with confirmands from across Western Washington. Tune in on the Saint Mark's Cathedral live-stream page (https://saintmarks.org/worship/live-stream/) or on the diocesan website's embedded feed from Saint Mark's Cathedral (https://ecww.org/about-the-diocese-of-olympia/cathedral/) beginning at 10:15am, service starts at 10:30am.
PLEDGES DUE NOW Please mail your pledge cards to the church as soon as possible.
You may also email your pledge intention to christchurchblaine@gmail.com. Thank you! to those who have sent in their pledges already. We appreciate your faithful responses.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE
Mary Helen Windell Outreach Committee Updates by Debbie Little
The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed many things about church but it does not change that we are the church. Christ Episcopal Church becomes the physical presence of Jesus Christ in the Blaine community we serve. We have many opportunities to be known. Ongoing is the Blaine Food Bank which is dependent on our offerings and grateful that we have been continuing to contribute from our abundance. Thank you to all who keep up this support. God Bless Us All
There are three opportunities which involve community outreach giving.
THANKSGIVING BASKETS
Blaine Community Assistance Program (CAP) is putting together ready-to-cook Thanksgiving meals. Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, people will driving to a drop off location and not getting out of their cars. CAP has a larger than usual list of requests for meals. We are asked to contribute money so the food can be purchased and distributed by as few hands as possible. Please send your checks to the church marked CAP “Thanksgiving Meals” and we will send them on to CAP. Thank you for your financial support.
COMMUNITY TOY STORE
The Blaine & Birch Bay Community Toy Store provides an opportunity for families with limited resources to purchase gifts for their children at drastically reduced prices. Brand new toys and gift cards for teens are needed. You can purchase toys through Launching Success, WISH LIST a local Whatcom County business or Amazon WISH LIST. For more information see Blaine & Birch Bay Community Toy Store’s Facebook page. Questions: Allison Traff ALTraff89@gmail.com. You may also send monetary donations: visit www.blainecap.org for information. Donation Deadline is Sunday December 6th.
LOADS OF LOVE CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKETS
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are purchasing all the food at one time and putting together the boxes which will be distributed at our December 21 Monday. It is a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings and pies. Please send your donations to the church marked: Christmas Food Baskets.
OPEN POSITIONS - VOLUNTEER NOW!
We have open positions on the Bishop's Committee (3 year terms, with the Committee meeting once per month) and also need folks to serve as Delegates and Alternates to Diocesan Convention (2 year commitment, one weekend per year) next year. If you have an interest in serving as a leader of our parish or attending Diocesan Convention, please let any member of the Bishop's Committee know. Terms start after the annual meeting in January 2021.FOOD BANK DONATIONS NEEDED
Please keep up your generous donations whether food or financial support. As has been reported, we are the only ones who give diapers, baby food, and formula so that type of contribution is always needed. Food donations as well as hygiene items and pet food are always in demand. If you leave donations on the back porch, that works well. Please let Mary Rebman know (360-319-8495). This is what we can do to help and heal our community.
In September, Christ Church Blaine donated 64 pounds of food to the Blaine Food Bank. Thank you to all who remember those in need in our community each month, and to Bruce Smith for delivering food donations each week and collecting our poundage receipts!
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. Social distancing measures are being followed during this time for the safety of volunteers and program participants. To learn more, or volunteer to help, contact Susan Thomson.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
11/4 Peter Smith
11/16 Peter & Myra Corcorran
11/29 Clayton Libolt
For a peaceful transition of government following the election.
For peace and healing for...
all those ill with COVID-19 and all those caring for them
Anthony
Bert
Camilo
Colleen
Eileen
Elizabeth
Jim & Jean
Kyla
Liz
Mike
Rick & Tracy
Peter & Christen
Stephen Steve
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.
NOTE FROM THE TREASURER
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. You may also click on the "Donate Now" button or this link to be connected to the secure giving page on our website. Thank you!
Please note that pledges may be modified or changed, especially if you are experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic. Email Susan Thomson, our pledge secretary, if you need to make any changes.
SEEKING COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
Volunteers are welcome to "host" virtual coffee hour.Is this something you feel called to do? Duties could include one or more of the following: 1) signing into the meeting 5 minutes prior and admitting folks to the Zoom meeting 2) serving as conversation facilitator and tech advisor as needed and/or 3) providing conversation questions or themes each week. Training and support provided. Contact myra@laughingflowerlabyrinth.com with questions or interest.
VIRTUAL COFFEE CHAT FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Join us: Sunday, December 6th 10:45am-11:15am
If you are using your LANDLINE OR CELL PHONE, please call +1 253 215 8782
You will be prompted to punch in your meeting ID number followed by #
Meeting ID: 998 6017 5037# You then will be asked to enter your pass code followed by # Passcode: 252225#
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.