CHRIST CHURCH WEEKLY A Newsletter for Members and Friends
Tacoma, Washington
Friday in the Second Week of Advent
December 11, 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 (followed by Christmas Schedule)
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, December 11
79 pledges totaling $350,191
Thank you for your commitment to the life and ministry of Christ Church. This is our last weekly pledge report,
but that doesn't mean the time for pledging is over.
You are welcome to make a pledge (or a gift) anytime,
to support important ministries of Christ Church
in this time of pandemic.
How to pledge: Email - email your pledge to Parish Administrator Shannon Farley: shannon@christchurchtacoma.org 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 For details see the section indicated for each entry.
In the section "Worship and Prayer" - Advent Household Evening Prayer with the O Antiphons
Following the section "Worship and Prayer" - Christ Church Christmas Schedule
In the section "Parish Community Life" - Congratulations to Poet and Parishioner Lynn Martin
In the section "Celebrating the Arts" - Mark Brombaugh shares insights on the organ prelude for Advent III, this Sunday, December 13.
WORSHIP AND PRAYER
CHRIST CHURCH SUNDAY WORSHIP
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 Third Sunday of Advent
KEEPING ADVENT
ADVENT HOUSEHOLD EVENING PRAYER WITH THE GREAT O ANTIPHONS - December 17-23. Father Torvend has prepared a resource for a simple Household Evening Prayer for the seven days of the Great O Antiphons. In this ancient tradition, found as early as the 6th century, a new antiphon was said or sung each evening before and after the Magnificat (The Song of Mary), leading to the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. This practice has continued in Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic communities and households where Advent Evening Prayer is celebrated. Look for the resource on our website early next week.
CHRIST CHURCH WEEKDAY WORSHIP & PRAYER
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) Join this small ecumenical group for Taizé Prayer every second Monday and fourth Thursday of the month.
The Liturgical Visual Arts Group invites you to our website gallery display "Beloved Household Creches" opening Christmas Eve and continuing through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Look for the link in the website Blue Box on the Home page beginning December 24.
CHRISTMAS EVE - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
4:00 p.m. Sunday School Christmas Eve Service (Zoom)
Look for the Zoom Invitation and link at 8:00 a.m. Christmas Eve morning.
6:00 p.m. The Christmas Eve/Day Worship Video
will be available on our website
7:00 p.m. A Christmas Taize Prayer Service (Zoom)
For the Zoom link, email Dotti Krist-Sterbick dkrist.sterbick@gmail.com
The Household Worship Resource for Christmas Eve/Day
will be available on our website shortly before Christmas Eve.
CHRISTMAS DAY- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
11:00 a.m. A Community Gathering for Prayer and Coffee Hour on Zoom - all are welcome. The Gospel of Christmas Day, prayers, and a time for conversation and fellowship. Look in your inbox (not your stocking) for the Zoom link on
Christmas Morning.
IMPORTANT NOTE
There will be no Worship Videos or Household Worship Resources for Sundays December 27 and January 3, The First and Second Sundays after Christmas Day,
so that our staff may have a short Christmas break.
We recommend these marvelous services of Lessons and Carols
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day, January 3
Saint Mark's Cathedral, 2020 A Service of Lessons and Carols for the Season of Epiphany https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-EIoqTAQ64
FORMATION AND STUDY
ADULT FORMATION
KEEPING CHRISTMAS WITH A DISPLACED HOLY FAMILY -
Thursday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m. (by Zoom).
If we pay attention, the biblical stories are taking place right in front of us but perhaps in ways we don’t expect. Participants in this Advent gathering will consider some of the surprising ways in which the Holy Family continues to show up in our world and our neighborhoods. Join us as we hold the Bible in one hand and the daily news in the other.
Register by Sunday, December 13, with an email to Fr. Torvend at samuel@christchurchtacoma.org
THE MONTHLY READING GROUP- Sunday, January 31, 6:30 p.m. (by Zoom). We will discuss Marilynne Robinson’s new book--Jack: A Novel. All who are interested are welcome. If you have questions and for the Zoom link, contact Don Johnson: weddjohnson@msn.com.
** There will be no Monthly Reading Group Gathering in December **
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: 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.
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.
LIFE FOOD PACKS - HOME MADE! - Do you miss having Life Food Packs to share with hungry people you encounter? There is much need in this time of growing food insecurity. During the pandemic shut-down, the Community Service Leadership Team (CSLT) invites you to make food packs in your home. If you're interested, please contact Jim Limerick (445jrl@gmail.com), Bill Tudor (wetudor@comcast.net), or Len Johnson (lljbrownspt@gmail.com) of the (CSLT). They'll e-mail you a list of Life Food Pack items to purchase on your next grocery run or delivery and a one-page list of Tacoma/Pierce County Resources for people experiencing homelessness to print and include in the packs.
PARISH COMMUNITY NOTES
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH (occasionally the second) ALL-PARISH ZOOM COFFEE HOURS. SAVE THE DATES: We send a special coffee hour link Sunday Morning. Enjoy our Video Worship (link arriving at 6 p.m. Saturday night) and then click on the coffee hour link at 10:55 Sunday morning to enjoy community and conversation. - The Baptism of Christ, the SECOND Sunday, January 10, 11:00 a.m. - Christ Church Annual Meeting, the SECOND Sunday, February 14, 11:00 a.m.
CONGRATULATIONS TO POET AND PARISHIONER LYNN MARTIN- Lynn's first COVID poem "Nothing But Air," written in April, has been accepted for publication by The Chicago Quarterly Review. The issue should be out soon, and at some point after its publication we hope to be able to share the poem here.
STANDLEY FAMILY CHRISTMAS - This Christmas Season, the Standley family would be grateful for our help to make a Happy Christmas. We're sponsoring a "Giving Tree" for James Jr., Sabrina, Gabby and James Sr. Due to the pandemic, our "Giving Tree" will work differently from times past. We've compiled a list of gifts the family would love to receive. We'll purchase, wrap and deliver the gifts to the family. To participate in this joyful giving, please send a check to the church office, made out to Christ Church and noting Rectors Discretionary Fund – Standley Family on the memo line. If you have any questions please contact Linda Johnson at lljbrownspt@gmail.com. Financial donations can be sent through the Twelve Days of Christmas, concluding on Epiphany Wednesday, January 6.
CELEBRATING THE ARTS
THE VISUAL ARTS
CHRISTMAS CRECHE WEBSITE GALLERY DISPLAY - The display is being mounted and will be available to visit December 24. Look for a link in the website home page Blue Box on Christmas Eve.
MUSIC
THE ORGAN PRELUDE FOR THIS SUNDAY, ADVENT III, DECEMBER 13 - Mark Brombaugh shares insights on the prelude. Read here to learn about the extraordinary fantasia by Nicolaus Bruhns (1667-1697) on the Advent chorale “Savior of the Nations, Come,” which we’ve sung many times at Christ Church. Mark illustrates his brief commentary with several recorded examples.
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, December 13 The Third 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 Zoom
Christ Church Household Worship Resource for The Third Sunday of Advent
Available on our website when posted.
Monday, December 14
9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom)
7:00 p.m. Taizé Prayer (by Zoom) Tuesday, December 15
7:30 a.m. Lectio Divina (by Zoom)
6:30 p.m. Vestry Meeting (by Zoom) Wednesday, December 16
7:00 p.m. Conversation & Compline Zoom Gathering with Mother Campbell Thursday, December 17
7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer (by Zoom)
10:30 a.m. Program Staff Zoom Meeting
7:00 p.m. Choir Zoom Gathering
7:00 p.m. Keeping Christmas with a Displaced Holy Family: Adult Formation Zoom Gathering
Sunday, December 20 The Fourth 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 Zoom
Christ Church Household Worship Resource for The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Available on our website when posted.
CHRIST CHURCH PRAYER LIST
Members and Friends of our Community Bryce (son of Mary Smiley); The Cunningham family; Megan and Gracey; Tom and Corey; Dixie and Truman; Florence Sandler; Milana and Doug; Dennis, Liz, their daughter Greta and grandson Jack; Barb Fox; The Rev. Connie Carlson; Kris and Dominic; Jim Pierson (brother of Vikke); James Standley Preparing for Baptism James Tedrick and his sponsor Kevin Montgomery Those who have died Maryleen (sister of Kelly Sanford); Josef Cunningham; Randy Hedgebeth; Delores Hayes (mother of Liz Johnson) For President-elect Biden and all those newly-elected or appointed to public service 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 and those 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 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. Paul, Bellingham; Christ Church, Blaine; St. James, Sedro Woolley Anglican Prayer Cycle Pray for the Falkland Islands (Extra-Provincial to Canterbury) The Rt Revd Timothy Thornton - Bishop to the Forces and Bishop to the Falkland Islands 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 - To receive a copy or to add or update personal information please contact Parish Coordinator Shannon Farley (shannon@christchurchtacoma.org).
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
Use these ways to give to the ongoing mission and ministry of Christ Church:
+ Online giving at christchurchtacoma.org
+ Mail your weekly or monthly pledge 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
KEEPING CHRISTMAS WITH A DISPLACED HOLY FAMILY -
THE MONTHLY READING GROUP 
STANDLEY FAMILY CHRISTMAS - This Christmas Season, the Standley family would be grateful for our help to make a Happy Christmas. We're sponsoring a "Giving Tree" for James Jr., Sabrina, Gabby and James Sr. Due to the pandemic, our "Giving Tree" will work differently from times past. We've compiled a list of gifts the family would love to receive. We'll purchase, wrap and deliver the gifts to the family. 
