A Joyful Noise February 2025
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Senior Warden Message
Tom Young, Senior Warden
Who is Tom Young?
Tom Young
I am honored and humbled (and still surprised!) to be your new Senior Warden. Please allow me to introduce myself. I love music, travel, puzzles, geocaching, reading, laughing, helping out . . . and doing anything with my soulmate Sharman.
Spiritually, the first half of my life was spent wandering, looking for and not finding God, having been raised in a non-churched home. After turning 30 I stumbled onto a book titled, “A Mind Awake,” a compendium of the writings of British apologist C.S. Lewis. That book helped bridge the gap between my inquisitive, skeptical mind and my budding belief in God. I read more C.S. Lewis. I bought a Bible. I began to pray. From there, things really took off!
In 1990 I started attending First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara. With absolutely no choir experience, I was recruited to join the choir, where I found tremendous joy, not just in singing and praising God in song. There was a soprano in the choir who had a funny name: Sharman. Long story short: we fell in love and walked down the aisle. This July we’ll celebrate our 32nd anniversary.
Work and career changes took us from California to Washington state. Our first church home was Edmonds United Methodist Church. After retiring (me from Boeing, Sharman from Edmonds School District), we moved from Lynnwood to Anacortes because we wanted to downsize, escape the greater-Seattle rat race, and live in a slower-paced town away from the freeways. Anacortes was perfect! The same year, we started attending Christ Episcopal Church, and jumped headfirst into the warm, welcome, dynamic waters of Total Common Ministry!
Annual Meeting Appointment & Elections
Congratulations to Tom Young, who was appointed by our Ministry Support Circle at the Annual Meeting to serve as Senior Warden.
The following were elected at the Annual Meeting:
Bishop’s Committee
Three-year term: Geoff Holmes, Margaret Whatley
Two-year term: Kris Whitely
Young Adult One-year term: Siriana Simonsen
Diocesan Convention Delegates
Ed Barton
Emily Sander
Diocesan Convention Alternates
Stephanie Galbraith
Dan Moore
Congratulations to all and thank you for your service to Christ Church.
Faith Formation Series with Reverend Courtney
I Will with God’s Help
The Reverend
Courtney Jones
A new faith formation series with Rev. Courtney begins Sunday, February 2.
Class meets at 12:30 pm
Parish Hall Conference Room
Sessions will be held on February 2 & 16, March 2 & 16, and April 6
Series Overview:
This series is a deep dive into the Baptismal Covenant meant to: (a) help newcomers engage with what we believe in the Episcopal Church; and (b) challenge leaders in the Church to think about how Christ Church is living into our Baptismal Promises. As such, the course materials are targeted toward two different groups:
(1) Inquirers, those considering baptism, confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation of their baptismal vows; and
(2) Emerging leaders - those in lay leadership positions or moving into lay leadership positions (such as BC, MSC, and chairs of various ministries).
The course will explore what it means to be baptized and confirmed and will include discussions of the sacraments and sacramental rites of Baptism, Eucharist, Confession, Holy Unction, and Confirmation. Bring your questions or bring your expertise - there’s room for both in this series, which is meant to be a ministry toolkit for all!
Schedule of Sessions
February 2
Breaking Bread
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? A discussion of the way Episcopalians worship - why do we do Eucharist? What does it mean? How does it work?
February 16
The Prayers
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? - An introduction to the Daily Office, other ways to pray, and an assessment of your "spiritual style" (spoiler alert: I'm going to ask you to shake things up for Lent.)
March 2
Evil, Sin, and Return
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? - A brief exploration of what we believe about evil and sin, and what it means to repent. The sacramental rites of Confession and Unction will make an appearance in this session.
March 16
Proclaim by Word and Example
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? - Evangelism in word and deed - what is the Good News and why is it Good News? What does it mean to share the Good news? Do I actually have to say something?
April 6
Seek and Serve and Striving for Justice
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?- What does it mean to seek and serve Christ? Who is my neighbor? A toolkit for becoming better neighbors. We will also be reflecting on our Christian commitment to justice, and what that might look like in our place and time.
For more information, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/iwillwithgodshelp/home
The Presentation of Our Lord
Tom Young, Senior Warden
Do you light candles to help you pray? February 2 is Candlemas, a minor feast day that marks the end of Christmas. It is also known as the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord. The feast commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple 40 days after his birth. (Simeon and Anna were there to witness and give testimony.) It is also a time to bless candles that will be used throughout the year. The candlelight symbolizes Christ illuminating the heart and soul. As the days continue to grow longer, may we remember that God is there, all the time, ready to illumine our hearts and minds - even when things seem darkest. Thanks be to God!
. . . for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:30-32)
Christ Church’s Pastoral Care Ministry Team
Christ Church’s Pastoral Care Ministry Team was commissioned at the January 26 service. The Pastoral Care Team, led by Maggie Collinge, includes members Shirley Barrett, Ed Barton, Kris Whitely, Creamy Wilkins-Manning, Tom Young, and Rev. Vicki Johnson. Thank you for your caring service.
Diocesan Adult Confirmation Series on Zoom
February 23 - May 3
7 - 8:30 pm
Zoom
You are invited to participate in the Diocesan Confirmation Series for Adults, a weekly Episcopal education series for those who would like to know more about the church and are seeking to better understand the tenets of this faith tradition.
Starting on Sunday, February 23rd, we’ll meet weekly via Zoom and for each session you will get to know and hear from a different “teacher.” We’ve invited a cross-section of clergy, lay leaders, and even our Bishop to join us and share about the aspects of faith that mean the most to them. Our hope is that you get a sense of both the long-held traditions and the diverse perspectives which make the Episcopal faith rich and dynamic.
Topics covered include:
Reading & Understanding the Bible
The Trinity: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit
Prophets & Heretics
The Lord’s Prayer
The Nicene Creed
The Book of Common Prayer
Spiritual Self-Evaluation
Christianity in the World
Discipleship Today
At the end of the series you will have the option to be confirmed or received at Cathedral Day, held May 3 at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle. If you would like to be confirmed or received, please notify Rev. Courtney.
For more information please visit
https://ecww.org/diocesan-confirmation-series-for-adults-2025/
Diocesan Youth Confirmation Program on Zoom
February 16 - April 27
7 - 8:30 pm
Zoom
All youth, ages 13 to 18 (seniors in high school) are invited and welcome to participate in this program.
We will be working our way through a curriculum called “Confirm Not Conform.” This curriculum is designed to encourage and invite youth to ask the hard questions and grapple with their own understanding of what they believe and why. Facilitated small group break-outs will provide time for conversation with peers of the same age.
We will have different guest teachers who will lead the lessons and conversations. These teachers are clergy, lay leaders, and faith formation staff from across the Diocese. We will also have a core team of adult leaders who will be part of the classes each week to help facilitate breakout sessions and small group conversations. We recognize how important it is to have consistency and familiar faces in order to establish a strong community along this journey.
Youth will have the opportunity to be confirmed on Cathedral Day, Saturday, May 3, at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle. If you would like to be confirmed, please notify Rev. Courtney.
For more information, please visit:
https://ecww.org/diocesan-youth-confirmation-program-2025/
Youth Group
Youth Group meets on February 12 & 26.
6-7:30 pm, beginning with dinner
Parish Hall Gathering Room
We use the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) youth ministry program, endorsed by the Episcopal Church. The lessons are organized around self, society, and spirituality.
Youth Group Leaders are Melissa Simonsen, Mark Perschbacher, and The Rev. Courtney Jones.
Godly Play Training
Saturdays
March 8, April 5, May 10
9am - 5pm
St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle
Godly Play Core Training is the recommended training for every adult leading Godly Play sessions, and for program administrators, and clergy.
Over the course of three days, participants experience all aspects of the Godly Play method, begin to become fluent in the core stories and fundamental practices, and explore the theology underlying this form of spiritual guidance.
Our training follows an action/reflection model of learning with a mixture of trainer-led presentations and participant storytelling presentations. Those who complete all three modules will receive Core Training Certification. (You are also welcome to attend one or two sessions and complete remaining modules at a later date.)
Training, which is held at St. Nicholas Building, next door to Saint Mark's Cathedral, starts at 9:00 am each day and will end no later than 5:00 pm.
Saturday, March 8 - Sacred Stories and the Godly Play Environment ($50)
Saturday, April 5 - Parables and the Spirituality of the Child ($50)
Saturday, May 10 - Liturgical Action Stories and Supporting the Circle of Children ($50)
Training fees are subsidized by the Diocese of Olympia and by Saint Mark’s Cathedral and reflect a substantial discount.
Don't let the expense keep you from participating! Please reach out to faithformation@ecww.org for scholarship information.
Geocache Update
Sharman Badgett-Young
Sharman
Badgett-Young
What’s up at our “Multiverse” Geocache?
It’s been found 33 times!
Selected visitor notes:
Enjoying a day out with a fantastic group of geocachers on Capt. Jim’s boat. Thought the location was interesting given the theme. Fairly quick find, all in great shape.
Greetings from BC, Canada. Thanks for adding to a fun day caching!
Greeting from Surrey, BC.
I’m sure the area didn’t know what was happening as many geocachers suddenly converged on GZ [ground zero]. Thanks for adding a puzzle to my day.
What a beautiful setting!! Praise the Lord!!
My hubby gets the credit for doing the math! Fun puzzle and the final was very appropriate for the theme!!
The intermittent rain did nothing to dampen our spirits. A fun straightforward puzzle with a nice final location. Loved the cache name.
Thanks for adding to the enjoyment of the day.
Fun one to look up and find. Thanks.
February Designated Plate Offering
The plate offering on Sunday, February 16, is designated for the Anacortes Boys & Girls Club.
The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Anacortes Club provides a safe, fun, and positive space for youth ages 6 to 18 to thrive in where they engage in targeted programs, focusing on priority outcomes of academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.
Learn more at Boys & Girls Club.
Donations by check should be made to Christ Church with Anacortes Boys & Girls Club in the memo line. Thank you!
Bishop’s Committee Meeting
The Bishop’s Committee meets on Monday, February 17.
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Parish Hall Gathering Room & Zoom.
All are welcome to attend.
Red Door Thrift Shop
Christ Church’s Red Door Thrift Shop is located at 1019 Seventh Street in Anacortes.
360-293-8027, Red Door Thrift Shop
Red Door Shopping Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 10am – 3pm
Red Door Donation Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10am – 1pm
Profits generated at the Red Door Thrift Shop fund Christ Church’s Community Support program.
Shoppers, Volunteers, & Donations are always welcome!
Celebrations!!!
Happy Birthday Wishes to…
…Shirley Barrett on February 3
……Val Long on February 14
Please send the month & date of your birthday, baptismal date, anniversary, and/or other special occasions so we can help you celebrate your blessings in the Joyful Noise.
Church Services
Please check your Weekly Update for each week’s Servers & Hymns.
YEAR C
2 February 2025
The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple
9:30 am Chandler’s Square Morning Prayer
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
1300 O Avenue, Anacortes
10:30 am Christ Church Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
1216 Seventh Street, Anacortes
Presider: The Reverend Courtney Jones
Readings:
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 24:7-10
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
9 February 2025
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
9:15 am Chandler’s Square Holy Eucharist
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
Presider: The Rev. Keith Axberg
10:30 am Christ Church Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
1216 Seventh Street, Anacortes
Presider: The Reverend Keith Axberg
Readings
Isaiah 6:1-13
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11
16 February 2025
The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
9:30 am Chandler’s Square Morning Prayer
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
10:30 am Christ Church Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: The Rev. Courtney Jones
Readings:
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
23 February 2025
The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
9:30 am Chandler’s Square Morning Prayer
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
10:30 am Christ Church Morning Prayer
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: Melissa Simonsen
Readings:
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26