Weekly Update 6 December 2024

Advent

The Advent wreath in the church marks the four Sundays of waiting for the birth of the Christ child. This Sunday, two candles on our Advent wreath will be lit.

The Creche in front of the altar represents the nativity story. The scene will gradually fill in as we move through Advent. Look for the camels. They will be in the Narthex, waiting until they are needed for the journey of the Wise Men, the Magi, who will follow the star to Bethlehem.               

Reflection

Tom Young

Isaiah 9:6 –
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

    Tom Young

The Second Week of Advent is the week of Peace. This verse tells us that Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace. The word peace is the Hebrew word shalom, which means completeness or well being. Jesus didn't come just to end wars, but to make us complete by saving us from our sinfulness. 

May we all find peace for our souls this week, and during all this Advent season. To that I say Amen and Shalom! 

Sunday Services

Sunday, 8 December 2024
The Second Sunday of Advent
Year C

Chandler’s Square Holy Eucharist
9:15 am
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
1300 “O” Avenue, Anacortes
Presider: The Rev. Keith Axberg

Christ Church Holy Eucharist

10:30 am
Christ Church Sanctuary
1216 Seventh Street, Anacortes
The service is also available on YouTube.

Servers
Presider & Homilist: The Rev. Keith Axberg
Deacon: The Rev. Eric Johnson
Eucharistic Minister: John Okerman
Readers: Tom Young, Sharman Badgett-Young
Ushers: Carleton Manning, Creamy Wilkins-Manning
Altar Guild: June Cook, Kris Whitely
Bread Ministry: Jerlyn Caba
Organist: Lynne Berg
Eucharistic Visitor: Shirley Barrett
Coffee Hour Host: The Hospitality Team

Readings
Baruch 5:1-9
Canticle 16
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
Readings may be found in the Episcopal Lectionary.

Hymns
WLP 724 - People Look East
MHSO 61 - Prepare the Way of the Lord
H 53 - Once He Came in Blessing
H 75 - There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying
H 65 - Prepare the Way, O Zion

Bulletin link 12/08/2024
YouTube Sunday Service Link

Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour follows the service. All are welcome.

Announcements

A Joyful Noise December 2024

Find all the December news at A Joyful Noise December 2024.

An Invitation from Our Altar Guild

This year, our Altar Guild Directresses, Mary Gronholt & Val Long, invite you to donate a poinsettia for the Christmas Greening of the Church.

The Altar Guild will purchase one poinsettia for each poinsettia donated. Donation cost for one poinsettia is $20. Poinsettias will be purchased on December 13 and all donations must be received by that date.

Please make your check out to Christ Church with “Greening of the Church” in the memo line. If giving cash, please put your donation in a sealed and clearly labeled envelope.

Thank you very much from the Altar Guild!

Youth Group

Youth Group meets on Wednesday, December 11.
6-7:30 pm, beginning with dinner
Parish Hall Gathering Room
All youth in middle school and high school are welcome.

Advent Concert with Trio Affettuoso

              Trio Affettuoso

Thursday, December 19
6pm
Lynne Berg on harpsichord
Shelley Ross on flute
John Flancher on flute & bass
Christ Church Sanctuary
All are welcome.

Blue Christmas Evening Prayer Service

Saturday, December 21
7pm
Christ Church Sanctuary

Please join us for this quiet, contemplative service held on the evening of the winter solstice. This day, which has the longest night and the shortest day, is symbolic of our darker nights when we find ourselves grieving, lonely, or longing for something better. This Blue service is a beautiful way to make space during the Advent season for those suffering any kind of loss - whether the loss of a person, a dream, finances, stability, health, or more.  
Presider: The Rev. Diane Ramerman
All are welcome.

Centering Prayer

Weekly on Wednesdays
1:15 – 1:45 pm
Christ Church Sanctuary
All are welcome to join in this short, simple service: a Scripture reading, twenty minutes of silence, an intercessory prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer.
Questions? Please contact Maggie Collinge.

Men’s Group

The Men’s Group meets weekly on Fridays.
9:00 – 10:00 am
Parish Hall Gathering Room
Questions? Please contact Deacon Eric Johnson.

Gentle Yoga Class

No class in December.
Class will resume in January.

The Red Door Thrift Shop
Weekly News

Dawn Jex, Red Door Manager

      Dawn Jex

Hello everyone!

As I write to you this morning the shop is almost bursting at the seams with Christmas items! It’s a Holly Jolly wonderland in there! Thank you to everyone who helped us get all of the halls decked and Holly hung! I'd especially like to thank Debbie and Kari for working so hard to get all the boxes moved and goodies priced. I think we only have about 30 boxes left in the garage! Woohoo!

This month we will be closed on Wednesday 12/25 for Christmas Day - Ho Ho HO. 

Sales this week are: pink tagged clothing half price, large storage containers half price and clear glass or crystal half price. Come get some before they’re gone. 

Just a few reminders:
Pricing clothing or hard good options:
1. Check the pricing guidelines. 
2. Ask fellow volunteers for their input.
3. Use the shop tablet or a smart phone to research the item.
4. If you have exhausted all of these options, you may ask Debbie or myself for input.

My policy is that we always take donations from volunteers or church members.  If you are the person bringing donations, please plan to bring your donations during our donation hours. This will ensure that we have staff available to help you.

And finally, I want to remind everyone that while I’m here to support you, I can only focus on one task at a time. To help things run smoothly, I encourage you to take a moment to try to resolve your questions or concerns before bringing them to me. This not only helps you grow in confidence and knowledge but also ensures that everyone’s time is used effectively. Of course, if something requires my input or guidance, I’m happy to assist—just know I may need a little time to get to you. Thank you for your understanding and teamwork!

A copy of the final grants poster is posted at the shop - Look what we did!!!

Big Hugs and Happy Holidays to all,
Dawn

Christ Church’s Red Door Thrift Shop is located at 1019 Seventh Street in Anacortes.
Red Door Thrift Shop
360.293.8027

Red Door Shopping Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 10am – 3pm

Red Door Donation Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 10am – 1pm
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 10am – 3pm

Profits generated at the Red Door Thrift Shop fund Christ Church’s Community Support program.
Shoppers, Volunteers, & Donations are always welcome!

Day by Day

Day by Day daily devotions may be accessed at the following link:
Day by Day Daily Devotion.

Prayer List

Dale
Zoanne
Linda
Jim
Tom
Karen
Leslie
Diana
Val
John
John & Mary
Tony & family, & Brendan, family & friends of Mary