2024

THE BEACON WEEKLY

Articles this issue…

Fwd: “F.A.I.L.–A New Mindset,” January 19, 2024

Fwd: Across the Diocese: January 19, 2024

The Beacon Newsletter 01/17/2024

This Week at St. Christopher’s…

…Check out the Happenings at StC Page! Please check out the Happenings at StC Page below the “Did you know?” section for major announcements.

…January Trivia: Though they might not be officially recognized holidays, two very influential figures in American history were born in January. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, who helped to draft the Declaration of Independence, was born on Jan. 17, 1706, in Boston in what was then known as the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
Nearly 230 years later, Elvis Presley was born on Jan. 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. Though he was not an official royalty, Elvis is still considered the “King of Rock and Roll,” and one can only wonder what Benjamin Franklin might have thought about that designation had he been around to hear it.

…Annual Meeting: Our all-congregation annual meeting will be held on January 28th, immediately after the 10:30 service. A copy of the report will be sent to all via CHMS (CCB) before Sunday for review prior to the meeting.

…Religious Life Sunday was on Jan 21st. “Wait! Don’t all Christians live ‘Religious Life’?” It’s a technical term in the Church referring to those enrolled in intentional community and a vowed commitment, usually of poverty, celibacy, and obedience (or simplicity, chastity, and humility). Some folk in Religious Life are monks and nuns in a Religious Order. Some are monastics in a society or religious communities. In the Episcopal and Lutheran traditions some monks, nuns, and monastics are married/partnered living in a monastery or priory or living in individual homes. There’s a lot to know here that you probably don’t know! Find out more at https://www.religiouslifesunday.org/

… St. Christopher’s is influenced by monasticism in several ways…

Sitting in choir: Monasteries & St Chris often sit in “choir” seating (congregation facing each other). This promotes community, responsive reading, and seeing Christ in one another.
Gardens: Both have gardens for the needs and spirituality of the community.
Daily Prayer: Both pray the “Daily Office”, regular times of daily prayer. St. Christopher’s focuses most on Morning and Evening Prayer, a Protestant reform of the 7+ daily monastic prayer times. “Seven times a day do I praise to you…” – Psalm 119:164-165
Other similarities: Gothic arch architecture; communal meals; times of silence, chanting, and study

…National Compliment Day: National Compliment Day on January 24th offers a wonderful way to brighten someone’s day or to give credit for a job well done! Give an extra compliment annually on January 24th and any time one is deserved.

A compliment has a powerful effect. It can instill confidence in a child, or validate someone’s hard work. A compliment not only improves the receiver’s mood, but it also says something about the giver. It tells them you noticed. Whether we recognize someone’s achievement or their classic style, a compliment can go a long way.

To give a great compliment, first be sincere. People have a way of knowing when we are fake. If you don’t mean it, it’s worse than getting a thoughtless birthday gift.

Complimenting character versus a new haircut are different rewards. The first says you respect the person and the other tells them you paid attention. Sometimes the receiver needs to hear one or the other, or both.

Human beings like to be unique, original. Strive to give a compliment about what makes a person stand out above the rest. Take the time to reflect on what you admire about the person.

Fwd: “F.A.I.L.–A New Mindset,” January 19, 2024

Jan 23, 2024 02:05 pm

Holly Hughes Stoner, LMFT Scott Stoner, LMFT January 19 2024 F.A.I.L.–A New Mindset We have been taking Spanish lessons for the last several years. There has been progress occasionally, but more often than not, it has been an ongoing lesson in humility. And as it turns out, this might be the most important lesson of all. One of the biggest obstacles we have had to overcome is our desire to quickly “get it right.” Just as we begin to feel comfortable with a new milestone we have achieved, we are humbled once again as we take on […]
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Fwd: Across the Diocese: January 19, 2024

Jan 23, 2024 02:03 pm

News from the Diocese of Olympia View as Webpage January 19, 2024 Updates from the Bishop Search Committee The Search Committee has continued our work. We recently completed the Zoom interviews with candidates. As the committee moves forward, it is now in a silent phase of the search process to maintain confidentiality. READ MORE Ancient Practices for Contemporary Creation Care In Monastic Ecological Wisdom, The Rev. Samuel Torvend uncovers the hidden story of early Christian and early monastic care for the earth and its many creatures. Drawing on recent scientific and theological discoveries, MEW also […]
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The Beacon Newsletter 01/17/2024

Jan 17, 2024 09:05 am

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Happenings at StC

Important Announcements & News…

2024 Pledge of Giving: Thank you to all who have made their 2024 Pledge of Giving. If you haven’t made your 2024 pledge yet, it’s not to send it in. You can complete your 2024 Pledge Card by filling out a blue pledge card found near the bulletins at church or electronically in CCB by clicking here. Then set up your online giving by clicking here. This is a two-step process. If you need help, contact Fr. James, Tucker, or Jodi.

Hot Meals Outreach: Join St. Christopher’s in providing hot meal outreach at Community Lifeline of Mason County a non-profit human services organization providing food, 24-hour shelter, and other assistance for those in need.

We serve dinner on the last Wednesday of the month with the next opportunity to serve being January 31st.

3:45 pm to 5 pm – cook and set up
5 pm – 6 pm – Serving
6 pm – 7 pm – Cleanup

If you are interested in serving with this group, please reach out to Will Mayes at mithra651@yahoo.com.

Women’s Healing Collective

More info and registration at https://www.walktalkcoach.co/womens-healing-collective

St. Christopher’s Needs Your Help:

Interested in being a Coffee Hour Host? If you would like to volunteer to be a Coffee Hour Host, please sign up in CCB by clicking here or using the link in the email that you received.
Interested in acting as a Greeter? Contact Pat Kelley. Text 360.359.6973
Interested in acting as a Reader? If you are interested in reading at one or more services, please sign up on the list by the sign-in book in the church. If you have questions, please contact Marcia Rugg at 206.200.5536 or via email at ruggmbeach@comcast.net.

Text Message Reminders about Worship. Would you text message invitations to our online and in-person services? Receive reminders on your phone by texting WORSHIP to (360) 810-3292 or clicking this link https://mtxt.cc/list/join/360.810.3292/worship. You can opt-out anytime by texting STOP or text HELP to see other options.

In our Prayers

Prayer of the Week: Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all
people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may see the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

In Our Prayers:

Haakon Thibodeaux
Scott & Pat Kelley

In Memory
Adolph “Spiff” Schmidt

Congregational Cycle
James, Annaka, Serenia and Haakon Thibodeaux

Diocesan Cycle
St. James, Kent
St. George, Maple Valley
St. Luke’s, Renton

Synod Cycle
Immanuel, Vancouver
Messiah, Vancouver

Daily Scripture Lessons

Regular time in scripture and prayer are some of the ways we grow as people of faith: here is a list of suggested daily readings to complement this week’s readings in worship.

Monday
Psalm 46
Genesis 12:1-9
1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Tuesday
Psalm 46
Genesis 45:25—46:7
Acts 5:33-42

Wednesday
Psalm 46
Proverbs 8:1-21
Mark 3:13-19a

Thursday
Psalm 111
Deuteronomy 3:23-29
Romans 9:6-18

Friday
Psalm 111
Deuteronomy 12:28-32
Revelation 2:12-17

Saturday
Psalm 111
Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Matthew 8:28—9:1

Next Week at St. Christopher’s…

Helpful Links:

Our Website

Download Our Church App

Church Community Builder: Our Member’s Portal

Online Giving AND 2023 Online Pledge Form

Online Worship

Get Worship Reminders & More Via Text Message

Contact Us:
(No solicitations, please.)(360) 866-2111

Office@StChristopherOlympia.org

St. Christopher’s Community Church
7902 Steamboat Is. Rd. NW
Olympia, WA 98502

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SW WA Synod eNews – April 8, 2026

April 8, 2026 Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionBoundary Training Opportunities for Rostered MinistersOrdination Anniversaries(source: ELCA Office of the Secretary Rostered Leader Anniversary Report)April 2026Rev. Rachel Eskesen10 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – April 23, 2016Rev. Sheryl Biegert40 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – April 26, 1986Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God!Administration This and That2026 IRS Mileage Rate is 72.5 centsMarket PlacePulpit to give away. For pictures and more info, please contact Geri Skreen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Castle Rock; 360-274-6604, or glgskreen@gmail.comUpcoming Eventslinks […]