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The Beacon Newsletter 02/20/2024
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THE BEACON WEEKLY

Articles this issue…

 


Lent 2024: A Message from Bishop Skelton


The Beacon Newsletter 02/13/2024

















































This Week at St. Christopher’s…


















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Week of February 19th

Monday (02/19/2024) 

Church Office Closed – President’s Day

Mitford Series Reading Group – 1:30 pm


Tuesday (02/20/2024) – Rasmus Jensen, First Lutheran Pastor in North America; died 1620    

Faithful Living – 6:15 am

Centering Christian Prayer – 9:30 pm


Wednesday (02/21/2024)

Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm

Choir Practice – 3:30 pm


Thursday (02/22/2024) 

Fellowship Breakfast – 9:00 am

Worship Band – 3:15 pm

AA Meeting – 6:00 pm


Friday (02/23/2024) – Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr; died 156

Clergy Sabbath

Griffin Wyldlife – 7:00 pm


Saturday (02/24/2024) – St. Matthias. Apostle

   Lenten Quiet Day – 10:00 am

Evensong: Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle – 5:00 pm [Note special time!]

 

Sunday (02/25/2024) – Elizabeth Fedde; died 1921; Emma Francis; died 1945; Deaconesses  

Morning Prayer – 7:00 am

Contemplative Eucharist – 8:00 am

Adult Bible Study – 9:00 am

Choral Eucharist – 10:30 am

Children’s Sunday School – 10:30 am

The Resurrection: A Study & Discussion – 12:00 pm


*On our website, church app, Facebook, or Vimeo.

** Via Zoom. Requires a free Zoom account for security purposes.
































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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


…February Trivia: Did you know that the phenomenon that occurs every four years is in fact a corrective measure? The actual number of days in a regular year is 365.2422 days long, and not 365 days. That is why the extra day is added to February, the shortest month, to balance out this discrepancy, and play catch up. So, each time we “leap”, we are trying to catch up with the Earth’s orbit.





…On Ash Wednesday we held 2 services and a 2 hour session of Ashes to Go. A total of 48 people were in attendance in person, including 7 children/youth and 3 newcomers. There were 4 online views, meaning at least 4 participating virtually. And so, a hearty “Well done!” is hereby proffered to the congregation for its participation, for inviting & welcoming others, and for keeping faith, both personal and communal, a priority. Well done, indeed.


… Spirituality Tip: One approach to physical wellness may also hold great spiritual wisdom. Those wishing to reform diet or activity levels are sometimes encouraged to focus on adding in healthy practices, such as eating more vegetables or going for a walk while listening to a podcast or audio book. This is their focus instead of attempting to limit undesirable behaviors such as not eating refined sugars or refraining from watching too many shows/movies. The idea goes that adding in the good stuff naturally pushes out (some of) the bad stuff.Perhaps we may apply this to our Lenten fast by adding in more good works (works of mercy) which leave us less time and appetite for self-indulgent ways. In other words, try focusing more on Bible/spiritual study, prayer, and acts of kindness. Then see if you have naturally gravitated away from undesirable ways and appetites.


…Be Humble Day: Humility may be the most difficult of all the virtues to truly attain. There seems to be a paradox in that claiming to have humility may be an act of pride. Some people might be prideful in their humility… or something like that. Either way, Be Humble Day, celebrated on February 22, focuses on humbling yourself.


There is no boasting allowed on Be Humble Day. Choosing not to brag about your successes and abilities can prove to be much more difficult than one might anticipate, as the culture surrounding us is often centered on self and the successes achieved by an individual.


Throughout the ages philosophers and the average Joe alike have pondered humility and what it means to be truly humble. It is a difficult question to answer and the final answer may never fully present itself. But perhaps the seeking of humility is more important than the achieving.





























































Lent 2024: A Message from Bishop Skelton


Feb 14, 2024 11:54 am


Fr. James+

Read in browser »


















































Happenings at StC


Important Announcements & News…


Lenten Quiet Day Retreat February 24th, 10 AM – 4 PM at St. Christopher Community Church

Our day will include readings and exercises from Christine Valters Paintner’s new book; “A Different Kind of Fast: Feeding Our True Hungers in Lent“.


The day will start with Morning Prayer at 10 AM.


Morning discussion:  An Invitation to Fast from Consuming

and embrace Simplicity


The afternoon session topic will be decided by consensus :


-Fast from Multitasking and Inattention

And embrace Full Presence to the Moment

-Fast from Scarcity Anxiety

and embrace Radical Trust in Abundance

-Fast from Speed and Rushing

and embrace Slowness and Pausing

-Fast from Holding It All Together

and embrace Tenderness and Vulnerability

-Fast from Planning and Deadlines

and embrace Unfolding and Ripening

-Fast from Certainty

and embrace Mystery and Waiting



Our exploration of these topics will include various forms of reflections and contemplative prayer practices. Timing will be flexible according to the needs of the participants.


The facilitators for the day are Miriam West, Andy Sloan, Will Mayes, and Sister Kathy Little.


A simple Lenten Soup and crackers will be available for lunch.

For those who want to extend the day, Evening Prayer will be sung at 5 PM celebrating the Feast Day of St. Matthias.


Getting the Stations of the Cross Ready – Grubby Sunday, March 10th

On Sunday, March 10th, please join us after the service for a work party to clean up the Stations of the Cross trail and grounds as we begin preparations for Holy Week. There will be tasks for all ages and abilities. For station attendants, it is a great time to spruce up the station in your care. If you are no longer able to serve as an attendant or have any questions please reach out to Laura Johnson at 703-424-8664 or Lawigand@gmail.com.


The Resurrection: During Lent, Fr. Pete will be teaching a class on The Resurrection. The class will meet in the Sanctuary immediately following the 10:30 am service starting on Sunday, February 18th and ending on Sunday, March 24th.



NEW BOOK! The Faithful Living class announces its new book pick for the Lenten season: No Moment Too Small: Rhythms of Silence, Prayer, and Holy Reading by Norvene Vest. Please join us at 6:15am (Yep. It’s early!) at Urraco Coffee Co (Steamboat location). COMING UP THIS SPRING (pun intended) we’ll be reading Contemplative Gardening by Pamela Dolan. Join us in person or pick up a book and read these great books on your own schedule!


Christian Centering Prayer: Will and Amanda invite you to join them in their practice of Christian Centering Prayer for 20 minutes each Tuesday at 9:30 pm via Zoom. No prior experience with centering prayer is needed but if you have not previously practiced Christian silent prayer or have questions about the method of centering prayer, feel free to reach out to Will in advance. Other forms of Christian prayer are welcome, we’ll all be on mute. After a 20-minute prayer period, we will close with a short spiritual reading and we will be done by 10:00 pm. If you would like to join please reach out to Will or Amanda and they can send you the link. We are working to get it on the calendar and in the mobile app.


To request the Zoom link or ask questions, please reach out to Will at mithra651@yahoo.com or Amanda at snozzberry7@gmail.com.


Confession / Reconciliation. Did you know both that Confession (aka Reconciliation) are part of Lutheran and Episcopal faith and practice? If you’ve never “gone to confession” before, it’s different from what you see on TV, at least if you are imagining a booth. The practice involves a one-to-one conversation with a pastor, a priest, or a confessor, and a set of prayers. It is typically held in the pews/chairs in the church sanctuary. Individual confession is not a requirement, but it is encouraged. The purpose is, to be honest before God, to remove self-doubt, shame, and guilt through the assurance of God’s loving forgiveness through Christ by the ministry of another (usually a pastor or priest). It is also a time of healing, encouragement, and strength for the living of a Holy and Godly life.

If you desire to come to confession, if you would like reconciliation with God and your conscience, please contact Fr. James at 360-628-6828 to arrange a time. You can simply say, “I would like to set a time for confession (or … reconciliation).”


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: Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood you saved the chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation you protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.


In Our Prayers: 


Congregational Cycle

Don & Gail Valentine


Diocesan Cycle

St. Paul’s, Seattle

St. Peter’s, Seattle


Synod Cycle

Elim Lutheran, Port Orchard

First Lutheran, Port Orchard


                 


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 77

Job 4:1-21

Ephesians 2:1-10


Tuesday

Psalm 77

Job 5:8-27

1 Peter 3:8-18a


Wednesday

Psalm 77

Proverbs 30:1-9

Matthew 4:1-11


Thursday 

Psalm 22:23-31

Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18

Romans 3:21-31


Friday

Psalm 22:23-31

Genesis 16:1-6

Romans 4:1-12


Saturday

Psalm 22:23-31

Genesis 16:7-15

Mark 8:27-30















































Next Week at St. Christopher’s…









































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Week of February 26th

Monday (02/26/2024) – Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg, Missionary to India,; died 1719

Mitford Series Reading Group – 1:30 pm


Tuesday (02/27/2024) 

Faithful Living – 6:15 am

Centering Prayer – 9:30 pm (see Happenings @ St. C for further information)


Wednesday (02/28/2024) 

Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm

Choir Practice – 3:30 pm

Hot Meals Outreach – 3:45 pm


Thursday (02/29/2024) 

Worship Band – 3:15 pm

AA Meeting – 6:00 pm


Friday (03/01/2024) – George Herbert, Priest; died 1633; David, Bishop of Menevia, Wales; died ca. 544

Clergy Sabbath



Saturday (03/02/2024) – John Wesley; died 1791; Charles Wesley; died 1788; Renewers of the Church; Chad, Bishop of Lichfield; died 672


Sunday (03/03/2024) 

Morning Prayer – 7:00 am (Online only)

Contemplative Eucharist – 8:00 am (In-Person only)

Adult Bible Study – 9:00 am

Choral Eucharist – 10:30 am (Virtual* and In-Person)

Children’s Sunday School – Children and youth will worship in the sanctuary with the congregation. 

The Resurrection: A Study & Discussion – 12:00 pm (Sanctuary)


*On our website, church app, Facebook, or Vimeo.

** Via Zoom. Requires a free Zoom account for security purposes.































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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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