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Beacon Newsletter – 7/31/2025
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THE BEACON WEEKLY
 


Two of our middle-schoolers enjoy the porch swing on a sunny-Sunday after services. 

 

Articles this issue….. 
  
 

Couples! How to Make Date Night Happen

SW Washington Synod Newsletter – 7/30/2025

The Beacon Newsletter 7/16/2025



 
 
This Week at St. Christopher’s…
Week of July 28
Monday (07/28/2025) 
    
Tuesday (07/29/2025) – Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany; Olaf, King of Norway, Martyr; died 1030
  Faithful Living – 6:15 am
  Centering Prayer – 8:00 pm
      
Wednesday (07/30/2025) – William Wilberforce, Renewer of Society; died 1833
  Worship Band – 11:00 am
  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm
                             
Thursday (07/31/2025) – Ignatius of Loyola, Priest, Monastic, and Founder of the Society of Jesus; died 1556
  AA Meeting – 6:00 pm
          
Friday (08/01/2025) – Joseph of Arimathea
 Clergy Sabbath
         
Saturday (08/02/2025) 
      
Sunday (08/03/2025) 
   Morning Prayer – 7:00 am (Online only) 
   Contemplative Eucharist – 8:00 am (In-Person only) 
   Choral Eucharist – 10:30 am (Virtual* and In-Person)
                                      
   *On our website, church app, Facebook, or Vimeo. 
** Via Zoom. Requires a free Zoom account for security purposes.             
Take a Minute:
Notes from the Bishop’s Council

– The BC Met on July 13th. 

– Sidewalk Enlargement. Linda & Del Bradford presented the case for widening the diagonal sidewalk leading to the front doors of the church to safely accommodate walkers, wheelcairs, and others with mobility concerns. After thorough discussion the BC voted to add this to our facilities projects. Next steps are to find a project manager who will refine scope and procure quotes from contractors. Fulfilling these next steps establishes our timeline for completion. 

– Financial Resolutions Signed. The BC approved and began collecting the appropriate signatures on a set of resolutions that among other things define our various holdings into restricted and unrestricted categories. It also approves placing these into the Diocesan Investment Fund (DIF) of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. This is the culmination of about 2 years of research, discussion, and work. Many thanks to Mark Wheeler, volunteer Congregational Chancellor, who has donated much time and expertise in this area.  

– Discussed Lay Leadership Transitions.
— BC Members: Two members are stepping down. We will need to fill two seats on the Bishop’s Council by December if not sooner. 2.5 years left on terms of both seats. BC meets every second Monday. Successful candidates must be members in good standing will be voted in by BC and confirmed by Bishop(s). 
— Bookkeeper: Tucker Smyth is retiring from post as bookkeeper at the end of this year. He has been an amazing help for many years! We will need to fill this position before January 2026. 
— Project Lead for Sidewalk Expansion. As discussed in item above. 
— Various other lay leadership positions in transition were discussed. 

– A/C in the Church Loft. BC received a quote for a mini-split heat pump addition to the choir loft. With electrical work this will cost around $8,000. We have had an offer for a donation towards this endeavor. In addition, we received a quote to replace our downstairs electrical furnace with a heat pump system. A heat pump would add cooling and heating to the building. Cost would be around $15-$18k. This is not a project BC intends for right now (due to cost), but BC is keeping an eye on our 45+ year old furnace! It will need to be replaced sooner or later… 

– Two large donations received with great thanksgiving! Our regular giving on a monthly basis does not meet our expenditures. The deficit in spending has been shrinking as regular donors increase in number or increase their regular giving mount. Our deficit this year (as has happened also in past years) is being closed through unanticipated one-time gifts. Two gifts totaling more than $45,000were received in June! We are astounded and immensely grateful! Thank you to these two donors and to all our donors for their faithful support. 

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

…On July 24, 1956, the United States chose “In God We Trust” as the official motto, and it has appeared on all paper currency since 1957.

…Blueberry Bash Preparation Continues: On July 16th, 300 scones were made. Many thanks to all who helped!
 

…More Blueberry Bash News: Assistance needed for grounds cleanup, particularly weedeating along Steamboat and 79th, before the Blueberry Bash. If you have time to help, please reach out to Lisa Andrew or Eric Freevert.

…International Day of Friendship: On July 30th, International Day of Friendship seeks to promote the role that friendship plays across all cultures. To mark this day, the United Nations encourages community groups, organizations, and governments to hold events that promote reconciliation, mutual understanding, and solidarity.

There are no set rules for celebrating International Friendship Day. The beauty of all friendships, whether tried and tested or new and burgeoning, is that each one is unique from the last. On this day, consider:
  • Doing Nice Things for People: Reach out to friends and do something that is going to put a smile on their face. This could be anything from enjoying a coffee together to simply sending a text message to someone that you have not spoken to in a while. Or, you can spend the day doing nice things for people, putting a smile on their faces.
  • Making a New Friend: Another way to celebrate the International Day of Friendship is to make new friends! There are so many different ways that you can make new connections today. Thanks to the Internet, it is easier than ever before to connect with like-minded people. Join forums or websites where you can chat with new people, or go to a local community event and make an effort to speak to new people.
  • Attending a Cultural Event for International Day of Friendship: Consider attending a community cultural celebration in honor of International Friendship Day. If there is a community center that you have been meaning to check in your local area but have not had the chance to do so, now is a perfect time! Check the schedule to find out about any events that are being hosted here. You can meet some new people and learn about different lifestyles and cultures that you may not have heard much about before.
  • Hosting an Event for Friends: Invite your friends over to share a meal. There is nothing better than enjoying good food and a drink with friends. Going out of your way to cook a nice meal for the people close to you is something that your friends are sure to appreciate. If your friends don’t live nearby, send them a greeting card, thanking them for their friendship and letting them know that you are thinking about them.
 
 
 

Couples! How to Make Date Night Happen

Jul 31, 2025 01:49 pm

Some of you know we use “Prepare-Enrich” as our go-to curriculum for pre-marriage and couples classes. In the article below, find 5 tips to help make “date night” a thing for you and your partner/spouse. In addition Fr. James offers this bit of practical advice:    “Annaka and I found date *night* not to be an easy thing for us to accomplish. We had children to get a sitter for, the expense of a night out, and we were usually looking at Friday night after a full work week. We were exhausted by then, tired, a little negative, and falling […]
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SW Washington Synod Newsletter – 7/30/2025

Jul 31, 2025 01:24 pm

  July 30, 2025 Synod Resources Administration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, Transition Latest Letters and Press Releases from the Synod and Churchwide Upcoming Events links to event info embedded if applicable October 11 Installation of Bishop Keith Marshall @ Gloria Dei, Olympia – 2pm As this is the last eNewsletter edition with Bishop Rick Jaech as our Synod Bishop, let us offer a prayer of Thanksgiving for his ministry as he concludes his call. Let us pray. Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ you gave the holy apostles many gifts […]
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The Beacon Newsletter 7/16/2025

Jul 31, 2025 01:20 pm

THE BEACON WEEKLY     Photos of Last Weekend’s Church Campout at Dash Point State Park, WA Pictured above:Tom Womble makes amazing pizzaon an outdoor pizza oven at the campout,a new activity introduced this year!    Articles this issue…..      The Beacon Newsletter 07/08/2025     This Week at St. Christopher’s… Week of July 14Monday (07/14/2025)   Mitford Series Reading Group – 1:30 pm  Bishop’s Council – 7:00 pm    Tuesday (07/15/2025) – Olga, Princess of Kiev, Confessor; died 969; Vladimir, First Christian Ruler of Russia; died 1015  Faithful Living – 6:15 am  Centering Prayer – 8:00 pm      Wednesday (07/16/2025)  Worship Band – 11:00 am  Widows/Widowers Support […]
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Happenings at StC
Important Announcements & News…

SAVE THE DATE!  Blueberry Bash 2025 –  AUGUST 17th, 12- 4 pm
Please reach out to Lisa Andrew if you can help with organization and planning. Everyone is needed!
Lisa 360-789-8784 or LDAndrew@comcast.net

Revival of the Tri-Parish Picnic Announced! Save the date: Sunday August 31st. Prior to the Pandemic, St. John’s/San Juan’s Episcopal Church (Olympia), St. Benedict Episcopal (Lacey), and St. Christopher’s would get to gather on. a Sunday for worship and a picnic. This tradition has dated back to decades ago (although it has had times of lapse). We’re pleased to announce the return of the Tri-Parish Picnic held this year at Pioneer Park. More details will be forthcoming but the park area is reserved for us from 9am-2pm. 

“One Year to Live”, a Men’s Retreat at Blake Lake Bible Camp is being held SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2025. It is sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission (promoted by StC’s The Brotherhood of St. Andrew). Registration and information including videos can be found here: https://www.lutheranmeninmission.org/one-year-to-live/

St. Christopher’s Needs Your Help:

  • Interested in hosting coffee hour (weekly on Sundays after 10:30 service)? Please contact Annaka at Annaka.Thibodeaux@gmail.com or (206)678-3437 (call/text).
  • 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. 
  • Interested in Volunteering for Hot Meals Outreach (3rd and 4th Wednesday of Each Month)? Please contact Will Mayes at mithra651@yahoo.com or (206) 380-3410.

Text Message Reminders about Worship. Would you like 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: O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Congregational Prayer List
Mary Menzies
Del Bradford

Congregational Cycle
Ruthann Moncrief

Diocesan Cycle
St. Aiden’s, Camano Island
Transfiguration, Darrington

Synod Cycle
Peace, Tacoma
St. Mark’s, Tacoma

 

Daily Scripture Lessons 

Regular time spent in scripture and prayer ways we grow as people of faith: here is a list of suggested daily readings to complement the Sunday readings in worship. (from the Daily Revised Common Lectionary).  

Monday
Psalm 55:16-23
Esther 5:1-14
Colossians 2:16—3:1

Tuesday
Psalm 55:16-23
Esther 6:1—7:6
Romans 9:30—10:4

Wednesday
Psalm 55:16-23
Esther 7:7—8:17
Matthew 5:43-48

Thursday
Psalm 49:1-12
Proverbs 23:1-11
Romans 11:33-36

Friday
Psalm 49:1-12
Proverbs 24:1-12
Ephesians 4:17-24

SaturdayPsalm 49:1-12
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
Mark 10:17-22

 
 
Next Week at St. Christopher’s…
Week of August 4th
Monday (08/04/2025)
  Pastoral Care Coordinators Meeting – 12:00 pm
  Brotherhood of St. Andrew Meeting – 6:30 pm
                    
Tuesday (08/05/2025)
   Faithful Living – 6:15 am
   Evensong: Eve of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ – 7:00 pm
   Centering Prayer (Online) – 8:00 pm

Wednesday (08/06/2025) – The Transfiguration of our Lord
  Worship Band – 11:00 am
  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm
  Hot Meals Outreach – 3:00 pm
              
Thursday (08/07/2025) 
  Fellowship Breakfast – 9:00 am
  AA Meeting – 6:00 pm
    
Friday (08/08/2025) – Dominic, Priest and Friar; died 1221
  Clergy Sabbath
       
Saturday (08/09/2025) 
    
Sunday (08/10/2025) – Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr at Rome; died  258  
  Morning Prayer – 7:00 am
  Contemplative Eucharist – 8:00 am (In-Person only) 
  Choral Eucharist – 10:30 am (Virtual* and In-Person)
  Blueberry Bash Live Auction Begins 
 
       
   *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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