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Sadness, Anger, Grief: Bishop Rickel Responds to the Shootings in El Paso and Dayton

Sadness, Anger, Grief: Bishop Rickel Responds to the Shootings in El Paso and Dayton

Dear Ones, Yesterday, I was just about to blog some reflections on the Camino after being off the trail and home, and that will come… but it seemed so trivial when I received the word of yet another mass shooting in our country. I completely understand why the Mayor of El Paso felt the need to say the words to his fellow citizens, “Don’t worry, we are all safe.” But I had to wonder, how can any of us make that assurance? I am sure those words would be cold comfort indeed to the 20 families who lost loved ones […]

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Finding a church to call home

Come-Home-church

A recent college graduate finds that how a congregation practices hospitality — encouraging true, deep human interaction — is more compelling than good preaching, music or other criteria.

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Your Open Hands Foodbank Garden

If you haven’t stopped by the Open Hands Food Bank Garden at St. Christopher’s lately, I urge you to have a look. Open the gate and inside you’ll find fresh produce springing up. The terraced planting beds are full of tomato plants, snow peas, numerous squash plants, even some corn, various herbs and a very robust rhubarb plant! Thanks to the hard work of lead gardeners Bill Hanna and Tucker Smyth this past fall, winter and especially this early spring, with great support from John Nistler and others, the garden has a few new features this year with a drip […]

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GNA Asks Local Businesses to Sponsor Food Drives in Support of TC Foodbank & St. Christopher’s

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The following announcement comes from the Griffin Neirghborhood Association who is part of a local initiative to have regular, ongoing, rotating collections for the Thurston County Foodbank at Steamboat Island businesses. “We are once again encouraged, grateful, and impressed by Steamboat Island’s commitment to ‘love thy neighbor.’ Truly this is a wonderful community to belong to,” said Fr. James in response to this initiative, to the GNA’s active support, and to the participation of local businesses. Special thanks goes out to Lindy Vincent who was key for coordination on St. Christopher’s end. The GNA announcement follows: “The Griffin Neighborhood Association […]

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A Call to Discipleship

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In this invitation, Eaton unites with the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church; the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, primate, Anglican Church of Canada; and the Rev. Susan C. Johnson, national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

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Overcoming Self-Doubt:

Doubt

5 ways to get beyond imposter syndrome By Kristen Glass Perez. Thanks to WomenOfTheELCA.org. Reposting from https://www.boldcafe.org/5-ways-to-get-beyond-imposters-syndrome/ Recently, I received a request from a friend who is an expert in her professional field. She wanted to share that she was quoted in a national publication via social media, but felt awkward posting it herself. She asked me to post it for her. I was happy to do so. As soon as I posted it, I saw many other posts of strong individual achievements on my social media feeds. I noticed that few women posted about their own successes while male […]

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Easter Baskets Galore!

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This Easter St. Christopher’s partnered with St. John’s Episcopal (Olympia) and St. Benedict’s Episcopal (Lacey) to create Easter baskets for those who might not otherwise be receiving one this year. Over 100 baskets were created and donated. Baskets contained not only sweet treats but clothes, toys, and craft items. The baskets were delivered to the Family Support Center and the City Gates Street Ministry who will see they get into the right hands. Thanks to all who gave and all who have been in prayer. You spread faith, hope, and love in the name of Jesus.

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Bishop Jaech: God’s Promise for our Lenten Journey

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Dear Friends in Christ, As we enter Lent and head towards Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter, here is a story from Luke’s Gospel that jumps out at me. This translation is by Eugene Peterson in The Message. “Not long after that, Jesus went to the village of Nain. His disciples were with him, along with quite a large crowd. As they approached the village gate, they met a funeral procession—a woman’s only son was being carried out for burial. And the mother was a widow. When Jesus saw her, his heart broke. He said to her, ‘Don’t cry.’ Then […]

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Clothes Needed for those Released from Prison

SW WA Synod

Clothes for those released from prison are neededWhen incarcerated individuals leave prison, they have limited possessions. They leave with a box of their belongings.A program at Washington Corrections Center (WCC) seeks to help these individuals entering the community – and it needs your help.WCC has a Release Clothing Closet. Since 2013, the program has given sets of gently used clothing to people who have completed their prison sentences at WCC. The program is looking for community volunteers to help staff the closet on a daily basis.According to Superintendent Dan White, WCC releases more incarcerated individuals per year than any other prison in the […]

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Bishop’s Leadership Conference: Save the Date!

Bishop’s Leadership Conference: Save the Date!

Bishop’s Leadership Conference (Dio Olympia) – Save the Date!  We will be meeting April 26-May 1, 2020, at Fort Worden in Port Townsend! More details will be available in the coming months, but make sure to mark your calendar now and save the date for the second installment of this powerful time of connection, learning, and community! Fr. James says, “This is an amazing leadership conference. I went in 2018. Anyone invested in the ministry and mission of St. Christopher’s is invited and would benefit! Please come talk to me about joining the team we will be sending.” In past […]

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Bishop Rickel’s Statement on the New Zealand Mosque Shootings

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While we wait for more information, I would like to reaffirm our support for our Muslim brothers and sisters, and I urge all people of faith to stand together in the face of hatred, bigotry, intolerance, and fear. I want to also say again that events such as this should call us all to a more peaceful walk…

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Ash Wednesday Services , March 6, 2019

Ash Wednesday Services , March 6, 2019

Ash Wednesday ServiceMarch 6th, 7pm at St. Christopher’s Ashes to GoMarch 6th, 2 locations & times: 3:30-4:30pm – Island Market 5:00-6:30pm – Companion Cove

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Bishop Rickel’s Advent Message

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  As we prepare to enter Advent, that season of preparation and expectation before Christmas, Bishop Rickel offers his blessings for the season and several resources for your journey through Advent. Advent Resources:   Journeying the Way of Love Resources Preparing to Become the Beloved Community Contact Info The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel Bishop of Olympia 1551 10th Ave E Seattle, Washington 98102 206-325-4200 206-325-4631 FAX grickel@ecww.org http://www.bishoprickel.com

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New Advent Devotional Available for Free!

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Advent, the four week preparation for Christmas, begins Sunday December 2nd. In preparation for Christmas this year we’ll be reading through Living Compass’ Advent devotional, “Practicing Generosity With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind.” Your copy of this devotional is available at the church and is a free gift to you. Use it on your own, at home or on the go, OR, better yet, join in reflection groups on Sunday’s at 9am and Tuesday’s at Panera near Capital Mall a 6:30am. In addition, you are welcome to use Living Compass’ free wellness assessment tool available by app or […]

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Pledge Harvest Luncheon is Sunday, Nov. 11th

Pledge Harvest Luncheon is Sunday, Nov. 11th

In celebration of the faithful generosity of you and all the congregation we invite you to T he Pledge Harvest Luncheon sponsored by the Stewardship Committee. After the 10:30am service on November 11th. Come let us say ‘Thank you’ to you for your support. “Many of the best thank you’s are edible.” – Proverb of St. Rhonert the Forgotten. You can RSVP here.

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