Menu

The Beacon Newsletter 12/13/2023
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Vimeo
Website

THE BEACON WEEKLY





Articles this issue…                           

 


Synod eNews – Week of December 10, 2023


December 8, 2023


The Beacon Newsletter 12/05/2023








































































This Week at St. Christopher’s…


















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Week of December 11th

Monday (12/11/2023) – Lars Olsen Skrefsrud, Missionary to India,; died191O

Mitford Series Reading Group – 1:30 pm

  Bishop’s Council Meeting – 7:00 pmTuesday (12/12/2023) 

Faithful Living – 6:15 amWednesday (12/13/2023) – Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse; died ca. 304

Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm

Choir Practice – 3:30 pm

Blue Christmas – 7;00 pm


Thursday (12/14/2023) – John of the Cross, Renewer of the Church; died 1591

Fellowship Breakfast – 9:00 am

Worship Band – 3:15 pm

Evening Prayer – 5:00 pm

AA Meeting – 6:00 pm


Friday (1215/2023) 

Clergy Sabbath

Advent Quiet Day – 9:30 am

Griffin Wyldlife – 7:00 pm (cafeteria)


Saturday (12/16/2023) 

Live Nativity –  5;00 – 7;00 pm


Sunday (12/17/2023) – O Sapientia

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 – 10:30 am

   St. Kitt’s Guild – 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.… St. Christopher’s launches end of year giving campaign! Please be on the lookout for an invitation to make a special contribution to our ministries and outreach! Arriving in your mailbox this month. Thank you for all your generosity, everywhere….Christmas Wreath Trivia: The custom of bringing evergreens into the home began in the 16th century among northern and eastern Europeans, primarily Germans, as a means of cleaning up the Christmas tree and making it more uniform. Instead of throwing out cut-off greens, people wove the excess into wreaths.


However, the religious significance is that the circular shape and evergreen material of the wreath represent eternal life. The circle, which has no beginning or end, “symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.”


…Fr James


…Fr. James


…Wreaths Across America Day: National Wreaths Across America Day is the culmination of a yearlong mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. This mission is in part carried out each December with the placement of sponsored veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of those who have served our country. The observance is designated annually on the second Saturday in December by Congress.


History of Wreaths Across America Day:


In 1992 Morrill Worcester and his business Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, had a surplus of wreaths toward the end of the holiday season. Years before as a young boy, Worcester visited Arlington National Cemetery in our Nation’s capital. The experience reminded him throughout his life of the sacrifice some had made in order for others, including himself, to succeed and flourish.


Worcester made plans to lay the wreaths in honor of our Veterans at an older, less-visited section of Arlington National Cemetery. Volunteers stepped forward to help deliver and place the wreaths.end-of-year


In 2007, the Wreaths Across America non-profit group was founded. Since then, the event has expanded to all 50 states to lay wreaths at veterans’ cemeteries to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who serve and teach our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.






































St. Chris’ Advent Calendar via Text Message


Receive daily Scripture and reflections for Advent based on the Jesse Tree sent right to your phone! Then, receive similar devotions for the Twelve days of Christmas!



Just text

ADVENTCAL

to 360-810-3292.

Text STOP ADVENTCAL at any time.


Texts begin on Dec. 3rd. (Advent 1) 

Texts end after January 6th.


Articles this issue…                           

















































Synod eNews – Week of December 10, 2023


Dec 13, 2023 01:28 pm


Southwestern Washington Synod E-News Week of December 10, 2023 Prayer of the Day Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Blessings to you on this Second Advent! News and Updates Congregational Christmas Worship Services 2023 – Southwestern Washington Synod Find a list of Christmas Worship Services within our Synod HERE December 2023 Camp Lutherwood Oregon Summer Registration now […]

Read in browser »




share on Twitter Like Synod eNews – Week of December 10, 2023 on Facebook


December 8, 2023


Dec 13, 2023 01:27 pm


News from the Diocese of Olympia View as Webpage December 8, 2023       Announcing the Members of the Transition Committee The Joint Board for Bishop Transition would like to thank all those who submitted their names to serve the Diocese during our Bishop Search in the work of the Transition Committee. We had more applications from very qualified people than space on the committee, which speaks to the strength of our Diocese and our desire to be active and engaged in the life and work of our church. We want to thank everyone who submitted their name […]

Read in browser »




















































Banns of Marriage:


I hereby publish the Banns of Marriage between

Michael David Walther of Port Angeles, Washington (formerly of Steamboat Island, Olympia, WA)

and Shawna Lee Rogers Port Angeles, Washington (formerly of Los Angeles, CA.)

If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the third time of asking.


The Rev. James L. Thibodeaux+
















































Happenings at StC


Important Announcements & News…


2024 Pledge of Giving:  It’s time to make your 2024 Pledge of Giving. Please prayerfully consider your support of St. Christopher’s. Your giving is needed to support worship, staff, education, evangelism, and outreach. 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.


Poinsettias for Christmas: The giving season is upon us and we look forward to remembering our loved ones with a poinsettia on the altar at Christmas time. If you would like to sponsor a poinsettia in commemoration of a person or event, you can make your donation online using this form. Or, if you prefer there are envelopes on the back table in the church. If you are using an envelope to make a donation, please write the name of the person or event on the envelope and  “Altar Guild Poinsettias” on your check’s memo line or the envelope if you are using cash. We are looking forward to the beautiful poinsettias at the altar this Christmas!


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 4th Wednesday of the month.

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.


St Christopher’s Christmas Plans: 


    

  • Blue Christmas Service – Dec. 13th @ 7:00 pm (online and in person)
    • 

  • Live Nativity – Dec 16th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (in-person)
    • 

  • 4th Sunday of Advent – 10:30 am, Dec. 24th.
    • 

  • Christmas Eve In-Person – 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm Candlelight Services (Note: The 4 pm service will be live streamed, as well)
    • 

  • Christmas Day – No services
    • 



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: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


In Our Prayers: 


Marty Walther


Congregational Cycle

Jean Smyth


Diocesan Cycle

Resurrection, Bellevue

St. Michael and All Angels, Issaquah


Synod Cycle

Twin Harbors, Greyland

Saron, Hoquiam


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 27

Isaiah 26:7-15

Acts 2:37-42


Tuesday

Psalm 27

Isaiah 4:2-6

Acts 11:1-18


Wednesday

Psalm 27

Malachi 2:10—3:1

Luke 1:5-17


Thursday

Psalm 126

Habakkuk 2:1-5

Philippians 3:7-11


Friday

Psalm 126

Habakkuk 3:2-6

Philippians 3:12-16


Saturday

Psalm 126

Habakkuk 3:13-19

Matthew 21:28-32














































Next Week at St. Christopher’s…


















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Week of December 18th

Monday (12/18/2023) 

Mitford Series Reading Group – 1:30 pmTuesday (12/19/2023) 

Faithful Living –  6:15 amWednesday (12/20/2023) – Katharina von Bora Luther; died 1552

Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm

Choir Practice – 3:30 pm


Thursday (12/21/2023) – St. Thomas, Apostle

Worship Band – 3:15 pm

Evening Prayer – 5:00 pm

AA Meeting – 6:00 pm


Friday (12/22/2023)

Clergy Sabbath


Saturday (12/23/2023) – Thorlak, Bishop of Skalholt; died 1193

   

Sunday (12/24/2023) 

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

Christmas Candlelight Service  – 4:00 pm *

Christmas Candlelight Service – 6:30 pm


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

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





































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Contact Us:

(No solicitations, please.)(360) 866-2111Office@StChristopherOlympia.org


St. Christopher’s Community Church

7902 Steamboat Is. Rd. NW

Olympia, WA 98502























































Find Out the Current News & More






































































Facebook


































Twitter


































Link


































Website


































Vimeo











































































Copyright © 2023 St. Christopher’s Community Church, All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you’ve signed up to receive email notifications from St. Christopher’s.Our mailing address is:




St. Christopher’s Community Church




7902 Steamboat Island Road NW


Olympia, WA 98502




Add us to your address book




Want to change how you receive these emails?

You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.


Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp





























Related Posts
,  
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 […]
,  
Across the Diocese: April 2, 2026
 
View as Webpage    April 2, 2026Trinity NYC Features St. Luke’s Church, Seattle’s RedevelopmentOver the past several decades, Seattle’s transformation into a major tech hub has grown its workforce while driving up housing costs and displacing many long-term residents. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, longtime anchor in the Ballard neighborhood, witnessed this strain amidst the demands of ancient buildings and chose to redevelop completely.Learn more about the St. Luke’s Apartments and RSVP for their Grand Opening on April 9 at the link below!READ MORENew Clergy Calls in the Episcopal Diocese of OlympiaThe Rev. Kelly Moody has been called to serve as […]
, , ,  
Expanding Our Welcome – March 2026
 
March 2026 EditionThe Synod’s RIC Work Team seeks to cultivate a culture of hospitality toward LGBTQIA2+ people and remove barriers to full participation in the life and ministry of the Southwestern Washington Synod.A Newsletter from the Reconciling in Christ Work Team of the Southwestern Washington Synod Careful how you come to Scripture – is it for love, or for love of power?March finds some of us under feet of snow and others welcoming blankets of wildflowers. Spring also brings Women’s History Month and the complicated past and reality surrounding 50% of the world’s population. For the most part, women continue to […]