Posted on

Weekly Update for Sunday March 29, 2020

Please watch Brian’s Weekly Update Intro Live+Stream video on Facebook!


In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Worship This Sunday
  2. Procedures for Holy Week
  3. Welcome Baby Seligman!
  4. Financial Giving
  5. Youth Netflix Watch Party

Worship This Sunday

Again this Sunday, we will continue with the Live+Stream of services on Facebook and through our website. After we gather virtually, we will have two stations set up to receive Holy Communion as we did last week. The first station will be in the grass parking lot at Knox from 11:30am -12:00pm. The second station will be in Chesapeake at the Branch’s home from 12:30 – 1:00pm.

***Brian+ will not be at church this week. David+ will be celebrating and A.J. Nolte will be preaching.***

Looking Ahead: Holy Week

We will be celebrating Holy Week virtually as a community this year. Our Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter services will be conducted on the Live+Stream. However, the bishop is allowing priests to pre-consecrate the sacraments to be distributed to individuals and families for them to self administer at the appropriate times during the Maundy Thursday and Easter services. We will provide more information concerning logistics next week. Please be preparing your hearts and minds for Holy Week and making a commitment to join in our communal life as much as you are able during this important season.

Welcome Baby Seligman!

Baby Joseph Walter Seligman was born on Friday March 20, 2020 at 7:00am. He is currently in the NICU at CHKD. He was able to move out of intensive care yesterday as his respiratory rate is becoming more stable. Please continue to be in prayer for this new member of our congregation and his family. If you would like to bless the Seligman’s with a meal, there is one date available on the Meal Train (Saturday April 18).

Financial Giving

Last week Brian+ asked us to continue to maintain – as we are able – our financial commitments to the church. The best two ways to do so are through our direct PayPal link (or visit our webpage at https://christtheredeemer.org/home/giving/) or to mail in your tithe to: Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church P.O. Box 9632, Norfolk, VA 23505.

The Clergy and Leadership Council are continuing to work on ways we can support one another financially, spiritually, and physically in these troubled days. Please let Brian+ or the Leadership Council know if you have, or know of any, needs within the church in the meantime. We will continue to update as methods and procedures are finalized.

Youth Netflix Watch Party

Get your popcorn ready: next Thursday, April 2, David+ will be hosting a virtual movie night for the Youth Group! They will be watching The Prince of Egypt starting at 7:30pm. David+ will send out the information to parents via Groupme. If your children are interested in participating and you are not already on the Youth Group parents’ Groupme, please send David+ an email at revdavidwatts@gmail.com to be added.

“Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Fifth Sunday in Lent (BCP 2019)

Posted on

Updates on Sunday Worship, Home Groups, and Financial Giving!

Dear Friends,

In Psalm 42 the Psalmist, who himself is in exile, cries out:

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”

One of the great and grave costs of the current situation is our inability to gather for worship. We too cry out, “When shall I come and appear before God?”  The good news is that while we can no longer gather ‘in person’ to worship, we can gather ‘on line’ (and safely ‘in person’) for worship

Sunday Worship

Here is how we shall proceed ON SUNDAYS for the next few weeks.

  • First, we will Live Stream the service at our regular time with a minimal team (musicians, Booth person, clergy, and one lay assistant). NO ONE ELSE WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN US IN PERSON!
      • Our communication team will strive to make access to the stream as easy as possible (especially for those like me who are tech-challenged!).
      • Simply go to our web site (christtheredeemer.org) and you will be able to ‘click on’ the latest recording of the service. They will be streamed “live” from Facebook and posted on our website.
  • Second, as Anglicans, the reception of the sacrament is the apex of our worship. Quite literally, we need to receive the tangible grace of God to be nourished and sustained as gracious Sons and Daughters of God. Here is how we will receive the Sacrament on Sunday and I trust, thereafter).
      • We will have two ‘Stations’ for Communion, one in Norfolk (the parking lot of Knox), the other in Virginia Beach (the home of the Beers).
      • One of the clergy and a lay Assistant will be present at each location to pray with you and your family and to distribute the bread (our bishop has asked us not to communicate in both kinds during the duration of the pandemic). Simply stay in your car and we will come to you.
      • As we anticipate more people to come to our Norfolk Station (and given we will already be present at Knox), the clergy and assistant will be present at the Station from 11:30 am – 1:00pm.
      • As it will take some time to travel to Virginia Beach, the Beers’ Station will be manned from 12:00 – 1:00pm.

Home Groups

What about our gatherings during the week?

  • Our Leadership Council met on Monday night and prayerfully discerned that our Home Groups (and study groups) should NOT meet officially for the next two weeks (March 18-April 1).
  • Our Home/Study group leaders met last night on Zoom and discussed ways that we can stay connected (even physically connected) safely and helpfully in the days and weeks ahead. We are committed to ‘be the church’ for and with one another.

Financial Giving

Can I also make an appeal for all of us to maintain- as we are able- our financial commitments to the church?

  • Again, our communication team will make access to our PayPal account as accessible as possible (https://christtheredeemer.org/home/giving/). For those who wish to mail your tithe, please use our P.O. Box 9632, Norfolk, VA 23505 address.
  • The Leadership Council is crafting ways we can support one another financially (as well as physically and spiritually) in the days ahead. Once those ‘ways’ as clear, we will let you know. If you have a financial need in the meantime, please do not hesitate to make it known (to me, or to any of the Council members).

Please be diligent in checking the web site for the latest information. We will endeavor to communicate as clearly and as frequently as needed.

May God’s peace and grace be with us all.

Brian+




Posted on

Week of Sunday March 15, 2020

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Concerning the Coronavirus
  2. Welcome Baby Reyes!
  3. Memorial for Albert Duckworth
  4. Anchor Fund Offering Continues

Concerning the Coronavirus

The CtR Clergy, Staff, and Leadership Council are asking God for wisdom, and working through what precautionary measures need to be in place regarding the coronavirus. Here are the ways that CtR, week by week, is adjusting to the coronavirus :

  • Hand sanitizer will be located at the front and back of the Sanctuary, as well as all of the Sunday School rooms
  • Substitute ‘fist bumps’ for handshakes (and definitely forgo the ‘holy kiss’) during the ‘Passing of the Peace’
  • In place of passing the Offering baskets around, the baskets will be located at both entryways to the Sanctuary at the beginning and the end of the service. If you are more comfortable with giving online, just click on this donate link to give safely and securely through PayPal.
  • When receiving Communion, come up as normal in our two lines. The Chalice Bearer will be standing next to the Priest/Deacon, and the Priest/Deacon will break off a piece of the bread and dip it into the cup and then place it on your outstretched hands.

And a few general reminders: be prayerful about the spread of this virus; wash your hands frequently; cough/sneeze in your inner elbow instead of your hands; and if you’re experiencing symptoms of a cough, disease, or fever, please isolate yourself and rest (for the sake of others, do not ‘push through it’).

Welcome Baby Reyes!

Baby Rowen David Reyes was born to Sharon and Ryan Reyes on Saturday, March 7th at 2:30am! He is a healthy baby boy at 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21.5 inches. If you would like to help support the Reyes’ as they adjust to being a family of three, please sign up to bring a meal through this link: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/l19wz6
Join us as we rejoice over the gift of this precious new life, and as we pray for strength and rest for the new parents.

Memorial for Albert Duckworth

There will be a Memorial Gathering this Saturday, March 14th, 4:30pm – 7:00pm at Virginia Beach Community Chapel (1261 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach) to remember Albert Duckworth. Please come if you can to support Robin and the kids in an informal atmosphere with light hors d’oeuvres. There will be a time of sharing and remembering Albert at 5pm, followed by play time for the kids at the church playground. Even if you can’t come, please be praying for the Duckworth family as they continue to mourn the loss of a great husband and father.

Anchor Fund Continues

We will continue taking up donations for the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s “Anchor Fund” offering  this Sunday and next Sunday. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to learn about the offering through this page: https://www.adhope.org/anchorfund. There is a helpful video with Bishop Steve, as well as an option to give online if that is your preference. If you plan to give at church over the next three Sundays, be sure to write “Anchor Fund” in the memo line of your check. 

“Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Third Sunday in Lent (BCP 2019)

Posted on

Week of Sunday, March 8th, 2020

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Clocks Spring Forward
  2. Sundays During Lent
  3. Concerning the Coronavirus
  4. Anchor Fund Offering this Sunday
  5. NEST Outreach Donations
  6. Wanting to be Baptized?

Clocks Spring Forward

Daylight saving time begins this weekend, which means that we “spring forward” and lose an hour. Be make sure to change all your clocks on Saturday night and try to go to bed early so you don’t miss Discipleship Hour!

Sundays During Lent

Speaking of Discipleship Hour, it is not too late to attend the Evangelism Training Discipleship Hour class offered at 9:00am. During the next four Sundays of Lent, this will be our only class and it is open for all adults and youth.  We meet in the main office spaces and are using the CCQ model of “Connect – Content – Question” to learn how to authentically share our faith with others. 

Please be ready for worship by 10:15am, as we will begin promptly with the Penitential Rite. If you arrive late, please enter quietly into the Sanctuary. Similar to the season of Advent, services during Lent will be more reverent and quiet as we reflect on our own sin and the suffering of Jesus, as well as the deep love of God, which is revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus! 

Take home some of the Lenten resources available in the Fellowship Hall to help you intentionally observe Lent through prayer, fasting, and giving. We are recommending the book Lent: The Journey from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week to use as a guide, and it is available in the Fellowship Hall to purchase for $10.

Concerning the Coronavirus

Make sure to check your email inbox tomorrow for details concerning our response as a church to the coronavirus outbreak. The email will outline the preventative measures we can take as a congregation to help prevent the spread of this virus (as well as other diseases going around). 

Anchor Fund Offering this Sunday

We will begin taking up donations for the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s “Anchor Fund” offering  this Sunday, and for the two Sundays following. If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to learn about the offering through this page: https://www.adhope.org/anchorfund. There is a helpful video with Bishop Steve, as well as an option to give online if that is your preference. If you plan to give at church over the next three Sundays, be sure to write “Anchor Fund” in the memo line of your check. 

NEST Outreach Donations

We are currently helping Crossroads Church in ministering to the homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program, by assembling bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-11th. Please pray for the homeless individuals who will be receiving these lunches. 

If you weren’t able to sign up to help put together the lunches, we could still use your help covering the cost of the food, waters, and bags that were purchased for this outreach!   If you would like to contribute, please send a check or money to CtR with NEST in the memo line.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple: 757-620-0740 or  t.richardson@cox.net .

Wanting to be Baptized?

We are planning to celebrate Baptisms on the second Sunday of Easter (April 19th). If you and/or your children are interested in being baptized, please contact Father Brian at revbriancampbell@gmail.com as soon as possible. 

“Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Second Sunday in Lent (BCP 2019)

Posted on

Week of Sunday, March 1st, 2020

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Evangelism Training Potluck and Discipleship Hour
  2. Anchor Fund Offering
  3. Lenten Reminders
  4. Youth News
  5. NEST Outreach Opportunity
  6. Wanting to be Baptized?

Evangelism Training Potluck and Discipleship Hour

Don’t forget! Tomorrow night is the kickoff for our Churchwide Evangelism Training, using the CCQ model of “Connect, Content, and Question.” We will start the night off with a potluck dinner at 6:00pm so please bring a dish to share. Childcare will be provided, and the dinner and teaching time will end by 7:45pm.

The Evangelism Training will continue in a special Discipleship Hour class open to all adults and youth, which begins this Sunday,  March 1st at 9:00am and will be offered every week during Lent!

Anchor Fund Offering

Our Diocese, the Diocese of Christ Our Hope, has created the “Anchor Fund,” and has asked that all of the congregations in the Diocese prayerfully consider how they can be a part of this offering.  Please take a few minutes to go to this page: https://www.adhope.org/anchorfund, which explains more about how the Anchor Fund will substantially strengthen the work of the Diocese to support churches in their growth. We will have a time to take up donations for the Anchor Fund on March 8th and 15th, so please be praying about how God would have you, as an individual or as a family, respond!

Lenten Reminders

The Lenten season has begun! Lent lasts for 40 days, and is a time of repentance and fasting, leading up to the celebration of Easter on April 12th. Make sure to check out the Lenten resources available in the Fellowship Hall to help you intentionally observe Lent through prayer, fasting, and giving. We are recommending the book Lent: The Journey from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week to use as a guide, and it is available in the Fellowship Hall to purchase for $10.

Also, just a reminder that we will have the special Evangelism Training Discipleship Hour class offered for all adults and youth during the five weeks of Lent. Please join us starting this Sunday at 9:00am in the main office space.

Please be ready for worship by 10:15am, as we will begin promptly with the Penitential Rite. If you arrive late, please enter quietly into the Sanctuary. Similar to the season of Advent, services during Lent will be more reverent and quiet as we reflect on our own sin and the suffering of Jesus, leading up to Good Friday.

Youth News

Youth parents please download the Group Me app on your smart phones in order to help streamline communication within the Youth Ministry! Also, save the date for the next Youth Group night, which will be this Sunday, March 1st , 6:00- 8:00pm at the Inman’s house. Contact David+  at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you need the address.

Don’t forget that registration for Camp Booyah is open! Only 1 slot is left so now is the time to register! More information can be found on their website or you can contact David+ if you have any questions.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

We have a local mission opportunity coming up on the week of March 4th – 11th, to help Crossroads Church in ministering to the homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program.  The homeless guests are picked up by buses and taken to area churches for a hot meal, housing for the night, a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch.  We can help by assembling the bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-11th, 4:00 – 5:00pm and deliver them to Crossroads.

Please sign up through this link or on the paper lunch bags in Fellowship Hall if you and/or your family are able to help! Also, we will need funds to purchase the lunch foods and bags.  If you want to contribute to this outreach, send a check or money to CtR earmarked for NEST.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple: 757-620-0740 or  t.richardson@cox.net .

Wanting to be Baptized?

We are planning to celebrate Baptisms on the second Sunday of Easter (April 19th). If you and/or your children are interested in being baptized, please contact Father Brian at revbriancampbell@gmail.com.

“Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The First Sunday in Lent (BCP 2019)




Posted on

Week of Sunday, February 23rd, 2020

Hope you all are staying warm and enjoying watching the snow fall!

*Please note that this weekend is the Women’s Retreat and there will not be a Discipleship Hour on Sunday. Also, our congregation will look a little different with many of our women away at the retreat. 🙂

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Anchor Fund Offering
  2. Lent Begins Wednesday
  3. Churchwide Evangelism Training on Friday
  4. Youth News
  5. NEST Outreach Opportunity
  6. Wanting to be Baptized?

Anchor Fund Offering

The Diocese that we belong to, the Diocese of Christ Our Hope, has created the “Anchor Fund,” and has asked that all of the congregations in the Diocese prayerfully consider how they can be a part of this offering.  Please take a few minutes to go to this page: https://www.adhope.org/anchorfund, which explains more about how the Anchor Fund will substantially strengthen the work of the Diocese to support churches in their growth. Check out the video and begin praying about how God would have you, as an individual or as a family, respond!

Lent Begins Wednesday

The Lenten season begins this week on February 26th with an Ash Wednesday service at 6:00pm. Lent lasts for 40 days, and is a time of repentance and fasting, leading up to the celebration of Easter on April 12th! Make sure to grab the Lenten resources available in the Fellowship Hall to help you intentionally observe Lent. The book Lent: The Journey from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week is also a great resource, and is available in the Fellowship Hall to purchase for $10.

Don’t forget: this is the last Sunday to bring in your palm crosses from last year’s Palm Sunday, since they will be burned and the ashes used during our Ash Wednesday service.

Churchwide Evangelism Training on Friday

Would you like to grow more comfortable in sharing the Good News of Christ?  Do you want your friends and family to know The Truth, but you don’t know how to tell them? Starting this Lent, CtR will begin using the CCQ course format of “Connect, Content, and Question” to grow into an intentionally evangelistic church.

Next Friday, February 28th, we will kick off the Evangelism Training with a potluck dinner and teaching time from 6:00pm – 7:45pm. Childcare will be provided. We are encouraging all Life Groups to not meet that week, but instead come together as a congregation. The Training will continue in a special Discipleship Hour class, starting March 1st and offered every week during Lent!

Youth News

Youth parents please download the Group Me app on your smart phones in order to help streamline communication within the Youth Ministry! Also, save the date for the next Youth Group night, which will be on Sunday, March 1st , 6:00- 8:00pm at the Inman’s house. Contact David+  at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you need the address.

Don’t forget that registration for Camp Booyah is open! Only 4 slots are left so now is the time to register! More information can be found on their website or you can contact David+ if you have any questions.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

We have a local mission opportunity coming up on the week of March 4th – 11th, to help Crossroads Church in ministering to the homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program.  The homeless guests are picked up by buses and taken to area churches for a hot meal, housing for the night, a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch.  We can help by assembling the bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-11th, 4:00 – 5:00pm and deliver them to Crossroads.

Please sign up through this link or on the paper lunch bags in Fellowship Hall if you and/or your family are able to help! Also, we will need funds to purchase the lunch foods and bags.  If you want to contribute to this outreach, send a check or money to CtR earmarked for NEST.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple: 757-620-0740 or  t.richardson@cox.net .

Wanting to be Baptized?

We are planning to celebrate Baptisms on the second Sunday of Easter (April 19th). If you and/or your children are interested in being baptized, please contact Father Brian at revbriancampbell@gmail.com.

“O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain; Grant that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Last Sunday of Epiphany, Transfiguration (BCP 2019)




Posted on

Week of Sunday, February 16th, 2020

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Mission Sunday this Sunday!
  2. NEST Outreach Opportunity
  3. Youth Service Day on February 17th
  4. Preparing for Lent
  5. Church-wide Evangelism Training
  6. Wanting to be Baptized?
  7. Discipleship Hour Volunteers Needed

Mission Sunday this Sunday!

This Sunday is Mission Sunday, when we will hear more about the recent trip to Guatemala, as well as the hopes and plans for local and global mission efforts in 2020.

We will also be introducing the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s “Anchor Fund,” which will substantially strengthen the work of the Diocese to support churches in their growth. Please check out this video and begin praying about how God would have you and your family respond: https://www.adhope.org/anchorfundchocolate bar from Guatemals

During Hospitality Hour, you will be able to purchase delicious Guatemalan chocolate which will directly support individuals in Guatemala. The chocolate bars are 3 for $12, or $5 each, cash only. Please plan to bring your money this Sunday to help support the Guatemalan church, and take home some yummy chocolate!

NEST Outreach Opportunity

We have a local mission opportunity coming up on the week of March 4th – 11th, to help Crossroads Church in ministering to the homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program.  The homeless guests are picked up by buses and taken to area churches for a hot meal, housing for the night, a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch.  We can help by assembling the bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-11th, 4:00 – 5:00pm and deliver them to Crossroads.

Please sign up through this link or on the paper lunch bags in Fellowship Hall if you and/or your family are able to help! Also, we will need funds to purchase the lunch foods and bags.  If you want to contribute to this outreach, send a check or money to CtR earmarked for NEST.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple: 757-620-0740 or  t.richardson@cox.net .

Youth Service Day on February 17th

Coming up next Monday (President’s Day), the youth group is having a service outing at Five Loaves Food Pantry! Parents, please RSVP through the Evite that was sent last week, or let David+ know if you didn’t receive it.

Don’t forget that registration for Camp Booyah is open! Only 10 slots are left so now is the time to register! More information can be found on their website and you can contact David+ at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Preparing for Lent

The Lenten season begins on February 26th with an Ash Wednesday service at 6:00pm. Please (find and) gather your palm crosses from last year’s Palm Sunday, bring them to church by February 23rd, and place them in the baptismal font in the foyer. The palms will be burned on the 23rd, and the ashes from the burned palms will then be used at our Ash Wednesday service.

Church-wide Evangelism Training

Would you like to grow more comfortable in sharing the Good News of Christ?  Do you want your friends and family to know The Truth, but you don’t know how to tell them? Starting this Lent, CtR will begin using the CCQ course format of “Connect, Content, and Question” to grow into an intentionally evangelistic church.

On Friday, February 28th, we will kick off the Evangelism Training with a potluck dinner and teaching time from 6:00pm – 7:45pm. Childcare will be provided. We are encouraging all Life Groups to not meet that week, but instead come together as a congregation. The Training will continue in a special Discipleship Hour class offered every week during Lent, which will be led by David+ Watts and Justin Seligman!

Wanting to be Baptized?

We are planning to celebrate Baptisms on the second Sunday of Easter (April 19th). If you and/or your children are interested in being baptized, please contact Father Brian at revbriancampbell@gmail.com.

Discipleship Hour Volunteers Needed

There are several ministries at CtR that are looking for more volunteers who can serve on Sunday mornings. There is especially a need for Discipleship Hour childcare workers at this time. This does not involve teaching in the classrooms. If you are able to be a helper in the upper elementary or lower elementary classrooms, or the nursery from 9:00am – 10:00am on a Sunday, please let Jennifer Brown know at brownie7506@yahoo.com. Thank you!

“Almighty God, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Second to Last Sunday of Epiphany, World Mission Sunday (BCP 2019)

 0




Posted on

Week of Sunday, February 9th, 2020

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Preparing for Lent
  2. Church-wide Evangelism Training
  3. Wanting to be Baptized?
  4. Discipleship Hour Volunteers Needed
  5. Youth Ministry Events
  6. Mission Sunday: February 16th
  7. NEST Outreach Opportunity

Preparing for Lent

The Lenten season begins on February 26th with an Ash Wednesday service at 6:00pm. Please (find and) gather your palm crosses from last year’s Palm Sunday, bring them to church by February 23rd, and place them in the baptismal font in the foyer. The palms will be burned on the 23rd, and the ashes from the burned palms will then be used at our Ash Wednesday service.

Church-wide Evangelism Training

Would you like to grow more comfortable in sharing the Good News of Christ?  Do you want your friends and family to know The Truth, but you don’t know how to tell them? Starting this Lent, CtR will begin using the CCQ course format of “Connect, Content, and Question” to grow into an intentionally evangelistic church.

On Friday, February 28th, we will kick off the Evangelism Training with a potluck dinner and teaching time from 6:00pm – 7:45pm. Childcare will be provided. We are encouraging all Life Groups to not meet that week, but instead come together as a congregation. The Training will continue in a special Discipleship Hour class offered every week during Lent, which will be led by David+ Watts and Justin Seligman!

Wanting to be Baptized?

We are planning to celebrate Baptisms on the second Sunday of Easter (April 19th). If you and/or your children are interested in being baptized, please contact Father Brian at revbriancampbell@gmail.com.

Discipleship Hour Volunteers Needed

There are several ministries at CtR that are looking for more volunteers who can serve on Sunday mornings. There is especially a need for Discipleship Hour childcare workers at this time. This does not involve teaching in the classrooms. If you are able to be a helper in the upper elementary or lower elementary classrooms, or the nursery from 9:00am – 10:00am on a Sunday, please let Jennifer Brown know at brownie7506@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Youth Ministry Events

Registration for Camp Booyah is open! Only 17 slots are left so now is the time to register! More information can be found on their website and you can contact David+ at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Also, the youth group will be meeting at church on February 16th and then have a service outing at Five Loaves the following Monday, President’s Day. Parents, please RSVP through the Evite that was sent last week. Or let David+ know if you didn’t receive it!

Mission Sunday: February 16th

Mark your calendars for “Mission Sunday” on February 16th! We will hear more about the recent Guatemala Trip, as well as the hopes and plans for our local and global mission efforts in 2020.

We will also have a special “treat” of getting to purchase gourmet Guatemalan chocolate that will directly support individuals that CtR-Guatemala Church is working with. The chocolate bars are 3 for $12, or $5 each, cash only. Please plan to bring your money on February 16th to help support the Guatemalan church, and take home some delicious chocolate!

NEST Outreach Opportunity

We have the opportunity to help Crossroads Church with a ministry to homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program the week of March 4th – 11th.  The homeless guests are picked up by buses and taken to area churches for a hot meal, housing for the night, a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch.  We can help by assembling the bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-11th and deliver them to Crossroads. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall if you and/or your family are able to help! Also, we will need funds to purchase the lunch foods and bags.  If you want to contribute to this outreach, send a check or money to CtR earmarked for NEST.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple –  t.richardson@cox.net .

“O Lord, our heavenly Father, keep your household the Church continually in your true religion, that we who trust in the hope of your heavenly grace may always be defended by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Fifth Sunday of Epiphany (BCP 2019)




Posted on

Week of Sunday, February 2nd, 2020

Wow! Can you believe we’re already entering into February?! There are many events to look forward to as we continue in Epiphanytide and begin preparing for the Lenten season.

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. International Student Prayer
  2. Newcomer’s Lunch at the Campbell’s
  3. Diocesan Regional Retreat
  4. Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon
  5. Camp Booyah for Youth
  6. Discipleship Hour Volunteers Needed
  7. Youth Update
  8. Preparing for Lent
  9. MISSION Sunday
  10. NEST Outreach Opportunity

Events Happening this Weekend:

International Student Prayer

TOMORROW – CtR is hosting Global Student Friendship’s (GSF’s) monthly prayer gathering for international students on Saturday, February 1st, 8:30am- 10:00am. This is a great opportunity to pray intentionally for international students, connect with others who serve the international student community, and be encouraged by hearing testimonies of the Lord’s work amongst internationals.

Newcomer’s Lunch at the Campbell’s

SUNDAY – Father Brian and Janis Campbell are hosting a Newcomer’s Lunch for all newcomers and visitors to CtR on February 2nd at 12:30pm.  Their address is 7324 Elvin Court in Norfolk. A light lunch will be provided, and children are welcome!  Please RSVP today to Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you would like to come.

Register ASAP for the Following Events:

Diocesan Regional Retreat

This is the last DAY to sign up for the Southeast Regional Retreat, happening on February 13-15! Everyone in the congregation is invited to attend. Check out this video from Bishop Steve Breedlove for more information about the 2020 Regional Retreats. To register, click here (the registration is not full; the notice on the website is referring to the 2019 retreat).

Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon

Current and future supporters of Park Place School are invited to the “Friend-Raising” Luncheon next Thursday, February 6th, 11:30am – 1:30pm at First Presbyterian Church. Come and hear from the students, parents, and volunteers about how Park Place School is changing lives! Please RSVP TODAY to (757)624-3473 or bgarrett@parkplaceschool.org. When you RSVP, tell them you are coming from CtR. We will have a couple tables at the luncheon to represent our congregation! If you have any questions,  you can contact Fr. Brian, Rob Slaughter, or Dora Lee Taylor.

Camp Booyah for Youth

Parents of 6th-12th graders, registration for Camp Booyah is open and only 21 slots are left so now is the time to register! More information can be found on their website and you can contact David+ at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Discipleship Hour Volunteers Needed

There are several ministries at CtR that are looking for more volunteers who can serve on Sunday mornings. There is especially a need for Discipleship Hour childcare workers at this time. If you are able to be a helper in the upper elementary or lower elementary classrooms, or the nursery from 9:00am – 10:00am on a Sunday, please let Jennifer Brown know at brownie7506@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Youth Update

There won’t be any youth gatherings this Saturday, February 1st, or Sunday, February 2nd. Enjoy the super bowl with friends and family! We will have youth group at church on February 16th and a service outing at Five Loaves on Monday, the 17th. For more information on the service trip, look for the Evite going out today.

Preparing for Lent

We are approaching the Lenten season, which begins on February 26th with an Ash Wednesday service at 6:00pm. Begin to gather your palm crosses from last year’s Palm Sunday; we will be collecting them in the baptismal font. The palms will be burned on February 23rd (no Shrove Tuesday service this year), to use as ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Also, on that first Friday of Lent, February 28th, make sure to save the date for a Church-wide Evangelism Training with a potluck dinner starting at 6:00pm! We are encouraging all Life Groups to not meet that week, but instead come together as a congregation on Friday night to learn how we can grow into being a more “invitational” church. More details to come!

MISSION Sunday

Mark your calendars for “Mission Sunday” on February 16th! We will hear more about the recent Guatemala Trip, as well as the hopes and plans for our local and global mission efforts in 2020.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

We have the opportunity to help Crossroads Church with a ministry to homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program the week of March 4th – 8th.  The homeless guests are picked up by buses and taken to area churches for a hot meal, housing for the night, a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch.  Crossroads has everything covered but the lunches.  We can help by assembling the bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-8th and deliver them to Crossroads.  We will need funds to purchase the lunch foods and bags.  If you want to contribute to this outreach, send a check or money to CtR earmarked for NEST.  This could be an opportunity for families to volunteer together each afternoon to assemble the sandwiches and the bags.  We will post a sign-up sheet closer to March for families to sign up.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple –  t.richardson@cox.net .

“O God, you know that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers, and because of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: Grant that your strength and protection may support us in all dangers and carry us through every temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.”

– Collect for The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany (BCP 2019)