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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Week of Sunday, January 26th, 2020

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

  1. Discipleship Hour Volunteers
  2. New to Christ the Redeemer?
  3. Diocesan Regional Retreat
  4. Camp Booyah for Youth
  5. Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon
  6. International Student Prayer
  7. NEST Outreach Opportunity

Discipleship Hour Volunteers

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!

New to Christ the Redeemer?

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 to Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you would like to come.

Diocesan Regional Retreat

This is the last week 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).

Camp Booyah for Youth

Parents of 6th-12th graders, registration for Camp Booyah is open! More information can be found on their website and you can contact David+ at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon

Current and future supporters of Park Place School are invited to the “Friend-Raising” Luncheon on 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 by January 31st to (757)624-3473 or bgarrett@parkplaceschool.org. When you RSVP, tell them you are coming from CtR. We are hoping to 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.

International Student Prayer

CtR has the honor of 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.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

We also 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 .

“Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”  Amen.”

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

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Week of Sunday, January 19th, 2020

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

  1. Service Details for Ann McCord Harper’s Father
  2. Guatemala Trip
  3. Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon
  4. NEST Outreach Opportunity
  5. Diocesan Regional Retreat
  6. Camp Booyah for Youth

Service Details for Ann McCord Harper’s Father

Ann’s father William McCord passed away on Tuesday morning, peacefully, in his sleep. A celebration of his life will be held tomorrow, January 17th at 11:30 a.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Click the link below for more details, and to read about a “long life well-lived”: http://www.hdoliver.com/obituary/William-Harris-McCord-Sr./Virginia-Beach-Virginia/1866340.

Guatemala Trip

Fr. David, Brad, Dory, and Mark left for Guatemala this morning at 5:00am! The latest news is that they have arrived in Miami and will be on their next leg to Guatemala shortly. Please continue to pray for safety and guidance for this team, as well as for the congregation of Cristo Mi Redentor (Christ My Redeemer), who they will be meeting and serving while in Guatemala.

Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon

Current and future supporters and volunteers of Park Place School are invited to a “Friend-Raising” Luncheon on 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 by January 31st to (757)624-3473 or bgarrett@parkplaceschool.org. When you RSVP, tell them you are coming from CtR. We are hoping to have a couple tables at the luncheon to represent our congregation! If you have any questions, contact Fr. Brian, Rob Slaughter, or Dora Lee Taylor.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

CtR has 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 is also 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 .

Diocesan Regional Retreat

The Southeast Regional Retreat is coming up 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. And to register, click here.

Camp Booyah for Youth

Parents of 6th-12th graders, registration for Camp Booyah is open! More information can be found on their website and you can contact David+ at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you have any questions.

“Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever.”  Amen.”

– Collect for The Second Sunday of Epiphany (BCP 2019, p. 602)

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Week of Sunday, January 12th, 2020

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

  1. Discipleship Hour Reminder
  2. Guatemala Mission Trip
  3. Seeking Administrative Help
  4. Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon
  5. Women’s Retreat
  6. Diocesan Regional Retreat
  7. NEST Outreach Opportunity
  8. Camp Booyah for Youth

Discipleship Hour Reminder

It’s not too late to sign up and attend one of the Discipleship Hour classes, meeting at 9:00am every Sunday before worship. Click HERE  to sign up for  if you haven’t already! Here are the classes being offered:

Track 1. Anglican Ethos – led by Fr. Brian Campbell. This is part of our Membership Track at CtR, so if you are interested in exploring membership at Christ the Redeemer, we highly encourage you to attend!

Track 2. “What Did You Expect?”, a Marriage Class – led by Janis Campbell & Matt and Jill Branch.  They will be going through a study by Paul Tripp called, “What Did You Expect?” (Redeeming the Realities of Marriage).  There will be a 20 minute video followed by discussion.  Participants are welcome to purchase the book on Amazon (but not required). There will be six commitments made in the class; the first being:  “We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.”

Track 3. Jesus on Every Page: Reading the Old Testament with the Church Fathers – led by A.J. Nolte. For the earliest Christians, the Old Testament wasn’t seen as an impediment to knowing Christ, but rather as proof of His divine, redemptive presence in history. This class will delve into the methods by which the church fathers read the Old Testament, preparing both their hearts and minds to find Jesus on every page.

Guatemala Mission Trip

On January 16th – January 19th a small team from CtR will be working with an Anglican church by the same name in Guatemala. Christ the Redeemer Guatemala is a church which serves a population with severe material and spiritual needs both at their city dump village church and at their suburban church. Fr. David Watts, Dory Zimermann, Mark Beers, and Brad Embry will be going to CtR Guatemala to make this initial trip and hopefully begin to establish an ongoing relationship between our two congregations. Please pray for their preparations over the next two weeks!

Seeking Administrative Help

Our Administrative Assistant, Sydney Seligman, and her family are looking forward to the the birth of a baby boy in March! We are looking for someone to fulfill her maternity leave from mid-March to mid-June (and maybe beyond). Please email us at ctrsec@gmail.com if you, or someone you know, might be interested in helping out during this time.  Thank you.

Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon

Current and future supporters and volunteers of Park Place School are invited to a “Friend-Raising” Luncheon on 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! There will also be a violin performance and a delicious meal provided. Please RSVP by January 31st to (757)624-3473 or bgarrett@parkplaceschool.org.

Women’s Retreat

Just a reminder that the Annual Women’s Retreat is coming up on February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco on the James. It is not too late to sign up! Click HERE for the registration form. Please return the form and your $60 deposit as soon as possible. For those of you that have already signed up, be on the lookout for an email from Janie Atwood providing more information about the retreat and any remaining registration balances.

Diocesan Regional Retreat

The Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s 2020 Regional Retreat is fast approaching! Check out this video from Bishop Steve Breedlove for more information about the 2020 Regional Retreats. Just FYI, our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. To register, click here.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

CtR has 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 is also 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 .

Camp Booyah for Youth

Parents, registrar for Camp Booyah on their website and speak with David+ if you have any questions!

“Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.”  Amen.”

– Collect for The First Sunday of Epiphany, The Baptism of Our Lord (BCP 2019, p. 601)

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Week of Sunday, January 5th, 2020

Happy New Year to you all! In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Discipleship Hour Classes Begin Sunday!
  2. Youth New Years Event
  3. Women’s Retreat in February
  4. Guatemala Mission Trip
  5. Diocesan Regional Retreat

Discipleship Hour Classes Begin Sunday!

Beginning this Sunday, January 5th, the following Discipleship Hour classes will be offered at 9:00am, for the 8 weeks leading up to Lent. Click HERE  to sign up for a class if you haven’t already!

Track 1. Anglican Ethos – led by Fr. Brian Campbell. This is part of our Membership Track at CtR, so if you are interested in exploring membership at Christ the Redeemer, we highly encourage you to attend!

Track 2. “What Did You Expect?”, a Marriage Class – led by Janis Campbell & Matt and Jill Branch.  They will be going through a study by Paul Tripp called, “What Did You Expect?” (Redeeming the Realities of Marriage).  There will be a 20 minute video followed by discussion.  Participants are welcome to purchase the book on Amazon (but not required). There will be six commitments made in the class; the first being:  “We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.”

Track 3. Jesus on Every Page: Reading the Old Testament with the Church Fathers – led by A.J. Nolte. For the earliest Christians, the Old Testament wasn’t seen as an impediment to knowing Christ, but rather as proof of His divine, redemptive presence in history. This class will delve into the methods by which the church fathers read the Old Testament, preparing both their hearts and minds to find Jesus on every page.

**If you are interested in attending one of these classes, please sign up HERE ,  or on the sign-up sheet located on the whiteboard in Fellowship Hall, so the leaders know how many people to expect. Thank you!**

Youth New Year’s Event

Youth, save the date for a New Year’s Bash with The Mission Church this Sunday evening, 6:00- 8:00pm. Plan to bring a friend! Parents, there will be a quick meeting afterwards about Camp Booyah, from 8:00-8:15pm so please stick around after you pick up your kids.

Women’s Retreat in February

All women are invited to CtR’s Annual Women’s Retreat happening February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco at the James Retreat Center! It is not too late to sign up!! The registration form can be found in the Women’s Retreat brochures located at the Welcome Table and the Usher’s stand. Please return the form and your $60 deposit as soon as possible!

Guatemala Mission Trip

CtR will be sending out a small team from January 16th to 19th to work with an Anglican church by the same name in Guatemala! Christ the Redeemer Guatemala is a church which serves a population with severe material and spiritual needs both at their city dump village church and at their suburban church. Fr. David Watts, Dory Zimermann, Mark Beers, and Brad Embry will be going to CtR Guatemala to make this initial trip and hopefully begin to establish an ongoing relationship between our two congregations. Please pray for their preparations over the next two weeks!

Diocesan Regional Retreat

The Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s 2020 Regional Retreat is fast approaching! Check out this video from Bishop Steve Breedlove for more information about the 2020 Regional Retreats. Just FYI, our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. To register, click here.

“Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.”

– Collect for The First Sunday of Christmas (BCP 2019)