Category: Weekly Update

Coming up: February 22 through March 22

Learning to listen to the voice of God speak to us in and through the Scriptures in the midst of our ordinary lives is one of the prime tasks of the disciple of Christ.

If you are struggling in that task, or wish to discover and practice a new way of engaging that task (the ‘Anglican Way’), or simply want a way to walk through Lent listening to God in a supportive communal environment, then plan on joining us on Sunday mornings during Lent from 9:00 – 9:45 am.

You will be asked to make some basic and life-giving commitments during Lent:

• Commitment to read and pray through the Daily Office;
• Commitment to keep a simple journal of your Lenten journey;
• Commitment to participate in as many sessions as possible during Lent;
• Commitment to being open and expectant throughout the season.

When: Sunday mornings in Lent, 9:00 -9:45 a.m.
February 22 through March 22

Where: CTR Christian Education room next to Women’s restroom

Who: Facilitated by Brian Campbell

Why: To deepen our ability to listen to God.

Please Use Sign-Up Sheet in Fellowship Hall.
Contact Rev. Campbell for more information:  RevBrianCampbell@gmail.com

Here is what is happening this week as we continue our count-down to Lent:
Men’s Group meets once again on Saturday, February 7 from 8:30-10:00 am at the church. All men are welcome to join us.
Sunday, February 8 we welcome one of our own to the ‘pulpit’. Charlie Watkins will be preaching on ‘Hope’ this week. Please pray for Charlie as he prepares and come expectantly to worship.
Lenten Preparations:

Wisdom and Wonder: Exploring Beauty and Faith for Artists and Amateurs(Emily Zimbrick-Rogers will be leading this short ‘course’ this Lent)

Have you ever wondered how your Christian walk could be strengthened, deepened, and enriched by spiritual reflection through artistic mediums such as visual art, music, creative writing, or film? Anyone interested in exploring the relationship between art and faith is invited to participate in two Saturday conversations in March. Those interested may also participate in an optional practical component of creating new art for Good Friday’s meditation on Jesus’ 7 Last Words.

Individuals will read and discuss a few sections from Christine Valters Paintner’s book, The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing your creative soul with monastic wisdom, and Cecilia González-Andrieu’s book, Bridge to Wonder: Art as Gospel of Beauty. Those individuals who are creative artists will be invited to share some of their art with the group. You need not be a visual artist to join us!

Ash Wednesday Service takes place on Wednesday February 18 beginning at 6:00 pm
Lenten Inter-generational Family Night takes place on Saturday, February 21 from 4-7 pm. Plan now on joining in on the fun (the talent show), the food (bring something to share), and the preparations (we’ll have several stations to help you and your family get ready for the season).

Looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.
Brian Campbell

Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

Dear Friends

Dear Friends

Can I ask you to do a ‘calendar check’ with me as we approach the month of February? Here are three dates to highlight on your calendar:

Sunday, February 1, 2015 we will hold our next POT LUCK LUNCH. This is a great way to have some fun and deepen our connections with one another. Plan now on staying for lunch and bring something to share.
Wednesday, February 18 is ASH WEDNESDAY and marks the start of our Lenten Season. We will gather at 6:00 pm that night for worship, including the ‘Imposition of Ashes’ (this also is the cue to remind you to bring in your ‘palm crosses’ from last year’s Palm Procession!).

Saturday, February 21 is the day we host our ‘Lenten Family Event’. As in the past, this event will be filled with fun, fellowship and preparation for Lent! Mark the date on your calendar now, the exact ‘time’ will be set shortly (but will include dinner!).

Mission Opportunity: Hank Thompson’s ESL class for Chinese international students and scholars attending ODU continues to thrive on Sunday afternoons. Hank has five students who would love to have a ‘Conversation Partner’ from CtR. If you have an hour to enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with an eager partner, then please speak to Hank (hthompjr@gmail.com) or Stan Bustetter (varunner37@gmail.com).

Prayer Request: Our Leadership Council gathers for an organizational day this Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please pray that God will quickly bond us together and form us (organizationally) for our year ahead.

Looking forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday.

May God’s peace be with us all.

—
Brian Campbell

Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

Greetings All,

This is the week where we truly ‘jump-start’ the New Year! Consider the groups that begin afresh this week:

Wednesday Evening Women’s Group starts up TONIGHT, January 14 beginning at 7:00 pm at the home of Temple Richardson (1510 S. Elanor Court, Norfolk VA 23508). The group begins a study of 1John this evening.

Thursday Morning Women’s Group meets tomorrow morning, January 15 beginning at 9:15 am at the church. They too begin a study on 1 John. Both these groups are open to any and all women.

Men’s Group reconvenes this Saturday, January 17 beginning at 8:30 am at the Church. We continue our practice of Morning Prayer followed by a ‘Sharing of a Life Story’ and concluding with a discussion of a chapter of Peter Walker’s book, The Jesus Way. All men are welcome and encouraged to join in.

Chinese Student and Scholar Ministry is taking a trip to the Chrysler Museum after worship this Sunday, January 18. David Snouffer tells me they have 20 Chinese students/scholars signed up already and are needing many of us to volunteer to both drive and befriend the students while enjoying the museum. If you can participate in this, please email David at da.snouffer@verizon.net.

Looking Ahead:

The ‘Mothers of Young Children’ Bible Study gathers NEXT Friday morning, January 23 at 9:30 at the church.

‘Inter-generational Family Lenten Event’ has been set for Saturday, February 21 from 4-7 pm. Mark your calendars now and plan on entering Lent through this fun and helpful evening.

I encourage you to prayerfully consider the Spirit’s prompting regarding your participation in any of these groupings. The key to the Christian life is to discern God’s voice and act on what you hear!

Look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

—
Brian Campbell

Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

Merry Christmas!
As this Christmas Season continues I find myself very grateful for our community (and for the many acts of love and kindness poured out upon our family – especially at this time of year).
Can I also say ‘Thank You’ on your behalf to Jennifer Brown and the host of helpers that made our Christmas Eve pageant such a blessed time. It truly was a special night.
Looking ahead, there are a few things you need to know this week:
Visit to the Five Loaves Food Pantry takes place tomorrow, Tuesday Dec. 30 from 9:30 am to 1;00 pm. The Food Pantry is located in the Olivet Christian Church at 14425 Old Courthouse Way in Newport News. All ages are welcome to participate in this day of service and giving.
Deadline for Women’s Retreat Registration is Wednesday, Dec. 31st. Please contact Jennifer Brown or Janie Atwood if you have any questions about this.
NO Men’s Group on January 3, 2015. Guys, we plan on meeting on the THIRD Saturday of January( the 17th) as our first meeting of the new year. We will then get back in the swing of the First and Third Saturdays of the months to follow.
Wrapping Up Christmas this Sunday. All good things must come to an end and the Twelve Days of Christmas are no exception. If you have a few moments after the service on Sunday to give a hand in ‘repacking’ our Christmas decorations it would be greatly appreciated.
Have a great and blessed New Year’s. See you on Sunday for worship.–
Brian Campbell
Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

It is a busy time of year! A few more notices were passed on to me from Jennifer Brown this week. Please take a moment and read them, and pass them on to those you think might be interested in them.

Fourth Annual Women’s Retreat – Registration Deadline Wednesday December 31: Ladies, please consider treating yourself to this retreat, God Is Calling… This is the fourth annual retreat and if you have attended before you know how spiritually enriching it can be. If you have not attended before, know that you will be warmly welcomed. The retreat is Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1 at Chanco on the James in Spring Grove, Va. http://www.chanco.org. Your completed registration form along with a $60 deposit is due New Year’s Eve. Car pooling and roommates can be arranged. Pick up a brochure at the sanctuary entrance for more detail and registration form and/or contact Retreat Coordinators Jennifer Brown brownie7506@yahoo.com Janie Atwood maryjaneatwood@gmail.com.

Return Trip to Five Loaves Food Pantry Tuesday, December 30: Jennifer Brown has organized another visit to Five Loaves Food Pantry https://www.facebook.com/FiveLoavesFoodPantry. If you would like to participate please let her know or you can just show up at the pantry in Newport News at 9:30 AM. If you would like to offer a ride, need one, or want to coordinate carpooling, let Jennifer know. Although all age groups are welcome, this is a great opportunity for our children to see the organization of and participation in charitable giving. The activities will include Brother Tim speaking with the children about helping the homeless, unloading the delivery truck, weighing, sorting and distributing food to those who come in need. The event will wrap up around 1:00 PM with lunch provided to us.

Update on Elise Atwood. Janie wrote this morning informing us that she and Elise are on their way home from Cleveland. Please remember to pray for a safe journey and for continued and full healing.

Looking forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday.

Dear Friends,
I post this ‘Update’ early this week for a couple of reasons.
First, Park Place School Christmas Event takes place tonight, Tuesday, December 16 at New Life Providence in Ghent Church (Colonial and Spottswood, near Harris Teeter) beginning at 6;30 pm. God has brought our church and this school together in multiple ways and this is a wonderful way of marking that and showing our support. All are welcome.
Second, a Prayer Request: Elise Atwood had surgery yesterday in Cleveland. Janie reports that the operation went well and that the doctor is ‘cautiously optimistic’. Please pray for Elise’s continued healing, for wisdom to be given to the doctors, and patience and hope to all who ‘wait’.
In addition let me remind us all of a few other things on the horizon:
Last Men’s Group of 2014 meets on Saturday, December 20 at the church beginning at 8:30 am. Pete Fraser will be sharing his story and Tom Duffey will be leading our discussion on the fourth chapter of Peter Walker’s The Jesus Way.

Christmas Eve Service takes place on Wednesday, December 24 beginning at 4;30 pm. Please mark your calendars and come ready to begin the celebration of our Christmas Season.
Looking forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday.
Peace and grace be with us all.
—
Brian Campbell

Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

Dear Friends,

In the middle of our Advent Season we continue to look back with gratitude and forward with anticipation.

First, the gratitude:

Welcome to our Two new Leadership Council Members: Pete Fraser and Charles Zimbrick-Rogers were acclaimed to the Leadership Council at our Annual General Meeting last Sunday. They join the team with the four remaining members, Janie Atwood, Clark Garvin, Doris Gomez, and Bruce Harper. Please pray for the Council as we meet for our initial meeting of the new year (‘Church Calendar’ year that is) on Saturday. As you do so, please give thanks for the years of service given to the church through their election to the Council by Rob Slaughter and David Snouffer.

Pledges for 2015. Thank you to all who have prayerfully given your financial pledge for 2015. Tom Duffey informs me that more than 50% of our recurrent givers (several of whom are ‘new’ givers) have acted on the Leadership Council’s request. I encourage those who have not yet had time to do so to take the time and make this an intentional act of faith – as well as a chance to listen for the direction of God concerning this vital aspect of our life. Remember too that we have covenanted ‘to give joyfully, sacrificially, and proportionally, using the biblical tithe as ‘our’ standard’.

Second, the ‘anticipation’:

The Third Sunday of Advent we welcome the Rev. Dan Waterman as our preacher. Dan is a chaplain with the Air Force stationed at Langley and a valued colleague in the ministry of the gospel.

Christmas Eve Service has been set for 4:30 pm on December 24. The children of the Sunday School will be presenting our ‘First Christmas Pageant’ of readings and song and costumes. We start with the decorating of our Christmas tree and end with singing of Silent Night. It is a great way to begin our Twelve Days of Christmas.

Looking forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday.
Brian Campbell

Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

Dear Friends
Here are some of the things you need to be aware of this week:
‘Liturgical Welcome of New Members’ takes place on Sunday during the service. Please pray for God’s favor to rest on Jon and Christi Cirillo, Mary Lafferty, Brad and Georgia Maas, and Marty and Amy Schulte as they take this step, and for all of us as we renew our own Baptismal Vows- a great thing to do in the Season of Advent!.
‘Annual General Meeting’ takes place immediately after the service. We begin with a Pot Luck Lunch (so remember to bring something to share) and then celebrate together what God has done in and through us in 2014 and anticipate some of the things that are open to us in 2015. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
‘Christmas Eve Service’ has been set for 4:30 pm on December 24.  This is a wonderful way of beginning our Christmas Season. We begin with the decorating of the tree, continue with our ‘Children’s Christmas Program’ of readings and costumes and songs, celebrate our first Christmas communion together and end in candlelight singing Silent Night.
Pledge Cards for 2015. We are all asked to prayerfully and intentionally consider our financial commitment to CtR and to bring in our ‘Pledge’ on Sunday.
Men’s Group meets once again on Saturday, December 6 at 8:30 am. We will be discussing the third chapter of Peter Walker’s Jesus Way this week.
Looking forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday.
—
Brian Campbell

Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church