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Week of Sunday, December 22nd, 2019

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

  1. “The Longest Night” Service
  2. Christmas Season Schedule
  3. January Discipleship Hour Classes
  4. Youth New Years Eve Event
  5. Women’s Retreat
  6. Diocesan Retreat

“The Longest Night” Service

This Saturday, December 21st, 7:00pm. The Longest Night is a service which seeks to give voice in prayer to the pain, sorrow, loneliness, and grief that, for many, accompanies the Advent and Christmas season. May this evening be a time to pray, reflect, and quiet ourselves as we prepare for the coming Light of Christ which will shatter our darkness.

Christmas Season Schedule

  • Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating the Christmas tree) and 5:00pm (service begins). We will be having a special service with members of The Mission Church joining us to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King!
  • Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am
  • First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour or Children’s Chapel)

January Discipleship Hour Classes

Beginning on January 5th, the following Discipleship Hour classes will be offered at 9:00am, for the 8 weeks leading up to Lent:

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, this class is for you!

Track 2. “What Did You Expect?”, a Marriage Class – led by Janis Campbell & Matt and Jill Branch.  They are leading a marriage class 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 Eve Event

Save the date for a New Year’s Eve Bash with The Mission Church on January 5th, 6:00- 8:00pm. Plan to bring a friend and stay tuned for more details to come! Parents, there will be a quick meeting afterwards about Camp Booyah, from 8:00-8:15pm so please plan to stick around after you pick up your kids.

Women’s Retreat

All women are invited to CtR’s Annual Women’s Retreat on February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco at the James Retreat Center! The registration form and $60 deposit were due last Sunday, but 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 deposit as soon as possible.

Diocesan Retreat

Everyone is invited to attend the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s upcoming Regional Retreat! Our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. For more information and to register, click here.

“Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among
us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the
race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy
speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to
whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now
and for ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Fourth Sunday in Advent, Annunciation (BCP 2019)

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Week of Sunday, December 15th, 2019

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

  1. Advent & Christmas Season Schedule
  2. “Holy Land Tour” Info. Session
  3. Youth Group Events
  4. Women’s Retreat
  5. New Discipleship Hour Classes
  6. Diocesan Retreat

Advent & Christmas Season Schedule

  • “The Longest Night” Service – Saturday, December 21st, 7:00pm
  • Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating the Christmas tree) and 5:00pm (service begins). We will be having a special service with members of The Mission Church joining us for the worship service!
  • Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am
  • First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour)

“Holy Land Tour” Info. Session

Fr. Brian and Janis Campbell are organizing a trip to Israel in 2021 to tour the “Holy Land”! If anyone interested in learning more about the trip, there will be an informational meeting this Sunday, December 15th at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court, Norfolk). The meeting will be right after the worship service, over a light lunch. Please email Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com by Friday if you plan to attend.

Youth Group Events

Save the date for the following youth events:

  • Youth Social this Saturday, December 14th, 2pm – 5pm. It will be a fun night of ice skating at MacArthur and then cookie decorating at the church! All youth in grades 5th-12th and their friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Parents, please respond to the Evite if you haven’t already.
  • New Year’s Eve Bash with The Mission Church on January 5th. More details to come soon!

Women’s Retreat

All women are invited to CtR’s Annual Women’s Retreat on February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco at the James Retreat Center! The registration form and $60 deposit are due this Sunday, December 15th, and can be placed in the offering basket. The registration form is found in the Women’s Retreat brochures located at the Welcome Table and the Usher’s stand.

New Discipleship Hour Classes

Beginning on January 5th, the following Discipleship Hour classes will be offered at 9:00am, for the 8 weeks leading up to Lent:

Track 1. Anglican Ethos – led by Fr. Brian Campbell. This class is for anyone interested in exploring membership at Christ the Redeemer!

Track 2. “What Did You Expect?” Marriage Class – led by Janis Campbell & Matt and Jill Branch.  They are leading a marriage class 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. Thank you!

Diocesan Retreat

Everyone is invited to attend the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s upcoming Regional Retreat! Our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. For more information and to register, click here.

“O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign one God, now and for ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Third Sunday in Advent (BCP 2019, p. 599)

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Week of December 8th, 2019

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

  1. Annual General Meeting
  2. Discipleship Hour Change
  3. Advent Worship
  4. Youth Group Events
  5. Women’s Retreat
  6. “Holy Land Tour” Info. Session
  7. Advent & Christmas Season Schedule

Annual General Meeting

The congregation is invited and encouraged to attend our Annual Congregational Meeting this Sunday, in the Fellowship Hall, right after the worship service. It will be a covered dish lunch, so please bring a dish to share. This will be a time to reflect on all that God has done at CtR in 2019, and prepare for what’s to come in 2020. It will include an update on local and global missions, as well as the election of three new Leadership Council members: one for a 1-year term, and two for a 3-year term. This is a very important meeting, especially for members and regular attenders. Please plan to attend!

Discipleship Hour Change

To help prepare for our Annual Meeting, we have moved this Sunday’s Discipleship Hour class into the main office space, instead of the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend this special Advent-themed class at 9:00am! There will be materials provided for you to take home and use as an individual, or with your family.

Advent Worship

During each Sunday in Advent, it is very important to be seated in the Sanctuary by 10:15am. We will begin the service in the darkness and then have the  “Lighting of the Advent Wreath”. Please plan to arrive early so that you are seated and prepared for worship by 10:15am.

Youth Group Events

Save the date for the following youth events:

  • Youth Social on December 14th, 2pm – 5pm. It will be a fun night of ice skating at Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex in Chesapeake, and then cookie decorating at the church! All youth in grades 5th-12th and their friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Parents, look for an Evite by the end of the week.
  • New Year’s Eve Bash with The Mission Church on January 5th. More details to come soon!

Women’s Retreat

CtR’s Annual Women’s Retreat is coming up on February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco at the James Retreat Center. Grab a brochure from the Welcome Table for more information, and to register. The registration form and $60 deposit is due next Sunday, December 15th, and can be placed in the offering basket.

“Holy Land Tour” Info. Session

Fr. Brian and Janis Campbell are organizing a trip to Israel in 2021 to tour the “Holy Land”! If anyone interested in learning more about the trip, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday, December 15th at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court, Norfolk). The meeting will be right after the worship service, over a light lunch. Please email Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Advent & Christmas Season Schedule

  • “The Longest Night” Service – Saturday, December 21st, 7:00pm
  • Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating) and 5:00pm (service begins)
  • Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am
  • First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour)

“Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Second Sunday in Advent (BCP 2019, p. 598)

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Week of Sunday, December 1st, 2019

I hope all of you had a restful Thanksgiving with your loved ones! In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

  1. Advent Begins this Sunday!
  2. Advent Worship
  3. Youth Group Events
  4. Annual General Meeting
  5. Christmas Schedule
  6. Park Place School Funding
  7. “Holy Land Tour” Info. Session
  8. Diocesan Retreat in February

Advent Begins this Sunday!

Advent begins on Sunday! Plan to arrive early and attend the Advent-themed Discipleship Hour at 9:00am to learn ways to observe Advent. There will be materials provided for you to take home and use as an individual, or with your family. The combined Sunday School class will also be learning about Advent, and the Nursery will be open for the little ones ages four and under.

In addition to a special Discipleship Hour class, there will be a wreath-making time during Hospitality Hour where you can make your own Advent wreath to take home! Please plan to bring in greenery, and any Advent candles or candle holders you would like to use in your wreath.  We have also deemed this Sunday as “Leftover Pie Sunday” since it is right after Thanksgiving. So in addition to your wreath supplies, plan to bring and share your delicious leftovers with everyone. 🙂

Advent Worship

During each Sunday in Advent, it is very important to be seated in the Sanctuary by 10:15am. We will begin the service in the darkness and then have the  “Lighting of the Advent Wreath”. The doors to the Sanctuary will be closed at the start of the service and, for the sake of the liturgy, late-comers will be asked to wait in the Fellowship Hall and listen to the service until after the lighting is completed. Please plan to arrive early so that you are seated and prepared for worship by 10:15am.

Youth Group Events

Just a reminder to all those in the Youth ministry: Youth Group will be at the Embry’s house this Sunday night, 6:00pm. If you need the address, please contact Fr. David at revdavidwatts@gmail.com. Also, save the date for the next Youth Social on December 14th! It will be a fun night of ice skating at Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex in Chesapeake. All youth in grades 5th-12th and their friends are invited and encouraged to attend!

Annual General Meeting

Everyone is invited to attend our Annual General Meeting on Sunday, December 8th, 12:00pm, over a potluck lunch. This meeting will include an update on local and global missions, as well as the election of three new Leadership Council members: one for a 1-year term, and two for a 3-year term. This is a very important meeting, especially for members and regular attenders. Please plan to attend!

Christmas Schedule

  • Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating) and 5:00pm (service begins)
  • Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am
  • First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour)

Park Place School Funding

For “Giving Tuesday” on December 3rd (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), Park Place School is asking that you consider making a monetary donation to help them sustain the for another year. By making a donation, you would be helping eighty-two wonderful children receive dynamic, inspired instruction from amazingly talented teachers! You can find more information on Park Place School’s “Giving Tuesday” event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1192591484464030/ or their homepage – there is a post w/ a link to give:  https://www.facebook.com/parkplaceschool/

“Holy Land Tour” Info. Session

Fr. Brian and Janis Campbell are organizing a trip to Israel in 2021 to tour the “Holy Land”! If anyone interested in learning more about the trip, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday, December 15th at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court, Norfolk). The meeting will be right after the worship service, over a light lunch. Please email Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Diocesan Retreat in February

Everyone is invited to attend the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s upcoming Regional Retreat! Our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. For more information and to register, click here.

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

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

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Week of Sunday, November 24th, 2019

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):
  1. Potential Delays on Sunday: Norfolk Harbor Half
  2. Advent Discipleship Hour
  3. Advent Worship
  4. Annual General Meeting
  5. Christmas Schedule
  6. Park Place School Funding
  7. “Holy Land Tour” Info. Session

Potential Delays on Sunday: Norfolk Harbor Half

Just a heads up to all who will be driving to church this Sunday: the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon will be happening that morning from 7am to Noon, and will result in many road closures. Click here for a link to the course map, to see if the road closures will affect your commute. Either way, plan to provide extra time for travel this Sunday, since you may run into increased traffic, or have to find another route.

Advent Discipleship Hour

Advent begins next Sunday, December 1st! To prepare for Advent, youth and adults will gather together during Discipleship Hour at 9:00am, beginning December 1st, to learn ways to observe Advent both individually and as a family. The Sunday School classes will also be learning about Advent, and the Nursery will be open for the little ones ages four and under. The only Saturday evening service we will have during the four weeks of Advent will be on the last Saturday, December 21st. This “Longest Night” service will be a quiet night of prayer and reflection, starting at 7:00pm.

In addition to Discipleship Hour, on the first Sunday of Advent there will be a wreath-making time during Hospitality Hour where you can make your own Advent wreath to take home. Please plan to bring in greenery on December 1st to use for your own wreath, or to share with someone else! We have also deemed that Sunday as “Leftover Pie Sunday” since it is right after Thanksgiving. So in addition to your greenery, plan to bring and share your delicious leftovers with everyone.

Advent Worship

During each Sunday in Advent, it is very important to be seated in the Sanctuary by 10:15am. We will begin the service in the darkness and then have the  “Lighting of the Advent Wreath”. The doors to the Sanctuary will be closed at the start of the service and, for the sake of the liturgy, late-comers will be asked to wait in the Fellowship Hall and listen to the service until after the lighting is completed. Please plan to arrive early so that you are seated and prepared for worship by 10:15am.

Annual General Meeting

Everyone is invited to attend our Annual General Meeting on Sunday, December 8th, 12:00pm, over a potluck lunch. This meeting will include an update on local and global missions, as well as the election of three new Leadership Council members: one for a 1-year term, and two for a 3-year term. This is a very important meeting, especially for members and regular attenders. Please plan to attend!

Christmas Schedule

Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating) and 5:00pm (service begins)

Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am

First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour)

Park Place School Funding

Give to Park Place School for #givingtuesdayFor “Giving Tuesday” on December 3rd (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), Park Place School is asking that you consider making a monetary donation to help them sustain the for another year. By making a donation, you would be helping eighty-two wonderful children receive dynamic, inspired instruction from amazingly talented teachers! You can find more information on Park Place School’s “Giving Tuesday” event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1192591484464030/ or their homepage – there is a post w/ a link to give:  https://www.facebook.com/parkplaceschool/

“Holy Land Tour” Info. Session

Fr. Brian and Janis Campbell are organizing a trip to Israel in 2021 to tour the “Holy Land”! If anyone interested in learning more about the trip, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday, December 15th at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court, Norfolk). The meeting will be right after the worship service, over a light lunch. Please email Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Safe travels to everyone next week, and Happy Thanksgiving!

“Most merciful Father, we humbly thank you for all your gifts so freely bestowed on us; for life and health and safety, for strength to work and leisure to rest, for all that is beautiful in creation and in human life; but above all we thank you for our spiritual mercies in Christ Jesus our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
– Collect for Thanksgiving Day (p. 637, BCP 2019)
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Week of Sunday, November 17th, 2019

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):
    1. Preparing for Advent
    2. Turn in Your ‘Operation Christmas’ Boxes
    3. Save the Date!

Preparing for Advent

Advent begins on December 1st – just two weeks away from this Sunday! This year we will not be having Saturday evening services during the four weeks of Advent. Instead, youth and adults will gather together during Discipleship Hour at 9:00am to learn ways to observe Advent both individually and as a family. The Sunday School classes will also be learning about Advent, and the Nursery will be open for the little ones ages four and under.

In addition to Discipleship Hour, on the first Sunday of Advent there will be a wreath-making time during Hospitality Hour where you can make your own Advent wreath to take home. Please plan to bring in greenery on December 1st to use for your own wreath, or to share with someone else! We have also deemed that Sunday as “leftover pie” Sunday since it is right after Thanksgiving. So in addition to your greenery, plan to bring and share your delicious leftovers with everyone. 🙂

Turn in Your ‘Operation Christmas’ Boxes!

Now’s the time to finish filling up your box(es) for Operation Christmas Child  if you haven’t already because this Sunday is the deadline for turning them in. Make sure to include the $9 for shipping, and leave your box(es) at the small table in the Fellowship Hall.  You can give the $9 online or make your check payable to Samaratan’s Purse with a note in memo line: “for Operation Christmas Child”. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Brown at brownie7506@yahoo.com , who is graciously collecting all of these boxes for us.

Save the Date!

Annual General Meeting – Sunday, December 8th, 12:00pm, over a potluck lunch. This meeting will include electing three new Leadership Council members: one for a 1-year term, and two for a 3-year term. If you would like to nominate someone for the Council, please send an email to ctrsec@gmail.com. The requirement is that they must be a confirmed member at CtR.

Preschool Parents (P2) – Tuesday, December 10th, 10:00am

Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating) and 5:00pm (service begins)

Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am

Annual Women’s Retreat – February 21st – February 23rd, 2020. Grab a brochure from the Welcome Table for more information, and to register.

“Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen.”
– Collect for Proper 28, Week of November 17 (p. 622, BCP 2019)
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Week of Sunday, November 10th, 2019

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):
  1. Pray for Convocation and Synod
  2. Special Request for Sunday
  3. Preparing for Advent
  4. Final Week for Operation Christmas Child
  5. Save the Date!

Pray for Convocation and Synod

Please keep our clergy and members of the congregation (Sharon, Ryan, and Jordan) in your prayers as they attend the Diocese of Christ our Hope’s annual Convocation and Synod this Thursday through Saturday. The Convocation topic is “the worship of the church”, and it will be a time of worship and fellowship as they celebrate what God has done and where he is leading the Diocese. Please also pray for Bishop Steve’s granddaughter Beatrice Rose who will be having open heart surgery today.

And just FYI, Sharon Reyes will be “retiring” from the Diocesan Council. She was one of three elected members representing the Southeast Region on the Council. Thank you, Sharon, for your service to the Diocese!

Special Request for Sunday

Knox is having their annual “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” service this Sunday. Since this is a very special service for Knox, and usually their largest attended service of the year, we will be making the following two changes this Sunday:

  1. The two discipleship hour classes that were meeting downstairs are moving upstairs. The “Daily Office Space” class will be in Fellowship Hall, and “Stewardship” will meet in Fr. Brian’s office.
  2.  Try to avoid parking in the grass parking lot (if possible). Instead, plan to park on 36th street or one of the other side streets.

Thank you for helping us show love to the Knox congregation by respecting their requests for this special Sunday!

Preparing for Advent

The wonderful season of Advent is just around the corner! This year we will not be having Saturday evening services during Advent. Instead we will all gather during Discipleship Hour at 9:00am to learn how to observe Advent both individually and as a family. Plan to attend this four week class, beginning December 1st (the Sunday after Thanksgiving!).

Speaking of Thanksgiving, for hospitality hour on December 1st we will be having a “leftover pie” Sunday! Which means there will not be a group of people assigned to bring the food that day, instead we are asking that you bring any of your delicious Thanksgiving leftovers that you would like to share. 🙂 

Final Week for Operation Christmas Child

Don’t forget to fill up your boxes for Operation Christmas Child because this is the last week to do so! All of the information is in Fellowship Hall for you to take home and fill a box together with your family. The boxes, along with $9 for shipping, will need to be returned by next Sunday, November 17th.  You can give the $9 online or make your check payable to Samaratan’s Purse with a note in memo line: “for Operation Christmas Child”. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Brown at brownie7506@yahoo.com .

Save the Date!

Preschool Parents (P2) – Tuesday, November 12th and Tuesday, December 10th, 10:00am

Annual General Meeting – Sunday, December 8th, 12:00pm. This meeting will include electing three new Leadership Council members: one for a 1-year term, and two for a 3-year term. If you would like to nominate someone for the Council, please send an email to ctrsec@gmail.com. The requirement is that they must be confirmed and a member of CtR. 

Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating) and 5:00pm (service begins)

Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am 

“Gracious and everliving Father, you have given the Holy Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we pray, with the Holy Spirit’s grace and presence, the Bishop(s), Priests, Deacons, and all the Laity who assemble in your Name; that your Church, being preserved in true faith and godly discipline, may fulfill the will of him who loved her and gave himself for her, your Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who now lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
 
– Prayer for a Provincial or Diocesan Convention or Synod (p. 647, BCP 2019)

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Week of Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

Happy Reformation Day and All Hallow’s Eve to you all!

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

    1. Turn Your Clocks Back
    2. Episcopal Visit this Weekend
    3. Youth Group at the Gyorfi’s
    4. Operation Christmas Child

Turn Your Clocks Back

Daylight saving time ends this weekend, which means that we “fall back” and gain an hour (woohoo!). So make sure to turn your clocks back an hour before you go to sleep on Saturday night… or leave them if you want to make sure to get to Discipleship Hour on time. 🙂

Episcopal Visit this Weekend

We have the great privilege of having Bishop Steve Breedlove of the Diocese of Christ Our Hope with us this Friday through Sunday! Bp. Steve will be meeting with the Leadership Council and Staff Team on Saturday morning, and then with each of the candidates for confirmation and baptism on Saturday evening. Then, on All Saints Sunday we will have a worship service to include the eight baptisms and confirmations! After the service, there will be a reception during hospitality hour, and a time for Q & A with Bp. Steve.

We hope you will attend and participate in the service and reception this Sunday. Please be praying God’s blessing over the entire weekend, and for the following candidates:

    • To be baptized: Lachlan Caldwell, Mildred Caldwell, and Zhenyu Wang
    • To be confirmed: Sarah Beers, Samara Brown, Justin Seligman, and Sydney Seligman.
    • To be reaffirmed in their faith: George Adomako Kumi

Just a reminder to all the parents: we are encouraging elementary-aged kids (those in Children’s Chapel) to remain in the service with their families as there will not be a Children’s Chapel on Sunday. The Nursery and Preschool Chapel will continue as normal.

Youth Group at the Gyorfi’s

The Youth group will be meeting at the Gyorfi’s house (460 Hariton Ct., Norfolk) this Sunday evening, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. All youth are invited, and encouraged to bring a buddy! For more information contact Fr. David  (revdavidwatts@gmail.com).

Operation Christmas Child

Don’t forget to grab a box and brochure and participate in Operation Christmas Child! All of the information is in Fellowship Hall for you to take home and fill a box together with your family. The boxes, along with $9 for shipping, will need to be returned by November 17th.  You can give the $9 online or make your check payable to Samaratan’s Purse with a note in memo line: “for Operation Christmas Child” (the brochures located in the Fellowship Hall also have this information listed). If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Brown at brownie7506@yahoo.com .

“Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical Body of your Son: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.Amen.”
– Collect for All Saints’ Day, November 1 (p. 633, BCP 2019)
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Week of Sunday, October 27th, 2019

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

      • Annual Episcopal Visit Coming Up
      • Church Directory Photos: Final Week
      • Operation Christmas Child

Annual Episcopal Visit: November 1-3

The annual episcopal visit has always been a highlight for CtR! This year Bishop Steve Breedlove will be visiting us on November 1-3 and will have a full weekend of activities. This will include a meeting with the Leadership Council and Staff on Saturday as he helps us think and pray through the future plans of CtR and decisions that need to be made. On Saturday afternoon, Bishop Steve will also be meeting individually with each confirmand. Then, of course, on All Saints Sunday we will have a glorious worship service to include baptisms and confirmations! We hope you will attend and participate in this service on November 3rd, and also be praying God’s blessing over the entire weekend.

Since this will be a very special service, we are encouraging all elementary-aged kids (those attending Children’s Chapel) to remain in the service with their families on November 3rd as there will not be a Children’s Chapel that Sunday. The Nursery and Preschool Chapel will continue as normal.

Church Directory Photos: Final Week

Thank you to everyone who has come to have their pictures taken for the new photo directory.   If you still need to have your picture taken, this is the final Sunday to do so! For those that would like to have their picture taken this Sunday (10/27) and have not previously signed up, send an email to the church office (ctrsec@gmail.com) letting us know your name and the number of family members to be included.  Please disregard the time slots on the sign up sheet – we will be taking pictures IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the service until complete.  If you have any questions or concerns, contact Lea Hanna Dickens at leahannadickens@gmail.com or (850) 375-6421.

Operation Christmas Child

Keep up the good work filling up the boxes for Operation Christmas Child! If you haven’t already, please grab a box and a brochure from the Fellowship Hall to take home and fill the box together with your family. The boxes, along with $9 for shipping, will need to be returned by November 17th.  You can give the $9 online or make your check payable to Samaratan’s Purse with a note in memo line: “for Operation Christmas Child” (the brochures located in the Fellowship Hall also have this information listed). We will not be filling the boxes at the church.  This is different than how we have done it in the past, so if you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Brown at brownie7506@yahoo.com .

“Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth:  Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
– Collect for Proper 25, Week of October 20th (p. 621, BCP 2019)
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Week of Sunday, October 20th, 2019

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these found below):
      • New Discipleship Hour Classes Begin!
      • Church Directory Photos: Two More Weeks
      • Youth Social on October 26th
      • Operation Christmas Child

New Discipleship Hour Classes Begin!

This Sunday we have the following two new 6-week Discipleship Hour classes, which will be meeting downstairs in the Knox classrooms:

“Stewardship” – Led by Sarah Beers, Dan and Ray Inman, and Emelie Thomas. This class will broadly discuss stewardship as a way of life, and not simply financial stewardship. Stewardship means that we, as followers of Christ, should have a posture toward living in a generous way. The book Giving Up by Canon David Roseberry will be used as a guide so it would be helpful (but not required) to have a copy of the book. Click here to purchase on Amazon.

“Daily Office Space” – Led by Brad Embry and Bruce Harper. This will be a conversation based on the Daily Office from the previous week, decorated with flair about application, culture, and life in general.

The 12-week ”Introduction to the Catechism” class will continue, and will be meeting upstairs in the office space. If you are interested in attending one of these classes and have not signed up already, click the following link to do so: Discipleship Hour Sign Up. Thank you!

Church Directory Photos: Two More Weeks

Thank you to everyone who has come to have their pictures taken for the new photo directory!  As of Sunday, we did not have anyone signed up for Saturday (10/19), so we will not be photographing that day.  If you still need to have your picture taken, there are two Sundays left (10/20 and 10/27) For those that would like to have their picture taken this Sunday (10/20) and have not previously signed up, send an email to the church office (ctrsec@gmail.com) letting us know your name and the number of family members to be included.  Please disregard the time slots on the sign up sheet – we will be taking pictures IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the service until complete.  If you have any questions or concerns, contact Lea Hanna Dickens at leahannadickens@gmail.com or (850) 375-6421.

Youth Social on October 26th

All youth in 6th-12th grade are invited to the next Youth Social event happening on Saturday, October 26th, 5:00 – 8:00pm. The youth group will be going to the “A-MAIZE-ING” corn maze at Bergey’s Bread Basket in Chesapeake! After Bergey’s, there will be a hang-out time at the Embry’s house. Parents, please see David+ to sign permission forms for this event.

Operation Christmas Child

Keep up the good work filling up the boxes for Operation Christmas Child! If you haven’t already, please grab a box and a brochure from the Fellowship Hall to take home and fill the box together with your family. The boxes, along with $9 for shipping, will need to be returned by November 17th.  You can give the $9 online or make your check payable to Samaratan’s Purse with a note in memo line: “for Operation Christmas Child” (the brochures located in the Fellowship Hall also have this information listed). We will not be filling the boxes at the church.  This is different than how we have done it in the past, so if you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Brown at brownie7506@yahoo.com .

“Set us free, loving Father, from the bondage of our sins, and in your goodness and mercy give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
– Collect for Proper 24, Week of October 20th (p. 621, BCP 2019)