Category: Weekly Update

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

1. 1. Global Mission Focus this Sunday
   2. Alpha Begins
   3. Church Directory Photos
   4. Youth Group Update

This Sunday: Celebrating Our Global Connections!

One of the gifts of Anglicanism is being integrally and relationally connected with the global church. On Sunday we get to celebrate some of the ways we are connected, as well as hear about possible new connections. During the sermon slot we will hear reports on our ongoing relationship with our Sister church in Mbyo, Diocese of Kigali. Additionally, we will have a special guest, Fr. Dana Craft from Christ the Redeemer in Guatemala, share with us about a possible new partnership through our Builders’ group.

Alpha Begins Today

The 8-week Alpha course begins TONIGHT at 6:00pm! This course is for anyone exploring questions of faith, life and meaning. It’s never too late to join, but now’s the time to think about who you can invite! Contact Fr. David at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you or someone you know might be interested.

Church Directory Photos

Just a reminder: the CtR Communications Committee will be taking pictures of church members/regular attendees each Sunday in October after service and on one Saturday (10/19) for our new directory. Please sign up THIS WEEK on the sheet attached to the door across from Ministry Room. When considering what to wear, please no plain black or white. If you have any questions, please contact Lea Hanna Dickens at leahannadickens@gmail.com

Youth Group Update

Just a reminder that the Youth meets every Sunday evening, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, at the church. With the exception of next Sunday, October 6th, when they will be meeting at the Duckworth’s house. For more information, including the Duckworth’s address, contact Fr. David  (revdavidwatts@gmail.com.

“Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

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

1. 1. ‘Discipleship Hour’ continues
   2. Youth Group Continues
   3. ‘Newcomer’s Welcome’ Event on Sunday
   4. Alpha, September 26
   5. Preschool Parents, September 24th
   6. Global Mission Focus next Sunday
   7. New Church Directory
   8. Nursery Items

Discipleship Hour Continues

It’s never too late to sign up or walk in on a Discipleship Hour class! We meet at 9:00am for all children, youth and adult classes! A list of the Discipleship Hour classes can be found on our website, at this link: Discipleship Hour.

Youth Group Continues

Youth Group continues on Sundays at church from 6-8pm, where youth will be equipped to seek the Lord daily and share him with others. 

‘New to Christ the Redeemer?’

You are invited to attend a reception at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court) this Sunday, from 3 to 5pm. Refreshments will be served and children are welcomed! Please RSVP to Janis (janiscampbell58@gmail.com) if you plan to come.

Missional Opportunities:

Alpha – Know anyone who may be asking questions about life, meaning, and God, or does this describe you yourself? Get in touch with Janis, Angela, David+ or your Life Group leader about joining our next Alpha Course, starting this Thursday, September 26th. For 8 weeks we will explore these questions together. Contact David+ if you have questions – revdavidwatts@gmail.com.

Preschool Parents (P2) – CtR is starting a group specifically for parents of kids ages 4 and under.  The first meeting will be this Tuesday, September 24th, 10:00am – 11:30am, and will meet monthly on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Coffee and childcare will be provided! Contact Dani Adams or Bethany Dryfka if you and your kids can attend.

Global Mission Focus: Sunday, September 29th – We are part of a global Church and privileged to be part of a global mission. Next week we will celebrate our ongoing relationship with our sister parish, Mbyo, in the Diocese of Kigali, Rwanda, as well as hear about a possible new relationship with another ‘Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church’ in Guatemala.

New Church Directory

The CtR Communications Committee is excited to be putting together a brand-new printed church directory! We will be taking pictures of church members/regular attendees each Sunday in October after service and on one Saturday (10/19). Please sign up on the sheet attached to the door across from the Chapel Room. When considering what to wear, please no plain black or white. If you have any questions, contact Lea Hanna Dickens at leahannadickens@gmail.com.

Nursery Items

The Nursery is going through a “clean-up”! All of the items in the hallway outside of the Nursery and Preschool Chapel rooms are up for grabs.  Anything that isn’t claimed by next Sunday will be donated.  Thanks!

“Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

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

1. Meal Train for Windham Family
2. ‘Discipleship Hour’ continues
3. Spurgeon Memorial Open House and Reception
4. Youth Kick-off Event
5. ‘Newcomer’s Welcome’ Event, September 22
6. Alpha, September 26
7. Preschool Parents, September 24th
8. FISH at Home: International Student ministry needs host families!

Welcome, Baron Windham IV!

Continue to pray for Baron and Laken Windham as they rest, recover, and settle into a new routine with their precious baby boy. If you would like to help support the Windhams by providing a meal, please sign up through the meal train found at this link: https://mealtrain.com/d9vl2z

THIS SUNDAY September 15

‘Discipleship Hour’ continues at 9:00 am for all children, youth and adults! It is never too late to join in on a class seeking to develop the ‘mind of Christ’.  A list of the Discipleship Hour classes can be found on our website, at this link: Discipleship Hour.

SPURGEON Memorial Baptist Church Reception, immediately after worship on Sunday. The Leadership Council continues to prayerfully discern God’s leading towards a more permanent place for our community. Spurgeon remains a possibility. We are invited to join their congregation after worship for a reception, tour and time to pray for both our churches. All are welcome!  Spurgeon’s address is 5520 Tidewater Dr. in Norfolk, 23509.

YOUTH Kick Off “The Olympics” is happening on Sunday from 6 to 8pm! Bring a friend and a change of clothes! Check out the following video for more info., and pray for no egg-sized hail! Video: Youth Kick Off Fall 2019

‘New to Christ the Redeemer?’

You are invited to attend a reception at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court) next Sunday, September 22 from 3 to 5pm. Refreshments will be served and children are welcomed! Please RSVP to Janis (janiscampbell58@gmail.com) if you plan to come.

Missional Opportunities:

Alpha – Know anyone who may be asking questions about life, meaning, and God, or does this describe you yourself? Get in touch with Janis, Angela, David or your Life Group leader about joining our next Alpha Course, starting on September 26th. For 8 weeks we will explore these questions together.

Preschool Parents (P2) – CtR is starting a group specifically for parents of kids ages 4 and under.  The first meeting will be on Tuesday, September 24th, 10 – 11:30am, and will meet monthly on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Coffee and childcare will be provided! Contact Dani Adams if you/your kids can attend, or RSVP through the Facebook event page.

FISH-at-Home:  International Student ministry is looking for host families to welcome 3 or 4 students into their home for a meal either Friday September 20th or Saturday September 21st. Contact Kurnia Foe at kurniafoe@gmail.com if you’re able to help out!

“Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Update for Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

There is a lot happening this week as we prepare for our Fall Launch this Sunday in the midst of Hurricane Dorian! In this Update you will find information on the following things (more information on each of these found below):

• ‘Discipleship Hour’ Launch this Sunday 
• ‘Children’s Chapel’ Launch this Sunday
• Spurgeon Memorial Open House and Reception, September 15
• Youth Kick-off event, September 15
• ‘Newcomer’s Welcome’ event, September 22
• Alpha group forming, September 26
• ‘Welcome’ to Baron Windham IV (and congratulations to his new mom and dad!)
• A Word about Hurricane Dorian

DISCIPLESHIP HOUR begins Sunday, September 8 at 9:00 am

We gather as a whole family (adults, youth and children) to ‘learn Christ together’! Sunday School for our children will shift into Discipleship Hour, our Youth will gather with our Youth Team for some fun and intentional discipling, and the rest of us will have three classes to choose from to help us ‘renew our mind(set)’ in the way of Christ.

If you have not yet registered for a class, come anyways on Sunday (Information on the class offerings can be found on our web site).

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL begins Sunday, September 8 during worship.

We launch our ‘Pre-School Chapel’ (for toddlers through pre-school aged children) and our ‘Children’s Chapel’ (for elementary aged children) this Sunday! As the crucifer moves to the center aisle for the reading of the Gospel, the children will gather at the rear of the church. After the reading the celebrant will bless the children and they will follow the crucifer out of the sanctuary and into their chapel spaces. All the children will return to the sanctuary at the Passing of the Peace.

SPURGEON MEMORIAL OPEN HOUSE AND RECEPTION takes place immediately after worship on Sunday, September 15.

We will cancel our ‘reception’ time after worship in order to head over to Spurgeon immediately after worship. We will then have a chance to meet and greet Spurgeon’s members, have a tour of the facility (for those who have not yet seen it), and then gather in their sanctuary to pray for God’s directing of our congregations.

YOUTH KICK OFF, Sunday, September 15 (6:00 – 8:00 pm) at CtR:

Father David and the Youth Team will gather with all of our Youth on September 15 for our launch of our ‘Sunday Night Gatherings’. Mark your calendars and invite your friends to this fun opening event!

‘NEWCOMER’S MEET AND GREET’ Sunday, September 22 (3:00 – 5:00 pm) at the Campbell’s

If you are new to Christ the Redeemer, you are warmly invited to come to the Campbell’s for a reception on Sunday, September 22 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Their address is 7324 Elvin Court (off Granby, near Ward’s Corner in Norfolk). Refreshments will be served and children are welcomed! Please RSVP to Janis (janiscampbell58@gmail.com) if you plan to come.

ALPHA is coming! Beginning Thursday, September 26.

Alpha is an 8-week course for folks open to exploring questions of faith, life and purpose. If you know of someone who is open to grappling with these kind of questions, invite them to come (and then bring them along yourself!). If you have any questions please reach out to Janis Campbell (janiscampbell58@gmail.com) or Father David (david@christtheredeemer.org).

REJOICE with Baron and Laken Windham on the birth of their first child, Baron Windham IV!

Pray for the Windhams as they rest, recover, and settle into a new routine with their precious baby boy. Look out for an email soon with details about how you can support them by providing a meal or two.

A Word about DORIAN

As we all prepare for the storm we do so confident of the presence and protection of the Triune God (and with the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ). Please pray for those directly in the path of the storm, and if you find yourself in any need of assistance do not hesitate to call Father Brian (757-284-8246) or Father David (443-564-6339).

Please note, that should the church lose power on Sunday, as long as it is safe to drive, we plan on gathering for worship!

Children’s Ministry Update

This Sunday we will implement some of the fall changes to our Children’s Program. 

For Parents  of Nursery and Toddler-aged Children: 

We have a new computerized check in system.  This system allows us to print name tags when your child is checked in.  Please check your Nursery or Toddler-aged child (0-4 years old) into the system before the service starts, from 10:00-10:15am, even if they start out in the service with you.  When you arrive at the table, the volunteer will look up your family name, check your child in, and you will be given a sticker for your child, and a sticker for you to show at check-out time.  You will return to the Nursery door at the Passing of the Peace and show them your ticket, then take your child by the table and to be checked out of the system.  

Note: when Discipleship Hour starts on September 8th, the check-in time for babies through preschool age kids will be from 9:45-10:00am.  You will not have to check them out from Discipleship Hour and then back in for the worship service.

For Parents of Toddler through Elementary-aged Children: 

 The second change deals with how our Toddler through Elementary School kids will exit the service.  We are making this switch as a part of our new Children’s Chapel and Preschool Chapel which will begin next Sunday, September 8th.  In the past our children have left on their own, or been escorted by a parent during the second half of the gradual (the song played before and after the Gospel reading).  Starting this Sunday, when the acolyte and Gospel reader make their way to the center aisle during the first part of the song, the children will gather at the back of the church at the end of the center aisle to listen to the Gospel reading.  The younger toddler and preschool age children will need a parent with them. At the end of the reading there will be a blessing said over them and then they will process out behind the acolyte to Children’s or Preschool chapel.  Preschool aged children, age 2-4, will be met in the hallway by their teacher and taken along to class from there so that the parents can return to the service.  Preschool aged children still need to be picked up during the Peace.  The older children will process back in during the Peace.  

Check out the Children’s Ministry page to read a full update from Jennifer about everything that’s happening this Fall Semester!

Discipleship Hour Starting Next Sunday!

Plan to attend one of these classes next Sunday at 9:00am. If you haven’t already signed up for a class, please register using the insert in the bulletin on Sunday. Or you can send an email with your class choice to Sydney at ctrsec@gmail.com. 

1. 1. Introduction to the Catechism: “To Be a Christian” – “To Be a Christian” is the Anglican Church’s comprehensive statement of our Common Faith, the very foundation of our common life.  This class will give an overview of the catechism and will be offered every year in the Fall. The hope is that all associated with Christ the Redeemer, through this course, will be given the opportunity to develop a ‘common mind’—the mind of Christ! If you have not yet ‘walked through the Catechism’, you are strongly encouraged to do so now! This will be a 12-week class.
   2. Growing Compassionate Kids Helping Kids See Beyond Their Backyard will be a study offered for parents, grandparents, and other interested caregivers. The book they will be using is by the same name and is written by Jan Johnson. It is available on Amazon. This book will give advice to help grow children as Disciples of Christ –disciples who care about others and seek justice in the world . What greater Legacy could we leave our children? This will be a 6-week class.
   3. Study of the Book of James – Pete Fraser will lead this inductive Bible study on the Book of James. The Book of James is an epistle that addresses suffering, temptation, talk, wisdom, worldliness, and prayer. There will be plenty of solid instruction for all who want to live faithfully for our Lord. This will be a 6-week class.

Open House and Reception at Spurgeon

We have been invited by Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Chruch to attend an Open House and Reception on Sunday, September 15th, after the worship service. This will provide an opportunity for those who haven’t yet seen the building to tour the site. Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment regarding a new home from CtR. 

New to Christ the Redeemer? 

Father Brian and Janis Campbell will be hosting a Newcomer’s “Meet and Greet” for all newcomers and visitors on September 22nd from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.  Their address is 7324 Elvin Court in Norfolk. Refreshments will be served, and children are welcome.  Please RSVP to Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you plan to attend!

“Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; 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 16 (BCP 2019)

Just a reminder that this weekend will be full of planning meetings, in preparation for the upcoming Discipleship Hour and Sunday School Shift!

Children’s Chapel Planning Mtg., August 24th, 9:00am

Discipleship Hour Planning Mtg., August 25th, 12:00pm

Parent Meeting, August 25th, 12:00pm – ALL parents are encouraged to attend and hear from Jennifer and David+ about the changes and new routines that will be put into effect in the Children and Youth Ministries starting September 8th. The meeting will take place in the Ministry Room during Hospitality Hour.

Discipleship Hour/ Sunday School Shift, September 8th, 9:00am – The Sunday School, Youth, and Adults will all be meeting at 9:00am, starting on September 8th, in order to use this hour as the primary place where we come to “Learn Christ Together” (the Nursery will also be open during this time).

The three classes offered for adults during Discipleship Hour will be:

1. 1. Introduction to the Catechism – 12-week class taught by Fr. Brian
   2. Growing Compassionate Kids (for parents AND grandparents) – 6-week class taught by Temple Richardson and Casey Reed
   3. Study of the Book of James -6-week class taught by Pete Fraser

Sign ups will begin this Sunday! There will be an insert in the bulletin with more information about each class, and how you can sign up.

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Word from Father Brian about our Pledge Drive:

Our Leadership Council meets on Saturday morning to begin our reflections on our collective response to the questions posed: ‘Could Spurgeon be the new home God has in store for us?’, and if so, ‘What is God leading me/us to contribute towards the purchase?’

Thank you to all who have prayerfully considered and responded to the questions.

If you have not yet done so, I urge you to respond by Friday afternoon at the latest (The link to the Survey Monkey can be found here: CtR Survey Monkey Pledge Card; or you can simply email your responses to Janie Atwood: maryjaneatwood@gmail.com ). We truly desire and need to hear your voice; to hear your prayerful reflections on the questions posed.

The Leadership Council is committed to asking the question: ‘Is God in this?’ One of the primary ways the Council will answer that question is through their prayerful reflections on our collective responses.

We are remarkably at peace about the process and are eager to hear what the Spirit is saying to us and through us about these things. Please commit to pray for the Council as we meet on Saturday. We trust we will make a preliminary response during worship on Sunday.

On behalf of the Council,

Brian+

In addition to this,  there are several meetings coming up in preparation for the Discipleship Hour and Sunday School Shift happening on September 8th.:

Parent Meeting, August 25th, 12:00pm – ALL parents are encouraged to attend and hear from Jennifer and David+ about the changes and new routines that will be put into effect in the Children and Youth Ministries starting September 8th.

Children’s Chapel Planning Mtg., August 24th, 9:00am

Discipleship Hour Planning Mtg., August 25th, 12:00pm

Discipleship Hour/ Sunday School Shift, September 8th, 9:00am – The Sunday School, Youth, and Adults will all be meeting at 9:00am in order to use this hour as the primary place where we come to “Learn Christ Together” (the Nursery will also be open during this time). The three classes offered for adults will be:

1. 1. Introduction to the Catechism
   2. Growing Compassionate Kids (for parents AND grandparents)
   3. Study of the Book of James.

Be thinking about which class would like to sign up for! More details to come soon.

“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.”

-Isaiah 40:31