Shrove Tuesday Kitchen Crew

My dear sisters and brothers:

Lent is moving along steadily, offering us the opportunity to
deepen our relationship to God. We have observed Ash
Wednesday, as well as the first two Sundays of Lent. At the end
of March, we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. But
before then, there is further time to prepare. If you havent yet
joined us for the soup suppers and brief DVD on Tuesday nights,
you are invited to do so. There is also the opportunity to
participate in the Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 11:45 in the Chapel, followed by thirty
minutes of restful and beautiful music in the Nave.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday (March 20), and continues with Tenebrae, Maundy
Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and the Easter Eucharist on Sunday March 27. For
those with children, we will provide engaging items for them while they join you in worship.
You will be receiving an Easter letter with additional details.
Meanwhile, here are some ideas of spiritual practices you may wish to adopt. Choose one!
*Commit to reading your Bible ten minutes every day and spending five minutes in quiet
meditation on what you read.
* Find and write down three ways God has blessed you and thank God for them.
* Look for God sightings in your day and every day write down one of them.
* Pray every day for someone, very specifically.
* Consider a cause or a group that matters to Jesus: research, serve, give, and pray for them
during Lent.
In thanks for each of you,

Mother Susan
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For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one
confesses with the mouth and so is saved. Romans 10:10.
The February Day by Day contributor, Elizabeth Brignac,
tells of her father, an Episcopal priest, who was magnificent at
raising Christian children because he allowed and even encouraged
us to voice doubt. She writes:
Most sources agree that belief is the major requirement for
Christians. So when I first questioned my faith, it was frightening.
My father taught me that in a skeptical world filled with thousands
of religions and anti-religions, it becomes acceptable, even necessary, for strong Christians to question their faith sometimes. He gave me room to figure out what it means to believe. I can think of
no better way to help a child grow into a mature Christian.
I am a cradle Episcopalian. I cannot remember a time in my youth when I did not attend
church each Sunday. I dont know how much in that early time that I questioned the teachings of
the church but I do remember when I started to question my faith in the context of being an Episcopalian.
When I was growing up it seemed like everyone I knew went to a church, so it was not hard
to get an invitation from a friend to go to their place of worship. My mother was a strong Episcopalian and not always open to trying new things but surprisingly she was supportive of my questioning
mind. I dont remember how long I was on my shopping spree, probably less than a year, but I do
remember that I came to the conclusion that my church was the one for me. By allowing me to
question my faith, my mother helped me to grow into a mature Christian.
Christ Church is again coming to a time for questioning and change. I pray that it will be a
time for us to look to our Christian beliefs, voicing both doubt and encouragement during our search
process, as we continue to grow as strong and mature Christians.

Lyn Klay, Senior Warden

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Psallam spiritu et mente!

What then? I will pray with my spirit, but also with my mind; I will sing
hymns with my spirit, but with my mind as well (1 Corinthians 14:15).
The season of Lent often feels like a time of contradictions it is a season of repentance and forgiveness of giving up something up while at
the same time taking up new activities, such as Lenten studies, as we prepare to renew the baptismal vows that call us to follow Jesus in service and ministry. It is a season
that calls for silence, reflection, meditation, and study; yet it is springtime, one of the busiest times of
the year. Our yards and gardens are waking up and calling us to tend them and spring cleaning is underway. It is a busy season in our church with added activities such as the Tuesday evening soup
supper and study, Stations of the Cross on Friday, and our Lenten music programs on Fridays. As a
musician, I find it the most difficult time of year to maintain the discipline and focus needed for all
the preparations involved for Holy Week and Easter. As I recently learned though, this is not all that
uncommon among church musicians! Which makes me slightly feel better about longing to be outdoors rather than inside on the organ bench.
Psallam spiritu et mente! (I will sing praises with inspiration and intelligence) is the motto of the
Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). RSCM is a life-long learning organization that promotes
the study, practice, and improvement of music in Christian worship. I have written in past articles
about seeking new ways to make that vital connection between our music and our life of faith,
through expression and formation. When we are able to sing (literally and figuratively) with inspiration and intelligence, we make a connection to the music that allows us to express our faith as
well as well as to form it. For example, a recent visitor to Christ Church relayed to me that she especially enjoyed the plainsong chants we are using for the Psalm and service music during Lent. She
appreciated the richness of the service (in its entirety), the Anglican tradition, and noted that she
came away from Christ Church feeling spiritually fed.

During the Lenten season we have used plainsong chant in our services, as a change and contrast to
the upcoming Eastertide. Plainsong is a rich, centuries-old tradition that focuses our minds and hearts
on the text the words that we are singing. It emphasizes that we are a community; we chant in
unison we are one voice. I would love to hear your thoughts as to whether or not this spiritually
fed you. I welcome your feedback at any time via email (merry@merryphillips.com), telephone
(707-445-0940), or a face to face chat!
During this Lent, a series of music programs is offered on Fridays, from 12:15-12:45 pm, in the Nave
(the main church). By the time you read this, two programs will have already occurred (Merry Phillips, organ with Nancy Streufert flute, and Doug Moorehead, organ). The remaining programs are:
March 4: Gary Klemp (organ), Nancy Streufert (flute) and Doug Moorehead (piano)
March 11: Helen Hui (organ)
March 18: Paul Gossard (guitar), Helen Winfrey (clarinet), Merry Phillips (organ).

The music programs immediately follow the Stations of the Cross service offered in the Chapel from
11:45-12:10. Please join us for these half-hour-long programs of music designed to offer an opportunity for quiet, personal reflection, meditation, and contemplation.
Upcoming Concerts:
On Saturday, April 2, Christ Church welcomes the Ferndale Community Choir, conducted by Betty
Diehl, for its second (of three) spring concerts. For forty-seven years, the Choir has offered concerts
to the North Coast community featuring sacred music, from choral classics to contemporary compositions and spirituals. For more information about the Choir, see their website: http://
ferndalechoir.com/. There is a beautiful photo of the choir, singing at Christ Church last spring.
And looking ahead, please save the date! On Sunday, April 24, the Christ Church Concert Series welcomes Organized Rhythm, the organ and percussion duo of Clive Driskill-Smith and Joseph Gramley. For a video preview, visit: http://organizedrhythm.com/, and hear tastes of Holsts The Planets,
and Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens. These two outstanding musicians will provide a concert
that is aimed to be family friendly something for all ages! Watch for more details on the concert
in April.
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The Socks Project

"for I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was naked and you gave me
clothing."
Matthew 25:35-36a

What do you do when cold, rainy weather leaves you with wet shoes, wet
socks, and cold feet? Those of us who are fortunate, go home and change into
some dry socks and shoes or slippers, and turn up the heat.
Our brothers and sisters who live on the street do not have that
luxury. They may not even own a second pair of socks.

During Lent, as an annual program sponsored by the School for

Deacons, donations of new socks will be collected in Lewis Hall .
The socks for children will go to foster children, and socks for
men and women will be delivered to Betty Chinn for distribution to the homeless
and needy that she serves.

The collection for socks will run from Ash Wednesday, February 10, until
Palm Sunday, March 20, when Mother Susan will bless them.
Please join in this effort to share Christ's love.

Lay Ministries
Lent seemed to come early this year, at least to me, and in just a few weeks it will be Easter. I think
now is a perfect time for you to consider sharing your talents in one of these Lay Ministry areas and
help get ready for spring.

Announcers

Ushers and Greeters

Eucharistic Visitors

Nursery and Sunday School

Coffee Hour Hosts

Contribution Counters

Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers

For more details about each ministry in which youre interested, contact:
Marty Vega

Lectors and Intercessors

443-9782

Anne Pierson

Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers

442-2025

Sanford Pyron

Announcers

444-0968

Susan Whaley

Ushers and Greeters

445-2924

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson

Eucharistic Visitors

445-1726

Vickie Patton

Nursery and Sunday School

443-1825

Lynne Bean

Coffee Hour

822-6086

Bob Hines

Contribution Counters

445-8974

Marty Vega

That Blue Box and UTO - What's It About?

UTO stands for United Thank Offering - and the Blue Box,
which once was referred to as a 'mite box' is for you to drop
coins into as you give thank to God for large and small blessings that brighten your life and the lives of those around you. The coins add up rapidly and provide a
major source of grants for The Episcopal Church to build churches and schools, make needed renovations, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, provide shelter for the homeless, and provide care and support for those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
The Spring UTO ingathering traditionally takes place on or Ascension Sunday, the Christian feast
day commemorating the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. This year Ascension Day is Thursday, May
5, 40 days after Easter. Ascension Sunday is May 8.
Last year Christ Church contributed over $440 to the UTO. Count your blessings and fill your Blue
Box with coins. Plan to return your United Thank Offering in May! (Or if your box is overflowing,
turn it in and start a new one!)

Lee Garrison

March 02

Beverly Olson

March 18

Mary McNelis

March 03

Angus Stewart

March 22

Kathrin Burleson

March 08

Patricia Toy

March 22

Michael Burleson

March 13

Jacqueline Moore

March 29

Pam and Paul Gossard

March 17

Lois Gossard

March 31

Heidi Erickson

March 18

Communion Bread Group

There has been a slight change for the Communion Bread Group in that Mary McNelis has asked me
to take on the Chairmanship. I am delighted to take on the task and am pleased that we have, I think,
seven bread makers. I have not talked to everyone so I hope all are still willing to help. Those I
have on my list are, in alphabetical order: Lynne Bean, Gail Freeman, Irene Hannaford, Mary
McNelis, Marita Musante, Laura Rose and Joan Stewart.
Making Communion Bread is not an arduous task for me and I find it very satisfying when the
rounds are cut out and the crosses made and then put into the oven to bake. For a while we had few
members who were willing to do the baking so it seemed to be a chore rather than a pleasure.
I will have the schedule out in just a short time so all members of the team will have plenty of time
to be ready to take their turn. If any one has any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.
707/444-8559 ihh1325@yahoo.com.

Irene Hannaford

Vestry Highlights
At the January 24 Annual Meeting the congregation elected four members to serve as the the Vestry
Class of 2018: Julie Cairns, Heidi Erickson, Irene Hannaford, Helen Taylor, and alternate Janettje
Vrieze. Those elected to be delegates to the Diocesan Convention in November are Lin Chase, Elizabeth Harper-Lawson, Merry Phillips, Anne Van Zandt, and alternates Rex White and Heidi Erickson.
Lyn Klay continues as the Rector's Warden, and Beth Powell as Junior Warden - the People's Warden.
Peg Gardner is Clerk and Bob Hines, Treasurer.
Check the bulletin board often for more detailed information about the Vestry's activites. The agenda
and minutes are posted, as are the complete financial report for 2015, the approved 2016 budget, and
monthly financial statements.
In recent months the Christ Church Chronicle has reported on several important repairs and upgrades
to our church campus. You probably remember reading about the new roof for the Zander Building,
the fence repairs for the courtyard, dry rot and termite remediation for the Chapel, gutter cleaning and
repair, and the upcoming remodeling that will create a second restroom - one that is ADA-compliant off the Heritage Room. A number of other projects are on the Wish List. Ask Vestry members and
check out information on the bulletin board.
The apartment above the office has been rented. A graduate student at Humboldt State University has
settled in, and he is enjoying his new quarters.
In January Mtr. Susan sent a letter to all on the mailing list announcing that she planned to retire as
priest in charge as of the end of December. Many wonder how we proceed in calling a new priest to
serve as rector. Bishop Beisner and Canon Andrea McMillin will be providing direction and leadership as we enter the Discernment (Calling) Process. The Vestry held a brief Skype meeting with Canon Andrea in January. The Vestry hopes to meet with her in person in March and then be able to share
information with the entire parish.

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Scholarships
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seek knowledge
Proverbs 18 : 15
In 2010, Christ Church was the recipient of a $ 15,000.00 grant from the San Francisco Foundation.
The only stipulation was that it was to be used for scholarships. We wrote a letter expressing our appreciation, but we never heard anything more from the Foundation. With Fr. Rons help we formed a
committee and planned just how to go about using the money in the best way possible.
We designed an application and decided on $ 1,000.00 as our first award. A letter of explanation and
a separate application were sent to all six Episcopal Churches in our deanery. Our first recipient was
a young man from St. Albans- a super candidate.
At this time we also granted scholarships to Camp Living Waters and offered assistance with tuition
for advanced programs to several of our clergy. Now with Mtr. Susans direction, over the next few
years we granted $ 500.00 scholarships to seven deserving young students whose ties were all with
Christ Church.
We have become increasingly aware that all of the money was going out and very little was coming
in. At the end of 2015 our total in the Scholarship account was just over $ 3,500.00. At the first Vestry meeting of 2016, the motion was passed unanimously to add $ 2,000.00 to the Scholarship account. Needless to say this was a most thoughtful and generous gift.
We are now thinking ahead to another round of applications. We have already received a call from
another church asking if we were going to offer the scholarships again. This church has three likely
candidates, and we have several more prospective candidates here at Christ Church. We are always
open to suggestions from the congregation, and we would welcome especially any ideas for funds to
replace those we have given away.
We strongly feel this is a worthwhile project helping young people as part of our life affirming ministries. We look forward to any responses. Thank you.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future
Proverbs 19 : 20
Helen Taylor - Vestry
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The Journey through Holy Week and Easter

During the eight days from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday
we not only remember the final week in Jesus life, his death and
resurrection, we are invited to step out of our daily lives and take
part in the same events along with his other followers. Rather than
merely re-enacting historical events, we are proclaiming that what
happened more than 2,000 years ago is still relevant now, that we,
too, are part of the story. While it is possible to attend only Easter
services, it would be something like reading only the last chapter of
a book. Easter is the culmination of all that came before. We need to live through the whole history
together.
On Palm Sunday we experience the dramatic conflict between joyous welcoming of Jesus to Jerusalem a welcome we ourselves would delight to share in and powerful resistance to the way of Life
Jesus lived and taught and still offers today. We begin the service with cries of Hosanna (a word
rooted in Aramaic meaning, roughly, save, rescue, or savior. It is also a word of hope and praise.
From there we move quickly to joining the mob who demanded Jesus crucifixion. If we enter fully
into these primal moments, we will encounter ourselves, our own conflicts and ambiguities in our relationship to God.
On Wednesday evening, we will continue our entry into the darkest, most profoundly revealing days
of the Church year and reflect on how fully Jesus entered into our lives and experiences. We will
pray, sing and chant ancient Psalms of lament, interspersed with readings and other prayers that
reflect Jesus journey through betrayal, suffering and death. We will acknowledge our own need for
mercy, for forgiveness, for help.
On Maundy Thursday, with some embarrassment, we try to respond to Jesus New Commandment
(Mandatum, the Latin word from which we derive the word Maundy and mandate) to love one
another as I have loved you. He took on the most menial job to make this point washing his
followers dirty feet. We swallow our discomfort with serving and being served in such an intimate
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way lay aside a little of our self-protection, and get a glimpse of Jesus way of loving. We reflect on
how we might live that kind of mutual, simple service on a daily basis.
Jesus gave us the gift of an ordinary meal made rich with eternal meaning in the bread and the wine
broken, poured out and given to us. He showed us the ends to which Love is willing to go for the Beloved. The washing of the feet and the giving of bread and wine are not two separate actions, but all
of a piece with how Jesus loves us and how we are to love each other and those we meet.
The awesome loneliness of Jesus final struggle his fully human terror of what was to come is remembered as we move into the unlighted church and watch as the altar is stripped and all that
enhances the beauty of our church is removed. We remember that his disciples, also confused, terrified and exhausted, found refuge in sleep as Jesus fought his solitary battle, wrestling in prayer with
his fears and doubts.
We are then invited to share in his disciples struggles for one hour as we gather in silent waiting
around the Altar of Repose and try to keep watch for one hour. The story continues as we walk
silently into the night, leaving Jesus as they did. It is humbling to know our kinship with Jesus
followers of so long ago.
On Good Friday, we continue our journey as we walk the way of the Cross. At Noon, we will
symbolically follow in Jesus steps from his struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane through his trial,
crucifixion and death. In the evening, we will re-enter the story again, and re-live his betrayal, arrest,
trial, crucifixion and death. We will join the crowds who shouted Crucify him, knowing that there
are times when we have felt betrayed by God whose ways of being with us can seem too challenging;
who wont wave an almighty arm and make everything better. We will admit to the doubts and
disillusionments we endure that can leave us hurting, wondering what the horrible death of a single
human being more than 2,000 years ago really has to do with us. Yet there is hope. We are nourished
by the wine and bread that was saved from the feast where we received the command to love one
another. That, too, we carry with us as we leave in silence.
On Holy Saturday, we gather again in the evening, meeting in darkness. A sudden flare of light as
the New Fire is kindled is our first glimpse of hope. As Paschal Candle is carried lit from the New
Fire, and we sing our gratitude for The Light of Christ, the light begins to spread from candle to
candle, from person to person. The Exultet, a great song of praise and thanksgiving is sung, then we
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hear again the great stories of Gods actions through the centuries. The darkness continues to roll
back as the stone guarding Jesus tomb was rolled back and we rejoice in Resurrected Life bursting
forth with lights and singings and the exuberant ringing of bells. (Dont forget to bring your bells to
share in this exuberant, joyous praise!) Once again, after weeks of being lost to us, the great praise
ALLELUIA! is sung and we enter into the wondrous feast of Life and Hope that is Easter.
The celebration continues on Easter Sunday with all the glory, joy and beauty of what is known as
the Queen of Seasons, the Feast of Feasts.
Come and walk with us through the whole of the great story of Gods intense love for presence with
us. Walk with us through hope and betrayal, confusion, loss, grief, doubt, fear and loneliness. Walk
with us through darkness into the Light of Resurrection and new life.

Helping to Make a Glorious Easter

It is your generous donations that allow us to purchase arrays of lovely flowers for the Garden of
Repose on Good Friday, Easter Eve, Easter Day and Beyond. If you wish to contribute to the beauty,
please fill out a slip indicating the person/event you would like to honor and put it in the offering
plate together with a check made out to Christ Church and clearly marked FLOWERS. Or you
can mail in your donation, or drop it by the church office. The donors name together with the
person/event honored will be listed in the Easter Bulletin. Thank you!
Notation:

EASTER FLOWERS

Name:
Person/ Event to be honored: (Phrase to go in the bulletin):

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Presiding Bishop Curry calls for remembering our sister

and brother Christians in the Holy Land
who maintain the faith which we hold so dear.
[February 22, 2016] Our journey as Episcopalians also includes remembering our sister and brother
Christians in the Holy Land who maintain the faith which we hold so dear, Presiding Bishop
Michael Curry wrote to the clergy of The Episcopal Church. Their witness is an inspiration.
Presiding Bishop Curry wrote in the annual Good Friday letter to all congregations asking them to
consider assistance for Jerusalem and the Middle East.
As you know, each year, every bishop and congregation is encouraged by the Presiding Bishop to
participate in the Good Friday Offering, he wrote. This tradition is decades old and is an important
statement of our solidarity with the members of the four dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and
the Middle East. We have a Gospel imperative to be sure they know they are not forgotten behind the
headlines or because of the distractions in our own lives.
Funds collected from the Good Friday Offering are gathered and distributed to the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East which includes the Dioceses of Jerusalem and Cyprus and the Gulf, all
members of the Anglican Communion.
For more information contact the Rev. Canon Robert Edmunds, Episcopal Church Middle East Partnership Officer, redmunds@episcopalchurch.org.
The following is the Presiding Bishops letter:
_______________________________________________________
Lent 2016
Dear Clergy of the Episcopal Church,
My hope and prayer for you is that you will find time during this Lent for prayer, for study and for
renewal of your spirit as you share with me in the joys and challenges of leading the people of God
of our beloved Church. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill each of us with the desire and the
will to follow him ever so more closely in the weeks to come.
Our journey during Lent always leads us to Jerusalem. We walk with Jesus over the Mount of Olives
and behold the Holy City. We join in laying out our palm branches and shouting Hosanna. We will be
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there at the garden but most of us will not be able to stay awake for even one hour. We will walk the
Way of Sorrows.
How close will we come to the cross on that Friday? Will our journey include skepticism or amazement when the women bring us the news from the tomb?
Our journey as Episcopalians also includes remembering our sister and brother Christians in the Holy
Land who maintain the faith which we hold so dear. The political, social and spiritual challenges are
well known. Their witness is an inspiration.
As you know, each year, every bishop and congregation is encouraged by the Presiding Bishop to
participate in the Good Friday Offering. This tradition is decades old and is an important statement of
our solidarity with the members of the four dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle
East. We have a Gospel imperative to be sure they know they are not forgotten behind the headlines
or because of the distractions in our own lives.
This year, on this Good Friday, it is my hope and prayer that you will stand with me in prayer and action by promoting the Good Friday Offering among your people. Your leadership in encouraging generosity is important. Your willingness to speak out in support of the ministry of the Anglicans who
keep the faith on our behalf in the land our Lord Jesus Christ once walked is needed and appreciated.
With thanks to God for your support and leadership, I remain,
Faithfully
The Most Rev. Michael Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

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Mission Statement of Christ Church

To the glory of God, the mission of Christ Church Parish is to serve Jesus Christ and all the people of God; to encourage and facilitate spiritual development for people of all ages; to grow as Christians in a loving and forgiving
fellowship, thereby confirming, witnessing, and leading others to the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner

Bishop, Diocese of Northern California
Staff
The Rev. Dr. Susan J. Armstrong
Priest in Charge
The Rev. Lesley McCloghrie
Resident Associate Priest
The Rev. Nancy Streufert
Associate Priest
The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster
Associate Priest
Merry Phillips
Organist and Music Director
Dr. Douglas Moorehead, Organist Emeritus
John Hammond, Sexton
Barry Ross, Administrative Assistant
Vestry
Lyn Klay, Senior Warden
Beth Powell, Junior Warden
Bob Rex, Julie Cairns, Irene Hannaford, Lin Chase,
Helen Taylor, Elizabeth Harper-Lawson, Belinda Zander,
Rex White, Heidi Erickson, Gail Freeman
Bob Hines, Treasurer, Peg Gardner, Clerk
625 15th Street
P.O. Box 861
Eureka, California 95502
Phone (707) 442-1797
Fax (707) 442-5647

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