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Table of Contents

Program ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Our Shared Ministry ................................................................................................................................ 5

Senior Warden .......................................................................................................................................... 6

WORSHIP DISCIPLESHIP OUTREACH ........................................................................................ 7

Stewardship ............................................................................................................................................... 8

Altar Guild .............................................................................................................................................. 10

Other Lay Ministries .............................. .11

Lectors and Intercessors ....................................................................................................................... 11

Ushers and Greeters .............................................................................................................................. 12

Eucharistic Visitors ................................................................................................................................ 12

Hospitality ............................................................................................................................................... 12

Prayer Circle............................................................................................................................................ 13

Transport................................................................................................................................................. 13

United Thank Offering ......................................................................................................................... 13

U Stream ................................................................................................................................................. 13

Bread Makers .......................................................................................................................................... 14

Coffee Hour ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Booklet Folders ...................................................................................................................................... 15

House Call Assistance ........................................................................................................................... 15

Food Bank............................................................................................................................................... 16

Fresh Produce Sundays ......................................................................................................................... 16

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Betty Chinn St. Josephs Ministry to the Homeless ...........................................................................16

Foster Kids Initiative (TFI) ...................................................................................................................17

Bowl for Kids .........................................................................................................................................18

9:15 Sunday Fora ....................................................................................................................................18

Episcopal Church Women ....................................................................................................................22

Postulancy ...............................................................................................................................................22

Diaconate ................................................................................................................................................23

Saints Martha and Mary Mission .........................................................................................................26

Music and Arts Camp ............................................................................................................................27

Camp Living Waters ..............................................................................................................................28

Cinema Chat ...........................................................................................................................................31

Junior Warden Report ...........................................................................................................................33

Priests Discretionary Fund ...................................................................................................................34

Music Program ......................................................................................................................... 35

Finance ....................................................................................................................................................38

Budget Summary 2015 ..........................................................................................................................39

Budget Detail 2015 ................................................................................................................................40

Financial Statements 2014 Final ...........................................................................................................44

Note: This is by no means an exhaustive report; there are a number of important ministries for which various constraints have meant that there is no timely report available; it is meant, however, to be representative of the depth and reach of the various activities of members of Christ Church in attempting to live in the way of Christ.

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Staff

Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner Priest in Charge The Rev. Dr. Susan J. Armstrong Associate Priest The Rev. Lesley McCloghrie Deacon The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster Deacon The Rev. Nancy Streufert Music Director Merry Phillips Altar Guild Director Katherine Clague

Celebration of Ministry

and

the presentation of the

Sharing Our Treasures Budget and Annual Meeting

Christ Episcopal Church

Eureka CA

January 25, 2015

Opening Prayer and Welcome The Rev. Dr. Susan Armstrong

Introduction of the Vestry 2015 Lyn Klay, Senior Warden

LunchOutgoing Vestry

Reflection on the Past Year Helen Hui

Our Vision for 2015 Lyn Klay, Senior Warden

Presentation of the Budget Determined by the Vestry Gail Freeman

Distribution of Ballots and Election of the Vestry

Election of Delegates to the Diocesan Convention

Dessert\Coffee

Announcement of the Elected Vestry and Delegates

Closing Prayer The Rev. Dr. Susan Armstrong

Vestry Meeting

The Vestry Senior Warden Lyn Klay Junior Warden Barry Ross Clerk Lynne Bean Treasurer Bob Hines

Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Julia Lawson Lynne Bean Bob Rex Paul Gossard Barry Ross Gail Freeman Margo Fassio Katherine Clague Beth Powell Helen Hui Lyn Klay

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I am amazed at how much we have done and of course humbled by how much we have yet to do! Please read this report with care. Some highlights: We are in good financial shape, thanks to the generosity of our

members.

Yet our aging building presents some formidable challenges.

We expanded our outreach to our local community by joining our

efforts with those of the Nazarene Church in The Forgotten Initiative, providing

support for foster children and the families who foster them.

Several of our parishioners have begun to contribute regular hours at the Betty Chinn

Center.

Thanks to Jeff Sellars, the Cinema Chat continues monthly, providing the opportunity to

view spiritually important films.

Last spring we enjoyed some new Holy Week observances, which provided significant

opportunities for worship.

Two transitional deacons were ordained and have alternated at the altar each week.

The 9:15 Forum has presented opportunities for appreciation of the visual arts. Last

spring we studied how Jesus has been portrayed historically and in our own times, and

Sanford shared his experience as a painter.

Sr. Diana and I team-taught Living our Faith. Two parishioners were confirmed and

19 reaffirmed their confirmation vows.

Our two camps continue to be a success, attracting children to music and arts, and to the

outdoors.

We continued to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters who needed support due to

illness or surgery.

I am very grateful to join you as we live our faith together!

Mother Susan

Our Shared Ministry, 2015

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What a difference two years has made. In late 2012 the resignation of Fr. Ron Griffin was received. In 2013, the Rev. Dr. Susan Armstrong was selected as priest-in-charge of our congregation, Doug Moorehead retired and Merry Phillips was hired as Music Director.

This past year, with the guidance of Mtr. Susan and the

invaluable assistance of the Rev. Lesley McCloghrie, with our deacons, the Rev. Nancy Streufert and the Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster, Christ Church is strong and healthy. The Stewardship Campaign chaired by Sanford Pyron, along with the tireless work of Kathy Clague and Beth Powell, has been a solid success.

In September 2014, the vestry and other church leaders participated in a Mutual Ministry

Review lead by the Rev. Canon Britt Olson. The top identified items of importance for the year were finances, clergy (ministry and growth new clergy), art and music camp, music program, and open communication between vestry, clergy and parishioners. The four top priorities identified for this year are: Vision & Identity, Commitment to Coordinated Outreach, Building & Grounds Plan, and Music Program. An ongoing effort of the vestry is to identify themselves and be available to the congregation.

Besides the ongoing operational work of the vestry, we have been reading the book People of

the Way: Renewing Episcopal Identity by Dwight J. Zscheile. Each month a vestry member has reviewed a chapter and presented it for discussion. At the retreat in February, the vestry will begin discussing the book Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, Making Church Matter, by Michael White & Tom Corcoran.

The loss of Sister Alice Reid has been profound to the vestry. Until her health prevented it, at

the beginning of each vestry meeting she led us with a prayer. Her thoughtful and insightful observations and her deep faith helped to keep us on track. We were blessed to have her presence on the vestry for the time she (and God) gave us.

There are four members leaving the vestry that I would like to thank: Margo Fassio, Paul

Gossard, Helen Hui and Julia Lawson. I am grateful for their commitment to their work the past three years and for their support to the church and to the vestry.

I am grateful to God for the honor to have served as your senior warden this past year. If I

have the privilege to be senior warden again this year, I ask for your support to myself and to all members of your vestry.

Lyn Klay, Senior Warden

Senior Warden

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WORSHIP

DISCIPLESHIP

OUTREACH

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"Stewardship" for our congregation means to take good care of all of the gifts that God has given us and to use them in ways that would be pleasing to Him. We are Stewards for our con-gregation and our community that we live in by making sure that we share what we have with all who seek Christ, the knowledge of the Holy word and Christian fellowship.

All of us at Christ Church have been touched by the gift of good Stewardship. Our pledges keep the doors open and the lights on to do God's work within the walls of our church. The faith in God that we share brings us hope for a better future and gives us momentum to reach out into our community to share the spirit of God with those who wish for it and need it.

The mission of Christ Church is to share the love of God and the knowledge of Jesus in a loving, accepting and nonjudgmental environment, and we have seen an increase in membership this year. God is good and we want to share Him with others.

Our pledges began coming in this year well before the Vestry had its annual budget meet-ing. This is a huge help to our Vestry because they are able to make decisions on how best to share and use the gifts God has given us to the Glory of God and the betterment of our commu-nity.

We had a 99.5 percent participation by those who could contribute with their Time, Treas-ure and Talent. From October 30 through to the end of December, we went from $157,000 in pledge commitments to $210,526. with 89 pledges. We are doing much in our community with all that God has given us with the faith that our congregation has in the mission of Christ Church. We are not only taking good care of our own congregation's needs but we are able to help people in our community who need help.

All of the ministries that we do at Christ Church are poured out with love and genuine Christian spirit. We are Walking the Talk by do-ing all that we do all year round with, as a few exam-ples: The Betty Chinn pro-jects, St. Vincent DePaul do-nations of fresh produce, Pastoral Care, the summer Music and Arts program, Camp Living Waters, U-Stream and many more min-istries.

"Job well done" to you! Thank you for all that you do.

Stewardship Sharing Our Treasures

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Images from the 2014 Stewardship Dinner

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We are blessed

to have a fine group of expe-

rienced people helping with

the Altar Guild, some of

whom have been participating

in the Christ Church Altar

Guild since 1945. The Altar

Guild sets up for Sunday ser-

vices as well as baptisms,

weddings and funerals. Some

of the more skilled are ex-

perts at washing and ironing

the linens, from the small Pu-

rificators that cover the chal-

ice to the Fair Linens that

span the Altar.

First and foremost I wish to thank the ladies & one fine gentleman of our current Altar

Guild; [1st Sunday of the month] Elizabeth H-L, Gwynn Connell, and Jeanne Fish, [2nd Sunday]

Eris McCarthy and Irene Hannaford, [3rd Sunday] is maintained by Sara Hines, Susan Whaley,

and Katherine Clague. Sara and I also man the 5th Sunday if it occurs in the month. [4th Sunday

of the month] is Marty and Dan Vega (please note how that Eagle shines thanks to Dan) and the

other longtime member of the guild, Mary McNelis (who is often assisted by Beth Powell). What

a wonderful team of devoted volunteers. You may not know what all we do since we are behind

the scenes, setting up for all our worship services. As we come into the new year, we will wel-

come anyone who feels they too would like to be a part of our team (we do train).

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson is the 'Flower Lady' for our church. It is she who has called to

remind people, and most of the time, she also procures the flowers to the donor's wishes and is

responsible for making our beautiful flower arrangements. But I must mention that Lyn and An-

na Klay have graciously given their talent and expertise in arranging our Christmas and Easter dis-

plays, along with the assistance of Anne Van Zandt who is also very instrumental at these occa-

sions. And this past Easter Season we had the creative, wonderful talent of Thomas Swanger!!!

(an Altar Guild member-at-large, what a wonderful and truly gifted man). I want to add our

thanks for the efforts of Steve Cole, who, most Sundays, makes sure that the chancel is arranged

after the service and whatever furnishings have been moved are restored to their places.

It is Elizabeth Harper-Lawson whom you should contact (at 707-445-1726) if you wish to

give flowers for any given Sundaywe still have openings for giving and we can arrange dates

Altar Guild

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which are meaningful to you. Please check with Elizabeth or me and we will try to accommodate

your wishes. You may want to 'team-up' with someone else to cover the cost. We usually request

a contribution of $50 dollars toward the flowers, never knowing what the actual cost will be for

that given Sunday. Any excess funds go toward the 'flower' fund (please note on your check that it

is going to flowers on the memo-line, that really helps with bookkeeping).

I can't thank all these wonderful people enough for all of their help to make your worship-

ping experience the best, most meaningful it can be!!

Thank you

Katherine Clague

Lectors and Intercessors

Not everyone who goes to church reads the Bible, so what they hear read on Sunday may be the

only Bible they know. It is important that they hear and understand what is read. Thats what the

ministry of being a Lector is all about. The task is both simple and complex, because as Scripture

is read out loud, it is being presented to the congregation to help edify and enlighten listeners. An

Intercessor verbally expresses the Prayers of the People, adds specific written prayer requests, and

elicits additional concerns from the congregation.

A well-read lesson or Prayers of the People may enhance and deepen someones experience of

worship. We need people who enjoy reading out loud and helping others understand the Word of

the Lord, at both services, but especially at our early one. If youd like to try reading just one time,

Id love to arrange that for you.

Marty Vega 443-9782

MJV523@RENINET.COM

Marty Vega Lectors and Intercessors

The Rev. Nancy Streufert Acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers

Sanford Pyron Announcers

Susan Whaley Ushers and Greeters

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson Eucharistic Visitors

Vickie Patton Nursery and Sunday School

Lynne Bean Coffee Hour

Bob Hines Contribution Counters

Other Lay Ministries

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Usher/Greeters Annual Report for 2014

The Ushers/Greeters continued to serve our congregation very well during 2014. We currently

have an excellent group of 23 Usher/Greeters who do a wonderful job each week: welcoming pa-

rishioners and visitors, and making sure that the offering and communion run smoothly. We add-

ed four new ushers/greeters during August and held a training in September to train the new

members and learn some new procedures.

Being an Usher/Greeter is a great way to serve the church. We would be very happy to have more

church members take part. We often need Ushers/Greeters for special services so both 8:00 a.m.

and 10:30 a.m. attendees can sign up. Please join us! To volunteer or learn more, please contact

Susan Whaley at 7074452924 or s_whaley@sbcglobal.net.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Whaley, coordinator

Eucharistic Visiting

Currently a team of five people is trained and available to take Holy Communion out after Sunday

Services to people who are unable to attend our services due to sickness or mobility difficulties.

We greatly appreciate the prayers of the congregation at the end of each service that send us out

with blessing and a reminder that we are all part of the body of Christ. Participating in this minis-

try is a great joy. If you are interested in participating as a Eucharistic Visitor, please contact

Mother Susan.

Potential Eucharistic Visitors are seen by the Parish Commission on Ministry, go through a period

of training, and receive background checks as required by the diocese. If you feel Eucharistic Vis-

iting is something you might wish to pursue, please see Mother Susan.

If you would like the Eucharist brought to you in the hospital or your home, or you know some-

one who might, please contact Elizabeth Harper-Lawson or the church office.

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson

Hospitality

Beth Powell and I share hospitality duties. She writes notes to those who sign the guest book

with an address and I keep the welcome bags filled. We try to write welcome letters to those who

sign the guest book leaving an address. But I think the entire congregation is the welcome com-

mittee as everyone is so friendly and courteous to all visitors.

Irene Hannaford

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Prayer Circle

Prayer "Is the root, the fountain, the mother of a thousand blessings." St. John Chrysostom

The Prayer Circle is an opportunity to request prayer for yourself or others. It also provides a

chance to pray for others. Prayer requests can be sent by email or by phone to Elizabeth Harper-

Lawson or the church office. There is also a book where one can write requests. It is located on

the shelf under the icon of Jesus in the sanctuary.

To receive emails in order to participate in praying, please contact Elizabeth or the church office.

The prayer circle welcomes prayer requests. The only stipulation is permission from the person

being prayed for. Please be in contact if you would like to add a prayer to the circle or if you

would like to join the group of people praying.

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson

Transport

Members and friends of Christ Church are grateful to have rides to Sunday Services and other

church events. A goodly number of people are already involved in this ministry. We still have

openings for people to assist with transporting people, especially from Timber Ridge, to our Sun-

day Services. If you would like to help on a monthly basis, or give the occasional ride, please let

me know.

With appreciation on the part of those being given rides,

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson

United Thank Offering

Christ Church had a very successful ingathering of $739.57 for the United Thank Offering during

2014! The Blue UTO box is a simple coin bank that is a constant reminder to help us remember

to count our many blessings. The money becomes an outward and visible offering of thanksgiv-

ing that is combined with donations throughout the Episcopal Communion and used in the dis-

tribution of grants to support mission and ministry, both in our diocese and others. At Christ

Church our ingathering traditionally takes place on Ascension Sunday in the late spring.

Peg Gardner, UTO Coordinator

UStream ministry

Our UStream Ministry reaches around the Globe every Sunday 10:30 a.m. PST.

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What is UStream you might ask?

It is a Website we log into and utilize to Broadcast our 10:30 a.m. Sunday Services, Special Services

and Events, such as Concerts.

"Wow, that is incredible!"

Yes it is. UStream is an instant, far-reaching way for our church to connect with a broad communi-

ty. We are sending the Word of God out into Cyberspace for anyone in the whole World to see.

"Anyone, anywhere?"

Yes it is true, Soldiers in Afghanistan can watch and pray along with us as we worship. You can be

in San Diego and tune in to us and watch and join in prayer right when we are doing it. For exam-

ple, the service for Sister Alice was broadcast and people in the Ohio Mother House were able to

tune in and be with us as we were having her Memorial Service.

UStream is an incredible ministry that we do every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and it is very easy to do;

we simply plug the computer in to a few things, turn it on and start the broadcast. If you can turn

on your Television you can tune the world into our church services.

In 2015 we would like to make sure that we have enough volunteers to cover the Broadcast of all

of our services, Special events and any concerts that may come up.

We need a few more Volunteers to help.

Please help us to reach out to the World.

You may contact any of the UStream Ministry Group to ask questions, see a demo, and see about

"Signing On":

Rex White, Paul Gossard, Marty Vega and Sanford Pyron.

Bread Makers

Thanks to our loyal bread makers we have kept the supply going throughout 2014. Sadly, our

numbers are downfrom thirteen when Charlotte Griffin gave us the recipe and showed us how

to make the breadto four of us: Gail Freeman, Irene Hannaford, Marita Musante and myself.

Not many folks make bread these daysits a great thing to do and so if anyone would like to try I

would be happy for them to join our group.

Mary McNelis

Coffee hour coordinator

Serving as Coffee Hour Host this past year has been a great way to get to know everyone ( and the

kitchen) at Christ Church. With the help of too many wonderful people to name, (you know who

you are) we provided "great food" which enabled joyous fellowship after the 10:30 service every

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Sunday. The Hospitality team also planned and implemented other special occasions including the

Easter Brunch, and the reception for Sister Diana's ordination to the Transitional Deaconate. We

are all very excited to be facilitating Deacon Nancy's Ordination to the Priesthood reception on

January 31. Due to other responsibilities, I am passing this very worthwhile ministry on to Lynne

Bean who graciously offered to accept.

A special thank you to everyone who helped make this ministry such a success! We are truly

blessed.

Lin Chase

Folders

If you can fold and staple it takes just over an hour to fold the Sunday booklet (if there are less

than one hundred)so on a Friday, Barry has them all printed and if you have an hour to spare,

come to the office!!

Holidays are a challenge but with the help of Susan Whaley, Helen Hui, Julia Lawson, Gail Free-

man and Katherine Clague, we came through.

Mary McNelis

House Call Assistance

House call assistance came to my attention when I had knee replacement surgery in Feb. of 2014.

I found myself in dire need of meals, clergy, and Eucharistic visitation. Christ Church shined on

with assistance. However, I found that there really wasnt a standing committee ready to be called

upon. I volunteered to be the contact person. After receiving such kindness, volunteers began to

call me to sign up. There was a need and God answered. When dear Sister Alice was undergoing

so much, our committee jumped to help. We made arrangements to have meals delivered twice a

week as requested. Sister Diana was informed of who would be delivering meals and on what

days. I encouraged her to contact the meal person if a change occurred in needs as well as for the

delivery person to contact Sister Diana to verify a time of delivery. We carried this out for a cou-

ple of months and things went rather smoothly.

When we are asked for assistance, we check to see if special diets are needed. The congregation

has been informed of services to be provided and directed to call Christ Church office. Barry will

in turn contact me. After assessing needs, phone calls are made to assistants. I am very happy to

report that there are now 10 volunteers giving lovingly through Christ. Thank you to everyone

who contributes. Regards,

Julia Lawson

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Food Bank

I have volunteered at Food for People for about 5 years. I volunteer three hours on Wednesday.

During the summer I help with the Produce Day and other days when asked. Over this time I

have met hundreds of clients, and have made friends with many of them over the years.

Because of this I was pleased to begin stopping by to take the donated food from the church eve-

ry week. In the two months I have been taking food to them we have given about 65 pounds;

over the last year, from the incomplete records we have, we have donated a few hundred pounds

of non-perishable foodstuffs to Food for People.

Bev Olson

Fresh Produce Sundays

Hooray for all who have donated produce to St. Vincents Dining Room!

Ive kept track of the types, weights, and amounts of produce over the year that weve donated

and its pretty awesome: 1,000 pounds. Thats rightwe donated a half a ton of produce to St. Vin-

nys last year. Here is a list of the most predominant items:

Potatoes267 lbs.

Oranges216 lbs.

Carrots161 lbs.

Apples129 lbs.

Bananas47 lbs.

Cabbage-46 lbs.

Onions28 lbs.

Parishioners added interest to St. Vinnys meals with all sorts of produce: avocados, raisins, yams,

plums, brussel sprouts, celery, squash, pineapple, corn, cucumbers, melonsyou name it. The staff

at St. Vinnys was always thankful when I showed up with a delivery, and Im sure they look for-

ward to our continued and most generous support.

Rene Ross

Betty Chinn St. Joes Food Ministry for the Homeless

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick,

and the lonely . . . You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the

world. These words come from the diaconal ordination liturgy in the examination part of the

service, when the Bishop addresses the ordinands in the imperative: what as deacons we are prom-

ising to do in service to our Lord.

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Twelve parishioners at Christ Church are

now helping Betty Chinn in her nighttime

outreach ministry to the poor and hungry

in our community: Julie Cairns, Gwynn

Connell, Fiona Endsley and daughter Sally,

Pam and Paul Gossard, John Hammond,

Elizabeth Harper-Lawson, Laura Julian,

Stephanie and Jake Schultz, and Deacon

Nancy Streufert. After the cafeteria at St.

Joseph Hospital closes each evening at 7:30

p.m., we take turns (in pairs) packing up

the leftover food from the day that would

otherwise be discarded. Then we transport it to Bettys kitchen at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

on Myrtle Avenue where she creates individual servings and distributes them to those in need that

same night. Its as simple as that, and takes less than an hour with two people!

Betty can use our help every night of the week except Wednesdays and Saturdays. Not only do we

give her a little break so she can spend more time at her Day Center, we help ease her back prob-

lems that are exacerbated by lifting buckets of soup and in wheeling the cart down the ramp at St.

Joes.

To grow this ministry into a viable and sustainable one, we need your help so no one gets burned

out. Can you take one night a week? every other week? once a month? Can you fill in as a substi-

tute? Let Deacon Nancy know.

Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you? . . . Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one

of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matt 25:37,40)

The Rev. Nancy Streufert

Foster Kids in Humboldt County - The Forgotten Initiative (TFI)

This brand-new partnership for Christ Church is opening new opportunities to reach out to fos-

ter kids and foster families in Humboldt County. Responding to an invitation and presentation

from Dale Maples and Janelle Harris and others at the Nazarene Church, a group met to discover

ways to support the foster care community. We began by providing backpacks for journey bags,

diapers, and some outgrown children's clothing. Then during December we enjoyed shopping for

38 pairs of pajamas for kids from newborn through teens, so those transitioning to foster care

would have new pajamas as they moved in with their new foster families. Discussions are under-

way for moving forward during 2015 by providing a monthly program for foster kids and respite

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for foster parents. Watch for updates and ways in which you can be a part of this ministry during

the coming year!

The Rev. Nancy Streufert and Peg Gardner

Bowl for Kids

Christ Church parishioners have been supporting North Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters since

1999. It is an important outreach with all funds staying in our community. Even through the re-

cent recession, Christ Church support has continued to grow. In 2013, we raised $990 and in

2014, we raised $1070. The church sponsors a team of 6+ bowlers who collect donations from

friends, family and all of you in the month before the event, so even if you aren't a bowler (not

many of us are...just this once a year) we depend on your generous support. The team goal is

$1200 which funds one match of a "Big and Little" for a year. Let's make this the year we reach

that goal! The Bowl for Kids' Sake event this year is March 6 and 7th and the theme this year is

"Jungle Bowl." It is lots of fun, team incentives, with costumes optional and we only bowl for

one hour (scores are not important), so consider joining the team! (Save Sat., March 7 at 12:45

tentatively.)

Anne Van Zandt

9:15 Forum

Topics of last years 9:15 Forum included: January/Februarya presentation on psalms followed

by a talk on church music two weeks later by Mother Lesley. Closing out February, Sister Alice

spoke about Walking in the Grace of Spiritual Discipline.

March/AprilLent talks started with a history of Lent by Mother Susan followed by Sr. Diana,

Katherine Clague and Sanford presenting on Images of Jesus and Visio Divina.

May/JuneMother Susan talked about Mary, the mother of Jesus.

July/AugustCamp Living Waters was the subject of the first talk in July followed by three ses-

sions devoted to church music given by Merry Phil-

lips.

September/OctoberMother Susan led talks about

the language of worship and later, angels.

November/DecemberDavid Toy started out No-

vember with a talk on sages of different religions

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A few of the fora from 2014

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followed by the ongoing study group sessions regarding the Gospel of Mark led by Mother Su-

san and John Hammond.

Rene Ross

Gardening Group

During 2014, a number of members of the congregation gathered together for workdays

to take care of our grounds and buildings. We had fun and fellowship working in the garden in

the sunshine, but there were a few days of "mizzle" (a mix of mist and drizzle). Many of the gar-

den areas were cleaned, pruned and weeded. Large loads of greenery were taken to the green-

waste at the dump.

Another time we cleaned up the basement under Lewis Hall. All items we couldn't use

were re-purposed. Loads were taken to St. Vincent de Paul's, to Tail Waggers, or to the Discovery

Shop. We cleaned up and organized our tool storage and workshop areas. The small storage shed

that was falling down behind Lewis Hall was removed and items of use to us were moved to the

basement for safe storage.

Plans for 2015 are to continue to share the laughter and fellowship while maintaining our

beautiful campus. Let our community see the Glory of Christ in the pride we have in taking care

of God's House, our church.

Please feel free to contact Sanford Pyron or Beth Powell for your continued participation.

Look for the Gardening Group work Schedule in the Chronicle and on the Bulletin Board in

Lewis Hall.

Sanford Pyron

Quilters +

Aim

To gather together women from our parish who are quilters, needlewomen, knitters, beaders, cro-

cheters along with those who may wish to learn to quilt on the first Wednesday of each month.

All quilting material and instructions are supplied. We are united in friendship, a love of our

church and a need for fellowship.

Membership

Currently we are: Jeanne Fish; Peg Gardner; Irene Hannaford; Sara Hines; Beth Powell; Joan

Stewart; Jill Stover and Belinda Zander.

Brenda Glyn-Williams, Helen Hui, Julia Larsen, Elizabeth H-Lawson, Mary McNelis and Rene

Ross join us when their schedules permit.

Action

We produce lap prayer quilts from cotton fabric donated to us and backed with fleece which we

purchase. These quilts are given to members of our parish who are in the hospital, recovering

from surgery or are undergoing a long recovery period. Quilts for parish members

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are placed on the altar rail and blessed by Mtr. Susan during a Sunday

service. Surplus quilts are given to patients undergoing chemotherapy by St. Joseph Hospital. We

have an understanding with the Pink Ladies that they will pay for our purchased fleece when pre-

sented with the receipts and a bill is submitted. A printed label is sewn on the quilt explaining it

was made by the ladies Christ Church.

Finances

We receive no funds from Christ Church. Our current treasury balance is $20.97. We are awaiting

payment of $125.51 for fleece purchased for quilts and delivered to St. Joseph Hospital during

2014.

Distribution

One blessed quilt each was delivered to Julia Larson, Mirjam Benneker Mion, Shirley Armstrong,

Sister Alice Reid, George Bermudez, Cindy Shepard, Susanne Kellawan, Jackie Hubbard, Anna

Klay and Lee Albright. We delivered 23 quilts to St Joseph Hospital during 2014.

We encourage new members and appreciate the support and appreciation of our efforts by fellow

church members.

Joan H. Stewart, quilter

Marvin Davis - News from Liberia

What's new with Marvin? Marvin is under contract to ActionAid Liberia as the Program Manager

for Youth and Urban Poverty and works with all the major youth groups in Liberia at both the

community and national level. He is also a pro bono lecturer in the Master's program in Conflict

Transformation at the University of Liberia. He's been on the frontlines with ActionAid's efforts

to combat the ebola virus. The latest reports are much more encouraging than they were for sever-

al months.

After serving for nine months in an interim position, Marvin's wife Nyanda has been appointed by

President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, to be Director for Passports and Visas in the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs. Nyanda holds a BA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from Cuttington

University. She has been accepted by George Washington University to work toward an MA in

Project Management beginning in August. The Liberian government has agreed to fund tuition

and living expenses, but wants Nyanda to postpone enrollment until 2016. A final decision has

not yet been made about the postponement.

Lyndon is now a busy 17-month old toddler. He is growing up quickly. Family photos are on the

bulletin board in Lewis Hall.

Marvin and Nyanda continue to express their gratitude for the support and prayers by the mem-

bers of Christ Church. Both are actively reaching out to help move their country forward after the

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devastating years of civil war and recent ebola epidemic. May we continue stay in touch and to

support them with our prayers.

Peg Gardner

Episcopal Church Women

In 2014, ECW welcomed a wide selection of tal-

ented presenters to its monthly potluck luncheons.

The year opened with a musical offering given by

Jeanne Fish and Lois Gossard. In February, Brenda

Glyn-Williams, spoke about quilting and in the fol-

lowing months, Betty Chinn spoke about her Day

Center services in March; and ceramic artist, Laura

Rose, gave a presentation on her work in April.

In May, ECW hosted the Eureka Rescue Mission

Auxiliary lunch. In June, diaconal aspirants, Nancy Streufert, Pam Gossard, and Anne Pierson

provided insight regarding their efforts along the way to becoming deacons. In September, Sr. Di-

ana spoke about her experiences as a summer chaplain at a hospital in the Sacramento Valley and

in October, Linda Parkinson, from the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center, brought live raptors to her

presentation.

The year was rounded out in November with a talk

by Sandy Shultz who gave an update on her activi-

ties with Sandys Kids in Honduras.

It should be noted that Helen Person acted as

chaplain for most of the years meetings--opening

the gatherings with a meditation.

Throughout the year, ECW gave pro-active support

for many Outreach Ministries-- Betty Chinn's pro-

jects, Food Bank, UTO, Lenten Socks Project, Fos-

ter Kids in Humboldt County (TFI), pastoral meals,

quilting, and Marvin Davis.

Rene Ross, Joan Stewart, and Peg Gardner

Postulancy and The Path Toward Becoming a Deacon

Postulancy has been a time of formation through learning via book and experience and being tak-en out of my comfort zone as I learn more about both my strengths and weaknesses. It is a hum-bling, affirming and at all times a challenging time as I learn and grow toward becoming, with your help, a deacon in the church.

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This year I completed Year 1 at the School for Deacons in May and decided to attend Year 2 (of a 3 year program) which started with the Fall Semester this past August through mid-December of 2014. At this moment, 1/19/15, the beginning of the Year 2 Spring Semester for the School for Deacons is only 4 days away. Yes, we will be in Berkeley and will miss being able to attend the An-nual Meeting. As have been past semesters, this will be a time of intense study with little time for recreation and will complete my time of study at the school.

For Field Education, a school requirement, I have been in three different learning environments this past year. From the beginning of 2014 through June 8th I continued to serve at St. Albans in Arcata, learning the role of Deacon in the liturgy and, with a hard working team, created a Dis-aster Preparedness Plan for the parish. In July I traveled to Sewanee, Tennessee, to be trained as a chaplain in a disaster. Then, after having returned home to Christ Church in August, I started a program of Outreach Ministry in September where I held hour long meetings on Mondays look-ing at outreach ministry, what it is and isnt, and inviting Silent Servers to share their experienc-es of service in the community. Now, as of December 8th, I am working at the Betty Kwan Chinn Day Center two days a week (Mondays and Tuesdays 1-5) spending the first two hours each work day at the main desk greeting people, checking for clients mail, answering the

phone, or doing computer entry and the remaining two hours working with the children (K

6) attending the after school program. I help the children with their homework (a challenge par-ticularly when needing to remember parts of a sentence, something I never excelled at and have long since forgotten!), and they teach me games when their homework is completed.

Thank you for your love and support - it is so very important to me in this time of formation and continued discernment. Please keep me in your prayers as I go before both the Diocesan Com-mission on Ministry (CoM) and the Standing Committee this coming February 19th and 20th. Thank you.

Anne Pierson

Bishop Ordains Four Transitional Deacons

(Merry Phillips wrote this originally for the Diocesan newsletter, In and Around Our Diocese)

On Saturday, June 28, 2014, the Rt.

Rev. Barry L. Beisner ordained four

transitional deacons at Trinity Cathe-

dral in Sacramento. In the presence of

God, clergy, family and friends, each

new Deacon was examined and conse-

crated by the Bishop. Each Ordinand,

David Cohen (St. Michaels, Alturas),

Randy Alan Knutson (Trinity Cathe-

dral, Sacramento), Sarah Quinney (St.

Augustine of Canterbury, Rocklin) and

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Nancy Streufert (Christ Church, Eureka), undertook their own separate and unique journeys to

this special day, and through a process of loving and faithful discernment, answered Gods call in

their lives.

Pictured here, from left to right, on the day of ordination are: the Rev. Lewis Powell; the Rev.

David Cohen; the Rev. Nancy Streufert; Bishop Beisner; the Rev. Sara Quinney; the Rev. Randy

Knutson; and the Very Rev. Dr. Brian Baker, Dean of Trinity, Sacramento.

Together, David, Sarah, Randy, and Nancy shared the experience of pilgrimage to the Holy Land

with Bishop Beisner in January. Now, after sharing this special Ordination to the transitional dea-

conate, each will continue on a separate journey to ordination to the priesthood.

In his sermon, the Rev. Lewis Powell, Deacon at Emmanuel, Grass Valley, spoke about the genre

of jazz music. Just as jazz musicians display their solo talents within a group, following a designat-

ed structure for the music, these newly ordained deacons of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern

California will ...use their talents individually and in concert with others to the benefit of the dis-

enfranchised in our world.

What are the unique talents and God-given gifts (the individual instruments) that these four in-

dividuals bring to the Church? David Cohen is a gifted comedian and a successful psychologist.

Nancy Streuferts love for music and passion for igniting the creative spark in underserved chil-

dren inspires her to help them see the light and joy of Christ through music and the arts. Sarah

Quinneys career in music therapy, working with children and adults with developmental disabili-

ties, helped define how she will use her gifts in answering her lifelong call to ordained ministry. As

a church music director, Randy Knutson has helped people to know Christ through music and

worship and his experience has provided him with the ability to lead others to do the same.

"No one after lighting a lamp

puts it in a cellar, but on the

lampstand so that those who en-

ter may see the light. (Luke

11:33) Quoting from the Gospel

lesson for the day that was pro-

claimed by the Rev. Barbara Mil-

ler, recently ordained deacon

from the Episcopal Diocese of

El Camino Real, the Rev. Powell

exhorted our new deacons to

...go light your lamps, play your

music to the drumbeat of

Christs message of Love, and

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form new and innovative bands to play great music.

They will not do so alone, but with the support of all present at the ordination service and the

members of their sponsoring churches, who have pledged to support them in their ministries,

with Gods help and under the direction provided by Christ for all ministries.

Sister Diana Doncaster Ordained

(Sister Diana wrote this originally for the Diocesan newsletter, In and Around Our Diocese)

Thinking back on my diaconal ordination last Thursday, October

2nd at Christ Church, Eureka, I am filled again with amazed

gratitude. That God would entrust me with a call to ordination,

that so many people have lovingly supported me throughout the

lengthy process, that so many people would work so hard and

generously to prepare, that so many others would come so far to

be part of the celebration and that I am now taking my first

steps as a transitional deacon all seem to me to be causes for

wonder and thanksgiving.

I am especially grateful to my Sisters in the Community of the

Transfiguration who were willing to walk with me through a

lengthy discernment process, to celebrate with me at every step

forward and to continue their support and love as I live into this

next stage of the journey. Having Sister Alice, who has lived with and patiently encouraged me

during my education and formation process; Sister Teresa, our Superior, and Sister Priscilla (whom

we believe to be the longest serving deacon in The Episcopal Church. She was a Deaconess first.),

all present was a wonderful gift. Two of our Oblates and many of our Associates were also pre-

sent, which was an incredible joy. (The Rev. Sister Diana Doncaster is pictured here with Sister

Priscilla.)

Much of that evening is a blur. I got to the church early to take some quiet time for prayer before

the rehearsal and found the place bustling with people pouring out their love and enthusiasm in

making the church beautiful and the reception afterward joyous, delicious and visually delightful.

Bishop Beisner had taken the time to contact me several times in the days ahead even e-mailing

from Hong Kong to make sure that I was doing well and as prepared as its possible to be. I felt

well cared for. I was appreciative of his patient and efficient running of the rehearsal, and of the

Ven. Cookie Clarks good-humored presence and support.

The ordination service itself went by so quickly, with moments when time seemed to stop. Kneel-

ing in front of Bishop Beisner, as we all prayed for the presence of the Holy Spirit; hearing the

26

powerful words of the prayers asking

God to make me a deacon; the honor

of being vested with the stole by Sis-

ter Priscilla and serving as a deacon at

the altar for the first time (with the

helpful, whispered guidance of the

Rev. Nancy Streufert) were all stand-

out moments.

How my time as a transitional deacon

will work out is still a mystery to

which only God has the answer. I am

grateful to serve at Christ Church, Eu-

reka and hope to volunteer at the local

hospital as a Chaplain and work to expand the No One Dies Alone program there. Beyond that, I

wait and live and serve one day at a time.

Saints Martha & Mary Episcopal Mission

Members and visitors attended weekly services with a total of 403 attendees for the year. First and third Sundays have a Taiz service at 5 p.m. which includes Scripture reading, chanting, prayer, and silences. Several local people who attend other churches in the morning come regularly to Taiz. Second Sundays offer Holy Eucharist with Father Doug Thompson. Fourth Sundays are Morning Prayer with sermons by Michael Burleson or Janine Volkmar, members and lay preach-ers. Fifth Sundays are by Duke Albright, preaching and leading. Last Sundays of the month are also Pancake breakfast, hosted by the Trinidad Lions Club. Mem-bers of Saints M&M attend as a group, thus advertising our presence in the community. We have an ongoing partnership with the Lions. Our Easter and Christmas collection plates have been des-ignated for several years to support the Trinidad Lions Food Pantry, a monthly service to locals in need.

Saints Martha & Mary is also an active participant in the Trindad Fish Festival, held on Fathers Day since the 1950s. In past years we have had open house and art displays in the church, provid-ing a quiet spot for Festivalgoers. This year we combined our annual rummage sale with the open house and did remarkably well. Proceeds from the rummage sale were used for eleven $100 school shoe and supply shopping trips for children in need, most from the Multiple Assistance Center, but some identified as in need at the Christ Church summer arts camp. Excellent newspaper cov-erage brought support from people who didnt even buy thingsthey just came by to donate. Our regular monthly potluck dinners, celebrating those who have birthdays in that month, provide fellowship and an additional opportunity for the congregation to come together as a community.

Saints Martha & Mary: little but mighty in faith and action.

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Christ Church Music & Arts Camp 2014

The Christ Church campus came alive with the sound of childrens voices during the 2014 music and arts camp held July 21 25, themed this year The Spark of Creation. Christ Church is be-ginning the sixth year of this outreach ministry that offers a morning summer day camp for chil-dren in the community entering the first through sixth grades. The children were divided into three groups and rotated daily through classes taught by professional, experienced childrens mu-sic and art teachers in keyboards, drawing and painting, and group singing. On the final day of camp, families and friends were invited to an open house to experience some of the childrens ac-complishments, including a showing of their art work, followed by a festive barbecue to celebrate the joy of the childrens creativity.

The mission of our camp ministry is to facilitate the process of awakening the creative spirit in the children of our community in a safe and loving environment. Many of our kids each year come from the Multiple Assistance Center (MAC) and the Eureka Rescue Mission. Besides gener-ous donations from individual church members, major funding for the camp came from Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) and Episcopal Community Services (ECS), a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California. ECS provides congregations in the diocese with mis-sion development grants for health and social ministry programs in their local communities.

Check out the Christ Church Facebook page to see more pictures! For information in how you can help for future camps with your time, talent, and treasure, contact Deacon Nancy Streufert.

Paul and Pam Gossard lead the children in group

singing: All Things Bright and Beautiful

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Music and Arts Camp, continued

Camp Living Waters Report for 2014

This past year at Camp Living Waters was

focused on transition and journey. Our

theme was Journey into the Heart of

God, and we focused on the parables as a

way of trying to discern what might be most

important in Gods heart; love, service, for-

giveness. We changed the week of camp to

Keyboard teacher (and Christ Church organist) Merry Phillips teaches the children about the organ, piano, and harpsichord while teen helper Emily Hines looks on.

Group photo with the children in their hand-painted T-shirts

29

the first week in August, and had the privi-

lege of serving 22 campers with the indis-

pensable help of eight counselors and 18

staff members.

Several folks took on new positions includ-

ing Jeff Opine making a fantastic directorial

debut! Erin Scofield also stepped up and

shone as campfire director; Dena Lawrence

and Wren Gray-Reneberg rocked the Bible

study; Broderick Brown, Michael Scofield,

Linden Gray-Reneberg and Layla Valenzuela

teamed up beautifully as senior counselors

for the boys and girls respectively to support the counselors and help keep an eye on everyone.

Ben Hart and Cindy Woods took over the kitchen and

cooked healthy delicious meals for us all week; Jesseca

Armstrong led the outdoor activities rotation with en-

thusiasm and drive, and Thadious Hines-Ream helped

out as a young adult staff member.

Though we had a smaller camp this year it helped our

transitioning staff and lent the camp a very intimate feel.

We enjoyed our usual schedule of daily worship, crafts,

outdoor games, Bible study, swimming, free time and

campfire. One of our campers expressed a very important part of our camp spirit when she told

a staff member that she loves

coming to camp because she

can be herself there and peo-

ple wont make fun of her be-

cause everyone is just as

weird. I want to thank our

visiting clergy for working to-

gether to cover the worship

and choose parables for us to

teach the kids: Rev. David

Shewmaker, Rev. Lesley

McCloghrie, Rev. Jeri Gray-

Reneberg, Rev. Britt Olson and

Mother Susan Armstrong. We

30

very much appreciated the help of Sarah

Hines and Kathy Clague who came out

after camp and cleaned our well-used

kitchen, leaving it cleaner than we found

ityou were vital to our cleanup effort.

We look forward to doing more outreach

& advertising to include more campers in

our community next year, to our upcom-

ing theme Journey into the World with

God, and possibly assisting the Cookson

Ranch to purchase a storage enclosure to

enable us to store our equipment on site.

We hope to get more cleanup volunteers

next year and can use help with recruiting.

Thank you to everyone who is involved in

camp, to the Diocese and our local parishes and organizations for their generous support, and

thank you to our incredible campers and

counselors for allowing us to serve you

and experience the love of Christ with

you!

Emily Armstrong Buck

Camp Living Waters, continued

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Cinema Chat Cinema Chat is a monthly film viewing forum (occurring on the second Saturday of every month

at 6:00 p.m. at The Chapel of Our Merciful Savior). The forum is open to the public and offers

drinks, popcorn, and foodas well as door prizes. At each meeting, we watch a film and discuss it

after the viewing. We typically average around 15 viewers each meeting. This year we have fre-

quently had 20-25 people show. We have had good responses from the surrounding area of Christ

Church, with frequent visitors from the immediate neighborhood. The discussions are far rang-

ingfrom cinematic merits and elements, to narrative structures and meaning, to issues of philos-

ophy and theology. We watch a wide variety of films (both old and new) with a wide range of

subject matter. We appreciate your support in this ongoing ministry. We hope this night continues

to grow in 2015.

Jeff Sellars

2014 Cinema Chat Films

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More 2014 Cinema Chat films

33

Junior Warden Report for 2014

[This is an addendum to the Annual Report and will be placed in that report]

Over the course of the year the following projects have been undertaken and either have been

completed or are still in some form of process:

1. The choir room was stripped bare, walls patched, whole room painted, new blinds were

installed and the room was recarpeted. Most of the work was accomplished through the efforts

of Paul Gossard.

2. Emergency backup lights were installed in the front and in the rear of the nave.

3. Exterior security lights with LED lamps were installed to replace most of the existing

security lighting. All photo-cell daylight sensors were tested and replaced where necessary.

High quality wide angle motion detectors were installed on the north (alley) side of the building

and on the corner of the main church by the ramp from 15th street to the walk into Lewis Hall.

All other exterior receptacles were tested and repaired.

4. The basement was cleaned out during a Saturday workday. All unwanted but usable items

were donated to the Rescue Mission thrift store, the Discovery shop or another thift shop.

Sanford and John Hammond were invaluable in this effort.

5. Sanford cleared out and disposed of a significant amount of obsolete electronic gear from

the church office.

6. All of the skylights on the education building were replaced.

7. Occupancy sensors were installed on the lights in the inner rooms in the basement where the

switches had been inaccessible across the dark cluttered rooms from the customary entrances,

making moving through the spaces perilous.

8. A committee has begun to plan for the addition of fully ADA compliant bathrooms in the

area off the Heritage room. To date, a designer has submitted rough sketches of a possible

design; funding sources are being researched; the committee is planning to bring its work to

the vestry for approval early in 2015.

9. Another committee is assessing the remaining useful life and anticipated replacement dates

and costs for major campus systems with the aim to budget for necessary expenses over the

long term: Roofs, furnaces, water heaters, carpets, floors, appliances, and electrical systems are

to be assessed and estimates of their remaining life and replacement costs made.

Barry Ross

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Priests Discretionary Fund

Although it varies during the month, as well as from month to month, there is a stream of

people in need who find their way to our door: a young single mother with three children and a

step-child, looking for help to get to a sheltered home in Denver, clutching a note that she had

been admitted to a program there because of a history of abuse; a man who needed gas money

to get to a job in Fortuna; people seeking help for food to get through the end of the month

until their disability checks would arrive; a couple looking for gas money to take the wife to

the Native American health clinic in Arcata; homeless people seeking shoes or a clean shirt or

a jacket; recently homeless looking for any furnishings for an apartment they had gotten into

after six years on the street; a person who had been accepted into a drug abuse program in the

bay area desperately trying to find the means to get therethe stories are varied but the needs

are real and never just go away.

We refer people to the food bank, to Betty Chinn, to social services. Some have tried all of

these resources and for one reason or another there is no help available. Sometimes we can

and do help; at others, our fund is depleted and we have to say we have nothing to give.

In 2014, the Priests Discretionary Fund disbursed more than $1,485.00

For a total of 72 persons in need:

$1485 +

16 Renner certificates ($30 each)

24 Winco gift cards ($20 each)

$200 keep trailer for family

$100 keep apartment for family

$200 home invasion

$144.76 gas bill for parishioner to prevent shut off.

35

As I reflected on 2014, the first line of a childrens song came to mind sing it with me:

Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other, gold.

It has been a year of getting to know you, learning about Christ Episcopal Church, meeting the people of the parish, attempting to maintain the legacy of music excellence inherited from the past, and beginning to look to the future and what that means for the music program.

The primary mission of the music program is to support and enhance our corporate worship bringing our worshipping community closer in relationship with the fullness of Gods love. I think William Bradley Roberts says it best, Music gives wings to worship. Christ Church is blessed to have many talented musicians and supporters of music within the congregation. I am grateful to members of the choir and instrumental musicians who share their time and talent. I want to thank especially all of the individuals who stepped in and provided oversight and help with the music program while I was away tending to family during the second half of the year. Thanks to Doug Moorehead, Gary Klemp, and Elizabeth Rau for substituting on Sundays; to Paul Gossard, Nancy Streufert, Doug Moorehead, and Mother Lesley for taking on choir rehearsals, and to everyone else who pitched in as needed.

The Choir

I wrote about the choir and what singing in the choir involves in my June, 2014 Chronicle article. Christ Church is blessed to have talented and dedicated choir members. In their own words, here are some of the reasons choir members commit themselves to this ministry:

I sing in the choir because I believe it is important and I believe that I belong there. To sing is to pray twice. I love being a part of the ritual that reaches back over time to millions of

worshippers and is recreated each Sunday through the hands and hearts of our church family, and music is my gift from God to share.

Singing is another way of praying. I participate in choir to spend more time with my mom. Of course, I also love to sing and

especially in a group setting. It is a challenge at times but always worth the effort. For me, the choir provides a wonderful opportunity for expressing praise and thanks to God. Even

when we practice were singing words of spiritual significance. I also love the friendship and camaraderie that comes from participating in this ministry with others.

Singing in our choir brings me joy and a stronger connection and commitment to God and my church family.

Over the summer we experimented with the idea of an Open Choir those who wished to continue meeting after the choirs traditional final Sunday in May got together informally and read through music. We only met a few times and I now have a better sense of how to make it work better for all involved. I plan to offer the same opportunity this year, with a bit more structure and planning.

In the fall, the choir held a potluck dinner at Denise Braafladts home. In addition to singing well together, the choir knows how to have a good time together! Sadly, as with all choirs, membership changes over time. Long-time choir members, Willi McCarthy and Judy Rex retired from the choir and are greatly missed. Members who sang part of the year, including Laura Julian, Everard and Mary

Music Program

36

Hughes, Peg Molloy, and Royal McCarthy, have not been able to continue. We miss their voices. We welcome new (and returning) voices Roni Carlson, Richie Valentine, Laura Julian and Anne Pierson.

There is also another very important choir at Christ Church the congregational choir. Last summer parishioners had an opportunity, via the forum, to learn about the history of our hymns. The next step will be to learn more about the hymns we sing each Sunday and to provide some insights on learning new hymns (yes, we will keep introducing new hymns!) and how to improve our singing as a congregational choir.

Other Musicians

In addition to singers, we have a number of talented instrumental musicians in our congregation who have participated in both regular and special worship services throughout the year. They include Helen Hui (organ), Lois Gossard (piano), Jeanne Fish (flute), Nancy Streufert (flute), Everard Hughes (clarinet), and Paul Gossard (guitar). Guest musician, Susie Laraine (saxophone) joined us for a choir anthem last spring.

Facilities and Musical Instruments

The choir room underwent a refurbishing over the summer and thanks to volunteers who contributed their time and labor, as well as money, there was no cost to the church! New blinds for the west wall window and new carpeting were donated. Paul Gossard cleaned, prepped, and provided a new coat of paint for the entire room. The room was rearranged, and the space has worked well for choir rehearsals, music camp, and other activities.

The room has a new painting of Madonna and Child, donated to the church by artist Willi McCarthy. Many thanks to Willi for her generous donation!

The church has a substantial library of choral music, and work on sorting and filing music continues. Copyright issues are being addressed as needed. New music has been purchased (donated) and added to the library.

Our instruments are in good shape. The grand piano in the sanctuary was tuned twice during the year, with Gregg Granoff (piano technician) donating his time to do some extra work on the piano prior to his concert last August. The Kegg organ was professionally tuned in early September and a broken pipe was sent to Charles Kegg for repair. I know I dont need to say how fortunate we are to have an instrument like the Kegg organ for our services and concerts and I am thankful to Doug Moorehead for his willingness to help me oversee the maintenance of this important asset to the church.

Music Events and Outside Musical Groups

We heard many fine concerts during 2014 almost one a month! Concerts held at Christ Church are either sponsored (invited and, in some cases, paid for) by the church, or are hosted by the church, e.g. an outside group has requested to use the church as a venue for a performance. Concerts are a wonderful way for Christ Church to provide a ministry of hospitality and in 2014 we welcomed hundreds of visitors from the community: wonderful musicians, their families and friends, and others. Some of them may find their way into the spiritual life of our parish, one way or another. Others will remain new friends who we will welcome back for future concerts.

37

Thank you to members of the church who helped with these concerts: ushering, taking money at the door, providing receptions, taking care of the house, hosting performers the list is goes on! Here are the concerts that took place in 2014:

January 9 Willamette University Chamber Choir and Willamette Singers (hosted by Christ Church)

February 23 Clive Driscoll-Smith, Organist (sponsored by Organ Concerts)

April 1 James Welch (Organist) with sons Nicholas and Jameson (piano and organ) (sponsored by Christ Church)

April 26 Ferndale Choir Concert (hosted by Christ Church)

May 18 Chamber Players of the Redwoods (hosted by Christ Church)

June 22 Sundays at 4: McKinleyville Community Choir (sponsored by Christ Church)

July 27 Sundays at 4: Doug Moorehead & Merry Phillips (sponsored by Christ Church)

August 24 Sundays at 4: Elizabeth Rau and Gregg Granoff (sponsored by Christ Church)

September 21 Paul Tegels and Dana Robinson, Duo-organists (sponsored by Organ Concerts at Christ Church)

December 28 Musica Poetica Concert (sponsored by Christ Church)

Music gives wings to worship

As I wrote in my November Chronicle article, I look forward to the opportunity work with the parish to explore new ideas for the music program and to define a shared vision for the music ministry at Christ Church over the next year. I especially want to explore Linda J. Clarks hypothesis that at the center of a successful music program is a vital connection between music and the life of faith of a particular congregation (from Nourishing Your Congregations Musical Life). Two facets of this process include expression (how music expresses our faith) and formation (how music forms our faith). With intentional planning, leadership, and provision of necessary resources, I believe that a shared vision encompassing all generations of our parish will develop.

In closing, I continue to feel blessed and humbled as I serve as the music director and organist at Christ Church. Thank you for your warm welcome as I began the position and special thanks for your prayers and support during these past few months. Dan and I are grateful to be part of the community of Christ Episcopal Church.

Merry Phillips Music Director and Organist Christ Episcopal Church

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FINANCE

39

Church address 15th & H Streets, Eureka, CA 95501

Mailing address PO Box 861, Eureka, CA 95502

Church phone (707) 442-1797

Church website christchurcheureka.org

Web Cast USTREAM.tv Christ Episcopal Church Eureka, CA

Church email christchurcheureka@att.net

Mother Susans email ccpriest@att.net

Mother Lesleys email klmccloghrie@gmail.com

Deacon Nancys email nancy.s.streufert@att.net

Deacon Dianas email srdianact@gmail.com

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.