SEASONS SEASONS
A D V E N T
TIMELESS FAITH FOR TODAY
Christ Church is a historic Episcopal Congregation that serves the spiritual needs of today. Our congregation is a place of inclusivity, hospitality, community, and discipleship. We have a place for you! ABOUT US
6329 FREDERICA ROAD • ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA 31522 912-638-8683 • WWW.CCFSSI.ORG
STAFF CLERGY
ST. IGNATIUS CHAPEL
2609 DEMERE RD., ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA 31522.
The Very Rev. Tom Purdy Rector
The Rev. Ashton Williston Associate Rector
The Rev. Deacon Becky Dorrell
The Rev. Deacon Deb Luginbuhl
ASSISTING CLERGY
The Rev. Bill Barton
The Rt. Rev. Charles Bennison
The Rev. Dr. Bob Brown, UMC
The Rev. Becky Rowell
VOLUNTEER LAY ASSOCIATES
Beryl Blatchford
PROGRAM AND SUPPORT STAFF
Glenn Queener
Parish Administrator
Jim Broussard
Organist and Choirmaster
Harrison Branch
Sexton & Cemetery Superintendent
Lily Packard
Communications Associate
Ebonee Moore
Bookkeeper
CONTENTS
PAGE 3
The Feast of the Incarnation: The First Light of Our Salvation Fr. Tom Purdy
Seasons of Grace: Walking the Liturgical Year in the Episcopal Tradition PAGE 5
PAGE 7
“Rejoice! Rejoice!”: Longing for Emmanuel in the Season of Advent
PAGE 8
Mtr. Ashton Williston
Jim Broussard
The Gentle Power of Pastoral Care Lily Packard
PAGE 10
A Sacred Path: Finding Peace on the Labyrinth
PAGE 11
The Gift of Scripture: How Studying Together Brings the Bible to Life
PAGE 13
Deacon Deb Luginbuhl
Fr. Bill Barton
Joy Through The Eyes Of A Child Leslie Deets
PAGE 14
Walking Among the Saints Lily Packard
PAGE 17
Life at Christ Church
The Feast of the Incarnation: The First Light of Our Salvation
The Very Rev. Tom Purdy
Christmas and Easter are the two most important feast days in the Church year. Christmas is important because we celebrate the birth of Christ. Easter is when we celebrate his second birth, so to speak, when he rose from the dead. Christians tend to focus on one more than the other, while other Christians concentrate instead on a third day, Good Friday, the day our Lord died. For Anglicans, I’ve heard it said Christmas is our principal day in some ways, despite the importance of Easter.
Christmas is known as the Feast of the Incarnation, when God becomes incarnate, or takes on human form. It is the moment of decisive action on God’s part to come near to God’s people and literally meet them where they are. It is the moment of decision when God has acted to reestablish the relationship with God’s people and make the way of salvation known in an unmistakable way. Well, it was mistaken by some people, but as we have come to know Jesus, we realize what that gift of salvation truly means for the world and for us.
“But as we have come to know Jesus, we realize what that gift of salvation truly means for the world and for us.”
Focusing on the Incarnation emphasizes God’s choice for us. It recenters us in God’s heart, so to speak. It reminds us that God’s love for us was so strong that it could overcome all the brokenness and darkness of this world. We were not left to sit in darkness, as the Advent season explores. Instead, God re-created a light for the world, so to speak, by sending the light we know of Jesus Christ into our darkened world, even though that light was already there and wasn’t actually re-created. This is part of the reason John’s Gospel echoes the structure of the Creation story in its opening verses. The light shone in the darkness then, and shines in the darkness now.
“God’s love for us was so strong that it could overcome all the brokenness and darkness of this world”
Jesus’ birth is the first step in God’s action. It inaugurated the salvation of the world and began the life that changed the world forever. Starting with the birth of the Christ Child to the young girl, Mary, we see love on display in the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus. All that we know of God through Jesus is only possible because of what happened on that first Christmas night. It is the beginning of beginnings, and worthy of its continuing important place in our lives as a result.
I still roll my eyes when I see Christmas decorations going up right after Halloween, but I’m no longer as Grinchy as I was as a young priest, so eager to prove my devotion to the season of Advent. Over time, I’ve accepted that the cultural celebration of Christmas will never wait on the church or for the
proper” season of Christmas, which doesn’t end but BEGINS on December 25 . Over time, I’ve accepted that the cultural celebration of Christmas will never wait on the church or for the “proper” season of Christmas, which doesn’t end but BEGINS on December 25th. Extending the Christmas season in either direction from Christmas Day is a valuable practice, if it helps us celebrate and embody the true reason we decorate, exchange gifts, feast together, and re-tell the story. th
The Incarnation infuses our seasons, secular and sacred, with invitations to kindness and service. We remember that God loved the world, and ALL the people in it, so much that God gave the world the Christ child. If God can love us all, despite our failures and imperfections, we can strive to extend the same to others. This is a season when we naturally turn outward toward others, a season when we give more freely, without expecting anything in return, as it should be. If only Christmas were a seasonal touchstone year-round.
“If God can love us all, despite our failures and imperfections, we can strive to extend the same to others.”
So, although Advent invites us to quiet, restrained –yet joyful – preparation for Christmas, let the season work in you for as long as it can, decorations, carols, cookies, and all. And don’t worry about Advent Grinches. This is a season for feasting and for inviting others to join us at God’s abundant and overflowing table.
Christmas Service Schedule 2025
We hope you will join us for these special holiday services.
Christmas Eve at Christ Church
Christmas Pageant with Eucharist December 24 | 4:00 PM
Christmas Eve Services with Eucharist December 24 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 11:00 PM
Christmas Day at St. Ignatius
Christmas Day Service with Eucharist December 25 | 10:30 AM
Seasons of Grace: Walking the Liturgical Year in the Episcopal Tradition
The Rev. Ashton Williston
I have always loved the rich traditions of the Episcopal Church. The familiarity of the weekly liturgies: the procession of acolytes, choir, and clergy singing beautiful hymns; the seamless transition into the liturgy of the word; greeting one another at the peace; meeting Jesus at the altar during Holy Eucharist.
Bishop Neil Alexander, in his book Celebrating Liturgical Time, writes, “The tradition shapes our lives and the practice of our prayer by giving shape to our days and weeks, our seasons and years. Our days are framed by light and darkness, our weeks by the steady drumbeat of Sunday after Sunday. We shape the seasons of our prayer around two principal foci: incarnation and resurrection.” The heart of the Episcopal church’s liturgical year is cyclical alongside God’s seasonal creation, which informs our worship services as seasons change.
“Our days are framed by light and darkness, our weeks by the steady drumbeat of Sunday after Sunday.”
On Sunday, November 30th, we begin a new year with the season of Advent. As the days grow darker and colder, the church is adorned differently. The altar hangings and vestments change to the color blue or purple, and the altar flowers become simple greenery. Why do we do this? The season of Advent is a penitential time of year while we wait for the incarnation of Christ. The four Sundays of Advent foreshadow Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection while anticipating his birth.
church is filled with joyous music, flowers, and light. The Christmas season ends on January 6th with Epiphany. Epiphany recalls the arrival of the wise men after following a star to the place where Jesus was born. On Epiphany we recognize the gifts given to the Holy Family.
The season after Epiphany is marked by a change to green in the liturgy, representing “ordinary time” in the church. The color green suggests a time for growth. Lectionary readings in this season allow us to walk with Jesus and learn from his teachings and ministry. The season after Epiphany lasts until Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.
After Advent, the church and the liturgy change once again. The birth of Jesus has arrived, and to celebrate, the liturgical colors change to bright white. During Christmas, which begins on December 25th and lasts for twelve days, the -
The color changes to purple. Lenten hymns have themes of despair, and the altar flowers become sticks. In this penitential season we set our faces toward Jerusalem with Jesus as we journey to his crucifixion. The scripture is filled with themes of forgiveness, persecution, death, and foreshadowing of resurrection. Remember, Sundays during Lent do
not count towards the forty days length of the season. Each Sunday is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. That celebration is reflected in the Holy Eucharist. The last week of Lent is known as Holy Week. The purple changes to red, which represents Christ’s blood and the Holy Spirit. There’s a juxtaposition!
The principal service in the entire church calendar is the Great Easter Vigil. The service begins in complete darkness, symbolizing Jesus’ death. There are nine scripture passages to retell the story of God’s promise and action throughout time.
The darkness is broken by a loud noise and light that reveals the beauty of the church with its white and gold vestments and altar hangings. The church is adorned with the sweet smell of flowers, and we celebrate Christ's resurrection with our songs of Alleluia. The darkness of death has been overcome. We celebrate Easter for fifty days ten days longer than Lent.
Outside, the seasons have changed with the church's liturgical year. The darkness of winter has broken, and the new life of spring has sprung. The Easter season concludes with the feast of Pentecost.
We often say that Pentecost is the church's birthday. White linens change to red, representing the Holy Spirit, who has come down to accompany us on our earthly journey after Jesus’ ascension. The Season after Pentecost is another season of ordinary time. We enter late spring, the summer months, and then fall. Green is the most used liturgical color because the season after Pentecost is when we do most of our growing. We walk with Jesus through the majority of his ministry. We learn about love, forgiveness, healing, miracles, and that Jesus is the Son of God.
“We walk with Jesus through the majority of his ministry. We learn about love, forgiveness, healing, miracles, and that Jesus is the Son of God.”
Bishop Alexander explains, “All together these days and weeks and seasons comprise the church’s year of grace, the annual telling of the church’s story of Jesus together with generous reminders of what it means to follow him, share his moral vision, engage his mission, and demand from ourselves a passion for holy justice that he would recognize.” Then the Episcopal calendar year begins again.
Jim Broussard
Many advent hymns reflect the duality of the season: the expectation of the birth of Christ and his return at the second coming. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is no exception as it echoes that same sentiment of the Advent season. Translated by J.M. Neale in 1851, this hymn was a chant used during the last seven days of Advent vespers. The original title was Veni, Veni Emmanuel, it was a call and response in Latin stating, “I shall be with you tomorrow.”
An invitation is given to the desire of nations, Haggai 2:7, with a specific request to unite the hearts of all mankind to one another. Emmanuel, the one we hope for, is anticipated by all the nations. He is the one who can bid our sad divisions to cease. He is the one who can be our King of Peace.
O come, desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind Bid Thou our sad divisions cease And be Thyself our King of peace
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Each line speaks to us in this season as we long for Christ. As we anticipate his arrival we are asked to rejoice. Rejoice in the midst of our daily troubles and economic challenges. Rejoice in the midst of racial and social justice divisions. Our hope and great gladness can only be found in Emmanuel, God who is with us and shall be with us until the ends of the earth. Rejoice! Rejoice!
Advent Lessons And Carols
Sunday, December 14, 2025
7:00 PM | Parish Hall
Join us for a candlelit evening of sacred music and scripture as we celebrate the hope and beauty of the Advent season. We hope that this night of readings and song will help prepare our hearts for that most “special beauty,” the beauty of Christ in His Incarnation, as we prepare our hearts to receive well the newborn Child at Christmas.
Our Parish Choir, featured soloists, and a string quartet will offer a selection of traditional carols, choral anthems, and instrumental works that illuminate the themes of Advent.
The Gentle Power of Pastoral Care
Lily Packard
We often struggle with the right words to share with others who have been in the hospital and have fallen ill. It can be incredibly difficult to convey how much we care due to fear of saying the wrong thing or the wrong phrase, and because sickness can be a difficult topic to discuss. This can be the case with friends, colleagues, and fellow parishioners. However, as I have become more integrated into Christ Church, I have found that to be the opposite case with our Pastoral Care Team and our Lay Pastoral Care Associate, Beryl Blatchford, who has carried that title for several years now.
I see Beryl Blatchford each week as an involved layperson at Christ Church. We often chat as she is coming in to work on several projects, and I knew her title, but this fall I got to experience her profound love and care for others in action. After my dad fell ill this fall, Beryl was in the hospital regularly, not only checking in on him but making him feel a sense of normalcy during a time of uncertainty. Beryl laid a prayer shawl at his feet and reminded him of God’s love while also making him laugh by saying she was indeed not a space alien while she was dressed in protective gear. Now that my dad is out of the hospital, he will still remember moments of Beryl visiting and smile and laugh in remembrance, even though the memories also recall a tough time.
Beryl has done this with countless others, and it is a beautiful ministry offered for parishioners and beloved members of our community behind the scenes. It is something you may not experience until you are in the hospital or have a loved one there, but it is such a strong part of our Christ Church community. When there with members, it is her goal to bring “the presence of Christ Church and let them know how loved they are.”
She says that simply being by someone ' s side has power in it by going in and focusing solely on them. This may be seen in bringing a prayer shawl or Eucharist or just being a comforting presence and someone to talk to. When speaking to Beryl, she said that pastoral care in this time is “just being at the hospital with them, showing the church is always thinking about you and can be something as simple as getting a cup of water for someone.” It is the act of “being with them, helping them, or praying with them.”
“It is the act of “being with them, helping them, or praying with them.””
While Beryl would never openly speak about this, I wanted to share the strong impact her love had on me and my family and how it has impacted many others. I am so in awe of this community and the ways that love is shown through pastoral care. I am especially in awe of Beryl Blatchford and the way she cares and brings God’s love to others. Her ministry is a quiet reminder of how deeply Christ’s love is lived out within our parish.
A Sacred Path: Finding Peace on the Labyrinth
Rev. Deb Luginbuhl
Walking a labyrinth is walking a sacred path. It is one of the oldest contemplative tools for humankind and its ancient design has been found as far back as 3,000 years in a variety of forms. The design has been discovered in petroglyphs, basket-weaving, and other art found around the world. Labyrinths are designed for contemplative walking. They offer a safe space for personal reflection and spiritual pilgrimage. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. In the simple act of walking, the soul finds solace and peace.
The eleven-circuit Labyrinth at Christ Church is a replica of the one laid into the stone floor at Chartres Cathedral in France, which was built early in the 13th century. Medieval Christians would visit the Chartres labyrinth using it as a symbolic pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. Today it is probably the most walked labyrinth in the world. The Labyrinth at Christ Church figures prominently into the regular program offerings from The Contemplative Well at Christ Church. Trained facilitators offer monthly guided labyrinth walks often with a theme upon which to meditate.
In November, we offered a Land Acknowledgment Labyrinth Walk prayerfully acknowledging all who lived, loved and labored on St. Simons Island beginning with the prehistoric tribes who resided here over 3,000 years ago. A spoken litany accompanied the walkers as they silently placed their footsteps while contemplating the historic footsteps of our ancestors who also walked this island.
The holidays aren’t a treasured time for everyone. Our Blue Christmas Labyrinth Walk in early December offers healing, love, and hope for those navigating sadness, loneliness, or isolation during the busy holiday season. The walk offers support for those who may be grieving as well as offering a pause for silence, stillness, and a connection to God during this busy time. Join us on New Year’s
“The labyrinth is itself an astoundingly precise model of the spiritual understanding of the universe.”- Keith Critchlow
Day for a guided labyrinth walk that will welcome in 2026 and the possibility for spiritual wholeness in the new year.
As the Reverend Lauren Artress says, “it is the path of meditation or contemplation which leads us to the center of our being.” Artress is credited with reintroducing the labyrinth to Americans beginning in the 1990s at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco. “The labyrinth can be a tremendous help in quieting the mind, because the body is moving. Movement takes away the excess charge of psychic energy that disturbs our efforts to quiet our thought processes.”When we allow our minds to be empty of thought we enter into a deep silence, a state from which we gain deep refreshment. Gregory the Great called this state “resting in God.”
A walk on the Labyrinth at Christ Church is a walk towards spiritual wholeness, a state of inner harmony where one’s spirit, mind, and body are integrated and aligned.
Walk the Labyrinth at Christ Church
Upcoming Facilitated Walks
Blue Christmas Walk
Saturday, December 6 | 2:00 pm
Offering comfort, peace, and companionship during the holidays
New Year’s Day Walk
Thursday, January 1 | 2:00 pm
Welcoming 2026 with intention and spiritual renewal
Valentine’s Day Walk
Saturday, February 14 | 2:00 pm
The Contemplative Well at Christ Church
A contemplative walk centered in love and compassion
The Labyrinth is open daily and available for personal prayer and silent walking during daylight hours. It is located directly across from Christ Church and fully ADA accessible from Frederica Road.
Ancient Christian Traditions for a Contemporary World
Centering Prayer
Each Wednesday 12:00 - 12:30 pm
St. Ignatius Chapel
Contemplative Worship
Each Sunday | 5:00 pm
St. Ignatius Chapel
Experience a space for quiet reflection and spiritual renewal. Stay informed about upcoming offerings by signing up for our weekly newsletter. Please reach out to contemplativewell@ccfssi.org to be added.
The Gift of Scripture: How Studying Together Brings the Bible to Life
Rev. Bill Barton
In my first semester in college I was requires to take a class on the Bible. It was taught both as literature and as sacred text and I truly disliked the class. I had been raised as an Episcopalian. I had gone to church regularly my entire life. I had learned the basic Bible stories one learns in Sunday school as a child: Adam and Eve, Noah and the Flood, various stories about Moses. I had a sense that the Pharisees were bad. I knew the outline of the story of Jesus and a few of the parables, but the Bible, apparently, had never really been a central part of my church life and I don’t think I was unusual in that. It was full of people whose names I could not pronounce who lived in places I knew nothing about. I had heard it read in church on Sundays since I was a child, but those passages never had any particular context from week to week. In my entire life in the church to that point I never remembered a single sermon, (about the Bible or anything else) except for the one I gave (not about the Bible) one Youth Sunday when I was 17 and believe me, you didn’t miss anything.
the Bible. Their willingness to share their knowledge and experience with scripture and the ability to do this in a community of faithful people made all the difference.
Church was still important, but I was ignorant about the Bible. How in the world did that happen, because again I don’t think I was that unique in my unfamiliarity with scripture.
In the Episcopal church historically, we haven’t done a very good job teaching scripture and that needs to change, and we are changing that here at Christ Church.
I was in my 30’s before I began to take the Bible a little more seriously.
In my early 40’s I fell in with a group of wonderful clergy and laity who met to discuss all things religious. They began to provide me with the context I wanted (though I could not have told you at the time that context was one of the things I was seeking) and they were knowledgeable about
“Their willingness to share their knowledge and experience with scripture and the ability to do this in a community of faithful people made all the difference.”
It got even better in seminary. I had teachers who were steeped in scripture and its study. I had access to a truly wonderful theology library, and a group of people with whom to read and study together, because the Bible, while it is fine to read alone, is so much more ready to reveal its wisdom and spirit when read and studied in community.
I get that the Bible can be both intimidating and off-putting. While today I could not imagine my daily life without the Bible it took some work and support to get here. I am grateful for the guidance I had along the way. As Episcopal Christians we understand that God reveals God’s self in history and the Bible is the primary revelation of God. You may be familiar with the Outline of the Faith, commonly called the Catechism, beginning on page
845 of the Book of Common Prayer. It says this in part about the Bible:
Q. Why do we call the Holy Scriptures the Word of God.
A. We call the Holy Scriptures the Word of God because God inspired their human authors and because God still speaks to us through the Bible.
As our Collect for November 16 reads in part when speaking of Holy Scripture: “…grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them…”.
Without experience and grounding in scripture our faith is not only less rich than it could be; it is untethered, growing thin and rocky soil as well. We are immensely fortunate here at Christ Church to have access to ongoing classes and groups which allow us to read and discuss the Bible in a community of faithful people. There is no substitute for that shared experience. We can learn to pronounce the names, and we can learn the location of all those far off places, but to read and study the inspired Word of God together is a gift and its fun. I invite you to find your place here and spend some time encountering the Bible with other faithful people and then hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the word of God.
Formation Opportunities
Men’sStudyGroup
Wednesdays | 10:30 AM
Vestry Room
The Men’s Study Group meets to discuss a book chosen by members of the group. Topics might include biblical study, philosophy, spirituality, or history.
InterpretersTable
Thursdays | 11:00 AM
Vestry Room
The Interpreter’s Table is a weekly Bible study led by Bishop Charles and Father Bill. Moving thoughtfully through just a few verses at a time, the group explores historical context and contemporary meaning.
Advent Book Study
Exploring Holy Disruption
Thursdays | 12:30 PM Begins December 4
As a special adult formation offering for Advent, there will be a three-week exploration of Holy Disruption: Discovering Advent in the Gospel of Mark by Tracy Daub.
Women’s Study Group
All women are welcome to join this group as we read and discuss books throughout the year. Meeting dates will be announced once they are confirmed.
Joy Through The Eyes Of A Child
Leslie Deets
“Webster defines “Joy” as, “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or the prospect of possessing what one desires.”
I’ve found that to be true, however my definition has changed as the years have passed.
When I was much younger and first introduced to Saint Simons Island, I remember “Joy” differently than I do now as an adult. I saw Joy through the eyes of a child.
As a child, “Joy” was simple and uncomplicated and associated with first memories of Saint Simons.
As a family, we spent every June on the island. As soon as school was released for summer, we started packing! Like most, we began our long migration from Atlanta to Saint Simons. Because of my size, I was delegated to the rear facing bench seat of a wood paneled station wagon with an anxious small dog in tow watching the city grow smaller and my anticipation of the island grow larger. Bikes, bingo, sand, sunburns and gold brick ice cream treats defined my (Good Fortune ).
“Are we there yet?” was repeatedly questioned. “Not yet!” or “You should’ve thought of that before we left!” was the irritated and consistent answer I received.
I didn’t care. I knew what was coming. (Well-Being)
“Joy” to me at that time smelled like pulp burning, salt at that fabulous left turn from Highway 17 that drove us across the causeway to the island that I spent all my happiest summers on. (The Prospect Of Possessing What One Desires)
I now have the good fortune of living here full time. (Success) Tom and I settled on Island Living and became a part of the community of Christ Church in January 2025. Newbies by most island standards.
This island heals me. It’s a part of me and continues to be an internal part of my past, present and hopeful future.
Webster finishes the definition of “Joy” as, “a source or cause of delight and is synonymous with great pleasure, happiness, and elation.”
Or is that the definition of Christ Church and its community?
I think so.
Walking Among the Saints
Lily Packard
This fall, we were able to bring back a beloved tradition that has not happened since 2020. This took place not in the Parish Hall, St. Ignatius, or Christ Church, but in our cemetery. We celebrated All Saints’ Day and our loved ones who have gone before us with a guided walk through our cemetery that was filled with more than eight hundred candles on graves and along the walk. It was an incredibly beautiful sight to see the glimmering candles filling the space and showing how many beloved saints are with us at Christ Church.
“It was an incredibly beautiful sight to see the glimmering candles filling the space and showing how many beloved saints are with us at Christ Church.”
The walk began at the end of the cemetery near the Parish Hall, as folks were guided from station to station. There was liturgy and music at each station, and groups ended in the church where our choir gave a special performance. Families came to decorate graves of their loved ones with flowers, candles, and photos. It was a candlelit walk of remembrance and honor for our saints.
A potluck also took place that was made up entirely of dishes that reminded our parishioners of their loved ones who have died. It was amazing to see dishes made with such love and fond memories and to hear the preparers talk about what they’d made and why. It is such a special thing to feel connected to those we may not be able to see anymore but that we know are still there with us, waiting in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Breakfast with St. Nicholas
December 7 | 10:15 AM
Parish Hall
Breakfast with St. Nicholas will take place again this year on December 7th during Coffee Hour! Come and join us for this special time of holiday activities and a visit with St. Nicholas.
Christmas Pageant
December 24 | 4:00 PM
Christ Church
Our Christmas Pageant will take place during the 4:00 PM Christmas Eve Service. Children and youth will present a live portrayal of the Nativity, supported by music and spoken liturgy. We invite you to join us for this cherished Christ Church tradition.
Memorial Poinsettias for Christmas
Honor the memory of a loved one this holiday season.
Parishioners are invited to purchase memorial poinsettias, which will be listed in the bulletins for each Christmas worship service. It is $35 for each poinsettia. The Deadline is Sunday, December 14.
To participate, please send the name(s) of those being remembered along with a check payable to CCF Flower Guild to:
402 Palm Court, Saint Simons Island, GA
Christmas Baskets
This season, Christ Church is collecting donations for our annual Christmas Food Baskets, providing meals and hope to families in need. Your generosity helps us ensure every family can enjoy a Ch i di D i b d li o p a
Regular Outreach Opportunities
There are a number of ways that you can serve others in our community.
Backpack Buddies
Our signature outreach ministry, volunteers meet every other Wednesday to pack bags for school-aged children who live at or below the poverty level. To become involved with Backpack Buddies reach out to: Susan Shipman, susanshipman920@gmail.com
Manna House
Join our CCF team as we prepare a lunch for hundreds of our neighbors in Brunswick at the Manna House Soup Kitchen. Contact: Deacon Becky, btdorrell@gmail.com
Brown Bags for Seniors
Each 2nd Friday of the month we travel to Second Harvest to help distribute food boxes to local seniors in need of food support. Contact: Deacon Becky, btdorrell@gmail.com
Holiday Volunteer Opportunity: Bell Ringing
We have a new volunteer opportunity this season! Join Christ Church volunteers ringing the Salvation Army bell at the St. Simons Post Office! Each shift is two hours, and we need two volunteers per shift.
Thursday, December 4th Thursday, December 11th Friday, December 19th
Sign up with Deb Holland to spread holiday cheer (debholland57@gmail.com)!
Beneath The Oaks: Christ Church Cookbook
Our Beneath the Oaks Cookbook is the perfect holiday gift for friends and family. Filled with cherished recipes and local charm, it’s sure to delight anyone who loves good food.
Pick up your copy this holiday season at these locations:
Christ Church
Edward’s on St. Simons
GJ Ford Bookstore
Golden Isles Olive Oil
Jekyll Beverages, Jekyll Island Maggies
Restoration Imports
Righton Books
SSI Style
St. Simons Drug Store
St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
St. Simons Welcome Center
The Cloister Gift Shop
Two Friends
Out of town purchase options:
Appointments at Five, Athens
Charleston Street, Augusta
Cottage Shop, Savannah
Lucy’s Market, Buckhead
Life at Christ Church
Celebrating our newest Deacon, Deb Luginbuhl!
All Hallows’ Eve 2025 was a blast!
We had the pleasure of hearing from local sculptor, Kevin Pullen, at one of our Wednesday Night Programs.
We had a spooktacular time at this year’s Phantom of the Organ performance!
celebrated our beloved Frances Graves at St. Ignatius on her 103rd birthday!
We had many furry friends with us for Blessing of the Animals this fall!
We
Our 2025 Pig Pickin’ and Annual Fund Kickoff!
Our Sunday School students celebrating Thanksgiving with turkey crafts!
