A Joyful Noise July 2025

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

Senior Warden Message

Tom Young, Senior Warden

  Tom Young

For the fourth straight year, Christ Episcopal Church was a top-level sponsor of the Pride Parade and marched near the front of the parade. The so-so weather did not hinder a joyful celebration! Rev. Courtney was a major hit at the post-parade entertainment with her rousing speech! Several visitors to our table asked about Christ Church, and many freebies were handed out.

Pictures speak louder than words so here are a few for you to enjoy, along with the following note from Cid Blase, Anacortes Pride Sponsorship Chair.

Anacortes Pride Sponsorship, THANK YOU!

June 19, 2025

Good Morning to you our Fabulous Sponsors,

I am a news junkie, and especially anything concerning the LGBTQIA+ community. During this past week the horror of the hate directed from citizens, the administration, politicians, the courts and officers is overwhelming. The Pride Events around the country are shortening their events and parades due to lack of sponsorship and support. BUT!!!

We here in Anacortes have more sponsors and parade participants than ever before! We are a shining example to the rest of the country, an example of small efforts making a big difference. Due to your willingness to sponsor the Anacortes Pride Parade and Celebration we can not only go on, but we do so with strength. We know we have community support from individuals, companies, bars, restaurants, churches and more! We are spending your money wisely to make this event happen. There will be shout outs at the Causland Park Pride Celebration and on our web page. There is a map showing the location of the businesses that supported this joyful event. There will be signage that shares your info. 

Thank you for letting the public know where you stand and that DEI is as strong as ever in Anacortes.

We hope to see you at the parade! Our Pride Board Members may rush up and give you a hug, if we recognize you, so be prepared for gratitude!

With a Happy Heart,
Cid Blase
Anacortes Pride Sponsorship Chair

Congratulations to Ed Barton, Diocesan Treasurer

Exciting News!
Christ Church congregant Ed Barton will serve as Treasurer for the Diocese of Olympia, beginning July 1.

The following letter is from our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Philip LaBelle:

The Diocese of Olympia Announces New Treasurer
24 June 2025

Dear Friends,

The Rt. Rev. LaBelle

I writing to announce that Jim Beckwith, who has served as our treasurer since 2021, will be retiring at the end of June. I am very pleased to announce that our new treasurer will be Ed Barton beginning July 1.

Jim has been a tremendous partner to me as I navigated financial stewardship here in our Diocese. He will be greatly missed, and I wish him the very best in his retirement.

In discussing his retirement, Jim said, "I have often joked about being the only male in my family for three generations not an ordained Episcopal Priest. Indeed, my aunt was furious with me until she realized I was the only one who could help balance her checkbook. I leave no children; thus, you and your children and grandchildren are my family, and for you to entrust me to serve as your Treasurer has been the greatest honor of my life. I had originally planned only to serve two years, but when Bishop Rickel resigned, I felt I should stay on until we had a new bishop. It has taken nearly 8 months for Bishop LaBelle and me to find a suitable successor, and in Ed Barton, we have found an excellent one, and I feel secure in the future of the Diocese of Olympia."

Ed Barton

I met Ed in his work with Christ Church, Anacortes, and I was impressed with his financial acumen, his dedication to the work of Christ, and his deep commitment to mission. I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.

Ed Barton has a 30-year career in tax compliance, turnaround management, and financial and executive management, and has successfully worn numerous hats throughout his journey. Currently, Ed serves as a partner in Centerbridge Law Group, PLLC, and Centerbridge Accounting & Tax, LLC, where he focuses on business consulting, tax and estate planning, and turnaround consulting services. Additionally, he serves as the Chief of Staff for Prosidium Warranty and Capital of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Within the corporate world, he has held executive-level positions, including CFO at Prosidium and CEO of Bolt Digital Group in Lakeland, Florida. Ed also served as Vice President of Finance and CFO, General Counsel, and Assistant Professor of Business at Saint Martin’s University. 

Ed has a Doctorate in Education from Marshall University, as well as an MBA from Syracuse University, an LL.M. from the University of London, and a JD and BBA. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, and Attorney in the State of Washington.

Ed is a communicant at Christ Church in Anacortes and serves on the Bishop’s Committee as well as the Red Door Thrift Shop committee. He is a licensed lay preacher and serves as a eucharistic minister and reader. Ed has two daughters, Julia and Alexandra, and lives in Anacortes.

When asked to reflect on his new role as treasurer, Ed said, "I'm excited to collaborate with Bishop Phil and the diocesan team to develop a financial strategy that balances sustainability with pastoral care. Our communities are more in need of the Church's work than ever, and effective resource stewardship is crucial in providing spiritual and physical support to the marginalized and those in need. I want to build on the foundation laid by Jim and work closely with our parishes and outreach ministries to understand their needs and provide targeted support that aligns with Bishop Phil's vision for pastoral care. Together, we can foster a more resilient and compassionate diocese that serves the needs of all its communities."

Please join me in welcoming Ed to his new role in the Diocese and praying for all the best in Jim's retirement.

Blessings,
+Phil

 Congratulations, Ed!

Zimzum Discipleship

You are invited to begin the journey of Zimzum discipleship.
Sessions will be held on 2nd & 4th Sundays
12:15 pm
Parish Hall Conference Room
Questions? Please contact Betty Anne McCoy, bamccoy41@gmail.com

Zimzum discipleship is a practice centered around intentionally creating space in one's life for God, others, and the created world.  Zimzum bids us to fully become the people that God has created us to be by making space in our lives to cultivate those practices that can nurture our souls and lead us to a Christ-centered life.
Questions regarding Zimzum? Please contact The Rev. Courtney Jones, therevecj@gmail.com, or visit Diocese of Olympia Zimzum Discipleship.

Welcome to The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman

The Rev. Canon Chapman

The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman will visit Christ Church on Sunday, July 20. Canon Chapman will serve as the Presider at the 10:30 am Holy Eucharist service and will join the congregation for Coffee Hour, where she will host a Q&A session.
Please join in welcoming her to Christ Church.

Godly Play: Children’s Faith Formation

Godly Play will meet on Sunday, July 20.
Storyteller: Melissa Simonsen
Please meet in the Church for the 10:30 am service.
We will leave after the Announcements at the beginning of the service and will be back in time to celebrate the Eucharist with our church family. 
All ages are welcome.
Learn about Christ Church’s faith formation program for children at 
Godly Play.

July Designated Plate Offering

Our loose plate offering on July 20 is designated for Faith Action Network.

Faith Action Network is a diverse coalition through which thousands of people over 160 faith communities across Washington partner for the common good.  They are a powerful voice of the faithful, building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.  They advocate for congressional bills and educate in faith communities through community forums and through their four main events each year.  When issues affect our communities, FAN rallies, marches, and advocates for change in the halls of power.

Learn more at Faith Action Network.

Donations by check should be made to Christ Church with Faith Action Network in the memo line. Thank you!

Bishop’s Committee

While the Bishop’s Committee will forgo their regular monthly meeting in July, two special meetings will be held:
On Sunday, July 6, the BC will convene at Noon in the Parish Hall Conference Room.
On Sunday, July 20, they will meet with Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman following the service and Coffee Hour.

The Bishop’s Committee Wants You!

Tom Young, Senior Warden

The Bishop’s Committee wants you! Three BC members are leaving the committee in January 2026, having served their commitments. Let’s thank Martie Arnold, Diane Guinn, and Siriana Simonsen for their service. They were, and are, excellent contributors to our discussions and decision-making. They will be missed in the next session. That’s where YOU come in.

We usually nominate potential BC members, but we also want to invite anyone who is interested. Yes, you can nominate yourself! To learn more, ask me (Tom Young) or any of the BC members: Martie Arnold, Ed Barton, Diane Guinn, Geoff Holmes, Margaret Whatley, Kris Whitely, and Siriana Sorensen (youth member).

Wednesday Prayer Services

Maggie Collinge

Centering Prayer
Weekly on Wednesdays
1:15 - 1:45 pm
All are welcome at this short, simple service: a scripture reading, 20 minutes of silence, an intercessory prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer.  Questions? Please contact Maggie Collinge, 360 202-5588.

Evening Prayer
Weekly on Wednesdays
6:00 - 6:30 pm
All are welcome.

The Reverend Eric Johnson

Men’s Group

The Men’s Group meets weekly on Fridays.
9:00 – 10:00 am
Parish Hall Gathering Room
Questions? Please contact The Rev. Eric Johnson.
All are welcome.

Red Door Thrift Shop

*The Red Door Thrift Shop has a new phone number: 360-202-9966.*

Christ Church’s Red Door Thrift Shop is located at 1019 Seventh Street in Anacortes.
360-202-9966, Red Door Thrift Shop

Red Door Shopping Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 10am – 3pm

Red Door Donation Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10am – 1pm

Profits generated at the Red Door Thrift Shop fund Christ Church’s Community Support program.
Shoppers, Volunteers, & Donations are always welcome!

Celebrations!!!

Happy Anniversary to…
…Rev. Diane & Dale Ramerman on July 2

Happy Birthday to…
…Sandy Mathis on July 4
……John Guinn on July 8
………Diane Guinn on July 14
…………Diane Ramerman on July 19

Please send the month & date of your birthday, baptismal date, anniversary, and/or other special occasions so we can help you celebrate your blessings in the Joyful Noise.

Sunday Services

Please check your Weekly Update for each week’s Servers & Hymns.

YEAR C

6 July 2025
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 9
9:30 am Chandler’s Square Morning Prayer
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
1300 O Avenue, Anacortes
Presider: Melissa Simonsen
10:30 am Christ Church Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
1216 Seventh Street, Anacortes
Presider: The Rev. Courtney Jones
Deacon: The Rev. Vicki Johnson
Homilist: John Okerman
Readings:
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Galatians 6:1-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

13 July 2025
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 10
9:15 am Chandler’s Square Holy Eucharist
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
1300 O Avenue, Anacortes
Presider: The Rev. Keith Axberg
10:30 am Christ Church Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
1216 Seventh Street, Anacortes
Presider: The Rev. Keith Axberg
Deacon & Homilist: The Rev. Vicki Johnson
Readings:
Deuteronomy 30:9-14
Psalm 25:1-10
Colossians 1:1-14
Luke 10:25-37

20 July 2025
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 11
9:30 am Chandler’s Square Morning Prayer
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
1300 O Avenue, Anacortes
Presider: June Cook
10:30 am Christ Church Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
1216 Seventh Street, Anacortes
Presider: The Rev. Canon Cristi Chapman
Deacon: The Rev. Vicki Johnson
Homilist: Emily Sander
Readings:
Genesis 18:1-10a
Psalm 15
Colossians 1:15-28
Luke 10:38-42

27 July 2025
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 12
9:30 am Chandler’s Square Morning Prayer
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
1300 O Avenue, Anacortes
Presider: Maggie Collinge
10:30 am Christ Church Morning Prayer
Christ Church Sanctuary
1216 Seventh Street, Anacortes
Presider: The Rev. Vicki Johnson
Homilist: Melissa Simonsen
Readings:
Genesis 18:20-32
Psalm 138
Colossians 2:6-19
Luke 11:1-13