A Joyful Noise February 2026
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Senior Warden Message
Tom Young, Senior Warden
Tom Young
February, A Month of Transition
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
As we enter the month of February, I am keenly aware that this shortest month of the year is the beginning of my second year as Senior Warden. Here’s what I’ve learned: I am inadequate for the job. And you know, that’s OK! By myself, I am not up to the task, but with God’s help, and the help of many fellow travelers, I’m thriving in my awkward, off-beat, joyful way. It’s been a revelation to me how much this church has done, is doing, and will do. It was . . . an epiphany!
Speaking of epiphanies, February is the month in which we transition from the season of Epiphany to the season of Lent. I’m in agreement with Rev. Courtney that Ash Wednesday, February 18, is one of my favorite days of the liturgical year, because it leads us into the season of Lent.
As Marc D. Smith describes in his book Vestry Reflections:
[Lent is the season in which] we’re brought to our knees by our own sinfulness, the pain caused by others, and the suffering of the world. So too do we look to Jesus on the cross as he summoned his Father to forgive those who put him to death.
Lent is a time for us all to reflect on forgiveness, reconciliation, and how we can best serve God while discovering what new joy He has in store for us. On that note, the Hospitality Team, Altar Guild, and Pastoral Care team are always looking for new members!
Annual Meeting Elections
Diana Hunt
The following were elected at Christ Church’s Annual Meeting, held on January 25:
Bishop’s Committee
Diana Hunt for a 3-year term
Jim Minton for a 3-year term
Jim Minton
Diana and Jim join Bishop’s Committee members Tom Young (Senior Warden), Margaret Whatley (People’s Warden), Ed Barton, Geoff Holmes, and Kris Whitely.
Diocesan Convention Delegates
MJ Barrett
Tom Young
Diocesan Convention Alternates
Sharman Badgett-Young
Kay Landis
Congratulations to all and thank you for your service to Christ Church.
Faith Formation Opportunities
February - April
What Is TCM, Anyway?
A Two-Part Series Exploring Total Common Ministry
The Rev. Diane
Ramerman
Sundays, February 1 & 15
12:15 pm
Facilitators: The Rev. Diane Ramerman & the Ministry Support Circle
Parish Hall Conference Room
New to Christ Church? Curious how leadership, ministry, and decision-making work here? This two-part series explores Total Common Ministry (TCM)—the model that shapes how we share leadership, discern vocation, and live our mission together.
We’ll explore:
-What Total Common Ministry is (and what it isn’t)
-How Christ Church practices shared leadership
-What this model means for lay ministry, clergy roles, and community life
This series will be especially helpful for newcomers, new leaders, and
anyone who’s ever thought, “Wait… how does this actually work?”
All are welcome.
Zimzum Discipleship
Mary Ellen
Huggins
Zimzum meets twice monthly, on 2nd & 4th Sundays
12:15 - 1:15 pm
Parish Hall Conference Room
Topic for February: Creation Justice
Zimzum Discipleship is a small-group practice rooted in reflection, conversation, and shared spiritual growth. These gatherings create space to notice where God is at work in our lives, listen deeply to one another, and discern how our faith takes shape in everyday living.
For those looking for a relational, reflective way to engage Lent, Zimzum can be an especially meaningful practice. You’re welcome to try it once, or make it part of your regular Lenten rhythm.
Questions? Please contact Mary Ellen Huggins, hugginsmaryellen@gmail.com, or The Rev. Eric Johnson, anacorteseric@gmail.com
All are welcome.
Lenten Rule of Life
The Reverend
Courtney Jones
Informational Session
Thursday, February 12
4pm
Zoom
Lent is not necessarily about “giving something up” —it’s about living more intentionally. This session introduces the idea of a Rule of Life: a simple, prayerful framework for shaping daily rhythms around prayer, rest, work, and relationship.
At this informational meeting, we’ll explore:
-What a Rule of Life is (and what it isn’t)
-How it can support spiritual growth during Lent
-What participating in a small Rule of Life group might look like
Rule of Life Group Gatherings
Gatherings begin the week of February 22
Day & time will be set by participants at the Informational Session. Those who wish to continue will help shape a Lenten Rule of Life small group, meeting regularly for mutual encouragement and reflection.
No prior experience or previous participation required.
If you’ve done this before, you’re very welcomed and encouraged to attend again!
All are welcome.
Diocesan Class for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation
Sunday Evenings
February 22—April 19 (exclusive of Easter Sunday)
Hosted by the Diocese of Olympia
Zoom
This Diocesan offering will offer a Zoom-based confirmation class for those exploring:
-Baptism
-Confirmation
-Reception into the Episcopal Church
-Reaffirmation of Baptismal vows
This course provides space to engage Christian faith, Episcopal theology, and discipleship in conversation with others across the diocese. Classes will be led by a variety of personalities from across the Diocese, including Rev. Courtney Jones and Bishop Phil LaBelle. It is well-suited for adults seeking a deeper grounding in faith or preparing to be confirmed, received, or to reaffirm their baptismal vows on Cathedral Day, which will be held at St. Mark’s Cathedral on April 25.
Registration details will be shared as soon as they are available.
A Youth option, which runs February 8—April 19 (exclusive of Easter Sunday), is also available.
All are welcome.
Mini-Series: Sunday Morning Shenanigans
Sundays, March 1, March 15, & April 19
12:15 pm
Facilitator: Rev. Courtney & friends
Parish Hall Conference Room
The Episcopal Church and Its Liturgy
-Why do Episcopalians worship the way we do?
-Why the standing, kneeling, crossing, repetition, funny clothes, and all the ritual?
-While we at it - what’s actually happening at the Eucharist?
Topics in This Series:
March 1
The Liturgy of the Word
March 15
The Liturgy of the Table
April 19
What Makes the Episcopal Church “Episcopal”?
Designed for the new, new-ish, and longtime members who want to deepen their understanding of our worship.
Questions will be invited!
Curiosity is highly encouraged.
Dinner at the Brick
Christ Church will host Dinner at the Brick on February 8, led by Stephanie Galbraith & Dan Moore.
Dan & Stephanie
Dinner at the Brick, a program of Westminster Presbyterian Church, offers a free dinner to the community each Sunday at 4:30 pm.
Volunteers are needed to help with several jobs, including shopping, cooking, serving, setting up, and cleaning up. To volunteer, please contact Stephanie at sdgalbraith1963@gmail.com or Dan at dam1966@mac.com.
February Designated Plate Offering
The plate offering on Sunday, February 15, is designated for the Anacortes Boys & Girls Club.
The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Anacortes Club provides a safe, fun, and positive space for youth ages 6 to 18 to thrive in where they engage in targeted programs, focusing on priority outcomes of academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.
Learn more at Boys & Girls Club.
Donations by check should be made to Christ Church with Anacortes Boys & Girls Club in the memo line. Thank you!
Bishop’s Committee Meeting
Monday, February 16
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Parish Hall Gathering Room & Zoom.
All are welcome to attend.
Shrove Tuesday Soup Supper
Tuesday, February 17
6pm
Parish Hall Gathering Room
Soup Supper, featuring Jambalaya!
Hosted by the Men’s Group
All are welcome.
Ash Wednesday
Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes
Wednesday, February 18
Noon & 6pm
Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes
Christ Church Sanctuary
Noon
Presider: Rev. Diane Ramerman
Homilist: Rev. Courtney Jones
6pm
Presider & Homilist: Rev. Courtney Jones
Ash Wednesday Bulletin
Commissioning of Worship Leaders
Melissa, Sharman, Ed, Jim, Todd
Our new Worship Leaders were commissioned at the January 25 service.
Thank you to new Worship Leaders
Sharman Badgett-Young
Ed Barton
Todd Fifield
Jim Minton
Melissa Simonsen
and to continuing Worship Leaders Shirley Barrett, Maggie Collinge, June Cook, and John Okerman.
Christ Church Youth Group
Christ Church’s Youth Group meets monthly for a special activity. Please check the Weekly Updates for the Youth Group schedule.
All youth in middle school and high school are welcome to join in.
Youth Group leaders are Melissa Simonsen, Mark Perschbacher, and Rev. Courtney Jones. Questions? Please contact Melissa at mvsimonsen@gmail.com
Evening Prayer Services
Wednesdays, February 4, 11, & 25
6:00 - 6:30 pm
All are welcome.
Men’s Group
The Rev. Eric
Johnson
The Men’s Group meets weekly on Fridays.
*New Meeting Time*
8:00 – 9:00 am
Parish Hall Gathering Room
Questions? Please contact The Rev. Eric Johnson.
All are welcome.
Red Door Thrift Shop
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 & Wednesday: 10am – 1pm
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 10am - 3pm
Profits generated at the Red Door Thrift Shop fund Christ Church’s Community Support program.
Shoppers, Volunteers, & Donations are always welcome!
Celebrations!!!
Happy Birthday Wishes to…
…Shirley Barrett on February 3
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 A
1 February 2026
The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: The Rev. Keith Axberg
Homilist: Todd Fifield
Readings:
Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12
8 February 2026
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: The Rev. Courtney Jones
Homilist: The Rev. Eric Johnson
Readings:
Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 112:1-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Matthew 5:13-20
15 February 2026
The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: The Rev. Courtney Jones
Homilist: Tom Young
Readings:
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9
18 February 2026
Ash Wednesday
Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes
Noon & 6pm
Christ Church Sanctuary
Noon
Presider: Rev. Diane Ramerman
Homilist: Rev. Courtney Jones
6pm
Presider & Homilist: Rev. Courtney Jones
Readings:
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 103: 8-14
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
22 February 2026
The First Sunday in Lent
10:30 am Morning Prayer
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: Jim Minton
Homilist: Shirley Barrett
Readings:
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11