A Joyful Noise July 2026

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

Senior Warden Message

Tom Young, Senior Warden

As our Nation Turns 250…..

Tom Young

Saturday July 4th is America’s 250th birthday. Celebrations across the country are planned. Parades and historical reenactments, concerts and tall ships, state fairs, and distinguished speakers. And of course: the night sky will be lit up coast to coast by tons of fireworks!

Anacortes has a lineup of events, including the town photo and patriotic program (10:00 am, 5th and Commercial Avenue), community parade (11:00 am, Commercial Avenue), live music at "Rock the Dock" (5:00 pm, Seafarers’ Memorial Park), and the fireworks display (10:15 pm, Fidalgo Bay).

When our country was barely a teenager, our Episcopal denomination was founded. The Episcopal Church was born in 1789 in Philadelphia, as an autonomous successor to the Church of England following the American Revolution. It was organized by American Anglican clergy and lay representatives, and its first bishops, including Samuel Seabury, William White, and Samuel Provoost led its foundation, establishing the American apostolic succession. Eleven US presidents have been Episcopalian.

The Episcopal Church is rich with tradition, history, and standing up for the rights of those who have no voice in the halls of power and in churches. I am glad and proud to be in the Episcopal Church!

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 242)

Ministry Support Circle News

June Cook for the Ministry Support Circle

Thank You for Your Response

‍ ‍June Cook

Thank you for your enthusiastic response to the congregation nominations step in the call to the Ministry Support Circle.  Based on your input, seven congregants have been invited and several have agreed to explore a commitment to this lay ministry.  
In July, there will be three informational meetings for these persons, after which the names of those who decide to go forward into the lay education process will be announced. Please add your prayers as we offer private space and time for our nominees to listen to the Holy Spirit’s call.  

The Christ Church Ministry Support Circle comprises The Rev. Vicki Johnson, Diane Canington, June Cook, Maggie Collinge, and Melissa Simonsen.

July Faith Formation Opportunities

Mary Ellen
Huggins

Wednesday, July 8
Film: Arrival
6:30 pm
Parish Hall Gathering Room
Arrival is considered a modern sci-fi masterpiece. This 2016 film features Amy Adams as a linguist tasked with learning how to communicate with extraterrestrials who have arrived on earth, before tensions lead to war. The thought-provoking and emotional story prioritizes communication and connection.

Sunday, July 12
Zimzum Discipleship
12:15-1:15
Parish Hall Conference Room
Zimzum Discipleship is a small-group practice rooted in reflection, conversation, and shared spiritual growth.

‍Sunday, July 19
Presentation: Sermons That Work
12:15 – 1:15
Parish Hall Conference Room
Presenter will be one of our current homilists.

Saturday, July 25
Theology Potluck
5:00 pm
Fifield Farm, 1119 41st Street, Anacortes
Presentation: The Usefulness of Heresy
Presenter: John Delautre
Over the centuries the Christian church has pursued, and often disagreed over, the true “content” of faith and the question of how believers should understand the meaning of the “Christ event.” Was he human, divine, somehow both, other? Since he was undeniably Jewish, what is our obligation to Judaism and its practices? Scripture makes no explicit reference to the Trinity, so where does that notion come from and why does it seem so important? From the earliest days of the church interpretations of these issues emerged that differed radically from what became accepted doctrine. And some of these “minority” opinions - also known as heresies - in their own time and place may well have been in the majority. This informal overview will explore some of the most durable questions about Christian faith and along the way help us understand what we ourselves believe. —John Delautre

‍All are welcome at all Faith Formation events. ‍

Questions regarding Faith Formation? Please contact Mary Ellen Huggins, 425-330-3640, hugginsmaryellen@gmail.com

Another Excellent Pride Parade

Thanks to all who made Christ Church’s participation in the 2026 Anacortes Pride Parade a success!

Camp Huston

Registration is open for Summer Camp at the Diocese of Olympia’s Camp Huston.

Find all the information at Camp Huston Summer Camp.

Pastoral Care Ministry Meeting

Thursday, July 16
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Parish Hall Gathering Room

July Designated Plate Offering

Our loose plate offering on Sunday, July 19 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 Meeting

Monday, July 20
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Parish Hall Gathering Room & Zoom.
All are welcome to attend.

Centering Prayer

Maggie
‍ ‍ Collinge

Weekly on Wednesdays
1:15-1:45 pm
Christ Church Sanctuary
All are welcome.
Questions?
Please contact Maggie Collinge, 360-202-5588, collingmargaret72@gmail.com

Evening Prayer

Rev. Vicki
Johnson

Weekly on Wednesdays
6:00-6:30 pm
Christ Church Sanctuary
All are welcome.
Questions?
Please contact The Rev. Vicki Johnson, 509-302-7364, vicki_johnson66@yahoo.com

Men’s Group

The Men’s Group meets weekly on Fridays.
8-9am
Parish Hall Gathering Room
Questions?
Please contact Tom Young, 425-263-1916, seathos@comcast.net
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

Proceeds 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 A

5 July
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 9
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: The Rev. Keith Axberg
Homilist: The Rev. Keith Axberg
Readings:
Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-15
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

12 July
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 10
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: The Rev. Keith Axberg
Homilist: Maggie Collinge
Readings:
Isaiah 55:10-13
Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-14
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

19 July
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 11
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: The Rev. Rilla Barrett
Homilist: Shirley Barrett
Readings:
Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

26 July
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost-Proper 12
10:30 am Morning Prayer
Christ Church Sanctuary
Presider: Jim Minton
Homilist: Todd Fifield
Readings:
1 Kings 3:5-12
Psalm 119:129-136
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52