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THE WEEKLY E-PISTLE
News & Updates
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SERVING THIS SUNDAY
Celebrant: Rev. Matthew McDermott
Preacher: Rev. Matthew McDermott
Deacon: Rev. Lauren P. McCombs
Organist: Lauren Wittine
Acolyte: Michael K.
Altar Guild: Mary Soubirous
Greeter: Liz Laderman
Usher: Ross Soubirous
Lesson: Danny Alegria
Epistle: Annemarie Redmond
Intercessor: Casey McKibben
LEM: Annemarie Redmond
Audio-Visual: Angela Hey, Lincoln M., Eamon M.
Flowers: Pam kaufmann
Coffee Hour: Women of the Spirituality Group
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Sunday, November 1 All Saints' Day
Church Service 10:00 am
Dia De Los Muertos Coffee hour 11:00 am
Outreach in Faith 12:30 pm
Fauré’s Requiem 5:00 pm at St. Mark's Palo Alto
Monday, November 2 All Souls' Day
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
Wednesday, November 4
Women's Spirituality 10:00 am
Thursday, November 5
Children's choir rehearsal 6:30 pm
Adult choir rehearsal 7:30 pm
Friday, November 6
Silent Movie "The Freshman" 7:00 pm
Saturday, November 7
Episcopal Outreach Exchange 10:00 am
Making dinner for Coast House Shelter 2:00 pm
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Pray for the special needs of our congregation and lift up the following individuals to God in prayer:
Remembrance
Steve Millard, Mary Jo Hossfeld, Courtney Terwilliger, Richard Pepper, Anne Seipp, Joe Redmond, Gretchen Preston, Robert Falconer, Mary Althea Truitt, Leonard Reed, Robert Patton McCombs & Sallie Karen Bray Folmer McCombs
Healing
Mark Flegel, Eric Midiere, Ward Paine, Barbara Creed, Chet Wrucke, Trish, Allison Grey, Rev. Davidson Bidwell-Waite, John Terwilliger, Lisa Bonfield, Stannye Llewellyn, Bruce McCombs, Dede Jamison, George Mallinckrodt, Peggy Dubes
Celebrations
Birthdays:
Thomas Mack, Gordon Kruberg, Sarah Halsey, Gavin Christensen, Andrei Livingston, Zane Lynn, Katie Hinz
Anniversaries:
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Photos of the Week
Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy Halloween!
| | October's Full Hunter's Moon, glowing through the clouds above our parish, creates a breathtaking scene with the majestic redwoods, a beautiful reminder of the wonder and beauty of God's creation. | | Because even supercars get into the Halloween spirit! Spotted at our Cars & Coffee gathering, this bright orange Lotus was ready to celebrate! | | |
This Sunday!
Celebrate All Saints’ Day & All Souls’ Day
Bring a Photograph for our Ofrenda (Altar)
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This weekend, we remember the saints, people whose lives help us see God's love in the world.
At this time of year, we also celebrate the beautiful tradition of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. In Mexican and other Latin American communities, families remember loved ones who have died by sharing stories, displaying photographs, preparing favorite foods, and creating colorful altars called ofrendas. These traditions help families honor those they miss and celebrate the love that continues to shape their lives.
You are invited to bring a picture of a loved one. Place their picture on our ofrenda in the Narthex. We will pray for and with them on Sunday.
All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Día de los Muertos have distinct traditions invite us to re-member ourselves as a community of people in the living and beyond the living with love and gratitude.
By The Reverend Jocelyn A. Sideco
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Christ Church at DioCal Convention
We had a wonderful time at DioCal Convention last weekend. Tricia and Paul attended as delegates from Christ Church. Paul carried in the banner, and Tricia and Paul enjoyed the Ministry Fair. Finally, you can see us with our amazing clergy, Lauren McCombs and Jocelyn Sideco.
We were proud to represent the Christ Church community!
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Requiem Eucharist with
The Evensong Choir and Orchestra for All Souls’ Day
Sunday, November 1, 5:00 p.m.
The choirs of Christ Church Los Altos, Christ Church Portola Valley, St. Bede’s Menlo Park, and St. Mark’s Palo Alto will present Gabriel Fauré’s exquisite Requiem in a Eucharist for the Eve of All Souls’ Day at St. Mark’s, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto.
| | Join Deacon Lauren for a Second Harvest Fundraiser | | |
VOICES IN THE VALLEY SPEAKER SERIES
Featuring
Lori and Deke Hunter:
Our Zott's Story
| Click the button below to RSVP, or scan the QR code to register |
Grace Cathedral:
AURA
Select evenings through the summer.
Experience Grace Cathedral in a new light. AURA is an immersive sound and light installation that transforms the cathedral into a space for reflection, wonder, and contemplation.
Visitors are invited to explore the cathedral at their own pace while surrounded by music and luminous artwork.
For dates, tickets, and additional information, visit www.auragracecathedral.com
| Tickets On Sale Now: The Christmas Banquet 2026! | |
Tickets on sale now for our annual Christmas Banquet!
Buy 1 adult ticket for $75 or 2 for $140. Children's tickets for dinner and childcare are $35 each.
Invite a friend!
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Women’s Spirituality Group meets on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:30 am via Zoom.
Our next book is "Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity" by David M. Felten and Jeff Procter-Murphy.
Past books from our study are available in the church library under the Women’s Spirituality section, and all are welcome to borrow and continue exploring our shared readings.
Contact Mary Jennings at emjennings@aol.com for more information.
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Outreach in Faith: the congregations of Ladera, Portola Valley and Woodside will again gather on Sunday November 1st, 12:30 at Portola Valley Presbyterian to review the success of Rise Against Hunger and discuss a next group project in early 2027. Contact Mary Soubirous.
Episcopal Outreach Exchange: This year Christ Church will again host the Episcopal Outreach Exchange on Saturday November 7th, 10:00. We are gathering the Outreach Committees from 17 Episcopal Churches in San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties for a day of collaboration and sharing. We are also inviting 10 charities to a charity faire at noon. Contact Claiborne Jones.
Coast House Dinner: Sous chefs, bakers and container fillers are needed on Saturday November 7th, 2:00 as we make dinner for 70 at Coast House Shelter in HMB. Some prep will be done the day before. Contact Ruth Ann Wrucke to volunteer.
Fundraiser for Second Harvest: Sip paired wines and savor a delicious four course dinner as we raise funds for Second Harvest. Thursday November 12th, 6PM at The Cask Wine Bar at 782 Laurel Street/San Carlos. For tickets or to donate: bit.ly/4dZ5tmu. Contact Deacon Lauren McCombs
For the Veterans: For Veteran's Day (11/11) we are collecting toiletries, undies, socks, laundry supplies and cleaning supplies for the 39 vets living at Life Moves Eleven-Eleven shelter in San Carlos. View the Signup Genius at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA8AE2DA13-66771117-forthe and then bring any donations to the marked box in the breezeway by Sunday November 8th. Contact Carol Wentworth.
Collecting for Palo Alto Food Closet - Cut SNAP benefits particularly impact the homeless, veterans and newly emancipated foster kids. The Food Closet needs canned food (meat, veggies, soup/stews), beverages (hot chocolate packets, apple cider packets, instant coffee), pasta, oatmeal and miscellaneous items like grocery bags with handles, paper towels and sandwich sized ziplock bags. Bring items to the marked bin in the breezeway. We delivered 40 cans of much needed food this week.
Hoptel: Provide hotel or full-sized toiletries, new men's undies (L/XL) and new men's socks every 90 days to this special short-term veteran's shelter in EPA. Put items in the marked box in the breezeway.
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Our next baptisms will take place on Sunday, January 10, during our Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord service.
Are you or someone you know interested in baptism?
Please speak with a member of the clergy to partake in the sacrament in January!
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Volunteers Needed: Coffee Hour Clean-Up
After Sunday service, we gather in the Parish Hall for coffee, treats, and fellowship, a special time to connect with our church family.
We need a few volunteers to help put tables and chairs away after Coffee Hour. Lending a hand ensures our Parish Hall is prepared for the week ahead.
Just pitch in after Coffee Hour, your assistance is greatly appreciated!
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Forward Day-by-Day Daily Devotions
We provide Forward Day by Day to parishioners as a simple and effective daily prayer practice. Each day features a Bible verse from the daily readings and a related reflection written by a different author each month, all in less than 200 words. It even includes the daily feast days, as well as prompts to take faithful action in your daily life.
The November - January small and large format booklets are available in the church and the office, or email Chantal ( admin@ccpvw.org ) to have one mailed to you.
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Carillon Preschool
Open Enrollment 2026-2027
Book a Tour Today!
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Sunday Morning Ride From the Sequoias to Christ Church
Rides are now provided by The Sequoias at 9:30 AM on Sundays with a return pickup time at 11:30. Contact the Sequoias Transportation Department at X4117 or sign up in the transportation binder.
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Important Notice
Phishing Scam Alert
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We want to make you aware of a recent increase in phishing scams targeting members of faith communities, including ours. In these scams, individuals impersonate church leaders by sending fraudulent emails or text messages requesting gift cards, money, or personal favors.
Please know: These messages are scams. No one from Christ Church, will ever request gift cards or cash from you via text or email.
If you receive a suspicious message, do not respond. Instead, contact the church office directly to verify its authenticity.
Thank you for your vigilance and continued care for one another.
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Senior Warden: Lena Perkins
Co-Junior Wardens: Paul Lovoi and Ruth Ann Wrucke
Betsy Alexander
Sarah Halsey
Andy Pflaum
Mercer Stronck
If you wish to contact our vestry members, please contact Chantal
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A Request
Dear family and friends,
I create and assemble this online newsletter.
Submission deadline for this newsletter is Monday at noon, otherwise articles may need to be published the following week.
Many thanks,
Chantal with a smile
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Book affiliate links benefit Christ Church
Christ Church Portola Valley & Woodside | ccpvw.org
Carillon School | carillonschool.org
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