The Christmas season is often marked by expressions of joy, excitement, and happiness. It is a time for family to gather and for churches to worship pointing to the hope that is found in the coming of the Christ child. This year will be different in so many ways – as we are all experiencing some loss. The Longest Night service, also known as Blue Christmas, will be streamed online. Find the service on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/christchurchtx on Tuesday, December 21, 2020, at 6 PM.

Advent Contemplation & Prayer Tuesdays in December // 4 - 5:30 PM During Advent, the church will be open on Tuesdays from 4 - 5:30 PM for contemplation and prayer. Masks and sanitizer will be available. Longest Night Service Monday, December 21 // 6 PM A Longest Night of the Year Service, also known as Blue Christmas, is a deeply meaningful way to support those who struggle during the holiday season. The service will be streamed live on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/christchurchtx.  In-Person Outdoor Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24 // 4 PM We will gather in-person for worship for a (simplified) Eucharist service outdoors in the parking lot. Everyone must wear a mask and follow socially-distanced guidelines. Christmas Eve Sing Along accompanied by the Christmas Pageant Thursday, December 24 // 6 PM Watch at facebook.com/christchurchtx Join us to see and hear the blessed Christmas story!  Online Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24 // 7 PM Watch at facebook.com/christchurchtx Join us to celebrate the birth of our Savior with a traditional service. You are invited to tune in 15 minutes prior to the service at 6:45 PM for the Christmas prelude music. Please invite friends and family to Christmas Eve services. You can forward this email or download this jpeg and attach it to an email.

CTLC (Churches Touching Lives for Christ) 120 turkeys and hams are in so far, so only 30 to go! The deadline is Sunday, December 20. We are also collecting150 pairs of gloves for children and adults. You can bring any of these items to the church during Sally's office hours on Monday and Thursday from 9 AM to 12 PM or to an in-person service on Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. Gloves (only) can be left at any time at the home of Ami Hooper, 1701 N. 15th, Temple, 76501. You can put the donations in the large black delivery box on the front porch. Monetary donations towards these items can be made by check or online. How much should you donate? A 10 pound turkey can feed a family of four and the average turkey price per pound is $1.28. Simply designate your request on the donation. Use Christ Church's online portal here: http://bit.ly/2TbZoIV St. Nicholas Market Do you need a last minute gift? We have some ways to support the community while safely shopping from home. Check out the St. Nicholas Virtual Market for ways to donate in a loved one's name or give a gift to the community. Visit the website: https://stnicholasmarket.org/

Kerry Hancock, Sr. Warden, sent out an update about the search for our new rector. Check your inbox for an email that went out on Friday or you can read the email online here: https://conta.cc/3oKleBS

Poinsettias Have you ordered a poinsettia? We are purchasing poinsettias from Down Home Ranch, an organization that empowers the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through social, educational, residential and vocational opportunities. You can honor your love ones and support a great organization with your purchase. Pay for poinsettias by check or online, $35 each. Online: http://bit.ly/2TbZoIV  Check: mail to 300 N. Main, Temple TX 76501 Vestry Nominations Are you interested in serving on the Vestry? Nominations are due tomorrow! Do you know a great candidate? Download the application here. A note on COVID If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and you have been at an in-person Christ Church service or at the church for any reason, please call Sally Louth, 254-773-1657. All information will be confidential, but we need to notify others.

Online Worship at 9 AM Join us this Sunday morning at 9:00 AM for the online service. The Rev. Janice Krause, Interim Rector, is preaching. Tune in a few minutes early to hear organist Leon Couch talk about the Prelude each week. Outdoor Service at 10:30 AM As of today, the 10:30 AM will take place place in the parking lot. We will announce any changes due to weather by email.  We will gather in-person for worship for a 10:30 AM (simplified) Eucharist service outdoors in the parking lot. Everyone must wear a mask and follow socially-distanced guidelines. Chairs and bulletins will be provided. Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing. This service will last approximately 45 minutes.  Remember to RSVP if you plan to attend. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. If you RSVP but cannot attend, please contact the church office, 254-773-1657.

RSVP for Outdoor Service

Weekly Services

Online Noonday Prayer Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 12:05 PM facebook.com/christchurchtx

Online Noonday Service Wednesday 12:05 PM facebook.com/christchurchtx

Online Sunday Service Sunday @ 9:00 AM Prelude talk @ 8:56 AM facebook.com/christchurchtx

Sunday, December 13, 2020 If you missed last Sunday's service, you can watch on our Facebook page or our Youtube channel.

Click to watch December 13 Sermon Download Sermon Notes

Click to watch December 13  Recessional Hymn

Sunday Morning Adult Forum The Adult Forum explores finding God in our Christmas traditions. Father Dave will wrap up looking at Christmas stories. There will not be a Forum on Sunday, December 27. Via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86946656924?pwd=Q0gzM1U0aTNzOHJFYUxkTU5VTUFndz09 Meeting ID: 869 4665 6924 Passcode: 597126

Watch last Sunday's Forum Class

Women's Bible Study 10:30 AM // Thursday // via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88289665067?pwd=NDJHQTJWS0M1dSt6azJGNHJWRXlPZz09 Meeting ID: 882 8966 5067 Passcode: 070053

Small Groups Small Groups are doing a study of Grateful, written by Diane Butler Bass. You are welcome to join a group at any time! If you are interested in joining or want more information, contact a group facilitator.

Wednesday Small Group Study // 5:30 PM Facilitator: Valerie Sanders Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/229137562?pwd=QzBILzhBNXNkU0ZnQUdCdnhkMnZlQT09 Meeting ID: 229 137 562 Passcode: 761112 Small Group Study // 6:00 PM Facilitator: Michelle Weller Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81598018144?pwd=KzM2MG9nRFVLalkrdHFHMVhTN2FCZz09 Meeting ID: 815 9801 8144 Passcode: 832613 Thursday Small Group Study // 6 PM Facilitator: Clare Stratmann Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8693288410?pwd=VDRSZTRNcGpRL3ZEWERldXVDWTMxZz09 Meeting ID: 869 3288 4107 Passcode: 321356 Sunday Small Group Study // 4 PM Facilitator: Deacon Becky Sparks Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9361946193?pwd=RzdKNkxON3V2Rld4K2ttd3A5SHVxdz09 Meeting ID: 936 1946 1931 Passcode: 319127 If you need information or want to join a group, contact the facilitator or [email protected].

Christ Church Caring is a ministry involving specially trained Shepherds who are partners with clergy to provide care for our Parish.

If your last name begins with A-F Jonette Albright 214-538-2023 [email protected] Betty Broome 325-642-4055 [email protected] Gloria Hooper 512-971-4482 [email protected]

If your last name begins with G-M Flo Curry 254-939-5963  [email protected] Martha Hoyt 254-541-8060 [email protected] Mike Shobe 254-760-4645 (c) 254-947-0744 (h) [email protected]

If your last name begins with N-Z Art Boyer 254-493-1005  [email protected]: Valarie Sanders 254-760-6750 [email protected] Sandy White 254-778-4876, [email protected]

Floating Shepherd Virginia Davis 254-624-7047, [email protected]

Here's your Easter Egg for the day!