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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: Elsie M.
Altar Guild: Lincoln M.
Greeter: Chris Creed
Usher: Annemarie Redmond
Lesson: Tricia Christensen
Epistle: Casey McKibben
Intercessor: Ruth Ann Wrucke
LEM: Chris Creed
Audio-Visual: Angela Hey, Lincoln M., Eamon M.
Flowers: Mary Hufty
Coffee Hour: Linda Millard
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Sunday, November 15
Church Service 10:00 am
Coffee hour 11:00 am
SpiritCare Visit Menlo Oaks Memory Care at 1:30 pm
SpiritCare Visit The Sequoias Memory Care at 3:15 pm
Wednesday, November 18
Women's Spirituality 10:00 am
Voices in the Valley featuring Lori & Deke Hunter: "Our Zott's Story" 6:30 pm
Thursday, November 19
Community Dinner 6:00 pm
Children's choir rehearsal 6:30 pm
Adult choir rehearsal 7:30 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, Matred D. Carey, George Milton Welles Badger, Buelah June Hatter, Marguerite Motney, Phebe Ballou Gregorian, Alice Dodge, Tad Cody
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:
Sally Fenton, Andy Pflaum, David Gorsulowsky, Grace Hunter
Anniversaries:
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
If you have Gmail...
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Photo of the Week
Before the recent rain and wind, this breathtaking display of autumn colors greeted us on our church grounds, a beautiful reminder of God’s artistry and the blessings of the season.
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Dear family and friends,
Through our shared stewardship, we sustain the mission, ministry, and growth of Christ Church; supporting our worship, programs, outreach, staff, and the many ways our parish serves one another and our wider community.
Our 2027 stewardship goal is $375,000 from 70 donors. This translates to $5400 per donor. We encourage you to give what you can. Please know every pledge, at every level, helps provide the financial stability our parish needs to plan confidently for the year ahead and is deeply appreciated.
This year, stewardship is especially important as we move into the next stage in the search for our next rector. A strong, broad commitment from our congregation demonstrates the vitality of our parish and ensures that we can continue our ministries while preparing for a new chapter.
This year, we’ve made it even easier to pledge:
- Pledge online at www.ccpvw.org
- Use the pledge cards available in the Narthex or that you receive in the mail.
- You can mail them in or drop off at the church.
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Email Chantal at admin@ccpvw.org or Wendy at wendymcadam@mac.com to let us know your pledge.
Let’s come together as a community to achieve this important goal.
Thank you for being part of Christ Church and for considering a generous pledge for 2027.
With Gratitude for your Generosity and Support
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We Need Your Voice in Our Rector Search!
Please Take the CAT Survey
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Dear family and friends,
As part of our Rector Search, we are required to ask all parish members and friends to participate in a Congregation Assessment Tool, aka a CAT Survey. We strongly encourage you to participate - it's quick and easy, and it will greatly help us.
A few tips:
- you need to take the survey in one sitting
- it takes about 15-20 minutes to complete
- it’s easy! All multiple choice answers
- it’s anonymous
- there are some household questions at the end - coordinate with members of your household on who will answer those questions
Please go to the link below or use the QR code and you will be sent to the survey.
Thank you for helping us keep the search process rolling!
Below is the link to your Congregation Assessment Tool:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ccpvwca
This is the PDF of your assessment, which allows you to review the assessment or to print it out as needed:
Christ Church Portola Valley & Woodside CA
QR code
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Highlights & Photos of the Week
are further down in the newsletter.
you don't want to miss them!
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SpiritCare Thanksgiving Celebrations
Join us on Sunday, November 15, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and harvest festivals from around the world with our friends at Menlo Oaks Memory Care (1:30 p.m.) and The Sequoias Memory Care (3:15 p.m.). We’ll share in the joy of music, fellowship, and even celebrate Holy Communion together.
Singers, readers, and hand-holders are needed! All are welcome to participate. Please contact Angela Hey to get involved.
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Grace Cathedral:
AURA
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
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Christmas Crèche (Nativity scene) Exhibit!
Discover hundreds of nativity scenes paired with live performances, inviting interactions, and creative workshops for everyone.
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SpiritCare Thanks Giving - Join us on Sunday November 15 as we celebrate Thanks Giving and Harvest festivals around the world with our friends at Menlo Oaks Memory Care (1:30) and The Sequoias Memory Care (3:15). We’ll even celebrate communion. Singers, readers and hand-holders are needed. Contact Angela Hey.
Boxing Clothes for the Nav Center: Help box up clothing on Sunday November 15 during coffee hour for the 240 bed Navigation Center shelter in RWC. We aren't running a clothing drive right now, but clean, gently-used and warm clothing is welcome.
Distributing Food to 100+ Households in EPA: Join us on Tuesday November 24th as we distribute food from Second Harvest in EPA with WeHope. Prepare food for distribution from 9:45 - 11:45 or distribute food from 11:45 - 1:30. Yes, you can volunteer for both shifts. 1854 Bay Road/East Palo Alto. Bring water and photo ID. Contact Kathy Kennedy.
Collecting Food for the WeHope Kitchen: Mama Joyce and her amazing kitchen crew make 1000 meals a day in Project WeHope’s EPA kitchen. They could use: canned chicken, canned green beans, canned pinto beans, cooking oil and jelly (strawberry or grape to make PB&J sandwiches. Canned tuna is also needed. Please pick up a can or jar (or two) of something and toss it in the marked bin in the breezeway by Sunday November 22nd.
Collecting Blankets: It' cold, and wet outside and several of Life Moves family shelters would love gently used twin or full sized blankets (queen are okay). Gently used twin sheets are needed to. Bring them to the marked box in the Narthex. Contact Kathy Kennedy.
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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Highlights of the Week
A Silent Movie Night to Remember!
On Friday, November 6, we enjoyed a delightful evening at Christ Church featuring the classic 1925 Harold Lloyd comedy, The Freshman, accompanied by the wonderful live organ music of theater organist Christian Elliott.
With popcorn in hand, we laughed and enjoyed this charming silent film brought to life by the magic of the theater organ.
The evening continued with a wonderful reception hosted by Angela Hey, featuring delicious food and fellowship. It was a fun-filled night, and we’re already looking forward to the next one!
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Episcopal Outreach Exchange
Christ Church once again hosted the Episcopal Outreach Exchange on Saturday, November 7, bringing together Outreach Committees from 17 Episcopal churches throughout San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties, along with Grace Cathedral, for a day of collaboration and sharing. The event also featured a Charity Fair with 14 nonprofit organizations and four technology providers offering tools to support outreach efforts.
A special thank-you to the dream team who made it all happen: Carl Cheney, Chantal, Angela Hey, Claiborne Jones, Deacon Lauren McCombs, Kathy Kennedy, Erin Miller, Mary Soubirous, Carol Wentworth, and Ruth Ann Wrucke!
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Coast House Shelter Dinner
On Saturday, November 7, Ruth Ann Wrucke and her team prepared dinner for 70 residents at Coast House Shelter in Half Moon Bay. Despite the added challenge of preparing the meal while the Episcopal Outreach Exchange was wrapping up at the church, the team delivered another wonderful meal!
Many thanks to Mary Paine, Mary Soubirous, Linda Vittori, Carol Wentworth, Ruth Ann Wrucke, and driver Kathy Kennedy for their time and generosity.
We’ll do it again soon! To volunteer, contact Ruth Ann Wrucke.
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Honoring Our Veterans
On Veterans Day, November 11, we delivered care packages to 39 formerly homeless veterans (35 men and 4 women) staying at LifeMoves Eleven-Eleven shelter in San Carlos. Thanks to the generosity of our parish, community, and fellow Episcopal churches, we provided toiletries, socks, underwear, dishwashing supplies, thank-you cards, and laundry supplies for 1,000 loads.
Our heartfelt thanks to all who donated, including a generous anonymous gift of Halloween candy. Special thanks to program lead Carol Wentworth and our packing team for making this outreach possible.
Thank you to everyone who helped show our veterans how much they are appreciated!
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A note from Deacon Lauren P. McCombs
Sip and Savor Was A Great Success!
On Thursday evening, November 12, eighteen people enjoyed a delicious meal with lively conversation benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank We raised $3,200 for Second Harvest to ease food scarcity in our area. A generous donor will be matching any donations to Second Harvest through the month of December.Thank you to all who participated in making this such a success!
Peace and Prayers,
Deacon Lauren
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Carillon Community Happy Hour
On Thursday, November 12, Carillon Preschool families gathered for a fun and welcoming Community Happy Hour! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, enjoy one another’s company, and welcome prospective families interested in joining Carillon next year.
The evening celebrated the warm, vibrant community that makes Carillon so special. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it a success!
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And Last but Not Least… Christmas Lights Bring Holiday Cheer to Our Parish!
On Thursday, November 12, our beautiful Christmas lights were installed, filling Christ Church with sparkle and holiday cheer! Their warm, festive glow delighted everyone and marked the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year.
What a lovely way to welcome the Christmas season and bring a little extra warmth and joy to our community!
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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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