THE WEEKLY E-PISTLE

News & Updates

SERVING THIS SUNDAY


Celebrant: Rev. Matthew McDermott

Preacher: Rev. Matthew McDermott

Deacon: Rev. Lauren P. McCombs

Organist: Lauren Wittine

Acolyte: Michael K.

Altar Guild: Sarah Halsey

Greeter: Chantal

Usher: James Mack

Lesson: Mary Paine

Epistle: Annemarie Redmond

Intercessor: Annemarie Redmond

LEM: Chris Creed

Audio-Visual: Angela Hey, Lincoln M., Eamon M.

Flowers: Deacon Lauren

Coffee Hour: Ruth Ann Wrucke and Pancake Fundraiser!

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday, October 4

Church Service | Blessing of the Animals 10:00 am


Coffee hour | Pancake Fundraiser

11:00 am


Wednesday, October 7

Women's Spirituality 10:00 am


Thursday, October 8

Community Dinner 6:00 pm

Choir rehearsal 6:30 pm


Saturday, October 10

Cars & Coffee 7:30 am

Flower Guild Tea 2:00 pm





Sunday Bulletin October 4, 2026

CHRIST CHURCH PRAYS

Pray for the special needs of our congregation and lift up the following individuals to God in prayer:


Remembrance

Dale Perkins, Arthur F. Dauer, Asta Johnson, August Schilling


Healing

Suzy Redfern-West, Courtney Terwilliger, Ward Paine, Barbara Creed, Chet Wrucke, Trish, Allison Grey, Steve Millard, Rev. Davidson Bidwell-Waite, John Terwilliger, Lisa Bonfield, Stannye Llewellyn, Bruce McCombs, Dede Jamison, George Mallinckrodt, Peggy Dubes 


Celebrations


Birthdays:

Michel Dubes, Mary Jennings, Claire Suvari, Amanda Malinckrodt, Cora Payne,

Hannah Azalia Adams



Anniversaries:

Carol & Carl Wentworth,

Danny Alegria & Mary Hufty,

Sandy & Will Patterson,

Dave Miller & Kathy Kennedy,

Paul & Lenore Lovoi,

Katie & Ted Wilson

For pastoral care, you are invited to reach out to:

The Reverend Matthew McDermott

Cell: (650) 269-2611, Email: mjpmcdermott@gmail.com

The Reverend Lauren P. McCombs

Cell: (650) 740-1552, Email: laurenpmccombs@gmail.com

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Photo of the Week


An October Miracle


Planted after Easter and quietly growing in our garden, this Easter lily surprised us by opening one of its blossoms on October 1.



As we welcome October and prepare to celebrate the Blessing of the Animals this Sunday, we are reminded of the small and unexpected ways

God’s grace finds its way into our lives.

Sometimes, a little miracle simply blooms when we least expect it.

Photo Highlights Coming Soon

I’m collecting more photos from our recent events and gatherings.

Look for a special photo edition coming soon!

Events

Please scan the QR code or click below to RSVP

so we can plan accordingly.

We look forward to seeing you!

Bring the Whole Family

An easy, Fun Family Morning

Join Us for Cars & Coffee

Portola Valley Cars & Coffee

A Dream Morning for Car Enthusiasts

 

Saturday, October 10| 7:30 am - 11:30 am

Silicon Valley Motor Club will host

Portola Valley Cars & Coffee

at Christ Church Portola Valley & Woodside

 

From timeless classics and vintage icons to the latest supercars

and modern marvels, the event offers a stunning showcase

in a breathtaking setting, our own backyard.

We can't wait to see you!

Mark Your Calendars Now!


Night of Light Gala

October 17, 2026 at 6:00PM

Julia Morgan Ballroom, 465 California Street, San Francisco


Join us for the gala of the year as you support our mission of a Bay Area where all our neighbors have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.


Night of Light Attire Inspiration

Disco Glam: Bring your cocktail best with a hint of Studio 54, sequins, metallic fabrics, velvet, bold prints, or

anything that catches the light. Dress to dance! (Alt: gold lamé dresses; flowing, iridescent jumpsuits; platform shoes; tight hot pants; and colorful bell-bottoms)


Celebrating Our Community

Your generosity will allow Episcopal Impact Fund and the grantee organizations and congregations we support to continue to make the Bay Area a better place for those living in poverty.

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

VOICES IN THE VALLEY SPEAKER SERIES

Featuring



Barbara Creed

Will The Court Come To Order?


Women’s Spirituality Group meets on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:30 am via Zoom.


We began our new book “Unbelievable: Why Neither Ancient Creeds Nor the Reformation Can Produce a Living Faith Today” by Bible Scholar and liberal Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong.


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. 

Outreach News

EpiscoDisco tickets are available now: Dust off your sequinned bell bottoms and platform shoes then groove for good for the EpiscoDisco on Saturday October 17th, 6:00 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in SF, a benefit for the Episcopal Impact Fund. www/episcopalimpact.org. Contact Tricia Christensen. 

 

Crop Walk Walkers Needed: On Sunday October 25th "walkers" from many churches will be gathering at St. Raymond's Church in Menlo Park for the CROP walk, a fund-raiser for Church World Services and Second Harvest. We are putting together a Christ Church walking team. Contact Kathy Kennedy to join. 

  

Collecting for Palo Alto Food Closet - Cut SNAP benefits particularly impact the homeless, veterans and newly emancipated foster kids. They need 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. 


Need Toiletries and T-shirts for Life Moves Navigation Center - 240 people have a warm bed and meals each night in Redwood City's Navigation Center. But they urgently need body wash, toothpaste and shampoo. 75 body wash and 45 toothpaste delivered so far but more is needed. Clean T-shirts are needed too. Can you help? Bring items to the marked bin in the breezeway. Cash donations also welcome. 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. 

Announcements

Diocal News

Hear ye! Hear ye!


The 177th Convention of the Diocese of California is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, through Saturday, Oct. 24 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.


Our business meeting as a Convention is public, so we are preparing to welcome guests and visitors as well as share a livestream of the proceedings.


🎉 Thank you! We are excited to announce that every congregation has reported their delegates for this year’s Convention ahead of the deadline!

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!

Forward Day-by-Day Daily Devotions

The August - October 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.

Carillon Preschool

Open Enrollment 2026-2027

Book a Tour Today!

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.

Important Notice

Phishing Scam Alert

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.

Vestry Members

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

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

Book affiliate links benefit Christ Church

Christ Church Portola Valley & Woodside | ccpvw.org

Carillon School | carillonschool.org

 
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