August 2026 CCP Monthly Newsletter
- Mike McCormick
- 28 minutes ago
- 18 min read
Christ Church Parish Episcopal
Our Mission
We are a family of faith, growing in Christ through learning, worship, &
service, who strive to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
August 2026 Newsletter
The Lord Be With You
From the desk of Priest in Charge:
Randi Hicks Rowe
When I was in business school, we played a marketing simulation game. In the game, each team was a company introducing a new product. We set pricing and budgeted for promoting, further developing the product, and distributing it. Through the game, I learned the importance of devoting as many resources as possible – even to the point of taking substantial risk – in the very early stages of launch. The teams that invested heavily in product development and promotion did the best in the game because their products quickly gained market share and became profitable. My team spent conservatively and our product ultimately failed, never becoming part of the company’s permanent product portfolio.
Our church has begun a youth and children’s program because we want young people to become part of our congregation over the long term. In a way, this program is a new product, and its creation shares some characteristics with a business product launch. We must develop a good product and promote it and our company (the church) effectively to a new audience to succeed in attracting and keeping young families as part of our permanent “portfolio.”
As we all know, the Sanders Fund Board, with consent of the Sanders family, has committed to funding the salaries for Mike and Rev. Joie and some dedicated activities for the youth and children’s program for five years. We have been about one year into that program. The money is a wonderful blessing and funds much for the development of this program. This gift puts us in an excellent position to be successful.
One way we differ from a business, however, is that most of the labor required for any of our programs (products) is volunteer. The more we grow, the more we’ll need volunteer help because we will need fun and educational activities for ages infant through 18. These activities will require more than roughly the equivalent of one-half time position. We also may need specific activities aimed at the needs of parents of these young people. Volunteer help can be coordinated by paid staff, but, ultimately, the quality of the services provided over the long term will depend upon the number and quality of volunteers who are called to work with children and youth.
Another way a church differs from a business is that we are a community. Our greatest strength here at Christ Church is that community. We are all formed more fully into the body of Christ through this community – education, activities, and, even, worship cannot form disciples without a strong community that fully integrates all ages. As we grow this program, we’ll need to include children, young people, and their parents in every group and activity in the church. Sometimes that means we may have to adjust the hours we meet or the way we communicate. We may need to add some projects or activities that younger generations are passionate about, while still retaining and sometimes adding projects and activities that are meaningful to the rest of us who are older. We neglect no one as we move forward on this journey.
A church, like a business, must invest in its new “products” and “programs” heavily in the first few years. That investment includes program development, promotion, and labor. In the case of a church, however, most of that labor is volunteers. A church also is defined by the strength of its community, and, to be successful, we will find meaningful ways to include children, youth, and families in all the ministries of the church – music, outreach, fellowship, technology, ECW, Brotherhood, etc.
In short, attracting and retaining children and families depends on all of us. Most of all, it depends on you.
Randi+
From the Deacon's Bench
Add "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:35-40
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Our 6th Annual Fine Arts Camp went very well. We had a magnificent group of students, probably the best we ever had. Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers and those who made donations. YOU made this happen! One especially awesome part of camp was the decision of one camper, Eden Ginsberg, to be baptized. This special celebration happened on July 26th. We are already starting to plan for Fine Arts Camp 2027.
There is another ministry with which we REALLY need your help
Do you knit or crochet? We would like to revive our Prayer Shawl Ministry. These creations mean so much to those who receive them. They will be blessed by Rev Randi and then taken to those who are ill, shut-ins, those with new babies, and those celebrating other events in their lives. These shawls are a reminder as to how much the Christ Church community loves them and cares about them.
This is a ministry you can do from home. No meetings or deadlines! Please let me know if you wish to be a part of this ministry so we can keep a list and hold all creators in prayer.
** Another way you can help is by donating yarn or other supplies. These could be items you have but no longer need or by purchasing items when you see a good sale. We will distribute these items to those creating the shawls.
** Did you read some good books this summer?
It’s time for another book drive. Middlesex Department of Social Services keeps books to distribute to their clients who may be unable to purchase books.
This ministry helps in a few ways:
· You get to clean out books you no longer need to make room for NEW BOOKS
· You help promote literacy in our community.
· We show our community that Christ Church Parish cares about them.
Please let me know how you can help with these ministries. deacon@christchurchparish.com or 804-869-3867, or when you see me
We are each expected to care for others. Christ calls us to do so. These ministries and others help us show His love to others. ALL others. Where are YOU called to serve? Pray for answers to this question. It will be different for each of us.
Thank you, Peg+
Dear Parishioner:
It is........Celebration Time....We did it!
At last year’s Stewardship Kickoff, the budget outlook for 2026 appeared challenging. Now…we are excited to tell you; your Vestry and Finance Committee has monitored expenses closely and your oh so generous pledging and contributions have made the difference, even with continuing
escalating costs this year.
Thank You..........Thank You............Thank You!
We all pulled together and are getting it done. Together, we will continue to meet our challenges. In the past year, we have introduced new ways to serve the community. The new and expanding Children’s Program is attracting new attendees and families. The new website telling our story is continuing to develop and will soon provide easy access to all of our Ministries and activities. Next year, as you have requested; we plan to initiate a new music program that will benefit all parishioners.
Do you feel it, too? We have momentum. Isn’t it exciting?
Now it is time to prepare for our 2027 responsibilities. Join us for the Stewardship Kickoff Breakfast to hear the plans, share ideas, and enjoy fellowship. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 AM on August 30th. Please tell us you will be there by August 24th, by calling (804) 758-2006.
While we are together on the 30th, we will thank you for your efforts and share our plan for sustaining our worship, strengthening our ministries, and supporting our pastoral care and outreach to the community. The expanded Music Ministry will also deepen our sense of connection, unity, and shared worship.
Let us come together to build an even stronger future for our community and to celebrate this momentum.
R.S.V.P Today!
Prayerfully,
Stewardship Committe
OUTREACH MINISTRY
The Outreach Ministry held its monthly meeting on June 10. In addition to regular members, we were joined by our new member, Allison Ellwanger. Welcome to Allison!
The Creation Care Garden continues to provide such wonderful produce, thanks to Alyson Holt and her loyal helpers. The produce is distributed to the Cryer Center on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month through the summer. We would like to invite parishioners to join us on the third Sunday of the month of July and August for fresh veggies at the 10:30 am coffee hour. We will be harvesting vegetables to share with you and others in our parish that would enjoy the harvest.
The Garden is the site of “Coffee in the Garden” on Sunday, July 12 from 9:15 to 10:15 am (between the 8:00 am and 10:30 services.) Please come to see the Garden and invite your friends and neighbors. Refreshments will be served.
Our annual school supplies collection will be held August 2-August 13. These supplies are given to worthy children (determined by the Department of Social Services) before school begins on August 18. This year, we will need supplies for seven (7) students, grades 1-12. Supplies most needed are:
Spiral notebooks
Loose leaf notebook paper
Binders (1 ½ ring binders)
Dividers
Pens
Pencils (#2)
Marble composition books (4 needed)
Glue sticks
The collection box and list will be placed outside the Vestry room in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.
The annual One Community Under God service this year will be held at the Urbanna Fire Station on October 4. Our Ministry helps to provide sandwiches and support for those attending. This is such an important opportunity to partner with other faith community members in Middlesex County. Details will be in the next newsletter.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, July 8 at 10:15am. Come join us!!!
DeLois Greenwood and Pam McClelland (co-chairs)
ECW
Episcopal Church Women
Introducing the Memory Cafe
Christ Church Parish and the Episcopal Church Women are about to embark on a new community service program in concert with Bay Aging.
Beginning on September 17th from 1:30 until 3pm we are opening our doors to caregivers for loved ones experiencing cognitive challenges. This program offers a judgement free setting for caregivers to share their journey with others and learn of resources that Bay Aging offers to support their needs.
This program is called Memory Cafe and allows caregivers and their loved ones an opportunity to learn, establish friendships and acceptance. Memory Cafes are already established in Mathews, Gloucester, Warsaw, Kilmarnock, and Tappahannock. This will be the first Memory Café in Middlesex County.
These are recurring meetings and are free of charge to all participants.
Light refreshments are served.
The Memory Café at Christ Church will be on the third Thursday of every month from 1:30 until 3 pm.
If you are willing to volunteer to sit in on these meetings or want further information, please contact Ann Padgett at padgett@va.metrocast.net
Youth and Family Ministry
Building Connections
Every month, I look forward to sharing stories and updates from our Youth and Family Ministry. It’s inspiring to see how our community grows stronger through faith, fellowship, and fun aka"EF3" (more on that later). This month, I want to reflect on some recent events that brought our kids and families together and highlight ways everyone can get involved in the coming weeks. Whether you’re a teen looking for meaningful ways to serve or a parent hoping to support your child’s spiritual journey, there’s something here for you.
Growing Godly Play
We are now able to hold Sunday School twice a month. A huge thank you to Judy Quilter and Pat Anderson who answered the call to attend a half day training with me in Fredericksburg on June 30 to St. George Church to wortk with Dr. Rev. Rosemary Beales. We got a very informative primer on how to work in the Godly Play curriculum and saw first hand the kind of impact that this extension of our ministry can have on our young parishioners. We are very excited to build this program! If you are interested in learning more about Godly Play and the Sunday School curriculum, please reach out to youth@christchurchparish.com for more information. Upcoming Godly Play teacher training events will be listed below.
Fine Arts Camp - Fun and Games
We had a great time coordinating the games and "recess" time during the Fine Arts Camp. On Monday, we tried our hand at cornhole. It was a tough day for tossing bags as the heat was pretty brutal that day. On Tuesday, we stayed inside and did board games like checkers, Guess Who, Uno and more. Then we ramped up the excitement with a vigorous Bingo tournment! Wednesday, the boys vs. the girls for a fun kickball game. We really appreciate the kids and their upbeat attitudes during the camp. It was a lot of fun.
Upcoming Events to Mark on Your Calendar
Looking ahead, we have several exciting events planned that invite both kids and families to participate:
Godly Play & Sunday School: 1st and 3rd Sundays at 10:30am. We will join the parents during the exchange of the Peace during the service.
Godly Play Teacher Training: July 19, Aug. 16, & Nov. 1Training will consist of watching the day's lesson during the 10:30 service and then meeting to review materials, curriculum and methodology.
EF3: An Evening of Faith, Fun and FellowshipWe are going to begin hosting a series of events to encourage middle and high school students to share one Saturday a month with us during the school year.These events will include a trivia night, a blessing of the athletes, nature walks and more. A schedule will be posted to this page in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Each event offers a unique way to grow in faith and connect with others. I encourage parents to bring their kids and teens to these gatherings. They are designed to be fun and meaningful, creating memories while strengthening our community bonds.
How Kids and Families Can Serve Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of our ministry is seeing families serve side by side. Here are some practical ways you can get involved:
Volunteer at Events: Help with setup, snacks, or leading small groups during kids’ activities.
Mentor a Younger Child: Teens can support younger kids by reading stories, playing games, or simply being a positive role model.
Organize a Service Project: Families can team up to plan a project like collecting donations for a shelter or visiting a nursing home.
Serving together not only benefits others but also deepens your family’s faith and connection. It teaches kids the value of giving and shows them how faith comes alive through action.
From the Vestry
The Senior Warden's Report
Hello and welcome to August!
I hope everyone’s summer is going well and possibly getting out on the water or headed to the mountains for cooler air!
I would be remiss if I didn’t share some of the great volunteer work that has gone on this past month. First, I want to thank Jeff McClelland for his six years as the Newsletter Editor. His consistent performance month after month meant so much for our parish and communicating all that is going on. Thank you for all that you do Chef Jeff.
Second, thank you to our Jr. Warden, Jeff Loustaunau. He tackled what we thought would be a small repair that turned out to be huge in the Parish Hall, and got it done in record time! Way to go Plain Jeff!
- Music and Youth Ministries on the Move
If you have wandered to the far end of the Parish Hall, you have noticed that there has been a huge transformation between the two classrooms. The Choir Room has flipped with the Youth Classroom. As our youth ministry grows, we need to have the youth classroom closer to the Nursery for restroom purposes and trained supervision.
With the leadership of Ann DePeyster and the Choir, they were able to clean out the choir room as it had become the “gathering place” for many items, many of which were not related to music!
- Christ Church Painting – 1900
A week ago, the Reverend Scott Krejci donated a beautiful painting of Christ Church Parish. The painting was created around 1900 and depicts the church at that time. Apparently, this painting hung at Rosegill for some time. The artist is unknown, but it is a wonderful opportunity to see what our Parish looked like at the turn of the 20th Century.
Thank you, Scott, for your wonderful gift. We will view it for many years to come!
There are many other projects occurring in and around the church so please read on and learn about all that’s happening.
Finally, Kathy and I will be on the road for a bit, and I will not be submitting any articles for September and October, but you will be in good hands with Reverends Randi and Peg and your Vestry Members to help you each and every day.
Yours in Christ,
Tom Clarke, Senior Warden
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From the Junior Warden's Workbench
Crawl Space Project Summary
Crawl Space Project Summary
As of Friday, July 24th, our Crawl Space Project is essentially complete. Here is what it entailed.
Contractor: PBS Crawl Space Specialists of Hartfield, Virginia.
Summary of the Problem:
There was a soft spot in the floor of the Fellowship Hall, that when we uncovered it, showed that there were several OSB floor joists that had mold and fungus on them, and that several of them had areas that were rotten. This was all in the area of the south wall by the first window from the kitchen.
Cause of the Problem:
The cause of the problem was moisture that had caused fungus to grow on the joists. And although the salt treated 2 X 12 beams were not affected, the OSB joists were affected and had begun to rot. The moisture could have come from one or more of the following sources.
· The seam between the old roof of the Fellowship Hall and the new roof of the Parish Hall.
· There were 8 holes in the roof above that area that were left when some ice clips were removed. There were also 6 holes in the north wall roof in the same area. (All the holes have been plugged with epoxy and then covered with “Through the Roof” vinyl adhesive.)
· The ground being saturated by rainwater from the roof, since the gutter drains were clogged up causing the rainwater to back up and saturate the ground along the south wall. This was filling up the basement with water from hydro-static pressure as well as allowing water to simply flow into the basement.
· The humidity in the crawl space was roughly 80%, which will allow mold and fungus to thrive, and to rot the wood.
Scope of Work:
In speaking with four contractors who deal with this issue, we developed the following scope of work.
· Reroute the gutter downspouts to PVC pipes that will carry the water to the woods to the east of the building.
· Enlarge the access ports in the basement to the crawl space.
· Inspect the crawl space for any further damaged joists or beams.
· Spray a mold killer throughout the entire crawl space to kill the mold and fungus.
· Replace the rotten OSB floor joists with #1 Salt treated 2 x 12’s. ( There were a total of 11 joists needing replacement.)
· Line the entire crawl space with 12 mil vinyl, taping all the seams, and then foaming the edges along the wall to “encapsulate” the crawl space.
· Place a dehumidifier in the crawl space.
· Once the work commenced, we realized that water was streaming into the basement from both sides when it rained. Therefore, the scope was modified to include trenching the interior perimeter of the basement to include a drain that channeled the water to the sump pump. It also included a covering on the walls of the basement that keep the water flowing to the drains and not onto the floor. A new sump pump with a battery back-up is in place that takes the water out the back of the building to the woods.
Contractor:
PBS Crawl Space Specialists were chosen to do the work as their proposed scope of work was more closely aligned with the scope suggested by our Building and Grounds Committee, and they were the lowest cost.
Their total cost was $19,330 but that did not include the basement. The basement addition was $6,000 bringing the total to $25,330 that has been paid in full as of July 23, 2026. The cost was covered by Reserves.
Jeff Loustanau
Endowment Committee
The Endowment Committee is relaunching itself with fresh ideas on upholding your end of life wishes, confirming that you have worked correctly in advance to cement your wishes and concerns for the future of the church and for the church to prosper in the years ahead.
Committee members will be available at both Coffee Hour sessions on All Saints Day, 1 November 2026 to review the steps to provide for your loved ones when that final day arrives.
We can acquaint you with the process of donating funds, the allocation of the funds, securing a permanent location in the church cemetery, funding future projects, tax advantages now and simply tending to the upkeep of our beautiful church over the upcoming years to come.
Come join us and share your thoughts with us.
Fellowship Committee
Greetings to all from your "tiny but mighty" Fellowship Committee. The "Dog Days of Summer" are upon us! You know the old joke, " What does a dog do on his day off? He can't lay around because that is his job."
Well, we are hardly in a "lounging posture" as this is the time when we go into a planning frenzy for the next 4 months of the year--September through December...specifically our busiest time of the year.
We want to bring young and "mature", members and visitors, church "shoppers" and curious into our fold and make them feel "good". Here is one RX we offer.
13 September: Back to school luncheon hosting seniors from MHS and Christchurch School. International foods and good ole standards can be shared. Bring a dish that puts a smile on your face. We are spotlighting our seniors in these schools who will be making weighty decisions for their lives ahead. Come share the love--a bit of music and more.
8 or 9 October: Marine Corps Run. We do not yet have the confirmed date for this "moving" event , but we promise you a beautiful spectacle as the Runners progress down the highway with banners, flags and their voices in unison making a path to Christ Church Parish. We provide interesting stories and history of Lt. General Chesty Puller at his grave-site followed by snacks and beverages for the Runners. Spirits soar and faces light up----don't miss this happy event.
10 and 11 November: These dates are confirmed! On 10 November, the entire county of Middlesex is invited to attend a special lecture evening in recognition of our nation's 250th anniversary celebration. We will cover the Alpha and Omega of the American Revolution from Ticonderoga to the Battle of the Capes (Yorktown) surrender. Also we will recognize our allies and compatriots, the nations of France and Poland, for their invaluable expertise, training and cooperation throughout the War. A lovely reception will follow so you can meet and chat with our speakers, friends and neighbors.
This event is open to everyone to include spouses and family members.
11 November: This date is firm. It is the celebratory Veterans Luncheon. It is restricted to Veterans because of limited space ( 104) based on our fire code. It is a luncheon, our guest speakers and program. We will open the sign up window in October. Reservations are required. Patriotic music accompanies words of praise for our heroes! All veterans from all services are welcome!!!
16 December: Advent evening dinner and program with the spotlight on the nation of Hungary. We cook for you and share the customs and celebrations of Advent and Christmas in Hungary. More details will follow.
Thank you!
Bev Hart and Mary Lynn Landgraf
Ushers' Schedule for August 2026
For 10:30am Services
Sunday, August 2nd Pat & Roland Anderson
Sunday, August 9th Kathryn & Joey Humphreys
Sunday, August 16th Susie & Jeff Loustaunau
Sunday, August 23rd Bill Snider & Jack Fackler
Sunday, August 30th Susan & John Hilliard
Celebrations: August Birthdays and Anniversaries
Birthdays
Jack Fackler 1-Aug
Betsy Evans 2-Aug
Jean Hill 2-Aug
Henry Moncure 2-Aug
Merri Hanson 5-Aug
Delois Greenwood 7-Aug
Linda Irwin 11-Aug
Kelly Pollok 12-Aug
Ginger Hellems 13-Aug
Bryan Saddler 16-Aug
Barbara Cockrell 18-Aug
John Hilliard 20-Aug
Roseanne Moncure 21-Aug
Clayton Neal 22-Aug
Jack Hellems 23-Aug
Jane Bunnell 25-Aug
Jamie Barnhardt 27-Aug
Steve Gahan 29-Aug
Patty Lamb 29-Aug
Andrew Wilton 30-Aug
Anniversaries
Bill & Sue Newman 3-Aug
John & Judy Quilter 8-Aug
Don & Ann Harris 9-Aug
Arthur & Evie Wilton 17-Aug
Andrew & Ellie Wilton 26-Aug
Byron & Linda Parker 28-Aug
Bill & Judi Snider 30-Aug
Upcoming Events
August 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026
School Supplies Collection Begins 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Service / Coffee Hours after 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM
Blessing of the Backpacks (for Teachers and Students of the 26-27 SY)
Godly Play 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
AA Meetings 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
WMC Eucharist 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: WMC
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Bible Study 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Fellowship Hall
AA Meetings 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Service / Coffee Hours after 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Brotherhood 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
AA Meetings 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Eucharist 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: Parish Hall Chapel
Outreach 10:15 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Vestry Room
Thursday, August 13, 2026
School Supplies Due 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Bible Study 10:30 a.m. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Fellowship Hall
AA Meetings 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Children's Day - West Point 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Service / Coffee Hours after 8:00AM & 10:30AM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Daughters of the King 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Godly Play 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Godly Play Training Session 10:20-12:30) 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Monday, August 17, 2026
finance Meeting - 9:30 a.m. 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Library
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
AA Meetings 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Vestry 4:00 p.m. 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Ministry Chair Persons Meeting 10:30AM 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday, August 20, 2026 Bible Study 10:30 a.m. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Fellowship Hall
AA Meetings 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Service / Coffee Hours after 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
AA Meetings 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Bible Study 10:30 a.m. 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Fellowship Hall
AA Meetings 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Set Up for Breakfast 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Service / Coffee Hours after 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Stewardship Kick Off Breakfast 9:00 a.m. 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Christ Church Parish (Episcopal)
PO Box 476
56 Christchurch Lane, Saluda, VA 23149
804-758-2006