IN THIS ISSUE • November 29, 2024
2nd Sunday of Advent
Advent 2024 Childcare Service Cookie Walk 2024 Gently Used Blankets Needed Saint Martha’s Ministry Potluck Sunday ~ December 15, 2024 Bible Study Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal ~ November 24, 2024 Sign up now to Host Coffee Hour ~ Join the Brew Crew Intercessions In-person Worship (or live stream at home) this Sunday at 9am Tracing Our Roots: Reflections on the Historic Diocese of Eau Claire Follow Us on Social Media Downtown Eau Claire Kwik Trip Cards Fundraiser Vanco Advent 2024
Advent: A Time of Expectation and Hope in the Episcopal Tradition As we enter the season of Advent, the Episcopal Church invites us to embrace a time of waiting, hope, and preparation. Derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” Advent is a season to prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ at Christmas and to anticipate His return in glory. It’s a time to slow down, reflect, and deepen our spiritual lives in a world that often rushes forward. The Episcopal Church offers resources to help us live into this season with intention. Here are some highlights for Advent 2024: Devotional and Educational Materials: 1.Journeying the Way of Love: Advent Curriculum and Calendar These resources explore the first chapters of Luke’s Gospel and offer daily practices for engaging with the Way of Love: turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go, and rest. Perfect for individuals, families, or small groups, they are available in English, Spanish, and French. 2.Living Well Through Advent 2024 This daily devotional focuses on the theme “Practicing Peace With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind”. Available as a free PDF download, daily email, or printed booklet, it includes Spanish versions as well. 3.Forward Movement Advent Resources Forward Movement provides materials such as Jay Sidebotham’s Advent calendar and other devotionals to support your spiritual journey. 4.Advent Word Join a global community in daily prayer and reflection through this online Advent calendar inspired by lectionary readings. Each day features a new word to meditate on and share with others. 5.Advent and Christmas Digital Invitation Kit For those seeking to share the spirit of Advent with others, this kit offers printable and digital resources to promote special events and services. Materials are available in English, Spanish, and French. Living the Advent Tradition Advent calls us to a holy pause—a time to listen for God’s voice amid the busyness. Through practices like lighting the Advent wreath, praying the collects, and engaging with Scripture, we root ourselves in the ancient promises of God while preparing for Christ’s light to break into our lives anew. This season is not just about personal reflection but also about preparing our communities to receive Christ. How can we extend the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent to those who need it most? As Episcopalians, our liturgies and traditions guide us to hold space for both longing and praise, teaching us to live in the tension of the “already and not yet.” Advent is a gift—a holy invitation to prepare, reflect, and embrace hope. May this season draw us closer to God and one another as we await the coming of Emmanuel: God with us. Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal ~ November 24, 2024
Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal
November 24, 2024
Last Monday we served in the rain and on Thursday, while it was dry, it was cold. We are expecting that this and of course, even colder temperatures, are here to stay for the next few months. We provided a couple of pairs of hand warmers to each person and passed out coats, hoodies, and sweatpants to many visitors. We haven't transitioned to all boots for footwear but we're expecting that to happen soon as the requests are coming in more frequently.
A woman visiting with Lynn.
Sometimes these conversations and connections, even if brief,
are what our guests desire most.
I spoke with a man on Thursday who has been present for spurts of time over the years and then seems to disappear for a while. He looked better than ever, and the conversation with him was very enlightening. His eye contact was new to me and he had a genuine, heartfelt smile — this was new, as well. He reported that he'd been in jail and now out, had 44 days of sobriety under his belt and that physically, he felt fantastic. His social security disability had been reinstated, and he had somehow found a room to rent (with strict conditions) on a month-to-month basis. He has employment goals but talked about how hard it is to find jobs and housing with a background like his and many others that he observed near where we set up. He said that people "look at us like we're bad people, we're not good enough and they don't want to give us a chance." He went on to say that there are definitely some people that have made being unhoused harder for the entire population. He was well-spoken and had opinions on how hard it is to move forward with the biases that they, as a group, face in their endeavors. The man added that he was very pleased to have found a place to stay but added how lonely he was and how that loneliness triggers negative thinking. He maintains contact with his friends that stay at the shelter or outdoors and said that this lifestyle is all he's known for well over a decade. When he's been in jail, he's with people. When he was homeless, he was with people. Now that he's housed, he's alone and this is a stressor for him. We talked more about his past and he finally asked me how I knew him. When I explained that I'd worked at the jail, he gasped and said that he hoped he'd never been mean to me. I assured him that he hadn't and encouraged him to come back and talk with any of us whenever he needed or wanted. I hope he continues to do well and that he finds employment so that he can be with other people. I asked if I could share his story and promised him that I would not share his name as we respect his privacy. The man was happy to share his success with you and passed on a thank you for all he has received from the street ministry over the years.
Another volunteer spoke with a woman and her child that we've been concerned about for over a year. We were happy to hear that they will be staying at the family shelter in Eau Claire. We've been talking with her for a while and hoping that her child will have some form of stability soon. She is young and impressionable while in her developmental years. A volunteer had brought mandarin oranges to provide to our visitors and the child beamed when she took her fruit with her. That smile lit up the darkness.
It often doesn't take much at all to provide a little joy.
The oranges were enjoyed by many.
We've updated our needs list, please review and help us to provide needed items. We typically visit thrift stores when we're in need but have found that the selection for coats in the 2XL+ range is limited. We'll have an Amazon list soon but don't necessarily need brand new items. Our donation information is attached to the needs list.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I speak for all CVSM volunteers when I share my gratitude for you — our support system. I mentioned in another journal that when I first started volunteering, I was doubtful that our needs would be met but I've been shown countless times that people are good and generous to one another. I'm thankful to be able to do the work we do and to have met so many wonderful people that provide for needs and also those who benefit from your generosity. Please enjoy your Thanksgiving and be safe.
Karen - CVSM
We've updated our needs list, please take a look!
We definitely accept gently used items that are clean and in good repair.
Thank you for your donations to CVSM!
Financial donations - we purchase city bus passes on a regular basis to provide to the people we serve for transportation to work, appointments, and general use. These are costly to purchase in the quantity that we need. We also purchase items that are not donated that are limited in our stock. Hoodies - these are needed year-round. We are in need of hoodies in sizes L, XL, XXL, and larger Sleeping bags & Blankets - if donating a used sleeping bag, please have functional zippers Sweatpants - People will layer sweatpants over jeans or other pants. We need sweatpants in sizes L and larger Men's underwear - New is preferred, boxers and/or boxer briefs. All sizes. Extra large gloves and mittens Hand Warmers - prefer 2 per pack, if possible
Sign up now to Host Coffee Hour ~ Join the Brew CrewWe need sign ups for the month of December or January! If you enjoy coffee hour, please consider picking one Sunday! The sign-up sheet is now posted in the memorial lounge and in sign-up genius for hosting September coffee hours. To sign up through sign-up genius scroll to the bottom of this email, and click on the link. You can also sign up on the poster by the kitchen window when you’re at church this Sunday. If you’ve never hosted coffee hour, but you would like to get started, talk to Mary Gadwill and Becky Van Es. We will be happy to host with you your first time to give you instructions. Thank you to all for making coffee hours enjoyable for everyone! This is a time to connect with your church family following the service on Sunday. It's fun & easy! We want to keep it simple, coffee, juice, and breakfast items (donuts, donut holes, muffins, cookies, etc.) Please check your calendar and review the available slots below; click on the button to sign up. Help us keep coffee hour brewing! Intercessions• For those in need of healing, guidance, and comfort: Elliot, Deb, Cory, • Diocese of Wisconsin Cycle of Prayer: • December Birthdays: • December Anniversaries:
In-person Worship (or live stream at home) this Sunday at 9amJoin us for the Rite II Holy Eucharist service with Rev. Lenny Anderson, celebrant who will preach, at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral, or watch this service livestream via Zoom (instructions & link below) or on our Facebook page (to find us on Facebook type in @cathedralec). There is a link embedded in the middle of the invitation. To use this link, you have to download the free "Zoom" app to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you have that app on your device, all you have to do is click the link on the email and you will automatically connect. (Be sure to allow the app to access your camera and microphone, if requested. If you don't want to use the app, or are using a device that can't download the app, you can go to the website for Zoom: https://zoom.us On the upper right hand side of your screen, there will be a tab titled "Join a Meeting." Click on that tab and you will be prompted to enter a "Meeting ID or Personal Link Name." The "Meeting ID" can be found toward the bottom of the invitation. I've highlighted it in red to be easier to find. In the case of this meeting, the ID is: 924 746 7996. Just enter those digits without a space or dashes and click enter. From there, you'll be prompted to allow access to your camera/microphone. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 924 746 7996 One tap mobile Dial by your location Tracing Our Roots: Reflections on the Historic Diocese of Eau ClaireCelebrating the Legacy of ECW at Christ Church Cathedral For many years, Episcopal Church Women (ECW) has been a vital organization within the Episcopal Church, creating a space for women to connect, serve, and contribute to the church's mission. From its early days in the 19th century, ECW has played a significant role in the spiritual life, outreach efforts, and service ministries of the church. Over time, this organization has fostered a deep sense of community and purpose, empowering women to lead initiatives that extend Christ’s love both within the church and in the wider world. The History of ECWThe roots of women’s organizations in the Episcopal Church date back to the 19th century, when women began organizing to support the mission of the church in various ways, from supporting missionary work to organizing charitable efforts. In 1871, the Episcopal Church Women was officially established, with the goal of uniting women across the church to share their resources and talents for service. ECW became a key vehicle for women to engage in church leadership, particularly in areas of outreach, education, and support for those in need. Through the years, ECW has been at the forefront of organizing local outreach programs, raising funds for mission work, providing care to the underserved, and offering spiritual formation and support to members of the congregation. Women in ECW often worked behind the scenes—creating social justice programs, organizing prayer groups, and providing direct service to the community. The Shift at Christ Church Cathedral: Episcopal Church WorkersAt Christ Church Cathedral, we have long been proud of the role ECW has played in our life as a parish and in the wider diocese. However, as our community has grown more inclusive and welcoming, we recognized the importance of evolving with the times. In order to make sure that all people, regardless of gender, feel invited to serve and lead in these important ministries, Christ Church Cathedral has embraced a new name for the organization: Episcopal Church Workers (ECW). This change reflects our commitment to inclusivity, opening the door to all parishioners who wish to engage in the work of outreach, service, and spiritual life, regardless of gender identity. As Episcopal Church Workers, we continue to build on the legacy of the original ECW while broadening our focus to involve all who feel called to serve. ECW's Ongoing Contributions to Outreach and ServiceAt Christ Church Cathedral, the Episcopal Church Workers are integral to our outreach ministries and continue to serve in countless ways. From organizing donation drives for local charities, to preparing meals for those in need, to visiting and supporting our elderly parishioners, the spirit of service remains strong. Our church workers also dedicate time to creating educational opportunities, supporting youth programs, and contributing to global mission efforts, bringing the light of Christ to people near and far. In addition to their service work, the Episcopal Church Workers play an important role in the spiritual life of the parish. They organize retreats, prayer groups, and other events that help nurture the faith of our community, fostering a spirit of unity and prayer. These gatherings strengthen the bonds of friendship among our members, deepening our sense of purpose and shared mission. A New Chapter in Community and ServiceAs we move forward, the shift from "Episcopal Church Women" to "Episcopal Church Workers" not only honors the rich history of women’s contributions to the church but also invites a new generation of leaders to take part in this vital work. Whether in service, prayer, or outreach, the commitment of our ECW to being the hands and feet of Christ remains unwavering. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved with the Episcopal Church Workers at Christ Church Cathedral, please reach out to [contact information]. We welcome all who wish to serve with us as we continue to embody Christ’s love through our work in the world. We are grateful for the legacy of Episcopal Church Women and are excited to continue this important work under our new, inclusive name as Episcopal Church Workers. Downtown Eau Claire
Discover what's happening this weekend in Eau Claire Get out and enjoy Downtown Eau Claire this weekend! Downtown Construction Updates New construction updates are on our website! https://www.downtowneauclaire.org/explore/explore-downtown/constructionupdates/
Kwik Trip Cards FundraiserWe are still partnering with Kwik Trip Fundraising Card Program! As of November 1st, the program is changing slightly. They are now offering a new Grocery Only/In-Store card that we purchase at a 15% base discount. This card can be used toward in-store products. Items not eligible to be purchased with the new card offering include fuel, tobacco, alcohol, gift cars, lottery/lotto, and stamps. This allows us to take advantage of the discount at the point of purchase instead of having to wait for a rebate on grocery items. Regular and Fuel-Only gift cards are still available. We purchase these at a 5% base discount. This is a great way to support the church while purchasing the gas and/or groceries you were going to buy anyway. These cards make great gifts for your friends & family, service providers or employees! Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral The Episcopal Diocese of Eau Claire To ensure that our messages arrive in your inbox, please add This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to your contacts. If you prefer not to receive news from Christ Church Cathedral in the future, click here to unsubscribe. |
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Sunday
Rite II with Eucharist service – 9:00 AM;
In person, Zoom and Facebook live.
Click here to join Sunday morning Zoom service
Holy Days – Eucharist as announced in the Weekly Update