Message from the Rector

Dear St. Christopher’s Family,

Greetings in the name of Christ! I am writing to share news with you today that I have been nominated by the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia (Western Washington State) to the slate of candidates for their next Bishop Diocesan. It has been a rich discernment process and I am grateful to those who have been praying for me and offering guidance on this path.

I wanted to share a few thoughts about the process and my heart. First, while being nominated is an honor, it does not mean that I am unhappy serving with you, or that I will be elected. It merely means that I am trying to remain open to where the Spirit is leading. I also know that this process can put considerable pressure on our community and want to assure you that regardless of how the path unfolds, I am committed to the work we are doing in this wonderful church. My affection and my effort remains here with you, unless and until I am called elsewhere. I am so grateful to serve with you in the amazing ministry taking place at St. Christopher’s.

The election will be on May 18th. Between now and then, I ask your prayers for our community, me and my family, and for the discernment of the people of Olympia. I am happy to answer questions and have further conversation with anyone who has thoughts or concerns. We will be having a time of discussion as a community following the March 3rd 10am service and all are welcomed.

Thank you for all that you do and all that you are — it is truly a blessing to me to be a part of the work and community of St. Christopher’s.

With Blessings,

The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining, Rector

Message from the Wardens

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

We are writing to you about the news Hillary shared about her nomination for the slate of bishops for the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia in Western Washington state. We want to first congratulate her for making the cut, but are we surprised? We have been lucky enough to experience this extraordinary woman lead our parish for the last ten years.

While it is understandable to be concerned for the future of our parish at the possibility of Hillary leaving, at the same time, it is important for us to put this in perspective and be happy for Hillary.

For the past ten years that Hillary has been at St. Christopher’s, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership, energy and passion for our mission. She has elevated the church’s spirituality and energy level, attracted more and more young families and children to our parish and been a constant source of joy, good humor and resolve. In addition to navigating through Covid and bringing our services online, she has mentored our current Curate Kristen Ostendorf and Michelle Bullock into Episcopal priests. Currently she is mentoring Madeleine Harris who is graduating from Yale Divinity School and James Curcione as they consider the ordained priesthood. She also created The Hive Apiary, an online website that is a Home for Wellness, Spirituality and Growth.

Hillary’s excellent work here did not go unnoticed by others nationally within the Episcopal Church. It is a credit to her that her name was put forth as a potential candidate for the Bishop of Olympia. She attended a discernment retreat in Olympia with several other potential candidates. Hillary was then selected as one of four candidates for the position of Bishop of Olympia.

We should look at this as a true honor for Hillary to be nominated. We will not know the outcome of Olympia’s decision until the middle of May. In the meantime, as Hillary said in her letter to the parish, her full effort remains here with us at St. Christopher’s and its mission. And if Hillary is not elected, we will be able to continue this ministry with the same joy that we have already shared together.

It is our hope that you will continue to support Hillary and join us in prayers for our community and for Hillary and her family.

Sincerely Yours,

Nancy Purcell                             Ken Jones
Rectors Warden                         Accounting Warden