Announcements for the week of September 16, 2007

Sixteenth Sunday of Pentecost

MISSION STATEMENT

The Church of the Holy Spirit (Episcopal) shares the love of Jesus through being a friendly community, participating in liturgically rich worship experiences, and by empowering individual ministries.

WORSHIP NEWS

We are now using the (RCL) Revised Common Lectionary. It updates our Book of Common Prayer Lectionary.

WELCOME NEWCOMERS
You are welcome to join us at the communion rail when it is time to receive Holy Communion. Our ushers and any member are happy to assist if you have any questions during our worship. Jesus loves you! We are glad you are here.

To Help You: Sound enhancement ear phones and large print service books are available in the narthex. Ask an usher for assistance.


For The Sending Forth of Lay Eucharistic Visitors
DEACON: In the name of this congregation, I send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that (those to whom you go) may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood.
CONGREGATION: We who are many are one body, because we all share one bread, one cup.


Got questions about our worship? Blue cards are in your pew holders. Ask question on card and put it in the collection plate. Each week we will briefly look at a question for discussion.

FELLOWSHIP

Attention Sunday Hostess Groups: Please check the schedule for
your Sunday and have a designated person to remind each committee member, that it is the groups’ Sunday to bring snacks. Thanks

The Coffee Hour Host after the 8am service is Georgette Clark. The Coffee Hour Team after the 10:30 service is Team 1.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

“Welcome to Sunday”, the adult education book group will meet in the Burlingame-Mathews Chapel instead of the classroom. (The time will still be between the 8am and 10:30am services). We had 18 people show up last week! Additional books have been ordered and will be available today. Deacon Hank will be leading this book discussion. “Welcome to Sunday” offers a step-by-step introduction to the Sunday Liturgy, with an emphasis on how lay people can participate. Deacon Hank says “The good news is, we buy the books, we don’t take roll, you don’t have to participate in the discussions...Just Attend.” Do you bring your children to Sunday School? Well, now you can attend Sunday School, too! DEACON HANK WANTS YOU. Sign up on the clipboard in the undercroft.

Thursday evening Book Study Group is reading, Amazing Grace, by Kathleen Norris. Norris writes about the reclaiming of her Christian faith after 20 years away and her difficulties with what she calls the “scary” words of Christianity - words like eschatology...antichrist...righteous...dogma...We meet on Thursday nights from 7-8pm. Join us if you can. The book lends itself to joining at any time. Please see Deacon Diana or Toby Wingert for further information.

Wednesday Morning Bible Class: This week our study continues with the Book of Common Prayer. Anyone who would like to come is very welcome!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND YOUTH

Dear CHS Youth:

This Sunday, we plan to conduct a Youth car wash at the church, beginning from 8 a.m. and washing cars during both services. We’re doing this car wash, which is always a lot of fun, to raise money to pay for fall activities, including horseback riding. Youth grades 6 through 12, please plan to come and help as we need you there to wash the cars and make the money! And, don’t forget to wear car wash attire (that can double as bowling attire).

After the car wash, we’ll go over to Leopard Lanes in Bellevue to bowl from 12:15 p.m. to about 2:30 p.m. We’ll figure out lunch – either in between the car wash and bowling or at the alley itself. CHS will pay for the bowling and bowling shoes. If parents want to contribute a few dollars toward lunch, that would be great and we’ll supplement to make sure all get fed.

Please email me to let me know either way if you plan to participate or call me at (402) 933-2991 if you have any questions.

Lastly, mark the date October 7th for the big autumn horseback riding trip and October 28th for the trip to the Bellevue Berry Patch for the spooky hayrack ride. More details on those to follow!

“Wednesday Journeys Mission Statement”

The following is the mission statement for our Wednesday Journeys:
St. Luke’s, St. Martha’s and Church of the Holy Spirit commit ourselves to a combined effort to better serve our youths, grades 6-12, in a safe, fun and challenging Wednesday night program that empowers their spiritual and personal growth. Pray for this wonderful program for our youth.

WEDNESDAY JOURNEYS NOTES
It is still not too late to sign up for Wednesday Journeys. If a child will be 13 in the next two years, they should be involved. If transportation is an issue please see Kristi Smith or Wendy Lee. We meet on Wednesday night from 6:30 - 8:30pm. A meal is served at 6:30. We have almost 20 youth from three churches signed up now and would love to have 20 more. Sixth grade to seniors in high school are all welcome.

Youth Car Wash
Please Don’t Wash Your Car - yet, that is! TODAY, September 16, 2007, the Youth Group will sponsor a parish car wash during and between both services to raise money for various activities. Afterward, we’ll have some fun activity (still scheduling) - likely either bowling or skating in Bellevue. If you’re a parishioner, please consider bringing your car dirty and allow us to earn some funding from you! If you’re a Youth 5th through 12th grade, please plan to dress in car wash clothes, arrive by 8:00 a.m., and be ready to work and play. More details will be forthcoming, but see Jennifer Wilson or Wendy Lee with any questions.

MOMS’ DAY OUT!
We are planning to host our first Moms’ Day Out on Saturday, November 10, From, 9:30-1:00. We need volunteers to help us take care of children. If you are interested in helping us out there are 2 things you must do: 1. Sign up for safe child training. 2. See Georgette Clark for more information.

LOOKING AHEAD

OFFICE

INTERN NEWS: We received word that we will not be blessed with an intern this year. Only one individual signed up and is going to All Saints Church. Another year we will have one!

SHOP NOW
The T-Shirts with the Episcopal logo are on sale for $13.00, plus .91 cents tax. Come and browse our CHS Gift Shop, there are items of interest for everyone!


VESTRY

Your Rector and Vestry invite you to consider an open Vestry position. The building care position is open. A job description is on the clipboard table in the undercroft. The main responsibility is keeping a close eye on our church building. Let a vestry member know if you are interested.

OUTREACH

Bev Oltman has represented our congregation at meetings of the
Dean Fricke Food Pantry Board for many years. She will continue to bag groceries, but she’s looking for a person to represent CHS at the four board meetings per year. Let Deacon Diana know if you are interested.

IF YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE UNITED WAY: Please help the Fricke Pantry financially by designating your giving to the “Dean Fricke Memorial Episcopal Food Pantry, Inc., Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 113 No. 18th St., Omaha, NE 68102, phone 342-7013.” We are not on the list, so ask your United Way volunteer for a Donor Designation form. Fill in the space for a non-affiliated agency indicating Episcopal Food Pantry. You do not need an ID # even though the form may ask for it. To ensure proper credit please check the box to receive acknowledgment of your contribution. United Way funds are important to this mission of the Omaha-area Episcopal churches. In the year 2006, the Fricke Pantry received over $16,500 from this source.

Bellevue Food Pantry: Please remember to bring your non-perishable food items and/or volunteer to help at the Bellevue Food Pantry. If you have questions, see Jan Sinram or call her at (291-8235).

This week we ask that you keep the following family and friends in your prayers:

Charlie Osgood, Jeff, Brenda, Eric Siburg, Bob Gomeringer, Mary Anne, Laurie, Michael, Loritta, Jen’s grandmother, Toby & Chuck W., Beth Evans, Howard & Sharon Verdery, Pat Tarleton, Murphy, Anne-Marie Mingo, Tracy Gomeringer, Sheila Moschen, Emily Murray, Dan, Craig M, Christian Overly, Tom Clark, Louise Hamilton, Sharon & Ted, Jim Talmadge, Phil Scarbrough, Kevin Houdek’s father

for all those deployed, especially:

Gordon, Justin, Martin M., Andrew C., Luke, Scott, Jay S, Craig R., John C., Todd S,
Matthew S., Jan W.

Our prayers of thanksgiving are offered with those who are celebrating birthdays this week, especially: Kirk Adams, Jeanne Darrell (Sep 17), David Wallace 18),Sarah Clark, Sue Inks, Sabrina Wallace (21).

Our prayers of thanksgiving are also offered with those who are celebrating wedding anniversaries this week, especially: George & Jean Schaefer (Sep 19), Steve & Beth Byrne (22).

The Chapel Presence Candle for this month was given to the glory of God and in memory of Kathryn Marling Rice, by the Vassar family.

Please join us for coffee in the undercroft after the Sunday Services.
Qualified Nursery and Toddler care is available in the undercroft.
Please sign your children in and out