Announcements for Sunday, December 2, 2007

First Sunday of Advent

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. We go through the entire Bible in 3 years of Sunday reading. We now are using the same Sunday readings as most of Christendom.

Morning Prayer: Every Wednesday morning for the duration, Deacon Diana is leading Morning Prayer at 9:15am. She is emphasizing the “Lesser Feasts and Fasts,” stories of our saints, their lives and their accomplishments. It is interesting to know about these people. Come join the lively Morning Prayer group and join us for refreshments afterwards.

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.


FELLOWSHIP

Ladies of the Parish: Don’t miss this year’s Holiday Luncheon! Saturday, December 8, 11:30, in the Undercroft. Bring yourself, friends, children (spouses if they are very brave) and a salad, dessert, or bread.

Daughters of the King: Our December meeting will be a lunch or dessert gathering after the musical program on December 9, we hope you’ll stay for the program and then assemble to go together afterward.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Layreaders: We need two volunteers to read for the 7pm service Christmas Eve. Please sign up on the bulletin board. Thanks.

Acolyte Get Together and Training: There will be an acolyte training and get together today, Sunday, December 2, after the 10:30 service. Anyone interested in acolyting, please attend. We are looking for any youth (3rd grade and above) and adults that would like to serve. If you are unable to attend or have any questions, contact Beth Byrne - 331-5187.

The Adult Christian Ed book discussion “Welcome to Sunday” will resume meeting January 6, because of Advent and all the activities going on. Also, if anyone has any of the books, and would like to turn them in until the class starts again, please drop them off in the office. We would like to get an idea how many people would like to do the class so that we can order more books as needed.
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

On Sunday, December 9, there will be a Children’s Boutique after the 10:30 service: in the library. Children will be able to purchase inexpensive gifts for their families for Christmas. Many Santa’s helpers will be available to help them. A table will be set up for them to wrap their purchases. Parents are allowed only for the very small children and only one parent per family. The older children just need money. All proceeds go to the kitchen fund.

On Sunday, December 16, after the 10:30 service pictures with Saint Nicholas will be taken in the library.

Christian Ed now needs; plastic lids. The ones that come on butter tubs (16 inch) or cream cheese. Large ones are okay. Come with your family to the Advent Workshop and see how we use them. Please place them in the shopping bag just outside the Christian Education Office. Thanks! Kristi

WEDNESDAY JOURNEYS
Mission Statement: 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.

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.

OFFICE

The Rev’d Father Michael Lemmons: By now you , the congregation who affirmed Mike Lemmons for Holy Orders, probably know he has died. He died last Sunday (Nov 25) in his own bed in their new home in IL. Many of you will remember Mike and Linda who were members of CHS from 1985 - 1992. Their last church, before Mike had to retire for medical reasons, was St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Pawtucket, RI. Burial services have not been sorted out at this time. Should you wish to write Linda her address is: 2S, 445 Santchez Drive, Warrenville, IL 60555. Please keep Linda and their three children (Chris, Julie and Peter) in your personal prayers.

Important Pastoral Notice:
If you have a pastoral need while we are in transition to a new Rector, call Deacon Diana. She has a list of priests available to us during this time. Her phone number is 293-7838.


OUTREACH

ERD Offers Way to Help People Displaced by California Wildfires: To help people affected by the fires in Southern California, please make a donation to ERDs “Emergency Relief Fund” online at www.er-d.org, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Emergency Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

Christmas Habitat Families in Need - One Way of Sharing God’s Love
During Advent this year, one of the ways we will prepare for the birth of Christ is to provide Christmas presents for three Habitat homeowner families who are in need. The preschool/kindergarten classes have adopted one of the families; the other two are being adopted by the remainder of our church. Donations may be put in an envelope that is passed during the services. If a check is written, please be sure to note it is for Christmas Habitat families. If you have questions, please see Jan Sinram (291-8235).