Announcements for the week of December 16, 2007

Third 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 Luncheon - Thanks to all who made this event easier and fun! If you missed choosing a Secret Sister this year and would like one, please see Mary Ruth, or call her at 291-7416, or e-mail at mzkitty33@cox.net before Christmas.

Coffee Hour Hosts: 8:00am service is Karen Sterzer & Trudy Conley. 10:30 service is Team 2.

EVANGELISM

A Thank You: We would like to thank the good people from CHS who have been greeters. We are again inviting people to be greeters during this Advent Season. Greeters are needed for the Sunday, Dec. 23 services as well as the Christmas Eve Services at 7 & 10pm. The sign up sheet is located on the clipboard table. Thank you! Joan Wood

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

Take the kids ice-skating at ConAgra! Every $5 admission goes straight to the Food bank. Last day is today, December 16.


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

EARLY NOTICE! The Annual Meeting is the end of January and I will need your reports no later than January 6th, I totally enjoy putting it all together, but, it does take quite a bit of time, in addition to my daily duties. Thank you so much! Judy

Flame Delivery: The Christmas Flame is in your e-mail, and those who asked for a paper copy should have it by now. If you didn’t get one (or got one and don’t want it), please let us know. You can write a note to leave in the office or the Flame mailbox in the undercroft. Thanks!


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

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).

Our prayers of thanksgiving are offered with those who are celebrating birthdays this week, especially: Del Hazelip (Dec 19)

Our prayers of thanksgiving are also offered with those who are celebrating wedding anniversaries this week, especially: Aaron & Cynthia Knop, Todd & Pam Thatcher (Dec 18).

This week we ask that you keep the following family and friends in your prayers: Sheila Moschen, Tom Adams, Christian Overly, Anne Marie Mingo, Phil Scarbrough, Stu Campbell, David Scarbrough, Carrie Feingold, Connie O’Neil, Michael M., Victor Bokhan, Ken Conley, those recovering from the Westroads Mall shooting.

For all those deployed, especially: Gordon, Justin, Martin M., Andrew C., John H., Scott, Jay S, Craig R., Tom I., Eric F., John C., Matthew S., Jan W., Toni T., Estelle.


Please Join Us For Our Advent Activities!

We have many activities planned as we prepare for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ this Advent season.
Please plan to join us for:

Today, December 16, during our 10:30 a.m. service -- Christmas Pageant
Our Sunday School children will present their version of the birth of Christ.
Picture with St. Nick available for a fee in the library after 10:30 Service to raise money for Sunday School supplies.

Wednesday, December 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Journeys and CHS Youth Group Caroling and Chili Feed
We’ll carol in our parish neighborhood, then enjoy chili and goodies at the Church

Christmas Services

Monday, December 24, at 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Family Service
Bring an appetizer or goodie to share at our after-service party, too

Monday, December 24, at 10:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Service
Come early and bring an appetizer or goodie to share at the before-service party, too

No Services Christmas Day