Announcements for the week of November 16, 2008

Twenty-Seventh Sunday after 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

WELCOME NEWCOMERSYou 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.

YOUTH
St. Andrew’s Pre-Christmas Lock In! For grades 6 thru 12, beginning Friday, Dec 5 at 6:30pm until Sat, Dec 6 at 8am. Sign up sheet is on the clipboard table in the undercroft.

CHRISTIAN ED OPPORTUNITIES
ATTENTION! The Christmas Program has been changed to December 14. It will take place during the 10:30 service.

COMMUNICATIONS
CHS received notice from Tracy Wells (our intern from Sept 2006-May 2007) that she is now, officially a postulant for holy orders in the Diocese of Atlanta! Congratulations Tracy!

100 Reasons We Give to CHS
Please submit your reason(s) why you Give to CHS on a 3x5 card - state why you give to CHS or why you come to CHS - what does CHS mean to you? We’ll be collecting them through the end of the month or until we have 100 reasons - you can submit more than one card! Please find extras and put your completed cards in the small bag sitting on the “clip board” table in the undercroft.
Update on Estimate of Giving Collection
We began our collection of Estimates of Giving cards from the membership on Nov 1 & 2at the Consecration Services. To date we have collected 45 member estimates for a total of $134,164 and are expecting 19 more from members who traditionally turn in estimates. If the 19 we are expecting come in, that will give us approximately $160,590 for an income projection. This is a higher projection than last year, but given we expect this year’s expenses to be higher than 2008, we could be facing a shortfall in contributions versus expenses for 2009. This is our church and as a membership body we are the givers and sustainers of God’s House on 1305 Thomas Drive. If you usually turn in an estimate of giving, we are counting on your estimate coming in. Otherwise, please consider submitting an estimate as new (or renewed) practice for 2009. It will make a difference with our financial planning for 2009.

Mark your calendars! Sunday, Nov 23 after the 10:30 service there will be a farewell/retirement reception for Mother Ruth and our Music Director Marian Barnett. Two envelopes are available for contributions. See Kristi Smith or Lynda Wyant.

Thanksgiving is almost here once again, and in keeping with our CHS tradition, we will have an Order of Worship (Eucharist) for the Evening on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:00 PM, to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Please join us for the service and afterward for the Pie Celebration. Bring a pie of your choice to share with others...let’s get a head-start on Thanksgiving dessert!

Handel’s Messiah: December 6, 7pm at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Maestro Thomas Wilkins conducting. Tickets start at $15: (402) 342-3560. 25% off for groups of 10+ (402) 342-3836 x121.

Women of the church: Ladies, please put your vote for this year’s Woman of Spirit in the box on the Secret Sister table soon. Don’t forget that it’s a one-time thing. Please don’t vote for the ones who’ve already received the award. Thanks.

The Flame needs a photo person to help with final copy photographs (produced on the office copier). If you can help, you will receive another star in your crown!

Be Bold!! Join the greeting Ministry!! Members of this ministry connect with people by making them feel welcome as they enter church. The goal is to welcome every single person who walks through the door with a warm handshake and smile. You can sign up on the clipboard located on the clipboard table. The time commitment is minimal: a briefing on the new greeter process and being “at the door” 15 minutes prior to the service you signed up for. Make a difference in someone’s life today!

Anyone interested in being an Acolyte please call or email Christine Brockinton, 291-1274 or scbamanda@cox.net.

The CHS Shop “Dollar Off Days”
For the month of November all religious items over $5 will be $2 dollars less - ie: prayer books, religious jewelry, episcopal items, cookbooks, aprons, house blessings and more (excluded are all consignment items from our parishioners. We need to give them the monies earned by their items.) Reva & Ruth are looking for new shop manager(s). The person(s) would open the shop after the 10:30am service - and we will give the new person training . Interested people, please stop by the shop and we will explain more fully about the job. Questions? Call Ruth at 291-1437.

Our prayers of thanksgiving are offered with those who are celebrating birthdays this week, especially: David Kentsmith (Nov 17), Wanda Ronni (19), Chris Buser (22).

Our prayers of thanksgiving are also offered with those who are celebrating wedding anniversaries this week, especially: Fr. Tom & Sharon Jones (Nov 22).