Posts tagged ‘Advent’

December 2023 News Volume 71, No. 9

Dear Church,

Recently, our friend Celia Pemberton shared a quote from her father that she treasures: “Faith is the abiding trust that life is a gift.” Indeed, it is!

‘Tis the season… and faith is also the abiding trust that:

A power greater than ourselves is ever coming to be born anew; No matter how dark darkness is, it cannot overcome the light; We are not alone… Emmanuel, God is with us; With God, all things are possible.

Long have you kept and practiced this Advent-Christmas faith with one another and in ministry in the world. So, too, have you done in this interim time and I know you will continue to do so.

May your Advent-Christmas faith go with you in the coming year and fill you with continued hope and vitality in the next chapter of ministry!

Thank you for the part you have blessed Kim and I to share with you these last two years!!! As we know you will keep us in your prayers, so will you ever be in ours.

Love and Blessings Always,

Steve and Kim

Prayers of the Community

Please hold in prayer: Walt T., Howard M., Millie S., Celia P. in the loss of her brother-in-law, Warren; Nancy O. for her mother, George H., Joan J. for her aunt Adeline in hospice care, Diane R.’s mother, her cousin Mona, and her uncle Jimmy; DebE M.’s friend Sheila M., Leslie L.’s parents, Carolyn H’s sister. We rejoice in Nick S.’s recovery. We Also pray for: An end to fighting in Ukraine, Gaza and Israel; an end to gun violence in the USA; all who have been killed, injured and driven from their homes to refuge in other countries and those affected by extreme weather events. Everyone struggling with loneliness, depression and isolation. All who grieve the loss of loved ones. All of our LGBTQ family and friends. Anyone experiencing pain and alienation: may you know that God loves ALL of us.

Weekly Worship Notes

CHCC continues to worship in person on Sundays at 11 a.m. Masks are optional; do what works for you. We circulate during Passing of the Peace; if you prefer to keep a distance, feel free to remain in your pew and wave. Please continue to sign the Greeter’s register as you enter, and pick up a bulletin and communion elements.

SIGN UP to participate in worship: Streaming Tech, Greeter, Elder, Deacons, Liturgist and Nursery Volunteer via Signup Genius

Sunday Morning Study Continues

Rev. Steve is sharing short videos and leads discussion at 10 a.m. in the Church Library. First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God, is a 12-session study of the historical Jesus and the Kingdom of God, featuring John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg, two of the world’s leading Jesus scholars.

Congregational Meeting to Elect Officers

Notice was given in worship on December 3 that we will have a meeting of the congregation on Sunday, December 17 immediately after worship for the purpose of electing Officers, Elders, and Deacons for 2024.

Farewell Reception for Steve and Kim Westbrook

The last day of Steve and Kim’s intentional interim ministry with CHCC will be Sunday, December 31, but since many of us travel during the holidays, a farewell reception in recognition of their 2+ years with us will happen on Sunday, December 17 immediately after the above mentioned Congregational Meeting. This is a time to celebrate our Interim Journey together, and to offer thanks to Steve and Kim for their ministry. There will be light refreshments, cake, a chance to offer thank you notes, and a surprise or two!

Christmas Eve Service and Caroling

Although Sunday, December 24, is the 4th Sunday of Advent, our 11 a.m. worship will also contain our Christmas Eve worship, and we will not have an evening service on that Sunday. Members who want to go caroling will gather after worship for light refreshments and then go out in the neighborhood in the afternoon to continue CHCC’s long tradition of caroling on Christmas Eve.

Birthdays

• Brenda B. 12/4
• Percy L. 12/4
• Susan M. 12/7
• Ty W. and Jacob W. 12/12
• Liam Spencer 12/14
• Cathy H. 12/19
• Nick S. 12/25
• Kathy M. 12/31
• Kim L. 1/1
• Xavier L. 1/1
• Ron H. 1/6
• Judi L. 1/21
• Raymond S. 1/23
• Liana V. 1/25
• Shannon W. 1/28

Book Club Meets on January 13

Compton Heights CC Book Club usually meets the second Saturday of every other month on Zoom at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion, even if you haven’t finished (or read) the book! For January, the group is reading ”Killers of the Flower Moon,” by David Grann.

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

Please volunteer for Coffee Hour; see the sign up sheets on the library doors. You can simply bring a few snacks, or set out juice and make coffee, or both. Napkins, plates and cups are provided.

Christmas Offering Supports Our Mid-America Region

Open Mic Night With a Christmas Theme

December Open Mic Night was a success with several new contributors. After break, some CHCC members led the audience in Christmas carols. Earlier, Janet and her granddaughter played ukuleles and sang “Jingle Bells.” Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and refreshments! Thanks to Diane R. and her musical friends for an inspiring evening!

Equal Exchange Supports Small Farmers, Sustainable Growing

At CHCC, we offer Equal Exchange Coffee during weekly Coffee Hour. The display in the hallway includes DeCaf and 3 regular ground coffees (Columbian, Ethiopian, and Morning Blend.) There are some varieties of tea, and also Organic, fair trade chocolate bars. Making these available at cost is part of our outreach ministry for a greener and more just and sustainable earth. We can order anything you like from Equal Exchange. Check it out; coffee beans are also available, and many more kinds of chocolate, tea and coffee, nuts, fruit, and olive oil. Let Judi L. know if you would like something.