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An eNewsletter from Church of the Holy Comforter
| January 22, 2015
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A Greener Approach to Giving
Today, electronic giving in all its forms provides convenience for frequent check writers and donation consistency for churches. We welcome your donations through the Give Now page on the Holy Comforter website.
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Shop and Donate to Holy Comforter
 Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Church of The Holy Comforter whenever you click and shop HERE. Share the link with family and friends too!
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Taiz� Contemplative Worship
This Sunday, January 25, 5 p.m., Chapel
 Holy Comforter's Music Ministry sponsors monthly evening services in a contemplative style, offering a unique opportunity to decompress and prepare for the week ahead. Taiz� contemplative worship is a powerful and moving combination of song and Scripture featuring lush greenery, incense, candles, icons, and considerable time spent in silent meditation. For more information, contact David Kelley. |
220th Annual Council
of the Diocese of Virginia
The annual council takes place this Thursday, January 22 through Saturday, January 24 in Richmond. Resolutions before Council this year include those that address Care of Creation, changing the name of annual "Council" to "Convention," and supporting an end to practices of the Boy Scouts of America that are discriminatory. Our delegates to the Council are Katie Krogh, Jon Collom and Joni Langevoort. For more information about Annual Council, follow the link HERE. Please keep your delegates and clergy in prayers this coming week.
A Prayer for a Church Convention: Almighty and ever living God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in the Diocese of Virginia for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Celebrating Blessings
Embracing Opportunities
The Annual Parish Business Meeting
Sunday, February 8 at 10:10 a.m. in the Sanctuary
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ECW Needs Holy Comfort Box Donations Now!
 Young Adult Registration Closes February 1
ECW is now gratefully welcoming donations for Holy Comfort Box contents. Look for the big collection box in the Narthex. Please consider supporting this important outreach ministry to our young adults. A list of suggested items is available for download HERE or at the Holy Comfort Box table in the Narthex. Parents of young adults--If you haven't already registered your young adult, please do so immediately. The deadline for this year's registration is Sunday, February 1. Download a registration form HERE or register at the Holy Comfort Box table in the Narthex. Return the completed forms to the Narthex or send the information to Joni Langevoort. |
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Newcomers' Coffee with the Rector
Sunday, February 1, immediately after the 9:00 a.m. service
We invite you to have coffee with the Rector in his office on the first Sunday of the month between the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. We would love to get to know you and answer any questions you may have about Holy Comforter. Please come by for coffee or tea and bagels. Questions? Contact Peggy Miller in the church office. |
Stewardship 2015: Walking the Way
Your pledge, however large or small, keeps our doors and hearts open and our many ministries and outreach efforts alive. Pledge online HERE.
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Goal: $1,200,000
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Pledges: 730 mailed
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The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
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 Healing Eucharist
Sunday, February 1, 5:00 p.m., Chapel
On the first Sunday of the month, Holy Comforter offers a Healing Eucharist with the Laying on of Hands and Anointing for healing. The Healing Ministry is being led by the Rev. Valerie Hayes and Ms. Alexandra MacCracken and includes a team of lay healers who have gone through intentional training and formation. Questions? Contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes. |
 Stephen Ministry Cares!
Is life feeling overwhelming at the moment? Have you experienced or are you anticipating a loss or transition? Are you facing a difficult decision? You may find the support of a Stephen Minister helpful during this period of time. Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. If you would like more information, please contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes.
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Adult Christian Formation
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Adult Forum:
Report on the 220th Annual Diocesan Council
This Sunday, January 25, 10:10 a.m., Chapel
Join Fr. Rick and our Diocesan delegates for a report after the Diocesan Council in Richmond. Learn about Bishop Johnston's annual report on the state of the Diocese, the resolutions presented, and other good news from around the Diocese. Questions? Contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes. |
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Adult Forum:
Youth Ministry Overview and Information
Sunday, February 1, 10:10 a.m., Chapel
Join Mother Margaret for an overview of Youth Ministry at Holy Comforter. Especially invited are all parents of youth in 7th through 12th grades. Come learn more about mission trips for Jr. and Sr. High youth this summer. If you are interested in becoming an adult leader or helping out with the youth group please join us. Questions? Contact the Rev. Margaret Peel. |
 Adult Bible Study
The Adult Bible Study using "The Story" curriculum continues.
SUNDAYS: The class meets Sunday mornings in the Lillian Croy Room from 10:10 to 10:50 a.m.
WEDNESDAYS: The mid-week class meets Wednesday evenings in the Library from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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Making a Difference:
Click the link above for the second issue of Holy Comforter's Outreach eNewsletter.
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 Our Daily Bread Update
Our next set of deliveries to Our Daily Bread client families will be on March 8, 2015. That is not much time to prepare for deliveries to 30 families! We welcome your contributions of non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, and toiletries at our display in the Narthex. We are in particular need of toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste) and cleaning supplies of all kinds, which are not covered by SNAP/food stamp assistance. We also welcome monetary donations so that families can purchase fresh grocery items. If you have questions about our parish's Our Daily Bread ministry or would like to help with our March deliveries (filling grocery bags, organizing, shopping, or delivering), please contact Susan McGuire or Chris Ostendorff. We are grateful for volunteers of all ages! Thank you for your support of this ministry.
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Children's & Student Ministries
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 Kids' Club Date Changes
January 30 and February 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m., McGill Hall
Kids Club is a fellowship group for children 3rd through 6th Grade. Children share a meal and then participate in informal group activities and games. A donation of $5 per child is greatly appreciated. Kids are encouraged to bring friends. If your children plan to attend, please R.s.v.p. to Lisa Arthur the Wednesday before the event. |
Study of the Holy Eucharist
February 1 through March 22
This 8-week special Sunday School lesson series for 1st Graders and children new to Holy Comforter is designed to introduce them to the important rituals and meaning of the Eucharist as well as other parts of our liturgy. Lessons will include interactive tutorials on the Eucharistic vessels, the Church calendar, the clerical vestments, a tour of the Sanctuary, an organ demonstration, a manna making session, an authentic Christian Seder Meal, and an instructed Eucharist lead by Fr. Rick. The program will conclude with a recognition ceremony and reception on March 22. Questions? Please contact Lisa Arthur. See the complete lesson schedule HERE. |
Youth Group Super Bowl Sunday Gathering
Sunday, February 1, 6:00 p.m.
Join us for Super Bowl Sunday fun! We'll be meeting at the church at 6:00 p.m. to watch the game and have dinner. Questions? Please contact the Rev. Margaret Peel. See you there! |
Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Jambalaya Supper
Tuesday, February 17, 5:30-8 p.m., McGill Hall
We'll have breakfast for dinner along with traditional Holy Comforter Jambalaya. All proceeds go to benefit Jr. and Sr. High Summer Missions. Tickets will be sold in the Narthex on Sunday, February 8 and 15 and at the door on Tuesday, February 17. Prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Children under 2 years eat free ($30 maximum per family). Questions? Please contact the Rev. Margaret Peel. Thanks for supporting youth missions! |
Attention High School Seniors! Looking for Scholarships?
Did you know that the Holy Comforter Endowment Fund contains the Carol Stock Book Fund, which has grown to around $33,000? It is in memory of parishioner Carol Stock, and it is now large enough, due to parishioner gifts and support from the Endowment Fund's annual budget, to resume making textbook grants to graduating high school seniors who have been active in the life of Holy Comforter and are going on to further studies. Mother Margaret will be distributing information and application forms to seniors this spring, with grants to be made in May. Additional scholarship opportunities may be available soon. Please contact Mother Margaret if you are a high school senior who plans to attend college this fall and seeking a scholarship.
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Student Ministries Update
Check out the latest issue of the Holy Comforter Youth Newsletter HERE. Find out what the youth of Holy Comforter have been up to the last few months! One of our youth shares her own story of how service work matters during the Christmas season. If you have any questions about Student Ministries, please contact Mother Margaret.
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Senior Saints Soup and Tallwood Trio Friday, February 6, 11:45 a.m., McGill Hall
You don't need to bring your own lunch this time! Pots of steaming homemade soup, delicious desserts, and beverages will be served. For your entertainment the Tallwood Trio will provide their toe-tapping music. If you have questions or need a ride, please email Barbara Fitzsimmons or call 703-433-0987. |
Volunteer at Pennywise Thrift Shop!
Front Desk:
 1st Tuesday - 2 to 4 p.m.
2nd Tuesday - 10 a.m. to noon
2nd Tuesday - noon to 2 p.m.
4th Tuesday - noon to 2 p.m.
4th Wednesday - 2 to 4 p.m.
1st Thursday - 10 a.m. to noon
2nd Thursday - noon to 2 p.m.
4th Thursday - 10 a.m. to noon
4th Friday - noon to 2 p.m.
5th Friday - 10 a.m. to noon
1st Saturday - 10 a.m. to noon
2nd Saturday - 10 a.m. to noon
Consignment:
1st Thursday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4th Thursday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
5th Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2nd Friday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
5th Friday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Child care is available for volunteers. Questions? Contact Frances Sullinger.
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Join the Corps of Counters!
Join the dedicated crew of parishioners who count the offerings and make sure they are deposited in the bank in a timely manner. You would serve one Sunday a month, with another trained counter and a Vestry member. In about an hour the receipts are counted and prepared for deposit. Training and guidelines provided. Please contact Phil Allard (703-505-5899) to volunteer or for more information.
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Volunteer for Coffee Hour!
Volunteers make Coffee Hour possible. Individuals, families, and groups are encouraged to email Chris Doyle or call 703-255-6135 for more information.
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Greeting people with no qualifications known on either side has kept the Christian Church alive for thousands of years. We ask you to consider this mission as part of your life. A sincere welcome is within you all and is important to us all. If we have enough volunteers, it will only require once a month service. Please contact Herb Langford (703-938-1304) to volunteer or for more information.
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Message from the CHC Endowment Board
Honor a loved one with a memorial gift to Holy Comforter's Endowment Fund.
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Publication Guidelines and Timeline
Find general publication guidelines and a link to submit articles HERE.
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Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE Vienna, VA 22180-3510 Phone: (703) 938-6521 Fax: (703) 281-1360 Web: www.holycomforter.com Deadline: Monday at 12:00 noon
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To organize efforts to support our parish family, we are using the