The Comfortable Word
An eNewsletter from Church of the Holy Comforter
September 18, 2014
In This Issue
Spirit Wear
Photo Directory
Pledge Your Support
Church Event Highlights
Prepare for Worship
Time to Sign Up!
Stephen Ministry Cares
Healing Eucharist
Taizé Returns
Adult Forum & Bible Study
SAVE THE DATE!
Apply for Outreach Grants
Join Outreach Team
ODB Deliveries
Sunday School
1st Monday Book Group
Join FOYERS
Young Adults Group
ECW Program
Senior Saints BYO Lunch
Volunteer!
Consider This
Like us on Facebook 

Publication Guidelines and Timeline    

Find the eNews and Bulletin Insert Publication Guidelines and Timeline on the Holy Comforter website.

FEATURE
Student Ministries Kickoff Cookout
& Movie on the Front Lawn
This Sunday, September 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
The Student Ministry Team invites your whole family to an evening of food, fellowship, fun and a movie outside on the lawn. And...our new priest, The Rev. Margaret Peel, will join us for the evening. Please come out to welcome her! Questions? Please contact The Rev. Valerie Hayes.
Ministry Fair Ministry Fair/
Hot Dog, Ice Cream Social
Sunday, September 28
This fall, to unveil our 2015 Stewardship Campaign, we are planning a special event. On September 28 the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will be combined into a single 10 a.m. celebration of the Eucharist followed by a Hot Dog/Ice Cream Social in McGill Hall. Come and join us for hot dogs, lemonade and ice cream with all the fixings. Bring an appetite and an ice cream or topping or cookies to share.

While the kids are being entertained outside, pop into the Narthex to visit the Ministry Fair. Learn more about the ministries that make our life as a Christian Community so rich. Learn how you can help through your time, talent and treasure. Questions? Please contact David Grove.

Visit us on Facebook here to see pictures of the

September 5 through 7 Shrine Mont Parish Retreat.

NEW Spirit Wear is Coming!    

"What is Spirit Wear?," you ask. Spirit Wear is clothing that celebrates our parish life together, lets us spread the word about the community of Holy Comforter, and encourages others to "Catch the Spirit." Very soon, you will be able to order t-shirts, polo shirts, fleece jackets, and hoodies with the Holy Comforter Dove logo. We will also have car magnets and hot/cold travel cups. The rack of clothing in the Narthex holds examples of the various types of clothing, fabrics, colors, and sizes - yes, you can try them on. The fleece jackets and polo shirts will be embroidered, and the t-shirts and hoodies will be screen printed. Prices will be available soon, and you will be able to place your order and make your payment directly to the website - Holy Comforter Spirit Wear - by Sunday, September 28. All proceeds from the sale of Spirit Wear will go into a fund to support individuals and families attending the Annual Parish Retreat to Shrine Mont. For more information, contact Cassandra Bosco.  

It's Coming... A New Parish Directory!    

Have you heard? We are getting a new Parish Picture Directory! Plans are well underway with Lifetouch. Every family will receive a free directory and one 8x10 copy of the portrait that goes in the directory. There is NO obligation to purchase anything else, but you will have a chance to buy other portraits if you want - yes, you can bring your pet! Lifetouch will be taking portraits for ten days:

 

Tuesday, October 28 through Saturday, November 1

Tuesday, November 4 through Saturday, November 8

 

Keep an eye out for sign-ups for specific days and times. And we will need volunteers to help! For more information contact Julie Mehigan or Jeanne Firey

Our Church home depends on us!

Pledge online here!

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Congregational Care   

To organize efforts to support our parish family, we are using the Time to Sign Up website. Contact The Rev. Valerie Hayes for more information or if you have a need.

Stephen Ministry 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.  

Music & Liturgy    
NEW Monthly Healing Eucharist to begin on November 2
Beginning in November, Holy Comforter will offer a monthly Healing Eucharist with the Laying on of Hands and Anointing for Healing. The service will occur on the first Sunday of each month at 5 p.m. in the Chapel. The Healing Ministry is being led by The Rev. Valerie Hayes and Ms. Alexandra MacCracken and will include a team of lay healers who have gone through intentional training and formation. All are invited to an Adult Forum on "Healing: Scripture, Reason & Tradition" on Sunday, October 5. For more information, contact The Rev Valerie Hayes.
Taize Taiz� Contemplative Worship Returns!
Sunday, September 28, 5 p.m., Chapel
On the last Sunday of each month, Holy Comforter's Music Ministry sponsors 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, please contact Minister of Music, David Kelley.
Adult Christian Formation  
Sunday Adult Forum, Sunday Adult Bible Study,
and Mid-Week Adult Bible Study         

Adult Forum - is offered on Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in the Chapel. Topics will change from week to week and will at times include a series of classes, especially during Advent and Lent. This year we are planning to have several outside speakers join us. Download an Adult Forum Schedule here

 

The Story Adult Bible Study - We are off to a great start for our Bible study based on The Story curriculum. This study is very accessible, so do not worry if you have missed the first session or two. Please do join us on Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in the Lillian Croy room, or on Wednesdays at 12:10 in the Chapel, or Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Lillian Croy. Download an Adult Bible Study Schedule here.  

 

For all adults interested in the Adult Bible Study, regardless of which day you participate, follow the link here to order your Bible and Participant's Guide, then click on "Adult Formation - Bible Study Materials" to order. Both Kindle and Nook versions are available by following the same link.  

 

For more information, contact The Rev. Valerie Hayes.

Outreach    
NEW SAVE THE DATE:
Friday, October 17, 2014
5:30 p.m. at Vienna Presbyterian Church
Fr. Rick Lord and parishioner Sam Mall cordially invite you to the Annual Fund Raising Dinner of Reach Out International, an interfaith ministry devoted to improving the lives of Pakistani citizens and those who are being persecuted for their Christian faith. Sam is the Executive Director of this charitable ministry and will share some of the issues that face the Church in Pakistan. Download a flyer about the event here. Please R.S.V.P. to Sue Hamblen at VPC here or call 703-938-9050.
NEW Apply for Outreach Team Grants!
The parish Outreach Team is currently accepting applications for grant funding from organizations that serve God's people in need. We are particularly interested in assisting organizations with which members of our congregation work or volunteer. If you know of an organization that would benefit from our parish's assistance, please feel free to download the grant application here and share it with them. Completed applications are due by November 3. For more information, please contact Susan McGuire.
Join the Outreach Team!
Would you like to play a bigger role in making outreach and mission opportunities available to Holy Comforter parishioners? Our Outreach Team works on behalf of the congregation to coordinate local, national, and international outreach projects and connect parishioners with opportunities to serve in Christ's name in our community, nation, and world. If you'd like to explore joining our team, you would be most welcome! For more information, please contact Susan McGuire.
Our Daily Bread Our Daily Bread November Deliveries   

Our next ODB deliveries will be Sunday November 9. We welcome your contributions of non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, and toiletries at the ODB display in the Narthex. We are also collecting 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 November deliveries (filling grocery bags, organizing, shopping, or delivering), please contact Susan McGuire or Chris Ostendorff. We are grateful for volunteers of all ages! We also have some food pantry organization projects that would be great for teens or families interested in contributing a few service hours. Thank you for your support of this ministry! 

Children's & Student Ministries 
Children's Sunday School is Back in Session!
Check out the new curriculum called The Story here. To register or for more information, please contact Lisa Arthur.

3-year-olds and young 4-year-olds: room 148
2nd Grade: room 313
Pre K/Kindergarten: room 149
3rd/4th Grade: room 310
1st Grade: room 151
5th/6th Grade: room 311
The Story Teen Edition Middle and High School Sunday School
Our Middle and High School Sunday School classes are using the Teen Edition of The Story curriculum. To register or for more information, please contact The Rev. Valerie Hayes. Classes will be divided into:

Seventh/Eighth Grades: Library
Ninth/Tenth Grades: Rodman House
Eleventh/Twelfth Grades: Rodman House

News & Fellowship 
NEW 1st Monday Book Group
Monday, October 6, 1 to 3 p.m., Lillian Croy Room
This is an informal book-based explorers group which meets the first Monday of each month to discuss a group-selected book. We discussed Ray of Darkness by Rowan Williams at September's meeting. Come join us October 6 as we discuss Annie Dillard's Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters. Discussions are stimulating, challenging, broadening, and God-reminding. All are always welcome. Questions? Please contact Philene Ware Dunn.
Join FOYERS this Sunday, September 21!

Enjoy fellowship and good food in small groups. Foyers meet once a month (at a time scheduled within each group) to share a meal and friendship. It's a great way to get to know people.

 

Both adult groups and groups of families with young children are forming! 

 

Sign up for the fall/winter during Coffee Hour on September 21 or 28, or you can email Shelia Creswell or call her at 703-255-3258. YOU MUST SIGN UP TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FALL ROUND.

Young Adults Group
Tuesday, September 23, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Rodman House
Holy Comforter is now partnered with an ecumenical, multi-church young adult group called Pathfinders. This is an intentional group of young adults who meet twice a month for facilitated Bible study and fellowship. The next meeting will be September 23, then moving forward, Pathfinders will meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Rodman House. For more information contact Kathy Staudt or follow this link.
Quilt ECW Program with Lauren Kingsland
Saturday, September 27, 2014
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of Holy Comforter cordially invite you (and your guest, if desired) to a special morning program featuring author, teacher, speaker and quilter Lauren Kingsland. Ms. Kingsland, a visiting artist at the Lombardi Cancer Center, will discuss "Quilting: A Conversation About Healing and a Means of Telling A Story." This free event will be held in McGill Hall, and is open to all. Refreshments will be served at 9:30 a.m. with the program starting at 10 a.m. Request child care at [email protected] by noon, Wednesday, September 24.

If you have a quilt and would like to bring it, you are encouraged to do so.
Remember, ALL women of the church are automatically members of the ECW!!
Senior Saints BYO Lunch and Presentation by
Anne Stuntz, President of Historic Vienna, Inc.
Friday, October 3, 2014, at 12 noon in McGill Hall
Bring any old photos, memorabilia, or just memories of Vienna in bygone days, to share them with the group. For questions or if you need a ride, please email Barbara Fitzsimmons or call her at 703-433-0987.
Pennywise Volunteer at Pennywise Thrift Shop!

Front Desk:

2nd Tuesday - 10 a.m. to noon 

5th Tuesday - noon to 2 p.m.

2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesday - 2 to 4 p.m.

1st Thursday - 10 a.m. to noon 

1st Thursday - noon to 2 p.m.

2nd Thursday - 4 to 6 p.m.

4th Friday - noon to 2 p.m.  

1st & 2nd Saturday - 10 a.m. to noon 

 

Consignment:

1st, 2nd & 4th Thursday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

Event to Remember:

Sunday, September 21, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Back to School Sale at Pennywise 

 

Child care is available for volunteers. Questions? Contact Jane Reft (703-476-4010).

Join the Greeters!

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. We will be making up a bimonthly schedule starting again this September and October. Please join us whenever you are moved to do so. 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.

Join the Audio/Video Ministry!

The Holy Comforter A/V Ministry is in desperate need of attendants to monitor the sound in the Sanctuary during Sunday services. The only requirements are that you can tell when the volume is too loud or too soft and can slide a volume control! Please contact Randy McGuire (703-716-0241) to volunteer or for more information.

Volunteer for Coffee Hour!     

Volunteers make Coffee Hour possible. Individuals, families, and groups are encouraged to contact Chris Doyle (703-255-6135) for more information.

Message from the CHC Endowment Board

Uncle Albert didn't have a will. It took three years to settle his estate. Your will can help your family and Holy Comforter's Endowment Fund, save unnecessary expenses when you die, and possibly reduce taxes. 



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

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Deadline: Monday at 12:00 noon


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