This Week at St. Columba's ...
When asked what brought her to St. Columba's on a recent Sunday, a first-time visitor replied, "I've been feeling so discouraged and concerned about what is happening in this country and the world. This morning I woke up and thought, I need to go to church. I need to find hope."
May we all find hope and inspiration here in community, in worship, in scripture,
and in service to others this Advent. After all, this is "The beginning of the
Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
(MARK 1:1)
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CELEBRATING ADVENT
On Sat., Dec. 9, 9:30 am-12:30 pm, St. C's Labyrinth Ministry will hold an Advent morning of reflection. Simple instructions will be provided for making Advent prayer beads. Soft music will be offered in the Great Hall to walk the labyrinth. Guided meditation will be given from 10-10:30 am in Rm 220. Children with adults are welcome for all these activities, and take-home labyrinths and coloring activities provided. Come!
Contact:
Suzi Kindervatter
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Blue Christmas Service of Hope and Healing
On Sun., Dec. 10 at 5 pm in the Church Nave, you are invited to a holiday service for those who aren't so happy in "the holidays." There is space for feelings of grief and anxiety as this service moves us out of despair into hope, and out of darkness into light. Contact:
the Rev. Jason Cox
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CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS SIMULCAST
Celebrate Christmas with the People of Bethlehem
You are invited to the 11th annual live Christmas Simulcast Service between Washington National Cathedral and Chr
istmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine on Sat., Dec. 16 at 9:30 am EST (
cathedral.org
). Choirs, readings, and carols alternate in English and Arabic between the two locations.
More>
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DECORATION SUNDAY
Join the fun as we prepare the church for Christmas and spread Christmas cheer among our neighbors on Sun., Dec. 17 at 10:15 am! In addition to decorating,
we have many new activities to help us prepare for Christmas: caroling in the neighborhood, poetry reading and writing with the Prison Ministry, origami crane making, hot cider stations, bell polishing and more. Bring new men's and women's socks, gloves, scarves and new men's underwear to pay the "Sock Tax."
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FAITH LAB
My Hope for You
From Rector Ledlie Laughlin ... My hope is that one day each of you will say,
"During the years I was a member of St. Columba's, I was inspired to learn (new ways) to pray. I developed a practice of daily prayer that sustains me even now.
This practice has opened my heart to God and enriched my life in ways I had never imagined. Let me tell you about it." My commitment to you is that I, together with this community of St. Columba's, will teach, equip and support you in that journey of prayer.
Interested? Come to this Sunday's Forum: "Faith Lab: An Introduction and
Experience of Prayer." I will guide a conversation about the place of prayer in our lives, offer resources and invite us into an experience of contemplative prayer.
Join us Sun., Dec. 10 at 10:15 am in the Great Hall for "Faith Lab" where we will continue to explore five Christian Practices. Contact: the Rev. Ledlie Laughlin
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FAITH STORY
John Sides: God Has a Way of Preparing You
"When I was about 11 years old, I asked my father when was the last time he cried. So one important thing about my dad is that he is a pastor in the Moravian Church. Moravians are an old, but small, Protestant denomination that you may not have encountered if you didn't grow up in Winston Salem, NC like I did, or in and around Bethlehem, PA. As an eleven year old, I was embarrassed to cry ..."
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 NEW YEAR'S EVE CONCERT
Making plans for New Years?
Start off with the St. Columba's New Year's Eve Concert (6-7:30 pm) featuring "Bach through Modern." Performers include Rosa Lamoreaux, Ann Colgrove, Diane Heath, Elizabeth Lane, Anne and David Timpane, and Barbara Wing. Requested $25 donation, students free. Tickets at the door only. Contact: Diane Heath
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Carter Glass died on November 28, 2017. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
A memorial service will be held at St. Columba's on Fri., Dec. 8 at 10 am.
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This Sunday's "Faith Lab"
More than inviting people to be a part of "a church" at St. Columba's, we're inviting you to be a part of "a way" - the way of Christian living. Join us Sun., Dec. 10 at 10:15 am in the Great Hall for the second in a series of "Faith Labs" where we will explore five Christian Practices that have proven throughout the ages to make a difference in the life of both the faithful and the faith-empty.
Click
here for our full Advent Calendar of events
FRI., DEC. 8
SAT., DEC. 9
Slow Down. It's Advent. Advent morning of reflection 9:30 am-12:30 pm, Great Hall.
Sticks-in-Stitches 10 am-12 noon in the Lounge at Friendship Terrace (2nd floor).
SUN., DEC. 10
Newcomer Tour & Talk 10:15 am, at the Connect Cafe (Common)
.
Second Tuesday Grate Patrol Sandwich-making, 11:30 am in Rm 205.
Continuing the Conversation:
"A Space for Race Conversations about Race in America, 10:15-11:05 am in Rm 238.
Blue Christmas Service of Hope and Healing 5 pm, Church Nave.
SUN., DEC. 17
Decoration Sunday 10:15 am, in the Common.
SUN., DEC. 24 & MON., DEC. 25
Parish office closed Mon., Dec. 25 and Tues., Dec. 26 for the Christmas holiday.
SUN., DEC. 31
(Abbreviated Sunday worship schedule)
Sunday Eucharist 8, 9:15 and 11:15 am in the Church Nave.
(No Sunday School and Youth programming).
SUN., DEC. 31
New Year's Eve Concert 6-7:30 pm, Church Nave
MON., JAN. 1
Parish office closed for the New Years holiday.
SUN., JAN. 7
First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord
(Return to regular schedule)
Sunday School and Youth programming resume.
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Year-end Donations
St. Columba's welcomes your 2017 year-end donations. To be recorded as 2017 contributions, donations should be hand-delivered to the parish office by noon on
Fri., Dec. 29 or postmarked by December 31. Contact:
Paul Barkett
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