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Advent Quiet Morning
This Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-Noon
Join us for a morning of scripture and reflections as a gift of quiet and to comfort your heart and mind and soul. We will explore the scriptural stories that promise new life in the birth of Christ. For what new life are you yearning? Materials and snacks will be provided. A Eucharist will follow. Questions? Contact
the Rev. Valerie Hayes.
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Tenth Annual Alternative Gift Fair
This Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.;
This Sunday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The fair will offer products from Fair Trade Winds in Fairfax, featuring jewelry, games and toys, scarves, household goods, Christmas ornaments and other hand-made unique gifts by artisans from around the world. Fair Trade Winds sells only fair trade items, which means the artisans receive a fair portion of the sales price, and that their work promotes a strong local economy. You can also buy gifts in the name of your loved one by donating to Episcopal Relief & Development, or International Justice Mission. Questions? Contact
Kathy Brown.
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Youth Group Wreath Sale and Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser
Wreath Sale Dec. 4 and 11, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Gift-Wrapping Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This holiday season, please support Holy Comforter Youth Ministries by purchasing holiday wreaths or gift-wrapping services. You may also donate online.
Learn more.
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Newcomers' Coffee with the Rector
This Sunday, Dec. 4, 10:10 a.m.
We invite all newcomers to have coffee with the Rector in his office on the first Sunday of the month immediately following the 9:00 a.m. service. 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.
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Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols
This Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Join Holy Comforter's choirs for the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent. This Advent service is modeled after the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas from King's College, Cambridge. Eric Milner-White, the former Dean of King's, created both the Advent and Christmas Festivals, but distinguished the purpose of the Advent service as "not to celebrate Christmas, but to expect it." Holy Comforter's service will include readings, chants, hymns, anthems, and organ music. Questions? Contact
David Kelley. Don't miss this extraordinary event!
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Healing Eucharist
This Sunday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m., St. Mary's Chapel
On the first Sunday of the month we offer a Healing Eucharist with the Laying on of Hands and Anointing for healing. The Healing Ministry includes a team of lay healers who have gone through intentional training and formation. Questions? Contact
the Rev. Valerie Hayes.
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Christmas Flower Fund
The brilliant array of poinsettias on the altar is one of the visual joys of Christmas at Holy Comforter. Please help the Altar Guild to create a vibrant display by contributing to the Christmas flower fund.
Download the Christmas Altar Flowers Form. The deadline for inclusion in the Christmas Bulletin is Monday, December 19 at noon. Questions? Contact
Lolly Mixter.
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Today is the Last Day to Register!
Opening to Grace One Day Retreat
Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
This one day retreat will provide participants with a space to gain a new awareness of what is coming forth in our lives through our dreams and visions. During the retreat we will invite and reflect on what is emerging for us. In Gestalt Pastoral Counseling, we think of each element of the dream or vision as an aspect of the dreamer, and we have a process of letting each part have a voice and be in dialogue, in order to facilitate our Wholeness and Healing.
Download a Registration Form.
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ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION
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Adult Forum: Forums and the Future
This Sunday, Dec. 4, 10:10 a.m., St. Mary's Chapel
You are invited to join a conversation about Sunday Adult Formation at Holy Comforter. During this time of interim and transition, we are in assessing where we've been, where we are, and where we think we want/need/ought to be heading. In the commitment to foster the priesthood of all believers and the ministry of persons, all are invited to join this conversation about Adult Forums on Sunday mornings. This is a time to voice what you want and hope for! We look forward to the conversation!
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The Big Class: Getting More Out of the Bible
Registration Closes Dec. 25
We are living in divisive, fearful, and complex times where honing abilities to live peaceful, wholehearted, and forgiving lives is increasingly difficult. Perhaps more than any other resource, the Bible has proven to be the inspiration behind living such lives. In this course, students will learn how to get more out of the Bible through Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's inspiring words and a plethora of Bible resources to help make Bible reading more insightful, practical and trasformative.
Sign up for this free online course. Questions? Contact
the Rev. Valerie Hayes.
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Giving Table Items Due Now
Please bring your contributions for the Giving Table Christmas projects to the church by this Sunday, Dec. 4. This will ensure that all contributions are delivered to the charities in time for distribution to people in need. These projects support five carefully-vetted local charities: Committee for Helping Others (CHO), the Lamb Center, Polaris Project, Salvation Army, and Alternative House. Haven't had time to shop? Then cash donations will be gratefully received, and Giving Table elves will do the shopping for you. Just stop by the table in the Narthex on Sunday. Questions? Please contact
Chris Doyle.
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Outreach Grant Applications Due Dec. 12
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.
Download the Grant Application Form. If you know of an organization that would benefit from our parish's assistance, please feel free to share a copy of the Grant Application Form with them. Questions? Contact
Susan McGuire.
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Senior Saints BYO Lunch
This Friday, Dec. 2, 11:45 a.m., McGill Hall
We have scheduled a fun holiday musical program by a talented local group of performers from the Fairfax Jubil-Aires. The Jubil-Aires are a fellowship of men devoted to the art of a cappella barbershop singing, and committed to excellence in musical performance and goodwill in the community. Fred, John, Aaron and Roger, the "Men In Stripes" Barbershop Quartet will be entertaining us with an a cappella singing performance. Bring your own lunch. Dessert and beverages will be provided. If you would like to bring a dessert to share, either homemade or from your favorite bakery, or if you have questions or need a ride, please contact Barbara Fitzsimmons.
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Mom's Group Cookie Swap
Monday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Amy Hanke's house, 9807 Days Farm Drive, Vienna
RSVP by this Sunday, Dec. 4
Please bring 20 bags of 2 or 3 of your favorite homemade or bakery-bought Christmas cookie. Dinner will be pizza, and we are asking for $5 to help cover the cost. Feel free to bring a dish or beverage to share as well. Come join us for an evening of fellowship and holiday fun, and take home some yummy cookies to share with your family! RSVP to Virginia Harris.
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