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An eNewsletter from Church of the Holy Comforter
| October 16, 2014
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 Men's Book Group
This Thursday, October 16
and continuing Thursdays through November 20
5:30-7:00 p.m. downstairs in the Lillian Croy Room
Join Fr. Rick Lord and Bud Roeder as they facilitate a six-week book study on Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit by Henri Nouwen. Nouwen was a world-renowned spiritual guide and counselor revered for his wise, comfortable, and engaging style. This is Nouwen's second book of a three-part series and features Nouwen's sage advice on how to live out the five classical stages of spiritual development. Join us for a unique opportunity for men to share in conversation and learning together. Questions? Contact Fr. Rick Lord or Bud Roeder. Books are available in the Cloister Shop. All are welcome. |
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Kids' Club Meets This Week
This Friday, October 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
We will meet for a pizza dinner, games and an outdoor movie (weather permitting). The cost is $5 per child and all 3rd through 5th graders are encouraged to come and bring friends. Please RSVP to Lisa Arthur. |
 Choral Evensong
with Festive Reception
This Sunday, October 19,
5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Holy Comforter's Adult Choir will present an evening service of song and Scripture. This beautiful and moving liturgy will be followed by a festive reception. Join us, and bring a friend! Questions? Contact David Kelley, Minister of Music. |
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Sanctuary Renovations Continue!
Visit the Holy Comforter website weekly to follow the progress of renovations and view pictures. Download the Sanctuary Renovation Plan HERE.
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 Spirit Wear is Here!
Spirit Wear is clothing that celebrates our parish life together and lets us spread the word about the community of Holy Comforter and encourage others to "Catch the Spirit." Follow the link HERE to order t-shirts, polo shirts, fleece jackets, and hoodies with the Holy Comforter dove logo. We 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, and yes, you can try them on. All proceeds from the sale of Spirit Wear will go into a fund to support individuals and families attending the Annual Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont. For more information, contact Cassandra Bosco.
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 New Parish Picture Directory Photo Appointment Sign-Up!
Sign up online by clicking the PORTRAIT SIGN-UP button (right).
Sign-ups for photo appointments will continue in the Narthex Sundays after the 7:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. services, and after the 5:00 p.m. service on Saturday, November 1.
Lifetouch will be taking portraits for the following ten days:
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Tuesday, October 28 - Friday, October 31
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2-9 p.m.
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Saturday, November 1
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10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Tuesday, November 4 - Friday, November 7
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2-9 p.m.
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Saturday, November 8
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10 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Online sign-up is also available via the Holy Comforter website. For more information contact Julie Mehigan or Jeanne Firey.
We need volunteers to help during photo appointments.
This is a one-time volunteer opportunity and a great way to meet people. Volunteer sign-up can be accessed via the Time to Sign Up website.
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The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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Workshop: "Beyond Wellness to Flourishing"
November 8, 9:00 a.m.-Noon, Leesburg, VA
($15 per person) facilitated by the Rev. Jack Abel
and sponsored by The Caron Foundation DC
This workshop is open to individuals and family members affected by the disease of addiction. The topic of flourishing emphasizes the work of recovery that opens beyond initial crisis, seeking longer-term healing and the fulfillment of one's evolving visions, hopes and dreams. Register online HERE or contact Jamie Demmi at 610-743-6110. For more information about the Caron Foundation go to their website HERE or 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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Monthly Healing Eucharist to Begin 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 5:00 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. On Sunday, November 2, please join us at the Adult Forum to learn more about the Healing Ministry and Healing Service at Holy Comforter. Questions? Contact the Rev Valerie Hayes. |
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Adult Christian Formation
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 Adult Forum: Compass Rose Society
This Sunday, October 19, 10:10 a.m. in the Chapel
Please join Fr. Rick Lord, Peter Brownrigg, and Elaine Stricklett for a presentation on their trip to London for the Annual Meeting of the Compass Rose Society. The mission of the Compass Rose Society is to support the programs and ministries of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), which sets the goals and directives for the Anglican Communion. The missionary activities of the Compass Rose Society include supporting education for reconciliation skills for clergy in Burundi; committing $1 million to support the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, Palestine; while other Compass Rose parishes support schools and clinics in Nigeria and in Rwanda. Please come and learn more about the important ministry of the wider Anglican Communion with which we are connected. For more information, contact the Rev Valerie Hayes. |
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Adult Forum: Healing Ministry
Sunday, November 2, 10:10 a.m. in the Chapel
On Sunday, November 2, please join us for the Adult Forum to learn more about the Healing Ministry and Healing Service at Holy Comforter. Beginning on November 2 at 5:00 p.m., Holy Comforter will offer a Healing Eucharist which will include Anointing and Laying on of Hands for healing. The Healing Service will occur on the first Sunday evening of each month. The Healing Ministry is being led by the Rev. Valerie Hayes and Mrs. Alexandra MacCracken, along with a team of Lay Healers who have gone through intentional training and formation. For more information, contact the Rev Valerie Hayes. |
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. Download an Adult Forum Schedule HERE.
Sunday Adult Bible Study is offered on Sundays at 10:10 a.m. downstairs in the Lillian Croy room. Beginning in Genesis, The Story curriculum studies the major biblical themes (Stories) and provides reading, study, and reflection questions to connect your story with God's story in the Bible.
Mid-Week Adult Bible Study is offered for those who cannot attend the Sunday Adult Bible Study. This mid-week session is held on Wednesdays in the Lillian Croy room at 12:10 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. 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.
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Making a Difference:
Click the link above for the first issue of Holy Comforter's Outreach eNewsletter.
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Samaritan Ministry's 2014 Fall Gala and Auction Saturday, November 1, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Washington Episcopal School, Bethesda, MD
Come to Samaritan Ministry's Fall Gala and Auction for an evening of music, drinks, good food, and good friends to celebrate another successful year of the Next Step Program. Tickets to the event are $100 per person, with all proceeds from the night's festivities benefiting the Next Step Program. The Next Step Program helps people to help themselves by setting goals and taking manageable steps toward those goals. Go to the Samaritan Ministry website to buy tickets online (first link under Upcoming Events) or call the Development Office at 202-722-2280 ext. 304.
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 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!
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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.
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 Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity Build Day
Saturday, November 15, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
We are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to sponsor a build day at a local site. We need up to 20 volunteers to help build houses for local families. Volunteers do not have to have building skills or tools--just bring yourself (dressed appropriately in pants and closed-toe, solid shoes). Please contact Kathy Brown if you are interested in joining the team! |
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Children's & Student Ministries
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Attention Volunteers! Abuse Prevention Workshop
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Child Abuse Prevention: 9:00 a.m.-12 noon
Adult Misconduct Prevention: 12:30-3:30 p.m.
All volunteers who work with children and/or adults are required by the Virginia Diocese to receive this training every 10 years. We have planned a free workshop at Holy Comforter for the convenience of our volunteers. Coffee, juice and breakfast items will be provided for the morning session and sandwiches, chips, drinks and fruit for the afternoon session. Please contact Lisa Arthur or go to www.thediocese.net to register. |
 Family Pumpkin, Potluck & Prayer Party
October 26, 4:00-6:30 at Rodman House
We invite all families to bring their pumpkins and join their Holy Comforter friends in a seasonal gathering. The event will start with the carving and decorating of our Halloween pumpkins as well as some pumpkin-themed games, and culminate with prayer over a shared potluck dinner. All carving and decorating supplies will be provided. Please RSVP to Lisa Arthur by Sunday, October 19 so we can send out a Sign Up Genius for the Potluck. |
 The Wreaths are Back! Also the Sprays, Garland and Mini Christmas Trees!
The Senior High Sunday School class is selling this greenery the whole month of October. Find a student and ask them about it! Table sales in the Narthex will happen the last two Sundays in October. Wouldn't it be nice to have all your Christmas shopping done by November 1? Greenery will be delivered to the church Thanksgiving week. You also have the opportunity to order greenery as mail-order gifts for friends and family that will be delivered to them anywhere in the US by the first week in December. Contact Cassandra Bosco for details/questions.
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 Registration Due November 1
for Women's Retreat with Sister Pat
Saturday, November 22, 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Make your reservation NOW for the 1-day Women's Retreat with Sister Pat Parachini. Sister Pat, SNJM, DMin, is again joining the women of Holy Comforter to lead us in a day of reflection, learning, and spiritual enlightenment in preparation for the upcoming Advent and Christmas season. Her theme will be "Women Disciples: Called to Birth the Word of God." This event will be held on Saturday, November 22 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Meadowkirk Retreat at Delta Farm. Cost is $35 per person, including lunch. Because of space availability, this event will be limited to 40 participants (and the slots are filling fast)!Download a registration form HERE or on the Holy Comforter website. Submit the completed form with your check to the church office or send it to Judy Kilkenny, 12906 Fair Briar Lane, Fairfax, VA 22033. Registration closes November 1. Details on final arrangements, directions and ride sharing/car pooling will be provided in November. Email Judy Kilkenny or call 703-242-2481 for more information. |
UTO Fall Ingathering Nov. 8-9
The 2014 Fall Ingathering for the United Thank Offering (UTO) will be held at all Holy Comforter services on Nov. 8 and 9. This endeavor is a long-standing project of the Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church Women. Every dollar of the proceeds from the Ingathering is used to fund grants for deserving charitable projects in our diocese, our country, and around the world. Please stop at the UTO display in the Narthex to learn more about this outstanding program and to pick up your UTO Blue Box and/or envelope.
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Come See the Capitol Steps
Sunday, October 26 at Vienna Presbyterian Church
The Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna proudly presents the Capitol Steps in a benefit performance at Vienna Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 26 at 3:30 p.m. They put the MOCK on Democracy! Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For tickets and additional information please contact the Shepherd's Center by email HERE or call 703-281-0538. You may also email Keith Bodamer or call him at 703-938-1366. |
 Volunteer at Pennywise Thrift Shop!
Front Desk:
3rd Tuesday - 2 to 4 p.m.
2nd Thursday - 4 to 6 p.m.
4th Thursday - noon to 2 p.m. (2 volunteers)
4th Friday - noon to 2 p.m.
1st & 2nd Saturday - 10 a.m. to noon
Consignment:
1st, 2nd & 3rd Thursday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Child care is available for volunteers.
Questions? Contact Frances Sullinger.
Pennywise has a new front door! Grateful thanks to last year's chair Ann Koch for making this happen! Day chairs have keys for volunteers who open and close the shop. Jane Reft has keys for Porch Patrol.
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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. 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.
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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.
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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.
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Message from the CHC Endowment Board
Is God's will reflected in your will?
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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