News2Use
December 2020
Follow Jesus, Love Others, Share Hope
"Nativity" by Pastor Rob
manger scene
      When, most recently, was a baby born in your family? This year? Maybe it was your cousin or grandchild? Or, your own baby, your first! How exciting! Family gathers round, and everyone exclaims how beautiful the baby is. One aunt, her words soaked in sentiment, swears the little tyke has “Grandpa’s eyes.” It is a moment for gathering, good feelings, and family closeness.
Except not this year, not in 2020. In 2020, we need to protect each other from the spread of the virus, so we don’t gather. How many grandparents will meet their new grandchildren through Zoom calls? A baby can’t participate in a Zoom call. Babies are meant to be held, cuddled, and tickled. A baby’s smile produces a smile on the face of everyone in the room, even the crustiest old codger. There’s no “social distancing” with babies!
Collection for Covenant Place
grandma-photo-album2.jpg
Covenant Place Retirement Apartments, located at 103 Culbreth Road, provides affordable housing with supportive services for senior adults. The residents there are Hillside’s neighbors and they could use our help. The pandemic has meant greater isolation from family and friends and like all of us they could benefit from expressions of love and encouragement right now. To help meet their needs, Hillside will be collecting the following items. Some will be used as Bingo prizes. Other items will be given to individuals when they run short. Thank you for your generosity and for sharing love with these neighbors.
hand sanitizer
hand soap
hand lotion
word puzzle books
adult coloring books
colored pencils
handkerchiefs
individual bottles of water
toothpaste
paper towels
toilet tissue
zipper gallon storage bags
There will be a collection box outside the Worship Center to collect these items through Monday, December 21. The Service Seekers small group will deliver them on December 22nd. If you need someone to pick up items or have questions, contact Beth or John.
Christmas Blood Drive
Sunday, December 20 from 1 to 5pm
Help save a local life this Christmas. Donate blood! Each donor will have a $20 donation made on their behalf to Vaccine Ambassadors!!! This is a great opportunity to help ensure that our local hospitals and communities have the blood products that they need. Come to Hillside on Sunday, December 20th, 1pm to 5pm. The Blood Connection and its mobile unit will be in our upper lot. Appointments are encouraged. Use the button to self-schedule. Or contact the church office (919.967.3056) for assistance.
Food Pantry
December 5th & 19th
This month, our Food Pantry will be open Saturdays, December 5th & 19th - at our usual time from 11am to 12pm.

CONSIDER:
  • Volunteering one or more Saturdays a month for the food distributions. Bagging begins at 9am and distribution prep begins at 10:30am. Sign up HERE and scroll down to select Chapel Hill Pantry events.
  • Donating groceries - we are collecting dry and canned goods, food items, fresh produce, bread and meat (see most needed items here. Drop off at the collection box outside the church entryway
Christmas Eve Service
Thursday, December 24 @ 5pm
Come on Christmas Eve, December 24th at 5pm for an OUTDOOR carol singing and candle light celebration of the birth of our Savior. We will hold the service, weather permitting, on the lawn area. Please bring your own chair and you can be as ‘socially distanced’ as you want.

Come with your family, invite your friends & neighbors.
Updates & Reminders
  • Remember to vote - An email has been sent to all church members with the Annual Meeting Ballot. Your vote is needed to approve the 2021 budget and affirm Deacon and Corporate officer nominees. Thank you to David Seng and Tamara Baker who have finished their terms as deacons.
  • Inclement Weather - In the event of bad weather, church activities may be cancelled. If cancelling is necessary, we will notify the church via email and Facebook. We will also contact WRAL-TV5 and WCHL 97.9/1360 AM radio to be included in their list of closings.
  • Christmas Cards - There will NOT be distribution boxes for Christmas Cards this year. If you need addresses or a church directory to mail out cards, please contact the church office.
October Numbers
tithes & offerings
Your tithes and offerings can be dropped off, mailed, or given electronically. Use the button below or go to our website.