In the spirit of St. Nicholas, practice a random act of kindness today.

How did people react? What did it feel like for you?

Download the Way of Love Advent Calendar HERE.

Worship Schedule

Saturday, December 8
5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Sunday, December 9
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II*
10:10 a.m. Adult Forum and Sunday School

11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II*
5:00 p.m. Blue Mass for the Holidays

Wednesday, December 12
7:00 a.m. Morning Prayer

*childcare available

Readings This Weekend

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 HERE. Questions? Contact Lolly Mixter.

We are in desperate need of ushers for the following Christmas Eve services:

• 11:00 a.m. - 2 needed
• 4:00 p.m. - 4 needed
• 7:00 p.m. - 1 needed
• 10:00 p.m. - 2 needed

Please contact Catherine or Clyde Clark .

 

This Friday, December 7

11:45 a.m.; Narthex
Join us as Music Minister, Dr. David Kelley leads us in singing our favorite Christmas songs. Please bring your own lunch and beverage. If you would like to bring a dessert to share (that will not require utensils), please contact Barbara Fitzsimmons.

This Saturday, December 8

9-11 a.m.; St. Mary's Chapel

Join us for quiet prayer and preparation as we explore the gift of a rule of life and share some practices that help deepen our faith.

This Saturday, December 8

4-7 p.m.; Rodman House

This Sunday, December 9

5 p.m.; St. Mary's Chapel
For many, the Holiday season can be a difficult time. Rather than happiness and merriment, this season can be a time when feelings of loss, grief, and sadness weigh heavy upon us. We will gather in community to offer prayers to the God of Mercy in this Advent Season for ourselves and our families and friends who live with memories of loss, grief, and sadness. Please invite your friends. We will remember that the One is coming who brings Light into the world: The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.  - John 1:5

December 9, 16, and 23

12:30-2 p.m.; Rodman House

Are you looking for an Advent reflective activity? Have you ever wondered how well sacred music connects with the Bible? Come to the Advent Bible Study on Handel's Messiah! We'll explore the musical and biblical themes within the work over four weeks. For $20, you will receive course materials and lunch for all four sessions. Please bring your own journal. Signups will be available this Sunday during the Adult Forum. You can also sign up HERE. Questions? Please contact Leslie Barnhart.

The Prayer Shawl ministry began 6 years ago.  Members meet once a month and have been providing shawls, blessed by a priest, to those who are ill or have lost loved ones. More than 200 shawls have been made and donated to provide comfort to those in need. If you are interested in being part of the group, join us on the first Wednesday of the month at noon in the Lillian Croy room. Sponsored by ECW (Episcopal Church Women), this ministry crochets or knits shawls and also hats and scarves for the homeless as well as chemo hats for those in treatment for breast cancer. If you are an experienced knitter or want to learn to knit, join us and we will provide yarn and instruction. Questions? Please contact Jane Schmiedekamp.

The Voce Chamber Singers celebrate the festive season with Ottorino Respighi's glittering Lauda per la Natività del Signore (Laud to the Nativity). Written in 1930, Respighi's seasonal cantata is an exquisite, neo-Baroque treatment of the Christmas story scored for chorus, soloists, and chamber ensemble. Ranging from moments of poignant intimacy to ecstatic proclamations of joy, the score stands among the most appealing and attractive of the composer's works. Don't miss an opportunity to hear Voce present this rarely-performed seasonal gem! Join us and bring a friend!

This Sunday, December 9
10:10 a.m.; St. Mary's Chapel
Please join us this Sunday in a discussion and exploration of Luke 3:1-6. We'll consider contemporary actions that keep faith with John's call for preparation and repentance.

Link to scripture HERE. Download the Resource Sheet HERE.

All children are welcome to participate in our Living Crèche pageant at our 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve services. If your child would like the role of Mary, Joseph, the lead Angel, or a Wise Man, please contact Brynn Pacitti by Monday, December 17. Any child is invited to dress as a friendly beast to represent the animals at the manger. Costumes will be available on a first come, first served basis 30 minutes before the service, or your child can bring a costume from home.

On Sunday, December 2, the middle school and 5th and 6th grade youth had fun packing 21 care packages. Also, the high school youth enjoyed a concert by King and Country. Learn more and see pictures HERE.

December 9 and 16
10-11 a.m. and Noon-12:30 p.m.
This Sunday you can purchase your Christmas greenery right here at Holy Comforter. Proceeds will benefit the 2019 youth mission trip. We will have a beautiful selection of wreaths, swags, Christmas balls and other decorative greenery available. Pick out what you like and take it home that day! Each week we will provide new and fresh greenery for sale. We accept cash and checks made payable to Church of the Holy Comforter. Questions? Contact Denis McMullan or Colleen McGuire.

• Dec. 9 - Christmas Greens Sale in the narthex
• Dec. 9 - Deliver meals and care bags to women's shelter
• Dec. 16 - Christmas Greens Sale in the narthex
• Dec. 16 - Caroling for Holy Comforter shut-ins and Christmas Party

Drop off your donations to The Giving Table in the narthex and help support local charities. Giving Table "elves" will ensure that they get delivered to the recipient charities in time for the distribution. It's a great way to involve the whole family in Christian outreach. Questions? Please contact  Chris Doyle .

If you and your family are looking to make a difference this holiday season, please consider the Hypothermia Shelter sponsored by Epiphany Episcopal Church in Oak Hill from December 23 to December 30. Our parish has traditionally hosted a shelter, but due to the construction of the new Ministry Center, we are not able to host this winter. Let's support Epiphany's hypothermia shelter and give the gift of our time and care this Christmas season to provide good food, a warm bed, and a safe environment for those in need. Learn how you can get involved.

Friday, December 14

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Lillian Croy Room
Join the Moms' Group for its last meeting of the calendar year. We will enjoy coffee and festive treats while we share information on our favorite local activities. Feel free to bring a breakfast item or a holiday baked good to share. Childcare will be available across the hall in the Childcare Center. The Moms' Group meets the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month and invites moms in all stages of life. Please RSVP to Amy Britton.

Wednesday, November 19
Holy Comforter Preschool and Kindergarten is hosting another Dining for Dollars event on Wednesday, December 19 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mod Pizza located at 168 Maple Avenue West. We would truly appreciate your support as you enjoy an evening out. Don't forget to mention you are eating for Holy Comforter!

Revenues from the Pennywise Thrift Shop fund a variety of ministries and activities within our parish as well as numerous community charitable programs and services. Volunteers do all of the work at the shop, and we always need volunteers:

• Desk/cashier
• Consignment
• Sorters
• Pricers
• Stocking racks and shelves
• Porch Patrol

The following volunteer slots are open at Pennywise: