Church of the Holy Comforter eNews | January 16, 2020
Worship Schedule

Saturday, January 18
5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Sunday, January 19 - The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II* with Children's Chapel
10:10 a.m. Wellness and Spirituality Forum
10:10 a.m. Bible Study and Sunday School*
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II* with Children's Chapel

Wednesday, January 22
7:00 a.m. Morning Prayer


*childcare available for ages 4 and under
A hearty thank you to all who have helped to make our stewardship campaign a success so far. 252 blessed families have pledged so far. We still have a ways to go to hit our campaign goal of 1.3 million. If you haven’t made your 2020 pledge yet, please do so at your earliest convenience online HERE .
During the Pastoral Address at our Diocesan Convention last month, Bishop Goff articulated her vision for our Diocese for the next few years. At the end she said, “If the vision belongs to the bishops alone, it will never be ours. So let’s continue this address as a conversation. I invite the people of the diocese to come together in a series of vision gathering during the season of Epiphany.”
Friday, January 31
6-8 p.m.; Ministry Center
RSVP Today! Games for All Ages!

Get ready to get your game on at our first Pizza & Game Night of the new year! Pizza and board games for all ages (including toddlers) provided! Please bring your friends and a side or dessert to share! Please RSVP to Patti Boerger so we can plan for pizza.
PASTORAL CARE
Register Today
Opening to Grace Retreat
Saturday, February 1; 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Led by Alexandra MacCracken,
Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister and Trainer

Gestalt Pastoral Care rests on the belief that God’s healing Grace is available to us, and that God desires to heal holistically—body, mind, spirit, emotions and social context—in a way that is unique to each person.

  • Full Participant: $150: Receives a full session of discovery with Alexandra MacCracken.
  • Observer/Intercessor: $80: Prays for those working, and receives benefits as well.

Lunch will be provided. Learn more and register online HERE. Questions? Please contact Alexandra MacCracken.
RSVP Today
Marriage Ministry Date Night In
Saturday, February 8
5:30–8:30 p.m.; Ministry Center

Save the date and join us for the relaxation session, the social, or both.

Take a restorative break with your partner and enjoy the benefits of yoga, Thai massage, and aromatherapy in this heart-centered workshop. Flexibility is not required! This workshop is about movement, connection and relaxation. Wear casual clothes that are comfortable for moving and bring an appetizer or dessert to share for our social. Those with children may drop them off for nursery care/Kids Night In including pizza and activities. RSVP online HERE. Questions? Please contact Katie Krogh.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Feasting on the Word Bible Study:
Look! The Lamb of God!
This Sunday, January 19;
10:10–11 a.m.; Chapel

Please join us this Sunday in a discussion and exploration of John 1:29–42 . We'll explore how John invited others to know Jesus and discover ways that we can be witnesses to the good news.

Link to scripture HERE. Download the Resource Sheet HERE.
Wellness and Spirituality Adult Forums take place Sundays, 10:10–11 a.m. in the Ministry Center.

Envisioning Sustainability
This Sunday, January 19

Join us for the sharing of the draft sustainability plan for Holy Comforter. The Vestry has heard it and is supportive of the concepts and will be helping us finalize at the next meeting our working plan and commitments for the next year, 10 years, and 30 years. How do we support our congregation and one another in being better stewards of the gift of this planet for ourselves and for future generations? Your feedback is welcome.


Practical Spirituality Forums
Sundays, January 26–February 16

It’s a new year, it’s a new decade! Time to be intentional about deepening your relationship with God. To prepare for Lent, we will offer a series of forums on a variety of spiritual practices —hence the title, Practical Spirituality . Did you know there are at least 65 ways to pray? Come learn about Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer, and more. Fill up your spiritual tool kit! Experience the light of Christ and learn to rest in the mysterious power of God’s love for us. Questions? Contact the Rev. Ann Gillespie.
Episcopal 101
Monday nights; 7–8:30 p.m.; McGill
It's not too late to sign up!

Note: There will be no session on Monday, January 20

Episcopal 101 is a class for anyone who seeks a deeper relationship with God and to learn more about the Episcopal Church. Our first session was on January 13 but it's not too late to join. Over the course of 12 sessions we'll dive into the theology and history of the Episcopal Church, scripture, and the Book of Common Prayer . To register or for questions, please contact the Rev. Ann Gillespie. Download an outline of the course HERE.
Men’s Bible Study
Tuesday mornings; 7–8 a.m.; Ministry Center

Come early for a light breakfast and coffee followed by our Bible study. Please contact the Rev. Jon Strand or Ray Wadlow to RSVP. We will be using the Bible study guide from St. Stephen’s Richmond to start out. Link to the study guide HERE. We will generally meet weekly, taking breaks for holidays and the summer.
OUTREACH
Food4Thought
Help us pack this Sunday, January 19.

Food4Thought is a monthly service that will provide 100 “power packs,” non-perishable foods that feed children in need at Marshall Road Elementary School. Learn more.

Hypothermia Prevention Shelter
Call for Volunteers and Support!

Holy Comforter is gearing up to host our one-week Hypothermia Prevention Shelter from Sunday, February 23 to Sunday, March 1. In partnership with FACETS, our Ministry Center will host 30+ guests who live and work without a home. During the coldest days of winter, our parish will provide a warm place to sleep, nourishing meals, conversation, and prayer. Learn how you can help.
Donations for Hypothermia Prevention Shelter

Our Faith in Action Sunday School class is sponsoring a drive to collect winter clothing and personal supplies for our Hypothermia Prevention Shelter guests. We will be collecting

  • Winter clothing: gently used coats, scarfs, mittens, gloves, hats, and socks (adult sizes)
  • Travel-size personal supplies: toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, lotion, hand sanitizer, and combs/brushes (no hotel toiletries, please)

Please leave your donations in the bins at the Hypothermia Shelter table in the narthex by Sunday, February 16. Questions? Contact Alex Graham or Susan McGuire or check out our flyer HERE. Thank you for helping our neighbors in need!
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Holy Comforter Preschool and Kindergarten is now accepting registration for the 2020–2021 school year. All registration materials can be found online HERE. To schedule a tour, please contact Linda Meyers.
Youth Group Movie Night
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Sunday, January 26;
4–6 p.m.; Ministry Center

This film is based on the memoir of 13-year-old William Kamkwamba, who is thrown out of the school he loves when his family can no longer afford the fees. He sneaks into the library and learns how to build a windmill to save his village from a famine. Please bring a friend and enjoy this wonderful movie, hot chocolate and snacks! Questions? Contact Denis McMullan.
Save the Date
Children's Study of the Holy Eucharist
Sundays, February 2–March 29

Do your children have questions about the rituals and meaning of the Eucharist as well as other parts of our liturgy? Then save the date for Study of the Holy Eucharist, an 8-week special Sunday School lesson series designed especially for children. Learn more.
Save the Date
Youth Group Roller Skating
at Skate-N-Fun Zone, Manassas
Sunday, February 2

We'll leave the church at 12:30 p.m.; return at 5:30 p.m. RSVP to Denis McMullan.
"Children and adults draw joy from helping others."

  • "We volunteer to help others, but research shows how much it helps us, too." Learn more.
  • Consider helping with our Youth Group Facets delivery every second Sunday.
  • For photos from our January 12 Facets delivery, click HERE.
  • Parent drivers needed for April and May Facets deliveries.
  • For questions or to volunteer, contact Denis McMullan.
NEWS & FELLOWSHIP
Save the Date
Senior Saints BYO Lunch:
Secret Garden Birds and Bees
Friday, February 7;
11:45 a.m.; Ministry Center

Liz Dennison from Secret Garden Birds and Bees will be with us to talk about Raptors of VA, MD and D.C. Her presentation will include an audiovisual presentation plus some live birds: a tiny Eastern Screech Owl, a Barred Owl, and a Red-Shouldered Hawk. They will be joined by other birds of prey including a Great Horned Owl or a Red-Tailed Hawk. All of these birds were injured and cared for by wildlife rehabilitators, but each was left with a permanent disability so they can’t be returned to the wild. Liz will tell their stories during the presentation. Bring your own lunch. Beverages and desserts will be provided. .
Visit Pennywise Thrift Shop
Note: Please do not leave donations outside the front door of the shop after hours. This is prohibited by the landlord.

  • Shopping Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Location: 214 Dominion Rd. NE, Vienna VA
  • Volunteer: Choose from volunteer opportunities HERE.
  • Follow Pennywise on Facebook for special items for sale.