Ponce, Puerto Rico—where our Youth Group worked to restore and repair homes this past summer—was hard hit by Hurricane Fiona. For those who would like to help relief efforts, please visit our website HERE and select “Help Puerto Rico - CHC Youth” from the Fund dropdown menu. | |
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125 Anniversary Testimonials
As we celebrate Holy Comforter's 125 Anniversary year, we offer another installment in our twelve-part series of video testimonials from our parish family and friends, celebrating Holy Comforter's transforming presence and meaning in their lives. Happy Anniversary Holy Comforter!
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Capital Campaign Update
Thank you to those who attended the Capital Campaign Town Hall Meeting last Sunday in person, or online. We were excited to share that through your generosity, 130 families and individuals (104% of our goal of 125), have joined this campaign. We have received pledges and gifts of $1,198,995 (95.9% of our goal), currently short $51,005. A copy of the Town Hall report can be viewed HERE. While the plan was to finalize the pledge portion of the Campaign on September 15, there is still time for those to join with your pledge, especially since we are below our financial goal and need of $1,250,000. Again, pledges can be made over a three-year time.
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HELP KEEP US CONNECTED
Recently the church office sent out emails to everyone who has not yet created an account in our REALM database, inviting them to take this step so that the database can function optimally as a parish directory. If you are such a person and have received one of these invitations, please respond by following the easy step-by-step instructions found there. If you don’t have a REALM account and haven’t received an invitation, please check your spam folder; if it’s not there we may have inadvertently overlooked you, so please contact Peggy Miller (703-938-6521) to request a follow-up email.
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MINISTRY CENTER RENTALS
The Ministry Center is a vital part of our congregation and available to the greater Vienna community. Over the past two years, we have had several weddings, fitness classes, and education schools on the weekends. We want to make sure the congregation knows its available to rent—details HERE.Interested individuals can contact Tom Gadell. Please share this with friends.
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Blessing of the Animals (Including Sheep!)
This Saturday, October 1; 5 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF HEAVY RAIN, LOOK FOR US INSIDE THE MINISTRY CENTER
Not Just for dogs and cats—all creatures are welcome for a blessing! Then stay for “Yappy Hour” at 6 p.m.—with refreshment and treats for humans and animals. PLUS, the grazing sheep will be eating their fill of invasive plants, helping us balance our fragile ecosystem. (REMEMBER: people are welcome to visit them at the far end of the parking lot, but sheep are afraid of dogs!)
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Drive-Thru Communion
Unable to attend worship in-person? Drive-Thru Communion is offered on the 2nd Sunday of the month. From 10:45 to 11 a.m., drive through the Front Circle to receive Holy Communion and a blessing from your car.
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Communion at Home
If you would like a pair of Eucharistic Visitors to bring Communion to your home once a month or once every other month, please contact the Church Office.
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Newcomer Brunch
This Sunday, October 2 after the 9:30 a.m. Service
The Newcomer Committee, along with Jon+ and Ann+, are thrilled to be hosting a Newcomer Brunch for the first time since the pandemic! Email invitations have been sent to those folks who have joined us or expressed interest in Holy Comforter since January 2020 and for whom we have email contact details. If you feel you are a newcomer to our community and we have inadvertently missed you on our list, please don’t hesitate to contact Harriet Church to let us know you’ll be coming—we’ll be delighted to see you! Questions? Contact Harriet Church.
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Choral Evensong
This Sunday, October 2; 5 p.m.
Holy Comforter’s Adult Choir will present a service of evensong followed by an elegant reception. This beautiful and brief choral liturgy will include canticles by Sir John Stainer, an anthem by Holy Comforter’s Minister of Music, David Kelley, and organ works by Dan Locklair. Join us, and bring a friend!
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Compline and Conversation Returns
Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Zoom; Beginning October 4
Compline is descended from the night prayers said before bed at the end of the monastic round of daily prayer. Beginning October 4, join us at 8 p.m. on Zoom every Wednesday as we close the day in prayer. Join on Zoom.
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PENNYWISE Thrift Shop
Located at 214 Dominion Road, NE, Vienna, VA
Are you looking for the right touch of autumn color to make a seasonal statement in your home? Or, are you all out Halloween? No matter your vibe, check out the dishware, decor, costumes and costume accessories at Pennywise. Our backroom staff curates holiday elements year-round, and we're ready to help you and your family indulge in the fun and beauty of fall.
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Please keep us in mind as you reset your home and your closets for fall and winter. We need resale and consignment items for men, women, and children/youth. And, our jewelry counter is as popular as "must-see TV!" While some of your jewelry collection may no longer be your style, if donated or consigned, it could become a welcomed addition to another's collection. And remember—if you have a few hours a month to join our volunteer team, please contact Judy Kilkenny, Judith Fister, or Helen Mertz. | |
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SIGN UP NOW THRU OCTOBER 16
FOYERS Dine-Out Groups
Foyers returns following the pandemic! Foyers are groups of adults meeting once a month (at times scheduled within each group) to enjoy fellowship and meals together. This fall Foyers will be organized in groups of about six which will dine, Dutch treat, in restaurants that the group chooses. For each of the three meetings, the group will share in coordinating the date and restaurant. It's a great way to get to know fellow parishioners. Signup is now through October 16 at which time the groups will be assigned. To participate notify Shelia Creswell or sign up in the Narthex.
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Have you remembered to pledge?
Your Pledge, however large or small, keeps our doors and hearts open and our many ministries and outreach efforts alive. Your financial support for the work of God’s church shows your Heart’s true value and the depth of your commitment to Christ and a world in need.
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Senior Saints BYO Lunch
Friday, October 7; 11:45 a.m.; Ministry Center
For our October program, we will be exercising our brains! There will be prizes! There will be fun! Our very fine leader, Richard Fitzsimmons, will conduct a game of Trivia! Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers because we will form teams and put our heads together to come up with our best guesses! Bring your own lunch. Dessert and beverages will be provided.
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SAVE THE DATE AND BUY TICKETS
McLean Symphony Concert
Saturday, October 8; 7:30 p.m.
Join us in the Sanctuary for a concert titled, “Nod Back/Leap Forward” with compositions by Josef Haydn, David Ott, and Leslie Adams. All are welcome! Learn more and buy tickets.
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Whose side is God on?
Sundays, October 16, 23, and 30
10.45 a.m. in the Chapel and Via Zoom
Religious nationalism is the fusion of religious and national identities. It's been around for a long time, in many countries, and involving many religions. For Christians, it dates back to the Emperor Constantine. The founders of our nation were well aware of its dangers. And now it is once again a hot topic, both here in the U.S. and elsewhere. Join us in the Chapel after the 9:30 a.m. service on three consecutive Sundays to learn more about the recent rise in Christian nationalism and how we, as Christians, are called to respond to it. Watch this space for Zoom information. Questions, please contact Sharon McGroder or Lillian O’Connell.
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Book and Movie Club
Brown: The Last Discovery of America,
by Richard Rodriquez
Monday, October 17; 7 p.m. on Zoom
Sponsored by Becoming Beloved Community
The author contemplates the many cultural associations of the color brown—toil, decay, impurity, and time—as he considers the meaning of Hispanics in American society. Please read the book and join the discussion. Join on Zoom.
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SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, October 22; 10 a.m.; Ministry Center
Join us for coffee, refreshments, and a program from our Afghanistan friends who have started their new lives in America. More details coming soon.
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REGISTER TODAY
Stretch Out your Hand:
Exploring Healing Prayer
Saturdays, Oct. 29; Nov. 12; Nov. 19; Dec. 10
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Lillian Croy Room
Taught by Alexandra MacCracken, Healing Prayer Team Leader
Please join us for a book study on healing prayer in the Christian tradition. Learn more and register HERE.
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