The Comfortable Word

Church of the Holy Comforter eNews | May 3, 2024

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Kim Brailey

VESTRY PERSON OF THE MONTH (VPOM) For May 2024, the VPOM is Kim Brailey. Learn more about Kim at the Holy Comforter website, which also includes the minutes from the monthly Vestry meetings, the Vestry Corner, and other Vestry communications. If you have comments, questions, or are in the need of pastoral care, please reach out this month’s VPOM. 

CAN YOU HELP? We are seeking volunteers to launder Hogwarts VBS prefect robes before June 16. If you can help, please contact Linda Lee Malone.

Our longtime parishioner Howard Turnage will be turning 100 on May 24. We’d love to shower him with cards for this great occasion. There’s a basket in the Church Office where you can drop yours off, and they will be delivered to him by his birthday.

1st Saturday Social

This Saturday, May 4

The 1st Saturday Social is held on the first Saturday of each month and features both wine and non-alcoholic beverages as well as several different cheeses and crackers to nibble on. It’s a casual and wonderful way to find out more about the church and also the lives of fellow parishioners. All are welcome.

United Thank Offering

UTO encourages people to notice the good things that happen each day, give thanks to God for those blessings, and make an offering for each blessing using a UTO Blue Box. Learn more. UTO Blue Boxes are available in the Narthex. Give generously to allow the UTO to give needed support to our Church and the world. Return boxes to church by May 19. Questions? Contact Shelly Malone.

Saturday Church:

  • 5 p.m. (Chapel)


Sunday Church:

  • 9:30 a.m. (Sanctuary)
  • 10:35 a.m. Sunday School
  • 11:15 a.m. (Chapel)


Give Online
  • Or Give by texting to 73256 then type CHCGIVING (ALL CAPITALS, NO SPACES)

A Special Note About Sunday Church*


This Sunday, May 5: Last 11:15 a.m. service of the Program Year


Sunday, May 12: One service at 9:30 a.m. (Bishop's Visitation, Confirmation, & Parish Picnic)


Pentecost Sunday, May 19: One service at 9:30 a.m. (Youth Benefit Car Wash & Five Talents Market Day)


Sunday, May 26: One service at 10 a.m. (summer schedule begins)


* Saturday Church will continue at 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Acolytes support the clergy in a variety of tasks during worship. Youth in grades 7th through 12th are invited to serve. Learn more.

Choristers is open to boys and girls in 2nd through 12th grade. No previous musical experience is required but good reading skills are helpful. Learn more. Or contact Dr. Kelley.

Coffee Hour Hosts can be ministries, families, or individuals. This can be a great opportunity for ministries to highlight what they do and promote upcoming events. Please sign up online HERE.

Eucharistic Visitors (EVs) bring Holy Communion to home-bound parishioners twice per month on Sundays. Interested? Please contact the Rev. Jackie Thomson.

Greeters welcome members of the congregation and visitors as they arrive for the service, introduce newcomers to members of the congregation, and provide support as needed. Please sign up online HERE.

Healing Prayer Team prays intercessory prayers for people on the first Sunday of the month. There will be a basic training and orientation; and it is open to anyone who feels called to support those in need. Please contact Alexandra MacCracken.

Ushers distribute service bulletins, count attendance, pass the collection plates, bring the collection plates and elements forward, assist with communion, and tidy the pews. Please sign up online HERE.

Children's Books Needed! 

We are collecting new and gently used children's books to build out the home library of the Venezuelan family we are supporting. Little Joni (5 years old) is making huge strides in mastering English and could use some age-appropriate books to enjoy. If you have one or two to contribute, please leave them in the donation basket at the Children's Ministry table in the Narthex. Questions? Contact Susan McGuire.

Intern with Children's Ministries this Summer

We are looking for a summer intern to support our programs for children and families this summer. This program will offer mature, motivated and creative high school students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in an office environment while contributing to an important ministry of our parish. Flexible hours and a small stipend are available. To learn more, view our application HERE or contact Susan McGuire

SAVE THE DATE

Five Talents Market Day - Products Needed

Market Day is May 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

This annual event is sponsored by our Faith in Action Sunday School class. All proceeds benefit our ministry partner Five Talents to support its work in ending extreme poverty through economic empowerment. If you are a crafter and would like to contribute a hand-made product to our market, we would be most grateful! The most popular products are those modestly priced (under $5). Both children and adults will be shopping at the market. Please contact Susan McGuire if you would like to contribute items or if you have questions.

PENNYWISE Thrift Shop

at 214 Dominion Road, NE, Vienna, VA

At Holy Comforter's Earth Sunday celebration on April 21, parishioners were invited to use post-it notes to share their thoughts about Pennywise. Here is a sampling of responses:


  • The best recycling I do!
  • Recycle. Keep it out of landfills.
  • Great resource for our community to reuse/rehome.
  • Good deals. Good for the environment.
  • Convenient. A great place to help others.
  • Attractive - Unique - Affordable - Quality


Reminder! We have gifts for Mom, or any woman you'd like to celebrate. We appreciate your business, donations, and service to the community. Interested in volunteering with us? Contact Judy Kilkenny.  

FOR COUPLES

The Seven Principals of Making Marriage Work

Mondays, May 6 and June 3; 8:30–9:30 p.m.; Zoom

Join our Rector, the Rev. Jon Strand, for conversation and exploration. Learn more.

Evensong

SAVE THE DATE

Ascension Day Choral Evensong

Thursday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Our Adult Choir and Choristers will combine to present this stunningly beautiful choral liturgy. A reception will follow. Join us and bring a friend!

REGISTER TODAY

Gestalt Soul Care Retreat

Saturday, May 11; 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; McGill Hall

with Gestalt Soul Care Coach, Alexandra MacCracken

Experience a safe and inclusive gathering, where others support you in your journey. Alexandra will integrate coaching with holistic Gestalt Soul Care. Learn more.

Eastman Family

ALL ARE INVITED

Service of Wisdom

Saturday, May 11 at 5 p.m.

All are welcome for this short service which will include those in our Confirm not Conform class sharing a brief reflection on a passage of scripture they have chosen to interpret for its’ meaning for them. It will start with a brief prayer and some remarks by our confirmation class leaders. Following the service will be a rehearsal for the Confirmation service on May 12 at 9:30 a.m.

SAVE THE DATE AND SIGN UP TODAY

Bishop's Visitation, Confirmation, & Parish Picnic

Sunday, May 12

Service at 9:30 a.m.

Parish Picnic at 10:45 a.m.


The Rt. Rev’d James Joseph Shand will be with us at the 9:30 a.m. service to confirm, receive, reaffirm youth and adults into the Episcopal Church. Our Parish Picnic will follow on the Front Lawn! Enjoy a catered BBQ lunch and fun for all ages. Please sign up for lunch HERE so that we can know how much food to provide. Learn more.

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

Join the Monthly FACETS Outreach!

On the second Sunday of the month, our FACETS Team (youth and adults) cooks and delivers meals to Fairfax County neighbors in need. Next opportunity is May 12. Sign up HERE to volunteer. Learn more.

ALL WOMEN ARE INVITED

ECW Annual Meeting

Tuesday, May 14; 7 p.m.; Ministry Center

At the meeting there will be a vote on the following nominations for officers: President, Judy Boott; Vice President, Pat Bruce; Recording Secretary, Nancy Bertera; Corresponding Secretary, Lisa Wood; Treasurer, Lauren Bain.

SAVE THE DATE

Youth Benefit Car Wash

Sunday, May 19; 8 a.m.–Noon

Treat yourself to a car wash while supporting the youth mission trip to Puerto Rico. Learn more.

CALLING ALL YOUTH! All 5th–12 graders are invited to wash cars to help us reach our fund-raising goals and to have some fun! Please come early and stay late or as long as you can. We need lots of help! Bring the family. Adults are needed to move cars. If you can do a shift moving cars, please contact Denis McMullan

REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL MAY 12

Hogwarts VBS (Vacation Bible School)

June 24 - June 28; 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Registration is open until May 12 or when all slots are filled. Learn more.

MINISTRY LEADERS: A whiteboard with magnets is now available in the Narthex for you to post announcements. Please use the board rather than posting on the walls or columns in the Narthex.

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