This Week at St. Columba!
Today – Choir Practice following the Worship Service
Congregational Christmas Dinner 5:30 PM
Monday – Bible Study 7:30 PM
Tuesday – Bible Study 10:30 AM or 7:00 PM
Thursday – Session Meeting 7:00 PM
Coming Events at St. Columba!
December 6th – Knutts for Knitting 1:30 PM
December 7th – Coffee Hour 10:30 AM
December 14th – Mid- week Communion 10:00 AM
December 15th – Memorial Tree of Lights 6:30 PM
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service 7 PM & 9 PM
Announcements
TONIGHT the Session is hosting an old fashioned Pot Luck Dinner to begin the Christmas season. Please sign the Sheet in the Narthex if you will be attending. We will gather at 5:30 PM – Plan to eat at 6 PM. We will eat what you bring! Please feel free to invite friends and bring lots of food. Also bring plates and cutlery for you and your guests. It is not too late to sign up.
ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH, the Session elders distributed a package of information including a summary of the Coffee Party discussions and a list of ways you may help with St. Columba’s ongoing ministry. This is a reminder to please fill out the list, indicating your interests for helping build Christ’s ministry together. As you read the list of ways you can help, you are invited to add items in which you are interested. Perhaps something has been missed, or you have a new idea you’d like to contribute. Two additional items for your consideration… within Worship, can you help with the ministry of the choir, either seasonally or on a regular basis? Can you add your talents to the praise band? For Fellowship/Building Community, would you like to help with the Columbaline newsletter? Remember to fill in your list and return it to the church office!
Syrian Refugee Support… Churches in the East end of Belleville are combining efforts to settle a family in our community. Some of our St. Columba family have become involved with the group at the heart of this project and are requesting our help. Financial donations are always welcomed to help with the broader effort, and some practical needs have also arisen. Volunteers are needed to drive family members to appointments, classes, etc. Household items such as cleaning products and school supplies are needed. Can you help? For more information please speak to Corey D, or Steve and Liza V.
COME AND EXPERIENCE THE SONGS OF ADVENT: This year’s Advent Study begins on Tuesday November 29th at either 10:30 AM or 7:00 PM. This is a four (4) week study. Sign the sheet in the Narthex by November 27th if you wish to take part so that the resources needed can be printed.
IT’S TIME TO THINK INSIDE THE BOX: Advent is fast approaching and this year ColumbaKids wants to support our community with Reverse Advent Calendars. With your help, we can give back to those in our community who are less fortunate. We are challenging you to put an item in a provided basket each day of the Season of Advent. On Christmas Eve, we invite you to bring your basket to either of our Worship Services, where it will then be given to Gleaners Food Bank. Traditionally, foodbanks are well supported in the time leading up to Christmas, but support falls off shortly after. We are hoping to help with this challenge. We will provide a list of suggested items. A sign-up list will be in the Narthex for families so we know how many baskets to purchase. Look for baskets on the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 27th. (Baskets will be received up to Jan. 8th, 2017)
CHRISTMAS SHARING: the Session of St. Columba is asking the congregation once again to support Christmas Sharing by way of a “Monetary Donation”. The goal is to help as many families as possible ($100 helps a family of 4). Last year the total raised was $880.00. Let us see if we can match and /or surpass this amount. If you would like to donate mark on your offering envelope “Christmas Sharing”. Donations can be made up to and including December 11th. Let us get behind this worthwhile outreach into our community.
TREE OF LIGHTS: As the Christmas Season approaches remember friends and family by purchasing a light to place on the Memorial Tree of Lights. Cost is $10 per light. The lighting of this tree will take place on Thursday, December 15th @ 6:30 PM. Please see Katie Cox to purchase light(s) and submit names you wish to be remembered. Light refreshments will follow the tree lighting.
COOKIE CAPER – ATTENTION ALL BAKERS: coming up fast. Date to be announced in very near future.