Cookie Caper – You are invited to help make a difference for others at this special time of the year! This year’s Cookie Caper will be held on Tuesday Dec 15th. If you would like to help, please come to the church by 9:30 a.m. You may bring cookies with you that day or to the church beforehand. We have many cookie boxes to fill so all bakers’ contributions will be appreciated! Cookie boxes will be delivered to members of our church family who will appreciate some special care from the church at Christmas. If you have any questions please call Pat J or Maureen C. Thank You!

Meals on Wheels: Please remember to mark Tuesday, Dec. 8^th on your calendar for the Community Care Tea at Maranatha Church from 12 Noon to 2 PM

PresbyCan Daily Devotional features wonderful Advent and Christmas devotionals. Join more than 6000 subscribers around the world and enjoy devotionals each day, delivered free by e-mail to your inbox. To subscribe, CLICK HERE.

Proceeds from the Mistletoe Market are being distributed among a variety of charities. 50% of the proceeds has been shared with the following:

Organizations with which St. Columba is affiliated: Night Light, Gleaners Food Bank, Hospice Quinte, Quilts for Cancer.

Local charities: Adopt a Child, Christmas Sharing, Three oaks foundation, UCB Canada Inc.

Out of Town Donations: Evangel Hall, Covenant House, Sleeping Children around the world.

The remaining 50% of the proceeds has been contributed to the general funds of the church.Once again we thank everyone who made this possible.

Greetings!

This is the time of year when we anticipate the beginning of the Advent and Christmas seasons. As we make our preparations for the busyness of the holidays, we give thanks to God for another year of worship and outreach through which St. Columba has touched hearts with the love of Jesus.

It is with joy I look toward the coming seasons and the variety of activities being planned.

On November 29^th at 10:30 a.m. we will light the Candle of Hope to begin the season. Come celebrate the first Sunday in Advent with the Sacrament of the Lord’s Table and a commissioning of the Session.

Also on November 29^th at 5:30p.m. you are invited to the annual Church Family Christmas Pot-luck and Carol Sing. Bring your favourite dish, invite a friend, and enjoy a social time around the St. Columba dinner table!

A weekly Advent study, “Little Town, Big Story” shares the Christmas story through the verses of the cherished Christmas carol, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem.’ Tuesday evenings at 7pm, beginning on December 1^st for four weeks. (There is no cost for materials)

On December 13^th at 10:30 a.m. our Columbakids will lead us in worship. Come hear the story from our children’s hearts!

Remember your loved ones with lights on the Memorial Tree of Lights. The tree lighting will take place on December 16^th at 6:30 p.m., followed by refreshments and friendship. You may “purchase” a light for the tree for $10.

December 20^th at 10:30 a.m. will see us fill worship with Christmas carols – chosen by you! Please submit your favourite carol with a sentence about why that carol is special to you by December 6^th.

Join us at St. Columba on Christmas Eve, December 24^th at 7:00 p.m. for our annual Family Worship Service – children 10 years and under are welcome to wear their favourite pj’s!

At 9:00 p.m. we will join for a more reflective service as we worship God through scripture, song and prayer.

A freewill offering from both services will be given to a local outreach in our community.

Keep your eyes and ears open for dates and details about the Cookie Caper, also happening in December.

I hope you will be a part of sharing these beautiful services and events of Advent and Christmas. I look forward to our sharing of the good news of Jesus’ birth with each other and the community around us.

God bless you,

Rev. Jennifer

Reminder: All Communicant Members please stay to vote for new Session Members immediately after the Worship Service on the 15th! Thank you.

Worship Roster for the month of December is in the Narthex.

Mark November 29th on your calendar!  The Session is hosting an old fashion Pot Luck 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.

“Little Town, Big Story” is a weekly Advent study being offered throughout December. Together we will share the story of Christ’s birth as we encounter it through the verses of the cherished Christmas carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Join on Tuesday evenings at 7pm, beginning on December 1^st, to prepare for the birth of Jesus through scripture and song! (There is no cost for materials). Please sign the sheet in the Narthex if you want to take part in this study.

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 Wednesday, December 16th @ 6:30 PM. Please see Katie Cox and/or Bruce Cameron to purchase light(s) and submit names you wish to be remembered. Light refreshments will follow the tree lighting.

This morning we express our gratitude to Master Corporal Douglas White for laying the Memorial Wreath during our Remembrance Observance.

Thank you to all those participated in the Service of Remembrance this morning.

Today: Submit Nomination for Elders

Tues:   7:00pm F&M Team

Wed:   10:00am Coffee Break

7:00pm Choir Practice

Thurs & Fri: All Day: Set up for Mistletoe Market

Sat:       9:00am to 2pm Mistletoe Market

Let us remember Rev. Jenn, Bruce, Corey, and Logan in our prayers as Jenn recovers from the shingles.

Thank you to The Reverend Ted Thompson for leading us in worship last Sunday on such short notice.

This morning, it is with great pleasure we welcome The Rev. Ed Bentley and thank him very much for leading us in worship this morning.

Mistletoe Market… Mark your calendars for November 14^th!

We will be grateful for your contributions to this year’s event. We are looking for items for a silent auction – perhaps you have something at home you’d like to donate. If you wish to invite a community business to donate something, you can be provided with an authorization letter from the church.

Maybe you have Christmas decorations you no longer use. We would be happy to sell them in the Christmas Room. We are also accepting new or re-gifted items to include in baskets.

Half of the proceeds from this event will be donated to charitable organizations and half will go to the General Funds of the church. We thank the whole congregation for making the Mistletoe Market a success, for it takes all of us to make it work!

Thank you to all who graciously helped to make “Meals on Wheels” a success once again. Please keep the December Community Care Tea in mind.

Operation Christmas Child: Share the love of Jesus with children around the world through the power of a simple gift. It’s easy! Simply pick up one or more empty shoe boxes at the back of the Sanctuary, read the included pamphlet for instructions and ideas on packing, fill and return the boxes to the church any time before Sunday November 15^th. Let’s “Move that Mountain!”

Tonight: 7:00 PM Prayer and Praise

Mon:      1:00 PM Mistletoe Market Work Bees

Tue:        1:30 PM Bible Study

Wed:        7:00 PM Choir Practice

Worship Roster for month of November has been completed and in the Narthex. Pick up yours today.

We are saddened to have received the news of the passing of Evelyn Brand. Evelyn and David were long-time members of St. Columba until their move to be closer to family. We rejoice in the eternal life into which Evelyn has been welcomed, through her faith in Jesus Christ, and we pray for her family to know God’s comfort.

Mistletoe Market Work Bees: will meet on Mondays in the East Room. Come for a little while, or stay for the whole time. Many hands make light work, so we look forward to working together.

Thank you to Jaclyn DelZotto and Janet Johnston for the beautiful Thanksgiving display in the Sanctuary last Sunday.

We are pleased to announce that a long time member of this congregation, Gwen B, is celebrating her 90^th birthday on October 21, 2015. Happy Birthday, Gwen.

Mark your Calendar: Prayer and Praise Service is on Sunday, October 25^th at 7:00 PM.

Men’s Breakfast will take place on Saturday Oct 24th at 8:30 AM. More information to follow.

Worship Roster for month of November has been completed and in the Narthex. Pick up yours today.

Meals on Wheels: needs volunteers for the next 2 Thursdays in October. If you would like to help, please sign the schedule in the Narthex or contact Marion G.

Mon: 1:00 PM Mistletoe Market Work Bees

Tue:   1:30 PM Bible Study

Wed: 7:00 PM Choir Practice

Thu:   7:00 Session

All donations to Gleaners will now be collected on a continuing basis. Any donations will now be placed in a shopping cart that was generously given by Dewe’s Independent, and when it is full, the items will be taken to Gleaners.

The office will be closed Thanksgiving Monday.

Columbaline Deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015. If you have any articles for the church’s newsletter, please e-mail them to ijamieson@cogeco.ca or leave them in the office. We are always looking for interesting messages that you would like to share with the congregation.

What is your favourite hymn? During our Thanksgiving Sunday service on Oct. 11^th we will be singing some of the hymns that have helped to shape us in our faith. You are invited to submit your favourite from the Book of Praise with a note about why you are thankful for that hymn. Forms are available in the narthex. Please make your submissions by Oct. 4^th. We look forward to singing your special hymns with you!

We all have things for which we are thankful. God is generous with blessings, and it is a privilege to offer our gratitude in worship. You are invited to give thanks for your life’s blessings during the Thanksgiving Sunday service on Oct. 11^th. Please take a “Thanks-Offering” slip from the narthex and write what you are thankful for. Slips will be available on Sept 27^th, Oct. 4^th and 11^th. There will be an opportunity for you to give your personal thanks to God when these papers are collected and presented as a special offering during the Oct. 11^th service. Remember your blessings, and give thanks as we worship on Thanksgiving Sunday.

Meals on Wheels: needs volunteers for the 5 Thursdays in October. If you would like to help, please sign the schedule in the Narthex or contact Marion G.

Mistletoe Market… Mark your calendars for November 14^th!

We will be grateful for your contributions to this year’s event. We are looking for items for a silent auction – perhaps you have something at home you’d like to donate. If you wish to invite a community business to donate something, you can be provided with an authorization letter from the church.

Maybe you have Christmas decorations you no longer use. We would be happy to sell them in the Christmas Room. We are also accepting new or re-gifted items to include in baskets.

Half of the proceeds from this event will be donated to charitable organizations and half will go to the General Funds of the church. We thank the whole congregation for making the Mistletoe Market a success, for it takes all of us to make it work!

Mistletoe Market Work Bees: will meet on Mondays in the East Room. Come for a little while, or stay for the whole time. Many hands make light work, so we look forward to working together.

“How to Pray in Your Own Way” Rev. Jennifer will be leading a study and discussion group about different ways to pray. Prayer is a central part of the Christian life, and there are a variety of ways to engage in this intimate connection with God. If you are seeking to enrich your relationship with God through prayer, plan to join this group. Sessions will be held Tuesday afternoons and evenings at 1:30pm & 7:00pm, beginning October 13^th. There are five sessions. We will not meet on November 17^th. Please let the office know if you plan to attend, and which session (afternoon or evening). Resources will be provided.

The Thanksgiving letter from the Finance and Maintenance Team is ready for you to pick up if you haven’t already done so.