Addendum to Update for Week of December 23, 2018

Our apologies, the Weekly Update was sent out minus one very important item:

Tomorrow, Friday, December 21, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. –  “The Longest Night” –  For most, the Christmas season is full of cheer, brightness and togetherness. For others, it can be a time of loneliness, grief and loss. “The Longest Night” is a service designed to contemplate our own griefs and the pain of those we love. Appropriate for those who struggle at this time of year or find themselves alone or in sorrow, the time can also be used to specifically pray for friends and family who struggle during this season of the year. The service will incorporate a contemplative candle light liturgy.

Week of December 23, 2018

This Week at Christ the Redeemer:

There is a great deal happening as we prepare to transition from the Season of Advent into the Season of Christmas, so please make sure you read the entire ‘Update’:

First, Some Staffing News:

We are seeking a new ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT to join the staff team, as Amy Correll will be leaving us on January 15, 2019. The Job Description may be found here. Please add the search to your prayers, and do consider whether the position is for you, or for someone you know (whether within the church or outside of it).  Candidates are encouraged to send their resumes to Brian+ as soon as possible.

Second, Our Advent Season concludes with one more Saturday Evening Prayer and Covered Dish supper (5:30 pm, December 22nd), and our Fourth Sunday of Advent celebration on December 23rd. Again, please be mindful that our worship begins with our Candle Lighting at 10:15 sharp.

Third, Our Christmas Season:

  •   Immediately following worship this Sunday, we will be transforming the sanctuary for our Christmas celebrations. Please be prepared to lend a hand during the Coffee Hour on Sunday.

  •   CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: begins at 4:45 with the Decorating of the Christmas Tree with worship to begin at 5:00 pm. Our children will be presenting their Christmas Pageant during the service.

  •   CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE: Jay and Emelie Thomas have graciously opened their home for a “Eucharist and Love Feast” Christmas Morning, December 25th at 10:00 a.m. Contact the Thomas’ for more information, or see the half sheet insert in Sunday’s bulletin.

  •   CHRISTMAS CAROLING:  The chamber choir is organizing an evangelistic neighborhood outreach – Christmas caroling! We will depart from CTR at 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 23 to sing from door to door in the vicinity of CTR. Members of the congregation are invited to attend, and music books will be provided. If you would like to participate, please email Emelie Thomas

Fourth, Looking Ahead to 2019:

  • Discipleship Hour returns on Sunday January 13 at 9:00 am. Please check here for the classes being offered in the Winter term.

  • Our Women’s Retreat takes place in February (1st through 3rd). Please pick up a brochure outside the Sanctuary, or contact Jennifer Brown for further information.

  • Our Annual Diocesan Regional Retreat takes place in February (7th through 9th). The theme for this year is, “The Theological Understanding of Migration as it Impacts the Issue of Immigration and the ‘welcoming of the stranger’”.  Please check here for further information.

  • Morning Prayer will be held at CTR 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 1, 2019 and continue to meet for each Tuesday and Thursday morning thereafter at 8:30 a.m. Note the time change.

Look forward to worshiping with you

Week of December 16, 2018

Things to know this week:
DEADLINES:
  • The final day to register for the Annual CtR Women’s Retreat, which will be held February 1st-3rd, 2019 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, is this coming Sunday, December 16th. A deposit of $60 will hold your spot, with the remainder due by January 13, 2019. For more details, pick up a brochure near the Sanctuary doors.
  • Park Place School Christmas gifts are due this coming Sunday, December 16th. Place the wrapped gift (with the child’s name/ornament attached) under the tree in the Fellowship Hall.
ADVENT:
We have two more Saturday Evening Advent gatherings (December 15th and 22nd). We will start Evening Prayer promptly at 5:30 p.m., with a covered dish meal to follow.
  • An Inaugural Youth Gathering will take place this coming Saturday, December 15th from 4:00 – 8:30 p.m. We will meet at the Beers home, go to Topgolf, and return to the Beers’ for a meal and party. Youth are encouraged to invite their friends! Please respond to the Evite Deacon David sent out and contact him with any questions.
  • The Longest Night service will be held Friday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m. The Longest Night is a service designed to contemplate our own griefs and the pain of those we love. For most, the Christmas season is full of cheer, brightness, and togetherness.  For others, it can be a time of loneliness, grief, and loss.  This service is appropriate for those who struggle at this time of year or find themselves alone or in sorrow. The time can also be used to specifically pray for friends and family who struggle during this season of the year.  The service will incorporate a contemplative candle-light liturgy.
DISCIPLESHIP HOUR NEWS:
Fall Discipleship Hour sessions are now ended.
The Winter session begins January 13th at 9:00 a.m. There will be 3 courses offered:
New Testament Overview
New Members Class
Youth Discipleship (open to all those in grades 6-12)
For more details, see the half-sheet insert in the Sunday bulletin or the CtR website (click on the “Ministries” tab, then “Discipleship Hour”).
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE:
Our Christmas service will be held Monday, December 24th beginning at 4:45 p.m. with the decorating of the tree. Worship will begin at 5:00 p.m. with the children’s Christmas pageant and the first communion of the Christmas season.
Look forward to worshiping with you

Week of December 9, 2018

Some things to know in the next week and the days to follow:

THIS WEEK:

  • Our Annual General Meeting takes place THIS Sunday, December 9th, immediately following worship. Bring something to share for the covered dish meal, then stay to celebrate 2018 and prepare for 2019.

  • Our Advent Saturday Evenings continue this Saturday, December 8th, at 5:30 p.m. with Evening Prayer, followed by a covered dish dinner. All are welcome (and encouraged to arrive on time!)

  • Remember, Sunday Advent Candle Lighting begins promptly at 10:15 a.m. each Sunday in Advent. The doors to the Sanctuary will be closed and those arriving late will be asked to wait to enter until the beginning of the Children’s Focus.

  • An Inaugural Youth Gathering will take place next Saturday, December 15th from 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. We will meet at Mark and Sarah Beer’s house, head over to Topgolf, and return to the Beer’s for a dinner and party. Youth are encouraged to invite their friends! Respond to the Evite Dn. David sent out and update him if guest numbers change.

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS:

  • As a way to show our love and support, we are providing Christmas gifts for the children of Park Place School. If you are looking for a way to share the joy of Christmas with those in need, take an ornament (or a few!) from the tree in the Fellowship Hall and purchase the gifts listed on the ornament, then return them (wrapped) with the ornament attached by Sunday, December 16th.

  • Our Christmas Eve Service begins at 4:45 p.m., Monday, December 24th with the decorating of the Christmas tree and the service begins at 5:00 p.m. (The children will once again be presenting the Pageant during worship.)

  • Park Place School has cordially invited us to their Christmas Chapel Service, at New Life Church in Ghent (1420 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, 23517), Friday December 21st, at 8:30am.

  • If you are interested in dedicating poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones, please fill out an envelope from the table outside the Sanctuary and return it, by December 16th, with your donation in the offering plate.

SOME PASTORAL NEWS:

David Condron’s father, Robert (Bob) Condron, died Tuesday, December 4th. His funeral will take place in Pittsburgh, PA this Saturday, December 8th. Please pray for the family as they travel to Pittsburgh to celebrate Bob’s life, mourn their loss, and commend him into God’s gracious keeping.

Look forward to worshiping with you