Category: Weekly Update

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

1. Discipleship Hour Volunteers
2. New to Christ the Redeemer?
3. Diocesan Regional Retreat
4. Camp Booyah for Youth
5. Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon
6. International Student Prayer
7. NEST Outreach Opportunity

Discipleship Hour Volunteers

There are several ministries at CtR that are looking for more volunteers who can serve on Sunday mornings. There is especially a need for Discipleship Hour childcare workers at this time. If you are able to be a helper in the upper elementary or lower elementary classrooms, or the nursery from 9:00am – 10:00am on a Sunday, please let Jennifer Brown know at brownie7506@yahoo.com. Thank you!

New to Christ the Redeemer?

Father Brian and Janis Campbell are hosting a Newcomer’s Lunch for all newcomers and visitors to CtR on February 2nd at 12:30pm.  Their address is 7324 Elvin Court in Norfolk. A light lunch will be provided, and children are welcome!  Please RSVP to Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you would like to come.

Diocesan Regional Retreat

This is the last week to sign up for the Southeast Regional Retreat, happening on February 13-15! Everyone in the congregation is invited to attend. Check out this video from Bishop Steve Breedlove for more information about the 2020 Regional Retreats. To register, click here (the registration is not full; the notice on the website is referring to the 2019 retreat).

Camp Booyah for Youth

Parents of 6th-12th graders, registration for Camp Booyah is open! More information can be found on their website and you can contact David+ at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon

Current and future supporters of Park Place School are invited to the “Friend-Raising” Luncheon on Thursday, February 6th, 11:30am – 1:30pm at First Presbyterian Church. Come and hear from the students, parents, and volunteers about how Park Place School is changing lives! Please RSVP by January 31st to (757)624-3473 or bgarrett@parkplaceschool.org. When you RSVP, tell them you are coming from CtR. We are hoping to have a couple tables at the luncheon to represent our congregation! If you have any questions,  you can contact Fr. Brian, Rob Slaughter, or Dora Lee Taylor.

International Student Prayer

CtR has the honor of hosting Global Student Friendship’s (GSF’s) monthly prayer gathering for international students on Saturday, February 2nd, 8:30am- 10:00am. This is a great opportunity to pray intentionally for international students, connect with others who serve the international student community, and be encouraged by hearing testimonies of the Lord’s work amongst internationals.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

We also have the opportunity to help Crossroads Church with a ministry to homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program the week of March 4th – 8th.  The homeless guests are picked up by buses and taken to area churches for a hot meal, housing for the night, a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch.  Crossroads has everything covered but the lunches.  We can help by assembling the bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-8th and deliver them to Crossroads.  We will need funds to purchase the lunch foods and bags.  If you want to contribute to this outreach, send a check or money to CtR earmarked for NEST.  This could be an opportunity for families to volunteer together each afternoon to assemble the sandwiches and the bags.  We will post a sign-up sheet closer to March for families to sign up.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple –  t.richardson@cox.net .

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“Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”  Amen.”

– Collect for The Third Sunday of Epiphany (BCP 2019)

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

1. Service Details for Ann McCord Harper’s Father
2. Guatemala Trip
3. Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon
4. NEST Outreach Opportunity
5. Diocesan Regional Retreat
6. Camp Booyah for Youth

Service Details for Ann McCord Harper’s Father

Ann’s father William McCord passed away on Tuesday morning, peacefully, in his sleep. A celebration of his life will be held tomorrow, January 17th at 11:30 a.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Click the link below for more details, and to read about a “long life well-lived”: http://www.hdoliver.com/obituary/William-Harris-McCord-Sr./Virginia-Beach-Virginia/1866340.

Guatemala Trip

Fr. David, Brad, Dory, and Mark left for Guatemala this morning at 5:00am! The latest news is that they have arrived in Miami and will be on their next leg to Guatemala shortly. Please continue to pray for safety and guidance for this team, as well as for the congregation of Cristo Mi Redentor (Christ My Redeemer), who they will be meeting and serving while in Guatemala.

Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon

Current and future supporters and volunteers of Park Place School are invited to a “Friend-Raising” Luncheon on Thursday, February 6th, 11:30am – 1:30pm at First Presbyterian Church. Come and hear from the students, parents, and volunteers about how Park Place School is changing lives! Please RSVP by January 31st to (757)624-3473 or bgarrett@parkplaceschool.org. When you RSVP, tell them you are coming from CtR. We are hoping to have a couple tables at the luncheon to represent our congregation! If you have any questions, contact Fr. Brian, Rob Slaughter, or Dora Lee Taylor.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

CtR has the opportunity to help Crossroads Church with a ministry to homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program the week of March 4th – 8th.  The homeless guests are picked up by buses and taken to area churches for a hot meal, housing for the night, a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch.  Crossroads has everything covered but the lunches.  We can help by assembling the bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-8th and deliver them to Crossroads.  We will need funds to purchase the lunch foods and bags.  If you want to contribute to this outreach, send a check or money to CtR earmarked for NEST.  This is also an opportunity for families to volunteer together each afternoon to assemble the sandwiches and the bags.  We will post a sign-up sheet closer to March for families to sign up.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple –  t.richardson@cox.net .

Diocesan Regional Retreat

The Southeast Regional Retreat is coming up on February 13-15! Everyone in the congregation is invited to attend. Check out this video from Bishop Steve Breedlove for more information about the 2020 Regional Retreats. And to register, click here.

Camp Booyah for Youth

Parents of 6th-12th graders, registration for Camp Booyah is open! More information can be found on their website and you can contact David+ at revdavidwatts@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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“Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever.”  Amen.”

– Collect for The Second Sunday of Epiphany (BCP 2019, p. 602)

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

1. Discipleship Hour Reminder
2. Guatemala Mission Trip
3. Seeking Administrative Help
4. Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon
5. Women’s Retreat
6. Diocesan Regional Retreat
7. NEST Outreach Opportunity
8. Camp Booyah for Youth

Discipleship Hour Reminder

It’s not too late to sign up and attend one of the Discipleship Hour classes, meeting at 9:00am every Sunday before worship. Click HERE  to sign up for  if you haven’t already! Here are the classes being offered:

Track 1. Anglican Ethos – led by Fr. Brian Campbell. This is part of our Membership Track at CtR, so if you are interested in exploring membership at Christ the Redeemer, we highly encourage you to attend!

Track 2. “What Did You Expect?”, a Marriage Class – led by Janis Campbell & Matt and Jill Branch.  They will be going through a study by Paul Tripp called, “What Did You Expect?” (Redeeming the Realities of Marriage).  There will be a 20 minute video followed by discussion.  Participants are welcome to purchase the book on Amazon (but not required). There will be six commitments made in the class; the first being:  “We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.”

Track 3. Jesus on Every Page: Reading the Old Testament with the Church Fathers – led by A.J. Nolte. For the earliest Christians, the Old Testament wasn’t seen as an impediment to knowing Christ, but rather as proof of His divine, redemptive presence in history. This class will delve into the methods by which the church fathers read the Old Testament, preparing both their hearts and minds to find Jesus on every page.

Guatemala Mission Trip

On January 16th – January 19th a small team from CtR will be working with an Anglican church by the same name in Guatemala. Christ the Redeemer Guatemala is a church which serves a population with severe material and spiritual needs both at their city dump village church and at their suburban church. Fr. David Watts, Dory Zimermann, Mark Beers, and Brad Embry will be going to CtR Guatemala to make this initial trip and hopefully begin to establish an ongoing relationship between our two congregations. Please pray for their preparations over the next two weeks!

Seeking Administrative Help

Our Administrative Assistant, Sydney Seligman, and her family are looking forward to the the birth of a baby boy in March! We are looking for someone to fulfill her maternity leave from mid-March to mid-June (and maybe beyond). Please email us at ctrsec@gmail.com if you, or someone you know, might be interested in helping out during this time.  Thank you.

Park Place “Friend-Raising” Luncheon

Current and future supporters and volunteers of Park Place School are invited to a “Friend-Raising” Luncheon on Thursday, February 6th, 11:30am – 1:30pm at First Presbyterian Church. Come and hear from the students, parents, and volunteers about how Park Place School is changing lives! There will also be a violin performance and a delicious meal provided. Please RSVP by January 31st to (757)624-3473 or bgarrett@parkplaceschool.org.

Women’s Retreat

Just a reminder that the Annual Women’s Retreat is coming up on February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco on the James. It is not too late to sign up! Click HERE for the registration form. Please return the form and your $60 deposit as soon as possible. For those of you that have already signed up, be on the lookout for an email from Janie Atwood providing more information about the retreat and any remaining registration balances.

Diocesan Regional Retreat

The Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s 2020 Regional Retreat is fast approaching! Check out this video from Bishop Steve Breedlove for more information about the 2020 Regional Retreats. Just FYI, our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. To register, click here.

NEST Outreach Opportunity

CtR has the opportunity to help Crossroads Church with a ministry to homeless through the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) program the week of March 4th – 8th.  The homeless guests are picked up by buses and taken to area churches for a hot meal, housing for the night, a hot breakfast and a take-away lunch.  Crossroads has everything covered but the lunches.  We can help by assembling the bag lunches at CtR each afternoon during March 4th-8th and deliver them to Crossroads.  We will need funds to purchase the lunch foods and bags.  If you want to contribute to this outreach, send a check or money to CtR earmarked for NEST.  This is also an opportunity for families to volunteer together each afternoon to assemble the sandwiches and the bags.  We will post a sign-up sheet closer to March for families to sign up.  If you have any questions you can speak to Temple –  t.richardson@cox.net .

Camp Booyah for Youth

Parents, registrar for Camp Booyah on their website and speak with David+ if you have any questions!

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“Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.”  Amen.”

– Collect for The First Sunday of Epiphany, The Baptism of Our Lord (BCP 2019, p. 601)

Happy New Year to you all! In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

1. Discipleship Hour Classes Begin Sunday!
2. Youth New Years Event
3. Women’s Retreat in February
4. Guatemala Mission Trip
5. Diocesan Regional Retreat

Discipleship Hour Classes Begin Sunday!

Beginning this Sunday, January 5th, the following Discipleship Hour classes will be offered at 9:00am, for the 8 weeks leading up to Lent. Click HERE  to sign up for a class if you haven’t already!

Track 1. Anglican Ethos – led by Fr. Brian Campbell. This is part of our Membership Track at CtR, so if you are interested in exploring membership at Christ the Redeemer, we highly encourage you to attend!

Track 2. “What Did You Expect?”, a Marriage Class – led by Janis Campbell & Matt and Jill Branch.  They will be going through a study by Paul Tripp called, “What Did You Expect?” (Redeeming the Realities of Marriage).  There will be a 20 minute video followed by discussion.  Participants are welcome to purchase the book on Amazon (but not required). There will be six commitments made in the class; the first being:  “We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.”

Track 3. Jesus on Every Page: Reading the Old Testament with the Church Fathers – led by A.J. Nolte. For the earliest Christians, the Old Testament wasn’t seen as an impediment to knowing Christ, but rather as proof of His divine, redemptive presence in history. This class will delve into the methods by which the church fathers read the Old Testament, preparing both their hearts and minds to find Jesus on every page.

**If you are interested in attending one of these classes, please sign up HERE ,  or on the sign-up sheet located on the whiteboard in Fellowship Hall, so the leaders know how many people to expect. Thank you!**

Youth New Year’s Event

Youth, save the date for a New Year’s Bash with The Mission Church this Sunday evening, 6:00- 8:00pm. Plan to bring a friend! Parents, there will be a quick meeting afterwards about Camp Booyah, from 8:00-8:15pm so please stick around after you pick up your kids.

Women’s Retreat in February

All women are invited to CtR’s Annual Women’s Retreat happening February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco at the James Retreat Center! It is not too late to sign up!! The registration form can be found in the Women’s Retreat brochures located at the Welcome Table and the Usher’s stand. Please return the form and your $60 deposit as soon as possible!

Guatemala Mission Trip

CtR will be sending out a small team from January 16th to 19th to work with an Anglican church by the same name in Guatemala! Christ the Redeemer Guatemala is a church which serves a population with severe material and spiritual needs both at their city dump village church and at their suburban church. Fr. David Watts, Dory Zimermann, Mark Beers, and Brad Embry will be going to CtR Guatemala to make this initial trip and hopefully begin to establish an ongoing relationship between our two congregations. Please pray for their preparations over the next two weeks!

Diocesan Regional Retreat

The Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s 2020 Regional Retreat is fast approaching! Check out this video from Bishop Steve Breedlove for more information about the 2020 Regional Retreats. Just FYI, our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. To register, click here.

“Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.”

– Collect for The First Sunday of Christmas (BCP 2019)

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

1. “The Longest Night” Service
2. Christmas Season Schedule
3. January Discipleship Hour Classes
4. Youth New Years Eve Event
5. Women’s Retreat
6. Diocesan Retreat

“The Longest Night” Service

This Saturday, December 21st, 7:00pm. The Longest Night is a service which seeks to give voice in prayer to the pain, sorrow, loneliness, and grief that, for many, accompanies the Advent and Christmas season. May this evening be a time to pray, reflect, and quiet ourselves as we prepare for the coming Light of Christ which will shatter our darkness.

Christmas Season Schedule

• Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating the Christmas tree) and 5:00pm (service begins). We will be having a special service with members of The Mission Church joining us to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King!
• Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am
• First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour or Children’s Chapel)

January Discipleship Hour Classes

Beginning on January 5th, the following Discipleship Hour classes will be offered at 9:00am, for the 8 weeks leading up to Lent:

Track 1. Anglican Ethos – led by Fr. Brian Campbell. This is part of our Membership Track at CtR, so if you are interested in exploring membership at Christ the Redeemer, this class is for you!

Track 2. “What Did You Expect?”, a Marriage Class – led by Janis Campbell & Matt and Jill Branch.  They are leading a marriage class by Paul Tripp called, “What Did You Expect?” (Redeeming the Realities of Marriage).  There will be a 20 minute video followed by discussion.  Participants are welcome to purchase the book on Amazon (but not required). There will be six commitments made in the class; the first being:  “We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.”

Track 3. Jesus on Every Page: Reading the Old Testament with the Church Fathers – led by A.J. Nolte. For the earliest Christians, the Old Testament wasn’t seen as an impediment to knowing Christ, but rather as proof of His divine, redemptive presence in history. This class will delve into the methods by which the church fathers read the Old Testament, preparing both their hearts and minds to find Jesus on every page.

**If you are interested in attending one of these classes, please sign up HERE ,  or on the sign-up sheet located on the whiteboard in Fellowship Hall, so the leaders know how many people to expect. Thank you!**

Youth New Year’s Eve Event

Save the date for a New Year’s Eve Bash with The Mission Church on January 5th, 6:00- 8:00pm. Plan to bring a friend and stay tuned for more details to come! Parents, there will be a quick meeting afterwards about Camp Booyah, from 8:00-8:15pm so please plan to stick around after you pick up your kids.

Women’s Retreat

All women are invited to CtR’s Annual Women’s Retreat on February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco at the James Retreat Center! The registration form and $60 deposit were due last Sunday, but it is not too late to sign up! The registration form can be found in the Women’s Retreat brochures located at the Welcome Table and the Usher’s stand. Please return the form and your deposit as soon as possible.

Diocesan Retreat

Everyone is invited to attend the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s upcoming Regional Retreat! Our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. For more information and to register, click here.

“Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among
us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the
race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy
speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to
whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now
and for ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Fourth Sunday in Advent, Annunciation (BCP 2019)

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

1. Advent & Christmas Season Schedule
2. “Holy Land Tour” Info. Session
3. Youth Group Events
4. Women’s Retreat
5. New Discipleship Hour Classes
6. Diocesan Retreat

Advent & Christmas Season Schedule

• “The Longest Night” Service – Saturday, December 21st, 7:00pm
• Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating the Christmas tree) and 5:00pm (service begins). We will be having a special service with members of The Mission Church joining us for the worship service!
• Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am
• First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour)

“Holy Land Tour” Info. Session

Fr. Brian and Janis Campbell are organizing a trip to Israel in 2021 to tour the “Holy Land”! If anyone interested in learning more about the trip, there will be an informational meeting this Sunday, December 15th at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court, Norfolk). The meeting will be right after the worship service, over a light lunch. Please email Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com by Friday if you plan to attend.

Youth Group Events

Save the date for the following youth events:

• Youth Social this Saturday, December 14th, 2pm – 5pm. It will be a fun night of ice skating at MacArthur and then cookie decorating at the church! All youth in grades 5th-12th and their friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Parents, please respond to the Evite if you haven’t already.
• New Year’s Eve Bash with The Mission Church on January 5th. More details to come soon!

Women’s Retreat

All women are invited to CtR’s Annual Women’s Retreat on February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco at the James Retreat Center! The registration form and $60 deposit are due this Sunday, December 15th, and can be placed in the offering basket. The registration form is found in the Women’s Retreat brochures located at the Welcome Table and the Usher’s stand.

New Discipleship Hour Classes

If you are interested in attending one of these classes, please sign up HERE ,  or on the sign-up sheet located on the whiteboard in Fellowship Hall. Thank you!

Diocesan Retreat

Everyone is invited to attend the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s upcoming Regional Retreat! Our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. For more information and to register, click here.

“O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign one God, now and for ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Third Sunday in Advent (BCP 2019, p. 599)

In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

1. Annual General Meeting
2. Discipleship Hour Change
3. Advent Worship
4. Youth Group Events
5. Women’s Retreat
6. “Holy Land Tour” Info. Session
7. Advent & Christmas Season Schedule

Annual General Meeting

The congregation is invited and encouraged to attend our Annual Congregational Meeting this Sunday, in the Fellowship Hall, right after the worship service. It will be a covered dish lunch, so please bring a dish to share. This will be a time to reflect on all that God has done at CtR in 2019, and prepare for what’s to come in 2020. It will include an update on local and global missions, as well as the election of three new Leadership Council members: one for a 1-year term, and two for a 3-year term. This is a very important meeting, especially for members and regular attenders. Please plan to attend!

Discipleship Hour Change

To help prepare for our Annual Meeting, we have moved this Sunday’s Discipleship Hour class into the main office space, instead of the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend this special Advent-themed class at 9:00am! There will be materials provided for you to take home and use as an individual, or with your family.

Advent Worship

During each Sunday in Advent, it is very important to be seated in the Sanctuary by 10:15am. We will begin the service in the darkness and then have the  “Lighting of the Advent Wreath”. Please plan to arrive early so that you are seated and prepared for worship by 10:15am.

Youth Group Events

Save the date for the following youth events:

• Youth Social on December 14th, 2pm – 5pm. It will be a fun night of ice skating at Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex in Chesapeake, and then cookie decorating at the church! All youth in grades 5th-12th and their friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Parents, look for an Evite by the end of the week.
• New Year’s Eve Bash with The Mission Church on January 5th. More details to come soon!

Women’s Retreat

CtR’s Annual Women’s Retreat is coming up on February 21st – February 23rd, 2020, at Chanco at the James Retreat Center. Grab a brochure from the Welcome Table for more information, and to register. The registration form and $60 deposit is due next Sunday, December 15th, and can be placed in the offering basket.

“Holy Land Tour” Info. Session

Fr. Brian and Janis Campbell are organizing a trip to Israel in 2021 to tour the “Holy Land”! If anyone interested in learning more about the trip, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday, December 15th at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court, Norfolk). The meeting will be right after the worship service, over a light lunch. Please email Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Advent & Christmas Season Schedule

• “The Longest Night” Service – Saturday, December 21st, 7:00pm
• Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating) and 5:00pm (service begins)
• Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am
• First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour)

“Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

– Collect for The Second Sunday in Advent (BCP 2019, p. 598)

I hope all of you had a restful Thanksgiving with your loved ones! In this week’s Update you will find information on the following (more details on each of these below):

1. Advent Begins this Sunday!
2. Advent Worship
3. Youth Group Events
4. Annual General Meeting
5. Christmas Schedule
6. Park Place School Funding
7. “Holy Land Tour” Info. Session
8. Diocesan Retreat in February

Advent Begins this Sunday!

Advent begins on Sunday! Plan to arrive early and attend the Advent-themed Discipleship Hour at 9:00am to learn ways to observe Advent. There will be materials provided for you to take home and use as an individual, or with your family. The combined Sunday School class will also be learning about Advent, and the Nursery will be open for the little ones ages four and under.

In addition to a special Discipleship Hour class, there will be a wreath-making time during Hospitality Hour where you can make your own Advent wreath to take home! Please plan to bring in greenery, and any Advent candles or candle holders you would like to use in your wreath.  We have also deemed this Sunday as “Leftover Pie Sunday” since it is right after Thanksgiving. So in addition to your wreath supplies, plan to bring and share your delicious leftovers with everyone. 🙂

Advent Worship

During each Sunday in Advent, it is very important to be seated in the Sanctuary by 10:15am. We will begin the service in the darkness and then have the  “Lighting of the Advent Wreath”. The doors to the Sanctuary will be closed at the start of the service and, for the sake of the liturgy, late-comers will be asked to wait in the Fellowship Hall and listen to the service until after the lighting is completed. Please plan to arrive early so that you are seated and prepared for worship by 10:15am.

Youth Group Events

Just a reminder to all those in the Youth ministry: Youth Group will be at the Embry’s house this Sunday night, 6:00pm. If you need the address, please contact Fr. David at revdavidwatts@gmail.com. Also, save the date for the next Youth Social on December 14th! It will be a fun night of ice skating at Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex in Chesapeake. All youth in grades 5th-12th and their friends are invited and encouraged to attend!

Annual General Meeting

Everyone is invited to attend our Annual General Meeting on Sunday, December 8th, 12:00pm, over a potluck lunch. This meeting will include an update on local and global missions, as well as the election of three new Leadership Council members: one for a 1-year term, and two for a 3-year term. This is a very important meeting, especially for members and regular attenders. Please plan to attend!

Christmas Schedule

• Christmas Eve Service  – Tuesday, December 24th, 4:45pm (decorating) and 5:00pm (service begins)
• Christmas Day Service – Wednesday, December 25th, 9:00am
• First Sunday of Christmas: Lessons and Carols: Sunday, December 29th, 10:15am (no Discipleship Hour)

Park Place School Funding

For “Giving Tuesday” on December 3rd (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), Park Place School is asking that you consider making a monetary donation to help them sustain the for another year. By making a donation, you would be helping eighty-two wonderful children receive dynamic, inspired instruction from amazingly talented teachers! You can find more information on Park Place School’s “Giving Tuesday” event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1192591484464030/ or their homepage – there is a post w/ a link to give:  https://www.facebook.com/parkplaceschool/

“Holy Land Tour” Info. Session

Fr. Brian and Janis Campbell are organizing a trip to Israel in 2021 to tour the “Holy Land”! If anyone interested in learning more about the trip, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday, December 15th at the Campbell’s house (7324 Elvin Court, Norfolk). The meeting will be right after the worship service, over a light lunch. Please email Janis at janiscampbell58@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Diocesan Retreat in February

Everyone is invited to attend the Diocese of Christ Our Hope’s upcoming Regional Retreat! Our church is in the Southeast region of the Diocese, which means that the retreat will be on February 13-15. For more information and to register, click here.

“Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.”

– Collect for The First Sunday in Advent (BCP 2019)

1. 1. Preparing for Advent
   2. Turn in Your ‘Operation Christmas’ Boxes
   3. Save the Date!