As the days shorten and the nights lengthen, we know we are fast approaching the changing of the year. Here are some things to note as we travel this road together:
First, ‘Celebration of Our Rwandan Connection’ is Sunday—November 19. By the grace of God, Christ the Redeemer has been intimately connected with the Anglican Church in Rwanda from the very beginning. On November 19 we will celebrate and raise up that connection. We welcome as our preacher, the Rev. Joey Pierce, who is the Director of Development for Walk With Rwanda—the development project we have supported that seeks to engender self-sufficiency at the Provincial level in Rwanda. He will give us a report on that work. Additionally, we will have reports on both our School and Agricultural projects in Mbyo, as well as rejoice in our connection with Compassion Rwanda. Mark your calendars now.
Second, our Financial Stewardship class continues at Discipleship Hour (9:00 am Sundays). If you have missed the first week video, you can find it posted on YouTube here: John Guernsey Stewardship YouTube Videos. I encourage you to watch these videos even if you are unable to attend the classes (though you will always get more out of them by participating in the discussions!).
Third, Our ADVENT SEASON approaches and we are planning to add to our corporate rhythm of life that will shape and encourage your personal and familial preparation and worship. In addition to our traditional ADVENT PREPARATION INTER-GENERATIONAL GATHERING on the Saturday before Advent (December 2 this year), we will meet each additional Saturday night in Advent for Evening Prayer, Family-Friendly Teaching, and encouragement around the table (covered dish suppers). These Saturday nights will be tied into our Sunday morning worship and lead us, by God’s grace, to a wonderful celebration of Christmas. So, mark your calendars now for the Saturdays in December (2, 9, 16,23) for wonderful time of Prayer, Preparation, and Encouragement for all ages. More details will be posted in the bulletin next week.
Fourth, We need your help! will be taking over the entire second floor of the building (with some renovations needed) and planning on being resident here for the next three years (with two more possible option years). Bob Atwood will be leading our renovation work. He has scheduled Saturdays, November 18th and December 2nd, beginning at 8:30 am, as the first of our work days. He will plan more dates as needed. (We hope to have everything done well before Christmas!) Plan to come and participate, especially if you have a pickup truck to carry away debris.
Fifth, We are collecting items to bless the children of Park Place School with Christmas “goodie” bags. The sign-up sheets are on the Fellowship Hall door, or contact Jennifer Brown to donate. All donations must be collected before November 22nd.
Sixth, Our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will take place in a different way this year. We will gather after worship on Sunday, December 10 for a brief ‘Business Meeting’ to elect the new members for our Leadership Council, and then gather in the New Year for a more extended time of reporting and discussion on the challenges and opportunities open to us in 2018. A day and time for that later meeting will be finalized soon. In the meantime, if you would like to nominate someone for the Leadership Council, please speak with either Pete Fraser or Clark Garvin.
Finally, some Pastoral News: Lytton Musselman came through his back surgery well yesterday and will remain in the hospital through Sunday and then begin a lengthy recovery period. Charlie Watkins is preparing to travel to Boston on Sunday to consult some doctors on Monday concerning the protocol for his treatment. Please keep both these families in your prayers asking that God’s good pleasure will be worked out through the circumstances of their lives.
