“Glorifying God and Making Disciples Who Witness and Serve”
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Next Sunday, December 8, we invite you to a very special Cantata Sunday worship service as we continue our Advent journey toward the true peace found in God through His Son, Jesus Christ. The prophets call us to prepare our hearts for this peace, and our worship will be filled with music and scripture that guides us into that sacred preparation.
Presented by the Chancel Choir, a chamber orchestra of 11 instrumentalists, vocal soloists, and conductor Randy Sheets, the service will feature timeless Christmas music by Handel, Telemann, and Buxtehude, alongside the beautiful “An American Christmas” by Stroope. Scripture and poetry will weave through the music, offering moments of reflection and hope.
Come and let the beauty of music and the promise of Advent bring peace to your heart as we gather to worship the God who sends peace into the world through Christ. This is a Sunday not to be missed, and we look forward to welcoming you.
ADVENT STUDY
The Companion to the Book of Common Worship says, “In Advent, we expectantly wait for the One who has already come. We anticipate the promised justice of God’s new world, yet we praise God who raised the “righteous branch” to rule with justice and righteousness. We hope for the restoration of the afflicted, the tormented, and the grieving, yet we delight that healing has come in Christ. We long for the beating of swords into plowshares, yet we rejoice that the Prince of Peace has appeared. We yearn for the barren deserts of our inner cities to flourish, yet we laud the desert Rose that has bloomed. We dream of the land where lions and lambs live in harmony, yet we acclaim the child born to lead us into the promised land.” Let us journey together this Advent Season using the Advent devotional:
Arise! Shine! Your Light Comes! Advent Devotions
The Rev. Eugenia Anne Gamble
With hearts both heavy and hopeful, we share the passing of Kenny Wear, George Barton, and Steve Ledbetter. Kenny, George, and Steve were beloved members of our community. While we mourn this loss deeply, we also hold fast to the promise of resurrection and the hope of eternal life through Christ. They touched many lives with their kindness, faith, and service.
Kenneth Wear – Dec. 2nd Visitation 9:30 and Memorial Service at 11:00 at St. Philip Neri Parish
George Barton – Dec 6th Visitation 2:00 and Memorial Service 3:30 at SHPC
Steve Ledbetter – Dec 9th Visitation and Memorial service (times TBD)
Let us gather to celebrate their lives, trusting in the love of God that binds us together in life, death, and the life to come.
CANTATA SUNDAY 2024
December 8, 10:30 a.m.
Presented by the Chancel Choir
Chamber Orchestra of 11 instrumentalists
Vocal Soloists
Randy Sheets, conductor
Classic Christmas Music by Handel, Telemann, and Buxtehude
“An American Christmas” by Stroope
Scripture and Poetry
Don’t miss this worship service, which is a highlight of the season here at SHPC.
ADVENTFEST
AdventFest: will be Saturday, Dec. 14 starting at 9:00 am. AdventFest is the day where we create Advent wreaths and decorate the Sanctuary. Many hands make light work, so please let us know if you are willing to help collect greenery, make a wreath on December 14, or more! This event is intergenerational, so children and youth are an important part of this event. There is a sign-up sheet in the hallway.
ANGEL TREE
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! All 50 angel cards for children and senior adults have been selected! Gifts should be wrapped and labeled with the recipient’s name and angel #. If there are multiple gifts, please enclose them all in a large, durable, heavy duty, reusable holiday shopping bag. These work well to contain and support multiple gifts (usually $1-2; found near the registers @TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Home Goods, etc.). Please use the GREEN angel card as the bag’s tag so that the bag is clearly marked with the recipient’s name and angel #.
Gifts need to be delivered to the church parlor THIS COMING WEEK, between Sunday, November 24 and Sunday, December 1.
DELIVERY HELP NEEDED
We will deliver the gift bags to Catholic Social Services on Monday, December 2. If you have about an hour of time that morning, a vehicle with cargo space, and you can help load and deliver bags on 12/2, please contact Vera Lynn Sheets -call/text 251-454-6846; [email protected].
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
ART IN THE LIBRARY
The artist for November and December is Melissa Root. She will share her work in oil and pastel, her theme is “Round and About”.
POINSETTIAS will be part of the decorations in the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons. If you would like to donate a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, please call the church office (251-342-1550), email Marcia Wear [email protected] or fill out a card in the hallway. The cost is $25.00, and the deadline is December 15. These plants will be taken to homebound church members in the name of the church.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Children’s Church is for children ages 3 -1st grade. Our young children will stay in worship through the Children’s Message and then will walk over to the Bullard Building with two volunteers to hear a story and engage in learning centers. Parents, included in the Children’s Bulletins will be a name tag for your child. We ask each week that you fill out the information on these tags, so that volunteers can get in touch with you in case of an emergency.
