Week of November 26, 2017 - Church of the Apostles UCC

Food Bank
Needs: Specifically—cold cereal, rice or rice helpers, pasta, crackers, dry soup, and canned items, including soups, fruits, beans, baked beans, tomatoes, and tuna.

Nursery Changes
The Education Commission is in the middle of reorganizing the Nursery. We are currently searching for a paid staff member, but, in the meantime, we are looking for extra volunteers who already have their clearances on file with the church. For the 9:15 service, we will need to have two volunteers for the Nursery for ages 0-3. For the 10:45 service we will have the Nursery open as a crying room only without volunteers.

Christmas Decorating
Come help us decorate the Narthex and Sanctuary for Christmas on Saturday, December 2 at 9 am. It would be greatly appreciated if you can give one hour or more of your time. If you can climb a step ladder…we could really use your help! If you can help, please contact Bernie Fickes at (717) 393-6644. Thank you!

First Day of Advent
Join our Family Advent Workshop on December 3 from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Enjoy crafts and fun getting ready for the Christ Child.

New Beginnings
Kick off the yuletide season by attending our annual Christmas Banquet on Friday, December 8 at 12 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Following the banquet, we will enjoy a time of Christmas Caroling. Van transportation will be provided for Homestead residents. Cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP and submit payment to Cathy Bernhardt (717-299-3605) by December 3.

Breakfast with Santa
Have breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9 from 8:30 am – 10:30 am. Story time begins at 9:30 am. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, and fruit. Adults $6. Kids 2-10 are $3. Bring your camera for a picture with Santa!

Lifetouch Photos
If you did not order a photo package to be delivered to your home, your free 8×10 is now available to pick up outside the church office.

“Blue Christmas” Service
If Christmas is difficult, come to this quieter Christmas service on Wednesday, December 13 at 7 pm to still remember the wonder of God’s gift in Jesus Christ and acknowledge that Christmas no longer feels the same.

December 24 Services
There will be one worship service on Sunday, December 24 at 10 am. Our 3 pm and 7 pm Christmas Eve services will recall the birth of the Christ Child and provide the opportunity to sing beloved carols. The afternoon service will be a traditional service with candlelight and communion and will feature solo instrumentalists and vocalists. The evening service will be a traditional service with candlelight, and feature an orchestra plus our adult and children’s choirs. Let’s celebrate the gift of our Savior!

Becoming Apostles
If you have been worshipping with us and are ready to explore membership, please speak with Rev. Kuhn or Rev. Giffen. We are putting together a group to meet and get to know each other in November and become members in early December.

Donations for Puerto Rican Families
Please remember that we are collecting items for the Puerto Rican families displaced by hurricane Maria through the month of November. Children may bring new socks, underwear, towels, washcloths, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes to the Children’s Message any Sunday this month. Thank you so much!

COA Service Project
If you’re unable to help decorate the church on December 2, C.A.R.E. asks you to consider helping them sort medical equipment and supplies the morning of December 2 for shipment to Honduras. We’ll begin at 8:30 am at St. Thomas Church, 301 St. Thomas Road, 17601 (off the Oregon Pike), and will try to be finished by 11:30 am. If you can help, please contact Andy Appel at (717) 490-0093 by November 30.

Bethany and Hoffman Homes
As in the past, our Christmas Eve offerings will be dedicated to UCC affiliates Bethany and Hoffman Homes, which serves young people with residential and mental health needs. Donations to these special homes provide safe, comfortable, and spiritually- nurturing environments. Founded in 1863, Bethany Homes serves more than 300 youth each year on its Womelsdorf PA campus. Additional counseling services are provided to over 600 families throughout the surrounding area. Hoffman Homes serves youth ages 6-18 who have been diagnosed with mental health needs. Services include behavioral and cognitive therapy, physical healthcare services, and education in a comfortable home setting in Gettysburg, PA. Please use your special offering envelope on December 24^th to give generously to support these homes.