The Hanging of the Greens

11/20/2020

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Can you believe it's almost here?

Even though we haven't celebrated Thanksgiving yet, the Advent and Christmas season is just around the corner. Since Pastor Emily and her family can't be in SC this week as planned, they've gone ahead and put up their decorations at home. And she wanted to send you a sand-snowman! This Sunday we'll celebrate our annual Hanging of the Greens service, a time of music, Bible readings, and connection. Please join us ONLINE ONLY at 10:30AM, or for Adult Bible Study at 9AM and Virtual Fellowship at 11:30AM.

Our Annual
Hanging of the Greens
Worship Service
Sunday 11/22/2020
10:30AM

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Staff Appreciation

Please consider making a financial donation to our Staff Appreciation Fund, now through December 6th. Our team of 5 is the best around, and we want to thank them this Christmas for going above and beyond in this challenging year! You can give online or in-person, just note "Staff Appreciation."

A Very Walnut Christmas
We are joining 3 other churches to offer a Walnut Street Christmas Walk on Christmas Eve. This outside event (with masks and social distancing) will be from 5-7 PM, and include roasting chestnuts, Wassail, videos, hot drinks, and a live Nativity. If you have animals to offer, please contact Bethel Lutheran. We need your help to light up the street! Please bring in plastic jugs (milk, OJ, washer fluid, etc.) and leave in the collection box in our foyer. We will ring bells at 6PM and sing Silent Night with candles at 7PM. It will be unforgettable!

Technology Grant
We just received a second round of technology grants, in the amount of $1,000, from the Peaks New Ministry Council to cover expenses from this summer upgrading our video and sound systems to bring you a better online experience! Many thanks to our generous Annual Conference Peaks Sub-District!

Last week we also received a check from King Soopers for $286.37. You can link your loyalty account to the church. Thank you for your support!

Meet houselessness with compassion

While some of our neighbors wait out in the cold, the Guadalupe Center and Cold Weather Shelter in Greeley prepares mats, meals and donations. Volunteer to cook or serve, or bring items to the church entry (items must be new): winter gloves, new adult underwear, men’s jeans (size 28-34), deodorant, foot powder, adult backpacks, and snacks (granola bars, cookies, brownies, candy). You can call Cheryl Gerstner (740) 683-4459 for pick-up.

Gift-Giving Deadlines

B.U.M.P. shoeboxes: Dec. 1st
Alexia's baby shower: Dec. 1st
Toys for Tots: December 17th

Please see website for more details!

Oh the Places You'll Go!
A few weeks ago, we shared that Lizzie was gearing up for her graduation, even while still on active duty, stationed in Jordan. Thanks to Julie Cogburn for sharing this triumphant photo of Lizzie with us. We couldn't be happier for Lizzie and all of her accomplishments thus far. We wish her much success and all the good that is sure to come her way. We salute you SGT Przygoda! And we continue to love, support and pray from you from home...

Join us next Monday

All are encouraged to attend an evening of celebration, dreaming, and goal-setting unlike any other Charge Conference. Click the image here on Monday, November 23 at 6:00PM to for the Zoom event.

Celebrations this week

Happy Birthday today to Mylez Shimp and Brenden Macaluso (11/19), Eric Harris (11/22), Judy Hergert and Verna Berens (11/25).
Anniversaries: Cheryl and Cole Gerstner (38 years tomorrow 11/20), Cathy & Rodger Bell (47 years on 11/23); Jan & Gene Caplinger (49 years on 11/26), RuthAnn & Keith Roberts (22 years on 11/27). Click the image to share your special dates with us.

Prayer Requests

For the peaceful transition of power; for Gleason family (Rick's father Clyde's passing); Larry & Betty Schleiger; Vera Chipman; all who are Covid+; Terri's daughter; Julie's father; Bates' granddaughter; Tony Park; the Frazier's move; Alexia's pregnancy; Sgt. Lizzie Przygoda; shut-ins Bob K., Bud H., Ann G., Judy C., Margaret H., Eileen F., Don T. Click image to add your request!

TML

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Delight

11/20/2020

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What makes your heart sing?

A few weeks ago, during an online meeting of all Clergy in the neighboring 4 states, our Bishop wrapped up 2 hours early, asking us all to spend that time doing something that made our hearts sing. The Chat box filled up immediately: "What could that be?" "Haven't thought about that in ages!" and "Do you mean it? THANK YOU!" When life is challenging, sometimes we power through, accomplishing or surviving whatever we must, but not truly enjoying life anymore. This Sunday, I want us to DELIGHT in the Lord, in one another, in our quirky, imperfect selves and our awkward ways of gathering to worship... in-person or online... all as a means of finding common ground when our nation or world seems divisive. We'll worship at 10:30AM, with Adult Bible Study (new link) at 9AM on Zoom and Virtual Fellowship Time at 11:30AM on Zoom.

Worship, practice Delight
Sunday 11/15/2020
10:30AM
from Isaiah 58:8-9, Ephesians 4:29-32

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From last week's sermon

Check out this heartfelt article written by Dr. Belinda Forbes, which Pastor Emily shared in her sermon last Sunday.

Staff Appreciation

Pastor Emily was very touched by all the notes and gifts you shared for Pastor Appreciation Month: thank you! Now the SPRC would like to promote the collection of financial gifts for other staff appreciation, from November 15th to December 6th. Our team is small (5), but mighty and we hope to be show them some extra love in the Christmas season. You can give online or in-person. Just be sure to note "Staff Appreciation" when you donate.

Help Our Neighbors

This month our Mission Focus is the Guadalupe Center and Cold Weather Shelter in Greeley. Volunteer to cook or serve a meal, or donate: winter gloves, new adult underwear, men’s jeans (size 28-34), deodorant, foot powder, adult backpacks, or snacks (granola bars, cookies, brownies, candy bars). There will be a box in church lobby next week, or call Cheryl Gerstner at (740) 683-4459 for porch pick-up. Collection continues all winter, through March.

Missions Deadlines

Operation Christmas Child
November 17th

B.U.M.P. December 1st

Toys for Tots December 17th

Please see website for more details!

Celebrations this week

Happy Birthday to Max Yahn (12 years old today), Kane Baca (5 yo on 11/14), Norman Rowland (95 on 11/16), and Mike Frazier and Lindsey Savage (11/17).
Anniversaries: Cheryl and Cole Gerstner (38 years next Friday 11/20). Click the image to share your special dates with us.

Prayer Requests

For the peaceful transition of power; for Clyde Gleason (end of life); Larry Schleiger (hospitalized, cancer); Vera Chipman; all who are Covid+; Terri's daughter; Julie's father; Bates' granddaughter; Tony Park; the Frazier's move; Alexia's pregnancy; Sgt. Lizzie Przygoda; shut-ins Bob K., Bud H., Ann G., Judy C., Margaret H., Eileen F., Don T. Click image to add your request!

Mark Your Calendars

All are encouraged to join us for a evening of celebration, dreaming, and goal-setting unlike any other Charge Conference. on Monday, November 23 at 6:00PM on Zoom.
Click the image to join the fun!

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Kenosis 11/12/20 Weekly News

11/10/2020

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As we wait and watch...

I apologize to those who joined us last week online, and were unable to see the beautiful All Saints display and Communion Liturgy. We had technical difficulties, which we have since resolved. Here are a few images for you. Many thanks to Debbie Bates and bell-ringer Gene Caplinger for your planning, and to all families and friends of our loved ones lost for your participation!

This Sunday we will find common ground in our distanced, divided world by following Christ's example and pouring ourselves out in an act called kenosis. Please join us in at 10:30AM (in-person or online). And connect at 9AM on Zoom for Bible study or at 11:30AM for Virtual Fellowship Hour.

Worship, practice Kenosis
Sunday 11/08/2020
10:30AM
from Isaiah 58:6-7, Ephesians 4:17

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Love is Patient and Kind

Check out this heartfelt article written by Dr. Belinda Forbes a dentist and global missionary from the United States serving in Nicaragua.

Thanksgiving Project
We only have a few more weeks to raise $4,000 along with St. Alban's and other churches to feed families in need. Let Rev. Emily know if you need help. We are collecting funds to purchase grocery gift cards. Please give online, in-person or by mail (note: Missions/Thanksgiving).

Care Package for Sgt. Lizzie Przygoda

Julie Cogburn will be sending a care package early next week to Lizzie. If you would like to donate homemade treats, toiletries, cards, or shipping costs, please do so by Monday to ensure items are delivered in time for Christmas. Any and all items would be greatly appreciated!
Since being moved to Jordan for her protection, Lizzie has visited the Dead Sea and the Jordan River. She will be visiting Petra soon. Lizzie was also promoted to Sergeant and won the Army 10-mile race! Not only that, but she was able to complete her senior year of college while being deployed. All of her classes, assignments, homework, and projects were done virtually, and she will be graduating from Texas Tech University on December 19th (Pastor Emily's birthday), virtually of course. Lizzie hopes to be home by January! Here is a letter she sent to us this summer:

Virtual Baby Shower

A few presents are appearing under the tree - thank you! Alexia and Vincent are expecting baby Apollo on Dec. 16th. This young couple is registered at Target, so you can order online and have gifts delivered to the church, or drop them off. Jaime Cummings and our New Parents Ministry will deliver them around Thanksgiving/early Dec.

The Thursday night women's group is enjoying "Advent, The Weary World Rejoices" from 5:30- 7PM at the church (with safety measures) or on Zoom. Books are available online or by contacting Pat Ferrell. All welcome!

CHRISTMAS 2020 MISSIONS

Operation Christmas Child
October's Monthly Mission Focus continues into November. The deadline to return shoeboxes for O.C.C. is November 17th! Meg Persavich can answer questions, or you can find details on our website.

B.U.M.P.
Fill shoeboxes until early December for the Blackfeet United Methodist Parish in Montana: ages 0-3, 4-7, 8-12, or 13-17 years. See website for more details on this new partnership.

Toys for Tots
Bring new, unwrapped toys to the box in the church lobby, or drop at Bill & Sandi Hill's porch (271 Saratoga Drive in the Greenspire Subdivision)! More info

Celebrations this week

Happy Birthday to Kerry Spirek (11/7), and Paula Allard (11/10).
Anniversaries: Tyler & Keli Denbo (11/5). Click the image to share your special dates with us.

Prayer Requests

Joy for record crowd last Sunday, visitors, All Saints celebration, and fun Trunk or Treat! We pray for peaceful elections; Melinda & Barbara (fractures); all who are Covid+ (Patty's brother-in-law, Bonnie's mother, etc.); Ali Z's friend Sage (custody battle); Terri's daughter; Perry; Julie's father (hospitalized); Bates' granddaughter; Tony Park; Frazier's move; Alexia's pregnancy; Sgt. Lizzie Przygoda; shut-ins Bob K., Bud H., Ann G., Margaret H., Eileen F., Don T. Click image to add your request!

Sweetest New Addition
Cole & Cheryl Gerstner’s granddaughter, Quinn McKinley, was born on Thursday 10/29 at 6lbs 8oz. Mom, Dad, baby and Big Brother Henry are well and happy! Blessings to this beautiful girl and family!

Mark Your Calendars

All are encouraged to join us for a evening of celebration, dreaming, and goal-setting unlike any other Charge Conference. on Monday, November 23 at 6:00PM on Zoom.
Click the image to join the fun!

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The Hanging of the Greens