ADVENT ADULT FAITH FORMATION – Continuing today and next Sunday, join Pastor Adrienne in the Library about 10 minutes after the first service until 10:55. Today’s theme: The Advent Gifts of Speech and Silence.
CHECK OUT PASTOR DAVE’S NEW BLOG – On the Cross of Christ website: www.cofclc.net. Pastor Dave starts the week off with “Monday Musings” where he shares his sometimes deep, but sometimes quirky observations about just about anything and everything. It’s kind of like having a cup of coffee and some casual conversation with Pastor to start of the week. And if you haven’t checked out our new-look website, you should!
BLUE CHRISTMAS – Cross of Christ hosts a “Blue Christmas” worship service today at 3 pm to recognize the ‘blue’ feelings we may experience during the seasons of Advent and Christmas due to loss, illness, loneliness, or other hurt. We will gather to remember that we are not alone, and to remember the hope of Emmanuel, God-with-us, in the midst of our imperfect world and lives. All are encouraged to attend in support of those who may be experiencing a “Blue Christmas” this year.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES SCHEDULE – Three special services are planned for Christmas Eve. A family-friendly service with an original children’s Reader’s Theater “Little Angels” at 5 pm; a Traditional Lutheran Liturgical Christmas Eve highlighted by Carillon Handbell Choir at 7 pm; and a choir-led service of “Nine Lessons and Carols” at 9 pm featuring a string quartet and other guest musicians. All services will include singing “Silent Night” by candle light. Holy Communion will be offered at both the 7 and 9 pm services. Christmas Day service at 10 am to celebrate the Festival of the Nativity of our Lord, with special music and Holy Communion at the Altar Rail. One Sunday, December 27, one combined service of Lessons and Carols at 10 am. No Adult Faith Formation that Sunday.
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS – The Cross of Christ church office will be closed December 24-28 for Christmas, and December 31-January 3 for New Year’s.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE BREAKFAST – This Bible study group meets in the church library each Wednesday morning at a new time, 8 am. Everyone is welcome.
WELCOME BACK, JESSE – Jesse Erickson is leading music at Mosaic worship today as our Director of Music Ministries David Hendrix is away. Jesse was part of the Advent Evensong last week and is a regular guest musician at Cross of Christ. Thanks, Jesse.
ARK HOLIDAY BASKET FUNDRAISER – Ark holiday baskets will be for sale today in the Narthex after each service. These baskets make perfect Christmas gifts (already wrapped) for anyone on your list, and you can be a double blessing by buying one or two for the Giving Tree! As part of its annual fundraising, The Ark community creates and sells holiday baskets to the Cross of Christ congregation. In past years The Ark has used the money raised to provide tuition assistance for Ark families temporarily struggling through tough economic times. Fundraising money has also been used to purchase some of the classroom tools and resources. We plan to devote a portion of the money raised this year to our scholarship fund. Thrivent for Lutherans, a non-profit life, annuity, and loan company that donates their profits back to church fundraising events, will give $250.
NEWS FROM THE SOPHIA WAY – The Sophia Way has moved 33 women into permanent housing this year. Two women found sobriety; six new clients moved into the shelter in November. The Roscoe Fund helped buy a car for a woman to drive to work. Your donations are helping end homelessness on the Eastside. There will be two training sessions offered in January for those wishing to be Companions to a Sophia Way client. Contact Sophia Way at 425-463-6285 or www.sophiaway.org.
LOST AND FOUND – As we near the end of the year, we’ll be clearing out the Lost and Found and Will Call drawers in the Information Desk, as well as donating any unclaimed coats and jackets to charity. Please claim any items that belong to you!
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF MUSIC MINISTRIES – The recent Advent Evensong worship experience was a big success, with 91 appreciative attenders and $700 raised to support Cross of Christ Music Ministries special events and musicians. Thanks to all who came and gave – your support and encouragement means a lot!
BLESSING OF THE GIVING TREE GIFTS – In services today, we will bless the gifts given through the Giving Tree prior to them heading toward the distribution center and their new homes tomorrow. It’s not too late to participate – gifts can be brought by noon tomorrow.
HATS OFF FOR THE COAT DRIVE – A big and very warm “THANKS” to everyone who donated coats and jackets to the CofC Youth Coat Drive. We collected 140 coats! That’s more than we even imagined. Once again members of Cross of Christ have come through in a very generous way to help their neighbors in need.
