Happening This Sunday

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. (There is a complete schedule of our Advent worship services on the reverse side of this bulletin.) At our Standard English worship service, Sunday, December 1, we have the privilege of celebrating the baptism of Daniel Gittikoon Kathu, son of Lek & Kelise Kathu.

Due to Thanksgiving Break, we will NOT be having our all-church meal today, Sunday, December 1st.

Next Sunday

Next Sunday, December 8, we will gather to worship at 10am in the large sanctuary with BES and SES brothers and sisters, where we will welcome several new members. Following the Prism worship service, we will hold our annual Christmas Brunch. Please bring food to share—muffins, an egg dish, fruit, or something sweet.

Come join the Friends of New Americans on Sunday the 8th as we enjoy the annual COS Christmas brunch along with our refugee and immigrant members. Tables will be set aside during the brunch for those who would like to make some new friends and get to know folks from different cultures. Questions? Contact Joel Westmaas at 616-570-8661 or joel_westmaas@hotmail.com.

Next Sunday, December 8, from 12:30-2:45pm, there will be a gathering here at COS for COS folks who have attended a 2.5-day Understanding Racism Workshop. The COS Antiracism Team is offering an opportunity to deepen our roots for understanding racism. Come to Room 5, after the COS Christmas Brunch to hear guest speaker, Mark Mulder, a professor of Sociology at Calvin University and a member of Sherman Street Church. Using insights from social science, Mark will help us think about community engagement, civic engagement, and how congregations play a vital role. We think this will be a good opportunity for us to think more deeply about being a good neighbor. Please RSVP to janice.mcwhertor@gmail.com

Today and next Sunday you may contribute here at COS to Meijer Simply Give Double Match for our food pantry. If you want to donate but can’t easily get to Meijer on Tues. Dec. 3, and Fri. Dec. 13, you may give your name and money in an envelope to Lori Wiersma today, Sunday, Dec. 1 or next Sunday, Dec 8. Lori will purchase these cards on your behalf on the Double Match days. For every $10 card purchase, Meijer will match this with $20, so the COS food pantry will benefit with a $30 gift! If you buy a $30 Meijer Simply Give card, it will turn into a $90 gift to the COS food pantry. Thank you for supporting COS’s food pantry!

Youth

Dec. 1 – No Sunday school or youth group today due to Thanksgiving Break.

Dec. 7 – 1:30-4pm Serve First: Come to COS and help lead games for the Angel Tree Christmas Party! This annual party takes place to ensure that children of prisoners have a very merry Christmas, too. Your presence would be a good gift.

Dec. 8 – 9am Sunday School: We will continue our reading of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

11:45am – COS Christmas Brunch! Enjoy this tasty, annual celebration!

Small groups are encouraged to meet this week.
Dec. 15 – 9am Sunday School: We will conclude our reading of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and celebrate with some Turkish Delight

11:45 -2pm – COS High School Youth Group Christmas Party! Join us

for this fun & festive last official gathering of 2019!

Note: Youth programming is officially on break from Dec. 22-Jan. 3.

Church News

Spiritual Practices for Advent – This Advent, consider beginning a spiritual practice to draw you deeper into the wonder of the promised savior. Visit the display in the café to learn more about different spiritual disciplines you may choose from and also resources for individuals and families with teens or young children. Sign up to become part of a trio of individuals or families growing in faith together during this special season! We pray that this may be an invitation to deepen your connection to the triune God during this busy season. If you want to sign up please email Carol Burge: carolburge22@gmail.com

Lessons and Carols Choir – Singers of all ages are invited to join the choir for our Lessons and Carols service. We will have rehearsals on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30pm, Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6:30pm, Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9:00am, and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 4:30pm. The service is at 6:00pm on Sunday, Dec. 15. If you would like to sing with us, please email Maria Stapert (maria.stapert@coscrc.org).

Dessert reception- Following our Lessons and Carols service on December 15 at 6pm, we will enjoy a time of fellowship and holiday treats in the café area. Please bring a plate of your favorite treat to share!

Facility Manager Opening: Church of the Servant is looking to hire a part time (up to 25 hrs /week) person to join our staff team and be responsible for the our building’s operation and maintenance needs. Strong Facility Management experience preferred. Start date: December 16, 2019.

See the position description at: www.coscrc.org/employment
Please send your letter of interest and resume to: lori.wiersma@coscrc.org

Financial Update: Last week’s offering and online giving was $13,572.11. Our total giving for the month of November is $90,191.85. Our monthly General Fund budget is $119,028.

You are still encouraged to donate hats, scarves, and mittens for children, teens and adults in the Camelot neighborhood. THIS coming Sat. Dec 7 and then again on Jan 4, any knitted winter items, along with newly bought items- including gloves and socks, will be distributed at the Mobile Food Truck. There is a basket for these items in the basket on the Café counter. Thank you!