Third Week of Advent, Sunday, December 13, 2020
On this third Sunday in Advent, December 13, we will continue to worship using our zoom format, individually, but still as one body, united in Christ This week Rev. Karen Campbell will bring us a message based on the scriptures of Psalm 126 & Luke 1:46-55.
Happening Sunday
As we “journey to the manger” this Advent season, GPS has invited Wes Granberg-Michaelson to speak on a life of pilgrimage Dec. 13 & 20 following our 10am Zoom worship services. Join the GPS Breakout Room after the services to participate. Here is Wes’ preview of his presentations:
Advent allows us to hit the pause button, and journey inward to replenish our souls for the days ahead. That’s what we’ll explore for two sessions through the lens of pilgrimage. A centuries old practice discarded by the Reformation but now being revived, pilgrimage is a way to embody faith, not by how we talk but by where we walk. And understood as a metaphor, a pilgrim learns what to leave behind in order to step ahead and follow the Way. We’ll explore the central questions that address each of us as pilgrims of faith even as we shelter in place.
Resources: These two sessions will be based on Wes Granberg-Michaelson’s new book, “Without Oars: Casting Off into a Life of Pilgrimage.” Information can be found at: www.wesgm.com
Wes has written a Reflection Guide, based on each chapter, which can be downloaded for free: https://ms.broadleafbooks.com/downloads/Without%20Oars_ReflectionGuide_WEB.pdf
Boys Club (2nd-6th grade) will meet on Sunday, Dec. 13th at 4:30pm, with the last 10-15 minutes dedicated to an Opossum craft for the boys and their preschool-6th grade siblings. Click on this link to join any of the club meetings in December. When asked, enter the passcode CLUB. To join by phone without a computer, dial 1-312-626-6799. When asked for the meeting number enter 84509390414# This should get you into the meeting.
The PinC Restorative Justice Team has been hosting Zoom conversations with our brothers and sisters from Coit Church. On Sunday, December 13, at 5 p.m. we will talk about the book “Jesus and John Wayne.” Let Carol Rienstra or Barb Hampton know if you would like to attend.
Children
Kids Club (Preschool-1st grade) will meet on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 4:30pm, with the last 10-15 minutes dedicated to a Vole craft for the kids and their 2nd-6th grade siblings. Click on this link to join any of the club meetings in December. When asked, enter the passcode CLUB. To join by phone without a computer, dial 1-312-626-6799. When asked for the meeting number, enter 84509390414# This should get you into the meeting.
Advent Art for Older Children –If your older children aren’t interested in making animal crafts, they may enjoy the more open-ended art activities offered for all ages during Dark Times, Deep Grace on the COS Facebook Page at 6:30pm on Wednesday Dec. 16. The live videos will also be available after the dates they are filmed live to watch anytime. Art materials provided in the children’s kit should allow them to participate in these activities.
If you have any questions about how your children can participate, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jolanda!
Financial Update – Last week’s offering and online giving (includes monthly ACH) : $45,505.21
Current Giving for the month of December: $49,688.72
Monthly General Fund Budget: $112,926
Thanksgiving offering for Coit: $10,614.63
Church of the Servant is searching for a Congregational Life Coordinator to sustain and deepen a community of care and belonging within COS. This part-time position (20 hrs/wk) will seek to strengthen structures of pastoral care, encourage household fellowship, enfold newcomers, and support emerging ministries of fellowship for all of God’s children. The position description can be found here. Please send inquires to the chairperson of the Congregational Life Team, Nancy Remelts (remeltsn@gmail.com) and Pastor Andrew Mead (andrew.mead@coscrc.org).
Children’s winter hats, gloves, and sock drive – We are still collecting new and hand-knit hats, gloves, and warm socks for the students at Ridge Park Charter Academy through December. COS has a container in the entryway of the front doors for easy drop-off. Thank you!!
Updated photo directory – If your information/photo is current, you are all set. But if you don’t have a family photo or need to change your address/phone number, there is still time to be included. The Online Member Center can be accessed here. Use your family email and create a password. If you are having trouble logging in to the member portal, or If you have questions, please contact diane.jonker@coscrc.org. You may also send a photo or updated info to Diane.
Life is meant to be a journey of adventure. However, maybe the pandemic has set cumbersome boundaries and closed our eyes to wonder. We invite you to join with us on our advent ‘journey to the manger’. Each Wednesday night at 6.30 pm on our COS Facebook group page we will look at different people who chose to be present to God and follow Jesus to the manger. We will reflect on what the call to journey might mean for us. We will finish our time with an advent reflection on a piece of art …. all to awaken your senses and longing to choose to enter more deeply into the world around us.
Our annual pledge campaign, The Living Word in Action, is in its final month. So far, 98 households and individuals have already pledged $506,958 for 2021. We have seen in the past month many ways COS is an active presence to our members and our community. What a treasure God has provided! Please join by completing your pledge form soon. Paper pledge forms came with your last giving statements, but you can pledge online or print another form at the church’s website. Let’s finish this month with more than 200 pledges!
We’re excited to announce that we will be adding a 3rd Double Match Day to our holiday campaign!! Our next Meijer Simply Give Double Match day is Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. If you give online before then, COS staff will automatically apply your funds to the Double Match Day. On December 19, 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. Give easily online here OR you may purchase your Simply Give cards in person at the Cascade Meijer, anytime during the campaign, but preferably on the Double Match Day. Our Meijer Simply Give program continues through Sat., Jan. 2, 2021.