English Ministry News and Notes 11-11-12

*A Faithful  - and Generous  - Response to Hurricane Sandy - Yvonne Chu from the Chinese Ministry has initiated an effort to raise funds for the relief effort on the East Coast in the aftermath of Sandy. We will "take it to the streets" on Saturday, Nov. 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, inviting our Chinatown neighbors to "pitch in." Monies raised will be routed through the American Red Cross.  You can make a difference by sharing music, helping to set up or take down, greeting neighbors, or collecting funds.  Please sign up today!

*Save the Date!  This year we will be holding our Thanksgiving Parallel Worship and Potluck Luncheon on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25th. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Annex.  (Please be on time!) Those with names beginning A - K are invited to bring a side dish or salad, and those with names beginning L-Z are invited to bring a main dish. Leftovers are welcome! Dessert will be provided.

*Advent Sunday School Series - Beginning Dec. 2nd, our adult Sunday School class will move into a new year with a new book. The book is titled, "The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach about the Birth of Jesus." Over six sessions, we'll peel away all that has built up around the birth of Jesus during the last 2,000 years and consider the question, "What do these stories really mean?" Sunday School begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. Your attention to time enables us to have a focused class.

*Mark Your Calendars Now - Our annual Charge Conference will take place on Sunday, Dec. 9th, at 1:30 p.m. This is an important time when we get together to do the "business" of the church: electing new officers and leaders, approving pastoral compensation, and reviewing the membership report. All members are encouraged to be present and take part.

*Prayer Request - Please keep Silver Omakenyi and his whole family clan in your prayers.  We received word on Wednesday that Silver’s father passed away.