English Ministry News and Notes 11-18-12

*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.

*Next CCUMC Work Day - You are invited to pitch in on Saturday, Dec. 1st, any time between 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This is one way you can care for the church! For more info, please connect with Al.

*Special Offering for Hurricane Sandy Recovery - Today we'll be taking a special offering for recovery work in Sandy's aftermath. We recognize the massive destruction experienced by many, including  those on the East Coast as well as in Haiti (the poorest nation in the western hemisphere) and other portions of the Caribbean. Your generous offering today will go to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Thank you!

*Celebrating Thanksgiving - We wish everyone a most wonderful and warm Thanksgiving celebration this week. We will cap off the festivities with a celebration of our own next Sunday, Nov. 25th. Please remember that worship will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the annex (please come on time and leave your potluck items in the "blue room.") Our worship will be followed by a potluck. During worship, we will receive a new intentional and active disciple into membership: Gloria Gee! Let us hold her in our prayers this week.

*Thanksgiving @ LMUMC - LMUMC is holding its annual Thanksgiving Community Luncheon on Thanksgiving day. More than 300 people are served a delicious, homemade meal. You are welcome at the feast - as diner or volunteer. Volunteers are particularly needed for the clean up (from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.) If you'd like to pitch in, please send an email to Stephen Ford (srford1@aol.com) today. Thank you!

*Stewardship Response Cards - Please bring back your completed stewardship response cards next Sunday, Nov. 25th. We will be offering these to God during worship. Stewardship response cards are  not only important spiritual practices for each of us, they also enable the church to better plan for the coming year. Your prayerful preparation is invited.

*Charge Conference @ CCUMC - Please plan to be a part of this important gathering, Sunday, Dec. 9th, at 1:30 p.m. A simple lunch will be provided prior to our meeting.