1. Christmas: More or Less? This Advent-Christmas season we’re encouraging each other to make our celebration more meaningful by spending less on ourselves and giving more to those who are in greatest need. We have catalogues from The Presbyterian Church in Canada that provide a list of significant gifts to share. Another gift giving project is called “Advent Conspiracy”, which can be found at www.adventconspiracy.org.
2. Scripture for this Sunday – Micah 5: 1-5
3. Welcome Back Mark Thallander – Mark will join us at the organ this Sunday and next, including our special musical service, “Christmas Joy!” next Sunday evening. His latest CD "Grace and Peace” will be available in Campbell Hall after the services along with his new devotional book by the same title, featuring selected Scripture verses and related hymns.
4. St Paul’s December Schedule – We have many things to look forward to for the whole family in this festive season:
Dec. 15 – Children’s Christmas Celebration at 3pm
Dec. 16 – “Christmas Joy”, an evening with the choir and singing at 7pm
Dec. 24 – An “Upside Down Christmas”, a family-oriented service at 4pm
– Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7pm
Dec. 30 – single service at 10:30am
Jan. 6 – single service at 10:30am
5. St. Paul's Book Circle warmly invites you to the 4th Annual Poetry Readings and Christmas Tea to be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room on Monday, December 10. We will be sharing
poetry and/or creative writing favourites, refreshments and perhaps a little game or two. So, put on your Christmas gear, your creative thinking cap and come on out for a fun-filled and relaxing evening!
6. St. Paul’s Seniors’ Christmas Celebration – All seniors are invited to our Christmas Celebration on Wednesday, December 12 at noon. Enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a special presentation in the Sanctuary with a message from Jack, guest organist Mark Thallander and several other musical guests. Only 90 spaces are available, so don’t delay in registering. The cost is $15.00 per person.
7. Children's Christmas Celebration – On Saturday, December 15 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. families with children in Grades K to Grade 6 Sunday school are invited to join us for a special presentation with songs, poems and drama to celebrate Jesus' birth. Afterwards, we will have refreshments and good cheer in Campbell Hall.
8. The Hospitality Team needs YOUR help – Homemade Christmas cookies or squares are needed for the reception following “Christmas Joy” on December 16. We’re also looking for five people to assist in the kitchen. If you can help please sign the poster located on the easel in the narthex.
9. Christmas Eve Services – Be sure to join us and invite friends, family and neighbours to come along for one of our two Christmas Eve Services this year. At 4:00 p.m. we’ll host a Family Worship Service called “An Upside Down Christmas,” and at 7:00 p.m. we’re looking forward to a traditional Candlelight Service.
10. Thinking Ahead – The deadline for Team reports for the 2012 Annual Report is WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16. If you submit your report electronically, please use a plain font with no “fancy” formatting. It would be helpful if you would submit some photos to illustrate your report. If you have any questions, please contact Frances Cartwright in the church office.
11. Engaging Each Other Online – Much effort has gone into renovating our church website. We thank Rob Chalmers and Ed Smith for all their work. One of the features you will find on the website is a media page that lists audio recordings of the entire worship service at St. Paul's. We invite you to discover all of the features of our new website at: www.stpaulspcottawa.com
12. The Ratanak International Ottawa Group thanks all who contributed to last Saturday’s Bake Sale (with baked goods or by your supportive visit to Salem Storehouse). The financial result exceeded $500.00! Several new contacts were made as brochures were handed out and some personal burdens were shared by visitors who found an open ear.
13. 2013 Offering Envelopes Available – Do not forget to pick up your 2013 Offering Envelopes which are available in the narthex after the service. If you have not had envelopes in the past but would like to order some, please contact the church office. Another donation option is the “Pre-Authorized Remittance” (PAR) program. Please call the office or speak to any member of the finance team for details.