Announcements for The Fourth Sunday of Advent,December 19, 2021

Advent Outreach Opportunities:  If it's Advent at Christ Church, then you can count on us being concerned about keeping our neighbors warm during the cold days ahead.  The Mitten Tree welcomes gloves, caps, scarves, coats, and yes mittens, for our neighbors served by the Chapel on the Green in New Haven.  
This Sunday, December 19, we'll receive our annual "Angels Under the Balcony" offering for the Town's Heating Assistance Program.  The Town's program actually began over 100 years ago at Christ Church with the beneficence of Julia Leete Newhall.
The door closest to the Guild Room is open ourside of worship times, from 10a.m.-3p.m. for you to help 'decorate' the Mitten Tree, or to leave an "Angels" offering on the altar.  Please put "Angels" or "Heating" on the memo line of a check. 

Supporting victims of Tornadoes in the central U.S.: Episcopal Relief & Development supports the rescue and relief work underway following last week's brutal tornadoes.  You can donate to ERD's US Disaster Fund by donating here.

Wednesday Order for Evening in Advent will include special organ music for the season.  You are welcome to participate in-person or online via www.faceook.com/cecguilford
at 7p.m., December 22.

"Grateful for All God's Love"
Thanks to all who have responded to our Stewardship Program for 2022.  Thanks to all who have offered their Gift Estimates!  Thanks also to all who are still considering what God is asking you to provide for our shared life and witness in the coming year.  Please feel free to offer your card on Sunday morning.
      Outside of service times, the side door, closest to the Guild Room, is open daily between 10am and 3p.m. so you may have personal prayer-time in the church, and to offer your Giving Estimate on the altar.

Update from Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement
Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement (SHIR) is ready to welcome a large family, co-sponsored with Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS):  Very little is known about the family of 11, other than the two parents, four daughters, ages 20, 19, 13 & 5, and five sons, ages 15, 11,10, 9 & 7 -- and that they are expected after December 27.  
Thanks to all Christ Church parishioners who have provided such generous financial support!  Thanks to SHIR's donors, the house is fully furnished, and there's outerwear for all. 
Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement includes First Congregational Church of Guilford, St. George Catholic Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church, Guilford Rotary Club and other community individuals and groups. 

Episcopal Church Women Announcements:
The ECW are offering their “Cookie-Less Cookie Boxes" again this year.  Pick-up yours now in the parish hall to support the ECW's high school scholarship program. 
Holiday cardholders will also be available on the table in the Parish Hall.  There will be honor-system collection boxes for each.   

Christmas Wreaths: Only one remains available; check it out in the Rectory garage.  If you ordered one but haven't picked it up, it's also in the garage with your name on it. 

Cecelia's Poetry Table
Be sure to check out this week's Poetry Table on Sunday -- the last until January 16. "You can look forward to it under the balcony with copies of poems on different topics that I hope God may use to speak into your life."
Cecelia's Office Hours will also return in January, following her semester break.
 
Tag Sale's Christmas Pop-up Sale continues in the Parish Hall..Come see our costume jewelry display in the Parish Hall!  All items are reasonably priced.  Please use the RED box on the table for your “honor system” payment.  Thank you from your Tag Sale Team!

The Path: Journey through the Bible --  Chapter 8
-- continues on Monday, December 20; the next Thursday gathering will be on December 30.  These session will have parallel discussions about the era when Israel was ruled by the "Judges," and includes some outrageous characters, as well as the story of Samson and Delilah.  Click here for the Zoom.  
 
Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People.