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A spiritual home where all are welcome; a healing place in a broken world.
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Advent--A Time to Prepare for Jesus' Coming
If you've been out and about lately, or watched any TV, you'd think that Christmas was already here. Yet, in the church anyway, the Christmas celebration starts on Jesus' birthday, December 25, and runs for 12 days. During the "Twelve Days of Christmas" we'll be singing the Christmas music in church. Also, this is a traditional time for Christmas gatherings and parties. Advent season starts on Sunday, December 2. We can use the four weeks of Advent to calm ourselves and meditate about what Jesus' coming into the world really means to us. During this time, we can resist the pressure to pre-celebrate Christmas. During Advent, it's suggested that we make a 20-minute space each day to calm ourselves and contemplate the Coming. If you're wondering what to do with that time, helps are available. - A Daily Meditation Booklet recommended by the National Episcopal Health Ministries is offered by LivingCompass.org. You can see it here.
- Forward Movement has a daily prayer page that offers several options. You can read the Forward Day by Day Meditation, or you can go to the Daily Office lectionary readings for the day.
- See also the Diocese of Southern Ohio's special Advent 2012 page for ideas and a schedule of Advent events.
 Advent Candles
During Advent, we light special candles to remind us of our progression towards Christmas. There are three purple candles--one lit each week in preparation for the coming of Jesus, signifying a time for repentance and reflection on the coming of Christ. On the fourth Sunday, we add a rose candle, signifying joy in the hope of his coming. Finally, on Christmas, we light the final candle--a white one--the Christ candle. |
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 Altar Flowers
Altar flowers this week are given in honor of the late Donald G. Wake (1926-60) by Don Wake. Last week's altar flowers were donated in honor of the late John Kakande by David and Maria Mukasa. Sign Up Now for Christmas Flowers
Welcome the Christ child this Christmas with beautiful flowers on the altar and poinsettias around the baptismal font. If you would like to help donate flowers please sign the Christmas Flower Sheet by the Belmont door or donate online on Grace's website. Please sign up as early as possible so we can get the best selection of flowers. Thank you.
To donate altar flowers on the Sunday of your choosing, see the sign-up sheet in the church near the upper Belmont entrance. Or call the office. Or donate online here.
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 Thanks to ...
... Rhonda Sharp, Grace Staples, Hawley Todd, Wanda Miller, Marjorie Shadd and Carol Lyon for their contributions to this week's eGraceNotes and Grace Notes.
... two of our young people, Ollie and Jamanuel Thrower for helping to pack over 200 Thanksgiving boxes for the needy in College Hill...and to all of you who donated 105 boxes of stuffing to the effort.
... Bob Jones, Don Wake, Ruth Bertram, Mary McLain, and Grace Staples for everything you did to help the parolees have a productive day and a nice lunch on Parolee Day last Thursday. As usual, the food was fantastic and the parolees' work was very helpful and much appreciated.
... Don Wake, Roger Perna, Bob Jones, Ruth Bertram, Robin, J. White, Marjorie Shadd, Pastor Rita and Cornell
and any one else who helped with the Community Dinner last Wednesday. The crowd is growing!
Rhonda Sharp offers these observations about three people who have recently become active at Grace.I think it is awesome how quickly Sam Spade has become a part of our church family. She is already such an asset to the congregation that, for me anyway, it would be difficult to imagine the congregation without her. Even though she is dealing with some medical issues that are legitimately more problematic than many other people with a similar issue, she has still made the needs of others as important as her own needs, as she visits an ailing person in our congregation. She is also willing to help out in any way she can. I'm just so glad she is part of my church family.
It is awesome how quickly Don Wake has become part of our church family. Thank you, Don, for how much help you daily give to anyone who needs assistance. I most especially want to thank him for how much he assists Bob. I'm very glad he is part of my church family.
It is awesome how quickly Laurie LeClaire has become a part of our church family. She is the perfect choice to lead our Pastoral Care Team, because she has such a giving heart. I admire so much what she does with the prison ministries. I'm very glad she is part of my church family.
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Give to a Well-Deserved Tribute to Retiring Bishop Price: Buy Mosquito Nets
 Some of our congregation may not be aware of the huge impact retiring Bishop Kenneth Price made on us back in 2006. At that time, due to circumstances beyond our control, our parish was teetering on the brink of closure.
A call went to interim Bishop Price, who appeared the following Sunday and in the following weeks surrounded us with resources: worshipers, deacons, Sunday School teachers, IT and graphic specialists, a Canon of the diocese to meet with us and advise us, a supporting grant and, finally, a full-time subsidized intern priest. These timely resources truly helped us recover both in spirit and substance and literally saved our parish and our ministry in this area. We haven't seen much of Bishop Price recently because after the election of Bishop Breidenthal he was called to help with another effort of reorganization and rejuvenation of the diocese of Pittsburgh. After three years in this successful effort, he is now retiring. To honor his service, the diocese is mounting a campaign to raise $18,000 from the parishes to purchase mosquito nets to save lives (by 50%) in Africa through the NetsforLife program of Episcopal Relief & Development. Funds raised by Dec. 31, 2012 will be matched 100% by the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Time is short, the need is great and we have so much for which to be thankful. Please pick up an envelope on the sign up table starting Dec. 2 or put a check or cash in the offering plate designated for NetsforLife, or donate online on the Grace website. Thank you! The Outreach Team
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Prayers and Thanksgivings
 We give thanks for the life of Scott Poyer, son of Florence and Bob Poyer, former members of Grace Church. Scott lived in Dayton, and is the one who made lower Belmont door frame and door many years ago. Prayers for healing are asked for Judy Handy, Rev. Ernestein, Patty Rogers, The Rogers Family, Ken Lyon, Carl, Jackie, Robb Martin, Kim Martin, Melissa, Tara, Paul, The Erik Handy Family, The Darryl Handy Family, The Burlew Family, The Fantetti Family, Harry Shafer, Viola and Bill and Johnny, Lee Hardy, Christine Hicks, Debbie, Chris and Charlie, Derek, Denise, The Visbal Family, Rhonda, The Partin Family, The Sharp Family, The Marshall Family, The Bennett Family, Nadine Renee, Bob, Teresa and Kids, Jo Jo, Jared, Shirley L. Allen, Melissa, David , Theresa Buskirk Neabrey, Marrilee Atkins, Leroy, Carol Lyon, Maree White, Verene and Katrina, Tom, Gayle, Elaine Robinson, Rita Lyon, Maria Mukasa, Anna Keefer, Brenda Armbruster and her family, JB, Christine Zuniga, Tonya, Shonda's Father, Cornell Bryant, Pastor Rita and Family, Karen and Diane, KiKi, Sonia, The Coal Miners and their families who are being laid off, Virginia Chapel, Hurricane Sandy Victims, Bonnie Willenbrink, Kay, Our President and Our Country, Anonymous Medical Request, Peter Hawkins, Doug Jones, Katrina Gamble, Donna, Sam Spade, Judy Jenne. Prayers for "shut-ins," (members and friends who are often not able to attend) are asked for Nancy Hall, Janet Henthorn, Carl Relyea, Mary Jane Showers, Elizabeth Kelly, Jane Strohmeier, Naomi Koester, Elva Gscheidle, Jo Carroll, Anne Henneberg. To add or subtract from this list, please contact the Church Office (513-541-2415, office@gracecollegehill.org) with the names of the persons to be included on this list. If you email, please place "Prayer Request" in the subject line. Please also indicate whether the name of the prayer recipient is to be listed in the bulletin. Names remain on the list for about a month. Please let us know if people should be put back on the list. Pastoral Care. If you need pastoral care or know of someone who does, please call or email the office (513-541-2415, office@gracecollegehill.org). Keep us informed about about illness, hospital stays, requests for visits, communion, and prayers for special concerns. |
Selected Short Subjects
Congratulations to Ollie Thrower on her recent role at Colerain High School in the drama "The Crucible" for which she was nominated for a regional award. Good luck, Ollie! Carol Lyon's reflection on Diocesan Convention, "Rekindling the Gift," which appeared in November 17's eGraceNotes, will be reprinted in an upcoming Interchange newsletter from the Diocese.  Christ Church Cathedral has announced several special music programs for Advent. See their most recent newsletter here. Lost & Found. There is a blue water bottle that someone sat on the office desk after finding it in the building. It is metal and the brand name on it is "Cool Gear Stainless". If it is yours, please see the office. There is a box of Lost and Found items in the office. Please stop by and take a look at it and see if anything is yours. The Education for Ministry people are now publishing an enewsletter-- EfM News. You can see the most recent issue here. There's a place to sign up for your very own subscription at the bottom of the page. Laboiteaux Woods Nature Preserve, which is just a couple of blocks from Grace Church, is offering some special events.
- An Annual Holiday Craft Workshop is offered Fri., December 7, 6:30 - 8:30 pm OR Sat., December 8, 2:30 - 4:30 pm.Bring the family to enjoy crafts with natural materials or a nature theme. Choose what you want to make from selections suited to all ages. Staff will instruct and advise, but the personal touches are up to you. Fee: $5 per person. Pre-paid reservations; call 542-2909 to register. Spaces limited.
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Winter Break Camp for K thru 3rd graders is January 4, 9:30a.m. - 2:30p.m. - $20.00 per child. Join us for indoor and outdoor activities such as hiking, games, crafts, and much more. For additional information, call 542-2909.
Grace Church has wifi, least least in places that aren't too far from the office. The password is gracesaves. The year 2013 will be the bicentennial of the establishment of College Hill. After the holidays there will be information about how you can tell your story about College Hill to be shared with the Community. Watch for the January eGraceNotes for details. Grace's Donation Page is Working Again after taking a little vacation. Supporting Grace Church with your money is again just a few mouse clicks away, here: gracecollegehill.org/payments.shtml
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Recycle Your Artificial Christmas Trees Now!
 This year you're finally going to get rid of that old tree taking up room in the attic or the basement! Bring it to Grace Church on Saturday, December 8 between Noon and 3pm. They will be stored and distributed free to clients of Christ Community in College Hill on December 15 from 10 to 3 while supplies last.
Trees will be accepted in the lower hall near the Small Assembly Room. Also, throw in some decorations you haven't used in years.
Other churches in College Hill are joining in this effort and we're really excited. Help us make it a real success. We'd like to have a lot of trees to give away and not disappoint families. Call Mary McLain 513-541-8509 or Grace Staples 513-251-3538 if you have questions or need a pickup although we would prefer to keep pickups to a minimum because of the cost of gasoline.
THANK YOU from the Outreach Team.
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Christmas Presents for Teens
 This year Christ's Community in College Hill will again coordinate a gift program for youngsters in need at Christmas. The greatest gift request is for teens age l4-18. Please check with teens you know to find out what young folks like. Suggestions include ball caps, tee shirts, perfumes, bath products, hair decorations. Please purchase items under $10 and leave them unwrapped in the Grace Church Office by December 9th. Marjorie Shadd will pick things up and get them to Christ's Community. If you don't like shop you can make a cash or check donation for Christ's Community and give those to J. White at a Grace service. Or make your donation via the donations page on our website. Thanks to Marjorie Shadd for this article.
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Coming Attractions
The online Grace Church Calendar lists most everything we know about that's happening at Grace Church. Here's a snapshot of a week's worth of the online calendar as of today. If something's not listed, or if you see errors, please tell the office (office@gracecollegehill.org, 513-541-2415). |
Worship Service Schedule & Participants
Here is the worship schedule through the end of December, as of today. The up-to-date schedule is available on our website ( gracecollegehill.org). If you're scheduled and can't make it, find a substitute and let Ken Lyon ( webmaster@gracecollegehill.org, 513-542-2941) know so the schedule can be updated.
Sunday Service Participants are needed in all volunteer positions. We will provide training as needed. We are a Common Ministry Parish - everyone is encouraged to serve. Contact Judy Handy (jhandy23@cinci.rr.com, 513-681-5829). Sunday, December 9: Eucharist II- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mariah Mukasa
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Maria Mukasa
- Prayers of the People: John Thayer
- Offering Counters: John Thayer & Ruth Bertram
- Usher: Phyllis Mukasa
- Altar Guild: Jacqueline McCray
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: Maria Mukasa
Wednesday, December 12: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
Sunday, December 16: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Ken Lyon
- Healing Ministers: J White, Ray Betts, Tammy Robertson, Hawley Todd, Bill Jenne
- Lector: Tammy Robertson
- Litany of Healing: Mary McLain
- Offering Counter: Roger Perna & Ken Lyon
- Usher: Wanda Miller
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: Toussaint Thrower
Sunday, December 23: Eucharist II: Bishop's Visitation- Celebrant: The Right Rev. Thomas Breidenthal
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mathias Mukasa
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Ken Lyon
- Lector: Mary McLain
- Prayers of the People: Toussaint Thrower
- Offering Counters: John Thayer & Carol Lyon
- Usher: David Mukasa
- Altar Guild: Carol Lyon
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: Virginia Chapel
Monday, December 24, 7 pm: Christmas Eve Eucharist II- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolytes: Jamanuel Thrower, Toussaint Thrower
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Wanda Miller
- Lector: Judy Handy
- Prayers of the People: Maria Mukasa
- Offering Counter: Roger Perna & Bill Jenne
- Usher: Phyllis Mukasa
- Altar Guild: Wanda Miller
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
Tuesday, December 25, 11am: Christmas Day Eucharist II- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Ken Lyon
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Ken Lyon
- Prayers of the People: Carol Lyon
- Offering Counters: John Thayer & Wanda Miller
- Altar Guild: Wanda Miller
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
Sunday, December 30: Eucharist II- Celebrant: The Rev. Susan Lehman
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Jamanuel Thrower
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Ken Lyon
- Lector: Toussaint Thrower
- Prayers of the People: John Thayer
- Offering Counters: Roger Perna & Ruth Bertram
- Usher: Mary McLain
- Altar Guild: Carol Lyon
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: Grace Staples
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