December 7, 2017
In This Issue

NO MORNING SERVICES ON DECEMBER 25TH
Quick Links
Welcome to The Pulse!  Please take a minute to check out what's happening in the life of COTA.
 
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
Please join your church in praying for the following requests for the life and mission of the church:
 
+ Please pray for our Lessons and Carols service this coming Sunday evening, that our church would invite neighbors who can hear the gospel and be drawn into relationship with our Lord. 

+ Pray for people who do not have homes or families at this time of year.

+ Pray for the grace of God and the sacrificial love of Christ to be apparent in all of our relationships as a church family; for "the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Eh 4:3)

THIS SUNDAY @ APOSTLES

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8-18 | Matthew 24:36-46
Message:  Forward Looking People ~ Rev. Patrick Dominguez

WHAT'S HAPPENING @ APOSTLES

 

"Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace."

During Advent, the season in which we mark the waning sunlight and growing winter and look forward to the new light brought to us in Jesus at Christmas, this brief Compline service helps us to slow down, catch our breath, and remember our deep desire for God's restoration and healing.

Wednesday evenings during Advent {12/6 * 12/13 * 12/20}
 
Full Congregation Participation!

Shepherd head pieces, angel halos, townspeople "props" and various animal ears will be made available in the sanctuary for our congregation members to wear.
We even encourage our youth and adults to join our children as they process to the stage during the pageant!
(Participation is optional, of course!)

Children's Costume Fitting:
Sunday, December 10, 10am 

Children's One Rehearsal:
Saturday, December 16, 10am-12pm

If your child(ren) would like to help lead
in the pageant as a cast member,
PLEASE email Stacey regarding your child's interests.

Do you sew or craft? Would you like to make a few extra pairs of donkey or lamb ears?
If so, PLEASE email Stacey for details:
stacey@apostles-raleigh.org



We will be decorating the sanctuary with poinsettias for the Advent & Christmas Season. If you would like to give one in honor or in memory of someone, please fill out the form below.   A $15 donation, which supports the flower ministry, is suggested.

 
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

How Will You Serve During Advent?
The Advent season has just begun! This is one of the busiest times of year for the church and we are looking for some extra volunteers to help both our regular and seasonal programs run well.

Please take a look at the options listed on the link below and choose a way that you and/or your family can serve this season!

Opportunities to Serve ~ Advent 2017
   

Pride for Parents Christmas Store
Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or article of clothing for the Pride for Parents Christmas Store. Pride for Parents is a ministry that provides new items for local low-income families to purchase at a reduced costs. There will be a drop off box in the lobby.  Items will be collected December 3-14.

Suggestions:
- dolls {all sizes and ethnicities}
- doll accessories 
- bikes {with helmets}
- sporting goods {footballs, basketballs, baseball gloves}

- riding toys for toddlers
- VTech/Leapster electronic toys
- coats, mittens, hats for ages 2-16
- items for older kids {headphones, games, fun jewelry}
Volunteers are needed to help run the store in December ~  PFP Volunteer Information

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
Year-End Giving Records
Please note that gifts of securities and mutual funds must be transferred to, and received in, the Church's brokerage account by noon on December 29, 2017 to be included with 2017 giving.  Because the church offices will be closed December 25 -29, we are requesting that you make every effort to bring any year end gifts for the general offering during the services on December 24th, 31st, or simply mail them.  Payments mailed and postmarked by December 31, 2017 will be reflected on your 2017 Giving Record. If your bank issues your payment, please allow plenty of time for our receipt by mail.  You can always check your giving records by logging into Apostles Link. Click on your name and select My Profile, then select the Financial tab.  For any questions about your giving, please contact Laynette Rustin {accounting@apostle-raleigh.org}.
 

WOMEN'S MINISTRY
It's that tasty time of year again!  Bring a goodie: Email Lou White {lwhite@alfredwilliams.com} with the item you'd like to donate.  All baked goods can be dropped off on the day of the sale.  Buy a goodie: The bake sale will be open after both 8:30 and 11:00 services. Consider grabbing a treat for a friend, neighbor or Christmas gifts! Proceeds will go toward scholarships for the Women's Retreat in February.
 
The Women's Ministry would like to invite you to coffee and dessert as we fellowship together and celebrate Christmas.  Please feel free to invite a friend; simply indicate the number of guests (including yourself) below.  We will gather in the Fellowship Hall ... please join us!

  
 

STUDENT MINISTRY
 
DECEMBER
> 12/10 
NINE1NINE | 12:30 -2:15pm |  Meet in the Youth Room to watch Elf after the second service. We'll  have pizza, hot chocolate and Elf bingo! 

SUMMER 2018 ~ SAVE THE DATES!
MIDDLE SCHOOL ~ CENTRIFUGE | JUNE 11-15
Where: Ridgecrest Conference Center

HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP | JULY 8-14
Where: Clendenin, WV

SOUL IN THE CITY | JULY 22-27, 2018
Where: Jacksonville, FL


CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Lessons for December 10
> Nursery:  John is Born {Luke 1:5-25; 57-80}
> Kids Time: God Promised a Savior {Isaiah 7:14}



OUR MISSIONARIES
COTA Missionary Updates
Terri Shell {InterVarsity}  
Brian & Lauren Mann {Greek InterVarsity}
John & Janie Farwell {Athletes in Action} 
Robin Bolash {InterVarsity at Meredith College}
Marion Dewar {Cru @NC State}

CHURCH STAFF
Patrick Dominguez   - Senior Pastor
Eric Bolash - Associate Pastor
Jay Traylor - Church Planter in Residence
Jonathan Noel - Director of Worship Arts
Paul Morales - Director of Student Ministry
Emily Gebbie  - Student Ministry Assistant
Stacey Wiley  - Director of Children's Ministry   
Ashley Crutchfield  - Raleigh Fellows Director
Lee Hilts - Executive Director
Laynette Rustin - Financial Administrator
Laura Witter - Communications and Building Administrator
Marsha Whyte  - Administrative Assistant
Ann Dotson - Director of Women's Ministry
Doug Brogdon - Volunteer Coordinator

Contact Us
333 Church at North Hills Street . Raleigh, NC . 27609
Office: (919) 782-0550 | Pastoral Care Emergencies: (919) 283-2682