Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church is a congregation that 

values a diversity of belief. Whether you're full of faith or full of doubt, 

you'll find people who have been there and accept you for where you are.

We welcome all people to worship, pray, eat, seek spiritual answers,

and enjoy life within this community of faith. All are welcome!

I still remember around the third grade when my mother gave me a copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. It was for summer reading, which I didn't like to do, but this book was one of the first I truly enjoyed! The land of Narnia felt so familiar and the story seemed so important that for the first time I didn't want to put a book down. It was a (Christmas) miracle! Eventually, I made it through all seven and I still remember the sense of completion I felt after reading the final book all those years ago.

Something has called me back to this series time and time again: maybe it is the characters who have become like dear little friends; maybe it is the story that continues to warm my heart even in the cold of winter; or maybe it is the good news that hope shines brightest during the darkness of despair and that love conquers death. C. S. Lewis captured something important about our shared faith in these children fantasy novels, and after celebrating the coming Christ-child this Christmas, Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church will start a new sermon series exploring the various themes of these seven books from different passages throughout all of scripture. This grand adventure begins on Sunday, December 28 with the (real) first book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, about how winter is defeated and concludes on Sunday, February 15, with The Last Battle about a love without end. All are invited to read along with me as we journey to Narnia to hear the tales of the Pevensie children, Mr. Tumnus, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, Prince Caspian, Trumpkin the Dwarf, Reepicheep the Mouse, Eustace and Jill, Shasta and Bree, the Professor and Polly, King Tirian, and of course, Aslan the lion. That last name is the one we have to watch out for the most, because after all, he's not a tame lion; and yet, he is good!

It's just like Lewis wrote, "One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again” and I hope our church family will join me on this grand adventure through the Chronicles of Narnia.

Gratefully,

- David

Last week, CHPC began a three part sermon series about Matthew 25 by studying the parable of the bridesmaids who wait for the arrival of the bridegroom. How shall we use this time of patient yet active waiting to best serve those around us in need? This week, we turn our attention to the parable of the talents. What gifts have we been entrusted with that we might be called to risk? All are welcome to listen and learn to what Christ has to share about using our talents in the Kingdom of God.

Sunday's Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, NRSV

Matthew 25:14-30, NRSV

Sermon Title:

"Enter Into Joy"

Wish to worship with us again or during the week?

Click here to view last week's worship service!

Having gathered together on All Saints Sunday to celebrate the lives of those we love and who have gone on before us, we invite you and our greater community to participate in a special workshop about the topic of "A Good Death" on Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Speakers include a pastor, a therapist, a chaplain, a medical doctor, and a lawyer who will facilitate intentional conversations covering topics of theology, funerals, grief, hospice care, medical directives, estate planning, and more. The greatest goal of the day is to demystify the subject of death in a way that allows us to approach this topic with grace and love instead of fear. The cost is $10 and will go to provide lunch for all who register. Please RSVP with David by Sunday, November 16. Family and friends are most welcome, so please spread the word to those who might be interested in joining us for this important conversation.

The CHPC Christmas Memorial Gifts program is for those who wish to give a memorial gift to honor or remember those special people who have been a part of our life. You may choose to give a poinsettia that will be used to decorate the church or a monetary contribution to our Renovation Fund. The cost for a poinsettia is $10. All names will be printed in the bulletin on Sunday, December 21. Poinsettias may be picked up after the Christmas Eve service. Order forms are available in the narthex and should be ordered by November 25. Please make any monetary contributions by December 15.

CHPC and Colonial Heights Christian Church are partnering to provide food boxes for local families in need of a meal on Thanksgiving. Please pick up a suggestion card and cardboard box from the parlor. Boxes will be collected from now until Sunday, November 23 and may be dropped off at the church office throughout the week. Thank you for supporting this local mission!

CHPC partners with Cap the Gap for this year's Angel Tree ministry in support of foster children in Sullivan County. Information is available in the Narthex, so please stop by before or after worship to pick a child's name to bless with a Christmas gift this year! The deadline for returning Angel Tree gifts will be November 30. Please contact any of the Angel Tree Captains or Terri Marcum with specific questions.

CHPC's Youth Group heads up to Banner Elk this weekend for a trip to Holston Camp and Retreat Center as part of the annual Presbytery wide Youth Retreat! Our students will join other middle and high school students from throughout our Presbytery for a time of fellowship, worship, and reflection. Please keep our group of 10 students in mind this weekend; and pray that we have a safe, fun, fruitful, and blessed trip up the mountain! If you are interested in either joining in on this ministry or supporting it in another way, please contact Tyler. Or you can Click Here to sign up to provide a meal for the kids during our weekly bible study that resumes on Sunday, November 23.

We are excited to announce that new Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church swag is on the way! The Youth Group worked hard to put together the design that will be on the back of each garment. When reflecting on their church family, these four words--compassionate, charitable, uplifting, and accepting--were the thoughts they had about their congregation!

Both short sleeve shirts and sweatshirts will be available to order for reasonable prices from our online partner soon, but please begin to let the church office know if you already have planned what you'd like to order. Any monies raised will go to support the youth ministry as they remind us all of how God looks at each beloved child of God.

Save the date for a special kids Christmas event on Saturday, December 6! Parents, enjoy a kid-free Saturday morning to check items off of the Yuletide to-do list! Kids, come enjoy a CHPC Christmas Party! We'll have snacks, games, crafts, a short film, and pizza for lunch! Please take advantage of a morning at the beginning of the month before the Holiday season gets too busy! Contact Tyler Paulsen with any questions, to volunteer, or to sign your child up!

The Flowers in the sanctuary are given to the Glory of God in memory of Perry Newman given by Dusty Newman.

All children are welcome in worship and have a special time together down front after the prayer of confession. Kiddos are welcome to enjoy “Children’s Church” downstairs during the sermon and may be picked up in the Kids Connection Room after worship.

CHPC’s Children’s Choir practice continues after worship in preparation for a special service during the season of Advent. All children ages 3-11 are welcome to come sing and play! Please speak with Carolyn Barry or Emily Broadhead to learn more or to get involved.

Sunday School Classes continue this Sunday after worship at 11:15 am. The Disciples class meets in room 218 and the Remnant class meets in room 221 to discuss that day's worship service and sermon. Please speak to David to learn more about how you can get involved in either class or other various discipleship opportunities.

Save the Date for CHPC's Annual Congregational Christmas Celebration after worship on Sunday, December 7. All are welcome to enjoy a nice lunch with your church family as we anxiously await the coming of the Christ-child this Christmas. Stick around for fun and games afterwards before two groups head out into the community to carol later that afternoon.

Thank you for prayerfully considering how we may live into God’s “dream” as a church family in the upcoming year. Additional stewardship packets are available in the Narthex or on the church website. Any financial questions may be addressed to Sarah Johnson in the office.

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Mary at office@chpres.org by the end of the day on Tuesdays.

Please continue to pray for all those on the Prayer List:

Jonathan and Brenda Hutchins, Vicki Weber (Marissa Paulsen's mother),

Jay Walters, Richard Bilbro (Cecil Bilbro's brother), Esther Favors (Tyler Paulsen's abuela), Baby Justice Gilreath, Julius Maikis (Scoutmaster White's father), William Savage (KC Savage's brother), Fr. James Fliss (Doreen Heppert's brother), Tina Whiteaker (Teresa Strickler's sister), Beverly Shelton, Barbara Holt, Joyce Callahan

As well as those in Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities:

Mary Ann Smith, Mae Dale, Sue Fortney, Linda Gibson, Millie Pruett



Do you have a specific prayer request you'd like to share?

Please contact a member of the Care Shepherds or Pastor David

and we would be happy to pray with you!