Baptism

Byzantine Mosaic in Nea Moni (New Monastery)

Chios, Greece

First Sunday after the Epiphany

12 January 2025

Hello, Old Donation,

It has been one busy week and I'm back in the office today after my flight to Germany had to be re-booked due to weather delays. We had super worship on Sunday, despite unexpected situations. Rick+ preached at the 8am, but then fell ill before the 10:30 combined service. Many thanks to Frankie Ring for stepping up to expertly lead our worship, and TBTG Rick+ had a printed sermon I could deliver. Thank you to Meredith Guzman for leading worship and reading the sermon at Sundays@5. We may not have had a priest at all of our services last Sunday, but surely the Spirit was alive and well! All of you who showed up and participated proved that YOU are Old Donation and we have so many people who are ready to do their part. Contact me if there's something you want to do or don't quite know how to get involved.

We also had the sad news of two deaths this past week. Parishioner Ellie Kreassig, and our Parish Secretary, Veronica Kloth. Please keep their families in your prayers.

This Sunday, the Rev. Canon Mary Thorpe will be with us for all services (8am, 10:30am, and Paws, Prayers & Praise) and for Adult Forum. Mary+ serves as the Canon to the Ordinary to our Bishop, and is the advisor to our Transition team. You may ask her any questions during Adult Forum at 9:30am on Sunday.

Tonight we have Vestry Commission Meetings - 6:00pm supper, 6:30pm meetings. All are invited to see where to be involved. Friday night is Ladies' Game Night in Alfriend House. Sunday, EYC has Laser Tag, and Tuesday our JOY Dinner Group meets.

We are as busy as ever - read up and figure out where you wish to help at ODEC.

Blessings,

~Gretchen Hood

Director of Administration & Communications

USHERS NEEDED

Every week we need ushers for the 8:00am and 10:30am worship services. Ushers play an integral part to our worship, help greet newcomers, and "direct traffic" for communion. We need YOU to be involved with this. It's simple to sign up, and we have on-the-job training! We always have a clickable button in Chimes and Sunday Scoop so you can participate.

Vestry Commission Meetings

TONIGHT! 6:00pm supper, 6:30pm meetings

All are welcome to attend and find out where you can be active in the life of ODEC.

Thursdays

10:00am Morning Prayer with healing, followed by Bible Study in Salisbury.

Ladies' Game Night

THIS Friday, 6:30pm in Alfriend House. Bring an appetizer to share, and join in fun fellowship with your friends! Questions? Contact Patricia Cheshire.

JOY Dinner

Tuesday, 14 January 6:00pm (different time!). Plaza Azteca in Haygood. Need more info? Contact Sue Wilson 757-289-7758.

Ellie Kreassig's Funeral

Saturday, 18 January 2:00pm with a reception to follow.

Calendar Year 2024 Commission Expenses

Last reminder! We must finalize our 2024 financial accounts in a timely manner. To accomplish this, a cutoff for the submission of all expenses for 2024 has been established as of THIS Friday, 10 January 2025. All commission members who have expenses to be paid with 2024 Church funds should submit those expense documentations by that date. Requests for payments received after 10 January 2025 will be considered a contribution.

Day School Opening

Our Day School seeks an enthusiastic classroom assistant who loves working with children to join their team. This assistant would work Monday-Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm in our 4s program and have availability to support our After School programs until 2:20pm on Mondays. Please email Amy Borden or call 757-499-2283 if you are interested!

Hospital Bed Available

Do you need a hospital bed, or know someone who does? Please contact Janette Crumley as she has one that needs to go soonest! 757-403-4515

Midday Munchers

NO Midday Munchers outing this month. We hope to resume in February!

Transition

Please be sure to complete the second survey. Your input is needed and wanted.

Pastoral Need or Concern?

Gretchen Hood is your point of contact.

Voice Mail: 757-497-0563

Email: odec@olddonation.org

Text: 757-816-1965

It's now time to submit your 2025 pledge!

Click the graphic below to do so online.

Read everything about Stewardship in our most recent Bell Ringer!

Photos

Please send us a current photo of yourself so we can update our records. This is in preparation to help our upcoming interim rector. Email your photo to Gretchen.

Flickr Photos

Check out our Flickr page to see thousands of photos of happenings here at ODEC. You might even see yourself!