The Comfortable Word
Church of the Holy Comforter eNews | April 1, 2022
For those looking for ways to help Ukrainians or the refugees in Poland we offer 2 recommendations. Thank you for your generosity: Episcopal Relief & Development and International Rescue Committee.
Feasibility Study Collage
Thank you so much to all those who completed a Feasibility Study survey. The response has been excellent! If you have not yet had a chance to complete a survey, we still want to hear from you! You can find the survey online HERE. There are also copies in the Church Office. Thank you again for your prayers and participation!
Feasibility Study Town Hall Meeting
On Sunday, April 10 from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., please join us for a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the results of the Feasibility Study survey. We are excited to share more on the themes, feedback, and recommendations that emerged during this process as well as answer questions. Hope to see you there!
Iftar at Holy Comforter
On April 27 at 7 p.m. Becoming Beloved Community at Holy Comforter is inviting you to an Iftar, a breaking of the fast after sundown during Ramadan. Sign up by April 15!
Becoming Beloved Community
Holy Comforter’s Becoming Beloved Community (BBC) ministry is our multi-generational commitment and journey to growing a community of reconcilers, justice makers, and healers. Upcoming BBC events include Book and Movie Club on April 25 and Iftar on April 27! Do you know about the program developed by two Harvard freshmen to connect Ukrainian refugees worldwide with people offering places to stay? Learn even more when you check out the April edition of the BBC newsletter below.
125 Anniversary SpaGala
SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN US!
On Saturday, May 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., join us in the Ministry Center for a SpaGala to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Holy Comforter! Enjoy a Welcome Reception, Spaghetti Dinner (Chefs Tom and Mike Gadell), and a program prepared by our clergy and members of the 125th Anniversary Planning Team, with music, video, and special guests. Watch for signup coming soon!
More Photos Please!
The 125th Anniversary Planning Team is creating a video scrapbook for our 125th SpaGala celebration on May 7. Do you have photos to share? If so, please drop your photos off at the Church Office or email them to Denis McMullan. We need photos of:

  • Iona Scotland Pilgrimage led by Rick Lord 
  • Church trips to the Holy Land
  • Choir trips to sing at cathedrals in England 
  • Marriage ceremonies
Holy Week and Easter
DONATE BAKED ITEMS AND/OR BUY
Easter Sunday Bake Sale

Support our youth and their upcoming mission trip to Puerto Rico! Baked goods (cupcakes, cookies, bread, pie, cake, etc.) are needed and can be dropped off at the table outside the front doors at 9 a.m. on Easter morning, April 17. OR stop by, make a donation, and leave with a tasty treat for your Easter celebration! Questions? Contact Brynn Pacitti or Beth Strand.
Easter Lily
Honor a Loved One at Easter
Help the Altar Guild create a vibrant display to enhance worship on Easter Sunday! To contribute toward Easter flowers, in memory or in honor of a loved one, please donate on the Give Online page on the church website (under "Fund" choose "Flowers") and email your dedication to Lolly Mixter. Or download an Easter Altar Flower Form and mail it to the Church Office. The deadline for inclusion in the Easter service bulletin is Monday, April 11 at noon.
Discount Card
Please Support the Youth Mission Trip!
Please support the Youth Mission Trip to Puerto Rico by donating $20 or more for a card with great local discounts! Make your donation online HERE (under "Fund" choose "Youth Mission - Discount Cards"). On the notes line, please specify how many cards you are requesting. Cards will be mailed to you at the address the church has on file. Thank you!
Attention Youth (And Parents)
ECW (Episcopal Church Women) is offering grants to parish youth to encourage participation in a Christian camp this summer. One grant per child is available for attendance at Shrine Mont or another Christian camp. Grant amounts will be determined in May based on the number of applicants and the total grant funds available, and are limited to a maximum of $100 per child. Application forms are available for download HERE, and all applications are due by April 30.
Attention High School Seniors (And Parents)
Once again, the Carol Stock Book Fund is awarding financial grants to CHC graduating seniors for their future textbook purchases. Students must have been accepted into an accredited educational or vocational school, must be starting their higher education within the next academic year, and must have been active participants in CHC parish/youth activities (at least once/month). Application forms are available for download HERE. Completed forms should be returned to the Church Office by April 25, and marked to the attention of The Endowment Board/Bob Bruce, or emailed to Bob Bruce.
In Need of a Wheel Chair Really Quick?
The Senior Saints have a medical item lending closet which can provide you with many items that you may need. There is no charge, just return the item when you no longer need it. Some of the items available are wheel chairs, canes, walkers, blood pressure cuffs and numerous small items which will help you in your recovery or daily tasks. Questions? Please contact Richard Fitzsimmons.
Growing in Gratitude
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Prom Gown at Pennywise
PENNYWISE Thrift Shop
Did you know you can do a good deed by purchasing a prom dress and donating it to a local high school? The gowns are given to a deserving student who can't afford a new gown. Pennywise has a collection of lovely affordable prom dresses! And remember—we're accepting spring clothing, housewares, and always jewelry in any condition. We are great at untangling necklaces!

As Women's History Month winds up, take a moment to reflect on the women who have kept Pennywise operating for over 60 years. Beginning April 24, look for Pennywise volunteers in the narthex after the 9;30 a.m. service—there to answer questions and to sign up a new generation of Pennywise workers!
WORSHIP AND EDUCATION
Click HERE for Worship Schedule
(9:30 a.m. is also livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube)

Give online HERE (Select "Operating Fund")
Or Give by texting to 73256

Then type CHCGIVING
(ALL CAPITALS, NO SPACES)
Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans
Final Lenten Book Discussion

Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans (This Sunday, April 3) This is a hybrid class—you can participate from home, or in the Church Office. Join on Zoom HERE. Meeting ID: 989 8222 5684; Passcode: 4ZAaFi Learn more.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Path with Tulips
Senior Saints BYOL
Today, April 1; 11:45 a.m.; Ministry Center

Let’s take a stroll down “Memory Lane.” Come and share one of your favorite adventures, travel experiences, or any event that is a great memory for you. Bring your own lunch. Beverages and desserts will be provided.
REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 4
Gestalt Pastoral Care Foundation Training
In-Person at Shrine Mont
Led by Alexandra MacCracken, Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister and Trainer; and The Rev. Susan Vande Kappelle, Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister

If you have participated in Opening to Grace events or other GPC programs and you are sensing a nudge to “more,” then taking Foundation Training may be a step in the right direction. Learn more and register.
HCEP&K Auction Event
Holy Comforter Preschool and Kindergarten Annual Silent and Live Auction Dinner Event "BACK TO THE 80s!"
Friday, April 22; Ministry Center

Please join us for an evening of fun! Even if you are not able to attend you can still participate in the auction! Register online!
Exploring Daigon Alley
Hogwarts VBS Diagon Alley Preview
Sunday, April 24; 10:30–11:30 a.m.
(in lieu of Sunday School)
Please join us to explore what to expect at Hogwarts this term. Meet a professor or two, learn to play Quidditch, enjoy a food and drink tasting, and explore some of the Hogwarts classes. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions in person whether you are a student, a prefect, parent or volunteer. Hogwarts has something for everyone! Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Hogwarts VBS
June 20–24
Hogwarts Vacation Bible School, based upon the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, is scheduled for Monday, June 20 through Friday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children ages 5–11 are eligible to participate as students. Teenagers ages 12–18 are invited to participate as Prefects. Scholarships available. Learn more and register.
SAVE THE DATE AND DONATE!
Youth Benefit Concert
Saturday, April 30; 7 p.m.

Our youth are hosting a concert to benefit our Afghan friends, featuring The4 and other youth performers, with Christian pop and more. Light refreshments will be available during intermission. Make your donation online HERE (under "Fund" choose "Youth Benefit Concert").
REGISTRATION OPEN
ECW Women’s Retreat
May 13–15

The theme will be “The Harmony of Healing.” We will sing songs of praise and rejoicing; sing songs of gratitude and thanksgiving; sing to God because God has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed! Experience in-person fellowship, laughter, and spirituality in God’s presence on the mountaintop. Learn more and register!
REGISTRATION OPEN
Men's Retreat
May 20–22

In this retreat, we will learn from members of our own parish how we can bless and encourage the boys, adolescents, and young men in our community through inter-generational ministry. Men of all ages, ethnicities and sexual-orientations are urged to join us—whether you have children or not. Learn more and register.