Church of the Holy Comforter eNews | December 4, 2020
Our online Vestry Election opened on Monday, November 30 at 2:30 p.m. If you have not already voted, please search your email inbox for a special voting email titled "Your Invitation to Vote in the Election" which contains your unique Voter ID and Voter Key (also check your Spam or Junk folder). If you are unable to locate your voting email, please contact the Church Office (703-938-6521) or Peggy Miller. Learn about the Vestry nominees HERE.
We're looking for parishioners who would be interested in helping plan and execute the vision of a Pilgrim’s Path around the church grounds. The idea is to provide the congregation and community with a walking path for wellness and reflection time. Everyone is welcome to participate—especially if you happen to have a background in landscape architecture or project management we'd really love your help. We will be meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 7 to see if we can bring this vision to reality. If interested, please reach out to Jason Crum.
Gifts for Everyone on your List.
10% OF YOUR PURCHASE
GOES TO HOLY COMFORTER
Virtual Alternate Gift Fair
December 7–11

The fair will offer products from Fair Trade Winds in Fairfax, featuring jewelry, games and toys, scarves, household goods, Christmas ornaments and other hand-made unique gifts by artisans from around the world. Fair Trade Winds sells only fair trade items, which means the artisans receive a fair portion of the sales price, and their work promotes a strong local economy. Shop online HERE. Holy Comforter will receive 10% of the proceeds when you use the coupon code information found HERE.
Pennywise Front Window
PENNYWISE THRIFT SHOP

The front window at Pennywise was painted by 3 senior art students from Madison High School. We entered this display in the Town of Vienna Christmas decorations contest. Drop by to take a look at the beautiful winter Christmas scene. Remember our hours are 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesday–Friday; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturdays; and Noon.–4 p.m. Sundays.

Please consider volunteering 2 hours per month so that we can continue to support the parish and local and international charities. Sign up online HERE for Sunday shifts. To sign up for Tuesday–Saturday shifts, please contact Helen Mertz or Mary Coulombe.
Youth Christmas Greens Stand
ORDER TODAY
Youth Group Christmas Greens Sale

Tis the season of greens and giving! Order online HERE. Directions for ordering and payment can be found on the form. Follow us on facebook (Chris Greens) or on instagram (@YouthChristmasGreens) for updates on deliveries.

Dates for pickup are December 6, 13, and 20 (9:30–11:30 a.m.). In addition to the preorder option, we will have greens available for purchase outside of the entrance to the church. Questions? Contact youthgreens2020@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting our Youth Group and Merry Christmas!
THROUGH DECEMBER 11
ECW Christmas Giving Table

Unfortunately, there isn't an actual table this year, BUT we can still share our many blessings with the community around us. Donate online HERE (select "ECW Christmas Giving Table" from the Fund dropdown menu). Learn more HERE.
Support Mt. Carmel House

Please help to support the 19 women currently residing at Mt. Carmel House, a permanent supportive housing program for women recovering from homelessness. Holy Comforter has supported Mt. Carmel House for more than twenty years. This year the shelter is in need of gift cards, and kitchen and bathroom supplies. Donate online HERE (select "Mt. Carmel House Shelter" from the Fund dropdown menu). Mail checks to Holy Comforter and note “Mt. Carmel House” in the memo line. See specific donation item requests HERE. Please donate by December 20. Questions? Contact Linda Lee Malone.
Apply for Outreach Grants
APPLICATIONS DUE BY DECEMBER 31

The parish Outreach Team is currently accepting applications for grant funding from organizations that serve God’s people in need—and the need is especially great this year. We are particularly interested in assisting organizations with which members of our congregation work or volunteer, and whose mission aligns with our committee’s statement of purpose. Download the short Grant Application Form. Learn more HERE. Questions? Contact Joni Langevoort.
3 WAYS TO SHOP
Central Farmers Market at Holy Comforter
Sundays; 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

The market is located on the lower church parking lot from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Sunday. Learn about the three ways to shop safely HERE. Learn more about Central Farm Markets HERE.
Advent at Holy Comforter
Nativity Scene
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
Drive-Thru LIVE Nativity
Saturday, December 19
1:30–3:30 p.m.

Come for the Drive-Thru LIVE Nativity in our lower parking lot and celebrate Christ’s birth, all from the safety and comfort of your vehicle. There will be animals and costumed Holy Comforter volunteers for each scene.

This is an intergenerational event—all ages are welcome to drive by and enjoy this fun and festive family-friendly event. We're also looking for volunteers of all generations! Sign up online HERE for the many volunteer opportunities. More information HERE. Questions? Contact Brynn Pacitti.
Livestream Worship
Join us for Livestream Worship this Sunday, December 6! The service will be available on our Facebook page HERE and on our YouTube channel HERE, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with Coffee and Fellowship Hour immediately following on Zoom.

Download the Service Bulletin.
Download the Prayer List.
Give online HERE (Select "Operating Fund").
Or Give by texting to 73256
Then type CHCGIVING (ALL CAPITALS, NO SPACES)
Coffee Cup
Special Coffee and Fellowship Hour
This Sunday; 10:30–11:30 a.m.

As we navigate the holidays this year, we know they will be different. During our Coffee and Fellowship Hour this Sunday and through Advent, we’ll invite conversations around our celebrations in this time.

  • Dec. 6 - favorite memory
  • Dec. 13 - favorite hymn
  • Dec 20 - favorite decoration

Join Zoom meeting HERE. More information HERE.
What's in the Bible logo
Sunday School for Pre-K–4th Grade
This Sunday; 10:30–11:15 a.m. via Zoom

More information HERE. Questions? Contact Brynn Pacitti.

Faith in Action Logo
Sunday School for 5th and 6th Grade
This Sunday; 10:30–11:15 a.m. via Zoom

Attention Faith in Action kids! Join us this Sunday for our annual Faith in Action Jeopardy game! Join on Zoom HERE. Parents—learn more about our curriculum HERE. Questions? Please contact Brynn Pacitti.

Support Marshall Road School

We are preparing for our December delivery to Marshall Road Elementary families. Cash donations can be made online HERE (select "Marshall Rd Elementary School" from the Fund dropdown menu).

THANK YOU to all who have signed up to purchase Christmas gifts for Marshall Road School students and siblings. We are in need of gifts for 2 more families. Please sign up to purchase gifts HERE. Gifts are due to the church on Friday, December 11. Questions? Please contact Susan McGuire or Brynn Pacitti.
Holy Comforter Youth Logo
Sunday School 7th–12th Grade
This Sunday; 10:30–11:15 a.m. In Person

High School meets in person under the outdoor tent. Middle School meets on the rear porch off the narthex. All in-person outdoor gatherings follow guidelines for social distancing, mask wearing, and hand sanitizing. Bring your own chairs, snacks, and drinks. We'll have access to the restrooms. Questions? Contact Denis McMullan. Learn more about our curriculum HERE.
Sunday Bible Study
Stained glass depiction of Pentecost - St. Aloysius Church in Somers Town - London
The Acts of the Apostles
10:30 a.m. via Zoom

Explore Acts with us on Sunday mornings. On December 6, the focus will be chapters 9 and 10. This is a drop-in class—all are welcome! More information HERE. Questions? Contact Norma Williamson.

Join the Zoom gathering HERE.
Meeting ID: 989 8222 5684
Passcode: 4ZAaFi
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Fall Life Snapshots
Please send us a photo of your fall activities—a craft or art project, roasting s'mores in the backyard, a road trip, a stroll at sunset, hiking a trail, or the brilliant colors of your fall garden. How are you making memories during this challenging time?

Send your photo and caption (5 sentences maximum) to Elys McLean by noon every Wednesday, to be included in our Faith in the Time of Corona email communications.
CENTER FOR WELLNESS AND SPIRITUALITY
Navigating the New Normal:
Finding God in Your Body
Zoom Yoga with Ann Gillespie

The Rev. Ann Gillespie offers her signature combination of yoga, meditation, and God, tailored to help you manage your body, mind, and spirit. Join her from the comfort of your own home. Wear comfortable clothes and you’ll need a yoga mat and a blanket. The session recorded on Saturday, November 28 is provided here.
  • Navigating the New Normal: Finding God in Your Body - via Zoom; Learn more.
  • Spiritual Direction/Spiritual Companionship - By appointment; Learn more.
  • Grace Space - Tuesdays, 7–8:30 p.m.; Learn more.
  • Virtual Reiki Relaxation Sessions - by appointment; Learn more.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
  • Monday - Centering Prayer - 1:30 p.m.; Learn more.
  • Tuesday - Men’s Bible Study - 6:45–7:45 a.m.; Learn more.
  • Tuesday - Prayer in Practice - 7–8 p.m. (every other Tuesday; Sept 8–Dec 15; Next session is Dec 15); Learn more.
  • Tuesday - Compline - 8–8:15 p.m.; Learn more.
  • Wednesday - Noonday Prayer - Learn more.
  • Wednesday - Women's Bible Study - 8 p.m.; Learn more.