So many people come to me and tell me they can’t sing. I’m here to tell you that you can and you should. Here are some thoughts for you to ponder.

Singing engages our memory. The songs we sing shape us and form us. Primarily because we remember them. They stick with us. Through joyful times and dark times they provide us with an anchor of hope. The act of singing provides a natural structure for memory.

Singing brings us together. Through the careful partnership of music and words, hymns and songs sung in worship, the act of singing helps capture theological ideas and brings the gospel to life. The practice of singing in the gathered community pulls us together as being one in heart and spirit.  

Singing is an expression of body, mind and heart. The act of singing is a physical nature of worship. Your whole body is an instrument. Music carries an emotional power, bringing back happy or sad memories or simply being filled with the Holy Spirit by the emotional power of the melody and how the words compel you strongly as they are set to music.

Kathryn Ellefsen

You may recognize Kathryn as one of our multi-talented choir members who uses her gifts for God's glory each Sunday. She has been with the choir for eight years and is a soprano. One of her favorite hymns is "On Eagle's Wings."

Kathryn also plays guitar - folk and Spanish classical, and also dabbles with the piano after having lessons while in elementary school. In Hawai'i she learned to play the ukelele as a child. Her hobbies include reading, cross stitching, doing crossword puzzles, traveling, and crafts.

The Women's Ministry, under the direction of Jennine Ulibarri, has many groups under its umbrella, and there is something for everyone. There are so many ways to enrich your life in this amazing community. Below are just a few highlighted ways to become involved.

Women's Ministry will host the annual event, The Christmas Gathering, to help prepare our hearts for Christmas on Saturday, November 5.

Join a MOMS Tuesday or Wednesday morning group, or the Tuesday night group, for moms of infant children through college age. You'll be so glad you did!

For a complete schedule, go to our website, lacasadecristo.com/moms or contact Jennine Ulibarri, julibarri@lacasadecristo.com.  

Married People is a ministry designed to help strengthen your relationship with your spouse, and to intentionally make time to spend doing fun things together. This year's theme is "Love Like You Mean It." Jennine and David Ulibarri led a class for married couples where each week they focused on a different aspect of their relationship, such as patience, kindness, and honoring one another. Couples can take the assessment that will help identify their strengths/weaknesses here.

Join one of the many Girlfriend Groups, special interest women's groups, which range from hiking to movie-going to knitting and many more! Click here.

Reserve your spot today at lacasadecristo.com/breakaway/

Our kids at La Casa continue to learn all about God’s great love for them. Many of our ignite kids (as young as 3 years old!) have recited the verse of the month to earn a special prize! For the month of November, we want to remember the many blessings God has given us. November’s verse of the month is: I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3  

We look forward to Advent Wreaths on Sunday, November 27 in Fellowship Hall at 9:15 or 10:30am. The congregation is invited to participate in this special tradition. In order to have enough materials, registration is required. Please go online to register at lacasadecristo.com/wreaths.

November 20: Ignite Kids Friendsgiving

November 27: Advent Wreaths (No Ignite Kids) 

December 9,10,11: Journey Through Bethlehem 

December 18: Ignite Kids Birthday Bash 

You can remain active, even from your home, during the holiday season with the Silver Sneakers program. Silver Sneakers is a free program for adults sixty-five and older on participating Medicare plans. For more information and eligibility, go to tools.silversneakers.com.

“Let your roots grow down into Christ, and let your life be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness”. Colossians 2:7

Everyone stay healthy and please call me at the office if I can be of any assistance or support. Blessings!

Jean Knowling, R.N.

Parish Nurse