We hear the story of Christmas every year. Sometimes we get so used to hearing it that we might begin to ignore the message. Other times we let the noise of the holidays drown out the amazing reality of Christmas. This year learn how to prepare your heart and your life so that you will hear the Christmas story anew and be transformed by it. The Christmas scriptures show us how. Join us for our Advent sermon series on aspects of the biblical narrative that teach us how to be transformed every time we consider the truth of Christmas. We’ll have a Retro-Christmas and hear it just like we heard it the first time. A merry Retro-Christmas to you!
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Join us for In-Person Worship on Sunday mornings at 9 AM!
- The Pew Pads are back! You no longer need to register or sign in on Sunday mornings.
- Masks required in accordance with the statewide mandate.
- Nursery care provided.
- Communion served in factory-sealed packets the first Sunday of the month.
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Updated Mask Guidance
Please wear your mask in the church building. We are implementing the statewide mask mandate for indoor settings. This includes vaccinated individuals. We do this, not out of fear, but as an act of love for our neighbors in the Spokane community and to practice Romans 13:1.
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We are booming!
Volunteers are needed for several ministries. One urgent need is for ushers on Sunday mornings. Sign up at hamblenpres.org/signup.
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Congregational Meeting This Sunday
Please join us for a brief congregational immediately following the worship service this Sunday, December 12. We will elect elders, deacons, and (possibly) those who serve on special committees. We will also approve the pastor’s housing allowance for 2022.
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Cozy Christmas Women's Event THIS SATURDAY
Women ages high school and up are invited to join us for a cozy Christmas on Saturday, December 11, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll have a short devotional, optional Christmas craft, delicious finger foods, a hot chocolate and beverage bar, and carol singing. Childcare for ages 11 and under will be provided. Wear your jammies, bring a friend, and enjoy a time to take a deep breath in the midst of the busy holiday season.
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HPPC Toy & Necessity Drive Ends THIS SUNDAY
The Hamblen Park Preschool and children’s ministries are joining together to collect items to be given to children at Mission Community Outreach Center for Christmas. Please bring items listed below to the preschool or Joe Bruce’s office no later than December 12. Make sure any of the donated items will fit inside a shoebox. Thank you for your love shared with the kids of Mission Community Outreach Center!
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- Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
- Crayons & Coloring Books
- Toys (for Kids in Preschool - 5th Grade)
- Kids' Hygiene Items & Face Masks for School
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- Hairbrushes/Combs
- Gloves
- Socks
- Books
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Moe Family Moving
to Guatemala in January
Eric and Betsey Moe, Mission Co-Workers to Guatemala, wish to thank the Hamblen Congregation for their prayers, concern, and financial mission support during the pandemic. The Moe family will move to Guatemala on January 5, to start working in person with CEDEPCA, the Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America.
Betsey and Eric will be in worship at Hamblen on December 26, when Betsey will be preaching on "Mission and Solidarity."
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Christmas Eve Outside Door Greeter Needed
One opening still remains for a Christmas Eve Door Greeter at the 4:00 PM service. If you are interested, visit bit.lyHPPCDec24DoorGreeter to sign up. Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled service. Seats may be reserved for you. You DO NOT have to stand outside. Thank you for helping Hamblen to be a welcoming place!
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Successful Advent Fair & Christmas Pageant from Scratch
December 5, was a festive Advent time at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church. The annual Advent Fair did not disappoint. Thirty-seven children and their families came and unleashed their creativity. Advent projects were created to use in the home during the season.
- A decoupaged wooden Silent Night ornament was created to give to Union Gospel Mission clients.
- The manger scene takes center stage during Christmas, and the families created a manger scene ornament for the kids to give to a friend or neighbor.
- An Advent wreath was made, and a traditional Jesse Tree project for the kids to use for the countdown to Christmas added to this special evening.
- Joy Wagner brought the Christmas spirit to life with her readings during the event.
- Food has to be present at any Advent Fair and decorating sugar cookies added that important food component.
The Christmas Pageant From Scratch following the Advent Fair was a big hit as always. You just have to love those little sheep coming down the aisle to Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. And how the angels did sing that night.
Thank you so much the families that participated and to everyone that helped plan, setup, support a station, and cleanup the rooms.
This event, to me, always brings the Christmas season closer to home as we remember that child that changed the world forever.
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Advent Poinsettias
The Advent poinsettias are a lovely sight thanks to those who donated funds to beatify the sanctuary this holiday season with these festive plants. See the list HERE of family, friends, and loved ones for whom the poinsettias are in honor or memory.
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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT HAMBLEN
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Advent Bible Study
After worship this Sunday, grab a cup of coffee and come to the Skylight Room to join an Advent bible study led by Heather Notske. We will learn how to Trust like Mary, Obey like Joseph, Tell like the Shepherds, and Worship like the Magi. No advance preparation needed, come as you are! Can't make it every week? Come when you can! Each session will last one hour.
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Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Advent Bible Study (December 1, 8, 15, 22)
Light Each Candle: Hope, Peace, Joy, & Love in the Book of Isaiah
As we wait for the birth of Jesus and look forward to his return, we light the Advent candles. We remember the hope, peace, joy, and love God gives us in Jesus. During Advent, Wednesday morning Bible study will look at messages of hope, peace, joy, and love in the book of Isaiah. Join us at 9:30 AM in the Skylight Room.
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Longest Night Service
- Wednesday, December 15, 7:00 PM
- In-person & streamed live
- Guest musician: cellist Mika Hood
- A service of prayer, candle lighting, liturgy, and music for those who struggle in this season with grief, pain, or loneliness
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Christmas Eve Services
The news of Christmas is not just cozy and comfortable, it is strange and wonderful and can be heard anew on Christmas Eve. Bring your friends and family to experience this Christmas like it is the first Christmas.
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Friday, December 24: in person & streamed live
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4:00 PM: family friendly service with candle lighting & Christmas carols lead by a jazz combo
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8:00 PM: traditional service with candle lighting, communion, Chancel Choir, & a string quartet
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Building Christ's Community
World Relief expects that 200 refugees from Afghanistan will be coming to Spokane. They have a need for Welcome Kits to prepare homes for families fleeing violence and danger. Use this link, bit.ly/WorldReliefWelcomeKits to review the kits: kitchen, linen, cleaning, elementary, or middle and high school kits, how to assemble and deliver a kit.
Thank you for building God's kingdom in Spokane!
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Moran Vista Ministry Opportunities
We need worship leaders for once-a-month Sunday worship services at Moran Vista. The service begins at 2:00 pm. Worship leadership needs include a musician, a song leader, and someone to provide an inspiring reading or a simple sermon.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer for these Moran Vista ministries, contact Joe Bruce at his desk, 509-385-0626. You can also email joeb@hamblenpres.org.
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Kids' Masks Needed
Hamblen Elementary has a need for kids' masks. For those of you who are handy with a sewing machine, HERE is a link for instructions on sewing masks for kids. If you are able to help with reusable cloth or single-use disposable masks, please bring children's mask donations to the information table at the church. Thank you!
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Hurricane Ida Relief
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is delivering aid to those impacted by Hurricane Ida. This will be a long-term commitment to the people impacted by this catastrophic destruction. PDA will continue to work with Presbyterian leadership to respond to Hurricane Ida and remain engaged in the recovery efforts during the hurricane season of 2021. PDA will provide emotional and spiritual care as well as long-term recovery to address unmet needs. We invite you to join in this effort by donating HERE. Thank you for your support!
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Bite2Go
Volunteers may sign up HERE for delivery of Bite2Go food kits to Hamblen Elementary. We are again supporting 20 students with Bite2Go take-home meal supplements this school year. Your support has been tremendous the last several years and we look forward to your continued commitment. Volunteers are needed to pick up food at 2nd Harvest and drop off at Hamblen Elementary. Monetary donations help fund the program, which is $5.00 per week, per student. For those who wish to give support through monetary donations, please designate them for ‘Bite2go’. You can find instructions and a map to Second Harvest HERE. For questions, call Karen Kelly at 509-599-7518. Thank you for committing to this ministry.
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Office Hours
Church office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM, and Friday, 9 AM to Noon. As always, staff will be available for appointments and meetings beyond the posted hours.
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FRIDAY, December 10
1 PM Zoom Gladys' Group
SATURDAY, December 11
10 AM Cozy Christmas Women's Event
SUNDAY, December 12
7:30 AM Zoom Sunday AM Bible Study
9 AM In-Person/Online Worship Service
10 AM Congregational Meeting
10 AM Officer Training
10 AM In-Person Advent Bible Study
6 PM Youth Christmas Party
MONDAY, December 13
3:30 PM Girl Scouts
5:30 PM F&A Meeting
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TUESDAY, December 14
7:30 AM In-Person/Zoom Men's Bible Study
1 PM Staff Meeting
6 PM Scout Troop #313
7 PM Deacon Meeting
WEDNESDAY, December 15
9:30 AM In-Person Wed. Morning Bible Study
2 PM Zoom Betty's Group
5 PM In-Person/Zoom Journey 1st-5th Grade
7 PM Longest Night Service
THURSDAY, December 16
7 PM Choir Rehearsal
FRIDAY, December 17
1 PM Zoom Gladys' Group
6 PM Piano Recital
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Retirement Reception for Dave Wakeley
Help us celebrate Dave Wakeley‘s over 8 years of service to the music ministry at HPPC! Dave will retire at the end of the year, and we plan to celebrate with him right after worship on December 19th in the fellowship hall. There will be cake, and we hope to shower him with cards of thanks and well-wishes!
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HPPC Book Club
You can join the Book Club for a discussion either in person or via Zoom on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2 PM. For more information, contact Betty Thompson at bettythomps@aol.com.
2022 Reading List:
January 20: We Band of Angels by E. Norman
February 17: The Widow’s War by Sally Gunning
March 17: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
April 21: Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart
May 19: The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes
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The New Mothers' Room is Done!
The new mothers' room is located in the south hallway. Thank you, Kay Steinhilber, Bob Haney, and Dan Fry, for all your efforts in creating a comfortable space for mothers and their young children!
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Camp Spalding 2022 Schedule Now Available
While registration is not yet available, the camp schedule can be viewed at campspalding.org/schedule/ for those that would like to plan ahead for your summer activities.
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Sanctuary Flowers for 2022
A poster is now available on a bulletin board in the east hallway to sign up for providing flowers for worship services. Instructions can be found next to the poster for those who are interested in helping to add beauty to the sanctuary or would like to honor someone by providing flowers in memory of a loved one. If you are currently attending services from home but would still like to provide flowers, you can call the church office at 509-385-0619. Thank you!
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES
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JAM (Jesus and Me)
Children's Sunday School
J.A.M. Sunday School is in person right after the Children’s Sermon during worship. Face masks will be utilized. This year our theme is “Heroes of the Bible”. Three-year-old through 1st-grade children will gather in self contained classrooms using Augsburg Fortress curriculum to learn about their favorite Bible hero. Second grade through fifth grade continue their fun using the rotation model. Each week students will investigate a Bible hero as they rotate through food, games, computer, video, and science sites throughout the building.
Journey (Wednesday Evening Program for 1st-5th Graders)
Journey meets Wednesday evenings, 5:00 to 7:00pm. Mike Rose and team bring back those wonderful dinners. Karen Kelly brings all her teaching skills into play during our games time. We will have games, Bible study, highs and lows for the week, and laughter. A weekly donation of $4.00 is asked to help support some of the Journey activities. You are encouraged to bring a friend.
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Children's Ministries Volunteer Opportunities
You can sign up HERE to help with J.A.M. Sunday School, Wednesday evening Journey program, or other volunteer opportunities that impact children. For questions, please contact Joe Bruce at joeb@hamblenpres.org.
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Youth Ministries (6th-12th Grades)
Come join us for a hangout, games, and some Jesus time! For more information on our youth programs, visit our website's youth page at hamblenpres.org/youth. For questions, contact Mitchel Pierce, Director of Student Ministries, at mitchelp@hamblenpres.org.
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Caravan (6th-8th grade):
Mondays 6:00-7:30 PM
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Oasis (9th-12th grade):
Sundays 6:00-8:00
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Sunday Donuts!
Come grab a snack! Immediately following the service on most Sundays, our middle schoolers and high schoolers meet in the youth room for donuts and a chill hangout time.
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Support the Ongoing Mission of HPPC with Your Tithes & Offerings
To make a donation to HPPC (one-time or recurring gift) you may do so HERE.
Thank you for choosing to support our mission to grow active followers of Jesus Christ
and build his community!
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CONNECT WITH PASTORS & STAFF
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Connect with Pastors & Staff
We are here for you! Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM and Friday, 9 AM to Noon. You can connect with pastors and staff by clicking on a link below to email them. Our cell numbers are also listed. Please reach out!
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