Calendar and Announcements for the Week of Nov. 29

THANK YOU to those members of the Junior Youth Group who turned out for Christmas on the Hill to volunteer their time selling cider and donuts, fleece winter wear and miscellaneous items as well as raffle tickets. A fun time was had by all. A special thank you to Diane Peterson's mother for helping not only at the fair, but in the weeks leading up to the Christmas fair by handcrafting many items for the JYG table! We so appreciate the support of our families and friends. Another special thank you goes out to Brittany Lafleur, armed with her sewing machine, and Emily, Robbie and Elijah John who volunteered their time to make the fleece items and tea/coffee bag holders featured at the youth table. And last but not least, thank you to Diane Peterson and Jennifer John for coordinating these events.

CALLING ALL EPICURES... It's time once again to turn back the clock and allow ourselves to be immersed in the sights and sounds of an open market as we journey back to Bethlehem on the day of our Savior's birth. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine will be made available in the market place following a reenactment of the story of our Lord's birth. This year we are highlighting shepherds and the special roles they played. In keeping with the theme, it would be nice to have several lamb dishes featured on our food table along with all of the other tantalizing dishes we have come to look forward to each year. With that in mind, please consider what you might like to contribute to the market place food table. I have a comprehensive list of food items and recipes for your perusal and will be available after church on Sundays with a sign up sheet. You may also contact me, Jennifer John @974-3489 or email me @ rj3j@charter.net.

MEDICARE MEETING - Wednesday Dec. 2nd, 10:30 If you or someone you know is at or near age 65 or older, come to this informative session about the basics of Medicare and special savings programs. New, higher income guidelines for 2010 will enable more people to qualify for help in getting their Part B premiums paid for. Also, asset limits have been eliminated. If interested in attending, call Bev Brazeal at 860-962-0288, by Tuesday, December 1st (so that were are certain to have a sufficient number of handouts available).

SANTA’S SITTING SERVICE will return on Saturday, December 12. Parents -- save this date! Youth group will members will watch your kids from 9:00 am to 3:00 PM so you can take care of shopping or other holiday preparations. See Debby Kirk after church today or call Dianna Rebello at 928-4001 to make a reservation. Teens in grades 7-12 who would like to help with babysitting can also sign up with Debby. Money raised will go toward our trip to the Regional Youth Event in Boston

This Morning’s Church School:
Pre-school through grade 1 –– Advent story and craft class with Kat Bottieri. Grades 2 through 8 - Pageant rehearsal in the downstairs area of the church.
AFTER-SCHOOL MOVIE ADVENTURE! - Fluffy and God’s Amazing Christmas Adventure! Thursday, December 3rd. The movie will begin at 3:45 p.m.. This is a popular Christmas story CD that not only teaches the entire Advent story, but the hope and meaning behind it. Ages 5 through 16……..although adults will love it too! Mrs. Donahue will be at the church starting at 2:00 p.m. for any child who wants to get dropped off there from the school bus. Any middle school children arriving after school can help Mrs. D with set up. Pizza and beverages will be served. The program will end at 5:45 p.m. R.S.V.P. Mrs. D.

ADVENT WREATH-MAKING / Soup and Sandwich Luncheon will take place this morning immediately following the worship service in the downstairs area of the church. Enjoy a light meal and chat with friends. See you there!

SOUPS AND STEWS - The church school will be collecting canned soups and stews for Daily Bread throughout December. Please leave your donations in the Great Room. Thank you.

JUST A REMINDER that our church is once again doing our annual gift drive for tots & teens. Gift Sunday is Sunday, Dec.13. Your Covenant To Care Committee has the tags available after church in the Great Room near the kiosk.

"LOST and FOUND" CONCERT is on Sunday, December 6 at 4:00 PM in Simsbury. Music lovers in grades 5 and up are welcome to join us for this awesome event. Music, stories, humor, and faith are presented by this lively band with keyboard and guitar. Log on to wwwspeedwoodlive.com for info about this nationally recognized duo. RSVP to Debby Kirk at 860-377-2675 by Dec 1 to reserve a ticket.


WEEKLY CALENDAR
TODAY
11:15 a.m. Jr. Choir
11:15 a.m. Wreathmaking and lunch
MONDAY
7:30 p.m. AA Group
7:30 p.m. Sr. Bells
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Trustees
WEDNESDAY
9:00 a.m. PCT
7:00 p.m. Deacons
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
THURSDAY
3:45 p.m. Movie
7:00 p.m. Senior Choir
NEXT SUNDAY
4:00 p.m. SYG trip to concert
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Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Nov. 22

ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE "CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL" COMMITTEE we would like to thank everyone who made our fair yesterday a wonderful success! We had fun, hosted our guests with warmth and did a good job opening our church to others in a very creative way! Your faithfulness is showing!

SANTA’S SITTING SERVICE will return on Saturday, December 12. Parents -- save this date! Youth group will members will watch your kids from 9:00 am to 3:00 PM so you can take care of shopping or other holiday preparations. See Debby Kirk after church today or call Dianna Rebello at 928-4001 to make a reservation. Teens in grades 7-12 who would like to help with babysitting can also sign up with Debby. Money raised will go toward our trip to the Regional Youth Event in Boston.

LOST and FOUND CONCERT is on Sunday, December 6 at 4:00 PM in Simsbury. Music lovers in grades 5 and up are welcome to join us for this awesome event. Music, stories, humor, and faith are presented by this lively band with keyboard and guitar. Log on to wwwspeedwoodlive.com for info about this nationally recognized duo. RSVP to Debby Kirk at 860-377-2675 by Dec 1 to reserve a ticket.

CHURCH SCHOOL NOTES:
This Morning’s Church School:
Pre-school through grade 1 –– Advent story and craft class with Kat Bottieri.
Grades 2 through 8 - Pageant rehearsal in the downstairs area of the church.

AFTER-SCHOOL MOVIE ADVENTURE! - Fluffy and God’s Amazing Christmas Adventure! Thursday, December 3rd. The movie will begin at 3:45 p.m.. This is a popular Christmas story CD that not only teaches the entire Advent story, but the hope and meaning behind it. Ages 5 through 16……..although adults will love it too! Mrs. Donahue will be at the church starting at 2:00 p.m. for any child who wants to get dropped off there from the school bus. Any middle school children arriving after school can help Mrs. D with set up. Pizza and beverages will be served. The program will end at 5:45 p.m. R.S.V.P. Mrs. D.

THANK YOU to the church school families for the BOUNTIFUL table of food brought in for Covenant to Care Thanksgiving baskets!

ADVENT WREATH-MAKING / Soup and Sandwich Luncheon will take place next Sunday immediately following the worship service in the downstairs area of the church. If you are making a wreath, please bring a small pair of clippers or strong scissors for trimming evergreens, gloves and perhaps a box for wreath transport home. You don’t have to make a wreath to join in the merriment. Enjoy a light meal and chat with friends. See you there!

Calendar of the Week
Today
9:15 a.m. Sr. Bells warm-up
11:15 a.m. Jr. Choir
Monday
7:30 p.m. AA
Tuesday
3:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry
Wednesday
7:30 p.m. Boy Scouts
Next Sunday First Sunday of Advent
11:15 a.m. Advent Wreathmaking & Lunch

FREE FOLDING CHAIRS! Since we recently purchased new ones, we are getting rid of our old folding chairs. If anyone could use any, please take them after church today. Chairs not taken will be discarded. Please see Bob Kirk if you have any questions.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Nov. 15

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS:
This morning’s church school rotation:
Pre-K/Kinder/Gr 1 –– Bible games with Jill O’Neill Grades 2 & 3 –– cooking in the kitchen with Jen John Grades 4 & 5 –– storytelling with Jill Eichner Grades 6/7/8 –– scripture illumination with Kate Donahue
The church school "Dig Into The Bible" rotation ends today. We are appreciative of the following teachers: Jill O’Neill, Jill Eichner, Diane Peterson, Jennifer John, Karen Cloutier and Kate Donahue. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us! We hope you will join us again for a spring rotation!

The church school will be collecting non perishable food items during the month of November for Covenant to Care Thanksgiving baskets. We are collecting canned vegetables and fruits, stuffing mix, pie crust mix, cranberry sauce, canned yams, gravy, etc. Please leave items in the basket located in the Great Room. Thank you for your help.
Advent Wreath-Making –– Soup and Sandwich Lunch! - Sunday, November 29th: All members of the congregation are invited to join us immediately following the worship service on November 29th for soup, sandwiches and wreath-making (evergreens donated by the Hansen Family Tree Farm). Join in the food, fellowship, and festivity as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. Everyone is invited, even if you just want a tasty lunch! Please sign up in the Great Room so that we can plan accordingly for wreath supplies and food.


BE A PART OF THE FUN! Come to CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL -work at the Fair- especially BUY at the Fair, next Saturday, November 21, 10-2 p.m. You will be rewarded with a wonderful experience and you will be a part of helping raise the dollars needed to fund local and wide reaching missions of the Church.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF SERRV ITEMS: This morning there will be a sneak preview sale of SERRV items. Many of the new items were purchased on sale so the prices are very desirable. Lots of new items from third world crafters! Bring you pennies, nickels, dimes & dollars & shop for Christmas EARLY! Sneak Peak Sale will happen immediately following the church service in the Great Room.

SSSSSSSSSHH! The Silent Auction Needs your help! Looking for interesting, old, antique or collectible items for upcoming Christmas on the Hill Fair Silent Auction. artwork, small furniture, lamps, vases, china, your treasured but unused wedding or birthday presents, etc. (Please: No computers and exercise equipment) Will pick up - call Barbara Wright with questions 928-4068.

THANK YOU to all who made last Wednesday’s SENIOR CAFÉ a great success! We had a staff of 18 youth group members and 8 adults who worked together to prepare and serve the delicious meal. We welcomed over 100 guests for food and fellowship on the Veterans’ Day Holiday. Our guests even left generous "tips" of $270 to be used for our 2010 youth events! (see below) Kudos to Ginny Viteri who spearheaded this wonderful event.

SYG STEPS OUT in 2010 –– Teens in grades 8 and up along with their parents are invited to come to a special "Travel Info Session" today after worship. Join us at 11:30 am the EAST WOODSTOCK CHURCH to hear about travel plans for 2010. We will meet upstairs in the GREEN ROOM in the brick school house. Opportunities include The Celebration in Burlington VT, The CT Immersion Experience in New Haven, and the Regional Youth Event at Boston University. All of these are great ways for youth to grow in faith and connect to the wider church.

SANTA’S SITTING SERVICE will return on Saturday, December 12. Parents -- save this date! Youth group members will watch your kids from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm so you can take care of shopping or other holiday preparations. Watch for details in the December newsletter.

PLEASE HAVE YOUR DECEMBER SHARE articles in by next Sunday!


WEEKLY CALENDAR
TODAY
11:15 a.m. Jr. Choir
11:30 a.m. SYG Travel info session at EW
3:00 p.m. Take Note concert (at EW) to benefit Daily Bread,
followed by Windham Association meeting
MONDAY
7:30 p.m. AA Group
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Hillbillies
WEDNESDAY
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. Sr. Choir
7:00 p.m. Sr. Bells
SATURDAY
10 - 2 CHRISTMAS-ON-THE-HILL
NEXT SUNDAY
9:15 a.m. Sr. Bells warm-up







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Announcements and Calendar for the Week of Nov. 8

THE SENIOR CAFÉ will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at 12 noon at the Hill Church. Please RSVP to Debby Kirk today by calling 928-3215 if you would like to join us for lunch. Youth in grades 5 and up who are able to help out should also check in with Debby. There are lots of ways to get involved! Choose one of these tasks: Food prep on Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8 PM, Set up on Weds from 10:00 to 11:30 am on Weds, Serving on Weds. from 11:00 am to 1:00, or Clean up from 12:30 to 2:00. Lunch is included for all workers!

SYG STEPS OUT in 2010 –– Come to a special "Travel Info Session" meeting on Sunday, November 15 and hear about our travel plans for youth for next year. Teens in grades 8 and up along with their parents are invited to meet with us at 11:30 am the EAST WOODSTOCK Church. Join us in the GREEN ROOM upstairs in the school house after worship. Opportunities include The Celebration in Burlington VT, The CT Immersion Experience in New Haven, and the Regional Youth Event at Boston University. All of these are great ways for youth to grow in faith and connect to the wider church.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP meeting will be on Wednesday, November 11 at 10:30. Program Tod Stevenson on Veteran’s Day. Hostesses are Marilyn Pomeroy, Linda Chase & Ellen Holley with Ruth Kimball offering worship. Plan to stay for lunch at the Youth Group SENIOR CAFÉ!

RADA GIFT SETS:Many nice gift sets have been purchased for sale at the Rada Knife Booth at the Christmas on the Hill Fair! Stop buy and see what's new & exciting! The Fair runs from 10-2 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. See you there:)

COOKIES BY THE POUND, chaired by Hope Hartland 974-2569 and BAKE SALE, chaired by Ruth Stevenson 928-7822 are looking for your food donations! Plan to bake an extra pie, some bread, your favorite cookie recipe or something really exotic, like????? and bring it to the church on Friday, November 20. CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL, NOVEMBER 21, 10_2 P.M. is almost here! Plan to donate, volunteer to help at your favorite booth or shop on November 22 at the FAIR! Have a question about how you can get involved? Call either Suzanne Woodward 974 1553 or Susan Waldron 923-2887. SEE YOU AT THE FAIR?

SSSSSSSSSHH! The Silent Auction Needs your help! Looking for interesting, old, antique or collectible items for upcoming Christmas on the Hill Fair Silent Auction. artwork, small furniture, lamps, vases, china, your treasured but unused wedding or birthday presents (!), etc. (Please: No computers and exercise equipment) Will pick up - call Barbara Wright with questions 928-4068.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS:
Pageant Rehearsals begin on November 22nd. The cast will be chosen over the next 2 weeks. All children will have a part in the pageant! Be there for rehearsal!
This morning’s church school workshop rotations:
Pre-K/Kinder/Gr 1 –– Cooking in the Kitchen with Diane Peterson Grades 2 & 3 –– Storytelling with Jill Eichner Grades 4 & 5 –– Scripture Illumination with Kate Donahue Grades 6/7/8 –– Games with Jill Borski

SNEAK PREVIEW OF SERRV ITEMS:On Sunday, November 15, there will be a sneak preview sale of SERRV items. Many of the new items were purchased on sale so the prices are very desirable. Lots of new items from third world crafters! Bring you pennies, nickels, dimes & dollars & shop for Christmas EARLY! Sneak Peak Sale will happen immediately following the church service in the Great Room.

The church school will be collecting non perishable food items during the month of November for Covenant to Care Thanksgiving baskets. We are collecting canned vegetables and fruits, stuffing mix, pie crust mix, cranberry sauce, canned yams, gravy, etc. Please leave items in the basket located in the Great Room. Thank you for your help.
Advent Wreath-Making –– Soup and Sandwich Lunch! - Sunday, November 29th: All members of the congregation are invited to join us immediately following the worship service on November 29th for soup, sandwiches and wreath-making (evergreens donated by the Hansen Family Tree Farm). Join in the food, fellowship, and festivity as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. Everyone is invited, even if you just want a tasty lunch! Please sign up in the Great Room so that we can plan accordingly for wreath supplies and food.

WEEKLY CALENDAR
TODAY
11:15 a.m. Jr. Choir
MONDAY - Community Kitchen
7:30 p.m. AA Group
7:30 p.m. Sr. Bells
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. Bible Study
6:30 p.m. SYG Food prep
7:30 p.m. Council
7:30 p.m. Hillbillies
WEDNESDAY
10:30 a.m. Women’s Fellowship
12:00 p.m. Sr. Cafe
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Hillbillies warm-up
11:30 a.m. SYG Travel Info session at EW
3:00 p.m. "Take Note" Concert to benefit Daily Bread (At EW)
3:00 p.m. Windham Association






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