Advent Book Study Starts This Week!

This coming Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent, and it is not too late to jump aboard during our Advent Book Study! Each Sunday morning worship service throughout the season will focus on one of the four Gospels, along with the book "Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes" by Cynthia Campbell.

For anyone that wishes to discuss the book in a bible study atmosphere, two opportunities are available during the week: the Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study that meets at 3 pm or the Remnant Sunday School Class that meets after worship at 11 am. Copies of the book are available in the Narthex. Books are $10 and any payment may be left in the basket by the books, dropped off in the office, or given through Realm. We hope you will read along with us!

Come share the peace of Christ with coffee and fellowship beginning at 9:30 am in the parlor! Worship begins at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. The sacrament of Communion will be celebrated. All are welcome!

Celebrating Perry Dykes Upcoming Retirement

Friends,

It is with both a heavy heart and immense appreciation that I share the news of Perry Dykes upcoming retirement effective December 29. I am thankful for how Perry has faithfully kept our facilities in order for the past few years. His work has supported our church in our mission of hospitality.

While we will miss seeing Perry's smiling face around the halls, I am happy to share that our Session has already been at work seeking a suitable replacement. A special task force was created this fall and has already found an individual who will serve as our new custodian beginning in January. I look forward to introducing you to him once he begins serving in this important role.

Please see the below note from FAP and please thank Perry whenever you see him for all he has done to ensure our facilities have been ready to respond to God's Spirit in so many faithful ways.

Gratefully,

- David

Dear CHPC Congregation:

It is with profound gratitude that we prepare to say goodbye to Perry Dykes as he retires at the end of this year. To show our appreciation, we are collecting monies for a “Love Offering” for Perry as we wish him well and thank him for his years of service. Anyone who wishes to make a monetary contribution for Perry may do so by mailing or delivering a check to the church office by Friday, December 22. All checks should be made payable to Perry Dykes and can be dropped off with Sarah Johnson.

Thank you for your generosity,

- Your FAP Committee

Upcoming Advent Services

Advent Angel Tree

Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church partners with SMILE (Simple Methods In Loving Everyone) Foster Closet of Northeast TN with an Angel Tree to support 10 foster children from Washington County.  Let's make sure these children get an extra special Christmas this year!

The Angel tree is conveniently located in the Narthex for anyone interested in supporting this missional opportunity. Simply pick an angel or two off the tree, write down your name on the sheet with the tree by the number you picked, and bring back presents for these children in need! The gifts do not need to be wrapped, since we are providing an extra large gift bag for each child's gifts.

Please return the gifts for the foster children by December 6. The tree's yellow angels represent specific items that SMILE needs to replenish their inventory and don't need to be returned until January 7. 

Blessing Box Highlight: December

Thank you so much for your support and stewardship of our Blessing Box! Because of your kindness, there are many people in our community who are being served with food and other necessities. For the month of December, we would like to continue emphasizing the collection of Hats, Gloves, Socks, and other such items for colder weather.



As a reminder, there are always collection boxes in the narthex for you to conveniently place donations. Please donate whatever you can, either from the list or items you think people in our community would see as a Blessing!

Thanks again for all you do to Love our Neighbors,

Your Missions Committee

Colonial Heights Christian Church hosts a special Christmas concert with Sandi Patty on Thursday, December 14 at 7 pm. Tickets are available online, contact Clark Parker to learn more!

Have you ever wanted to celebrate New Years Eve with your church family but not stay out until past midnight? Well this year, we have just the event for you! We are doing something truly unique and celebrating New Years with our friends from across the pond! From 6-8pm in the gym we will bet getting together, playing some games, enjoying some snacks, and at the stroke of midnight (in London, 7pm our time) we will be celebrating the New Year!

The Flowers in the sanctuary are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Minerva and Leighann by Arnold Sexton.

The CHPC Youth Group will join the rest of the church in the No Talent Show this Sunday. Next week on Sunday December 10th, the youth will be going to Bristol Motor Speedway in Lights! The bus leaves at 4:30pm and we will be back by 8pm. Ice skating is $15 per person and please bring extra money if you would like a snack in the Christmas Village.

Schedules for serving in the nursery and with the children's ministry are being made now for the new year. Volunteers are needed to help support this meaningful ministry as we have welcomed new children into the life of our church family. Please consider offering your time and talents to help share the love of Christ with the smallest members of our faith community. Contact Tyler to sign up to serve today!



Are you interested in receiving a daily Advent devotional from the Presbyterian Outlook? Daily devotionals are available to enhance our walk as we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ on Christmas. Titled "Apocalyptic Advent: Embracing Hope in the Second Coming of Christ" these devotions feature a daily reading and prayer - starting with Sunday, December 3 and going through Sunday, December 24. Copies are available in the office for anyone who would like one.

The Women's Ministry hosts a Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 10 at 2 pm in the gym complete with a White Elephant gift exchange! Please bring a gift that is used, created, or new (10 dollars or less) to share. Let's add to the holiday cheer by bringing a favorite finger food or dessert. This gathering's missional support is for the Blessing Box and all are encouraged to bring an item to stock the box for those in need.

Are you interested in serving during Sunday worship? A worship volunteer training is scheduled on Sunday, January 14 after service for anyone interested in serving as a liturgist, usher, communion preparer, or children's ministry volunteer. Lunch will be provided so please let David know you're interested in attending.

Thank you for prayerfully considering how God is calling you to rejoice and participate in this year's stewardship season. Additional stewardship packets are available in the narthex and any pledge cards or time and talent surveys can be returned to the front office. If you have any financial questions, please contact Sarah Johnson at finance@chpres.org.

Please send all items for the weekly online newsletter by email to Mary at office@chpres.org by end of business on Tuesday.

Prayer Requests 

Leon Boyd, Emily Bowman, Joyce Callahan, Susan Fernandez,

Ramona Gothard, Barbara Holt, Beverly Shelton, Ginny Snow,

Lee Walker, Bonnie Cole, Boyd Holder, Janice Mullins, Wayne Fortner,

Family of Clara Hasbrouck, Tony Bennett, Bobby Cooper, (Sharon Pugh's mother), Wayne Fortner (Lisa Robinette's brother in law),

Sue Fischer, Bethany Thompson

Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities

Anne Hertel, Evelyn Hill, Sue Fortney, Charles and Linda Gibson,

Betty McMillin, Wayne & Millie Pruett, Jean Faries, Lois Carter