Posts from November 2015

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Help Plan Manakin’s 2016 Lenten Program

by Church Staff

By Holly Walker

Lent is a time for reflection – a time when we examine our lives in preparation for Easter. Some opt to give up something – a particular food, a habit – during this time.

Others choose to add something to their lives – such as Bible readings, additional prayers, or volunteer work. It is important that Manakin’s Lenten program provides you with the spiritual nourishment you need to support your journey through these 40 days.

Because of that, we are forming a committee to discuss possible themes and weekly programs for our 2016 program. The committee will discuss topic ideas and make a recommendation to the Vestry as to how the program should be organized – its theme, schedule and speakers. Once the Lenten program concept is agreed upon, committee members will help schedule speakers and will work with the Communications Committee, Vestry and the church office to get the word out to parishioners and to the public.

So, is there a particular subject you would like to examine during Lent? What topics would give you spiritual guidance and inspiration? Do you know vibrant speakers who would add interesting dimensions to a Lenten program?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, or if you have a desire to be involved in the planning of Manakin’s program, please consider joining our Lenten Program Planning Committee. Contact the Church Office by no later than November 15.

Our goal is to have our 2016 Lenten program plan finalized by early January, so that we will have sufficient time to share the program details with our Manakin family and our community.

Pastoral Care

by Church Staff

By Birdie Lighthiser

Galatians 6:2
“Help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:10
“So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially those who be- long to our family in the faith.”

Thank you to all who have reached out and shown kindness to someone in our church family during this past month. Phone calls, cards, conversations, e-mails, meals, transportation, prayers, visits, flowers…all of these are ways we can help one another. If you know of someone who might need help or if you are willing to sign up to be a person who will help, please contact the Church Office. Thank you to all of you who are on our Prayer Vine. Thank you to our Gracious Gourmets. And, thank you to our Stephen Ministers who quietly continue to reach out to their care receivers. Also, thank you to the Rev. Martha Jenkins who continues to be our clergy person during this time of transition.

Christmas Pageant

by Church Staff

It’s time for our youth to sign up for Manakin’s annual Christmas Pageant. The pageant will be held on Thursday, December 24 at 4:00 p.m. Participants will need to arrive, in costume, between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. Pageant roles include: greeter, reader, angel, shepherd, donkey, sheep, cow. Rehearsal for the pageant will take place Saturday, December 19 at 10: 00 a.m. If your child would like to participate, please fill out a permission form, and return it to the Church Office as soon as possible.

Sunday School News

by Church Staff

By Jo Blandford

The Sunday School youth still need your help to raise money for 10 clean water system buckets. The goal of this project, sponsored by the Sunday School, is to raise $100 per system, a total of $1,000. Join us in our fight to provide clean water and to prevent childhood disease and death. Information about the project may be found in Denny Hall.

On Sunday, December 6, the Sunday School will have two very special guests from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation – Blair and Meredith, Virginia Grassroots Coordinators and Program Speakers. Please join us.

Poinsettia Orders

by Church Staff

By Tricia Kohlbeck and Pat Rock

In anticipation of the Christmas season, we are currently taking orders for poinsettias. The flowers you order will be used to decorate the church at Christmas, and those whom you wish to remember or honor will be listed in the church bulletin. After the holiday services have concluded, you will be invited to take your poinsettias home. If you are interested in purchasing a poinsettia, please fill out the forms provided in Denny Hall. The cost is $12 per plant, and all orders must be received by no later than Monday, November 23.

Altar Guild Updates

by Church Staff

By Tricia Kohlbeck and Pat Rock

Eight Altar Guild members enjoyed High Tea in Denny Hall on Saturday, October 10. Tricia Kohlbeck and Pat Rock hosted the tea. Those in attendance enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship and delicious treats. Many thanks to Beth Christiano for providing a wonderful pound cake for the event. After enjoying tea and refreshments, the group discussed Altar Guild needs.

On Sunday, October 11, new covers for the altar linens were blessed by The Rev. Peter Stimpson and presented to the Altar Guild co-chairs. The covers were made and donated by Halsey Dillard. We thank Halsey for her labor of love and her donation of time and talent. Following the blessing, Altar Guild members were recognized and applauded for their service.

As the end of the year approaches, plans for Advent and Christmas will be made, and a new schedule for 2016 will be developed. We would like to welcome our new member, Sudy Adams.

The Men of the Church Breakfast Meeting

by Church Staff

By Don Marsh

The next Men of the Church breakfast meeting is Saturday, December 5 at 8:00 a.m. The program will be “Christmas Traditions: Background and History” presented by Don Marsh. Don will discuss where many of the Christmas traditions we observe during the Holidays originated. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast, and learn why Christmastime has such wonderful traditions.

Ladies’ Night Out

by Church Staff

By Beverly Whitley

The next Ladies Night Out will be Tuesday, November 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant, Short Pump Shopping Center. This is in a standalone building facing Broad Street in front of the shopping center

A sign-up sheet is posted in Denny Hall.

Ladies’ Night Out is an opportunity for all women who would like to visit with and get to know other Manakin women and enjoy a meal together.

The Gathering Place

by Church Staff

By Bryn Davis

Manakin continues to support the Rev. Becki Dean’s ministry, The Gathering, by providing 30 lunches on alternating second Sundays and all fifth Sundays. All are welcome to attend the service, which begins at 2:00 p.m. at the corner of Decatur and Jefferson Davis Highway. The next Gathering date is Sunday, November 8. Please sign-up to help or attend.

Third Sunday Collection

by Church Staff

By Bryn Davis

Our next Third Sunday Collection will be Sunday, November 15. Donations of nonperishables for the Food Pantry and Backpacks for Love, bedding for the Richmond Animal Clinic, and magazines for the Chesterfield County Jail (please remove all address labels) are welcome, as well as ties for Hope Aglow Ministry. Thank you so much for your generosity.