RECTOR’S FORUM: Last Sunday we began the holy season of Advent, anticipating the birth of the Christ child at Christmas as well as his coming again with power and great glory. Join us in the Barrett Room at 9:00AM as we talk about this wonderful season in the life of the Church and ways we might enter into it more fully. All are welcome!
ADVENT FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS: Join us this afternoon, December 8th, at 2:00 pm for an Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, the story of our faith told in scripture and song. Please note that a reception will not follow this service, as was previously published.
HEIFER FAIR: Our annual Heifer Fair was last Sunday, and we raised $3750! It’s not too late to participate. There is no more meaningful way to honor and remember those special people in your life than by purchasing an animal, insect, tree, etc. in their honor, and you will be giving the gift that keeps on giving. Please see Greta in the office if you would like to support this project.
ECW: All ladies are invited to the ECW first Tuesday, Dec 10th meeting at 5:30 PM for our annual Christmas party. Please bring two dozen cookies for sharing and a tin to take your new 2 dozen home, bring a Christmas decoration or ornament to swap (Dirty Santa), bring your favorite hors d'oeuvres to share, and bring non-perishable foods for Blowing Rock Cares. RSVP to: suzieline41@gmail.com or suejackpaintfly@aol.com.
ADVENT FOOD COLLECTION & FUNDRAISER: During the month of December, we are asking all members of St. Mary’s to contribute food to our local Blowing Rock CARES food Bank. You will find bags at the back of the church with some suggested items to collect for our Reverse Advent Calendar. Please bring the bag to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as a gift to those experiencing great need this season.
Blowing Rock CARES is also participating in a SipNShop fundraising event on Saturday, December 14th from 1:00-4:00 PM, at JMcLaughlin in Blowing Rock. 15% of sales during the event plus food donations will be given in support of Blowing Rock CARES.
YEAR-END GIVING REMINDER: Thank you for your generous giving to the mission and ministry of St. Mary of the Hills throughout the year 2019. Updated contribution statements have been sent via e-mail; if you did not receive one, please contact Financial Secretary, Joe Raulerson (financial@stmaryofthehills.org), to receive an updated statement of contributions. As a reminder, all financial gifts to the parish must be received in the parish office by the close of business or post-marked by midnight on December 31st in order to be reflected on your 2019 contribution statement. Please note that parish office hours may be shortened in the week between Christmas and the end of the calendar year.
