Collecting Skivvies and Shower Shoes for Clifton Sanctuaries through December 24th 

Our congregation will collect donations of underwear, undershirts and shower shoes (flip-flops) in support of Clifton Sanctuary Ministries. This is a long-time mission project adopted in coordination former members of the Church of the New Covenant. There are 2 ways to give:

1. Purchase new men’s t-shirts, underwear, and shower shoes and drop them off at church, unwrapped, through December 24.There will be collection bins in the narthex and in the breezeway by the office. 
2. Make a donation to SAPC on-line or by check. Please put Skivvies & Shower Shoes in the memo line of your check. Online, please choose Mission and fill in Skivvies & Shower Shoes.

Contributions needed: white short-sleeve tee shirts and underwear (many prefer briefs; in sizes M, especially L and XL, and XXL); adult briefs/diapers are also appreciated (in sizes M, especially L and XL, and XXL).The drop-off donations will be delivered with the 4th Sunday meal we provide at Clifton on Dec 26th.

Our recipient for the Christmas Eve special offering is the Six Star Refugee Assistance Group, which is working out of Memorial Drive Ministries. 100% of what is given to this offering will go to this group, which is helping to resettle refugee families from Afghanistan in our area. Memorial Drive Ministries is a church-based non-profit that fosters diverse worshipping communities, innovative social services, and transformative relationships. Located on the campus of the historic Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Memorial Drive Ministries convenes critical leadership, organization, and a wide network of loving neighbors to create a new expression of God’s Beloved Community. Please put ‘Christmas Eve Offering’ on the memo line of your check, or in the notes, if giving online.

Longest Night Sunday, December 19th at 6:30 p.m., in the Courtyard. As we approach the longest night of the year, we will pause to honor those who struggle and through scripture, prayer, silence, and candle-lighting we bear witness to the light that has come, and is coming, into the world. This brief service will create a safe and sacred space to lament and grieve the many losses we’ve experienced in this year and years past. All are welcome

Firepit Fellowship The Engagement Ministry is planning a s’mores firepit fellowship on Sunday, December 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot by Heffner Hall after the Longest Night Worship Service. Come make s’mores and enjoy some socially distant fellowship. 

We are serving cookies and cocoa outdoors after our 5:00 pm. Christmas Eve worship service. If you have an extra dozen or more to share, please bring them to the office on Wednesday, December 22, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and we’ll pack them into individual servings. Alternatively, please pack them 2 to a bag and bring them on December 24th to the 5:00 service, and if you can, please use packaging that is kind to the earth. The cookies don’t have to be fancy, just made with love. Click here to sign up to bring cookies and to help clean up or help set up. Thank you!

Our Nominating Committee and our current Session would love to have a full slate of deacon and elder candidates for the upcoming year. In 2022 the session will also need to elect a new church treasurer. Members of the congregation who wish to suggest someone (either self or another member) for these positions should complete the Nominating Committee Suggestion Form, found here. or email Rev. Camille or committee chair, Mike Bearden.

Chrismon Making is planned for Monday, December 6th at 10 am in the youth lounge. Please bring a hot glue gun, if you have one. Contact Margaret Williams with any questions, pieceseeker@gmail.com.