Incarnation Sunday Announcements 10.3.10

We are all invited to one of several important conversations with other people of faith in Santa Rosa. These conversations will give us a chance to get to know one another and make connections around issues that are important to us. These conversations are part of the North Bay Sponsoring Committee's work to help congregations connect with each other. All are invited to the next one: "Wanting the Best for our Children in Sonoma County." Monday, October 4, 7 pm. Shomrei Torah, 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa.

The National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding is October 5, 2010. Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's character or intelligence. Mental illnesses strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70-90% have a significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of medical, psychosocial treatments and support. A prayer for this week:

Jesus, You have said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness." We ask you to help us to reach out to all who suffer from illnesses we do not understand. We pray for families and caregivers. We pray for doctors, scientists, and all medical workers. We pray for this congregation that we may treat every person with dignity and kindness, those with illnesses of the mind as well as those with illnesses of the body. We pray for courage to challenge the old notions about mental illness that created guilt and shame in so many lives. Lead us by Your light, and help us to bring light into dark places. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

The next "Twilight" Pipe Organ Mini Recital will be held here at Incarnation on Friday, October 8, at 6:00 PM. Beth Zucchino, organist from Sebastopol, will play a program of Robert Schumann (in honor of his 200th Birthday). This series, held the second Friday of every month from September to June, are co-sponsored by our church and the Redwood Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (RAGO). After the program all are invited to attend a no host dinner with the artist at a local restaurant. For further information or inquiries, contact Harold Julander, Sub-Dean RAGO, 707-694-1896.

Blessing of the Animals: Next Sunday! On October 10, please join us for our Blessing of the Animals service: bring your beasties great and small for a blessing. We will be worshipping outside in the Quad area, so bring an extra coat or blanket just in case it gets chilly!

Join us for a special event on Sunday, October 24, at 12:30 p.m. Have you thought about where you might live when you can no longer live independently? Do you know where to find resources to help you in decision-making? Join us for a light lunch and Sonoma County Council on Aging Panel on "Housing Options for Seniors in Sonoma County," Sunday, October 24th, following the 11:15 a.m. service. Please sign up this Sunday so we know how many to plan for lunch (sign-up sheet located on the Pastoral Care bulletin board in Farlander Hall.) For further information, please contact Barbara Avery (707-577-8718).

Jelly Jars are in! Anyone making jams and jellies for the Christmas Bazaar, November 21, is encouraged to use our jars to cut down on your expense. Please call Lynn Cassil, 707-528-9255 or Diane Cox, 707-545-0783 with how many you need and arrange for pick up of the jars. Come on folks! The fall fruits are just waiting!

Tickets are on sale now for the annual 6th Street Playhouse performance to benefit The Living Room! This year: The 1940's Radio Hour, by Walton Jones. Take a musical sentimental journey to a bygone era as you experience this "live" radio broadcast from the Hotel Astor's Algonquin Room on December 21, 1942. Full of 1940's big-band music, swing dancing, patriotism, and old-fashioned sound effects, this is a holiday treat for the whole family. Tuesday, November 9, 2010. 7:30 pm - Social with complimentary food and wine. 8 pm - Play. 6th Street Playhouse: 52 West Sixth Street, Santa Rosa. Tickets are $35 and will be held at the door. Mail checks to The Living Room Center, 636 Cherry Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 or call 707-579-0142.

"Save the Date" and Come to the Cabaret! The St. Cecilia Choir is already preparing for the annual Cabaret fundraiser that helps to defray the cost of the Good Friday orchestra. The Cabaret will be earlier this year - Sunday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. and there will be music from theater, jazz, and a few surprise guests! It promises to be a wonderful night .... tickets will be available soon!

Volunteer Drivers Needed! We try to offer the service of driving people to doctor's appointments, church, other special church events, etc. But to do that, we need some more drivers! If you have some extra time on your hands and might be willing to help out, or if you are coming here anyway and would be willing to give someone a ride occasionally, call La Velle Seely (707-528-2700).

The Seasonal Flu Vaccine is available now! While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common; the 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu. Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.