Sunday, November 22
9:00 a.m.: The Hebrew Scriptures--La Paz
A televised lecture by Isaiah Gafni, Professor of Jewish History at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, "Out of the Caves--Discovery at Qumran," followed by discussion of the lecture.

10:15 a.m.: Vestry and Rector Forum--Murphey Gallery
Come and hear updates from our Wardens and Vestry Leaders on our parish transitions as we continue the journey toward welcoming a new rector in the future.


Sunday, November 29
9:00 a.m.: The Hebrew Scriptures--La Paz
A televised lecture by Isaiah Gafni, Professor of Jewish History at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, "The End of Days--Messianic Eschatology," followed by discussion of the lecture.

10:15 a.m.: Mental Illness Ministry Forum: Coping with Holiday Depression and Stress--La Paz
The holiday season can bring joyful celebrations and gatherings with friends and family. However, for many people, it often brings on sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. Join the Mental Illness Ministry to discuss causes and symptoms of "holiday blues" and suggestions for coping. All are welcome. For more information please contact the Rev. Anne Strong, Cheryl Mason, or Dr. Sharon Nielsen.

Collection for our annual Children's Christmas Project will continue until Christmas. This important ministry provides a Christmas gift of money to the three schools with which St. Philip's has a special relationship: Imago Dei Middle School, and Holaway and Rio Vista Elementary Schools. In Rio Vista and Holaway Schools, more the 90% of the children qualify for federally funded school lunch. Imago Dei, an Episcopal school which provides a quality and loving education entirely from donations, survives through acts of faith from many people and parishes like us. For all three schools, our gifts go, in many cases, to fulfilling the most basic human needs, and in others, making life and the future just a bit better for the children and their families.

Last year through this collection St. Philip's was able to give a gift of $2200 to each one of these schools. In her thank you letter to the church the principal of Rio Vista wrote "We have paid for eye exams and glasses, prescriptions, Fry's food cards, bus passes, extra underwear and clothes for the health office and rewards for good attendance with these funds. We always let the families know that it is the generosity of the people of St. Philip's Church that provides the funds to let us help them." Let us once again respond to this need by our generous Christmas giving. Look for the Children's Christmas Project tables in the Perry and Fishpond Gardens Sundays until Christmas to make your contribution. Checks should be made out to St. Philip's with Children's Christmas Project in the memo line. They may also be mailed to the church.

Just coffee will be sold on two Sundays in December so that you can stock up for the holidays. Remember that sale of this coffee directly benefits the growers in Mexico. We are selling on both December 6 and 20. We have half-pound bags of ground regular and decaf ... these might be good Christmas gifts.

The J2A youth group will once again be selling poinsettias this Advent season to raise money for their pilgrimage! Stop by our table in the Fishpond Garden on December 6, 13, or 20 to buy or order your poinsettia. And thank you to parishioners who have already purchased a centerpiece or wreath!

Help support the youth as they raise money for their pilgrimage and remove two items from your holiday to-do list! The J2A youth will be holding a bake sale and gift-wrapping fundraiser on Sunday, December 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Stop by our table in the Fishpond Garden to buy delicious, homemade baked goods! Bring gifts that need wrapping to either our table in the Fishpond Garden or to the Palo Verde Room. Your wrapped gifts can be picked up in the Palo Verde Room.

The J2A Youth will also be hosting a gift-wrapping fundraiser along with a bake sale on Tuesday, December 22, during the Greening of the Church, 5-7 p.m. Look for us in the Murphey Gallery!