Sunday, November 29
9:00 a.m.: The Hebrew Scriptures--La Paz
The beginnings of Judaism: A series of televised lectures by Isaiah Gafni, Professor of Jewish History at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, followed by discussion of the lecture.  Topic for today: "Expectations of the Messiah."

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.

Sunday, December 6
9:00 a.m.: The Hebrew Scriptures--La Paz
The beginnings of Judaism: A series of televised lectures by Isaiah Gafni, Professor of Jewish History at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, followed by discussion of the lecture.  Topic for December 6: "The Last of the Maccabees and the Rise of Herod the Great."

10:15 a.m.: A Tapestry of Stars--A Renaissance Advent--East Gallery
Dr. Kevin Lane Justus leads a three-part lecture series entitled "Tapestry of Stars--A Renaissance Advent." Topic for December 6: WONDERMENT: Giotto's Arena Chapel and the Life of Christ--The New Language of Medieval Spiritualism.

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.

Interfaith Community Services is collecting handmade (and store-bought) scarves, hats, lap blankets, socks, and toiletries (such as hand lotions and lip balms), to warm up and brighten up the holidays for older home bound adults who receive ICS Caregiving Services. Please contact Nancy Atherton at 269-0699 if you would like to help. Must have items by December 4. Thank you!

J2A Poinsettia Sales
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!

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.

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!

Can you brighten the holidays for a family this season? Take part in the Interfaith Community Services Gifts of Love program! They will connect you with the needs of a pre-screened family. You do the shopping and make the holidays happen for them! Call 297-6049 if you would like more information and/or to participate.