HOLIDAY UPDATE!
COVID UPDATE!
We received word on Tuesday evening that two people who attended worship on Sunday have tested positive for Coronavirus. Our Pandemic Preparedness Policy obliges us to let the congregation know that this occurred. We ask that anyone who was in worship last Sunday, and who has tested positive in the past few days, to please call the church office (410-747-2041) and let us know.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT CHRISTIAN TEMPLE
4PM INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE OF WORSHIP
This year we are bringing back our early Christmas Eve service- a service especially designed for families with children- and families who have other things to do later in the evening! The plan is to hold the service outside (weather permitting) to accommodate all those kids too young to be vaccinated. There will be carols to sing, the story to hear, a message just for kids, communion and, of course, the candlelit singing of "Silent Night". And, this year, you get to keep your candles!
The service will be held in the circle in front of the church.
7PM CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE OF WORSHIP
Fans of our traditional service of worship on Christmas Eve are invited to come to the sanctuary at 7pm, with a mask to add to your Christmas Eve outfit. This service of music, prayer, communion and candlelight will usher in Christmas in the way to which we've grown accustomed. Keep an eye on church publications in case pandemic conditions will preclude our being able to gather together.
CHRISTMAS EVE PROTOCOLS
4PM Service- This service will be outside. While we encourage everyone who comes to be fully vaccinated, we are not requiring it. We do, however, ask that all children and adults remain masked during the service.
7PM Service- While we will not be checking vaccination cards, we are asking that everyone who attends the indoor 7 pm Christmas Eve service be fully vaccinated. We will also require wearing a mask the entire time at the service, with the exception of the taking of communion. Finally, we ask that those attending the service not linger in the building. Feel free to visit outside before and after worship.
THE NEXT TWO SUNDAYS AT CHRISTIAN TEMPLE - LIVE STREAM ONLY
December 26th- Join us for this casual service of worship when we will continue singing music of the season. Our thanks to Jayna Powell who will be reading a story entitled "Mary's Christmas Story". There will be no 9 O'clock Forum and no kids' choir this Sunday
January 2nd- Epiphany Sunday! This Service of worship will feature music from the Church Band and an opportunity to reflect on the year just past. We will focus on the story found in the Gospel of Matthew of the gifts of the Magi. The Nine O'clock Forum will resume (see below) but still no kids choir.
BACK TO THE FUTURE AT CHRISTIAN TEMPLE- AN END OF YEAR CAMPAIGN TO PREPARE US FOR MINISTRY IN A NEW DAY!
Please see the attached letter to learn all about our effort to bolster our current ministries and prepare for our future. Many organization invite their participants to make a year end gift, especially if they've been fortunate during the past year. Consider this Christian Temple's invitation to do the same. We are only as strong as the generosity of our members makes us. So, make a gift to this congregation's "Back to the Future" program!
NINE O'CLOCK FORUM RESUMES JANUARY 2ND WITH JOHN EARL RICH AS OUR LEADER!!
Join us at 9 am for the first of four opportunities to be led in discussion by Barbara and John Cheadle's son, John Earl Rich. John will be reflecting on four of the ways he is offering ministry to his community- how these ministries began and how they are rooted in scripture.
Session One- Jesus' Way of Nonviolence
Session Two- Call Stories- how has God called to us over our lives
Session Three- Economic Justice
Session Four- Healing and Health
Join us as John tells stories from his own life and invites us to share our own as well.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO ISN'T RECEIVING THE SEED?
Our email distribution lists are almost up-to-date, but we are concerned that we may have missed a friend or two during this process. If you know of anyone who isn't receiving the J&C and/or The Seed, please ask them to let the office know. Contact Robin at 410-747-2041 or at office@christiantemple.org. Thank you!
