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A Word from Laura: The Coming of the Light
Podcasts
It’s no accident that Advent is a celebration of the coming of Light into the darkest time of year in the northern hemisphere, or in a season when we see social needs all around us, or when we wonder how we’re going to get along with a certain person in our lives yet another year. Advent coincides with a time when we could really use some divine Light all around us.
This year during Advent here at Western we’ll be focused on the coming of the Light – specifically the Light of Christ, but as a new expression of God’s Light since the beginning of time. (Yes, all in four short weeks!)
We usually think of light as something we see. In the scriptures, God’s Light is often something we hear. This fall, I have rediscovered the light of spoken word, particularly through guided meditations, using podcasts...READ MORE
  
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The Coming of the Light:
Creation
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First Sunday of Advent
Before Worship:
11am Worship:
After Worship:
- Noon Congregational Meeting to elect new officers
- 12:15pm Hospitality - Families with last names A-G are invited to bring refreshments
- 12:30pm Finance Committee Meeting
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Congregational Meeting
December 2 after worship
The congregation is invited to stay briefly in the sanctuary, after worship, to meet and vote for the new and renewing Elders and Deacons presented by Western's Nominating Committee. Questions in advance? Contact Toddtrafford@gmail.com
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Stewardship 2019:
Generosity and Commitment
Our 2019 Stewardship Campaign continues as we strive to reach our goal of $420,000 in pledges.
We have received 55 pledges totaling $270,249 or 64% of our goal. Thank you for your generosity!
If you haven’t made a pledge commitment yet, we invite you to consider how you can support mission at Western. No pledge is too small: even a $5/month commitment is an act of faithful stewardship. We’re also asking pledgers to consider a 5% increase from their 2018 pledge. Submitting a pledge helps the Finance Committee know your intention for giving in the coming year so they can plan the budget.
Please make your pledge by November 30 using the Generosity Card, through the Western App, or on WESTERNPRESBYTERIAN.ORG. If you have any questions, please contact Business Manager, Nancy Kiefer.
If you requested a box of giving envelopes for 2019, please pick them up in the courtyard room.
READ MORE
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2018 Pledge Statements
Since the end of 2018 is nearing and a number of people have inquired about the status of their pledge, statements as of November 25th went out in the mail this week.
Please review your statement and if you have any questions, call Nancy Kiefer (703-573-8648) or send her an email at NANCY919@VERIZON.NET. Note that the statements include donations received as of Sunday, the 25th, and may not reflect on-line contributions which have not yet been received by Western.
Full giving/pledge statements for the 2018 calendar year will be mailed in January 2019.
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Sing the Season!
Join the choir for Advent
I couldn’t help but notice that we formed a superb choir when the whole church sang hymns together in close quarters in Miriam’s Kitchen last Sunday. Imagine the magnificent music we could create if some of you came a little earlier on Sunday to practice!
As our favorite holiday songs fill the air waves putting us in the gift-giving spirit, consider giving the gift of song to Western by singing in Choir. Pledge to sing one Sunday in December by clicking here.
- Allan Laino, Director of Music
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Christmas Joy Offering
Supporting Past, Present, and Future Church Leaders
Each year during the Advent and Christmas seasons, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. By giving to the PC(USA) Christmas Joy Offering, you honor this gift by providing assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and developing our future leaders at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
Envelopes are available in the pews, or you can mark your check or online gift as “Christmas Joy Offering.”
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Update on Roof Repairs
Work continues on replacing the roof. Because of weather delays, we are now expecting the project to be completed by December 16. Access to the parking garage will continue to be blocked on Saturdays until then. Thanks for your patience.
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Announcement Deadline
Announcements for the Bulletin and Weekly Email are due at the end of the day Wednesday. Our Communications Coordinator, Jess Fisher, will now be working Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays with the goal of getting the email out on Thursdays.
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Save the Date
Selah and Tree Lighting
12/13 - 8:00pm | Courtyard Room
Christmas Festival: Pageant, Mittens, Party, and Bakeoff
12/16 - 11:00am | Sanctuary and Multi-Purpose Room
Annual Vigil for the Homeless
12/21 | Luther Place Memorial Church
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
12/24 8pm | Sanctuary
Free Minds' Write Night
1/23 6:30pm | Courtyard Room
Ecumenical Advocacy Days
4/5-4/8 | TBA
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Selah and Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 13 at 7pm
O, Christmas Tree! This month’s Selah service will center on Christmas and include the annual tree lighting. Come for contemplative worship, ornament making, tree decorating, and good food. Everything starts on Thursday, December 13 at 7pm in the Courtyard Room.
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Christmas Festival: Pageant, Mittens, Party, and Bakeoff
Sunday, December 16
On Sunday, December 16, our Children’s Choir Pageant will share the story of Christmas through song (and some fun costumes!) during worship. It's not too late to join the fun--we rehearse from 10 -10:50 am each Sunday in the TBY Room. Children age 4 -13 welcome (older kids needed as helpers). For music questions, contact Amy DeLouise.
During the pageant, worshippers can bring forward donations of hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for the children of Project Create.
When the singing is done, all children are invited to join the children’s choir for an after-party downstairs in the Multipurpose Room.
After worship, join the party downstairs for some holiday hospitality and the Great Western Bakeoff. Want to enter the bakeoff? Bring your tasty treats and a recipe card to the party. Prizes will be awarded! If you can help with the party, please contact Kathryn Urban.
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IMMIGRATION
*Action Alert: "Public Charge" Undermines Communities
Comments are due by December 10
"Even as the situation rapidly deteriorates at the U.S.-Mexico border, the Administration has proposed a new rule that would drastically reshape who we welcome as newcomers to our society. The rule, whose ongoing comment period ends on Dec. 10, would place a higher value on those who are affluent and challenge hard-working families in their efforts to remain together."
Through our Micah 6:8 Immigration and Sanctuary initiatives, Westerners have been active in challenging actions the Trump Administration has taken to limit legal immigration in the US. The PC(USA) Office of Public Witness has issued an Action Alert calling upon concerned citizens and Presbyterians to learn more and comment on the proposed rule. You can also read more in the Washington Post.
ACT NOW
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COMMUNITY SAFETY
National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence
Wednesday, December 5, 7-9pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Community Safety is one of Western's Micah 6:8 areas and we continue to be called to take action to prevent gun violence. By this December, over 600,000 Americans will be killed or injured by guns since the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy. We urge you to join the gun violence prevention community in our collective effort to continue to shine a light on the devastating epidemic of gun violence in our nation until these gun deaths and injuries are reduced.
Join others in this Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence on Dec. 5 at St Mark's Episcopal Church, 301 A Street Southeast Washington, DC 20003 from 7 to 9pm. Event is sponsored by the Newtown Foundation. RSVP at NEWTOWNFOUNDATION.ORG/NATIONWIDE-VIGILS
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
*HABIT: EAT LESS MEAT
Did you know that nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions* come from livestock?
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP
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Prayer Requests
Would you like the Deacons and others in the church to pray for you? Submit a prayer request. If you would like to join the Deacons in prayer, login to CCB: Church Community Builder, and join the group "Prayer Requests."
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