The people of Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church welcome the Rev. Suzanne Colburn as she begins interim ministry with us on Christ the King Sunday, November 26. A biography is available to read online here.
A Stewardship Moment
On Saturday and Sunday it was brought home to me the importance of heeding God's call to care for those on the margins. On Saturday St. Mark's Parish Hall basement was a full and sometimes tension filled space as we served more than 400 individuals with warm clothing and basic essentials. New Mainers seeking warm clothing for the unfamiliar cold shared the space with now familiar faces from Augusta's poor. It takes volunteers, financial resources and donations of tangible goods to carry out this important part of God's work here. I especially love greeting people and helping with the process.
On Sunday as we wrapped up our fall stewardship drive we enjoyed a bountiful brunch with a delicious variety. We celebrated our gifts from God. Most have pondered how to share those gifts. The Stewardship committee awaits those final pledges. It's not too late to share your pledge. Soon we will announce the generous outcome of our drive! If you need a pledge card please call the church office at 207 623-9486 or you may make a confidential pledge by phone by calling stewardship leader Tom Mayer at 207 242-2482. article submitted by Liz Burgess
News From Bridging The Gap - Augusta
Everyday Basics * Addie's Attic * Warming Center
Everyday Basics
Thank you, thank you. Thank you to so many people for making it possible to serve 408 [That's an all time high] individuals today at Bridging the Gap: Everyday Basics Essentials Pantry. That was 30 something volunteer hours and all the individual donors and church communities who donate at least half of the more than 400 rolls of toilet paper, shampoo, laundry detergent, diapers and wipes and lots more. We are out of size 6 diapers, but we also gave away some little sizes, too. Love seeing those new babies.
In 2016 EDB served 5800 individuals; so far in 2017 we have helped 6854 people and we have two more "openings" in December. We couldn't do it with out our volunteers, the support of those at Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church, our greater Augusta church communities and faithful individual donors. Look for a giving opportunity for #GivingTuesday with a one to one match from jet.com. Feeling so grateful. For more information contact Liz Burgess at weburgess@gmail.com or call 207 622-2001.
New Faces at Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap continues to evolve thanks to many hands, hearts and minds. Last Wednesday Santa Havener and Dan Lau joined the staff as Program & Operations Manager and Volunteer Program Manager, respectively. With input from the community, an advisory council and Emmanuel, we are looking forward to continuing the weaving together of Addie's, Everyday Basics and the Warming Center. More photos to come.
submitted by Sarah Miller
Emmanuel Women's Potluck Breakfast
All women are invited to join us for an Advent Potluck Breakfast on Saturday, December 2 at 8:00 AM in the Christian Community Room. Good food and sweet fellowship! Come join in the fun. For more information email Carol Durkee at cwdurkee@yahoo.com or Liz Burgess at weburgess@gmail.com.
Maine-ly Harmony Women's Barbershop Group
Maine-ly Harmony will host a free concert on Saturday, December 2nd at 2:00 PM at Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church. All are welcome to attend this fun and festive event. (Free will donations are accepted.)
Emmanuel's Christmas Choir - NEW!rehearsal time
Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church is having a choir for Christmas! There's still time to add your musical talents with your voice and/or instrument on Christmas Eve, please join us for weekly rehearsals. Next rehearsal is Sunday, November 19th from 7:45 to 8:30ish am in the Sanctuary. We're looking forward to many voices and instruments "making a joyful noise" to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Questions? Contact Betty Balderston at 377-4293 or at bettybalderston@gmail.com.
Christmas Day Community Dinner Volunteer Opportunities
Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church is hosting the annual Community Christmas Day Dinner. We need your help.
Volunteer Sheets will soon appear in the church lobby. Please sign up to bring pies! gift items, serve as a greeter, share your musical talent, be a table host, set up and clean up, be meal delivery drivers and gift room attendants. There are many ways you can contribute to the success of this community event. For more information please contact Bobbi-Jo Burdin at 207 557-2919 or email her at bjab58@yahoo.com. Thank you.
Here's your safe, online giving link. Miss worship or a Mustard Seeds' event? Click on the green donate button above and you can give to Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church (formerly The Church at 209 ) to keep the heat, lights and water on; give to Mustard Seeds, or donate to the Helping Fund to care for our neighbors in need. Thank you for your generosity! Come join in the joy and hope that is Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church, 209 Eastern Avenue, Augusta, ME.
Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church is having a choir for Christmas! There's still time to add your musical talents with your voice and/or instrument on Christmas Eve, please join us for weekly rehearsals. Next rehearsal is Sunday, November 19th from
