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Finding the Light in the Wilderness
Here John shares his moment in the wilderness. What is your story?
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The Coming of the Light:
Wilderness
Exodus 13:17–22
Luke 1:76–80
Rev. Dr. Laura Cunningham, preaching
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Second Sunday of Advent
Before Worship:
11am Worship:
After Worship:
- 12pm Hospitality - Families with last names H-M are invited to bring refreshments
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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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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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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 63 pledges totaling $316,749 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.
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 last 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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Save the Date
Christmas Festival: Pageant, Mittens, Party, and Bakeoff
12/16 - 11:00am | Sanctuary and Multi-Purpose Room
Annual Vigil for the Homeless
12/20-21 | 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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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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The Women of Western Epiphany Party
Saturday, January 5 at 4:30pm
Women of Western are invited to celebrate Epiphany with a potluck dinner party on January 5th, from 4:30pm at the home of the Rev. Jude Michaels. Please contact Jude for details and to indicate what you’d like to bring for our dinner: judedc@starpower.net - 202-352-8200.
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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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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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