Reaching Heights November 2018

Heights Christian Church Icon of Two Followers Lifting a CrossReaching Heights
November 2018 

Links to this month’s news:
Worship
Second Hour – Adult Studies
Children’s Worship Space
Thanksgiving Volunteers Needed
Charter For Compassion Gift
Missions Team Report
Gift Cards for the Holidays

See the Serving Schedule
Go to the church calendar

Worship

November 4 – All Saints Sunday – Revelation 21:1-6

November 11 – “We are Light!” – Matthew 5:14-16

November 18 – Commitment Sunday – Micah 1:35; 5:2-5a; 6:6-8

November 25 – Family Sunday – Considering the Kingdom of God – Matthew 13:24-33

 

Second Hour Adult Studies

Bible Study – Join Pastor Roger as we finish exploring the Lord’s Prayer through the lens of the six petitions it includes and bible passages that provide added insight into each petition. There will be just one adult study on the 11th and 18th.

Children’s Worship Space

We are pleased to offer a designated Children’s Worship Space in the front of our sanctuary. This space is meant to help families worship together. It is primarily designed for children up to 7 years old, although older children may still enjoy worshiping from here. Parents are expected to sit with their children and help them worship as they are able. The books, crayons and toys are meant to enhance worship, not replace it.  Sunday School will still happen (except for Family Fifth Sundays) and we will always have a staffed nursery for the youngest ones. If you have suggestions or concerns, please speak with Roger or Kate.

Fourth Annual Campbell Court Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Volunteers Needed

HCC will sponsor Thanksgiving dinner for Campbell Court residents who don’t have a family to spend the holiday with.  We will need volunteers to help residents with table setup, food prep, help serve meals and visit with residents.
I’m looking for a few volunteers that will be willing to assist.  We will serve meals around 1:15 PM.  Residents will clean up afterward.
If you’re interested or have any questions, please contact the church office (kese@heightscc.org or 216-561-4800).
Blessings, Val McMillan

Charter for Compassion

It was with great pleasure that the Board of Trustees of Heights Christian Church (Shaker Heights, Ohio) recently made a donation to the Joan Brown Campbell Endowment at the Charter for Compassion.  As Joan’s home Church, we were pleased that she is being recognized for her substantial volume of good work.

Heights Christian Church and many of our members have signed the Charter for Compassion.  Joan’s presentations were an important explanatory and motivating force for all of us.  Additionally, Joan has been a vibrant voice for many issues, including civil rights.  We are proud that Dr. Martin Luther King spoke from our steps. Joan was a major force in facilitating that historic event.

from the Mission Team

Peace and Justice (P&J)
Thanks to all of you who filled out the “I am a faithful voter card”. The committee appreciates your help with this project.
Transportation: a)If you need a ride to the polls to vote on November 6th, please call the office. b) if you want to volunteer to transport people from Heights Christian Church or Campbell Court, please sign up on the board located in the Campbell Room.
P&J Committee is collecting donations for distributions to homeless shelters. These items will be sorted and assembled into hygiene bags. Baskets for contributions will be located in the Campbell Room and at the front entrance of the Sanctuary beginning on November 4th.
Campbell Court Liaison
On October 12th, fourteen (14) Campbell Court residents accompanied by Val, Joan, Andrena and Andrena’s neighbor, Sandy shared lunch together at the Golden Corral in Macedonia. Val’s pictures show how much they enjoyed themselves. They also verbalized how much they appreciated the event.
CWF
CWF now has leadership through an Advisory Board. Their current focus is on seeking volunteers to fill the role of the present director of the Thrift Shop starting in March. The congregation will receive a letter regarding this matter.
Outreach

4% of each week’s offering is set aside for Outreach.  Of that 4% a little over half is sent out to help fund the work of the Ohio Region and National office of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  The Outreach Committee (ORC) uses the balance of the budgeted funds to support local organizations through a grant process. ORC approves grants that meet its criteria and focuses on services to those in need. These could be related to homelessness, mental health challenges, children’s reading programs, social justice issues, and more.  All requests, especially new grant requests, are encouraged. Application forms may be obtained online (https://www.heightschristianchurch.org/outreach-grants/) or through the church office.

Hunger Funds are a part of the Outreach budget which is designated for hunger ( example: The Little Free Pantry and Pastor’s discretionary funds for emergency needs of congregants and others). This year, for Thanksgiving 2018 the ORC is asking that you give as God has blessed you throughout the month of November. Please use the Blue (Hunger) envelopes located in the back of pews to make a donation(s). A report of the amount collected and to which program(s) the money is given will be posted in the January newsletter. For more info see: Freddie Holman-chair, Joan Fronck, Grace Loudenstein, Linda Durham, Connee Choi, Bobbi Phelps, or Andrena Jones-Sharp.

Children’s new or gently used books are still being collected in the tub outside of the office.

 

Gift Cards for the Holidays

Every year we ponder what to get Fred or Stacey.  We end up with something we hope they like, but know it is a gamble.   Why gamble?  A gift card is a sure winner.  And while we don’t like to put a dollar value on a relationship, let’s face it – they know how much you spent on that gift.
The earlier you shop for gift cards, the sooner you can sit back and relax.  And this is the time of year when we have a Special Order Form (attached and in the Campbell Room).  Special orders are accepted for pre-Christmas delivery until December 9, 2018.
This year we have a special deal for you.  A select group of cards from the HCC’s inventory are being offered at a discount until gone.

Baker’s Square (2 available) $10 card for $9.50

Bob Evans (2 available) $10 for $9.50

Cracker Barrel (12 available)  $10 card for $9.50

Outback Steakhouse*** (4 available)  $25 card for $23.50

TGI Friday (10 available) $25 card for $23.50

Texas Roadhouse (3 available) $25 card for $23.50

***   Good at Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabas’s and Flemings

Support our church budget.  Get your shopping done early.  And make your life less hassled.  Gift cards are easy.