Sunday announcements

January 13, 2008 - The First Sunday after the Epiphany

Note: Personal phone numbers are removed from the Web version of the Sunday announcements. Please consult your Parish Directory, use e-mail if an address is given, or call the parish office at 919-929-2193 to find out more about the news.

Older Sunday announcements

Services This Week

Mon., Tues., Wed. and Fri.

5:15 pm Evening Prayer

Tuesday, Jan. 15

5:30 pm Episcopal Campus Ministry
Ms. Lee

Wednesday, Jan. 16

10:00 am Holy Eucharist 1928
Mr. Zunes

Thursday, Jan. 17

5:15 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II
Ms. Jamieson-Drake

Next Sunday, January 20

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I
Mr. Elkins-Williams

9:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I
Mr. Frazelle

11:15 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Mr. Frazelle

5:15 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II
Mr. Frazelle

9:30 pm Sung Compline

Readings: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-12; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

Adult Education Today

The Face of Christ: The Homeless (Chapel)

Beyond Resolutions (Library)

Newcomers Class (Parlor)

Adult Education Next Week

Newcomers Class

Update on the Capital Campaign

Today

Vestry Nominations

The nomination period for election of vestry members closes today at 6:30 pm. You may pick up a nomination form and review a list of eligible parishioners in the dining room and tower room. There is a box in the dining room in which you may place your nominations. Those who nominate parishioners should secure permission of the nominee before making the nomination. Nominators are also responsible for asking the nominee to complete a biographical questionnaire by the close of the nomination period.

The Face of Christ: The Homeless

Our Baptismal Covenant asks if we will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. The homeless who roam our streets need food, shelter, support and who sometimes make us very uncomfortable are the face of Christ. How are we, as a community, serving Christ in this population? Today at 10:20 am in the chapel, Chris Moran, Executive Director of the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service; parishioner Ann Henley, current IFC Board president; and Joy Turner, Duke Divinity School student and MSW intern at IFC, will address the stereotypes and the reality of our homeless.

Beyond Resolutions

Each new year we have the opportunity to reorganize our schedules and our lives to coincide with our values and goals. Whether you typically make or only break resolutions, Jan. is a great time to evaluate the choices you and your family make in how you commit your time. Time Management expert and Neat Freak Owner Perri Kersh will lead a discussion about defining your time by family, fun, friendship, fitness, finance and faith at the Parent Gathering in the library today at 10:20 am.

Newcomers Class

Orientation sessions for newcomers will be offered today and next Sunday from 10:20 am to 11:00 am in the parlor. The rector and others will welcome newcomers and provide helpful information about our parish, including its history and its ministry.

Compline tonight at 9:30 pm

"Set your minds on the things that are above, where Christ is." The ancient monastic service of Compline, the "completion" of the day, is offered in our church every Sunday evening during the university semester at 9:30 pm. An organ improvisation follows the 25-minute service. Come join us and put all of your comings and goings, your beginnings and endings, and everything in-between into the loving hands of God.

Church School

Church School is offered most Sundays, September through mid-May for 2 year olds through adults. The classes and their locations are posted around the building and on the bulletin boards in the dining room. Church School is from 10:20 am to 11:05 am. Registration forms are available for parents of children and youth to complete. New students are welcome at any time during the year.

12:30 Social Hour

You are invited each week following the 11:15 Sunday morning service to enjoy food, fellowship and a hearty welcome to the Chapel of the Cross with old-timers and newcomers alike. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and light refreshment are provided by volunteers and the Social Hour NEEDS YOU. Volunteers are needed to bring food to share. Food should be ready to serve. Food suggestions include such savory and sweet items as: cheese & crackers; chips & dip; crudite platter; sandwiches; fruit; cakes; cookies; light liquid refreshment is also welcome. Please sign up for a week to be a food provider on the calendar posted in the kitchen. LABEL your food with 12:30 SOCIAL HOUR, mark it with the date and deliver your food to the kitchen just before the 11:15 Sunday morning service.

Episcopal Youth Community

Please join EYC in the basement at 5:30 pm. All 6th - 12th graders are welcome to join us for fellowship, fun, and food! Pickup in the dining room at 7:30 pm. Please wear clothing that will be comfortable for lots of activity indoors or out! Please contact Caren Parker at 929-2193 or cparker@thechapelofthecross.org with any questions.

This Week

Episcopal Campus Ministry

Welcome back students! We are so very glad to have you and would love to greet you following the service. Undergraduates are invited to be a part of Episcopal Campus Ministry which meets every Tuesday night during the academic year. Join us for dinner and fellowship this Tuesday at 5:30 pm in our Campus Center. This Tuesday, Jan. 15 we will be hosting Cameron Graham, a former parishioner. Cameron is an Episcopal missionary who has worked in Ecuador, and she will be sharing insight from her wonderful experiences with us! The following Tuesday, Jan. 22, we'll be painting a mural in the campus center. Even if you're not the most talented artist come by to enjoy pizza and fun! Our final Tuesday of Jan., the 29th, will be spent enjoying DeSaix bread and the fellowship of each other. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Adult Inquirers' Class

Those wishing to join and/or learn more about the Episcopal Church are urged to join the Adult Inquirers' Class, beginning tomorrow from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the parlor. The class will meet most Monday nights until Bishop Marble comes for Confirmation on Sunday, April 20, 2008. No pre-registration is necessary.

Parish Notes

Midwinter De-bleakeners Needed

This Saturday, Jan. 19, we're cutting, loading and delivering firewood to people in our community who need heating fuel. A morning's worth of feel-good work and good fellowship, too. Bring tools if you can - pickup trucks are especially needed - or come as you are. Doughnuts are rumored. The wood, and our clients, are waiting. To get directions and details contact David Brown at 962-7057 weekdays or at david_brown@unc.edu.

New Dean

At a meeting of the Durham Convocation this past week, Vicky Jamieson-Drake was elected Dean of the convocation. She will serve with the other six deans in the diocese as a council of advice to Bishop Curry, and she will convene the monthly clericus and the two pre-convention meetings of the convocation.

Lenten Program Registration

Lent begins on Feb. 6. There will be three special programs for adults which require registration: a four-part series on Mondays from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm with theologian, Dr. Marcia Mount Shoop, entitled "Christological Highs and Lows: A Theological Exploration of the Christology in the Gospel of John" beginning on Feb. 11; a six-week Christian yoga class with instructor Linda Frank on Mondays from 10:30 am -11:30 am beginning Feb. 11; and the option of one of four lectio divina prayer groups using passages unique to John's gospel. These days and times are Sunday mornings during Ad Ed, Tuesdays from 12:30-1:30; Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 am and Wednesday afternoons from 4:15-5:15. Registration forms are available in the dining room and parish offices or you may simply sign up on the appropriate sheets posted on the Ad Ed bulletin board in the dining room.

Thank you Casserole Cookers

Thanks to all who have cooked and delivered casseroles and soups to our parish freezer. If you are making soup these winter months, please consider setting aside a small container to be delivered to parishioners in need. Be sure to list ingredients and date what you bring in.

New Dinner Groups

If you were unable to sign up for a Foyer Dinner Group or Dinners for Eight in the fall and would like to be part of a group now, please pick up a form in the parish hall or online at www.thechapelofthecross.org/fellowship/dinnersforeight.html. Foyer Dinner Groups meet about once a month. www.thechapelofthecross.org/fellowship/foyerdinnergroups.html Dinners are casual, cooking is shared and the 10 participants take turns hosting the meals. Dinners for Eight are specifically for singles and couples in their 20's and 30's. They follow the same format as Foyer Groups but are smaller (8 participants instead of 10). Contact Amelia Carew (call office for number) or Sandy Gerow (call office for number) if you have questions about Foyer Dinners and David Frazelle at 929-2193, dfrazelle@thechapelofthecross.org, with questions about Dinners for Eight. Completed forms for both groups should be in the parish office by Jan. 27.

Annual Giving News

We have received 504 pledges for a total of $1,227,340 to date. Thanks to all who have pledged. This is 45 fewer pledges than we had received by this date last year. The vestry meets this week to finalize the budget and would greatly appreciate receiving any pledges by then.

Mission Trip to Honduras

Join the mission team going to San Patricio May 19-27, 2008. Application forms and brochures that describe our work with this Honduran parish are available in the tower room, at the back of the chapel, on the tract rack in the dining room, and in the parish office. Forms can also be found online at our website and on the back page of the Dec. Cross Roads. Our work at San Patricio will include light construction, sewing and handicrafts classes, acolyte training, Vacation Church School, and micro-business assistance. No proficiency in Spanish is required, just hearts and hands ready to seek and serve Christ in all people. Applications must be returned to the parish office by Feb. 1, 2008. For more information contact annhenley@msn.com.

2008 EYC Mission Trip to Sewanee, TN

Sewanee, TN, home to the University of the South, is surrounded by some of the most stunning poverty in the nation. 30% of people under age 18 live below the poverty line. The Chapel of the Cross EYC will travel there to serve through a variety of local outreach agencies. Dates: July 13 - 19. Cost: $400, scholarships available. Open to rising 9th-graders through just-graduated seniors. Priority for spaces based on participation. Deadline: Submit your name by Jan. 31. Contact David Frazelle with questions or to express your interest - 929-2193, dfrazelle@thechapelofthecross.org.

Mark Your Calendars

1st and 2nd Grade Worship Class

Next Sunday, Jan. 20 is the monthly worship education class. Children will meet in the library. The lesson and worship experience will be on baptism. If you have their baptismal certificate, photographs or memorabilia from their baptism, please send it with them to the class.

A New Fellowship For Parents Of Young Children

Parents with children between newborn and 5 years (including those who also have older children) are invited to the kick-off of a new fellowship gathering, which aims to provide a fun family outing as well as build bonds among parents during this delightful but challenging time in our children's lives. Every first Saturday, with the next meeting on Feb 2, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm there will be a parent social hour with nursery open for the kids, and from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm there will be a pot-luck supper for the whole family. Bring a dish to share and a blanket for our "picnic" in the dining hall. Please contact Rebecca Rogers at (call office for number) or rebecca@self-help.org if you have any questions.

Stewardship Opportunities

Refugee Resettlement Team Needs Help!

The Refugee Resettlement Team urgently needs your help. The needs are overwhelming for the few parishioners who are now working with the family.

We need help taking family members to dental and medical appointments. The entire family of eight need a series of dental appointments. We continue to have many medical appointments for several family members. The school-age children need tutors to keep up with their school work. We need several adults/college students to meet with the children after school two days a week.

The children are now asking about various buildings as we drive them about to appointments -- we haven't had time to take them out into the community to introduce them to parks, museums, and other places of interest, but they are now curious and it is time to do this.

Finally, the parents are still without full time work. Both the mother and father are very eager to work. Au Lin (the father) is very capable of doing yard work. He just needs someone to show him what to do. Po Loe (the mother) sews, can do ironing and yard work as well. If you need mulch spread, bushes removed, leaves blown, they are able to do these things.

We are very concerned that our family has the opportunity to integrate fully into the community, to be able to make a living, to have access to good medical care, and to acquire the language skills and education necessary to be successful. Please consider giving your time and energy to help this very deserving family. Contact Barbara Tremblay (call office for number) or Gale Gilchrist (call office for number) for more information.

Community Notes

Christ School Open House

There will be an open house event on Friday, Jan. 18 at Christ School, an Episcopal boarding and day school of grades 8-12 located in Arden, NC. Recognized as a national leader in education boys, the school is known for its college preparatory curriculum, small classes and its athletic and outdoor programs. For more information call 1-800-422-3212.

IFC Sabbath Weekend - Jan. 26 and 27

IFC Sabbath Weekend is a traditional celebration of the strong partnership in ministry that the IFC shares with area congregations. Please bring a gift of canned food to church on Sunday, Jan. 27 for the IFC to distribute to their clients as a reminder of our responsibility to care for one another and those in need.

Trinity Center Retreat

The School of Ministry is pleased to announce that Fr. Martin Smith, noted author of a variety of works on spirituality, will lead a retreat at Trinity Center, Salter Path, beginning Wednesday afternoon, April 30, to midday Friday, May 2. We will have more details regarding the retreat shortly. Interest is already being expressed, and we are now accepting pre-registration. Please e-mail Shelley Kappauf at shelley.kappauf@episdionc.com if you are interested. The total cost for the retreat, including registration fee, meals and two-nights' lodging, is $250 for a single room, and $210 for a double. We will also be open to having "commuter" participants at $125, but priority will be given to those staying at Trinity Center.

The Family Violence Prevention Center of Orange County

The Center needs volunteers to serve as hot-line advocates, court advocates, childcare providers, and community educators. A new training session will begin Jan. 29. As the domestic violence agency serving Orange County, the Family Violence Prevention Center assists victims of domestic violence, their family and friends, and the community. For more information call 929-3872 or e-mail them at fvpcvolunteer@yahoo.com.

Sunday Announcements

The deadline for announcements is 10:00 am on Wednesday. Announcements should be brief. Parish-related submissions are given priority. Include daytime phone and email address for contact. All submissions are subject to editing; publication of the submission is not guaranteed. Email information to submissions@thechapelofthecross.org or leave paper copies in thePublications Assistant's mailbox in the parish office. Email is preferred.

Last updated: January 12, 2008