WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, WELCOME JOANNA ADAMS, ADVENT BANNERS, ADVENT MEDITATION BOOKLET, FREE HOLIDAY BABYSITTING, THEOLOGY ON TAP, SPECIAL MUSIC SUNDAY, LYDIA CIRCLE, COUPLES GROUP, MUSICAL OUTING, YOUNG ADULTS-DECEMBER 16, CAROL SING AT SOUP AND CHILI DINNER, ANNUAL FOOD COLLECTION, CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE, SHEARITH ISRAEL, SPECIAL MUSIC-ADVENT/CHRISTMAS, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT MORNINGSIDE, THIS WEEK AT MORNINGSIDE, GIVING UPDATE, PLEDGE UPDATE

Life@Morningside

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Sunday, December 4, 2011

"Optometry for Exiles"

Joanna Adams preaching

Text: Isaiah 40:1-11

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WELCOME, JOANNA ADAMS

We are delighted that our Pastor Emerita, Rev. Joanna Adams, will deliver this morning’s sermon. We are indeed honored and privileged to have Joanna back among us.

ADVENT BANNERS

The Advent banners that beautify our sanctuary during the season of Advent represent the coming of the promises of God through Christ Jesus. The title of the banners is “Heart Root Promises of God; Hope, Peace, Joy, Love.” Using purple batiks the living, powerful energy of the Holy Spirit represents bringing forth the promises through Christ into the world. Colors of green, blue, pink and gold batiks represent the power and ever continuing evolution of these promises.

ADVENT MEDITATION BOOKLET

Pick-up your copy from the Welcome Center or Narthex and take a couple of quiet moments each day during Advent for reflection, contemplation, prayer and escape from the bustle of the holidays.

FREE HOLIDAY BABYSITTING

Tomorrow, December 5, we will offer a gift to the community of three hours of free babysitting from 5 to 8 p.m. for children, three months through fifth grade. It is a busy evening with over 80 children expected, so we would welcome a few extra volunteers. Contact Jennifer James jennjames@comcast.net today if you can help.

THEOLOGY ON TAP

Theology on Tap’s next gathering will be hosted by Lloyd Prince (91 Lakeview Drive NE, Atlanta 30317) this Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. The night’s program, led by Baron Mullis, will be “How do you know what to do when you don’t know what to do?”  This month we’ll tackle the faith practice of discernment at TOT.  RSVP to the church office at office@morningsidepc.org.

SPECIAL MUSIC SUNDAY

Next Sunday, December 11, the Chancel Choir will present Antonio Vivaldi's "Gloria," serving as the main portion of the 11 a.m. worship. Soloists will include Megan Mashburn and Tami Giusto, sopranos and Kate Murray, mezzo-soprano. Vivaldi (1678-1741) is known as a master of the Italian Baroque style, his most famous composition being the series of violin concertos entitled "The Four Seasons." The "Gloria" is one of the most beloved choral masterpieces, and serves as a fitting seasonal offering when performed by choruses all over the world. Invite a friend and be blessed by this special service.

LYDIA CIRCLE

Lydia Circle, a group of young female professionals and moms, welcomes members and visitors of MPC to join them on Thursday, December 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the home of Tara Parrish (1206 Cumberland Road, 30306).  All are welcome to participate in a fun and light-hearted White Elephant gift exchange (under $15). Email Tara Parrish to RSVP and for any other details taraparrish @bellsouth.net.

COUPLES GROUP

December’s gathering of the Couples Group will be at the home of Pat and Jim Antenucci (5420 Trentham Ct., Dunwoody, 30338) this Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m. Please bring a side dish to share. All couples are welcome to this evening of fun and fellowship! For more information or to RSVP, contact Kathy and Alan Bremer at kdbremer@bellsouth.net.

MUSICAL OUTING

On Tuesday, December 13, All Saints Episcopal is hosting its annual Christmas program of sacred and popular favorites presented by soloists from The Atlanta Opera Chorus. Featured singers will include Tami Giusto, Amy Little, Megan Mashburn and Tim Miller. Directed by our own Walter Huff, this concert traditionally sells out. If you would like to attend, go to www.allsaintsatlanta.org to purchase tickets now! Once you have purchased tickets, email the church office @morningsidepc.org to let us know you are coming. We plan to meet for dinner and carpool to the 7:30 p.m. performance.

YOUNG ADULTS-DECEMBER 16

Join in the fun of ice skating at Park Tavern on Friday, December 16 with the Young Adults of MPC.  Purchase your ticket for 8:30 p.m. through http://www.parktavern.com/about/the-rink and contact Lisa Harris at lisa.s.harris@gmail.com to let her know that you are coming.

CAROL SING AT SOUP & CHILI DINNER

Following the Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 18 at 5 p.m., we enjoy a delicious chili and soup dinner with a Carol Sing led by Walter Huff in Fellowship Hall. Come enjoy a simple meal and the spirit of the season!

ANNUAL FOOD COLLECTION

We have one more week to partner with the Preschool to fill five large canisters to overflowing benefiting Atlanta Community Food Bank. Bring in your items to help us reach out to those in need. (Recommended items are on website and the barrels themselves.)

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

All are welcome to this family-friendly service with Handbells, Young Liturgists and a story by Baron Mullis at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 24 (nursery provided).

SHEARITH ISRAEL

This year, MPC will provide overnight volunteers to support the SIS women’s shelter for 10 days in January (Jan. 7 through Jan. 16). Volunteers stay at the shelter 6 p.m. to 6:45 a.m. To reserve your favorite night or for more information, contact MPC Shepherd Becky Meadearis Becky.M.Medearis@Wellsfargo.com. You are also invited to bring coats, hats, gloves, and slippers to this year’s Carol Sing for the women at the shelter.

SPECIAL MUSIC-ADVENT/CHRISTMAS

Sunday, December 11, 11 a.m.

Special Music Sunday

MPC Chancel Choir presents Vivaldi’s Gloria

Saturday-December 24, 8 p.m.

Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

Experience one of Atlanta’s great Christmas Eve traditions as our Chancel Choir, choir alumni and guest instrumentalists combine in offering an evening rich with variety, drama, and the beauty of our candlelit sanctuary.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT MORNINGSIDE

Adult Sunday School Classes

Next Sunday, December 11, we conclude our special Advent study of Vivaldi’s Gloria, led by Elizabeth Rice and Mary Miller Brueggemann. The class meets at 9:45 a.m. in Room 201. All are welcome.

Bible Series

Next Sunday, December 11, we conclude the discussion of Jesus' ministry on earth as written by Mark in his sixteen-chapter gospel message to the Gentiles in Rome. The class begins at 9:45 a.m. in Room 107. All are welcome.

Children’s Classes

Today, the preschool class will hear Jesus is Born, a story about the birth of Jesus.  Early elementary classes will learn what happened to Zechariah and Elizabeth as they waited for John the Baptist’s birth. Double Digits will be in worship.

THIS WEEK AT MORNINGSIDE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Second Sunday of Advent

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation

9:45 a.m. Church School

11 a.m. Worship with Communion

12 noon Fellowship

12:30 p.m. Kids Ice Skating

2 p.m. Venture Crew

5-7 p.m. Youth Christmas Party

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

9 a.m. MPP

5 p.m. Free Holiday Babysitting

7 p.m. Mandolin Society

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

9 a.m. MPP

4:30 p.m. Tai Chi

6:30 p.m.  Weight Watchers

7 p.m. Theology on Tap; MLPA Zoning

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7

9 a.m. MPP

6 p.m. Cherub and Treble Choirs

6:30 p.m. Child and Youth Protection Policy Meeting

7 p.m. Small Group Bible Study

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8

9 a.m. MPP

6:30 p.m. Prayer Group

7 p.m. Lydia Circle; Handbell Choir

7:30 p.m. MLPA Security

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

9 a.m. MPP

7 p.m. Couples Group

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Third Sunday of Advent

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation

9:45 a.m. Church School

11 a.m. Special Music Sunday Worship

12 noon Fellowship

1 p.m. Elder Training

2 p.m. Venture Crew

5-7 p.m. Youth Group Service Project

6:30 p.m. Children’s Choirs Sing and Serve at Journey

GIVING UPDATE

Needed Weekly—$13,845                

Received 11/27/11—$7,172

Needed Year to Date—$664,573

Received Year to Date—$605,655

PLEDGE UPDATE

Number of current pledges - 149

Amount currently pledged - $596,000

Net increases - $15,000

New pledges - $69,000

Pledges not received - $134,000