WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, A NOTE FROM WALTER HUFF, YOUTH GROUP NEWS, ANNUAL FOOD COLLECTION, MUSICAL OUTING, YOUNG ADULTS-DECEMBER 16, GIFTS OF SECURITIES, SHEARITH ISRAEL, RETHINKING WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS, ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SEASON OPPORTUNITIES, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT MORNINGSIDE, THIS WEEK AT MORNINGSIDE, GIVING UPDATE, PLEDGE UPDATE

Life@Morningside

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Special Music Service

Vivaldi's Gloria

Morningside Chancel Choir

Walter Huff, Organist/Choirmaster

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A NOTE FROM WALTER HUFF

Thank you for joining us in worship today, to experience a beloved standard of the season’s classical repertoire-Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria. It is a striking example of the Italian Baroque musical style, while at the same time, a dramatic expression of the Latin text. Sung around the world, from neighborhood church to concert hall, the Gloria can bring us back to the true meaning of this season. Special thanks to our soloists-Tami Giusto, Megan Mashburn and Kate Murray. Tami and Megan are regular soloists/members of the MPC Choir. Kate Murray serves as Director of Choruses at Paideia School, staff singer at Trinity Presbyterian, and vocal clinician for the Atlanta Symphony Chorus.

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

This Sunday, December 11, MPC Youth will prepare bag meals for the homeless and play games from 5-7 p.m. Next week, we'll help serve dinner following the Christmas Pageant, meeting from 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. MPC Youth will not meet December 25 or January 1. Happy Holidays!

ANNUAL FOOD COLLECTION

Today is the last day to partner with the Preschool to fill five large canisters to overflowing benefiting Atlanta Community Food Bank.

MUSICAL OUTING

This 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 this 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.

GIFTS OF SECURITIES

A number of Morningsiders choose to fulfill their annual pledge or make special gifts to Morningside through the gift of stock or other securities rather than cash.  We are always happy to accept such gifts; we ask only that you notify MPC Treasurer Randy Parrish when you initiate a transfer of securities so that we can make sure you receive proper credit for your gift.  Should you have questions or wish to make a gift of securities, please e-mail Randall.parrish@inginvestment.com or call 770.690.4745.  We thank you for your continuing support of the work and ministry of Morningside.

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 at Becky.M.Medearis @Wellsfargo.com or sign up on the Mission bulletin board.

RETHINKING WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The women of Morningside and friends from around the neighborhood and the city are invited to join Joanna Adams in a new Bible Study beginning in January.  Mark your calendars for: January 11; February 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, and June 20. Bible study brochures with more information are available in the Narthex and Welcome Center.  The class will meet in Room 201 at 10 a.m. Childcare provided by reservation. Contact Anna Best in the church office.

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SEASON OPPORTUNITIES

CAROLS AND COFFEE WITH MORNINGSIDE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

On Wednesday, December 14 you are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 a.m. for coffee and to carol with our Preschool families.

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!  You are also invited to bring coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and slippers to the Carol Sing for the women at Shearith Israel Shelter.

CHURCH OFFICE

The church office will be closed Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas holidays.

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).

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. Childcare provided.

SUNDAY-DECEMBER 25, 11 A.M.

Coffee and Conversation begins at 10:30 a.m.; Family Worship at 11 a.m. (no children’s programs; nursery available.)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT MORNINGSIDE

Adult Sunday School Classes

Next Sunday, December 18, we will begin a new class with the curriculum “Feasting on the Word.” This curriculum explores the scripture reading that will be used in worship that morning.  It is edited by Barbara Brown Taylor and David Bartlett, both of whom have been guest preachers in our pulpit. “Feasting on the Word” sessions will be led by class members, with the opportunity to invite guest speakers. Next Sunday’s leader will be Philip Hawkins. The class meets at 9:45 a.m. in Room 201. All are welcome.

Children’s Classes

Today, preschool children will hear how the Shepherds responded to the news of Jesus’ birth in the story The Good News.  Early elementary classes will look at Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message. Double Digits will consider the same story as they discuss the job God has given to angels.

THIS WEEK AT MORNINGSIDE

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

9 a.m. MPP

7 p.m. Mandolin Society

7:30 p.m. MLPA

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

9 a.m. MPP

6:30 p.m. Weight Watchers; Preschool Committee

7:30 p.m. MPC Outing to All Saints Episcopal Church Christmas Concert

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

9 a.m. MPP

9:15 a.m. MPP Carols and Coffee

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

9 a.m. MPP

6:30 p.m. Prayer Group

7 p.m. Handbell Choir

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

9 a.m. MPP

8:30 p.m. Young Adults Ice Skate at Park Tavern

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

Virginia Highlands Christmas Run

9 a.m. Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation

9:45 a.m. Church School

11 a.m. Worship with Baptism

12 noon Fellowship

12:15 p.m. Deacons Meeting

5 p.m. Christmas Pageant followed by Chili/Soup Dinner and Carol Sing

GIVING UPDATE

Needed Weekly—$13,845                

Received 12/4/11—$20,887

Needed Year to Date—$678,418

Received Year to Date—$626,542

PLEDGE UPDATE

Number of current pledges-157

Amount currently pledged-$612,659

New increase-$15,288

New pledges-$69,055

Pledges not received-$118,460