WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, A NOTE FROM WALTER HUFF, YOUTH GROUP, FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE, AN ADVENT DISCIPLINE OPPORTUNITY, ATLANTA OPERA CHRISTMAS CONCERT, LYDIA CIRCLE, COUPLES GROUP, ANNUAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE, LGBT & FRIENDS, SOUP & CHILI DINNER AT THE CAROL SING, GIFTS OF SECURITIES, WINTER DRAMA CAMP, MEDITATION GROUP FORMING, CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT MORNINGSIDE, THIS WEEK AT MORNINGSIDE, SHEARITH ISRAEL SHELTER FOR WOMEN, GIVING AND ATTENDANCE UPDATE

Life@Morningside

December 9, 2012

Special Music Sunday

Great Music of Christmas

Selections by Bach, Handel, Holst, Rutter, Saint-Saëns

Presented by Morningside Chancel Choir

Walter Huff, Organist/Choirmaster

A NOTE FROM WALTER HUFF

Thank you for joining us in worship today. Composers throughout the centuries have continuously been drawn to the “greatest story ever told” - the wondrous birth of Jesus and the dramatic possibilities that follow from such a story. From the Baroque splendor of Bach and Handel to the romantic style of French composer Saint-Saëns and British composer Holst, to the contemporary styles of John Rutter and David Foster - all have strived to render, in musical form, the prophecy, birth, and everlasting influence of the Christ Child’s coming. We welcome guest soloists Carolyn Kahl (Atlanta Opera, Seattle Opera, Berkshire Opera) and Kristin Vienneau (Atlanta Opera, Opera Memphis, La Musica Lirica in Italy). Trumpeter Mark Mashburn joins us again this year. Mark received his musical training at East Carolina University and Boston University.

YOUTH GROUP

Today the youth will have their annual Christmas party from 5 to 7 p.m. Youth and advisors are encouraged to bring a wrapped $10 gift for a “White Elephant” gift exchange! On Sunday, December 16 the youth will help with setup and serving for the Soup & Chili Dinner following the Christmas Pageant. For more information, contact Chris Peters chrispeters@morningsidepc.org.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE

We're inviting members of our faith community to contribute one, non-breakable ornament to decorate a large, live tree in Fellowship Hall. Place your special ornament in the collection baskets around the church December 2-9.  Tree decorating is December 12. 

AN ADVENT DISCIPLINE OPPORTUNITY

An Advent Meditation booklet, Branches of the Tree, by Jeff Stone is available in the Narthex and Welcome Center.  Pick-up your copy and take a couple of quiet moments each day during Advent for reflection, contemplation, prayer and escape from the bustle of the holidays.

ATLANTA OPERA CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Purchase your tickets now for the Monday, December 10 concert at All Saints' Episcopal, performed by eight members of the Atlanta Opera Chorus and led by our own Walter Huff.  Some of the featured singers will include Tami Giusto, Megan Mashburn, and Tim Miller. A group from MPC will be having an early dinner at Livingston’s. Contact Melinda today if you would like to be included on the reservation.

LYDIA CIRCLE

Lydia Circle, a group of young female professionals and moms, welcomes members and visitors of MPC to join them this Thursday, December 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the home of Lele Ruby (1797 Meadowdale Ave, 30306).  Email Tara Parrish taraparrish@bellsouth.net  to RSVP and for any other details.

COUPLES GROUP

Our Couples Group will meet at 7 p.m. this Friday, December 14, at the home of Kathy and Alan Bremer (785 Cumberland Rd., 30306). All couples welcome.  RSVP to kdbremer@bellsouth.net.

ANNUAL CANNED FOOD DRIVE

Through this Friday, December 14 we will be filling the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s five barrels at MPC. Requested food items can be found on the barrels and the church website. We would love to help those in need by completely filling the barrels and then some!

LGBT & FRIENDS

All are invited to join LGBT & Friends for its Potluck Dinner Christmas Gathering on Saturday, December 15. LGBT & Friends welcomes all who wish to grow and be energized through Christian fellowship and service. The Christmas gathering will be at the home of Jeff Peters and Michael Siedschlag (1812 Meadowdale Ave., 30306) from 7 to 10 p.m.  RSVP to Michael Siedschlag (michaelmspnyc@yahoo.com or 404.254.0706).

SOUP & CHILI DINNER AT THE CAROL SING

Volunteers are needed to provide a pot of soup/chili for dinner following the pageant in the Fellowship Hall. To volunteer contact Amanda Lewis amandaslewis4@gmail.com.

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. 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, email randyparrish @bellsouth.net or call 770.690.4745. We thank you for your continuing support of the work and ministry of Morningside.

WINTER DRAMA CAMP

Calling all 1st-5th graders!  MPC is offering a Winter Drama Camp with four practices mid-January and a performance at the Congregational Lunch on February 3.  Registration is due Friday, January 3.  See MPC’s website for more information and to sign-up or contact Program Director Melinda Sandkam with questions.

MEDITATION GROUP FORMING

Meditation is an ancient and widespread practice for calming the mind and clearing our perception. It is an effective, some would say indispensable, stepping stone into a deeper spiritual life and has been practiced in Christianity, as well as other traditions, for millennia. Members and guests of Morningside Presbyterian now have the opportunity to take up this valuable practice in a group setting that provides instruction, warm support, and benign discipline. We will begin Sunday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Welcome Center. Contact Ken Sharpe kensharpe@bellsouth.net with questions.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP

4 P.M. EARLY WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES

Elementary age children are invited to participate in the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service as liturgists and nativity scene characters. You must be able to make a practice on Sunday, December 23,  from 3 to 5 p.m. and arrive at 3 p.m. on the 24th. If your child would like to be a part of this family-friendly service, contact Melinda Sandkam msandkam@morningsidepc.org by Monday, December 17. Children and grown-ups of all ages are welcome to attend! (A nursery is provided.)

8 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE 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 Class—9:45 a.m. in Room 201

Next Sunday, December 16, our class will be led by Drew Stockstill, and his topic will be The History and Theology of Advent. Everyone is invited to join Morningside's Adult Sunday School class.

Children’s Classes

This morning, preschool children will hear how the shepherds responded to the news of Jesus' birth in the story Jesus is Born. Early elementary classes will read Matthew 1:17-25 and learn more about Joseph. 4th and 5th graders will continue their study of worship with a lesson on Proclamation as a part of worship.  

THIS WEEK AT MORNINGSIDE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

Atlanta Food Bank Collection

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation

9:45 a.m. Church School for all ages

11 a.m. Special Music Sunday

12 noon Fellowship

12:15 p.m. Deacons Meeting

1 p.m. Deacons Training

2 p.m. Venture Crew

5 p.m. Youth Group Christmas Party

6 p.m. Journey

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10

Atlanta Food Bank Collection

9 a.m. MPP

7:30 p.m. All Saints Holiday Concert with Walter Huff; Mandolin Society

7:30 p.m. MLPA

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11

Atlanta Food Bank Collection

9 a.m. MPP

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

Atlanta Food Bank Collection

9 a.m. MPP

9:15 a.m. MPP Carols and Coffee

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Atlanta Food Bank Collection

9 a.m. MPP

6:30 p.m. Prayer Group

7 p.m. Handbell Choir; Lydia Circle

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Atlanta Food Bank Collection

9 a.m. MPP

7 p.m. Couples Group

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15

9 a.m. AA Meeting

9 -11 a.m. Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

7 p.m. LGBT & Friends Christmas Potluck Dinner

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation

9:45 a.m. Church School for all ages

11 a.m. Worship

12 noon Fellowship

1 p.m. Elders Training

2 p.m. Venture Crew

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

SHEARITH ISRAEL SHELTER FOR WOMEN

We continue to support the Shearith Israel Shelter for Women by providing volunteers each evening for 10 days in January. We will be providing two volunteers each night January 5-14, 6 to 10 p.m. to welcome the residents, serve dinner, clean up and prepare lunches for the following day as well as visit with the ladies. To sign up contact MPC shepherd Becky Medearis becky.m.medearis @wellsfargo.com.

GIVING AND ATTENDANCE UPDATE

Needed Weekly—$14,151

Received 12/2/12—$14,207

Needed Year to Date—$693,396

Received Year to Date—$663,287

WORSHIP COUNT—224