WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, LAY READER, YOUTH GROUP, GIFTS OF SECURITIES, CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, CHURCH OFFICE, HANDBELL CHOIR, WINTER DRAMA CAMP, SHEARITH ISRAEL SHELTER FOR WOMEN, MEDITATION GROUP FORMING, YOGA RESUMES, VOLUNTEER ON MLK JR. WEEKEND, GIVING AND ATTENDANCE UPDATE, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT MORNINGSIDE, THIS WEEK AT MORNINGSIDE, THIRD THURSDAY THEOLOGICAL THROWDOWN

Life@Morningside

December 23, 2012

Baron Mullis preaching

"Magnificat"

Texts: Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Samantha Alexandra Hampton, daughter of Amy Kayler and David Hampton; and Eleanor Anne Loring, daughter of Jason and Julie Loring will receive the sacrament of baptism this morning.

LAY READER

In keeping with the Presbyterian tenet of the priesthood of all believers, Morningside members participate regularly in worship leadership. This Sunday's lay reader is Daisy Ottmann.

YOUTH GROUP

The youth group is on Christmas break resuming regular meetings on January 6. For more information, contact Chris Peters chrispeters @morningsidepc.org.

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.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

4 P.M. EARLY CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES

Our 4 p.m. family-oriented Christmas Eve service geared to children quickly has become a tradition here.  The MPC Handbell Choir under our new director, Jeff Peters, has prepared special music, and some of  our young members will participate in the worship service as liturgists and as a tableau of characters from the Nativity. 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. (Doors open at 7:15 p.m.; childcare is  provided.)

CHURCH OFFICE

The church office will be closed Monday, December 24, Tuesday, December 25 and Wednesday, December 26 in observance of the Christmas season.

HANDBELL CHOIR

The Morningside Handbell Choir starts a new rehearsal cycle January 3. Handbells are a great way to meet more people at Morningside and to contribute to the Music Ministry.  If you are interested or have questions, please contact Jeff Peters, jeffcpeters@gmail.com.

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. The children will perform Max Lucado's “You Are Special” led by preschool teacher and theater major Amy Lowe. Registration form and $35 fee (payable to MPC) is due no later than Friday, January 3. Contact Program Director Melinda Sandkam regarding scholarship or for further details. The forms can be found on the MPC website or the bulletin board across from the nursery.

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, see the bulletin board across from the office or contact MPC shepherd Becky Medearis becky.m. medearis@wellsfargo.com.

We are also collecting new or gently used gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, women's coats, slippers, socks, Kosher coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for the women at Shearith Israel Shelter. Please place them in the Welcome Center baskets through January 6.

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.

YOGA RESUMES

Pam Sharpe, veteran personal trainer and yoga teacher, invites you to join her yoga class on Tuesday mornings 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Classes will begin on January 8, and will include yoga poses that will help students strengthen, lengthen and relax.  Contact Pam for more information at 404.321.6630 or yogapam@bellsouth.net.

VOLUNTEER ON MLK JR. WEEKEND

MPC will participate in assisting seniors with yard work, cleaning and small household repairs through Decatur’s MLK Service Project on Saturday, January 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  Contact shepherds Jack Klotz jacksklotz@ gmail.com or Lloyd Prince lloydprince @comcast.net to volunteer or sign up on the bulletin board across from the church office.

GIVING AND ATTENDANCE UPDATE

Needed Weekly—$14,151

Received 12/16/12—$17,324

Needed Year to Date—$721,698

Received Year to Date—$716,743

WORSHIP COUNT—190

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT MORNINGSIDE

Adult Sunday School Class—9:45 a.m. in Room 201

Next Sunday, December 30, this class, led by Drew Stockstill, will take a Christmas break . Everyone is invited to join Morningside's Adult Sunday School class on Sunday, January 6.

Children’s Classes

The Pre-K class will read a Nativity story and talk about the other stories they've heard this month. Early Elementary classes will read Luke 2:1-20 and learn how the news of Jesus' birth spread. 4th and 5th graders will have a lesson on the Benediction as a part of Worship.  

* Childcare and Children’s Worship will take place on Sunday, December 30, but there will not be Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.

THIS WEEK AT MORNINGSIDE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23

9:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation

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

11 a.m. Worship with Baptism & Handbells

12 noon Fellowship

12:15 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal

2 p.m. Venture Crew

3 p.m. Children’s Christmas Eve Rehearsal

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

MPP and Church Office Closed

4 p.m. Family Friendly Christmas Eve Service

8 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols (doors open at 7:15 p.m.)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Merry Christmas

MPP and Church Office Closed

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26

MPP and Church Office Closed

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27

MPP Winter Break

6:30 p.m. Prayer Group

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28

MPP Winter Break

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29

9 a.m. AA Meeting

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30

10:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation

11 a.m. Worship

12 noon Fellowship

THIRD THURSDAY THEOLOGICAL THROWDOWN

Why a throwdown?  Because it began with “th” of course! Starting on January 17, Baron will teach a lunchtime class on the third Thursdays of the month from 12 noon to 1 p.m.  Feel free to bring a brown-bag lunch and spend some time thinking about what is important. Our first Theological Throwdown will be around John Dominic Crossan’s provocative and controversial book, The Greatest Prayer: Rediscovering the Revolutionary Message of The LORD’S Prayer.  Baron will take a chapter a month for discussion.  All are welcome to come, but if you want to order a book through the church, please contact Anna Best office @morningsidepc.org by January 7 to reserve a copy. Childcare by reservation.