ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mark your calendars:

Community Thanksgiving Service, November 26th: The Interfaith Council of Polk
County (of which Grace is a founding member) is sponsoring a community service of
giving thanks on Sunday, November 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church,
3140 Troy Street. More information below.

Centering Prayer: Every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. we meet in the Fellowship Hall for a
contemplative prayer time led by Rickey Cotton. For more information contact Dan
Stoller at 863-529-5383.

Saturday, December 2nd at 4:00 p.m.: Stewardship for All Seasons Council Reception.

Sunday, December 3rd: First Sunday of Advent.

♦    Community Thanksgiving Service. The Interfaith Council of Polk County is hosting a Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 26th at 6 p.m. Despite the variety of teachings and practices in our varying faith traditions, one thing that we all share is an understanding of the importance of gratitude. Let us gather together as a community to give thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon us. Please bring a non-perishable food item for KidsPACK, a local agency feeding hungry children.

♦    November Social Ministry: This month is our “Cops for Kids” Toy Drive. This is the last Sunday to bring an unwrapped gift for children under the age of 12. We have many needy and at-risk children in Lakeland and your generous donation will ensure that they have a gift this Christmas.

♦    Alive in the Spirit!: Next Sunday, December 3rd is the last Sunday of our fall Stewardship appeal. This week you will receive an important mailing about our appeal. Please prayerfully consider this and bring your statement of intent card next week.

♦    Advent 2023: Our theme this year is “Wait * Watch * Wonder * Worship.” Rather than jumping headfirst into the deep waters of Christmas celebrations, the Christian Church experiences the season of Advent, a time to contemplate and prepare for Christ’s coming into our world and life. This year we will provide three ways for you to participate in Advent – our mid-week service on Thursdays will be focused on our Advent theme; we will provide a devotional guide you may use at home for your daily devotions; and we will have a daily prayer calendar for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas. Join us as we Wait * Watch * Wonder * Worship.

♦    Make a Joyful Noise! Join us for Choir (6:30 p.m.) and Band (7:30 p.m.) on Wednesday nights, and Handbell rehearse for about 10 minutes following Worship on Sunday mornings. Choir meets in the choir room in the Education wing – 3rd door from the steps, and Band meets in the Sanctuary. Bells are at the entrance to the Sanctuary. If you would like to join the choir for Advent and Christmas only, you are welcome to do so.

♦    Prayer list: Arlene Baumann, Anne Calhoun, Mabel Carreira, Mike Childs, Anna Mae Chinault, Doris Cirillo, Kaden Cluckuy, Michael Coyle, Donna Crofoot, Julie Dunston, Carol Grzegorczyk, Anne Guilford, Lydia Hodge, Brian Hosty, Paul Klockowski, Wil Krell, Amy Krell, Betty Leitenberger, Bob & Jane Lemley, Marian Lewis, Scott Listy, Ron & Flo Mari, Monica Mencia, Doris Muszynski, Dottie Myers, Ruth Neidinger, Marian Phillips, John Shamp, Tim Simpson, Betty Smith, Henry Tomlinson, Mary Venable, Greg Wasserman, Ann Joyce Wennig, and Max Wickham.

♦    Friendship Pads: Please sign the Friendship Pad that is located at the center aisle of each pew. This is a handy way to let us know how we can be in touch with you and to welcome you to our gathering. If there are other persons in your pew, please pass it to them after you have signed. Many thanks!

♦   Parish News:
      Altar flowers are given by Phyllis Whidden in memory of Shirley Ottinger.
      Assisting Minister –Pat Blanchette; Ushers – Jim Hall/Deb Yate
      Happy birthday to June Clark - November 29th
      Happy anniversary to Angela & Byron Moran - November 26
      Check out our web site at: www.gracelakeland.com. New announcements posted regularly. Livestreams posted after worship services.

♦   Worship Opportunities: