Sunday, January 1, Service

We will ring in the new year with our worship at 11 am on January 1.   The church remembers this day as The Feast of the Holy Name.  We will continue to celebrate Christmas -- this is the 8th day of the 12 days of Christmas;  do you remember what my true love sent on the eighth day?   (Me neither.)

News and Announcements:

Sun     Jan 1                  Combined Service 11:00am

Mon    Jan 2                  Office Closed

Tues    Jan 3                 Daughters of the King meeting – 7:30pm

                                    Executive 1^st Tuesday leadership committee 6:30pm       

Wed    Jan 4                 Bible Study 4:00pm

                                    Mid Week Eucharist 5:00-6:00pm

                                    Celebration Band 6:30-7:15pm

Thur    Jan 5                 Choir practice 7:00pm

                                    Brownie Troop Meeting 6:30-7:30pm                 

Sun     Jan 8                  Early Service – 7:45am

                                    Celebration Service – 9:00am

                                    Traditional Service – 11:00am

Volunteers Needed: January 7-14 2012

Mission of  Hope Isle of Wight

Every year many people endure homelessness in Smithfield and we at Christ Church aim to help make a life a little more comfortable for those who face this reality.

**Please contact Demere and John Bates or look for the sign up volunteer sheets in the Church hall next week.

**Or call the office for more details 757 357 2826

ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE CONGREGATION:  Starting Monday, January 9th, at 7:00 p.m. Wayne Willis will be leading a study group based on the CBS series, “Where was God in 911?”  There will be big screen excerpts from the series followed by questions and exploration of faith, doubt, our expectations and definitions of God.  This should be a dynamic time together...hope to see you there.  THE SEEKERS

Reading January 1 2012 11am Combined Service

Reader:  A reading from Exodus [34:1-8]

At God’s command, Moses fashions two new tablets of stone to replace those he destroyed in anger at the people’s lack of faith. The Lord then descends from a cloud and proclaims his holy Name.

Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

People:  Open our ears to hear your Word.

God spoke to Moses: "Cut out two tablets of stone just like the originals and engrave on them the words that were on the original tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb Mount Sinai and get set to meet me on top of the mountain. Not a soul is to go with you; the whole mountain must be clear of people, even animals—not even sheep or oxen can be grazing in front of the mountain."

So Moses cut two tablets of stone just like the originals. He got up early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai as God had commanded him, carrying the two tablets of stone. God descended in the cloud and took up his position there beside him and called out the name, God. God passed in front of him and called out, "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation."

At once, Moses fell to the ground and worshiped, saying, "Please, O Master, if you see anything good in me, please Master, travel with us, hard-headed as these people are. Forgive our iniquity and sin. Own us, possess us."

Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

People:  Open our ears to hear your Word.