A Call for Help

The Greenery, Inc., the lawn company that services our campus, is seeking donations of clothing, checks, money for one of their employee owners (Ramon) from Savannah who lost his home and belongings last week in a house fire and needs help and support. Ramon’s children:

L.J. – 10 y/o boy wears a shirt size 14 husky, shoes 6 ½, and pants 14 husky/16/18 or 32 men
Isabella – 8 y/o girl wears a size 8 shirt and size 8 pants, and size 4 shoes
C.J. – 13 y/o boy wears a size 14 shirt, 7 ½ shoes, and 14/16 pants
Sequoia/wife – wears a size large/x-large shirt, size 9 shoes, and x-large/16 pants
Ramon, 30 y/o wears a shirt size large, wo 1/2, 11 shoes, and pants 32/34

Checks should be made out to The Greenery, Inc., and earmarked “Ramon.” The church office is collecting checks, money, and clothing. Point of Contact is Darryl Poovey. Thank you for your generosity.

The Liturgical Season of Advent
Begins Sunday, November 27

“The church is the body of the Lord. Without Jesus there can be no church; and without the church we cannot stay united with Jesus. I’ve never met anyone who has come closer to Jesus by forsaking the church. To listen to the church is to listen to the Lord of the church and this entails taking part in the church’s liturgical life. Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost: these seasons and feasts teach you to know Jesus better and better and unite us more and more intimately with the divine life he offers us in the church.” Henri Nouwen, Letters to Marc, page 83)

Thornwell Offering
Sunday, November 27

The Thornwell Offering is one of five designated offerings Sea Island supports every year. Thornwell, located in Clinton, SC, serves to prevent child abuse and neglect, build up and reunite families, and support healthy communities in the name of Jesus Christ. Thornwell offers a Christ-centered continuum of care featuring programs for teen moms, infants, toddlers, preschool children, young kids, teenagers, young adults, and families.

Thornwell opened in Clinton, SC on October 1, 1875 to 10 children orphaned by the American Civil War. It was founded by the Rev. William Plummer Jacobs and named for noted theologian James Henley Thornwell. Thornwell’s first donation was from a ten-year-old boy, Willie Anderson, who gave Dr. Jacob’s fifty cents to “build your orphanage.” Dr. Jacob’s built the orphanage with the help of his church and presided over the orphanage until his death in 1917. Thornwell is supported by the Presbyterian church (USA), Synod of the South Atlantic (Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina), and private donations.

Spiritual Growth Opportunities
Sunday Mornings

Following the 8:30 am Worship Service: Adult Small Group I, Bible Study, Room 208; Adult Small Group II, Confession of ’67, Room 206; Small Groups for children and youth in the Christian education wing.

Wednesday (Wee) Kirk Night – Resumes November 30
5:30 to 6:00 pm, Soup & Sandwich (Bring your own sandwich), Room 208
6:00 to 7:00 pm, Earth Mysticism, Room 208
Stories about times and places that we may consider insignificant only to
learn they impact our faith more than we first realized.
6:00 to 7:15 pm, Kirk Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Stewardship Campaign for 2023

The current status of our Stewardship Campaign in support of the 2023 Operating Budget indicates that 34% of our giving units have pledged 58% of our anticipated budget for next year. The Session Council is appreciative of the initial response and asks that all members prayerfully consider their commitment to financial stewardship.

Presbyterian Women
“Thank Offering” Ongoing

Presbyterian Women throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA) encourage donations each year to the “Thank Offering.” Since 1988, PW has supported more than 1,600 different projects, with grants of $12.4 million for international and $14.8 million for domestic projects. Sea Island was the recipient of a $25,000 grant in 2018 to support the Safe Haven After-School Tutoring Ministry. A marked basket in the Narthex has been designated to receive this offering through the month of December. Please earmark your gift “2022 Thank Offering” and thank you for your generosity.

Christmas Pageant, Sunday, December 18

Following a 5:00 pm Prime Rib Supper in the Fellowship Hall, our children are presenting the story of the Nativity, the birth of the Christ-Child, at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary. We respectfully request reservations for the supper by calling 843.525.0696. Merry Christmas!

Scotland Trip
May 22 – June 1, 2023

Brochures explaining our travel arrangements, itinerary, and venues are now available in the office reception area and the Narthex. It’s a fascinating read as we prepare to visit the island and Abbey of Iona, Balmoral Castle, St. Andrews and of course the Parish Church of St. Cuthbert, St. Giles Cathedral, and the home of John Knox in Edinburgh in addition to several other sites. A special introductory meeting for pilgrims wishing to visit and see the spiritual home of Presbyterianism is schedule for. This is a good time to update your passport and do a little financial planning.