This Week's Announcements

Jacket and Warm Clothing Drive
From now through the end of November, we are collecting warm clothing, primarily outerwear, in support of the International Students Admission & Enrollment Office (ISAEO) of the Prince George’s County School System. ISAEO registers and provides support services for newly arrived international PGCPS students and their families. They've registered close to 3,000 students so far, including large families from Afghanistan, Venezuela, Guatemala, Mexico, and Cameroon. These families often arrive with almost nothing, and need clothing appropriate for Maryland winters. You can help these children and their families by donating new or gently used coats and jackets (pre-school sizes through adult medium), as well as hats, scarves, and gloves. Please be sure any used items are clean and in good condition (zippers work, no missing buttons, no rips or tears, etc.). Donations go in the bin in the narthex. For those who prefer, we are also collecting $25 Target gift cards to purchase other items students might need, such as boots and uniforms; see Tom Beal to buy cards through St. George's scrip program and give the cards directly to Randy or Donna Haselton. Please see Donna Haselton if you have any questions. Thank you for your generosity!

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service This Sunday at 4 pm!
This year's Bowie area interfaith Thanksgiving service is this Sunday at 4 pm, hosted by Christian Community Presbyterian Church, 3120 Belair Drive in Bowie. The speaker will be County Councilwoman Ingrid Watson. A community potluck dinner will follow the service. The collection at the service will go to the Bowie Food Pantry, and the service will be livestreamed HERE. All are welcome!

Advent Program Starts This Monday: Words for the Beginning
Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year rushes in. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving—and yet, we feel the weight of many things coming to an end. The world as we know it spins madly on. What are the reminders we will need in order to move faithfully through this threshold? What are the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season? What words might Mary speak to her newborn son? What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? This is the content of our Advent program Words for the Beginning, with its themes including “you are a blessing,” “we can’t go alone,” “do the good that is yours to do,” and “hope is worth the risk.” There will be many ways to participate from Advent through Epiphany, including reading the devotional booklet, the Advent Quiet Morning on December 14, and gathering on Mondays at 7:00 pm via Zoom starting this Monday. Join HERE. The signup sheet is available now. See Jocelyn Tidwell, Terry Doyle, Karen Horrocks or Connie+ if you’d like to learn more. 

Advent Wreath Making on Sunday, December 1
On Sunday, December 1, the first Sunday of Advent, there will be materials available to make an Advent wreath in Miller Hall after services. Bring your ring if you have one; rings and sets of candles will be available to purchase. If you have greens from your yard to contribute, they are most welcome!

The St. Nicholas Party is December 7 – Sign up Today!
St. George's annual St. Nicholas party will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. All children and their adults are invited to come decorate the parish tree, engage in crafts, food and fun, and see if Bishop St. Nicholas makes an appearance. There are sign-up sheets to let us know how many can attend as well as volunteers needed to bring food and help with setup and cleanup. All are invited to bring a food donation for the Bowie Food Pantry and/or bring children's hats, scarves, and mittens for the international students of Prince George's County schools.