In the midst of all the hustle and bustle and work and worry that  the “holiday season” brings – we are reminded in Advent to take time to be still and to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. 

This Sunday (12/13) make time to worship with the community of faith and then make time again to join the St. Catherine’s family for our annual hayride caroling followed by cookies and cocoa at the vicarage.  We need these moments with God and one another.

This Sunday, November 29^th, is not only the First Sunday of Advent, it’s also a 5^th Sunday celebration – which means a double celebration!

We’ll begin the day with a delicious breakfast served by the Men’s Group at 9:00 a.m. and our Discipleship Ministry Fair where everyone can learn more about our various ministries that help up deepen our relationships with God and one another.  We’ll move to our combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. where we’ll celebrate the completion of our 2010 Stewardship Pledge Drive and have a service of Admission to Holy Communion for those who have completed their 1^st Communion Classes.

After church, the ECW will host our annual Advent Wreath making event.  Wreath forms, candles, greenery and devotional pamphlets with suggestions for family prayer times will be provided so that each family can make an Advent wreath to take home and use throughout the season. A $5 donation per family is requested to cover material costs for the wreaths.

Thank you to all of you who volunteered to make our first pumpkin patch a success!  The scarecrows were fun and added personality to the patch.  The community responded with positive feedback to our “cute and charming” patch.  We could not have done it without your help!

 Now for the winners of our October Contests:

The votes are in and the winner of the golden scarecrow – it was a tie!  Congratulations to the Silver Family (Fall Fairy)and the Henderson Family (Aggie Football Player) for the most votes for favorite scarecrow.  We look forward to see what you bring next year to our patch!

Our Trunk or Treat contest also brought a tie vote on best decorated car.  Congratulations to the Silver Family for best themed car and to Sydney Martin for best traditional themed car.

Fall always brings an increase in activities in school, sports and church – so naturally there is a lot going on at St. Catherine’s.  In addition to Special Events like the Blessing of the Animals (October 3) and the Pumpkin Patch (Ocotber 16-31), we have a host of ongoing ministries where you can get involved.  
A few of the Highlights include:
* Christian Education Classes for All Ages on Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
* Youth Group on 1st and 3rd Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
* Midweek Bible Study on Mondays at 9:30 a.m.
* Community Emergency Response Team Training on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
* ESL Classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
* Bible in 90 Days Class on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
* Choir Practice on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m.
* Nursing Home Communion Services on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. 
We also have social and service groups for men, women, singles, parents of young children, empty nesters and seniors that meet monthly.  Come to worship and stay to find your place to grow in your discipleship!

Our Christian Education year begins this Sunday with classes for all ages at 9:15 a.m.  The Infants & Toddlers, Pre-K & K and 1st-5th grade classes will be using the seasonal Faithweaver curriculum; this week’s lesson features the Hebrews Exdous from Egypt and Crossing the Red Sea.  The Youth class will be using the topical Grapple curriculum which includes an at-home, web-based component.  The Adult class will undertake a series of 4 to 8-week Bible studies; this week we’ll begin a 4-week study on the synoptic gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke.  We have a great bunch of dedicated teachers and a solid program - now all we need is YOU!

What a GREAT Rally Day!  Our combined worship was joyful, our youth missioners shared with us their experiences on the Rosebud Reservation, and we even had a visit from the Pumpkin Patch (Nikki Henderson is really a good sport).  The celebration of cultures luncheon featured dishes from 15 different national/cultural backgrounds and every one was delicious.  It was amazing to ”taste” how dishes from so many different places influence the flavors of some more familiar dishes, too.  Of course the main purpose of our celebration was to recognize and re-commit to our Children’s and Youth Ministries, so… If the kiddos didn’t have a chance to sign-up for Sunday School, Youth Group, 1^st Communion, Confirmation, Acolytes or the Children’s Musical – or if you missed you chance to offer to help with the Pumpkin Patch, Shepherd’s Flock or any of the others Children’s & Youth Ministries – email Nikki at Nikki@siennachurch.org to get involved!

Join us for Rally Day this Sunday!  Our theme is Celebrating our Blessings and we’ll enjoy a full morning of activities:
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. -
MD Anderson Mobil Donor Coach will be here for blood donations
10:00 a.m. -
Combined Worship Service featuring sharing from youth mission trip participants 
11:30 a.m. -
Register for Christian Education classes and offerings 
Pot-luck lunch featuring dishes from our many cultural backgrounds

Welcome to the new St. Catherine’s website.  This website is still a work in progress, so please pardon our dust and let us know what you think.