First Presbyterian Church, 602 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN
proudly presents InVocation Singers for the first of its Fourth Annual Christmas concert series, \”Bring Us Fire, Bring Us Light,\” Saturday December 6th at 7:00 p.m.

The music of this program sparkles; it glimmers; it shines; it glows. We’re exploring aspects of light this Christmas season, from the brilliant rays in the first Christmas sky to the beckoning twinkle of the Epiphany star, from the sparkle of the moon on snow to the candlelit warmth of celebration.

Old favorites will be sung — hymns, carols, Tchesnekoff, Rutter, Praetorius and Bach.

The concert will also find brilliance in perhaps less familiar places — the music of Hungary, Mexico, the Philippines, and (in the title piece) Latvia:

Bring us fire, bring us light! Let God into your heart!
Riding onward, clothed in silver, over the hillside God is come.

Admission is free, but a free will offering will benefit House of Charity. Refreshments provided after the concert.

Thinking about gifts you can give to your loved ones? Perhaps gift cards to their favorite places to shop or eat? Or popular mass-manufactured items? Wait, there’s an alternative! Shop for gifts that give by fairly compensating artisans in developing nations. Shop for gifts that give by providing for people’s basic needs of food, shelter, and medical care. Shop for Gifts that Give at the 14th Annual Alternative Gift Market open Saturday, November 21 from 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday, November 22 from 9 am -1 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, 6201 Osgood Ave N.

At the Market, you will discover fairly-traded handicrafts, foods, toys, clothing and more!

Sale of these products promotes social and economic progress both here and abroad.

Vendors include African Team Ministries, Bead for Life, Friends of Africa, Global Crafts, I Love A Parade, Marketplace Handwork of India, Partners for Just Trade, Red Lake Nation Foods, SERRV International, Turkish Scarf Project, White Earth Land Recovery Project, and Women’s Bean Project.

You can also choose gifts of donations to non-profit organizations with established track records of helping people and the environment. For the cost of a video game you could provide blankets to a family of five displaced by a disaster. For the price of a pound of gourmet coffee you could provide seeds and tools to an impoverished farm family trying to feed themselves. Honor friends and family with donations to causes that fit their values! Organizations represented include Church World Service, Common Hope, Compatible Technology International, East Metro Birthday Bags, Habitat for Humanity, Heifer Project, Medical Benevolence Foundation and Valley Outreach.

Need a gift bag for your chosen gift? You can purchase eco-friendly, reusable fabric gift bags of all sizes and for all occasions. A staggering $5 billion worth of gift wrap is tossed in the trash each year. Reusable gift bags save natural resources and money too.

All proceeds from the sale of gift bags will go to the East Metro Women’s Council, assisting low-income and homeless families working toward self-sufficiency.

Gifts that Give are perfect for teachers, co-workers, relatives and friends. Cash or checks will be accepted. Enjoy homemade treats on both days and a simple soup lunch on Saturday. For more information, go to www.fpc-stillwater.org . See you at the Market!

Sunday evening, November 15, Trinity Presbyterian in Woodbury will hold a Service of Remembrance and Healing. All who are grieving the loss of a loved one are invited to this time of remembrance for family members and friends who have passed away this past year. In addition, those suffering from physical disease, mental, financial, emotional or spiritual distress are also encouraged to come to receive prayers and support. Friends and family of Trinity members are invited to participate in this special time of prayer, special music and meditation.  Please join us at 7 pm, and remain after the service for refreshments and fellowship.

Ending homelessness, one person at a time
Project Homeless Connect
Monday, December 7, 2009, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm (volunteers arrive 9:00 am)
Minneapolis Convention Center

Project Homeless Connect is a one-stop shop model for delivering services to people experiencing homelessness. Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis are partnering with service providers, businesses, citizens, and faith communities to bring multiple resources to one location where people can come to find the services they need. These services include: housing providers, employment specialists, medical care, mental health care, benefits specialists, eye care, haircuts, transportation assistance, food and clothing.

About 2500 participants expected for this event, which means at least 1400 volunteers are needed to make the day successful. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers accompany guests as they make their way through the convention center seeking the services they need. The hospitality provided to each participant makes it a special day for volunteers and the homeless alike.

Before the event, all volunteers attend a 90 minute fun and interesting training program. You will understand the event and what you will be doing very clearly. One of the trainings is at the Ridgedale Library on Dec 2 at 7:00 pm and there are a number of others.

To get more information and to register to volunteer, go to www.homelessconnectminneapolis.org .  This website also has all the training times.