Helping the People of Haiti: Episcopal Relief and Development has already disbursed emergency funding to the Diocese of Haiti to help supply victims with emergency and transition housing, food and clean water for the "medium to long term", according ERD president, Robert Radtke.

Radtke shares, “The ministries of the faith communities, including the Episcopal Church, are the ones that endure. And so when people ask what can they do now -- today -- to help the people of Haiti, the reality is that the most important thing you can do is to give money because money moves quickly."

The logistics of moving material donations into a disaster area at this stage are "very complex and expensive," he said, while money can be used in Haiti to purchase relief supplies when those materials reach the country.

Some people might feel an urgent desire to lend their expertise, but "now is not a good time to consider going to Haiti," Radtke said. "Right now, the U.S. government is trying to evacuate people in Haiti."

To donate to Episcopal Relief and Development's Haiti Fund, visit www.er-d.org or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. Please put "Haiti Fund" in the memo line of all checks.

Barbara Volko, Vestry Person of the Day: Each week a vestry member is assigned as Vestry Person of the Day. This enhancement to our Sunday morning schedule is designed to promote awareness of our lay leaders at both services and to further improve our welcoming embrace.

Parish Bowling: Dust off your bowling shoes and find that gorgeous bowling shirt! Join the parish community at Bowlerama on Rte. 9 in New Castle on Sunday, Jan. 24th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  You do not have to be a great bowler, just be a bowler who wants to have fun. A bowling team consists of four bowlers; so, ask your friends to join in the fun. A sign-up sheet is in the foyer. Please contact Vicki Anthos for more information.

Candlemas Procession & Eucharist commemorating the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 2 at 6:15 pm.  A reception will follow the service.  Please invite a friend and bring your favorite sweet or savory to share.

2010 Lenten Program: This year, Ash Wednesday which begins the season of Lent, falls on February 17th. Lent is a time when people of faith have willingly sought additional spiritual discipline as part of their preparation for Easter. In the spirit of the invitation to keep a holy Lent, I invite you to join us here at Immanuel each Wednesday evening in Lent beginning Feb. 24th. We will be offering a simple supper at 6:30 PM followed by an educational offering. Britta will be coordinating the youth program and I will be coordinating the adult program. We will conclude by 8:00 p.m. each week, ending with Compline. Thank you! Fr. Kim

United Thank Offering: We are collecting donations from all who have given Thank Offerings for the blessings from God throughout the Advent and Christmas season. Please bring your Thank Offering envelopes and boxes in the next two weeks and place it in the collection plates to be offered in thanksgiving for God's blessings and work among us. The Outreach Ministry

Epiphany Paper Drive for Friendship House: During Epiphany, we are again collecting rolls of toilet paper for the many ministries led by Friendship House for homeless people in Wilmington and New Castle County. Last year, we collected 566 rolls of toilet paper! Please put your donations under the foyer table and we will deliver these throughout the next month. Friendship House now uses over 400 rolls of toilet paper a month in the Men's and Women's Day Centers, the Clothing Bank of Delaware, Winter Hospitality, Code Purple Winter Sanctuary, Andrews' Place, the Newark Empowerment Center, and its eight transitional houses for men, women, and women with children. These in-kind donations are critical to helping Friendship House meet the needs of the many homeless folks who are unable to find employment during the recession. The Outreach Ministry

The New Orleans trip this program year will be March 6-13, 2010! The following folks have already signed on as volunteers: Vicki Anthos, Byron Hobson, Ryan Day, Debbie Long, Sophie Day, Ron Pierce, and Eve English. There are eight slots remaining. Come join the fun and hard work for those still in need in Louisiana. Please see me to sign up. Vicki Anthos

I’m Looking for a Few Good Singers – to join Immanuel’s Choir. You don’t need experience. You don’t need prior training. You don’t even need to know how to read music (yet!).

So what’s a “good singer?” The answer is, “anyone who loves to sing, would like to learn to do it better, and can commit to regular attendance.” Even if you’ve never sung in a choir, you’ll have a chance to learn the ropes in the company of people just like you, who love to learn, grow and work together. If you do have previous experience, you’ll be joining a group of dedicated volunteers who are also fun folks to hang out with. Anyone is welcome—and I would be especially happy for a few new men to sing tenor and bass.

Before you say to yourself, “I could never sing in Immanuel’s choir,” first talk to me (or e-mail me, or call me at church). I think you’ll be surprised by what you hear!  Jack Burnam

Calling all Keys: If you have a key to the church that you no longer have a need for, please return it to the office. Thanks!  Fr. Kim

Eucharistic Minister Training: This ministry is a vital part of our Sunday morning service. Our next opportunity for training will be Saturday January 16, 2010 from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. If you are interesting in attending, or would like more information, please speak with Don Hobson or Fr. Kim.

Friendship House Job Readiness Volunteers: Volunteer Opportunities are available for computer literacy tutors, Math & English tutors, Job coaches and Computer Lab monitors. Volunteers do not need to be experts, but must have some experience and competency in basic computer or employment skills. Flexible hours. Time commitment as little as two hours twice monthly. Orientation is provided! Contact: Kathy Graham at (302) 588-7712 or email fhvolunteer.coordinator@verizon.net.

DELAWARE COMMUNION ON-LINE:

            The news page: http://www.dioceseofdelaware.net/news2.html

The Delaware Communion page: http://www.dioceseofdelaware.net/communion.html

IMMANUEL, HIGHLANDS CALENDAR ON-LINE:  http//immanuel-highlands.org

Contact Information for Fr. Kim:         Highlands Voice Deadline:

Church Office: 302-658-7326 x14          4:00 pm each Tuesday for the next week’s issue.

Home Phone: 302-777-5418                   Phillip Stephens, Parish Administrator and Highlands Voice Editor

Cell Phone: 973-945-4293                      Office hours: 8:30 – 1:30, Monday through Friday.

Email: kfcapwell@verizon.net                   Phone: 302-658-7326 x 10

                                                               Email:PStephens@immanuel-highlands.org