Dear Friends in Christ,
The Advent season begins in earnest this coming Sunday, the start of the Church year. At 8 am we will pray the Great Litany. At 10 am we will have a Family Service. Children and parents should gather in the Narthex at 9:50 to carry in the different objects that will help us dress the altar. We'll also have the joy of celebrating with Tim and Barbara Erday as they renew their marriage vows on the day after their fiftieth anniversary!

Please look below for the announcements and the Advent Reflection, especially:

• Adopt-a-Family (Advent)
• Anglican Prayer Beads Workshop (Advent)
• Flower & Music Envelopes (Worship)
• Pageant of the Nativity (Worship)

ADVENT
This Sunday - Make an Advent Table Wreath for your Home, at 11:15 am in the Parish Hall during coffee hour. This is a way that you can keep Advent simply and prayerfully at home, lighting another candle each week as we wait and watch for Christ. We provide greens, forms, candles & ribbons. We’ll also have a card with prayers for lighting the wreath. Cost is $7.

Advent Daily Prayer in Virtual Community will be offered again this year. How does this work?
1. Choose when you want to pray – mornings, evenings, or both. You can use one of the forms of the Daily Office (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, etc.) in the Prayer Book, or Forward Day by Day, or the Advent meditation booklets, or an on-line source (like the Brotherhood of St. Gregory app or Forward Movement).
2. When Mother Vicki begins her prayer time in the morning and evening, she will send out a brief email to the group who is participating, saying “Let us bless the Lord.” When you finish your prayers (at whatever time), respond back to the whole group: “Thanks be to God.”
3. Pick up an Advent Daily Office brochure in the Narthex – which has all the seasonal Scripture readings and Psalms in it, and send an e-mail to allstsmill@hotmail.com with “Advent Prayer” in the subject line to participate. We will start on Dec. 3.
This is a way to stay connected to your fellow parishioners and stay grounded in God during this holy, but too-busy, season.

Adopt-a-Family – this is our annual program to provide gifts to struggling families, as identified by Union County Social Services. We have been asked to provide gift cards to popular stores for  teens and tweens. There is a board in the Narthex with envelopes containing the names of the stores requested.  Please take one and return the cards wrapped and labeled by 12/17. Thank you for helping to make Christmas merrier for these young people. Questions? Speak to Jackie Sullivan.

Advent Calendars, Meditations, and Coloring Books for Advent are available on the table in the Narthex:

• Advent Calendar Poster, Slow Down. Quiet. It’s Advent.
• Advent Meditation Booklets, Joy of Heaven to Earth Come Down
• Antiphon Coloring Books – to go along with the Advent antiphons that we are using in worship this season.

Please take any or all of these to use for your devotions during Advent season.

Advent Workshop: Anglican Prayer Beads, Wed., Dec. 13, 7:30 pm. Prayer Beads are a way of praying by hand – both beautiful and meditative. Sisters Linda Clare and Victoria Michelle from the Community of St. John Baptist will teach us how to make them and pray with them. Each kit costs $5. Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, bring a friend, and enjoy an evening of creativity, fellowship and reflection.

WORSHIP
Flower Envelopes & Music Envelopes for Christmas flowers and decorations, or to contribute to Christmas Eve music when we have guest singers and instrumentalists, will be in the pews and on the table in the Narthex on Sunday. Please make sure you include the name(s) of those you would like remembered or for whom you are giving thanks with your gift. We need that information by 12/18. The envelopes can be put in the offering plate, or dropped off at the Parish Office.

Celtic Worship, Sunday, December 10, 5 pm. Celtic Worship is a Christian service is based on Celtic liturgy. It includes traditional Irish melodies, sung by a soloist, and with music played on traditional Celtic instruments by Jim Hicks & friends. All are welcome for this peaceful, reflective service. Invite your family, friends and neighbors. This service is being held in conjunction with the parishes of St. Bernard's in Bernardsville, and St. Mark's in Mendham. Celtic Worship will be held at the other parishes in the first part of 2018.

Pageant of the Nativity - Sunday, 12/17 at 10 am. All Sunday School children of any age are invited to play a part: angels, shepherds, readers, Mary, Joseph, Magi/Kings, birds and animals. There is one rehearsal, Saturday, Dec. 16 at 9 am. Please send an e-mail to Mother Vicki to let her know your children will participate: allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Community Peace Light Ceremony, Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4:30 pm.
The Peace Light from Bethlehem is an international movement that passes light lit by candle or oil lamp from the eternal flame that burns in the grotto in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Our Peace Light Ceremony is an opportunity to share a commitment to being peace-makers in ourselves, families, community, and the world, in the way of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
The Peace Light is intended to be carried into homes and places of worship, and kept burning through Christmas Day as an expression of peace. We received it on Thursday 11/30 and it is alight in the fireplace in the Rath House. You can see the video our receiving the Peace Light on our parish Facebook page.
Our ceremony will include the story of the Peace Light, songs, readings, and prayers. If you want to take the Peace Light home with you please bring a lantern or candle holder, and a safe way to transport the flame. For more information, go to the home page on our website. Tell a friend and plan to come.

New York Post Article about Sister Monica Clare – this newspaper has interviewed our friend from the Community of St. John Baptist, Sr. Monica Clare. Go here to read the story of her coming to faith and leaving her life in Hollywood to become a member of a religious community: https://nypost.com/2017/11/29/i-left-the-hollywood-life-to-become-a-times-square-nun/

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Bible Study, Wed., Dec. 6 at 10:15 am in the Rath House. In this session we’ll read and discuss 1 Corinthians, chapter 11. You are most welcome to join us!
The Pilgrim study group meets Monday nights at 7 pm in the Rath House. The topic is for this six-week series is the Eucharist.  You are welcome to be part of the group whenever you can.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocesan Website – here’s the link for news and information from our Diocese of Newark: http://dioceseofnewark.org/

PARISH CALENDAR
12/4  Evening Prayer                           Church 6:30 pm
         Pilgrim Discussion Group          Rath House 7:00 pm
12/6  Bible Study                                  Church 10:00 am
12/7 Communion & Healing Prayer Church 7:00 am
        Junior Choir                                  Choir Room 5:15 pm
        Adult Choir                                    Choir Room 7:30 pm
For a full schedule of our buildings check the website calendar www.allsaintsmillington.org.

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Advent Reflection 13 (12/1)
Break forth, O beauteous heav'nly light,
and usher in the morning.
O shepherds, greet that glorious sight,
our Lord a crib adorning.
This child, this little helpless boy,
shall be our confidence and joy,
the pow'r of Satan breaking,
our peace eternal making.
                ~ Hymn #91.
The words to this Christmas hymn were written by Johann Rist in 1641 near Hamburg, Germany. The tune is “Ermuntre dich”, written by Johann Schop in the same year to go with this text. The harmonies were added later by J.S. Bach – so, a thoroughly German Christmas hymn! It is sung here by the Westminster College Choir: https://youtu.be/O4cgm6gM_Qs
The dawn often seems to come slowly, until the sunlight breaks through with beauty that can be breath-taking.What awareness of God, or goodness, or blessing do you see or sense dawning?

Advent blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
A very happy and reflective Thanksgiving to you and those you love. May it be filled with gratitude, and a plenteousness of love. Here is this week’s e-letter. Take a look at the announcements below, especially these highlights.

• Food Pantry Distribution (Helping Hands)
• Anglican Prayer Beads Workshop (Advent)
• Parish Office Closed Thursday & Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday
• 2018 Pledge (Stewardship)

+ + + + + + +
WORSHIP
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov. 23 at 10 am.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a simple, intimate service of Communion and Hymns. Put the turkey in the oven and then come and give thanks to God!

Flower Envelopes & Music Envelopes for Christmas flowers and decorations, or to contribute to Christmas Eve music when we have guest singers and instrumentalists, will be in the pews and on the table in the Narthex on Sunday. Please make sure you include the name (s) of those you would like remembered or for whom you are giving thanks with your gift. We need that information by 12/18. The envelopes can be put in the offering plate, or dropped off at the Parish Office.

Save the Date: Pageant of the Nativity – Sunday, 12/17 at 10 am. All Sunday School children of any age are invited to play a part: angels, shepherds, readers, Mary, Joseph, Magi/Kings, birds and animals. There is one rehearsal at 9 am on 12/16.

Celtic Worship: Sunday, 12/10 at 5 pm.  All Saints’ is hosting this service in partnership with St. Bernard’s in Bernardsville, and St. Mark’s in Mendham. It includes traditional melodies, sung by soloist, and with music played on traditional Celtic instruments by Jim Hicks & friends. Jim is both an organist and a Celtic musician. All are welcome for this ecumenical service of music, readings, and prayers.  Invite family, friends and neighbors for a time of reflection.

HELPING HANDS
12 Baskets Food Pantry News - our next walk-in distribution day will be Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 am-1 pm in the Parish Hall. Produce, dairy, baked goods, and shelf-stable foods are available. No appointment necessary; a valid driver’s license or state ID card showing a current address are the only documentation necessary. Please share this information with anyone who can benefit from it.

STEWARDSHIP
Pledge Card Reminder – Thank you to everyone who has returned a pledge card for the coming year. if you haven’t yet sent in your pledge commitment for 2018, please do so as soon as possible. We count on everyone in our community to give thanks to God and support the work of our parish mission through your prayerful offering of time, talent, and treasure.

ADVENT
Free Coffee and Drive-Through Prayer on Wednesday mornings during Advent – to help our neighbors get through the “holiday hustle.” Our Going Local Guiding Team will be offering coffee and a brief prayer (and prayer card) in the front driveway of the church from 7:30-9:00 am for drivers, bikers and walkers. If you would like to volunteer for this experiment of prayer and hospitality, or just want to know more, speak to members of the Guiding Team – Hugh Wallace, Afsaneh Thursfield, or Jane Hayden.

‘O Antiphon’ Coloring Books, Advent Calendar Posters, & Advent Meditation Booklets ‘Joy of Heaven to Earth Come Down’ are available in the Narthex. Please take one to use for your devotions during Advent season.
 
Advent Daily Prayer in Virtual Community will be offered again this year. How does this work?
1. Choose when you want to pray – mornings, evenings, or both. You can use one of the forms of the Daily Office (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, etc.) in the Prayer Book, or Forward Day by Day, or the Advent meditation booklets, or an on-line source (like the Brotherhood of St. Gregory app or Forward Movement).
2. When Mother Vicki begins her prayer time in the morning and evening, she will send out a brief email to the group who is participating, saying “Let us bless the Lord.” When you finish your prayers (at whatever time), respond back to the whole group: “Thanks be to God.”
3. Pick up an Advent Daily Office brochure in the Narthex – which has all the seasonal Scripture readings and Psalms in it, and sign up on the sheet or send Vicki an e-mail to participate. We will start on Dec. 3.
This is a way to stay connected to your fellow parishioners and stay grounded in God during this holy, but too-busy, season.

Make an Advent Table Wreath for your Home –Sunday, 12/3 at 11:15 am in the Parish Hall. This is a way that you can keep Advent simply and prayerfully at home, lighting another candle each week as we wait and watch for Christ. We provide greens, forms, candles & ribbons. We’ll also have a card with prayers for lighting the wreath. Cost is $7. Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

Advent Workshop: Anglican Prayer Beads, Wed., Dec. 13, 7:30 pm. Prayer Beads are a way of praying by hand – both beautiful and meditative. Sisters Linda Clare and Victoria Michelle from the Community of St. John Baptist will teach us how to make them and pray with them. Each kit costs $5. Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, bring a friend, and enjoy an evening of creativity, fellowship and reflection.

Welcome the Peace Light from Bethlehem at a Peace Light Ceremony - Sunday, December 17 at 4:30 pm in the Church.
The Peace Light is a continuous flame from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the place of Jesus’ birth. The flame, along with a message of peace and brotherhood, is passed each year from person to person around the world. It will be received by a number of different Scout groups and church groups at JFK airport on Saturday, November 25 when it arrives from Bethlehem. The Peace Light will be passed to us some time in the first week of Advent. We will distribute it at the Peace Light ceremony. Those who wish to take it home may choose to keep the flame going through Christmas, the New Year, or even the Feast 9f the Epiphany! We will also use the Peace Light to light our congregational candles on Christmas Eve.

The ceremony is open to all and will include the story of the Peace Light, songs, readings, and prayers.  Those who choose to take the flame home with them should bring a candle or lantern and a means to safely transport it.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Bible Study meets Wed., Nov. 29 at 10:15 am in the Rath House. We are reading through 1 Corinthians in the New Testament. In this session we’ll discuss the end of Chapter 10 and Chapter 11. It’s always a fun and lively time. You are most welcome to join us!

The Pilgrim study group meets Monday nights at 7 pm in the Rath House. The topic is for this six-week series is the Eucharist.  You are welcome to be part of the group whenever you can.

FUN & FRIENDSHIP
Mah Jonhgg, Anyone? Mahjongg is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation and involves a degree of chance, akin to rummy, that originated in China. Kathy Pfeil is offering beginning lessons (a series of three) to All Saints’ folk for a small fee. A group would gather at a mutually convenient time: week days, week nights, or weekends – and could grow into monthly or weekly games. You will need to purchase outdated American Mah Jongg cards (2017-2017) to learn on. They can be found at the National Mah Jongg League here: https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx#
Please e-mail or phone Kathy with comments or questions, including preferred times and days for meeting – 908-350-8012 or kathypiff@gmail.com.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocesan Website – here’s the link for news and information from our Diocese of Newark: http://dioceseofnewark.org/

PARISH CALENDAR
11/23 Thanksgiving Worship           Church 10:00 am
11/25 Food Distribution                       Parish Hall 9 am–1 pm 
11/27 Evening Prayer                          Church 6:30 pm
          Pilgrim Discussion Group          Rath House 7:00 pm
11/29 Bible Study                                Church 10:00 am
11/30 Communion & Healing Prayer   Church 7:00 am
          Junior Choir                               Choir Room 5:15 pm
          Adult Choir                                 Choir Room 7:30 pm
The Parish Office is closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.    
For a full schedule of our buildings check the website calendar www.allsaintsmillington.org.

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Advent Reflection 5 (11/23)
1 Of the Father’s love begotten
ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega;
He the source, the ending He,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see
evermore and evermore!

2 O that birth forever blessed,
when a virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bore the Savior of our race;
and the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore!

3 O ye heights of heaven adore Him,
angel hosts, His praises sing,
pow'ers, dominions, bow before Him,
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev'ery voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore!

4 Christ, to Thee with God the Father
and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
and unwearied praises be:
honor, glory, and dominion,
and eternal victory
evermore and evermore!
~ Hymn # 82 (Aurelius, Clemens Prudentius, 348-410; trans. J.M. Neale).

The tune comes from plainsong (Gregorian chant). The name of the tune is Divinum Mysterium (Divine Mystery) and it’s from the 12th or 13th century. This is a link to a choral setting of the hymn which also uses handbells, from a Lutheran choir in Minnesota: https://youtu.be/hqHZeZtRYv4

To call Christ the Alpha and Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet) is to say that he is the beginning and the end of all things – both the agent of Creation, and the fulfillment of it. What do you long to have come to fulfillment, for yourself, your family, or the world?

Advent blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
Here is this week’s e-letter. Take a look at the announcements below, especially these highlights.

• Pre-Advent Begins (Advent)
• Neighborhood Thanksgiving Service (Worship)
• Ann Golden Honoree, Good Scout Award Dinner (Around the Neighborhood)
• Food Pantry News (Helping Hands)
• O Antiphons (Christian Practices)
• Anglican Prayer Beads Workshop (Advent)
• Parish Office Closed Thursday & Friday

+ + + + + + +
WORSHIP
Thanksgiving ​Worship, Two Opportunities this Year:
Neighborhood Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, Nov. 19 at 4 pm - The service is sponsored jointly by the Christian Community of Long Hill and All Saints’. It will include readings, hymns, prayers and music in the Thanksgiving tradition. The public - members of all faiths and no particular faith - is invited to gather with neighbors, friends, and family to give thanks to God for all our blessings, and to celebrate the holiday with a spirit of gratitude and generosity.
 and
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov. 23 at 10 am.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a simple, intimate service of Communion and Hymns. Put the turkey in the oven and then come and give thanks to God!

ADVENT
This Sunday we begin our pre-Advent Sundays. we’ll use the Advent colors, move to Advent service music and Prayers of the People, and include one Advent hymn. The Advent Wreath, and greens on the altar will wait until the start of Advent Season proper (12/3). December in our culture is so full of Christmas preparations that we have little space to keep the Advent themes of judgment, preparation for Christ’s Second Coming, and hope for a renewed Creation in the Age to Come; all as important as preparing for the Holy Child. Our hope is that we will have time to be more reflective and prayerful during this spiritually rich and important season.  

Free Coffee and Drive-Through Prayer on Wednesday mornings during Advent – to help our neighbors get through the “holiday hustle.” Our Going Local Guiding Team will be offering coffee and a brief prayer (and prayer card) in the front driveway of the church from 7:30-9:00 am for drivers, bikers and walkers. If you would like to volunteer for this experiment of prayer and hospitality, or just want to know more, speak to members of the Guiding Team – Hugh Wallace, Afsaneh Thursfield, or Jane Hayden.
‘O Antiphon’ Coloring Books, Advent Calendar Posters, & Advent Meditation Booklets ‘Joy of Heaven to Earth Come Down’ are available in the Narthex. Please take one to use for your devotions during Advent season.
 
Advent Daily Prayer in Virtual Community will be offered again this year. How does this work?
1. Choose when you want to pray – mornings, evenings, or both. You can use one of the forms of the Daily Office (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, etc.) in the Prayer Book, or Forward Day by Day, or the Advent meditation booklets, or an on-line source (like the Brotherhood of St. Gregory app or Forward Movement).
2. When Mother Vicki begins her prayer time in the morning and evening, she will send out a brief email to the group who is participating, saying “Let us bless the Lord.” When you finish your prayers (at whatever time), respond back to the whole group: “Thanks be to God.”
3. Pick up an Advent Daily Office brochure in the Narthex – which has all the seasonal Scripture readings and Psalms in it, and sign up on the sheet or send Vicki an e-mail to participate. We will start on Dec. 3.
This is a way to stay connected to your fellow parishioners and stay grounded in God during this holy, but too-busy, season.

Advent Workshop: Anglican Prayer Beads, Wed., Dec. 13, 7:30 pm. Prayer Beads are a way of praying by hand – both beautiful and meditative. Sisters Linda Clare and Victoria Michelle from the Community of St. John Baptist will teach us how to make them and pray with them. Each kit costs $5. Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, bring a friend, and enjoy an evening of creativity, fellowship and reflection.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
No Bible Study this Wed., Nov. 22. We’ll resume the following week on 11/29.

The Pilgrim study group meets Monday nights at 7 pm in the Rath House. The topic is for this six-week series is the Eucharist.  You are welcome to be part of the group whenever you can.

PARISH COMMUNICATIONS
Parish Photos Wanted!  We always need and welcome photos of All Saints’ events, people, and services throughout the year. They don’t have to be fancy or posed. Candids on your phone camera are great! You can e-mail them to the general address above and/or post them to the parish Facebook page.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Ann Golden to be honored at Good Scout Awards Dinner, Nov. 29.  This Boy Scout Council dinner honors volunteers in our local community while raising funds for the Scouting program. One of this year’s honorees is Ann Golden – our neighbor, Charlie White’s guardian, and a BSA Troop 56 mother and grandmother. We are all invited. Flyers are available on the table in the Narthex. If you are interested in going, please speak to Mother Vicki and we will try to put together an All Saints’ table.

HELPING HANDS
12 Baskets Food Pantry News - our next walk-in distribution day will be Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 am-1 pm in the Parish Hall. Produce, dairy, baked goods, and shelf-stable foods are available. No appointment necessary; a valid driver’s license or state ID card showing a current address are the only documentation necessary. Please share this information with anyone who can benefit from it. Want to help on the day? Speak to Jane Hayden or Afsaneh Thursfield.

Winter Soup is available to take home after Church on Sundays during coffee hour ($5 quart/$3 pint – frozen; please return the containers). It is also available to take to sick or shut-in parishioners. This week’s offering is Vegetarian Tomato with Hearty Grains.

STEWARDSHIP
Pledge Card Reminder – if you haven’t yet sent in your pledge commitment for 2018, please do so as soon as possible. We count on everyone in our community to give thanks to God and support the work of our parish mission through your prayerful offering of time, talent, and treasure

FUN & FRIENDSHIP
Mah Jonhgg, Anyone? Mahjongg is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation and involves a degree of chance, akin to rummy, that originated in China. Kathy Pfeil is offering beginning lessons (a series of three) to All Saints’ folk for a small fee. A group would gather at a mutually convenient time: week days, week nights, or weekends – and could grow into monthly or weekly games. You will need to purchase outdated American Mah Jongg cards (2017-2017) to learn on. They can be found at the National Mah Jongg League here: https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx#
Please e-mail or phone Kathy with comments or questions, including preferred times and days for meeting – 908-350-8012 or kathypiff@gmail.com.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocesan Website – here’s the link for news and information from our Diocese of Newark: http://dioceseofnewark.org/

PARISH CALENDAR
11/20 Evening Prayer                       Church 6:30 pm
          Pilgrim Discussion Group       Rath House 7:00 pm
11/21 Vestry                                      Rath House 7:30 pm
11/23 Thanksgiving Worship         Church 10:00 am
11/25 Food Distribution                    Parish Hall, 9 am–1 pm 
The Parish Office is closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.    
For a full schedule of our buildings check the website calendar www.allsaintsmillington.org.

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
The Great ‘O’ Antiphons are a series of brief sung chants that are traditionally used in the last week of Advent before and after the singing of the Magnificat (Mary’s Song) at Vespers or Evensong. The words of each chant are based on titles for Christ that come from the prophet Isaiah in reference to the Messiah; the chants were originally in Latin: O Wisdom (O Sapientia), O Lord (O Adonai), O Root of Jesse (O Radix Jesse), O Key of David (O Clavis David), O Dayspring (O Oriens), O King of Nations (O Rex Gentium), O God-with-us (O Emmanuel). They are the basis for the Advent hymn (#56) “O come, O come, Emmanuel.”

This year we will pray and worship with these chants in a number of ways. The bulletin cover artwork, as well as posters on the church walls, will use the symbols of the antiphons. At 8 am the spoken introit will be a verse from Hymn 56, and at 10 am the choir will sing the appropriate antiphon as a response to the Gospel reading. There are copies of an O Antiphon coloring book in the Narthex for your meditation Finally, the Advent reflections will be organized loosely around the themes of these antiphons each week, illustrated by an Advent or Christmas hymn each day. There are 24 Advent hymns in the hymnal, and 40 Christmas hymns. A few of these are two different tunes set to the same set of words. There are also seasonal hymns in some of our other music sources (Wonder, Love, and Praise; Lift Every Voice and Sing; My Heart Sings Out) so we won’t be able to cover all of them! But I hope this gives you the opportunity to reflect on some of these different themes, poetry, and music (even if there are some hymns unfamiliar to you) related to the Coming of Christ.

Advent Reflection 1 (11/19)
Wisdom - Here is the text for the first antiphon:
“O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,
reaching from one end to the other,
mightily and sweetly ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.”
Here is the chant, sung in Latin: https://youtu.be/S6zaiZxJIpU   
 Where do you see God’s Wisdom at work in the world, or in your family or neighborhood? How does God order or organize your life? In what way do you need to learn the way of prudence?
+ + + + + + +
And for Thanksgiving…a recording of the 19th century Gospel song, “Bringing in the Sheaves” by the Mountain Singers’ Male Quartet (recorded in 1929): https://youtu.be/rbngTEmnxAo

Blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
This Sunday, November 12 at both 8 and 10 am, we will bless the Pledge Cards that have been received for the mission of ministry of Christ’s work in and through All Saints’ for 2018. You may put your pledge card in the offering plate if you haven’t already sent it in. If you still need a card, pledge packets with a card and information are in the Narthex. You may return your card to the office via US mail or the mail slot in the Rath House door. Your participation and support of our parish are very important. Thank you for your prayerful consideration as we work together to make our mission of following Jesus in our community and in our surrounding communities a reality.
Here is this week’s e-letter. Take a look at the announcements below, especially these highlights.

• Pledge Cards (Stewardship)
• Neighborhood Thanksgiving Service (Worship)
• Ann Golden Honoree, Good Scout Award Dinner (Around the Neighborhood)
• Food Pantry News (Helping Hands)
• Prayer for Veterans' Day (Christian Practices)

+ + + + + + +
WORSHIP
Thanksgiving ​Worship, Two Opportunities this Year:
Neighborhood Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, Nov. 19 at 4 pm - The service is sponsored jointly by the Christian Community of Long Hill and All Saints’. It will include readings, hymns, prayers and music in the Thanksgiving tradition. The public - members of all faiths and no particular faith - is invited to gather with neighbors, friends, and family to give thanks to God for all our blessings, and to celebrate the holiday with a spirit of gratitude and generosity.
 and
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov. 23 at 10 am.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a simple, intimate service of Communion and Hymns. Put the turkey in the oven and then come and give thanks to God!

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
The Pilgrim study group meets Monday nights at 7 pm in the Rath House. The topic is for this six-week series is the Eucharist. This course is designed to help Christians who are new in their faith, as well as those with long experience, learn more about following and growing in Christ. If you are interested, please speak to Mother Vicki or email her at allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.
Bible Study meets on Wed., Nov. 11 at 10:15 in the Rath House. We’ll be discussing 1 Corinthians, chapter 10. You are welcome to join us whenever you can; no experience needed!

PARISH COMMUNICATIONS
Parish Photos Wanted!  We always need and welcome photos of All Saints’ events, people, and services throughout the year. They don’t have to be fancy or posed. Candids on your phone camera are great! You can e-mail them to the general address above and/or post them to the parish Facebook page.

E-mail Address Reminder: some of our e-mail addresses changed in July, due to a change in Verizon.
Parish Administrator Susie Harris’ address is
   allsaints_church@hotmail.com.
Mother Vicki’s address is
   allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.    
The general parish address remains   
   allstsmill@hotmail.com.
Please adjust your address books. Thanks!
 
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Ann Golden to be honored at Good Scout Awards Dinner, Nov. 29.  This Boy Scout Council dinner honors volunteers in our local community while raising funds for the Scouting program. One of this year’s honorees is Ann Golden – our neighbor, Charlie White’s guardian, and a BSA Troop 56 mother and grandmother. We are all invited. Flyers are available on the table in the Narthex. If you are interested in going, please speak to Mother Vicki and we will try to put together an All Saints’ table.

HELPING HANDS
12 Baskets Food Pantry News - Last month we held our first walk-in food distribution for the community. We served six families with eggs, vegetables, bacon, and non-perishables on that day, and have assisted them all at least once since then. We have also continued to distribute food to seniors on fixed incomes at the LH Senior Center, to Vets in Lyons and at the VA retreats at Trinity House in Stirling, and to St. John’s, Dover. Because we have a refrigerator and now have formal open hours once a month, we are eligible to receive free dairy and produce from the Community Food Bank of NJ, along with the shelf-stable foods we purchase from them. Our next open distribution day will be Sat., Nov. 25, 9 am-1 pm in the Parish Hall. This week’s order of 800 lbs of food cost $46! Your contributions to the food pantry ministry make all this possible. Thank you!
Winter Soup is now available to take home after Church on Sundays during coffee hour ($5 quart/$3 pint – frozen; please return the containers). It is also available to take to sick or shut-in parishioners. The current offering is turkey rice, and two kinds of applesauce.

EXPANDED ADVENT
Last year we experimented with celebrating the last two Sundays after Pentecost as the Second and First Sundays before Advent. Why? December in our culture is so full of Christmas preparations that we have little space to keep the Advent themes of judgment, preparation for Christ’s Second Coming, and hope for a renewed Creation in the Age to Come; all as important as preparing for the Holy Child. This also connects with the ancient Celtic Christian practice of Advent as a seven-week season that a number of different churches are moving towards recovering.

What does this look like? On 11/19 we’ll use the Advent colors, move to Advent service music and Prayers of the People, and include one Advent hymn. The Advent Wreath and greens on the altar will wait until the start of Advent Season proper (12/3).
Our hope is that we will have time to be more reflective and prayerful during this spiritually rich and important season, knowing that Christ comes to us as the Lord of Creation at his Second Coming, as well as the Baby in the Manger.

FUN & FRIENDSHIP
Mah Jonhgg, Anyone? Mahjongg is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation and involves a degree of chance, akin to rummy, that originated in China. Kathy Pfeil is offering beginning lessons (a series of three) to All Saints’ folk for a small fee. A group would gather at a mutually convenient time: week days, week nights, or weekends – and could grow into monthly or weekly games. You will need to purchase outdated American Mah Jongg cards (2017-2017) to learn on. They can be found at the National Mah Jongg League here: https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx#
Please e-mail or phone Kathy with comments or questions, including preferred times and days for meeting – 908-350-8012 or kathypiff@gmail.com.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocesan Website – here’s the link for news and information from our Diocese of Newark: http://dioceseofnewark.org/

PARISH CALENDAR
11/13 Evening Prayer                      Church 6:30 pm
          Pilgrim Discussion Group      Rath House 7:00 pm
11/14 Finance Committee               Rath House 7:30 pm
11/15 Bible Study                            Rath House 10:15 am
11/16 Communion, Healing Prayer Church, 7:00 am     
         Junior Choir                            Choir Room 5:30 pm
         Adult Choir                             Choir Room 7:30 pm
For a full schedule of our buildings check the website calendar www.allsaintsmillington.org.

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Apostles’ Shields
Around the walls of All Saints’ Church are twelve shields with the symbols of each of the Twelve Apostles on them – Jesus’ inner circle during his earthly ministry, and those who became the leaders and prime Gospel-message bearers of the New Testament Church. Take a look at the two pictures at the end of this post for a description of each symbol. To learn more about each Apostle, you can look them up by name on Wikipedia, or go to the online version of Holy Women, Holy Men and search for a brief biography of each one (and lots of other Saints, capital “S” and small “s”!): http://www.diobeth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/HolyWomenHolyMen-1.pdf

Question for Refection: What kind of artwork draws you closest to God? Something realistic, like a photo? A painting a Biblical scene in traditional Biblical clothing? A Biblical topic interpreted in a contemporary way? A more free-form photo, collage, sculpture, or painting? If you were to draw, paint, make a photo of God, what would it look like?
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Many of you know that All Saints’ parishioner Randy Gaulke has been in France for the last six months, giving tours of the World War I battlefields in this centennial time of that conflict. Here is a link to Randy’s website: http://meuse-argonne.com/.  His work has helped to bring understanding, comfort, and closure to families looking for information about loved ones who served and died, as well as a greater understanding of the Meuse-Argonne offensive that involved so many American troops: 1.2 million, with an estimated 110,000 thousand casualties (more than 2,300 casualties per day). In our prayers this Veterans’ Day (originally Armistice Day, remembering the cessation of hostilities on November 11, 1918), please remember especially all those who served and died in that conflict.

A Prayer for Veteran’s Day
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be, remembering always those who have given their lives in the service of our country and in the cause of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ Book of Common Prayer, page 823 (edt'd.)

Blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
This Sunday is our Parish Feast Day – All Saints’ Sunday! The information about the services is below. There will be a Family Service at 10 am. As we did in October, we are asking families with children to participate in the opening part of the service, carrying in some of the different objects and elements that we will need for our worship. Kids and parents should meet Mother Vicki in the Narthex at 9:50 am. After dressing the altar, they will return to their seats.

Time Change this Weekend!
Remember to set your clocks back before you go to bed this Saturday, Nov. 4, and get the extra hour's sleep!

And there are two parish life news items.

• Former parishioners Ann and Ted Bird are in the area visiting the Thursfield family and will be at Church at the 10 am service this Sunday. They’d love to see friends and parishioners.
• We have received word that former parishioner Bea Felsheim has died at the age of 95. For quite a number of years Bea was our Thursday morning office volunteer, folding our Sunday bulletins. Eventually she moved to Meadow Lakes in Hightstown, NJ. A sweet and faithful woman, may she rest in the peace of Christ and rise in the glory of God. A link to her obituary is here: http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?n=beatrice-felsheim&pid=187058978&fhid=21851.

Here is this week’s e-letter. Take a look at the announcements below, especially these highlights.

• Pledge Cards (Stewardship)
• All Saints’ Sunday Services (Worship)
• Staff E-mail Addresses (Parish Communications)
• Family Promise Update (Helping Hands)

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WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY: All Saints’ Sunday, our Parish Feast Day!
8 am – the Chanting of the Necrology (names of those who have died), Renewal of Baptismal Vows, Birthday & Anniversary Prayers, and Holy Eucharist.
10 am – Family Worship, Renewal of Baptismal Vows (come and get wet!), Birthday & Anniversary Prayers, Communion. Come and be renewed in your spirit and commitment to Christ, and to All Saints’ Church.

Thanksgiving ​Worship, Two Opportunities this Year:
Neighborhood Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, Nov. 19 at 4 pm. Readings, prayers, Thanksgiving hymns, a chance to gather with our friends from the Christian Community, neighbors, and friends to give thanks to God for all the blessings of this life.
and
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov. 23 at 10 am.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a simple, intimate service of Communion and Hymns. Put the turkey in the oven and then come and give thanks to God!

STEWARDSHIP
Pledge Cards for the coming year, 2018, have been mailed out. The packet includes a letter, a pledge card, and some information about All Saints’ mission, ministry, and finances. Your participation and support of our parish are very important. Please return your pledge card by Nov. 5. Thank you for your prayerful consideration as we work together to make our mission of following Jesus in our community and in our surrounding communities a reality.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
The new installment of the Pilgrim study group begins Monday night – Nov., 6 at 7 pm in the Rath House. The topic is The Eucharist. This course is designed to help Christians who are new in their faith, as well as those with long experience, learn more about following and growing in Christ. If you are interested, please speak to Mother Vicki or email her at allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.

Bible Study meets on Wed., Nov. 11 at 10:15 in the Rath House. We’ll be discussing 1 Corinthians, chapter 9. You are always welcome to join us whenever you can.

PARISH COMMUNICATIONS
Parish Photos Wanted!  We always need and welcome photos of All Saints’ events, people, and services throughout the year. They don’t have to be fancy or posed. Candids on your phone camera are great! You can e-mail them to the general address above and/or post them to the parish Facebook page.

E-mail Address Reminder: some of our e-mail addresses changed in July, due to a change in Verizon.
Parish Administrator Susie Harris’ address is
   allsaints_church@hotmail.com.
Mother Vicki’s address is
   allsaints_rector@hotmail.com.    
The general parish address remains   
   allstsmill@hotmail.com.
Please adjust your address books. Thanks!
 
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Ann Golden to be honored at Good Scout Awards Dinner, Nov. 29.  This Boy Scout Council dinner honors volunteers in our local community while raising funds for the Scouting program. One of this year’s honorees is Ann Golden – our neighbor, Charlie White’s guardian, and a BSA Troop 56 mother and grandmother. We are all invited. Flyers are available on the table in the Narthex. If you are interested in going, please speak to Mother Vicki and we will try to put together an All Saints’ table.

HELPING HANDS
Family Promise Homeless Shelter Report - I just wanted to share my gratitude (and pride) with everyone. THANK YOU to all who contributed, or wanted to contribute, to the guests of Family Promise on Monday.  They were extremely happy with the food - it was delicious - the variety, and of course, the hospitality.
 
I had a 2018 planning meeting there last night and I am blessed to say that the guests were not just guests anymore, they are friends.  The families all are appreciative and grateful for our involvement and had nothing but warm things to say.
 
So thank you for sharing your time and hearts, and if I haven't said it enough, it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of such a proactive and caring congregation. Team Saints strikes again!!!! Mark your calendars for January, March and December of 2018... (our next opportunities to be of service). With love, Afsaneh Thursfield.

Winter Soup is now available to take home after Church on Sundays during coffee hour ($5 quart/$3 pint – frozen; please return the containers). It is also available to take to sick or shut-in parishioners. The current offering is turkey rice, and two kinds of applesauce.

FUN & FUNDRAISERS
Thanks to everyone who came and helped out with last week’s Fish & Chips. We had a great time, welcomed our neighbors and friends, and raised some funds for All Saints’. Great job, everyone!

MAH JONGG, ANYONE?
Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation and involves a degree of chance, akin to rummy, that originated in China. It offers mental stimulation, camaraderie, and fun. Kathy Pfeil is offering beginning lessons (a series of three) to All Saints’ folk for a small fee. A group would gather at a mutually convenient time: week days, week nights, or weekends – and could grow into monthly or weekly games. You will need to purchase outdated American Mah Jongg cards (2017-2017) to learn on. They can be found at the National Mah Jongg League here: https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/store.aspx#
Please e-mail or phone Kathy with comments or questions, including preferred times and days for meeting – 908-350-8012 or kathypiff@gmail.com.

EXPANDED ADVENT
Last year we experimented with celebrating the last two Sundays after Pentecost as the Second and First Sundays before Advent. Why? December in our culture is so full of Christmas preparations that we have little space to keep the Advent themes of judgment, preparation for Christ’s Second Coming, and hope for a renewed Creation in the Age to Come; all as important as preparing for the Holy Child. This also connects with the ancient Celtic Christian practice of Advent as a seven-week season that a number of different churches are moving towards recovering.

What does this look like? On 11/19 we’ll use the Advent colors, move to Advent service music and Prayers of the People, and include one Advent hymn. The Advent Wreath and greens on the altar will wait until the start of Advent Season proper (12/3).
Our hope is that we will have time to be more reflective and prayerful during this spiritually rich and important season, knowing that Christ comes to us as the Lord of Creation at his Second Coming, as well as the Baby in the Manger.
 
DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocesan Website – here’s the link for news and information from our Diocese of Newark: http://dioceseofnewark.org/

PARISH CALENDAR
11/6
Evening Prayer                             Church 6:30 pm
Pilgrim Discussion Group           Rath House 7:00 pm
11/8
Bible Study                                    Rath House 10:15 am
11/9
Communion & Healing Prayer Church, 7:00 am                                                                                                   
Small Saints                                 Choir Room 5:15 pm
Junior Choir                                  Choir Room 5:30 pm
Adult Choir                                    Choir Room 7:30 pm
For a full schedule of our buildings check the website calendar www.allsaintsmillington.org.

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Praying with the Communion of Saints
Q. What is the communion of saints?
A. The communion of saints is the whole family of God,
the living and the dead, those whom we love and those
whom we hurt, bound together in Christ by sacrament,
prayer, and praise. ~ The Catechism, Book of Common Prayer, p. 862

Those who have gone before us in the faith - who rest now in the love, grace, and peace of God – not only are at rest from their labors (as the hymn says) but also have a job to do. They pray for us and with us for the good of God’s creation, for the growth and development of God’s people, and for the spread of God’s Kingdom on earth. Some of these saints (holy ones) are people we know – family, friends, and neighbors; some of these are saints we know about by their reputation for faithful living; and some are known to God alone.

By reading, remembering, and telling the stories of the saints (capital “S” or small “s”) we can gain strength, wisdom, and inspiration in our own life of faith., seeing more of Jesus through their eyes and actions.

Question for Refection: Who is a saint who inspires you or whose story you feel drawn to? What is it about their practice of Christian faith that appeals to you or challenges you? Spend time this week meditating on his or her story, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop some of the same characteristics or faith traits that particular saint has: patience, holy boldness, wisdom, generosity, courage, prayerfulness, forgiveness, cheerful good humor, etc. And remember to thank God for the gifts and strengths you already have!

A link to a performance of the hymn “For all the saints.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_UvXe-of-s

Blessings, Vicki+