Dear Friends in Christ,

Merry Christmas to you…as we continue to celebrate the Christmas season on this, the sixth day of Christmas; we are half-way through! I hope your celebration of the birth of Christ, God incarnate has been full of blessings and joy.  This coming Sunday is New Year’s Day – but even more than that, it is the Feast of the Holy Name, the day we remember Jesus was formally given his name at eight days old.  We’ll have one service at 10 am (no 8 am), and the sermon will be family-friendly.  It’s a good way to start the New Year.  Hope you can come, and stay for refreshments in the Narthex afterwards.
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Epiphany Service, January 6, 5:30 pm – Come and greet our Three Kings as we celebrate their arrival in Bethlehem.  This is a casual, intergenerational service for all ages.  See you there! Followed by: Epiphany Soup and Sandwich Supper, Friday, January 6th at 6 pm.  This is a wonderful, low-key event for all ages to celebrate the end of the Christmas season, with a King Cake and a piñata for the children.  This year because of our kitchen being out of commission we are asking for donations of soup (either store bought or home-made) in crock pots that can be plugged in the Parish Hall.  The cost for this event is $5 per person; maximum of $20 per household; children under age 3 are free.  Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

 Are you an artist?  Do you appreciate and enjoy the visual arts?  All Saints’ is gathering a group of people to explore the role of visual arts in our church and in our wider community.  If you’d like to be part of the conversation, please speak to Nancy Mink, Mother Vicki or contact the parish office – 908-647-0067, allstsmill@hotmail.com.

 College Students are invited for a brunch/lunch outing on Sunday, January 8.  Reconnect with fellow All Saints’ folks before your new semester starts.  We’ll meet in the Parish Hall at 11:30 am and then go to a local diner.  RSVP to Mother Vicki at allstsmill@hotmail.com or text (973) 886-4119.  Hope to see you then!

 The Bible Study group resumes this Wednesday, January 4 from 10:15-11:30 am (after the 9:30 service) in the Narthex.  What do we do in Bible study?  We read together, ask questions, laugh a lot, disagree, learn some new things, share our opinions and experiences, and remain open to what God wants to teach us and how we might grow in faith and life.  No prior Bible study experience or knowledge is needed! Questions?  Speak to Joyce Kulzer or Mother Vicki.

Curious about the Episcopal Church – what it stands for, how it expresses Christian faith, its history and organization?  Interested in being confirmed or formally received into the Church from another Christian tradition?  Been a member of All Saints’ for a long time and want to refresh what you know about your faith?  You are invited to be part of the Inquirer’s Class for adults that will be starting in February.  Please speak to one of the clergy if you would like to know more.

Community of St. John Baptist Epiphany Party – the Sisters of CSJB invite all of you to their annual Epiphany party at the Convent in Mendham on Sunday, January 8 at 7:30 pm.  Bring a dessert to share and your singing voice (and listening ears) for fun, fellowship and carol singing!

Save the date for Bunco!  January 20, 2012! Gather a table of four, eight, twelve…and plan to come for a fun evening.

 As the Vestry is preparing the parish budget for 2012 we are still hoping that more parishioners will make a pledge of financial support for All Saints’ for the coming year.  If you need more information or need another pledge card, materials are in the Narthex or you can speak to Mother Vicki.  We are grateful for everyone’s support and depend upon it, at whatever level of commitment you are able to make.  Thank you.

Annual Parish Meeting will be Sunday, January 22 after the 10 am service in the Parish House.  Plan to be a part of this important event in your parish. Babysitting will be available.
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The following hymn is fitting for the Feast of the Holy Name, and a favorite of mine.  It was the processional hymn at my ordination.  The tune is “King’s Weston,” a great stirring hymn tune by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.  I offer it to you for your meditation. ~ VGM+

At The Name of Jesus (Hymn 435)
At the Name of Jesus
every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess him
King of glory now;
'tis the Father's pleasure
we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning
was the mighty Word.

Humbled for a season,
to receive a Name
from the lips of sinners
unto whom he came,
faithfully he bore it
spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious,
when from death he passed;

bore it up triumphant
with its human light,
through all ranks of creatures,
to the central height,
to the throne of Godhead,
to the Father's breast;
filled it with the glory
of that perfect rest.

Name him, Christians, name him,
with love as strong as death,
name with awe and wonder
and with bated breath:
he is God the Saviour,
he is Christ the Lord,
ever to be worshipped,
trusted, and adored.

In your hearts enthrone him;
there let him subdue
all that is not holy,
all that is not true:
crown him as your Captain
in temptation's hour;
let his will enfold you
in its light and power.

Christians, this Lord Jesus
shall return again,
with his Father's glory,
o’er the earth to reign;
for all wreaths of empire
meet upon his brow,
and our hearts confess him
King of glory now.
        -  Caroline Maria Noel, 1817-1877
Blessings,
Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,

In these last days before our Christmas celebrations, I wish each of you and those you love a care for a blessed and happy Christmas, and a New Year full of joy and hope.  Our Christmas services are as follows:

Christmas Eve
4:30 pm Family Service with Children’s Procession to the Créche
10:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Concert for your meditation and pleasure
10:30 pm Midnight Mass
Christmas Day
10:00 am Carols and Communion

Where ever you are this Christmas, take time to worship with others, as well celebrate the mystery of God-with-us.
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January 1, New Year’s Day is a Sunday this year, and it is a special day in the Church year, the Feast of the Holy Name.  We will have one service at 10 am with music and intergenerational worship.  Please come and start the New Year out right as we celebrate the Name of Jesus.

Request for a Ride to Doctor – Please check the All Saints’ Care Circle website.  There’s been a parishioner request for a ride to the doctor in early January.  It is an important appointment.  Please respond if you can help out!

 Epiphany Service, January 6, 5:30 pm – Come and greet our Three Kings as we celebrate their arrival in Bethlehem.  This is a casual, intergenerational service for all ages.  See you there! Followed by: Epiphany Soup and Sandwich Supper, Friday, January 6th at 6 pm.  This is a wonderful, low-key event for all ages to celebrate the end of the Christmas season, with a King Cake and a piñata for the children.  This year because of our kitchen being out of commission we are asking for donations of soup (either store bought or home-made) in crock pots that can be plugged in the Parish Hall.  The cost for this event is $5 per person; maximum of $20 per household; children under age 3 are free.  Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

Thank you to all who helped decorate the church for Christmas (and hang the HUGE wreath on the church!); sort the entire contents of the Parish House lower level; and collaborate to create a very special Nativity Pageant.  Your generous giving of time and talents makes All Saints’ a very special place!

Are you an artist?  Do you appreciate and enjoy the visual arts?  All Saints’ is gathering a group of people to explore the role of visual arts in our church and in our wider community.  If you’d like to be part of the conversation, please speak to Nancy Mink, Mother Vicki or contact the parish office – 908-647-0067, allstsmill@hotmail.com.

College Students are invited for a brunch/lunch outing on Sunday, January 8.  Reconnect with fellow All Saints’ folks before your new semester starts.  We’ll meet in the Parish Hall at 11:30 am and then go to a local diner.  RSVP to Mother Vicki at allstsmill@hotmail.com or text (973) 886-4119.  Hope to see you then!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Adopt-a-Family program. We provided much needed clothing and household basics for two families who are getting back on their feet.

Food for Friends and Coat Drive – Thanks to parishioners, the PTOs of Gillette and Millington Schools, and the Long Hill Mom’s Club, we sent two car loads of non-perishable food, warm mittens and gloves, and gently-used warm coats to the food pantry in Dover.  Thanks for extending a helping hand to those in need! 

The Bible Study group meets Wednesdays at 10:15 am (after the 9:30 service) in the Narthex, resuming on January 4.

Curious about the Episcopal Church – what it stands for, how it expresses Christian faith, its history and organization?  Interested in being confirmed or formally received into the Church from another Christian tradition?  Been a member of All Saints’ for a long time and want to refresh what you know about your faith?  You are invited to be part of the Inquirer’s Class for adults that will be starting in February.  Please speak to one of the clergy if you would like to know more.

Year-End Pledges—please remember to complete your 2011 Pledges by December 30th in order to claim a tax deduction for this year. Contact Molly Faerber with any questions.

As the Vestry is preparing the parish budget for 2012 we are still hoping that more parishioners will make a pledge of financial support for All Saints’ for the coming year.  If you need more information or need another pledge card, materials are in the Narthex or you can speak to Mother Vicki.  We are grateful for everyone’s support and depend upon it, at whatever level of commitment you are able to make.  Thank you.

Annual Parish Meeting will be Sunday, January 22 after the 10 am service in the Parish House.  Plan to be a part of this important event in your parish. Babysitting will be available.
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A Prayer for Christmas Morning

The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and good will.

Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.

Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world?

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.


Deliver us from evil, by the blessing that Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children.

And the Christmas evening bring us to our bed with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

                                           ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

 Blessings,
Vicki+

Dear Friends in Chris,
We are entering the home stretch of Advent.  Please take a look at the note to the parish from Beth Sciaino, the following announcements, and the meditation at the end of this e-letter.  Walk softly through the remaining days, with a heart open to the light of God.

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To the people of All Saints’~
I am very grateful to the parish of All Saints' for being the community that has formed and ordained me as a priest of the church.  Thank you to all the parishioners and staff who worked tirelessly and with great enthusiasm to prepare an amazing day of worship and celebration and lived into it with great gusto.  Thank you to the Altar Guild and my sponsoring parish, St George's, Maplewood, for the beautiful surprise chasuble.  When we put on vestments it is not about the clergy dressing up.  The intention is to contribute to the festive nature of worship and invite people to visually engage in our praise of God and our reflection on who God is in our lives.  Thank you for the extremely generous financial gift as well.  Your generosity and enthusiasm for our shared journey with God is overwhelming.  It was wonderful to have so many of you there on Sunday, including those who were there in spirit.  Thank you to our rector, Vicki, without whose able leadership the ordination would have been adrift, and to Dr. Jody, Shea and both choirs for your gift of music.  There is not space to name all of you, but know I am very grateful.  May God continue to bless All Saints' as you have blessed Peter, Phoebe and me.  ~ Beth

Pageant of the Nativity, this Sunday at 10 am - our annual telling of the story of Jesus’ birth by the Sunday School.  All parish children are invited to participate! There is one rehearsal at 9 – 10:15 am Saturday in the Church, with roles for all ages.  If your child can’t make the rehearsal, he or she can come at 9:30 Sunday morning and be a shepherd, an angel or an animal.  Please be on hand Sunday morning as the children share with us their gifts and ministry!

Advent Taizé - Join us on this Wednesday, December 21 from 7:00–7:30 p.m. for the our last Advent Taizé service on Taizé-style worship is a candlelit service with meditative chants, silence, and prayer. Taizé songs contain only a few words which can be quickly learned and as the words are sung over many, many times, this meditative singing becomes a way of listening to God.  “It allows everyone to take part in a time of prayer together and to remain together in attentive waiting on God.”  Come, bring a friend, and leave feeling peaceful and calm.

Wednesday Morning Eucharist and Bible study are on hiatus until January 4th.

Christmas Altar Flowers which decorate our church for the Christmas seasonare offered to the glory of God and in memory of loved ones who have died, or in thanksgiving for blessings.  Poinsettias are then given to the sick and homebound. If you would like to contribute Christmas flowers this year, please use the envelope in your pews and be sure to include your name and the name(s) of people you are remembering or honoring.  Envelopes may be placed in the collection plate or delivered to the Church office by Monday, December 19.  Thank you!

Greening of the Church - The Altar Guild will be putting up the Christmas pew candles and decorations after the 10 am service on Sunday.  If anyone would like to help, please do so!  Get coffee or tea at Coffee Hour and join the greening festivities in the Church.

Adopt-a-Family Gifts are to be returned on Sunday – wrapped and labeled as to the item and the family.  Thank you to everyone who has participated in this outreach.

Other Outreach Projects – please remember the Ditty Bags items for Morris View Nursing Home; the (gently used) Coat Drive and Mitten Tree collection for St. John’s, Dover; and our regular non-perishable food items for Food for Friends.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness and faithfulness to these ministries.

Christmas Flower Bulbs for Sale– amaryllis and paper whites are available for purchase in the Narthex on Sunday.  They make great gifts!  $10 per box; checks to be made to All Saints’; proceeds go to the Church. Take a look; thanks!

Parish House Renovation Update: The lower level renovation of the Parish House is moving ahead at full speed. A french drain and two sump pumps, and two floor drains have been installed; and the mold remediation service is coming this week to do a final clean up. The next step is to rebuild the interior walls that were damaged; paint; install a kitchen & bathroom floor, install a new low flush toilet; and paint all the walls. Maria Stapperfenne has drawn up a fabulous plan for the kitchen which we hope to install after the floor is in. In the meantime, the Kitchen Committee will continue sort the contents of the kitchen and closets (their mantra is “keep, toss, sell at rummage”).  If you are able to help the Kitchen Committee, speak to Jackie Sullivan.

As the Vestry is preparing the parish budget for 2012 we are still hoping that more parishioners will make a pledge of financial support for All Saints’ for the coming year.  If you need more information or need another pledge card, materials are in the Narthex or you can speak to Mother Vicki.  We grateful for everyone’s support and depend upon it, at whatever level of commitment you are able to make.  Thank you.

As you consider your year-end giving, please keep in mind the extraordinary expenses the Church has had this year with storm-related damage and work, and loss of income from the unusability of the Parish House basement and cancelled fund-raisers.  All of our household budgets are stretched, but every little bit helps!

January 1, New Year’s Day is a Sunday this year, and it is a special day in the Church year, the Feast of the Holy Name.  We will have one service at 10 am with music and intergenerational worship.  Please come and start the New Year out right as we celebrate the Name of Jesus.

Epiphany Service, January 6th, 5:30 pm – Come and greet our Three Kings as we celebrate their arrival in Bethlehem.  This is a casual, intergenerational service for all ages.  See you there! Followed by: Epiphany Soup and Sandwich Supper, Friday, January 6th at 6 pm.  This is a wonderful, low-key event for all ages to celebrate the end of the Christmas season, with a King Cake and a piñata for the children.  This year because of our kitchen being out of commission we are asking for donations of soup (either store bought or home-made) in crock pots that can be plugged in the Parish Hall.  The cost for this event is $5 per person; maximum of $20 per household ; children under age 3 are free.  Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

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Advent 2011 – Days 19 and 20

In Advent we often think about Mary, the mother of Jesus, particularly when we read the passages in Luke that lead up to the Christmas story: the Angel Gabriel telling Mary that she is to bear the Son of God (the Annunciation) and her visit to her cousin Elizabeth.  While purple is the most well-known color for Advent, deep blue is equally an Advent color – the color of hope, the color of the night sky in which the stars shine, but also the color of Mary.

In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition we also sing or say Mary’s song at every service of Evening Prayer/Evensong in the canticle called the Magnificat.  It is Mary’s song of praise to God after she learns that God’s power and purpose has moved in the life of Elizabeth and Zechariah, as well as her own.

But Mary speaks well beyond her own situation; she reflects the ancient hope and longing of God’s people, and all people everywhere.  This hope and longing is concrete and tangible; God will right the wrongs of human life.  People who honor God and strive to live in right relationship with him will know his mercy and blessing.  The power of God is greater than the powers of human structures and institutions.  Those who look only to their own needs, their own glory and prestige, and who abuse the most vulnerable will be overturned by God.  The Lord’s promises span the generations, and we can count on God’s faithfulness.

This is what Mary was proclaiming in the words of the Magnificat.  They are words that give us hope when we look at a world full of corruption, injustice and the abuse of power. This Sunday at both of our services we will recite this canticle.  I pray that it brings you strength, comfort and (most of all) hope in Christ. ~ VGM+

The Song of Mary    Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55 )
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
    for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
    the Almighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
    in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
    he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
    and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
    for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
    to Abraham and his children for ever.

Blessings,

Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
This Sunday will be our first Sunday together again as priest and people after the sabbatical.  I hope that many of you will be in church so that we can greet one another and worship together.   Please plan to stay for the Potluck Lunch (see below); we’ll have a great reunion.  Also, this Sunday at 10 am is our Visit from St. Nicholas, the Advent saint.  All the children will go to their Sunday School classes and then join their families at the Peace.  Even the PreK-Grade 2 class will come to worship after their lesson.  It will be a joyful day.  I look forward to seeing you!
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Sabbatical Sharing Potluck Lunch – Please join us for a Potluck Lunch in the Parish Hall following this Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. service.  We will have the opportunity to welcome Vicki back and share our stories of this sabbatical time with each other.  We look forward to learning how Vicki has been refreshed during her sabbatical.  Even if you don’t have a dish to share please come!

Beth’s Ordination to the Priesthood:  Next Saturday, December 10 (God willing and the people consenting) our curate, the Rev. Beth Rauen Sciaino, will be ordained to the priesthood here at All Saints’ Church at 10 am.  A reception will follow in Parish Hall.  The parish of All Saints’ has helped form Beth in her last year of seminary and now as a transitional deacon.  All are welcome to celebrate this new part of her journey of faith in community.  And if you are able to contribute a dessert (cookies, brownies, fruit, etc.) to the reception, please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex or call the parish office.

Pageant of the Nativity – our annual children’s pageant will take place on Sunday, December 18 at the 10 am service.  The rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 17 at 9 am.  All children are invited to participate, and we need parents to lend a hand, also.  Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. 

 November 23 was our deadline for 2012 pledges to allow us to budget for the coming year.  There is still time to submit your pledge.  At this point, only 70% of those who pledged for 2011 have done so for 2012.  Please prayerfully reflect on your own giving, to All Saints’ and beyond, and submit your pledge to the Parish Office or in the offering plate.  Your financial support, as well as investment of time and talent, is essential to All Saints’ ministry and mission.

Advent Taizé Services:  Dr. Jody will lead a Taizé service on Wednesday nights at 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. during Advent (Dec. 7, 14 and 21).  Taizé-style worship is conducted by candlelight and is made up of meditative chant, silence, and prayer.  Taizé songs contain only a few words which can be quickly learned and as the words are sung over many, many times, this meditative singing becomes a way of listening to God.  “It allows everyone to take part in a time of prayer together and to remain together in attentive waiting on God.” Join us for a wonderful opportunity to worship God during the Advent season of expectation, as we anticipate the gift of Christ at Christmas. Come, bring a friend, and leave feeling peaceful and calm.

Wondering About Tents – the Rummage Sale tents were moved from the church basement to the side entrance several weeks ago.  They need to be put away before the Bishop comes for the ordination on Dec. 10.  Will the person who moved them (or anyone else so inclined) please put them back or call the parish office and let us know that you can do this.  Thanks!

Food for Friends – All Saints’ is the primary source of food donations for the Food for Friends food pantry at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Dover.  If you don’t already make it a habit to donate food every time you come to church, please prayerfully consider embracing this effort as an Advent discipline.  Non-perishable food items can be left in the barrel at the side door, or put in the basket in the Narthex on Sunday mornings.  Food for Friends can always use canned fruit and vegetables, tuna, cereal, juice boxes, peanut butter, dried fruit, rice, pasta, canned beans.  Thank you! 

Pledge Update for the current year:  As the year comes to a close please make sure your 2011 pledge is up-to-date.  We budget with your pledges in mind and are currently facing a pledge shortfall of over $4,500.  If you cannot fulfill your 2011 pledge to All Saints’ please speak with Deacon Beth so we can adjust the budget accordingly.  

Christmas Outreach – We’ll be adopting a family for clothing and household necessities once again this year.  Watch the Narthex easel for information about the needs of this family. Question?  Speak to Jackie Sullivan.  We are also collecting small toiletries and personal items for Ditty Bags for Morris View Nursing Home.  Donations can be left in the basket in the Narthex.  Pru Peterson can answer your questions about that. Finally, Millington and Central Schools are holding a warm coat drive and the coats will be given to the clients at Food for Friends at St. John’s, Dover.  If you wish to participate in this effort, gently used coats can be left in the side entrance of the Church.

Kitchen Committee – Due to themold remediation in the Parish House lower level and the dismantling of the kitchen that comes with it, we invite anyone interested in serving on a Kitchen Committee to speak with Jackie Sullivan.  This Committee will evaluate existing kitchen items, carry out a needs assessment of kitchen usage, and contribute to the redesign of the kitchen.  

 Thinking about serving on Vestry?  We have a one-year position open on the Vestry.  If you are interested in joining the Vestry, please speak with a vestry member, warden (Jackie Sullivan or Tom Day), or the curate.

 Acolytes Needed: All 8th graders and high schoolers who are not currently acolyting during the 10:00 a.m. service are invited to join this important worship ministry.  Our current group of faithful acolytes would really appreciate adding more youth to their ranks.  Please speak with Deacon Beth or Janice Lettieri to volunteer and schedule training.

Confirmation, Spring 2012 – If your high schooler is considering being Confirmed this spring please submit his or her name to Deacon Beth by Tuesday, Nov. 28.  The diocese has requested we send names to them by Dec. 1.  A diocesan retreat for high school confirmands is scheduled for March 30-31.  Confirmation will be held Sunday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral in Newark with other parishes from Districts 3 and 7.  If you are an adult who would like to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, please speak with Beth as well.  An adult inquirers’ class can also be held in the spring if there is interest.

Knitters wanted!  We need more knitters to make scarves and hats for Seamen’s Church Institute.  Janet Mansfield has yarn and patterns for those who can knit; or if you’d like to learn, we’d be happy to teach you!

Sunday Altar Flowers are offered to the glory of God and in memory of loved ones who have died, or in thanksgiving for events or milestones.  These people and events are remembered in the Sunday prayers.  After worship the flowers are delivered to the sick or homebound.  The altar flowers cost $48.  Sign up on the flower chart on the hall door then make sure to send your check to the parish office a week before your Sunday.  Two dedications can be made in the same week. Questions? Speak to Janet Mansfield.

Our annual Parish Christmas Open House is on sabbatical this year!  With all that has happened in the parish in the last few months, and with Sunday’s Pot-Luck Lunch we’ll be taking a pass on this particular party.  Catch us next year!

Blessings,
Vicki+
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Advent 2011 – Day 5

“. . . the work of salvation, in its full sense, is (1) about whole human beings, not merely souls; (2) about the present, not simply the future; and (3) about what God does through us, not merely what God does in and for us.”
                                     ― N.T. Wright, Surprised By Hope

Today is the Feast of St. Andrew, the first holy day of the new church year.  Andrew was one of the apostles, Simon Peter’s brother – the one who brought Peter to Jesus.  Andrew is also the patron saint of Scotland.  The St. Andrew’s white “X” cross on a dark blue background is the Scottish flag and it makes up part of our Episcopal flag, an acknowledgement that our first American bishop Samuel Seabury was consecrated in Scotland by three Scottish bishops.  Andrew is sometimes referred to as the first Christian missionary because he brought his brother to Christ.  How do our relationships give us an opportunity to let the love of Jesus shine forth from us?

Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew
that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and
brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by
your Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to
bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen. ~ The Collect for St. Andrew’s Day, BCP

During Advent you are invited to try out some of our mid-week worship services as a way to draw closer to God.  We have three times available:
Wednesday, 9:30 am – Eucharist and Healing Prayer (Bible study available afterward)
Wednesday, 7:00 pm – Advent Taizé Worship (Candlelight, singing, Scripture and silence)
Thursday, 7:00 am – Eucharist and Healing Prayer (a light breakfast offered afterward)
Bring a friend and make a little more room for Christ in your life!
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Hope and optimism are not the same thing.  A person who is optimistic sees the glass half full, believes that everything will work out for the best, somehow.  This is an in-born personality trait, and a good one – as long as it is grounded in reality!

Hope has a different quality.  Hope is grounded in God – in God’s nature and purpose.  Hope gives us courage and strength and endurance and joy.  The hope we call upon in Advent is the confidence that the words we pray in the Lord’s Prayer are true – “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.  We have hope that God’s goodness and justice and beauty will become as real in our lives on earth as they are in the fullness of God’s presence we call heaven. – VGM+