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+