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.
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+
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+
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