Dear Friends in Christ,
Here are the announcements for the week, including the Christian Practices (Reflection) piece at the end.

• Parish Directory (Christian Formation)

• The Compline Collects (Christian Practices)
• Soup for All Seasons (Helping Hands)
• Veterans’ Community Dinner (Helping Hands)

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
2018 Parish Directory Update – We have gotten lots more photos and corrections for the directory. Thanks! If you haven’t already checked it, the proof will be in a three-ring binder on the Narthex table again this Sunday. Please take a look and make any edits that are needed. we’d like to have you check the proof and make corrections/additions/deletions as needed. There is a copy in a three-ring binder on the big table in the Narthex. Also, if you have not yet sent us a photo for the directory, it will be very helpful if you can do it. We can even have someone take a quick snap after church.  Please send all photos to Susie Harris at allsaints_church@hotmail.com. Thanks.

Bible Study, Wed., Jan. 17 at 10:15 am in the Rath House. This will be our last week in 1st Corinthians. We’ll read and discuss chapter 16. Come for learning, support, friendship, and good conversation. Hope to see you there.

Pilgrim: A Course for the Christian Journey Study Group Mondays, 7-8:30 pm in the Rath House. The topic for the 6-week session is The Bible: “What is it, how was it given to us, and how should we read it? By the end of the six sessions, it is hoped that participants will have learned how to make reading the Bible a part of everyday life, with the ability to read, pray, and listen to what God might be saying, allowing the words to change each participant.” The book costs $9. Questions? Speak to Mother Vicki.

HELPING HANDS
Soup for All Seasons – Home-made soup and applesauce is available in the Parish Hall freezer for purchase ($3/pint, $5/quart). This week’s soup is Chicken Noodle. If you have a family member or neighbor who is ill or shut-in, feel free to take them soup as an outreach. And if you would like to gather with others to help make soup in the Parish House kitchen, please see Barbara Barbeau.

Veterans Community Dinner, Feb. 24 at 5:30 pm - Vets and their families from our local community and from the V.A. in Lyons are invited for fellowship, conversation, and friendship...and a wonderful home-cooked meal in All Saints' Parish House at no charge..
How can you help? Set up, clean up, serving, cooking (side dishes, salads, desserts). And please get the word out and invite any Vets you know! A sign-up sheet for volunteering will go out soon. This ministry is a partnership with our friends in the Christian (Catholic) Community. For more information speak to Kerrie Stepko.

Knitting for Seafarers – Looking for a great outreach project you can do on your own time? Seamen’s Church Institute in Port Newark collects handmade scarves, hats and vests as Christmas gifts for the seafarers who transport our goods across the ocean. Simple patterns are available. Janet Mansfield is the person who heads up the All Saints’ branch of this ministry. Interested? Speak to Janet.

ANNUAL MEETING – SAVE THE DATE
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held next Sunday, February 4 at 11:15 am in the Parish Hall. Child care will be available during the meeting. This is the time when we gather to hear from our parish leadership, elect Vestry members and diocesan convention deputies, and have conversation about our life as a Christian community. Please plan to attend.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Long Hill Township Historical Society will meet on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 7:30 pm in All Saints’ Parish Hall.  Randy Gaulke (All Saints’ parishioner) will present some of his research on the Meuse-Argonne Offensive (in France) of World War I. It was the largest American offensive of the war against the Imperial German Army. He’ll present a selection of “Then and Now” photos with letters, diaries, etc. written by doughboys who participated in the Great War at/near those locations.
If you miss this presentation, in March Randy will be sharing some of his experiences working as a tour guide on these World War I battlefields. That will take place during coffee hour on a Sunday after Church.

DIOCESAN NEWS
Diocesan Convention meets Friday and Saturday at the Parsippany Hilton. The is the annual meeting of our diocese – part business, part family reunion. Three lay deputies and the clergy from every parish gather for the event. Our deputies from All Saints’ this year are Ellen Lewis, Tom Day, and Jean Kimak. Since we’ll be electing a new bishop in May, we’ll be hearing a report from the Search/Nominating Committee about their work, as well as attending to matters of budget, resolutions, and our common diocesan life. Please keep our Bishop Beckwith, and all the deputies and clergy in your prayers. If you want to follow along with news from convention, you can follow this link https://dioceseofnewark.org/convention , or the diocesan Facebook page – search in FB for @dionewark.

PARISH CALENDAR
1/29 Pilgrim Study Group             Rath House, 7:00 pm
1/31 Bible Study                          Rath House, 10:15 am
2/1   Holy Eucharist                     Church, 7:00 am
        Junior Choir                         Choir Room, 5:15 pm
        Adult Choir                          Choir Room, 7:30 pm
        LHT Historical Society          Parish Hall, 7:30 pm
For a full schedule of our buildings check the website calendar www.allsaintsmillington.org.

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Compline is the last Office (prayer service) of the day – the Church’s bedtime prayers, found on page 127 of the Prayer Book. It can be prayed with a group, with your family or spouse, or on your own. Compline helps us to put the day away into God’s keeping, and reminds us of God’s love and providence even while we sleep.
The following four Collects are used in Compline – select one of the four at the pray-er’s discretion.

The Collects
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy
defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the
love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours
of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and
chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, and
illumine this night with your celestial brightness; that by
night as by day your people may glorify your holy Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Visit this place, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the
enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in
peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

And in keeping with our Epiphany season, here is a contemporary chant, based on the Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has shown upon you,” and sung by Anna Hernandez and Ruth Cunningham: https://youtu.be/MqxRrx2DG0A

Epiphany blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
Here are the announcements for the week, including the Christian Practices (Reflection) piece at the end. Also, be sure to scroll down to last week’s e-letter and read the Advent Survey; we do want to hear from you!

• Parish Directory (Christian Formation)
  
• Offering Envelopes (Stewardship)
• The Lord’s Prayer, Part 2 (Christian Practices)
• Soup for All Seasons (Helping Hands)
  

This is an icon of St. Peter & St. Paul, holding the Church between them.



CHRISTIAN FORMATION
2018 Parish Directory – We are ready to print, but we’d like to have you check the proof and make corrections/additions/deletions as needed. There is a copy in a three-ring binder on the big table in the Narthex. Please take a look at it this Sunday. Also, if you have not yet sent us a photo for the directory, it will be very helpful if you can do it – a selfie, a snap from a vacation or family e vent, a scanned photo, something from your Facebook page…we just want to see your fair and shining face! Please send all photos to Susie Harrris at allsaints_church@hotmail.com. Thanks.

Bible Study, Wed., Jan. 17 at 10:15 am in the Rath House. In this session we’ll read and discuss the second half of 1 Corinthians, chapter 15 – since we missed last week because of the snow. Start the New Year off right by learning and growing in faith with others. We’ll be glad to have you.

Pilgrim: A Course for the Christian Journey begins again Monday, Jan. 15 at 7 pm in the Rath House. The topic for the 6-week session is The Bible: “What is it, how was it given to us, and how should we read it? By the end of the six sessions, it is hoped that participants will have learned how to make reading the Bible a part of everyday life, with the ability to read, pray, and listen to what God might be saying, allowing the words to change each participant.” The book costs $9. Questions? Speak to Mother Vicki.

Chalk Blessings for Home – there are still packets of chalk and prayers of blessing (and instructions) for you to take home and bless your house for this new year. The basket is in the Narthex, near the guest book. Pick one up on Sunday!

HELPING HANDS
Soup for All Seasons is back! We have containers of home-made soup in the Parish Hall freezer for you to take to a sick family member or neighbor. You ay also purchase soup for yourself - $3 for a pint, $5 for a quart. Check the fridge door for the variety available. And if you are interested in making soup for this effort, please speak to Barbara Barbeau.

STEWARDSHIP
Offering Envelopes – offering envelopes for 2018 for those who requested them are in the Narthex with your name on them. If you would like envelopes, please contact the Parish Office. The benefit of envelopes, even for those who have not made a pledge, is that we can track your cash contributions and then give you a donation statement at the end of the year. Everyone’s contribution counts and is most welcome! Thank you.

WORSHIP
Advent Season Survey – for the last two years we have experimented a bit with our Advent worship practices, and we would love to have your reflections, responses, and reasons. The survey was posted in the weekly e-letter last week (scroll down to the previous post). Please take time to read the survey, and then send your answers back via e-mail, or speak to Alison or Mother Vicki. We really want to know your thoughts and experiences. Thank you!

ANNUAL MEETING – SAVE THE DATE
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held Sunday, February 4 at 11:15 am in the Parish Hall and will last about an hour. We’ll hear from our Wardens and Rector, have some time for parish discussion, get an update on the search for our new Bishop, and hear about the health and well-being of All Saints’. Child care will be available during the meeting. Please plan to attend.

PARISH CALENDAR
1/22 Pilgrim Study Group           Rath House, 7:00 pm
1/24 Bible Study                           Rath House, 10:15 am
1/25 Holy Eucharist                     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
The Lord’s Prayer, Part 2
Last week we looked at the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples and us. There were examples of three versions of it in historical English (old English/Anglo-Saxon), Middle English, and Elizabethan English; as well as in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke. And at our 10 am service we are praying the contemporary translation of it – as an expression of the many news ways we see Christ is this Season after Epiphany.

Of course, every Christian throughout the world prays the Lord’s Prayer in his or her own language. It is the one prayer that unites us all. And in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia (a single province), they encompass the tradition of both the original Maori people and the white English-speaking settlers. In the New Zealand Prayer Book, 1989, there is an alternate version of the Lord’s Prayer that reflects Maori and Polynesian culture and ways of speaking (in addition to a version that is very close to our contemporary prayer). Try using this prayer in your own devotions this week and see if it opens up some meanings or resonances in the way you experience the traditional Lord’s Prayer:

The Lord’s Prayer: Maori & Polynesia
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe;
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world;
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings;
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trial too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.

A Prayer for the Week of Christian Unity
Lord, we humbly ask that, by your grace, the churches throughout the world may become instruments of your peace. Through their action as ambassadors and agents of your healing, reconciling love among divided peoples, may your name be hallowed and glorified. Amen. ~ from the World Council of Churches, 2018
The Week (Octave) of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed from the Feast of the Confession of Peter (Jan. 18) through the Feast of the Conversion of Paul (Jan. 25).

Epiphany blessings, Vicki+

Dear Friends in Christ,
Thanks to everyone who helped with last Sunday's de-greening of the Church and our Epiphany lunch. Thanks also to all our Christmas Cake bakers, and to our runner-up Bonnie Stocker, and our winner, Barbara Barbeau. We do indeed have some great cooks!

Please look at the announcements below, particularly:

• Pilgrim Course starting (Christian Formation)
• Mah Jongg Lessons (Fun & Friendship)
• Sunday School (Christian Formation)
• The Lord’s Prayer (Christian Practices)

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Sunday School classes start this Sunday, January 14. Nursery Care and PreK-Grade 5 meet in the Undercroft of the Church. Grades 6-8 meet in the Living Room of the Rath House at 10 am. All classes join their families in worship at the Peace (about 10:40). Children are welcome to join in any time.

Bible Study, Wed., Jan. 17 at 10:15 am in the Rath House. In this session we’ll read and discuss the second half of 1 Corinthians, chapter 15. Start the New Year off right by learning and growing in faith with others. We’ll be glad to have you.

Pilgrim: A Course for the Christian Journey begins again Monday, Jan. 15 at 7 pm in the Rath House. The new 6-week book is The Bible: “What is it, how was it given to us, and how should we read it? These six sessions combine simple prayer, Bible reflection in the lectio divina style, an article by a modern writer, and time for questions and reflection. By the end of the six sessions, it is hoped that participants will have learned how to make reading the Bible a part of everyday life, with the ability to read, pray, and listen to what God might be saying, allowing the words to change each participant.” This group is for anyone who wants to know more about following the Christian Way of Jesus. This will be a good way to start the New Year! RSVP to Mother Vicki allsaints_rector@hotmail.com, or speak to her on Sunday so we know to expect you and save you a book (cost is $9).

Chalk Blessings for Home – there are still packets of chalk and prayers of blessing (and instructions) for you to take home and bless your house for this new year. The basket is in the Narthex, near the guest book. Pick one up on Sunday!

FUN & FRIENDSHIP
All Saints’ Church is offering beginning Mah Jongg lessons – a series of three lessons, for a small fee benefitting the church. The dates are Saturdays 1/6, 1/13, and 1/20 from 1:00-2:30 pm at Kathy Pfeil’s house in Millington (call or email for the address). No need to bring anything, except your sense of fun! Eight people have signed up already and there is room for more. Mah jongg is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation and involves a degree of chance. Please RSVP to Kathy before Saturday to let her know you are coming: 908-350-8012 or kathypiff@gmail.com.

HELPING HANDS
Thanks to all who served at the Family Promise Homeless Shelter this week. If you are interested in participating the next time (cooking, serving, being a greeter, staying overnight, please e-mail Kathy Pfeil kathypiff@gmail.com or Afsaneh Thursfield faeritale@hotmail.com about ways to get involved.

STEWARDSHIP
From the Finance Committee: If you would like to make a gift to All Saints’ of appreciated stock or mutual funds as your 2018 pledge contribution – we are able to receive such a gift. For information about how to do this, please contact David Thursfield, dethursfield@hotmail.com. Thank you.
And a reminder: pledges are the largest and most reliable portion of our parish funding. If you have not yet done so, you may make a pledge via e-mail, or by sending in your card. Your financial and prayer support enable All Saints’ to do God’s work in our community, and are a blessing to your fellow parishioners and to all those All Saints’ ministers to. Thank you!

WORSHIP
Advent Season Survey – for the last two years we have experimented a bit with our Advent worship practices, and we would love to have your reflections, responses, and reasons. The survey was included in the weekly parish e-mail, and is also pasted at the bottom of this post. Please take time to read the survey, and then send your answers back via e-mail, or speak to Alison or Mother Vicki. Thank you!

ANNUAL MEETING – SAVE THE DATE
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held Sunday, February 4 at 11:15 am in the Parish Hall. Please plan to attend.

PARISH CALENDAR
1/16 Vestry                           Rath House, 7:30 pm
1/17 Bible Study                   Rath House, 10:15 am
1/18 Holy Eucharist             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
The Lord’s Prayer
This is the most basic Christian prayer. We pray it at every public service, and in our daily prayers. It is the one Jesus gave the disciples when they asked him to teach them to pray. It is found in Matthew 6:9-13, and the oldest manuscripts have the prayer in Aramaic, the daily language Jesus spoke. Every generation has translated it into their own language, and in the history of English there are many versions. And we hear different emphases in each translation. Here are examples (with an audio link) from three different centuries, as well as a short video about the prayer in Aramaic as it is used today in certain Middle Eastern churches.

Old English – c. 900
Fæder ure þu þe eart on heofonum,
si þin nama gehalgod.
to becume þin rice,
gewurþe ðin willa,
on eorðan swa swa on heofonum.
urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us todæg,
and forgyf us ure gyltas,
swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum.
and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge,
ac alys us of yfele soþlice. https://youtu.be/tJA3bEt5Ojg
 
Middle English – c. 1350
Oure fadir þat art in heuenes
halwid be þi name;
þi reume or kyngdom come to be.
Be þi wille don
in herþe as it is dounin heuene.
yeue to us today oure eche dayes bred.
And foryeue to us oure dettis þat is oure synnys
as we foryeuen to oure dettouris þat is to men þat han synned in us.
And lede us not into temptacion
but delyuere us from euyl. https://youtu.be/FM2THezuzlI
 
First Book of Common Prayer – 1549
Our father, whyche art in heaven,
halowed be thy name.
Thy Kyngdome come.
Thy wyll be doen in yearth, as it is in heaven.
Geve us this daye our dayly breade.
And forgeve us our trespaces,
as wee forgeve them that trespasse agaynst us.
And leade us not into temptacion.
But deliver us from evill. Amen. https://youtu.be/vVpq9WBlDbc

And…in Aramaic: https://youtu.be/36GYBTzJyAU

Epiphany blessings, Vicki+

Advent Survey – Please Read and Respond
For the past two years we experimented a bit with our approach to the season of Advent by designating the two weeks before the official start to Advent as “The Second Sunday before Advent” and “The First Sunday before Advent.” Our intent was to provide a longer time to reflect on the meaning of the season, which is about the coming (“adventus” in Latin) of Christ as the Baby of Bethlehem (which has already happened in history); in our hearts (which we pray happens daily); and the Messiah, the Lord of the New Creation (to which we look forward in the Second Coming – a cosmic event). While our culture’s celebration of Christmas understands Advent (if it does at all!) as the “countdown to Christmas”, the religious and spiritual meaning is preparing ourselves for the One who was, and is, and is to come.

We at All Saints’ have not been alone in experimenting with an “expanded” Advent. Congregations of many denominations (Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.) have all felt the tug for a deeper, more focused preparation. There’s history behind it, too. From the 6th to the 13th centuries, Advent started with St. Martin’s Day – Nov. 11, what in the civic calendar is Veterans Day (previously Armistice Day; Remembrance Day in the UK). This seven-week Advent is still practiced in some areas of Italy (e.g. Milan). The Eastern Orthodox churches have a forty-day period of preparation for Christmas, called the Nativity Fast.

The changes we made were shifts in focus. We did not change the lectionary (the prescribed Scripture readings). The themes of lectionary for much of November are the Coming of Christ as Lord and Judge of the universe, and the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom/New Creation. These are all Advent themes.

So what did we actually do that was different? Here is the list:

• Used the purple hangings for “pre-Advent” Sundays (2016, 2017)
• Used the Trisagion (“Holy Lord, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One…”) in place of the Kyrie at 10 am for all 6 weeks (2016, 2017)
• Used an Advent response for the Prayers of the People at 10 am all 6 weeks (2016, 2017)
• Sang a different verse of “O come, O come Emmanuel” instead of the Doxology at 10 am (2016, 2017)
• Spoke a verse of “O come, O come Emmanuel” as an introit at 8 am (2016, 2017)
• Sang one specific Advent hymn on the two “pre-Advent” Sundays (2016, 2017)
• Used one of the “O Antiphons”* as a choral response to the Gospel reading at 10 am, with accompanying bulletin cover art, and O Antiphon posters on the church walls (2017)

What remained the same?

• The 3-year cycle of assigned Sunday Scripture readings on all weeks

• The Advent Wreath started on Advent 1
• The Great Litany
• The Nativity Pageant

And in 2017 we had two unusual/extra aspects to our Advent worship:

• Barbara and Tim Erday renewed their wedding vows on Dec. 3 in the 10 am service (50th!)
• Advent 4 was also Christmas Eve, so we cancelled the 8 am, and had Morning Prayer at 10 am.
• Celtic Worship Service at 5 pm on Dec. 10 (with St. Bernard’s and St. Mark’s, Mendham)
• Bethlehem Peace Light Distribution Ceremony at 4:30 pm on Dec. 17 (2016, 2017)

Alison and I would like to know what your experience with this experiment was and why. How did it effect your prayer, worship, understanding, preparation for Christmas (and beyond)? Please cite specific observations, examples, or questions you may have. You can send a return e-mail, but please remember not to hit “Reply All.” You may also share your responses with either of us in person.

If you would like to read more in depth about an expanded Advent, here is a book which gives the history, rationale, and practical suggestions: “What Are We Waiting For: Re-Imagining Advent for Time to Come” by William H. Petersen, 128 pages.  https://www.amazon.com/What-Are-We-Waiting-Re-imagining/dp/0898690374/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1515641252&sr=1-1&keywords=what+are+we+waiting+for+re-imagining+advent+for+time+to+come
Thank you for you input!

Blessings, Vicki+

* The “Great O Antiphons” are short verses set to music based on the names and attributes of Christ drawn from the Old Testament (primarily from Isaiah): O Wisdom; O Adonai/Lord; O Root of Jesse; O Key of David; O Morning Star/Dawn; O King of Nations/Gentiles; O Emmanuel/God-with-us. They are traditionally used before and after the singing of the Magnificat at Evening Prayer in the seven weekdays before Christmas. Hymn 56, “O come, O come Emmanuel”, is a rhymed version of the antiphons, and our Hymnal gives the traditional dates for their use next to each verse.

Dear Friends in Christ,
Happy New Year 2018! Our first Sunday of the year will be a dual celebration – the Feast of the Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord (always the first Sunday after the Epiphany). At both 8 & 10 am we’ll have an Epiphany Procession: short passages of Scripture interspersed with verses of the hymn “We Three Kings of Orient are” until the procession finally arrives at the Crèche, symbolic of the Magi’s arrival in Bethlehem (yes, Alison will come and play for the 8 am service this week, also). Then we’ll hear the Gospel for the Feast of the Baptism and renew our baptismal vows… a great way to start the New Year!

Please look at the announcements below, particularly:

• Epiphany Soup & Sandwich Lunch (Christian Formation)
• Mah Jongg Lessons (Fun & Friendship)
• Homeless Shelter (Helping Hands)
• Chalk Blessings for Homes (Christian Practices)

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
THIS SUNDAY: Epiphany Soup and Sandwich Lunch & Fruitcake Bake-off, Sunday, January 7 at 11:15 in the Parish Hall. Come share a relaxed meal with your fellow parishioners, pull a Christmas party “cracker,” and take part in judging the Christmas fruitcake bake-off. The cost of the event is $5 per person; $20 maximum per household. Kids under age 3 are free. This is a fun way to close out the holiday season and start the New Year!

De-Green the Church, Jan. 7 after the 10 am service. We’ll take down the greens, pew candles and decorations and we need your help. Many hands make light work. Thanks!

Sunday School classes begin again Sunday, January 14. January 7 will be a Family Service at 10 am, with an Epiphany Procession (including the Three Kings) and renewal of baptismal vows for the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.

Bible Study, Wed., Jan. 3 at 10:15 am in the Rath House. In this session we’ll read and discuss 1 Corinthians, chapter 15. Start the New Year off right by learning and growing in faith with others. We’ll be glad to have you.

The Pilgrim study group has finished for 2017. We will pick up again on Monday, Jan. 15 at 7 pm in the Rath House. The new six-week topic is The Bible. Pilgrim: A Course for the Christian Journey is for anyone who wants to know more about following the Christian Way of Jesus. This will be a good way to start the New Year! Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex so we know to expect you and save you a book (cost is $10).

FUN & FRIENDSHIP
All Saints’ Church will offer beginning Mah Jongg lessons – a series of three lessons, for a small fee benefitting the church. The dates are Saturdays 1/6, 1/13, and 1/20 from 1:00-2:30 pm at Kathy Pfeil’s house in Millington (call or email for the address). No need to bring anything, except your sense of fun! Eight people have signed up already and there is room for more. Mah jongg is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation and involves a degree of chance. Please RSVP to Kathy before Saturday to let her know you are coming: 908-350-8012 or kathypiff@gmail.com.

HELPING HANDS
Family Promise Homeless Shelter Our next night to serve at Trinity House/Shrine of St. Joseph is Friday, January 12th. Please pray for this ministry, and for the families who are in this program. If you are interested in participating, please e-mail Kathy Pfeil kathypiff@gmail.com or Afsaneh Thursfield faeritale@hotmail.com about ways to get involved.

STEWARDSHIP
From the Finance Committee: If you would like to make a gift to All Saints’ of appreciated stock or mutual funds as your 2018 pledge contribution – we are able to receive such a gift. For information about how to do this, please contact David Thursfield, dethursfield@hotmail.com. Thank you.
And a reminder: pledges are the largest and most reliable portion of our parish funding. You may make a pledge via e-mail, or by sending in your card. Your financial and prayer support enable All Saints’ to do God’s work in our community, and are a blessing to your fellow parishioners and to all those All Saints’ ministers to. Thank you!

WORSHIP
Thank you to Altar Guild, Choirs, Ushers, Office Volunteers, Staff, and all who helped to make our worship of God so beautiful this Christmas season.

General Announcement about Saturday night/Sunday Snow – during the winter, if we have to cancel one or both Sunday services because of snow or ice, an e-mail will be sent out by 6:30 am and a message will be left on the parish voice mail. If we have a Sunday like that, it is a great time to pick up your Prayer Book at home and read through the service of Morning Prayer y yourself or with your loved ones. You can always find the Sunday Scripture readings at the Lectionary Page http://www.lectionarypage.net/ or you can use Forward Day by Day’s Daily Prayer page http://prayer.forwardmovement.org/daily_prayer.php?d=3&m=1&y=2018&office=CP;  or on Facebook download the Daily Office app from the Brotherhood of St. Gregory https://gregorians.org/office/ . You could also pick a Psalm at random and a chapter from one of the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

ANNUAL MEETING – SAVE THE DATE
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held Sunday, February 4 at 11:15 am in the Parish Hall. Please plan to attend.

PARISH CALENDAR
1/9   Finance Committee    Rath House, 7:30 pm
1/10 Bible Study                   Rath House, 10:15 am
1/11 Holy Eucharist             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
Chalk Blessing for Homes - Since the Middle Ages there has been a tradition that on (or near) the feast of the Epiphany we pray for God’s blessing on our homes, marking the entrance with chalk (an incarnational image reminding us of the dust of the earth from which we were made). We mark the main door of our home with the initials of the Magi and the numerals of the new year, connected with crosses: 20 + C + M + B + 18.

The initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – and also stand for the Latin motto: Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless this house.” In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites marked their doors with blood so that the Lord would pass over their homes; but in this ritual, we mark our doors with chalk as a sign that we have invited God’s presence and blessing into our homes.
At the end of today’s 10 am service we will bless small bags with chalk (and instructions) for you to take home and bless your house. The bags will be available on the table in the Narthex.  A blessed 2018!

Here is a recording of an Epiphany Hymn, #118, “Brightest and best of the stars of the morning”. It’s one of those hymns that has two tunes in our Hymnal. This tune is an Early American shape note/Sacred Harp tune. The text is by Reginald Heber, an Anglican bishop who served in India in the early 19th century. He is also the author of the hymn “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.” Enjoy! https://youtu.be/8iuqOOL49Mo

Christmas blessings, Vicki+