JOIN US
FOR WORSHIP
This Sunday, The Third Sunday of Advent, there
will be two services at 8am and 10 am.
There is a service of Morning Prayer on Wednesday
mornings at 9 a.m.
We hope you will join us for worship and
fellowship.
NEXT
SUNDAY DECEMBER 18TH
There will be one service only at 10 am for the
Fourth Sunday of Advent & The Greening of the Church.
READINGS
FOR SUNDAY
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:4-9
Romans James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR
A
Blue Christmas Service (blue as in
the feeling, not the Elvis song!)
For
many people, the approaching Christmas holiday season does not bring with it
the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards. They
may be dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or
separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other
disease that puts a question mark over the future. Perhaps they have been
unable to have a child, or have suffered through an emotional trauma. Or
perhaps they feel pressured and overwhelmed by holiday preparations. Whatever
the reason, this time of year can be painful for many.
In
recent years churches have begun to hold services for people who are
experiencing these feelings. Increasing numbers of churches are creating sacred
space for people living through dark times. Such services are reflective,
accepting where we really are, and holding out healing and hope. The service is
variously called Blue Christmas, or Longest Night (as it is often held on
December 21, the Winter Solstice).
The
idea of having a Blue Christmas service here came from a discussion we had at a
Morning Prayer service recently. We will have it in place of our usual Morning
Prayer service on Wednesday, December 21, at 9:00 am. It will be a very simple
service, and will include time for prayers and lighting candles in memory of a loved one or to mark an event or
circumstance. Bernice will play the piano, which will be a wonderful addition
to the service. If there is interest, next year we will begin to plan the
service earlier, and hold it in the evening when more people from our parish
and from the community will be able to attend. This year we are not advertising
it outside of the parish, but all are welcome, so invite a friend!
BREAKING NEWS FLASH! THIS JUST IN!
Sally has just announced that they have a bouncing baby granddaughter. Amelia Lorraine DeGroot was born last night, Dec 7th. Mom is doing well. Grandmom very excited.
WOMEN’S LUNCH BUNCH
The Women’s
Lunch Bunch will meet at the home of Dale Appleton for their December Pot
Luck Lunch on Wed. Dec. 14th. Please bring something for the table and if
you have questions please contact Dale Appleton. She will also provide a paper copy of directions
on Sunday.
DOG
BISCUITS
Black Snout Dog Biscuits made by Valerie May will be
available after the 10 am services until Christmas. Proceeds from purchases will benefit St.
Andrew’s Outreach Program.
CHRISTMAS ALTAR FLOWERS
If
you wish to dedicate Christmas flowers in memory or thanksgiving of a loved one
or friend, there will be slips on the bulletin table and at the end of the pews
or you may email your request to Deb at office@standrewsinthevalley.org.
To help defray the cost of our Christmas flowers and greens we are asking for
$20 for Christmas altar flowers this year.
BE A PART OF THE CHRISTMAS SERVICE!
Sign
up sheets for liturgical roles for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services and
for Christmas Lessons and Carols on January 1 will be available on Sunday.
Please sign up to be lector, acolyte or LEM at the service(s) you will attend.
If you will not be in church on Sunday and would like to participate, please
email Caroline at InterimSAITV@gmail.com.
Thank you!
LAST
SUNDAY-OUTREACH DISCUSSION
 |
| Marty Cloran leads this year's Outreach discussion. |
 |
| Sarah describes the camp she attends. |
COMMUNITY
FOOD CENTER
The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions
throughout the year.
The
monthly item for December is dish
detergent.
 |
| Chris Boldt as The Green Knight in Snapdragon production. Head, shoulders, and axe by Lisa T. |
FOOD FOR
THOUGHT
It’s still Advent, and so not time for
Christmas Carols yet, but after the snow fell I’ve had this carol on my mind:
Blessings,
See you
in Church!
Photography by:
Lisa
Thompson
Debra
Hoyt
