December 29, 2016

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP

This Sunday, The First Sunday after Christmas, there will be one service at 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.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY

A Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols

FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR

Happy New Year and Thank You!

Many thanks to everyone who made our Christmas services so glorious! We had wonderful music, thanks to Bernice, the Choir, Preston’s solo, Randy Ouellette on trumpet and Valerie on her beautiful harp. The church looked gorgeous, thanks to Gretchen, Sammie, Lisa, David, Ray, the Altar Guild, all the rest who helped decorate, and all who donated poinsettias. Thank you to all who were ushers, acolytes, lectors and Eucharistic ministers. And a huge thank you to the Huckman family, Carol and helpers for an amazing Christmas feast! It was delicious, and I know a huge amount of work went into making this happen. What a gift to the community!

I am off this Sunday, January 1, and Lisa, Gretchen and Cathie will lead the Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols in my absence. And on Sunday, January 8 Ginger Heard's group "The Treble Makers" will play for portions of the service – what a treat that will be!

I pray your Christmas was full of joy and love, and wish you blessings in the coming New Year.

Caroline

ANNUAL REPORTS

Please be getting your reports together and submitted to the office.

Most folks have their last year’s report but if you need an electronic copy or hard copy please let Deb in the office know and she will be happy to provide that for you. REPORTS ARE DUE JANUARY 13^TH!

COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER

The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.

The monthly item for January  is Shampoo/Conditioner.

DINNER BELL

Cook teams needed. Please consider picking up one of the many dates in 2017 for Dinner Bell cook team.  It really is quite easy and the outreach it provides is so rewarding and needed.  If you have questions about what it entails, please contact Carol Tubman at 651-8230.  Please email Deb at the office if you can fill any of those dates. Thank you.

Dinner Bell dates that cooks are needed: Feb 19 ~ Mar 19, 26 - Apr 23 ~ May 7,14, 21, 28 - Jun 4,11,18.

Please consider becoming the Dinner Bell Coordinator. Carol Tubman has graciously continued in this role for several years along with her many other responsibilities and would really like to pass it on.  There is not a huge amount of time involved just making sure the schedule dates are filled and contact with the office and cook teams. Computer knowledge is helpful. Please contact Carol if you have questions.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Wow. That was my response when I read the following selection from Forward Day by Day today (Wednesday).  It’s easy not to think much about refugees, as we don’t see many in our area. But we are all aware of the controversies surrounding admitting them to our country, especially if they come from the Middle East. Below is a rather startling way to think of refugees.

WEDNESDAY, December 28       Holy Innocents Day (from Forward Day by Day)

Matthew 2:14-15a Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.

On the bumper of our car there’s a sticker: “JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, HOMELESS AND UNDOCUMENTED.” I imagine them—a man and a teenage girl—taking their baby to Egypt for mere survival. Extreme circumstances have led them to an extreme course of action.

What kind of life did they lead? Maybe Mary cleaned rooms at an inn, and Joseph worked as a carpenter and custodian. They may have taken turns taking care of Jesus. Maybe they were mocked because they looked different and spoke Egyptian with a thick Aramaic accent.

I see this man, his young wife, and their precious baby all the time, all around my city, all over the world in the faces of the men, women, and children seeking refuge, renewal, and a fresh start at life. At my house, we call them the Holy Family.

Blessings,  See you in Church!

Guess who I saw! 

Deacon Santa Kevin and his son send Christmas greetings to St. Andrews

December 22, 2016

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP

Services for Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24^th

4:45 PM        Music: Carols, organ, harp, and trumpet.

5:00 PM       Intergenerational Service with Children’s Sermon, Setting and Blessing of the Crèche, and Holy Eucharist.

10:45 PM      Carols and Instrumental music (organ, trumpet and harp

11:00 PM      Candlelight Festival Eucharist with choir and sermon.

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25^th,

One service only at 11:30 AM  a simple service of Holy Eucharist followed by 12:30 PM Community Christmas Dinner. All are welcome. 

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT ST. ANDREW’S

This is an open Invitation to all, hors d’ oeuvres at 12:30pm , dinner at 1pm following the Christmas Service. 

Hors d’ouevres: Seeking finger foods or other ideas/donations welcome.

Drinks: Seeking donation of a case /bottles of sparkling cider   (need a total of 15)

Any other juices or seltzers welcome.

Desserts:Looking for candies, cookies, small dessert pieces or any other ideas/donations welcome.

If you are able to donate items, please let us know about your generosity,

by email to JenHuckman@gmail.com  

READINGS FOR SUNDAY

Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm 98

Hebrews 1:1-12

John 1:1-14

FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR

The snow is falling again this morning; the predicted 1-3" looks to be at least 3", and the trees are covered again. Even though the temperatures are to rise, we will surely have a white Christmas. Having grown up in the South, this is exciting to me! I love the snow (though not the shoveling). I love the beauty of it as it falls, and the beauty left behind.  But my thoughts also turn to those who are not so fortunate as us - those who have no shelter, those who are hungry, those who are cold, and especially to the children in these circumstances. Christmas baskets are being readied in the Parish Hall, so many will have a good Christmas dinner. The Christmas Project provided wonderful bags of gifts for many families in our area. Yet the need always outstrips the supply, if not in Tamworth, then certainly beyond.

Hopefully we have all contributed in some way to programs that help those in need. And this is good.  It is our calling. But there is always one more thing we can do - all of us - and that is to pray. As Christmas approaches let our prayers be for those in need, in our local communities, in our country and in our world. And let our prayers be for peace, in our country and our world. This too is our calling ; peace, and good will to all people. 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” Luke 2:13-14, KJV

May your Christmas be filled with God's peace and joy,

Caroline

LAST SUNDAY

Wednesday "Blue Christmas" service

Church was cancelled for “snow and ice” day.  The greening of the church was done after the Wednesday morning Blue Christmas Service.  See the photo gallery below for pictures.

The laurel is hung with care.

PLEASE BE THINKING ABOUT THIS!

This is your head’s up to be thinking about your Annual Reports.  Come December committee chairs should be pulling together their notes to complete reports for submission to the office.  If you have enough information to complete and send your report it is always appreciated to submit it as early as possible. 

Most folks have their last year’s report but if you need an electronic copy or hard copy please let Deb in the office know and she will be happy to provide that for you. REPORTS ARE DUE JANUARY 13^TH!

COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER

The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.

The monthly item for December is dish detergent.

DINNER BELL COOK TEAMS NEEDED

Please consider picking up one of the many dates in 2017 for Dinner Bell cook team.  It really is quite easy and the outreach it provides is so rewarding and needed.  If you have questions about what it entails, please contact Carol Tubman at 651-8230.  Please email Deb at the office if you can fill any of those dates. Thank you.

Dinner Bell dates that cooks are needed:

Feb 19 ~ Mar 19, 26 - Apr 23 ~ May 7,14, 21, 28 - Jun 4,11,18

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.

To take each moment And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

Lyrics from song written by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller, 1955

Blessings,

See you in Church!

Photography by:

Lisa Thompson

PHOTO GALLERY

Blue Christmas Service

Greening of the Church

Setting up for Christmas Eve

December 15, 2016

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP

This Sunday, The Fourth Sunday of Advent, there will be one service at 10 am, which will include the greening of the church.

There will be a Blue Christmas service in place of Morning Prayer this coming Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. Click on the link to read about it in last week's MEMO "From the Interim Rector".

We hope you will join us for worship and fellowship.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY

Isaiah 7:10-16

Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-25

FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR

Calling All Children and Teens!

Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Advent, the day we begin preparing the sanctuary for Christmas by greening the church. Children and teens, we need your help bringing in the laurel roping and the poinsettias, hanging the bows on the pews, etc.  And we will need you again at the 5:00 service on Christmas Eve to help build the crèche. What a wonderful time of the year! Parents, I hope you and your children will be able to attend these services as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child. 

LAST SUNDAY

Betsy preaching "Gaudate!" Sunday

ELEANORE’S PROJECT

The U-Haul is packed and on it's way

with Sammie at the Helm!

WOMEN'S LUNCH BUNCH
The ladies enjoyed a potluck lunch hosted by Dale Appleton. Please enjoy more photos below in the "Gallery".

SPECIAL INVITATION FROM THE BOLDTS

Please click 

BOLDT INVITATION

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT ST. ANDREW’S

This is an open Invitation to all, hors d’ oeuvres at 12:30pm , dinner at 1pm following the Christmas Service. 

Hors d’ouevres: Seeking finger foods or other ideas/donations welcome.

Drinks: Seeking donation of a case /bottles of sparkling cider   (need a total of 15)

Any other juices or seltzers welcome.

Desserts:Looking for candies, cookies, small dessert pieces or any other ideas/donations welcome.

If you are able to donate items, please let us know about your generosity, by email to JenHuckman@gmail.com  

COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER

The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.

The monthly item for December is dish detergent.

DINNER BELL COOK TEAMS NEEDED

Please consider picking up one of the many dates in 2017 for Dinner Bell cook team.  It really is quite easy and the outreach it provides is so rewarding and needed.  If you have questions about what it entails, please contact Carol Tubman at 651-8230.  There is also a need for a Dinner Bell Coordinator if you are so inclined, questions may be directed to Carol. Please email Deb at the office if you can fill any of those dates. Thank you.

Dinner Bell dates that cooks are needed:

Jan 1 ~ Feb 19 ~ Mar 19, 26 - Apr 23 ~ May 7,14, 21, 28 - Jun 4,11,18

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Guardian of the seasons,

keeper of every time,

tune us so to your rhythms

that we may know

the occasion for stillness

and the moment for action.

May we be so prepared

so aware

so awakened

in our waiting

that when you prompt us

into motion,

our hands may be your hands

and our purposes

your own.

Jan L. Richardson  Night Visions

Blessings,

See you in Church!

Photography by:

Lisa Thompson

Deb Hoyt

"PHOTO GALLERY"

WOMEN'S LUNCH BUNCH, DEC 14TH

PRESTON'S CONCERT

Rockin' the tamborine.

He's smiling!

December 8. 2016

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 18^TH

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. 14^th.  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

December 1. 2016

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP

This Sunday, The Second Sunday of Advent, there will be one service at 9 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.

READINGS FOR SUNDAY

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Romans 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12

FROM THE INTERIM RECTOR

I’m always glad to get home from a trip, but I have to admit the transition from the beach pictured here to the freezing rain and snow in Tamworth on Tuesday was a bit of a challenge! We had a wonderful time, and it was glorious to be at the beach – all the good things you can imagine – seafood, Mexican food, warm weather, beautiful sea and sky. The ten of us, six adults and four teenagers, came together at the airport in Cancun, made the trek down the coast to Tulum, and then made a beeline to the beach. I hadn’t seen my nephews since last Christmas, and both of them had grown at least four inches – both are now quite a bit taller than I am. Though we didn’t have a traditional Thanksgiving, we were all grateful to have this time together in such a gorgeous setting, and the opportunity to reconnect and catch up.

 It didn't feel like Advent in Mexico, where it seemed like summer. Now that I'm home I'm ready to catch up with the season, and begin to prepare my heart for the coming of the Christ child. I’ve gone through my collection of Advent meditations, and picked out an old favorite to read each day. It’s called Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas, by Jan L. Richardson. One of the poems in particular spoke to me as I browsed through it; I share it in hopes it will speak to you as well.

Horizon

The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. It is not possible to keep it from coming, because it will. That’s just how Advent works. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s hindquarters fade in the distance.

So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder.

There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing.

For now, stay. Wait.

Something is on the horizon.

Happy Advent!

FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

(Note: this was to be published last week and was missed by the editor)

As we celebrated Thanksgiving this past week, we are mindful of the many blessings in our lives, our faith, our families, this beautiful country that we live in, and the beauty that surrounds us in the valley daily. It is also the perfect opportunity for us, on the Stewardship Committee,  to thank all of our St. Andrew's family for your generous support during this pledge season. Not only will our parish flourish, we will also continue to share our abundance with others. Hoping you had a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

The Stewardship Committee: Lisa Thompson, Gretchen Behr Svendsen, Patti Rau, Barbara Lord, Pat Adams

CHRISTMAS ALTAR FLOWERS

If you wish to dedicate Christmas flowers in memory or thanksgiving of a loved one or friend, there will be slips in the bulletin the next two Sundays 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.

Preston's 1st reading on the 1st Sunday of Advent.
Good job Preston!
See more photos from Last Sunday in the Gallery below.

PLEASE DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!

This is your head’s up to be thinking about your Annual Reports.  Committee chairs should be pulling together their notes to complete reports for submission to the office.  If you have enough information to complete and send your report it is always appreciated to submit it as early as possible. 

Most folks have their last year’s report but if you need an electronic copy or hard copy please let Deb in the office know and she will be happy to provide that for you. REPORTS ARE DUE JANUARY 13^TH!

COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER

The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.

The monthly item for December is dish detergent.

DINNER BELL COOK TEAMS NEEDED

Please consider picking up one of the many dates in 2017 for Dinner Bell cook team.  It really is quite easy and the outreach it provides is so rewarding and needed.  If you have questions about what it entails, please contact Carol Tubman at 651-8230.  There is also a need for a Dinner Bell Coordinator if you are so inclined, questions may be directed to Carol. Please email Deb at the office if you can fill any of those dates. Thank you.

Dinner Bell dates that cooks are needed:

Dec 4, 2016 - Jan 1 ~ Feb 19 ~ Mar 19, 26 - Apr 23 ~ May 7,14, 21, 28 - Jun 4,11,18

CHRISTMAS AT ST. ANDREW'S

Blessings,

See you in Church!

Photography by:

Chris Mills

Lisa Thompson

Debra Hoyt

1st Sunday of Advent Photo Gallery

Rev. Nancy Spencer Smith, guest priest

A conversation with Jim Theodore and Gretchen

Tommie Dayton

Nancy and Sammie chat

Betsy and Sue

A book of poetry by Sammie and her sister, Gail
in memory of their father Jess Wilson
pictured on the cover with Sammie's daughter, Esther