November 29, 2018




JOIN US FOR WORSHIP                

THIS SUNDAYDecember 2nd,  The First Sunday of Advent there will be one service only at 9:00 am.


* Morning Prayer service on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m.

* Centering  Prayer on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.


*  A Blue Christmas service  will be held on Wednesday, December 19, at 5:30 p.m.  This service is open to everyone, but is particularly for those who struggle with the holiday season due to some sort of loss: death of a spouse, a child, a sibling, a close friend; loss of a job or a house; a loved one who suffers from addiction; or any loss that is difficult, and makes it hard to be merry. It is a service of remembrance and at the same time, a time to lift up our blessings even as we grieve a loss.

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR WORSHIP
and FELLOWSHIP
READINGS FOR SUNDAY                
Sunday, December 2nd
1st Sunday of Advent
Year C

Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-9
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36


FROM THE RECTOR

ADVENT
If you receive any of the emails from the Episcopal Church in NH or from The Episcopal Church, you have probably seen reference to “The Way of Love”. Our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, has introduced us to the idea of being the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement, and began making materials available to help us live into this identity this summer.

A program for the season of Advent, Journeying the Way of Love offers four sessions to be explored as we await the coming of Christ by moving through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s gospel provides a pattern for understanding how we can live the Way of Love as individuals, as families and friends, as a community, and out in the world.
We will use the Advent materials after the 10:00 service during Advent, beginning on Sunday, December 9.  (Our outreach meeting will take place following the 9:00 service this Sunday, December 2.)
Outline
·         Session One: The Annunciation: Saying “Yes” to the Journey
·         Session Two: Mary and Elizabeth: Journeying with Family and Friends
·         Session Three: The Birth of John the Baptist: Journeying with Community
·         Session Four: The Birth of Jesus: Journeying with the World
There are additional resources as well: Journeying the Way of Love Advent Calendar, Discussion Questions about Spiritual Practices, and Starting a Rule of Life, to help us “try on” the spiritual practices of the Way of Love.
We will explore these materials together, or, if you cannot attend, the resources are available at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/journeying-way-love. Let me know if you would like us to print some of the materials for you.
Another option for those who cannot attend our sessions is to join an online group led by Tina Pickering, our diocesan Canon for Ministry. She will lead sessions each Sunday of Advent at 4:00 pm (December 2, 9, 16, and 23). Participate in the group in your flannels and slippers, from the coziest spot in your home! These meetings will be conducted through Zoom - you will need a computer or mobile device with a internet connection and a camera to participate. Please register HERE to participate in the series (you do not have to commit to attend each session). Once you register, a link to the Zoom meeting will be sent in your registration confirmation - just click on the Zoom link to participate in the group. BYO hot chocolate!

Our OUTREACH MEETING to determine recipients of our outreach funds will take place following the 9:00 service this Sunday, December 2. Please join us to help make these decisions.

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
As of this week we have received 51 pledges totaling $137,800. (Last year we received 62 pledges totaling $150,250.) Our projections show that if those who pledged last year make a pledge for 2019 of the same amount, our pledges will be at about the same level as 2018. Given the fact that you all made pledges for our Raise the Roof campaign in addition to your annual pledge, this is truly exceptional. We are so grateful for your support. Abundant thanks to all of you who have made your pledge for 2019!
If you have not yet turned in your pledge, please do so as soon as possible. We are in the process of finalizing our 2019 budget, and it would be helpful to know what our pledge income will be.
Caroline
RAISE THE ROOF       


The drawing will be Sunday, Dec 2nd

   
CELEBRATE THE SEASON



 DINNER BELL
  

 Dinner Bell cook teams for the month of December are:
          2nd     Rau
          9th      Adams
          16th    Slader
          23rd    Tubman
 Tuesday the 25th is a Christmas Dinner – All are welcome!

          30th    UUFES
Thank you for your volunteer
work in this special Outreach program!

St. Andrew's CHRISTMAS DINNER-December 25th
Open Invitation to all
Hors d’ oeuvres at 12:30pm ~~ Dinner at 1pm. 
RSVP requested to 323-8515 or office@standrewsinthevalley.org

Can you help with food?
Hors Douevres:
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
 If you are able to donate items, please let us know about your generosity,
We would also welcome volunteers to help!
Thank you!
Jen & Tom

COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER
The Food Pantry thanks you for your contributions throughout the year.
The monthly item for December  is dish detergent.

FORWARD DAY BY DAY
Thursday, November 29

Ephesians 1:17-18 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints.
Throughout this month, we’ve talked a lot about the lives of the saints. With All Saints’ Day, the commemoration of All Souls, and Veterans’ Day, it’s easy to see why November is often referred to as the month of Holy Souls. This month is not meant for lament or remorse but as a time of rejoicing for all those who have finished their course in faith and rest from their labors.
This month is a holy time for us to take courage in the faith these saints have made real and to learn from their examples. In less than a month, we will celebrate God being born among us so long ago. For now, let us remember the saints who make God real for us each day and offer thanks for what they have given us.
MOVING FORWARD: Compile your own list of saints to celebrate throughout the year, in addition to those commemorated by the church.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed, please make sure Deb in the office has an information sheet on file for you.



     Birthdays
6        Carolyn Seston
12      Hettie Buck
27      Debra Hoyt
30      Gretchen Behr-Svendsen

     Anniversaries
8        Bob & Carolyn Seston


THIS MONTH AT ST. ANDREW’S

SUNDAY
   Every Sunday      Dinner Bell                      5 p.m.

          2……….1st Sunday of Advent                  One service at 9 a.m.
          9…….. 2nd Sunday of Advent                  8 & 10 a.m.
          16……. 3rd Sunday of Advent                  8 & 10 a.m.
          23……..4th Sunday of Advent
                   & Greening of the Church       8 & 10 a.m.
          30……..1st Sunday after Christmas          10 a.m.

MONDAY
   Every Monday     Boy Scout Meeting           7 p.m.

          24……..Christmas Eve Services (see seasonal schedule)

TUESDAY
   Every Tuesday     Food Pantry                    10 a.m-Noon
                              Centering Prayer            5:30 p.m.
                             AA Step Meeting              8 p.m.

          18……..Scout Committee Meeting           7 p.m.
          25……..Christmas Day Service and Dinner (see seasonal schedule)
                   OFFICE CLOSED

WEDNESDAY
  Every Wednesday Morning Prayer Service    9 a.m.

          12……..Women’s Lunch Bunch              Noon
          19..... Blue Christmas Service              5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
          13……..Sandwich Singers concert
          20……..CFC Board Meeting                      8:30 a.m.
                   Basket Distribution

FRIDAY
   Every Friday       Food Pantry                    10 a.m.-Noon
         
SATURDAY
   Every Saturday   AA & Alanon Meetings      8 p.m.

FROM THE OFFICE
Christmas Flower dedication slips may be found on the bulletin table and the parish hall table. Please complete your dedication slip and return along with your $20.00 donation  in the offering plate or leave in the office for Debra by December 16th.
  
PHOTO GALLERY