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| Advent Season |
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY, December 8th, The Second Sunday of Advent there will be two services at 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
* Morning Prayer service on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
* Centering Prayer on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
* A Blue Christmas service will be held on Wednesday, December 18th, 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 8th
Second Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Year A
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
1st Reading: Tina Quinn
2nd Reading: Carol Tubman
Prayers: Patti Rau
Click below to see the readings:
FROM THE RECTOR
Once again this year we will hold a
Blue Christmas service, on Wednesday, December 18, at 5:30 pm. This service is designed
for those for whom the holiday season is difficult, and for those who support
them. Those of us who have experienced a loss of some kind may not be feeling
joy, and may feel that we need to "put on a happy face" for others,
pretending to enjoy the holiday festivities.
The Blue Christmas service is a time
to make the space and take the time to acknowledge our sadness or worries, and
also to recognize that we are not alone. The church will be dimly lit, with
candles all around, and Valerie May will lead our music on her harp. There will
be time for silent reflection and prayer, a time to light a candle for whatever
loss we are experiencing, and Scripture and music that remind us that God is
with us even when we are grieving or struggling. It is an opportunity to honor
the complexities of our feelings, and to remember the light that shines in the
darkness, the promise of hope that God's word offers to us all.
The service is open to everyone, so
please spread the word to friends and family in the community.
Other Advent events:
Advent Quiet Day
Saturday, December 7, 2019
9:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Our Advent Book Study
on Light of the World continues on Tuesday, December 10 at noon and on
Wednesday, December 18 at noon. All are welcome; previous attendance isn’t
necessary.
Caroline
SAFE CHURCH
If you are up for Safe Church Renewal
you must do your renewal modules on Armatus
then sign up for one of the following meetings online.
Safe Church Zoom Call
If you have questions, please contact Safe Church Minister, Marty Cloran.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Come join us! Knitting skills not required.
1st and 3rd Wednesday morning at 10:15 a.m.
If you knit or crochet (or would like to learn how to) and are led to engaging in an outreach mission that provides physical and spiritual comfort to those in need, please join us on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at 10:15 AM in the Prince Room. We are a joyous group that will keep you in stitches! The coffee and tea will be on and new members are always welcome. If you have any questions, please call Lin Frank at 323-0402.
WOMEN'S LUNCH BUNCH
The Women's Lunch Bunch will have their December Pot Luck at the home of Sally DeGroot , 278 Bennett St, N. Sandwich.
DIRECTIONS: 113 A to Whiteface Intervale Road. If you come from Tamworth
thru Wonalancet, Whiteface Intervale Road is on your right about 5 miles past
the little white church.
If you
come from Sandwich or from Route 25, to 113A, Whiteface Intervale Road is about
3 miles on your left. Whiteface
Intervale - left on Bennett Street - 1 mile down (first mailbox on left after
road turns to dirt) #278 Bennett Street.
CELEBRATE THE SEASON
DINNER BELL
Dinner Bell cook teams for the month of December are:
8 Slader
15 NEED COOK TEAM
22 NEED COOK TEAM
15 NEED COOK TEAM
22 NEED COOK TEAM
Tuesday the 25th is a Christmas Dinner – All are welcome!
29 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
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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.
FORWARD DAY BY DAY
Thursday, December 5
2 Peter 3:14-15a Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
Maybe you’ve seen or read or heard about the series of novels that depict life before and after the Rapture. This series and other books and media like it capitalize on our shared preoccupation with what is waiting on the other side.
The Second Epistle of Peter helps me shift my focus. Why not attend to life right here and now? I can do things that place me in closer alignment with the Spirit of God—praying, reading scripture, worshiping, blessing, sharing God’s love, resting, and abiding with Jesus.
If we want to dwell with God, we don’t have to wait until Jesus comes back. Salvation is happening every day we have breath, through the grace and patience of our Lord. Make this place and time heaven on earth.
MOVING FORWARD: If Jesus came back today, what would he find you doing?
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
13 Suzanne Morgan
13 Suzanne Morgan
27 Debra Hoyt
30 Gretchen Behr-Svendsen
Anniversaries
8 Bob & Carolyn Seston
21 Chris & Carolyn Boldt
21 Chris & Carolyn Boldt
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 15th.
PHOTO GALLERY
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