THE EPISTLE of St. Luke’s Episcopal Mission We gather to Worship SUNDAY – 10:00AM Second Sunday of Advent December 7, 2014 ANNUAL MEETING TODAY– Whether you are a member of the congregation or a visitor, the Vestry would be very pleased if you would stay for the meeting and lunch. We seek maximum attendance and everyones input. Although the missioners annual report will be presented in place of the sermon, you will hear an update on the construction, a financial report, an election, and a time to ask questions, make suggestions etc. ********************************************** VESTRY CHANGES - At the November meeting, the Vestry voted to change the composition of the Vestry from nine to six members. So, henceforth, each year there will be two members each completing a three year term of office and an election to replace them. However this year that will not be the case. Only Gerry Forbes will be replaced. Senior Warden, Rob Fey, who is also completing a three year term is being held over one year. In order to maintain continuity of the construction project, the Vestry contacted Bishop Lee and received permission to do so. Rob has the go to person in getting the job done. Nominated for a three year term to replace Gerry is Lyle Forbes. ***************************************************** BLESSED IS HE WHO FORGIVES WITHOUT REMEMBERING AND WHO RECEIVES FORGIVENESS WITHOUT FORGETTING (copied from SYNTHESIS) ********************************************** PARISH WORKDAY - Saturday, December 13th, 9:30AM - 1:00PM. Quarterly workdays are scheduled so as to give the church a thorough cleaning and take care of any repairs that may be necessary. Weather permitting, the grounds will also be spruced up. We are looking for a good turnout as we prepare for the great festival of Christmas. ********************************************** WRAPPING UP THE ANNUAL APPEAL. HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR 2015 PLEDGE CARD TO BARBARA YET?? If not, please do - call Barbara Henley @ 232-1212 ************************************************ LISTEN TO THE VOICE (a Advent message) When Bev and I moved to our Kentucky farm back in the seventies, having lived and worked in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for fourteen years, it was somewhat of a culture shock, especially the record breaking cold and heavy snow of the first few winters. As the fields had been idle for many years, the real challenge was the farm itself for the pastures were full of briars and bramblebush especially the area near the barnyard. They were particularly thick where I wanted to re-establish the gate. It was not possible to get by without being snagged by thorns. At first I just cut back enough for the horses to get by, but after a while, as they kept growing back and blocking the gates it was obvious I had to bite the bullet and get rid of them once and for all. So I hacked, chopped and cleared down to the bare ground and then planted fescue grass. The following year the briars and bramble bush were back again. It became clear I was not going to completely be rid of them. Year after year for 21 years they would come back and I would cut them back. Although the amount was less each time, they were there and had to be dealt with. For if I didnt, they would once again take control of the farm. John the Baptist comes each year during Advent telling us to clear the overgrown clutter that overtakes our lives, preventing us from becoming the people God wants us to be. Clearing our lives is not a once and for all task, but is something we must do continually. Johns call is to cut back that which is ensnaring, to straighten that which is crooked, to smooth out that which is rough-- to prepare the way for His coming. Johns word is a word of repentance. If there is something shoddy in our lives -- something degrading -- something beneath our dignity as children of God -- then, get rid of it!! And so, my dear friends, listen to the voice which cries in the wilderness, and believe in your hearts that God is at work within you, and in the world. Open yourselves to the Lord, especially when you find yourselves wandering in the wilderness. ***************************************** ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS - on the 3rd Sunday in Advent - December 14th at our principal service at 10:00PM. Instead of the customary nine lessons there only be five, and the Eucharist will follow. This will be a first for St. Lukes. ********************************************** CHRISTMAS EVE – A WEDNESDAY THIS YEAR – 11:00PM - St. Luke’s will celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, at an almost midnight service. 10:00PM – gather for Christmas handshakes or hugs, and refreshments 10:30PM – in the nave singing carols 11:00PM – the Holy Eucharist ************************************************* EMAIL MESSAGES FROM FRIENDS From Mamre Marsh Wilson (Mamre is the Diocesan historiographer - J) I just want to thank you for sending me the monthly newsletter ... I print a copy out and take it to my office and put it in the Archives ... I read what you have written and you certainly do have a lot of news, which is great ... I send you and all your parishioners and friends a very blessed Christmas and a wonderful holy new year! Peace and blessings, mamré From Sam Avallone (in Boston) Hi folks Think of you often . Hope your Thanksgiving was enjoyable. Thanks for keeping the news letter coming to me. Miss services with you at St Lukes . God Bless and stay safe and well. ************************************************** ANGEL TREE - The Angel Tree is up. You may stop by the Gathering Room and take off one of the tags on the Angel Tree located next to the front door. All gifts need to be back, wrapped with name tag by December 21st so we can deliver them before Christmas. ************************************************ VISITATION, AND MORE - Fr. Jim would like to visit with the congregation in their homes. As many of the members work, finding a suitable time may be difficult. However, he would enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and conversation, around your dining table. Call 337-6269 ************************************************** THE HOLY EUCHARIST ************************************************** THE LESSONS Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 ******************************************************* TODAY’S LAY MINISTERS OBLATIONS Jan Croteau EUCHARISTIC MINISTER Bev McGee ALTAR GUILD Bev McGee LECTOR - LESSONS: Barbara Henley LECTOR - PRAYERS: Emily Walker USHER Russ Beaty ACOLYTES: Sydney Walker REFRESHMENTS The McGees COUNTERS Beaty/Henley *************************************************** . HYMNS At the Lighting of Advent Wreath - On each of the four Sundays in Advent of Hymn #56, v.1,2 will be played. It will be Verse #1 this week - please sing along. youtube/watch?v=7xtpJ4Q_Q-4 Processional Hymn People Look East https://youtube/watch?v=FfvqqxWH0n0 - followed by: youtube/watch?v=tP1kYuOLYqg Surely the Presence – words found inside cover of Hymnal Sequence Hymn # 76 cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/n/onjordan.htm Communion Hymn # 475 https://youtube/watch?v=8JcWfuLX8MY Recessional Hymn # 65 https://youtube/watch?v=yZDqBt7qqsg **************************************************** PRAYERS PRAY FOR CHRIST’S HEALING GRACE FOR: Steph, Diana Epple, Greg Lewis, Benjamin Fey, Robert Fey, Gary Ryan, Jerry, Mike and Ginger, Albert Sir, Dave Short, Dewey Bennett, Chuck Ladell, Romel Siervo, Ken Herns, Willie Williams, Steve Cruther, Bill Manning, Terry Miles, Cindy Wackerly, Darrell Haymore, William White, Leisa Glisson, Meridith Edman, Constance Richardson, Alan Hall, Vicki Stearns, Tim Plank, Joselyn Frey, Nathaniel Woodward, Billy Byrne, Ed Ish, Clay Quinn, Ashley Delaney, Ralph Snyder. Ellen, Monroe Ola, Clevie Hooper, Joyce Lambertson and David. CYCLE OF PRAYER: In the ANGLICAN COMMUNION, we pray for the Diocese of Kinkiizi in Uganda. In the DIOCESE OF EAST CAROLINA, we pray for St. Georges in Englehard, and for all the retired clergy of the Diocese. In The DIOCESE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, our companion Diocese, we pray for San Jose in Andres Boca Chica. *********************************************** MY BOUNDEN DUTY is to follow Christ, To worship every Sun day in His Church; And to work and pray and give for the Spread of His Kingdom The Book of Common Prayer In Christs love, Jim+
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 21:05:47 +0000
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