YOUTH GROUP WREATH SALE
Order forms are now on the back table, and on our website, for the Youth Group’s Wreath Sale. Deadline for placing an order s Monday, December 1st. Order pick up is Saturday, December 6th
10 AM to 1 PM, and Sunday, December 7th, 9 AM to 12 noon.
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ALTAR GUILD POINSETTIAS
Would you like to donate a Poinsettia(s) in Loving Memory of, or In Thanksgiving for, to grace our Altar this Christmas? Order forms can be found on the back table, and on our website. Order deadline is Monday, December 16th and to ensure that your dedications will be listed in the
Christmas bulletin insert. Please be sure to check off if you wish to pick up your poinsettia(s) after the 10 am service on Sunday, January 4th.
CANTERBURY SHOP
November 30th is the First Sunday in Advent. The Canterbury Shop is open this morning and you will find Advent candle holders and Advent candles available in time for the season of Advent.
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PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN’S
For the sick: Roberta, Roger Giacomini, Teresa Santiago, Bill Hinton, Irena, Geralynn Marchesi, Philip Wulfken, Christine Bushnell, Jean Giacomini, Cheryl Hairr, Anna Felter, Arthur Noble, Martha Kee, Marta Dovi, Mark Bellissimo, Brain A., Jennifer, Frank Elliot, Karin, Bill Wesp, Kathy, Tom, Gail Werner, Elizabeth Wagner, Melanie Gryznstein, Raili Dwyer, John McCartney, Louise Spach, William Murphy, Chancy Dennis, Pat
The Altar Flowers are given this week In Memory of John Simon, the gift of the St. Hilda’s Guild.
The Perpetual Light is given this week In Memory of John Simon, the gift of the St. Hilda’s Guild.
To have someone entered onto our Prayer List for 4 weeks, please e-mail the church office with the person’s name as well as the requester’s name. The e-mail address is: .
Last Sunday attendance: 121
THE CHALICE
The weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church
November 23, 2014
FROM THE RECTOR:
“In Search of our Kneeling Places.” by Ann Weems
In each heart lies a Bethlehem,
an inn where we must ultimately answer
Whether there is room or not.
When we are Bethlehem-bound
We experience our own advent in his.
When we are Bethlehem-bound
We can no longer look the other way
Conveniently not seeing the stars
Not hearing angel voices.
We can no longer excuse ourselves by busily
Tending our sheep or our kingdoms.
This advent let’s go to Bethlehem
And see this thing that the Lord has made known to us.
In the midst of shopping sprees
Let’s ponder in our hearts the Gift of Gifts.
Through the tinsel
Let’s look for the gold of the Christmas star.
In the excitement and confusion, in the merry chaos,
This Advent, let’s go to Bethlehem
And find our kneeling places.
In the Advent season, we wait in joyous expectation for the birth of Christ. We shift our attention from worrying about the problems that face us to a crude manger in Bethlehem, where all of God’s promises are fulfilled. We shift from thinking about scarcity to the abundance that we have from God. Please take time to relax in this busy season and journey with all of us at St. John’s to Bethlehem.
Advent is a time when we love each other as Christ loves us. It is a time when we remember those who we love by giving cards and presents. We take the time to visit with our family, co-workers and friends.
Advent is a time when we give of ourselves to others as Christ gave of himself to us. We bring about the coming of the Kingdom of God by looking beyond ourselves. We pray for one another and help the poor and needy where we can. I have asked each member of St. John’s to draw closer to our Lord in the coming year. Please consider deepening your faith in Christ by loving God and one another. The best way to get started is to pray to God that your heart may be kindled again.
In Christ’s love,
Rev. Duncan A. Burns
VISITORS AND NEWCOMERS WELCOME!
We welcome you to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Established in 1745, this historic church opens its doors to all who seek to deepen their faith and provides warm hospitality to all. We are blessed by your presence and invite you to fill out a Visitor’s Card on the back table of church. Visit the Greeters’ Kiosk in the rear of church, where Greeters are available to answer questions and provide you with a packet of additional information about church services and activities.
ECW ADOPT-A-FAMILY
Thank you to those who will be purchasing gifts for adopt a family individuals. Betsy Larkin will be collecting the gifts on Sundays December 7th and 14th. All gifts must be returned by the 14th.
Please have them wrapped and labelled to the recipient. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
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ADVENT – A MORNING OF PRAYER
On Saturday, December 6th from 9:30AM – 12:30PM St. John’s Spirituality Group will host a special retreat, with special guest speakers Marcia and Jack Gaudet, “Advent: A Morning of Prayer”. Come set aside some time to prepare in this season of Advent. For more information, or to register please contact Patti Aliperti at: 631-385-1410
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CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Calling all angels, stars, shepherds and kings....Don't miss your chance to help bring the story of Christmas to life in our annual pageant on December 21st at the 10 am service.
St. John's has always been blessed with the most talented children. Many of you have already let me know what you would like to do in this year’s pageant. If you would like to take part in the pageant and haven’t already signed up, please take a moment to send me an email letting me know what part you would like to play. It would also help to know if you like to sing (solo or in a group), speak or just quietly shine! I will do my best to honor your requests.
Rehearsal for the pageant is Saturday morning, December 20th. Times will be announced, once the parts have been assigned. Costumes are provided. Parent helpers are important to shepherd the shepherds and dress the angels. If you can lend a hand, please let me know.
Thank you all! Cindy Ellenbogen - 631- 261-5753 or
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ADVENT WREATH MAKING
It was a joyous gathering in the Great Hall last year…all of St. John’s sitting down together on the First Sunday in Advent creating Advent Wreaths. Parishioners of all ages gathered as a family to prepare for Christmas. Join us TODAY after the 10 AM service and continue our tradition. We will provide greens, wire wreaths, candles, breakfast and music...all we need is your company. Please join us!
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SEASON – CALENDAR OF EVENTS
· Sunday, November 30th at 9 AM in the Guild Room – Advent Series led by Fr. Duncan.
The Courage of Mary: A study of the Blessed Virgin Mary through music, art, poetry and Timothy’s Keller’s “Encounters with Jesus” (Book available on Amazon).
· Sunday, November 30th in the Great Hall after the 10 AM service– Advent Wreath Making. There will be NO Sunday School, but EVERYONE is invited to participate in making an Advent Wreath for the season.
· Saturday, December 6th from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – St. John’s Spirituality Group hosts “Advent: A Morning of Prayer” with Guest Speakers Marcia and Jack Gaudet.
· Sunday, December 7th at 9 AM – Advent Series: The Courage of Mary led by Fr. Duncan continues.
· Sunday, December 7th at 7 PM – Sing Noel: A concert of Christmas Songs, Carols and Stories.
· Saturday, December 13th at 4PM – Institution of Rev. Duncan A. Burns as Rector.
· Sunday, December 14th at 9 AM – Advent Series: The Courage of Mary led by Fr. Duncan concludes.
· Saturday, December 20th 9 AM to 12 Noon – Christmas Pageant Rehearsal.
· Sunday, December 21st at 10 AM service – St. John’s Sunday School Christmas Pageant.
· Sunday, December 21st after the 10 AM service - Greening of the Church.
· Wednesday, December 24th at 4 PM – Christmas Eve Family Service.
· Wednesday, December 24th at 8 PM – Choral Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist.
· Wednesday, December 24th at 11 PM – Choral Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist, with incense.
· Thursday, December 25th at 10 AM – Christmas Day Service with Holy Eucharist
· Thursday, January 1st at 10 AM – New Year’s Day Holy Eucharist and Brunch