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ALTAR GUILD- CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
This Christmasremember your Loved Ones,or offer Special Thanksgivings, by making a donation for this year’s Christmas Poinsettias. Order forms can be found in the back of the church, as well as on our website. Order forms and payment are due Monday, December 14th.
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PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN’S
For the sick: Roger Giacomini, Teresa Santiago, Bill Hinton, Irena, Philip Wulfken, Christine Bushnell, Jean Giacomini, Cheryl Hairr, Anna Felter, Martha Kee, Marta Dovi, Mark Bellissimo, Brian A., Frank Elliot, Kathy, Tom,Karin, Bill Wesp,Milton Dove, Barbara Aasheim, William Mulligan, RJ Sumner, Rev. Robert Johansson, Robert Earley, Karen Moran, Michael Busterna, Tom, Ashley Webster, Debbie Peltz, Bill Cahoy,William Murphy, Dick Capobianco, David, Johanna Spittler, Zachary Pickerill, Janet Campbell, Mary Simon, Carlton Wildman, Kerry Walsh, David Saalfield, Charles Baker,Bruce, Sue, Patrick, Katharine, Daniel, Debbie, Muriel DiGiorgio, Elizabeth Wegner, Chris, Betty Nichols, Janice Tuohy, Addison, Gavin, Jaedon, Pinot, Patti, Rick
We pray for all our men and women serving in the armed services and all first responders. May God keep them safe and return them home to their loved ones.
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’s attendance: 177
Sunday Servers – 10am Service
November 29
MC – Earl Matchett
LEM - Leslie Valentine
Acolytes - Cameron Tracy
Thalia Tosetti
Luke Cahill
Emma Cahill
Lector 1 - MaryKate Brennan
Lector 2 - Colby Tracy
THE CHALICE
The weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church
November 29, 2015
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:14-16).
In the Advent season, we wait in joyous expectation for the birth of Christ. Jeremiah the prophet gave us these words from God that we might have hope in uncertain times. 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.
We will be reading daily reflections from Evelyn Underhill. Copies of her Advent meditations can be found on the back table of the church. Please join us at 9:00 am for the next three Sundays in the Guild Room for “A Thrill of Hope.” We will explore the Christmas Story in Word and Art. The first week we will look at the Annunciation and the Nativity.
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 sending cards, baking cookies, and giving 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.
The St. John’s Youth Group will be selling wreaths, roping, Christmas cactus, and poinsettias this Sunday and delivering them on Saturday December 5th from 10 am -1 pm and Sunday December 6th from 8:30 am -12:00 pm. This fund raiser supports our youth on mission trips and youth events.
Please join us this Sunday for Advent wreath making after the 10 am service in the Great Hall. This is an intergenerational event for everyone in the parish. Dave mentioned last week that St. John’s has a wonderful family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. If you are new to St. John’s or coming back to us again, we ask you to stay after the service today and enjoy the wonderful hospitality that we offer. We serve a breakfast of eggs, pancakes, French toast, muffins, or bagels every Sunday and we would really love to have you join us.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Duncan
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.
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 November 29th after the 10 am service as we continue this tradition. We will provide greens, wire wreaths, candles and music...all we need is your company. Please join us and bring a friend! This is a perfect opportunity to invite family to visit St. John’s.If you saved your wire wreath frame from last year, please bring it with you!
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STEWARDSHIP THANK YOU
Thank you for your generosity and faithfulness in the 2016 Stewardship Campaign. If you have not already done so, please fill out a 2016 Pledge Card and drop it in the mail or into the collection basket this Sunday. Extra pledge cards can be found in the pews or on the table in the back of Church. The Vestry will be approving our budget on December 7th and your contribution is greatly appreciated.
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CELTIC SERVICE
The next Celtic Service will be tonight Sunday, November 29 at 5:30 pm. Please plan on joining us.
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ADVENT AT ST. JOHN’S
Join us on Sundays, November 29, December 6 and 13, at 9 am for the Advent Series “A Thrill of Hope.” Also, starting on Monday, November 30 through December 23 there will be Morning Prayer for Advent on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 am in the church. This advent season we will be reading “Advent with Evelyn Underhill.” Copies are available on the table at the back of the church.
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CANTERBURY SHOP
There are lots of wonderful gifts just waiting for you to purchase in the Canterbury Shop. Come shop for your Christmas gift giving and your seasons decor!
YOUTH GROUP WREATH SALE
Time to order your Christmas wreaths, roping, poinsettias, and Christmas cactus.Order forms can be found in the back of church and on our website! Order deadline is tomorrow, Monday, November 30.Order pick up is Saturday, December 5 from 10am to 1 pm; and Sunday, December 6 from 8:30 am to 12 Noon. Any questions, please contact Ford Spilsbury at 212-873-7088.
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ECW ADOPT-A-FAMILY
The ECW will be participating in the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s Adopt-A-Family Program this Christmas. There will be snowflakes available to take home. Each snowflake will state what gift is needed, age and child’s name. All purchased gifts should be gift wrapped and have the individual snowflake tag attached to the gift. All gifts need to be dropped off by Sunday, December 6. Any questions, please contact Linda Ehrenshaft at: 631-863-1118.
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SING NOËL
Join us on Sunday, December 6 at 7 pm for Sing Noël ~ A Concert of Christmas Songs, Carols and Stories featuring the talents of: Route 110, Nancy Loesch, Leslie Valentine, Douglass Purcell, Larry Long, Christine Doré and The rambling Reader’s Theatre. General Admission is $20 per ticket. For tickets and more information please call: 631-423-7404. Please join us afterwards in the Great Hall for some Christmas Cheer! Invite your friends, family and neighbors to this annual delight.
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ST. JOHN’S SPIRITUALITY GROUP – ADVENT QUIET DAY
Please set some time apart and join us on Saturday, December 12 as the St. John’s SpiritualityGroup hosts An Advent Quiet Day, which will beled by Louise Litke. Advent is a time of expectant waiting and a season of preparation for the coming birth of Jesus. Louise will lead us in three separate meditations about spiritual preparation, each followed by time for personal quiet reflection. The day starts at 9 am with a Full Breakfast, and the program starts at 9:45 am through 12:45 pm. We request a donation of $20 per person. ALL are welcome – invite your friends and family for this special day of quiet reflection. For reservations please contact Heather Kress at: , or 631-549-5186.
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HEALING
On the first Sunday of the month, Deacon Jones will be at the side Altar during Communion for healing. The next healing is scheduled for Sunday, December 6 at the 8 am and 10 am services. We also have healing at all our Celtic services including tonight at 5:30 pm.