FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
MORNING PRAYER — DEC. 18, 2016, 10 a.m.
Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
Officiant: John OwenOrganist: Elaine Shoemaker
Homily: Freeman GilbertGreeters: Debb & Jeff Bush
Readers: Betsy Trescher, Sue Russell, Stephen LeonardCounters: John Forbes & Jean Owen
Eucharistic Visitor: John OwenCoffee Hour Host: The Bangharts
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ONGOING
1st Sunday— Kids’ Mass2nd & 4th Monday — Food Pantry, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Last Sunday — Anointing & Prayers of Healing5th Saturday — Soup Kitchen open 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Every Tuesday & Friday — A.A. meets 8 p.m.3rd Wednesday — Prayer Shawls at Caffé Tosi 10 a.m.
Wednesdays — "Mass Underground” at 6:15 p.m.Vestry — Meets third Monday, 6:30 p.m.
WEEKLY SUNDAY SERVICE ATTENDANCE
Dec. 11 (38)Dec. 4 (42)Nov. 27 (47)Nov. 20 (49)Nov. 13 (57)
FOOD PANTRY PATRONS
Dec. 12 (43)Nov. 28 (60)Nov. 14 (100)Oct. 24 (65)Oct. 10 (86)
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Celebrate Christ’s Birth — Christmas Eve observance on Saturday, Dec. 24, begins with Carol singing at 6:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of Holy Eucharist at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Christmas Day, Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 10 a.m.
Food Pantry — Takes place on Monday, Dec. 26. Volunteers needed for delivery about 10 a.m,. and distribution from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Please help if you can, especially for the evening shift.
Soup Kitchen Needs Volunteers — St. A's is committed to host and to serve at the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen on Saturday, Dec, 31. Please plan to be at the Soup Kitchen by 9:30 a.m. to assist in preparing the meal. If you can help, there is a sign-up sheet downstairs at the church.
Pledge Reminder — The Vestry looking at expenses to close out the year and to plan a budget for 2017. If you have not already paid your pledge to date, or provided a pledge amount for next year, please contact Mike Wells at or call him at 934-8292.
Annual meeting & Potluck — Takes place following the Sunday service on Jan. 22. Please bring a dish to share.
Funds Needed to Match Grant — Our parish is about $5,400 short in funds collected to obtain a matching $13,000 grantfrom the Upton Foundation. Please consider how you can help obtain these grant dollarsby making a donation specific to supporting St. A’s effort tomake our church barrier-free. For details, see Bruce Banghart..
Reimbursements — For any purchases made on behalf of the church, please inform Mike Wells if the necessary payment is made to you, the person who bought the item, or to the business itself.
Transition Committee Forming — Volunteers wanted to be part of this committee, which will plan the farewell celebration for our interim pastor and the welcoming for the incoming pastor. No timeline yet, but it’s time to start thinking ahead. If interested, talk to any member of the Vestry.
Weekly at The Whitcomb —All are invited to join the Episcopal community in a weekly informal celebration of the Eucharist at 11 a.m. every Thursday at the Whitcomb Hotel in downtown St Joseph.
Member Outreach — Reach out to church members unable to attend services on a regularly. Let them know we care and missed.
WANTED: Coffee Hour Hosts — Please sign-up to host this special time following Sunday service. For details see Natalee Rogers.
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PRAYER LIST
The Episcopal Church — Whayne Hougland Jr. Bishop of Western Michigan; St. Paul’s Church, Greenville, David Brower, Interim Rector; and the Union of Black Episcopalians, Bishop John M. Burgess Chapter.
Community, Nation, World — Residents, students and educators in Berrien County; our president, governor, congress, legislature, councils and courts; people affected by poverty, political strife and natural disasters.
In the Armed Forces — Geoffrey, Jason, Nathan, Paige, Patrick, Susan, Tom and Zack.
Those Who Died —In armed conflict, religious persecution, senseless violence, and for those within our community.
Good Health — Extend prayers for Roy Shoemaker; Les Knickerbocker; Natalee Rogers; Sarah Woolcock; Jean Owen; Gail Wells; Dick Ford; Ruth Blair; Mellissa Forbes; Dan Wilson; Colleen Wilson; Latania and Timmy.
Birthdays —Christy Huisjen (12/21); Yvonne Simms (12/21); Carol Moore (12/29); Bruce Banghart (12/30);, and Tom Hanson (12/30).
Anniversaries — Kate & Jason Beckrow (12/14): Cara Gillespie Michael Sladen-York (12/18); and Norris & Al Whitfield (12/30).
Parish Cycle of Prayer — Sharon and Don Gillespie; Katie and Tom Gillespie and Kendra Yerian; Dick Hake; Lin and Tom Hanson; Pam and Jan Harper; Cheryl Hayward; Janan, Bill, Logan and Jacob Hollerbach; and Christy Huisjen.
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IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
Rev. Barbara Wilson: May be reached at (home) 269-321-2103; (work) 574-647-6990; (cell) 269-271-3004; (email)
Senior Warden: Sharon Davarn — (970) 596-9970Junior Warden: Freeman Gilbert — 470-0753
Vestry: Leslie Arbanas, Reid Benson, Jean Domer, Nathan Moore, Judy Moran, Natalee Rogers, Jenny VanDeWarker.
Choir Director/Organist: Esther Elaine ShoemakerFood Pantry: Gail Wells
Altar Guild: Stephen LeonardMaintenance: Bruce BanghartWorship Service:John Owen
Kids Mass:CaraGillespieKitchen Coordinator: Natalee RogersEmail:
Website: