The Messenger, December 2007

As we enter another month together, we find ourselves in a new church season: Advent.  In the Western tradition, Advent is the beginning of the new Church year.  Christmas Day is always preceded by four Sundays of Advent.  Purple is the color that represents fasting and penitence and it is also the color of royalty as we prepare to welcome the baby Jesus.

The “Word made flesh” that dwells within us shows God’s mercy and grace to the world through the life of Christ.  It also shows us the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.  In ancient times, Advent was a time of fasting and penitence.  On the third Sunday of Advent we move away from the penitence and fasting to one of preparation and joy.  That is called Gaudete Sunday and it is when we light the pink candle in the Advent wreath.  Gaudete means rejoice in Latin.   This is the Sunday that we begin to rejoice and sing Christmas carols.

Advent can give us a confusing message.  Easter is a time when we celebrate that Christ is risen, but in Advent we prepare the nursery.  The rest of the church year, we simply give thanks that Christ dwells within us, but in Advent we maintain that Jesus Christ has not yet entered our lives.  We can see this in part of our Eucharistic Prayer A, where we recite Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.  In Eucharistic Prayer B, we proclaim, We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory.  So, we remember Christ’s death in his first entry into human history, then we anticipate his resurrection and we await his coming with preparation and attentiveness.  We do not know when the time will be, but scripture doesn’t seem to address it either.

The real question is will we be ready?  That is how we live out our lives in the coming of Christ.  Advent is a time to watch and wait.  It is also a time to be alert, to be prepared and to keep awake.  Since 9/11, we as Americans have found new meaning as terrorist activities on our own soil have made us a different people.  It has made the world a different place.  Trying to make sense of and rationalize world events can only bring us despair.  However, as we prepare ourselves, as we search for God’s presence in our lives we often find a new dimension of hope.  That is how we live out the third phase of our Eucharistic Prayer.

We at All Saints’ are a hopeful people.  We live out our anticipation of Christ coming again every day of the week with our fellowship, with our giving and with our care and compassion in a seemingly dark and hurting world.  On a daily basis, I have seen how we all prepare and watch as God’s purpose is brought out of darkness into the light.  That will be when Christ will come like a thief in the night, break into our lives, and steal our very hearts.

No one knows when.  No one knows how.  All we know is that Christ will come again.  Let us continue preparing the crib, let us allow God to change us, little by little so that we may be filled with the joy and beauty of God’s love.  That is the good news of the Gospel: that God is with us, bringing happiness and joy to a world that so desperately needs it.

Dear brothers and sister in Christ,

The holiday season is upon us & I know that there are numerous functions and charities that we must all attend.  However, I have to make a final plea for our church family to prayerfully consider making a pledge, complete your pledge cards and mail it to the parish office or give it to Marvin and Sadie Carol Ward.  We must finalize our budget this month so we can let all of our committees know what they will have for funds the next fiscal year.  I want to thank you for your generosity in the past and I know that you will make our All Member Canvass a success and still have some funds leftover to enjoy this holiday season.

As I look around the church in the past few weeks I have seen plenty of new faces.  I hope that we will all greet and make welcome these newcomers at each service.

During this season of giving, All Saints’ will be helping local families.  The parish office has selected several families.  One is a single mother with 4 children, the other one is a husband and wife, both are unemployed due to sickness, they have a set of 11 year old twin girls.  If you know of anyone else in need please contact Vickie in the parish office.  We hope to help make this Christmas a joyful one for those in need.

As you know elections for the vestry will take place in January 2008.  Our vestry, over the past few years, has worked diligently to make All Saints’ financially strong and aware of our community’s needs.  Any member in good standing at All Saints’ Church is welcome to have their name placed in nomination for a position on the vestry.  Contact me or any member of the vestry and ask that your name be placed in nomination.

There are many other ways to serve All Saints’ Church.  If you would like to serve on any of our regular standing committees such as Outreach, Finance, Worship, please contact me or Vickie, our Parish Administrator, for more details.

With regard to serving, I am looking for someone to be the Chairperson to help us with our in house food pantry.  If you have any interest in this rewarding outreach program please contact me.

The vestry members want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year.

Bob

Robert J. Burke
Senior Warden

BOOM!
By Tom Brokaw                                       Random House, 2007

This is a book about the turbulent 60’s counterculture that shaped and changed the world.  Racism, drugs, music, and feminism all had a major role in the shaping of America.  Brokaw interviews famous folks like Gloria Steinem as well as the ordinary war hero who lost a leg in Vietnam.  This is a book that you may not digest word for word, but since most of us were around or at least remember the 60’s, you’ll find that there is something for everyone.  There are common threads that enable everyone to step back and do a little soul searching so that we can see how the dynamics of the 60’s impacts our lives today.

What God Hath Wrought
By Daniel Walker Howe Oxford, 2007

This author challenges the conventional perceptions of America’s growth during the early to mid 1800’s.  This time period was an important time of growth in America as new territories were conquered; the explosive growth in industry and religious movements that dominated many aspects of society.  Howe argues that the influence of capitalism was not the main vehicle of societal and cultural transformation.  He states that is was how news and ideas were planted and took root in society and culture.  It was done through the expansion of our country with the railroads, the mail and telegraph systems and newspapers.  This all changed America forever as it moved us from rural certitude to the new frontiers of industry, discovery and travel. Most interesting to me was the second Great Awakening where new protestant churches emerged and social activism began.  This is a great book and although it starts out a little on the dry side, persevere for it is worth the wait!

N is for Navidad
By: Susan Middleton Elya and Merry Banks
Illustrated by Joe Cepeda            Chronicle, 2007

This is a great children’s book that guides us through the trip to Bethlehem with lots of pictures and rhymes.  This is all done through the eyes of a Hispanic family and the book is full of symbols and truly gives us a look at Christmas, under the aspect of another meaning.  N is for Navidad will fill everyone’s hearts with the rich heritage of the Bethlehem story.  This book is wonderfully written and children of all ages will enjoy it.

Come Worship With Me
A Journey through the Church Year
By: Ruth Boling
Illustrated by: Tracy Dahle Carrier Geneva, 2001

This is an older book, but since we are beginning a new church year, I wanted to share it with you.  This is a wonderful book that explains the liturgical seasons of the church year.  It is great for adults too!  Church mice are used to bring meaning that children can understand to each liturgical season.  There is also a glossary of Christian symbols and crosses in the back.  This is a refreshing book that brings new meaning to long forgotten and deep-rooted symbols of our faith.  I have a copy in the office, so please come in and take a look.

Episcopal Church Women

 I want to thank each and every one who took part in the Food Fair.  Without those who made purchases of items for the fair, those who prepared items for sale and those who were there for the pricing and sale, we could not have possibly done what we did.  We had a very good time working together and as of noon November 28th we had cleared $1902.35 and was told that money was still trickling in to the treasurer.  We thought we had done well last year however this is better.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

As in the past years we are collecting labels for Thompson Child and Family Focus. However they have dropped the collection of labels of Pace food items.  They want the bar code and the child graduate cut off together as clean and neat as possible.  If you have questions please talk with Margie Musgrove.

The packets we put together for the Annual meeting in Tarboro went over real well and they used every one that we made.  Some of the Anglican prayer beads just disappeared from the packets so we figured they went over well also.  Scotland Neck had made those and we put them into the packets.

We have Christmas ornaments for sale and Vickie would be glad to be of service to you, just give her a call and visit the parish office.

The Poinsettias will be ready for delivery Friday, December 7th. Have a memorable visit with your reciprocate.

Do enjoy the Christmas parade and remember that our next board meeting will be at 10:15 AM followed by Eucharist at 11:30, lunch and a program on Wednesday, January 9^th.

Our February meeting will be for all women with lunch provided on Sunday the 17^th after the 11 Am service so help spread the word.

Here’s hoping you have a very merry Christmas and a happy, happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Ruthie G.
Sisters in Christ,
Ruthie G.

LOOKING FOR THAT
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT?

 Stop by the office and pick up a Gold Plated Christmas Ornament of All Saints’ Episcopal Church for only $10.  These make great gifts.

St. Francis Guild News

 The St. Francis Guild is an outgrowth of Christian Social Relations which is an office in the ECW.  It is a group of parishioners who visit, send cards or take food as needed.  Peggy Barber is Chair of this group and has asked that cards be sent to the following.

· This month we will be giving poinsettias to all of our homebound members and friends at the nursing home.

· SPECIAL PRAYERS for: Pat Harris,  Ida Bowers, Amber Keeter and Betty Mooring.

· Any nursing home residents—see your ECW booklet.

 Special Note:  If anyone has hospital items, such as portable toilets, wheelchairs, canes, etc… please let Vickie know in the office so we can share these items.  As well, if you are in need of any items contact Vickie so she can help locate items in need.

 If you know of someone who would like to be contacted or visited by this group, please call Peggy Barber at 537-6368 or Vickie.

Joys…….Best Wishes to Jack Scanlon on joining the Navy, he begins his basic training on Dec. 4th.  Good Luck Jack!! Also, Congratulations to Betty Harris on winning REALTOR of the YEAR !  We all know she deserves this title !!!

&

Concerns…... Our sympathy to the Davis family on the loss of their beloved Kathleen.  Also, our thoughts and prayers are with Danny Haislip and his family on the loss of his wife, Ann.

OUTREACH
Sunday, December 9th is Outreach Sunday

Please remember our service members in Iraq with any of the following:

· Greeting cards to send back home,

· Stationary and pens, socks (brown, white or black)

· Underwear (for men and women)

· Mag lights and batteries (AA and AAA)

· Sweat pants, sweat shirts, cotton gym shorts (grey, navy, or black—all sizes), sneakers (all sizes)

· Heavy-duty shower slippers (closed or open toe)

· Any kind of black tote bag for wounded soldiers to carry their belongings

· Snacks: cookies, crackers, gummy candy, chocolate, Pringles, Munch & Crunch, Polar Ice Gum, Tootsie Roll Pops, nuts, apple sauce cups, beef jerky, fruit cups, juice boxes with straws, energy drinks

· DVD’s CD’s, CD players

· Games

· Current magazines

· Phone cards (AT & T)

· Toiletries: bar and liquid soap, saline eye drops and nose drops or spay, wipes, bug spray with DEET,

· Coffee creamer, gourmet coffee (Starbucks’ and flavored coffees) Crystal Light, sleep shades, sun block (SPF 50), chap stick, air freshener

· Black fleece gloves (no logos),

· Black watch hats (navy style caps to go under helmets, with no logos)

· Long sleeve black t-shirts

· Batter-operated alarm clock,

· Allergy medicine, Tylenon/Advil,

· Ben Gay patches,

· First aid kits, hand sanitizer and Kleenex.

 Please send only the clothes on the list; the military is very strict about what men and women are allowed to wear.    Thank you for your help.

 
EYC

The EYC had a very busy month in November.  We prepared shoe boxes, sold cookies and had a blast bowling.  We are looking forward to another great month.

Mark your Calendar with the Following Dates:

· Sunday, Dec. 2 — Advent Wreath Making with Chili

· Friday—Sunday, Dec. 7—9, Bishops Ball

· Sunday, Dec. 9—NO EYC

· Thursday Dec. 13—Willie Wonka Chocolate Factory Musical at the Centre (starring Hayden Singh) All those who signed up can pick up their tickets at the center that evening.  EYC members can meet at 6 pm that evening.

· Sunday, Dec. 16—EYC Christmas Party—we will bake cookies and wrap presents—bring a dish

· Thursday, Dec. 20—Christmas Caroling

· Sunday, Dec. 23 and 30—NO EYC

Contact Kelly Singh at 537-7143 for more information

You are invited to the
ANNUAL ALL SAINTS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
6:00—8:00PM

at the home of
Charlotte Roach and John Moss
511 Washington Avenue, Weldon, NC

Please bring your favorite hor d'oeuvres

Music Notes for December

 I’ll put this as bluntly as I can: The choir needs you for Christmas!  In order to provide the music for the Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, December 23, and the music for the traditional Christmas Eve musical offering at 10:30 and the 11:00 p.m. service, the choir needs all of the help we can get.  If you have sung in the choir in the past or you have considered joining but just don’t have the time to commit to being a full-time member, this is your opportunity!

We will rehearse for an hour and a half following the 11:00 a.m. service on December 16 and the next Wednesday night, December 19, at 7:00 p.m. to prepare several anthems for our Christmas services.  The music I have selected is simple and familiar and should be easy to pick up.  If you have sung a solo or duet in the past, we would love to have you prepare any of those pieces; just talk to me or Judith to figure out where in these services the music would be best served.

Thanks in advance for your participation!

Advent Thoughts

 ARE YOU HEFTED YET?  The word hefted is used to describe sheep that have an inbred sense of place.  Sheep that are hefted can be left to roam freely, as they will stray from the land that they know very well.  They instinctively can locate therapeutic plants and to eat and, on the basis of the wind, where they will most likely find shelter when needed.  Humans too have a strong sense of place: who we are is tied closely to where we are.  Our place doesn’t necessarily have to be where we are born or raised; it can be any place where we have a sense of belonging, feel a part of community, and are connected to a natural landscape, and observant of its seasonal rhythms – and, from a faith perspective, where we feel some connection with the sacred.

Expository Times, August 2007

Events around the Diocese

Raising Our Spirits
In the Landscape of Life

Sponsored by Episcopal Church Women
February 1-2, 2008

For many of us, present-day living feels fast, stressful, and filled with too many activities and responsibilities.

At times we may feel overwhelmed and vulnerable in the landscape of life. We may even experience a sense of loneliness and sadness in a world that seems confusing and rushes by too quickly.

We yearn to raise our spirits and feel more connected to the Divine. We want to have a more whole way of being in the world, and we know that our beliefs and practices do have an impact on our health, our living, our wholeness.

At this year's annual Raising Spirits retreat, Joy Carol--author, counselor, and spiritual director--will lead us in spiritual exercises, rituals, meditations, and prayers that will help us to live our lives more authentically and peacefully.

Join Christ Church on February 1 and 2, 2008 for this Valuable and Timely Retreat!

For more information, contact Mollie Brice at 919-834-4595 or via email. Or stop by the parish office for more information or a registration form.

KNITTING AND QUILTING RETREAT
JANUARY 17-2, 2008
KANUGA
(An Episcopal Center in Hendersonville, NC)

Gather with knitter and quilters from across the southeast for this unique opportunity to be creative, unwind and reflect in the beautiful blue ridge mountains.  Choose from the knitting or the quilting track:

· For knitters, classes will be offered for all skill levels.  Topics include beginning knitting, color work, introduction to sweater design, knits and purls, knitting with beads, lacework and making socks using circular needles

· For quilters, there will be a Sawtooth Star quilt workshop for advanced beginners and beyond.  A sewing machine is required.

In addition to classes, there will be Relax and Stitch get-togethers by the fireplace, daily worship services, afternoon hikes to scenic mountain overlooks and time to visit to area yarn and quilting shops.

Cost Per Person
(includes program and meals)
$425 Double occupancy lodging
$515 Single occupancy lodging
$315 Participating spouse
$240 Nonparticipating spouse
$235 Commuter (for residents of Henderson County and bordering NC or SC counties)

 

Revised Common Lectionary

If it is true that “it takes a village to raise a child, it seems even truer that it takes a believing community to find and express the meaning of scripture.     Brian E. Daley, S.J., in Pro Ecclesia (Winter 2007)

At the 75^th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Cincinnati, the delegates of the Episcopal Church voted to revise the Episcopal Lectionary (Resolution A027) with the Revised Common Lectionary.  This means that our Sunday lessons will be a little different than the ones we are used to.  Many people may not notice any change at all.

A lot of you might be wondering how we get our Sunday readings.  In the back of the Book of Common Prayer, (pages 889 – 931) we have the Lectionary which is an assigned set of readings for every Sunday of the year.  It also gives us Scripture readings for all the major Holy Days of the year.  The Roman Catholic Church originally developed a cycle of readings in the 4th Century.  Since then, the original lectionary has undergone many changes.  So basically, the Lectionary is a set of assigned readings for the year and major feast days.

Advent is when we begin our new church year.  Last year (Year C) was Luke’s year for the Episcopal Lectionary.  This year will be the year of Matthew (Year A).  Next year we will have Year B with Mark.  The readings change every year with the Gospel, Psalms, Old and New Testament scripture readings.

Most mainline churches use some form of a Lectionary.  The three Lectionary Readings that are commonly used are: the Roman Catholic Lectionary, which is the oldest, the Episcopal Lectionary (in the Prayer Book), and the Revised Common Lectionary (the newest).  There are many differences in the three Lectionary sets.

Adopting the Revised Common Lectionary will be valuable to the Episcopal Church for several reasons.  It will provide a common thread with other denominations regarding Sunday readings and Bible studies, it is ecumenical, it incorporates the readings that we are already familiar with and it includes the role of women in salvation history that we have not heard before.

We have purchased a new Gospel Book that will coincide with the Revised Common Lectionary.  Please be sure to notice it!  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me anytime.

These are the churches that currently use the Revised Common Lectionary:

American Baptist Churches in the USA , Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Anglican Church of Australia, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Anglican Church of Canada, Presbyterian Church in Canada, Christian Church [Disciples of Christ], Presbyterian Church in the USA, Christian Reformed Church in North America, United Church of Canada, Church of England, United Church of Christ, Anglican Church in South Africa, United Methodist Church