Preparing for Worship
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Collect
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings
Isaiah 7:10-16 / Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 / Romans 1:1-7 / Matthew 1:18-25
Services
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I ~ Celebrant & Preacher, Elise B. Johnstone; Eucharistic Minister, Tom Grunwald; Lector/Intercessor, Terri Koontz; Usher, O. D. Purdon.
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II ~ Celebrant, Ronald D. Pogue; Preacher, Elise B. Johnstone; Deacon, Lauren Villemuer; Verger, Jim Willard; Acolytes, Laura Greenfield, Clay Huguelet, Mary Greenfield, Julia Peoples, Kate Samuel; Eucharistic Ministers, Jim Green, Ray Larson, Jan Hellebusch, Jim Willard*; Lector/Intercessor, Pat Johnson, George VanMeter; Ushers, Stephen Crutcher, Bob and Patsy Gibson, Phil Roeder, Forrest Hellebusch; Greeters, Main St.: Bob and Patsy Gibson West Door: Jim Arnold; Children's Chapel, Barbara Priest, Cynthia Lee
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II ~ Celebrant, Ronald D. Pogue; Preacher, Elise B. Johnstone; Verger, Martin Woodford; Acolytes, Ellie Fogg, David McVey, Lucy Beal, Clarita Ledbetter; Eucharistic Ministers, Allissa Ferguson, Guy Graves, January Haile, Martin Woodford*; Lector, Kevin Ellis; Intercessor, Christy Ellis; Ushers, Jim Carroll, Bill Cox, TBA; Greeters, Main St.: Lucy Cox West Door: Litsa Prather; Children's Chapel, Cynthia Lowell, Elizabeth Beal.
5:00 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols ~ Reception Following
Music
Hymns ~ 56, 66, LEVAS 20, 71, 64, 54
Click HERE for a link to an online index to the 1982 Hymnal that will allow you to read the texts and listen to the tunes for Sunday's hymns.
Anthem ~ Holst, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Organ ~ Statham, Fantasia on Veni, veni, Emmanuel
Bach, Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, BWV 661
Others Serving This Sunday
Eucharistic Visitor: Elizabeth Leppman
Altar Guild: Janice MacNeil
Vestry on Duty: Graeme Wilson, Jon Linder
Altar Flowers: Sarah Leer
Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers on Sunday are given to the glory of God by Karl and Anne Peschke in thanksgiving for their children and grandchildren.
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Schedule to Serve on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and December 26
Those serving on Christmas Eve
LECTOR/INTERCESSOR:
5:00 Brian Wright, Erin Young
11:00 John Linker, Elizabeth Leppman
ACOLYTES:
5:00 Rachel Elliott, Liz Samuel, Clay Huguelet, Sarah Elliott, Olivia Brewer
11:00 TBA
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
5:00 Amanda Stark, John Tarrant, Tony Baxter, Hans Flueck*
11:00 Elizabeth Leppman, Barbara Messer, Shannon Messer, January Haile*
USHERS:
5:00 Art and Jan Hellebusch, Jim and Pat Johnson, Guy Huguelet
11:00 Bill Cox, Hoppy Hopkins, Dan Primm, Guy Graves
ALTAR GUILD: Nancy Jackson
VESTRY ON DUTY:
5:00 Chuck Goodpaster, Graeme Wilson
11:00 Lee Jenkins, Ed Tipton
Those serving on Christmas Day
LECTOR/INTERCESSOR:
Amanda Hendrick
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
Shannon and Barbara Messer
USHERS:
Bill Cox
ALTAR GUILD:
Janice MacNeil
VESTRY ON DUTY:
Laura Lipka
Those serving on Sunday, December 26
LECTOR/INTERCESSOR:
8:00 Wilson Eastland
10:00 Reba Roberts
ACOLYTES:
10:00 Andrew Derenge, Grace Campbell, Katie Beal
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
8:00 Scott Drexler
10:00 Nancy Thompson, Jim Johnson, Pat Johnson, Jim Willard*
USHERS:
8:00 John Kingsley
10:00 Bill Farmer, Guy Huguelet, Steve Branham, David Jones
ALTAR GUILD:
Nancy Jackson
VESTRY ON DUTY:
Barbara Groves, Anne Helmers
CHILDREN'S CHAPEL:
10:00 Brenda Goodpaster, Dawn Baker, Ann Miller
GREETERS:
10:00 Main St.: Steve and Renee Branham / West Door: Ray and Betty Larson
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 Christmas Communion It is the privilege of the clergy at Good Shepherd to take Communion to those unable to attend Christmas services. Please call the church office at 859-252-1744 to schedule a time. |
Stewardship Campaign Update
As of Monday, December 13, 249 pledges totaling $785,310 for next yearís ministries have been turned in, of which 138 are for the same amount as 2010, 68 are increases, 26 are decreases, and 17 are new.
We are still hoping 68 pledges totaling almost $70,000 will be turned in! Pledge cards are available in the pews and in the parish office.
Thanks to those who have made a pledge of financial support for 2011 since last week's publication: Katie Bolin, Laura Dawahare, Dell Kelly, Sarah Leer, Ann McCollum, Charlotte Rich and Frank Price, Scott and Sara Smith, Brendan and Meredith Yates. |
 Christmas Poinsettias and Music Dedicating a poinsettia or special music is a wonderful way to honor or remember a loved one at Christmas. Forms will also be available on Sunday in the Loggia and on the back table in church. You may fill one out and leave it with Vestry on Duty in the church office.
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 What's with the Advent Wreath?
You may hear folks asking why there are not red and green adornments here at Good Shepherd in the early weeks of December. The four Sundays preceding Christmas Day are a distinctly different church season from Christmas, and that distinctly different season is called Advent. The word Advent comes from the Latin for 'coming' or 'arrival' and the arrivals we are preparing for are twofold. We take time in Advent to engender a sense of quiet hope and anticipation not only for the Feast of the Incarnation, in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ here on earth, but we take time to continue to prepare ourselves for the next coming of Christ. The color we use in the church for this season is midnight blue; it reminds us of the color of the night sky just before the morning's light--and we consider Christ our new dawn's light. The scriptures we hear on Sunday reflect this sense of preparation. Advent also the beginning of the church's calendar when we begin a new cycle of readings and prayers.
For a number of years here at Good Shepherd, we have used the midnight blue vestments during the Advent season. This year, we are using blue candles in the Advent wreath as well, to continue the expectant theme of Advent. History is a funny thing--many of you remember that we have been using the beautiful purple and pink candles up until this year. The season of Advent is something that has been celebrated by Christians since very early times. In the early church, the focus of the season was much more on the second coming of Christ, but the Advent wreath did not come into use until after the Reformation. The wreath came from the German Lutherans--evergreen is often used in the body of the wreath as it symbolizes continuous life. The color of the candles was not something that became more standardized until later. The midnight blue color was a color that was associated with Advent in the early Middle Ages and the use of blue was something that was popularized by the pre-reformation Roman Catholic Church in England. The color is referred to as Sarum blue, because one of the centers of the pre-reformation church in England was in Salisbury, (Latin: Sarisburia), so the blue color is ancient, as well as something that comes out of our English tradition.
The reason for the shift in color from blue to purple in the Advent season was a shift in the under-standing of the season of Advent in the post-reformation period. Advent began to take on a tone of penitence, and lost the sense of expectancy that it had in earlier times. Purple is the color that the church uses in Lent and it has two symbolic meanings: penitence and royalty. Certainly, the coming of the new Messiah, the new King was a theme that existed with the use of purple in Advent worship, but it was often overshadowed by the penitential themes that emerged in the post-reformation period. Within the last century, the Anglican tradition has started to shift back to its pre-reformation roots in terms of Advent themes. We wish to honor the penitential season of Lent as its own distinct season, and we hope to celebrate Advent not as a miniature version of Lent, but as a season where we try to lift up the sense of expectancy in looking for the coming of the Savior, and we see that manifested in the color that comes just before the dawn. Our new day begins with the arrival of the Messiah, so we pray as we wait for his coming. |
Christmas Offering for Darfur School Project
| | Dafur School Video |
In 2003, a horrible genocide started in Darfur. Because of the color of their skin, no one was safe from being ripped from their home and being brutally murdered. Children have suffered the most. Almost eight years later, the war still continues. Anyone under the age of 9 who is still alive has never known a home without fear, loss, and horrors that we will never have to face.
Last year, Good Shepherd Youth led us to begin a project to build an elementary school in the Djabal Refugee Camp in Chad. There are 632 elementary aged children living in this camp without a school, without electricity, and without hope. We are $3,000 short of our goal for building the school. This school will give the children something to do during the day besides hate. It will educate the children so they can have a future. It will bring hope.
This Christmas, we ask you to consider making a special Christmas offering to our Darfur School project. Any money raised in excess of the amount needed for the school will be used for school furnishings and books. The school will be built in conjunction with the UN. |
 Come to our Christmas Pageant Sing carols and see the Christmas story come to life as told by our children on Sunday, January 2 at the 11:15 a.m. service. Children and youth of all ages are encouraged to participate and need to arrive at 10 a.m. to prepare for the pageant. Adults are also needed to help by sitting with the children and reminding them of cues. No one is too young or too old to be in the cast. A party in the Undercroft follows the 11:15 service. |
 The Christmas Story 2010 as told by Ms. Lucyís 4-year-old class at Good Shepherd Day School Lexington, Kentucky
A very long time ago, maybe 50,004 years ago, that's when it happened. An angel named Casey flew into the house and told Mary she was going to have a baby named Jesus and he was the king of the world. Her husband was Joseph. He was a worker man with saws and wood and lots of other tools. They had to go to Bethlehem. It was a 100 day trip and it was hot and sunny. All they had to eat was strawberries, vegetable soup and some water and milk. They were totally exhausted and then there wasn't any room for them in the hotel, so they had to go to the stable, it's a barn place. Well, the baby comed out of Mary, they cutted her belly, just like my mom, and then they sewed and taped her up. They had to give her medicine, the kind you drink, and she was better pretty fast.
In the stable there were lots of animals looking at the baby, sheep, donkeys, cows, horses mostly. The baby sleeped in the manger box with hay and blankets. Of course, the crowd of God's angels were there singing "Go Tell It On The Mountain." Probably there were 12 angels. They live in the clouds with God and he taught them how to sing. The angels also talked and singed to the cowboys in the field with their sheep. They went over to the stable to see the baby even though they were scared, but then they got happy when they saw Jesus.
The three great kings came riding in on camels and maybe llamas. They brought presents like jewelry, Frankenstein stuff and square, golden things with ribbons. Babies should get other presents than that probably. The kings live in the desert and it took them about 6 or 5 months to get there. They followed the big star all the way to the baby. Jesus has a shiny thing on his head. It's magic to make him special and the angels gave it to him. It gave him power to make him strong so he could help us. Now he lives in heaven and watches out for us, but he can't fly back down to visit. Everyone just knows Jesus is with you.
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Find us on facebook!
Church of the Good Shepherd has a presence on facebook with 183 persons who have already signed on. This is an opportunity to strengthen our community of faith and share information about our life together. Click the logo to join.
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Prayer for the Election of a Rector
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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New Adult Christian Formation Classes begin January 2
Missionaries
led by the Rev. Elise Johnstone
Sundays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:15 a.m.
Location: Library
A Study of the Gospel of Matthew
Sundays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:15 a.m.
Location: Undercroft | |
 Sorrow in Our Parish Family
Dale Scott George, father of Alice Rogers, died on December 11.
Let us pray.
For Scott
O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant Scott., and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For Those Who Mourn
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Highlights of the Vestry Meeting
December 14
The last meeting of the 2010 Vestry was a very productive one.
· Jack Brown was elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Joseph Jacobs due to health.
· An Organ Committee was appointed to work with John Linker to assess the condition of our pipe organ, explore options, and report back with a recommendation by March 15. The committee members are: Schuyler Robinson, George Zack, John Bloomfield, David Goodpaster, Dorothy VanMeter, Joe Jones, Mary Campbell and Lee Jenkins.
· Adopted a Budget of $1,017,000 for 2011. Some of the major changes in this year's budget include $10,000 for Outreach (nothing was budgeted in 2010), a 5% increase in staff salaries (which haven't been increased in the last two budgets) and $2,500 to cover the cost of leasing new computer equipment to replace our antiquated 5-year-old computer system. Some measures taken to achieve a balanced budget include a hiring freeze and removing budgeted bonuses for staff.
· Recommended Karen Workman Booth for ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons.
· Thanked those members of the Vestry who are rotating off after serving three years: Barbara Groves, Lee Jenkins, Liz Hinz, Ed Tipton, and Laura Lipka.
Following the adjournment of the 2010 Vestry, the 2011 Vestry convened briefly.
· Elected Officers: Senior Warden, Kathy Gross (confirmed her appointment by the Interim Rector); Junior Warden, Guy Huguelet; Clerk, Elizabeth Leppman; Treasurer, Barbara Baldwin; Chancellor, Guy Graves.
· Adopted a Banking Resolution authorizing signatories on parish accounts effective January 1.
· Reviewed January dates for meeting with the Bishop and Transition Officer to review the process of selecting a Rector Nominating Committee.
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 Dancing Under the Stars
January 29, 2011 at Fasig-Tipton Gala committee representatives will be available in the Loggia this Sunday for silent auction and gift basket sign-up. If you have not already done so, please sign up to donate an auction item or a themed basket. Items can be as simple as gift certificates to local restaurants or as fancy as fine jewelry or a piece of original art work. The possibilities are endless!
2011 Gala wish list: UK basketball tickets, beach condo or beach home.
Contact Leeann Murphy at 859-368-7216 with questions or to donate an auction item. |
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Looking Ahead
Saturday, December 18, 9 a.m.
Greening of the church
Sunday, December 19, 5 p.m.
Lessons & Carols
Friday, December 24
4:30 p.m., Carols
5:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist with Children's Sermon
10:30 p.m., Carols
11:00 p.m., Festival Holy Eucharist
Saturday, December 25
10:00 a.m., Holy Eucharist
The church office will close at noon on Friday, December 24 and December 31 and be will closed on Monday, December 27 and Monday, January 3.
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 Engaged to be Married?
Expecting a Baby?
Entering Military Service?
How About the House?
When you are readying yourself for a change in life such as preparation for marriage or anticipating the arrival of a new child, there are practical preparations that take place, but much of what is happening is hard to define.
The Church has been available to communicate God's blessing at times of major transition, like a baptism, a marriage, and a burial, and now the church is available to communicate God's blessing as a couple is preparing to be married as well as when a family is preparing to welcome a child into the world. We will use a set of supplemental rites published by The Episcopal Church when we honor a betrothal or a pregnancy.
We also have a new rite for entering military service or deployment.
Also consider this: our homes are where we spend a great deal of time. Since it is the place where we base our lives in so many ways, why not affirm God's presence in your home by having a house blessing? House blessings have taken place for many, many years and they are a wonderful way to celebrate that a home is where God is.
If you feel called to have the Church join you in honoring any times of transition in your life and that of your family, please contact Father Ron or Mother Elise! |
 Planning for Bad Weather If you are concerned about cancellation of church activities due to weather conditions, please check the local media and the church voice mail for the latest information. Generally speaking, church services (including Christian Formation) will not be cancelled. However, auxiliary activities may be cancelled when the weather is bad. |
 A New Year in the Spirit
December 27-30 Between Christmas and the New Year the youth of the diocese (grades 7 through 12) are invited to attend a 4-day, 3-night event at the Cathedral Domain. Check-in is on December 27 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The event concludes on December 30 at 10:00 a.m. The cost is for the entire event is $115. This includes meals, lodging, program with teaching by Canon Sam McDonald, favorite activities plus a great t-shirt. "A New Year in the Spirit" refers to an attitude, a challenge, an effort to increase our awareness of God's will, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Download a registration form at www.diolex.org/youth. For more information, contact Canon Sam McDonald at 859-252-6527. |
 Men's Breakfast The monthly men's breakfast will be held on Saturday, December 18, at 8:30 a.m. in the Undercroft. Sign up in the Loggia on Sunday or call the church office at 252-1744. |
Greening of the Church
You are invited to join the Flower Committee and other Good Shepherd members and friends at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 18 for the Greening of the Church for the Christmas season. All help is appreciated and no experience is necessary! This festive event is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Lunch will be provided.
Greenery is needed! Greenery from your yard may be brought to the church on December 17 and 18 and placed under the dogwood tree near the entrance to the Undercroft. |
The Ordination of Priests
December 20 at 7:00 p.m.
God willing and the people consenting, the Rt. Rev. Stacy Sauls will ordain Christopher John Arnold, Margaret Ruth Shanks, and Lisa Anne Tolliver to the sacred order of priests in Christ's one holy catholic and apostolic church on the eve of the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Your prayers and presence are requested. A reception will follow the service.
When: Monday, December 20, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 166 Market Street, Lexington, Kentucky.
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 Outreach Opportunities
Moveable Feast Needs Drivers
Have you been searching for a ministry opportunity that is simple to do and has an immediate, positive impact on many people in need in our community? Then we have a job for you.
Moveable Feast is a non-profit organization delivering hot meals to critically ill people in Hospice and people living with HIV/AIDS every weekday, 52 weeks a year.
We need your help to deliver meals once a week, once a month, or whenever you can. You can choose to volunteer on a particular day, or you can be a substitute driver to be called on when needed. All you need is a vehicle, a driverís license, and a couple of hours to bring nourishment to dozens of people around Lexington. Please call Rick Bertelson at 859-539-2501 or Terry Mullins at 252-2867. You can also visit www.feastlex.org to find out about more ways you can help.
Cold Weather Coverage Needed at Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Kentucky Refugee Ministries is in desperate need of coats, warm outerwear, and blankets as we move into this cold weather. Donations can be brought to KRM offices in Arlington Christian Church at 1206 North Limestone. With the cold weather, their warm-weather clients have need of extra coverage!
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 Mission Trip Stock Sales Stock sales for the Summer 2011 mission trip to Chicago go on sale this Sunday, December 12. Stock starts at $10 a share to help purchase tools and paint. Stock of $100 per share goes to repair a home in a low-income neighborhood. This is the fourth CARE (Christ Appointed Repair Episcopalian) trip for our youth. They will spend a week working hard, making a difference in families' lives, and learning leadership and work skills.
The second mission trip is a World Vision college-age trip to Africa. Shares start at $20 which will be used for immunizations, teaching about Malaria prevention, and safe drinking water for African children. Please support our young people in this wonderful ministry of hands-on mission. See Deacon Lauren for more information. |
 Participate in Hymnal Survey Our congregation has been invited to participate in a national study for the Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music regarding the feasibility of revising The Hymnal 1982. We are among several hundred congregations who have agreed to take part.
Click HERE to launch the Congregation Member survey. The survey requires that you enter our congregation's unique, 8-digit identifier code to begin. Please enter 9045-4604 in the field when prompted.
If you have any questions about the survey, there is a dedicated e-mail address for the Hymnal Revision Feasibility Study: hymnalsurvey@cpg.org. Your questions will be answered by the Church Pension Group's Office of Research, which is conducting the study on behalf of the Standing Commission.
Please complete the survey by December 20.
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