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Upcoming Events
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Saturday, Jan 7
- Acolyte Training, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Rehearsal of "The Other Wise Man," 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Sunday, Jan 8
St. Pat's children present "The Other Wise Man"
Degreen the church
Saturday, Jan 14
Vestry Retreat (snow day: Jan 21) at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, Alexandria, 9 AM -2 PM
Sunday, Jan 22
Tết Celebration, after church, potluck & talent show!
Friday, Jan 27
Children of Uganda event, 7:30 PM
Saturday, Jan 28
Saint Patrick's at the 217th Diocesan Council Meeting, 9 AM -- Carpooling
Sunday, Jan 29
Odeon Concert, 4 PM
Sunday, Feb 12
Odeon Concert, 4 PM
Tuesday, Feb 14
Commissions, 6:30 PM
Vestry, 7:30 PM
Tuesday, Feb 21
Shrove Tuesday Dinner and Art Show.
Wednesday, Feb 22
Ash Wednesday
Services at 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM
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Birthdays
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5 Joua Vang
7 Jim Clark
8 MeiLi Haan
9 Debbie Mills
9 Tinh Huynh
10 Jocelyne Miller
12 Loc Mai
15 Kevin Tingley
15 Hue Vo
19 Helen Nicholson
22 Jay Parrotta
25 Anne Hiller
25 Anita Nicholson
26 Anna DuBro
28 Tyler Mills
30 Robin Tingley
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Our Prayer List
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We remember in our prayer:
Bill Herbert, Thelma Trout, Katie Grosse, Bob Aronstein, Kari Boeskov, Mary Anne Bogie, Mary Carper, Thomas Cascella, Marie Cosimano, Hai Dang Do, Jane Chapman, Tim Clary, Dorothy Connelly, John Davis, Donald DeVaughn, Michael Dickinson, Laura Đoàn, Loretta Dougherty, Ingrid Eckstrand, The Edsall Family, Archie Ellis, Mary Farmer, The Faubion Family, Nance Finegan, Luis Garay, Thomas Garner, Anne Goodwin, Jean Graham, Nick Giuliani, Canedo Guillermo, Katherine Hafele, Anne & Thomas Edsall, Margaret Ellis Harris, Bill and Betty Henderson, Sheila Henderson, Eldon Paul Henry, Alek Hensley, Leslie Hogan, Cindy Hogman, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Michael Horn, Virginia Hughes, Angelina Jansen, Lindsay Johns, Gray and Bob Johnson, Jamie Kaplon, Robert Kelley, Quinn Kimball, Jeffry King, The Kontess Family, Susan Lawrence, Bau Le, Timothy Livingood, Joe Magrogan, Colleen Mavrikas, Margaret Mills, Michael Mills, Evelyn Morgan, Que Nguyen, Chick Nixon, Keslie Nolan, Olive Oliver, Jim Owens, Gary Owens, Irene Pierce, Joann Piper, Faith Poole, William Ross, Molly Saviola, Nora Searle, Bill Sitler, Irene Skowron, Karine Simpkin, Brian Smith, Josh Smithers, Candi Stewart, Barbara Stefl, Kara Stryker, The Strysko Family, Walter Sushko, Steven Talbert, George Thomas, Clara Torres, George Torres, Joseph Nhon Thanh Vo, Bryan Webber, Michael Weekes, The Westfall Family, Paula Wiech, Meredith Wiech, Donna Wolfe, Peter Kosutic, Chris, Tasha.
Please pray especially for Bill Herbert.
We pray for all US personnel serving overseas, especially Garway Thomas and Cate Johnson.
We pray also for the orphans and those who care for them at Abba Home in Pakistan, and for all orphans in the world.
Note: If you have a loved one or friend who needs prayer please call the church and leave a message at 703-532-5656, or write to Tinh+ at
stpats3241@gmail.com or call him at 703-405-9571. Also, should a name need be removed from the list, please let Tinh+ know promptly, and give the reason.
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Saint Patrick's Ministers
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The Ministers of Saint Patrick's Church are the People of this Parish
supported by
The Reverend
Tinh Trang Huynh, Vicar
Mr. Toua Vang,
Seminarian Assistant
Ms. Mariko Hiller,
Music Director
Ms. Rachel Burgess,
Nursery Care
We serve our Lord as part of the Diocese of Virginia
led by
our chief pastors
The Rt. Rev. Shannon Sherwood Johnston, Bishop
The Rt. Rev.
David Colin Jones,
Bishop Suffragan
and
The Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick,
Assistant Bishop
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The Vision of St. Patrick's
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Saint Patrick's Episcopal Church is a community of care, called to be Christ-centered and multicultural in worship, Christian education and action to proclaim Christ's love to the world.
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About St. Patrick's Church
| Saint Patrick's was founded in 1953 as a mission church from the Falls Church. The congregation met for the first time on January 3, 1954 in the cafeteria of the Graham Road School. The building was completed in 1956. Members of St. Pat's have been known for their involvement in outreach ministries since the very early days of the parish. In 1995, Saint Patrick's became an Anglo-Vietnamese church, and has become more and more multicultural. Some of us say that St. Pat's is like a window through which we can see God's love. Other parishioners suggest St. Pat's is a "safe haven" for all who seek peace, a quiet place for those who want to find rest. Many in the congregation mention caring is what makes St. Patrick's special to them. Our vision statement reflects what we are in our hearts: St. Patrick's Episcopal Church is a community of care called to be Christ-centered and multicultural in worship, Christian education and action to proclaim Christ's love to the world."
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Saint Patrick's
Website
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You are invited to visit our website. Please click here .
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| Previous Issues of the Epistle | Please click here to read the archived issues of the Epistle.
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St. Patrick's Organized for Missions and Ministry
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Vestry Committee: Senior Warden: Tom Auld; Junior Warden: Vivian Benjamin; Registrar: Winnie Lebo; Treasurer: Kathy Oliver; Other members of the Vestry: Victoria Kennedy, Jocelyne Miller, Pierre Chanu, Chris Nicholson.
GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES
Altar Guild: Lucille Selby; Bell Choir: Mariko Hiller; Church Office: Lois Cascella; Offering Counters: Bob Cascella; Youth Ministry: Maggie Spinelli; Region VIII Representative: Felix Spinelli; Diocesan Council Delegate: Amelia Nicholson; St. Margaret's Circle: Ann Nelson; Telephone Chain: Alice King; Feed the Homeless: Amelia Nicholson; Ushers: Bill Houston; Odeon Chamber Music Series: Mariko Hiller; Westlawn Elementary School: Winnie Lebo; Falls Church Community Services: Catherine Dubas; Hypothermia Shelter Program: Felix Spinelli; Church Women United: Amelia Nicholson. The Epistle Newsletter Editors: Winnie Lebo and Cindy Rhoad.
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Epiphany
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 Adoration of the Magi - Bartholomäus Zeitblom (c. 1450 - c. 1519)
January 6 is Epiphany on our church calendar, the day we celebrate the coming of the Magi to give homage to God's Beloved Child. The Greek word epiphaneia means "appearing" or "revealing": God has revealed Himself in Christ. Among the scriptures we read on the seven Sundays following Epiphany, most remarkable is the story of Jesus' baptism. The divine words that Jesus heard at his baptism --"You are my child, my Beloved"-- are also words for each of us, to hear, ponder and embrace. Not only are they words for our confidence in the struggle with self-rejection, they are also a call to follow Christ and to offer ourselves to Him. Unexpected challenges, sorrows, joys, and sometimes tragedies, are part of the journey. Yet we do not have to walk alone. God, who once by the leading of a star manifested his only Son to the peoples of the earth, will lead us until we meet Him. The lyrics of Hymn 112, "In the bleak midwinter," may come haunting as we look at the eyes of the wise man who offers gold in the painting: "What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him __ give my heart." |
Parish Notes
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 - All are invited to come to church this Sunday, January 8th, for the presentation of The Other Wise Man, offered by St. Patrick's children during the 10:30 AM service. Dear Parents/Friends, Thank you so much for all the work we accomplished on Monday. Everyone who was able to attend has a costume assigned; and Jennifer Phan, Maggie Spinelli, and Fr. Tinh(!) have been hard at work on props for this coming Sunday's presentation of The Other Wise Man. This Saturday's rehearsal will be from 12:30-2:00. But please come early--12:00 noon for a pizza lunch with us!! We will do our best to accommodate anyone who was not able to attend this past Monday, so it's not too late if you/your child would like to take part in this year's drama.  On Sunday we will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel to get dressed. At 9:15 we will move into the church to go through the whole drama with movement, instruments, etc. At 10:00 we will rehearse the offertory anthem in the Chapel with Youth, then have a quick snack and drink before heading back into church at 10:25. The children are asked to sit together for the first part of the service; after the drama children are encouraged to sit with their families. During the Peace the Children and Youth will gather at the back, process behind the ushers to the front for the offertory anthem, and then return to sit with families. Please note that children are asked to remove their shoes while they are in costume. How fun, to have a barefoot Sunday in January! (It helps with costuming if we can have bare feet, especially clean ones!) Thank you for your help and understanding, and don't be shy about joining in on Sat. if you'd like! If you have any questions please contact Maggie Spinelli (703-241-5637) or Catherine Dubas (703-207-0424). Please RSVP for lunch on Saturday to Maggie so she can know how much pizza to order for 12:00 noon Thanks! Maggie and Catherine _____________________ - There will be Acolyte Training this Saturday, January 7th, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. All acolytes are invited to attend. - This Sunday, January 8th, after worship we will degreen the church, and we will need help! We will need some people who can climb the ladder and take the iron frames of the Advent wreaths downstairs. We will bring down the stars, take all the greens outside and discard them properly, and sweep the floor of the sanctuary. We will then celebrate a new beginning! Dress casually as you come to church if you plan to take part in the work, and bring work gloves if you have them.  - The Altar Guild of St. Patrick's invites you to offer flowers in 2012, in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for God's blessings. The cost of the flowers is $30.00. Please sign up on the flowers board in the narthex, or email the church at stpats3241@gmail.com to give the date you wish to donate flowers and the reason for giving. You may also call the church and leave a message at 703-532-5656. Checks should be made payable to St. Patrick's Altar Guild. The mailing address of the church is 3241 Brush Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042.
- We need a volunteer Acolyte Coordinator. If you can help, please let Tinh+ know. Thank you.
- On Sunday, January 22nd, we will celebrate Tet, with the annual potluck and talent show. If you are interested in performing in the talent show, please contact our Music Director Mariko Hiller, at marikohiller@gmail.com - Mark Your Calendar. All are invited to join in the procession of Saint Patrick's at the 217th Annual Diocesan Council Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, on the morning of Saturday, January 28, 2012, on occasion of the recognition of our church's full parish status. We will car pool. There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex for those who wish to go and for those who can drive. - Help Victims of the Typhoon in the Philippines. About 1000 people died in the Southern Philippines when a flash flood ravaged their homes at night. To help the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines, please send your contribution to Episcopal Relief and Development, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017, earmarked "Philippine Typhoon Sendong Relief."
- Have you remembered to turn in your pledge card? Many thanks to all who have already pledged for the coming year.
- Children from Uganda will perform traditional African music and dance at Saint Patrick's on Friday, January 27, 2012, at 7:30 PM. This will be a fundraiser. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the effects of HIV/AIDS on children in developing nations around the world, and to advocate for international assistance to end the devastating effects of the disease on children. All are invited to attend. |
A Thank You Note
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Many thanks to our donors who gave so generously to our Angel Tree during Christmas. Our gifts were presented to nine families of Westlawn Elementary School on December 22nd. Below is a picture of the children and a thank-you note from a Westlawn family.  |
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Sinh Hoạt Hội Thánh
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- Nhà Thờ chúng ta sẽ ăn Tết vào ngày Chúa Nhật, 22 tháng 1, 2012. Sau lễ thờ phượng sẽ có bữa ăn potluck và một chương tŕnh văn nghệ do chính các thành viên Nhà Thờ Thánh Patrick tŕnh diễn. Nếu quư anh chị em muốn tham dự văn nghệ, xin liên lạc với Bà Mariko Hiller, nhạc sĩ của nhà thờ. Xin mang thức ăn đến nhà thờ để chia xẻ với mọi người. - Nhà thờ cần một vị t́nh nguyện giúp sắp xếp thời biểu cho các em phụ lễ (acolytes). Nếu có thể giúp, xin cho Mục Sư Tỉnh biết. Xin cám ơn quư vị. - Ban Tế Tự của nhà thờ kính mời quư vị dâng hoa cho lễ thờ phượng trong năm 2012, để tưởng nhớ người thân hoặc tạ ơn Chúa. Phí tổn là $30.00. Xin ghi tên vào bảng ở pḥng narthex. - Kính mời quư tín hữu và thân hữu tham dự buổi ra mắt Nhà Thờ Thánh Patrick tại Đại Hội Thường Niên thứ 217 của Giáo Phận Virginia, vào ngày thứ bảy, 28 tháng 1, 2012, trong dịp nhà thờ chúng ta được chính thức công nhận là một Hội Thánh tự lập, sau 16 năm ở dưới sự bảo trợ tài chính của Giáo Phận. Chúng ta sẽ tổ chức đi xe chung, và sẽ có một bản ghi danh t́nh nguyện lái xe đặt ở lối vào thánh đường. - Trận băo lụt ở Phi Luật Tân làm thiệt mạng khoảng 1000 người. Nước lụt đến trong đêm tối, lúc dân làng c̣n say ngủ, cuốn đi nhiều người. Nhà thờ Episcopal ở Phi Luật Tân đă mở cửa cho các nạn nhân tá túc, song Hội Thánh hầu như bất lực trước nhu cầu quá lớn lao. Để giúp các nạn nhân băo lụt ở Phi Luật Tân, quư vị có thể gởi tiền về cơ quan Cứu Tế Episcopal: Chi phiếu viết trả cho Episcopal Relief and Development, gởi về 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017, và xin đề thêm vào hàng "memo": "Philippine Typhoon Sendong Relief." Xin cám ơn quư vị. - Nếu quư vị chưa gởi Phiếu Hứa Dâng cho 2012 về Nhà Thờ, quư vị có thể mang đến và đặt phiếu vào dĩa tiền dâng trong Lễ Thờ Phượng. Xin cám ơn quư vị.
- Hội Thánh cám ơn quư vị đă dâng hoa trong dịp Giáng Sinh, quư vị trong Ban Tế Tự cùng tất cả các quư vị đă tham dự vào việc trang hoàng Giáng Sinh cho nhà thờ trong ngày 18 tháng 12. Vào ngày Chúa Nhật, 8 tháng 1, 2012, chúng ta sẽ tháo gỡ phần trang hoàng Giáng Sinh. Xin quư anh chị em ở lại sau lễ để giúp một tay.
- Các em cô nhi Phi Châu, thuộc xứ nghèo Uganda sẽ tŕnh diễn một chương tŕnh gây quỹ vào tối thứ sáu, ngày 27 tháng 1, 2012 tại Nhà Thờ Thánh Patrick. Mục đích của buổi tŕnh diễn nhạc Phi Châu là để mọi người để ư đến hậu quả của bệnh AIDS trên các thiếu nhi thuộc các miền nghèo khổ trên thế giới, và kêu gọi sự giúp đỡ của mọi người thuộc mọi quốc gia trên thế giới.
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Ngày Hiển Linh
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Theo lịch của Hội Thánh, ngày 6 tháng 1 là Ngày Hiển Linh. Trong ngày nầy chúng ta suy gẫm truyện tích các chiêm tinh gia cổ xưa t́m gặp Chúa Hài Đồng. Trong Anh Ngữ, chữ dùng cho ngày nầy là "Epiphany," dựa vào nguyên ngữ Hy Lạp epiphaneia, nghĩa là "hiện ra," hay "bày tỏ ra": Thiên Chúa đă tự bày tỏ chính Ngài qua Đức Kitô. Trong các đoạn Kinh Văn đọc vào bảy ngày Chúa Nhật sau Hiển Linh, nổi bật nhất là truyện tích Đức Giêsu chịu phép báp têm. Tiếng sấm từ trời, gọi Ngài là Con Yêu Dấu của Thiên Chúa, cu~ng chính là lời phán cho chúng ta - mỗi một người là con yêu dấu của Chúa Trời - để nghe, nghiền ngẫm và ôm chặt lấy. Không những giúp chúng ta vững ḷng khi giằng co với sự tự ruồng bỏ, lời phán ấy c̣n gọi ta theo dấu chân Đức Kitô và hiến ḿnh cho Ngài. Đương nhiên, cuộc hành tŕnh sẽ đầy thách thức vui buồn, có khi c̣n phải chịu tai ương, song chúng ta không dơi bước một ḿnh. Ngày xưa Thiên Chúa đă dùng ngôi sao dẫn lối người từ miền xa t́m gặp Con Ngài; ngày nay Chúa cu~ng đồng hành với ta cho đến khi ta gặp Ngài. |
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