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Sunday Afternoon Reflections
The Rev. Patricia Conley |
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| Greetings! |
What a wonderful time we had at St. Ann's this morning. We observed the Feast of Christ the King -- the final Sunday in the church's liturgical year.
And, today we baptized Brynn and Trigg Palmer (photo above and article below).
Then, following the service we enjoyed a delightful coffee hour "Thank You" reception for Jennifer Loacker, in appreciation for her more than 3 years as parish administrator.
"Thanks be to God!" |
| A Double - Portion of Blessings! |
 What's better than a baptism? Why, it's baptizing twins, of course.
Wow! - is the reaction to most baptisms. But, this morning it was a Double-WOW experience. The babies were the sweetest!
Through the marvelous and holy sacrament of Baptism this morning, we had the privilege of welcoming Trigg and Brynn Palmer into the world-wide family of Christians, and into our St. Ann's parish family, as well.
Parents, Grandparents, and Godparents, and more -- family and friends were all gathered to witness Mike and Margie Palmer (mom & dad), along with the God parents (Kimberly Thurston and
Stirling Mazenko) pledge their promise to "help these children to grow into the full stature of Christ."
And the entire congregation enthusiastically promised to do all in their power to "support Brynn and Trigg in their life in Christ."
Let us all remember to keep this family in our prayers, as Mike and Margie (and you and I ) embark on joyous and challenging life-long journey of making good on the promises that were made today.
[By the way -- I have it from a reliable source that we may indeed not only have a real-live infant baby Jesus in this year's Christmas Pageant - but, that we may also have the baby cousin of Jesus -- Elizabeth's infant son, who would one day grow up to become John the Baptist. Can you guess who the babies in the pageant might be? The no-rehearsal Christmas Pageant will be on December 14th, at 9:30am -- come and see for yourself.] |
| Children & Youth -- the Pageant Choir! |
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Calling all children and youth! This next Sunday (Nov. 30th) -- following the 9:30 am service we will meet together in the choir room downstairs - to prepare a very special song to sing on December 14th -- during our annual Christmas Pageant.
This will be FUN! And, all the children and youth of St. Ann's are invited to participate. |
| Stewardship Pledge Campaign Nears End. |
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To all members of St. Ann's.
Thank you so very much for all the 2009 pledges we have received to date. There are just a few more pledges that may yet come in, so we will hold off on a "final report" at this point.
To those who have not yet returned your pledge card, please mail or deliver your pledge card to the church at your very earliest convenience.
Remember, too, if you have any questions about the finances of the parish, or if you want to talk with someone from the Stewardship Committee - please, give us a call or drop us a note.
Holly Williams: (847) 497-3507 Mike White: (815) 334-9554
or myself, Rev. Pat Conley: 815-355-6840 (my direct cell phone) stannsrector@comcast.net
Thanks so much. |
| Photo Directory . . . a work in progress. |
Don't forget -- If you have not yet had your family photo taken for our upcoming parish photo directory, please, be sure and contact Bruce Armstrong about it. It's not to late to submit a photo of your own. Or, you might still be able to make an appointment for your photo to be taken. Just be sure and let Bruce know how to include you. BArmstrong@alumni.usc.edu. | |
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| Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Celebrations! |
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Please, if your birthday or anniversary or other special celebration is not listed below (and you would like it to be listed) -- just drop me an e-mail and I'll update our records.
Birthdays in November:
2 Roma Simons
4 Karen Murauskas
5 Robert Patrick Etheridge
6 Susan Scott
7 Patrice Braun
9 Scott Hills
9 Michael Etheridge
13 David Chwalisz
14 Ron Mangum
15 John Sterling
17 Hannah Doyle
20 John Fish
21 Mary Keyse
21 Alyssa Zaino
22 Duane Lahti
27 George Hallam
November Wedding Anniversaries:
3 Bill & Patrice Braun
11 Mike & Ricca Zaino
21 Terri & Lyle Finlayson
22 Philip & Pat McCullough
26 Vincent & Victoria Castillo
28 Barbara & John Fish |
| I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas! |
A "green" tip, brought to you from St. Ann's Green Team:
One of the environmentally unfortunate left-overs from the holiday season can be tons and tons of gift wrapping paper, used only once in copious amounts and then thrown away. Santa Claus in particular goes through acres of gift wrap each year; why not help him "green up" his routine a bit? We're sure he wouldn't mind being asked not to wrap "stocking presents" this year; this would save him a lot of time and keep plenty of wasted, unrecyclable paper from entering landfills.
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| Remember, again -- |
I invite anyone who would like news dissiminated throughout the parish to send your news item to me, and I'll just include it in these hope-to-be-fairly-regular Sunday Afternoon Reflections of the Rector.
Thanks! | |
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| The Pie Sale . . . "the most fun I've ever had at St. Ann's!" |
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That's what they are saying . . . that the St. Ann's Pie Sale (first ever) was a whopping success and the most terrific fun ever!
Someone is going to have to tell me exactly who to thank -- because, I saw soooooo many people involved, and I don't really know who did what. Consequently, I don't know exactly who to thank. With the exception of Susie Scott and Joanell Powers, of course. The Pie Sale was the inspired-by-God-brain-child of Susie Scott (I think) -- and she enlisted a fantastic team to pull it off.
Certainly, in the near future, I'll be reporting more details about the sale, but for the moment, just allow me to extend the most enthusiastic "thank you" from the entire parish.
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| Today's Sunday Afternoon Reflection -- by the Rev. Patricia Conley |
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November 23, 2008
We remembered in prayer today the newly baptized and all who renewed their baptismal vows. And, we will continue to pray for those who have asked for our prayers, those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, those who are traveling, and for the continued safety of George W. Bush and Barack Obama and their families.
The Congregation joined the Choir in singing this morning's stirring hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God, the source of all blessings. Thank you to Terree Emrich and the choir for their extraordinary musical ministry and leadership.
Thank you to Holly Emrich and Joanell Powers who were lay chalice bearers; to Victoria Castillo and Susie Scott for being readers; to Hanna Gitlin for being the solo Acolyte; to Rob and Joan Purdy for serving as ushers; and to Vince and Victoria Castillo for being our coffee hour hosts. Thank You to everyone!
Our altar flowers were given today by John and Jennifer Loacker, in thanksgiving to God for the people of St. Ann's. Thank you for that kindness, John and Jennifer.
If you did not get to hear Jeff Scott preach this morning, you certainly missed out on a blessing. Jeff is one of St. Ann's "lay-preachers-in-training" -- those of us who were present were both proud of and blessed by Jeff's ministry this morning. Thank you Jeff for your inspired and inspiring homily.
Our Sunday School classes were "off" this morning -- due to the special Thank You reception for Jennifer Loacker. But, don't forget -- the children & youth will be practicing next Sunday for their special musical presentation during our Pageant Sunday - December 14th.
A very special thank you today goes to Joan Purdy and Nancy Phillips for the special arrangements they made for the Thank You reception -- and, to Duane Lahti who was the Master of Ceremony for the event.
And, finally -- thank you again to Bruce and Natalie Armstrong for their shared role as "parish photographer."
Contact me if you need any additional information: stannsrector@comcast.net. |
| Advent & Christmas at St. Ann's |
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November 30 - December 14 The Annual "Angel Tree" gift project (in the parish hall)
November 30 - Sunday - Advent I 8:00am Eucharist, 9:30am Eucharist
November 30 - Sunday - 10:45am Children/Youth Sing
November 26 - Wednesday, 7:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist and Pie Preview
November 27 - Thursday, Thanksgiving Day -- NO service
November 29 - Saturday, 9:00am - Altar Guild Season Change
November 29 - Saturday, 10:00am - Set up the large creche (volunteers welcome!)
December 7 - December 28 The Annual "No Room at the Inn" Creche Display in parish hall
December 7 - Sunday - Advent II 8:00am and 9:30am Eucharists. Sunday School follows
December 7 - Sunday - EVENSONG - 4:30pm
December 14 - Sunday - Advent III 9:30am Eucharist Only (no 8:00am Eucharist)
December 14 - Sunday - Annual No-Rehearsal Christmas Pageant (no Sunday School)
December 21 - Sunday - Advent IV 8:00am and 9:30am Eucharists
December 21 - Sunday - 10:45am Green Group, Building Committee, Coffee Sales
December 21 - Sunday - 10:45am Altar Guild to set up for Christmas Eve & Christmas
December 24 - Wednesday - Candlelight Christmas Eve Services 4:30pm and 10:30pm
(Christmas Carol sing begins at 10:00pm)
December 25 - Thursday - 10:00am Christmas Day Eucharist |
| Looking Ahead |
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Thanksgiving Eve - This year out Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist will be on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 26th at 7:30 pm. The service will be followed by an informal little "pie preview" -- that is, we'll have the pies IF anyone brings some along to preview. For more information, contact Bruce and Natalie Armstrong at 847-669-8257.
The Angel Tree - With the coming of Advent, our annual Angel Tree will soon appear in the parish hall. Be on the lookout for your opportunity to help our greater community through this Christmas season outreach project.
No Room at the Inn - For the season of Advent, you are again invited to participate in "No Room at the Inn," -- a display of Nativity scenes in our parish hall. All are invited to bring a creche(s) to place on display - beginning on Sunday, December 7th, leaving it on display for as long as you like -- up to January 4, 2009. Last year's display was very beautiful, and this year's display promises more of the same.
Advent Evensong - St. Ann's will hold an Advent Evensong service on Sunday, December 7th at 4:30pm. Evensong is a sung Evening Prayer service. This will be a great opportunity to bring a guest along for an inspirational time of music and meditation.
No-Rehearsal Christmas Pageant - 9:30am on December 14th. This is one of the top-ten events of our parish life each year. Children and Youth (and some adults) are invited to arrive at the church at 9:00am to dress is their costume-of-choice for the pageant. All are invited to wear their own costume or to select one of the costumes from our parish costume supply.
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Please, feel free to contact me at my direct cell phone number: 815-355-6840 -- or via e-mail, anytime. And, invite someone new to church this week! See you in church.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Patricia A. Conley
St. Ann's Episcopal Church
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