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Sunday Afternoon Reflections
The Rev. Patricia Conley |
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| Greetings! |
What a meaningful time we had at St. Ann's this morning. You might say that Advent I (today) is the official new years day of the church, liturgically speaking.
Advent is the four-week season of the church year in which we prepare for the coming of Christ. The liturgical color is blue for the season. Many Anglicans try to observe this season of preparation with a note of austerity and simplicity.
The first candle of the Advent was lit just before the service began. And we sang the beautiful Advent hymn "Creator of the stars of night" during the entry procession (at the 9:30 service).
The season holds much promise. May God bless you and keep you calm and at peace through the Advent season. |
| Our Annual Advent Choral Evensong |
At 4:30 next Sunday afternoon (Dec 7th) our St. Ann's choir will lead us in what has become a most treasured annual tradition: A Choral Evensong for Advent.
The candles in the wall sconces will be lit and the overhead lights dimmed, as the choir enters singing and carrying their candles in procession.
Those who have attend this service in the past return year after year, as they take nourishment in the quiet, peaceful, contemplative spirit of the service. It is a perfect respite in an often harried and pressure-filled season.
Guests are always welcome. |
| Children & Youth -- the Pageant Choir! |
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Calling all children and youth! This next Sunday (Dec. 7th) -- following the 9:30 am service we will again 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. |
| 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. |
| The Next BOOK GROUP . . . |
The Book Group will next meet on January 11, 2009, at Mary Jane and Robin Andrews. We will be reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
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| Your announcement here -- |
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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| 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 December:
1 Carol Lahti
2 Ed Hall
2 Chita Yao
3 Nancy Wright
5 Philip McCullough
7 Jack Porter
9 Ricca Zaino
10 Lynn Long
12 David Stretch
17 Mike Emrich
19 Howard McCarthy
20 Mel Long
20 Kirk Halma
20 Holly Williams
December Anniversaries
16 Rob & Joan Purdy | |
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| Today's Sunday Afternoon Reflection -- by the Rev. Patricia Conley |
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November 30, 2008
We remembered in prayer today the whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for the mission and unity of the Church; for the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; for the sick and those who mourn; for the lonely and the unloved; for those who have asked for our prayers, those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, those who are traveling. Let us also continue to pray for the safety of George W. Bush and Barack Obama and their families.
Susie Scott and Joanell Powers presented a marvelous duet this morning, just prior to the Gospel reading. We were inspired by their offering, as well as by the special selection of Advent readings and Advent carols.
Thank you to Joan Purdy and Jerry Kraemer who were lay chalice bearers; to four readers this morning: Carol Lahti, Jeffery Scott, Brian Clow, and Julia Blaho. Thank you to the two Anna's (Blaho & Zaino) for serving as Acolytes; to Vince & Victoria Castillo for serving as ushers; and to Dinah & Tom Hoppe for being our coffee hour hosts. Thank You to everyone!
Our Sunday School classes were "on" this morning -- right after the children and youth rehearsed "Away in a Manger" for the Pageant Sunday (Dec 14th). If you know a child or young person who missed today, don't worry and don't forget -- they will be practicing the music before Sunday School class again next Sunday for their special musical presentation during our Pageant Sunday - December 14th.
A very special thank you today goes to Mike White, Jack Porter, and Howard McCarthy for their extra efforts in caulking the church windows Saturday morning.
And, finally -- thank you again to Bruce and Natalie Armstrong for their continued shared role as "parish photographer."
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| Advent & Christmas at St. Ann's |
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November 30 - December 14 The Annual "Angel Tree" gift project (in the parish hall)
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 |
The Angel Tree - Our annual Angel Tree project is underway -- in the parish hall. If you would like to participate in providing toys and clothing for children and families in District 200 please take a card from the Angel tree and bring the gift item to the church by December 14th. Contact Susie Scott for more information: (224) 569-3203 or Susie Scott.
This is a wonderful and meaningful 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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| Pledge Campaign . . . a great success. Thank you, thank you, thank you. |
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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 may be a few more pledges that come in. The statistics below present the final tally as of 11/29.
PLEDGING UNITS
1. Number of "Pledging Units" in Previous Year (2008) 48
2. 2008 "Pledging Units" NOT Pledging for 2009 -3 (moved, etc)
3. 2009 NEW "Pledging Units" 6
4. Total Number 2009 Pledging Units (to Date) 51
5. NET Gain or (Loss) 3 GAIN
PLEDGED AMOUNTS
1. Total Amount of 2007 Pledges $ 131,440
2. Total Amount "repeat" Pledgers for 2009 $ 135,441
3. Total Amount from NEW Pledgers for 2009 $ 10,040
4. Total Amount of ALL Pledges for 2009 (thus far) Total $ 145,481
5. Total Dollar Increase in 2009 pledges over 2008 $ 14,041
6. Total % Dollar Increase 2009 over 2008 Increase 10.7%
Those who still wish to submit a pledge, please do so at your 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! |
| Dear Rev. Pat and Friends, |
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Thank you very much for the wonderful send-off you gave me on November 23 as I ended my time as your parish administrator. I am especially grateful for all of your kind words.
Thank you also for the generous gifts, the cake, and the time and energy you took to prepare such a lovely morning. I have been truly blessed to work with all of you. Getting to know so many of you better has been the best part of my job, and I look forward seeing each of you as we continue our volunteer ministries and parish activities.
St. Ann's is a terrific place because of you! Thank you again.
Very sincerely,
Jennifer Loacker |
| 12 tips for a low carbon Christmas! |
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It is Advent in the Church -- but "Christmas" everywhere else!
The Christmas season is now upon us, and we are all rushing to decorate, purchase gifts, and remember the birth of Jesus Christ. You can honor Christ this Christmas by caring for Creation. Click here for 12 tips for a low carbon Christmas
On the First Day of Christmas Care for God's Creation By...
Buying a Living, Local Christmas Tree. Start a tradition of planting your Christmas tree in your yard or on your church grounds after Christmas. You can even put a message in a bottle underneath the tree thanking God for the year's blessings. Your planted tree becomes a Christmas gift for creation and a living family memory for years to come!
On the Second Day of Christmas Care for God's Creation By...
Giving Responsibly. Buy gently used gifts like books and toys or nonmaterial gifts like a national parks pass or event tickets rather than products. If you are good at making crafts, consider making gifts for your loved ones.
Click here to see the full list of ways you can reduce your carbonfootprint this season.
Merry Christmas from the Eco-Justice Program! |
| The Pie Sale . . . "the BEST pie I ever ate!" |
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That's what they are saying now! Proof positive that the St. Ann's Pie Sale (first ever) was a whopping success and the most terrific fun ever! And, rumor has it that the Pie Sale raised well over $1,000 for St. Ann's ministries.
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.
One day soon, I'll be reporting more details about the sale, but for the moment, just allow me to again extend the most enthusiastic "thank you" from the entire parish. |
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Please, feel free to contact me at my direct cell phone number: 815-355-6840 -- or via the Rector's 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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