St. Ann's Episcopal Church
St. Ann's Episcopal Church
 503 W. Jackson - Woodstock, IL 60098 

Rector's Sunday Afternoon Reflections - Dec 21
The Rev. Patricia Conley

 Sunday December  21st    freezing!

     As I compose today's reflection, the thermometer reads -4 (that is minus 4 degrees), and the wind-chill-feels-like temperature is -28 degrees!  I am pretty sure that one of the few warm places in our town today was near the Spirit and fellowship at St. Ann's this morning.
     I have heard from a number of people who were not able to get out today - either because of the incredibly cold weather, the high winds, the drifting snow and road conditions, or one of the nasty colds going around this week.
     If you want to "check-in" and let me know about your day (or week), just chick here and drop me a note.    
     We prayed for each of you . . . that you will be safe and healthy through this difficult spell of weather and cold/flu challenges.
      I look forward to worshiping together on Christmas Eve (4:30 or 10:00pm) and/or Christmas Day (10:00am).    Meanwhile, enjoy today's installment of your rector's reflection.   -- Rev. Pat +
9:30am Eucharist Today . . .
     Obviously, the choir is nearing "top" form for the Christmas services ahead.  This morning they offered a fabulous anthem from Handel's Messiah:  "Glory to God."
   I noticed many listeners had to "sit on their hands" following the anthem.  It was one of those moments when applause is almost necessary. :)  Thank you choir, and Terree.
     
Randy Wakitsch served as Worship Assistant and crucifer.  The "two Anna's" (Blaho and Zaino) served as acolytes.  John and Jennifer Loacker were ushers; Joanell Powers and Randy Wakitsch served chalices; Michael Emrich and Jennifer Loacker were lectionary readers; and Ben & Nancy Phillips hosted the coffee hour.  Thanks to all who served today.
     Mary Keyse placed a special red rose on the altar this morning, commemorating the 6th anniversary of your rector's ordination to the priesthood.  Glory to God!  And, thank you Mary.  
 
Tigger Allie and Jacob 
Rev. Conley, Thelma Hutton, Bishop Persell (2002)
Announcing our Annual Meeting -
January 18th -- Do you have photos?
       As many of you will remember, your rector has prepared a video review of the year for our Annual Meeting for the past two years.  I look forward to preparing a new video report for 2008. 
       Our St. Ann's Annual Meeting and Brunch will be held on January 18th, following the 9:30am service.  Anyone who has photos of video footage of St. Ann's people and/or activities in 2008 is invited to submit copies to me for use in preparing this annual video report.
       You may send your images either by e-mail or give them to me via a CD.  You may even loan printed photos to me and I'll scan them and return the originals to you. 
       Please, submit photos and videos to me by January 3rd.  Thanks so very much.
       And, thank you again to Bruce and Natalie Armstrong for their continued shared role as "parish photographer."        
 
Contact me if you desire any additional information:  stannsrector@comcast.net. 
The Angel Tree . . .
      Our annual Angel Tree project ended today.  Today's final efforts included putting the finishing touches on about 16 wonderful baskets full of gifts for elderly residents of a nearby assisted living residence. 
      Last week gifts were delivered for District 200 youth, and children and families being served through our area Christmas Clearinghouse.
      Thank you to all who participated.  And a special thanks to Susie Scott for coordinating the project. 
In This Issue (click & go)
Worship at St. Ann's today . . .
Annual Meeting & Call for Photos
The Angel Tree . . .
Your News Here . . .
Birthdays & Anniversaries . . .
The Next Book Group . . .
St. Ann's Volunteers provide meals for homeless . . .
CALENDAR . . .
Quick Links
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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!   
Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Celebrations!
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
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.
 
St. Ann's Volunteers provide meals for homeless . . .
 
I received the following report in an e-mail from Dinah Hoppe this week.  I hereby extend a special "Thank You" to Dinah Hoppe, Patty Felter, Nancy Wright, and Terry Finlayson for this very practical and important community ministry. 
 
Thursday, Dec 18th.
 
     Today we served lunch to 30 homeless people.  Thanks to Patty Felter, Nancy Wright's wonderful daughter who made the 5 casseroles of chicken pot pies, we had enough food for everyone. Nancy supplied the extra biscuits, fruit and cookies.  I purchased milk, juice and bananas with contributions previously received. 
     St. Ann's will serve lunch again on February 5th.  Volunteers may contact Dinah Hoppe for more information about future participation. 
     Also, the Annual Woodstock Area Community Ministry "Festival of Music" is scheduled for Feb 8th. 
 
Thanks for your support,  Dinah
Advent, Christmas and Beyond . . .
   
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
 
December 28 -  Sunday - 8:00am  Morning Prayer with Communion
                                     9:30am  Holy Eucharist
 
January 4, 2009   Sunday  -  8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist;  Sunday School 10:45
 
January 9   -  Friday  - FAMILY FUN NIGHT -- Midwinter playtime.  6:00pm
                                          
January 11  -  Sunday  - 8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist;  Sunday School 10:45
 
January 18  -  Sunday  - 9:30am Eucharist (no 8:00);  No Sunday School.
                                    9:30am Special Youth-let Children's service in Choir Room.
                                    ANNUAL MEETING follows 9:30am service.
                                   
 January 23-24 Friday Night and Saturday Morning.  Adult Spiritual Life
                      with the Rev. Brian Hastings.  7:30-9:00pm Friday.  8:30am-Noon Saturday.
 
January 25  -  Sunday  - 8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist;  Sunday School 10:45.
 
February 1   - Sunday 8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist
                     Acolytes Meet, Downstairs Sunday School Class Meets
                     ADULT FORUM -- Another look at our Book of Common Prayer.
 
February 8   -  Sunday.   8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist;  Sunday School at 10:45.
 
February 15  - Sunday.  8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist;  Sunday School at 10:45.
                                  Building Committee, Green Group, and Coffee Sales
 
February 22  - Sunday.  8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist.  Sunday School 10:45.
                                   United Thank Offering boxes distributed.
 
February 29  - Sunday.  8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist.  Sunday School 10:45.
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
 
Join our Mailing List!