Dear Friends,

I have just returned from a spectacular youth retreat throughout North Georgia and South Carolina.  We lodged at Camp Greenville a YMCA camp in the Appalachian mountains on the SC and NC border.  We framed this retreat with the theme of Spiritual Journey and specifically an Advent Journey from darkness to light. There were many highlights along the way most notably a Eucharist service at "Pretty Place" a magnificent outdoor chapel on the side of the mountain with a view that goes on for hundreds of miles.

One moment I will never forget was as we pulled up to the chapel the group got just a glimpse of the view through the door. (see below) and they gasped with excitement. It made me think of this season and specifically a verse from I Corinthians 13:12... "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

We get glimpses, in the shadows of Advent, a light glimmers and the light grows brighter each week as we light another candle.  In the darkness of this world we desperately need the light of Christ to shine. We should be drawn to Christ in hope and expectation that the Kingdom will come and that we are citizens of this Kingdom and enjoy the rule and reign of King Jesus now. I have a very creative friend, Jeff Ling who posted a verse he wrote, an Advent verse for the Christmas Carol O Come All Ye Faithful.  I share it here for your reflection this week as we draw nearer to celebrating the Incarnation on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

   O Come, Holy Savior, Ruler of All Nations  

May God grant us grace in the journey and may He find us faithful in each moment...   

in the mission,

Father Jon+   

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Gary and Christina Jackson are looking to rent their home (very close to Canterbury)  Click here for a description  If interested please contact us @ (863) 534-3179 or (407) 810-8474.
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CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY
We will be supporting and working again with The Hope Foundation and the  Christmas in the City event in our community.  CLICK HERE for more information or to volunteer,   In the rear of the chapel there is a HOPE TREE - please take a card (or 2 or 3) and provide food, Christmas gifts and needed items for those who are in need,  For more information contact Father Jon.

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 CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 
One of my favorite moments in the celebration of Christmas is the pageant and this year Lisa Hines and Heather Starr are coordinating and directing a wonderful production. They need volunteers, so here is an opportunity to get involved and help tell the amazing story of the INCARNATION!  To volunteer and assist in this effort contact Heather Starr or Lisa Hines