Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Sunday and in the Sundays following we celebrate the in-breaking of God's light. The readings help us understand that the manifestation of God is for all people everywhere. This is a message of radical inclusively. The magi are drawn from the east to come to pay homage to the Christ child. They who were once far off are now embraced by the one true God, who has sent a Savior into the world. Likewise, Paul reports in Ephesians that he has been given grace to "bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ" (Eph. 3:8). Just as Isaiah had foretold, nations shall come to God's light (Isa. 60:3).

In this inclusive reality, everyone is welcome, and so are their gifts. Just as the magi showed their respect for Christ with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we can offer our gifts and talents to further the brightness of God's dawn. Whatever we bring-no matter how simple-is accepted and used for a mighty purpose.

There is also a sense of joy at this Epiphany. When the magi saw that the star they were following had stopped over the place where the Christ child lay, they were overwhelmed with joy (Matt. 2:10). The angel had declared to the shepherds that the newborn child would bring good news of great joy for all the people (Luke 2:10). Now again, Christ brings joy to all. Christianity is a truly joyful religion.

Through word and sacrament we too are invited to rise and shine, for our light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon us. Fed and nourished in worship, we are sent forth to bear witness, to let our little lights shine.

In the Light of Christ+

Bill

Vestry Applications

On January 31, at the All Saints' annual meeting we will be electing one new Vestry Member to serve a 3 year term. If you or anyone you know has an interest in serving on the Vestry please fill out the form (linked below) and return to Donna at the church office or give to any Vestry Member no later than Sunday Jan 10 at 11am. By filling out the form the Vestry will be able to make a more informed decision when choosing Vestry Members. If you have any questions please call Don Holm, Senior Warden at 569 3096.

Vestry Application

Your Help Needed

We received many positive comments on how beautiful our worship space has looked during Christmas worship this year. But what goes up, must come down (and be stored for next years) so we will this Sunday, January 3rd following 10:00 am worship. Please join with the flower guild as they gather to take down the Christmas decorations (many hands make lite work). Thank you!

Give Light

NOOMA resumes 1/7/16

NOOMA Bible Study to start Thursday, January 7th at 3 PM in the Library.

Lord & Tailor Christmas Closure

Lord and Tailor will re-open Thursday, January 7, 2016. May the ladies of the shop enjoy the Christmas and New Years Seasons and take a well earned rest!

Dinner Bell Volunteers

Dinner Bell is looking for volunteers for the following weeks. Two people are needed between the hours of 3-6 pm for setup, serving and cleanup for Thursday, January 28th, February 18th and February 25th. Please contact Donna in the church office.

Annual Meeting 1/31

Our annual meeting will be held on Sunday, January 31st, there will be one service at 9 am with refreshments after service and during the meeting.

Annual Reports Due

Greetings all Ministry Chairpersons. it is that time of year when annual reports need to be prepared and sent to the church office. Please start the process and email to the church office at allsaints@metrocast.net. Thank you. Donna

Recognizing Saints

Pastor Bill is looking for recommendations for folks deserving recognition for the things that they do all year long. This has been a tradition at All Saints Annual Meeting for many years. If you wish to nominate someone, please email the church office or speak to Pastor Bill.

Be a Friend to All Saints' Preschool

All Saints Preschool is selling all purpose bags for $5.00 each. BUY A BAG. Please call the church office if you wish to purchase a bag.

Syria Crisis Response Fund

Give to the Syria Crisis Response Fund to help people fleeing violence and unrest in the region. Your contribution will support our collaborations with agencies providing food, water, medical supplies and other emergency support. Go to episcopalrelief.org and make a difference today!

Betty Brown Art Exhibit

Our own Betty Brown has an art exhibit at the Kathryn Schultz Gallery and University Place Gallery in Cambridge, MA running through January 5th. For more information please visit bettybrownfineart.com.

Life Ministries

All Saints is going to be featuring a food monthly that is in need for the Life Ministries Food Pantry. We welcome any and all donations of non-perishable items. January's food is canned tuna. Please place donations in the basket in the narthex. Thank you for all donations!

Activity Schedule for the Week

Sunday

2:00 p.m. AA Meeting - Parish Hall

6:00 p.m. AA Meeting - Parish Hall

Mon/Wed/Fri

10 am - 2 pm Wolfeboro Senior Center and Meals - Parish Hall

Monday

:00 p.m. Adult Bridge - Library

3:00 p.m. All Saints Strength Training Group - Stevens Room

7:00 p.m. Photo Club - Parish Hall

Tuesday

6:30 a.m. Women's Worship - Sanctuary

1:30 p.m. Scrabble Club - Library

Wednesday

9-Noon Caregivers Monthly Meeting - Library

6:00 p.m. Table Tennis - Parish Hall

6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal - Stevens Room

Thursday

7:30 a.m. Men's Bible Study

10-3 Lord & Tailor Shop

3:00 p.m. Nooma Bible Study - Library

6:00 p.m. Stamp Club - Library

Friday

10-3 Lord & Tailor Shop

5:00 p.m. Stewardshhip of the Earth Activities - see above

8:00 p.m. AA Meeting - Parish Hall

Saturday

10-1 Lord & Tailor Shop

10:00 a.m. AA Meeting - Library

8:00 p.m. AA Meeting - Parish Hall

All Saints e-News

We hope you have enjoyed reading our e-News and we encourage your feedback to help us make it even better. We publish an issue weekly on Friday afternoon, to help keep you up to date and in touch with our current news and activities. We think this may be especially helpful to those that are unable to attend our Sunday worship services, are out of town and away for the season. Please let us know if you have some information you would like us to share in future issues of this newsletter.

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Rev. Bill Petersen

Rector, All Saints Church

Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler

Editor, All Saints E-News