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The Epistle December 27, 2014
Newsletter of St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, Alexandria, Virginia
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Very Late-Breaking
Christmas Edition
What an amazing Christmas we had at St. Aidan's. We saw record attendance at all three services. The pageant just keeps getting better as we add young sheep and shepherds to the cast and the older youth find new talents to share. This year's pageant was directed by Sarah Lore, who did a great job. Thanks to all the actors, musicians, and parents who make this favorite event possible every year.
The later Christmas Eve service was led by the choir who set the musical tone for the evening. The service ended with the whole congregation in a large circle around the sanctuary singing to each other in the candlelight. This is the second year for the circle and it is a new favorite.
On Christmas morning we had over fifty people, many in their pajamas, for lessons and carols and communion. Another not-to-missed service.
Each service has its own character and its own gifts for the community, and several of us were there for all three.
I give thanks today for the St. Aidan's community and all who give their hearts, their and laughter and prayers and just plain hard work to the business of making these services possible. Thanks to those who arrange the flowers, set the altar, straighten the chairs, who lead and sing in the choir, who work with kids, who prepare bulletins and do readings, who usher and help with communion..........and so much more.
This week I am particularly grateful to be the rector of a parish that does such a fine job of welcoming the newborn Christ into our world.
Blessings to you all. John B
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sunday School for all ages will begin again on Sunday, January 4.
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We have received about 50 pledges.
We really need to hear from everyone.
Please send or bring your part of the picture
along with your pledge for 2015 as soon as possible.
Everyone has a prat to play in the mission and ministry of St. Aidan's.
If you would like to pledge by contacting the treasurer, email Don.
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Hot-Off-The-Press Selection for the Women's Book Group
The January choice for the Women's Book Group that meets on Tuesday mornings is
The Fly in the Ointment: The Mysteries of Mary Magdalene, written by Jennifer Smith, daughter of St. Aidan's member Lynda Smith. You are invited to meet for discussion weekly at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, or read it independently, knowing that after completion of the book, there will be a question/answer session with the author along with a book signing and reception at St. Aidan's on a Sunday afternoon, (date to be determined).
The book is available on Amazon.com. Call Peggy Trumbo with questions, 703-780-4098.
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Book discussion for January and beyond...
Would you like to try being part of a community of practice centered in creativity and contemplation for 12 weeks? All are welcome! We will will use this book as a guide to reflecting on our own creative and contemplative practices. The book is Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom by Christine Valters Paintner.
Read more about the book and author here. We will meet for discussion Thursdays at 10:30 am beginning January 8 and continuing for 12 weeks. Contact Kathryn kathrynconeway@gmail.com if interested or to learn more.
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Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed!
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Do you enjoy the coffee and snacks following the 10:30 service? If so, please consider signing up to host the coffee hour this fall. Snacks, juice, and coffee making are all that you need - even kids can help. If you sign up you'll receive instructions (be sure to put your email on the signup list) and you can even be paired with an experienced coffee hour host if that will help convince you to volunteer. Please sign up today on the list during coffee hour, or email Brenda Foos (bfoos@cox.net). The sign up sheet is located in the Narthex.
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UCM & Rising Hope Food Collection
We collect food for both Rising Hope and UCM. Rising Hope, also, needs clean in-season clothing in good condition and small household items. Volunteers are needed to deliver donations on the first and third Sunday of each month.
UCM collection (food items only) is the first Sunday of the month. Food can be delivered during the week. Hours of delivery are: Sundays 10:30am-1:30pm, Mondays-Fridays 9:30am-12:00pm and 1:30pm-4pm. Their phone number is 703-768-7106 x 343.
Rising Hope collection (food and seasonal clothing) is the third Sunday of each month. Food, seasonal clothing and household goods can be delivered Tuesdays-Fridays during the week. Hours of delivery are: Tuesdays-Fridays 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4pm. Thursdays they are open late until 8:00pm. Their phone number is 703-360-1976.
The sign-up sheet is in White Hall. If you have any questions, contact our coordinator, Mario Costantino at (703)577-9672 or MarioKarenand3@aol.com.Thank you for your help.
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From the Treasurer
Operating Income Received this week 4,425
Budgeted weekly income 5,576
Received for 2014 248,918
Budgeted for 2014 281,300
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This Week at St Aidan's
Sunday, Dec 28: 8:30 am Service
10:30 am Service
5:30 pm Service
Tues, Dec 30: 8:00 am Silent Prayer
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Who's Serving this Week:
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Sunday: December 28, 2014
8:30 a.m. Reader: Wynne Kelch
10:30 a.m.
Lesson: Isaiah 61: 10-62:3 Brenda Hunt
Epistle: Galatians 3:23-25, 4:4-7 Brenda Hunt
Chalice: Jay Anderson, Beverly Bell
Ushers: Sylvain Richard, Ed Foos
Acolytes: Liam Smith
Godly Play Storyteller: No Sunday School today
Godly Play Doorkeeper: No Sunday School today
Coffee Hour: Wynne & Greg Kelch
Flowers: The White Family
Altar Guild: Darlene Ash, Christine Niemann, Karen Herndon, Christina Mazzanti
Vestry Person of the Month - Bill White (bwhite@osa.org)
Sign-up sheets to provide altar flowers and coffee hour are on the bulletin board in White Hall.
**Please Note: During Coffee Hour the sign up sheet is in the Narthex.
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