In consideration of the recent closing of Boston's Long Island Shelter and bridge--which provides housing and service to 800+ individuals--and in light of all who live on the street, especially during these cold winter months, the King's Chapel Church School, under the leadership of our own Judy Luca, will be collecting items and backpacks for our neighbors in need through December 15. A more extensive list will be publicized next week, but some examples of items include:

backpacks
socks, hats, gloves, scarves
emergency blankets
personal hygiene items (especially toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, washcloths)
non-perishable individual food items (e.g. fruit cups, crackers, water, peanut butter)
gift cards for restaurants/grocery stores
  

All of King's Chapel is invited and encouraged to bring backpacks and items to donate by Dec. 15. There will be a special emphasis on this ministry at Advent Crafts on the 14th, where Judy will work with children and families who attend to stuff backpacks with items.  We will also bless the backpacks at the Church School worship service at 9:45am on December 21. Items can be dropped off in or outside of Eva Englert's office or the main entranceat the Parish House.  If you have any questions, please contact Judy Luca.

In 2011, the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless learned that many students in local public schools were not getting a good night's sleep because they did not have their own bed to sleep in at home.  A good night's sleep has a major effect on a child's ability to come to school prepared to learn; falling behind in school due to a lack of sleep can have negative long term consequences on a student's education and future.  For every $250 raised, a child will receive a complete new bed: a twin mattress, box spring, bed frame and linens.  "A Bed for Every Child"has provided new beds to 2,200 children (and counting) across Massachusetts. The number of children waiting for beds is five times as much.  Its goal is to distribute 1,500 beds annually.

Again this year, the Community Action Committee (CAC) will sell holiday cakes to support the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless program, "A Bed for Every Child." Many children in Massachusetts who currently share a bed with parent or siblings, or sleep on the floor, would be healthier, happier, and more successful in school, with a bed of their own!

Advent Quiet Day: Saturday, December 6th, 9 AM - 1 PM at the Parish House

Want to remember the true meaning of Christmas amidst the clanging culture all around us?  Give yourself the gift of a morning to quietly consider the Advent season, using art, music or writing (materials will be provided). Come for as much or as little as your schedule permits.  We'll gather for a brief poem or prayer on the half hours in the Little Chapel, led by Rev. Fallon; the rest of the time is yours, to ground yourself amidst this busy season.  

Save the Date:  Festive "Milk Punch" Sunday After Church - December 21st, 12:30  

In a grand Yuletide tradition of King's Chapel, on the Sunday before Christmas, all are invited to gather after church at the Parish House, 64 Beacon Street, for festive food, good cheer, and the famous Milk Punch, something akin to a deliciously powerful eggnog. If you've had it before, we know you'll be returning.  If you haven't tried Milk Punch yet, you won't be sorry you did.  Join old friends and meet new ones.

New Year's Retreat - 4 PM Friday, January 16 - 10 AM Sunday, January 18

Finding Your Spiritual Home

As you start the New Year, come for a quiet, warm retreat at Glastonbury Abbey, in Hingham.  Rev. Fallon will lead us in quiet reflection on where you are on your spiritual journey:  who or what is your spiritual home?  There will be free time to walk in the woods or at the ocean, rest, eat, and join in conversation.  Cost:  $130 for a room at the retreat house and all meals. Scholarships are available; talk with Rev. Fallon or Betsy Peterson.

Last week, everyone we have on our email list received a copy of this year's Narrative, a booklet about what we've already done in the last 2 years;  what we've learned about our neighborhood and vital church services; and 5 proposals for moving forward.  We held a meeting after church on Sunday, November 23rd, collecting your ideas, and a budget will now be drafted by Fiscal Affairs, in consultation with the staff, Wardens, Vestry, Council and Trustees.  The Congregation will vote on the budget at our annual  meeting on March 15.  Watch for more details. 

--Joy

Click the image above to access a copy of the Budget Narrative.