READINGS  

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REFLECTION

Advent is about learning to wait. It is about not having to know exactly what is coming tomorrow, only that whatever it is, it is of the essence of sanctification for us. Every piece of it, some hard, some uplifting, is sign of the work of God alive in us. We are becoming as we go. We learn in Advent to stay in the present, knowing that only the present well-lived can possibly lead us to the fullness of life.

Advent relieves us of our commitment to the frenetic in a fast-paced world. It slows us down. It makes us think. It makes us look beyond today to the "great tomorrow" of life. Without Advent, moved only by the race to nowhere that exhausts the world around us, we could be so frantic with trying to consume and control this life that we fail to develop within ourselves a taste for the spirit that does not die and will not slip through our fingers like melted snow.

It is while waiting for the coming of the reign of God, Advent after Advent, that we come to realize that its coming depends on us. What we do will either hasten or slow, sharpen or dim our own commitment to do our part to bring it.

Waiting - that cold, dry period of life when nothing seems to be enough and something else beckons within us - is the grace that Advent comes to bring. It stands before us, within us, pointing to the star for which the wise ones from the East are only icons of ourselves.

We all want something more. Advent asks the question, what is it for which you are spending your life? What is the star you are following now? And where is that star in its present radiance in your life leading you? Is it a place that is really comprehensive enough to equal the breadth of the human soul?"

by Joan Chittister, OSB

WELCOME TO THE REVEREND GARRETT METTLER

On Sunday, we welcome The Rev. Garrett Mettler as our guest preacher and celebrant at all services.  Fr. Mettler is chaplain at WoosterSchool in Danbury, Connecticut, and served as interim rector at St. John's in Pleasantville.  Mo. Alon and Mo. Emily will be back in the office next week.

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

Unwrapped gifts for the children at Nyack Center will be picked up from the narthex  this Sunday, DECEMBER 16 following the 11:00am service.    

GIFT CARDS FOR HURRICANE SURVIVORS  

We are collecting gift cards to be distributed to those recovering from Hurricane Sandy in the Staten Island area through a program of Diocese of New York. They have requested vendors such as Target, KMart, WalMart, Home Depot, Lowes, and they should come to us by this Sunday, DECEMBER 16 so that we can send them from the parish to Christ Church on Staten Island.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

 Each year as we gather to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, our worship is enhanced by poinsettias, trees and greens. Your generosity makes this possible.   Please join in the time-honored tradition of making a donation for our Christmas Flowers in memory of loved ones and/or in thanksgiving for God's blessings. Offering envelopes are available in the narthex, and need to be by this Sunday, DECEMBER 16 for inclusion in the Christmas bulletins.

USHERS NEEDED

We could use additional ushers at all of our Christmas services.  If you would like to serve, we need your help!  Please contact the office and let us know when you're available.

ANNUAL NOMINATIONS PROCESS BEGINS

The nominating committee is now receiving names of potential candidates for election to the following positions: three vestry persons (three-year terms), two delegates and two alternate delegates to the diocesan convention, and four persons to serve on the next nominating committee along with the retiring vestry persons. Nominating forms are available in the narthex. Name will be received until January 13, 2012, and elections take place at the annual meeting on February 10, 2013. Want to know more?   Talk to anyone on the Nominating Committee: Beth Paskowski, Chair, Tom Burns, Pat Cose, Cindy Cox, Peggy Gilbert, Jeanette Matthews, Emily Nevill, or to Mo. Alon. 

TWO DIOCESAN EVENTS TO NOTE:
Saturday, January 5 - Celebration of Bishop Sisk's Episcopacy

Saturday, February 2 - Installation of Bishop Dietsche as 16th Bishop of New York

Both events will take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine at 10:30am, and will be followed by receptions in Synod Hall.

Our longtime hostess, Julia Ann Colt, will be taking a leave of absence from her Sunday duties here beginning in January.  She has been a treasure in her role here, embodying the spirit of hospitality. If you, or someone you know, would like to discuss the possibility following in her footsteps, please speak with Mo. Alon, or contact the office for details on the position.

Monday, Dec. 24-Christmas Eve

Holy Eucharist at 4:00pm

With the Joyful Noise & St. Cecilia Youth Choirs

For young and old alike

Holy Eucharist at 6:30pm

With the Parish Choir

Carols for Choir at Congregation at 10:30pm

Choral Eucharist at 11:00pm

With the Grace Church Choir

Tuesday, Dec. 25 -Christmas Morning - Holy Eucharist with carols at 9:00am

PREPPING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS

Polishing -On Saturday, December 22 from 9:00am- 12 Noon

Come one, come all - let's make the sanctuary bright, shiny and clean for the Christmas celebrations. Spend an hour or spend three. All are welcome - we'll have fun!

THANK YOU to those who have made their pledge for 2013:     

The goal of the Stewardship Commission is to have all the pledges in, if possible, by Sunday. December 16, so that the vestry and the Standing Committee on Finance can begin working on, next year's budget. So why not "avoid the holiday rush" and send in your pledge right now.   

MISPLACED YOUR PLEDGE PACKET?   Click here for the materials.

Your Stewardship Committee: Jim Gilbert, chair

KEEP IN TOUCH

PARTING THOUGHT