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REFLECTION

The Work of the Kingdom is to Work for the Kingdom 

By Howard Thurman 

There are many forces over which the individual can exercise no control whatsoever. A man plants a seed in the ground and the seed sprouts and grows. The weather, the winds, the elements, cannot be controlled by the farmer. The result is never a sure thing. So what does the farmer do? He plants. Always he plants. Again and again he works at it--the ultimate confidence and assurance that even though his seed does not grow to fruition, seeds do grow and they do come to fruition.

The task of those who work for the Kingdom of God is to work for the Kingdom of God. The result beyond this demand is not in their hands. He who keeps his eyes on results cannot give himself wholeheartedly to his task, however simple or complex that task may be.

CHORAL EVENSONG - This Sunday, January 6, 2013,  at 4:00pm

Celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with the beauty of Choral Evensong this Sunday afternoon.  Music of Hannahs, Biebl, and Sowerby will mark the visitation of the Magi to the Holy Family and usher us into the Season of Light.

BOOK GROUP INVITES YOU TO WEDNESDAY EVENING DISCUSSION

Our next book group selection is New York Times-bestselling author Anne Lamott's new book Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers, about three simple prayers essential to coming through tough times, difficult days and the hardships of daily life.We'll meet at church at 7:30pm on Wednesday, January 9. New members are always welcome!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MOTHER EMILY

 We are very pleased to announce that Mother Emily has been appointed Associate Rector at Christ and Holy Trinity in Westport early in January.  We wish her every blessing as she begins this new adventure.  For more about her new parish, check out their website  here.

CHURCH YOUTH SERVICE MISSION TRIP (CYSM)  "BREAKFAST BAR"  NEXT WEEKEND

Members of the senior youth group will be on hand with scrumptious breakfast fare throughout the morning next Sunday, January 13, so plan to stop by Memorial Hall and fill up before or after attending services. Fair Trade coffee and other items will also be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to benefit this year's service trip. 

GRACEMUSIC PRESENTS GAIL ARCHER, organist

Sunday, January 27 at 4:00pm

GraceMusic presents international concert organist Gail Archer in the series' first solo organ recital in more than 15 years. Dr. Archer is Professor of Music at Barnard College, director of the Columbia-Barnard chorus, and College Organist at Vassar. Her program will be eclectic (Messiaen, Ives, Bach, more) - something for everyone's tastes. Come hear our Cassavant shake the rafters. Tickets $20; Seniors $15; $5 Students Meet the Artist reception follows each performance.

HELPING HANDS IN JANUARY

Grace Church will again host approximately 25 homeless Rockland County residents on Saturday, January 26, Sunday, January 27, and Monday, January 28. We need at least one more person to help each night with overnight supervision. Bring your sleeping bag, pillow and spend the night on the comfortable couches in Patterson Hall. If you can help - sign up on the volunteer sheet in the narthex or get in touch with Charlie Cross - 358-4599, cjcross3ny@yahoo.com.

ADVENT WREATH FRAMES

If you purchased an Advent Wreath from us this year, please drop the frame off in the narthex or bring it by the office during the week so that we can recycle in the coming year. Many thanks

ANNUAL NOMINATIONS PROCESS CONTINUES 

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.

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

In order for us to finalize a budget for approval at the February 10, 2013 annual meeting,

it is vital for your pledge to be in by year-end!

MISPLACED YOUR PLEDGE PACKET?  

Your Stewardship Committee: Jim Gilbert, chair

KEEP IN TOUCH

PARTING THOUGHT