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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

From The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister

Some resources for Advent:

A digital Advent Calendar

A series of daily audio reflections by The Rev. Barbara Crafton  

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

10:00am Advent Wreath construction (Memorial Hall)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

Pre-ordered Advent Wreaths available for pickup at all services  (Fenton Room) 

8:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite I)

9:30am Holy Eucharist (Rite II, Youth choirs)

10:10am Community Activity: The Night Tree

10:20am Adult Spiritual Education:  Lectionary Discussion (Fenton Room)

11:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite II w/choir)  followed by coffee hour in Memorial Hall

2:30pm Choir

4:00pm - 7:30pm  Evensong & Advent Party  (Church/Memorial Hall)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2

7:00pm Diversity Committee

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3

7:00pm Youth Commission

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

7:30pm Choir

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

Special Convention to Elect a Suffragan Bishop

Cathedral of St. John the Divine

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

8:30am - 12:30pm"CYSM" Fundraising Breakfast - Memorial Hall

Proceeds to benefit 2014 senior youth group "Church Youth Service Mission" trip to Nicaragua

8:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite I)

9:30am Holy Eucharist (Rite II, Youth choirs)

10:10am Church School Classes/Refreshments

10:10am Parish Forum: Alternative Gifts (Memorial Hall)

11:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite II w/choir)

followed by coffee hour in Memorial Hall

6:30pm  Senior Youth Group (Fenton Room)

 WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON SUNDAY! 

HUNTING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT?

Don't forget to check out Grace's Thrift Shop which, in addition to its usual times, is open

PLEDGE 2014

If you haven't yet turned in your pledge card, please do so -  

we need your support. 

PARISH FORUMS IN DECEMBER

Sunday, December 8 - Alternative Gift Giving

Sunday, December 15 - Keeping Christ in Christmas

Fr. Thompson will have resources and lead small group discussions on how to

Parishioner News 

PLEASE REMEMBER OUR TROOPS - LAST WEEKEND 

Our brave young soldiers are risking their lives and limbs protecting our freedom.

They deserve and need to be remembered especially during the Christmas Season. Donations, in any amount, are deeply appreciated by our troops.   100% of your donation goes directly to the purchase of the calling cards which are purchased at West Point at a discount and sent by the Veterans Administration free of charge to our soldiers. Please make your check payable to New York Vets and leave it in the church office or send it to Candice Boyle-Bunton  5 Edge Water Lane, NY. 10927  (by 12/1) or see Candice after church.

Thank you for your generosity.  Candice A. Boyle

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Parting Thought 

We Suspect Angels and Disbelieve Good News

We suspect angels

And disbelieve good news

Ah God, who will save us?

Our cynicism is the fruit of our experience

Not the key to the future

Our suspiciousness helps us to smell the rat

Never to recognise the dove.

Our perfect analysis may describe the mountain

But it is powerless to move it.

It is with little pride we must confess:

We suspect angels

And disbelieve good news.

As Christmas approaches,

Give us a share of that divine naivete

Enjoyed by Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary and Joseph

And unnamed country folk,

Who encountered angels,

And believed Good News

And recognised Christ coming among them.

Amen

from Cloth for the Cradle, Wild Goose Publications, Iona Community