We have come (almost!) to the end of our Advent season of joyful anticipation. It was wonderful to have so many people come out and enjoy a hearty meal, fellowship, and reflection in our Advent Dinner and Discussion series. If you missed our conversations on styles of contemplative prayer, here are links to the handouts from the two evenings: Meditative Prayer and Praying with Scripture.

In the midst of this busy time, I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to celebrate my first Christmas with the community of Harcourt Parish. I hope to see many of you on Christmas Eve at either our traditional 10:30 "Midnight Mass" or at our new 4 p.m.service aimed at families with young children--or anyone else who finds a later service difficult. I am sure this Christmas will be a joyful time for all of us as we celebrate the revelation of God's love for us in that little child born in Bethlehem.

Christmas Blessings to you all,

Rachel+

Advent Activities

Caroling
St. Paul's Episcopal Church invites Harcourt Parish to join them for caroling today, Tuesday, Dec. 15, leaving at 5 p.m. from their parish house at the corner of Gay and High Streets. After caroling, there will be a gathering at the home of Tim and Susan Kahrl in Mount Vernon.

Holiday Cookies

Join us Wednesday, Dec. 16, 4-6 p.m. at the Parish House for a pizza dinner with holiday cookie baking and decorating!

Advent Prayer
Evening Prayer Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation; one way Harcourt Parish marks this liturgical season is with daily evening prayer. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 5 p.m. around the altar through Dec. 22.

Christmas Services
Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Children's Service (Christmas story, carols, and treats) 10:00 p.m. Hymn Sing 10:30 p.m. Choral Eucharist Christmas Day 10:30 a.m. Simple Said Eucharist

Epiphany Party
Wednesday, Jan. 6 Join fellow parishioners at the Hallinan home to celebrate Epiphany on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your favorite appetizer or dessert to share! Parking is available across the street at The Barn and in the turnout to the field that is 30 yards past the driveway. For directions, contact Buffy.

Giving Tree
Another Blessed Year Thank you to Russ Geiger for the tree and to Maureen Tobin for coordinating. Harcourt Parish and the Kenyon community served 39 children from 18 families.

Lay Ministry

Sign Up to Serve

All are welcome to help serve! Sign up or contact Robert.

Dec. 20

Ushers (2)		Kachen Kimmell Florence Short
Crucifer		Abby Serfass
Acolytes (2)		Adam Serfass Robert Bennett
Old Testament		Wendy MacLeod
Epistle		Sally Rogan
Intercessor
Chalice Bearers (2)		Anna Duke Reach Byron George
Sacristan		Donna Lewis

Dec. 27

Ushers (2)		Bill and Pat Mcculloh
Crucifer		Toma Lord
Acolytes (2)		Robert Bennett Jon Tazewell
Old Testament		Jon Tazewell
Epistle		Jane Lentz
Intercessor		Toma Lord
Chalice Bearers (2)		Robert Bennett Jim Hendrickx
Sacristan		Hays Stone

Alms
December December alms go to Food for the Hungry food drive. Please place donations in the alms boxes and note "alms" on your check memo.

Prayer List

The Prayer List is updated quarterly. Contact the church office to add or remove someone from our prayer list.

For Those Who Do God's Work: Elizabeth & Oliver (International Rescue Committee in Myanmar) * Greg (seminarian) * Cuttington University * Episcopal Relief & Development * Winter Sanctuary * A Hand at Home * HopeNow * Freedom Center * New Directions * Head Start * Hospice * Humane Society * Interchurch * Habitat for Humanity * NAMI

For the Sick/in Need: Glenda * Mary * Isak * Athena * Randy * Cynthia Ann * Jackie * Sally * Robert * Jennifer * Lisa * Natasha * Will * Nicholas * Kay & Ben * Tom * Penny * Ryan * Rex * Dan & Cheryl * Sally & Richard

For Those Who Have Died: Tom Edwards