Have you lost anything?  

Two items have been found!  A small gold ring with three stones was found on the floor in All Saints Hall.  Since we have had so many guests, chances may be slim of its getting back to its rightful owner--but, who knows?  A bracelet was found on the floor at Alice Nichols' house, apparently lost by someone who came to the Christmas Open House.  Please let Alice know if either of these belongs to you.  Thanks!

In the singing mood?  

If you would like to participate in an impromptu choir for the 4:00 pm service on Christmas Eve, please come at 3:30 for a brief rehearsal before the service!

A Christmas poem by Dr. Howard Thurman

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.  

Madrigal Feaste #35

Steve and Connie Wiggin's thirty-fifth and final Madrigal Feaste was a great success!  Both nights were completely sold out, the food was the best yet (even the venison!), and the quality and spirit of both performances were top-notch!  On Thursday evening, Mayor Kemp presented Steve and Connie with a plaque proclaiming December 11 as Steve and Connie Wiggin Day in Hopkinsville!  (See the front page of today's Kentucky New Era.)  A giant thank-you to all those who prepared and cooked and served the meals, especially to Polly Stokes who coordinated the effort and who served as primary "cheer leader."  

GraceWorks Cards Are Winners

Thanks to the talents and enthusiasm of our Assistant Rector and many volunteer helpers, several hundred Christmas cards have been printed and have sold--and more are in the process of production!  There are four different designs, including three original designs by Benjamin Hart that have been silk-screened on premium paper.  The fourth design is a print of the stained-glass window in the sanctuary featuring Madonna and Child. More will be available for purchase this Sunday.  There are five to a package, and we are selling them for $12.00 per pack.  All of the money goes for the support of the GraceWorks project.  (Update: There are still cards available in the church office as of today.)

Aaron McNeil Christmas Party

Thanks to all who participated in any way in the wonderful Christmas party on December 7 for famillies known to Aaron McNeil House.  A special thanks to Maggie Blane for providing the crafts, to Ann Bourland for directing the singing, to Steve Wiggin for playing the piano, to Rev. Buddy Slaughter who read "The Night before Christmas" from his iPhone (!), to Tilley Warren for his "drawing" for extra gifts and his great enthusiasm, and to all who provided food and the gifts that each child requested. And, finally, an even more special thanks to Santa Claus (Mark Richard) for arriving just in time to talk to each child and make sure they all took something home--and to Phillip Merritt for organizing and delivering the larger gifts to Aaron McNeil today.   

Christmas Flowers and Greens

Envelopes are now available for donations for Christmas flowers.  The envelopes are available on the table across from the sacristy or in the church pews--or you may call Ruth Rock in the church office.  Offerings of any amount are welcome to help pay for the flowers and greens that will decorate the church for Christmas.  Your loved one's names ("in memory of" or "in honor of") will appear in the Christmas Eve service leaflet.  Please submit your money and names by December 18.      

End-of-the-Year Giving

If you are unsure whether or not you have paid your entire pledge to Grace Church for 2014, please contact Bill Nichol or Warren Nanney.  If you have a balance, you will also be receiving a statement by mail within the next few days.  The church office will be open on December 31 to accept contributions credited to 2014 for tax purposes.         

Update on Kroger contributions

Many of us have registered our Kroger Plus cards to indicate that a percentage from our purchases are designated to Grace School.  If you haven't done so, one piece of information that you will need is our organization number, which is 88636.  If you have any difficulty with getting your card registered on the Kroger website, please contact Tom Schmidt. He is also happy to do it for you, if you would like!  This is a significant and painless way to contribute to Grace School.  Thanks!