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This Week at Christ Church
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Advent Inspiration
And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.
Mark 13:37
In recent weeks I've been part of conversations that, while different in topic, circled around a common theme. In each, people have expressed gratitude for the blessings of their immediate lives while voicing real concern, discouragement, and even fear when considering what is happening in our country and the world.
The common theme, as I hear it, is a haunting question, not unique to us, but one with increasing urgency in our time: "How are we to live?" Those of us who follow Jesus might ask the same question another way, "Where is Jesus making his presence known and asking us to join him there?"
This is our Advent--a season of watching and paying attention. Scripture teaches us that faithfulness is needed most in unsettled times, when we do not know what each day will bring.
The first week of Advent happens to correspond with my second week on an intentional practice of gratitude. I'm learning that giving thanks for the small, often unnoticed blessings of each day helps keep me grounded in all that is good. And that in the midst of all for which I am decidedly not grateful, there is always someone or something for which to offer thanks. That awareness strengthens my desire not to simply bemoan what is wrong, but to be part of a creative, life-giving response.
So I am on the watch, now, for Advent inspiration. I'm not avoiding the harder realities, but as I face into them, I've resolved to keep awake and pay attention to those whose faithful examples I want to emulate.
Next week I'll write of two such people. I invite you to be on the watch for your Advent inspirations, and share them with us.
The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop of Washington
For more messages from Bishop Mariann,
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This Sunday:
The First Sunday of Advent
Advent Wreath and Ornament Making event! Join us after the 10:00 am service in the Undercroft. Come and enjoy this fun event by making a beautiful Advent wreath, and/or an ornament for your home. All supplies provided. For questions or information, please contact Sarah Leung or Suzanne Lawrence (
[email protected]).
Cookie Exchange Extravaganza For the past several years, the Women's Fellowship Group have assembled and delivered cookie platters to homebound church members. This year we welcome all to help us today after the 10am service, please take your cookies to the undercroft and stay to help assemble trays for swapping. Want to take Christmas Cookies to folks who need them? We also need folks to deliver the platters, names and addresses will be available.
Children Look East! Pageant practices will take place immediately following the 10AM Service today and next week, December 10. Mark your calendars for December 17th at the 10 am service for our annual Christmas pageant! The pageant is our children's gift to the congregation and a beautiful tradition. We celebrate with a festive brunch immediately after the 10 AM Service.
Arcola Kids Wish List - to ensure the JOY of the season visits our Arcola families we provide gifts for kids in the Linkages for Learning program (and sometimes their siblings). Parish folks 'adopted' more than half of the 61 Wish List stockings from the Outreach display - there are some still available if you would like to donate a gift or two to the child listed on the back of the stocking (see list on back) Donations should be UNWRAPPED and in a gift bag if available. All must be donated by Sunday December 17th for Monday delivery to Arcola Please place all donations in Classroom 3 at end of hall near Music room. Many thanks to all. Contact: Virginia Sheard via e-mail to
[email protected]
Grocery Staples for Arcola Families When schools close for winter break many kids don't have access to the 2 daily meals schools provide. Outreach fills grocery bags with staples to help families stretch their budgets. If you would like to help with this effort a list of desired food items (and sizes) can be picked up at the Outreach display. Donations can be placed in the labeled bins in the Outreach area (by Sunday December 17th please) contact: Virginia Sheard
[email protected]
Bible Study: Join us at 4:00pm as the Bible study group continues its journey through Genesis.. No preparation needed. For information contact Lee Puricelli:
[email protected].
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Next Sunday, December 3rd
Wednesday, December 6th, at 6pm: Come and join in a simply festive meal to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas as we begin our Advent journey together. Supper, with child-friendly options, is being prepared for us all to enjoy. Everyone is invited to help decorate our parish tree as well. St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, may pass through with some traditional treats. So, just come as you are and bring your appetite for good food and fellowship! RSVP's to the office via e-mail to [email protected]
are appreciated but, more importantly, your presence will be celebrated.
The Prime Timers will meet in the church under-croft on Thursday, December 7th from 11:30 - 1:30 for social time, lunch, and to enjoy a speaker. The cost of the lunch is $10.00. Please RSVP to Nora Buckley at [email protected] or 301-564-0689 by Monday, December 4th and let her know you are coming and if you wish to order a lunch. "This and My Heart Beside: A Visit with Emily Dickinson" written by Candace Ridington, who plays the part of Emily. You will share in the poet's thoughts and feelings, joys and sorrows, learn about her family, and hear her recite some poems, all with warmth, wit and humor. Please note that the Prime Timers will not meet in January and February.
Parents' Morning Out: Saturday, Dec. 9th from 10am to 1pm. Children ages 3-10 are invited for a morning of crafts, stories, baking and service projects while parents enjoy a short break or visit Santa's workshop. Please email Ann Enkiri by Wednesday, Dec. 6th to sign up your child(ren). Their friends are invited to sign up as well! Please include children's ages and parents' cell phones in your email to:
[email protected].
Quiet Morning at the Cathedral The Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage at the National Cathedral will be offering a Quiet Morning on Saturday, December 9th from 9am-12pm, cost is $25. Tickets are available on the cathedral website
www.cathedral.org. This quiet morning will incorporate guided meditation, silence and poetry as we listen expectantly for the stirring of the spirit to carry us through the Advent and Christmas season.
CPR/AED Refresher Course will be offered at Christ Church on Saturday, December 9, from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. Two years ago, 29 members of Christ Church were certified for CPR/AED and First Aid by the American Safety and Health Institute. Our certifications are about to expire. We have arranged for a RECERTIFICATION course to be offered here at Christ Church on Saturday, December 9, from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. The cost of this class is $40.00/person. If you are certified and would like to participate in this class, please call the Church Office, (301-942-4673) or send e-mail to
[email protected]. Participation is limited to about 16 people.
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For Your Information
Gifts for Life. The Episcopal Relief and Development Gifts for Life catalogs are available on the outreach table. Please take one and consider how you can honor friends and family with gifts that matter for those who are in need in underdeveloped regions. The catalog is also available on-line at episcopalrelief.org.
Advent Quiet Day The Diocesan Retreat Committee (DRC) is co-sponsoring an Advent Quiet Morning with Christ Church, Georgetown on Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 9 am - 12 noon. The Reverend Susan Thon, retired Rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Bethesda, will be our leader. Please e-mail Cynthia Efird ([email protected]) before December 14 if you plan to attend. Christ Church, Georgetown is located at 31st and O Streets, NW. Washington, DC.
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Check Out These Links for More Information
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Christ Episcopal Church Kensington
4001 Franklin St.
Kensington, MD 20895
Sunday Services: 8am, 10am, 5pm
Wednesdays: 6:30pm
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
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