Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

By now you all know that St. David's, Bean Blossom, was vandalized this weekend with a symbol of intimidation, language demeaning of LGBT persons, and praise of the President-elect. While it is deeply disturbing to be on the receiving end of such vitriol, it is also an opportunity to be very clear, with ourselves and the world around us, that we take seriously the commandment of our Lord to love one another with the same love God lavishes on every person - no exceptions. 

We do not know who is responsible for the vandalism. What we do know is that the kind of language used during the recent Presidential campaign has emboldened some people to become openly abusive and insulting. Our option as faithful people is to be sure we don't respond in kind. The Episcopal Church will continue to welcome all people, to seek and serve Christ in the world around us, to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being - even those who deface our buildings. Our buildings can be marred by anger and hatred - we will not allow our hearts to be defiled. Our hearts and our doors remain open to everyone, as we pray for the wisdom and courage to remain faithful disciples of Jesus. 

Faithfully, 

+Cate 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it's time to begin our holiday outreach ministry projects. We have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community where needs are great and hunger is very real. 

St. Christopher's Service to Others will provide 120 totes for parishioners to fill for the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center holiday food drive. Pick up your tote in the Narthex now. You will find a list of requested items taped inside the tote. On a table near the totes you also will find instructions for purchase of a Kroger gift certificate for a ham or turkey through St. Christopher's. (Do not go purchase these on your own.) Filling the tote can be a great family or group project. Ask your family, neighbors, committee members, or friends to fill a tote in thanksgiving for their own good fortune during the holidays. 

Return the filled totes no later than Sunday, December 4. Please note this earlier-than-usual date for the return of the totes.

For the last few years, we've offered devotional thoughts for Advent via SMS (Short Messaging Service, aka text) for our students. This year, in conjunction with the Spiritual Development sub-team of the Strategic Planning Team, we're opening these daily messages up to everyone in the parish. 

The material is the same as the large format Advent calendars that we have from Forward Movement.  It offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and preparations with ideas for prayer, helping others, and being thoughtful about the true meaning of Christmas.

To subscribe, text @advent16 to 81010. 

The Weekly News will be published on Tuesday, November 22, a day earlier than usual. The deadline for this issue will be noon, Friday, November 18.

The church office will close for Thanksgiving at noon on Wednesday, November 23. It will re-open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 28.

Annie Weissert: How outreach and the budget are connected 

Music on Main presents a vocal quintet performing choral music and poetry for the Advent season. The meditative sound of voices and spoken poetry will enrich your spiritual journey through the Advent Season. Featuring vocalists: Victor Chen, Jane Dunnivant, Christopher Gribble, Candis Lang, and Mary Robinson. This event is free and open to the public.