For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;

Authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace.

                Of all the names that Jesus carries, the one that is dearest to me is Emmanuel, which means "God with us."  Emmanuel wraps up in one name, the purpose of the Incarnation.  God has come among us.  We are no longer alone. We are never alone, and, further, God has lived with us.  God has known hunger and thirst and fatigue and anger and frustration at not being understood by the people closest to him.  God has known pain beyond bearing and the temptation to despair, and God has known what it is to feel abandoned by God.  Yet, and especially yet, God is with us.  We are never alone,  will never be alone again  and as the angels told the shepherds, when God comes, the news "Is good news of great joy."  The sign of Emmanuel begins the story of Christ our Redeemer, and ends with the promise in Matthew, "I am with you always".  

Canon Victoria Heard 

Christmas Worship Calendar

Saturday, December 24, 2016, Christmas Eve

5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist
(Childcare Provided)

9:00 p.m. Feast of the Incarnation
No Childcare 

10:30 a.m.Sunday,  Christmas Day
No Childcare


Gratitude Tree
 
Again this year the Gift Shop is sponsoring a "Gratitude" tree.  It has lovely ornaments with the Celtic symbol for gratitude made by Bill Thompson.  You can write on the back of an ornament who or what you are grateful for, sign your name or not, and hang on the tree.  All contributions of any size will go directly to the Building Fund.
Irving Cares Food Pantry

The most needed items are:
Canned Fruit
 Canned meat 
 
Canned Meals
(Chili, Stew, and Soups)
Hot and Cold Cereal
Hygiene Products
Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant and Toilet Paper).

Please leave your contributions in the brown basket at the end of the credenza.   
2016 Contributions and Gifts

In order for contributions to be considered tax-deductible in 2016, they must be received
  • No later than December 25 if putting in the offering plate
  • Checks mailed and post marked by 12/31/16 will also be considered as 2016 tax-deductible Contributions.

If you are considering giving a special year-end contribution to our operating fund or ministry of your choice or as a memorial for a loved one, please indicate that on your check or on the envelope.  Your generous offerings to God and to support the ministry of Church of the Redeemer are welcome and appreciated.
Next Week's Calendar
Monday, December  26 , 2016
Church Office will be closed.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
6:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Healing Service

Altar Flowers & Dedication of Bread and Wine

To sign up for Altar Flowers and/or Dedication of Bread Wine there is a book on the credenza at the back of the church. 

While we do not have flowers on the Altar during Advent, Christmas and Lent, you can make a Dedication of Bread and Wine any Sunday during the year.
Quick Links
Lay Ministry Schedule: ns0239@yahoo.com 
Visit our website: redeemer-irving.org 
Subscribe to our website  http://redeener-irving.org 
View the church calendar online  http://redeemer-irving.org/calendar/
E-Mail the Church Office  redeemeroffice@redeemer-irving.org
Visit the Diocesan website http://edod.org/
Episcopal Church of the Redeemer |  RedeemerOfficeRedeemer-Irving.org| 972.255.4171 | www.Redeemer-Irving.org
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