Clint and Linda Brown; Hanging of the Greens

Advent is a season of expectation, the word itself meaning "coming." Many families spend these four weeks waiting for children to come home from college, or for grandparents to come for Christmas dinner. For children and the young at heart, these days of waiting can seem like a thousand years. Others are amazed at how quickly time is flying, as they sense the end of their own lives drawing near. In the interval, stories from the past are told and retold as a way of remembering the significance of these waiting days.

The arrival scripture speaks of is both more profound and more sublime. It is the coming end of a way of being that has seemed like exile, like imprisonment. It is salvation from all that has torn us and our world apart. As we wait alongside the readers of Mark's gospel, we too hear voices from the past in the prophetic words of Isaiah (and Malachi and Exodus) that prepare us to receive the one who is coming into the world: Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1).

As with any long period of waiting, we know that the final days are the hardest to bear. We struggle to understand why we ourselves, never mind the rest of creation, must wait any longer for the salvation and redemption God has promised. Our salvation is bound up with one another's though, and we are reminded that God has been patient with us, "not wanting any to perish" (2 Peter 3:9). We therefore practice patience with God as we remain steadfast in hope and lead lives of holiness and godliness worthy of the new era that is coming (2 Peter 3:11-12). [Sundays and Seasons, 2017]

Waiting for Christ to come again,

Bill +

We invite you to join us for the many worship opportunities at All Saints Wolfeboro this season:

Wednesday, December 6th ~ St. Nicholas Day: 5:00-7:00 pm Hanging of the Greens, stand-up potluck supper, and evening prayer
Sunday, December 24th ~ The Fourth Sunday of Advent: 9:00 am One Service Christmas Pageant w/Eucharist
Sunday, December 24th ~ Christmas Eve: 5:00 pm with Children's Message and 10:00 pm Candlelight with Choir
Sunday, December 31st ~ The First Sunday After Christmas: 9:00 am One Service Lessons and Carols w/Eucharist
Saturday, January 6th ~ The Epiphany of Our Lord: 5:00 pm potluck and presentation on the Holy Land by Pastor Bill and Kay Petersen
Sunday, January 7th ~ The Baptism of Our Lord: 8:00 and 10:00 am Eucharist

May God bless and keep you in this season of incarnation, may the life and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be born in you anew, and may the Holy Spirit sustain you in the coming year.

WOLFEBORO SERVES YOUTH GROUP FOR GRADES 7-12

Pastors Bill & Gina (from First Congregational Church Wolfeboro) and Maria Found from Brewster have launched a service-focused, social-justice centered youth group for students in grades 7 through 12. We are determined to be ecumenical (and happy to be interfaith, if you bring friends from other traditions!), welcoming, useful and inspired. Our next gathering will be SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th from 2-4 pm in FCCW Fellowship Hall to wrap gifts (provided) for area children in need and other holiday festivities. Future dates to be announced. Bring friends! All are welcome!

The First Sunday of Advent - December 3, 2017

Stewardship

I want to extend my sincere thanks to all who have pledged financial support to All Saints and submitted an annual pledge card. As I work with the Vestry and Finance Committee to create the budget for the upcoming year, these pledges are critically important. They tell us how much the Church can expect to receive from the membership which helps us to plan our expenditures. Over the past few years I have seen more of our members make a pledge commitment - it helps greatly! During this pledge drive, I would encourage you to fill out a pledge card, or if you can't find one, just send a note to the Treasurer.

Last year we had 100 members actively pledge ranging as follows:

$ 100 to $ 499 9 families

$ 500 to $ 999 16 families

$1,000 to $1,499 26 families

$1,500 to $1,999 16 families

$2,000 to $2,999 14 families

$3,000 to $4,999 7 families

$5,000 to $7,000 12 families

Total pledged: $196,500 100 families

We do have some financial challenges. We ended 2016 with a deficit and will most likely end 2017 with one as well. However, we are blessed to have a vibrant church with an outstanding membership, and I am hoping to see a 3-5% increase in our pledge offerings to achieve a total of $200,000. Thank you all for helping our church achieve this goal!

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Smith, Treasurer

L.I.F.E. Ministries Food Pantry Rotary Holiday Food Basket Fund Raiser

The above photo was taken on Thursday, December 7th by Dianne Wasmuth

In the above photo, All Saints Parishioner and Wolfeboro Rotary President Bob Cain waves and greets Wolfeboro residents who stopped at Spencer Hughes Realty to make a donation to the L.I.F.E. Ministries Food Pantry.

The food pantry fundraiser has raised $24,049 from Tues., Dec. 5th thru Thurs., Dec. 7th. This year's goal is $45,000.

You can help by donating money or food at Spencer-Hughes Real Estate where WASR is broadcasting live Friday and Saturday. You can also use envelopes provided in the narthex of the church or go to the website lifeministeriesfoodpantry.org. Every dollar buys two meals for one of 719 families who depend on us. No gift is too small. Thank you for your generosity.

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Wasmuth, Secretary

L.I.F.E. Ministries

Music Corner

From the Music Corner:

In this Advent of 2017, we are inserting some deeper meditation on some ancient texts- The O Great Antiphons with the familiar hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel".

In the ancient church the seven "Great O Antiphons" were used as the antiphons for the Magnificat at Vespers, one antiphon* during each of the last seven days of Advent. They later formed the basis for the familiar Advent hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" based on a Latin hymn from the 12th century and translated by John Mason Neale (1818 - 1866).

This Advent season at All Saints we will be using our candlelighting time at all 6 services to read and reflect on one aspect of Almighty God through the recitation of an antiphon text, followed by a poetic meditation, and concluding with all of us singing together the related verse from our beloved Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel".

It is our hope that these meditations, combined with the congregational singing of this familiar hymn, will deeply bless you as we journey through Advent together, praising and pondering the mysteries of the Incarnation.

(*antiphon: a short chant in Christian ritual, sung as a refrain)

Respectfully submitted,
Holly Simons , Music For Life Educator

Minister of Music

Hope House

CHRISTMAS OFFERING HOPE HOUSE, WOLFEBORO

The Vestry and the Mission/Outreach Team are excited to announce that All Saints' Special Christmas Offering this year will benefit Hope House, Wolfeboro! Hope House, run by Families in Transition (FIT) will provide for temporary housing and services at their newly acquired facility at 16-18 Lehner St for families within the Gov. Wentworth Regional School District.

Our special offering will be designated to fund the food services provided for the residents. The food budget for the year is estimated to be $25,000 so unless we receive some very large donations, we will only be providing a portion of the funding needed. Hope House will provide continental breakfast, bagged lunches, and a warm nutritious dinner each night.

There will be Christmas Offering envelopes available or one can send a check with "Christmas Offering" in the memo line or make an electronic donation on our web site: www.wolfesaints.com , press DONATE tab.

For more info about Hope House click on the rolling link:

https://www.housingbenefitsnh.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Hope-House-Packet.pdf

Respectfully submitted,

Don Holm, Senior Warden

St. Nicholas Day - Hanging of the Greens

In the above photo, Holly Simons and Linda Pacheco unpack battery powered candles which were placed in the church windows.

In the above photo, Pastor Bill unwraps the Creche that was placed on the shelf behind the altar on the East wall.

In the above photo, Priscilla Theberge, Alyce Ferguson, and Gail Holm prepare the Chrismon tree. The Chrismon tree is decorated with lights and sacred symbols.

In the above photo Lee white, David Haeger, Ian Whitmore, Don Holm, and Mary Haeger hang garland with lights.

In the above photo, Alyce Ferguson adds the star to the Chrismon Tree.

In the above photo, a wonderful selection of potluck food was served in the Stevens Room. The evening closed with prayers and a hymn in the Sanctuary.

Fundraiser Being Considered

The All Saints Vestry is currently considering a fundraiser which would require a large piece of land. If any parishioner has or knows of a large piece of land which we could use or rent, please contact Sarah Day at 515-1889 or at sarahday66@hotmail.com. The largest piece needs to be flat, to be about the size of two football fields and to be grassy. The other space would be needed if no parking is nearby. It would not necessarily need to be flat or grassy, or in one piece but would need to be able to accommodate many cars.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Day, Vestry

Clint and Linda Brown

The above photo was taken Sunday, Dec. 3rd.

In October of 2016, Clint and Linda Brown moved to Wolfeboro from Lake Charles, Louisiana. They were both familiar with the area as Clint had spent summers during his youth in the Winter Harbor area of Lake Winnipesaukee, and they had honeymooned here after their marriage in 1967.

Linda was born and grew up in Lake Charles. Clint was born and grew up in the Boston suburb of Newton, Ma. After high school, Clint served in the Navy, and then returned to Boston and graduated from Emerson College.

As a young adult Linda moved to Boston and moved into in a rooming house on Beacon Hill. Clint also rented a room in the same rooming house. They met at a roof party and started dating and attended Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston. They were married in 1967 at that same church. They also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Linda received her degree in social work from Salem State College. Clint retired in 2003 and two years later they moved to Lake Charles. Clint and Linda have two children who are now married, and they are blessed with 6 grandchildren. The move of their daughter's family from Florida to Brentwood, NH was a major contributing factor in Clint and Linda's relocation to Wolfeboro. Their son and his family still live near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Both have become active at All Saints with Bible study opportunities and the choir. This fall Linda joined Susan Fuller and Ralph Simons in enrolling in the Education for Ministry on line program. The three often meet together for the weekly Skype program. EFM is a rigorous commitment, and Linda is in her second year of the four year program.

We are grateful that Clint and Linda are continuing their commitment to the Episcopal Church by worshipping with us. Their growing ministry at All Saints is a blessing for our church.

Holy Land Presentation by Rev. Petersen and Kay

HOLD THE DATE - HOLY LAND PRESENTATION

On Epiphany, Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 5:00 pm we will gather in the Parish Hall for a potluck supper and a presentation by Pastor Bill and Kay Petersen on their recent trip to the Holy Land.

Jerusalem Cross

The above photo was taken on Sunday, Dec. 3rd

New Jerusalem Cross

Pastor Bill and Kay brought the parish a Jerusalem Cross from their recent trip to Jordan and the Holy Land. The cross hangs in our recently renovated Narthex lobby and is made from olive wood. The Jerusalem Cross is rich in symbolism and meaning and represents Christ's command to spread the Gospel around the world, a mission that started in Jerusalem. It is a combination of five crosses and the most common interpretations are:

A combination of the Old Testament teachings (the four Tau Crosses) and the New Testament teachings (the four Greek Crosses)
The four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, with Christ in the center Christianity (central cross) broadcast by missionaries to the four corners of the world
Five crosses representing the five wounds of Jesus on the cross (small crosses for the hands and feet, and the large central cross for the spear wound in His side.

Youth Group to Meet Sunday, Dec. 10th

WOLFEBORO SERVES YOUTH GROUP FOR GRADES 7-12

Pastors Bill and Gina (from First Congregation Church Wolfeboro) and Maria Found from Brewster Academy have launched a service-focused, social-justice centered youth group for students in grades 7 through 12. We are determined to be ecumenical (and happy to be interfaith, if you bring friends from other traditions!), welcoming, useful and inspired.

Our next gathering will be SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th from 2-4 pm in the FCCW Fellowship Hall to wrap gifts for area children in need and other holiday festivities. Future dates to be announced. Bring friends! All are welcome!

Lord and Tailor Fashion Show

A large and enthusiastic turnout watched the Lord and Tailor second fashion show sponsored by the Senior Center on Friday, Dec. 1st at the Parish Hall.

In the above photo, Marge Morris and her two granddaughters, Rosalia and Lily Morris, participated in the fashion show.

In the above photo Nancy Ghirardini models a beautiful ensemble that came from Lord and Tailor.

In the above photo, Louise Graham models a beautiful Armani suit.

The participants who modeled the clothing selections from Lord and Tailor pose for a group photo.

Leadership Opportunities

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The All Saints Nominating Committee is seeking individuals to fill four Vestry (Leadership Board) openings (one, two year term and three, three year terms). Leadership Interest Applications are available through the church office and members of the Nominating Committee (Anne Hunt, Sarah Day, Jim Thomas, Phil Wasmuth and Terri White) are happy to answer any questions. Thank you.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Day, Vestry

Altar Guild

The above photo was taken Dec. 3rd

Altar Guild members Pauline de Ramer and Christy Parker prepare the Altar for the 10 AM service.

ECW New Year's Eve Lasagna Dinner Planning Committee

Episcopal Church Women, ECW, will be sponsoring their final fundraising for this year. On NEW YEARS EVE as part of Wolfeboro's LAST NIGHT celebration, a lasagna dinner will be held in the parish hall from 5-7 ($10 per person, children under 5 free and families are $30).

Parishioners who would like to help defray the costs of the food are asked to drop a check off to the parish office with a notation, ECW dinner. Checks may also be given to committee members.

All money raised by ECW is used to support the church and local organizations.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Holm & Dianne Wasmuth, Co-Chairs ECW

Advent

The above photo was taken Dec. 3rd

We prepare, and we wait with anticipation for the sacred birth of our Savior.

Coffee Hour Schedule

All Saints' Church 10 AM Coffee Hour Schedule

Dec 10 - Dianne Wasmuth, Sarah Day

Dec 17 - Jeannie Muir, Joanne Crowe, Gail Holm

Dec 31 - Bree Schuette, ________, _________

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Hunt

Office Hours

Monday - 9 AM - 5 PM

Tuesday - 1 PM - 5 PM

Wednesday - 9 AM- Noon

Thursday - 9 AM - Noon

Friday - Closed

L.I.F.E. Ministries Help Needed!!

HELP NEEDED!!

The food pantry is still looking for people with a standard SUV or full size pickup truck with trailer skills to pick up food each week on Tuesday mornings at the NH Food Bank in Manchester. Also, pick up food every other month on Thursday mornings at the Tri-County Facility on Rt. 16 in Tamworth. Mileage reimbursement paid.

Contact VP Dana Robertson at robertson2900@roadrunner.com.

FOOD PANTRY - w elcomes and is extremely thankful for any and all donations. Items that are costly and cannot usually be purchased from the Food Bank are especially needed. These items are: Beef Stew, Soup, Canned Fruit, Hash, Spam, Cereal. Thank you for all your donations!

December - 2017 Calendar

Schedule for Lord & Tailor; Food Pantry

Lord & Tailor Thursday & Friday 10 AM - 3 PM; Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM

Food Pantry Wednesday -10 AM - 1 PM; 5 PM - 7 PM

Friday, December 8th

10 AM - 2 PM - Senior Meals

8 PM - AA - Parish Hall

Saturday, December 9th

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - AA Mtg. - Library

2 PM - 3 PM - TUBA Christmas

8 PM - 9:30 PM - AA - Parish Hall

SUNDAY, December 10th

8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist - 2nd Sunday of Advent - Rev. William Petersen, Celebrant

6:00 PM - AA Meeting - Parish Hall

MONDAY, December 11th

10 AM - 2 PM- Senior Meals and Activities

1:00 PM - Senior Bridge - Library

5:30 PM - WACC

TUESDAY, December 12th

7 AM - 8:00 AM - Women's Worship - Parish Hall

11 AM - 3:00 PM - Garden Club

1:30 PM - 4 PM - Scrabble Club

WEDNESDAY, December 13th

10:00 AM - 2 PM - Senior Meals

1:30 PM - Knitting Club

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Table Tennis - Parish Hall

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Choir Rehearsal

7:00 PM - Coffee House - Library

THURSDAY, December 14th

7:30 AM - Men's Bible Study - Parish Hall

11:00 AM - 3 PM - AOA Potluck - Parish Hall

1:30 PM - End 68 Hours of Hunger - Library

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM - Bible Study & Holy Eucharist - Library

5:00 PM - Dinner Bell - Parish Hall

5:30 PM - AMTP - Chapel

FRIDAY, December 15th

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Senior Meals & Activities

8:00 PM - AA Meeting - Parish Hall

All Saints e-News

We hope you have enjoyed reading our e-News and we encourage your feedback to help us make it even better. We publish an issue weekly on Friday afternoon, to help keep you up to date and in touch with our current news and activities. We think this may be especially helpful to those that are unable to attend our Sunday worship services, are out of town and away for the season. Please let us know if you have some information you would like us to share in future issues of this newsletter.

Feel free to share our e-News with others by clicking on the "Forward email" link below. They may then subscribe by clicking on the "Join Our Mailing List!" button above.

If you no longer wish to receive our e-News you may unsubscribe by clicking on the "SafeUnsubscribe" link below.

Rev. Bill Petersen

Rector, All Saints Church

Phil Wasmuth

Editor, All Saints E-News

Carolyn Sundquist, Christy Parker, and Ralph Simons

Associate Editors, All Saints e-News

603-569-3453