The Weekly News for December 6, 2017  
Greetings!

In this issue of The Weekly News:

  • St. Nicholas to Visit Children on December 10
  • Advent Calendar Available for Your Household
  • The Angel Tree Christmas Outreach Project
  • Daughters of the King Invitation to "Music of the Season"
  • Young at Heart Luncheon
  • Indiana Children and Nature Brown Bag Luncheon
  • Children's Christmas Liturgy
  • Seasonal Flowers
  • Altar Flowers for Other Times of the Year
  • Schedule of Services for Advent Four and Christmas
  • Evangelism Matters Conference
  • Dates for Your Calendar
Advent Calendars

Slow Down. Quiet. It's Advent. St. Christopher's is pleased to provide Advent calendars this season. Each day has a short thought to help us slow down, reflect, wait, and be ready for Christ's arrival. Please take one from the round table in the narthex for your household and enjoy!
St. Nicholas to Visit Children's Formation
Sunday, December 10, 10:00 a.m.

St. Nicholas will make his annual visit to the children of Godly Play and Godly Discoveries this coming Sunday. At the conclusion of Children's Formation, St. Nicholas will lead the children into the church to join their parents for Communion.
Service to Others
Christmas Outreach Project
The Angel Tree, now until December17
During the holiday season we collect gift cards for distribution to Prevail, Good Samaritan, and Third Phase. Take an envelope and fill it with one or more gift cards. Gift cards may be purchased from Target, Kohls, Walmart, or Kroger in small denominations of up to $50 each. Cards can be brought to St. Christopher's any time between December 3 and 17. If you have any questions about this Service to Others project, please contact one of the following: Carol Bolles, Gloria St. John, or Marlyn Young.
Daughters of the King Invitation to "Music of the Season"
Saturday, December 9, 10:00 a.m.

All are invited to attend the Advent program and meeting of The Daughters of the King. Our Organist and Choir Director, Robert Richter will present the program: "Music of the Season." It is about the history and significance of music that enriches our Advent and Christmas traditions. The program will be in the upstairs choir room.
Young at Heart Luncheon
Wednesday, December 13, 11:30 a.m.

The Young at Heart Luncheon will be on the second Wednesday of the month instead of the fourth. The luncheon is always a treat, but never more than in December when the Daughters of the King serve a holiday-inspired menu. The luncheon offers an opportunity for a light meal and good fellowship with fellow parishioners and staff. If you are not on the call list, please contact Nancy Barney at 317-255-2699.
Indiana Children and Nature Brown Bag Luncheon
Thursday, December 14, 12 Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Join us to learn about St. Christopher's natural playground. We will eat lunch in the parish hall and hear about how our natural play area came together before exploring outside! RSVPs to info@indianachildrenandnature.org appreciated but not required.
Children's Christmas Liturgy
Rehearsal, December 17, after 10:00 a.m. Service

All children are welcome to participate in the Children's Liturgy as angels or shepherds at 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. A brief rehearsal will take place on Sunday, December 17 immediately following the 10:00 a.m.service. Please have interested children arrive at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 24. Costumes will be provided. The preparation is outside the Godly Discoveries classroom on the second floor in the Administration and Education Building.
Seasonal Altar Flowers

If you wish to give flowers for the Christmas season, you will find envelopes on the round table in the Narthex. Make checks payable to the Altar Guild of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. 

The deadline for ordering seasonal altar flowers is Sunday, December 17.
Altar Flowers at Other Times of the Year

We grace the altar with floral arrangements throughout the year, with the exception of Lent when we leave the altar bare. You may give a floral arrangement in memory of someone or in honor of a special occasion such an anniversary or birthday. The suggested donation is $50. The flower donation chart is located on the bulletin board outside the nursery in the hallway that leads from the narthex to the parish hall. Please sign your name by the date on which you wish donate flowers. Be sure to provide your telephone number. A member of the Flower Guild will coordinate with you near the relevant date for any special requests and the purpose of your donation.
Schedule for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

The fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve coincide this year. We will have four services on December 24.

Advent Four, Sunday, 9:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with congregational hymns

Christmas Eve
4:00 p.m. | Children's Christmas Liturgy and Family Eucharist

8:00 p.m. | Festival Sung Eucharist, Rite II, with St. Christopher's Choir accompanied by organ and brass quartet

11:00 p.m. | Festival Eucharist, Rite II, with harp and soloist

Christmas Day
10:00 a.m. | Holy Eucharist, Rite I, with congregational hymns
Evangelism Matters Conference

Do you get a little skittish the moment you hear the “E” word? Come to the Evangelism Matters Conference, March 15-17, 2018 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and learn how we can proclaim our faith in a way that is authentic to our Episcopal values. This is not a marketing workshop, but one in which we learn to talk about our faith with others. Participants will experience inspiring panels and talks, a keynote from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, memorable workshops and resources, and vibrant worship. More information is at www.evangelismmatters.org or talk with Mother Jenny. Scholarship money is available. Come go with us!

Please note there is a discounted registration in early January! The last conference sold out three months in advance.
Important Dates for Your Calendar

The  Save the Date page  of St. Christopher's website is updated weekly. Check this resource for new information. You also may want to review the insert in the Sunday bulletin, as it provides the schedule for the coming week. 

Sunday April 22, 2018 (Earth Day) | Playground blessing and grand opening!

Church office hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Please Note:
The church office will be closed December 24 - January 1.
The deadline for announcements, news, and articles for  The Weekly News  is Monday Noon each week. Email announcements to the church office at  awalker@stchriscarmel.org with a copy to carolyncparrott@gmail.com
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