The Weekly News
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November 14, 2018
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Greetings!
In this issue of
The Weekly News:
- Prepare the way . . . to Grow St. Christopher's
- Common Grounds
- Christmas Outreach Project
- Backpack Ministry (note change in items needed)
- Advent Lessons and Carols
- "Advent for All"
- Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service (Richmond)
- How to Pledge Online
- Dates for Your Calendar
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The theme of the 2019 Stewardship Drive
"Prepare the Way! . . ."
Prepare the way for God's coming . . . make the road smooth and straight! Mark 1:3
Each week of the last six, we have focused on an area of "preparing the way" that will help us achieve what we believe God is calling us to do to fulfill his dream for St. Christopher's. This week we share our final area of focus.
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Prepare the way . . . to Grow St. Christopher's!
"Jesus said to his disciples, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15
There are many ways to measure growth, but certainly one that St. Christopher’s has talked about for many years is the growth in the number of households in the parish. The October 2018 issue of Money magazine ranks Carmel as the third best city in the nation, and the communities St. Christopher’s serves as consistently ranked as among the best places to live, to start a career, or to raise a family. Here are some recent statistics for Carmel:
- The city’s population has more than tripled in population since 1990.
- 9.92% job growth is anticipated in the five years beginning with 2017.
These stats suggest that growing the membership is reasonable. But that doesn’t make it easy. The days when a denomination could build a church, open the doors, and expect to fill the pews are long past. What’s needed is to connect with our neighbors and to effectively fulfill the mission of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement in this part of greater Indianapolis.
Additional funding would make possible:
- A clear path toward involvement for newcomers with resources necessary for engaging them.
- A part-time administrator for congregational life who invites the seeker, welcomes the guest, and connects newcomers to others and ministry.
- Create pathways for established members to actively participate in parish life and service.
- Effective interior and exterior signage to guide guests to worship and fellowship – and the bathrooms!
Each new or increased dollar pledged for 2019 earns a dollar for debt elimination. A matching grant gives everyone the opportunity to help with debt elimination.
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Common Grounds
An Adult Formation Forum
November 18, 9:00 - 9:45 am
In the Parish Hall
Sunday's Topic:
Thanksgiving and "Thanksliving"
Preparing for the Holiday
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Turkey, football, family gatherings, and shopping on Black Friday—all of these are well-entrenched as part of the observance of American Thanksgiving. We’ll share traditions and memories—and maybe even a recipe or two. We’ll also look at Thanksgiving hymns, the appointed readings for the day from the Book of Common Prayer, and a special litany of thanks that can be used at any time
Father Stephen will lead this Common Grounds forum.
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St. Christopher’s Christmas Outreach Project
Holiday Totes now until December 2
The holidays are quickly approaching and plans are to help the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center bring joy to families living on the Southwest side of Indianapolis. One hundred totes are available in the narthex for you to take home and fill with suggested items for a special Christmas dinner for families participating in the MRNC program. Last year the Center distributed over 600 totes of food to families in need. The joy felt and support given were God’s love in action. Please join our mission to help bring Christmas cheer to the families served by MRNC. Pick up an empty tote in the narthex and return it, filled, by Sunday, December 2. Suggested items and instructions will be found in each tote.
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Backpack Ministry
In advance of our next delivery date in December,
we are asking for donations of canned pasta, and individual or single-serve cereals. Please consider adding these items to your grocery list and purchase them as you shop for your household. Then bring your donations to church on Sundays. You will find baskets marked "Backpack Ministry" in the narthex.
Please put December 9 and 16 on your calendar. These are the two packing dates for our December 21 delivery date. We'll gather immediately after the 10:00 am service in the parish hall.
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 18
Richmond, Indiana
On November 18 at 3:00 pm (EST), a Richmond-area interfaith prayer service will include readings and prayers from several religious traditions in a shared service of thanksgiving and gratitude. The service will be followed by a 4:00 pm reception. St. Paul's, Richmond is involved in the service, along with representatives of Bahai'i, Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. The event will take place at Richmond First Friends Meeting, 2010 Chester Boulevard.
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Yes, we know it's a bit early to mention Advent - and with Thanksgiving next week - the First Sunday of Advent will be here before you know it. Please note the special events on December 2 and plan now to join us.
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Advent Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist
Sunday December 2
We will offer a Service of Advent Lessons and Carols during the 10:00 am service on the first Sunday of December. Readings from scripture, seasonal Advent hymns with brass quartet, and choral anthems sung by the choir - all will proclaim the promised coming of the Messiah. The service will include Holy Communion.
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"Advent for All"
Sunday, December 2
Following the 10:00 am Service
It can be a challenge to maintain peaceful waiting during December. "Advent for All” is an event that hopes to provide something to help each person who visits with ideas of ways to await the celebration of the birth of Jesus. There will be scripture, questions for reflection, book suggestions, and several simple crafts. All will be designed to help you experience hope, peace, love, and joy. You might even find some tasty treats! Please join us in the Parish Hall immediately following the "late" service.
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Church Office Closure
The church office will be closed on November 22 and 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
An abbreviated issue of The Weekly News will be published on Tuesday, November 20, instead of Wednesday. If you have news or announcements, please send them by email to Anita Walker (
awalker@stchriscarmel.org) and Carolyn Parrott (
carolyncparrott@gmail.com) by Friday, November 26, 5:00 pm.
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How to Make Your Pledge Online
Please consider making your 2019 pledge to St. Christopher's online in Realm, the church's administrative system. There are several benefits to doing so:
- You can manage payment options in your personal account and change them at any time
- You can check your giving history/statement from your computer or mobile device
- Pledging online creates less work for the administrative staff who must otherwise enter the information from printed pledge cards
You will find "Tips for Making a Pledge Online" on the round table in the narthex. Or view or download them for printing using the link below.
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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.
November 22-23 | Church office closed for Thanksgiving
December 2, 10:00 am | Lessons & Carols
December 2, 11:30 am | Advent for All
December 2 | Return Holiday Totes for Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center
December 2 | Ingathering Sunday for Annual Stewardship Drive
December 2, 11:30 am | Garden Planning Meeting
Church Office hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 12 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
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