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Vision and Mission Statement
Vision Statement: A community living and growing in unity with God and all people through Christ.
Mission Statement: To seek God in reverent worship, service to neighbors, gracious hospitality, and the pursuit of wisdom.
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A Note From Rev. Teri on Advent
This month we once again enter the season of Advent, the beginning of a new year in our liturgical calendar. In some ways, it's reminiscent of how we in our culture approach New Year's Day. As January 1st approaches, we think of all the ways we'd like our life to be different or better, and we resolve to make it that way - be it by more exercise, better eating habits, spending more time with family, keeping our lives more organized, etc.
Likewise, Advent is also a time for reflection.
Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, describes the soul-searching of Advent this way:
Advent is a time when [Christians] do a bit of self-examination.
Have I allowed Jesus in yet? Has the good news really made the full impact it might make, or is my life still locked into old patterns, into darkness, into slavery, into being not at home with myself or God or with other people? It's a time of self-examination, of repentance indeed, facing myself honestly and saying sorry for the things that don't easily face the light.[1]
We take stock of our lives during Advent and acknowledge the many ways we need Christ to come into our lives, the many ways we need him to be born in us and the world.
But it's important to recognize that we are not trying to fix our lives so that we Jesus will come to us. That's not the gospel. Instead, the gospel is that Jesus doesn't wait for our lives to be perfect before coming to meet us. Jesus doesn't wait until I have the perfect prayer life, pure intentions, or a particular number of outreach hours. Jesus comes to us just as we are, over and over again - amid the brokenness of our world and the messiness of our lives. As Madeleine L'Engle says in the poem below, first century Palestine was no time or place for a baby to be born; it was a place of oppression, pain, and war. And, frankly, in many ways our 21st century world isn't much better - wars, shootings, earthquakes, and scandals fill the news. And yet "Love still takes the risk of birth." This is the good news of Advent.
So during this season, we turn our faces toward God and wait, knowing that at the end of the day our salvation comes from outside ourselves and not through any resolutions we may make. It is pure grace; it always comes to us as a gift.
God's peace during this holy season of expectation, hope, and waiting,
Teri
The Risk of Birth (Christmas, 1973)
by Madeleine L'Engle
This is no time for a child to be born,
With the earth betrayed by war & hate
And a comet slashing the sky to warn
That time runs out & the sun burns late.
That was no time for a child to be born,
In a land in the crushing grip of Rome;
Honour & truth were trampled by scorn-
Yet here did the Saviour make his home.
When is the time for love to be born?
The inn is full on the planet earth,
And by a comet the sky is torn-
Yet Love still takes the risk of birth.[2]
[3] Madeline L'Engle, The Ordering of Love:The New & Collected Poems of Madeline L'Engle (Colorado Springs: WaterBook Press, 2005) 155.
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Dinner, Fundraiser, & Letter-Writing Party for Jose' Anderson-Molina Friday, December 14th.
José Anderson-Molina, our parishioner who is also the husband of Casey Anderson-Molina, is going through the legal steps to obtain asylum in the US. José comes from El Salvador, where gang-related violence toward the LGBTQ community is common. Going through the legal process in our country requires a significant amount of money to hire legal assistance. On Friday, December 14th from 6-8 pm we will gather at All Saints' for dinner, music, and a letter-writing campaign (to attest to José's marriage and membership in our community). Please join us for this evening of solidarity with José and Casey. Donations for José's legal expenses are very welcome, even if you are unable to make it Friday evening on December 14th. Please contact Teri with any questions.
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All Saints is blessed with a wonderful staff. Money is being
collected for Christmas gifts to be divided among the six
paid office staff and music ministers. Please write staff Christmas gift
in the memo line of your check.
If you prefer to remember one particular staffer, you can do that directly. Thank you for j
oining me in remembering these deserving staffers.
Jill Brown, Senior Warden
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Sunday School Cookie Party
During the Sunday School hour on December 16, the Sunday School teachers will lead both the children and youth classes in a cookie making and decorating party to celebrate the season of Advent as they wait in anticipation for the celebration of the incarnation of the Christ child. All children and youth are invited! Whatever cookies are not eaten in the process will be offered to guests that attend the Blue Christmas service that evening.
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Clarksville Eucharist Sunday, December 16th
Several of our parishioners come from Clarksville each week to worship at All Saints', including but not limited to our Karen brothers and sisters. Beginning December 16th, we will be celebrating Eucharist in Clarksville one Sunday afternoon each month. At 2 pm on December 16th, we will meet at Jaw Paw La and Mu Lou's home at 131 North Circle Drive in Clarksville. All are welcome to attend.
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Save the Date!
We will be having a wedding shower for Katy Tackett and John Hodge Cook on Sunday, December 16 at 3:00 PM. Katy and John are registered at Walmart and Target, and their registries can be accessed at the website
http://www.happilyeverhodgecook.wedding/.
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Blue Christmas Service
For those experiencing grief, loss or hardship, the Christmas season is far from the most wonderful time of the year. Typical holiday festivities-merry carol singing, decorating, gathering with family and purchasing gifts-emphasize joy and cheer, leaving little room for pain and grief. In response, All Saints' will offer a special service on Sunday, December 16th at 5:00 pm to accommodate those for whom the season is trying and difficult. This service, called Blue Christmas, will emphasize the pain of loss felt by many at this time of year, and offer a somber, gentle space to gather. Please join us.
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O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
how lovely are thy branches!
This year, one of our newest parishioners, Brandon Etzkorn, suggested that we invite all parish members to bring in an ornament to decorate our Christmas tree. What a great idea! Brandon and Eko will be putting up the tree in Shoemaker Hall following the 10:30 service on December 23, so bring your ornaments on that day, or at the Christmas Eve services so together we can make this year's tree a special one!
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Hospitality Volunteers Needed
for Christmas Eve Receptions
We are in need of donations of snacks (cookies, candy or other small sweets) for the Christmas Eve receptions following the 5:00 pm and 10:30 services, as well as volunteers to help with cleanup. Please contact Sherrie Cotton or the office if you can help with these receptions! Thank you!
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Christmas Dinner for Neighbor's Table Dec. 22nd.
Neighbor's Table will hold its annual Christmas Dinner for the community on Saturday December 22. To assist us in providing in this meal we are seeking Ham donations (will need 12) and Seasonal Cookies or Cakes for our Desserts. Donated hams may be left in the kitchen refrigerator or freezer by 12/18 and cookies or cakes can be dropped off Thurs. 12/20 to morning of Dinner December 22. Please see signup sheets on bulletin board over information table. Thank you for your support. If you have Questions contact Sue Hastings-Bishop or Carolyn McLellan.
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Advent Program: Soup and Soul Care
For the Advent Season, all are invited to join for Soup and Soul Care on Wednesday evenings at 5:15pm in the Conference Room. Each week, we will explore a different way to care for our souls. We will explore the practice of Walking the Labyrinth on December 19th. Please sign up on the bulletin board in Shoemaker to bring soup.
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Episcopal Trails and Travelers
Slow down after the holidays with an Eagle Watch Tour at Lake Dardanelle State Park! Join the All Saints' Trails and Travelers on Saturday, January 12th for a boat tour to watch for eagles! We will meet at the Lark Dardanelle Visitor Center at 2pm to register for the 2:30pm boat tour. Please sign up in advance on the bulletin board in Shoemaker to attend or email [email protected]. Dress warm! Can't make it this time? Join us February 2nd as we search for ground hog in Altus (read sausage) to celebrate Groundhog Day.
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Exploring and Expanding Our Friendship with God in 2019
Our next meeting of Practicing Prayer will be January 6, 2019 at 4:30. Our new schedule is to meet every Sunday at 4:30 to 5:30. We'll continue to begin with a short study of ways to support our prayer in everyday life, followed by 20 minutes of silent prayer. All are welcome.
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Van Drivers Needed!!!
Each Sunday morning, an All Saints' van goes to Clarksville, picks up some of our Karen members, and returns to All Saints' so that we can all worship together. The van also makes another trip to Clarksville to return folks after the service. If you are able to participate in this ministry of transportation, please contact Teri at [email protected], or by calling the church office.
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Cooking Dinner for @TheTable
All are invited to cook dinner for @TheTable, which is All Saints' new ministry for college students and young adults (20s-30s). They meet at the Garage Arcade for coffee and conversation the first Sundays of the month, but at All Saints' church for dinner and discussion on the third Sundays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. You are invited to provide a simple meal (soup, salad, bread) for this small group of seekers.
Sign up online with Sign Up Genius here
to contribute a meal
or contact [email protected]
.
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Most of the guests who join us on Saturday for lunch face many challenges; the members and friends of All Saints' can provide a few essential items to help them out.
Please place items in the little red wagon in the Nave. Gifts received at Sunday Worship Service will be available for our Neighbors Table guests the following Saturday.
December 16th: Toilet Paper
December 23rd: Detergent and Dish Soap
December 30th: Kid-friendly items (juice boxes or prepackaged snacks.
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Advent and Christmas Dates to Remember
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Advent 3
Sunday, Dec. 16
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8:00 am
10:30 am
5:00 pm
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HE Rite 1
HE Rite 2
Blue Christmas Service
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Wed., Dec. 19
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5:15 pm
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Advent Program and Soup Supper
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Advent 4
Sunday, Dec. 23
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8
:00 am
10:30 am
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HE Rite 1
HE Rite 2
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Monday, Dec. 24
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5:30 pm
10:30 pm
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Family Christmas Eve Service
Midnight Mass
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Tuesday, Dec. 25
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8:00 am
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Christmas Morning Service
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Sunday, Dec. 30
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8:00 am
10:30 am
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HE Rite 1
HE Rite 2
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Monday, Dec.31
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No Service
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Sunday, Jan. 6th.
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7:00 pm
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Epiphany Chalking the Door and Bonfire
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Wednesday Night Eucharists
All are invited to join for Wednesday Night Eucharists. Services begin at 6:30pm and each week features a different style of worship, but most are candlelit services that provide a meditative worship experience. The first Wednesday of the month is a Eucharist with prayers for healing. The second is a Sung Evening Prayer and Eucharist. The third is a Celtic Eucharist, utilizing Trinitarian language and creation imagery. The fourth is a Taizé Eucharist, which features repetitive sung prayers.
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After the holidays, The Rev. Michaelene Miller will return to regularly being available at Midtown Coffee (407 N. Arkansas Ave) on Friday mornings from 8:00am - 10:00am. Please drop by to chat. She would love to get to know you more and meet others in the community.
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Neighbors Table
Join us on Sat. December 22, 2018 for annual Christmas meal served from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
Thanks to those whose generosity helps us serve delicious, nutritious meals every Saturday. We continue to welcome newcomers to Neighbors Table nearly every week. Please remember Neighbors Table in your prayers.
Volunteers are welcome to join the teams on Saturdays from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM or for a couple hours during this time to help prepare food, serve or clean up after lunch. Schedules and dates are listed on the sign-up white boards in Sutherland Hall. Anyone with questions or would like to serve in other ways contact Sue Hastings-Bishop at [email protected] or by phone 231-349-3671.
December 22 Annual Neighbor's Table Christmas Dinner.
December 29 Catherine Crews (AS Lead) and Volunteers Sue Hastings-Bishop, Paul Duffee (dishwasher) please sign up on the boards.
Will need 2-3 volunteers for Sat. January 5 and January 26.
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Help Needed For Table Set-up For Neighbors Table
Many of you know that for around 7 years every Saturday All Saints' has with the help of many others been giving good, nourishing meals and good fellowship to anyone who desires it. It is a wonderful ministry to the community.
Neighbors' Table is the Lord's table. Everyone is welcome.
Like the Body of Christ Neighbors' Table is made up of many tables.
For many of the years Jack Lee set up the tables by himself with some help from time to time. Since then people like Joseph Simmons, Juanita Judd and her sons especially Nathan, Bruce Moore, Travis Simpson, and others.
They can't do it every week so we are calling for more table saints to help set up the tables from time to time.
The tables are set up on Friday afternoons or evenings. It takes one person 40 minutes to an hour to set them up with the chairs. With more than one person setting up it can take half the time or it can take more. But, it is more fun with another person helping.
So, "Come one, come all". Let's set up tables and all break bread together.
For More information or to volunteer please contact Michael Gillum, (479) 967-1267 or [email protected]
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Scheduling and Submitting Announcements
Scheduling for the Church Calendar
If you would like to schedule an event or book a room for a meeting, please contact Kimby Tackett at the church office (479-968-3622, during office hours) or send an email request to [email protected] to secure your appointment in the church calendar and to avoid double booking with another group.
Submitting an Announcement for the Newsletter
If you would like to have an announcement appear in the bulletin and/or in our church email, please submit your announcement to [email protected] no later than 10am on the Tuesday before the Sunday you would like it to appear.
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Remember In Your Prayers
Weekly Prayers:
Bernice Delabra and Family, Jack and Carol Lee, Mary Lu Garrett, Henry Wilkinson,
Gordon
Cotton Jr., Pam Van Horn, Christine Ivy, Jeffrey Sherman, Eduardo Ezquerro, Jacob Franks, Sara, Robert Woods, Donna Van Horn, Jim Tischhauser, Hampton Hudson, Amy Staggs, Deborah WIlson.
Long Term Prayers:
Sandy Britt, Gib Bewley, Tom Munson, Caleb Judd, William Gillum, Lillian Tweed, Anne Hartschlag, Aaron Tackett, Mike Miller, Herb, Michelle, Barbara Johnson, Jeannie McCabe, Arthur Hastings, Isaac, Sarah Lee, The Kellner Family.
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Weekly Service Times
Sundays: Holy Eucharist 8 & 10:30 am
Spiritual Formation on Sundays: 9:15 am
Adult Sunday School 9:15 am
Children's Sunday School 9:15 am
Kids Connection 10:15 am
Wednesdays: Holy Eucharist 6:30 pm
Activities During the Week
Sunday:
EfM 12:30 pm
Practicing Prayer 4:30-5:30pm (Starting on Jan. 6th, every Sunday)
Mondays:
AA Meeting 12:00 noon
Tuesday:
Healing Prayer by appointment
ACOA Meeting 8:00 am
Comfort Zone 12:30 (1st Tuesday)
Yoga 5:30 pm
Wednesday:
Fit Girls 5:30 am
Bible Study 10:00 am
Diabetes Support: 11:00 am (2nd Wed.)
ACOA Meeting 12:00 noon
Daughters of the King 4:30 pm. (1st. Wed.)
Choir Practice 7:15 pm
Thursdays:
Practicing Prayer 6-7pm. (First Thurs.)
Courage to Heal 6:30 pm. (2nd and 4th Thurs.)
Fridays:
Fit Girls 5:30 am
AA Meeting 12:00 noon
Saturday:
Neighbors Table: 12:00 noon
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Contributions Statements: Please Check
Your contribution statements are now available online anytime you want to check on the fulfillment of your pledges or contributions. Click on the MEMBERS tab to login to your account. You will find all your gifts separated by designations on the giving tab. Please go to
http://www.allsaintsrussellville.org.
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