St. Nicholas Celebration
Sunday, December 2
Families, Fellowship & Formation
Thursday, December 6
Second Saturday
Saturday, December 8
Community Carol Sing
Tuesday, December 18
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THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW...
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THE "ANGELS" HAVE ARRIVED!
Every year Christ Church participates in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program which provides needy children with clothing and toys for Christmas morning. “Angels” are available for adoption through Sunday, December 2. Please stop by the tree in the Parish Hall, select a child to help, complete the attached form, and go shopping.
All gifts must be brought in unwrapped on or before Sunday, December 9.
Too busy or prefer not to shop? No problem!
Donations are greatly appreciated via a check made out to Christ Church, clearly marked for the Angel Tree. We also need volunteers to help with the Angel Tree. Please see the sign up for more information at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094FAEAC2BA4FF2-ange
l
.
Please contact the Rev. Katie Gillett with any questions
(
kathryn@christ-church.net
or 850-432-5115).
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ST. NICHOLAS CELEBRATION
Sunday, December 2
9:00-10:15 AM ~ Parish Hall
St. Nicholas’ Day falls during Advent, when families begin thinking about Christmas. But during this busy time of year, we are also focused on how to keep ourselves and our children connected to the central message of God’s love – the birth of Jesus – a message that often gets lost in the wider cultural observance of the Christmas season. St. Nicholas, the 4th century Bishop, forms a bridge between true discipleship of Christ, and the cultural icon that populates the imagination of most Christian children. Celebrating St. Nicholas’ Day helps children connect their faith with everyday life, and to learn how to be more giving and generous to others. Please join us from 9:00-10:15 AM on December 2 in the Parish Hall for breakfast together, tree trimming, ornament making, family activities, and perhaps even a visit from the Old Saint himself. Bring a friend…and wear your pajamas!
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FAMILIES, FELLOWSHIP, AND FORMATION
Thursday, December 6
5:30-7:00 PM ~ Parish Hall
Topic: Advent
Menu: Taco bar, Christmas cookies
($2/person, $10 max per family)
We invite you and your family to join us as we learn about Advent! Each family will be making their own Advent calendar to take home and enjoy as we celebrate this special time of year leading up to Christmas. We encourage you to pause for a moment during your busy week to spend time as a family in fun, fellowship, and Christian formation!
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NEW ADULT EDUCATION CLASS BEGINNING DECEMBER 9 —
"THEMES OF ADVENT"
Sundays, 9:30 AM ~ Parish Hall
Join Fr. Michael & Rev. Katie for a series during the weeks of Advent that looks at the Advent season, the themes found in liturgy, practices, and Scripture, and its importance for our Christian life.
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CHRISTMAS FLOWER DEDICATIONS
The beautiful poinsettias and live greenery that adorn our altar, chancel rail and chapel are a special part of the celebration of Christmas at Christ Church. We invite all parishioners to share in the experience through a memorial or thanksgiving gift. Names of the loved ones you honor or remember will be printed in the Christmas bulletin. Red Flower Dedication forms are available on the table outside the Parish Office and should be returned to Kelly Heindl
no later than Friday, December 14.
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ADVENT BOOKMARKS
As a spiritual discipline this Advent, Christ Church will be reading 1 & 2 Thessalonians and 2 Peter. We are providing bookmarks with the readings split between the days of Advent. Bookmarks will be in your bulletin this Sunday and also available on the information table in the Parish Office.
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO REPRESENT CHRIST CHURCH PARISH
DURING THE 48th ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF THE DIOCESE OF THE CENTRAL GULF COAST IN 2019?
The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast will meet at St. James, Fairhope, AL from February 14-16, 2019. At its regular December meeting the vestry of Christ Church will elect six delegates and two alternatives to represent our parish at this annual convention. To be eligible for election, you must be at least sixteen years of age, a confirmed member in good standing at Christ Church, and make a regular financial contribution to this parish. If you would like to be considered as a candidate, please sign up on the information table outside the Parish Office or email Kelly Heindl at
christchurchpns@aol.com
.
Sign-up deadline is Sunday, December 9, 2018.
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WATERFRONT MISSION PANTRY COLLECTION
During the month of December, Christ Church is participating in a Pensacola High School IB service project to support Waterfront Mission. We will be accepting canned foods and other non-perishable food donations to stock the Waterfront Mission pantry. These items will be used daily in fresh-cooked meals for the Waterfront Mission’s homeless outreach program.
Items should be delivered to the collection box located outside the youth minister's office.
Please contact the Rev. Katie Gillett with any questions (
kathryn@christ-church.net
or 850-432-5115).
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AN ADVENT MORNING OF SILENCE:
Christ – the Divine Light of the World
Saturday, December 1 ~ 10:00-11:30 AM
Gulf Breeze First United Methodist Church ~ Chapel
Contemplative Outreach of Pensacola (COPNS) invites you to begin Advent in a quiet place of reflection and abundance. For all who hunger for a time of silence, come. Reserve your space. Join those of us from Christ Church and neighboring congregations for two twenty-minute periods of Centering Prayer, a Prayer Walk, and Lectio Divina, a prayerful reading of scripture. Take this time to fill your heart and lungs deeply with God so that you can breathe Christ into the world. Register online at
centeringprayerpensacola.com
or email Carol Lynn Lewis at
copensacola17@gmail.com
.
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The Legacy Concert Series
presents
CHRISTMAS BELLS
Sunday, December 2 ~ 7:00 PM
Trinity Presbyterian Church
3400 Bayou Blvd.
Danny Lyons, Solo Handbell Artist
David Leahey, Organ/Piano
Bellissimo Handbell Quartet,
Trinity Ringers & Christ Church Ringers
Free admission and open seating.
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ECW CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
Tuesday, December 4 ~ 11:30 AM ~ Parish Hall
ECW presents Dr. Peter Steenblik and The UWF Concert Choir (women’s ensemble) in a program of Christmas music. All invited. Catered luncheon, $12.00. If interested, please contact Jane Buttram at 850-221-9666.
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EPIC CHALLENGE BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, December 5 ~ 3:00 PM
Parlor
Ending the EPIC Challenge Book Club year on a high note, we will be discussing beloved author Louise Erdrich’s book
The Round House
. Erdrich manages to mix a rape, family life, odd funny moments and a treatise on the state of Native American justice (or lack thereof) on the reservations, due to archaic and patronizing laws. We will meet Wednesday, December 5, at 3:00 in the Parlor, and we welcome all readers to attend.
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SECOND SATURDAY
Saturday, December 8 ~ 5:00 AM Waterfront Rescue Mission
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of every month when we’ll be cooking breakfast for the men of Waterfront Rescue Mission. Arrive promptly at 5:00 AM (380 Herman Street) and we’ll begin serving at 5:45 AM. If you’d like to help Lisa Williams with food prep the day prior, please e-mail her at
lisaw257@mchsi.com
.
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DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
Saturday, December 8 ~ 9:30 AM
Parlor
We meet at 9:30 AM on the second Saturday of each month in the Parlor. Anyone interested in learning more about DOK can attend a meeting or contact Monica Barnard, 587-6026, or Susan Martin, 542-7730.
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BECOMING BELOVED COMMUNITY
— RACIAL RECONCILIATION WORKSHOP
Saturday, December 8 ~ 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church ~ Mobile, AL
For more information or to register, please click
here.
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Save the date!
ECW BAKE SALE ~ Sunday, December 9
following both services
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ECW CHAPTER MEETINGS
St. Simon:
Monday, December 10, 10:00 AM, in the Parlor.
St. Luke:
Tuesday, December 11, Christmas Luncheon, 12:00 PM, at the home of Bonnie Benz, 4350 Gusty Terrace, 32503. Please RSVP to Marcia Sevold, 850-281-7253 or
mcsevold@gmail.com
prior to Dec. 7.
St. Andrew:
Tuesday, December 11, Annual Holiday Tea, 10:30 AM, at the home of Jane Merrill, 1901 Seville Dr., 32503, 434-1006.
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THE BRIDGE GROUP
will meet on Monday, December 10, at 12:30 PM in the Parlor. For questions, please contact Elspeth Lloyd at 432-0195.
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CIRCLE OF CARE MEETING
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 2:00 PM ~ Parlor
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A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS
Sunday, December 23 ~ 5:00 PM
The service known as the Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a tradition followed by Anglican and other Christian churches worldwide. Many churches began conducting this service following the Anglican ceremony established at Kings College, Cambridge in 1918. In this service, the community hears and receives the story of “God with us” through nine passages of scripture along with carols and anthems of Christmas. The Parish Choir leads the musical portions of the service and readers are selected from our congregation.
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CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE
Christmas Eve ~ Monday, December 24
4:00 PM
Christmas Crêche Eucharist for Children & Families
Music from the Canterbury Choir ~ Nursery care available
6:00 PM
Holy Eucharist ~
Nursery care available
10:00 PM
Christmas Prelude Concert with the Parish Choir & The Perdido Brass
10:30 PM
The Midnight Mass of Christmas
Christmas Day ~ Tuesday, December 25
10:30 AM
Holy Eucharist with carols & organ music
The Parish Office will be closed
Monday, December 24 through Tuesday, January 1.
**Please note there will not be a noon service on Wednesday, December 26;
however, the Azalea Trace service at 4 PM that day
will take place as scheduled.
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CHRIST CHURCH TRAVELERS
The Christ Church Travelers Program began in 2011 and has proved to be a unique and fun way to enjoy local and regional events, cultural experiences and fellowship with each other. This program is available to our members and friends and is a great way to remember family and friends as a birthday or Christmas gift.
Come join us for a trip to Mobile on Wednesday, January 23 departing at 8:30 AM and returning at 5 PM. We will visit our diocesan cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Mobile Carnival Museum, enjoy a riding tour of the historic districts and have lunch at Dauphins. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please sign-up and get the registration form at “Information Station” at Breakfast or Coffee Hour on Sunday. If you need additional information please contact Lucy Rentz, 432-6366 or
lucyrentz@cox.net
.
We will offer 2 more trips this spring: Thursday, March 21 – Festival of Flowers and Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile; and “To Kill a Mockingbird” in Monroeville, AL on Saturday, April 13. Save the dates — more information in the upcoming weeks!
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HOLY BAPTISM AT CHRIST CHURCH
Upcoming Dates for the Sacrament of New Birth
January 13, 2019 — The Baptism of Our Lord
Please contact Kelly Heindl at the Parish Office,
christchurchpns@aol.com
, to make preparations.
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EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY NEWS
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~ Sunday, December 2 ~
Junior High: 5:00 PM (Undercroft)
Combined Meal: 5:45 PM (Parish Hall)
Senior High: 6:15 PM (Undercroft)
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ANNUAL REGISTRATION
Each year we ask every family to complete an annual EYC Registration form, which covers all of our day trips and on campus EYC events for the year. Please
click here
to get started.
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL ~ 9:30 AM
**NEW CLASS BEGINNING DEC. 9th** — Themes of Advent
Join Fr. Michael & Rev. Katie for a series during the weeks of Advent that looks at the Advent season, the themes found in liturgy, practices, and Scripture, and its importance for our Christian life.
This class is held in the Parish Hall.
Lectionary Class — Dick Hooper leads a class that uses “Living the Good News” which looks at the readings used in church that Sunday. It is green or “ordinary” time in the church calendar, but the class will again discover that the parables are as fresh today as they were 2000 years ago. Come and see!
This class is held in the Parlor.
Sunday Adult Education Round Table —
A new Christian year begins this Sunday and it starts with our preparations to welcome the messiah (Advent), continues with our celebration of the messiah’s arrival (Christmas), and finally observing new revelations of God through the messiah (Epiphany). It is possible and hoped that Christians discover new truths about our Christ every year. Beginning December 9, this class will begin to read Marcus Borg’s book
Jesus: The Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary
to open our hearts and minds for new inspiration from Jesus. If you would like more information about the class or to order a book, you may text or phone David Starling at (850) 712-0977 or email
dastarling@cox.net
.
This class meets upstairs in Rm. 32 of the Christian Education Building.
Led by David Starling.
Sunday Centering Prayer Group —
Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, in which we experience God's presence within us. We begin by taking a few minutes to go over the basic guidelines of the practice for anyone who is new. We then sit together in the 20-minute prayer period, followed by a brief time for sharing and intercessory prayer. All are welcome — newcomers and experienced practitioners.
This class meets in the Centering Prayer room on the administrative hallway.
The facilitator is Joan White.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH ~ 9:30 ~ 2nd floor Christian Ed Bldg.
Godly Play — PreK & K, Rm. 36; 1st & 2nd Grades, Rm. 37
For our youngest worshippers, we utilize the Godly Play curriculum to help the children explore their faith through wonder and play. Each week, a Bible story is told to the children using the Godly Play method, after which children utilize their "work time" to create something in response to the story.
Feasting on the Word — 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades, Rm. 39
In our "transition class," children begin the bridge to middle school Sunday School through the use of the Feasting on the Word curriculum. Feasting on the Word provides a solid scriptural and theological base, inviting leaders and learners with the opportunity for a deeper understanding of common Bible passages. This program utilizes a mixture of scripture readings, discussion, visual art, and multimedia resources to create an engaging educational setting for our learners.
JR. & SR. HIGH SUNDAY SCHOOL ~ 9:30 ~ in the Undercroft
NURSERY ~ 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Infants - 2 yrs. old — Nursery, first floor of the Christian Ed Bldg.
Infants — Rm. 24, first floor of the Christian Ed. Bldg.
Preschool Toddlers — Ages 2 & 3 — Rm. 21, first floor of the Christian Ed. Bldg.
Bible lessons are provided each week during the 10:30 service.
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SUNDAY
WORSHIP LEADERS
I Advent
December 2, 2018
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ACOLYTES: 8:00 - Sandy Phillips, John Phillips III, John Hendrix
10:30 - Grace Bradshaw, Joshua Bradshaw, Tripp Clarke,
Davis Henry, David Kane, Erin Kane, Emma Morrow, Paige Sellars, Sarah Grace Stafford, William Stafford
CHALICE BEARERS: 8:00 - Phyllis Kreiner, Bob Kreiner
10:30 - Al Marretta, Margherita Soule, Kim Stafford, John Martin
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IMPORTANT PASTORAL CARE INFORMATION
Have an emergency and need a priest?
Call the Parish Office, 850-432-5115.
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ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS
Each week our worship service is enhanced with beautiful fresh flowers. After the Sunday services, the altar flower arrangements are reworked into smaller arrangements. These arrangements are delivered to members of our parish family that are unable to attend a Sunday service. The altar flowers are a memorial, a thanksgiving for an anniversary, a birthday, a new birth, or a thanksgiving for God's blessings. The donation is listed in the weekly bulletin. Forms to participate in this ministry are available on the information table in the Parish Office.
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TRANSITIONS
We welcome
Valerie Huegel
who visited with us on 11 November, 2018
and
Laura Vannorsdall
who visited with us on 25 November, 2018.
The sympathy of the parish is extended to the family of
Betty Johansen Cooper who died on 25 November, 2018.
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