December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m., Rite I
The Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m., Rite II
Fr. John Thorpe, officiating
Choir Rehearsal 9 a.m. | Child Care 9:45 a.m.
Church School Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 10 a.m.
Advent theme: Love
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Worship notes
The Collect:
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
This week’s lessons: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
Epistle
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6
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The Gospel | Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.
But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
- “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
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The week of December 22
Sunday, 11:00 a.m., Children's Christmas Pageant
Tuesday, 4:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist and Children's Homily
Tuesday, 9:30 p.m., Carol Sing prior to Christmas Eve service
Tuesday, 10:00 p.m., Solemn High Eucharist of Christmas Eve (incense to be used)
Wednesday – Merry Christmas!
Looking Ahead
Sunday, January 5, Father Thorpe's last Sunday at St. Andrew's; annual reports due
Sunday, January 12, 19, 26, Father Boase will officiate at Sunday services
Sunday, January 19, Parish Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 2, Fr. Hankinson, our new rector, officiates at services for the first time
Saturday, February 15, Installation of Fr. Hankinson by Bishop Martins
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Presiding Bishop Curry's Christmas Message 2019
In the first chapter of John's Gospel, sometimes referred to as the prologue to the Gospel, sometimes spoken of as the whole Gospel in miniature the Gospel writer says this. As he reflects on the coming of God into the world in the person of Jesus. As he reflects on Christmas. He says, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
I don't think it's an accident that long ago, followers of Jesus began to commemorate his coming into the world when the world seemed to be at its darkest.
It's probably not an accident that we observe Christmas soon after December 21, the winter solstice. The winter solstice being in the Northern Hemisphere the darkest time of the year.
Undoubtedly, these ancient Christians who began to celebrate the coming of God into the world, they knew very well that this Jesus, his teachings, his message, his spirit, his example, his life points us to the way of life itself, a way of life, where we take care of each other. A way of life, where we care for God's world. A way of life, where we are in a loving relationship with our God, and with each other as children of the one God, who has created us all.
(More...)
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St. Andrew's Quilt Guild's 2020 Fabric Art and Quilt Show, March 5, 6, 7
The Quilt Guild reminds parishioners that the annual Fabric Art and Quilt Show is not far away. Plan to locate grandma's vintage quilt to submit as an entry or perhaps make your own fabric art creation. Entries for the show must be registered by February 28. Ask Liz Edwards or LaVernn Wilson for further information. Or, go to the Guild's Facebook page at
facebook.com/standrewsquiltguild
.
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Our Angel Tree
The St. Andrew’s Angel Tree is an outgrowth of our Outreach program, which was started 21 years ago. Initially, Christmas gifts were taken to the Don Bosco Children’s Center in Belleville, where Earl Goodman and Rudy Wilson often acted as Santa Claus, while Linda Brubaker provided musical entertainment. Later, the dispensing of Christmas cheer was moved to St. Andrew’s. Breakfast with Santa was served and small gifts distributed to children.
The Angel Tree that we know today is a response to calls to St. Andrew’s from families in need of assistance in providing gifts for their school-age children. These are supplemented by gasoline and food gift cards funded by Outreach, and are its largest expenditure.
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Numerous parishioners have been involved over the years in operating our Christmas charity and Outreach program more generally. These include: Mary Bohn, Macie Boyd, Miriam Burns, Nancy Dickens, Elizabeth Donald, Diane Dudding, Margaret Greve, Mary Jane Helsel, Helen Holbert, Pat Hulme, Dana LaTempt (chair of Outreach for three years), JoAnn Nabe, Pat Rudloff, Velma Schmidt, Fredna Scroggins, Meg Solon, Marilyn Strangeman, Paula Travis, Kay Werner, Wendy Wilbraham, and LaVernn Wilson, They have the gratitude of the many people whom their efforts have benefited. (Pictured: Mary Bohn. To view additional pictures, click
here
.)
“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you,” said 17
th
century Puritan preacher and author of
A Pilgrim’s Progress
, John Bunyan. The St. Andrew’s Angel Tree is a testament to that spirit. This year, its branches held 84 “angels.” All of them were taken. I think Bunyan would conclude that the people of St. Andrew’s are very much alive. -Jim Weingartner
Thanks to Mary Bohn for providing the information on which this article is based. She begs the pardon of anyone whose name was inadvertently omitted.
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Parish Annual Meeting, January 19
Mark your calendar for January 19 when we will meet as a parish for the annual meeting.
Ministry and committee leaders should plan to submit their reports by January 5 via email. Detailed instructions regarding reports will be sent to ministry leaders this weekend. Marian Smithson and Jane Weingartner will coordinate the preparation of the Annual Meeting booklet for the 2020 meeting.
Book Club to Meet January 27
The St. Andrew’s Book Club will be meeting on the 4th Monday of each month beginning January 27 at 1 p.m. in Pearson Hall. Our book selection for January is
The Stone Diaries
by Carol Shields. All are welcome! -Pat Rudloff
Help Keep Someone Warm
Snowy weather has increased the need for new or gently used scarves, gloves, mittens, scarves, shawls, throws, afghans, blankets or socks. A collection box can be found in the coat room. To donate cash or fleece yardage, talk with Diane Dudding or Mary Bohn.
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Elections
Three slots for three-year terms will be elected at the annual meeting plus one slot for one-year. Nominees are also sought for Synod/Deanery delegates. Contact any vestry member if you are interested in running for election.
Thanks from ECW and Outreach
ECW thanks everyone who made the reception following the Advent Lessons and Carols service successful. Outreach adds its thanks to parishioners for their support for our Christmas families. Every tag on the Angel Tree was taken and Outreach funds were directed to grocery and gasoline gift cards.
Last-Minute Gifts? Shop Scrip
Scrip purchases support our Outreach ministries and simplify last-minute-gift giving. Visit the scrip table after services to see the variety of cards available.
Coffee Hour in 2020
Look for the 2020 sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the entrance to the parish hall. If you have a special date, reserve the Sunday early. Thanks to all who hosted in 2019!
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The St. Andrew's Week-End Update
, a weekly emailed newsletter, is designed to keep parishioners up to date on church activities. Please send news items to Jane Weingartner by 11 a.m. on Tuesday to have them appear in the following Friday's newsletter.
Newsletter Editor Jane Weingartner
Newsletter & Bulletin Editor Marianne Cavanaugh
Newsletter Design Editor, Marian Smithson
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S
t. Andrew's Episcopal Church
406 Hillsboro Avenue Edwardsville, Illinois
618-656-129
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