CANTERBURY TALES | December 1, 2022 | |
“The mission of St. Augustine of Canterbury parish is to grow closer to Christ and one another through worship, prayer, learning and service, and to dedicate our lives to serving Christ in the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.” | |
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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
HOPE
Our green circle represents an evergreen wreath. The evergreen branches symbolize God’s faithfulness. They remain green all year. The wreath circle symbolizes God’s unending love.
The first purple candle symbolizes expectation and hope. Purple is a royal color and signifies anticipation of the King’s birth. Light this candle each week of Advent.
We are filled with hope because we know that Jesus came to Earth on the first Christmas so he could tell people about God and die for our sins.
Light the first candle on your Advent wreath. Read aloud Romans 15:13.
Share some way that you’re filled with hope because you know Jesus.
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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
PREPARATION
The second purple candle symbolizes preparation. During this season of preparation we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Light this one during the second, third and fourth weeks.
Just as we get our homes and churches ready for Christmas, we also get our hearts ready for baby Jesus. As a family, brainstorm a list of things you do to get ready for house guests. Talk about what you would do differently if Jesus were coming to stay at your house.
Read aloud Mark 1:3-4. John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, spread the word that Jesus was on his way. Part of our preparations for Christmas can include letting other people know what Christmas is all about — the birth of our Savior. Light the first two candles and pray that God will bless your preparations for his son’s arrival.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Help for Hurricane Ian Victims
The Vestry has learned that St. John’s Episcopal Church on Pine Island in southwestern Florida has been severely devastated by Hurricane Ian. Many of the parishioners have lost their homes completely or their homes have been severely damaged. In addition they have only recently had their power restored. Parishioners are in need of basics—food, clothing, personal items, etc. Fr. Marcel, the priest-in-charge has been distributing gift cards to help parishioners meet their needs. The church building and parish hall have also been damaged; both will need a new roof.
We want to help. Parishioners can drop a check in the offering plate with "St. John's" in the memo line, or offer cash in an envelope with "St. John's" on the outside. The Vestry will match donations up to $3,000. This is just the first step in supporting what we hope is a long-term relationship with people of St. John’s Church as they continue to recover from the hurricane. For questions or further information, please contact Russ Kratz.
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“A Very English Christmas Tea”
The Episcopal Church Women invite you to join them for their “Very English Christmas Tea” on Sat., December 10 at 2 pm in the Parish Hall. Please bring a wrapped gift for our annual gift outreach for the residents at St. Francis Manor and mark it accordingly, ie: lady, gent or either. Reserve your seat today! Please sign up in the Narthex or contact Carol Paris to make a reservation. Bring your friends, daughters, granddaughters, sisters!
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Candlelight Remembrance Service
Please come to a Candlelight Remembrance Service on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 pm. All who have experienced loss in the past months, or even years, are invited to join us. We will light candles and remember our loved ones in prayer, music and reflection. There will be a register at the entrance where you may record the names of the people that you would like remembered during the service. Bring your friends and family, all are welcome. Please help us spread the word by sharing this invitation with your neighbors!
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Common Table Holiday Gathering
To anyone currently involved in a Common Table small group or anyone who would like to be involved in the next round, please come to a Potluck on Tues., Dec. 13th at 5:30 pm. We will celebrate our new-found fellowship and start planning the next round of Common Tables for 2023!
What is Common Table, you ask? Common Table is St. Augustine's answer to small group fellowship. Common Table groups of 6 - 8 persons are randomly formed and plans made for monthly meetings at members' homes, local restaurants or other fun venues. Groups meet for 5-6 months, and then new groups are created. Come join in on the fellowship! Questions? Contact: Karen Monaco
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El Hogar Cookie Walk is Back!
The Cookie Walk to benefit El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza will be held Sunday, Dec. 18, after both the 8 and 10 o’clock services. At the Cookie Walk, small ($7) and large ($12) containers will be sold (with containers provided) for you to fill up with all the delicious cookies baked by parishioners. All proceeds will be used to offset the cost of sponsoring a child at El Hogar for the year. El Hogar is a a mission that provides quality education and a safe and nurturing home to children living in vulnerable conditions in Honduras.
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Christmas Services
Join us as we celebrate Jesus' birth, the coming of hope into our lives! Christmas Eve Family Service with Children’s Pageant and Eucharist will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 5:30 pm. The children of St. Augustine's will tell the Christmas story at this Family Service.
Come early to our Christmas Eve 9 pm service and enjoy a Sacred Concert starting at 8:30 pm, a festive prelude of Christmas carols and sacred music. At 9 pm there will be a Traditional Service with Choral Eucharist.
Join us for a celebration of Christ's birth on Christmas Day. Worship will take place at 10 am. (There is no 8 am service this day.)
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Christmas Pageant
It’s time to Celebrate! Our Christmas Pageant needs you! Please let us know if you are able to participate. Practice will be held Sunday, Dec. 18 after the 10 am service. The Pageant will take place Saturday, Dec. 24 at the 5:30 pm service. Please arrive by 4:30 pm. If you are interested, please contact Laura Shields or Linda Jones (Tele: 772-538-9826)
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Christmas Memorial Flowers
Envelopes for Christmas Memorial Flowers donations are available in the Narthex. You may also call in your request to the office at 772-770-3494 and bring your donation during the week. Deadline to publish in the Christmas Bulletin is Sunday, Dec. 18.
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Find these and all our upcoming events at ... | |
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Thanksgiving Dinner
Much to be thankful for! Over fifty parishioners and guests attended a very lovely Thanksgiving Day feast at our church. We shared roasted turkey provided by our church, luscious side dishes, homemade desserts and more, along with some memorable fellowship.
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Thank you to the hospitality hosts who planned, shopped, decorated, set up, served and cleaned up: Carol, Mez, Moe, Steve, Deb, Richard, Cris, Grace, Janet, Belma, Rosie, Dereck, Andrea, and John. Thank you to Fr. Wes for your blessing and support, and all who attended. We are blessed!
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Looking to Deepen Your Faith? | |
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Sunday School
St. Augustine's Sunday School meets on all but the first Sunday of the month, during the 10 am service. Children in Kindergarten through 6th grade gather in our classrooms down past the Old Parish Hall, in the education wing of the church. On the first Sunday of the month, kids (who are willing and trained) may serve on the altar, and eventually as readers, ushers, etc. If you have kids, grandkids, neighbors, or anyone that might be interested in Sunday School, please call or text ministry leader Linda Jones at 772.538.9826. If they would like to help serve on the 1st Sunday, please contact Fr. Wes.
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The King is Coming:
Advent Devotional for Children
Our Sunday School children will be reading, "The King Is Coming," a four-week Advent devotional especially written with a child's heart in mind. It takes families through the salvation story by focusing on who God is, the gift of Jesus, and the importance of celebrating and sharing that miraculous gift! Grandparents may be interested in ordering a copy online for their little ones this Advent season.
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Sunday Adult Christian Education
Be sure to join us for our Sunday morning Christian education programs at 9-9:45 am in the Library. This week's class for Sunday, Dec. 4 will focus on "A History of Christmas." Join us for new insights and thought-provoking discussion! All are welcome!
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Christian Education Prayer Group | Mondays at 1:30 pm|Christian Ed wing
Prayer Shawl & Knitting Ministry | Tuesdays, 1 - 3 pm | Parish Library
Healing Eucharist | Wednesdays at 10 am | Sanctuary
Bible Study with Fr. Wes | Wednesdays at 11 am | Conference Room
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS TEAM
Managing the Holidays
Sally Munson, RN and Health & Wellness Team Coordinator
The holidays, although filled with family, friends and celebration, can be a stressful time of year under normal circumstances. For those who are alone, have lost a loved one or gone through a recent crisis, it can be emotionally difficult. Here are a few tips to get through the holidays if you are grieving or feeling “blue." More>
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"In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, 'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"
MATTHEW 3:1-3
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Come celebrate with us this Sunday!
St. Augustine of Canterbury invites you to join us for worship in person or at home on this Second Sunday of Advent. Watch our Livestreamed service online, on Sundays or anytime during the week. Interested in receiving Home Communion? Just call the church office (772-770-3494) and ask to be put on the Home Communion list.
Worship Schedule>
Download the Bulletin>
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Sunday Morning Fellowship
Please come join us for Coffee Hour after the 8 am and 10 am Sunday services in the Parish Hall. Enjoy the fellowship of your fellow parishioners. You never know who you might meet!
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Readers and Servers
This week's Readers and Servers will be ...
Saturday, 5:30 pm
Lessons: Clarence Clarke
Psalm & Prayers of the People: Clarence Clarke
Chalice Bearer: Clarence Clarke
Sunday, 8 am
Lessons: Kate Schmidt
Psalm & Prayers of the People: Kate Schmidt
Chalice Bearer: Kate Schmidt
Sunday, 10 am
Lessons: Mary Rianhard
Prayers of the People: Deborah Kavanagh
Chalice Bearers: Heather Bennett, Sally Munson
Lay Eucharistic Minister: Jacinth Brown
Crucifer: Tucker Shields
Torches: Cody Shields, Becca Wehrberger, Emma Shields
Ushers: Jo Stewart, Jackie Davis, Mary Rianhard
Livestream: Barbara McGowan
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COVID Update
Masks are no longer required. Those who wish to continue wearing a mask are free to do so. Communion is no longer by intinction only. Please contact Fr. Wes if you have any concerns. Current diocesan guidelines
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Look What's Coming to St. Augustine's!
Meet Church Center! Church Center is a handy new tool coming to St. Augustine’s that you can use to connect to our church database. When fully implemented, it will give you a secure listing of church members (with pictures!), a calendar of church events, keep you in touch with the ministries you belong to and let you update your contact information and make donations, right from your cell phone or computer. In the next few weeks, we will invite you to install this helpful tool and walk you through its use. Click here for a short demonstration of this App and get acquainted with all the possibilities!
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Episcopal Church Women Update
Congratulations to the “Team of Hosts” who helped make Thanksgiving Day at church such a wonderful feast of great food and great fellowship. You are much appreciated! A shout out to the clean up crew who showed up as well! So happy to see you. Thank you again!
Be sure to sign up for the Christmas Tea in the Narthex. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, at 2 pm. We will be entertained by The Dolls from Vero Beach. Don’t forget your wrapped gift for our annual outreach for the folks at St. Francis Manor. I also encourage everyone to join the Common Table! It’s been a delightful experience for me so far. Join us on Tuesday, December 13, at 5:30 pm for a kickoff potluck supper.
The ECW Board of Directors is seeking officers to fill the Vice President and Secretary positions. The Election of Officers will take place in January. Please think about becoming part of this team. The Board of Directors meets four times per year. Copies describing the duties of these positions and the mission of the ECW Board of Directors are available in the Narthex. Please contact our Nominating Chairperson, Karen Monaco if interested.
Save the date! On Saturday, Jan. 21, 9 am – 1 pm, the ECW will host a Flea Market. $15 per table, more details to follow.
Wishing you a blessed and joyous holiday season!
Carol Paris, ECW President
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Winter Camp
Sometimes, summer is just too far away! But don’t you worry, Camp Wingmann has just the remedy for your winter blues! Every January, this winter camp is a chance for campers (Grades 3-12) to enjoy the new year, connect with existing friends, and make new ones!
This year, Fr. Wes has been asked to serve as chaplain, and Laura and the kids plan on attending. Campers get to enjoy all their favorite camp activities like archery, visual and performing arts, sports, and our ropes courses. For new campers, this is a great way to try Camp Wingmann before the summer. Download a flyer
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Angel Tree Ministry - Come Wrap With Us!
Come to a Christmas Gift Wrapping Party on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 am in the Parish Hall, to wrap gifts for the children of the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy and Samaritan Center.
Our Angel Tree ministry provides gifts for the children of these programs, which we will be wrapping and labeling. Please come help and bring any extra wrapping paper, labels, scissors and tape. We anticipate this party will last about an hour. Questions? Interested in signing up? Contact Russ Kratz
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Mark Your Calendars for December!
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Saturday, December 10 - Reserve your seat at our “Very English Christmas Tea" at 2 pm in the Parish Hall.
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Sunday, December 11 - Join us for a Candlelight Service at 5:30 pm for all who have experienced loss in the past months, or even years.
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Tuesday, December 13 - Common Table Kickoff, a Potluck at 5:30 pm, when we will start planning the next round of Common Tables for 2023!
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Sunday, December 18 – Cookie Walk fundraising effort to benefit El Hogar.
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December 26 - 30 - Office is closed for Christmas week.
Find all Upcoming Events on our Calendar webpage
Click on each individual event for a popup window with full details.
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Please keep in your prayers ... | |
This Week, We Celebrate
November Birthday
30 – Mia Seymour
December Birthdays
05 – Glenda Altman
09 – Yvonne Tso
Ronald Grayson
10 – Kathleen Warren
December Anniversaries
09 – Ronda & Terry Seymour
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This Week, We Remember Those Who Have Died | |
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Prayer List
Please pray for ... The people of Ukraine, Russia, and all war-torn areas, Laura, Rosie, Rhonda, SanDra, Michael, Debra, Kathryn, Bruce, Rudy, Jerry, Carol, Dee, Dakota, Byron, Abdul, Gerry, Ronald, Ryan, Gayle, Ginny, Joanne.
Parish Prayer List Reminder!
The Parish Prayer List names are reviewed on a monthly basis. Names remain on the list as long as the Office is aware that they are to remain. Names of those we have not received updates are removed from the list unless the parish office is otherwise notified. Please let us know who is in the hospital and who is deceased.
Contact: Dana Clearwater at 772-770-3494.
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Parish Directory
Download your copy of the Parish Directory.
Updated 12/01/22.
Download
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475 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach FL 32968
TELEPHONE: 772.770.3494
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday, 9 am-2 pm
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