This Sunday the church observes the Third Sunday of Advent. Traditionally the Third Sunday of Advent is the Sunday when the church lights the pink candle on the advent wreath. Some churches actually use pink vestments and place pink flowers on the altar. The pink or rose color is a color which represents Messianic hope adopted in the third century. The Third Sunday of Advent is also known as “Gaudete” Sunday, which means rejoice or joy. It is the midway point of Advent and it is a time to rejoice in the Lord’s coming. Please join us as we gather at our 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services followed by coffee hour.
Mark your calendars for our Christmas services, which are different than in years past:
Christmas Eve, December 24: 5:00-5:30 p.m. congregational carols followed by a candlelight service with communion. The choir will be leading us in singing Christmas hymns and they are preparing some anthems for the service. This service is appropriate for families, children, and people of all ages.
(Please note it is our only in-person Christmas Service this year.)
Christmas Day, December 25: 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer with Music on Zoom followed by virtual coffee hour.
The First Sunday after Christmas, December 26: One 9:00 a.m. Eucharist with Carols. (There is only one 9:00 a.m. service on this day)
I hope that you and your family continue to have a very blessed Advent. Thank you for all who participated in our Saint Nicholas Day Celebration. I am grateful to Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, who showed up at both our services last week.
See you all on Sunday,
Rev. Fran
Advent and Christmas Opportunities and Information
The Christmas Flowers sign-up sheet is posted in the Narthex. If you would like to give flowers to decorate the church for Christmas ($20), please sign up and also note the intention of your gift. Thank you for helping St. Mary’s to look its loveliest this coming Christmas season!
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
Copies of Living Well Through Advent 2021, are available on a Narthex table. If you wish, please pick up a copy and take it home with you. The booklet is being provided by Living Compass, a faith-based wellness ministry founded by the Rev. Scott Stoner.
You can also download a copy from the Living Compass website. Here you will also find archived readings, and can sign up to receive daily emails, or join a discussion group.
A CELTIC COMPLINE, ON ZOOM
Beginning this evening, December 2, and continuing every Thursday in Advent, Rev. Fran and Dn. Mike will lead us in A Celtic Compline on Zoom, starting at 8:00 pm. Zoom instructions are below. There are also flyers available on a table in the Narthex with instructions and the service.
Instructions
Please log on to Zoom about five minutes before 8:00 pm and light your Advent wreath.
To join by phone: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 849 9016 7199
You may use a family Advent wreath or you may use a simple candle.
Please enter and remain in silence.
Set your camera so that we can see both you and your Advent wreath.
Dim the lights around you if possible.
Set your Zoom setting to gallery view if you can. If you can’t set it to gallery view it’s okay.
Please note that St. Mary’s is still following a mask mandate that the Diocese of Chicago and the CDC is requiring. Please wear a mask at all times when inside the building. Lectors may take the mask off when reading. If you attend coffee hour, please know that masks are required and you may remove your mask when you have gotten your food and are seated. Please wear your mask if walking around the hall.
A Visit from St. Nick
St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, paid a visit to St. Mary’s last Sunday, as we celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas. He handed out treat bags, which contained traditional St. Nick goodies: an orange, gold (chocolate) coins, a candy cane, and a traditional spiced cookie decorated for the day. (The cookie was lovingly commissioned for the family and friends of St. Mary’s and custom made by Julie’s Cookies, Cakes and Sweet Treats in Crystal Lake. IL)
Parishioners: Cindy; El; Edward, John, Kristi, John, and Matthew.
Family/Friends: Brent, son of El & Dorothy Nyberg; Leo, brother of Dn. Mike Choquette; Brynn, grand-niece of Catherine Carroll; Eric, son-in-law of Jean Huismann; Ashton, grandson of Sharon Duffy; Sherri, step-daughter of Roseann Gilbertson; Laura; Carelin; Carmen; Dawn; Billy; Betty; Jean; Don; Millie; Nick; Tarsha; John; Pamela; Susan; Ted, Jeff, Tom, Nicholas (infant) and his family; Mark, Chris, Sarah, Douglas, Mark, Andi, Greg, Wayne, Scott, Sue, Sarah, Dave, Brynn, Neil and Des, Kyle, Rick, Sylvia, Jess, Joanne, Kay, Brian, Sarah.
