Saint Helena United Methodist Church

Week of November 30 to December 6

November 30 , 2022

First Sunday in Advent Altar,

November 27, 2022,

designed by Jennifer Garden

Dear friends,

A wonderful Thanksgiving in San Francisco last week with my brother, his wife, my sister and her two sons, along with Caroline, Bryn, and I. A beautiful day in SF, a yummy dim-sum lunch and a walk along the Ft Mason-Aquatic Park trail made it a perfect Thanksgiving. We all had a great time and so good to catch up with everyone!

Sunday, we had our first worship of Advent 2022, visiting the villages of Nazareth and Bethlehem, as we imagined the real life and times of Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah, well before they were lifted up as icons of faith. This coming Sunday, December 4^th, we will visit Christianity at the height of its medieval power about 1000 AD, when the Church ruled the known world. We will also offer Holy Communion and enjoy Children’s Worship that morning at worship.

Many thanks to our Worship Team for their work in preparing and setting up the church Advent elements; Esther Brunswick, Jennifer Garden, Ben and Natalie DiMaio, Sue Billings, & Maureen St. John!

After worship on the 4th, during Fellowship time, Linda Laing will have handcrafted jewelry that she made, especially earrings, on display and for sale. If you are missing some gifts for your holiday list or need stocking stuffers, Linda’s beautiful work is just the thing!

Later Sunday afternoon the annual Progressive dinner will take place. Beginning at 5 p.m., we will gather at Ruthie and Jack Rydman’s for appetizers, then move on to Frank and Beth Leeds for main course at 6 p.m., followed by deserts and White Elephant Gift Exchange at the church about 7:30. Please remember to bring the dish you signed up for and a wrapped gift for later. If you are not sure about your dish, please contact Char Butcher at 707.963.7497 or chartie@sonic.net

Later this month, Ruthie Rydman is holding a Christmas tea on the 15^th at 2 p.m. in their home in Oakville. Please rsvp with Ruthie at 707.944.2694 or jackrydman@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Christmas Caroling will take place on the 17^th at 3 p.m. with Ron and Esther Brunswick. Please gather at the church to practice before we walk out to Main Street, bringing a joyful noise to all we meet. Each year, this festive event is a big hit for us, the visitors and townies too so bring your singing voice and lots of good cheer! Any questions, please contact Pastor or Esther at 707.256.9460 or estherb1234@hotmail.com

Christmas Eve Worship is on Saturday the 24^{th at 5 p.m.}This years’ Service of Lesson and Carols will feature Joe Pesch leading congregational carol singing as well as soloing, Elle Wheeler accompanying on piano, and for the first time, the ABC Baroque Trio performing seasonal music from Corelli, Biber, Handel, and others. Of course, we will finish the service with the lighting of candles and singing Silent Night on the lawn in front of the church. Please join us for a truly sacred and joyous evening as we welcome Jesus into our lives.

While working on the December Grapevine earlier this week, I heard a call. Upon reflection, my response was an immediate, Yes! So, a new addition to the Advent calendar will be a full reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” on Wednesday, December 21^st at 6 p.m. Seasonal refreshments will be provided, with a suggested donation of $20, to support Our Town St Helena affordable housing efforts in our community.

It is such a good tale and when was the last time you heard it read aloud? Come listen to an ever-fresh story of the season and bring a friend to enjoy it with you!

Overall, it promises to be a wonderful advent and Christmas season,

Blessings,

Burke

No Christmas Day service this year, though it is on Sunday, but no worry, we will hold worship on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1.

Sunday Worship

December 4, 2022

Sunday Worship

2nd Sunday in Advent

10 a.m.

Scripture: Isaiah

Sermon: Second Sunday in Advent

Christmas in 1000 AD

Music: The Brunswick’s and Garlock’s

Click below for a link to join Sunday morning Livestream Worship

Join us after worship for fellowship time in our Fellowship Hall.

We look forward to seeing you!

Remember you can give online!

Our church continues to receive giving and donations through our online and mobile app platforms. Thank you for trying it out, here are the links again for you to sign up and give easily from your computer with Vanco:

CLICK HERE

or your phone or tablet with Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement App:

Dear friends,

Our St Helena church has provided an on-line app for use on your phone or tablet to give remotely over the last two years.

This app, GivePlus, is managed by Vanco, a finance company ensuring online payment processing with donations received for our church bank account.

Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement App.

Download the Vanco Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Find our church and log in using your previous GivePlus Mobile username and password.
Or set up your user account in minutes.

Do let me know if you have any questions.

Pastor Burke

Something for everyone!

Two of our small groups

are online

for the month of November.

Check below to see which ones.

Everyone is invited to join our small groups!

Our Weekly Small Group Meetings

Book Study Group In person.

Vintage Group, Tuesdays via Zoom

Call Pastor if you need a link to join any group!

Silent Meditation, Wednesdays via Zoom.

Bible Study on Thursdays In person.

Thursday's Bible Study is: The Book of Psalm,

Please hold these saints in your prayers,

For Lisa Cox; Karl and Linda Parker; for Char Butcher; Ben DiMaio; for Bette Antor's brother Tommy; prayers for the Chavez, Leeds, and Pesch family at the passing of Aunt Mary; Jack and Ruthie Rydman; Carolyn and Dick Woodson; David and Nancy Garden; Anita and David Cummings; Tony and Carole Pietrangelo; and all our community near and far.