St. Andrew's Children's and Family Ministries |
|
Dear Families,
It's December! If you are like me, that is exciting and scary all at once. I know there are always 365 days between one Christmas and the next, but every year December sneaks up on me unawares—with its planning, preparation, and shopping. Even though I try to keep the season very simple, there always seems to be too much busyness, too much shopping, and too many angry shoppers. It feels like there is not nearly enough love in it all.
That's one of the reasons I love that Saint Nicholas Day comes early in Advent. It helps me stop and remember that God's gift is at the center of the season. As Bishop Trevor Willmott said,
-St. Nicholas reminds us of God's love, God coming amongst the ordinariness of us, arriving amongst the noise and sound ready for us to set out on our journey. My wish for all of us as we come to Christmas this year mindful of cracks in our society, mindful of people in need, because let's not forget those who are hungry and homeless this Christmas. But in the heart of all this God comes and says, 'You are my children. I love you. Serve my folk.'-
|
|
St. Nicholas by Ken Widing
|
Gracious God, giver of all good things, through your servant, Saint Nicholas, you brought joy to the children and hope to the poor, grace me with a giving spirit to do the same so I may sow happiness around me.
Amen
|
|
Saint Nicholas helps us hold on to God's presence and God's love during this season. We will get a visit from Saint Nicholas this Sunday. We will learn a little more about his generosity, care of the poor, and his journey walking in the way of Jesus. He is a real, human example of unselfish love that points to God's greatest gift to us, Emmanuel.
Wishing you peace, love, and the smell of candy canes as we journey through Advent together.
Much Love, -Erin
|
|
|
|
No Sunday School this week as the children join us in church for a visit from Saint Nicholas. The ushers will show them where to put their shoes for a special treat. Next week we continue our Advent journey, joining the shepherds on their way to Bethlehem—and maybe even seeing an angel!
|
Important Dates
-
This Sunday 12/5: St. Nicholas visits us in church, No Sunday School. Don't forget to leave your shoe out by the front door to receive a special treat from St. Nick.
- Saturday 12/11 : Mini Advent retreat via Zoom
- Sunday 12/19: Pageant rehersal after church
- Friday 12/24 4pm: Nativity Pageant
|
|
|
|
CALLING ALL ANGELS- AND SHEPERDS AND SHEEP AND...
Pageant sign-ups are underway! If you will be attending the 4 pm Christmas Eve service, we would love to have your child, niece, nephew, neighbor etc. join us in presenting the Nativity story. Email me to sign up!
|
|
|
|
Advent In A Bag
Advent bags have all been passed out, but I still have some devotionals, colored pencils, and cut and color nativity scenes available. Please email me to get yours.
|
|
|
|
Worship
Sundays, 8 & 10 am
The 8 am worship continues in the Nave. The 10 am service—with singing—is also held in the Nave. Masks are not required for those who have received at least two COVID vaccines. Join us after the 10 am worship for Coffee Hour outside the front doors. A video of the 10 am service will be posted on the St. Andrew's website, usually by noon, the next day (Monday).
|
|
|
|
A Good Day
"When I read through the days turning into years, I see one word more often than others: good."
-Kimberly Knowle Zeller
|
|
Why you should always let your kitten help you decorate for Christmas. |
|
|
|
|
The eScrip online mall features your favorite retailers and donates a portion of your purchases back to St. Andrew's.
|
|
St. Andrew's earns up to 7% of your Amazon.com purchases when you shop via the link above or on our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
