We have now fully entered the season of Advent, a season of waiting, hope, and expectation. This Sunday we will continue with our Advent readings and the Choir will be leading us in many of our favorite Advent hymns at the 10:00 a.m. service. This Sunday we will also be observing the feast of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, which the church officially observes on December 6th. Goodie bags with traditional Saint Nicholas items will be available after both services, and I have heard rumors that the Bishop himself may be paying us a visit after the 10:00 a.m. service. Please plan on joining us for coffee hour following both our 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. services.
This evening plan on joining us on Zoom at 8:00 p.m. for our Celtic Compline Service. This is a lovely, short but deeply meaningful candlelight service. You can find the link and information in this newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who donated gift items for Celebrate Re-entry (CRE) Thank you for your generosity. You can still drop off items through Friday afternoon. The gifts will be wrapped on Saturday by CRE volunteers and distributed throughout the season to those in need.
See you all on Sunday,
Rev. Fran
Advent and Christmas Opportunities and Information
Families or individuals are needed each Sunday to light the Advent wreath at the beginning of the each service. The sign-up sheets are located on a table in the Narthex.
Please note that during Advent, at the 8:00 a.m. service, we will be using Rite 1 (the traditional language service as found in the Book of Common Prayer).
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS/GREENS SIGN-UP
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.
CELEBRATE RE-ENTRY CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Recently we began a partnership with Celebrate Re-Entry, an organization that provides support and guidance to our brothers and sisters leaving jail/prison in McHenry and Lake Counties. They are collecting new, unwrapped gifts to be given to their clients for Christmas. A wish list of needed items can be downloaded here. All donations should be dropped off to the parish office by Friday, December 3. Thank you!!
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.
You are welcome to stay on Zoom after prayer for quiet reflection.
Reminder: Mask Mandate Still in Effect
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.
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.
Those Who Have Died
Andrew McLean, husband of Bishop-elect, Paula Clark
