Christmas Worship Schedule

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24
7 PM, Family Eucharist of Christmas

A Christmas celebration geared to our families with children. It is slightly shortened and the sermon is directed to the children.

11 PM, Festival Eucharist of Christmas at Midnight

This festival celebration is one that follows the injunction of Psalm 96 to “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Most of this service is sung by the congregation, choir and priest. (note: incense will be used at this service)

The Choir will be with us at both of these services on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25
10 AM, Holy Eucharist of Christmas Day

A simple celebration of the Holy Eucharist in which we sing some of the best loved hymns of Christmas.

The remaining schedule of our Christmas season until Epiphany is listed below.

An Amazon “Wish List”
I am including below a letter from Alice Owen about the wish list she has developed for items needed for our parochial school. Please read what she has to say and click through to the wish list link provided to help us gather together items for our future students. You can click through here for the wish list or down below in Alice’s letter. Also, if you want to see how our classrooms are coming together, check out the pictures at the bottom of this post.

All Saints Branded Clothing
One of the things we went through as we began moving toward the establishment of our parochial school was developing a new logo, which you have seen on the bulletins and other correspondence. Many of you have seem me wearing shirts and jackets which have the same logo. Working with Lands End, we have established a website so you can obtain any similar items you may wish to purchase You can see a picture of a polo shirt with the logo below. Click here to go to the website.

News of Note
Doug Hensley has progressed far enough in his recovery to be moved to a rehab facility to regain his strength before he heads home. He will be moved within the next few days. We will let you know when visits are possible.

News of Note #2
Cheryl Knight’s daughter Katherine had nerve graft surgery last Friday. We are happy to report that she has been released from the hospital and is now home recovering.

News of Note #3
Mara, infant granddaughter of Kathleen and Dave Lambert, has been home now for a couple weeks and has not exhibited any more of the difficulties which prompted her being cared for in the NICU.

News of Note #4
Brian Greenwood developed some fluid on his lungs and this past Monday he had that fluid drained. He is home resting comfortably.

Please give thanks to Almighty God for these good reports, as we know only he can bring fullness of healing to both body and soul.

I look forward to seeing all of you this Christmas weekend as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and pray for all his blessings upon you in the coming year.

Merry Christmas to all!
Fr. Erich

Letter from our Principal

Dear Parishioners,

We are now at a most exciting point in the timeline of our school – getting resources into classrooms!

As I mentioned during our Annual Parish Meeting, I have made an Amazon Wish List of items we need. You will note that I have included a variety of good books. The Scottish moral philosopher, Alasdair Macintyre, wrote that the books we read to and with children are not merely about extending vocabulary and developing imagination. Literature plays a huge role in the moral formation of our children. Children can situate themselves within the stories that enable them to act. “Deprive children of stories and you leave them unscripted, anxious stutterers in their actions as in their words.” Thus, the stories we choose are hugely important. I thank you your willingness to participate in this process.

As you peruse the list, you will note that some items have already been purchased. If this is the case, you will see “Needs 1, Has 1” next to it. The reason it is still displayed on our list is so that prospective parents can see exactly what their children will be using in our classes; we want to be fully transparent. Should you make a purchase, the items will be shipped directly to the church. If you know of anyone looking for a worthy cause to support, please do share this email with them. Should you wish to make a purchase, click on the link below. After you have made your selection, you will be asked to note your name alongside the purchases. This means that I will know who has gifted each item when it arrives at the church.

If you do not have an Amazon account, or would prefer not to navigate the process, I would be delighted to act as your personal shopper! Please do let me know if you have any questions. Here is the link to our parish school Amazon Wishlist.

In Christ,
Alice

Christmas Season Schedule

St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr, Monday, December 26
Office closed
12:00 p.m., Holy Communion
St. John, Apostle & Evangelist, Tuesday, December 27
Office closed
12:00 p.m., Holy Communion
Holy Innocents Day, Wednesday, December 28
9:00 a.m., Office open
12:00 p.m., Holy Communion
Fourth Day of Christmas, Thursday, December 29
9:00 a.m., Office open
Circumcision of Christ, Sunday, January 1
8:30 a.m., Holy Communion
11:00 a.m., Holy Communion
Ninth Day of Christmas, Monday, January 2
Office closed
Tenth Day of Christmas, Tuesday, January 3
9:00 a.m., Office open
Eleventh Day of Christmas, Wednesday, January 4
9:00 a.m., Office open
6:00 p.m., Holy Communion
Twelfth Day of Christmas, Thursday, January 5
9:00 a.m., Office open
Epiphany, Friday, January 6
12:00 p.m., Holy Communion