Dearly Beloved,
We have canceled Advent Lessons & Carols, which was scheduled for this coming Sunday, December 6. As a consequence, the St. Nicholas Party, which immediately follows that event, has also been canceled. On Thanksgiving Day, one of our choir members was unknowingly exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 but that member was not aware of this until this week. I was immediately informed regarding this matter and we had the member tested. Thank the Lord that test came back negative. The test results, however, did not return until Thursday. Exercising caution, we canceled Wednesday night choir practice. Unfortunately, that meant the choir could not be properly prepared for Lessons & Carols, which is the reason we have canceled the Sunday evening events. Lessons & Carols is our yearly showcase of the talents of our choir and it is certainly disappointing to not have it this year. I would like to thank Todd, our choirmaster, and all the members of the choir for their incredible hard work over the past 2 months preparing for this event. Todd and I have discussed other ways for the choir to make an impact here at All Saints. Perhaps one of those ways will come to fruition sooner rather than later!
A Word of COVID Caution
We have been very blessed to be able to keep our church open since the end of April with all of our protocols in place to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID. As we begin to close up our houses and buildings due to dropping temperatures, and as COVID cases are rising, I must ask all of you to exercise great care and caution when around others. The last thing we need is to have an outbreak of this disease tied to our beloved parish. If we wish to maintain operating as we have been, without extreme restrictions, through the remainder of Advent and into the Christmas season, there is a simple way to help ensure everyone’s safety. If you or a member of your household is sick, for any reason whatsoever, please stay home. DO NOT come to church. Make use of our live-stream on Sunday morning until the illness has passed. We are now in the season where colds and flu are beginning to make the rounds and there really is no way, without testing, to be certain one does not have COVID.
Angel Tree
Thanks to all of you for your generosity in responding to our Angel Tree outreach. Remember, the deadline for returning the gifts is this coming Sunday, December 6. Gifts must be unwrapped, with the angel tree ornament attached to them.
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Our Wednesday night Bible study will finish its study of St. Paul’s 1st Epistle to Timothy this coming Wednesday, December 9. After this week, adult Bible study will be on break until Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Dinner is not being served on Wednesdays at this time. Please bring your own meal for the dinner break. The microwave and stove are available for warming your dinner.
Sunday School
All Sunday School classes will be back in session this coming Sunday.
Visiting Priest
This coming Sunday, Fr. Scott Greene, from Kingsport, Tennessee, will be
visiting with us. Fr. Scott has been assigned, by Bishop Grundorf, to work with me for him to gain experience and knowledge in the life and witness of a local parish. I look forward to having him here with us over the next several months and I know all of you will welcome him with open arms. It is always a blessing to be able to guide and encourage a young priest as he embarks on his life-long service to the Church and God’s children.
Upcoming Events
Here is a list of all of our upcoming events (other than church on Sundays & Wednesdays!) for the rest of December:
- December 14, Vestry Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
- December 19, Christmas Tree Setup, 10:00 a.m.
- December 20, Vestry Installation, 11:00 a.m.
- December 20, Greening & Decorating of the Church, 12:15 p.m.
- December 21, St. Thomas Day, Holy Communion, 12:00 p.m.
- December 24, Family Eucharist of Christmas, 7:00 p.m.
- December 24, Christmas Mass at Midnight, 11:00 p.m.
- December 25, Mass of Christmas Day, 10:00 a.m.
- December 26, St. Stephen’s Day, Holy Communion, 12:00 p.m.
- December 28, Holy Innocents Day, Holy Communion, 12:00 p.m.
That is all I have this week to keep you up-to-date about what is happening here at All Saints. Pray for one another and for all those who need and desire our prayers.
Blessings,
Fr. Erich
This Week in the Parish
Sunday, December 6, Second Sunday in Advent
8:30 a.m. Holy Communion: in person
9:45 a.m. Sunday School Classes
11:00 a.m. Holy Communion: in person and live-streamed
Tuesday, December 8
11:00 a.m., Holy Communion: limited seating
Wednesday, December 9
6:00 p.m., Holy Communion: in person and live-streamed
6:30 p.m., Dinner break
6:30 p.m., Choir Practice
7:00 p.m., Bible Study
