 St Alban’s Episcopal Church Bolivar, Missouri Tuesday, November 22, 2022 Thank you! plus Advent in the wings – November 27 Confirmations – December 4 Thank You! Thanks to all of you for keeping it all together at St Alban’s while I was away. Special thanks for our three preachers, Ruth Lewis, Gale Roberts and Paula Shepard. Thanks also to Becca Cox for officiating at Morning Prayer, to Jolyn Hecht for leading conversation and to everyone who came and shared soup and discussion and friendship in Christ.   Advent begins THIS Sunday Advent comes from the Latin word, “adventus” which is translation of the Greek, ‘parousia” – which means, the “coming.” In scripture it refers to Christ’s coming again – but at this season, it refers also to the first coming of Jesus, the Son of God, in flesh, as a human infant. So we spend four weeks in preparation for the 12 days of Christmas (from December 25 to January 6, when we celebrate Epiphany, the “revelation” or “unveiling” of Christ the Lord to the Gentile magi – the “wise men.”) The liturgical color is either blue or purple – except for the third Sunday, which is rose-colored. There will be more about all of this as the season progresses. THIS SUNDAY we will have materials for Advent wreath making after church for any family or individual who doesn’t have one already – but there are also many other easy ways to create one that is unique to this year or to your own family – using four of any color or size of candles, plus greens or pine cones, succulents or bits of greenery from your Christmas tree or from other evergreens in your yard. What we want is to slow down the time and let it all build up to the great feast of Christmas -To that end we will also have family Advent devotion booklets for everyone – with a different one for those who are older with no children at home. We will also have Advent calendars for the children – If they try to answer the questions on the back first, and then open a single numbered window every day beginning December 1 they will have a good grasp on the story as it progresses. Some home-made Advent wreaths as examples –Use a bowl or a plate – add whatever you like -and any size candles. these happen to be white, but red is traditional, as are the three purple and one pink you see below.    Confirmation at Bishop Diane’s visit on December 4 There will be more to say about this – but briefly now: These are the name I have now for Confirmation.If your name is NOT on this list and you wish to be confirmed, please let me know this week – Jon and Mari Woosley for reception (confirmed already in the Roman Catholic Church) Eleanor Woosley Xavier Cox Jean Vincent Sandy Sherry Dana Rocha Lori Cohen We will be celebrating the feast of St Nicholas on the day Bishop Diane comes – After Eucharist we will have a festive potluck dinner for her – after which she will be happy to answer any of your questions – There will be a signup sheet for potluck food THIS SUNDAY – Please plan to come (and to bring something to share if you are able) We will also decorate St Nicholas cookies THIS SUNDAY November 27 after church, along with making the Advent wreaths – We will need help form adults and kids to make enough beautiful ones for December 4! |
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