News & Notes 12/15/2011
Dear St. John’s Folks,
Here’s all the news that’s “fit to send” today:
It’s anticipated that the “closing” on the piece of land in Farmington that was given to St. John’s as part of Russell Newell’s estate will take place tomorrow!! Some of the Trustees thought this day would never come. It’s been a long ordeal, and the brunt of the work has fallen on Gorham R. - the Chair of the Trustees! Thanks for your perseverance, Gorham!
Cheri N. is asking for some help: “Mark - can you put out a plea for people to help set-up poinsettias — to be at the church by 9:00 this Saturday 12/17. I also need people willing to deliver plants to shut-ins after Christmas - pick-up on Monday 12/26 AM between 9 to noon. Thanks! Cheri”
Remember that the “Rock My Soul” concert is this Saturday at 4pm at St. Johns. RMS is a non-profit group and proceeds from the show directly fund their charitable outreach program: they sing at hospice, rehab centers, nursing care facilities, soup kitchens, jails, and other locations for free, where folks may have the need for uplifting music but can’t necessarily afford to have it brought in. People can get tickets for this Saturday’s show on-line at www.rootsgospel.org or by calling or emailing Tina W. directly. She will put your name on a list and you simply give your name at the door upon arrival. She will collect monies from you after the show. Advance ticket sales are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, children 12 and under are free.
As we have a different Sunday School class join us for worship each month - in our effort to help children learn how to worship - we will welcome the 2nd, 3rd & 4th grade class into worship this week!! Why not look this Sunday for one of the class members (students or teachers), to make sure you welcome them to worship?
Does something seem different about this Advent season? Perhaps something, or someone, will be missing for Christmas; or maybe we can’t meet the emotional or financial expectations we see constantly on TV. If you feel that this Christmas just isn’t for you - of if you simply would like a deeper, more spiritual experience this season - then we welcome you to the Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, December 21 at 7:00 PM, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Through song, prayer and an invitation of the Holy Spirit we will celebrate the fact that the true gift of Christmas can’t be wrapped - only shared.
I happened to notice that no one has signed up for Coffee Fellowship for Christmas Day - after our 10:30 AM service. That would be a great day to visit with folks at church. Any takers? Please sign-up on the board next to the kitchen serving window.
Plans for our Christmas Eve celebrations are falling into place, as we plan three different celebrations - at 6:30, 9 & 11 PM - and the Carillon Concert at 8 PM. At 6:30 PM an angel returns to check up on “things” - to see how we’re doing following the arrival of the Christ, 2000 years ago. Rev. Earle C. will be leading our 9 PM service. And I’ll lead our 11 PM service which will conclude outdoors (weather permitting) in candlelight. At all three services we’ll celebrate the sacrament of Communion as a way of rejoicing over the gift to us of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
This is a rerun from a “Bell-Wether article: The offering that is received at any of the three Christmas Eve services - the loose plate offering as well as any gifts placed in “Christmas Offering” envelopes included in the last issue of “The Bell-Wether” - will be given to four local ministries that provide support year round for many of our neighbors in need. The money will be divided equally between the Counseling Center of the Dover-Rochester Area, the Dover SHARE Fund, the Dover Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry and the Somersworth Food Cupboard. This will NOT include gifts placed in “regular” offering envelopes on Christmas Eve or gifts placed in the “Christmas Offering” envelopes at any of the Sunday services. These monies will all undergird our day-to-day mission and ministry,, and help us finish 2011 in as good a “condition” as possible.
Remember that we’ll have a single service on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day - both at 10:30 AM. On Christmas everyone is invited/encouraged to bring a gift that they received, for a “blessing of the gifts.”
Just a reminder that Sunday School will not be offered on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
This will be in the January issue of “The Bell-Wether,” but it’s probably something that needs to be shared more than once - to make sure folks remember:
As of January 1, 2012, St. John’s office hours will be changed to:
Monday - 9 AM until 4:30 PM
Tuesday to Friday - 9 AM until 2:30 PM
Our Office Manager, Sandy Dearborn, will be available during those hours (except 9 AM to noon on Monday). And an extra note: Sandy will be missing from the office for three to six weeks, beginning December 30th, as she will be having surgery. Please hold her in your prayers - for a successful, and uneventful surgery, and for a speedy and thorough healing.
Donna B. shared these crucial life questions with me. I hope you’ll help me understand them (there’ll be more coming in future weeks):
Can you cry under water?
Why do you have to “put your two cents in”… but it’s only a “penny for your thoughts”? Where’s that extra penny going to?
Once you’re in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box ?
And what disease did cured ham actually have?
Please forward your answers as soon as possible. Inquiring minds want to know!!
That’s it for today. See you in church. Peace, Mark