CalvaryEpiscopal Church Pascoag, RI |
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Calvary Episcopal Church Pascoag, RI |
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CALVARY
NEWS Calvary Crossings December 2008 Newsletter Vicar’s Report The Trinity is speaking: “When we three spoke ourself into human existence as the Son of God, we became fully human. We also chose to embrace all the limitations that this entailed. Even though we have always been present in this created universe, we now became flesh and blood. It would be like this bird, whose nature it is to fly, choosing only to walk and remain grounded. He doesn’t stop being the bird, but it does alter his experience of life significantly…although by nature he is fully God, Jesus is fully human and lives as such…That is why his name is Immanuel, God with us, or God with you…My purpose from the beginning was to live in you and you in me.” (The Shack, pps. 99 and 112). As we enter into Advent on November 30th, we begin the preparations for the incarnation, the indwelling of God, as Jesus Christ, in our midst. But, it goes beyond the historical presence of Jesus Christ at a certain time and place. As the author says in the book, The Shack, it is God’s fervent hope and delight that God may dwell in us and we in God. God gives us hope by connecting us to God’s self, and also connecting us to one another in love. As you may know, God is love. So, whenever true love is found, God is found. The incarnation or birth of Christ is another example of true love, sacrifice, delight and desire to be in relationship with us. We, however, must choose “yes” to that invitation. May we say “yes” to the indwelling of God in us this day and every day to come. Faithfully yours, Pastor Mary Canavan CONFIRMATIONS AND RECEPTIONS On Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf will be confirming and receiving people desiring such official membership in the church. The ceremony will be held at the Cathedral of St. John in Providence (273 N. Main Street). If you would like to be confirmed or received, please contact Pastor Mary. Sunday School News Many of the children in the Sunday school have chosen parts for our Christmas Pageant which will be held during the 9:30 am service on December 21st. However, we still have no wise men. If you know of a child (or adult) who would enjoy the part, please let me know. All of the children should have received copies of the lyrics to the songs we will be singing. Please see me if you need another copy. Donations for the food closet have been slow in coming, for this reason we will extend the collections through the month of December. The lessons for the month of December, for the younger children will be: November 30- Making Advent Calendars (preparing for our Saviour's birth) Rehersal for Pageant during Coffee Hour December 7- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL A special visit from St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) is planned- bring your cameras! December 14- Reflecting the love of Christ- ( follows the Gospel reading) December 21- CHRISTMAS PAGEANT- PLEASE ARRIVE By 9:10 AM - so all children are in costume! December 28- Celebration -A Child is Born Please look for the announcement of a Special EVENT this month being held one evening for all the children! Thank you to all of the parents and parishoners who have offered to help make our Sunday School year successful. Leigh-Ann Plante Victorian Holiday Saturday, November 29, 2008 at Veterans Park in Pascoag, 3:30 - 8:30. Come and join in a stroll around downtown Pascoag, as it is magically transformed to a time 150 years ago. There are many activities for children, beautiful music from church choirs, and a hayride, all free. Also, for the first time ever, Calvary Church will be included as a trolley stop. Please stop by and say hello! HOLIDAY BAZAAR The Bazaar chairs, Ruth Lambert, Muriel Kogut, and Melanie Kohler, thank all who helped with the bazaar. Together we had a lot of fun AND made over $3,000 for the church!! Your enthusiasm, hard work, patience, and assistance, made it the success that it is. Thank you everyone who helped in the kitchen, gave gifts for the silent auction and the raffle table. Special thanks to those who contributed baskets and made the beautiful knitted and crocheted items. The artwork, painted and stained glass, was exquisite. Thank you to everyone who helped with the Bazaar Program Book and with publicity. Thank you to those who helped set up and break down. We could not have done this without all of you!!! ADVENT LITURGY Beginning on the First Sunday of Advent (November 30th) and continuing throughout Advent, we will use the New Zealand version of The Lord's Prayer. Also, before worship begins, we will have the lighting of the Advent Wreath. At the 8:00 worship on November 30th, we will worship using "Rite 1" found on pageof the Book of Common Prayer.During Advent the "Gloria" is not said.You will note other changes in the liturgy, as well." Saint Nicholas Day On Sunday, December 7th, we will be celebrating Saint Nicholas Day. Saint Nicholas will be visiting Calvary Church at the 9:30 a.m. service and he will be telling the story of how he came to be called “Santa Claus.” Photos with Santa (Saint Nicholas) and the children will follow immediately after the 9:30 worship service. Please bring your camera for pictures of your children/grandchildren with Santa. Children’s Christmas Pageant On Sunday, December 21st at the 9:30 a.m. worship, the children will be presenting the Gospel message in a dramatic re-telling of the Christmas story. Please join us for this festive occasion. If your child would like to participate, please contact Leigh-Ann Plante (LeighPlante@cox.net or 710-7150) as soon as possible. Look for full details about the Christmas Pageant further in this newsletter. Christmas Services ADVENT 4 will be celebrated on Sunday, December 21st at 8 and 9:30 a.m. with the Christmas Pageant at the 9:30 a.m. worship. CHRISTMAS EVE will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 24th at 4:00 p.m. 1st SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS, December 28, 2008, will be celebrated with one worship service at 9:00 a.m. ONE SERVICE ONLY! 2nd SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS, January 4, 2009, will be celebrated with our normal two worship services at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. BAPTISMS The next baptism date is Sunday, January 11, 2009, in commemoration of the Baptism of Jesus Christ on that day. If you know someone who would like to be baptized on this date, please contact Pastory Mary (568-3888, ext 3). 53rd WEEK HEAT In your offering envelopes (if you have a box of them) there is an extra envelope for the month of December for you to consider giving an additional donation to offset the cost of heating the church in the winter. We hope you will consider such a donation. If you do not use offering envelopes, please consider making an additional donation to offset the cost of heating the church. Thank you so much! CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS Included in this newsletter is a form for you to remember your loved ones who have gone before you or to give thanks for your family, friends, and bounty of blessings. Please fill out the form and either include it with your donation in the offering plate or mail it to the office by Sunday, December 21, 2008. A listing of your loved ones/thanksgivings will be prepared for the worship services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. LORD'S PRAYER (New Zealand Version) Eternal Spirit Earth-Maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all. Loving God, in whom is heaven. The hallowing of your name echoes through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the earth! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen. From the Book of Common Prayer of New Zealand. DECEMBER
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Anniversaries: CHRISTMAS
MEMORIALS & THANKSGIVINGS FORM |
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Calvary Episcopal Church Welcomes You 158 Broad St., Pascoag, RI 02859 |
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