The Advocate. From the Interim Rector. Friends,

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1 St. John Episcopal Church phone: (717) The Advocate D E C E M B E R MONT H L Y A D V O C A T E This newsletter is intended to update the members of St. John Episcopal Church on all of the things going on in our parish. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Interim Rector Friends, Though the Season after Pentecost this year definitely felt long, as always, the arrival of Advent seemed quick, at least to me. Perhaps this is due to all the activity at St. John that accompanied the weeks before Advent. Those weeks included the Feast of St. Francis, Octoberfest, All Saints Sunday with baptisms, Evensong and a concert, the fall Rummage Sale, the Annual Meeting of the Parish, the 2018 Freezer Sale, and Thanksgiving. Yes, we ve been busy (!), so no wonder Advent s arrival was quiet and inconspicuous. Advent Traditions St. John s Concert Series Search Comm. Update Daughters of the King Informational Meetings Fall Rummage Sale Update CROP Walk Update Ministry Coordinator Message Nov. Financial Rpt. Ballroom Dancing & Etiquette Classes Christmas Pageant Mahjong Christmas Services Year-end Contribution Information Advent Adult Forum Winter Weather Policy Parking Lot Reminder This was not an inappropriate way, of course, for Advent to slip into our midst once more. The two preparatory seasons of the Church Year invite us to prepare thoughtfully and deliberately for the two greatest feasts of our religion. It s time to look in and out, that we might take stock of and improve how we are witnessing to our faith. And so in Advent, like Lent, we take on things and give up things and do things, so that we and the world might be better, kinder and more loving. If you re looking for some inspiration for the work of this season and, indeed, the work our faith calls us to daily, then you need look no further than to the hymns of Advent and Christmas. Sing them with abandon and take note of the words, for many are the hymns that delight and inspire us at this time each year, including the one that begins, Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. May we all receive freedom, release and rest this season as we travel again unto Bethlehem. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas to all! Sincerely, Doug+

2 P A G E 2 St. John Advent Traditions St. Nicholas On Sunday, December 9, St. Nicholas of Myra will visit the children of St. John during the 10 o clock service. St. Nicholas will share his story and bring gifts for our children. We shall share with St. Nicholas our green quarter filled pouches and in his spirit of generosity share with a family or families in our community. Chrismon Tree Decorating We will be decorating the Chrismon tree on Sunday, December 9. We welcome you to join us to help during Coffee Fellowship. Mitten Tree & Christmas Tree We collect gloves, scarves and hats to be shared with those needing protection from the cold. The Mitten Tree will be located in the Commons. We also collect gifts for the children of Pressley Ridge. These gifts are to be wrapped and marked for a boy or girl and age group. Target and Walmart gift cards are always appreciated by teenagers. Monetary donations will also be accepted which Pressley Ridge will use to purchase individual gift cards. If you care to make a monetary donation (cash only), please place it in an envelope marked Pressley Ridge and put it in the offering plate on Sunday mornings. The gifts may be placed around the Mitten Tree or the Chrismon Tree which will both be found in the Commons. The last Sunday to bring gifts will be December 9 so there will be time to deliver the gifts before Christmas. St. John s historic sanctuary is a downtown destination for music as we host a variety of outstanding performers in our annual concert series. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us to experience these superb musical performances. March 10, PM Transfiguration Evensong followed by a recital by local young artists December 1, PM Christmas Jazz with Jeff Stabley Quartet featuring vocalist Dred Perky Scott January 20, PM Denise Dillenbeck, York Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster April 7, PM Peabody Conservatory Renaissance Ensemble from the Baltimore Peabody Conservatory of Music July 4, AM Community Independence Day Service featuring First Capital Brass T H E A D V O C A T E

3 P A G E 3 Search Committee Update The Search Committee has completed second interviews with the three finalist candidates and we have received references for all three. The committee meets in late November to prayerfully discern which candidate s name to recommend to the Vestry. To be perfectly honest, we are trusting in God s guidance as we find ourselves in a positive yet difficult situation in which we have been blessed to meet with three excellent candidates. The Vestry has decided to call a special meeting with communion on December 4 to learn of the Search Committee s recommendation. They will then meet at their usual time on December 11 when they may be able to make a decision and issue a call to a candidate. Thank you for your continued prayers for our work and the entire transition process at St. John Episcopal Church. FROM THE PARISH REGISTER Death Unto God s gracious mercy we commend D. James McCormack Mary E. Comfort Mary H. Goodwillie Baptism In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Liam Hunter Hillier Malcolm Edward Watson Lucy Elizabeth Watson Rebecca Hays Mailen Daughters of the King Apostles for Christ, St. John's chapter of Daughters of the King, will be having two informational meetings to introduce Daughters of the King to women in the parish. The two sessions will be held on Wednesday, December 12, at 11 AM and 6:30 PM in the Appell Chapel. Please come and join our gathering and let us share with you who Daughters are and what they do for our parish. If you have any questions, please contact either Alison Vedder at or Carolyn Hinton at The Fall Rummage Sale was a huge success making over $600! Thanks to those who donated items, sorted and priced items, worked the day of sale or contributed in any other way to help make this outreach ministry possible. Items not sold were turned over to Life Path Christian Ministries York Metro CROP Hunger Walk St. John Report St. John s walkers in this year s York Metro CROP Hunger Walk raised $2500 to help alleviate hunger in York and around the world! This is the largest amount we have raised for the CROP Hunger Walk. It also is the largest amount raised by any of the participating churches in this year s walk. Thanks to parishioners, family members and friends who supported our walkers with their generous contributions. Also, thanks to the following walkers: Claudia Parks, Susan Ariail, Scott Miller, Pete Partridge, Daniel Blakemore, Joe Blakemore, Edith Sielsch, Milton Leake and the Rev. Doug Dailey. Thanks to Ann Deisher and Susan Leake for assisting with walker registration at the walk. T H E A D V O C A T E

4 P A G E 4 From the Ministry Coordinator Advent starts December 2 this year and marks the beginning of the preparation of our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Please plan to join us and perhaps share your gifts of generosity as we gather as a parish family this special season. We will be blessed to have a visit from St. Nicholas of Myra on December 9 during the 10:00 worship service. The children delight in hearing his story and receiving special treats. On December 9 we will also be collecting the green pouches (that you have been filling all year with quarters) to brighten the holidays for those in need in the community. Our Outreach Committee feels strongly about helping children and will find a meaningful use for these monies. You are also invited to bring a wrapped gift for a child and place it under the large Christmas tree in the Commons marking for whether it is for a boy or girl and what age group it is appropriate for. A hat and mitten tree will also be in place in the Commons for you to add gifts of warmth for children. Target and Walmart gift cards are always appreciated by teenagers. Monetary donations will also be accepted which Pressley Ridge will use to purchase individual gift cards. If you care to make a monetary donation (cash only), please place it in an envelope marked Pressley Ridge and put it in the offering plate on Sunday mornings. All of these gifts are appreciated by Pressley Ridge. The last Sunday to bring gifts will be December 9 so there will be time to deliver the gifts before Christmas. Some information about Pressley Ridge: Since 1832, Pressley Ridge has done whatever it takes to create success for children, adults and families. Pressley Ridge s innovative programming helps to rebuild communities and families who are facing difficult challenges and complex situations. From mental health and foster care services to residential treatment facilities and education for children with special needs, including autism and deafness, Pressley Ridge empowers nearly 8,000 kids and families each year with the ability and confidence to succeed. Pressley Ridge serves communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. For more information about this organization you may go to their website at Pressley Ridge is located at 141 E. Market St., York, PA and these gifts will be shared locally. The following are some gift ideas for the season which fits every budget: As always, the gift card program will be accessible for those stocking stuffers. We have Giant, Weis, Amazon, Cracker Barrel, Dunkin Donuts, Panera Bread, Starbucks and Target. For those of you who are fairly new to St. John, we have items from past fundraisers available. If you are interested, please let me know. Afghan - $20, Cat s Meow - $10, Pewter Bread Plates - $25, St. John print circa 1964 painting -$30 and St. John navy blue t-shirts - $5 (no mediums available). Don t forget our current fundraiser of mugs and notecards (pack of 10 w/envelopes) - $15 each. Christmas Eve is on Monday, December 24 with two services. The Family Christmas Eve Eucharist with Nativity Pageant will be at 4:00 PM and the Music of Christmas will begin at 7:30 PM with the Festival Eucharist beginning at 8:00 PM. Please see the full schedule for this glorious season on page 6. We realize this is a busy time of year but please set aside time to remember the true meaning of Christmas and join us as often as your schedule permits. Peace and blessings, Alison ministrycoord@stjohnyork.org T H E A D V O C A T E

5 P A G E 5 FINANCIAL REPORT OF SUNDAY COLLECTION NOVEMBER 2018 REPORT Actual Monthly Collection $ 28, Budgeted Monthly Collection $ 31, ********** Actual Year-to-Date Collection $311, Budgeted Year-to-Date Collection $344, Avg. Nov Sunday Attendance 129 Avg. Nov Sunday Attendance 121 Avg Sunday Attendance 128 Avg Sunday Attendance 136 Our Daily Bread On November 27, our workers served 204 meals to needy persons in downtown York. They were able to have a respite from the cold, windy day and enjoy a hot meal of hotdog and bean casserole, macaroni salad, bread & butter or peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, homemade chocolate chip cookies, coffee, hot tea and Grapple" (mixed grape & apple juice). Diners are allowed to go through the line as often as they wish. Thanks to the parishioners who provided the casseroles for the meal. Thanks also to the following persons who served and cleaned up after the meal: Sue Krebs, Jerri-Lee McCleary, Susan Leake, Peggy Ruth, Michael Jerrard and Milton Leake. Ballroom Dancing & Etiquette Classes Ballroom Dancing & Etiquette Classes will be held in the Parish Hall for 8 weeks beginning January 7, 2019 from 6 7 PM. This program is for children and youth in grades Total cost for 8 weeks is $110 and preregistration is required. For more information or to register, pick up a copy of the brochure on the table in the Commons or it is available on the St. John website. In last month s Advocate, Claudia Parks name was inadvertently cut off from the bottom of the article she wrote regarding the Lyra Concert and her experience hosting one of the musicians overnight at her house. Apologies for the omission, Claudia! The Children & Youth Formation Committee is organizing a Christmas Pageant which will be presented at the 4 PM service on Christmas Eve. Children and adults are welcome to be part of the pageant. We hope all families will be able to join in this time honored tradition. Rehearsals for the pageant will take place in lieu of Christian Formation on Sundays during Advent beginning December 2. If you have an interest in learning the game of Mahjong, please meet in the Parish Hall after the 10 o clock service on December 9 to discuss dates and times. T H E A D V O C A T E

6 P A G E 6 CHRISTMAS Invite a friend The Advent and Christmas seasons are times when people who do not normally attend a church visit churches to share in the celebration. Studies show people will come to church if someone invites them and if they are made to feel welcome. Why not share what gives meaning and hope to your life? During this holy time of the year, invite someone to come to church with you. Christmas Eve 4:00 PM Our children will tell the Christmas story in the context of a family oriented celebration of the Eucharist. We are grateful to those who are working hard to assist our children to tell the story of that night long ago when the wonder of God was revealed in a child born in a manger. Music of Christmas 7:30 PM The St. John choirs under the direction of Rodney Barnett lift our Spirits to that place where we know the powerful presence of God as they share with us the beautiful music of Christmas. Festival Solemn Choral Eucharist 8:00 PM This festival service is the highlight of our Christmas celebration. The service does incorporate all the senses with candlelight and the use of incense. As we move from Christmas Eve into the dawn of a new day we lift our voices in praise to God who has caused a new creation revealed in the Christ Child. Christmas Day 10 AM We celebrate Christmas with carols and Communion. T H E A D V O C A T E

7 P A G E 7 Year-end Contribution Information The Internal Revenue Service requires our Financial Administrator to close the contribution records for 2018 on December 31. Contributions postmarked on or before will be included in the 2018 contributions year. Please be aware of this requirement if you wish to have your contribution recorded in the 2018 year. Advent Adult Forum All adults are invited to join the Advent Adult Forum this month! As a church, we undertake a number of outreach efforts during Advent, as detailed in this newsletter, and reaching out to those in need is one of the traditional disciplines of the two preparatory seasons of the church year, Advent and Lent. The Advent Adult Forum will enable parishioners to learn more about some of the community helping organizations we support on an ongoing basis, including Our Daily Bread and Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA). In addition, we also will be learning about an organization that could use our support, Family Promise of York. Founded in 2015, Family Promise serves homeless families with children, helping them get reestablished in a home. Winter Weather Policy The parish professional staff will follow the York City School policy for delay or closing due to winter weather during weekdays. In regard to services, the Interim Rector or Senior Warden will be responsible for determining whether or not services are cancelled. Information will be made available on WGAL.COM or their mobile app, but not on TV. If you are attending a meeting at the church and question whether or not the meeting is cancelled, please contact the leader of that particular group. In all instances, use your best judgment and caution when traveling. It is hoped that learning more about important helping organizations in our community, we as a church will be more able to support their good work. The Advent Adult Forum will meet in the Appell Chapel on the first four Sunday mornings of this month (12/2, 12/9, 12/16 and 12/23) from 9 to 9:50 AM. There will not be any formation classes on Sunday, December 30. Parking Lot Reminder One of our greatest assets as a parish sits across the street from the building the parking lot. As a downtown church we are truly blessed to provide a place for parking. The parking lot also provides a large income to the operating budget. The parking lot is rented and managed by Brockie Reality during weekday business hours. A number of spaces are reserved daily for church activities during the time the lot is rented. When coming downtown during the week, you may park in the lot if you are coming to the church simply tell the attendant. Otherwise, parking is available in the lot for a fee payable to the parking attendant. Evening and weekend parking is free. Thank you for your cooperation. St. John Episcopal Church (717)

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