December What s Inside... The Rector s Word...p.2. Parish Bulletin Board...p. 3. Outreach...p. 5. Monthly Calendar...p. 6

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1 December 2013 What s Inside... The Rector s Word...p.2 Parish Bulletin Board....p. 3 Outreach......p. 5 Monthly Calendar......p. 6 Liturgical Participants...p. 7 Submissions of photos, announcements and/or articles for The Messenger are always welcome for consideration. We invite your contributions by the 10th day of the month prior to anne@stmarkssouthborough.org. We d love to hear from you!

THE RECTOR S WORD by Phil LaBelle For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a savior which is Christ the Lord.

These words from Luke s Gospel in the King James Bible are the ones that come to mind whenever I think of the Christmas story.

And I can also picture Linus coming out onto the stage to recite these words when he explains what Christmas is really about to Charlie Brown. Good tidings of great joy for all people.

2 THE RECTOR S WORD by Phil LaBelle For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a savior which is Christ the Lord. Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord. These words from Luke s Gospel in the King James Bible are the ones that come to mind whenever I think of the Christmas story. I can easily see the angel speaking these words to the shepherds during the cold of a winter s night. And I can also picture Linus coming out onto the stage to recite these words when he explains what Christmas is really about to Charlie Brown. Good tidings of great joy for all people. Again and again we are reminded in Scripture that Jesus came into the world to bring us life. To offer us overwhelming joy. To reunite us with God. The work of his incarnation was to live among us God in human form in order to offer us wholeness. I think at times we no longer believe the angel s words. Or, if nothing else, they are much too familiar for us. Yet I think those words are as true today as they were then. God has given us unbelievably wonderful news. God has sent a child into the world so that we might be filled with unspeakable joy. God has sent his son so that our lives can be transformed. That s the message of Christmas. Very God of Very God came down from heaven to offer us life. What s holding us back from realizing this is our own fear, our own distrust. How crazy is it to believe that a crying newborn is God s gift of life for us? How irrational is it to believe that the world we live in can be made whole? Do not be afraid, the angel says to the shepherds, says to us. Don t fret. God incarnate has come into the world to bring joy and peace. He s come to bring love. And ultimately how we respond is entirely up to us alone. Will we stay out in the dark cold night, pulling the blanket tighter around our shoulders? Or will we run once again to the stable, and look with awe at the babe in the manger, at the one who it s been promised will bring us great joy? Phil + VIEW FROM THE VESTRY by Sue Pearl, Clerk At their October meeting your vestry: Heard plans for Consecration Sunday. Discussed how to be good stewards of the endowment left to St. Mark s by Mr. Fay and how to offset the deficit in the 2013 budget. Formed a nominating committee to fill officer and vestry positions opening up in January. The Romano Family for mailing out the hard copies of The Messenger every month. 2

at 9:45am, Followed by a potluck brunch The next baptismal Sunday is Epiphany on January 12th.

Contributions for Christmas Flowers Donations in honor of a loved one or a special event to offset the cost of the Christmas flowers adorning the church will be gratefully accepted.

Adult Forum: Christmas Cookie Decorating December 22 at 9:45 AM Bring along your favorite icing and sprinkles and create edible masterpieces some to share with your family and some to be delivered to

This is the only time that the children run through the script and learn their roles, so please make every effort to attend! The Christmas Pageant is held at the 4pm worship service on December 24th.

3 PARISH BULLETIN BOARD St. Mark s Annual Christmas Pageant CHRISTMAS EVE 4pm Christmas Pageant and Holy Eucharist 10pm Festival Eucharist CHRISTMAS DAY 9:45am Christmas Day Eucharist FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS December 29 at 9:45am, Followed by a potluck brunch The next baptismal Sunday is Epiphany on January 12th. Parents wishing to have their child(ren) baptized on that Sunday should contact the church office at or sheila@stmarkssouthborough.org. Contributions for Christmas Flowers Donations in honor of a loved one or a special event to offset the cost of the Christmas flowers adorning the church will be gratefully accepted. Please contact the church office at or sheila@stmarkssouthborough.org by December 16th. Adult Forum: Christmas Cookie Decorating December 22 at 9:45 AM Bring along your favorite icing and sprinkles and create edible masterpieces some to share with your family and some to be delivered to our shut-ins. A sign-up sheet for Christmas Pageant roles is now on the table in the Parish Hall. Pageant Rehearsal and Costume Pick-Up will be held on Saturday, December 21st from 10AM until 11:30. This is the only time that the children run through the script and learn their roles, so please make every effort to attend! The Christmas Pageant is held at the 4pm worship service on December 24th. Please arrive in costume and meet in the Parish Hall by 3:30pm. This will be the opportunity to take photos of the children in costume as no photos will be allowed during the service. Once again, our newsletter editor will take photos at the service and make them available from the web site. Parents might also want to arrive closer to 3pm to find seating in the church. If you can help or if you have any questions, please contact Gabriela Dunn at gabriela.dunn@verizon.net. It s hard to believe we are talking about year end already! As of October 31st, St. Mark's had received 84% of pledged income. If you would like an update of your pledge status, please contact our Parish Administrator, Sheila Holland, at or sheila@stmarkssouthborough.org. Also, please remember that, for 2013 tax purposes, contributions must be postmarked by December 31. If you haven t yet pledged for 2014, please do so as soon as possible. The finance committee is working hard to budget for the coming year. Thank you! Don t miss the St. Mark s Christmas experience! Join us on Sunday, December 29th at 9:45am, when St. Mark s choir will again present the Festival of Lessons and Carols, a Christmas music tradition that has been enjoyed by audiences worldwide for almost 100 years. A potluck brunch will follow. 3

Jennifer Peoples, and Patrick Taylor & Jaquelyn Daly When you see them, be sure to introduce yourself and say hello!

Laura Everett, an ordained UCC minister, is the Executive Director of the Mass. Council of Churches and a very dynamic speaker.

4 PARISH BULLETIN BOARD (CON T.) During our services on November 24th we officially welcomed: Chris & Kristin Nichols Elise & Chris Morgan Jason & Corlene Hosmer Eileen & Roy Prefontaine Jason & Jennifer Peoples, and Patrick Taylor & Jaquelyn Daly When you see them, be sure to introduce yourself and say hello! Live a Better Story The Ecumenical Movement and How Churches Work Together Presented by Laura Everett Mass. Council of Churches Sunday, December 8 at 9:45 AM Rev. Laura Everett, an ordained UCC minister, is the Executive Director of the Mass. Council of Churches and a very dynamic speaker. To read her bio go to masscouncilofchurches.wordpress.com/ staff/. She also has an extensive online presence and can be followed on Twitter Feel like your life is moving forward on auto-pilot and you re not sure you like the direction? After January 1st Phil LaBelle will start an 8-week small group called, Storyline, to explore these questions. Sign up in the Parish House foyer. 4

OUTREACH Youth Group Caroling and Cookie Delivery Sunday, December 22, Time: TBD We ll meet at the church and together head over to Beaumont in Northborough to spread some Christmas cheer!

Only about 3% of that, or $20 billion, would solve the world s water problems. Our outreach partner for the month of December is Living Water International. Learn more about their work at https://www.

.. 2013 Hope for the Holidays United Way Look for the Tree in the Parish Hall. Choose a tag and go shopping!

We ll meet in the church parking lot at 6:25pm and arrive at DYS by 6:45 to decorate and prepare refreshments.

In addition, we ll bring gift bags from the Giving Tree and personal notes of Christmas wishes and prayers from the Youth Group. Then we ll clean up and be back on the road by around 8PM.

5 OUTREACH Youth Group Caroling and Cookie Delivery Sunday, December 22, Time: TBD We ll meet at the church and together head over to Beaumont in Northborough to spread some Christmas cheer! To be followed by pizza and fellowship back at the Parish House. Don t miss it! Americans will spend about $600 billion on Christmas this year. Only about 3% of that, or $20 billion, would solve the world s water problems. Our outreach partner for the month of December is Living Water International. Learn more about their work at All loose plate money will be donated to this worthwhile cause. Please give generously. THANK YOU!! This Christmas, make a difference in a young person s life Hope for the Holidays United Way Look for the Tree in the Parish Hall. Choose a tag and go shopping! Then, place the gift(s), unwrapped, with tags attached, back under the Tree by the date specified on the tag. Thank you!...with a visit to the DYS facility in Westborough on Thursday, December 18. We ll meet in the church parking lot at 6:25pm and arrive at DYS by 6:45 to decorate and prepare refreshments. A Straight Ahead minister will join us to lead prayers and activities, and there will be an opportunity to simply talk to the kids and learn their stories. In addition, we ll bring gift bags from the Giving Tree and personal notes of Christmas wishes and prayers from the Youth Group. Then we ll clean up and be back on the road by around 8PM. For more information, contact Michael Lindgren at michaeltlindgren@yahoo.com. Prepare the Way of the Lord Making Time for God December 14, 9 AM 3 PM Bethany House, Arlington, MA Reserve time for God in the midst of the rush and come to Bethany House in Arlington to enjoy a day of reflection, good company and good food. Helen Netos will be the leader for the Quiet Day. Cost will be a maximum of $50, minimum of 10 people required. If there are 10+, the cost will be less. Make reservations by AtTheWatersEdgeAdultEd@gmail.com 5

S t. M a r k ' s E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h December 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 9:45am Advent Wreath Making 2 3 9am Parish Administration & Program Mtg 4 5 7pm

6 S t. M a r k ' s E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h December 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 9:45am Advent Wreath Making 2 3 9am Parish Administration & Program Mtg 4 5 7pm Adult Choir 6 7 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Bargain Box Bag Sale 10-2PM am Parish Administration & Program Mtg 7pm Adult Choir 9am 3pm Making Time for God, Bethany House am Parish Administration & Program Mtg 7pm Vestry Meeting 7pm Visit to DYS Facility w/ Straight Ahead Ministries 7pm Adult Choir 10am Pageant Rehearsal & Costume Pick-up :45am Christmas Cookie Decorating 3pm YG Caroling & Cookie Delivery 4pm Christmas Pageant and Eucharist 10pm Festival Eucharist CHRISTMAS DAY 9:45am Holy Eucharist 10am Food Pantry :45am Festival of Lessons & Carols Potluck brunch to follow No Sunday School NEW YEAR S EVE

7 L i t u r g i c a l P a r t i c i p a n t S c h e d u l e December 2013 December 1st December 8th December 15th December 22nd December 24th Christmas Eve December 25th Christmas Day Greeter/ Ushers 8:45am Kevin & Gabriela Dunn/Tim Kinslow & D.J. Root 10:45am Carol Gustavson/Carol Gustavson & Mike Miller 8:45am Matt Pearl/Andrew Staley & Jerry Kane 10:45am Mary Coogan/ Anita & Robert Reeder 8:45am Kevin & Gabriela Dunn 10:45am Helen Seward/ Steve Nelson & David Ayers 8:45am Tim & Amanda Fargiano/Tim Kinlow, DJ Root 10:45am Anne Zettek/Anne Zettek & Carol Gustavson 4pm Kristin Romine/ Andrew Staley & Jerry Kane 10pm Anita & Robert Reeder/Steve Nelson & Mike Miller 10:45am TBD Lectors 7:45am Sandy Allen 8:45am Kevin Dunn 10:45am Dee Cameron David Ayers 7:45am Cindy Bechtel 8:45am Carol Pearl Sue Pearl 10:45am Jen Elliott Mary Coogan 7:45am Marta von Loewenfeldt 8:45am Tim Fargiano Andrea Farrell 10:45am Anne Zettek Mark Weiler 7:45am Sandy Allen 8:45am Jane Lesniewski Jerry Kane 10:45am Thomas St. George Anita Reeder 10pm David Ayers Dee Cameron 10:45am TBD Litanists 7:45am Sand Allen 8:45am Kevin Dunn 10:45am Anne Zettek 7:45am Cindy Bechtel 8:45am Sue Pearl 10:45am Mary Coogan 7:45am Marta von Loewenfeldt 8:45am Peter Zschokke 10:45am Mark Weiler 7:45am Sandy Allen 8:45am Jane Lesniewski 10:45am Dee Cameron 10pm Anita Reeder 10:45am TBD Chalice Bearers 7:45am Karen White 8:45am Kevin Dunn Gabriela Dunn 10:45am David Ayers Dee Cameron 7:45am Cindy Bechtel 8:45am Sue Pearl Carol Pearl 10:45am Mary Coogan Andrea Fitzpatrick 7:45am Marta von Loewenfeldt 8:45am Brian Barnhart Susan Barnhart 10:45am Laurin Baldwin Mark Weiler 7:45am Karen White 8:45am Andrea Farrell Jerry Kane 10:45am Anita Reeder Lorraine Tyner 4pm Kevin Dunn Gabriela Dunn 10pm David Ayers Marta von Loewenfeldt 10:45am TBD Acolyte/ Crucifer I 7:45am Karen White 8:45am Timothy Fargiano 10:45am Emily Miller 7:45am Cindy Becthel 8:45am Ryan Pearl 10:45am Ryan Miller 7:45am Marta von Loewenfeldt 8:45am Lucas Dunn 10:45am Danny Baldwin 7:45am Karen White 8:45am Megan Romine 10:45am Lauren Cumming 4pm Matt Pearl 10pm Emily Miller 10:45am Katherine Bottini Book/Plate 8:45am Stephanie Root 10:45am Ryan Miller 8:45am Cristina Bonfiglio 10:45am Stephie Kalinowski 8:45am Noah LaBelle Daniel Root 10:45am Keelan Baldwin 8:45am Ryan Pearl 10:45am Stephie Kalinowski 4pm Katie Hamlin Benjamin Zschokke 10pm Ryan Miller 10:45am Stephen Bottini Torches 8:45am Abby Barnes Natasha Ellis 10:45am Danny Baldwin Keelan Baldwin 8:45am Matt Pearl Kate Hamlin 10:45am Kate Kalinowski Emily Miller 8:45am Christian Dunn Benjamin Zschokke 10:45am Anna Stephens Katherine Bottini 8:45am Matt Pearl Abby Barnes 10:45am Connor Cumming Kate Kalinowski 4pm Alex Kinslow Ryan Pearl 10pm Evan Haas Chris Syers Altar Guild Karen White, Marcia Valente, Rosemary Nelson Karen White, Marcia Valente, Rosemary Nelson Karen White, Marcia Valente, Rosemary Nelson Karen White, Marcia Valente, Rosemary Nelson Karen White, Marcia Valente, Rosemary Nelson Karen White, Marcia Valente, Rosemary Nelson

Here s a peek at what s happening in... JANUARY Mark Your Calendars! 5th Join us for our children s Epiphany Party in the Parish Hall on Sunday, January 5th at 9:45am! No Church School that day.

8 Here s a peek at what s happening in... JANUARY Mark Your Calendars! 5th Join us for our children s Epiphany Party in the Parish Hall on Sunday, January 5th at 9:45am! No Church School that day. 29th Men s Kennedy s Pub will be held on January 29th at 7:30PM at Kennedy s Pub 247 Maple St., (Rte 85), Marlborough. Storyline: Live a Better Story series with Phil LaBelle begins. Dates and times TBD. The Messenger St. Mark s Episcopal Church 27 Main Street Southborough, MA Phone: Fax: sheila@stmarkssouthborough.org FIRST CLASS POSTAGE Staff Rev. Philip N. LaBelle, Rector Sheila Holland, Parish Administrator Gabriela Dunn, Director of Religious Education Micheal Hoffmann, Organist and Choirmaster Dave Holland, Sexton Sunday Worship Services 7:45am Holy Eucharist 8:45am Family Eucharist 9:45am Faith Formation/Coffee Hour 10:45am Choral Eucharist W E RE ON THE W EB! ARKSS OUTHBOROUGH. ORG F IND US ON FACEBOOK S T. MARK S SOUTHBOROUGH

In this issue. Newsletter Deadline

In this issue. Newsletter Deadline Summer 1 June 1, 2016 In this issue A word from the Rector. p.2 Summer Schedule. p.2 Outdoor worship... p.2 Iftar Celebration.. p.3 Sunday School Reg. p.3 Outreach...p.3 Parish Picnic...p.4 Rectory BBQs.p.4