The Lampstand December 2014

Transcription

1 Search. Serve. Celebrate. The Lampstand December 2014 Advent and Christmastide at St. Edward s December 14 (Sunday) Christmas Brunch following the service (watch for details) December 17 (Wednesday) Blue Christmas Service Join us as we pray for those (including ourselves) who might not be very happy through the holiday season for whatever reason. December 21 (Sunday) Christmas Lessons and Carols (watch for details) A hybrid Sunday Service and Lessons and Carols service. December 24 (Wednesday) Christmas Eve 5:00 pm Service (Carols beginning at 4:30 pm). 11:00 pm Service (Carols beginning at 10:30 pm) December 25 (Thursday) Christmas Day No services January 4 (Sunday) Epiphany Play

2 2 From the Priest in Charge Brothers and Sisters, I write to you all with such joy in my heart!! We have had an amazing successful Stewardship campaign. I am so very thankful to Lynne Whitacre and Debbie Enyeart for their amazing leadership with this year s campaign. While we did not meet our goal, we have seen a 40% increase in household pledges!! This is AMAZING, thank you and congratulations to you all! We will turn our eyes from turkey and trimmings to the traditions that come with Christmas. Traditions are a major part of Christmas the trimming of the tree, singing of carols, baking those special things that you and your family enjoy. and also bringing you and your families to St. Edward s for Christmas services. We are trying something new, and having a 5:00 pm Eucharist with 4:30 pm carols, AND an 11:00 Eucharist with 10:30 pm carols. It is so amazing that we have the energy and enthusiasm to bring on a new service. When I was growing up, the 11:00 pm Mass was so special. Not only did we go to church at a time when everyone else was asleep, but also it was a time of quiet reflection and rejoicing in how the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. After communion the lights were turned off and we all lit candles as we sang Silent Night. But what I remember more is what the church looked and smelled like. Incense was surrounding our prayers, and the church was trimmed with greens with bright red bows. But there was one special place that I remember. It was not where everyone would see it, but off to the side of the entrance of the church was a small figurine. It was Santa kneeling at Jesus manger. Every year I would stop and just look intently on that figurine. As I reflect on it now, it does amaze me what a profound message it was conveying. The commercialism of Christmas is here to stay, but this holiday would not exist if it were not for Jesus being born. It was this figurine that showed me that the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus birth. The present shopping, cooking, trips to the airport, and all the other things that happen during the Christmas Day are just like Santa we come to worship the newborn King. This small child born was so profound that 2000 years later we are still sharing, and living the ways that he taught. He taught us to live with Love in our Hearts, to care for one another. This year I gave myself an early birthday present and purchased my own small figurine. It is not the same as the one I remember but the message is still the same. continued on page 5 December 2014 The Lampstand

3 3 Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance Often the holidays are difficult for many people dealing with grief or loss. Digital Advent Calendar: A daily word and meditation, accompanied by a stunning image, delivered daily to your inbox. Invite friends and members of your congregation to subscribe to a daily so they can tune into the true meaning of this Christmas season. Pinterest Advent Calendar: Each day on Pinterest, we will reveal a special Advent word, meditation, and beautiful image, along with instructions for how to connect online to additional meditations. In partnership with The Episcopal Learn more at Advent resources: adventwordresources.html This service is for everyone and anyone dealing with loss, grief, or going through the Holiday season is difficult. We will come together to pray, build community and share Eucharist and you are invited and welcomed December 17, :00 PM St. Edward the Confessor Episcopal Church 865 Ferndale Rd. N. Wayzata, MN With any questions please `` frjasonlucas@stedwards-mn.org Help adorn our church for Christmas In this issue: From the Priest in Charge...p. 2 Advent and Christmastide...p. 1, 3 Parish News...p. 3, 5 Stewardship...p. 4 Monthly Calendar...p. 6-7 English Tea...p. 8 Outreach...p. 9 Prayers of the People...p. 10 Eucharistic Servers...p. 11 Dates to Remember...back cover Please consider making a donation for flowers or greens at Christmas in memory of loved ones or for any other reason. Envelopes are in the Gathering Space. The Lampstand December 2014

4 4 Stewardship update and thank you! Our 2014 Stewardship Campaign officially ended on November 2, and pledges are still being received. The response shows we are deeply committed to St. Edward s. As of our report to the congregation on November 23: 28 pledges have been recorded. 75% pledged their talent to continue volunteer activities or to start new ones. $105,225 has been pledged against a goal of $125, % increased their pledges over last year. Among the pledges of talent were people volunteering for our renewed Lay Eucharistic and Prayer Shawl ministries. Others have offered to plan activities, to serve on the Vestry or the Finance Committee, and to work on variety of outreach events. Still others have pledged to continue or to begin serving as readers, chalice bearers, choir members, ushers, and other roles in our services. This was the first time we asked for pledges of talent for ad hoc or as-needed activities, and many have offered to help with a wide range of services. As a result we have lists of people available to help with phone trees; sewing, ironing and laundry; various office or administrative tasks; and clean-up events. Pledges are still welcome. If you have not pledged and have misplaced your packet, please contact the church office for a new packet. Thank you to everyone for your commitment to St. Edward s! Lynne and Debbie December 2014 The Lampstand

5 Save the Dates! Christmas Brunch: Sunday, December 14 The brunch will be after church. All food will be provided. Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 25 Annual reports are due by January 13. Don t forget the Epiphany Play! 5 From the Priest in Charge (from page 2) -- Our annual Epiphany Play is coming up on Sunday, January 4, This intergenerational event is always a special time for all. If you are interested in participating in any way, please contact Lynne Whitacre. I am so excited to be spending my first Christmas as your priest in charge. We have an amazing lineup of events as well as maybe some different ways of doing liturgy in front of us, but I invite you to open your hearts and minds to experience all of Advent as well as the Christmas season. May you all have a wonderful Blessed Christmas! With deep love for you all, December Milestones Birthdays 5 Jason Lucas 14 Hollie Yeager 16 David Samuels 23 Jay Leppla 27 Debbie Nancarrow Anniversaries None The Rev. Jason B. Lucas Your Priest in Charge The Lampstand December 2014

6 6 NOTE: To learn more about these events, and to see timely updates, visit Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDA 9:30 Holy Eucharist with Sunday School 10:30 Social Hour 11:00 VESTRY 8:15 am Holy Eucharist 9:30 am Holy Eucharist with Sunday School 10:30 am Christmas Brunch (all food provided) 9:30 am Lessons & Carols with Holy Eucharist 10:30 am Social Hour 8:15 am Holy Eucharist 9:30 - Holy Eucharist with Sunday School 1 2 8:00 am GBD 7:00 pm Medina AA Group :30 Outreach 8:00 am GBD Panera 7:00 pm Medina AA MAP MEETING FOR Group ENTIRE COMMITTEE 6:00 supper; 6:30 meeting begins Noon: Education Committee 8:00 am GBD 7:00 pm Women's Whitacres 7:00 pm Medina AA Group :00 am GBD 7:00 pm Medina AA Group :00 am Education Committee 8:00 am GBD 7:00 pm Medina AA Group Dece 9:30 am Int Prayer Grou 7:00 pm Ch Rehearsal 9:30 am Int Prayer Grou 7:00 pm Ch Rehearsal 9:30 I. Praye 5:00 pm Vi Commons 7:00 pm Bl Christmas 7:00 pm Ch Rehearsal CHRISTMA 4:30 - Caro 5:00 Holy E 10:30 - Caro 11:00 Holy 9:30 am Int Prayer Grou 5:00 pm Lo Fishes December 2014 The Lampstand

7 7 the online calendar on St. Edward s website: mber 2014 Y THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY ercessory Noon - 10:00 pm EGH Office Closed 8:00 am Morning Prayer p* oir uses lower level 6:00 Men's Lund's/Byerlys ercessory p* oir :30 am Spiritual Office Closed 8:00 am Morning Prayer Directors' meeting in library r Group * cksburg dinner ue service oir 6:00 pm Men's Lunds/Byerlys in Wayzata Office Closed 8:00 am Morning Prayer S EVE ls; ucharist ls; Eucharist MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Office Closed 8:00 am Morning Prayer 31 ercessory p* aves & Looking Ahead: Sunday, January 4: Epiphany Play Saturday, January 24: EpiscoBuilders Build in Golden Valley Sunday, January 25: Annual Meeting * This group normally meets at the Starkey home December The Lampstand December 2014

8 8 English tea a big success! The Tenth Annual St. Edward s English Tea held on November 9 was deemed a huge success there were 85 paying guests who all had a wonderful time, ate delicious food, went to the hat shop, and listened to wonderful piano or harp music. (Actually, there were 90 or so in attendance not counting the help.) We thank all who participated in any way. The Tea Committee December 2014 The Lampstand

9 Outreach Report We cooked and served a complete breakfast for some very hungry and thankful homeless families at St Philip s church in conjunction with the Families Moving Forward Program in November. We will be doing the Vicksburg Commons meal for low income families again in December but it will be moved up to the third Wednesday (December 17) because of Christmas. The EGH client who is pregnant is due in December, and we have offered to help out by supplying items for her. A list of suggestions has been in the Gathering Space for the last few weeks and we have already accumulated quite a few items, but we still need more. We will be posting cards listing some of the items needed, so please take a one or more of these cards and bring those items to church. We are also again participating in the IOCP Adopta-Family program, where we furnish Christmas gifts for some of their needy people. We will also post cards with these requests, so please take a card. The items need to be gift wrapped and returned to church by Sunday, December 7. The mitten tree will be up soon and will need lots of mittens, scarves and hats to keep the IOCP clients warm this cold winter so start picking up these items on your trips to thrift stores or retail stores that might be having a sale or even your closet. We will be helping St Paul s Church again by serving meals to the homeless through the Loaves & Fishes Program on December 31 at the St. Stephen s Community Center in Minneapolis. Celebrate New Year s Eve by helping the homeless! Members of our church are still going down to St. Mark s Cathedral on Mondays to make sandwiches and put together snacks for bag lunches for the homeless, but they need more help. Please consider giving a couple hours of your time. It doesn t have to be every Monday; every other Monday would be great! If you have any questions or interest in helping out with any of these activities, we would love to hear from you. Contact Jeff, Lynne or Deb A. EpiscoBuilders update In November, EpiscoBuilders worked for three days on a house in Crystal. This is the 28th home that Episco- Builders has helped build! We thank all those who provided work and/or food. The next two projects will be on Saturdays in January and February. Those dates are: * January 24 in Golden Valley * February 21 in Brooklyn Park A March date has yet to be determined Please consider working on one of these projects no skills or tools needed no outside work in these months. Contact Lynne W. for more information. 9 The Lampstand December 2014

10 10 Prayers of the People Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. ~ James 5:16 We will include these names within our liturgy in Prayers of the People, but it is our hope that you will use this list to pray for each other all month long. To add or update the prayer list, please contact the church office: or stedwards865@gmail.com. NOTE: A person s name will be removed from the Prayers of the People after 30 days, unless renewed at that time. Isabella Andrade Keith Boudrie Jane Gjerstad Gene Hess Grace Tom Moore Heidi Nyman Peter Pierson Georgi Ruggieri Gretchen Stemmer Irene Stemmer Marion Taylor Candi Wallace Susan Whitehead Billy Williams Jim Williams Trini Yanez Dave Yeager Prayer for St. Edward s MAP Team Loving God, we are grateful for so many things: for the St. Edward s community, for our beautiful worship space, for our commitment to outreach, and most of all for your presence here with us as we discern what you are calling us to do. You know we are a resilient community. Help us to be open to the Holy Spirit and each other during this important time. We ask your blessing as we continue to discern your will for us. Amen. by Joanie Broughton December 2014 The Lampstand

11 Servers: December 2014 Dec 7 Dec 14 Dec 21 Dec 24 (5 pm) Dec. 24 (11 pm) Dec 28 Lesson 1 M. Ottinger D. Nancarrow P. Nancarrow B. Parsons M. Ottinger A. Starkey 11 Lesson 2 A. Starkey J. Starkey D. Achenbach C. Parsons J. Starkey P. Nancarrow Chalice D. Nancarrow C. Parsons A. Lounsbury L. Wright H. Yeager K. Cooke C. Parsons L. Wright P. Nancarrow A. Starkey H. Yeager A. Lounsbury Acolyte(s) E. Achenbach K. Achenbach E. Achenbach B. Wright K. Achenbach Usher D. Cooke F. Wright D. Cooke F. Wright J. Kennedy TBD B. Wright A. Starkey F. Wright Teller J. Dow D. Achenbach D. Achenbach J. Dow J. Dow J. Dow Bread D. Kennedy D. Kennedy D. Kennedy D. Kennedy D. Kennedy D. Kennedy Altar Guild F. Christianson J. Starkey T. Martin C. Lynch L. Whitacre Coffee Hour TBD Christmas Brunch T. Martin C. Lynch L. Whitacre T. Martin C. Lynch L. Whitacre T. Martin C. Lynch L. Whitacre Achenbachs NONE NONE TBD T. Martin C. Lynch L. Whitacre Phone: Fax: office@stedwards-mn.org Web site: Priest in Charge: The Rev. Jason Lucas Deacon: The Rev. Morris Goodwin, Jr. Accountant: Nancy Stiller Music Director: Tami Morse Facility Manager: Adam Hovis Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Office Hours 9 am - 3 pm 9 am - 3 pm 9 am - 3 pm 9 am - noon CLOSED Vestry 2014 Co-Wardens Fritz Wright Amy Lounsbury Treasurer Diane Kennedy Clerk Fran Christianson Joan Hancock-Dow Rachel Svihel All vestry meetings are open. Contact a Co-Warden if you plan to come to a meeting. St. Edward s Mission Statement St. Edward s exists to spread the Gospel by feeding the community spiritually, physically, and artistically. The Lampstand December 2014

12 865 NORTH FERNDALE ROAD WAYZATA, MN PLEASE RUSH- DATED MATERIAL January 24 in Golden Valley * February 21 in Brooklyn Park Z-MN-70 Pub. by St. Edward Episcopal Dates to Remember: Learn more about these and other events inside Dec. 7 (Sun.) Adopt-a-Family gifts due at church (p. 9) Dec. 14 (Sun.) Christmas Brunch (p. 5) Dec. 17 (Wed.) Vicksburg Commons Dinner (p. 9) Blue Christmas Service (p. 3) Dec. 21 (Sun.) Christmas Lessons & Carols (p. 1) Dec. 24 (Wed.) Christmas Eve Services (p. 1) Dec. 31 (Wed.) Loaves & Fishes (p. 9) Jan. 4 (Sun.) Epiphany Play (p. 5) Jan. 13 (Tues.) Annual Meeting Reports due (p. 5) Jan. 24 (Sat.) EpiscoBuilders build (p. 9) Jan. 25 (Sun.) Annual Meeting (p. 5) Feb. 21 (Sat.) EpiscoBuilders build (p. 9)