The Singer by Calvin Miller

The above conversation takes place between the Singer (Jesus) and the Friendship Seller (Mary Magdalene) prior to her healing. This was her first encounter with the Lord and until then, the only love she knew was that taught by the World Hater (Satan). It was only after her encounter with Jesus, and her healing, that she really understood what true love was.

February is often referred to as the month of love. We see hearts everywhere, flower sales are at their highest, candy sales spike, Hallmark and other greeting card companies enjoy brisk sales. Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for telling those special people how much they are loved.

Love is one of the most powerful concepts in the human lexicon. People have gone to war in the name of love. People have died for love and died for a lack of love. Love has the power to heal and always leaves a lasting mark on those willing to give and receive it.

The life Jesus lived is a testament to the love of God. The parables Jesus taught, the healings he performed, the lives he changed, all clearly express how much God loves everyone in his creation. The ultimate example of God’s love was the willingness of Jesus to die on the cross and God raising Christ so that we might have eternal life in his presence.

We can never love to the extreme depths that God does, but we can learn from the examples set forth in Scripture. In the name of love, we can reach out and have a profound effect on the lives of others. The more we love, the more we discover how much we are loved. The more we give, the more we receive.

May God richly bless you with His everlasting love.

1. Reflections of Father David
2. Outreach News
3. Music Happenings
4. ECW News
5. Pancake Supper
6. Bits & Pieces
7. Prayer Chain
8. Parenting Challenge
9. January Flowers
10. Push
11. Submit your news articles

Reflections of Father David

He met a woman in the street. She leaned against an open door and sang through her half-parted lips a song that he could barely hear. He knew her friendship was for hire. She was without a doubt a study in desire. Her hair fell free around her shoulders. And intrigue played upon her lips. “Are you betrothed?” she asked. “No, only loved,” he answered. “And do you pay for love?” she asked. “No, but I owe it everything.” he replied.

The Singer by Calvin Miller

The above conversation takes place between the Singer (Jesus) and the Friendship Seller (Mary Magdalene) prior to her healing. This was her first encounter with the Lord and until then, the only love she knew was that taught by the World Hater (Satan). It was only after her encounter with Jesus, and her healing, that she really understood what true love was.

February is often referred to as the month of love. We see hearts everywhere, flower sales are at their highest, candy sales spike, Hallmark and other greeting card companies enjoy brisk sales. Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for telling those special people how much they are loved.

Love is one of the most powerful concepts in the human lexicon. People have gone to war in the name of love. People have died for love and died for a lack of love. Love has the power to heal and always leaves a lasting mark on those willing to give and receive it.

The life Jesus lived is a testament to the love of God. The parables Jesus taught, the healings he performed, the lives he changed, all clearly express how much God loves everyone in his creation. The ultimate example of God’s love was the willingness of Jesus to die on the cross and God raising Christ so that we might have eternal life in his presence.

We can never love to the extreme depths that God does, but we can learn from the examples set forth in Scripture. In the name of love, we can reach out and have a profound effect on the lives of others. The more we love, the more we discover how much we are loved. The more we give, the more we receive.

May God richly bless you with His everlasting love.

With deepest affection,
Fr. David

Outreach News

The “Hat and Mitten Tree” is up and ready for donations. The tree is located in the Great Hall.

Donations of hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks, fleece throws, any kind of warm winter clothing, will be accepted. All donations will be taken to the Lansing Rescue Mission.
Please help those less fortunate this winter and make it a warm one for them. Many thanks in advance from your Outreach Committee.

Other Outreach

Submitted by Carol Abbott

I want to thank those people who participated in the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Boxes. We had 19 shoeboxes turned in. As soon as I hear from Samaritan’s Purse, I will let you know where our boxes went.

We also provided many school supplies for the mission location in Kentucky. I took five large boxes to Grand Rapids last summer consisting of:

3 pack of primary school paper, 10 packs of wide rule paper, 14 packs of college rule paper, 18 2 pocket folders, 11 composition notebooks, 126 pencils, 28 various size boxes of crayons, 54 glue sticks, 1 package of dry erase markers, 85 cap erasers, 34 pick erasers, 16 rulers, 9 pair scissors, 2 deodorant sticks, 16 hand sanitizer bottles, 8 pencil boxes, 7 reams of copy paper, 8 glue bottles, 7 packs of colored pencils, 7 packs of tissues, 2 calculators, 4 rolls paper towels, 247 pens, 15 spiral notebooks, 17 three ring binders, 2 packs graph paper, 6 packs 3×5 cards, 2 pencils sharpeners, 4 packs markers, and 3 backpacks. WOW!!!! Thank you so much.

This year when I go to Pine Ridge in August, I would like to take goods needed. I will check with Pine Ridge in July, and let you know. Often they need twin sheets and blankets.

It is heart-warming to know that whenever there is a need, St. David’s people are so willing to help. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Lansing Area Episcopal Projects

I still represent St. David’s at Lansing Area Episcopal Projects (LAEP) which consists of the parishes of St. David’s, St. Paul’s, St. Michael’s, All Saints, St. Katherine’s, and Canterbury MSU. This group has coordinated the donation of goods for the Supervised Independent Living Service (Foster Child aging out). The State has recently adopted a new program that will support these children while they are still in school. Details of this have yet to be worked out. Funding provided to Child and Family Services for the SILS program has been cut however. At this point, further needs are unknown. I will be sure to inform you if we need to gather goods again. Many thanks to all who have so graciously helped with this program.

LAEP has also tried to get some joint social get-togethers going for Lansing Area Episcopalians. The youth leaders are working on this also, having done roller skating and laser tag. Families did a Lugnuts game together last August.

If you have any ideas for get-togethers or service projects, please let me know.

Carol Abbott

Music Happenings

When I choose music to play or to lead the choirs,I like to select from a variety of styles . When I started as music director two years ago,I was asked to incorporate some more contemporary pieces of music into worship. I was also asked if the guitar and praise songs for communion suited me. I said yes, very much so. My sons started me in with praise songs twenty years ago when they started college and were involved with the Christian College gatherings. Both my sons were on the praise team playing guitars and singing, and when they visited me they would share the latest music with me. My son, who never sang in public prior to this, would sing for me in his sweet voice and I came to love these songs of faith and hope. I was also asked to start a children’s choir which I enjoy as well. The children are learning songs from our Christian faith and are gaining strength. They have no problem standing up front and singing for their church family.

I enjoy my time with the hand bell choir, we have lots of fun together. I also enjoy the time I give playing for the folks who come to the Senior World Program. The music program is growing and we may need more bells this year, or some chimes. In any event we continue to sing and play a variety of music so no one needs to feel left out of their favorite style.

Upcoming events:

At 6pm every Thursday is Handbell Practice for one hour.

At 7pm every Thursday is Adult Choir Practice until 8:15pm.

After the 10:30 worship on Sundays is the Children’s Choir Practice for 15 minutes while parents are in coffee hour. Nancy Pike assists with her guitar.

Feb. 5 David Byers, soloist “The Lord is My Light”

Feb. 12 Children’s Choir will sing “I Like to Sing About Jesus” and “Who Did Swallow Jonah?”

Feb 19 Adult Choir will sing” Christ Hath a Garden”
I will be out of town visiting my step-mother, so Jennifer Cronkite will play for worship.

Feb.26 Adult Choir will sing “Ave Verum”. Bells will perform “Amazing Grace”

There will be a Handbell Bake Sale. A fundraiser for bells and music, so please come prepared to purchase some goodies.

The music committee met and discussed 2011 , the upcoming Lenten and Easter season , as well as the September 50th anniversary of St. David’s Episcopal Church.

In attendance was Steve Leiby, Michelle Ridley, Carol Abbott, Nancy Pike and Kathy Huebner.Chip Kiebler was ill.Please feel free to talk to these folks if you have suggestions for Kathy, or talk to Kathy directly.

ECW News

Upcoming events!

THE NOW SEMI-ANNUAL GARAGE SALE! Now is the time to start sorting and planning what you would like to donate to the Garage Sale-this is a church wide event, not just for the ECW. only do we need items to sell, but we need your help setting up the tables, sorting and pricing before the sale, and we need help bagging up any leftover items on Saturday afternoon, which we will donate to one of the local charities. Please think about helping. we do have a lot of fun, even though it is a lot of work.

Remember, if it is in good usable condition, we would love to accept it. However, if it is seriously stained, or broken, or if the cookware you want to get rid of is of the scratched teflon variety-we don’t want it either. The date of the sale is April 27-28, set up will begin on Wednesday of that week (April 25) at 11a, we will work till about 7:30 or 8 that, and the same on Thursday. sale is from 9-4 Friday the 27th, and 9-2 on Saturday the 28th. (Watch next month’s newsletter for pictures of past sales-you will see that we really do have fun!)

Just a quick update on the crafting days we have had, and to remind you of the dates of the upcoming ones!!

If you go to our church website , there are pictures posted of past crafting days. you can see, we have had a lot of fun, and not everyone is working on scrapbooks. Leiby, Edith Cole, Carolyn Jacobs and Tanya Chapin have all been doing needlework. the last crafting day, Julie Combs was working on decorating a vase. Kerry Chapin has brought latchhook with her in the past! it is portable, please feel free to join us!! We have a great time.

The next scheduled Crafting Days are:

February 11
March 24
April 21 (for this one we will be in the Youth Room)
May 19
June 16

We will take a break over the summer, unless you still want to get together. am gone so much then, that I need to be sure that someone will be here to open the building, and be sure it is locked up tight at the end of the day. The fall schedule will be posted next month.

We meet in the Great Hall, unless otherwise noted. Please join us next month!! you need a ride, please let me or Jan Volk know in advance so we can arrange transportation for you!
Submitted by: Andi Flitton , St. David’s ECW Chair

For more information place contact Andi Flitton.

Pancake Supper

This year Lent begins on Wednesday February 22. That means our Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will take place on Feb. 21, 2012 from 5-7pm.

We will need helpers to set-up for the dinner, prepare the food, serve and clean-up. This is a fun all parish event and everyone can help out somewhere.

Keep an eye on the bulletin for sign-up information and begin thinking about who you can invite to dinner that night. It is an easy way to let others know about St. David’s and all that we have to offer!

Tickets are $3.00 individually or $10.00 for a family of four or more.
Questions? Contact Tim Cote’ or Jeff Spitzley.

Bits & Pieces

VESTRY OPENING

There is an opening on the Vestry that was not filled at the Annual Meeting. you are willing to accept a three year term of service on the Vestry please contact any current Vestry member or myself expressing your willingness. you for this important service to the whole St. David’s family.

QUIET DAY

On Saturday, March 10, 2012 there will be a Quiet Day at St. David’s. will begin at am and end at 3 pm. will start our time with Morning Prayer and then everyone will find a quiet, comfortable place somewhere in the building to read, write, pray, reflect, rest in God. will gather at noon for Noonday Prayers followed by a sack lunch. After lunch there will be more quiet time before closing out the day with the Eucharist. are welcomed to bring family members and friends as long as they understand the need for everyone to be quiet throughout the day. will be allowed during lunch only. you have any questions just ask Fr. David.

ANNUAL MEETING REPORT

At the Annual Meeting reports from the parish leadership reviewing accomplishments over the past year were received. of the Annual Meeting reports are available in the Narthex. The Vestry presented a balanced budget of $231,325.00. and was accepted by those present. is based on 73 pledges for a total pledge income of $177,730. If you have not turned in your pledge for 2012 your grateful Vestry will still happily accept it with thanksgiving. the Annual Meeting Ms. Gretchen Smith and Mr. Jason Gentry were elected to three year terms on the Vestry. the Vestry Meeting following the Annual Meeting, Ms. Gail Donovan was named Sr. Warden, Mr. Gary Mugnolo was elected Jr. Warden, The Rev Dr. Carol Spangenberg was elected Clerk of the Vestry. position of Treasurer is still open as we are still receiving names for the position of Treasurer and the Vestry will fill that position shortly. meeting will take place on the third Wednesdays of each month beginning at 7:15 pm. is welcomed to attend.

50th ANNIVERSARY

As was announced at the Annual Meeting last month, come September St. David’s will celebrate her 50th Anniversary. that time we will start a year long celebration with lots of special events planned. need people willing to help make those plans and carry them out. If you would like to help in this planning stage please let me know. intend to put together a celebration committee with sub committees etc and will keep everyone posted as plans develop.

The Picture Board

Who is that? Take a look at the updated picture board in the Great Hall. Gail would like to add more faces! See her for a fresh photo or please bring a recent one in that she can add to the board.

Thanks for your participation.

Prayer Chain

The prayer chain is a quiet but important ministry. We are in the process of reorganizing a bit and would like to find some new members. Our purpose is to pray daily for others, particularly members of the parish. Requests are confidential unless they have been shared in some way with the congregation–for example in one of Fr. David’s emails.

You do not have to have a lot of special training for the prayer chain ministry. Membersall ordinary people with ordinary lives who have our own routines for prayer.are many prayers in the prayer book that you can use, and we will help you get started. We are moving to a simpler listing system; it will be easy to keep track of who you need to pray for.

If you think you might be interested in joining the prayer chain, let me know and we can talk about it.

Many thanks,
Maria Leiby

Parenting Challenge

Attention Parents: Are you a parent? Do you sometime struggle in your roll as a parent? Would you like to gain new tools to raise great kids?

If you’ve answered yes to those questions, then we invite you to participate in “The Parenting Challenge” the Lenten service, beginning Wednesday, February 29th from 7:15 to 8:30 pm. Parenting Challenge was created by Dr. Randy Carlson. You will get simple and easy tools successful parents use to raise great kids. Discover how to be consistent with discipline, how to stay cool under pressure and much more! Seminar consists of 7 weeks, we may add additional days after lent if we run over.

Craig and I purchased the kit to share with anyone who would like to attend. Each participant will need a workbook.We will place one order, but we need to know how many to order.So, If youinterested (or have questions), please tell Abby Leinbach at church, via phone or email by Sunday, February 12th.

P.S.If you are a parent of adult children the last session is for you, “Overtime Parenting – The Adult Child”!
Thanks,

Leinbach

January Flowers

January altar flowers were given to the Glory of God by the following people:

John Post in memory of the life, love and service of Barbara Post

John Winters & Carol Abbott in honor of their wedding anniversary.

Push

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared.

The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin.

The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might…

So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man’s weary mind. (He will do it every time!)

“You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn’t moved.” Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, “Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort, and that will be good enough.”

That’s what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

“Lord,” he said, “I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked.

Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. is wrong? Why am I failing?”

The Lord responded compassionately, “My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.

Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push.

And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. , is that really so? Look at yourself.

Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven’t moved the rock.

But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom.

That you have done. I, my friend, will move the rock..”

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.

By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong………………………Just P.U.S.H.

When the job gets you down………………………………..Just P.U.S.H.

When people don’t do as you think they should……..Just P.U.S.H.

When your money is “gone” and the bills are due….Just P.U.S.H.

When people just don’t understand you……………….Just P.U.S.H.

P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens

Though no one can go back and make a *brand new start*, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

Author Unknown
Submitted By Tim Cote’

Submit your news articles

Please submit news articles to Kerry using Mailbox #111 in the church mail room or you may submit your news via St. David’s web form found here

1. Reflections of Father David
2. Outreach News
3. Music Happenings
4. ECW News
5. Rembrandt and the face of Jesus
6. First Christmas form letter
7. Odds & Ends
8. The Restoration of the Shrine of St. David

Reflections of Father David

Far too often, Epiphany is a forgotten day. People begin preparing for Christmas no later than Thanksgiving and certainly are done with it by New Year’s Day. Very few people truly understand, much less celebrate, the Twelve Days of Christmas, which end with the Epiphany.

This year The Feast of the Epiphany occurs on a Friday, January 6, the twelfth night after Christmas. There will be a service at St. David’s that morning at 9 am honoring the arrival of Wise Men at the birthplace of Jesus.

On Sunday, January 8, 2012 we will hear how the Wise Men presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh before returning to their own countries to tell everyone what they had seen and heard concerning this child. After the service we will turn off the star over the altar and put the sanctuary back to its normal order.

Why do we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany? Does it truly have any relevance in the world today? The answer is “Yes, it most certainly does!” When Jesus was born it was a very small, intimate event with Mary, Joseph, perhaps a young serving maid from the inn or even the inn-keeper’s wife who may have taken a moment from her busy duties to check on the young woman. When God made the event known to the shepherds, and in time, to the Wise Men, Herod found out about this extraordinary birth and all Jerusalem was troubled with him. What happens next is why we have the Feast of the Epiphany. The Wise Men left by another way and returning home, spread the Good News of the birth of the Messiah.

The Wise Men and the shepherds became the first evangelists. They told everyone of this wondrous birth. They couldn’t wait to share the news.

We follow in the footsteps of Wise Men and shepherds, serving maids and curious villagers. We are called to tell the world about the wonderful birth and what it means to the world. We have become very cautious in talking about our religion and our spirituality. We are so afraid of offending others that we stuff the wonderful life-changing news down deep inside.

The world needs the Good News of Jesus among us now more than ever. The trail has been blazed and made clear before us. We are called to go forth and make known the news we have heard and seen. This Epiphany, show forth the Good News of the birth of Christ in what you say, how you act, what you truly believe. Others will see the light of the Star of Bethlehem in you and want to follow you on your journey.

May God richly bless and keep you this Epiphany, and always.

With deepest affection,
Fr. David

Outreach News

Hat & Mitten Tree

The “Hat and Mitten Tree” is up and ready for donations. The tree is located in the Great Hall.
Donations of hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks, fleece throws, any kind of warm
winter clothing, will be accepted. All donations will be taken to the Lansing Rescue Mission.
Please help those less fortunate this winter and make it a warm one for them. Many thanks in
advance from your Outreach Committee.

Toiletry and Personal Items Needed

The Outreach Committee is in need of donations of any kind of “personal needs” items. This would include soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos, combs, brushes, etc. could also use the small sample sized items that are supplied with hotel/motel rooms. All items must be new and unused.
Please put all donations in the blue tote supplied for this in the mailroom. The Committee includes these items in personal needs bags for the families we supply food baskets to at holiday times. Thank you.

Rescue Mission Barrel – “Help Pack the Pantry”

The Lansing Rescue Mission is once again holding their holiday barrel drive to help “pack the pantry”. The Mission will provide an estimated 112,000 meals this year to men, women, and children in Michigan’s capital area. They also have a pantry to distribute boxes of food to low income individuals and families; and this service is only available as long as they have enough food supplies. Currently, there is a great need for food. We can help pack the Mission pantry with non-perishable food items to supply these meals and food boxes during the holidays and into the following year. Any non-perishable food items are welcome. However, the Rescue Mission is in particular need of fruits and vegetables, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, wide noodles, and rice. Please help to fill the barrel and help those less fortunate this holiday season.

Music Happenings

The month of January we will have special music featuring different combinations of the choirs.The upcoming music calendar:

January 1, Duet: “Were You There” sung by Jennifer Cronkite and Nancy Pike

January 5,   No handbell or adult choir practice

January 7, 9am-10:30 am Handbell maintenance workshop with – Kim Finison

January 8 Handbell duet: “Open My Eyes” played by Michelle – Ridley and Carol Abbot

Duet: “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” sung by Neal Cronkite and Rich Magee

January 12 Handbell Practice 6 pm: Adult choir 7 pm-8:15 pm

Music committee meeting immediately after choirs

January 15 Children’s choir practice after worship

January 19, 26 Choirs meet

January 22 Women’s quintet singing “Mary Did You Know”

January 29 Duet:Vivaldi’s Laudamus Te from “Gloria” sung by Jennifer Cronkite and Nancy Pike

The bell choir wishes to thank Steve Leiby for purchasing lights for each music stand.They are very helpful.I wish to thank all the choirs for a beautiful Lessons and Carols on December 18, and for all the wonderful music on Christmas Eve at the two services.

We are few, but we are mighty.Any one wishing to join either handbells, or adult choir, contact Kathy Huebner, 614-9302.

God bless you.

KathyHuebner,Music Director

ECW News

Crafting Days

The crafting days will resume again in January, with the first one being scheduled on the 14th. Andi will be preparing lunch again-soup and dessert-to raise funds for our local outreach project. Be sure to RSVP for the luncheon, you don’t have to come to craft that day, you are welcome to join us for lunch!

Here is the schedule for the upcoming craft days, which begin at 9am. They will all be held in the Great Hall except for the April one, which will be in the Youth Room.

January 14 February 11 March 24 April 21 (Youth Room) May 19

GARAGE SALE!!!

Yes, it will happen this year. It is scheduled for April 27 and 28. You can start to bring your items in on Sunday evening, sorting will begin on Wednesday; Thursday will be the congregation sale in the evening.

Remember, we don’t want anything that isn’t usable, or that is soiled, or broken! If we have to throw it out, we don’t want it!

PLEASE PLAN TO HELP! THE MORE HELP WE HAVE, THE EASIER IT WILL BE FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE SORTING.
Meetings

We need to have meetings! We can make them simply business, and have them in the double classroom immediately after the service, or we can have them on a weeknight, serve refreshments and some social time along with the meetings. Ladies, I would like to have input from a few of you, we are all part of this group. Give us some ideas to make this a viable group! For more information contact Andi Flitton

Rembrandt and the face of Jesus

We are planning a day-trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday, January 14, 2012, to view the exhibit “Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus”. This exhibit brings together for the first time many of Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn’s finest paintings, prints and drawings that portray Jesus and events described in the Bible. The exhibition of 64 works includes approximately 52 intimate paintings, prints and drawings by Rembrandt and his students that illustrate how Rembrandt broke from traditional 17th-century representations of Jesus.

The exhibit runs November 20, 2011, through February 12, 2012. Individual adult and youth (under 15 years) are $16 and $8, respectively; however, adult tickets will be $12 if we have a group of 15 or more. We plan to carpool or rent a van if there is sufficient interest. Additional information regarding the exhibition is available by going to the DIA website (www.dia.org).

For more information please see Maria Leiby or Gail Donovan.

First Christmas form letter

Dear Friends

We’re sorry to resort to this form letter, especially since we are sending it after the holidays, but this has been a busy year; it is amazing how parenthood takes away free time.

That’s right, parenthood. Joe and I are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy, a gift from God.

Literally.

Now I know that you’re good at mathematics, and I know you don’t remember a wedding invitation, just that we were engaged, but it is not what you think. It is a little hard to explain, however.

You also will notice that the postmark is not Nazareth, but Egypt. No, we did not move, at least not permanently. No, Joe did not get transferred, just transplanted.

You remember that census thing? Joe and I had to go to Bethlehem – Joe is a Davidson, after all – and wouldn’t you know it, my time came while we were there.

Everything was full up. Bethlehem was a madhouse. Holiday Inn was packed for the holidays. Red Roof not only had no frills but no vacancies, and Motel Six turned the light off for us.

We ended up going to, of all places, a cave. While it wasn’t a picnic, it was a miracle. As we wrapped him up, Joe and I just marveled at this new little life.

We named him Jesus. Actually, an angel named him. I told you it was a busy year.

Anyway, we had just the best Christmas together – that’s what we’re calling it, Christmas. We even had a surprise visit from some shepherds; I won’t tell you how they knew, because I know this already is quite a stretch for you.

So why are we in Egypt? Well, at one point, some astrology professors from Eastern University suddenly showed up at our door, to worship Jesus as the new king, according to some star they saw.

And while it was nice of them to give us gifts, they also gave us away – to that wicked King Herod, who tried to kill Jesus. That is why we took a flight into Egypt.

So please forgive us if we are a little out of touch with things for now. We hope everything will get back to normal soon, so we can move back to Nazareth. Meanwhile, keep us in your prayers, don’t tell Herod where we are, and have a Merry Christmas.

Love
Mary, Joe and baby Jesus

Odds & Ends

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Recycled Card Program

You can mail your donations to:

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

Phone orders:
877-977-SJRC (7572)

Recycled Card Program History

Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into “new” cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique “thank you,” they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born.

Since then, the program expanded to include all occasion greeting cards…just about anything that starts with a used greeting card. People from all over the world have sent us their used cards!

Operated by Kids’ Corp., a program for the children at St. Jude’s Ranch to learn entrepreneurship skills, the children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive “green” holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of “going green”.

The ongoing support for the Recycled Card Program has been overwhelming! The Program grew and soon we were receiving over one million cards. We have since redesigned the process to more efficiently manage the increased production from the increased volume and we welcome your submissions!
NOTE: We currently have an increased need for both Birthday and Thank You card submissions.

WE NOW ACCEPT USED, ALL-OCCASION CARDS YEAR ROUND!!

Coupon Exchange Box

There is once again a Coupon Exchange Box in the mailroom.
Please take one, leave one, and discard the expired ones.

Knitting/Crocheting Group

The Outreach Committee is looking for knitters, crocheters, or those that would like to learn. We will be making scarves, hats, etc., to be donated to local missions and shelters. If you are interested in participating, please contact Susan Froeligh.

Monthly event calendar

A new monthly events calendar has been been put in place on the front page of the St. David’s web site. This calendar is updated each week along with the scrolling weekly meeting list. Look for more web site changes to take place during the month of January.

Prayer Chain

The prayer chain is a quiet but important ministry. We are in the process of reorganizing a bit and would like to find some new members. Our purpose is to pray daily for others, particularly members of the parish. Requests are confidential unless they have been shared in some way with the congregation–for example in one of Fr. David’s emails.

You do not have to have a lot of special training for the prayer chain ministry. Members are ordinary people with ordinary lives who have our own routines for prayer. Many prayers are in the prayer book that you can use, and we will help you get started. We are moving to a simpler listing system; it will be easy to keep track of who you need to pray for.

If you think you might be interested in joining the prayer chain, let me know and we can talk about it.

Many thanks,

Maria Leiby

The Restoration of the Shrine of St. David

Included in this months newsletter is a wonderful article written by The Reverend Harri Williams (Secretary of the Friends of St. David’s Cathedral) where he speaks of the ongoing restoration of the Shrine of St. David’s. Because of it’s length it has been placed on a page of it’s own within the St. David’s website. You may access this article from the read link below.

Read Article

Vestry Nomination (Annual meeting)

We usually hold a pot luck after the second service then have our meeting. We will have elections and discuss the financial status, etc. Please have any reports to be included into the Annual Report in to Edie by Jan. 3rd.

Do you have a nomination for the vestry? Please let Fr. David know asap or use the web site form provided below

Vestry Nomination

This year The Feast of the Epiphany occurs on a Friday, January 6, the twelfth night after Christmas. There will be a service at St. David’s that morning at 9 am honoring the arrival of Wise Men at the birthplace of Jesus.

On Sunday, January 8, 2012 we will hear how the Wise Men presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh before returning to their own countries to tell everyone what they had seen and heard concerning this child. After the service we will turn off the star over the altar and put the sanctuary back to its normal order.

Why do we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany? Does it truly have any relevance in the world today? The answer is “Yes, it most certainly does!” When Jesus was born it was a very small, intimate event with Mary, Joseph, perhaps a young serving maid from the inn or even the inn-keeper’s wife who may have taken a moment from her busy duties to check on the young woman. When God made the event known to the shepherds, and in time, to the Wise Men, Herod found out about this extraordinary birth and all Jerusalem was troubled with him. What happens next is why we have the Feast of the Epiphany. The Wise Men left by another way and returning home, spread the Good News of the birth of the Messiah.

The Wise Men and the shepherds became the first evangelists. They told everyone of this wondrous birth. They couldn’t wait to share the news.

We follow in the footsteps of Wise Men and shepherds, serving maids and curious villagers. We are called to tell the world about the wonderful birth and what it means to the world. We have become very cautious in talking about our religion and our spirituality. We are so afraid of offending others that we stuff the wonderful life-changing news down deep inside.

The world needs the Good News of Jesus among us now more than ever. The trail has been blazed and made clear before us. We are called to go forth and make known the news we have heard and seen. This Epiphany, show forth the Good News of the birth of Christ in what you say, how you act, what you truly believe. Others will see the light of the Star of Bethlehem in you and want to follow you on your journey.

May God richly bless and keep you this Epiphany, and always.

With deepest affection,
Fr. David

The Outreach Committee will again be distributing Christmas Food Baskets this year to 55 families and Christmas gifts to their children. On average we spend about $85-$90 for food for each family and provide enough food for a week. The gifts are for the families’ children under age 18.

There are four ways you can help:

Donations—Please use the envelopes in your pews or on the table in the Narthex for your donation. If you write a check, please write “Food Baskets” in the memo line.

Buy a Gift for a Child—You can select a child from the Christmas Gift List in the Great Hall. Each child will have a card with his or her name, age, gender, and gift wishes on it. Gifts should be about $25 in value. Wrapped gifts must be returned to the church no later than Wednesday, noon, December 14.

Set-up—We will be getting everything (tables, food, boxes, gifts, etc,) ready on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 1-4pm and 6:30-9pm and, if needed, Friday, Dec. 16 from 10am-noon in the Great Hall.

Packing and Distributing Food Baskets—Packing and distributing will occur on Saturday, December 17, from 9:00am-2:00pm in the Great Hall. All are welcome for whatever time you can give. We need people to pack and deliver food baskets.

If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Williams or Sharon Phipps. Thank you, in advance, for giving generously of your time and money so that we can extend God’s love to these families.

Outreach activities
Packing for the Food Baskets will take place on December 17. It is a day that can be trying and exhausting, but it is exhilarating, too. It has been a few years since I helped pack, so this year to encourage more participation, I told Sharon that I would provide lunch that day for the help! Come, help pack the baskets, see in person the joy the families express, and enjoy lunch! Talk to Jerry Williams or Sharon Phipps for more information about the time you need to be there in the morning to help pack! Andi Flitton

Hat & Mitten Tree

With old man winter breathing down our necks, it is not too soon to start thinking about -donations for the annual “Hat and Mitten Tree”. The tree will be up by early December. Donations of hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks, fleece throws, any kind of warm winter clothing, will be accepted. All donations will be taken to the Lansing Rescue Mission before Christmas. items can be found at most any store. The dollar stores have some very nice scarves, hats, mittens, and gloves, for only a dollar. And there are lots of pre-holiday sales elsewhere. Please help us make the holidays, and this winter, a warm one for those less fortunate.

Toiletry and Personal Items Needed

The Outreach Committee is in need of donations of “personal needs” items of any kind. This would include soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos, combs, brushes, etc. could also use the small sample sized items that are supplied with hotel/motel rooms. All items must be new and unused.

Please put all donations in the blue tote supplied for this in the mailroom. The Committee includes these items in personal needs bags for the families we supply food baskets to at Christmas. Thank you.

Rescue Mission Barrel – “Help Pack the Pantry”

The Lansing Rescue Mission is once again holding their holiday barrel drive to help “pack the pantry”. The Mission will provide an estimated 112,000 meals this year to men, women, and children in Michigan’s capital area. They also have a pantry to distribute boxes of food to low income individuals and families; and this service is only available as long as they have enough food supplies. Currently, there is a great need for food. We can help pack the Mission pantry with non-perishable food items to supply these meals and food boxes during the holidays and into the following year. Any non-perishable food items are welcome. However, the Rescue Mission is in particular need of fruits and vegetables, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, wide noodles, and rice. Please help to fill the barrel and help those less fortunate this holiday season.

1. Reflections of Father David
2. Christian Education
3. Outreach News
4. Music Events
5. ECW News
6. Still need your pictures
7. From the Congregation
8. Road Trip
9. December Calendar

Reflections of Father David

Advent Excitement
We all know how excited children get as we draw closer and closer to Christmas. When they are really young they cannot understand time, and will ask day after day, “Is it Christmas now?” As they grow older they begin to count the number of sleeps until Christmas. They may even have an Advent Calendar and each day carefully open a door until the last one is opened on Christmas Eve. Regardless of how time is kept and marked, a child’s excitement grows greater and greater each day.

For me, Advent holds an element of increasing, child-like excitement. It is not the same as the old excitement based on opening Christmas presents. It is a deeper excitement, a richer excitement. I love the return of our Advent Star and the blue vestments, which remind us of the sacrifice Mary made in becoming the Theotokos, the Christ Bearer. I love the haunting lament, Come O Come Emmanuel, and the simpler, older, timeless form of worship. I love the marking of the passage of time as made clear by the candles on the Advent wreath and the scriptural readings that ultimately lead us to the birth of the Christ child.

Each year, I encourage you to set aside some time to be quiet and discover anew the growing excitement of Advent. God cannot speak to us of the wonderful approaching gift of Christ’s birth if we are constantly surrounded by the din of human noise. Each year some of you do as I encourage, and report back to me of how different your Christmas turns out to be. The beauty, depth, and richness of Christmas is multiplied vastly more than the actual time invested.

So, once again in this busy December, I encourage you to be sure to set aside some time each day to simply be quiet and think about what the time leading up to Christmas is truly about. Think also about which parts of Christmas really are the most important; there put your focus and energies. Don’t let this month become an avalanche of events, emotions and actions that sweep everything into a destructive mass.

May God bless and keep you this Advent and always.

With deepest affection,

Fr. David

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Advent Program

Once again there will be an Advent Program beginning on Wednesday November 30, 2011. We will begin with the Eucharist at 6 pm then proceed to a soup, bread, cheese, and fruit supper in the Great Hall. At about 7:15 or so we will begin our Advent Program finishing at 8:30 pm. This event is open to everyone and is intended to prepare us for the coming birth of the Christ Child. If you have any questions, see Fr. David

Christian Education

It’s time for an update from your friendly neighborhood Christian education director! This year has gotten off to wonderful start. Our Sunday school classes are busy learning about and exploring the love of God; feel free to ask any of our teachers about their projects! We had a lot of fun the Sunday before Halloween – we blessed our Trick-or-Treaters, took on assorted scary creatures in Monster Bowling, and even made spooky “stained glass” window decorations! As we get closer to Advent and Christmas, keep an eye out for our Christmas project; our youth group has already begun their hard work exploring the true meaning of the season.

Between now and then, think about how your family might prepare for the coming of the Christ child: you can find Advent calendars at our local Family Christian store, make an Advent wreath for your home with a few simple supplies, or maybe make a red and green paper chain with different Advent thoughts, meditations, or activities on each loop. Neal has these and other resources in his office if you are looking to start a new tradition with your family.

If you’re already dreading the long, cold Michigan winter, dread no more – Christian Education will keep you busy all winter long! We’re planning a parish movie night as well as an evening of games and fellowship sometime in late January or early February. If you have ideas about other activities that would help us all survive the snow and ice, come see Neal at coffee hour.

Outreach News

Food baskets and gifts

The Outreach Committee will again be distributing Christmas Food Baskets this year to 55 families and Christmas gifts to their children. On average we spend about $85-$90 for food for each family and provide enough food for a week. The gifts are for the families’ children under age 18.

There are four ways you can help:

Donations—Please use the envelopes in your pews or on the table in the Narthex for your donation. If you write a check, please write “Food Baskets” in the memo line.

Buy a Gift for a Child—You can select a child from the Christmas Gift List in the Great Hall. Each child will have a card with his or her name, age, gender, and gift wishes on it. Gifts should be about $25 in value. Wrapped gifts must be returned to the church no later than Wednesday, noon, December 14.

Set-up—We will be getting everything (tables, food, boxes, gifts, etc,) ready on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 1-4pm and 6:30-9pm and, if needed, Friday, Dec. 16 from 10am-noon in the Great Hall.

Packing and Distributing Food Baskets—Packing and distributing will occur on Saturday, December 17, from 9:00am-2:00pm in the Great Hall. All are welcome for whatever time you can give. We need people to pack and deliver food baskets.

If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Williams or Sharon Phipps. Thank you, in advance, for giving generously of your time and money so that we can extend God’s love to these families.

---

Outreach activities
Packing for the Food Baskets will take place on December 17. It is a day that can be trying and exhausting, but it is exhilarating, too. It has been a few years since I helped pack, so this year to encourage more participation, I told Sharon that I would provide lunch that day for the help! Come, help pack the baskets, see in person the joy the families express, and enjoy lunch! Talk to Jerry Williams or Sharon Phipps for more information about the time you need to be there in the morning to help pack! Andi Flitton

Hat & Mitten Tree

With old man winter breathing down our necks, it is not too soon to start thinking about -donations for the annual “Hat and Mitten Tree”. The tree will be up by early December. Donations of hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks, fleece throws, any kind of warm winter clothing, will be accepted. All donations will be taken to the Lansing Rescue Mission before Christmas. items can be found at most any store. The dollar stores have some very nice scarves, hats, mittens, and gloves, for only a dollar. And there are lots of pre-holiday sales elsewhere. Please help us make the holidays, and this winter, a warm one for those less fortunate.

Toiletry and Personal Items Needed

The Outreach Committee is in need of donations of “personal needs” items of any kind. This would include soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos, combs, brushes, etc. could also use the small sample sized items that are supplied with hotel/motel rooms. All items must be new and unused.

Please put all donations in the blue tote supplied for this in the mailroom. The Committee includes these items in personal needs bags for the families we supply food baskets to at Christmas. Thank you.

Rescue Mission Barrel – “Help Pack the Pantry”

The Lansing Rescue Mission is once again holding their holiday barrel drive to help “pack the pantry”. The Mission will provide an estimated 112,000 meals this year to men, women, and children in Michigan’s capital area. They also have a pantry to distribute boxes of food to low income individuals and families; and this service is only available as long as they have enough food supplies. Currently, there is a great need for food. We can help pack the Mission pantry with non-perishable food items to supply these meals and food boxes during the holidays and into the following year. Any non-perishable food items are welcome. However, the Rescue Mission is in particular need of fruits and vegetables, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, wide noodles, and rice. Please help to fill the barrel and help those less fortunate this holiday season.

Music Events

Christmas Music Events

Capital City Bell Ringers Christmas Program:
December 4, 5:00 pm
Okemos Presbyterian Church, Okemos Rd Bennett

December 5, 7:00 pm
Judson Memorial Baptist Churchoff Cedar and Holmes

Sunday Worship
December 4 l0:30 am
Adult choir with flute, Michelle Ridley
Soloist Jennifer Cronkite

Senior World
Pot Luck
December 8, 11:15 am – 1:30 pm
Caroling and Prayers in the Great Hall

Music program with Dan Walker
December 10, 6:00 pm
Greater Lansing youth for Christ
5222 Dunond Ct. Lansing MI. (Snow Rd & Mt. Hope)
Proceeds to benefit Hosanna House of Michigan

Sunday Worship
December 18, 2011
Hand Bell Duet
Michelle Ridley / Carol Abbott

Lessons and Carols
December 18, 2011
3:00 pm – ?
Following greening of the church
Adult choir, hand bells, scripture readers and Christmas Carols.

Christmas Eve Service / Family worship
December 24, 2011
7:00 pm Children’s Choir, Hand Bells, Drum
10:30 pm. 30 minutes caroling / Special music
11:00 pm – Eucharist, Adult Choir, Flute.

Have a blessed Holy Season!
Kathy Huebner, Music Director

ECW News

We are so excited about the upcoming Craft show on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Again this year we have some great crafters. Some of them have been with us for many years, and a few are new. The show will be from 10am to 4pm.

Carey Draeger will be serving lunch! Come to taste what yummies she will have to offer. The Outreach Committee may also be selling baked goods to help raise money for the Christmas food baskets.

Cookie Walk – The Annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for December 11, after the 10:30 service. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your ovens!!! (I just finished watching the last NASCAR race of the year). This is one of the ways we raise money to help with the expenses for the coffee, sugar, creamer, etc. For $5.00 you can take home a dozen or so cookies, and taste cookies that others make for their holidays. To make this a success and fun, we need many bakers donating cookies.

Crafting Days – The crafting days will resume again in January, with the first one being scheduled on the 14th. Andi will be preparing lunch again-soup and dessert-to raise funds for our local outreach project. Be sure to RSVP for the luncheon, you don’t have to come to craft that day, you are welcome to join us for lunch!

Here is the schedule for the upcoming craft days, which begin at 9am. They will all be held in the Great Hall except for the April.

January 14
February 11
March 24
April 21 (Youth Room)
May 19

GARAGE SALE! – Yes, it will happen this year. It is scheduled for April 27 and 28. You can start to bring your items in on Sunday evening, sorting will begin on Wednesday; Thursday will be the congregation sale in the evening.

Remember, we don’t want anything that isn’t usable, or that is soiled, or broken! If we have to throw it out, we don’t want it!

Please plan to help! The more help we have the easier it will be for those who are sorting.

Meetings

We need to have meetings! We can make them simply business, and have them in the double classroom immediately after the service, or we can have them on a weeknight, serve refreshments and some social time along with the meetings. Ladies, I would like to have input from a few of you please, we are all part of this group. Give us some ideas to make this a viable group! Contact Andy

Still need your pictures

Photo board – There’s a lot of bare space on the Great Hall photo board waiting to be covered with a picture of YOU. So dig through the pics you took this year of you or the family and get them to me. Professional quality photos are not required, just pictures that will make it easier for everyone to put names and faces together. Don’t have a picture of yourself that you like? Catch me at coffee hour and I’ll take a few until we get one you can live with. I’ll get it printed and added to the board. You can leave your pictures in my mailbox, #17. Include a slip of paper with the names of everyone in the photo (since I’m one of the people with the name and face problem.) If you need the original back, leave a note and the original will be copied and returned. Thanks for your participation,

Gail Donovan – Senior Warden

From the Congregation

Healing of finances

In today’s economy, Christian’s are facing a challenge. Do Christians believe what God’s Word is telling them about finances or are they listening to the world with its false information? There are Christians who believe that tithing is not for today. There are Christians who believe that tithing is a supernatural law of God and still is in operation for Christians today. It seems every time I turn on the Christian radio or TV station tithing is being discussed. It would seem that some Christians believe that tithing was only required under the law in the Old Testament. That Jesus has put us under God’s grace and therefore we do not need to tithe any more.

In verse 9 of Malachi 3 it says that we are cursed with a curse. In Deuteronomy Chapter 30:19 it says that God has set before us life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life. We are still making that decision today. We either choose Jesus as our Savior and Lord or go the way of the world, which has the devil as its god. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 Paul tells us “The god of this world (the devil) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” In Galations 3:13-14 &29 we learn that, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree’— that in Christ Jesus the blessings of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Did Abraham tithe? Yes, he did. In Genesis 14: 18-20 it reads “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’ And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Which one of us does not want to be blessed as Abraham was? In the New Testament in the Letter to the Hebrews in Chapter 5; 5-6 it states “So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, ‘thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee’, as he says in another place, ‘thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” Christ Jesus is still receiving tithes from God’s children. Tithing plays an essential role in our obedience to God that allows God to bless us.

Lee Jenkins in his book Lee Jenkins on Money, asks the question if tithing still applies to Christians today. It is Lee’s experience that many people who argue against tithing do so to justify their own lack of generosity. He also asks the question “Where in the New Testament does it indicate that tithing is no longer valid?” To quote Mr. Jenkins,” Last time I checked, there is no such passage. In my opinion, tithing is still relevant for the New Testament believer. It isn’t the finish line of giving; it’s the starting block.”

In Matthew 22:36-38 a lawyer asks Jesus, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’And Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”How do we show God that we love Him? We trust Him, with everything that we have! That includes money. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we read “for we walk by faith, not by sight.” Oh, if only we would not allow the numbers to influence what we do with our money, if we would write God’s check to Him first and thereby test Him as He tells us in Malachi 3:10. It is the attitude of our spirit to trust God and give Him the power to work in our lives. What an awesome God we have who is so very faithful to His promises. Who does not want to be blessed by God?

Your Sister In Christ,

Carol Williams

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A CASE FOR INWARDLY DIGESTING THE BIBLE

A church council was examining a candidate for church membership. One of the questions asked the candidate was, “What part of the Bible do you like best?”

“I like the New Testament best.”

“What book in the New Testament?”

“The Book of Parables.”

“Would you kindly relate one of those parables to this council?”

So the uncertain candidate bluffed as follows:
“Once upon a time a man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, and the thorns grew up and choked him. he went on and met the Queen of Sheba, and she gave that man a thousand talents of gold and silver and a hundred changes of raiment. he got in his chariot and drove furiously. And when he was driving along under a tree, his hair got caught in a limb and left him hanging there. he hung there many days and many nights, and ravens brought him food to eat and water to drink. one night while he was hanging there asleep, his wife, Delilah, came along and cut off his hair, and he dropped and fell on the stony ground; and it began to rain and it rained for forty days and forty nights. he hid himself in a cave. he went on a met a man that said, ‘Come in and take supper with me,’ but he said, ‘I can’t come, for I have married a wife.’ the man went out into the highways and byways and compelled him to come. went on and came to Jerusalem and he saw Queen Jezebel sitting high up in the window and when she saw him she laughed and he said, ‘Throw her down out of there,’ and they threw her down. And he said, ‘Throw her down again.’ they threw her down again seventy times seven, and of the fragments, they picked up twelve baskets full. , whose wife will she be in the day of Judgment?”

There was no one in the council who felt qualified to question the candidate further, for each council member had a deep suspicion that his own organized Bible knowledge was as sketchy as that of the candidate. man was voted into the church.

Author unknown
Submitted by John Post

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A big thank you

On behalf of the Strong – Tuttle – Paff family, Nancy and I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, comfort, and support during the recent weeks as we worked through the sudden and unexpected death of Dad – known to you as Ed Strong. You will never know how much your ministry helped carry us through these past weeks.

Father David

Road Trip

PLAN AN EDUCATIONAL TRIP WITH ST. DAVID’S

REMBRANDT AND THE FACE OF JESUS – DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ART EXHIBIT

We are planning a day-trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday, January 14, 2012, to view the exhibit “Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus”. This exhibit brings together for the first time many of Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn’s finest paintings, prints and drawings that portray Jesus and events described in the Bible. The exhibition of 64 works includes approximately 52 intimate paintings, prints and drawings by Rembrandt and his students that illustrate how Rembrandt broke from traditional 17th-century representations of Jesus.

The exhibit runs November 20, 2011, through February 12, 2012. Individual adult and youth (under 15 years) are $16 and $8, respectively; however, adult tickets will be $12 if we have a group of 15 or more. We plan to carpool or rent a van if there is sufficient interest. Additional information regarding the exhibition is available by going to the DIA website (www.dia.org).

Advance ticket purchase is required for date and time of admission. Signup by Sunday, December 11, on the sheet posted in the narthex. See Maria Leiby or Gail Donovan for additional information and ticket purchase.

December Calendar

Dec. 3 St. Nicholas Day Bazaar 10am-4pm
Dec. 5 – Annual Report deadline
Dec. 7 – Advent Program – 7pm
Dec. 11 – Cookie Walk —–during coffee hour.
Dec. 14 – Advent Program- 7pm
Dec. 15-17 – Xmas Food Baskets (Prep / Distribute)
Dec. 18 – Greening of the Church
Dec. 18 – Xmas Choir Concert -3pm
Dec. 21 – Vestry meeting 7:15pm
Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve services
7:00 pm, 10:30, carols, 11:00 pm worship
Dec. 25 – Christmas Day

Have news you would like to submit?
It’s simple. Just use the form provided (here)

For me, Advent holds an element of increasing, child-like excitement. It is not the same as the old excitement based on opening Christmas presents. It is a deeper excitement, a richer excitement. I love the return of our Advent Star and the blue vestments, which remind us of the sacrifice Mary made in becoming the Theotokos, the Christ Bearer. I love the haunting lament, Come O Come Emmanuel, and the simpler, older, timeless form of worship. I love the marking of the passage of time as made clear by the candles on the Advent wreath and the scriptural readings that ultimately lead us to the birth of the Christ child.

Each year, I encourage you to set aside some time to be quiet and discover anew the growing excitement of Advent. God cannot speak to us of the wonderful approaching gift of Christ’s birth if we are constantly surrounded by the din of human noise. Each year some of you do as I encourage, and report back to me of how different your Christmas turns out to be. The beauty, depth, and richness of Christmas is multiplied vastly more than the actual time invested.

So, once again in this busy December, I encourage you to be sure to set aside some time each day to simply be quiet and think about what the time leading up to Christmas is truly about. Think also about which parts of Christmas really are the most important; there put your focus and energies. Don’t let this month become an avalanche of events, emotions and actions that sweep everything into a destructive mass.

May God bless and keep you this Advent and always.

With deepest affection,

Fr. David