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Advent III
I baptize you with water but He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit Mark 1:8The Gospel is specifically concerned with the real nature of Christ. Again we see Him through the eyes of John the Baptist who is being cross-questioned by priests and Levites sent by the Pharisees in Jerusalem to discover who he was. In replying to them John declines to give himself any position but concentrates upon proclaiming the coming Messiah. He explained that he was not the Christ, nor 'the Prophet" who had been foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15-18, nor was he the returned prophet Elijah whom Malachi expected. Instead he was "the voice" sent from God to prepare the way for the Messiah. When this statement brought the riposte that such humility was inconsistent with the fact that John baptized people who accepted his message, the Baptist claimed that he was still merely preparing the way for one immeasurably greater than he. That one was already among them, but as yet unknown, and He would baptize men with the Holy Spirit. This is, therefore, the clearest statement of the coming of the Messiah. It prepares us directly for the ministry of Jesus and sets Him and John the Baptist in the context of Jewish prophecy. It is not merely that John looked forward to the coming of Our Lord but that the Old Testament itself prepares the way for the Messiah and His new dispensation. We are seeing Christ as the fulfillment of the long story of God's chosen people. This Sunday in Advent is preparing us for the Incarnation which completes the revelation of God to man begun in the Jewish scriptures. Because the world might not pretend It knew not of the coming day, Thou didst, O Christ, before Thee send A cryer, to prepare Thy way. Thy kingdom was the bliss he brought, Repentance was the way he taught. George Wither, John the Baptist
The Christian Calendar
Looking Ahead Holy Trinity Christmas Schedule
December 16, Sunday: Rector's Christmas Open House. 1:00-3:00pm. 4404 Ward St. December 16, Sunday: Advent Lessons and Carols at 5:30pm. No Holy Eucharist. December 24, Monday: Christmas Eve: 5:30pm - Christmas Pageant with Holy Eucharist Rite II. 10:30pm - Holy Eucharist, Rite I, with Incense and Bells. December 25, Christmas Day: 10:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I. December 30: First Sunday after Christmas—Kings College Cambridge Lessons and Carols at 10:00am. No Holy Eucharist.
Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 16 5:30pm Please come and enjoy a traditional Advent Lessons and Carol service, complete with candles. No Holy Eucharist.
Advent Adventures Please join us! The Parish of Holy Trinity is invited to come together during this time of ADVENT on Wednesday evenings beginning with supper at 5:30pm and continuing with our adventures in learning, sharing and creating. Our "intergenerational" time together is facilitated by Paula Howbert and Karen Parnell. December 19: Caroling to the homebound members of our Parish family. Join us for a hayride after caroling, (weather permitting).
Sunday, December 16 8:00am Holy Eucharist 9:00am The Beatitudes, Room 1 9:00am Children's Sunday School, Rms. 6 & 11 9:00am Youth Sunday School, Youth House 10:00am Holy Eucharist 10:00am Baby Church, Nursery 5:30pm Advent Lessons and Carols, Nave Monday, December 17 8:30am CDO, St. Francis Hall 9:30am Yoga, Musikgarten Room 11:00am Musikgarten Toddler II, Musikgarten Room 5:15pm Holy Eucharist and Healing 5:15pm Yoga, Musikgarten Room 7:00pm Boy Scouts, Parish Hall Tuesday, December 18 7:00am HE and Women’s Breakfast 8:30am CDO, St. Francis Hall 9:30am Yoga, Musikgarten Room 12noon Allison Cancer Center Support Group, Parish Hall 5:30pm Vestry Mtg, Room 1 Wednesday, December 19 7:00am HE and Men’s Breakfast 8:00am BSF, Nave and Ed. Wing 8:30am CDO, St. Francis Hall 9:00am Musikgarten/Babies, Musikgarten Rm. 9:45am Musikgarten/Toddler I, Musikgarten Rm. 10:30am Musikgarten/Toddler I, Musikgarten Rm. 11:15am Musikgarten/Toddler II, Musikgarten Rm. 12noon Women's Bible Study, Parish Hall 5:00pm Junior Choristers, Choir Room 5:30pm Supper, Parish Hall 6:00pm Advent Adventures, Parish Hall Caroling and Hayride 7:00pm Adult Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Thursday, December 20 8:30am CDO, St. Francis Hall 9:45am NO Rector's Bible Study, Room 1 11:00am HE and Healing Friday, December 14 8:30am CDO, St. Francis Hall
Lay Eucharistic Ministry December 16, 2007 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 8:00am Holy Eucharist Robert Stewart Charles Simmons 10:00am Holy Eucharist Marilyn Allen Neal Allen 5:30pm: ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS
Altar Guild Team I will serve December 15-21. Anne Herbig, Captain. Trina Albright, Cathy Graham.
Tuesday Morning Women’s Breakfast Deborah Chester will serve breakfast on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, following the 7:00am Holy Eucharist.
Men’s Club John Herbig, Brian Scarborough will serve breakfast on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, following the 7:00am Holy Eucharist.
Birthdays and Anniversaries December 16-22 Those having a birthday: Neal Allen, James Leeton, Jack James, J. Beekman Saums, Loyd Lawson, Max Henderson, Erd Johnson, Betty Dean, Brent Wilbourn, Gretchen Davis, George Hover, Abby Barto.Those having an anniversary: None.
Wednesday Night Supper Wednesday Night Supper December 19 Chili Cornbread Salad Dessert If you would like to cook or help, call Angela Stephens at 685-4135.
HOSPITAL VISITS Please call the Parish Office at 683-4207, and let us know when someone from Holy Trinity is in the hospital or rehab center. We don't want to miss anyone. Thanks!
Comunidad Alabare Every Wednesday, Bob Hilton comes to Holy Trinity to pick up food in the grocery cart in the Parish Hall to give to the poor who attend Comunidad Alabare. Please remember to bring food, especially canned or dry goods. Remember, need knows no season. Thank you!
Prayer List For Those in Trouble, Sorrow, Need, Sickness or Any Other Adversity: Diane, Don, Connie, Joe & Martha, Richie, Gay, Britt, Clayton, Margot, Pauline, Heather, Camden, Beth, Marci, Carol, Jim, Jessica, Susie, Mike, Wanda, Denise, Christopher, Kylie, Liz, Eric, Allison, Kathy, Phil, Julie, Kathleen, Debbie, Bill, Bettie, Jan, Becky, Jennifer, Ann, James Jr., Meg, Livi, Kay.For Those in the Military: David, John, Miller, Michael, Drew, Bo, Eli, Nick, James, Kimberly, Chris, Rosemary, Justin, Lisa, Craig, Jody, Andrew, David, Steven, Jordan, Sean, Patrick, Etienne, Annie, Casey, Nick and his platoon, the 293rd; and Victor. If you know of anyone in the Armed Forces, please feel free to call the Parish Office and place his or her name on the Prayer List. Please call the Parish Office to place a name on the Prayer List. Deadline is Friday at 2:30pm.
ADULT EDUCATION
SUNDAY · Study of Matthew 5:1-11. The Blessed Life - a Study of the Beatitudes. WEDNESDAY · Women's Bible Study: 11:30am Brown-bag lunch and fellowship in the Parish Hall followed by Bible study from 12noon - 1:00pm. · Advent Adventures —Intergenerational activities for Advent. THURSDAY · NO Rector’s Bible Study, Thursdays at 9:45am in Room 1. Join us for a study of Luke’s Gospel.
YOUTH ALERT
Feed yourself - Body and Soul Donuts with Deborah and Juice with Jim 9:00am in the Youth House (if you are usually late- come at 8:55am) An enlightening and revealing discussion of the "Propers" (what are the Propers, anyway?) Come find out what you always wondered, but were afraid to ask!
Youth Confirmation Sundays at 9:00am in the Youth House. Need more information? Call Paula Howbert at 697-6536.
Sunday School 9am Preschool and Kindergarten Room 6 Grades 1-5 Room 11
Godly Play Work Days Thursday – December 27th Friday – December 28th Saturday – December 29th If you have not signed up to be a part of this wonderful children’s program it’s not too late. Contact Karen Parnell at 413-0331.
Children’s Chapel 10am Children from preschool to 2nd grade are welcome to be a part of the "little church".
Baby Church 10am Nursery
Wednesdays 6-7pm Inter-generational Adventures 5:30 Dinner then …December 19th – Caroling to our Parish homebound HAYRIDE after caroling (weather permitting)
Faces of Children Prayer Ministry Wednesdays 11:30am First Presbyterian Church This ministry prays for children throughout the world—children at risk and in crisis. Please consider this weekly ecumenical ministry with the faith communities of Midland.
WE NEED YOU!!! Holy Trinity has been supporting the MIDLAND SOUP KITCHEN for nine years! Our commitment to serve others in this outreach ministry is based on help from everyone in the Parish. Please consider giving some of your time to this worthwhile project. Even one or two hours a month will greatly help the others who so diligently give of their time. Remember, STEWARDSHIP includes more than just money...it's also your time and talents. Holy Trinity volunteers serve: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00am to 1:00pm
HOLY TRINITY BOOKSTORE & GIFTS The Bookstore will be closed temporarily. If you would like to make a purchase, please call the Parish Office, 683-4207 to make an appointment. Thank you for your patience.
RECTOR'S CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Sunday, December 161:00 - 3:00 PM 4404 Ward Street Please join us in Christmas Love and Friendship
Every Member Canvas 2008 Update Every Member Canvas Update December 10Thanksgiving for all who’ve returned pledge cards and for your prayerful support of God’s work through Holy Trinity! Through December 10th, we received a total of $307,796 in pledges toward Holy Trinity’s 2008 operating budget. Of the 317 pledge cards mailed, 38% have been returned, almost half of which were offered during our Ingathering Sunday November 18th. I ask also for your continued prayers as the vestry prepares next year’s operating budget. Jim Newman Every Member Canvas Chair
"A Christmas Story" Holy Trinity’s Children’s Christmas Pageant 5:30pm Service Christmas Eve 1st Rehearsal – Saturday December 22 10am – 12noon 2nd Rehearsal – Sunday December 23 Costume fitting and practice 2:00 – 4:00pm 3rd Rehearsal in Full costume Monday – December 24 10am – 12noon All children are welcome to be a part of the "production".
Renovaré A Regional Conference on Spiritual Renewal Friday and Saturday, February 1-2, 2008 About the Conference: Richard Foster and Marti Ensign, both well know speakers, along with George Skramstad will lead this joyous, worship-packed conference as they teach us ways to strengthen our personal relationships with Jesus. Open to all people of faith, Renovaré, will benefit those seeking a balanced approach to spirituality. This conference will give Christians and Christian organizations of all denominations a plan for revitalizing, deepening, and renewing their relationship with God. Registration: Registration is $25.00 (if registering by January 20), and includes Saturday lunch, conference materials, and a copy of A Spiritual Formation Workbook. Please register early as space is limited. Stop by the Parish Office for a registration form or go to www.renewmidland.com to download a registration form.
Salvation Army’s Dress a Live Doll During this Christmas season, we are sponsoring two children who have not been blessed with an abundance of God’s material gifts. We are attempting to provide for the clothing needs of these kids and possibly some of their wants. There is a list in the parish hall of the clothing they need and a wish they have requested. Although I have been told the wish is optional, any attempt to provide funds for it is welcome. If you would like to provide either the listed items, or donate monetarily, please bring the gifts (unwrapped) to the parish hall or contact me or the church office, with the desire to provide financially. I can get others to buy the gifts (I hate shopping, unless it’s a gift certificate!) and they will be delivered to the Salvation Army on Wednesday, December 12. I apologize for the short time frame, but if you feel encouraged to give out of your abundance to provide for those less fortunate, you will be doing the work the Lord has requested from all of us. (p. s. I have been informed Mervyn’s has offered a 15% discount on clothes for these kids if they are informed you are shopping for them). Thanks Patrick Collier, Mission & Outreach Council 685-0811
The Shawl Ministry The Shawl Ministry will meet on Wednesday, December 19 at 1:30pm at Nancy's Place (small grey house west of parking lot - 1506 W. Illinois Ave). If you are interested in being a part of this worthwhile ministry, please plan to join us for our kick-off meeting. Call me if you are unable to attend on that day. (Cindy Olive 686-9545).
Holy Homework by Ann Onymous What if there is a "Pop Quiz"…..from Father-God (get it?...Pop…Father???) REQUIRED READING : 2 Corinthians – Chapter 5( with particular emphasis on verses 11 – 21…the ministry of reconciliation with Christ) MEMORY VERSE : 2 Corinthians 5:17 "For anyone united to Christ, there is a new creation: the old order has gone; a new order has already begun." (REB)FIND IT : How was Joseph (Mary’s husband) related to Abraham? And who were the other ‘famous folks’ along the way?HYMN OF THE WEEK : # 66 Come, thou long expected JesusPRAYER OF THE WEEK : (BCP pg 819, # 17) For Church Musicians and ArtistsO God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (PLEASE pray this prayer throughout the week; suggestion – pray at dinner time with your family).
ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S Holy Homework What is it? Advent (add vent…vent + vent + vent + vent)FIND IT : The angel Gabriel came from heaven to tell Mary her great news. In a related story, Gabriel also appeared to Zechariah, a priest, at an earlier time, to tell him his wife (Elizabeth) was going to have a son (to be named John – as in John the Baptist). By the way,…Zechariah doubted theangels message from God and was made speechless until the day John was born! (moral of the story – believe God or you get silenced!) EXTRA CREDIT : The nativity story is found in the gospel of Luke – written by a physician, who was Greek and a Gentile Christian (the only known Gentile author in the New Testament) and a close friend of Paul’s.ADVANCED HYMN STUDENTS : Our Advent hymns start with # 53 and there are 24 hymns total. Even though our liturgical year starts with Advent, the hymns at the beginning of our hymnal are for the Daily Office (Morning, Noonday, and Evening Prayer, Compline and Sunday).
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS To give the gift of flowers for Christmas in memory of loved ones, please send your donation to the Parish Office, attention: Cindy, Holy Trinity Flower Fund. Deadline is Thursday, December 20 at 4:00pm.
Strategic Planning Group Meeting Thursday, December 13 Parish Hall 5:45pm All parishioners are invited.
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