My
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Can
you believe Christmas is just around the corner? In a few days we will begin a
new Liturgical Year on the First Sunday of Advent—a time of preparing
ourselves, not just with presents, trees, and food, but internally as we
celebrate The Word of God made real in flesh and bone—God becomes one of us! A
miracle, a gift, and the food of Eternal Life.
This
year, December 24th is not only Christmas Eve but also the Fourth
Sunday of Advent, so we need to tweak things a bit. Liturgically, Christmas Eve
begins at sundown on the 24th. So…this year we can gather at 9:00am for a
Eucharist (without music) to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. At 5:00pm
we will gather for a Family Eucharist with Choir and a Pageant (still working
on details). On Christmas Day we will again gather at 10:00am in celebration
with hymns. There will not be a 10:00 pm Eucharist.
If
you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at any time.
Let us all prepare well for the coming of Jesus into our lives.
Peace
and All Good,
Fr.
Mike
Center for Independence Update
On Monday night members of the vestry attended the
Flossmoor Village Trustees meeting. The purpose of our attendance was to ask
the village to reinstate the “Special Use” Zoning exception that had expired a
couple of years ago. The Trustees agreed to grant the exception
unanimously. Also, the Trustees thanked
the church for being such a good institution for the village. They were very
appreciative of our efforts to help the people of Flossmoor and the surrounding
area. Now that we have the “Special Use Exception” in place the vestry can
begin our exploratory conversations with The Center for Independence Through
Conductive Education. For more information please contact the vestry, or
go to The Center’s web site at: http://www.center-for-independence.org
Practicing Our Faith Book Club
In December, the Practicing Our Faith Book Club is
reading Between the Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life
by Joan Chittister, a book that "explores the concerns of modern life, of
the overworked mind and hurting heart." The book club will meet on
Thursday, December 21 at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to discuss the book. New
members are always welcome!
Respond
Now
The
Daughters of the King are collecting personal items for the men and women that
receive assistance through Respond Now. Suggestions: soap, shampoo, body
lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, etc. Both full and
travel-size are needed.
Bible Study/Fellowship Group
This Bible study group will meet at members' houses
for a pot luck dinner and fellowship once a month. Kids are welcome! The first
meeting will be in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact
Mary VanSwol, and state whether you
prefer Saturday or Sunday from 5-7 pm. An official time will be announced
closer to the date.
Wednesday Update
The Wednesday Eucharists meet at 9 a.m. Then, at 10
a.m., Fr. Mike will lead a weekly bible study class. This is an all-parish
class for both men and women. If you can, please bring your own NRSV bible, but
don’t worry if you forget or don’t have one.
Outdoor
Altar Tiles
Parishioners or visitors can still donate and
receive an original outdoor altar tile from around the Columbarium. For more
information, feel free to contact Steve Hofer if you are
interested. Available tiles are still on display down in the undercroft.
Vestry
Nominating Committee
The Vestry has approved Cynthia Turnquest, Alice
Creason , and Shirley Reilly to serve as the nominating committee for our new
2018 Vestry members.
