Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God.
Well, its getting to be that time again.What time is that, you say?Advent!The time we wait with joyful anticipation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, I say.And how do we mark the time, you say?With Advent wreaths, I say. I would once again like to gather all who are interested to make fresh Advent wreaths for your homes. I think it was a great success last year.
The cost this year to make a wreath will be $12.00/ea. Please bring cash, or make a check out to me, Ray Locke. If you wish to take part in this CEC tradition please let me know no later than November 20th. Call me at home, or see me at church, anytime between now and then.
Young Adult Service Corps
The Episcopal Church offers untold opportunities for young adults to provide service and share their expertise worldwide through the Young Adult Service Corps.
Commonly known as YASC, applications are now being accepted for the Young Adult Service Corps from young adults between the ages of 21-30.
Click onto the link for further details and application form
Please note that on Saturday December 10th the day of the Christmas Parade when we will be promoting ChristChurch with our participation in the Christmas Parade, it is also the Kiwanis Santa’s Breakfast from to that morning, at the SmithfieldCenter. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and the opportunity for our young children and grandchildren to visit the best Santa in town! Many of our ChristChurch family will be helping at this event, so come along too and show the town another way that our church members continue to support our community. All the proceeds from the event go towards helping underprivileged children in IOW County, including providing Christmas Gifts for over 300 children so they too can experience the joy of Christmas Morning. Tickets are $5.00 and they can be purchased in advance from any Kiwanis member, or you can pay at the door. What better way to begin a day that exemplifies just what out great town is all about! And after the Parade, enjoy lunch at ChristChurch, and give Mom the day off during the busy Christmas Season!
Thank you.
Blessings,
Angie.
It is time to order poinsettias for Christmas.The cost for each plant will be $15.50.All orders must be turned in by December 4th, so that the total order may be placed on December 7th
***Order forms can be found in our Church Hall under the poinsettia poster.
Completed forms can be placed in Judy Cutler’s box
December 10 at
CHRISTCHURCH ENTERS FLOAT IN CHRISTMAS PARADE - FISH FRY
Those interested in helping with float design, building, or assisting with the parade, please call:Michel Lujan,757-279-0124orTammie and Roger Ash, 757-357-2718 or call our church office and leave your name and number.
ON PARADE DAY
Come and warm-up after the Christmas Parade and enjoy a fish fry lunch with Gene Lowery’s famous hush puppies, coleslaw, and a drink for$7.00.Baked goods available for purchase.Lunch and church tours begin at .
Those who would like to participate by helping with the Fish Fry set-up, assisting Gene with the cooking, and providing customer service to our guests, please call:Donna or Gene, 757-357-5879 or Mary Cole, 757-675-5777, or leave your name and number at the church office.
BAKERY GOODS TO BE SOLD ON PARADE DAY
Those who can donate bakery goods to be sold on parade day, please get in touch with:Deborah Webb at the church office:757-357-2826 or Judy Cutler, 757-357-5133.
CHURCH TOURS & ART EXHIBITION
Those who would like to give, or assist with Church Tours and Church Beautification call:Pam Glanville, 757-773-2700
All proceeds after expenses will go towards the renovation and beautification of the remainder of the church interior – one room at a time.
Thank you for your participation and fellowship.
December 2nd & 3rd
CHRISTCHURCH OPENS TO GREET THOSE ON HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
HOT COFFEE/CHOCOLATE& SNACKS
CHURCH TOURS
----------------
December 4 at
CELTIC EVENSONG SERVICE FOLLOWED BY CELTIC CONCERT AND RECEPTION
Sunday, December 4 at , ChristChurch will offer a Celtic Evensong service which will commemorate St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, whose feast day is a few days before the December 4th date.
The service will include the lighting of candles for prayer and the opportunity for the laying on of hands in healing.This is our third Celtic service which, no doubt, will continue to touch our hearts and souls as we behold the beauty around us and absorb the spoken word and music unique to such an experience.
CELTIC CONCERT TO FOLLOW SERVICE
9 Points of Roguery, a group of young Williamsburg musicians, will play traditional Irish and other Celtic music.Formed in 2009 with a grant from the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission,
9 Points of Roguery, is an ensemble of the Williamsburg Youth Harp Society.The “Rogues” play harp, fiddle, mandolin, tin whistle, flute, piccolo, concertina, cello, accordion and bodhran (Irish drum).
The four harpists in the group played classical harp music together since they were in the 3rd grade.They decided to expand their range of musical experiences by playing the Celtic harp and music appropriate for this instrument.They then added friends (and a brother!) who played other traditional Celtic instruments, and the “Rogues” were born!
ReadingsNovember 27 2011
Reader:A reading from Isaiah [64:1-9]
The people of Israel are suffering for the sins they have committed. On their behalf, the prophet pleads that God will be merciful to his children.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
Oh, that you would rip open the heavens and descend, make the mountains shudder at your presence—
As when a forest catches fire,
as when fire makes a pot to boil—
To shock your enemies into facing you,
make the nations shake in their boots!
You did terrible things we never expected,
descended and made the mountains shudder at your presence.
Since before time began
no one has ever imagined,
No ear heard, no eye seen, a God like you
who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who happily do what is right,
who keep a good memory of the way you work.
But how angry you've been with us!
We've sinned and kept at it so long!
Is there any hope for us? Can we be saved?
We're all sin-infected, sin-contaminated.
Our best efforts are grease-stained rags.
We dry up like autumn leaves—
sin-dried, we're blown off by the wind.
No one prays to you
or makes the effort to reach out to you
Because you've turned away from us,
left us to stew in our sins.Still, God, you are our Father.
We're the clay and you're our potter:
All of us are what you made us.
Don't be too angry with us, O God.
Don't keep a permanent account of wrongdoing.
Keep in mind, please, we are your people—all of us.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
Readings November 27 7.45 & 11am
+The First Lesson: The people of Israel are suffering for the sins they have committed. On their behalf, the prophet pleads that God will be merciful to his children.
A Reading from Isaiah [64:1-9]
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
so that the mountains would quake at your presence--
as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil--
to make your name known to your adversaries,
so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From ages past no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right,
those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned;
because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name,
or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD,
and do not remember iniquity forever.
Now consider, we are all your people.
Reader: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God
Psalm 80:1-7,16-18Page702, BCP
Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; * shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, * stir up your strength and come to help us.
Restore us, O God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
O LORD God of hosts, * how long will you be angered
despite the prayers of your people?
You have fed them with the bread of tears; * you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
You have made us the derision of our neighbors, * and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, * the son of man you have made so strong for yourself.
And so will we never turn away from you; * give us life, that we may call upon your Name.
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
+The Second Lesson: Paul gives thanks for new disciples who have received many spiritual gifts. He encourages them to remain faithful as they await the Lord’s coming.
A Reading from 1 Corinthians[1:3-9]
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Young Adult Service Corps
The Episcopal Church offers untold opportunities for young adults to provide service and share their expertise worldwide through the Young Adult Service Corps.
Commonly known as YASC, applications are now being accepted for the Young Adult Service Corps from young adults between the ages of 21-30.
Click onto the link for further details and application form
The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God by Harold & Lorena Lawrence in loving memory for their parents Bentley & Elise Baker and Maud & Lauren Beatty
CEC Fundraiser
Be sure to stop by the Christ Church booth at the Smithfield Farmer’s Market on the 19th of November, and support CEC fund raiser.The J2A members will be selling pig watering cans as wells as evergreens for your holiday door decorating.
Whilst there have a (free) cup of hot chocolate/cappuccino to warm up, when purchasing freshly baked ‘hot’ Welsh cakes & Scottish Shortbread
Advent Wreaths
Well, its getting to be that time again.What time is that, you say?Advent!The time we wait with joyful anticipation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, I say.And how do we mark the time, you say?With Advent wreaths, I say. I would once again like to gather all who are interested to make fresh Advent wreaths for your homes. I think it was a great success last year.
The cost this year to make a wreath will be $12.00/ea. Please bring cash, or make a check out to me, Ray Locke. If you wish to take part in this CEC tradition please let me know no later than November 20th. Call me at home, or see me at church, anytime between now and then.
DearChristChurch members,
Please note that on Saturday December 10th the day of the Christmas Parade when we will be promoting ChristChurch with our participation in the Christmas Parade, it is also the Kiwanis Santa’s Breakfast from to that morning, at the SmithfieldCenter. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and the opportunity for our young children and grandchildren to visit the best Santa in town! Many of our ChristChurch family will be helping at this event, so come along too and show the town another way that our church members continue to support our community. All the proceeds from the event go towards helping underprivileged children in IOW County, including providing Christmas Gifts for over 300 children so they too can experience the joy of Christmas Morning. Tickets are $5.00 and they can be purchased in advance from any Kiwanis member, or you can pay at the door. What better way to begin a day that exemplifies just what out great town is all about! And after the Parade, enjoy lunch at ChristChurch, and give Mom the day off during the busy Christmas Season!
Thank you.
Blessings,
Angie.
It is time to order poinsettias for Christmas.The cost for each plant will be $15.50.All orders must be turned in by December 4th, so that the total order may be placed on December 7th
***Order forms can be found in our Church Hall under the poinsettia poster.
Completed forms can be placed in Judy Cutler’s box
December 10 at
CHRISTCHURCH ENTERS FLOAT IN CHRISTMAS PARADE - FISH FRY
Those interested in helping with float design, building, or assisting with the parade, please call:Michel Lujan,757-279-0124orTammie and Roger Ash, 757-357-2718 or call our church office and leave your name and number.
ON PARADE DAY
Come and warm-up after the Christmas Parade and enjoy a fish fry lunch with Gene Lowery’s famous hush puppies, coleslaw, and a drink for$7.00.Baked goods available for purchase.Lunch and church tours begin at .
Those who would like to participate by helping with the Fish Fry set-up, assisting Gene with the cooking, and providing customer service to our guests, please call:Donna or Gene, 757-357-5879 or Mary Cole, 757-675-5777, or leave your name and number at the church office.
BAKERY GOODS TO BE SOLD ON PARADE DAY
Those who can donate bakery goods to be sold on parade day, please get in touch with:Deborah Webb at the church office:757-357-2826 or Judy Cutler, 757-357-5133.
CHURCH TOURS & ART EXHIBITION
Those who would like to give, or assist with Church Tours and Church Beautification call:Pam Glanville, 757-773-2700
All proceeds after expenses will go towards the renovation and beautification of the remainder of the church interior – one room at a time.
Thank you for your participation and fellowship.
December 2nd & 3rd
CHRISTCHURCH OPENS TO GREET THOSE ON HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
HOT COFFEE/CHOCOLATE& SNACKS
CHURCH TOURS
----------------
December 4 at
CELTIC EVENSONG SERVICE FOLLOWED BY CELTIC CONCERT AND RECEPTION
Sunday, December 4 at , ChristChurch will offer a Celtic Evensong service which will commemorate St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, whose feast day is a few days before the December 4th date.
The service will include the lighting of candles for prayer and the opportunity for the laying on of hands in healing.This is our third Celtic service which, no doubt, will continue to touch our hearts and souls as we behold the beauty around us and absorb the spoken word and music unique to such an experience.
CELTIC CONCERT TO FOLLOW SERVICE
9 Points of Roguery, a group of young Williamsburg musicians, will play traditional Irish and other Celtic music.Formed in 2009 with a grant from the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission,
9 Points of Roguery, is an ensemble of the Williamsburg Youth Harp Society.The “Rogues” play harp, fiddle, mandolin, tin whistle, flute, piccolo, concertina, cello, accordion and bodhran (Irish drum).
The four harpists in the group played classical harp music together since they were in the 3rd grade.They decided to expand their range of musical experiences by playing the Celtic harp and music appropriate for this instrument.They then added friends (and a brother!) who played other traditional Celtic instruments, and the “Rogues” were born!
Reading November 20
Reader:A reading from Ephesians [-23]
Paul gives thanks for the faith and love which are demonstrated by disciples in Ephesus. He reminds them it is Christ who is the head of the church, the body of all faithful believers
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
20-23All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
Readings November 20
+The First Lesson:The prophet reassures those in exile that the Lord will guide and protect his followers, just as a shepherd gathers his sheep.
.A Reading from Ezekiel [34:11-16,20-24]
Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.
Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you pushed with
flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.
I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken.
Reader: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God
Psalm 100 Page 729, BCP
Be joyful in the LORD, all you lands; * serve the LORD with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
Know this: The LORD himself is God; * he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise; * give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
For the LORD is good;
his mercy is everlasting; * and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
+The Second Lesson:
A Reading from Ephesians [-23]
Paul gives thanks for the faith and love which are demonstrated by disciples in Ephesus. He reminds them it is Christ who is the head of the church, the body of all faithful believers.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
