Another important tradition in our parishes is lighting a new Advent wreath; an Advent Wreath is a simple circle of evergreens, representing eternity, into which are set four candles, one for each of the Sundays of Advent. The Advent wreath comes from Germany but has been adopted by churches throughout the West. It was originally used in homes, and still is, but it is now found in churches, as well. The candles can be any color. However, many people choose to follow the color of the liturgical season. In that case, candles may be either blue, following the old English use that is increasingly used in Anglican churches today, or, following the traditional Roman use, there may be three violet (or purple) candles and one rose (pink) candle. At St. Matt’s, we have combined these two strong traditions by featuring three blue candles and one rose candle.
December, 2013
An Advent Reflection: “Behold, I Make All Things New” (Rev. 21:5) Advent is a season of preparation for the birth of Jesus into our lives again. As a worshipping community, we prepare for the celebration of Christmas—the event of Christ’s incarnation into our world—and we have some rich traditions that enhance this time of preparation. What a wonderful season when we celebrate new beginnings in our individual lives and throughout God’s creation! Our Advent lectionary lessons that we will read on the first four Sunday mornings in December remind us that Jesus has come into our world. A seminary friend, Randy Knutson, at the Church Divinity School (Episcopal) in Berkeley, CA has summarized the progression of these Advent lessons:
Advent begins with warning texts about the second coming and leads forward in brightness, towards the coming and birth of Christ, from darkness into light. It is a season filled with expectation and a hope which grows with the passing of time.
Page 1
In every case, our Advent Candles symbolize the movement from darkness of sin to the coming of the light that is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Again, we celebrate that God is doing something new in our midst! In closing, I want to share the words of a noted liturgical scholar, Gordon Lathrop, who emphasized how Jesus is our “sun” throughout Advent:
Christ, present in the world, is our sun in the darkness, our eternal “new year,” our feast, our light, our rest, our lively connection to each other. So the message of Advent in all it’s brightness and hope speaks to the deepest desires of our hearts and minds. May the light of Christ continue to transform and redeem our life together. See you in church! Blessings and peace, Father Coke McClure
THE FOLLOWING NOTES WERE RECEIVED FROM THE GENE LEWIS FAMILY:
FOR ST. MATTHEWS DECEMBER 1: CELEBRANT: LEADERS: MUSICIAN: ACOLYTE:
10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST FR. COKE MCCLURE SUZI LORE & DOUG DIETRICH SUE DIMMITT JAKE MCCAFFREY
Father Coke, Suzi, Deacon Cheryl and the St. Matthews Church Family, Just a note to thank you all for the wonderful service for our beloved Gene Lewis. I know Gene was truly loved by all of you and will be missed by you as well as the family and community of Alliance. A lot of hard work was put in by all from the ladies in the kitchen all the way to Fr. Coke. Thank you all for your love and devotion. We truly felt at ease and peace and felt loved by all. A wonderful feeling when grieving a loss. Blessings, peace & love to all! Leslie & Jim Lewis
DECEMBER 8: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST CELEBRANT: DEACON CHERYL HARRIS LEADERS: KRISTY DEANS & BILL RENO MUSICIAN: CYNTHIA HORN ACOLYTE: ANNE ADAM DECEMBER 15: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST “HANGING OF THE GREENS” CELEBRANT: FR. COKE MCCLURE LEADERS: KATHY GRAHAM & CHARLES PLANTZ MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT ACOLYTE: PAT ZOBEL
Father Coke, Staff and Parishioners, Thank you for your prayers of support and love in memory of our father, Eugene K. Lewis. It was a beautiful celebration of a life well lived. Our father will be sorely missed but his legacy lives on through the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in his family, his church and his friends in Alliance. Thanks also for your diligent assistance in planning for the memorial service. Love to you, Matt Lewis & Family
DECEMBER 22: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE LEADERS: PAT ZOBEL & KATHY WORLEY MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT ACOLYTE: KATHY GRAHAM
THANK YOU, THANK YOU
DECEMBER 24: 10:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE HOLY EUCHARIST 9:30 PM LESSONS AND CAROLS CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE LEADERS: BILL RENO & CHARLES PLANTZ MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT ACOLYTE: KATHY GRAHAM
St. Matthew’s Parishioners, you are so generous! I took 32 filled Operation Christmas Child boxes to the E-Free Church for shipping. In 2012 we filled 19 boxes – what a terrific increase in giving. Also, a big thank you to our Outreach Committee for providing the $7 shipping cost for each box ($224.00).The gift-filled shoeboxes are sent to third-world countries to introduce children to God’s greatest gift, salvation through Jesus Christ. If you were not able to fill a box and would still like to contribute, consider making a donation to the Outreach Committee to cover the shipping costs and allow our Outreach Committee to continue their mission of making a difference in the lives of others.
DECEMBER 25: CHRISTMAS DAY NO SERVICES TODAY DECEMBER 29: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE LEADERS: DOUG DIETRICH & SUZI LORE MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT ACOLYTE: PAT ZOBEL
Janice Lawrence, Operation Christmas Child Liaison
Page 2
Be sure to check out the timely and exciting Christmas book display in our library. We continue to work hard to make it an inviting place for all St. Matthew’s parishioners. To check out a book, just sign your name on the check-out book with the date.
Birthdays and Anniversaries Calvary 8 – Jim Applegarth 10 – Heidi Merrihew 19 – Shontell Roseberry 28 – Steve & Debbie Clarke 30 – Matt Cover 30 – Jeff Cover
Books displayed for your enjoyment include: Hugs for the Holidays, The Legend of the Candy Cane, Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned from Jesus, The Women of Christmas, A Stubborn Sweetness and other Stories for the Christmas Season, Silent Night – Stories Behind 40 Beloved Christmas Carols, On This Holy Night, Christmas Stories for the Heart and the Spirit of Christmas.
St. Matthews 4 – Melba Dickenson 8 – Sarah Lewis 9 – Rick Ehrett 12 – Eric Bates 13 – Penny Thompson 13 – Shauna Horsley 16 – Dean Huckfeldt 16 – Todd & Cheryl Harris 17 – Britt Anderson 18 – Julie Cody 22 – Bill & Kathy Graham 25 – Kristy Dietrich 26 – Alice Leider 27 – Mike & Gayle Dietrich 29 – Holly Horsley 30 – Sutton Parkison 30 – Janna Duncan 31 – Linda Bates 31 – Kerrie R Christensen
Christmas Book Review I wanted to share a little about the book “Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned from Jesus”. This is one of the books that I used regularly when I read to the residents at Highland Park during Advent. It is full of short stories, scripture and words of wisdom. It would be perfect to use as a meditation book during the season of Advent. Christmas is a time of good cheer and holiday festivities, a time when we celebrate with family and friends. We wrap presents, sing songs, decorate our homes, drink hot cider and smell the fresh-cut pine scents. These are the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Yet, as the world celebrates the holiday, may we remember the true meaning of Christmas. The Son of God came to give us hope and peace, to show us His Father’s love and compassion for everyone. Just a sample of what you will read in this book: “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.” The scripture that accompanies it is Matthew 10:8 Freely you have received, freely give. May your reading be filled with blessings,
ST. MATTHEWS ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 FOLLOWING MORNING WORSHIP. ALL ORGANIZATIONS ARE ASKED TO HAVE THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS INTO THE CHURCH OFFICE NO LATER THAN JANUARY 8TH AT NOON TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT BOOKLET.
Cheryl
Page 3
CONSECRATION SUNDAY at St. Matthew’s was November 24th with many members placing their pledges on the altar following the service. As of today, approximately $120,000 has been pledged for 2014. If you were unable to attend the service Sunday and want to make a pledge, pledge cards are available in the church office. Thank you to all who have pledged!
CHRISTMAS BASKETS As I mentioned in the Missives last month, this year we are reviving a tradition that was discontinued for a few years – Christmas Baskets. This year there will be a change in the way the baskets are filled and distributed. St. Matthew’s has agreed to fill baskets for 10 families in Alliance who could use a little extra help. Beginning in December, we are asking the parishioners of St. Matthew’s to bring food articles that you would incorporate into your Christmas dinner. Use your imagination and include things you have at your dinner (or would like to have.) Instead of turkeys, we would like to include canned hams. Some don’t have the ability or the facilities to cook a turkey and receiving a frozen turkey a day or two before Christmas just doesn’t work. If you would rather, a monetary donation will be accepted, and we will buy food as needed to fill in. Checks can be made out to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and in the memo line put Christmas baskets. During Fellowship time, after the service on Dec. 22, we will put the baskets or boxes together so be sure to come join in the fun. If you include rolls, fresh fruit, etc., bring them on the 22nd. They will be delivered on Sunday, December 22 or Monday, December 23. Please be a part of this program and share in the joy of Christmas giving. We are all so blessed to have what we need. How wonderful it will be to share with those who don’t. AND – if that’s not enough fun and excitement – all volunteers to help deliver these baskets are more than welcome!! Another thought from the book I reviewed: The greatest good of every giving is – when the giver is in the gift. God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Peace, Cheryl Page 4
DECEMBER 7: 10:00 AM PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S ANNUAL TEA AT THEIR CHURCH AT 5TH & EMERSON. RSVP TO THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 762-1775 OR TO PAT HOWELL AT 762-1998. DECEMBER 8: BRUNCH WITH BUDDIES AT ST. MATTHEWS SPONSORED BY THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE. SERVING WILL BEGIN FOLLOWING THE MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE. 2:00 PM PRAIRIE HAVEN HOSPICE MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE KNIGHT MUSEUM DECEMBER 11: 7:00 PM CHRISTMAS CANTATA AT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. THIS EVENT IS PERFORMED BY THE COMMUNITY CHOIR WITH MEMBERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. DECEMBER 15: “HANGING OF THE GREENS” FOLLOWING OUR MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE. PLAN TO HELP AND ENJOY THE TREATS AS WE WORK. 2:00 PM CHRISTMAS CANTATA AT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. DECEMBER 18: SUE DIMMITT’S PIANO STUDENTS WILL PRESENT THEIR CHRISTMAS RECITAL AT 7:00 PM IN THE SANCTUARY. DECEMBER 24: 4:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT CALVARY. 9:30 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT ST. MATTHEWS. DECEMBER 25: NO SERVICES SCHEDULED FOR EITHER CALVARY OR ST. MATTHEWS.
other cause you may have. Soup will be served following the service! Thank you to our wonderful congregation & community who supported our Annual Harvest Supper. The cooks prepared 4 turkeys, 50 # of potatoes, 4 pots of gravy, 40 # of stuffing, cooked cabbage, salads, pies, and desserts. We continue to be blessed with many hands to prepare and serve this meal. We served over 135!
CALVARY SERVICE SCHEDULE AND NEWS DECEMBER 1: 4:00 PM HOLY EUCHARIST CONSECRATION SUNDAY CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE LECTOR: KATHY COVER GREET & TREAT: SOUP SUPPER
Congratulations to the Hyannis Longhorn Football team for their Nebraska state 6-man Football Runner-up Championship. Calvary member Zachary Ash is a player on that team!
DECEMBER 8: 10:00 AM MORNING PRAYER LECTOR: MARINA GARNER
Photo Directory - The final draft is being completed for the new photo directory. We are excited for you to receive your pictures and directory. Calvary had a GREAT turnout.
DECEMBER 15: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST “HANGING OF THE GREENS” CELEBRANT: THE REV. CHERYL HARRIS LECTOR: JOY BOYER GREET & TREAT: TOM & KLEO DREDLA
The Sunday School children will be working on ornaments for our Christmas goodie bags. Watch for an upcoming date to fill and deliver the bags. Mark your calendars for our 2014 Annual meeting to be held on Sunday, January 19.
DECEMBER 22: 4:00 PM HOLY EUCHARIST CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE LECTOR: LESLIE ROSEBERRY GREET & TREAT: MARK & LESLIE ROSEBERRY VESTRY MEETING AT 2:30 PM
Note to Organizations of St. Matthews: As our team has been updating the website for St. Matthew’s, we’ve discussed several things. One of
DECEMBER 24: 4:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE LECTOR: SHARON APPLEGARTH
the important decisions we made was to ask the
DECEMBER 29: 4:00 PM HOLY EUCHARIST CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE LECTOR: KATHY COVER GREET & TREAT: TIM & KATHY COVER
Vestry, etc. it would be nice if you would send the
member of St. Matthew’s to make our Matthew’s Missives an inclusive parish newsletter. It you have a meeting of Altar Guild, Outreach, Lay Ministers, church office a short email telling what you planned or accomplished. Several years ago the Vestry used to have Vestry notes in the newsletter. It doesn’t have to be long – just informative. I would especially appreciate some of these updates as I miss things when I’m in Hyannis. We hope you would
Consecration Sunday is Dec. 1st at 4 p.m. Consecration Sunday is a time to show your commitment to Calvary Church and you are encouraged to wear a t-shirt to show support of your favorite sports team, organization or any
Page 5
all consider trying this and see what the feedback is. Thanks, Cheryl