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December 2013 missives

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Page 1 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. 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. 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
Transcript
Page 1: December 2013 missives

Page 1

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.

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.

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

Page 2: December 2013 missives

Page 2

FOR ST. MATTHEWS DECEMBER 1: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST

CELEBRANT: FR. COKE MCCLURE

LEADERS: SUZI LORE & DOUG DIETRICH

MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT

ACOLYTE: JAKE MCCAFFREY

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

DECEMBER 22: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST

CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE

LEADERS: PAT ZOBEL & KATHY WORLEY

MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT

ACOLYTE: KATHY GRAHAM

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

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

THE FOLLOWING NOTES WERE RECEIVED FROM THE GENE

LEWIS FAMILY:

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

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

THANK YOU, THANK YOU

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.

Janice Lawrence, Operation Christmas Child Liaison

Page 3: December 2013 missives

Page 3

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Calvary

8 – Jim Applegarth

10 – Heidi Merrihew

19 – Shontell Roseberry

28 – Steve & Debbie Clarke

30 – Matt Cover

30 – Jeff Cover

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

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.

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.

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.

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,

Cheryl

Page 4: December 2013 missives

Page 4

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

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.

Page 5: December 2013 missives

Page 5

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

DECEMBER 8: 10:00 AM MORNING PRAYER

LECTOR: MARINA GARNER

DECEMBER 15: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST

“HANGING OF THE GREENS”

CELEBRANT: THE REV. CHERYL HARRIS

LECTOR: JOY BOYER

GREET & TREAT: TOM & KLEO DREDLA

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

DECEMBER 24: 4:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE

CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE

LECTOR: SHARON APPLEGARTH

DECEMBER 29: 4:00 PM HOLY EUCHARIST

CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE

LECTOR: KATHY COVER

GREET & TREAT: TIM & KATHY COVER

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

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! 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! 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. 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.

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

the important decisions we made was to ask 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,

Vestry, etc. it would be nice if you would send the

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

all consider trying this and see what the feedback

is.

Thanks, Cheryl


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