Good Morning to all of the good and faithful stewards of St. Mary's in the Valley! I hope your past week was filled with joy and peace as we begin this season of preparation and reflection on our two very significant celebrations in our church year. The first, of course, is the celebration of the season of Advent - the preparation for the coming of our Savior, Christ the King. It is so tempting to just leap directly into everything Christmas. And how could we help but do that since it is everywhere. It seems as though the rest of the world has no idea that there even is this time of reflection and preparation for the birth of Christ. I remember how shocked I was the first time a pastor wouldn't allow the greening of our church until just before Christmas Eve! I had to readjust my whole idea of December, and, I must admit, that has been one of the best Christmas gifts I have ever received. All of a sudden, the worries and the "little things" lost their significance, and I was able to really think about the reason for the season!
Did you take a moment to look at Luke 5: 1-6 and reflect on Jesus and the Promise of Abundance? Here is the second part of the homework piece I wrote about last week. If you read the passages, the question for this week is: How have you used the teachings of Jesus as you think about Stewardship in your life and in the life of our congregation?
Certainly one example of the way the people of St. Mary's live out their generosity is through their annual giving to those less fortunate. The Angel Tree is just such an example. Many of you have already taken one or two names off the tree, and some of you may have taken even more. There are many children in our community who come from homes where there are very limited resources. The gifts we provide for these children make a huge difference in their lives. Because I work for Human Services here in Ramona, I see these families every day. The need is real, and what you do is important work. On behalf of my co-workers, I would like to thank you all for your generous outpouring of love for these children every Christmas. You are truly "Making a joyful noise to the Lord"!
The BC will meet on its usual date, the third Tuesday, December 18th, at 6:00 pm. I hope to see all of you there - if you can't make it, please let me know.
PASTORAL COUNSELING SERVICES
St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
16275 Pomorado Road
Poway, California 92064
Office Phone: 858-487-2159
Pastoral Counseling is provided as follows:
Thursdays - 10:00 a.m. ~ 11:30 a.m.
Dawn Stary M.A.
Pastoral Care & Counseling
619-446-7932
SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE
09:30 AM
MUSIC NEWS
Choir rehearsals start : Wednesday, November 7! This will give us 5 rehearsals to sing an Advent anthem on Sunday, December 16th and 6 rehearsals to sing 2 anthems on Christmas Eve, December 24th second service.
Please let me know:
If you'd absolutely love to sing and commit the time to attend every rehearsal
If you'd absolutely be willing to be a part of the Pageant at the early service on Christmas Eve
If you're absolutely willing to do both of these (those participating in both Christmas Eve services will be provided for sustenance between the two)
We absolutely need altos, tenors and basses
A lot of absolutes, but I can guarantee that you'll absolutely love being a part of the liturgy of the church and giving the gift of music to the congregation.
Cheers to you all - Pamela Wade (760.789.5234)
WOSM NEWS
Please return your UTO (United Thank Offering) boxes by Dec. 16th. I plan on sending in our check before the end of the year.
Thanks,
Sandy
The WOSM Christmas Party will be on Dec. 21st this year at the home of Janet and Susan Sheely, 16215 Spangler Peak Rd. at 6pm. There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex if you'd like to bring something to help with our menu of Ham and Lasagna. We do already have wine and soft drinks. As usual there will be a fun gift exchange, so if you'd like to participate, bring a gift for $10. Their number is 760-789-7860.
Also, at this time we are working on a slate of officers for next year, so if you are interested in holding a position for next year, please let me know.
