Advent 4, Feast of the Nativity and the Bishop

This coming Sunday (4 Advent) following the service we will help to 'green' the church. Decorations will emerge and we can all share in making the place ready for Wednesday evening's celebration of the Nativity.

I'm looking forward to this event. Bridget Williams announced last Sunday that her husband, Bob, will again be making breakfast for all who stay to help decorate. Pancakes, bacon, sausage will be served (I think I missed another item) in the hall. This should be a wonderful time for all of us.

Later that day, Tara Philhower is organizing a neighborhood caroling expedition. I haven't heard what time so I'll be announcing that Sunday morning.

Wednesday evening at 7 we will gather to celebrate the Incarnation. We have picked out a few carols in our hymnal to sing together before we start the actual service. So invite your friends and neighbors to join us. This should be a glorious celebration.

And be sure to mark you calendars that Jan. 11 is the Bishop's Visitation. We will have Bishop Taylor with us to offer Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation to those who wish. Confirmation is for those who have been baptized and would now like to publicly state they embrace the Baptismal Covenant and wish to further grow in their relationship with God. Those who have spoken to me have been coming to the God Talk sessions or have discussed this with me privately.

Reception is for those who are baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to be officially received into the Episcopal Church.

Reaffirmation is for those who are already baptized and confirmed but now wish to publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows. We are ready to launch a new congregation together. St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church will become a reality in the new year. This may be a time for you to consider Reaffirmation.

I need to know the names of those interested. You may let me know via email or I will have a clipboard sign up sheet on the back shelf this Sunday and Christmas Eve. The Bishop has asked for the names as soon as possible so that he may begin including them in his daily prayers.

Advent blessings and holy peace to you all...Pastor Dan