In the Advent / Christmas 2004 issue:
From Rachelle
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Trees, Trees, Trees
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Annual Parish Meeting
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First Night Alexandria
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Thoughts on The Lord's Prayer
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Bridge Players Needed
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
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Bishop Lee's Visit
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Decorating for Christmas
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Advent and Christmas Schedule
One week has passed (as of this writing) since the Presidential election of 2004. This time around we did not have to wait weeks to know who will occupy the White House for the next four years. As close as the election was, by Wednesday afternoon, it was decisive. The campaigns which preceded the election, however, were another story. The campaigning seemed to go on forever. It was long, repetitive and expensive. I, for one, thought Election Day would never come and I know I am not alone.
Waiting. We do not do it patiently or well. If I had one dollar for every Virginia driver who has tailgated me since my arrival here, I could retire! (And many of you know that my own right foot is not exactly "light.") We do not wait well. I wrote to you, on these very pages, last year about the sabbatical that was to be mine this past spring. I was counting down the days. I will tell you now that the forced wait for that sabbatical has not improved my patience- any. I may not be counting down the days, but I am counting down the months until next spring. We do not wait well. A couple of weeks ago I walked into a store to pick up something and heard "0 Come All Ye Faithful" playing above me as I wound my way through the Christmas trees and decorations. Yes, it was still October! We do not wait well. We always seem to be in a hurry.
We do not wait very well for Jesus to come either. At least, I know I don't. I find myself wanting to rush Christmas so that I can stop worrying over the liturgies, the sermons, the many details. (The shopping which makes us want to put the holiday off for another six months is best saved for another article!) The Lord of Life is waiting to be born and I find myself not able to sit and wait long enough for Him to be born in me. It's hard to hit a moving target. And it's hard to penetrate a mind and heart which is already cluttered with other things.
I find the wonderful story of Mary and Elizabeth one from which we can all learn something deeply significant for our lives. This story from the Gospel of Luke is read in church only on the Fourth Sunday of Advent in Year C of our Lectionary (the year we are now completing), but I like to read it every year. The angel comes to Mary and informs her that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit. He tells her not to be afraid, from which I can only surmise that "afraid" is the natural reaction in this situation. But the angel does not leave her without informing her of something very important: her relative and friend, Elizabeth, has also conceived a son and is already six months along. Not only does Mary have someone who will listen with understanding when she tells her story, she has someone who will wait with her. And Mary goes off "in haste" to wait with Elizabeth for the next three months, until the birth of John. And I can only believe that it was in waiting together that they came to understand the meaning of what was happening to them and to their world. It was in waiting together that whatever perplexity or fear they felt initially was turned to joy at the prospect of becoming mothers to the Anointed One and his Prophet.
Henri Nouwen says this about friendship and community: "How can I ever let God's gracefully work in my life unless I live in a community of people who can affirm it, deepen it, and strengthen it? We cannot live this new life alone. God does not want to isolate us by His grace. On the contrary, He wants us to form new friendships and a new community - holy places where his grace can grow to fullness and bear fruit."
And so, I invite you to wait together in community - by coming to this holy place "where His grace can grow to fullness and bear fruit." I invite you to take some time out of the most rushed of seasons to simply wait, to sit still and to unclutter your mind and heart, so that he may be born in you. As is our tradition, each Wednesday evening in Advent, we will worship together and once again hear the stories leading us to the manger in Bethlehem. This so, that when He comes, we will receive Him not with hurriedness, "harriedness" or perplexity, but with the joy of knowing that our Savior comes and makes his home in and among us.
A blessed Advent and Christmas to you all.
What would the Advent Season be without the glow atop Sharon Chapel Hill radiating from our lights, bonfire, and excited customers buying their Christmas trees?
As you have probably seen, the trees are here, the stands are up. Chet Szymczak will be selling trees starting Friday, November 26th through December 9th. Renee and Tom O'Brien will be in charge of the tree sales from Friday, December 10th through Thursday, December 16th when the Delbridges will take over until Santa comes or we run out of trees. One of these fine Fir or Pine trees, grown in Western Maryland and just cut especially for us, will look awesome in your home. Reserve yours early and we'll hold it until you're ready. Many of you already know how much fun it is to greet our neighbors and help them celebrate Christmas by finding that special tree, and telling them about our parish life and worship at Sharon Chapel.
Your help is needed. Join us if you can. Call one of the above to schedule a time to celebrate Advent in this Sharon Chapel tradition.
Heads Up! The Annual Parish Meeting: Sunday, January 30, 2005. Please Plan To Be Present!
First Night Alexandria is a family celebration of the visual and performing arts, created by and for the community to welcome the New Year. This year, our own Lauren Shaw (as part of the group LIMB, one of ten youth talent acts selected as finalists to perform and compete during the First Night Alexandria Teen Venue) will be performing for the event. If you are interested in going to this event with a group from All Saints, please contact Paul or Carolyn Rae no later than December 20th. Admission badges for First Night Alexandria will go on sale after Thanksgiving. The price will be $10 through December 25th. On December 26th the price goes up to $15. Children 12 and under are free!. Please make plans now to come out and enjoy this wonderful, alcohol-free, evening of entertainment.
Website: www.firstnightalexandria.org.
I cannot pray Our, if my faith has no room for others and their need.
I cannot pray Father, if I do not demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living.
I cannot pray who art in heaven, if all of my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.
I cannot pray hallowed be thy name, if I am not striving, with God's help, to be holy.
I cannot pray thy kingdom come, if I am unwilling to accept God's rule in my life.
I cannot pray thy will be done, if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
I cannot pray on earth as it is in heaven, unless I am truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now.
I cannot pray give us this day our daily bread, without expending honest effort on it, or if I would withhold from my neighbor the bread that I receive.
I cannot pray forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot pray lead us not into temptation, if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot pray deliver us from evil, if I am not prepared to fight evil with my life and my prayer.
I cannot pray thine is the kingdom, if I am unwilling to obey the King.
I cannot pray thine is the power and the glory, if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first.
I cannot pray forever and ever, if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.
I cannot pray Amen, unless I honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my prayer."
Anonymous
Do you play bridge?
Sharon Chapel has a long-time bridge club which meets monthly from September through May. This is a fun group no "cut-throat." Beginners or "rusty" players are welcome. We are looking for another couple and some substitutes. If you are interested, call Sallie Dievendorf or Fran Carter.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! For most people, anyway. Right about now, sugarplums and Santa are dancing in young heads. Unfortunately, too many parents are wondering how they can afford to make those dreams come true. Fortunately, we can help them. United Community Ministries works with families like this all year but, at this season, the need is very special. Every year UCM opens a gift room where these parents can "shop" for their children. To do this requires the help of the community. That means us.
On December 5th and 12th, the Outreach Committee will be collecting items to stock the gift room tables. What is needed are new, unwrapped toys and clothing for children up to age 14. Almost anything that kids like will be welcome, including gift certificates and personal items. Detailed listings will be posted in the Narthex, corridor, and Gunnell Hall. And, as always, checks made out to UCM are welcome.
For Christians, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! is made only more so by the chance to give to others. We know that this is true of the members of Sharon Chapel. Help keep up our reputation for warm generosity and get shopping! (Out and About announcement)
The Right Reverend Peter James Lee, Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, came to All Saints - Sharon Chapel on Sunday, November 14th. He conducted the Holy Eucharist and confirmation services at 3:00 p.m.; he confirmed the following young people: Alison Joy DeMocker, Julia Fiorio, Joseph Richard Schoen, Laura Elizabeth Schoen, and Heather Shaw. A reception was held in Gunnell Hall following the service. Congratulations to all the confirmands!
Would you like to donate towards the decorating of the church with flowers and greens for the Christmas season? If so, fill out the form in this announcement and send it along to the church with your donation no later than December 19th.
First Sunday of Advent
November 28
• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Sermon
• 10:30 a.m. Holy Baptism, Eucharist and Sermon
Wednesdays in Advent
December 1, 8, 15
• 7:30 p.m. Contemplative Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Second Sunday of Advent
December 5
• 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist and a visit from St. Nicholas!
Third Sunday of Advent
December 12
• 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 19
• 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Sermon
The Greening of the Church
Wednesday, December 22
• 6:30 p.m. The Eating of the Pizza
• 7:00 p.m. The Greening of the Church (De-greening, Sunday, January 2, 2005, 12 noon)
Christmas Eve
Friday, December 24
• 5:00 p.m. Family Eucharist and Children's Sermon
• 10:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Sermon and Festival Music
Christmas Day
Saturday, December 25
• 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Homily
The First Sunday After Christmas
December 26
• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Homily
• 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Homily