PelicaNews, 2008, December

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Dec. 24	5:00 p.m.	Children's Pagent with Holy Eucharist II
	9:30 p.m	Christmas Prelude
	10:00 p.m.	Advent Lessons & Carols with Holy Eucharist II
Dec. 25	9:00 a.m.	Holy Eucharist I
Dec. 28	8:00 a.m.	Holy Eucharist I
	10:15 a.m.	Christmas Lessons & Carols with Holy Eucharist II
Jan. 1		No Service Today
Jan. 4	8:00 a.m.	Holy Eucharist I
	10:15 a.m.	Holy Eucharist II
Jan. 6	10:00 a.m	Epiphany Service

Although this publication from All Saints arrives to you at the beginning of Advent, my article is meant to highlight children and two Christmas programs involving the youngest in our midst. On Wednesday December 17 at 5:30 p.m. and again on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. you are invited to witness the timeless story of the birth of Jesus. Yes, two pageants!

The first pageant, on Wednesday the 17th, will feature our students from the All Saints Preschool. You know the rest of the story but you will not want to miss the pageantry that brings into our lives the birth of the Messiah, Christ the King. It is not like you’ve never experienced a Christmas Pageant before, but regardless of the number, you owe it to yourself to witness it again, for the sheer joy and wonder that only children can render of the Incarnational moment in human history.

By way of introduction, I am proud to say our Pre- School is part of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, and has an outstanding reputation for preschool education and development. In three valuable years at the School, children are introduced to math, reading, writing and valuable time with socialization skills that they will carry with them for a lifetime. This is our Pre-School, with over 45 children attending. Each weekday we are blessed as a parish as we welcome preschoolers and their parents to our church campus.

The second opportunity to witness the Christmas story through the energy and joy of our children will be Christmas Eve at 5 p.m., during the Festive Eucharist. A liturgy designed for families, and especially for young children, the Children’s

Christmas Pageant replaces the readings for that day and the sermon. As in past years, parish youth and children will narrate and perform this traditional story from the Gospels. As in the past we encourage any child who may be visiting to participate in the pageant. Not to worry, we never run out of parts or costumes; it seems like a cast of hundreds, with Mary and Joseph, animals, shepherds, innkeeper, and a host of angels (even if only for that performance!)

Some would say that Christmas is for children. But it is also true that Christmas is a time of the year that we all need to renew our faith and hope that allows us to press on in a world that still needs to hear and experience the Christ- mas message.

As the year winds down, it gets dark earlier each day. But the darkness is not just outside. There is the darkness of these economic times in which many have been put out of work and/or have lost their homes. Then there is the darkness of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Or the darkness of the loss of a loved one or the news of a terminal illness. I could go on.

In the midst of all this, it is important for us to come together around the Advent wreath – to light the candles, adding one each week, and to hear our stories of expectation and sing our hymns of hope. Then, at Christmas, we celebrate the light that scatters the darkness – the good news of God come among us.

We also need to remember to invite others to join us. It’s not because some pews need to be filled or because we need more pledges, but because we are sent forth to share the Good News of God in Christ.

If you attended a recent class called “The Art of Welcoming,” you will recall that numerous surveys and studies have shown that the most effective way of bringing people to church is simply to invite them. That’s the first step. We will be spending more time on this and on the next steps as we move forward and, of course, there are many resources on the subject.

But please don’t wait to take a class or read a book before inviting someone to church!

All my childhood memories of Christmas are wonderful! Probably because I was living with two parents and a grandmother who cared about me, and a sister nearly my age to play with. Christmas was a magical time of year when Santa (on behalf of the Baby Jesus) brought all of us children presents.

Not everyone has such privileged childhoods. Even when their parents care about them, many children simply don’t get gifts at this time of year. Of course the children of people we know do get gifts; and the Salvation Army, Deep Well, and Bluffton Self Help take care of the rest, right? Not this year. In distressed neighborhoods we have been getting to know, unemployment is too high and the there are just too many children in need.

So what can you and I do about it? During Advent this year we will have an “Angel Tree” in Gordon Mann Hall with cards on it. On the cards will be an indication of (1) a family; (2) a child, with age and sex indicated; and (3) probably a specific request for a gift. Don’t be surprised if a mother asks for a winter coat or shoes for a child who has no winter coat or no shoes that fit. Please take a card or two, buy a gift or two, wrap it up and put it under the tree, labeled with the card. It will be a joy to see the gifts pile up during the Advent season. The Monday before Christmas, these gifts will be delivered to the families.

Jesus couldn’t possibly have been any clearer when he said: “… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:35)

The Preschool’s annual Christmas Nativity Play and Program will be held this year on Wednesday, December 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Please join us in the Sanctuary as children from the Yellow Fish, Blue Dolphin, and Red Bird classes celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

Immediately following the program, which promises to be delightful, everyone is invited to Gordon Mann Hall for a light supper and dessert. To help us prepare the supper, please sign up on the parish hall bulletin board if you plan to attend. Everyone is welcome!

In addition to preparing for the Christmas program, the preschool rooms are “abuzz” with decorating and gift-making and baking a few special treats for the holiday. Each classroom contains a manger scene, and the children are all enjoying arranging the cast of characters in and around the stable!

We are also making Christmas cards for our American soldiers who are serving our country overseas and won’t be able to spend the holidays with their families. We are working with 98.7 “The River” radio station, and they promise us that the cards will be delivered to soldiers before December 25.

As always, the Preschool has adopted a family through Deep Well so that we can help provide a merrier Christmas. If anyone in the church would like to help us with a donation, please call 681-8671 and I’ll provide you with specific information on what the family needs.

And, looking ahead to 2009 (!), please remember to save the date of January 23 for our 12^th annual Pasta Dinner and Silent Auction. We’re already working on our menu, and many local businesses have already donated some fabulous items for the auction.

The Preschool will be on holiday break beginning Friday, December 19, with classes resuming Monday, January 5.

HOLLINGS CANCER CENTER at MUSC Charleston is accepting donations of Boost and Ensure for patients in treatment. Donations can be dropped off at the reserved spot in the narthex.

As we come off the Thanksgiving holiday, and with the economic climate as it is, I think we need to be thankful for what we have and what we do at All Saints Church. Every year we make a difference to many organizations and individuals around us. It is especially important that we take the time to ponder on our blessings.

The amounts listed below come from The Garden Tour, The Cornerstone Campaign, and direct contributions or reimbursements for mission trips. Only $8,443 of the total has been used from the operating fund.

The amounts below do not include our diocesan pledge, in-kind food donations, or providing space for organizations that use our facilities such as the preschool, Alzheimer’s or scout groups.

Local Outreach		National Outreach
ABLE	3,000	D. O. K.	795
Eliana Adame Fund	3,074	Episcopal Relief & Development	806
All Saints Preschool	4,650	United Thank Offering	1,218
Bluffton Self Help	4,650	Total	2,819
Children’s Relief Fund	4,650
CODA	4,650
Deep Well	25	International Mission Work
Friends with Wheels	1,002	McGregor Fund	808
Holiday Dinner Baskets	12	Dominican Construction	19,950
Hospice Care Lowcountry	4,650	DR mission trips	18,728
Low Country Legal Aid	1,500	DR student scholarships	2,400
P. E. P.	4,650	DR family housing	350
Pregnancy Center	1,500	Total
Total	38,013		42,236

And I know these totals will grow before the year ends. Please continue to support All Saints with a thankful heart.

MANY THANKS from the church staff to our welcoming “Front Desk” ministers this past year—Claire Knapp, Susan Beaver, Kay Ashton, Peg Tuttle, Sally de Guzman and our 11^th hour volunteers who have come on-board since Nancy Stephens retired--Patty Blackmon, Sandy Bloom, Cathie Cherrix, Linda Lanier and Eleanore Knott.

Thanksgiving is now behind us, and 16 needy families enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving meal thanks to the generosity of so many of you. Now, with Christmas approaching, it is time again to help those less fortunate.

Once again, we will be putting together Christmas dinner baskets for families referred to us both on-island and off-island. A sign-up sheet can be found in Gordon Mann Hall so you may select a family to sponsor. Groups, such as your supper club, as well as individuals may sign up to be sponsors.

If you do not feel able to act as a sponsor, you can still assist with this outreach program by donating food items or cash to assist sponsors in filling their baskets. Your check should be made out to All Saints church with the notation, “Holiday Baskets.”

Also, please remember to keep filling the Feed my Sheep food basket located in the narthex. We give this food to Bluffton Self Help and Deep Well each month to help them keep their food pantry stocked.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at RAFFSMOM@yahoo.com or phone me at 671-2295.

In last month’s issue of the “Pelican’s Bill,” we featured an overview of the four trips planned for 2009:

In early 2009, Iglesia La Redencion, the church in Barahona that All Saints helped build with both financial and mission construction team support, will be dedicated, giving 75-100 parishioners a permanent church home!

In the fall of 2009, our hope is to dedicate and start a new school in that place for 200-250 children. We can all help by providing student scholarships. Three hundred dollars a year pays for school uniforms and tuition.

And throughout 2009, we want to see the “concrete solution” project bear fruit, so that people will have solid floors and roofs that don’t leak.

All Saints shares in the lives of the people in this parish. We work side by side to teach children in VBS, paint walls or pour concrete, or sing and praise as we all grow in our spiritual journey.

Please contact John and Bonnie Gruetzmacher to talk about how you can be involved. Their number is 987-5267, or you may email them at bonniegee@embarqmail.com.

There once lived a lovely widow named Mrs. Hope; an appropriate name because she seemed always bursting with hope! She paid close attention to the needs and concerns of others, was nearly always cheerful and laughed easily. People loved to be in her presence. After her husband died she moved from their farmhouse into a home fairly close to her church, where she always helped where she could. She helped the secretary do her work, did some cleaning and kept the kitchen in good order. She did it all without fanfare, boasting or complaining. Whatever she did, she did to glorify God!

One day, the pastor walked through the sanctuary and saw Mrs. Hope waxing the pews. She sang as she worked: “Silver and gold have I none,” she sang, “but such as I have I give to thee.” (Acts 3:6) Those were the words that St. Peter said to a crippled beggar just before he lifted the man up to the Lord. The man was healed. This month’s issue of Stewardship points out that Mrs. Hope was singing that she wanted to be an instrument of God just as Peter had been. Mrs. Hope was indeed a good steward of all that she had. She gave her time, her talent, her resources, her energy, her love…all for the glory of God. May God help us all to do the same! It would be the best Christmas gift we could give to the world!

Prayer: Gracious and loving God, help us to glorify you in all that we do and serve you with diligence and dedication. Through Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS The All Saints Flower Guild is now taking donations to help with the decorating of the church and grounds for the Twelve Days of Christmas. All contributions are gladly accepted. Please PRINT names on the Christmas Flower Donation form found in your Sunday Parish Life bulletin and place it in the collection plate or return it to the Parish Office no later than December 17.

A Quiet Day at the beginning of the Advent Season gives us the opportunity to focus on the reason for and the value of the Advent Season as we prepare for the wondrous Christmas season. Father Mark Brinkmann will present three brief meditations, each followed by 40 minutes of quiet time for reflection.

Our Quiet Day will take place on Monday, December 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with registration. The program will begin at 9:30 and will conclude with a Eucharist at 11:45 a.m.

Daughters of the King will serve a simple luncheon in Gordon Mann Hall following the Eucharist. All are invited to attend. Please phone the church office at 681-8333 or call Lois Southwick at 671-2295 if you plan to attend the luncheon.

Preparing for Christmas is not just about shopping and sending greeting cards. We need to prepare spiritually for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

DECEMBER’S WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT ALL SAINTS will be a Madrigal Dinner! The evening begins with Holy Eucharist at 5:15 followed by dinner and program in the parish hall. Limited tickets are available from Sarah Eliasoph or Steven Branyon.

ALL SAINTS CHRISTMAS TEA will be held at the home of Joyce and Rod Brady- 36 Timber Marsh Lane in Palmetto Hall Plantation on Sunday, December 7from 3-5 p.m. in the afternoon. All ladies of the church, young and young at heart, are cordially invited. Please sign up in Gordon Mann Hall or call JoAnne Rizza 301-5825 if you will be attending this festive annual event.

The ever popular ‘Dinner and A Movie’ held at the home of the rector, will be on Monday December 8, at 5:30 p.m. Plan to sign up for this event as seating is limited!

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN will have their December meeting on Tuesday, December 9, at 5:45 p.m. in Gordon Mann Hall. We will be boxing Christmas cookies for the CODA shelter and are asking women to bring two dozen cookies for that project as well as a small toiletry item for the shelter mothers. Instead of the prepared dinner, all are asked to bring a hors d’oeuvre to share. All women of the church are automatically members of ECW and are cordially invited to attend this gathering.

The cost for Dinner will be nothing since we are all contributing, and those who would like wine- $2.00.

A sign up sheet will be posted in Gordon Mann Hall and you will also be able to sign up by e-mailing Marsha Rabun at marsha911@hargray.com by the Sunday prior to the meeting. Please put this on your calendar to share a meal and fellowship with women of the Church. We will look forward to seeing you there!

When several of us first had the idea for women of the church getting together, we had two goals in mind: to keep it inexpensive and to make it convenient for those both on and off the island. The Juliets (Joy, Understanding, Love In Eating Together) was created for women of All Saints to meet once a month to eat and to get to know each other. There is no other agenda! The summer is now over, and we are hoping that you will want to join us on the third Monday of each month at the Original Pancake House across from Moss Creek; we meet at 9:30 a.m. We laugh a lot and share what is happening in our lives. For more information, please contact Lillian Hill at 338-6490 or Janet Haysom at 705-2514. Our next gathering is Monday, December 15 at 9:30 a.m.; please join us!

Needed items are full size containers of deodorant, mouthwash and toothpaste; old cell phones that can be converted for 911 emergency use, and seasonal outer clothing for both adult women and children/teens of all ages and sizes. Donated clothing can be new or gently used. The CODA drop off site for all items is in the parish hall.

As you are no doubt aware, the 2009 Every Member Canvas is in its final stages. New 2009 offering envelopes should be ready for pick up around mid-December. Keep an eye out for the actual available date in your Sunday Parish Life.

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR needs volunteers to be assistant hosts and hostesses. Please give some thought to helping with this important fellowship. Volunteers are asked to bring 3 dozen goodies, boxed or homemade; come a little early before the 10:15 service to help set up and stay a little late after coffee hour to help clean up. It’s that easy and a perfect way to get to know your fellow Saints! The sign up poster is located on the kitchen entrance bulletin board. For more information call Joyce Brady at 689-5988.

DECEMBER 31 is the official IRS deadline for donations to be recorded in 2007. Year end contributions should be placed in the Collection Plate on Sunday the 28^th, or, if you plan to be out of town and want to mail your donation, the mailing envelope must be post-marked on or before December 31.

January’s Wednesday Night at All Saints will be held on January 7, 2009. The Adult Education Program will feature retired Georgia Southern professor John Parcels. Prof. Parcels was here in the fall of 2004 and 2005. His subject, "Common Ground, And How "The Faith Club" Found It" is about the three Abrahamic Faiths - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The evening begins with Holy Eucharist at 5:15, supper (with wine) at 5:45, and the program beginning at 6:30. He will also introduce the book study on "The Faith Club" which will meet at 5:00 p.m. on the rest of the Wednesdays in January. Call Carolyn Moore at 681-5391 for a $10 copy of the book.

Celebrate the New Year in Church with the Eucharist and a Blessing of your marriage. Not everyone trips the light fantastic on New Year’s Eve; some of us don’t even make it to Midnight! Try a different kind of celebration that touches the heart and the soul, in a quiet way, in the presence of God with the person you love. A quiet Eucharist and blessing that celebrates the gift of love and the importance of marriage. Go ahead—invite the wedding party from years ago, maybe the best man and maid of honor are in town or nearby! Mark your calendar—All Saints Church, New Years Eve, 8 p.m., hot cider and fanfare to follow!

IN LOVING MEMORY Our All Saints Family extends our deepest sympathy to the families of Edward Ayers Hay and Thomas Francis Curry. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

We had no idea that pelicans had such huge wingspans or could fly such distances…all the while carrying so much in their bills. So now it’s time for the print to give way to the internet. On behalf of all of us who’ve been sitting at our various typewriters and then computers since 1986, thank you for helping us maintain the “voice” of All Saints. We’ll see you on your computer screen next time! J

A new year – 2009 – is approaching and new Supper Clubs are forming. Supper clubs are monthly dinners that engender spirited fellowship with 8-10 other All Saints parishioners.

Enjoy the pleasure of informal dinners, with group members alternating as hosts. Seasonal absence is not a problem since some groups take a hiatus for the summer.

The annual “kick-off” potluck is Wednesday January 21, 2009 at 6:00 pm in Gordon Mann Hall. At that time groups and coordinators will be posted. Expect a fun evening, but should you be unable to attend, you can still participate in ‘clubbing.’

Adult Education Advent Quiet Day All Saints Madagascar Church The Associate's Corner Christmas Worship Schedule Cancer Center Donations Christmas Flowers Christmas Holiday Baskets Christmas Tea CODA Coffee Hour Volunteers DR Update The Deacon's Reflections Dinner and a Movie ECW News	December, 2008	Front Desk Thanks In Memoriam IRS Contribution Deadline Juliets Madrigal Dinner New Year's Eucharist Pelican's Bill Online Pledge Envelopes Preschool The Rector's Reflections A Stewardship Minute Supper Clubs 2009 Treasurer's Report Wednesday Night January
Nov	Index	Jan

PelicaNews
PelicaNews items are excerpted from the All Saints monthly magazine, The Pelican's Bill.

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PelicaNews PelicaNews items are excerpted from the All Saints monthly magazine, The Pelican's Bill.

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PelicaNews
PelicaNews items are excerpted from the All Saints monthly magazine, The Pelican's Bill.