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December 6th, 2021
Grant, Almighty God, that your church may be so inspired by the example of your servant Nicholas of Myra, that it may never cease to work for the welfare of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Chapter, Verse, and Season Podcast
Each week, professors from different disciplines chat about biblical texts from the Revised Common Lectionary. They bring their own interests to the table and hopefully spark new insights into the scripture appointed for each Sunday. The Center for Continuing Education at Yale Divinity School and the Yale Bible Study are excited to present this project. This podcast provides communities, clergy, and laypeople access to the wide-ranging expertise of the Yale Divinity School faculty.
Listen to the podcast: https://yalebiblestudy.org/podcast/
Retired Clergy Zoom for St. Nicholas Day
Retired clergy are invited to attend a Zoom gathering in honor of St. Nicholas Day on Monday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m.
Read more: https://conta.cc/3DpQhdf
Bishop's Visitation Schedule
The Bishop's visitation schedule from January through Pentecost 2022 is now available under the "Resources" tab on the diocesan website.
Read more: https://www.dioswva.org/resources/prayer_calendar
.html
2022 VPG Commitment Form Reminder
Please turn in your signed 2022 VPG forms by Dec. 15 so we have these figures for budgeting purposes. If your parish won't be able to submit the pledge form by the 15th due to the timing of your own budgetary preparations, please email admin@dioswva.org.
2022 Parish Forms
The 2022 parish forms are now available on the Parish Resources page of the website. We rely on these forms to maintain accurate and updated information in our databases as vestries and leadership roles change from year to year. So, we appreciate your timely submission of these reports.
Read more: https://conta.cc/3DxBM7f
*Advent Meditations
Advent meditations will be offered every Tuesday in Advent using music, art, and story to help us slow down, center ourselves, and prepare for the coming of the Christ child. These meditations will be offered online from 7:30-8:00 p.m. on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21.
Read more and register: https://conta.cc/3wcDDfv
*Annual Parish Meetings
As you begin preparing for your 2021 annual parish meetings, please keep in mind that there are alternatives to an in-person meeting if this is not possible. Last year, we released two white papers and a webinar recording to help congregations facilitate their annual parish meetings. Please use the link below to revisit these topics and to review our guidance on holding virtual meetings.
Read more: https://conta.cc/3kGW4BD
*Journeying the Way of Love: Advent & Christmas Resources
The Episcopal Church recently released updated Advent and Christmas resources for individuals, small groups, and congregations that are now available for download. Resource materials include curriculum, a calendar, and bulletin inserts for Advent; sermons for Advent and Christmas; seasonal digital invitation kits; and a podcast series.
Read more: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/advent-and-christmas-resources/
*Children's Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Booklet
An updated version of this booklet for families with children ages 3-10 is now available. The booklet includes information about each season, prayers, activities, book and resource suggestions, and coloring pages. Please download a copy for yourself or other families in your congregation to help you embrace these special seasons!
Read more: https://files.constantcontact.com/10b6bcd7001/54f99f14-b8b3-42db-b31a-cf39854a5ccc.pdf
*2022 VPG Forms
The 2022 VPG Commitment Forms were sent via email on Oct. 4 to rectors, senior wardens, treasurers, and parish administrators. Please return your signed form to us either electronically via email or by mail to PO Box 2279, Roanoke, VA 24009. If you did not receive your VPG form or need another copy, email admin@dioswva.org.
*Evangelism Matters: Digital Resources for Evangelism Discernment & Ministry
The Evangelism Matters audio conference and zoom webinars are now available for everyone to listen to and share. Hear from a wide variety of Episcopal Church clergy and lay leaders share their thoughts and experiences on the importance of evangelism. Worth a listen for any size parish leader!
Read more: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/evangelism-matters/
The work of the Spirit, God’s plans our hands.
Appalachian Alliance outreach projects.
Haiti Partnership $7,800
Jail Ministry $400
Tazewell Ministerial $800
Bluefield Union Mission $1,100
St. Jude $100
St Nicholas fund $100
ERD $300
Wise County Food Bank $125
MEOC Fuel Fund $100 (800*)
Misc. Outreach $100
Neighbors Aid $200 (800*)
UTO $800
Curate Discretionary Fund $4,021
Binns-Counts Community Center $1350 (1350*) ($7250#)
Scott County Minis. Assn $125
First United Methodist of PG $125
Family Crisis Support $125
Grace House ($10,000@)
A Child Shall Lead Them Food Pantry $500
Boy’s Home $500
information will be updated at the end of each month
@ERD Grant for pandemic relief
*Curate Discretionary Fund
#meteral support
Vestry Meetings
All Saints: December 15th at 6:00 pm.
St. Marks:
Christ Church: December 7th at 5:40 pm.
Stras Memorial: December 19th at 10 am.
Office Hours and classes:
Stras Memorial:
Office Hours: December 7th, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and December 8th by appointment. Church History class will be on December 7th at 7:00 pm in Hunter House in-person or on Zoom. The link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82275785270
All Saints:
Office Hours: December 14th and 15th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and by appointment. Church History class will be on December 14th at 7:00 pm in the parish hall or on Zoom. The link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89908329475
St. Marks:
Office Hours: December 21rd and 22th, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and by appointment.
Church History class will be on December 23rd at 4:00 pm in the parish hall.
Christ Church:
Office Hours: December 28th and December 29th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and by appointment. Church History class will be on December 14th at 7:00 pm in the parish hall or on Zoom. The link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89908329475
Service information:
December 12th, I will be at All Saints at 11:15 am, and Christ Church at 4:00 pm.
December 19th, I will be at Stras at 11:00 am, and St Marks at 5:00 pm.
December 24th, services will be at Stras at 11:00 pm, St Marks at 2:00 pm, All Saints at 7:00 pm, and Christ Church at 10:30 pm.
December 26th, I will be at Christ Church at 10:00 am and All Saints at 5:00 pm.
January 2nd, I will be at Stras at 11:00 and St Marks at 5:00 pm.
For the Altar Guilds, Senior Wardens, Worship leaders, and Lay readers:
Sunday, December 12th
Color: Purple
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Psalm: Canticle 9 The First Song of Isaiah (Isaiah 12:2-6)
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 3:7-18
Prayers of the People: Form III
Sunday, December 19th
Color: Purple
First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a
Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
Prayers of the People: Form III
Midnight Mass, December 24/25th
Color: White
First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm: 98
Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4,(5-12)
Gospel: John 1:1-14
Prayers of the People: Form III
Sunday, December 26th
Color: White
First Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm: 147
Second Reading: Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
Gospel: John 1:1-18
Prayers of the People: Form III
Sunday, January 2nd
Color: White
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm: 84
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a
Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
Prayers of the People: Form III
John+
rev.johnc1@gmail.com
Cell # 276-235-5230
‘all shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well,’
Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love
