Loading...Appalachian Alliance News Letter
November 29th, 2021
A Message from Bishop Mark A. Bourlakas: As we enter into Advent, one of the holiest seasons of the Christian year, our diocese’s annual St. Nicholas Day Appeal is one significant way that we can adjust our focus to the mission that the Son of God ushers into our world. Donations made will be given to RIP Medical Debt for their Appalachian campaign. This 501(c)(3) organization buys large bundles of medical debt that are relieved with no tax consequences to donors or recipients. Every dollar raised will relieve $100 in medical debt for families in Appalachia where nearly 1 in 5 people are in poverty and out-of-pocket healthcare costs are 40% higher than the national average. Please consider faithfully how you might support this effort, either by donating online at www.dioswva.org or by mailing a check payable to the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern VA with “St. Nicholas Day Appeal” marked in the memo to PO Box 2279, Roanoke, VA 24009. It is a charitable love for the neighbor that is honored in St. Nicholas, and this annual appeal allows us to share with others in this season of giving.
*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
*Parish Reports Reminder
If your parish has not submitted the Certificate of Election for Convention 2022 or any other parish reports (e.g. Vestry Oath, Vestry Officers Report, etc.), please turn them in ASAP so we can complete our contact rosters for the fall convocation meetings. If you need to check on the status of any parish reports, please email Elizabeth Bishop.
Parish Forms: https://dioswva.org/Resources/parishe-resources-main.html
*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 $500 (950*) ($2250#)
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:
Stras Memorial: December 19th at 10 am
Office Hours and classes:
Christ Church:
Office Hours: November 30th and December 1st, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and by appointment.
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/82275785270
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.
Service information:
December 5th, I will be at Stras at 11:00 am, and St Marks at 5:00 pm.
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.
For the Altar Guilds, Senior Wardens, Worship leaders, and Lay readers:
Sunday, December 5th
Color: Purple
First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm: Canticle 4 or 16 — The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79)
Second Reading: Philippians 1:3-11
Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
Prayers of the People: Form II
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 IV
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 II
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
John+
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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
