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December, 2013
An Advent Reflection: “Behold, I Make All Things New” (Rev. 21:5)
Advent is a season of preparation for the birth of Jesus into our lives again. As a worshipping community, we prepare for the celebration of Christmas—the event of Christ’s incarnation into our world—and we have some rich traditions that enhance this time of preparation. What a wonderful season when we celebrate new beginnings in our individual lives and throughout God’s creation!
Our Advent lectionary lessons that we will
read on the first four Sunday mornings in December remind us that Jesus has come into our world. A seminary friend, Randy Knutson, at the Church Divinity School (Episcopal) in Berkeley, CA has summarized the progression of these Advent lessons:
Advent begins with warning texts about the second coming and leads forward in brightness, towards the coming and birth of Christ, from darkness into light. It is a season filled with expectation and a hope which grows with the passing of time.
Another important tradition in our parishes is lighting a new Advent wreath; an Advent Wreath is a simple circle of evergreens, representing eternity, into which are set four candles, one for each of the Sundays of Advent. The Advent wreath comes from Germany but has been adopted by churches throughout the West. It was originally used in homes, and still is, but it is now found in churches, as well. The candles can be any color. However, many people choose to follow the color of the liturgical season. In that case, candles may be either blue, following the old English use that is increasingly used in Anglican churches today, or, following the traditional Roman use, there may be three violet (or purple) candles and one rose (pink) candle. At St. Matt’s, we have combined these two strong traditions by featuring three blue candles and one rose candle.
In every case, our Advent Candles
symbolize the movement from darkness of sin to the coming of the light that is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Again, we celebrate that God is doing something new in our midst!
In closing, I want to share the words of a
noted liturgical scholar, Gordon Lathrop, who emphasized how Jesus is our “sun” throughout Advent:
Christ, present in the world, is our sun in the darkness, our eternal “new year,” our feast, our light, our rest, our lively connection to each other.
So the message of Advent in all it’s brightness and hope speaks to the deepest desires of our hearts and minds. May the light of Christ continue to transform and redeem our life together.
See you in church! Blessings and peace, Father Coke McClure
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FOR ST. MATTHEWS DECEMBER 1: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST
CELEBRANT: FR. COKE MCCLURE
LEADERS: SUZI LORE & DOUG DIETRICH
MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT
ACOLYTE: JAKE MCCAFFREY
DECEMBER 8: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST
CELEBRANT: DEACON CHERYL HARRIS
LEADERS: KRISTY DEANS & BILL RENO
MUSICIAN: CYNTHIA HORN
ACOLYTE: ANNE ADAM
DECEMBER 15: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST
“HANGING OF THE GREENS”
CELEBRANT: FR. COKE MCCLURE
LEADERS: KATHY GRAHAM & CHARLES PLANTZ
MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT
ACOLYTE: PAT ZOBEL
DECEMBER 22: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST
CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE
LEADERS: PAT ZOBEL & KATHY WORLEY
MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT
ACOLYTE: KATHY GRAHAM
DECEMBER 24: 10:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE HOLY EUCHARIST
9:30 PM LESSONS AND CAROLS
CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE
LEADERS: BILL RENO & CHARLES PLANTZ
MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT
ACOLYTE: KATHY GRAHAM
DECEMBER 25: CHRISTMAS DAY
NO SERVICES TODAY
DECEMBER 29: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST
CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE
LEADERS: DOUG DIETRICH & SUZI LORE
MUSICIAN: SUE DIMMITT
ACOLYTE: PAT ZOBEL
THE FOLLOWING NOTES WERE RECEIVED FROM THE GENE
LEWIS FAMILY:
Father Coke, Suzi, Deacon Cheryl and the St.
Matthews Church Family,
Just a note to thank you all for the wonderful
service for our beloved Gene Lewis. I know Gene was
truly loved by all of you and will be missed by you as
well as the family and community of Alliance. A lot
of hard work was put in by all from the ladies in the
kitchen all the way to Fr. Coke. Thank you all for
your love and devotion. We truly felt at ease and
peace and felt loved by all. A wonderful feeling when
grieving a loss.
Blessings, peace & love to all!
Leslie & Jim Lewis
Father Coke, Staff and Parishioners,
Thank you for your prayers of support and love in
memory of our father, Eugene K. Lewis. It was a
beautiful celebration of a life well lived. Our father
will be sorely missed but his legacy lives on through
the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in his family, his
church and his friends in Alliance. Thanks also for
your diligent assistance in planning for the memorial
service.
Love to you,
Matt Lewis & Family
THANK YOU, THANK YOU
St. Matthew’s Parishioners, you are so generous! I took 32 filled Operation Christmas Child boxes to the E-Free Church for shipping. In 2012 we filled 19 boxes – what a terrific increase in giving. Also, a big thank you to our Outreach Committee for providing the $7 shipping cost for each box ($224.00).The gift-filled shoeboxes are sent to third-world countries to introduce children to God’s greatest gift, salvation through Jesus Christ. If you were not able to fill a box and would still like to contribute, consider making a donation to the Outreach Committee to cover the shipping costs and allow our Outreach Committee to continue their mission of making a difference in the lives of others.
Janice Lawrence, Operation Christmas Child Liaison
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Birthdays and Anniversaries
Calvary
8 – Jim Applegarth
10 – Heidi Merrihew
19 – Shontell Roseberry
28 – Steve & Debbie Clarke
30 – Matt Cover
30 – Jeff Cover
St. Matthews
4 – Melba Dickenson
8 – Sarah Lewis
9 – Rick Ehrett
12 – Eric Bates
13 – Penny Thompson
13 – Shauna Horsley
16 – Dean Huckfeldt
16 – Todd & Cheryl Harris
17 – Britt Anderson
18 – Julie Cody
22 – Bill & Kathy Graham
25 – Kristy Dietrich
26 – Alice Leider
27 – Mike & Gayle Dietrich
29 – Holly Horsley
30 – Sutton Parkison
30 – Janna Duncan
31 – Linda Bates
31 – Kerrie R Christensen
ST. MATTHEWS ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 FOLLOWING
MORNING WORSHIP. ALL ORGANIZATIONS ARE
ASKED TO HAVE THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS INTO
THE CHURCH OFFICE NO LATER THAN JANUARY
8TH AT NOON TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL
REPORT BOOKLET.
Be sure to check out
the timely and exciting
Christmas book display
in our library. We
continue to work hard
to make it an inviting place for all St. Matthew’s
parishioners. To check out a book, just sign your
name on the check-out book with the date.
Books displayed for your enjoyment include: Hugs for the Holidays, The Legend of the Candy Cane, Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned from Jesus, The Women of Christmas, A Stubborn Sweetness and other Stories for the Christmas Season, Silent Night – Stories Behind 40 Beloved Christmas Carols, On This Holy Night, Christmas Stories for the
Heart and the Spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Book Review
I wanted to share a little about the book “Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned from Jesus”. This is one of the books that I used regularly when I read to the residents at Highland Park during Advent. It is full of short stories, scripture and words of wisdom. It would be perfect to use as a meditation book during the season of Advent.
Christmas is a time of good cheer and holiday festivities, a time when we celebrate with family and friends. We wrap presents, sing songs, decorate our homes, drink hot cider and smell the fresh-cut pine scents. These are the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Yet, as the world celebrates the holiday, may we remember the true meaning of Christmas. The Son of God came to give us hope and peace, to show us His Father’s love and compassion for everyone.
Just a sample of what you will read in this book: “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.” The scripture that accompanies it is Matthew 10:8 Freely you have received, freely give.
May your reading be filled with blessings,
Cheryl
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CONSECRATION SUNDAY at St. Matthew’s was November 24th with many members placing their pledges on the altar following the service. As of today, approximately $120,000 has been pledged for 2014. If you were unable to attend the service Sunday and want to make a pledge, pledge cards are available in the church office. Thank you to all who have pledged!
CHRISTMAS BASKETS
As I mentioned in the Missives last month, this year we are reviving a tradition that was discontinued for a few years – Christmas Baskets. This year there will be a change in the way the baskets are filled and distributed. St. Matthew’s has agreed to fill baskets for 10 families in Alliance who could use a little extra help.
Beginning in December, we are asking the parishioners of St. Matthew’s to bring food articles that you would incorporate into your Christmas dinner. Use your imagination and include things you have at your dinner (or would like to have.) Instead of turkeys, we would like to include canned hams. Some don’t have the ability or the facilities to cook a turkey and receiving a frozen turkey a day or two before Christmas just doesn’t work. If you would rather, a monetary donation will be accepted, and we will buy food as needed to fill in. Checks can be made out to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and in the memo line put Christmas baskets. During Fellowship time, after the service on Dec. 22, we will put the baskets or boxes together so be sure to come join in the fun. If you include rolls, fresh fruit, etc., bring them on the 22nd. They will be delivered on Sunday, December 22 or Monday, December 23. Please be a part of this program and share in the joy of Christmas giving. We are all so blessed to have what we need. How wonderful it will be to share with those who don’t. AND – if that’s not enough fun and excitement – all volunteers to help deliver these baskets are more than welcome!!
Another thought from the book I reviewed: The greatest good of every giving is – when the giver is in the gift. God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Peace, Cheryl
DECEMBER 7:
10:00 AM PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S ANNUAL TEA
AT THEIR CHURCH AT 5TH & EMERSON. RSVP TO THE
CHURCH OFFICE AT 762-1775 OR TO PAT HOWELL
AT 762-1998.
DECEMBER 8:
BRUNCH WITH BUDDIES AT ST. MATTHEWS
SPONSORED BY THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE.
SERVING WILL BEGIN FOLLOWING THE MORNING
WORSHIP SERVICE.
2:00 PM PRAIRIE HAVEN HOSPICE MEMORIAL
SERVICE AT THE KNIGHT MUSEUM
DECEMBER 11:
7:00 PM CHRISTMAS CANTATA AT THE PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER. THIS EVENT IS PERFORMED BY THE
COMMUNITY CHOIR WITH MEMBERS FROM
THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.
DECEMBER 15:
“HANGING OF THE GREENS” FOLLOWING OUR
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE. PLAN TO HELP AND
ENJOY THE TREATS AS WE WORK.
2:00 PM CHRISTMAS CANTATA AT THE PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER.
DECEMBER 18:
SUE DIMMITT’S PIANO STUDENTS WILL PRESENT THEIR
CHRISTMAS RECITAL AT 7:00 PM IN THE SANCTUARY.
DECEMBER 24:
4:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT CALVARY.
9:30 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT ST.
MATTHEWS.
DECEMBER 25:
NO SERVICES SCHEDULED FOR EITHER CALVARY OR
ST. MATTHEWS.
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CALVARY SERVICE
SCHEDULE AND NEWS
DECEMBER 1: 4:00 PM HOLY EUCHARIST
CONSECRATION SUNDAY
CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE
LECTOR: KATHY COVER
GREET & TREAT: SOUP SUPPER
DECEMBER 8: 10:00 AM MORNING PRAYER
LECTOR: MARINA GARNER
DECEMBER 15: 10:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST
“HANGING OF THE GREENS”
CELEBRANT: THE REV. CHERYL HARRIS
LECTOR: JOY BOYER
GREET & TREAT: TOM & KLEO DREDLA
DECEMBER 22: 4:00 PM HOLY EUCHARIST
CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE
LECTOR: LESLIE ROSEBERRY
GREET & TREAT: MARK & LESLIE ROSEBERRY
VESTRY MEETING AT 2:30 PM
DECEMBER 24: 4:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE
CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE
LECTOR: SHARON APPLEGARTH
DECEMBER 29: 4:00 PM HOLY EUCHARIST
CELEBRANT: THE REV. COKE MCCLURE
LECTOR: KATHY COVER
GREET & TREAT: TIM & KATHY COVER
Consecration Sunday is Dec. 1st at 4 p.m. Consecration Sunday is a time to show your commitment to Calvary Church and you are encouraged to wear a t-shirt to show support of your favorite sports team, organization or any
other cause you may have. Soup will be served following the service! Thank you to our wonderful congregation & community who supported our Annual Harvest Supper. The cooks prepared 4 turkeys, 50 # of potatoes, 4 pots of gravy, 40 # of stuffing, cooked cabbage, salads, pies, and desserts. We continue to be blessed with many hands to prepare and serve this meal. We served over 135! Congratulations to the Hyannis Longhorn Football team for their Nebraska state 6-man Football Runner-up Championship. Calvary member Zachary Ash is a player on that team! Photo Directory - The final draft is being completed for the new photo directory. We are excited for you to receive your pictures and directory. Calvary had a GREAT turnout. The Sunday School children will be working on ornaments for our Christmas goodie bags. Watch for an upcoming date to fill and deliver the bags. Mark your calendars for our 2014 Annual meeting to be held on Sunday, January 19.
Note to Organizations of St. Matthews:
As our team has been updating the website for St.
Matthew’s, we’ve discussed several things. One of
the important decisions we made was to ask the
member of St. Matthew’s to make our Matthew’s
Missives an inclusive parish newsletter. It you have
a meeting of Altar Guild, Outreach, Lay Ministers,
Vestry, etc. it would be nice if you would send the
church office a short email telling what you planned
or accomplished. Several years ago the Vestry used
to have Vestry notes in the newsletter. It doesn’t
have to be long – just informative. I would
especially appreciate some of these updates as I
miss things when I’m in Hyannis. We hope you would
all consider trying this and see what the feedback
is.
Thanks, Cheryl
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