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From the Rector
Dear St. Patrick's, Grace and peace in these last days of Advent. In just a few short days, Christmas will be here. We are taught to think of this time as a sprint to the finish: Can I shop at 3:00am? Where will I hide all these gifts? Can I get the cat to stop playing with the tree? How do you wrap a teddy bear? How do you make custard? When do the stores close? Catch your breath, it will be ok! Take a moment to remember what Christmas is and why Christians celebrate it. It is a birthday party, but certainly not in the traditional sense. Contrary to documentary specials that analyze the date evidence in scripture and historical records (you may have seen one of the many History Channel specials), we don't know the exact date of Jesus' birth. There is no mention of Jesus celebrating Christmas with his disciples. Trying to determine the exact date of Jesus' birth (getting stuck in historical critical efforts) loses sight of the true purpose of the holiday. Early Christians knew that Jesus was a great gift to the world and that they wanted to celebrate that great gift. Not because it was a gift of the past, but because it was a gift that continued to bring fulfillment to them. Christmas is the celebration of what God continues to give to us, everyday. Christmas is a way to celebrate (which helps remind us of God), but also hopefully opens our eyes to those who don't have our human blessings who might need some extra care (not just during this season, but always). We need to remember that the gift of God was not given to just a few people or people within a certain category, but all people. On Christmas, we need to ensure that God's gift is spread to all of them. The true Christmas hope is that we will learn to give in a way that will continue to allow God to grow in the world. That kind of giving is at the heart of the true Christmas. Keep this in mind when the sprint to the finish over the next several days. Everything will be just fine if you can move your heart in a way that acknowledges the gift already received and how that gift ties you to the greater community. I hope to see you at Christmas services here at St. Patrick's. Our four Christmas services are listed below. If you are away, I pray for your safe travels and your happy returns to St. Patrick's in the New Year. Faithfully, Kurt PS. I promised to share my photo album from my recent pilgrimage to Turkey. Follow this link to view them online. PSS. This past Sunday's sermon topic was on the transition and change that allows our souls to come closer to God. Follow this link to our blog to read or listen. |
Christmas at St. Patrick's
Join us during this festive season! All children are invited to partake in the service on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and there will be no Nursery care during those services.
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Christmas Eve
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4:45pm
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Brass Prelude
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Trumpeter Fred Irby will be joined by our other Brass Quartet regulars in a prelude of music for the season.
Christmas Pageant & Holy Eucharist | |
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9:30pm
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Choral Concert
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Pianist Louis Orphanos joins us in carol arrangements for choir and "4-hand" piano duet
Candlelight Holy Eucharist & Festive Celebration
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Christmas Day
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8:00am
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Holy Eucharist (Rite I)
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10:00am
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Holy Eucharist (Rite II)
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with Festive Music in the Nave
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New Year's Day
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8:00am
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Holy Eucharist (Rite I)
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10:00am
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Lessons & Carols & Holy Eucharist (Rite II)
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 Prepare the Way of the Lord:
Christmas Pageant Scheduled for Christmas Eve, 4:45 pm
Children should arrive at 4:15pm for costuming!
All children, in Nursery School through 6th grade, are invited to participate in the Pageant. Casting is as follows:
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Age
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Casting
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3 & 4 Year Olds
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Sheep
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Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
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Shepherds OR Angels
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4th & 5th Grade
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Kings & Queens
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6th Grade
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Speaking & Title Roles
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Visitors and newcomers welcome to be a part of the pageant. Please arrive by 4:15pm for costumes.
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Prayer List
We pray for Joe Hunsiker who died this week, and for his friends and family, especially his daughter Melissa Hunsiker. |
End of Year Giving to St. Patrick's
Please note that we do not receive mail on Saturdays which is Dec. 31st this year. Checks intended for 2011 giving must be in the Church Office by noon on Friday, Dec. 30th.
Thank you for your support! |
Donate to help buy the Christmas Flowers and Greens
If you would like to donate to Flower Fund to help underwrite the beautiful Christmas flowers and greens, please drop off a check to the Church Office made out to St. Patrick's with "flowers" in the memo, or donate on-line. All our Altar flowers and the Christmas trees are funded solely through donations, and the fund could use the help!
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December 24th Pageant Service at 4:45pm
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Altar Guild:
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Monique Ploss/Ellen Terpstra
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Flower Guild:
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Flower Guild
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Crucifer:
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Claire Keller
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Torches:
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Ainsley McDonnell, Halle Johnson
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Intercessor:
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Jesse McCollum
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Greeters:
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Ellen Teplitz, Ellen Terpstra
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Refreshments:
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Cookies
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Lay Euch. Min.:
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Marilyn Nowalk, Paul Geffert, Virginia Hurt
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Ushers:
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Bill Pugh, Owen Donley, Josh Firebaugh, Tony Lee, Charlie Johnson IV
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December 24th Candlelight Service at 9:30pm
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Server:
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Peter Jobusch
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Altar Guild:
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Karen Melchar
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Flower Guild:
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Flower Guild
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Readers:
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Martin Teel, Joe White
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Intercessor:
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Bill Pugh
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Psalmist:
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Wynne Teel
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Greeters:
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Carlos Zarabozo & Miren Beitia
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St. Philip's Food Pantry Christmas Dinner Drive
We had a very successful drive for this year's Christmas Dinner in a Bag project in conjunction with St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Anacostia. We sent 136 bags, and some extra food last Sunday after church. As always, the folks from St. Philip's were very appreciative of our work collecting the food, and are spending this week distributing to those in need in their Anacostia parish. One of their Vestry members told us that she remembers helping to unload all those white bags from St. Patrick's cars over 20 years ago!
Many, many thanks to those who donated food and money to make this project possible. None of this would be possible without the help of many volunteers, but we especially recognize Diane Bitsberger's leadership in shopping (and getting some great discounts from Giant and Safeway) organizing the bags, and in delivering to St. Philip's. Other intrepid shoppers and organizers were Ellen Terpstra and Ellen Teplitz.
Our drivers this year included Richard Houstoun, Ellen Teplitz, Mandy Simmons, Diane Bitsberger and Karen Melchar. Thanks to everyone for making this a special part of Advent for St. Patrick's.
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Bake Sale to Benefit Outreach Programs
Many thanks to all the bakers and buyers at last Sunday's Bake Sale. We raised $600 to benefit Outreach Programs. Special thanks to Lilly Keller for her spectacular wrapping and display work at the Bake Sale table! |
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Quick Links...
 - Follow St. Patrick's on Facebook |
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