My dear family in Christ,

This past Sunday, 1^st December, was Advent 1. It marked, of course, the beginning of our annual journey through the season of Advent as we make our way towards, and make our souls ready for, the Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ on the 25^th. But it also marked the completion of my fifth full year here with you all as Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church.

Advent, like Lent, is a good season for contemplating endings and beginnings, and the connections between the two. The Anglo-Saxons had a saying: “The end and the beginning are not always alike”—but they are inextricably linked together. Every time one thing ends, another thing begins. And every time a new thing begins, whatever came before either ends … or changes and grows into a new thing, itself.

The world looked rather different when I arrived at All Saints in December of 2019. For one thing, I drove up through a terrible ice storm to begin my time here in a “new world” buried under vast drifts of snow. It seemed as if Fate had got hold of a book called The Most Predictable Clichés of the Upper Midwest and brought the first few pages to life, just for me, this Southern ex-pat now come to the Frozen North. 🙂 I was quite amazed that Spring, when the sun came out and everything turned green!

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During December and part of January (exact time frame TBD), the parish office's Thursday hours will be 9 am-3 pm instead of 9 am-12 pm.

Fr. Christopher will be out of the office on Thursday, December 12. Faith Talk will not be held that day.

The coffee hour schedule has openings on most of the Sundays in December, including next Sunday, Dec. 8. Please sign up on the bulletin board to provide treats for our post-service socializing time!

Note: There are still a lot of treats left over from the reception after the ecumenical Thanksgiving service, and anyone hosting coffee hour this coming Sunday is welcome to use them. They can be found in the fridge and freezer in the Palmer Room kitchen.

On the first Friday of each month at 7:00 pm, Seth Williams and Oliver Park will host an open mic night in the Palmer Room. Come join us on Friday, December 6 to show off your poetry, music, dancing, etc. and enjoy listening to what others have to share.  Invite your friends!

For the Christmas season, we are collecting gifts for kids and adults, for the Harbor House Shelter. The mission of Harbor House is to serve all people impacted by domestic and sexual violence, lead the shift in perception of violence, and advocate for lasting social change. You can learn more by visiting harborhousewi.org.

This year Harbor House is focusing on teen gifts, baby gifts, & gift cards. All adults will be given $75 worth of gift cards, while children and teens will open gifts. Gift donations should be unwrapped. A complete wish list can be found here or on the bulletin board.

Please bring your donations to church on Sunday, December 8th, which will be our celebration of St. Nick. All donations should be brought to the office no later than Wednesday, Dec. 11th.

Come join us on Tuesday, November 12 and bring a friend to learn and play.  We'll meet in person at 6:30pm in the Palmer Room. Questions? Contact Stephanie Gadzik or Catherine Neiswender.

Save the date! Our next Music at All Saints will be "Of the Father's Love Begotten: Music of Christmas." Thursday, December 19 at 7:00. Performers include Lawrence faculty members, Cayla Rosche (soprano), Steven Spears (tenor), Wen-Lei Gu (violin), our own Catherine Neiswender on flute, and Ken Bozeman playing the piano. Please help spread the word by telling friends and family!

My dear friends in Christ,

The next series in our Living Christianity program will be Journey of the Magi, a two part Advent reflection beginning next Monday, December 9 and concluding on the following Monday, December 16. This series will combine prayer, Scripture, the writings of several Christian mystics, quiet contemplation, and journaling as we make the journey through anticipation of Advent to the glory of Christmas. 

Please plan to join us at 6:30 for these two Monday nights in Advent as part of your preparation and eager anticipation of the Nativity of Our Lord.

Peace & blessings,

Christopher+

REMINDER: If you'd like to have your birthday or anniversary recognized, please contact the office.

December Birthdays

12/8 - Jane Azzi

12/8 - Nancy Krueger

12/14 - Ruth Ring

12/16 - Judy Gaines

12/18 - Julie Holly

12/22 - Emily Gilbert

12/25 - Carlyle Mason

12/25 - Elena Wilkerson

12/27 - Sydney Ring

12/29 - Karlee Dobkoski

12/31 - Dolores Wiseman

December Anniversaries

12/17 - Craig & Tammy Augustine

12/28 - Steve & Donna Summers

12/30 - Ken & Joanne Bozeman

The Richeson Gallery in Kimberly is exhibiting the watercolors of Phil Sealy, who was an important member of the Fox River Valley art community as well as a longstanding and much-beloved parishioner of All Saints. The exhibit runs November 8-January 17, with a reception on Friday, December 13 from 5:30-7:30 pm. For more information, visit the Richeson website.

Are you or someone you know in need of confidential Christian caregiving? If so, please contact Julie Holly, Stephen Leader, at 920.809.2416 (c), 920.731.6896 (h), or email her at jmholly76@gmail.com. You may also contact Fr Christopher at 920.266.9262 (Pastoral Care Line), or Paul Van Duser, Pastoral Care Team Leader, at 847.287.2321.