December 9, 2021

Dear friends in Christ:

This morning I went and got my COVID vaccine booster and I already feel like I have better cell phone reception. Tomorrow morning, I am heading off to camp for an overnight retreat of the Bishop Search Committee. I'm not so sure I planned this very well, but what's done is done.

On to the updates . . .

WORSHIP

This week's bulletin insert is HERE.

Sunday 12/12, Advent III, Gaudete Sunday

8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I. In person only. Face coverings are recommended, though not required at this service.

10:00 am Rite II Holy Eucharist. In person and streamed at our website and on our Facebook page.

COVID protocols requiring face coverings are still in place during the service. We ask that you please comply with this requirement for the sake of families with children, who are not yet fully vaccinated. Masks are available inside the parking lot doors.

This week's bulletin is HERE.

Tuesday, 12/14, 7pm

Our monthly Tuesday Taize' service--the second Tuesday of every month--will be streamed at our website, on Facebook, and your in-person attendance is welcome. You can sing along with us at home or in church, but masks are recommended but not required for those attending in person. You can find the service outline and music HERE. (We will have printed copies at the door.)

Wednesday 12/15

12:10pm Our mid-week in-person service of Holy Eucharist. In person only.

Face coverings are recommended, though not required at this service.

THANK YOU . . .

to all who helped with the greening of the church, with ringing the Salvation Army bell, with donating blankets, with caring for the Altars, and everything else. Your commitment and hard work are an inspiration to us all.

ADVENT RECITALS

We are halfway through our Advent Recital series here at St. Timothy's. You can watch them online in the usual places, or some and see them in person. The remaining schedule is as follows:

December 15 - David Sparkes

December 22 - Loren Veigel

The recitals begin at 11:30am, and folks are invited to stay for Holy Communion if they so choose. We are requesting a donation of canned or dry goods for our food pantry.

You can watch yesterday's recital with Jay Spencer at this link.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

You can dedicate poinsettias to decorate our Altars at Christmas again this year, thanks to the ECW. We ask for a contribution of $9.00 per dedication.

You will find order forms in the parish hall, or call the office (330)833-3183, or use the link at our website HERE. You can make your payment using a check or cash, or make your payment securely at our website using this LINK.

Please reserve flowers by December 19th for inclusion in our memorial list.

BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES

Celebrating birthdays this week are Kristie Baker (12/16), and John King (12/16).

Jay and Laurie Bomze will celebrate their anniversary on 12/16, and Susan and Steve Merrill will celebrate theirs on 12/17.

Be sure to send good wishes and thoughts to all who celebrate this week!

PRAYERS REQUESTED

Please continue to pray for all those affected by COVID-19, and please keep these friends and parishioners in your prayers:

✥Bob Meyer ✥Judy Wigginton  ✥Chris Lane ✥Priya Kurian ✥Mike Ziegelhofer

✥Chuck Tilley ✥Michael Flamm  ✥Liz Frank ✥Bobbie Muhlbach ✥John Muhlbach  

✥Isaac Leggett ✥Mike Requa  ✥Toni Contini ✥Brian Dorosch ✥Beth Conley ✥Nancy Brooks

✥Bob Daane ✥Chuck Coleman ✥Patty Ann ✥Cary Koontz ✥Noble Carpenter

✥Roger Walters ✥Tim & Sharon Gerber ✥Colleen Major ✥Gail Moss ✥Linda June

✥Stephen Huba ✥Roy Schoenfeld ✥Donna Wheeler-Badgley ✥Fred Gibbs ✥Sheila Gwatkin

✥Christine Hoffman ✥Regina Hoffman ✥Carolyn Flamm ✥Ingrid ✥Betsy Lloyd ✥Dr. Ed Hill ✥Renee Tennis ✥Janine Hartman ✥David Braid

SOME UPCOMING EVENTS

Tues. Dec. 14 Monthly Tuesday Taize’, 7pm

Wed. Dec. 15 Advent Recital, David Sparkes, 11:30am

Tues. Dec. 21 Movie Night, Palace Theater, 6pm-9pm

Wed. Dec. 22 Advent Recital, Loren Veigel, 11:30am

Fri. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve family service, 6:30pm

                 Christmas Eve Candlelight service, 10pm

Sat. Dec. 25 Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, 10am

Thurs. Jan. 6 Epiphany Lessons and Carols, 7pm

Sun. Jan. 9 186th Annual Meeting

Sun. Jan. 30 Saint Timothy Sunday

PERIODIC PUZZLE

Every year, Tim and Carla Moore set up the lovely heirloom creche in our sanctuary, and every year I am reminded how delightful it is to look at. So, now you can spend some time getting to know it more intimately with a puzzle!

You will find the puzzle by clicking HERE. You can choose your background color, number of puzzle pieces, and even set it to display just the edge pieces. Plus, you get a very affirming crowd reaction once you have completed it!

As I've mentioned before, our current plan is to remove any mask requirements starting on Christmas Eve. (How's that for a Christmas present?!?) However, the COVID numbers in Stark County continue going in the wrong direction. I personally know about a dozen people who currently are infected, though thankfully none in mortal danger. Local hospitals are overwhelmed at the moment, which is a frightening development. Please do continue to pray for nurses and other frontline workers as they do their best to keep folks alive.

We'll continue to watch the numbers and make adjustments at church as necessary. Meanwhile, please do your best to stay safe and healthy.

Faithfully,

Fr. George