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Birthdays
Dec. 21: Jim Gaston, Alan Morris, Karen Norris, Lois Pendley
Dec. 22: Janet Bernard, Pete Manza, Deb Rupp
Dec: 24: Martha Keating, Louise Oliver
Dec. 25: Anne McFarland
Dec. 26: Ryder Marchbanks
Dec. 27: Susan Harrelson
Dec. 28: Logan Ball, Nell Gee, Sal Medina
Dec. 29: Laura Hallock, Marjorie Kanewske, May Latson, Inez New, Vicky Purdy
Dec. 30: Renna Darby, Homer Willms
Dec. 31: Jason Fullmer, Bob Jackson, Rebecca Witte, Kayla Yandell
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Saint John's UMC 2140 Allandale Rd. Austin, TX 78756 (512) 452-5737
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Fourth Sunday of Advent 
In this Festival of Lessons and Carols, we share the story of "God with us" through Scripture and song. This Saint John's tradition features music from the Chancel Choir, Trinity Singers, Saint John's Singers and the Jones Handbell Choir, along with a special children's time with Pastor Paul.
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The Longest Night, A Service of Healing
7 p.m. TONIGHT, December 19
The Longest Night is a grace-filled hour of reflection on hope for this Christmas season on Thursday, December 19 in the Saint John's sanctuary. The evening includes prayer, special music, readings and an anointing. Come, find your light and share a time of quiet anticipation of the birth of Christ.
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 5 p.m. - A child-friendly Christmas Eve service with carols, candlelight and Communion. Rev. Amy Villwock and Rev. Paul Escamilla will share messages based on the Christmas Story found in Luke 2:1-20.
7 p.m. - A traditional service of carols, candlelight and Communion with special music from the Chancel Choir. Rev. Paul Escamilla will deliver the message Home for Christmas based on Luke 2:1-20.
11 p.m. - A candlelight service with Communion and singing of traditional carols, with a meditation by Rev. Paul Escamilla based on Luke 2:1-20.
The shuttle bus will run from the north parking lot of Lamar Middle School for the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. services.
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You should have received a letter last week inviting you to participate in the Saint John's Christmas Offering. This annual offering supports the vital mission and ministries of Saint John's, including fulfillment of our apportionments to The United Methodist Church. Apportionments allow us to extend our reach beyond our own community and into the world. As we move through this season of Advent, please prayerfully consider a gift for this purpose. If you wish to give online to the Christmas Offering you may do so here.
Thank you in advance for your generous support.
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Tax deadline for 2013 contributions
Please remember - in order to receive a tax deduction for 2013, contributions must either be delivered to the church office by 12 noon on Tuesday, December 31 or postmarked by that day. Thank you for your generous support of the ministries at Saint John's.
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Christmas Caroling - Friday, December 20 
Please join us Friday, December 20, as we go Christmas Caroling to our homebound congregation. We will meet at 5:30 p.m. at 5900 Wynona and divide into small groups; then head out to sing to our homebound congregation at their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing facilities.
If you have not signed up yet, please come anyway! The more the merrier as we spread Christmas cheer. Maps and song books will be provided. We will meet back at 5900 Wynona afterward for food and fellowship.
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Thank you, singers and ringers!
The Tidings of Joy concert last Friday at Saint John's was a joyous occasion for all. There was lots of singing, handbell ringing -- and even a visit from the jolly old man himself. In addition, a love offering was collected to be used for a celebration event for all of the Saint John's musicians. If you would like to contribute to this offering you may do so by clicking here.
Thanks again to all musicians for a job well done!
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Companions to cover 'Crucial Conversations'
Companions Class will discuss the book Crucial Conversations:Tools for Talking When Stakes are High starting in January. Led by Saint John's member and master trainer Shirley Dickson, the four-week series will help you learn how to make it safe to talk about anything -- and how to be persuasive, not abrasive. All are invited to share in this special offering, which begins at 10 a.m. January 5 in the front room of 5906 Wynona.
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Senior Adults to see Belton Lake lights 
The Senior Adults will travel to Belton Lake on December 27 to view the "Nature in Lights." More than 115 illuminated, animated light displays choreographed to the tunes of the season, will be available for viewing. The Saint John's bus will leave at 4 p.m., then travel to the Stagecoach Inn in Salado for an early dinner. The trip cost is $10, which covers the entrance fee and travel expenses; each person pays for his or her own dinner. Sign-up in the Gallery this Sunday.
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Flowers for the sanctuary
If you have an occasion you would like to commemorate, please consider providing flowers for that occasion by signing up in the Gallery or calling the church office at 512- 452-5737.
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