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The First Sunday of Advent
A Note about the Liturgy in Advent
from our Interim Rector
Sunday, November 29 (Advent One) is our first Sunday together. I am looking forward to celebrating our liturgical “New Year” with you as we imagine all the ways Christ is coming into the world. After fruitful conversation with the staff, we discerned it to be “a good and joyful thing” to have the children lead us in the Lighting of the Advent Wreath. It will give me a chance to get to know my youngest parishioners at the same time it gives them an opportunity to lead us.
The rhythm of the liturgy will go something like this:
After the confession and absolution and before the Peace, the children will follow the cross up to the chancel for a short introduction, light the candle(s) and help me extend “The Peace” to the rest of the congregation. Then the children will go to their families for the Liturgy of the Table.
This is a minor change within the liturgy. I appreciate your generosity in extending me the opportunity to meet and know the full St. Thomas’ family.
Also, I invite everyone to join me for coffee hour in the parish hall....and I mean everyone! There will be beautiful Advent posters each week that children (of all ages) are asked to color. Crayons will be provided. Please come and color for a few minutes…God is in the “play” of our lives too. We want to make sure each week's poster is colored so we can hang them up for part of our Advent decoration.
See you soon!
Joyfully,
Leslie+
The Rev. Leslie Burkardt
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Outreach Ministries News
Advent Outreach Night is Sunday, December 6
It’s a long-standing St. Thomas’ Advent tradition: we are once again collecting new toys, canned hams, and canned/boxed foods for Christmas dinner bags through the end of November and early December that will be donated to children served by SWAN Bridge, an emergency services program in the city of Rochester. Then, on Sunday, December 6, at 5:00 p.m., we will gather for evensong, share a spaghetti meal, and wrap the toys and fill the food bags. Come to the Advent Outreach Night table at the 5:00, 8:00 and 10:00 services for more information and to sign up for the spaghetti dinner. Questions? Call Linda Coleman at 271-8135 or the parish office at 442-3544. (Shopping List for Christmas Dinner Food Bags: Canned Vegetable, Canned Fruit, Canned Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing Mix, Cornbread or Muffin Mix, Instant Mashed Potatoes.)
Turkey Tally
Thanks to the generosity of St. Thomas’ parishioners, 26 frozen turkeys were donated to Eastern Service Workers for their Thanksgiving food baskets. ESWA served about 90 families this holiday. An anonymous parishioner also donated 9 turkeys to A Meal and More for their harvest dinner last Sunday.
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Worship Ministries News
 Decking the Halls
Every Christmas the church is filled with fragrant greens and beautiful poinsettias thanks to the generous donations of parishioners and friends. Add your contribution online by clicking here, or using the sign-up sheet on the lower hall kiosk. Donations in all amounts are welcome. Dedications and thanksgivings will be printed in the Christmas Eve service bulletins. The deadline for dedications is December 21. Questions? Contact Paula Valeri at pdvaleri@gmail.com or by calling 748-7048.
Now accepting 2016 Vestry nominations
Perhaps you grew up in another faith tradition and wonder who, how and what’s involved in leadership at St. Thomas’, particularly the elected board, known as the Vestry. Our Vestry has nine members with three new members elected at the January annual meeting, generally for 3 full years. In that way at least 1/3 of the Vestry is rotating off each year, to be replaced by newly-elected members. Over the next few weeks the Vestry Nominating Committee will be developing the 2016 slate of candidates. We ask for your prayers that the committee will choose wisely and that those asked will reflect thoughtfully on this opportunity for leadership in our midst. To learn more about what it means to serve on the Vestry, speak to any Vestry person. If you would like to be considered or would like to recommend someone for Vestry, please contact Junior Warden Brian Kruschwitz at 370-6546 or at b.e.kruschwitz@gmail.com.
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Fellowship Ministries News
 Advent Dinner
Join us for our annual St. Thomas’ Advent Dinner on Saturday, December 12. Fellowship hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner following at 7:00. The cost is $15 per person, which includes Standing Rib Roast, Yorkshire Pudding and beverages including wine. We ask that you bring a dish to contribute: either an hors d’oeuvre, cooked vegetable, salad or dessert for 10 people.
Please RSVP using one of three options.
Rides are available for anyone requesting one (please note on your RSVP and we will contact you). Families are welcome and babysitting can be arranged.
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Children's Ministries News
Parents and children interested in having a Chancel Drama this year-- join Leslie and Christa after the 10:00 service on December 6 for an informational meeting! Any children, youth, and parents who want to be in it should join. The Chancel Drama would be on Sunday, December 20.
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 Youth Ministries News
Looking ahead—our December meeting will be at the Advent Outreach Night on Sunday, December 6. Come at 3:30 to help set up for the dinner and then join the rest of the congregation for a spaghetti dinner and gift wrapping. It will be a fun-filled evening!
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Stewardship Commission News
Weekly Financial Report 11/22/15
Budget Pledges Year to date: $358,265
Actual Pledges Year to date: $331,638
Thank you for your support!
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