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Dear Friends,
This Sunday marks the third Sunday in Advent, known as "Gaudete Sunday" or "Rejoicing Sunday" - the Sunday when we celebrate the Joy of the season.
The poet Brad Reynolds writes this of this Sunday:
Gaudete
Because Christmas is almost here
Because dancing fits so well with music
Because inside baby clothes are miracles.
Gaudete
Because some people love you
Because of chocolate
Because pain does not last forever
Because Santa Claus is coming.
Gaudete
Because of laughter
Because there really are angels
Because your fingers fit your hands
Because forgiveness is yours for the asking
Because of children
Because of parents.
Gaudete
Because the blind see.
And the lame walk.
Gaudete
Because lepers are clean
And the deaf hear.
Gaudete
Because the dead will live again
And there is good news for the poor.
Gaudete
Because of Christmas
Because of Jesus
You rejoice.
Join us this Gaudete Sunday for whatever reason calls to you.
We'll be ready to rejoice with you.
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Memorial Reception
for community member
Joyce Bean
Joyce Fuller Bean, 92, of Barnes Road in East Montpelier, passed away last Thursday at Woodridge. Perhaps you know Joyce her from the neighborhood, as chair of the School Board or Planning Commission, or as a regular at exercise class or Wednesday noon cafe. No matter how you know her, we know you will miss, and would like to make sure you know that calling hours will be today, from 10am-11am, at Guare's Funeral Home in Monteplier, with the service to follow at 11am, officiated by Pastor Emeritus David Connor.
After the service, we hope you will join us for a reception, to be held in the Parish House.
Click here for the full obituary, or to leave a condolence online.
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PINS: “Partners in Service.”
Don't forget to bring your gift cards back this Sunday, and pick up a tag this Sunday to purchase presents for children in our wider community. Together let's make Christmas bright for all our families!
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BLUE CHRISTMAS
This Sunday, December 16
at 7:00pm
The holidays can be a time when we are most aware of our own losses and sorrows, our hurts and need for healing. For many, the loss of a love one is acutely felt. For all of us, there is a service.
Join us as we journey into our deepest darkness, in anticipation of hte light.
A music-filled worship service of watching and waiting, with musical leadership
by Mary Bonhag & Evan Premo.
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Deadline is This Sunday for Poinsettia orders.
Give the gift of a beautiful poinsettia, in memory of, in honor of, or just for the beauty of the Christmas Eve Service. They will be enjoyed in the sanctuary during the three Christmas Eve services. You may take them home afterwards or donate to be delivered to someone else who may enjoy them. Forms can be found on the Bulletin Board in Parish House, Poinsettias are $25 each. Deadline, Sunday December 16 to fill out form, click here
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We still have around 25 pledges yet to come in for 2019. If you haven't already, please be sure to bring your pledge card with you Sunday (or click the pledge card above to make your pledge electronically).
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The Chili Dinner and Auction was an incredible night of fun and fundraising. Thank you to all who contributed, participated and attended the evening, especially our fabulous emcee, Heidi Tringe, who kept the crowd entertained.
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Warming Tuesdays
Volunteers are welcome to provide light meals, every Tuesday from 5:00-8:00pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church downtown Montpelier. This is an opportunity for fun, direct-service interaction with support provide by GSH staff. Contact Tim Noonan at carrnoonan@comcast.net for details or to sign up. |
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Stories for a Winter’s Eve
December 22
3:00pm & 7:00pm shows
click here to purchase tickets
Stories for a Winter’s Eve creates the magic and warmth of gathering around the fireplace with friends and family to share stories and songs of the season. Featuring original short stories by Vermont authors and songs by Vermont musicians Pete Sutherland and Patti Casey, this truly local production will grace the stage on Saturday, December 22 for two shows.Former Vermont Stage Company artistic director Mark Nash will be joined by actress Kathryn Blume to share funny, poignant, and heartwarming tales of friendship, generosity, and community — stories that remind us of the connections we feel during this special time of year. Ornamented by Casey and Sutherland's original music, Stories for a Winter’s Eve brings warmth to the season's long, cold nights and celebrates the turning from dark to light up here in the north country. This is the 7th year this show has made a home at the Old Meeting House, and tickets tend to go quickly. Although this is absolutely a family-friendly event, small children may find it difficult to sit quietly through the stories. Refreshments will be available at intermission.
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Andrew Perchlik Advent Witness, click here
this week:
Sunday, Dec. 16
Choir practice, 8:30am
Worship, 9:30am Advent III - Joy
Blue Christmas, 7:00pm
next week:
Wednesday, Dec. 19
Cafe at Noon
Choir practice, 7:30pm
Thursday, Dec.20
Meditation, 5:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 22
Pageant Rehearsal
Stories for a Winter's Eve, 3:00pm & 7:00pm shows.
Sunday, Dec. 23
Choir practice, 8:30am
Pageant Sunday, 9:30am
Advent IV
Christmas Eve Services:
4:30pm, Family Service
7:00pm, Traditional Service
9:00pm, Intimate Lessons & Carols
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artist: Molly Wingersky
Memories: My Sister as Artist. Be sure to check out the current exhibit in the Parish House Gallery by our late community member, Molly Wingersky with commentary by her sister Cherie Staples.
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