Date: November 25th 2008

 + In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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This is your weekly e-Tidings from St. Timothy’s.

This Week (11/23-11/29):

+Tuesday

- Holy Eucharist, Rite I, 10 AM in at St. Timothy’s in the chapel. Tea and conversation following.

+Wednesday

- Fostering Attachment Court childcare, 10 AM – 12:30 PM

- Wednesday Craft Group meets at St. Timothy's, 10 AM - Noon

- Inquirer's Class & “Living in the Kingdom” – on vacation this week, resumes next week.

- Thanksgiving Eve service at St. Paul’s Church, Salem, 7 PM

+Thursday: Thanksgiving Day

- Holy Eucharist at St. Timothy’s, with Fr. Robert Burton (Rector of St. Paul’s Church) preaching, 10 AM.

+Friday

-Day of special acts of self-denial and prayer in thankful observance of the Crucifixion of Our Lord.

-Office closed

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+Next Sunday (11/30): The First Sunday of Advent, Year B; Beginning of the Liturgical Year.

-8 AM: Holy Eucharist

-9 AM: Christian Education for Children, Youth, Adults (Nursery open)

-10 AM: Holy Eucharist (Nursery available for children up to 1^st grade; Godly Play for children 3 years old to 1^st Grade)

- Choir rehearsal in the nave following the 10 AM liturgy

Adult education topic Advent Sundays at 9 AM: “The Four Last Things.”

Michael McFetridge leads this four-week series on the traditional Advent topics of Death, Judgment, Heaven, & Hell. This is a good opportunity to do the sort of inner Advent preparation we all thirst for, so take advantage of it! Sunday Adult Education is offered in the chapel.

Following the 10 AM Eucharist on Advent Sunday: Brunch and Wreath-making Event in the Parish Hall

1.  Bring a hearty appetite!  The Parish Life Commission is serving a festive brunch, in celebration of the Church’s New Year.  The menu includes sausage, eggs, and home-made cinnamon rolls.

2.  Please bring your own advent wreath base, that is, if you have one from previous years.  If convenient, could you also please bring a pair of hand clippers, small wire snips, or floral wire?  Thanks!  Having a few extra pairs to share always helps.

3.  Are you new to this tradition?  St. Tim’s has an Advent wreath form to give you at the brunch.  Join us to decorate it with fresh cut greens, following the brunch.

4.  “The more, the merrier!”  Everyone please feel free to bring along someone brand new, or to invite an old-time friend of St. Tim’s, as God’s spirit moves.

 5.  The Parish Life Commission recommends taking a few moments this week to revisit the Advent articles in the November Tidings.  Fr. Brandon has given us a wonderful glimpse into this sacred season that kindles the soul, in quietness, if we but gently move into its simplicity.

Sunday Food Donation: Donation baskets are by the font on your way into the nave.

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Other Upcoming Events & Notices

- Pledges for the 2009 Budget are still being sought. The Budget will be adopted by the Vestry at its December 16^th meeting and presented to the congregation at the Annual Meeting in January.

- Catechumenate begins on December 3^rd for any adult seeking baptism or Confirmation, or anyone who would like to accompany them on the journey.

- Our next Host Week with Salem Interfaith Hospitality (a ministry to homeless families) is December 14-21. Sign up in the narthex to bring dinner, spend the evening, or stay the night on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. This is a very valuable and meaningful ministry, particularly in this season of the year.

- The Service of Lessons and Carols is on Sunday, December 21^st. Please mark your calendars to attend (bring someone you know from outside the parish to enjoy this special service) and sign up in the narthex to share your favorite “goodies.”

- St. Timothy’s is now hosting a childcare program on Wednesdays for the children of adults in the Fostering Attachment court while they are attending court sessions. Even if you are not providing childcare for this effort, you can contribute by donating disposable diapers or board/picture books (suitable for very young children). We will be collecting these items in the manger by the south narthex doors.

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+Standing Notices

- The Church Office is open most weekdays from 9 AM to Noon, and from 1 PM to 3 PM.

- Articles for the monthly parish newsletter (St. Timothy’sTidings) are due on the 15^th of each month.

- Please have items for the Sunday bulletin to the Church Office by the Wednesday prior.

- Vestry normally meets on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. If you would like to communicate something to the Vestry, please contact the Senior Warden (Ruth Speaker), the Junior Warden (Ron DeWilde), or Fr. Brandon. Vestry meetings are normally open to all parishioners.

- Fr. Brandon’s days off are Friday and Saturday (when practical). In case of emergency, you may reach him at home by phone.

- Please keep our intercessions up to date by contacting the Church Office with any corrections, deletions, updates or (especially) thanksgivings.

Feedback, submission, suggestions for improvement may be e-mailed to: rector@sainttimothys.org. Submissions to the e-Tidings editor are due in the rector’s mailbox by Monday morning.

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+At the prayers of St. Mary, St. Timothy, and all the saints, may God’s blessings attend you in all your doings in the service of the Gospel this week!

The Mission of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

We gather to experience the Holy Trinity through Scripture, worship, study, and fellowship. Receiving and reflecting God’s love and grace, we are sent out to love and serve our neighbor, see the Christ in others, and share the Gospel by the example of our everyday lives.