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Dear Friends,  

Before we talk about St. Nicholas, allow me to say I'm so thankful that Bishop John was able to be with us this past weekend. Thanks to those of you that were able to make it out to our Sunday worship and the follow-up lunch. Thanks to Rose and the helpers for making a delightful lunch; you're all amazing!  I also want to thank those who set up and cleaned up.   

St. Nicholas Fayre - Saturday, Dec 10th, 10 am - 12 pm. First a note about the spelling, this is entirely Trish Martin's doing!  She has introduced an archaic British spelling of "fair" and I have to say I love the sense of mystery that it conveys, quite fitting really!  

Bonnie and helpers (Thanks ACW members and others) will be setting up some Christmas-y activities for the children; there will be some treats as well; if you would like to bring a snack or treat to share that would be so appreciated!  Sometime around 11 am St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop from Myra in present-day Turkey, will make an appearance!  This is an opportunity for the children to hear the story of the historical origins of the figure that we now know as Santa Claus. I hope to see you there!  

Thanks

I also want to thank those of you that expressed thanks for my ministry in light of my announcement that I'll be leaving the parish as of Feb. At this point, it looks like my last service will be on February 12th. If you would like to chat by phone or in person sometime in the next couple of months please drop me an email, a phone call, or a text and I'll do my best to make that happen. I'm in the parish Mondays and Wednesdays with some flexibility on Saturdays. I am also attaching the note of my announcement as a Word Doc to this email in case you're interested in where Denise and I will be serving next.  

On to the matters at hand. As we move deeper into Advent, the themes continue to build on each other (week one: Hope; week two: Peace) and become more attractive. This coming Sunday we're privileged to read and reflect on a text from Isaiah that almost literally vibrates with joy, the theme of the day. I hope to see you as we gather around the Lord's Table.  

We are excited to offer Godly Play at our services. If you have children or grandchildren between the ages of 4-11 bring they will find this program very helpful in engaging children's imagination and wonder.  

And finally, the big day is coming. This year St. Matthew will be having a Christmas Eve service at 6 pm on Dec 24th and a Christmas Morning Service at 11 am on the 25th.  

Advent blessings,

Allen+