O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

This ancient hymn or plainsong makes a wonderful meditation as we approach the season of Advent. The text, originally Latin, is from the 9^th century and the tune was composed in the 15^th century. The refrain, "Rejoice, rejoice...." was not added until the 1800's. Many of you may know that "Veni, veni Emmanuel" was the absolute favorite hymn of our former rector, Scott Hennessy.

The text developed as a series of liturgical and scriptural phrases we hear often during Advent. Each stanza concentrates on a different Biblical name for Jesus. We sing about "God with us"; Wisdom from on high; Branch of Jesse; Key of David; Day-Spring from on high; and Desire of Nations.

Please take time to contemplate these words which Christians have sung for over 1000 years as we anticipate the Nativity of Our Savior.

Bob Brockman

 

Poinsettias

If you would like to give a poinsettia in memory of honor of a loved one for our Christmas services, please call or email the church office. The cost is $10 per plant.

Advent Wreath Making

The children will make Advent wreaths on Sunday, December 2, in the parish hall during the 11:00 service. Supplies will be provided.

Greening of the Church

Calling saints of all ages to come adorn the church for Christmas on Friday, December 21, from 9 a.m. until Noon. Bring evergreen, magnolia and pine as you can. Call Catherine Gillespie at 672-4314 for more information.

Angel Tree

Please take an angel from the Angel Tree in the parish hall to provide a Christmas gift for a local child who has a parent in jail. Wrapped gifts of clothing and toys should be under $20 with non-violent themes. Angel Tree is a ministry of the prison fellowship which seeks to share God’s love with prisoners and their families.

 

December Holiday Schedule

• December 4: Messiah Community Sing Along, 7:30 p.m., Keith Wagner directing, Bill Drake, organist, & small orchestra
• December 5: ANNUAL PARISH MEETING: Potluck supper at 6:30 p.m. (please bring a dish to share) and the Annual Parish Meeting at 7:00 with election of new Vestry members. After business there will be a presentation from our Rector elect, the Rev. Linda Hutton.
• December 9: Youth Christmas Bazaar after church
• December 10: Christmas Dinner for residents of the President Madison Inn, 4:30 p.m. in St. Thomas’s Parish Hall
• December 16: Pastor Lin’s first Sunday at St. Thomas’s!
• December 21: Greening of the Church, 9-Noon, bring greenery clippings (fir branches, magnolia, boxwood)

The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

• Christmas Eve: Holy Eucharist with Hymns, for families with children, 5:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist with Hymns, 10:00 p.m.

Food Pantry

Special request for December is Cake Mix & Frosting. Food items and cash are welcome and needed. Thank you for your love and generous support. The mailing address if you need it is: Love Outreach Food Pantry, Inc., P.O. Box 788, Orange. They are located at 252 Blue Ridge Drive in Orange and accept items on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings 9:30 - 11:00. Also, we accept all donations here at St. Thomas’s and deliver them for you.

Vestry Notes

Following their regular business discussions, the Vestry Nominating Committee presented names for the class of 2010: John Amos, Lisa Wagner, Anne Meade Faulconer and Frank Thomas. The nominations were approved and these folks will be voted on at the upcoming annual parish meeting on December 5.

Financial Reminders

Please return your pledge cards if you have not done so, as it is time for the Vestry to develop the church’s budget for next year. Thank you for pledging toward the mission of St. Thomas’s.

Following IRS rules, contributions for 2007 tax credit need to be in the church office or postmarked by December 31, 2007.