St.

Thomas Times December/January 2012/2013 Advent/Christmas/Epiphany

Please pick up a copy in the church foyer or contact the office at stthom@telus.net to receive an e-mailed copy.

St. Thomas Times

A Mission Church of Jesus Christ Seek, Shape, Serve

Parish Staff

Rector: The Reverend Stephen London (780-243-2212) Assistant Curate: The Rev. Chris Dowdeswell (780-467-5730) Honorary Assistant: The Rev. Bruce Aylard Admin. Assistant: Kendra Hoffert (780-467-5730) sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com
St. Thomas Vestry 2011-2012

Regular Weekly Worship Times

Sunday 8:00 am Holy Eucharist Said service, no music Sunday 9:00 am Holy Eucharist Contemporary Music Sunday 11:00 am Sung Holy Eucharist Music blends contemporary & traditional Sunday School 9:00am Classes for 3-5 yrs (in the Nursery) Classes for 6-11 yrs (in Sunday School Room)

Rectors Warden: Gordon Weighell (780-464-7905) Gordon.Weighell@gmail.com Peoples Warden: Ted Greenaway (780-995-1225)

PeoplesWarden@iwonderonline.ca
Assistant Peoples Warden: Alison de Haan (780-410-9848) alison_de_haan@hotmail.com Treasurer: Dale Purkis (780-467-5730) purkis@shaw.ca Maintenance Chair: William Jones (780-449-5129) wkjones@shaw.ca Stewardship Chair: Gordon Voth (780-417-2703) gorddivoth@hotmail.com Fundraising Chair: Betty Hopfner (780-449-2476) bettyhopfner@shaw.ca Youth Chair: Devon Goldie (780-461-0267) strawberry_dancer260@hotmail.com Project 2015 Liaison: Brian Jolly (780-467-9682) Synod Delegates: Ruth Heine (780-462-3538) rlheine@shaw.ca Jim Revill (780-416-3245) jrevill@telus.net Roland Teape (780-449-9409) riffle@shaw.ca Alternate: Chad St. Jean (780-410-9494 chadstjean@gmail.com

We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.
~Matthew 2:1

St. Thomas Anglican Church 4A Raven Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8A 0C3 Office Ph: 780-467-5730 Fax 780-467-3110
Office: Mon., Tues. 8.30am - 2.30pm Fri. 8.30am - 4.30pm sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com www.sttomsherwoodpark.com

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St. Thomas Anglican Church

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Our mission is to be a welcoming, worshipping community, loving God and others Our purpose is to Worship & Glorify God; Foster relationships with God; Nurture a sense of belonging; Reach out to others; Love and care for our world as stewards of Gods creation

Christian Life
For queries on Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funeral/ Memorial Services, or Pastoral Visits Church Office 780-467-5730
stthomsherwoodpark@gmail.com

Day Trippers Linda Cutler780-467-5254

cutlerg@telus.net

Worship
Choir
Connie cmclaws@ualberta.ca

Family Events Kim Wereley 780-464-5501

3guitars4life@gmail.com

Marriage Encounter Church Office 780-467-5730

sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com

Tapestry Ruth Heine 780-462-3538

rlheine@shaw.ca

Hospitality Teams (9am)

vacant

Colchester Cemetery Church office 780-467-5730

sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com

Ladies Potpourri Michele Clapp 780-461-2177

mclapp@chandos.com

Drama Agnes Pieracci 780-449-6970 Liturgical Dance Janet Kwantes 780-410-0365

janmarkwan@aol.com

Envelope Secretary Judy Purkis 780-467-5730

sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com

Mens Crib Gene Miskiw 780-467-5400

gmiskiw@telus.net

Outreach
Church Office 780-467-5730
sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com

Christian Education

Senior Ladies For information on Sorrento Centre Church office 780-467-5730 Church Office 780-467-5730 sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com Social Convenor agnes Pieracci 780-449-6970 Adult Studies Church office 780-467-5730 St. Thomas Newsletter
sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com

Blankets for Canada Helen Cleveley 780-464-1528

Campbells Soup Labels Lesley Tarrant Belcourt 780-467-4023 Dave Cleveley 780-464-1528
herbel-h@telus.net

Cursillo Jean Aylard 780-417-6433

aylard@telus.net

Children & Youth

Childrens Ministry Shannon Le Blanc 780-907-6590
rayshan@shaw.ca

Foster Child Helen Cleveley 780-464-1528 Knit 123 Sally Foss 780-467-6956 Primates World Relief & Development Fund
vacant

Lay Ministry/ Worship Support Lay Readers, Admin./Leader Training Church Office 780-467-5730
sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com

Wacey Laderoute 780-570-4442

ace-of-hearts@live.ca

Fellowship
11am Greeters, ushers, coffee 780-467-5730 Book Club Linda Cutler 780-467-5254
cutlerg@telus.net

Junior Youth Kim Wereley 780-464-5501

3guitars4life@gmail.com

Refugee Committee Marion Bulmer 780-464-6927

marion.bulmer@shaw.ca

Senior Youth Devon Goldie

strawberry_dancer-260@hotmail.com

Janet Lockau 780-467-4825

jlockau@shaw.ca

St. Vincent de Paul Society

donations of household items & used furniture

CLEOs - Diane Duke 780-464-0170 ROMEOs - Jim Brown 780-464-3257

Loran Dietrich 780-464-0899

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FINDING US

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See, I am making all things new,. Revelations 21:5

Admin. Assistants Message 7 Children & Youth Ministries 12 Contact names 1 & 2 Finding Us 3 Fundraising 15 Interim Priests Message 4 Messages from Maddie and Susan 8 Music, Drama, Dance Ministries 11

Nurturing Well-Being 14 Prayer & Education Ministries 10 Reaching Out To Others 13 Stewardship 6 Vestry 6 Wardens Word 5 Wit and Whit 16, 17, 18 Worshipping and Glorifying God 9

A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel ~Book of Numbers

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MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERIM PRIEST

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Happy New Year!

The Venerable You might think I am being a bit premature in wishing you a Happy New Year. Alan Perry After all we havent even got to Christmas! But check again. On the liturgical calendar, Advent is the beginning of the year. Indeed, I once knew a bishop who held an annual New Years party on the Eve of the First Sunday in Advent. So, Happy New Year!

Advent is often misunderstood as a time of preparation for Christmas. Although it does come before the Christmas Season, and there will inevitably need to be some preparations for Christmas, Advent is really about looking well beyond Christmas. It is a season of expectation, pregnant with possibilities including but going beyond the arrival of Jesus in the manger.

Advent is the beginning of the liturgical calendar because it marks a time of new beginnings in our seasons of worship. The First Sunday of Advent begins the season, and the year, with a look ahead to the completion of Gods purposes in creation and salvation history. We start the year by looking forward to the end of time. This gives us a sense of direction as we embark on a new year. Of course, the beginning of the year is not the beginning of time, but it is an opportunity for a course correction. Much as one might check a map or set the GPS in setting out on a new stage in a longer journey, Advent gives us a chance to check our MAP (Mission Action Plan) as a new stage in our spiritual journey begins.

For St Thomas this Advent comes pregnant with the possibilities including the arrival of a new rector. As you welcome the Revd Steve London and the Revd. Stephanie and their family into the community, it is time to start the next stage of your collective spiritual journey. Together, I am sure, you have a wonderful adventure ahead of you.

It has been a privilege to be part of your journey over the past seven months, as I have walked with you during a time of uncertainty and transition. I would like to acknowledge the work of the Revd Chris Dowdeswell, and latterly the Revd Maddie Urion and the Revd Susan Ormsbee during this time, as well as the great load carried by the Wardens, Vestry members and the many leaders in and contributors to the life of the parish, who are too numerous to name individually.

May you find the next stage of your journey together full of new discoveries of Gods grace at work in your lives and community. May God bless the parish of St Thomas and the Londons in the year ahead.

Happy New Year!

~Alan

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WARDENS WORD

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Alison de Haan Ted Greenaway Gordon Weighell

Peoples Warden Deputy Peoples Warden

With the Advent season approaching it seems to be a great time to reflect on the year past before we begin to prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of the Christ child. We have weathered many challenges and changes this year and are thankful for the leadership of many clergy. We have worked, played and prayed with them all and enjoyed the gifts that they have shared with us as God has moved us forward in that mysterious plan that He has for us all. We are especially thankful that we belong to a diocese with so many gifted clergy that were made available to us. This season we have said Farewell and Many thanks to the Venerable Alan Perry and his wife Noelle and soon will say thanks and farewell to the Rev. Maddie Urion and the Rev. Susan Ormsbee who have each been enormous blessings during the interim. Rev. Chris will return from parental leave on Nov. 23 and we will welcome the Rev. Steve London, his wife Stephanie and family on Dec 1st. Youth group have an admirable schedule consider coming out to make Gingerbread Houses on Wednesday, Nov. 28th. Youll have a great time and get to know our youth a little bit better! Thanks to Kim and Devon for their leadership in this valuable ministry. Wonder Wednesdays are back and we are thankful to Ruth Heine for the time, care and commitment that she gives so that we can hear and share what God is doing here and now. Many thanks to agnes Pieracci for arranging the Welcome Back pot-luck evening. If you are yearning to cuddle a baby or play with a toddler for just a wee bit, please talk to Marion Bulmer about helping in the Nursery at the 9:00 am service or to Rev Chris or Krista if Sunday evenings are easier for you, as the new worship band practices from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Thanks also to our Fundraising Chair, Betty Hopfner, who with Linda Campbell and the many men and women worked to make pies, jams, pickles and more pies. There were many days of hard work, fun, and fellowship shared by all who volunteered. In December Betty has arranged another fun day(s) of envelope stuffing so watch for the sign- up sheet soon. Ladies Potpourri are having their annual Christmas Charity Dinner on November 29th, please consider joining them for a fun evening that will benefit the Kevin Campbell Camp Fund Many talented folks are joining together to plan and produce another wonderful Christmas Pageant with children in starring roles so look for more information on this enjoyable event elsewhere in the newsletter. It has been a greatly appreciated tradition in this parish that we give an additional and special financial gift to our staff at Christmas. If you would like to participate in this gift (which is not tax-deductible) please put your donation in a separate envelope and clearly mark it Staff gift and place it on the offertory plate between now and Christmas. The faithfulness and prayers of all members of our congregation have been greatly appreciated by the Corporation and Vestry. We count on these as we work together to discern the way forward. It is our prayer that you and your families will be greatly blessed at Christmas and throughout 2013.

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ST. THOMAS VESTRY

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The following parishioners were elected as members of vestry at the AGM on February 26th, 2012.Vestry meetings are held at 7pm, 3rd Tuesday of the month Parishioners are welcome to observe. We invite your concerns, suggestions and ideas.

Ruth Heine Jim Revill Roland Teape

Synod delegate Synod delegate Synod delegate

Chad St. Jean

Alternate

Gordon Voth
Stewardship Chair

Devon Goldie William Jones Brian Jolly

2015 Representative Maintenance Chair

Betty Hopfner
Fundraising Chair

Dale Purkis Treasurer

Youth Chair

Stewardship
The Stewardship team sent out 123 pledge cards to members of our congregation. We requested a response by November 11, which was designated as consecration Sunday. On that date we were privileged to listen to an excellent sermon by Rev. Maddie Urion on the joys of giving. We are blessed to have received 23 responses and we thank you for your early consideration. To those who are still giving prayerful thought regarding their response, we would ask for your earliest consideration. I have been advised by Dale Purkis, Treasurer that St. Thomas will have a small surplus this year. This surplus occurred as a result of vestrys decision to cancel our housekeeping contract and salary savings due to the departure of Christian and Richelle. The salary savings are a one time saving only, as we await the coming of Rev. Stephen London and we welcome Kendra to St Thomas. Our financial needs for 2013 will increase over 2012 to fund these positions for a full year. Our most pressing budget issue is to find the funds to continue the services of Chris Dowdewell, our Assistant Curate. His current contract expires in July. Should the Bishop agree to his remaining at St. Thomas, then we must fund his position for a full year. Chris is a wonderful resource for us and we need to consider what resources we need to go forward. The stewardship committee urges all members of St. Thomas to prayerfully consider your contribution to the operating budget for 2013. Together we can maintain our caring, giving, compassionate church and help us all to grow in our faith. Submitted by

~Gordon Voth chair

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MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

A warm welcome to our new administrative assistant Kendra Hoffert and her family.

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Hello, St. Thomas Anglican! My name is Kendra Hoffert and Im currently serving as the administrative assistant in your parish. I began working here in mid-September and am enjoying my duties. Ive had the pleasure of meeting many of you, but would enjoy meeting more of your congregation. I will be serving your parish twenty hours per week: normally on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please feel free to stop by anytime and introduce yourself.* A bit about myself: I grew up on a farm in southern Indiana. My family and I moved to Edmonton in June of 2011 (We were very grateful you had a mild winter last year. Thank you! J) My husband, Joe, is a computer science professor at Kings University College. We have three pretty terrific kids: Sophie (13 ), William (12) and Annabelle (9). I am grateful to be serving you at this time. Thanks, too, for making me feel welcome. I know that your parish has been dealing with a lot of transition recently. I pray that with Stephen Londons appointment here and Chris Dowdeswells return from leave, there are calmer seas ahead. I would like to especially thank Judy Purkis, Gordon Weighell and Chris Dowdeswell for all their help and support in training me. I still have much to learn, but Im grateful for the time and energy each of these individuals has spent on my behalf. Thank you. And thank you, St. Thomas, for welcoming me to be a part of your community at this time. May Gods grace and peace be upon each of you.

*Office: Tues., Wed. 8.30am - 2.30pm; Fri. 8.30am - 4.30pm

LOOK FOR MESSAGES FROM STEVE AND CHRIS IN THE LENT/EASTER NEWSLETTER

RECTOR Reverend Stephen London ASSISTANT CURATE Reverend Chris Dowdeswell

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MESSAGES FROM MADDIE AND SUSAN

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Its funny how the old saying is true: the older you get, the faster time flies. The past two months have flown by so quickly that I already feel like Im going to be arrested for speeding all on my own! Thank you so much for the wonderful, welcoming time weve spend together here at St. Thomass Anglican Church. You have so much to be grateful for as a parish: people who are passionate about Jesus, a deep love of worship, and an abiding sense of hope in your Christian journey. Its been a gift to be able to spend time with you and to experience the love of Christ in your midst. I will miss the particular momentum of a Sunday morning at St. Toms: a short time of quiet reverence at 8, that moves to joyful spontaneity at 9, and that finishes with beautifully crafted worship at 11. Your faces pass through my thoughts as I write may God continue to bless you richly as you continue to serve him in Strathcona County. ~Rev. Maddie

Where has the time gone? It seems like just last week that I arrived at St. Thomas and here it is time to leave. My first Sunday was Thanksgiving and I challenged the congregation to write what they were thankful for and what gifts they could give to the community of St. Thomas. The responses give a beautiful picture of the life of the parish of St. Thomas which I have experienced in the last eight weeks. People gave thanks for friendships, encouragement, support, wisdom and acceptance; I too have felt this in my short time with you. The welcoming atmosphere was mentioned as was the music and the variety of programs offered; Sunday School, Youth Group, Art Classes, Bible Studies, Wonder were specifically mentioned. Thanks was also given for those who hold everything together during change, for the facility and for the freedom to worship and the many opportunities to serve. Remember these blessings which others observe at St. Thomas. The gifts that people offered to St. Thomas included friendship, financial support, service, music, prayer, encouragement of others, time, love to all (giving hugs) and having willing hands. In reading through the slips of paper I was amazed at the variety of service opportunities mentioned, there is something for everyone! During my time at St. Thomas I have had the opportunity to talk to some of you as you serve and I noted the enjoyment and dedication of all involved; you are truly a community that expresses love to all. I wish you all the best as you continue your faith journeys. ~Susan

Christmas is the shining star of hope in the sky of all mankind, ~anonymous

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WORSHIPPING and GLORIFYING GOD

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Advent, Christmas & Epiphany Services

Sunday December 2 (Advent 1) 8, 9, 11am Sunday December 9 (Advent 2) 8, 9, 11am Sunday December 16 (Advent 3) 8, 9, 11am Saturday December 22 (Advent 4) 7pm (Blue Christmas Service) Sunday December 23 8, 10am combined service (Christmas Pageant)* Monday December 24th (Christmas Eve) 5pm (Family Eucharist) This year with musical accompaniment by Krista and likely some members of the Sunday night group 7pm (Contemporary Eucharist) 10pm (Choral Eucharist) Tuesday December 25 (Christmas Day) Christmas Day service led by Rev. Bruce Aylard Sunday December 30 8, 10am combined service Sunday January 6 (Epiphany) 8, 9, 11am

*CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Yes, it's that time again: pageant time. This year we're going to do something a little different: a whole-church presentation at 10:00 am on Dec 23. A rehearsal will be held on Saturday Dec 22 at 10:00 am. Please contact agnes at 780 449 6970 or agnes.pieracci@ualberta.ca if you'd like to help in any way. There might not have been room at the inn, but there's a place in the pageant for everyone. See page 11 for more details

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Star is on the way.

~People Look East by Eleanor Farjeon (1928)

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PRAYER and EDUCATION MINISTRY

New Cathedral College Course

St. Thomas Times

AN INVITATION LADIES OF THE PARISH

For five Saturdays 1-4pm in November and December, Reverend Stephen London through All Saints Cathedral College offered a series of interesting lectures at St. Thomas about mainline Western churches in 20th Century. Starting with an introductory overview of the challenges of the 19th C and the paradoxes of the Enlightenment, the challenges of Evolutionism, Biblical criticism, and Liberal Christianity, the course looked at the Rise of Fundamentalism and the influence of theologians after WWI and during WWII. Reverend Steve, using effective visual aides continued with the effects of race and violence in U.S., the rise of liberation theology in S America, and ended the first series with the biggest Christian event of the 20th century : Vatican II. Some questions for consideration were: What is the Gospel? For whom is the Good News? What is essential to Christian Faithwhat can be changed and what cant be changed? From April 13 to May 11, 2013, 1-4pm Reverend Steve is offering a second series of lectures to be held at St. Thomas. The cost for these five double lectures is $75.00. The themes to be covered are: The Sexual Revolution The Feminist Movement The Story of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible and the Novum Testantum Graeca. Democratization of the church Prayer Postmodernism The Digital Revolution The Emerging Church Focus on Inclusion Justice If you would like to take part in this course please register with Cathedral College 780-429-6379 cathedralcollege@telus.net ~Lesley Tarrant Belcourt

You are invited to join with women of the parish and community in an 8 week study of the Book of James. This is not only a way to get to know both the man and the Book of James, but also an invigorating and challenging way to shorten the winter months. We look forward to our time together. The study begins: Monday, January 7th from 1:30 to 3:30 at the home of Barb Grandinetti Cost of workbook is $16.80 More information in the church announcements. Please contact Bev Brown 780-464-3257 or Betty Lucas 780-922-4709 with any questions. ~Beverley Brown

Suggested Questions For Discussion Do you consider yourself spiritual or religious? Do you have spiritual beliefs/practices that help you in life? What gives your life meaning? When do you feel most alive? What importance does your faith/belief have in your life? What do you do to nurture your own spirit or spirituality? Rev. Mark Vigrass, Spirituality and Health, talk at Wonder Wednesdays, November 21st, 2012.

Forth he comes, her bridegroom glorious in strength of grace, in truth victorious: her star is risen, her light grows bright.
~Sleepers, wake! by Philipp Nicolai (1597 )

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MUSIC, DRAMA and DANCE MINISTRIES

St. Thomas Times

Lights! Camera! Music! Costumes! Angels! Shepherds! Action! PAGEANT TIME

Yes, it's that time again: pageant time. This year we're going to do something a little different: a whole-church presentation at 10:00 am on Dec 23. David Holehouse and agnes Pieracci are writing what they hope will be an easy-to-do, fun, participatory pageant that doesn't require any memorization and has lots of your favourite carols. Leaders will be contacted shortly to see if members from their groups or ministry teams will participate -- as few as one, as many as 1000 would be appreciated. Connie McLaws will be in touch with parents about a song for the kids to learn. David has already got Hospitality organized and the sign-up spots are filling quickly. A rehearsal will be held on Saturday Dec 22 at 10:00 am. Please contact agnes at 780 449 6970 or agnes.pieracci@ualberta.ca if you'd like to help in any way. There might not have been room at the inn, but there's a place in the pageant for everyone. Thanks ~agnes

O, Star of wonder, star of night Star of royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
~We Three Kings of Orient Are by Rev. John Henry Hopkins (1857)

Carol is a derivative of the French word caroller which means dancing around in a circle. Carols, eventually included music and lyrics, so to carol means to dance and sing to music.

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CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES

St. Thomas Times

Advent is fast approaching, and it is time to begin pageant preparations! We will begin to practise songs and, of course, roles for the children on December 2. On Saturday, December 22, there will be a dress rehearsal, with the pageant being on Sunday, December 23. All children are invited to participate in the pageant. We have lots of costumes and there will be a role for everyone! It should be a very exciting time! A huge thank you to the members of the hospitality teams who have been helping me with Sunday School each week. I truly appreciate it! There will be some Sundays in the new year where I will not be able to be here, and I would love to have a few people I could call who could step in. I have material that is very user-friendly! Please let me know if you would be open to being a back-up for me! ~Shannon Leblanc 780-907-6590 rayshan@shaw.ca The message of the Christmas tree is that life is "ever green" if one gives: not so much material things, but of oneself: in friendship and sincere affection, and fraternal help and forgiveness, in shared time and reciprocal listening. ~Pope John Paul II (2004)

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? ~Answer: It's Christmas, Eve! What did the big angel say to the little angel on Christmas Eve? ~Answer: Halo there! What is the snowmans breakfast? ~Answer: Frosted flakes! What a big candle says to a small candle on a Christmas Eve? ~Answer: I am going out for dinner tonight.

Anglican Youth Movement Devon Goldie took a group of 10 youth from St. Thomas, Christ Church and Holy Trinity to Merritt, BC for the Thanksgiving weekend to attend the BCYAYM fall conference. The British Columbia and Anglican Youth Movement is a group of energetic youth from the ages of 13-25 from across BC, the Yukon and now Alberta! At the conference, Devon was also elected as the very first Albertan to sit on the BCYAYM youth leadership council. The spring BCYAYM conference is coming up over the May long weekend! Let Devon know if you're interested in attending.

Youth Conference The deadline for registration and money for this year's YC is February 1st. No exceptions will be made for late registrations. ~Devon

December 5 5:30 - 6:30 Bible Study for Youth 6:30 - 8:30 Christmas Carolling open to all ages! Hot chocolate will be supplied. Please bring a snack to share.

While outward signs the star displays, An inward light the Lord conveys
~What Star is this with beams so bright? by Charles Coffin (1736)

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REACHING OUT TO OTHERS

Wonder Wednesdays

St. Thomas Times

Wonder Wednesdays continued again this Fallthanks to the combined energies of Ruth Heine and David Holehousewith an added difference. Everyone was welcomed at 6pm with a light supper (home-made chili, soups and fresh bread) with dessert served as usual at 7pm . The new series opened with a gathering in the sanctuary to watch Rob Bells video Rediscovering Wonder. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF-V_t_NSHw with sharing taking place afterwards in the Teape Room. Interesting speakers included Maralyn Benay from Parents Empowering Parents who shared her experiences of supporting individuals and families dealing with substance abuse and addiction; and Rob Hubbard from Holy Trinity who gave us a wonderful slide show of his ascent of Africas highest mountain Uhuru Peak in Tanzania. Carved by three volcanoes, the first 750 million years ago, the melded mountains of Kilimanjaro offered an awe-full experiencethe best way to get high. Lori Youngman displayed her latest paintings in the sanctuary, including her Advent series which were going to a gallery the following day, as well as paintings from the Bishops Youth Day. Rev. Mark Vigrass, vocational deacon at St. Patricks, Mill Woods, who gives spiritual support to residents, families and staff at St. Josephs auxiliary long-term hospital and Palliative Care, and coordinates hospital visiting, talked about the connection between spirituality and well-being healing the body, enriching the mind, nurturing the soul and asked us to recognise spiritual moments in our lives, those times when we connect to the moment, to ourselves, to others, to nature and to the sacred. The gift we can give is Listening to Others, giving them sacred space to share themselves through their stories. Renowned musician Sandra Munn who attends All Saints Cathedral and has been called the mother of music in Alberta was the final guest speaker, sharing her experiences of Gods wonder in her life of music. We are grateful to all these talented and devoted people for coming to St. Thomas to share their spiritual journeys with us. We look forward to enjoying another series of Wonder Wednesdays in the New Year. Please join us. ~Lesley Tarrant Belcourt

Hospitality
Team 4 could be known as the Take Off team. We closed off one church season by hosting an ice cream sundae Sunday at the end of June and then took off for the summer. Team members hit the road for holidays at Pigeon Lake, Victoria, Slave Lake, Calgary, and other points. We came together in July for what is becoming an annual event: Barrie and Bonnie's Beach Bash at their cabin on Pigeon Lake. Some of us rode the waves on a pontoon boat with Barrie at the helm while others relaxed and caught up. We shared stories, wine, and food and then took off again. We hosted the 4th Sunday in September and October despite several members having taken off to various holiday spots. We're thrilled to welcome new members Dan and Sylva Irving as once again, members take off for winter vacations. These cases of holiday mindsets and snow avoidance behaviour seem like sound judgment to those of us left behind. Other teams have just as much fun as we do and would also welcome new members, so if you're interested in joining a team, please contact David Holehouse.

~agnes Pieracci

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NURTURING WELL-BEING
Nursery Care Potpourri

St. Thomas Times

Part of being hospitable to those who enter our doors is to make worship a meaningful experience for everyone. There are many competing interests for young parents, so worship must hold meaning and give these parents something to enrich their busy week. One of the ways St. Thomas has been able to achieve this is by providing care for young children during the service. Our recent inability to provide this ministry has been a problem and one I am willing to try to fix. I have volunteered to provide care for small children and babies in the nursery downstairs during the 9:00 service when I am able. Of course, I cant be there every week and we have children at the other services as well. However, if we dont start small, it is unlikely well ever see any success. As such, I am eager to hear from those who are interested in learning more about this essential gift to our young families. To make this work effectively, I am looking for at least three or four people to be on stand-by for scheduling as needed. Please dont assume somebody else will step forward. This is an opportunity for each of us to tangibly demonstrate commitment to our vision for the future. You can give the gift of your time in a way that is most rewarding. I invite you to place your name on the sign-up sheet in the foyer or contact me directly at 780-464-6927 or bulmer.marion@shaw.ca. Thank you, ~Marion Bulmer

On October 23rd twenty five women from St. Thomas and the greater community gathered in the lower church hall for a Potpourri event. Fellowship is always an important aspect of Potpourri and the hum in the room indicated this event was no exception. The focus of the evening was a presentation by Krista Dowdeswell. Vestry paused their meeting upstairs to join the Potpourri event and hear Kristas presentation. Krista is a current doctoral student in Systematic Theology at the University of Toronto. She gave a broad overview of the research in which she is involved that seeks to reclaim the religious and theological writings of some women of the 19th century. Kristas knowledge and obvious love and enthusiasm for her research drew us all in and through her presentation we were transported to another time. Krista explained how her research examined what we might now call theological writings of British women of the 19th century and considered how these writings may be important for our church today. A special treat was an introduction to Elizabeth Rundle Charles - one of many women writers of that era. Charles was a prolific writer having written an estimated fifty four volumes in a variety of genres all of which were of a religious nature. We had the opportunity to taste the richness of some of her types of writing including a poem, a hymn and beautiful interpretive writing of Luke 2:41 51. Although that interpretive writing of Jesus accompanying Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover may have been written with children in mind, Krista had the room in absolute silence as she read Charles writing and we were all transported on the journey complete with sights and sounds. We concluded our evening with conversation and dessert, all of us wanting to know more about these women and their work. No one can know how many countless women have been influenced by these 19th century writers .Perhaps some of the people in our lives that have enriched our Christian journeys have been in turn nourished through the generations by readers of these British women of the 19th century. As Krista suggested we may indeed think of these women as our spiritual grandmothers. ~Carolyn De Franceschi

Potluck December 2nd

4:00 Gather for fellowship and Advent activities downstairs 5:00 Potluck supper downstairs 6:00 Entertainment and Welcome to the Stephen London family downstairs 6:30 Sunday Night Band practice upstairs, continued fellowship and clean up downstairs

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East beyond them far And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night.
~The First Noel by William B. Sandys. (1883)

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FUND RAISING
Fund Raising Fruit Pies Another year has ended for the making of the fruit pies and Im sure that everyone is glad to know that we are finally done. We made 727 pies this year with only a few cherry pies left to sell. Once they are sold we will have made a profit of over $4700.00. Turkey Pie Bee

S t. Th omas Ti mes

Linda kept track of the number of volunteers and the hours worked which doesnt include the phoning and selling of the pies or the individuals that picked and bagged fruit for us. Of these 47 volunteers, two worked over 100 hours, four over 40 hours and 8 over 20 hours. Thank- you all of you that helped is with the project and also to those who sold and purchased pies. Every time that we had a pie making bee we noticed that more men came out, which lighten the work for all the gals. Your help was greatly appreciated. Next year and yes there will be a next year of making and selling pies but we will be looking at doing it differently so that the core group has more people to take on part of the project. We are looking at not doing the cherries, as it is very time consuming, but if a group of people would offer to pick, pit and bag the cherries we may take a second look at this. If you are interested please see Betty or Linda.

Linda and I want to thank each and every one of the volunteers for there continued support in making this fundraising project so successful. We couldnt do it without you.

~Betty Hopfner Fundraising chair

Also see Stewardship Chair Gordon Voths important message on page 6

And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ~Matt. 2: 9

Food Bank is the first Sunday of the month

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WIT...

St. Thomas Times

And Joseph went up from Galilee to Bethlehem with Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child. And she brought forth a son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. And the angel of the Lord spoke to the shepherds and said, "I bring you tidings of great joy. Unto you is born a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." "There's a problem with the angel," said a Pharisee who happened to be strolling by. As he explained to Joseph, angels are widely regarded as religious symbols, and the stable was on public property where such symbols were not allowed to land or even hover. "And I have to tell you, this whole thing looks to me very much like a Nativity scene," he said sadly. "That's a no-no, too." Joseph had a bright idea. "What if I put a couple of reindeer over there near the ox and ass?" he said, eager to avoid sectarian strife. "That would definitely help," said the Pharisee, who knew as well as anyone that whenever a savior appeared, judges usually liked to be on the safe side and surround it with deer or woodland creatures of some sort. "Just to clinch it, throw in a candy cane and a couple of elves and snowmen, too," he said. "No court can resist that." Mary asked, "What does my son's birth have to do with snowmen?" "Snowpersons," cried a young woman, changing the subject before it veered dangerously toward religion. Off to the side of the crowd, a Philistine was painting the Nativity scene. Mary complained that she and Joseph looked too tattered and worn in the picture. "Artistic license," he said. "I've got to show the plight of the haggard homeless in a greedy, uncaring society in winter," he quipped. "We're not haggard or homeless. The inn was just full," said Mary. "Whatever," said the painter. Two women began to argue fiercely. One said she objected to Jesus' birth "because it privileged motherhood." The other scoffed at virgin births, but said that if they encouraged more attention to diversity in family forms and the rights of single mothers, well, then, she was all for them. "I'm not a single mother," Mary started to say, but she was cut off by a third woman who insisted that swaddling clothes are a form of child abuse, since they restrict the natural movement of babies. With the arrival of 10 child advocates, all trained to spot infant abuse and manger rash, Mary and Joseph were pushed to the edge of the crowd, where arguments were breaking out over how many reindeer (or what mix of reindeer and seasonal sprites) had to be installed to compensate for the infant's unfortunate religious character. An older man bustled up, bowling over two merchants, who had been busy debating whether an elf is the same as a fairy and whether the elf/fairy should be shaking hands with Jesus in the crib or merely standing to the side, jumping around like a sports mascot. "I'd hold off on the reindeer," the man said, explaining that the use of asses and oxen as picturesque backdrops for Nativity scenes carries the subliminal message of human dominance. He passed out two leaflets, one denouncing manger births as invasions of animal space, the other arguing that stables are "penned environments" where animals are incarcerated against their will. He had no opinion about elves or candy canes. Signs declaring "Free the Bethlehem 2" began to appear, referring to the obviously exploited ass and ox. Someone said the halo on Jesus' head was elitist. Mary was exasperated. "And what about you, old mother?" she said sharply to an elderly woman. "Are you here to attack the shepherds as prison guards for excluded species, maybe to complain that singing in Latin identifies us with our Roman oppressors, or just to say that I should have skipped patriarchal religiosity and joined some new-age goddess religion?" "None of the above," said the woman, "I just wanted to tell you that the Magi are here." Sure enough, the three wise men rode up. The crowd gasped, "They're all male!" And "Not very multicultural!" "Balthasar here is black," said one of the Magi. "Yes, but how many of you are gay or disabled?" someone shouted. A calm voice said, "Be of good cheer, Mary, you have done well and your son will change the world." At last, a sane person, Mary thought. She turned to see a radiant and confident female face. The woman spoke again: "There is one thing, though. Religious holidays are important, but can't we learn to celebrate them in ways that unite, not divide? For instance, instead of all this business about 'Gloria in excelsis Deo,' why not just 'Season's Greetings'?" Mary said, "You mean my son has entered human history to deliver the message, 'Hello, it's winter'?" "That's harsh, Mary," said the woman. "Remember, your son could make it big in midwinter festivals, if he doesn't push the religion thing too far. Centuries from now, in nations yet unborn, people will give each other pricey gifts and have big office parties on his birthday. That's not chopped liver." "Let me get back to you," Mary said. ~John Mitchell about.com

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...more WIT and...

Why Go to Church? KIDS IN CHURCH 3-year-old Reese : Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen.'

St. Thomas Times

One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, "I'm not going." "Why not?" she asked. I'll give you two good reasons," he said. "(1), they don't like me, and (2), I don't like them." His mother replied, "I'll give you two good reasons why you SHOULD go to church: (1) You're 59 years old, and (2) you're the pastor!"

One particular four-year-old prayed, And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets. A wife invited some people to dinner.. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, Would you like to say the blessing?' I wouldn't know what to say, the girl replied. Just say what you hear Mommy say, the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?'

The Usher An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. Where would you like to sit?" he asked politely. "The front row, please," she answered. "You really don't want to do that," the usher said. "The pastor is really boring." "Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman inquired. "No," he said. "I'm the pastor's mother," she replied indignantly. "Do you know who I am?" he asked. "No," she said. "Good," he answered. Submitted by Sharon Marks, Linda Campbell, Val Kruse

The Picnic A Jewish Rabbi and a Roman Catholic Priest met at the town's annual 4th of July picnic. Old friends, they began their usual banter. "This baked ham is really delicious," the priest teased the rabbi. "You really ought to try it. I know it's against your religion, but I can't understand why such a wonderful food should be forbidden! You don't know what you're missing. You just haven't lived until you've tried Mrs. Hall's prized Virginia Baked Ham. Tell me, Rabbi, when are you going to break down and try it?" The rabbi looked at the priest with a big grin and said, "At your wedding."

Please send your news to **herbel-h@telus.net or place in maibox #19 **Note email address change!

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...WHIT
The Kings Highway A JAPANESE PARAPHRASE OF PSALM 23

St. Thomas Times

Once upon a time, a king had a great highway built for the people who lived in his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many of his subjects as desired to participate. The challenge was to see who could travel the highway the best, and the winner was to receive a box of gold. On the day of the contest, all the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing and fancy food to make the trip a luxurious journey. Some wore their sturdiest shoes and ran along the highway on their feet to show their skill. All day they traveled the highway, and each one, when he arrived at the end, complained to the king about a large pile of rocks and debris that had been left almost blocking the road at one point, and that got in their way and hindered their travel. At the end of the day, a lone traveller crossed the finish line warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king with great respect and handed him a small chest of gold. He said, I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This chest of gold was under it all. Please have it returned to its rightful owner. The king replied, You are the rightful owner. Oh no, said the traveller, This is not mine. Ive never known such money. Oh yes, said the king. Youve earned this gold, for you won my contest. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road better for those who follow. ~Submitted by Jean Aylard

Timely for the season, I think: The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity He leads me in the way of efficiency through quietness of mind And His guidance is Peace even though I have a great deal to accomplish each day I will not fret for His presence is here; His timelessness, His allimportance will keep me in balance, He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity By anointing my mind with the oils of tranquillity; My cup of joyous energy overflows Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in His house forever. ~Submitted by Beverley Brown

Come and rejoice with me! For once my heart was poor; But I have found a treasury Of love, an endless store. And now I know it all, Have heard and known Gods Voice, And hear it still from day to day Can I enough rejoice? From Come and Rejoice With Me by Elizabeth Rundle Charles, 1859

Many O Lord, my God, are the Wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you. Were I to speak of them and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. ~Psalm 40:5

In wishing you a perfectly happy Christmas, we say Put God in everything you say and do. Remember you can bring forth in your own self the birth of the ever-living Son of God. And with this consciousness within you, you will indeed have a happy Christmas. On Festivals and Celebrations

Lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
~Matthew 2:9

The Christ in me greets the Christ in you...

O wondrous star of Bethlehem! That in the heavens bright Shone forth to guide the pilgrims feet, Unto the Prince of Light. ~Lizzie DeArmond (1903)