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Dear St. Timothy’s Folk
It’s Advent!!
We have entered Advent, the season of anticipation and expectation in which we reflect on the coming (“advent”) of Christ – his coming in the past as a babe in Bethlehem, his coming at the end of time to reign over all things, and his coming to us in our lives in the present. It is difficult not to get swept up in the flood of holiday and Christmas music, celebrations, shopping, cooking, and “stuff”. This year it seemed to start earlier than ever, right after Halloween, with decorations on homes and in stores! Advent invites us to take time out to reflect on the messages of Advent, to listen for God’s voice and to be aware of God’s presence within and around us.
This year our annual Holiday Dinner will take place on December 7th at 5:30 p.m. The Parish Life Committee will provide the dinner at no charge. They ask that we sign up so they know how many folks to expect, and they also ask that we sign up to bring desserts. You may text Janet or email if you miss signing up on Sunday. Please note that there will not be a First Sunday Brunch that day!
This is also the season for our Annual Parish Meeting, which will take place Sunday, December 14th, after the Gospel reading at the 11:00 a.m. service in place of the homily. A financial statement of the Parish through October 31st will be available and short reports will be offered. We will elect a new Vestry member to take the place of Kelli De Guire who is completing her three-year term. There will be a Coffee Hour following the service. If you have not already brought or sent in your pledge card for 2026, please do so. The Vestry will meet December 21st to consider the budget for 2026.
Of course, an important part of Advent is preparing for the annual remembrance of our Savior’s birth, the feast we call Christmas. There will be two Christmas Eve services. The first, at 4:00 p.m., will be a service with the usual lessons and prayers and Communion. This is a good service for families with children and grandchildren, and for those who prefer not to drive after dark. The other service will be at 11:00 p.m. with the full Eucharist for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord with hymns, lessons, homily, prayers and Holy Communion. This will be preceded by a festive gathering for food and fellowship at 9:30 p.m. and a time of Christmas carols and music beginning at 10:30 p.m. Come and celebrate!
Advent blessings!
Rev. Linda