What a wonderful time of the year this is with all of the wonderful activities within the church and our communities. Navigating this time of the year as a parent has its crazy parts but it means so much to see the joy in the eyes of the children. Hailey is tremendously grateful to St. Nicholas for putting even more joy in the season. We had such a great time getting presents for those in need both for the Jesse tree and another event at work. It warms your heart when they are excited to help others not just themselves. We are so appreciative of warm environment we are able to surround Eli and Hailey in.
Have a Merry and Wonderful Christmas!!
God Bless, Ryan Patch Vestry
December Flower Calendar
Due to a technical flower calendar difficulty, can the individual who signed up for flowers/greens for December 30th, please call or email the office with your information. Thank you.
UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS TO NOTE:
Dates to Note
Red Door Youth - Mark your calendars - December 20th, January 24th, February 28th, March 28th, April 25th, and May 23rd from 4:30pm to 6pm. Middle School students and up are invited.
Vestry Meeting - Our vestry next meets on Thursday, December 20th. Please hold us in your prayers.
Open Door Soup Kitchen - Next date: January 19th at St. James in Winsted. (9:00am-1:00pm).
St. John's Holiday Service Times: December 16th - Lessons & Carols - 10:00AM December 23rd - Advent 4 - 9:00am December 24th - Christmas Eve - 5pm & 9pm December 25th - Christmas Day - 9:00am December 30th - Christmas Lessons and Carols - 9:00am January 27th - Annual Meeting - 9:00am Please note the times of the unified services
Confirmation, Reception, and Re-affirmation of Baptismal Vows Classes - will begin after the Christmas. Please see Mother Cosman if you are interested to discuss dates and times.
ST. JOHN'S LITTLE FREE PANTRY -Cooler temperatures have arrived! While we continue to stock our inside Pantry with many food items, here are just a few suggestions for stocking our outside LFP during the cooler months: Hand Warmers, Chap Stick, Kleenex, Gloves, Hot Cocoa, Toothbrushes, Playing Cards (new or used), Cough Drops, Coloring Books, Vitamin C Drops, Hygiene Products.
St. John's Pet Memorial Garden - has been dedicated is available to receive the cremains for your beloved pets. You may lay your pets to rest privately or speak to Mother Cosman for help.
Camp Washington Teen Youth Retreat - January 11-13. Register now at campwashington.org or call 860.567.9623.
Happening #3- A Ministry of ECCT for teens and by teens - March 8-10th.
Save The Date - 7th Annual Spring Training & Gathering - Saturday, April 27, 2019 - 9am-4pm, Lincoln Middle School, 164 Centennial Avenue, Meriden, CT
Celebration for 50th Wedding Anniversaries - Sunday, May 19; 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Christ Church Cathedral will host a Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration for couples married for fifty years (or more). Liturgy will include renewal of marriage vows and presentation of commemorative certificates to all couples. A reception will follow. Bishops Douglas and Ahrens will be present to celebrate with all the couples at this joyful service. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Coffee Hour at The Commons - An ECCT podcast Please subscribe to Coffee Hour at The Commons, where faith meets daily life in conversation, stories, and even some sermons. Available now on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Google Play, or listen on the ECCT website at www.coffeehour.org.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Open Door Soup Kitchen - Join our team for January 19th at St. James in Winsted. (9:00am-1:00pm). Bell Ringers - sign up to toll the tower bell for worship to begin our 9am worship.
Volunteers Needed - Valley Thrift Shop is in need of volunteers as little as 3 hours. Please see Diane Hayes if interested.
Coffee Drinkers and Morning Snack Lovers Needed - If morning noshes are part of your way of being in the world, please consider signing up to host coffee hour!
GARDEN SCHOLARSHIP - Accepting candidates for the 2018 St. John's Garden Scholarship as of March 15th, see detailed info regarding the scholarship posted on the bulletin boards and call Norma Pappalardo 860-944-5541 or e-mail nbpapp@aol.com to sign-up to become eligible.
As we approach the end of the year, your fulfillment of your pledge obligation is critical to having a balanced budget. Your generous donations are appreciated. Thank you. Diane Hayes, Treasurer
Participants for December 16, 2018
Please let the office know of substitutions. Thanks.
8:00 AM Chalice - Blake Hall 10:00AM Chalice - Donna Colavecchio
8:00AM Reader - Phil Prelli
8:00 AM Greeters - Sue Hall 10:00AM Greeters - Peg Budny & Laura Frey
Vestry Greeter - Chris Olson
Coffee Hour Hosts: Volunteer Needed
Altar Guild (December) - Diane Hayes & Sue Hall
Nursery Staff - Mary Healey
Counters - Candy Flaherty & Brian Jones
Godly Play Storyteller: Beth Coates Godly Play Doorkeeper: Peg Budny