The friday next before advent

Commemoration of Nicholas Ferrar and Charles de Foucauld[1]

To Everyone at Grace Church, Greetings:
 
Advent starts on Sunday!  It’s a time of wonder, hope, and a way forward in the darkness.
 
Our Bishops have issued a letter to the Diocese on the war between Israel and Hamas.  It’s a very thoughtful letter and provides us with actions we can take as a Parish and individually in response.  It is well worth reading, and we are called to pray, provide financial support to the Diocesan Jerusalem Christmas Offering, Advocate, and Learn.  A list of sources and resources is provided in their letter, which can be found here.
 
Stewardship:  A postcard went out late this week as a gentle reminder that your Pledge for 2024 will be welcome.  If you have already sent in your Pledge Form for next year, thank you!  If you haven’t yet, Ingathering Sunday is December 1.  Your generosity for next year will help us build
on this year’s success!
 
Healing and the Laying on of Hands:  This being the first Sunday of the month, Carolyn Eddy and Gloria Wong will offer the Laying on of Hands and Healing Prayers after Communion at the 10:00am service.  This is one of the oldest practices of the Christian Church and comes with the intent of healing in the sense of making whole.  Thank you Carolyn and Gloria for your ministry.
 
The Christmas Pageant is coming!  It will take the place of the Sermon at the 10:00 services on December 17th.  If you know a child or grandchild who would like to be in it, please let me or Heather know. 
 
Community Suppers have started up again!  Thank you to all who are volunteering and helping to provide a warm meal to those who are hungry.  If you would like to volunteer, come to the Parish Hall on Friday at 3:30.  If you would like a meal, call the Parish Office at 508 693-0332 before 4pm on Thursdays and let us know how many meals you would like or use the Grace Church App to order your meals.
 
The Reverend Dr. Storm Swain will be presiding and preaching at both services this weekend, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
 
God bless you all,
 
Stephen+
 
The Reverend Stephen Harding


[1] http://satucket.com/lectionary/charles_foucauld.htm