† Christmas Pageant 2011 † This Week at St. Paul's

December 15, 2011 www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com (203) 775-9587

† Christmas Pageant 2011

† This Week at St. Paul’s

Thu., Dec. 15 - 7:00 pm - Healing Team Party, Guild Room 7:30 pm - Property Committee, Upper Classroom

7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary Sat., Dec. 17 - 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Parish Hall 10:00 am - Saint Paul’s Quilters, Parish Hall Sun., Dec. 18 - Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist 9:15 am - Adult Christian Education, Guild Room 9:15 am - High School/Young Adult Bible Study, Youth Lounge 10:30 am - Sunday School 10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist 5:00 pm - Youth Group 6:15 pm - Vespers Mon., Dec. 19 - 7:00 pm - Stephen Ministry, Guild Room Tue., Dec. 20 - 9:15 am - Ladies Bible Study, Guild Room 7:00 pm - Grief Group, Guild Room Wed., Dec. 21 - St. Thomas, the Apostle 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist and Healing

Rumor has it we will have a special visitor during the Children’s Sermon on Sunday. Could it be St. Nicholas?

Lessons & Carols

† Special “Behold the Lamb” Vespers This Sunday

his Sunday, December 18th, we’re doing something a little different for our T Vespers service. Over the past few years, we’ve offered a handful of songs from Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God”, but this year we’ve added a little to it. A group of 10 people from St. Paul’s and the surrounding area have come together to offer more selections of this musical cycle. For me personally, this is an exciting endeavor. This musical song cycle is my favorite music for this time of year. If you’re not familiar with it, the 12 songs in the cycle start with the Israelites in Egypt, take you through the prophesy of Christ’s coming, and end with the birth of our Savior. For vespers on Sunday, we won’t do the entire cycle, but we are offering eight of the songs, and will have some readings to complete the True tall tale of the coming of Christ. I invite you to join us Sunday evening, whether this is your first vespers service, or your sixth, it promises to be a service unlike any other this season. - Patrick O’Connors

† Choir Practice for Sword Points Readers (click on the red links below to begin practice on this Sunday’s 8 am hymns)

Opening Hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel Gradual Hymn Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Offertory Hymn Blest Be the King Whose Coming Closing Hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is an Advent hymn with Christian Latin tune name "Veni Emmanuel" (Come God with Us.) Its history originates in the medieval Roman Catholic Church, c.12th century. It was translated into English by John Mason Neale (1818-1866). During the Advent season, the hymn began as a series of Antiphons -short statements sung at the beginning of the Psalm or of the Magnificat at Vespers. Each of the Antiphons greets the Savior with one of the various titles He is referred in the Scriptures, names such as "Emmanuel," "Lord of Might," "Key of David," and "Rod of Jesse." The text melody was originally a Plainsong or Chant, which is the earliest form of singing in the church. During the 19th-century there were Anglican ministers and scholars who developed a keen interest in translating into English many of the ancient Greek, Latin and German hymns, and made available the rich heritage of these Greek and Latin hymns. John Mason Neale was one of them. Neale was born in London, England, on January 24, 1818, a gifted scholar, he edited his own handwritten family magazine before he was 10 years old. He also translated into English other hymns: "The Day of Resurrection," "All Glory, Laud and Honor," and "Art Thou Weary?" †

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS Christmas Pageant

† Official Prayer of the Sword Points Editorial Board lmighty God, keep us, we pray thee, from thinking of ourselves more highly than A we ought to think, and ready at all times to step aside for others, that the cause of Christ may be advanced; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

† Sunday’s Readings (click on the red links below to go directly to the text)

Annunciation 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 n our Hebrew scriptures the enemies of David have been subdued and David turns his I thoughts to building a temple to the Lord. Through the prophet Nathan, God declares to David that the construction of an earthly temple is not among the purposes for which God has anointed David. God has chosen David from among the lowly, a mere shepherd boy, and given him victory over his enemies. Now God will make of David a great house, securing the hopes of the people of Israel. David’s throne shall be established forever, the prophet Nathan declares. Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 The Lord is praised for faithful love and mighty justice. As a Father, God promises to the anointed servant David an everlasting kingdom. Romans 16: 25-27 In words that close his long letter to the community in Rome, Paul reminds the new Christians of the mystery now disclosed to all nations, bringing them to faith and obedience. Although the secret had long been kept in silence, the promise of the eternal God has been revealed and is made known through the prophetic scriptures. Glory to God who enables disciples to stand firm in the good news of Jesus! Luke 1: 26-38 Our gospel relates the story of the visit to Mary by an angel: Gabriel tells her that she is to bear Jesus, who will be called the Son of God. This happens Click on during the sixth month of the pregnancy of Elizabeth, a kinswoman of Mary, who will soon Leonardo give birth to John the Baptist. Mary is assured of God’s favor and that this is the work of da Vinci’s the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of the prophecy to David of an eternal kingdom. The narrative Annunciation points to the transcendent origin of this child born into history. above.

† Pick Up Your Copy Today! Synthesis CE Study Guides for each weeks readings will be available at the back of the church.

† Happy Birthday to You!

atalina Schappac celebrates today! Friday is the big N day for Dot Blake & Jean Letizia. Norma Schofield will be blowing out candles on Saturday. Sunday John Skewis will be another year older and wiser. Remember to wish Rose Barrett a happy birthday on Monday. Gregory Schofield will be opening presents on Tuesday. Herman Silva will celebrate next Wednesday. Have a blessed day each one of you!

utwardly

O Pick Up Your Wreath Already! W Have you picked yours up? itnessing the Thank you to everyone who supported our very ews! successful wreath sale this N year! You’ve helped raise some funds to send 17 very excited kids to a snowy New Hampshire mountain this January! There are still a few wreaths left at the church which are already purchased, but awaiting to be taken to their new home! Please pick your wreath up by this Sunday. Daily Readings for December 5-11

Every day during the week, the youth group receives an e-mail with their daily bible reading in it, as well as some thoughts from Lindsay or Patrick. They also provide up-to-date news and reminders for the Youth. Are you receiving them? If not, let us know - we’d be happy to add you to the list! Just e-mail us and say that you’d like to receive the daily bible readings at [email protected]. This weeks’ readings: Monday: Matthew 6:1-15 Tuesday: Matthew 6: 16-24 St. Paul’s OWN Wednesday: John 6: 1-15 Thursday: Deuteronomy 15:11 December 18th - Youth Group 5-7pm Friday: Philippians 4: 4-8 December 25th - NO Youth Group Saturday: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Sunday: Luke 1:26-38 January 1st - NO Youth Group January 8th - Youth Group 5-7pm We need your HELP: e’re looking for more snack volunteers for January 13-15th - MBC Retreat the months of January and February. If nd W January 22 - Youth Group 5-7pm you’re able to provide a snack for 15 hungry teens one Sunday evening this winter, please contact us at [email protected]. 9 † Vestry Tackles Finances at December Meeting

Vestry Meeting Minutes will be offered in the spring. The Alpha December 14th, 2011 program will be offered in the fall. A newcomers class and confirmation will take Treasurers Report place in the spring. And, Fr. Joe is excited Year to date through November we are about the upcoming Christmas services. in the red by about $58,000. This is due to a variety of reasons: one of which reflects a OLD BUSINESS: Cathy Schrull updated $35,000 decrease YTD in income; some of everyone on their trip to Tanzania. They which is $12,500 that was for 2010 mission were encouraged by their meeting with the payments that were not made until early in new bishop. He would like us to continue 2011; another part reflects the addition of to focus our support of the Kasulu Bible paid Youth ministers and finally we paid College, noting that going forward KBC approximately $7,000 of the Priest-in- will have a separate checking account Charge’s 2010 social security payment in without donated monies passing through the this year. Diocese first. Cathy would like to see more The next Finance Committee is meeting people from St. Paul’s in the future go over on December 20th to further discuss our to visit Kasulu. financial situation. The request from the Diocese has A general discussion on our Faith Based arrived asking for our financial commitment budget followed. It was noted that when we for 2012. Under our expired DEPO close out 2011, all commitments will have agreement it had grown to 6.5%. been paid and we won’t be carrying Resolutions passed at the recent Diocesan anything forward into 2012. convention suggest a 12.5% commitment Proposed 2012 mission budget and with a minimum of 10%. Lengthy property budgets were discussed. Bonnie discussion followed about how to go Wanzer requested that action on the Mission forward with a final decision being tabled. budget be postponed until after the Finance Committee Meeting on December 20th. NEW BUSINESS: Betty Gardner had Fr. Shepley reported that he had received expressed concern about how parishioners a $12,000 to be used for replacing the are informed during major storms and hallway carpeting and other physical items. power outages. This is being dealt with by the Christian Caring Committee. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Debbie Delaventura showed one of the Mission Report (see page 17) new “Christmas” ornaments, the second in a Property Report (see page 11) series, that are available for sale on Sunday’s and through the parish office. PRIEST-IN-CHARGE REPORT: About 10-12 adults have been attending the Vesper CLOSING: service on Sunday evening in addition to the Being no further business, the meeting youth. 17 youth are signed up to go on the ended at 9:13 pm closed with prayer. Monadnock Bible Conference retreat Respectfully submitted, weekend in January. The marriage course David Szen, Clerk of the Vestry

† Christmas Memorial Flowers

here are envelopes on the back table for T anyone wishing to have flowers in the church for Christmas in memory of loved ones or friends. Please place the envelope in the offering plate or return to the office by December 18th in order to be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin.

10 † Properly Property (Property Committee News)

he front door restoration project is almost complete and coming out great! V&V T Woodworking has actually opted to use Norwegian Spruce instead of composite material so any concerns with historical preservation are eliminated. Painting will be addressed as a separate project. The ceiling in the Vesting Room Entry has been repaired and repainted. The potholes along the driveway have been filled. The replacement of the hallway carpets will now proceed due to a gift of $12,000 secured by Fr. Shepley. Dave Szen has contacted the Diocesan insurance provider to laying the ground work of claim submission requirements for property damage suffered during the last series of weather events. Multiple repairs and minor projects have been captured, documented and prioritized on a Property Committee Priority Working List. Mike Chengeri has agreed to assume the chair position of the Property Committee when he rotates off the Vestry in January. Effective January, 2012 the Property Committee Meetings will shift to the first Thursday of each month. This will allow time sensitive items to be prepared, and presented, to the Vestry within a week of discussion when they meet on the second Wednesday of the month.

Dear St Pauls,

We received your gracious "Thank You" note. It is us who thank you and your wonderful parish for stepping out in faith and inviting us to dwell among you for an all too short amount of time. Whenever we travel to a parish for a Faith Alive weekend, we always wonder what the parish will be like and how the Lord will meet us there. In Brookfield we found that St. Paul's faith was already very much alive and that the Lord was already at work there. It makes for a joyous weekend for all. Now that you have had your own Faith Alive weekend, you are now immanently qualified to serve on Faith Alive teams, and be even more blessed as a parish welcomes you into their midst. All you have to do is be willing to do a little travelling and be willing to tell others what the Lord has done in your own life. Like the TV ad used to say, "It doesn't get any better than this." Blessings and Christmas joy! Stan Mattick

Christmas Calendar

Sun., Dec. 18 - Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:15 am - Youth Choir Rehearsal Sat., Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve 5:00 pm - Family Service 11:00 pm - Midnight Service Sun., Dec. 25 - Christmas Day 10:30 am - Holy Communion Service

† Oldest Black Church Building In US Reopens After Repairs by Walter Russell Mead

he oldest purpose built house of African American Christian worship in the United T States is the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill in Boston. Built by African American craftsmen in the early 19th century, the three story building opened for worship in 1806. During the struggle against slavery, it was a place where abolitionists and visionary proponents of racial equality could speak their minds. From NPR comes the welcome news that this historic building, now part of a museum on African American history, has reopened after extensive repairs. The Black church has historically been one of this country’s greatest blessings. From the earliest days of the republic, both free and enslaved African Americans turned to the Christian faith in large numbers. In most places, churches were the first independent, Black- controlled institutions in the United States, and for decades they remained the only public spaces where African Americans could shape the agenda and where new generations of leaders could be nurtured. But it is not just Blacks who owe the church a great debt. The Christian faith with its emphasis on reconciliation and forgiveness has been one of the forces that kept race relations in this country from degenerating into blind mass hatred. The Black church helped generations of African Americans understand their primary demand as one of inclusion: they wanted in on the American Dream. During the Civil Rights era, the common Christian faith of many whites and Blacks helped ensure that the most sweeping social revolution in the post Civil War history of the United States was as peaceful as it was. Blacks often built their own churches after being treated as second class members by white Christians who should have known better. But out of that evil and pain God brought something great: a vibrant and strong Black religious community that not only helped Blacks survive and grow during terrible times, but that became a force for reconciliation and healing in the country as a whole. Americans of all races and faiths can give thanks during this holiday season for a religious movement that has immeasurably enriched our common culture and life. Editors Note: Walter Russell Mead and his blog site, American Interest is a favorite read of several of our editors. Mr. Mead Professor of Foreign Affairs and Humanities at Bard College and Editor-at-Large of The American Interest magazine, and is recognized as one of the country's leading students of American foreign policy. Mead's father, Loren Mead, is an Episcopal priest in Washington, D.C. and a founder of the Alban Institute. Mead's current writing is best described as centrist and contains a mix of liberal and conservative views. He often authors essays on current and historical religious topics.

Some Favorite Christmas Links

ere’s hot song for you, it’s called "Christmas H with a Capital C" by the Go Fish Guys! And a music video with a different perspective on Christmas with a refrain “it was not a silent night,” called Labor of Love. And finally for our pet lovers, Deck The Halls.

† Saints of God December 15 John Horden & Robert McDonald

orn in Exeter, England, in 1828, John Horden was apprenticed to the blacksmith’s B trade as a young boy, and devoted his spare hours to self-education. He eventually qualified as a schoolteacher and attended the Vicar’s Bible Class at St. Thomas, Exeter, where he was educated in the Bible and in missionary work. Horden, along with some friends, volunteered his services to the Church Missionary Society, but was told to wait due to his young age. Finally, in 1851, he received a letter informing him that he was being appointed mission schoolmaster in Moose Factory, James Bay, on the southern end of Hudson Bay, in Canada. He immediately devoted himself to learning Cree, the native language of those whom he served. Over time, Horden’s ability as a linguist was evident in his ability to function in no less that five First Nations’ languages, plus Norwegian, English, Greek and Latin. The men and women In addition to working with the native peoples of the commemorated in the Calendar region, Horden regarded it as part of his work to serve the employees of the Hudson’s Bay Company. With their help, are not simply examples of he built a schoolhouse and church, and developed a variety faithfulness to inspire us: they of ministries to serve the people in this remote territory. He are active in their love and ministered to his people through several epidemics often in prayer. They are companions in the face of rugged, unforgiving conditions. the Spirit able to support and In 1872 he was recalled to England to receive Episcopal encourage us as we seek to be orders, and following his ordination in Westminster Abbey, faithful in our own day. he was appointed the first bishop of the Diocese of Moosonee. He returned to James Bay, traveling to the outer regions of his vast diocese, often by dog-team in harsh weather. Many congregations in the small towns and cities of the area trace their formation back to the inspiring work of Bishop Horden.

obert McDonald was a priest, missionary, and archdeacon, who served among the R First Nations peoples of Canada. McDonald was born in 1829 in Point Douglas, Manitoba. He attended local schools, worked alongside his father on the family farm, and married Julia Kuttag with whom he had nine children. Although McDonald showed initial reluctance, he responded to the church’s call to mission service among the native peoples of Canada. He was ordained a priest in 1853 and took charge of the Islington Mission on the Winnipeg River. It was there that he discovered his gift for languages and it was there that he became fluent in the language of the Ojibway Tribe and began to translate the Bible. In 1862, the Church Missionary Society persuaded McDonald to establish a new mission at Fort Yukon. It was here, as later at Fort McPherson, where McDonald made his enduring contribution to the tribes of the Tinjiyzoo Nation. He developed a written alphabet for the Tukudh language so that the people could read the texts of the Christian tradition. He also published a grammar and dictionary in Tukudh, both of which remain standard reference works. Over the next forty years, working together with his wife, Julia, and other translators, he accomplished the translation of the whole of the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, a hymnal and other texts. Possessing these commons texts was critical not only to the Christian mission, but also had a unifying impact on the common life of the various tribes in the region. McDonald retired from the Church Missionary Society in 1904 and lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, until his death in 1913. He is buried in the cemetery of St. John’s Anglican Cathedral.

† Adult Christian Don’t throw out those soda cans Education or water bottles! astor and author Timothy Keller, P using literature, philosophy, real- hen you are here at St. Paul’s please life experiences, and the Bible, explores W look for this recycle bin in the kitchen the truth of Christianity. for your used soda cans This class is being offered for us to or water bottles. If you consider how we can grow in our would like to drop off Christian apologetics (from Greek your soda cans or water ἀπολογία, "speaking in defense"), bottles from home they which is one way we are called to "Give can be placed here too! an account for the hope that is within The return money will us" (1 Peter 3:15). Come join us in the be used to help support Guild Room at 9:15 am on Sunday for your St. Paul’s Youth Group. Thank You! what promises to be a lively discussion.

14 † This Date on the Church Calendar December 15 St. Thomas the Apostle

he Gospel according to John records several incidents in which Thomas appears, T and from them we are able to gain some impression of the sort of man he was. When Jesus insisted on going to Judea, to visit his friends at Bethany, Thomas boldly declared, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). At the Last Supper, he interrupted our Lord’s discourse with the question, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). And after Christ’s resurrection, Thomas would not accept the account of the other apostles and the women, until Jesus appeared before him, showing him his wounds. This drew from him the first explicit acknowledgment of Christ’s Godhead, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Thomas appears to have been a thoughtful if rather literal-minded man, inclined to skepticism; but he was a staunch friend when his loyalty was once given. The expression “Doubting Thomas,” which has become established in English usage, is not entirely fair to Thomas. He did not refuse belief: he wanted to believe, but did not dare, without further evidence. Because of his goodwill, Jesus gave him a sign, though Jesus had refused a sign to the Pharisees. His Lord’s rebuke was well deserved: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29). The sign did not create faith; it merely released the faith which was in Thomas already. According to an early tradition mentioned by Eusebius and others, Thomas evangelized the Parthians. Syrian Christians of Malabar, India, who call themselves the Mar Thoma Church, cherish a tradition that Thomas brought the Gospel to India. Several apocryphal writings have been attributed to him, the most prominent and interesting being the “Gospel of Thomas.” It is thought among Christians in India is that Thomas was speared to death near Madras (now Chennai), and accordingly he is often pictured holding a spear. Paintings of martyrs often show them holding or accompanied by the instruments with which they were put to death. Thomas’ honest questioning and doubt, and Jesus’ assuring response to him, have given many modern Christians courage to persist in faith, even when they are still doubting and questioning. † Covenant Envelopes ovenant envelopes for 2012 are at the back of the church now for pick up. Please C take yours and those of any friends who may be absent, as this helps save on mailing costs. Please DO NOT use the 2012 BLUE envelopes until the new year, and DO NOT use the 2011 GREEN envelopes after December 31st. If you do not care to use covenant envelopes, as long as your gift can be identified, an account is set up in your name and you will receive quarterly statements. If you have any questions, please direct them to Carol Gurski, Financial Secretary; 203-775-1765.or [email protected].

15 Click on the picture above to link to Bill & Cathy Schrull’s blog about their mission trip to Africa. he Schrull’s cat is happy they are back home T safely, but the story doesn't end there. Keep checking out their blogs for stories and pictures.

Bill & Cathy’s Links http://tzblog.schrull.us/ http://trips.schrull.us/

† On A Mission (Mission Committee News)

he Mission Committee met on December 1st. Bonnie Wanzer gave an overview of T the 2011 budget status. There is approximately $13,619.00 remaining to be paid for the year. Don Winkley presented the proposal for the 2012 budget. The funds for Emergency Mission Needs will are not included in the proposed budget. It was recommended that financial assistance for those in need be accomplished through the Rector’s Discretionary Fund, or general funds as approved by the Vestry. Don Winkley made the suggestion that the loose offering on specific Sundays be designated for the Discretionary Fund. The Mission Committee will still maintain a role in helping to identify parishioners with financial needs. The proposed budget for 2012 is $31,450.00. The projected budget for 2011 was $52,300. The proposed budget for 2012 will be submitted to the Vestry for approval after review by Fr. Shepley. The Salvation Army kettle campaign has added a new Brookfield church, the Mountain Church of God. The kettle was at St. Paul’s on December 11, 2011. The Giving Tree was set up at the back of the church with gifts being returned by December 11th providing Christmas gifts for two families in Brookfield that have been identified by Brookfield Social Services. The committee usually holds a benefit breakfast in the fall, but due to the Faith Alive weekend one was not held. The possibility of having a breakfast in February or March was discussed.

Missions Sponsored by St. Paul’s: Ability Beyond Disability, Adventures in Mission, Christian Counseling Center, Community Coffee House, Dorothy Day Hospitality House, “Emergency Mission Needs, Faith Alive, Food Basket and certificates, Giving Tree, Habitat for Humanity, Hope Line, Huguenot Fellowship, Kasula Bible College, Jericho Project, Monadnock Bible Conference, SAMS, Serving in Missions, Trinity Seminary, Youth Challenge, St. Paul’s Missionaries.

Happy Hanukkah

anukkah (Hebrew: ), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day H Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanuk- kah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. This year its starts at sundown on December 20th. The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash (Hebrew: "attendant" or "sexton") and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden. The United States has a history of recognizing and celebrating Hanukkah in a number of ways, from menorah lighting ceremonies to a 1996 postage stamp, jointly issued with Israel, to special receptions in the White House (although the United States has not had any Jewish presidents).

† Scholarly Speaking Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ember Days, But Were Afraid to Ask (Editors Note: You were afraid to ask, weren’t you?)

hese somewhat mysterious days occur four times a year, for three days at a time. T Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week are the Winter/Advent Ember days. We observed the Wednesday at yesterday’s Eucharist, and said something about their history and purpose. For those who were not able to be with us let me review (and maybe add a bit) here. First of all, what does “Ember” mean in this case? Needless to say it is not connected to glowing coals (not even of Hellfire); rather it is the same word that appears in the names of several of our months, shortened from the Latin tempora meaning times or seasons. Here it reflects the fact that these days appear near the beginning of each season. (In the Gregorian calendar they normally fall just before the start of the season, but in earlier times the seasons were defined in terms of weather rather than solstices and equinoxes and so were seen as starting sooner, and in the old Julian calendar the Zodiacal signs had also gotten off track and came at earlier dates than we observe now. In Portuguese, incidentally, the term ember appears as tempura, and since these were fast days Portuguese traders in Japan used to eat fried shrimp giving us shrimp tempura (or at least that is the story). The observance seems to have begun in pre-Christian Rome as a series of agricultural observances and was Christianized as a time of prayer for planting and harvests, then expanded into a time of general penitence and finally into a time of prayer for the harvest of o you have a question you souls and for those to be ordained. It gradually spread through Western Europe, coming to England with would like answered by our D Augustine in 597 but rather later to France and Spain. Scholar-in-Residence? Send your Milan (which had its own liturgy and calendar – similar ecclesiastical, liturgical, doctrinal, to that of Rome but certainly not identical) was historical or other inquiries to: probably the last place to adopt these observances, in [email protected]. the fifteenth century. They were largely downgraded in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran usage and their use has become essentially optional in all three churches. Similarly the dates have also become more flexible (and indeed have varied from place to place over the centuries. The traditional dates as kept in most places, however, are the Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays after Lent II; after Pentecost; after Holy Cross Day; and after St. Lucy’s Day (Dec. 13 – which always puts them in the third week of Advent). It will be seen that the dates of the Fall and Winter observances vary only by a single week, while the Spring and Summer ember days can vary over six weeks depending on the date of Easter – although the earliest rules fixed the day much more narrowly in the first week of March and the second of June. Fr. Bill Loring, Scholar in Residence

† Good Stewardship Begins At Home: Our Home

lease remind all who use our home to be good stewards by turning P off lights, closing curtains, cleaning up after themselves and locking doors when they are leaving, especially as cold weather and dropping temperatures consume more energy.

† Year End Donations

ll money to be credited to your 2011 account MUST be in the Parish A Office by December 29th. Any money received after December 29th will be credited to your 2012 account.

† Your Prayers Are Requested For…

t is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and I such a privilege. The people that we lift up to The Lord are part of our hearts for all time. Please pray for…

.….Dot Blake, convalescing from a stroke at Filosa in Danbury. …..Calvary St. George’s, Bridgeport; St. Luke/St. Paul, Bridgeport; St. John’s, Bridgeport. …..Joe Cennamo, doing well after a recent open heart surgery. Pray for a full quick recovery. …..Soup kitchens and food pantries. …..Daniel and Ruth Hatch, complete healing and peace. …..Those who Christmas is anything but merry. Pray for those whose holiday season can be difficult as they are grieving the loss of loved ones, who have difficult family relationships, who struggle with addictions, physical and mental illness, depression or stress, and who feel deeply the pain of those in our world who suffer the effects of war, poverty, and disease. …..Doug Azzarito, healing of blood cancer. …..Grace Merlene, quick healing of internal bleeding. …..Drew Crocker, for his continued healing, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

† Photo Contest for January Sword of the Spirit

alling all photographers! We are C looking for a cover photo for our next monthly Sword. The January issue will cover Epiphany so…..we are looking for a photo that conveys St. Paul’s, the Light of Christ, the wise men, or other Epiphany themes. Be creative. Have fun. Use your camera, your cell phone or borrow the church camera. The deadline is December 20th. Send your pictures to [email protected].

† Announcement Deadlines….. For Sword Points please submit it by Wednesday afternoon each week to [email protected].

† Christmas Gift Ideas

inish off your shopping list at coffee hour on Sunday. Our newest F Christmas ornament is in, only $6.50. The first ornament is still available. Also, on sale are our 22th Anniversary Cook Books, coffee mugs and kitchen tiles.

† Peace Fellowship Offers Young Adult Initiative

f you are a young adult who is passionate about peace and justice, or know of such a I person, check out the Young Adult Initiative of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF). It's held during the triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church - the next one will be in Indianapolis, IN, July 4-12, 2012. † FAIRS, OPEN HOUSES, DINNERS, SPORTS

EPF provides housing Christmas in New England Fair (Dec. 10, Manchester) and a food allowance, Christmas Cookie Fair (Dec. 10, E. Haddam) and a modest subsidy to Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 10, Lime Rock) defray travel expenses. Free Community Breakfast (Dec. 17, Newington) English Tea (Dec. 18, Norwalk) Full participation in the EPF program is re- † MUSIC, ART, SPECIAL WORSHIP EVENTS quired. More informa- Christmas with the Celticity Trio (Dec. 11, Norwich) tion and the application Kent Singers, Christmas Story, Tell it Again! (Dec. 11, Kent) process info is here. The Etherea Vocal Ensemble (Dec. 16, Stonington) deadline is Feb. 15, Advent Lessons & Carols (Dec. 18, Washington Green) 2012. Christmas Festival of Lessons & Carols (Dec. 18, Norwalk) Christmas Lessons & Carols (Dec. 18, Westport)

Just For Fun ! (And Christian Fellowship)

† We’re Having a Caption Contest!

To the left is the picture, you give us your caption. E-mail it to: stpaulssword- [email protected].

† It Takes An Editorial Board Contributors to this Weeks Sword Points:

Chris Barrett, Rachel Chaleski, Sandy Chaleski, Mike Chengeri, Debbie Delaventura, Lynne Donnelly, Jen Falci, Ray Ferro, Carol Gurski, Lori O’Hara, Bill Loring, Diane Loring, Beth Miller, Patirck O’Connors, Linda Pendergast, Kirsten Peterson, Bill Schrull, Cathy Schrull, Norma Schofield, Joe Shepley, Lindsay Sweeting, David Szen, Pam Szen, Bonnie Wanzer, Marie Williams, Don Winkley.