Entries for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Dec. 16, 2018

Audio tracks for the 10 am Service on Dec. 9, 2018, the 2nd Sunday of Advent

• Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
• 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 (Anne Flamming)                    
• 2nd Reading:  Philippians 4:4-7 (Anne Flamming)                
• Gospel:  Luke 3:7-18 (Rev. Brian Blayer)                    
• Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)                                        

2018-12-16_announcements_advent3.pdf
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There is a significant correction to yesterday's St. Mark's newsletter:
The Christmas Pageant is on December 23 at 10am NOT this Sunday. Thanks to so many who let me know and I hope no one started to hyperventilate! Apologies.
And remember the concert tonight is the perfect way to kick off celebrating the season!

Dear Friends:

It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in this third week of Advent--holiday concerts, students studying for exams, lights everywhere, snow showers, and the hustle and bustle in the stores is increasing.  It is the most wonderful time of the year.

Here is the news of the week:

• Tomorrow, Friday, December 14 at 7pm is the second concert in the Brombaugh Recital Series.  It will be magical with glorious music for organ and brass,  new or favorite Christmas readings, congregational caroling followed by a reception with cookies and cocoa.   Parishioners, UConn's Chordials,  Extreme Measures and Brass Ensemble will offer a joyous evening that is not to be missed.  Many thanks to Louis Hanzlik, Charlie Houmard, Mary Jo Tryba and Anne Flammang for creating a very special and heart warming program.  Donations at the door will go to support the organ maintenance fund.
• More music in the weeks to come:  The Christmas Pageant will be presented on Sunday, December 16 at the 10am service.  Come hear the Sunday School tell the story of Jesus' birth.  There will be angels, shepherds, magi and, of course, Mary and Joseph plus more congregational caroling.
• Two services on Christmas Eve will be joyous with familiar carols.  Family Christmas Service will be at 4pm with a "midnight" Christmas Eve service   at 10pm.
• And if you still want to sing more, it will continue on Christmas Day at 9am.  
• And there will be even more musical offerings in the New Year--Charlie Houmard will play a noon organ recital on the First Friday of each month.  January 4 at 12 noon is the first date.  Bring a sandwich and a friend.  

There is other news:

• Christmas Flowers make the church look festive at the celebrations of the Nativity of Our Lord.  If you would like to make a donation to the Flower Fund in memory of loved ones or in Thanksgiving for the blessings of this life, please fill out and return the green form found  in your Sunday bulletin.  Forms should be in the office by Monday, December 17.
• The Last Sunday Offering for December will be collected on December 30 will go to Town of Mansfield Social Services as part of the Adopt-a-Family program.  Funds will go to Mansfield Human Services' "Special Needs Fund".  Monies would be used to help families pay bills and provide support.
• Homosexuality and the Bible:  What does scripture really say? How does this inform what we believe? Join the rescheduled conversation on Wednesday, December 19 at 7pm. 
• Please remember a non perishable food item for Covenant Soup Kitchen or a donation of dog or cat food for collection by the Girl Scouts.  

 Best wishes, Linda
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