SAINT MONICA'S NEWS

Rector's Thanks

Today (December 27, 2009) makes it two years since my coming to St. Monica's. The cup is three quarter full and thank God for all of you who continue to love the Lord and support the work of his church, St. Monica's. I continue to settle in to my ministry here. Every day allows me to get to know something new or some parishioner a little better.

Thank you for your words of encouragement, your love and indeed your criticism for they allow me to look again at myself. I know I am a better priest because of my being here at St. Monica's Pray for me and Maureen as we begin our third year.

Many thanks to the Stewardship Committee and Joyce Taylor who arranged the 2010 envelopes in alphabetical order.

Many thanks to our choirs who over the last few weeks worked hard at the musical pieces we will enjoy and to the alter guild for preparing our worship space.

A Blessed and Happy /Merry Christmas to all of you from the Davidsons and the wardens and members of the vestry.

My wife and I thank all of you for your cards and gifts during this time of sharing.

Advent

The Advent wreath: The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. the four outer candles represent the period of waiting during four sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the Prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. The colors of the candles vary with different traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles, corresponding to the sanctuary colors of Advent, and one pink or rose candle. The purple candles are usually lighted every Sunday in Advent while the pink candle is usually lighted on the third Sunday of Advent. The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. the light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of god's grace to others (Isaiah 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experiences.

Novena; Nine Mornings of Worship; With Special Worship; Begins at 6:30 a.m.

Wednesday, December 16th: Waiting for Jesus Our Salvation (Matthew 7:20)

Thursday, December 17th: "O Sapientia" O Come, O Come Emanuel

Friday, December 18th: With God all things are possible (Matthew 1:20-21)

Saturday, December 19th: Trust God for deliverance (Luke 1:19)

Sunday, December 20th: "Blessed are you among women" (Luke 1:42)

Monday, December 21st: Feast of St. Thomas "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28)

Tuesday, December 22nd: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord" (Luke 1:46)

Wednesday, December 23: It is all about God (Luke 1:60-63)

Thursday, December 24th: We are redeemed (Luke 1:68)

Upcoming Events

December 12th Advent retreat for tribe leaders and members; December 16th-24th Novena begins at 6:30 a.m.; December 24th Service at 10:30 p.m.; December 31st Service at 10:30 p.m.

Food Baskets

You are invited to bring your food filled baskets to help feed families of Hartford's School children on Monday, December 21, 2009. Dress warmly and please arrive promptly at 5:00 p.m. The basket (a laundry basket) should include Christmas dinner: Turkey, ham, or pork roast of a gift certificate from Stop & Shop, potatoes (sweet or white) or rice or macaroni and cheese, vegetables (canned, fresh, or frozen), fruit juices, 2 dozen rolls and dessert. Deadline for sighning up is Monday, December 14, 2009.

YPF Fruit Baskets

In conjunction with the 1st Annual Bus Ride on December 21st, the YPF will distribute fruit baskets to residents of St. Monica's Apartment. The fruits to be placed in the baskets are: apples (red delicious and granny smith), bananas, pears, grapefruit, and oranges. Any donations will be appreciated.

Memorial Service For The Homeless

On Monday, December 21, 2009 Trinity Episcopal Church, Hartford will hold a memorial service for the homeless who have dies on the street and also a luncheon. We are invited to this ecumenical and interfaith gathering. St. Monica's is collecting new socks, gloves and hats that will be distributed to those at the service. Arlette Hurdle is coordinating this event along with other members of the vestry. Please be generous with your giving.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy birthday to Beresford Mapp December 6; Jason Hall, Jefferson McAlpine December 7; Brian Brito, Gladys Brown, Ruth Colvin December 8; Connor Elliott, Michael Holder, Juliett Mikell, Joseph Noel, Jevon Wilson December 9; Joyce Samuels, Frances Sharp December 12; Gabrille Irving December 13; Michelle Davis December 15; Ivy Anderson and Gwendolyn Bailey December 16; Ena Smith December 17; Winne Anderson December 19; Pamela Brown, Julia Rankin, and Shenna Petrolito December 20; Marcia Esson and Joyce Taylor December 21; Jane Collins and Erica Feurtado December 22; Whitworth Lewis and Cherell Russell December 23; Christopher Toppin and Kurtis Webb December 24; Leover Neals and Norest Walter December 26; Maureen Evens, Asante Asiedu, and Verna Ferguson December 26; Courtney Samuda December 28; Nora Brown December 29; Jessica Hurdle January 1.

Marion Hanson would like to thank everyone for the many kind tokens of affection during his recent birthday.

Happy Anniversary to Calvin and Maureen Evans; Olive and Allan James December 15; Peter and Gloria Mareseles December 21.

Condolences

Rochelle and Shannon Holder thank everyone for their cards, phone calls, and word of condolences after the death of their sister/aunt.

We record the death of Laurie Sealy and we extend our Christian sympathy to his family and friends. My he rest in peace.

We extend our Christian sympathy to Mr. William Washington who mourns the death of his dear wife. May she rest in peace.

We extend our condolences to Maureen Evens and family as they mourn the death of their beloved uncle and counselor Paster Adrian T. Westney. Paster Westney was pastor of the Metropolitan Seventh Day Adventist Church in Maryland.