The Anne - a log

* A most blessed, holy and merry Christmas to one and all.  The day long awaited, which has consumed so much of our time and energy in the last weeks and months, has at last arrived, and perhaps, we can relax a little and enjoy the fruits of our labors.  Our temporal celebrations, as joy-filled and exciting as they may be, are but a pale reflection of the joy that this day brings, as we contemplate the awesome transformation in our relationship to the Divine as a result of God’s most remarkable and unique intervention into human history with the gift of his only begotten Son to a world awaiting the Good News of love, salvation and redemption.  The barriers which had separated us from our heavenly Father were breached and flung open, that all who will, may enter that mysterious kingdom which God has prepared for his beloved from before the  world began.  Rejoice and be glad!  Our Savior is here! 

* Our regular Adult Bible Study has been suspended for two Sundays.  It will resume on Sunday, January 8^th, The First Sunday after the Epiphany.

* Many thanks to all those who donated Christmas goodies for our post Mid-night Mass reception and today’s coffee hour.  These “special offerings” are always deeply appreciated and enjoyed in this holiday season.

* A number of important issues were raised at the regularly scheduled Vestry meeting which occurred this past Wednesday.  Perhaps the most distressing was the disclosure that the Parish giving for this year is off nearly $9,000.00!  This is a serious short fall which has to be addressed as quickly as possible.  If you are not up to date on your pledge for 2011, please make every effort to catch up in the next week or so.  Also, the number of pledges for next year are over $10,000.00 less than at this time last year.  If you have not yet made your pledge for next year, please do so as soon as possible.  It is impossible to make responsible plans for next year’s budget and program with these substantial  shortfalls.  We are also in need of persons to fill positions soon to be vacated by the members of the current Vestry who will be retiring this year.  Those positions are Junior Warden (a two year term), and two Vestry persons (three year terms).

* The week following Christmas Day is full of special celebrations and commemorations.  Tomorrow is the Feast of Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr, Tuesday is the Feast of Saint John the Evangelist, and Wednesday is the Feast of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem.  For each of these major feasts, there will be a full round of Offices concluding in a Low Mass at 6:20 pm each evening.  Plan to come and be a part of this annual, joy filled marathon of Christmas excitement.

* Wednesday evening, following the Mass for the Holy Innocents, we will be showing an excellent film with a strong Christmas message: Joyeux Noel, which was nominated in 2005 for best foreign film by both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.  It concerns the legendary, unofficial cease fire which occurred spontaneously during the First World War.  Since our 5^th Wednesday Program in November was usurped by directory pictures, this will be a 5^th Wednesday (transferred).   A light supper will be served before the film is shown.  Be sure to reserve your place for this holiday event on the sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the Undercroft.

* The January calendar and parish newsletter, has been published and is located at the rear of the nave this morning.  Please stop and pick up your copy as you leave today. 

* Next Sunday may be New Years Day to the rest of the world.  But for us, it is the Feast of the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  As with today, we will observe this dominical feast following our usual Sunday schedule.  Plan to be here and begin the New Year on right foot.

* The Vestry at their regularly scheduled meeting in December designated the Fifth Sunday of January, following the 10:00 am Mass, as the date for this year’s Annual Meeting of the Parish.  Mark you calendars for Sunday, January 29, 2012, at 11:30 am.

* Many thanks to all those whose generous donations to the flower fund have made this another beautiful and memorable Christmas at Saint Anne’s.  Next Sunday, the sign-up sheet for Altar Flowers in 2012 will be posted in the Undercroft.  Slots are awarded on a first come, first served basis.  If you have a special day on which you wish to donate Altar Flowers be sure to claim it as soon as possible.  Be sure to thank Sug for all her care and dedication to the floral offerings throughout the year.  We are blessed to have her

This Week at St. Anne’s

See enclosed schedule of seasonal events

Throughout the Week

Remember in your prayers:

Those who are sick and shut-in: Gideon, Gene, Teresa, Erin, Becky, Kailash, Merle, Janet, Josie, Teena, Don, Derek, Maxine, Lila, Alyce, Sid, Gloria, Robert, Mike, Aaron, Marion, Ann, Alice, Ross, Kathly, and all those who have been wounded or injured in the wars and in acts of terrorism this week, those recovering from natural disasters, and all those who seek to aid and assist them, and those working for a lasting world peace.

Those who have entered glory: John French (26^th), Mary Anne Gehlsen (27^th), Lela Taets (29^th), Hilda Blunt (29^th).

Next Week

Ministers for next Sunday’s Divine Worship:

L.E.M. – Donald Miller, Server – Daniel Long, Lector – Louis Weinbeck,

Altar – Sug Austin, Greeter – Helen Gomez.

Lections for Next Sunday: The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Numbers 6: 22-27; Psalm 8; Philippians 2: 5-11; Luke 2: 15-21.

Parish Annual Meeting

Sunday January 29, 2012

 11:30 am