Dear Friends,
The Christmas season is well underway in our world, with all kinds of preparations. In the church, our preparations take on a different tone, as we make room in the midst of our busy holiday lives for the coming of the Christ child. Don't forget to make time to prepare your heart for Christ's coming into your heart this winter. In the midst of both joy and stress of the holiday time, don't forget to worship, and give yourself some quiet time to think and pray.
I can't wait for the beautiful Christmas services here at Nativity. We prepare for Christmas the Sunday before, Dec. 20, at our 11:00 Inspirations service, with Part I of our children's and Nativity Players Christmas Pageant, "After the Angel Has Left." The story continues on Christmas Eve at the 5:00 Family Christmas Service, as the Players present Part II of the pageant, ending with a beautiful manger scene in Bethlehem. The children are beginning to work on their pageant roles, so please contact Julie Cordwell at 480-307-9216 or lazychef@aol.com to let her know if your children will participate. Any child who comes on Christmas Eve is welcome to dress up as an angel or shepherd and join the pageant, so invite your friends and family.
The 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service begins a new tradition at Nativity, with our Journey to Bethlehem service. We begin on the patio by firelight and candlelight (we'll have portable heaters!), with prayers and the singing of "O Holy Night" by a guest soloist. Then we will process into the sanctuary by candlelight. The service will feature our candlelit "Silent Night" tradition and will be beautiful for all ages. Invite your friends and family to join us.
Please note that two important things are due this Sunday: the gifts you have purchased for needy children for our Angel Tree; and your poinsettia dedications, if you would like to dedicate flowers on Christmas Eve.
Also, you have the chance to give the gift of a home to a family next Saturday, Dec. 19, as Nativity helps to build a home for Habitat for Humanity. Please contact Bob and Marty Christopher at rchrist191@cox.net to participate - no experience necessary.
Please note that on Sunday, December 27, we will have one church service only, at 9:30 a.m.
Blessings to all, and please see the announcements below.
Susan+
The Rev. Susan B. Snook
Vicar, Church of the Nativity
7010 E. Chauncey Lane #100
Phoenix, AZ 85054
480-307-9216
www.TheNativity.net
Announcements for This Week:
A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS EVE AT NATIVITY Two beautiful worship services will highlight Christmas Eve at Nativity: 5:00 p.m. Family Service will feature the Children’s Christmas Pageant, children’s sermon, music of our adult’s and children’s choirs, and guest musicians. Children are invited to decorate the Christmas display, and will receive special gift bags. All children are welcome to dress as angels or shepherds and join in the pageant. 7:00 p.m. Journey to Bethlehem Candlelight Service will begin on the patio with the haunting strains of “O Holy Night.” With candles in hand, we will journey in procession into our beautiful sanctuary, making our own pilgrimage to Bethlehem to see the Christ Child. The service will feature the beautiful music of our adult choir and guest musicians.
ADVENT AT NATIVITY Sunday, Dec. 20, 11:00 Inspirations Service: Part 1 of our Nativity Players Christmas Pageant brings the pre-Christmas story of Mary to life, as the Players reenact the gospel for us. Carolyn Bohannan writes and directs, and our Sunday School children and others are the actors.
ONE'S AND TWO'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY HOSTED BY MARK & JENNIE DOBBINS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18TH FROM 6:00PM TO 8:00 PM Ones and twos is a social group of adults at Church of the Nativity that meets about once a month. It is open to all members, visitors, and guests. The Christmas party is one of the most treasured events of the year! It is a time of “getting to know each other “ in the old-fashioned sense a time for coming together at Christmas for delicious food and drink, the singing of familiar carols, as well as enjoying the warmth and joy of being with our church family. It is a welcoming time for all and a perfect opportunity to bring guests! (For some of us it is the defining moment when we get away from the Commercial Christmas to what it is truly all about!) Please let us know if you plan to come by signing the One's and Two's sign-up sheet at the back of the Church, or calling Judy Peavy, 480 585 5324 or Jeannie Dobbins at 480 585 2952. Please bring wine or hors d’oeuvres...(and a friend or neighbor)! A sign-up sheet for the December 1’s and 2’s hosted by the Dobbins on Friday the 18th from 6-8 pm will be available during the coffee hour.
DECEMBER 27TH, 9:30 SERVICE ONLY On Sunday after Christmas, Dec. 27, Nativity will combine services and have one traditional Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School will be on Christmas break, but Children’s Chapel will be offered and the Nursery will be open.
NATIVITY OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY! On December 19th, at 8 a.m., Nativity members have an opportunity to participate in completing the 20th home built buy the Episcopal Habitat for Humanity Collation! Join with other Valley Episcopalians for this terrific event. Maps and other information will be provided. Sign up with Bob or Marty Christopher,rchrist191@cox.net.
ALL TEENS ARE INVITED TO
AN UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER CONTEST!
So rummage through your parents’ closets, raid the local Goodwill, and join us for a jolly good time! Prizes will go to the top three worst Christmas sweaters! There will lots of good food, fun and games, so bring your friends! Sunday, December 13th 6:00 p.m. 14015 N 94th St. #2115 Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-290-8971
HOSPITALITY UPDATE Hospitality needs your continued support – we are in need of kitchen volunteers as well as people to bring snacks for Sunday hospitality. Please call Ann Blum at 480.502.2005 to discuss being a part of this joyous ministry.
STEWARDSHIP DRIVE CONTINUES
YOU are part of the mission of Christ’s church, and your prayers, ministry, and contributions make God's work possible. Many thanks to those who have already pledged to God's mission at Nativity for 2010. If you have not already turned in your offering card, your offerings are vital to our continuing mission. Offering cards are available at the back of the church and in the book racks in front of you. Please turn them in to the basket in front of the altar when you come forward for communion. Your hope for Christ's new coming through Nativity blesses your church, your fellow parishioners, and your community.
ONE'S AND TWO'S SAVE THE DATE! HOSTED BY LANI & MIKE BROWN AND TOM & NANCY BLEASDALE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH FROM 6:00PM TO 8:00 PM A sign-up sheet for the January 1’s and 2’s hosted by the Browns on Friday the 15th from 6-8 pm will be available during the coffee hour. If you have any questions please contact Lani at 480-342-9423 or via email at: lani2@cox.net
SECOND CHANCE FOR RELIABLE WIFE READERS If you've been pressed to get "The Reliable Wife" read in time for it's scheduled December 14 discussion at our Book Discussion Group, relax! The Reliable Wife has been rescheduled to be the subject of our January 11 meeting, in lieu of "Nine Lives". There will be no meeting of Nativity's Book Discussion Group during the month of December. Hopefully, we'll see you January 11 with your take on The Reliable Wife (Nine Lives will be considered for the 2010-11 season). Further details can be had from Bob Montheard . (RJMontheard@aol,com or 480-247-8861) |
Worship Schedule for Sunday, Dec. 13
9:00 Nursery Opens
9:30 Eucharist
10:30 Hospitality
10:45 Sunday School
11:00 Inspirations
Eucharist
This Week for Children
Children's Chapel, 9:30
Sunday School, 10:45
Christmas Pageant
Roles & Run-Through
This Week for Youth
Ugly Sweater Christmas
Party at Tara's! 6 pm
Outreach:
Angel Tree Gifts
for Children - Gifts
Returned
Habitat for Humanity
Build Day, Dec. 19
Upcoming Events:
Sun., Dec. 20, 11 am:
Christmas Pageant
Part I: "After the
Angel Has Left"
Thurs., Dec. 24, 5 pm:
Family Christmas Eve
Service and Christmas
Pageant, Part II
Thurs., Dec. 24, 7 pm:
Journey to Bethlehem
Candlelight Christmas
Eve Service
Sunday, Dec. 27:
One Service Only:
9:30 a.m.
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