DEC. 2015

monthly newsletter churchofadvent.org

Advent + Christmas = A New Beginning

Now is the time to begin something new! Why? Because with the start of the season of Advent on Sunday, November 29, we begin a new church year. If there’s one season of the liturgical calendar that is far and away my favorite it’s Advent. Christmas is tied with Easter for third place in my personal list of favorites. I’ll write about my second favorite in the February Parish Paper, so stay tuned. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are important to all of us for several reasons. As Christians, this time of year provides us the gift of a special opportunity to reflect and live as believers who have received Jesus as one of us, a fellow human being. He first came into the world the same way we all have, a baby born into human life. Eucharistic Prayer B describes this reality beautifully in these words, We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. (The Book of Common Prayer, page 368) We are the people of the Church of the Advent! We are called to understand that this season is more than the title of our wonderful parish. Advent is more than a name, it is a way of understanding God’s continuous involvement in our lives and in the world. Advent means coming, and it harkens to the hope-filled expectation of the second coming of Jesus Christ, when he will return to judge, restore and reclaim all of creation. It is a season in which we are also filled with the joyful anticipation of celebrating, again, the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as a babe in a manger. Plan to do something new this year during Advent and Christmas. Below is a calendar list of some very special events through the first two Sundays of Advent. Some of these might be familiar and some not so familiar. They have all been planned and designed to add meaning and depth to your observance of this very special time of year. I encourage you to try something you haven’t experienced before. Sunday, November 29 – The First Sunday of Advent 7:45, 9 & 11:15 Holy Eucharist with a special Advent Fellowship Event at 10am 5:30pm Holy Eucharist in the Parish and Community Life Center (PCLC) followed by Annual Advent Event with dinner, cookie decorating, Advent calendar making, Chrismon making and there will be Advent Wreath forms and candles for sale. Set up in the morning in the Youth Center in preparation for the arrival at 5:30pm of families in the Spartanburg Interfaith Hospitality Network (SPIHN). These families will be staying with us through Sunday morning, December 6. Monday – Friday at 8:15-8:45am – Morning Prayer in Olney Chapel Tuesday, December 1, 8 & 15 at 12:15-1:10pm PCLC – Book and Brown Bag Class. We will read and discuss Thomas Merton’s classic Thoughts in Solitude 5:30pm every Tuesday - Holy Eucharist and Healing Service in Olney Chapel Wednesday, December 2 at 5:45 – 7pm PCLC – First Wednesday Night Dinner ~ Serve and Be Served program – Advent Continued on page 7 Children’s Center Concert followed by the filling of grocery bags for Mobile Meal recipients.

2 PARISH LIFE The Brotherhood of St. Andrew Jeff Willis will be giving a presentation of historic postcards on Sunday, December 13, at 8:45am. Breakfast will be served in Dining Room C. ECW News The ECW Board will meet on December 7 at 9:15am in Dining Room C in the PCLC. EpiscoPals: We will meet Wednesday, December 9, at 11:45am in PCLC Dining Rooms A & B. Our speaker will be our own The Rev. Debbie Apoldo, and her topic will be “Advent - What An Awesome Thing!” Please remember to make your reservation by calling 864-504-3692 or by emailing to [email protected]. Debbie says: “The season of Advent finds us in a place of awe over the anticipated celebration of a past event at the coming of our Lord at Bethlehem. At the same time we are mindful of Christ’s presence with us day by day as Emmanuel, and we also tap into the sure and certain hope of the redemption of all things when Christ returns and ushers in the new heaven and new earth. Advent is a season of experiencing the past, the present and the future through scripture and hymns and prayers. We’ll spend some time together focusing on several ways to enter into a holy Advent.” The Phebe Crosland Lunch Bunch and Serendipity Circle will have a joint Christmas luncheon on Monday, December 14 at 12pm noon at II Samuels restaurant. If you plan on attending, please contact Anne Bomar ([email protected], 864-5857387) or Cathy Minch (minchcm64@ gmail.com, 864-583-5323). Parish Life Commission Meeting: We will meet on Monday, December 14, at 5:15pm in Conference Room 3, Satterlee Hall.

DECEMBER 2015 Mini-Bazaar, 6:15pm on November 29: Any leftover items from the Bazaar

will be for sale in the Youth Center after the 5:30pm Celebration of Holy Eucharist.

Dinner’s Ready! Pickup your meals between 5 and 6pm. $9 per meal. Pre-Order is required; call 864-504-3684. Thursday, December 3, Chef Bill Schwartz California Chicken (boneless), Brown Rice, Squash Casserole, Parmesan Garlic Bread & Key Lime Pie Thursday, December 10, Chef Kari Warren Parmesan Crusted Chicken (boneless), Mac-n-Cheese, Green Beans, Angel Biscuit, Homemade Blondie Thursday, December 17, Chef Mark Mullen Cinnamon Roasted Pork Loin, Holiday Rice, Green Beans, Roll & Crème de Mint Brownie

Bazaar Thank You! Many thanks to all of the volunteers who canned, baked and worked at the Bazaar. Below are a few photos taken at the Bazaar. Please visit our Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/ChurchofAdvent for more.

1st Wednesday Dinner ~ Serve and Be Served: First Wednesday dinner will be on December 2 at 5:45pm. Help us to plan by emailing Elizabeth Gilliam at egilliam@ churchofadvent.org or call 864-504-3692 by noon on Monday, November 30. Children from the Advent Children’s Center will be singing. We will also be packing bags of toiletry items for Mobile Meals recipients. Bishop’s Visitation Bishop Andrew Waldo will be at the Advent on December 6 to confirm adults and youth at the 11:15am service. A reception will follow in the lobby of the Parish and Community Life Center. Fruit of the Spirit - Advent’s Evening Women’s Circle Join us at Gerhard’s at 7:30pm on Wednesday, December 9. Contact Erin Strickland [email protected] or Nicole Brown [email protected] for further details. 3rd Wednesday Dinner ~ Focus on Fellowship Third Wednesday Dinner will be on December 16 at 5:45pm. Help us to plan by emailing Elizabeth Gilliam at [email protected] or call 864-504-3692 by Monday, December 14 at noon. The story of St. Nicholas will be told.

DECEMBER 2015 

MUSIC | MEMORIALS 3

Concerts and Special Services at the Church of the Advent - Sunday December 6 @ 5:30pm – The Sparkle City Brass Quintet, along with organist Brennan Szafron, will be presenting a concert of Advent and Christmas favorites as a benefit for Mary H. Wright Elementary School. A choir from Mary. H. Wright school will also be present. This event is a joint project involving the music department, the outreach commission, and the young families group. The young families of this church will be present for caroling, cookies, and crafts! Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per student, and $20 maximum for a family. They are available before the First Wednesday dinner, after Church services on December 6, at the Advent Shoppe and on our Event Registration page on our website, churchofadvent.org. November 1st Service of Remembrance was a Success! – On Sunday November 1 at 5:30 p.m., 23 adult choir members from churches in the Piedmont convocation along with a 9-piece orchestra gathered at the Church of the Advent to present the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. Over 75 people attended, and the combination of music and spoken word aided many people who remembered lost loved ones. Church of the Advent “Name” Season (also the Season for Singing in a Choir!) – Come join the music program in December, whether you are an adult or child any time between Advent 2 and Christmas Eve! We especially need singers for our adult choirs, and we meet on Wednesdays between 6:30 and 8 pm. The music is lots of fun and not terribly challenging! Please call Brennan Szafron at 864-504-3694 for details. No Occasional Choir in December - The Occasional choir will not sing on the fourth Sunday of December, just so that everyone can “take a break” from the busy Advent season. We will resume in January. Christmas Pageant - “Christmas is Jesus” is the title of this year’s Christmas pageant, and except for the title song contains exclusively familiar Christmas carols. It’ll happen at the 10am service on Sunday December 20. Any child in grades K through 5 may sing in the choir for the pageant. Plcase call 864-504-3694 for more information. Musical Theme for Christmas Eve, “Like Father, Like Son” – Many “giants” in the church music field passed away in 2015, including Sir John Scott, organist/choirmaster of St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, NYC, Ben Hutto, organist of St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, DC, Helen Kemp, founder of Choristers Guild, and Sir David Willcocks, organist/ choirmaster of King’s College, Cambridge, England. This Christmas Eve, I’ve chosen to honor the memory of Sir David, composer of arguably the finest Christmas descants ever, and his son, Jonathan (born 1953 and very much alive) in a program entitled “Like Father, Like Son”. At the 4:30pm service, the Philharmonic Flutes will present a lovely Christmas prelude and at the 7:30 and 11pm services, the combined adult choirs will present a cantata of English carols written by Jonathan entitled “On this Day”, along with the anthem “The Birthday of our Lord” and several descants written by Sir David himself.

December 2015 Flowers

First Sunday in December – December 6 Altar Memorial The flowers adorning the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Dr. Francis N. Belmont by his family Baptismal Font The flowers around the baptismal font are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Steve A. Reynolds and Gladys M. Strout by their family Second Sunday in December – December 13 Altar Memorial The flowers adorning the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of William Alton Crow and Mathilda Dixon Kyser Crow given by their son, George Third Sunday in December – December 20 The flowers adorning the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Theodore W. Gage, Sr., Kate Montgomery Oates Ward and Fred B. Oates, Sr., and George and Elise Gage by their family Christmas Eve – December 24 The flowers that adorn the altar and the baptismal font are given to the glory of God by families honoring their loved ones with Christmas Memorials Fourth Sunday in December – December 27 The flowers adorning the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of William and Grace Rothemich and Austin and Jeanette Sykes by their family in thanksgiving to God for the blessings He gave to us through the life of William Sidney Bagwell, Jr.

4 DECEMBER 2015 CALENDAR HOLIDAY OFFICE SCHEDULE Thursday, Dec. 24 - closed at noon Friday & Monday, Dec. 25 & 28 - closed Thursday, Dec. 31 - closed at 1pm Friday, Jan. 1 - closed MORNING PRAYER is said MondayFriday at 8:15am in Olney Chapel when the church office is open.

Recurring Weekly Activities

Please check with your Ministry Leader for holiday updates Sunday, 4:30pm Youth Choir Mon., Day Off - The Rev. Debbie Apoldo Monday, 5:30pm - AA Monday, 6:30pm ACTS Young Adults Mon., Thurs., Sat. 1:30pm - Al-Anon Tuesday, 7am High School Prayer Breakfast Tuesday morning - Staff Prayer/Meeting Tues., 12:15pm Book & Brown Bag Class Tuesday, 12:30pm Cherub Choir Tuesday, 4:30pm Meditation Group Tuesday, 4:45pm Gabriel’s Instruments Tuesday, 6:30pm St. Cecilia Choir Tuesday, 6:30pm Troop One Meeting

Tuesday, 5:15pm Angel Choir/Junior Choir

Wednesday, 6:30pm Advent Schola

Wednesday, 6:30pm Unplugged Youth Group

Wednesday, 8pm Youth Band Practice Wednesday, 8pm - AA/Al-Anon Thurs., 7am Middle School Prayer B’fast Thursday, 9am Women’s Bible Study Thursday, 6pm Advent Toners Friday, Days Off - The Rev. Ned Morris and The Rev. Steve McGehee *Youth: We meet at Gold’s Gym M-F from 4-6pm unless otherwise noted and/or arranged ahead of time. 1st Sunday of Advent, 29 November SPIHN through December 6 7:45am Holy Eucharist I 9am Holy Eucharist II 10am 1st Sunday of Advent Fellowship

11:15am Holy Eucharist II 5:30pm Celebration of Holy Eucharist and Kickoff to Advent 6:15pm Mini-Bazzaar Tuesday, 1 December 2pm Listening Hearts Group 5pm Advent Shoppe at A Dickens of a Christmas Festival 5:30pm Holy Eucharist & Healing Wednesday, 2 December 5:45pm Wed. Night Dinner/Fellowship 6:30pm Wednesday Night Kids Crew 6:30pm Adult Choirs 7pm Youth Confirmation Rehearsal Thursday, 3 December 7am Men’s Bible Study 12:15pm Holy Eucharist/Healing 5pm Dinner’s Ready Meal Pickup 6pm Nova Scotia Journey Group @Venus 8pm Canterbury-Wofford Saturday, 5 December 9am-12pm Advent Shoppe Holiday Hours 10am-1pm Advent Quiet Day 2nd Sunday of Advent, 6 December 7:45am Holy Eucharist I 8:30am-1pm Advent Shoppe Extended Holiday Hours 9am Holy Eucharist II 10:10am Sunday School for all ages/Bishop’s Forum 11:15am Holy Eucharist II/Confirmation 5:30pm Holiday Brass Concert: Sparkle City Brass Quintet benefiting Mary H. Wright Elementary School 5:30pm Young Families - Concert, Cookies, Cocoa, and Chrismons 6:30pm Middle School Christmas Party Tuesday, 8 December 11:45am Cancer Assoc. Luncheon 5:30pm Holy Eucharist & Healing Wednesday, 9 December 11:45am EpiscoPals 1:15pm St. Francis & St. Clare

4pm Cancer Support Group 6:30pm Bible Challenge Discussion Group 6:30pm Adult Choirs Thursday, 10 December 7am Men’s Bible Study 10am Summit Hills Holy Eucharist 11am Advent Shopppe: Ladies’ Open House 12:15pm Holy Eucharist/Healing 5pm Dinner’s Ready Meal Pickup 7pm 11th & 12th Grade Journey Group 8pm Canterbury-Wofford Saturday, 12 December 8am Saturday Striders 9am-12pm Advent Shoppe Holiday Hours 10am Pilgrimage Turkey Shoot Fundraiser 3rd Sunday of Advent, 13 December 7:45am Holy Eucharist I 8:30am-1pm Advent Shoppe Extended Holiday Hours 8:45am The Brotherhood of St. Andrew 9am Holy Eucharist II 10:10am Sunday School for all ages 11:15am Holy Eucharist I 3:45pm Girl Scout Troop 1664 5:30pm Celebration of Holy Eucharist and Dinner Monday, 14 December 11am ACC Christmas Program 12pm Serendipity and Lunch Bunch Luncheon Tuesday, 15 December 5:30pm Holy Eucharist & Healing Wednesday, 16 December 5:45pm 3rd Wednesday Dinner 6:30pm Kids Crew 6:30pm Adult Choirs Thursday, 17 December 6:45am Men’s Bible Study Breakfast 12:15pm Holy Eucharist/Healing 1pm Staff Christmas Party 4pm Advent Shoppe Men’s Night 5pm Dinner’s Ready Meal Pickup 8pm Canterbury-Wofford Saturday, 19 December 9am-12pm Advent Shoppe Holiday Hours 4th Sunday of Advent, 20 December 7:45am Holy Eucharist I 10am Holy Eucharist II/Pageant 6:30pm Sunday Night ConneXion Tuesday, 22 December 5:30pm Holy Eucharist & Healing 6:30pm Adult Choirs Wednesday, 23 December 5:15pm Angel & Junior Choirs Offsite 6:30pm Bible Challenge Discussion Group

DECEMBER 2015 The Advent’s Eucharistic Visitors: The Hands of God In the final chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciple, Peter, three times, “Do you love me?” With each question, Peter is undoubtedly reminded of each of the three times he had previously denied Christ. And with each question, Jesus shows his desire to effectively reverse Peter’s betrayal by extending unconditional forgiveness. Jesus’ forgiveness, with no strings attached, must have been a comfort to Peter. But comfort was not Jesus’ sole purpose in forgiving his disciple. Even as Jesus comforts, he also calls Peter to action by commanding him to feed his sheep. Jesus’ command demonstrates that Peter has been chosen for a purpose, and that purpose is to go out into the world and spread the good news of the risen Christ! Every Sunday at the Advent our Eucharistic Visitors do exactly what Jesus called Peter to do: They take the goods news of Christ out into the world. What they do is an extension of the Eucharistic feast that we all celebrate every week in church. Eucharistic Visitors take out the consecrated bread and wine from the Advent and serve it immediately to others in a way that draws them back into the life that we all share in this most holy place. By receiving bread and wine that has been consecrated at an earlier service at the Advent, our homebound parishioners are drawn back into our life here in this place—a life all wrapped up in the risen life of Christ. Eucharistic visitation mirrors precisely what Jesus was calling Peter to do. And by extension, we are all called to follow Peter’s example, as he extended his ministry to the wider world. Eucharistic Visitors at the Advent currently include Barbara Boyd, Justin Lovelace, Doris Mathews, Kit Jennings, Carol Ramella and Susan Rankē. Week in and week out, this dedicated team takes the life of Christ out into our community to serve those who cannot be with us on Sunday morning. What Eucharistic Visitors do is indeed holy work, because through their hands the hand of God is extended to others. We thank God for our Eucharistic Visitors. They are a blessing in our midst. In peace, Steve +

For all updates to the Parish Paper Prayer List, please contact Father Steve McGehee at 864-504-3686 or email smcgehee@

churchofadvent.org.

PASTORAL CARE 5 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (as of November 23, 2015) WE ARE ASKED TO REMEMBER THESE PARISHIONERS: Frank Bartel, Fred Butehorn, Judith Chase, Carolyn Doepner, Roland Doepner, Mary Drozdak, Sue Fisher, Ed Hall, Katie Hodge, Max Hollis, Susan Irwin, The Jameson Family, Janice Janiec, Frannie Jordan, Julian Josey, Iris Koon, The Lewis Family, Glenn McGee, Kathleen McGee, Iris Milhous, Cynthia Moseley, Marion Nichols, Fred Oates, Prudy Scott, Susan Taylor, Margaret Toth, Ginger Watson, Nat Watters and Joe Whisenant AND FOR THESE PERSONS: Richard Bagnal, Mary Ellen Bayley, Bill Bean, Ronaldo Bosse, Cody Bowman, Lilly Broughton, Suzanne Wynn Brown, Jim Carlisle, Chase Comer, Rose Connell, Dale Dixon, Dan Davis, Susan Dodge, Garrett Dye, David Foster, Christopher Fudge, Luke Garrison, Cathy Grooms, Art Grotz, Pat Harden, Bob Harter, Cathy Hawkins, Betty Hendrick, Martha Holcombe, Fergie Horvath, Ann Hulstrand, Barbara Humphries, Mary Humphries, Tot Hurteau, George Lawson, Jan Martin, Taylor Martin, Dottie and Mike Mayfield, Christina McRoberts, Elizabeth Moreau, Julia Oates, Jan Porter, Travis Proust, Hunter Stubbs, Donna Teague, Lauren Thomas, John Thad Wade, Catherine Wedge, Don Welch, Lois Wolfe, Steve Woodrow, Justin Daniel Wyatt and Tom Wyatt, Jr. FOR THESE PERSONS SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES: Grant R. Blackwell, Halcott R. Carter (Navy), Jacob Clayton (Army), Jordan Clayton (Army), Robert Gautier, Derrick Gossett, Thomas E. Grubb, Christopher Guyne (Air Force), Emily C. Hall (Navy), Michael R. Hall (Air Force), Alex Holland (Army), Pierce Lee (Marine Corps), Tripp Lynn (Navy), Michael McCraw (Navy), Ashley McGaha, Friedan McLean (Air Force), Brian Parker (Navy), Wayne Pennington (Army), Daniella Roberson, Joshua Scybert (Army), Sean Douglas Shriner, Robert Christian Smith, Jim Duncan Steven (Army) and John Watters (Navy) WE GIVE THANKS FOR THE BIRTH OF THESE CHILDREN: William Fisher Bartee, Mary Ruthenbeck Bauer and Madeline Grace Lounsberry FOR THESE EXPECTANT COUPLES: Winthrop and Heather Allen, Cyrus and Robin Maddox, Will and Brelan Montgomery, Kelsey and Jamey Trotter, Buck and Jean Marie Watkins and Marcus and Laney White FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED:Herbert Hoefer, Nick Mitchell, Marvin Nelson, Lib Neuburger and West Summers And for the people on the confidential Prayer List of the Daughters of the King

6 CHRISTIAN FORMATION

DECEMBER 2015

The Rev. Debbie Apoldo, Associate Rector for Christian Formation During this recent stewardship campaign we heard numerous testimonies about what this parish family means to the individuals and families who had the opportunity to share their experiences. The clergy, members of the stewardship committee, and vestry members have commented about the personal nature of each testimony. Each had a different angle. Each showcased a particular passion. Each was unique. At the same time, though, the theme that came through loud and clear in every case was a theme of community. This is not surprising. Throughout scripture, the theme of community expressed as “a people” (in the Old Testament) and as a koinonia fellowship (in the New Testament) is central. Again, not surprising since God is, God’s own self, a community of love and common purpose as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As Christians we are formed in community. Someone once said there is no such thing as a “Lone Ranger Christian.” Personal devotion is important to our life of faith and there is a time and place for solitude, but community, whether it’s a family, a monastery community, or a church is both foundational and central to our life and growth toward Christ-likeness. Below you will discover upcoming formation opportunities for the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons. I hope you will find something in our plans that will enhance your life in community and most especially your life in relationship with Jesus Christ. Advent Season Kick-Off for All Ages, Sunday, November 29 at 5:30pm – We’ll gather in the Parish and Community Life Center (PCLC) to celebrate and anticipate the weeks leading up to Christmas. This first Sunday in the new church year will find us participating together in a brief worship service. We’ll enjoy a Chili Supper, making of Advent calendars and cookie decorating. Advent Quiet Day, Saturday, December 5 from 10am-1pm – If you know you are going to need a little breathing room during this busy time of year, set aside an hour or more to be at the church on this morning. The Reverend Debbie Apoldo will offer three short meditations based on the Advent themed parable of the Ten Bridesmaids and the cherished Advent Hymn “Sleepers Wake!”. Stop in for an hour or stay for the whole three hours. Devotions will be at the top of each hour. Confirmation, Sunday, December 6 at 11:15am – An outward and visible sign of our life together and of our connection to the larger community of The Episcopal Church, we will welcome Bishop Andrew Waldo to our worship as we celebrate the sacrament of commissioning (Confirmation) of several of our parish family members. Wednesday, December 16 at 5:45pm – All are invited to a fellowship dinner with a special guest. We’ll hear the story of one of the saints of the church whose life launched a larger than life legend. (Hint: this saint wore a miter).

Fellowship Dinner and The Story of Saint Nicholas

Wednesday, December 16, at 5:45pm Come and enjoy a family dinner followed by a classic story about a saint of the Church who tends to get lost in the shadow of Santa - St. Nicholas of Myra. There will be singing and activities for all ages.

Women’s Retreat: Rejoice, Renew, Relate

Friday Evening, January 29, 2016, 5:30pm-8:30pm Saturday, January 30, 8:30am-4pm at The Parish and Community Life Center Speaker and author Susan Yates will lead us in a joy-filled and life-changing time of celebration of our faith, a life-giving understanding of God’s love for us, and inspiring encouragement to cultivate deep, meaningful Christian friendships. Cost is $75.00 (including dinner, breakfast and lunch) and can be paid in installments if needed. Invite friends. Register by contacting Frances Krydynski at [email protected] or online at churchofadvent.org beginning December 7.

DECEMBER 2015

FROM THE RECTOR | UPDATES

Thursday, 24 December Office closed at noon 4:30pm Christmas Eve Service/HE Rite II 7:30pm Christmas Eve Service/HE Rite I with Incense 11pm Christmas Eve Service/HE Rite II with Incense Friday, 25 December - Office Closed 10am Christmas Day Service/HE Rite II Sunday, 27 December 7:45am Holy Eucharist Rite I 10:15am Holy Eucharist Rite II Monday, 28 December - Office Closed Wednesday, 30 December 6am Winter Break Youth Ski Retreat Departure Thursday, 31 December 12:15pm Holy Eucharist/Healing 1pm Office Closed

Reminder: The Parish Paper Submission Deadline will be early Wednesday, December 9.

For more information about the Turkey Shoot, call 864-504-3695. All proceeds benefit the Advent 2016 Youth Pilgrimage.

7

From the Rector continued

Thursdays, December 3, 10 & 17 – 7am Men’s Bible Study in the PCLC 12:15pm Holy Eucharist and Healing Service in Olney Chapel Saturday, December 5 at 10am-1pm – Quiet Day in Olney Chapel Sunday, December 6 – The Second Sunday of Advent 7:45, 9 & 11:15 Holy Eucharist with Bishop Andrew Waldo’s visitation. Bishop Waldo will be our featured guest during the Rector’s Forum at 10:10am in the PCLC. 11:15am Confirmation and Reception of Youth and Adult members followed by a special reception in the PCLC. 5:30-6:30pm in the Church – Mary H. Wright Elementary School Benefit Concert featuring the Mary H. Wright Choir, a Carol Sing-a-Long followed by a seasonal concert by the Sparkle City Brass Quintet. Reception following in the PCLC. Ned+ Stewardship Update: Our 2015 Stewardship Campaign for “My Advent, Your Advent, Our Advent” is successfully approaching the budgetary phase as we move into December. We sincerely appreciate all the work that has been done by all the members of our parish family during this monetarily critical time of the year. Thanks to all of you. As a reminder, we can only budget for 95% of received pledges. Our Church greatly appreciates and encourages all contributions, but it is critical that all our members pledge so that contributions can be part of our annual budget. If you have not done so, please send in your pledge as soon as possible. Respectfully, The Stewardship Commission News From the Archives Team: Although the Advent was extensively involved in supporting our World War I troops while they were stationed at Camp Wadsworth, we have very few documents evidencing that involvement. Please check your attics, basements, and files to see if you may have any old pictures, documents, or other information that may be of help. Many thanks! If you wish to make a memorial or thanksgiving for the 2015 Christmas Altar, please complete the following form and return it, along with your donation, to the church office. (You may also put your completed form and donation in a pew envelope and place it in the offering plate). The deadline for inclusion in the Christmas bulletin is: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 AT 4 PM The flowers that adorn the altar and the church are given to the glory of God and... (check one): □ in loving memory of □ in honor of □ in thanksgiving for Please print names clearly and exactly as they should appear in the bulletin.

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ______________________________ The Episcopal Church of the Advent • 141 Advent Street • Spartanburg, SC 29302 • www.churchofadvent.org

8 CHILDREN & YOUNG FAMILIES |YOUTH First Sunday (December 6) Children’s Special Offering will be canned goods for TOTAL Ministries and St. Matthew’s Food pantry. Both organizations are very low on canned goods. Children can bring their item to the baskets during Children’s Chapel (Jr. Choir members) or during the Offertory. Young Families – December 6 – 5:30-7pm Concert, Cookies, Cocoa and Christmons! 5:30-6pm: Support the Mary H. Wright (MHW) Elementary School concert/ fundraiser that will include performances by MHW students and then a carol sing-a-long with the Sparkle City Brass Quintet. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for Children - $20/Family Max. 6-7pm: We will enjoy cookies, cocoa and decorating Christmons for our church tree. Christmons are Christmas decorations with Christian symbols. Join us for a visit from St. Nicholas! 3rd Wednesday Night Dinner/ December 16/5:45pm Young and Old will enjoy hearing The Legend of St. Nick. You are also invited to bring your family crèche to share as our table centerpieces as we prepare for the Nativity of our Lord. Christmas Pageant/Sunday, December 20/10am Calling all children to participate in this year’s pageant, Christmas is Jesus! Contact Ms. Bauknight if you would like to read in the Pageant or to request a certain role. The Children’s Choirs will all play a role in singing, but choir members can also dress up! Hope to see everyone at this year’s pageant!

DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS (Ages 1-11)

3 - Philip Allen 3 - Anna Hammitt 5 - Noelle Marchand 8 - Merrill Loring 10 - Cecilia Battocchio 10 - Eric Battocchio 14 - Emily Hammitt 21 - Hudson Harvey 22 - Alaina Carter 27 - Gates Myers 29 - James Fulmer 29 - Evans Taylor 29 - Mae Taylor 29 - Knowlton Lee 31 - Worth Montgomery

Youth News The MS Winter Ski Retreat is set to take place on January 15-18, 2016. We will leave church at 4pm Friday January 15 (bring money for dinner) and return 6:30pm Monday January 18. The cost is $275 and includes: Ski/snowboard rental, lift ticket, snow tubing, transportation, 3 nights lodging and 3 evening meals. Just hanging out $55 (includes meals and hotel). Registration forms are available in the youth center and on the church website. Please register by December 9. Youth Vestry Nominations: I am receiving nominations for Youth Vestry Rep. If you have someone you would like to nominate, please send me their names. The youth group will vote on Sunday, December 6 at XCentric - 10am. The 2016 Nova Scotia Pilgrims have two upcoming fundraisers we would like for everyone to support and share with others. We will be selling Christmas wreaths and garlands. Jenny Wakefield is taking orders through December 1. Please patronize us by getting your Christmas greens from the pilgrims. Also, we have our 2nd annual Turkey Shoot competition on December 12 at the Spartanburg Gun Club from 11am to 2pm. Please come out for fun, food and great prizes!

Thanks to everyone who worked at and supported Troop 1’s BBQ Fest!

OUTREACH 9

DECEMBER 2015 Thank you to all who helped with the Mary H. Wright Halloween Party!

Matthew Myers, Hilda Chapman, Cathy Terrell, Joyce Bagnal, Erin Strickland, Becky Bagwell, Donna Traywick, Julie Schwartz, Dede King, Alene Pittman, Dave Rodrick, Jennifer Evins, Ansie Hatchette, Ellen Gould, Suzanne Dantin, Francie Little, Nancy Holmes, Susan Fretwell, Laura Estevez, Megan Rudolph, Teah Pye, Laura Price, Sally Coker, Stephanie Hall, Paige Oberg, Joy Oates, Lynne Blackman and many others that helped provide snacks and other items for the parties!

Thank You Note from Dr. Marc Zachary, Principal of Mary H. Wright Elementary School: “Thank you so much for partnering with us at Mary H. Wright. School has been in session for 3 short months, and we had room mothers for all classrooms for Halloween, members who met us at Camp Greenville, and today we received a check to help pay transportation costs for an upcoming Charleston trip. It’s hard to put into words just how much your help means to us and our students. We now look forward to joining you all for a concert in December. As Thanksgiving and Christmas draw near, please know you are welcome to visit and get to know our kids better. The more you get to know them, the more you’ll want to visit! Thank you again for your kindness! In Christian Love, Marc G. Zachary MHW Principal

Left Photo: And thank you to our Stop Hunger Now volunteers! Wednesday Night Dinner: Come on December 2 to see the Three and Four Year Old Classes from the Advent Children’s Center perform their Christmas program! This will be followed by a group effort to pack 75 Mobile Meals bags for Christmas. Concert Benefit for Mary H. Wright Elementary School – December 6 This concert will feature songs sung by students at Mary H. Wright, sing along Christmas Carols, and music by the Spartanburg Brass Quintet! It is a perfect event for the entire family! $5 per Student, $10 for adults $20 family max.

Christmas Giving Opportunities

Mary H. Wright Christmas Parties – Come help us celebrate Christmas break with the students at Mary H. Wright Elementary school. On December 17 and 18 we will host parties for each classroom. This is a fun way to get to know students and their teachers! If you would like to know more, contact Paige Oberg [email protected] or Laura Estevez [email protected]. Warm Fuzzy Tree - Our Young Adults group (ACTS) will be coming together with the 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School class to put together Warm Fuzzy trees in the Parish and Community Life Lobby, Satterlee Hall, and the Youth Center. This is an opportunity for all to bring warm fuzzy items (socks, gloves, hats, scarves) for the families at Mary H. Wright Elementary School. Mobile Meals Bags – Come to Wednesday night dinner on December 2 to help pack 75 Mobile meals bags for those in need this holiday season. We will pack the bags with items such as shampoo and toothpaste. We will pack the bags after our program with the Advent Children’s Center Children and families! Call for Canned Goods – There is a huge need for food at both TOTAL Ministries and St. Matthew’s Food Pantry. These are our food bank partners and they have been running low on supplies for this critical time of year. Please pick up a few extra things on sale next time you are at the store and bring them to us. There is an especially big need for protein; beans, peanut butter, or meats. This will also be our 1st Sunday Children’s offering for December. Mission Opportunity: Ecuador – July 21-28, 2016 – Come see God’s kingdom at work in a new kind of way through helping the less fortunate in Ecuador, South America. This team will join together with an Episcopal Church in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Last year we were able to build the supports for a new roof and help with programming for children, youth and adults! This year will be even better!! To secure your spot a $100 deposit is due by December 20, 2015. If we do not have enough deposits by the end of the year the trip will be cancelled. Contact Laura Estevez for more information.

141 Advent Street | Spartanburg SC | 29302

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Spartanburg, SC Permit No. 45

Address Service Requested

10 PARISH MANAGEMENT |LITURGY



The Episcopal Church of the Advent Analysis of Revenues & Expenses September 2015 YTD Actual LY Actual

YTD Total Pledge Contribution $1,150,112.09 $1,116,178.81

$1,313,266.81 $1,289,615.36 $1,364,812.65 $1,347,249.35

YTD Total Revenues YTD Expenses

Commission/Team Meetings Tuesday, December 1 3pm Liturgy



Wednesday, December 2 5:30pm Stewardship Monday, December 7 5pm Foundation Board Wednesday, December 9 4:45pm Altar Guild Board Monday, December 14 5:30pm Parish Management Tuesday, December 22 6:15pm Vestry

DECEMBER 2015 2015 VESTRY MEMBERS SENIOR WARDEN Larry Moore | [email protected] SENIOR WARDEN-ELECT Charles King |[email protected] JUNIOR WARDEN John Coleman | [email protected] VESTRY Bear Boyd | [email protected] John Brown | [email protected] J.D. Copeland | [email protected] Sam Galloway | [email protected] Stephanie Hall | [email protected] Melissa Johnson | [email protected] Judy Lowry | [email protected] Cathy McCabe | [email protected] Ruthie Oates | [email protected] Robert W. Page III | [email protected] Julie Schwartz | [email protected] Erin Strickland | [email protected] BubbaWolfe | [email protected]