Begin 2012 with Worship
December 29, 2011
New Year’s Day
January 1, 2012
Holy Communion
11:15 AM
One service only
Begin the year with worship and Communion with the Lord.
Two from Galilee: Book Review by Anita Forbes
December 29, 2011
Two from Galilee is available in the All Saints Bookstore
Marjorie Holmes brings to life a love story between Mary, a virgin teenager, and Joseph, a carpenter. Their divine love story was entwined in the culture of that era, family conflict, and the prophetic birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are given a gracious glimpse of what the lives of Mary and Joseph might have been like as they lived day to day in preparation for their life together. But one day their lives took a drastic change when an angel appeared to Mary and announced her calling to be the blessed mother of a son, whom she was to name Jesus, who was destined to save His people from sin. Take a moment this Christmas season to read a story that will truly give a life changing perspective of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Then shout “Emmanuel! God is with us!”
Marjorie Holmes also wrote a sequel, Three from Galilee, which depicts the life of Jesus as he was growing up.
Women’s Winter Retreat by Anita Forbes
December 28, 2011
There was a lot of snugglin’ going on at the All Saints Winter Retreat, held December 2nd and 3rd. Up to 35 women attended the retreat. Many brought snuggly blankets and all received a pair of snuggly socks to wear during the retreat. This retreat offered a time for the women of All Saints to fellowship while sharing snacks and a meal together.
We learned what it means to be a True Woman through video teachings, first by Mary Kassian, who asked if we describe ourselves as a wild woman or as a wise woman. She took us through Proverbs 7 to contrast wildness and wisdom. We learned how to display godly wisdom in a world gone wild. Secondly, we learned the difference between happiness and joy from Pastor James MacDonald who explained that discovering the difference will transform our lives. He discussed how to endure trials with joy as he shared honestly from his own life. Finally, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, of Revive Our Hearts, showed how True Women have a huge influence on the world around us. We don’t have to be involved in politics, economics, or culture to affect the world. Nancy Leigh DeMoss says when you embrace Biblical truth and act on it, this will impact the world around you in surprising ways.
Anita Forbes facilitated small group discussions about the characteristics of a good relationship, then reviewed what that looks like as we build our relationships with each other, our family and friends, and most importantly with the Lord. With the help of Carolyn Mayclin, we worshiped the Lord in song (or for some of us, with a joyful noise!). The retreat concluded with the song “Bind Us Together” as we held hands, making a thoughtful commitment to each other. This is only the beginning of what is to come for the women of All Saints. Everyone walked into the retreat in shoes that had carried them on various paths in life, and they walked out in the same shoes, choosing to walk a new life in Christ.
Please feel free to check out the “Revive Our Hearts” website. It is a great resource for women! You can find it at: www.reviveourhearts.com.
Many thanks go out to Christie Harper for co-coordinating plans for the retreat and purchasing the food. Also, to Robyn Tate for her awesome tortilla soup and for making some beautiful bookmarks and goodie bags. And to Gaya Hamilton for co-coordinating plans for the retreat, decorating the Elisha house to promote coziness and a homelike environment, and for helping facilitate discussion. And finally, to Carolyn Mayclin for providing inspiring music and song and to Katie and Christie for assisting with babysitting.
Rector’s Devotional: Real Santa
December 27, 2011
Bible Reading: ““Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, ‘“YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”–Matthew 22:36-40
Bonus Reading: Galatians 6:9-10
He’s everywhere. Red suit. Giant head of white hair and a beard that would make ZZ Topp jealous. Children flock to him with Christmas gift desires. Sweet. But not the real St. Nick at all. He is most definitely not what people picture at the mention of his name.
Other than his generosity and a white beard, the real St. Nicholas bears little resemblance to Santa Claus. The 4th century Bishop of Myra, St. Nicholas, was a man of the people who spent his days among those people. In fact, St. Nicholas spent more time at the local docks than in a cathedral. No doubt, this is where St. Nicholas learned to box. That’s right…I said “box.” As in fists. Not exactly the magical elf of common culture (and commercial advertising)!
Born to wealthy parents sometime between 260 and 280 A.D., St. Nicholas was orphaned as a teen by a plague.
Raised to be a devout Christian, Nicholas sold most of his inheritance and used the proceeds to ease the plight of the sick and needy of Myra. Unusual though it was for a layman to become a bishop, legend has it that Nicholas was extended the office after rescuing a sailor injured in a storm. After securing medical attention for the man at his own expense, Nicholas went to the chapel to give thanks. Upon his arrival, the church elders offered him the job. There is little doubt that Nicholas’ history of generosity in Myra and the exaltations of the rescued sailor had much to do with the unusual selection of layman Nicholas.
Myra (modern Demre, Turkey) was a Byzantine trade center on the southwest coast of Asia Minor. It was an important stop on the Constantinople-Alexandria route and had an impressive harbor. Many stories of St. Nicholas center on the port. This may have less to do with St. Nicholas’ famed mercy and more to do with his own self-interest. This patron saint of sailors and merchants very likely owned a fleet of ships. After all, to be that generous, Nicholas needed a source of income. So, he came to ministry with his own bankroll. This qualified him as a pragmatic businessman, who just wanted to reach out and help. But he wasn’t soft and cuddly.
Dealing with Byzantine sailors was a hands-on job. St. Nicholas, hardened by imprisonment under Diocletian, knew how to handle himself in a fight. Modern forensic facial reconstruction of the relic-skull of St. Nicholas, now in Bari, Italy, reveals a stout man with a bent nose, the result of several breaks. Being the genuine man of his roots, St. Nicholas didn’t leave his common ways behind when attending to Church matters.
Constantine convened the Council at Nicaea in 325 to settle the Arian controversy. During a heated debate with Arius, Nicholas, indignant at Arius’ unyielding and heretical obstinacy, punched him in the face. Though secretly thankful, the emperor had no choice but to strip Nicholas of his bishopric. So, Bishop Nick became plain ol’ Nick again.
But the people loved and venerated him for his giving nature. The Greek name for St. Nicholas is Agios Nikolaos, meaning “holy nicholas,” which, given his physical nature, may seem unlikely for this all–too–human churchman. However, the real St. Nicholas lived up to his name every day of his life. When famine threatened Myra, St. Nicholas persuaded the ships in port to each donate a portion of their grain shipment bound for Alexandria. It is likely he demanded the donation since the ships may have been his own. The grain saved Myra from starvation and, if the legend is to be believed, the ships arrived in Alexandria with their holds missing no grain.
What does this mean to the 21st Century Christian looking for the real meaning of Christmas? First, be who you are, but do what Jesus said when asked what the greatest Commandment was: Love the Lord your God with all that we are, and our neighbors as ourselves–on these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets–all God’s standards, promises, and accountability. That’s the real lesson of the real St. Nick–be ferocious in faith, but still generously giving…loving God first, and then His Creation, with all that we are. That’s how we get His great gift of peace on earth and goodwill towards men.
Practically, this means making God first in this season, not an afterthought. And it means loving our neighbors as ourselves, practicing that first in the household of Faith. Stand fast for the Faith, even when it means conflict. Run the race. Give of ourselves in this season, like the real St. Nick–generous to a fault, spending his life in service to his community. He defended his faith even if it meant a punch in the face.
Now, I’m not suggesting that everyone go out and punch a heretic like St. Nick did. But we can stand for what’s right in our society and still take time to reach out to those who need a helping hand.
Oh, and if you get boxing gloves for Christmas, the giver may know the history of the broken-nosed Bishop of Myra.
Pray about it: “How can I give of myself and stand for my faith?”
Food Pantry Donation Sunday January 1
December 26, 2011
Our last All Saints Food Pantry Donation Sunday on December 4 was a blessing for our food pantry. We collected 208 rolls of toilet paper for those in need. Praise the Lord! Thank you to everyone who donated to support our food pantry needs.
Our next Food Pantry Donation Sunday will be on Sunday, January 1, 2012. Our All Saints Food Pantry is asking for donations of bottled salad dressing. Donations can be placed in the donation bin in Ballard Hall.
For more information about our Food Pantry, contact Bill Wimp @ outreach@allsaintsanglican.net.
Liturgy Lesson for the Fourth Sunday in Advent: Conversion
December 18, 2011
In Advent spirituality, we meditate on Christ’s birthing in our hearts. In this, we deal with the conversion of life—the movement away from our old life, lived under the power of evil—to a new life lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. True conversion is a turning from one way of life to another. Christ calls us to be converted to Him, making him the pattern of our lives, our living and dying in Him. This can only be accomplished as we completely submit to Him and live our lives in respect to His paschal mystery and by the example He left for us to follow. In Advent we review, once again, where our faith rests and how we live. “Trust in Jesus” is not merely a onetime act, but a continuous choice, a moment-by-moment existence in Him. It’s a daily turning from a life lived for self to a life lived in step with the Spirit who continually molds us, if we will allow Him to do so, to be like Jesus.
Christmas Worship Schedule
December 17, 2011
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
Saturday, December 24, 10:30 PM
Christmas Day Said Mass
Sunday, December 25, 11:00 AM
New Year’s Day Mass
Sunday, January 1, 2012, 11:00 AM
Offices closed December 26-January 3
Mass for St. Thomas the Apostle, Wednesday Noon
December 17, 2011
There will be a mass at noon on Wednesday, December 21st for St. Thomas the Apostle.
The Wednesday Night Supper Club will meet as usual at 6 PM for potluck and Bible Study, followed by Compline at 7:15 PM.
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
December 15, 2011
The Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord
Saturday, December 24 – Sunday, December 25, 2011
10:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Candlelight Service of the Eucharist
Prelude Music: A Christmas Tribute by Grace Rains Brass, under the leadership of Mr. Marc Lumley
Blessing of the Creche
Holy Communion: all baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord’s Table
Anthems by the All Saints Choir: In the Bleak Midwinter and The Infant King
Lighting of the Congregational Candles during the singing of Silent Night after Holy Communion
Outreach to Strong Foundation Ministries
December 14, 2011
Come be a part of our next All Saints Outreach to Strong Foundation Ministries and join us as we provide child care for their kids, while their parents are in class on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Strong Foundation Ministries is located at 414 N. Hackberry, San Antonio, TX.
Strong Foundation Ministries has served 84 families, 357 people (152 adults and 205 children), so far this year. Thanks to everyone who has supported this ministry to help families and single women with children find the “Strong Foundation” that is Jesus Christ.
Contact Bill Wimp, outreach@allsaintsanglican.net, for more information.
