VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
DECEMBER 2016
DECEMBER 2016
CHURCH NEWSLETTER
Grace Church in Haddonfield
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Inside this issue:
Our Staff
2
Vestry
3
From the
Rector
4
OMG
5
Reflections
7
Worship
9
Music Ministry
20
Christian
Formation
25
Stewardship
28
Grace
Christmas
31
Grace Groups
32
Events
34
November
Photos
39
Intercessions
45
December
Calendar
46
Looking Ahead 47
2017
Wednesday, December 21
7 pm Blue Christmas
Saturday, December 24
4 pm Christmas Pageant & Holy Communion
7 pm Festive Christmas Liturgy
10:30 pm Festive Christmas Liturgy
Sunday, December 25
10 am Festive Christmas Liturgy
No Church School, No Youth Choirs
CAMDEN CHRISTMAS
We are in the final days of preparation for Camden Christmas 2016. I feel like I
could quote “The Night Before Christmas” (with some changes) and pass the
excitement along to each of you. It would show that we are just days before St
Nicholas Sunday. Everyone involved is poised to listen to each child’s gift
request. Rowan University students are ready for the first round of shopping.
Elizabeth and her team are ready (and you can join them) for the second round,
which will begin early on December 26!
Then comes the sorting and wrapping and placing everything in hiding – waiting
for January 8 and the arrival of the Three Kings (on horseback) at St Andrews!
Yes – we are excited, in case you could not tell!
You can still contribute to Camden Christmas, and we do need your gifts!
Checks can be made out to “Grace Church” with Camden Christmas written in
the note section. Cash is also appreciated! The latest tally of children is 142
and counting! We may double the number of children this year from last year,
so anything you can do would be appreciated.
Thank you for your generosity and – Merry Christmas!- Deacon Carl
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH
NEWSLETTER
Our Staff
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Our Vestry
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 3
From the Rector
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 4
FROM THE RECTOR BY FATHER PAT CLOSE
Dear Friends in Christ:
My wife Diane complained this year when Christmas items starting showing up in
stores before Halloween! For her, focusing on Christmas doesn’t begin until “Santa
Claus comes down 5th Avenue at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade!” We always
seem to be in a rush to get to Christmas: the shopping; the holiday parties; the trips to
visit relatives and friends; and then … Christmas morning. After that, there is the big
sigh and crash as everyone collapses! Another Christmas has come and gone.
Christmas is not about shopping, decorations (I saw Christmas lights up on a house in
October) or many of the other things we think are so important. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of
Jesus Christ. As Christians, we believe that God choose to come among us in human flesh. The birth of
Jesus ushers in a new age and the promise of a new life. It’s a celebration … and God’s gift to the world, the
ultimate gift … a child.
The Christmas story in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell us about the humble beginnings of Jesus’ life.
There are stars and shepherds, wise men and angels, but behind the Gospel stories is the truth that Jesus
has come to save us. Christmas is about God’s desire to help set the world right, to restore our relationship
with the Holy One, to show us a better way of being the people of God.
Christmas does bring something out in us, something other than the hustle and bustle, the frayed nerves and
the overspending. Christmas stirs generosity in the hearts of many people. Churches and non profits try at
this time of year to ease the hunger and suffering of many people, and that is the Christmas Spirit. Charles
Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a favorite story about how Christmas can change people from a penny
pinching, people hating grouch into a loving, generous lover of humankind.
Christmas is meant to change us … in a good and positive way. Christmas is about God’s love come to us in
a child, a new life. Christmas is meant to be a change of heart in us that makes us see human need and
seek to respond to it. Jesus is God’s gift to change our lives and make us more caring, more loving and more
human!
The world is obsessed with power, wealth and control. God seeks to bring us compassion, love, forgiveness,
redemption and new life. The world wants a brief, flashy show that is gone by December 26 th. God is
seeking changed hearts and lives that make the world over in the image of the Kingdom of God. Christmas is
not just one day, it is the beginning of a new way of being in the world. It all starts with the birth of Jesus.
I’m not opposed to decorations, gifts, parties, feast and visits. I happen to like all that stuff! My hope is that we
let this Christmas be one that changes our hearts and lives and brings us closer to God. This is the year to
make Christmas more than just a day, but the start of a new relationship with God. This is the year to see
that the child Jesus is bringing us life, hope, peace and love … and to embrace it.
May you and your loves ones celebrate a blessed Christmas this year!
With warmest regards, I remain, faithfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Pat
OMG
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 5
OMG BY DEACON CARMEN
Christmastime is that beautiful time of the year where many of our strongest memories
reside. As children, December is remembered as an almost magical time when our
deepest desires have the potential to become reality. As children everything seems
larger than life...the world seems to stand still. There is excitement in the air, there is
peace, there is love. As families and communities we re-create this experience for one
another at Christmastime - Trees, Lights, Presents, Food, Family, A Baby - Hope!
Many of us prepare all month (if not sooner) for this holiday. As Christians we also
prepare all month for this Holyday. During Advent we prepare our hearts, minds and
bodies for the coming of the Lord. We look for that day when God will be with us Emmanuel! The goal is that the holiday and Holyday become entwined somewhere
along the way. It's easy for us to get so caught up in the preparations that we lose the real miracle of this Holy
Day Season.
The decorations are there to distract us from our day to day existence - our routines, our jobs, our labels and
the day to day stresses that seem to endlessly bombard us at times. These are the things we believe our lives
are about. The decorations are there to snap us out of the hypnotic quality of the world. The presents we
share reminds us that it's not about us, but about giving and sharing what we have with others. We focus on
others by giving of our time, our resources and our selves - our love, God's love, poured out into the world.
The family feast shared becomes a sacred and communal act of love that is shared. During this time we share
our love with those we love and those who love us, and perhaps even with those outside our own families.
These elements combine to bring families and people together at a much deeper level than we see in our dayto-day way of life. They also bring us in communion with God, through Christ being with us in Spirit. When
Christmas is experienced this way, it becomes magical and otherworldly, sacred and holy. Being in
communion with God and each other, we receive a glimpse of heaven, the kingdom of God here and now!
Our children, without the filters of our daily burdens and routines, immediately grasp the "spirit" of this season
and at once feel connected to their loved ones and to the unseen parent who is reflected in the joy of those
around them. Our children inherently connect to the Christmas Spirit (the Spirit of Christ) made manifest in the
world at this time.
We come to realize that the overwhelming love of God is experienced when we see our lives as the real
illusion. When we give to others in selfless acts and when we share communal love with one another, we
come to see that the kingdom of God is within reach...within us. This is where God is - Emmanuel - God with
us...always!
Each Sunday when we enter the church - the decorations distract us from our daily routines. We leave our
earthly ties outside. Here we give of ourselves - to each other and to God. We offer presents upon the altar.
We share in the sacrificial feast given in love to a community of love. When experienced this way, each
Sunday too becomes holy and sacred. This is when we see God in the mass, in our neighbors and in
ourselves.
Here we come to realize that God is, was, and will be with us always - Emmanuel! We remember each
Sunday, and we remember each Christmastime. This is why people who spend Christmas alone sometimes
feel disconnected and deeply troubled. They see themselves as apart from this communal love that's all
around them. They fail to realize that God is with them too. At Christmas we must reach out and reconnect
with those who seem alone at this time.
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DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH
NEWSLETTER
OMG
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(Continued from page 5)
This peace, this stillness, this feeling of being at One in love with all of creation, this feeling of unconditional
love and giving to one another, this shalom is the real gift we give to our children and to one another. Just
as this is the real gift God gives to each of his children, THIS IS CHRISTMASTIME! Right here is
Emmanuel - Right here is God with us - his children. Shalom!
Your faithful servant,
carmen
SIGNS AND WONDERS
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Message on a Public Storage Sign in Dover, DE,: “It’s beginning to cost a lot like Christmas.”
Sign outside a Church in Winterpark, FL: “A Christian is an up-right-side person in an upside down world.”
Sign outside a Church in Mission, KS: “Come as you are. You can change on the inside.”
Sign outside a Church in Stoystown, PA: “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”
Sign outside a Church in Cleveland, OH: ”God’s garden: Lettuce be kind. Squash gossip. And turnip for
Church.”
Sign outside a Church in Boone, IA: “Pessimists need a kick in the can’ts.”
Bumper sticker on a car in NJ: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, there will be peace
in the world.”
Reflections
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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
REFLECTIONS BY DEACON CARL
Ellie and I are preparing a lecture that she will give at the Dickens’s Extravaganza in
Cape May this year. While going through some “Victorian” history of how Christmas
cards came about and how they changed Christmas carols, I was reminded of the
true story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s role in writing the words to one of my
favorite Christmas carols.
I thought you might enjoy reading it, and I know it will
change the way you will sing it this year.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Tragedy struck the home of American's most popular poet. On July 9, 1861, Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow’s wife, Fanny, was near an open window sealing the locks of
her daughter's hair in a packet, using hot sealing wax. It was never known whether a
spark from a match or the sealing wax was the cause, but suddenly her dress caught
fire and engulfed her with flames. Her husband, sleeping in the next room, was
awaked by her screams. He desperately tried to put out the fire and save his wife. He
was severely burned on his face and hands. She, tragically burned, slipped into a
coma the next day and died. His grievous burns would not even allow him to attend
her funeral. He seemed to lock the anguish within his soul. Because he continued to
work at his craft, only his family knew of his personal suffering. They could see it in
his eyes and observe his long periods of silence. His white beard, so identified with
him, was one of the results of his tragedy-the burn scars on his face made shaving
almost
impossible.
Although a legend in his own time, he still needed the peace that God gives to His
children. At age 57, on Christmas Day, three years following the horrible accident he
sat down to capture, if possible, the joys of the season. He began:
"I heard the bells on Christmas day.
Their old familiar carol play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men"
As he came to the third stanza he was stopped by the condition of his beloved
country. The Civil War was in full swing. The Battle of Gettysburg was not long past.
Days looked dark, and he probably asked himself the question, "How can I write
about 'peace on earth, good will to men' in this war-torn country, where brother fights
against brother and father against son?" But he kept on writing-and what did he
write?
"And in despair I bowed my head:
'There is no peace on earth', I said,
'For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men!"
It seems as if he could have been writing these words for us today! Longfellow then
turned his thoughts to God, the only One who can give true and perfect peace, and
continued writing:
(Continued on page 8)
Reflections
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
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from page 7)
"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."
As so we have the marvelous Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". A musician, J. Baptiste
Calkin, wrote the musical setting that has helped make this carol a favorite. by Lindsay Terry
Practice living in Peace this season and carry it into the new year.
Deacon Carl
KATE MYERS RETIRING JANUARY 6, 2017
Kate Myers, who has been the Parish Secretary at Grace Church for 23 years, will be
retiring on Friday, January 6, 2017. Kate will be staying home to help care for her
new granddaughter Miri. We send Kate off with prayers for a long and happy
retirement and will miss her greatly.
Jeanne Mugler will be collecting a retirement purse for Kate. You can contact Jeanne
at the church office 856.429.0007 or [email protected].
Worship
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PARISH HOUSE EUCHARIST
Join us on Sunday, December 4, at 9:30 a.m. in the Grace Performance
Hall for the December Parish House Holy Communion. We will be
celebrating the Feast of Saint Nicholas and hoping for a special visitor.
Children of all ages are welcome at this service. It is designed specially
to include our youngest members.
After the service, we will celebrate December birthdays in the second
floor open space with cake and ice cream.
Our January Parish Holy Communion will be January 1, 2017, at 10
a.m. in the Grace Performance Hall for everyone. All are invited and
encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas and bring a favorite pillow as
we begin the New Year with worship.
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE
Wednesday, December 21 at 7 p.m.
Christmas can be a somber time of year for some. They are grieving the
loss of a loved one, and the pain is acute during the Christmas season.
We recognize this and offer a “Blue Christmas” service for those dealing
with the hurt and suffering they are experiencing. This service is open to
anyone who might benefit from this pastoral service. Please speak with
Father Pat if you have any questions.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Saturday, December 24, 4 p.m.
Join the children of Grace Church as they reenact the Christmas Nativity.
All of the children of Grace Church and adults are invited to participate in
the service. Tweens and Teens are needed to volunteer as readers for the
pageant. Costumes will be available beginning Sunday, December 18, in
the Parish Hall. We will also need volunteers to process with our nativity
figures for the blessing of the crèche. For more information or if you would
like to volunteer, please contact Betsy Murphy by phone 856.433.2151 or
email [email protected].
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DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH
NEWSLETTER
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FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LITURGY AND HOLY COMMUNION
Saturday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.
The 7:00pm service is a traditional service of Festive Holy Communion.
Christmas carols and hymns will be led by the organ, and special performances
are offered by professional singers (provided for by the Grace Music Fund). The
service concludes with a candlelit singing of Silent Night.
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LITURGY AND HOLY COMMUNION WITH CHOIR
Saturday, December 24, 10:30 p.m.
The 10:30pm service is a traditional Festive Holy Communion. It is celebrated as
a Solemn High Mass, including sung liturgy and incense. Christmas Carols and
Hymns will be led by the organ, full choir, and handbell ensemble. The service
concludes with a candlelit singing of Silent Night.
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LITURGY AND HOLY COMMUNION
Sunday, December 25, 10:00 a.m.
This is a quiet but festive service celebrating the Feast of the Incarnation, the
birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas carols and hymns will be led by the organ.
PLEASE NOTE: Christmas is on a Sunday. There will be no regular Sunday
services, but a only the 10:00 a.m. Festive Liturgy.
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TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Dennis Bratcher
The Twelve Days of Christmas is probably the most misunderstood part of the church year among Christians
who are not part of liturgical church traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve
days before Christmas, but in most of the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the
beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th). In some
traditions, the first day of Christmas begins on the evening of December 25th with the following day
considered the First Day of Christmas (December 26th). In these traditions, the twelve days begin December
26 and include Epiphany on January 6.
In the Western church, Epiphany is usually celebrated as the time the Wise Men or Magi arrived to present
gifts to the young Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12). Traditionally there were three Magi, probably from the fact of three
gifts, even though the biblical narrative never says how many Magi came. In some cultures, especially
Hispanic and Latin American culture, January 6th is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the
Kings (Span: la Fiesta de Reyes, el Dia de los Tres Reyes, el Dia de los Reyes Magos;
Dutch: Driekoningendag). Even though December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in these cultures, January
6th is often the day for giving gifts. In some places it is traditional to give Christmas gifts for each of the
Twelve Days of Christmas. Since Eastern Orthodox traditions use a different religious calendar, they
celebrate Christmas on January 7th and observe Epiphany or Theophany on January 19th.
By the 16th century, some European and Scandinavian cultures had combined the Twelve Days of
Christmas with (sometimes pagan) festivals celebrating the changing of the year. These were usually
associated with driving away evil spirits for the start of the new year.
The Twelfth Night is January 5th, the last day of the Christmas Season before Epiphany (January 6th).
Twelfth Night often included feasting along with the removal of Christmas decorations. Many European
celebrations of Twelfth Night included a King's Cake, remembering the visit of the Three Magi, and ale or
wine. (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA).
In some cultures, the King's Cake was part of the celebration of the day of Epiphany.
The popular song with secular origins, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense
song for children. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction, perhaps dating to
the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Christian
Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love"
mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents
refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect
of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.
However, many have questioned the historical accuracy of this origin of the song “The Twelve Days of
Christmas.” While some have tried to debunk this as an "urban myth" out of personal agendas, others have
tried to deal with this account of the song's origin in the name of historical accuracy (see Snopes on The 12
(Continued on page 12)
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH
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from page 11)
Days of Christmas). There is little "hard" evidence available either way. Some church historians affirm this
account as basically accurate, while others point out apparent historical and logical discrepancies.
The reality is that the "evidence" for both perspectives is mostly in logical deduction and probabilities. Lack
of positive evidence does not automatically provide negative evidence. On the other hand, logical deduction
and probability do not provide proof either.
Many of the symbols of Christianity were not originally religious, including even the present date of
Christmas, but were appropriated from contemporary culture by the Christian Faith as vehicles of worship
and proclamation. Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God's grace, through one more avenue
during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Now, when they hear what they once thought was only a secular
"nonsense song," they will be reminded in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways
in their lives and in our world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas anyway?
Excerpt from: Dennis Bratcher. "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The Twelve Days of Christmas. N.p., n.d.
Web. 21 Nov. 2016.
CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS
Christmas celebrates the incarnation of God in the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A great many symbols
used during this season help us understand this wonderful miracle. The word “Christmas” comes from the
old English “christmasse” which means Christ’s Mass. Listed below are many of the Christmas symbols.
Enjoy them and look for them!
Angels – The angels are messengers from God (Greek, “angelos” means “messenger.”).
Gabriel brings Mary the news of her pregnancy with the Christ child (Luke 1:26-31). Angels
bring the news of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14). The Christmas angels
bring us the news of God’s gift of Jesus to the world.
Apple – The apple is the fruit of the Paradise Tree according to tradition. It is used as a symbol
of Christ, the new, or second, Adam. It was a common medieval practice to decorate
Christmas trees with apples.
Blue (the color) - Blue is the color of the Virgin Mary. Virgins in the time of Jesus wore blue garments to
denote their state to the society.
Candles – Candles remind us that Jesus is the light given to the world (John 8:12, Luke 228-32). Jesus is
the light of God that dispels the darkness of the world that threatens to overcome us. Many
homes put candles in their windows to continue this common practice. We have expanded it
to include Christmas tree lights (earlier Christmas trees were decorated with candles) and
lights hung outside of our homes. Whatever light source we use, they are meant to remind us
of the light of Jesus Christ come into our lives.
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Chrismons – Chrismons are symbols about Jesus that are used as Christmas tree
ornaments. They include stars, candles, mangers, crosses, shepherd’s crooks, and more.
Christmas Tree – The tree is an ancient religious symbol. The Tree of Life enjoyed great
popularity for many centuries (Genesis 2:15-17). In medieval times, it was known as the Tree
of Paradise that pointed the faithful towards new life in God with Jesus Christ. Roman and
Germanic customs used evergreen trees during the winter to remind them of the green of
spring and summer (the seasons of life).
Crèche – Jesus was born in a stable, in a manger, signs of his humble birth. Churches in
Rome early on set up scenes to recall the birth of the Christ Child. It was quickly adopted by
Christians and appeared in their homes around the season of Christmas (Matthew 2:1-7).
Daisy – The daisy appeared in medieval paintings of the Nativity. It came to symbolize
innocence. It reminds us of the story of Herod’s murder of the innocent children after Jesus’
birth (Holy Innocents, observed on December 28th, Matthew 2:16-18)
Evergreens – Christmas evergreens and garlands are Greek and Roman customs that have
been carried over into Christianity. They were used at New Year celebrations to remind
people of the continuation of life during the bleakness of winter. Early on they were decorated
with strings of fruit.
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Frankincense – Frankincense was made of gum and spices that may be burned to produce a fragrant smoke
known as “incense.” It is used primarily in worship as an offering to the Divine. It was one of
the three gifts of the Magi, noting that Jesus was worthy of worship (Matthew 2:11).
Gifts – The first Christmas gift was Jesus (John 3:16). Later in the Christmas story we hear of the Magi
bringing gifts to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:11). Gift giving recalls the gift of
God given to us in Jesus Christ. Our gifts are meant to reflect this divine love that is intended
for all the peoples of the earth. Legend has it that St. Nicholas secretly gave gifts to children in
Myra to keep them out of poverty.
Glastonbury Thorn – This is a hawthorn bush that blooms at Christmas time. According to
legend, Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:39), the man who took Jesus’ body after the crucifixion,
migrated to England. He settled in Glastonbury. When he stuck his staff into the ground there,
a tree grew and bloomed at Christmas.
Gold – Gold has long been a symbol of power and wealth. It was owned principally by the
royalty in Jesus’ time. It was one of the three gifts of the Magi, symbolizing Jesus’ kingship
and kingdom (Matthew 2:11).
Holly - Holly (“Ilex”) has thorny green leaves and red berries. It reminds us of the crown of thorns and the
drops of blood shed by Jesus at his death. This evergreen reminds us that Christmas is only
the beginning of the Christ story. Holly reminds us that Jesus was born to suffer death for us.
Hymns – The Christmas hymns are #77-#115 in the hymnal. They retell parts of the Christmas story set to
words and songs. It became a practice in the early Church to gather for Worship services and
sing the Psalms. Later, hymns were written and added to the worship services. It is said that
they who sing, pray twice!
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Jesse Tree – Jesse was the father of King David. He lived in Bethlehem, the city of Jesus’
birth. The lineage of Jesus is traced back through David to Jesse (Matthew 1:6ff; Luke 2:4ff).
The Hebrew prophets spoke of a Messiah that would come to save the people of God (Isaiah
11:1). The Jesse tree reminds us of the family tree of which Jesus was part. It reminds us
that he was the one promised by Holy Scripture to save us. It also points us towards the
humanity of Jesus.
Laurel – This popular Christmas decoration has Greek and Roman roots. It was used at
New Year celebrations to make wreaths for victors in sporting events. Laurel symbolizes
triumph and victory. It also reminds us of eternity and everlasting life (2 Corinthians 9:24-27).
Laurel reminds us that Jesus is the one through whom God will triumph over the powers of
sin and darkness.
Mistletoe – Mistletoe is a Scandinavian tradition connected with the death of one of their
gods. Christians would absorb the symbol into their culture to represent joy and good will.
Some people believe the religious practice of the kiss of peace (Romans 16:16, I
Corinthians 16:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:26) contributed to the present day custom of kissing
beneath the mistletoe.
Myrrh – Myrrh is an Asian or Arabic gum resin. Its taste is bitter and ancient people
valued it for perfumes. It was used in Jesus’ time to anoint the bodies of those who died.
It symbolizes the suffering and death that Jesus will undertake for our salvation.
Peacock – The peacock is a symbol of immortality and eternal life. It began to appear in
medieval nativity scenes. It reminds us of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Poinsettia – The poinsettia is a common Christmas flower. It blooms at Christmas time.
The red and green colors of the flower remind us of everlasting life made known in the
Resurrection and the suffering of Jesus at the Crucifixion.
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(Continued from page 15)
Pomegranate – The pomegranate is a fruit that symbolizes hope for resurrection. It comes from the
classical myth of Persephone. She was married to Pluto, god of the underworld. According
to the story, when her mother asked for her to return to the upper world, Pluto conceded.
However, Persephone ate the pomegranate seeds, and thus was compelled to return to
underworld. Her return to the upper world was marked by the return of vegetation (spring and
summer). It reminds us of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Rose (Christmas) – A white rose, “helleborus niger”, is called the Christmas rose. It blooms in winter and
symbolizes the purity of both the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.
St. Nicholas – St. Nicholas is best known in our culture as Santa Claus. St. Nicholas lived in Myra (Turkey)
in the 4th century. His feast day is observed in the Church on December 6th. According to
tradition, he wore red bishop vestments and rode on a white horse. He befriended children
wherever he went. One story says that St. Nicholas heard that three poor young girls were
about to be turned out to become beggars, or worse, because their father did not have the
necessary dowry to get them married. St. Nicholas visited their home in the late night and
tossed three small bags of gold coins so that they would be spared and allowed to marry.
Dutch children grew accustomed to St. Nicholas’ visit on December 6th complete with gifts!
Dutch colonists would bring the tradition of Sinter Klaus to America. In 1822, Clement Moore
wrote about St. Nicholas’ visit with reindeer and a sleigh. Later, St. Nicholas would earn the
name Santa Claus. St. Nicholas reminds us of the Magi, of gift giving and the gift of Jesus
Christ every Christmas.
Sheep & Shepherds – According to the Christmas story, shepherds were keeping their sheep in a field near
Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. They were the first to receive the announcement of the
coming of the Christ child (Luke 2:8-14). Raising sheep was a common practice in Israel.
The sheep provided food and wool for clothing. However, the job of shepherd was given only
to those who were unable to work among people. Shepherds generally represented some of
the poorest and least desirable of people in Jesus’ day. The announcement to the shepherds
of Jesus’ birth foreshadows his future ministry. Jesus would work among the least, the last
and the lost of Israel. The shepherds remind us that Christmas is not just for some, but
especially for the poor, the oppressed, the last, the lost and those on the fringe of our society
Star – The star is one of the royal symbols (Star of David, a six-pointed star). By Jesus’ time it had
become a messianic symbol as well. The star in the east leads the Magi to the Christ
Child (Matthew 2:2). The star thus provides divine guidance for those seeking God. The
Star of Bethlehem is a five-pointed star.
(Continued on page 17)
Worship
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 17
(Continued from page 16)
Three Kings (Magi) – According to tradition, the names of the three kings were Balthazzar, Gaspard and
Melchoir. By occupation, they were men who studied the stars. They tried to interpret their
movements to predict significant human events. They were not Jewish, and are referred to as
Gentiles. They came from the east, most likely from Persia (modern day Iraq). The gifts they
bring the Christ Child signify the importance of Jesus’ birth. The gifts also foreshadow who this
child will become as he grows into adulthood. The magi remind us that Jesus came not only
to save his own people (the Jews) but others as well (the Gentiles). The saving act of God
represented in the birth of Jesus was to be made available to all the peoples of the world.
The Twelve Days of Christmas – Christmas is a season, not a day. It celebrates the Incarnation, the birth
of God’s son, Jesus Christ our Lord. It follows the Season of Advent and precedes Epiphany.
Christmas begins on December 25th and ends with the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th. It
has been the custom of many peoples throughout the centuries to spread the cheer and joy of
Christmas the whole twelve days, not just one! Many people celebrate the end of the
Christmas season with a “Twelfth Night” party. The theme of season was popularized by the
Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Can you name all twelve gifts? Twelve is a
significant number in Christianity. It stands for the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:1ff) and
the twelve disciples/apostles (Matthew 10:2-4). The number symbolizes the completeness of
the people of God. It reminds us that Christmas is for all people.
Unicorn – The unicorn is a mythical horse with one horn in the middle of its head. It is a symbol of purity and
is associated with the Virgin Mary.
White (the color) – The color of purity, joy, perfection and feasting is white. It is the color used for
Christmas. It reminds us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, who is pure and God’s son, with great
joy and feasting.
(Continued on page 18)
Worship
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 18
(Continued from page 17)
Wreath – The evergreen wreath is a pagan custom that was adopted by Christianity. It
symbolizes victory or immortality. It was believed that the wreath brought the bearer divine
power from the tree of life. Its shape, the circle, is one of the common symbols for God.
Yule – Yule is the Teutonic name for Christmas. Originally, it was the Germanic season of
December and January. Two customs from the pagan celebrations were carried over into the
German Christian practices, the Yule log and the boar’s head dinner. Both were parts of
festivals celebrating hope for the New Year and life.
If there is a Christmas symbol that we have not covered, feel free to contact one of the clergy. We will be
happy to research an answer for you. Contact us via the Church e-mail: [email protected]. Thank
you!
Adapted from: “The New Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education” (Joseph Russell, editor); “Our Christian
Symbols” (by Friedrich Rest); “Saints, Signs and Symbols” (by W. Ellwood Post); and, “Symbols of Church
Seasons & Days” (by John Bradner).
GOD’S KIDS SAY & DO THE FUNNIEST THINGS
A little boy was telling his priest what he got for Christmas. He said he separated the gifts into two piles: a
“good gifts” pile, stuff he liked; and a “bad gifts” pile, stuff he didn’t like. When asked what he did with the bad
gifts, he said, ”I give them to my Dad, He likes everything.”
A child told a Department Store Santa what he wanted for Christmas. “This year I want an X Box and an ipod.
But most of all I want my Mommy and Daddy to stop fighting and get along.
Worship
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 19
JUDAISM 101, CHANUKAH
Chanukah the eight day festival of light that begins on the eve of the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev
celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality.
More than twenty-one centuries ago, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (SyrianGreeks),
who sought to forcefully Hellenize the people of Israel. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews
defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in
Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of G-d.
When they sought to light the Temple's menorah (the seven branched candelabrum), they found only a
single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks; miraculously, the one day
supply burned for eight days until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.
To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah. At the heart of
the festival is the nightly menorah (candelabrum) lighting: a single flame on the first night, two on the second
evening, and so on until the eighth night of Chanukah, when all eight lights are kindled.
On Chanukah we also add the Hallel and Al HaNissim in our daily prayers to offer praise and thanksgiving to
G-d for "delivering the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the wicked into
the hands of the righteous."
Chanukah customs include eating foods fried in oil latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (doughnuts);
playing with the dreidel (a spinning top on which are inscribed the Hebrew letters nun, gimmel, hei and shin,
an acronym for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, "a great miracle happened there"); and the giving of Chanukah
gelt, gifts of money, to children.
Excerpt from: "What Is Hanukkah? - With a Medley of Chanukah Links." Chanukah Basics - Chanukah - Hanukkah.
N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2016.
Music Ministry
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 20
MUSIC NOTES
Dear Friends,
So many of you have spoken to me over the past year, offering compliments on the
growth and success of the music program here at Grace. I’m humbled and grateful
that you voice your appreciation, but I can’t help but feel the compliment is
misdirected. The success of our musical endeavors is thanks not to me, but to YOU,
the people of Grace Church. December is Music Appreciation Month at Grace Church,
and I want us to celebrate how our efforts together continue to create beautiful music as an expression of the
beauty of God’s love and our worship of the divine.
Take the St. Michael’s Singers for instance, who are singing better than ever. In my opinion, that is largely due
to the dedication of their parents in getting them to weekly rehearsals and singing our music at home when
rehearsal attendance is not enough. The Teen Choir keeps improving because we are blessed with young
adults who understand, at some deep level, that singing is a true healing art and is worthy of their disciplined
effort. It is the environment of unconditional love and support created by you, our congregation, that enables
these young volunteers to make their musical offerings without fear of judgment or ridicule.
The Grace Choir continues to excel, thanks not only to the dedication of our adult members in faithfully
attending rehearsal and Sunday mornings, but also thanks to the support (and tolerance) of their spouses and
families. The choir is a community of love, and a choir that loves and understands each other makes good
music together. I am not the instigator of this; it is the community that allows God to work through us to
accomplish God’s purposes.
And finally, I must mention that the pipe organ and our pianos sound great because the leadership of this
church has chosen to prioritize timely maintenance over cost-cutting. The fine instruments of this church
inspire me (in fact, demand of me) to challenge myself with better repertoire and tackle more of the great
masterpieces of sacred music. Lesser instruments – or less well-maintained instruments – might permit an
organist to become complacent and believe in the illusion of “good enough.”
So, during Music Appreciation Month, please take a few moments to celebrate what you, the people of Grace
Church, are accomplishing through the music program. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to lead and
coordinate this work, but I hope we never fall into the delusion that the success belongs to me or to any
individual. The fruits of our labor belong to God, and our gratitude is rightly directed to God, who works
through every one of us.
I especially want us to celebrate the following people who volunteered their time and talent to provide music in
a solo capacity over the past year:
Volunteer Soloists
Pam DeLisa, piano
Chris Viola, voice and piano
Peyton Pleninger, saxophone
Bobby Weil, piano
Margaret Becker and Lisa Hildebrand, sopranos
Peace,
Max
Oliver and Samuel Diavolitsis, violin and cello
Karen Murdock, soprano
Dan Santora, guitar
Sabrina Miller, organ
Beth and Jerry Barnish, alto and bass
Music Ministry
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 21
MUSIC FUND
On Christmas Eve, Easter, and throughout the year, Grace Church engages guest
artists to augment the Grace Choir, perform as instrumental and vocal soloists, and
accompany congregational singing. These professional musicians help to elevate the
level of artistry we bring to these special occasions and beyond. Your support is
needed to continue this ministry; God’s praise deserves the very best we can offer.
In December and early January, please consider giving to the Grace Church Music
Fund. Your gift will allow us to plan for another great year of music! Forms and
envelopes will be available in Sunday bulletins and around the church.
The Music Fund at Work
Since last December, the Music Fund provided for all of the following:
Professional Soloists and Instrumentalists
Christmas Eve 2015
Vocal Soloist for 7:00pm
March 2016
String Quartet for the Haddonfield Choir & Hymn
Festival
Palm Sunday 2016
Karen Murdock, soprano soloist for 8:00am
Good Friday 2016
Rachel Ellis, cello accompanist
Easter Vigil
Professional Vocal Quartet
Easter Day 2016
Soprano Soloist for 8:00am
Easter Day 2016
Two trumpeters and two trombonists for 9:30am and
11:15am.
July 3, 2016
Summer guest artist Brian Phipps, bass-baritone
July 17, 2016
Summer guest artists Molly Christie, violin, and Cale
Hoeflicker, guitar
All Saints’ Sunday
Olivia Roland, alto soloist, at 8am.
Grace Choir
Christmas Eve 2015
Easter Preparation
Easter Day 2016
Pentecost Sunday
May 22, 2016
9:30am
All Saints’ Sunday
All Saints’ Sunday
9:30am
Choir section leaders for 10:30pm
Guest conductors for Easter rehearsals
Choir section leaders for 9:30am and 11:15am
Choir section leaders for 9:30am
Scott Garvin, guest conductor for combined choirs at
Choir section leaders for 9:30am
Kathryn Naples, Grace Choir Conducting Intern at
Music Ministry
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 22
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MUSIC MINISTRY
♪ Adult Choir
Rehearsals Thursday nights, 7:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.
The Grace Choir sings at the 9:30 a.m. service from September through June. They sing a mix of
traditional choral music, spirituals, gospel songs and contemporary selections. New members are
welcome at any time. No previous choral experience needed.
♪ Instrumentalists and Soloists
We are always looking for instrumentalists and soloists to increase the breadth of our worship through
music.
♪ Teen Choir
 Grades 6 –12
 Rehearsals Sundays from 11:45 a.m. –12:45 p.m.
The Teen Choir sings sacred music of all genres, working on advanced choral skills including
harmony, music reading and stylistic expression. The teens serve as role models and occasional
group leaders for the St. Michael’s Singers.
♪ St. Michael’s Singers
 Grade 1 –5
 Rehearsals Sundays from 11:45 a.m. –12:15 p.m.
The children and youth choir program at Grace Church is dedicated to nurturing the social, emotional,
and spiritual development of young people through singing in community. We have lots of fun.
For more information on our music programs, please contact Max Esmus by phone 570.637.2566 or by email
[email protected]
Music Ministry
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 23
ASSISTANT ORGANIST OF THE DAY
Have you ever wondered how the pipe organ works?
What exactly does one do with all those fancy buttons and switches, anyway?
Ever wanted a closer look at the organist’s fancy footwork?
Sign-up to be “Assistant Organist of the Day!” This program creates an
opportunity for churchgoers of any age to sit with the organist at the organ
console during the service and help by pushing buttons, turning pages, and
even playing a few notes.
If you are interested, a sign-up sheet is posted in the Parish Hall. No preparation
is required. For more information about the program, please contact Max
Esmus, 570.637.2566 or by email [email protected].
Max Esmus
and John Poliero,
Assistant Organist of the
Day, November 6, 2016
Music Ministry
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 24
HYMN OF THE MONTH
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)
Shine, Jesus, shine; Fill this land with the Father's glory.
Blaze, Spirit, blaze; Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow; Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light.
Few Christian songs composed just 20 years ago have had such an immediate impact on congregational
singing as Graham Kendrick’s “Shine, Jesus, Shine” (also known as “Lord, the light of your love is shining”).
Graham Kendrick, a native of Blisworth, Northamptonshire, England, now resides in Kent. The son of a
Baptist pastor, he began writing songs in the early 1970s and today is one of the most prolific British Christian
singer-songwriters and worship leaders.
“Shine, Jesus, Shine” has been a song of hope at noteworthy events such as the 1996 Dunblane memorial
service for 16 students and teacher who were tragically killed and the Tasmania massacre memorial service
for the 40 people killed by a lone gunman, also in 1996. Other large gatherings that used the song include the
Billy Graham crusades to the largest ever open-air mass in 1995 in Manila, where Pope John Paul II is said to
have “swung his cane in time to the music.”
Mr. Kendrick says of the song’s origin: “Bearing in mind the worldwide popularity of this song, perhaps the
most surprising thing about the writing of it is the ordinariness of the circumstances.
“I had been thinking for some time about the holiness of God, and how that as a community of believers and
as individuals, His desire is for us to live continually in his presence. My longing for revival in the churches
and spiritual awakening in the nation was growing, but also a recognition that we cannot stand in God’s
presence without ‘clean hands and a pure heart.’ I remember standing in my music room with guitar slung
round my neck trying different approaches. The line ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’ came to mind, and within about half
an hour I had finished the chorus, all but some ‘polishing.’ Though I felt an excitement in my spirit at the time,
I had no inkling at all that it would become so widely used. There were other songs I rated more highly at the
time that most people have never heard of!”
Stanza one focuses on the light “shining in the midst of the darkness” and Christ as the “Light of the
World” (John 8:12). This Light “set[s] us free by the truth...” (John 8:32). Stanza two reflects on coming before
the “awesome presence” of Christ, where “the shadows [turn] into your radiance.” Christ’s brightness
“consume[s] all my darkness.” The final stanza focuses on how Christ’s brightness may be reflected in our
lives as “our faces display your likeness.”
Charles Wesley’s famous hymn, “Love divine, all loves excelling,” is fleetingly paraphrased as Christ’s
brightness is “ever changing [us] from glory to glory” as we mirror him. The third stanza concludes with a
petition: “May our lives tell your story.”
“Shine, Jesus, Shine” was voted tenth in a 2005 survey of the United Kingdom’s favorite hymns by the BBC’s
Songs of Praise program. – by C. Michael Hawn, United Methodist Discipleship Ministries
Christian Formation
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 25
CHURCH SCHOOL NOTES
Throughout December, we will actively engage in the season of Advent as we prepare for
Christmas. Church School will have its regular classes on Sunday, December 4, and
Sunday, December 11. There will be a special rehearsal for those tweens and teens that
are reading in the Christmas pageant during Church School. On Sunday, December 18,
we will be handing out the Christmas Pageant costumes and will meet in the church to
rehearse the Christmas pageant and its music. On Sunday, December 25, we will not
have Church School. Everyone is encouraged to faithfully celebrate the joy of Christmas
with their families. There will also not be Church School on Sunday, January 1, 2017.
The first two Sundays in December we will be reading and discussing “Jesus is Born,” in preparation for the
Christmas season, the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany. The focus for these two weeks will be
the first two chapters of the Gospel according to Matthew. Each of the Gospels provides a unique perspective
on the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Matthew’s Gospel focuses on the kingly aspect of Jesus’ birth. We will
use several references in these chapters to the Hebrew prophets. This helps to establish or establishes for us,
how the birth of Jesus is a fulfillment of the prophecies.
The Episcopal church’s perspective on the birth of Jesus Christ is closely tied to its history. The Episcopal
Church is directly related to the Anglican Church, which historically has roots in Celtic Christianity. Celtic
Christianity is considered an incarnational theology, which means there is an underlying belief that God
resides in everything. The birth of Jesus, as both God and Human, is a special revelation of God to us. Jesus
is not part God and part human, but both in one. The Gospel of Matthew encourages us to consider the
significance of God being among man and living as one of us.
The joy of the Christmas story and its significance to us over 2000 years later as Christians is something
wonderful. What we will be asking the children to think about during the Advent season is how the birth of
Jesus helps to make them happy and what gifts can they offer to Jesus. Something for each of us to consider:
how can we prepare for Jesus and spread our appreciation of God’s love?
A Traditional Celtic Christmas Blessing:
The light of the Christmas star to you,
The warmth of home and hearth to you,
The cheer and good will of friends to you,
The hope of a childlike heart to you,
The joy of a thousand angels to you,
The love of the Son and God’s peace to you.
With Grace,
Betsy Murphy
Christian Formation
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 26
CONFIRMATION CLASS
The Confirmation class meets on the Third Thursday of each school month
at 4 p.m. All children who are in the sixth grade or above are invited to
attend this special program to help them prepare to become adult
members of the Episcopal Church.
The next class will be Thursday, December 15. It will be our annual Christmas party. All those in the class are
to bring their favorite dessert to share and a gift for our Pollyanna. The gift should cost no more than $5.00,
should be for a boy or a girl and gift cards are not allowed. Prior to next the next class, each member needs
to bring something for either the Mitten Tree or Kids Alley Café Christmas; the last day for drop off will be
Sunday, December 11. Thank you to the Monaghan family for providing us with snack and dinner for
December.
If you have any questions, about the Confirmation class or program, please contact Betsy Murphy by phone
856.433.2151 or by email [email protected].
BIBLE STUDY
Thursday mornings, 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall Library
Join Diane Close as she leads this weekly Bible study. There is still an opportunity to
join. All materials are provided. Currently the group is reading and discussing the
spiritual practice of questioning. How do we question God, what can we expect as
responses? For more information see Diane Close or Betsy Murphy.
There will be no meeting on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year!
NEWCOMERS ORIENTATION
We are all newcomers to the church. Join Father Pat in the parlor on the first Sunday of
each month after the 9:30 a.m. service for this special program about Grace Church and
the Episcopal Church. Newcomers to Grace and the Episcopal Church, as well as longtime members, are invited to attend. Topics will include the history of the church, our
traditions and practices and the future of the church. For more information contact Father
Pat, [email protected].
Christian Formation
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 27
GOD TALK
Is God Relevant in your life? The Deacon Carmen J. Viola will be pointing us
towards self-discovery and a bigger way of seeing and experiencing God. Let
those who have eyes see! Carmen’s webinars will use visuals from his new
book as well as images from his trips to Israel to make biblical concepts come
alive. Come join us.
The Webinars will “go-live” every Monday evening beginning September 26. The
time is from 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. To sign up, please email
[email protected]. Previous episodes of God Talk are
available online at youtube
https://youtu.be/FzFsOIXFPMU?list=PLC0GUx7TGMqp44NiJfUQikJar7enZiN1L
.
For more information contact The Reverend Carmen Viola, Deacon by phone
215.236.5163 or email [email protected]
WHY AM I WEARING A SAFETY PIN?
My heart is broken. And also broken open. Around me I see anger and fear
turned into bigotry, racism, sexism, xenophobia and meanness. This past
election has stirred the darker angels of our nature and surrounded us with the
noise of hate seeking to drown out the resilience of love.
Like many others, I am asking “what can I do?”
And one of the first things, I, a white, privileged male, can do is to acknowledge that “they” is “we” is me.
I wear this Safety Pin to remind me that my heart is not only broken but also that it has broken open. I wear it
to remind me that I have been living too blindly in a culture of cruelty that has wounded too many of my
brothers and sisters. I wear it to remind me of my responsibility to stay awake, to speak up and show up when
the vulnerable around me are maligned, threatened or mistreated. I wear this Safety Pin to remind me to be
vigilant about doing the right thing all the time.
I wear this Safety Pin as an outward statement to those who are hurting, suffering, and afraid of what has
been, and what has now, more than ever, been turned loose. I wear it to say, “I recognize myself in you. I
stand in solidarity with you.” I wear it to say, “I am here. I stand beside you, I stand with you.”
And too, I wear this Safety Pin to remind me of my own fears, to remind me of my own ignorance and
arrogance, to remind me to be mindful of ways privilege serves me, to remind me to practice humility and
listen more carefully and intently. I wear this Safety Pin to remind me that I am brave enough to love and that
it is my job to actively nurture the seeds of human decency.
I wear this Safety Pin to say that the community I want to live in is a shared community in which not a single
person is apprehensive about any other person.
Written by: Michael Glaser, Poet Laureate Emerita, Maryland from Kirkridge email newsletter 11/22/2016.
Stewardship
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 28
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE PLEGED
List of pledges as of 11/22/2016:
Carl & Marlene Alexoff
Edward Andrewes
Robert & Camille Andrews
Wilma Appolo
Traci & Jeff Bakely
Jerry & Beth Barnish
Mary Ann Barrett
Lester & Karen Baxter-Peterson
Heather Beardsley
Margaret/Kim Becker/Strommen
Jane Beers
David & Erica Bergstrahl
Ellen Berntson
Nora Bollinger
Rick & Toni Bonnette
Susan Briant
Mark Brill
Irene Buckingham
Larry Buenzle
Scott Buterick
Carol Calvin-Buckley
Richard Carney
Nanette Carrozzino
Eric & Amy Christopher/Darley
Delia Clark
James Clark
Jerry & Patricia Clark
Rev. Patrick & Diane Close
Sue Ann Comfort
John H. Coxe
Deborah Derkoski
Mark & Kim Di Maurizio
Jim Diaz & Mike Guerriero
Darin & Sharon Domenico
John F. & Janet L. Doyon
Gerrie Dressler
Richard & Sylvia Duda
Craig Ebner & Steven Butler
Barbara Elliott
Lee & Carolyn Ensminger
Leslie Entwistle
Gregory & Toni Esemplare
Maximillian Esmus
Elaine A. Fanjul
Arthur & Bethann Flagg
Wayne & June Frenzel
Ed & Portia Fudala
Elaine Furniss
Rob & Candy Gallo
Mark & Deidre Gatti
Louis & Rosanne Gillingham
Darlene Haines
Brandon & Sue Hamillton
Sutton & Jessica Hamilton
Richard & Ann Louise Hammond
Samuel Hanger
Grayson Heberley
Nils Herdelin
William Herrmann
Mark & Rachael Heston
Lisa Hildebrand
Thomas & Reeves Honey
Robert & Jean Horn
William & Lynn Irving
Judith Jacobsen
Ruthann Johnson
Jay Kauffman
Christopher & Cynthia Kessler
Steven & Anne Kreiss
Frederick & Rose Kuhn
Shirley Kuhn
Kathleen Lin
Steven & Barbara Linn
Paul Lower
William Lubenow
Michael & Diane Luther-Schrauth
Jay MacMoran
Rob & Jane Martine
Sarah Mathews
Joyce McAuley
Megan McAuley
Phil & Rose McAuley
Fran Miller
Hilda & Charles Miller
Laura & Trever Miller
Bruce & Lori Monaghan
Ken & Carol Moyer
Karen Murdock
Elizabeth Murphy
Wynn & Kate Myers
Laura Oberg
(Continued on page 29)
Stewardship
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 29
(Continued from page 28)
Sean O'Donnell
Jessie Orlando
David & Elizabeth Perdichizzi-Martinez
James Perrin
Roger & Rebecca Perry
Betty Phillips
Michael & Marianne Poisel
John & Gretchen Poliero
Helen Pollack
Joseph & Ellen Quicksell
Glenn B. Raiczyk
Theodore W. Raiczyk
Sheila Raman Combs
William Ratcliffe
Chris & Natalie Reenock
Betty Rodda
Donald S. & Lynne B. Ryan
Frank Salerno
Dan Santora
Alfred & Bobbie Schmidt
Gerald & Millie Seneski
Chris Severia
Fred Shindle, III
Stanley & Denise Sikorski
Robert & Arlene Sims
Tim & Maureen Slater
Francis & Melissa Slauson
Ernest Smith
David Sommerville
Nevan Soumilas
Donald & Cheryl Spatola
Patricia Spiegel
Christian & Lori Strasser
John & Marion Stratton
Ruth N. Stratton
Edward & Elizabeth Strom
William & Karen Sweeney
Robert & Marianne Tanke
David & Joanne Tarditi
Carol Tatem
George & Carole Tatem
Scotty Tatem
Robert & Susan Vaughan
John & Cynthia Vena
Marie Viogt
Carmen & DeSha Viola
Joseph & Ann Waller
Alton & Patricia Watkins
Tom and Michele Westerfield
Alan Williams
Dorlisa Young
Nancy Young
Jean Zoll
ESTIMATED GIVING FOR 2017
Thanks to all of you who have turned in your Estimate of Giving cards so that our Finance Committee and
Vestry can build our operating budget and plans for next year. As of 23/2016, we have received a total of 146
cards with a total pledged of $ 330, 880.
Stewardship
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 30
STEWARDSHIP OF OUR ENVIRONMENT
Food: A typical carrot travels 1,838 miles to reach your dinner table (Sustainable
Table). Support your farmers close to home and reduce your carbon footprint by
visiting farmers’ markets or participating in Community Supported Agriculture:
www.localharvest.org
Eco-tip provided by GreenFaith: www.greenfaith.org
ONLINE GIVING
Want to make fulfilling your estimated giving easier?
Just sign up for safe and secure online donations via the Grace Church Web Site
www.gracehaddonfield.org/givingatgrace/.
It can be done on your smart phone, your tablet, your IPAD, your laptop or your
desktop PC.
It takes less than 5 minutes and you can do your giving anytime and anywhere and
for more than your annual pledge.
Feel that you still want to put something in the plate each week? Then use one of
the small cards in each pew rack that says “Giving @ Grace Online”.
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO HEAR AT CHURCH







Hey, it’s my turn to sit in the front pew!
I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon ran longer than usual.
I’ll volunteer to be the permanent junior high Sunday school teacher.
I love it when we sing hymns ‘ve never heard before.
Because we’re all here, let’s start the worship service early.
Pastor, we’d love to send you to this Bible seminar in the Bahamas.
Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like our annual
stewardship campaign.
Excerpt from Newsletternewsletter.com, October 2013.
Christmas Grace
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 31
KIDS ALLEY CAFÉ CHRISTMAS
We are currently collecting new toys and gift cards for the children of Kids Alley Café.
The families that participate in the Kids Alley Café program have children from birth to
18 years old. Grace Church in one of the major contributors for their annual Christmas
Rally and has supported this outreach ministry for several years. There is a donation
bin in the Parish Hall. The last day for donations will be Sunday, December 11.
Kids Alley is the main program of One Accord Inc., a nonprofit ethics-based organization reaching out to
inner-city children and their families with weekly programs. Kids Alley has been reaching out to children in
Camden, NJ since 1998 with a mission and a vision.
MITTEN TREE
The Mitten Tree at Grace Church is a special holiday outreach ministry that was started
by Marti Gugliemi. Marti was an employee of the Charles Sumner School in Camden, NJ
and witnessed the needs of the community for cold-weather items. To help with this
problem, she created our Mitten Tree, where we collect new and gently used jackets,
coats, scarves, mittens, sweaters and sweatshirts. In addition, we are collecting new
pajamas, socks and underwear. Last year, when we dropped off the donations the
children came running to help unload the car so they would get first choice of the jacket that they wanted.
Adult items are also needed for the children's guardians, there is a school caseworker, who co-ordinates
distribution of the items to families with the greatest need. The last day for donations will be Sunday,
December 11.
PROJECT INTERACTION CHRISTMAS BAGS
Project Interaction is the group of churches that cook and serve the breakfasts and
dinners at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Camden, NJ. There are currently over 100
people in need that attend the weekly meals. In December, each Project Interaction
church is asked to help provide items for bags that are given to patrons of the Christmas
breakfast. Grace Church has been asked to provide adult winter hats and insulated
gloves. There is a collection bin in the Parish Hall for donations. If you would like more
information or to volunteer to help Project Interaction, please contact Toni Bonnette,
856.577.1579.
CAMDEN CHRISTMAS
Camden Christmas is currently accepting financial donations. There is a collection container
on the table during coffee hour. Sunday, December 4 at 11 a.m. St. Nicholas will be visiting St.
Andrew’s Church in Camden and meeting individually with 150 children of Camden. He will
ask each one for the special Christmas gift he or she would like to receive this year.
Volunteers are need to help shop and wrap gifts for the Magi to deliver on Sunday, January 8.
For more information about upcoming Camden Christmas events and to volunteer, please
contact Elizabeth Perdichizzi by phone 856.813.0872 or email [email protected].
Grace Groups
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 32
MEN’S BREAKFAST
We invite all of you to the Men’s Breakfast which will be the first Saturday in
December from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
This Month, just in time for holiday shopping, we will learn about buying
and selling on EBAY. Our speaker will be Sharon Cottrell. She will share with
us not just how to go about buying and selling on EBAY, but also some of her
experiences. So bring your questions and a healthy appetite.
Our Men’s Breakfasts are the first Saturday of each month with interesting topics and conversations. The
breakfasts are cooked by your favorite cooks and volunteers. December will feature scramble eggs and
sausage. For more information about the Men’s Breakfasts, please contact, Al Schmidt by phone 856.
672.0172 or email [email protected].
ST. ANNE’S GUILD
All women members of the Episcopal Church are members of St. Anne’s Guild. The
group meets monthly from September through May on the third Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
in the Parish Hall Library. They give financial support and assistance to many local
organizations including but not limited to the Seamen’s Church Institute, Kids Alley Café,
Camden Christmas, Haddonfield Social Worker and Episcopal Relief and Development.
Mission Statement: The Episcopal Church Women of Grace Church (St. Anne’s Guild)
share the love of God by making Christ known in the world through prayer, fellowship,
education, concern for others, and joyful service in our Church and outreach.
For more information about the St. Anne’s Guild contact, Gretchen Poliero by phone 856.429.5766 or email
[email protected].
PROPERTY COMMITTEE & GRACE GARDENERS
Your Property Committee and Garden Club continue to work on keeping the grounds
looking good. Most recently we mulched the beds to get them ready for winter. We also
trimmed back dead wood in the trees and the arbor. The arbor is also in the process of
being repaired.
Come help decorate the grounds of Grace Church on Tuesday, December 6 at 9 a.m. We
will be decorating for the Haddonfield House Tour on December 8. Come with gardening
gloves, small shovels or trowels, and small clippers. If you have any questions, please
contact
Gretchen
Poliero
by
phone
856.429.5766
or
email
[email protected].
KIDS ALLEY LUNCH MAKERS
The next gathering of the Kids Alley Café Lunch Makers will be Saturday, December 3 at 9
a.m. in the Parish Hall. They will be making at least 100 nutritious lunches for the
Saturday live program at Kids Alley Café. It takes about 1 hour and is a good service
opportunity for all ages. For more information about Kids Alley Café, please contact Nevan
Soumilas, [email protected].
Grace Groups
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 33
EYC, EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY
Upcoming Events
December 3 –11 a.m. volunteering at St. Wilfrid's
December 16, 8 p.m.-December 17, 7 a.m. at Trinity Cathedral, grade 6 –12, $35.00, meal
packaging and fellowship.
December 18, 6 p.m. Christmas Caroling with Grace Church
December 18, 7:30 p.m. Christmas Youth Group Party and Pollyanna with Grace Merchantville and Holy
Trinity. Bring a gift that is $5.00 or less.
To receive updates on EYC events by remind sign-up by texting @be3h to 81010. For more information on
these or any other EYC events, contact Dana Cotter, [email protected], Shannon Morris or Betsy
Murphy, 856.433.2151.
ST. WILFRID’S FREE MEDICAL CLINIC
Saturday, December 3, 11 a.m.
This month the free medical clinic is meeting early. It will be closed on Saturday, December
17. The clinic is in need of volunteers, especially Spanish translators and Social workers.
On December 3, in addition to providing free medical care, clothing and food, they will also
be providing Christmas gifts to their youngest clients. This time of year, there is an
especially strong need for men’s and women’s cold weather gear, including sweats,
leggings and shoes.
For more information about the Free Medical Clinic, please contact Nora Bollinger,
[email protected] or Alex MacMoran, [email protected], or visit http://www.opendoorcliniccamden.org.
KNIT WITS
Are you an experienced knitter or interested in learning?
Do you crochet or would you like to start?
Join the Knit Wits on Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall library. You can
bring a project you are working on to share or check out our binder of projects to try. All are
welcome to join. For more information about contact Karen Marshall by email
[email protected].
BOOK CLUB
The December 12th meeting will be a luncheon in town. January’s selection is The
Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. In this book the railroad is not a metaphor but
a secret network of trains and tunnels underneath Southern soil.
A final decision has not been made for February, but Jodi Picault’s new book Small Great
Things is under consideration. Other recommendations will be made at the next meeting.
Come and join us on the second Monday of the month.
Grace Events
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 34
Grace Events
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 35
Grace Events
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 36
HCSPA Events
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 37
Haddonfield Events
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 38
HMHS MADRIGALS @ GRACE
The Madrigals of Haddonfield Memorial High School will be performing their
annual Boar’s Head Dessert Theater in the Grace Church Performance Hall on
Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 17 at 2 p.m. and 7
p.m. Currently tickets are only available for the 2 p.m. Saturday show all other
performances are sold out. Tickets are $10.00 each and can be obtained by
calling Karen Marshall at 856.795.6420 or emailing [email protected].
INTERFAITH CAREGIVERS HOUSE TOUR
The 2016 Haddonfield House Tour will take place on Thursday, December
8th. Continuing what has become an annual tradition, this year’s House Tour
gives participants a chance to tour beautifully decorated Haddonfield homes and
the Grace Episcopal Church. The 2016 Tour features 5 homes offering a unique
mix of Colonial, New England Salt Box, Contemporary and turn of the century
American Four Square, all adorned inside and out with festive holiday decorations
in the spirit of the season. Come visit anytime between 10am – 4pm and/or 5pm
– 9pm.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the tour.
Tickets can be
purchased on line or in person. You can also call the office (856-354-0298) with a
credit card. Tickets ordered by December 2nd over the phone or online will be
mailed directly to the address provided. Tickets purchased after December 2nd will be held at the Interfaith
Caregivers office for pick-up. Tickets may also be purchased at each home the day of the tour.
We are in need of docents, tour guides to host the tour in 2 hour increments, there is a sign-up sheet in the
Parish Hall to volunteer. For more information contact Michael Peacock [email protected].
FIRST NIGHT
Buttons for First Night can be purchased online, at the Info Center in Kings Court
and at Button Outlets. For a list of outlets, visit
http://www.firstnighthaddonfield.org/haddonfield-first-night-buttons/first-nightticket-outlets/.
First Night Haddonfield is a family-oriented, alcohol-free, New Year’s Eve festival
featuring stimulating entertainment including magic, music, comedy, dance and
theater for all ages from children to seniors. There will be more than 15 different
venues throughout Haddonfield. There will be fireworks at 9 p.m.
Grace Gardeners Clean Up
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
November 5
PAGE 39
Thrift Shop
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 40
KAC Lunch Makers
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
November 5
PAGE 41
Homeless Sock Kits
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
November 6
PAGE 42
Stewardship Brunch
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
November 13
PAGE 43
EYC Cooking
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH
November 20
PAGE 44
Intercessions
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
PAGE 45
DECEMBER 2016 CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 46
December 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
10 am Bible
Study
7:30 pm Adult
Choir rehearsal
8:30 pm Grace
Speakers
10 am Thrift
Shop Open
7 pm Grace
Dance
7:30 am Men’s
Breakfast
9 am Kids Alley
Lunches
10 am Thrift Shop
11 am St. Wilfrid’s
5:30 pm Holy
Communion
4
5
7
8
9
10
8 am Holy Communion
9:30 am Holy
Communion
9:30 am St. Nicholas
Parish House Holy
Communion
10:30 am Church School
11 am Camden
Christmas @ St. Andrews
11:45 am Youth Choirs
10 am Staff
7 pm Zumba
Meeting
7 pm
7 pm Pet
Stewardship
Bereavement
Group
7:30 pm Property
8 pm God Talk
Webinar
7 am Holy
Communion
9:30 am
Healing &
Holy
Communion
10 am Interfaith
Caregivers
Christmas Tour
10 am Bible
Study
7:30 pm Adult
Choir rehearsal
8:30 pm Grace
Speakers
10 am Thrift
Shop Open
10 am Thrift Shop
11 am Lunch with
Santa
2 pm Grace Brewers
5:30 pm Holy
Communion
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
8 am Holy Communion
9:30 am Holy
Communion
10:30 am Church School
& Readers Rehearsal
11:45 am Youth Choirs
LAST DAY FOR MITTEN
TREE & KAC
CHRISTMAS
DONATIONS
10 am Staff
Meeting
1:15 pm Book
Club
7 pm Finance
8 pm God Talk
7 pm Zumba
7 am Holy
Communion
9:30 am
Healing &
Holy
Communion
10 am Bible
Study
4 pm
Confirmation
Class
7:30 pm Adult
Choir Rehearsal
8:30 pm Grace
Speakers
10 am Thrift
Shop Open
10 am Thrift Shop
10 am Knit Wits
5: 30 pm Holy
Communion
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
8 am Holy Communion
9:30 am Holy
Communion
10:30 am Pageant
Rehearsal & Costume
Hand out
6 pm Christmas Caroling
8 pm EYC Christmas
Party—Grace, Grace and
Holy Trinity
10 am Staff
Meeting
7 pm Vestry
8 pm God Talk
7 pm Zumba
7 am Holy
Communion
9:30 am
Healing &
Holy
Communion
10:30 am St.
Anne’s Guild
7 pm Blue
Christmas
10 am Bible
Study
7:30 pm Adult
Choir Rehearsal
8:30 pm Grace
Speakers
10 am Thrift
Shop Open
4 pm Christmas
Pageant & Holy
Communion
7 pm Festive
Christmas Liturgy &
Holy Communion
10:30 pm Festive
Christmas Liturgy &
Holy Communion
25
26 Office
Closed
27
28
29
30
31
8:30 pm Grace
Speakers
10 am Thrift
Shop
First Night
Setup
First Night Events
10 am Festive Christmas
Liturgy & Holy
Communion
6
Wed
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
Looking Ahead to 2017
January, 2017
January 1, Sunday
10 a.m. Parish House Holy Communion for all, wear
Pajamas
NO CHURCH SCHOOL
NO YOUTH CHOIRS
January 2, Monday
7 p.m. Pet Bereavement
7:30 p.m. Property
January 4, Wednesday
9 a.m. Staff Planning
January 6, Friday
7:30 p.m. Epiphany Service
January 8, Sunday
9:30 a.m. Open Baptism
11 a.m. Camden Christmas
6 p.m. EYC Pizza Making
January 9, Monday
1:15 p.m. Book Club
7 p.m. Finance Committee
January 11, Wednesday
8 p.m. Running Club
January 12, Thursday
7 p.m. Education Committee
January 13, Friday
8 p.m. HCSPA Concert—Six Degrees of Sinatra
January 16, Monday
8:30 a.m. MLK Day of Service, gather at 1st
Presbyterian
January 18, Wednesday
10:30 a.m. St. Anne’s Guild
7 p.m. 175th Committee Meeting
January 19, Thursday
4 p.m. Confirmation Class
January 21, Saturday
10 am Knit Wits
11 am St. Wilfrid’s Free Medical Clinic @ St. Wilfrid’s
January 22, Sunday
10:45 a.m. Annual Meeting
January 25, Wednesday
6:30 p.m. Camden Christmas Wrap-Up
January 26, Thursday
7 p.m. Philadelphia Flyers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs,
Tickets $45.00, section 220, Call John Poliero
856.429.5766
January 29, Sunday
7 p.m. Celtic Service
PAGE 47
Grace Church in Haddonfield
An Episcopal Church in the Diocese of New Jersey
19 Kings Highway East
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Website:
www.gracehaddonfield.org
Phone: 856-429-0007
Fax: 856-429-3291
Email: [email protected]
Regular Church Services
Sunday
8 a.m. Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. Holy Communion, Choral & Family
1st Sunday
9:30 a.m. Parish House Holy Communion
4th Sunday
7 p.m. Celtic Service
Wednesday
7 a.m. Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. Healing & Holy Communion
Saturday
5:30 pm Holy Communion
Christmas Church Services
Sunday, December 6
9:30 a.m. Feast of St. Nicholas Parish House Holy Communion
Wednesday, December 21
7 p.m. Blue Christmas Service
Saturday, December 24
4 p.m. Pageant and Holy Communion
7 p.m. Festive Holy Communion
Sunday, December 25
10 a.m. Christmas Day Service
Committees & Meetings at Grace
Church School
Sundays, 10:45 a.m.
St. Michael’s Singers
(Grades 1 –5)
Sundays, 11:45 a.m.
Teen Choir
Sundays, 11:45 a.m.
God Talk Webinar
Online
Mondays, 8 p.m.
Pet Bereavement
Group
St. Anne’s Guild
3rd Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.
Bible Study
Thursdays 10:00 a.m.
Adult Choir Rehearsals
Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
Grace Speakers (AA)
Thursdays. 8:30 p.m.
Confirmation Class
3rd Thursday, 4 p.m.
1st Monday, 7 p.m.
Thrift Shop
Friday & Saturday
Property Committee
1st Monday, 7:30 p.m.
1st Saturday, 9 a.m.
Book Club
2nd Monday, 1:15 p.m.
Kids Alley Café
Lunches
Finance
2nd Monday, 7 p.m.
Knit Wits
3rd Saturday, 10 a.m.
Vestry
3rd Monday, 7 p.m.
St. Wilfrid’s Free
Medical Clinic
3rd Saturday. 11 a.m.
Stewardship
1st Tuesday, 7 p.m.
St. Paul’s Food Pantry
3rd & 4th Friday, 9 a.m.
Running Club
2nd Wednesday, 8 p.m.