"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Philippians 4:4, The Epistle Lesson, Fourth Sunday in Advent
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The Symphony of the Mountains String Quartet, including Sue, played all the music for our beautiful Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Service. The first Festival was conducted at King's College Chapel, Cambridge, England In December of 1918 as a way to begin healing after the horrors of WWI.
Thank you Scott for leading the beautiful service! And thank you to everyone who read one of the lessons during the service:
Scott and Sue
Matt and Deborah
Earl and Teresa
Diane and Brandon
Thank you, Sue and Scott for arranging for the quartet to come play (and thank you Sue for playing)!!! Looks like Henry really enjoyed the music!
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Immediately after services we started the Annual Congregational Meeting. Scott, our Sr. Warden, opened the meeting with a prayer followed by the approval of last year's minutes. He then reviewed the many blessing bestowed on St. Peter's during the last year including baptisms, confirmations, a visit from the Bishop, etc.
Scott also announced that Fr. Scott has accepted the calling from Holy Cross to be their next Rector. His last Sunday with St. Peter's will be Sunday, January 1 for the baptism of Ambrose. Also, Fr. Scott is currently recovering at home from his recent surgery.
Scott then read the following note from the Bishop to St. Peters:
Dearly beloved in Christ,
As you gather for your Annual Meeting, please know all of you remain always in my love and prayers. The desire for the continuity, health, and strength of Saint Peter’s Church is most prominent in my mind and heart. Our Diocese is entirely committed to your present and future success. As we prepare for the coming transition and the move of Father Scott Greene to Holy Cross Church, Knoxville, please be assured that I shall endeavour to create of rotation of priests who will be able to celebrate Sunday Mass and provide pastoral care for you on a regular basis during the interim period. We shall search diligently for a new Vicar. Please continue to pray for one another, for Father Scott and his family, for the work and ministry of Saint Peter’s, and for the Diocese.
God bless you!
In Our Blessed Lord,
+Chad
The Most Reverend Chandler Holder Jones SSC
Diocesan and Presiding Bishop
Daryl, our Treasurer, gave the financial report, which included paying off our mortgage earlier this year and the recent completion of the heat pump installation project. We adopted his proposed budget for next year which projected a net positive income. Thank you Daryl!
Teresa and Mike completed their three year terms on the vestry - Mike as Jr. Warden for several consecutive three year terms! Thank you both so much for all your dedication and work over the years! Enjoy your liquid refreshment gifts!
Next Diane and I were elected to fill their positions on the Mission Committee - our terms will start at the beginning of 2022.
Thank you Scott for all your hard work and dedication as our Sr. Warden - especially as you work towards becoming a deacon and run the Symphony of the Mountains!!
After the meeting we enjoyed pizza downstairs and finished up the day by decorating the church for Christmas services.
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On Sunday, January 1, Fr. Scott will baptize Ambrose, Adrienne and Taylor's beautiful baby boy. After services we will have cake for both Ambrose and for Fr. Scott on his last Sunday with St. Peters. Also, please bring a finger food to share.
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Due to all the holiday activities, our next Women's Bible Study meeting is on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 11 am at the church. We will start Week 3, Faithfulness, at that meeting and do a late Christmas gift exchange.
Each lady attending is asked to bring one wrapped gift ($20 or less).
Please remember to bring the book and your bible!
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Sue continues to lead our weekly online prayer group on Discord every Thursday at 11:30 am. Thank you so much Sue for taking the time each week to lead our prayers! If you have a special prayer request but cannot join us, please send your request to Sue. Please contact me if you would like to join us on Discord.
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