"There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?"
St. John 6:9
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Fr. Yossi led both our Morning Prayer service and Holy Communion service this past Sunday. His sermon discussed the feeding of the 5,000 as described in the Gospel lesson from St. John 6. He reminded us this is the only miracle included in all four gospels. This important miracle is an example of God's love, compassion and provision for us. We are valuable to God and He loves us enough to take care of us.
Please find the complete service and sermon at the following link:
Thank you Fr. Yossi for the beautiful services this past Sunday!
After services we enjoyed a delicious lunch of chicken gumbo, 14 bean soup, Caesar's salad, and a wonderful dessert. Thank you Hutch, Misty, Lin, Rose Marie, and Carole!
Also, Fr. Yossi has proposed creating a men's cook team! More information to come!
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The strife is o'er, the battle done,
The victory of life is won;
The song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia!
Please keep Carol in your prayers - John, her husband of almost 53 years, entered Life Eternal on Monday, 11/20/23. Fr. Yossi administered Last Rites and gave John Holy Communion on the Sunday before.
Carol sent the following information about John:
John was a fisherman, a great cook, and a wonderful husband. He loved helping people and animals. If you wish to honor his memory you may make a donation to St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church and/or the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter (135 Sycamore Shoals Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643).
Carol also thanked us for all our prayers during John's illness and asks that we continue praying for John that "he may ever continue to love and serve our Lord". She also asked for prayers for her as she transitions to life without John.
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This Sunday, Fr. Yossi continued with confirmation classes in preparation for Bishop Jones' visit on Sunday December 10. He continued his review of the Articles of Religion. While the classes are specifically designed for the people to be confirmed, all are welcome to attend. The classes continue next Sunday and start at 10 am - a pot of coffee will be on!
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Our next Women's Bible Study is on Wed. November 29 @ 11 am at the church. We are using "The First 24" for our study guide. This is an in depth study of Mark 1:21-45 - the first 24 hours of Jesus' public ministry. The guide is available on Amazon. Please remember to bring the book, your bible, and a lunch!
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Sue continues to lead our weekly online prayer group on Discord every Thursday at 2 pm. 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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Advent and Christmas are almost here !
Advent Devotional:
The Advent Devotional created by our local Deanery is available at the Deanery website:
Fr. Rivard is the head of the Deanery of Appalachia of which St. Peters is a member. Thank you Fr. Rivard for putting this Devotional together and for all the contributors including our own Fr. Yossi and Br. Scott. Please note next Sunday, December 3, is the First Sunday in Advent.
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Toys for Tots: This Christmas St. Peter's is supporting the Marine's Toys for Tot's program. We have collection boxes in both the Narthex and the basement. JP has placed papers with frequently asked questions beside both boxes. Please bring your donations by Sunday, Dec. 3. The toys must be new and unwrapped.
Thank you for all your generosity!
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Saturday, Dec. 2: By the Fireside: Symphony of the Mountains Holiday Concert
The Symphony of the Mountains is having their 'By The Fireside' Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 2 at 3 pm at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center in Kingsport. Rose Marie has made before the concert lunch reservations at The LongHorn Steakhouse in Kingsport @ noon. Please let Rose Marie know by the end of the day Wednesday Nov. 29 if you are coming to The LongHorn Steakhouse so she can update the reservations. If you are interested in attending the concert, please contact Br. Scott to see if there are more tickets available - tickets are $20 each (checks payable to The Symphony of the Mountains).
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Sunday, Dec. 3, The First Sunday in Advent: After services we will decorate the church including the 'hanging of the greens' for the Advent season. Everyone is invited to participate as we put up the Christmas tree, the outdoor wreathes, the Advent wreath, and the Nativity Scenes.
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Sunday, Dec. 10, The Second Sunday in Advent:
Bishop Jones is visiting St. Peter's on Sunday, December 10! He will be confirming several of our new members. After services we will celebrate with a BBQ lunch. We are asking everyone to bring a dish that goes with BBQ! Hutch and Misty created a Google sign up sheet for the BBQ. Please go to the link below and let us know what dish you plan to bring so we can ensure a variety of dishes!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JIv8Q24y2OUKeYUy0Nojfp_ADAqyRg50XBcfDP_2pnc/edit?usp=sharing
Thank you so much Hutch and Misty for setting up the sign up sheet!!
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Sunday, Dec. 17, The Third Sunday in Advent:
We will present The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols starting at 10:30 am. This service features scripture readings, traditional Christmas hymns, a string quartet from the Symphony of the Mountains and light refreshments after the service. Please plan to bring a sweet or savory finger food to share after the service.
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