"For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole."
St. Matthew 9:21
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Fr. Yossi led the beautiful Holy Communion service this past Sunday. His sermon focused on the Gospel lesson from St. Matthew 9:18 -26. In this lesson Jesus performs two miracles - healing the woman who touched his clothing and healing the ruler's daughter. Both of these are miracles of touch - Jesus used touching to heal. The ruler came to Jesus and implored him to come heal his daughter who had recently passed. As Jesus followed the ruler on this errand of mercy, Jesus passed many people who were suffering but only the diseased woman reached out for help and was healed. Are we too prideful to ask for help? After arriving at the ruler's house, Jesus is mocked because he says the daughter is not dead but only sleeping. However, Jesus 'awakens' her, silencing the mourners. Is our faith strong? Where do we put our faith if not in Jesus?
Thank you Fr. Yossi for the very thoughtful sermon. Please see the following link for the complete service including the sermon:
Thank you Fr. Yossi for the beautiful Holy Communion service! Thank you Br. Scott for leading the Morning Prayer Service!
After services we enjoyed some wonderful company and food downstairs. Rose Marie, Laurel, Lin, and I brought soup, salad, and several amazing desserts to share.
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This Sunday, Fr. Yossi continued with confirmation classes in preparation for Bishop Jones' visit in mid December. He began a 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!
Our Christian Education class this past Sunday.
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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!
This past Wednesday Sam, a brave gentleman, joined us for Bible Study! Welcome Sam!
Please note: Bible Study is cancelled on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, November 22.
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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.
Please note the Online Prayer group will be cancelled on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23.
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The Christmas Season is fast approaching! Please mark your calendars for the following Christmas Season events!
1. 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 as the Marines will need time to collect all the boxes and distribute the toys. The toys must be new and unwrapped.
Thank you for all your generosity!
2. 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 if you are coming to The LongHorn Steakhouse so she can update the reservations. If you are interested in attending the concert, please let Scott know by next Sunday as he will obtain group tickets for us - tickets are $20 each (checks payable to The Symphony of the Mountains).
3. 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.
4. 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! Please let me know what dish you plan to bring so we can ensure a variety of dishes!
5. 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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