​ANNOUNCEMENTS 
Here’s what’s happening at St. John’s, around the diocese, and in the local community.​

SAVE THE DATES:
Join us for Advent IV with Rev. John Mitchell, this Sunday, December 21st at 10:30 a.m.
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CENTERING PRAYER-December 21 at 7 p.m. via Zoom: St. John's church in Boonton is offering online Centering Prayer on Sunday evenings in Advent at 7pm via Zoom (invitation below).  We are looking at the symbols of Advent from a contemplative point of view, and then having a 20-minute practice of Centering Prayer. This week we will be taking a look at John the Baptist and the material we will use for reflection is attached.
Newcomers and drop-ins are welcome! The guidelines for this prayer are also attached, please go over them if Centering Prayer is new to you.
If you have the time or can make the time - you would be so welcome!
Download documents here. 
​St. John the Baptist,   Introduction to CP
Join the Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88326468430?pwd=fMrO9IRm5YcOgtDqMTgy0a1ILu84Aq.1
Meeting ID: 883 2646 8430 Passcode: 1234 
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Christmas Eve Service with Rev. Mark Waldon at 5 p.m. 
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PRAYER LIST Let Kathy Cascone (casconek(at)yahoo.com or 973-219-1007) know if you wish to add anyone to the parish prayer list, or if a name is ready to be removed.
 
COMMUNICATION Staying well-informed is important, especially during transitional times. Here are some ways to learn what’s happening and stay involved:

• Alert Sharon Liparini if your email changes, so you can continue to receive parish email announcements.
• Check out our website, Facebook page and other social media. (And let Sandra Lee Schubert know if you’d like to help post photos and events.)
• Subscribe to The VOICE Online, the diocesan newsletter published every other Wednesday with news, events and features from around the diocese. Sign up at https://dioceseofnewark.org/e-news

What are we waiting for?
   This time of year, children are making wish lists and eagerly anticipating Santa’s arrival. College students are counting the days until finals end and winter break begins. Holiday shoppers may have waited for the Black Friday shopping bonanza, or be waiting for even better pre-Christmas sales.
   On a deeper level, we’re all waiting for something more meaningful and lasting. We long for an end to hatred and violence; for a day when we no longer are bitterly divided along political lines; for everyone to have shelter and food and health care. We long for the lion to lie down with the lamb and God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
   On Sunday, we begin the season of Advent, a time of holy waiting. We wait for the yearly celebration of the birth of Jesus – God come to live among us in human form. And we anticipate Jesus’ return, the day when all are united in the kin-dom of God.
Advent provides time to pause and reflect on the meaning of God’s arrival as one of us, and of what we can do to continue Jesus’ work of healing, peace, justice and service. We can find ways to share God’s love and joy with others, whether by praying for them or providing gifts for local families through our “giving tree” or feeding our neighbors at the Saturday luncheons or offering a smile and kind word to weary holiday sales clerks.
   Taking time to reflect during this busy season brings peace to our souls. And spreading joy and love to others brings greater joy and love and meaning into our own lives. These are the gifts of Advent, as we await our God Incarnate.