Save these dates

​ANNOUNCEMENTS - The Week of December 3, 2023 (click here for the PDF version)
Here’s what’s happening at St. John’s, around the diocese, and in the local community.

This Sunday, Dec. 3:

• Bible study continues: Grief is a difficult part of our shared human experience, and it can be particularly hard during the holiday season. What do the Bible and our faith say about grief? Can they help us heal? Today and Dec. 17 at 11:45 a.m., Rev. Sharon will continue leading a Bible study exploring these issues. Come to coffee hour and join us for the discussion!
• Giving tree: Today is the deadline for bringing in gifts. Thank you to all who are participating in this ministry to make Christmas brighter for those in need. 
• Special offering: On the first Sunday of the month, we provide envelopes for offerings to the priest’s discretionary fund to support the special needs of individuals and the community.

Save the dates:

• Christmas crafts for families: Join us for fun and crafts. Sunday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the parish hall. 
•   What’s happening with your “talents”? We’ll be reporting back on Sunday, Jan. 7, about how we used our $5 “talents” toward growing and supporting ministry. Missed the Sunday we distributed the cash? See Rev. Sharon. It’s not too late to participate!
•  Bishop Hughes’ 2024 Study Group, This is My Story: Learning to see, talk and share stories of faith, will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays Jan. 9 and 16 via Zoom and Jan. 23 and 30 in person, location TBA. Find out more and register by Jan. 8 at https://dioceseofnewark.org/event/my-story-learning-see-talk-and-share-stories-faith Dedications: Would you like to dedicate altar flowers or the Sanctuary Lamp to a special person? Sign up at church or tell Kathy Cascone at casconek(at)yahoo.com.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Christmas is around the corner. We will need to clean and decorate the church. We need readers and welcomers. Consider what you would like to do and speak to a vestry member.
• From the Altar Guild to the Saturday Luncheon Social, we have many wonderful opportunities to serve at St. John’s. Ask any vestry member (names listed below) who will be happy to talk to you.

Advent and Christmas at St. John’s

• Deck the halls! Help get the church ready for Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 16.

Details TBA. 

• Christmas crafts for families: Dec. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the parish hall. 
• Longest Night Service: For when the holidays hurt. Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Society tells us that the winter holidays are a time of joy and merrymaking. Instead, we may find ourselves struggling with grief, pain, loneliness or loss. In this special worship service, on the eve of the longest night of the year, we will gather for a time of reflection, comfort and hope. 
• Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 24 at 10:30 a.m. Deacon John will lead a quiet Morning Prayer service. 
• Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. We will celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth with a musical prelude at 9:45 p.m. and a choral Eucharist at 10 p.m. 
• Christmas Day, Dec. 25. We continue our celebration with Christmas carols and Eucharist at 10 a.m.