PEACE, WHEN THERE IS NO PEACE

O God, who wouldest fold both heaven and earth in a single peace, Let the design of thy great love lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to thy church, peace among nations, peace in our dwellings, and peace in our hearts, through thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Turn thee again, thou God of hosts, look down from Heaven, behold, and visit this vine -- (Ps. 80: 14)

  Last month Florida State University mounted a production of Verdi's Falstaff, a work which, along with Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and Wagner's Die Meistersinger many critics believe to be the finest comedies in Western music.  Apart from their shorter length, what makes Falstaff and Figaro superior to Die Meistersinger for some is the fact that at the end of the first two, everyone is happily re-united.  If God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, Verdi had his main characters reconcile Falstaff to themselves.  As at the end of Figaro, everyone goes off to dine together.  At the end of Die Meistersinger, the arrogant and embarrassed town clerk Beckmesser is hounded offstage after making a mess of his attempt to woo a woman half his age at the song contest.  While there's no way to avoid the proverbial dry eye when the curtain closes on each of these three great works, one wishes that Die Meistersinger could end with everyone as happily reconciled as the other two.  Perhaps Verdi and Mozart were simply nicer human beings than Wagner; and yet when one thinks about it, most human beings were nicer than Wagner.

Interestingly, about fifteen years ago the Berlin State Opera performed Die Meistersinger with that happier ending.  In this production the director (contrary to Wagner's own stage directions) had Hans Sachs (the hero) offer his hand and sympathies to Beckmesser (the anti-hero) after the latter's song fiasco, slap him heartily on the back and then swagger offstage amidst the cheering crowd while his foil stands there dumfounded.  Strangely, the good-natured bon-homie of that particular reconciliation simply didn't work.  Perhaps Wagner was on to something.  One recalls Jeremiah railing about the priests of Jerusalem crying "'Peace, peace', when there is no peace."

Wagner's original ending of his masterpiece if anything reminds us that there is no such thing as a perfect world.  The human race continues to revel in envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness, and one of if not the worst thing we as God's creatures can do is to turn a blind eye and pretend it just isn't there -- especially in this Advent season when we relive and rejoice in the fact that God sent His Son to us precisely for this reason:  to reconcile us to Himself.

Our world continues to bear testimony to the fact that there is no health in us.  In the words of the Psalmist, "our hedge has been broken down, our grapes plucked, and our vine rooted out by the wild boar".  To fail to acknowledge such misery is to fail to be the creature God would have us be. It is to wallow in spiritual sloth -- refusing to see our world and ourselves as we truly are.

On Thanksgiving Day we always read the first chapter of James which speaks of a man beholding his natural face in a mirror, and then going his way straightway "forgetting what manner of man he was."  One of the newer translations blatantly mis-renders this phrase as "forgetting what he looks like."  Our "natural face" is the face that God gave us.  It is the face which bears His Image.  It is the face we are supposed to wear, but it has been soiled, torn, and uprooted by the wild boar of our sin.

As we begin this Advent season, let our prayer be that of the Psalmist:  "Turn thee again, thou God of hosts, look down from heaven, behold, and visit this vine; and the place of the vineyard that thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest so strong for thyself...Turn us again O Lord God of hosts; show the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole."  Such prayer will not only help us be more grateful for God's gift of His Son, but will prevent our pretense to peace when there is none. Such prayer will help us realize that our true Peace lies not in Thomasville, Washington D. C.,  Baghdad; not in Uganda, Nigeria, or in the Episcopal Church headquarters in New York, not even to mention on Madison Avenue -- but in Bethlehem, swaddled in a manger.   FAB

AS WE BEGIN THE CHURCH YEAR:

One usually remembers the Christmas parade in Thomasville as on the day after Advent Sunday.  This year it was a week before Advent Sunday.  While the season of Advent consists of four Sundays, this year the fourth Sunday also happens to be Christmas Eve -- meaning the Advent Season is a week shorter than usual.

I realize I sound like a cross between Scrooge and a broken record, but y'all pay me to remind everyone that Advent is not just about getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birth.  It is about preparing ourselves for His Second Coming.  It is about getting ready for what the Church calls the Four Last Things:  Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.

To that end during Advent we will hold several extra week-day services on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 in the chapel consisting of Evening Prayer and Holy Communion. Monday December 4 is right around the corner.   Each service will last no longer than thirty minutes.  On December 13 we will begin at 6:00.   If Tuesdays are more convenient, feel free to come to St. Thomas at the same 5:30  hour.  The time you give to these will be time well spent, and your enjoyment of the Christmas season will be the greater.  FAB

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

There will be no Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday December 3, as Fr. Buechner will be meeting with the Children's Sunday School that morning.  On Sunday December 10, at 9:30 AM, Bishop Louttit will hold his usual forum in the Parish Hall Library.

The Rector will continue his class on the Seven Deadly Sins as follows:

December 17:  Sloth and Avarice
December 24:  Gluttony and Lust
December 31:  No class

 
BIBLE CLASS

We will conclude this month our study of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans.  We meet in the Parish Hall Library at 4:00 on Wednesday afternoon.

BISHOP LOUTTIT’S VISITATION

Bishop Louttit will be at All Saints the morning of December 10 (The Second Sunday of Advent) to make his annual visitation to the parish.  He will celebrate, preach, and confirm.  Following that service we will have a parish luncheon to honor the Bishop and those being confirmed. 

The Bishop will hold his usual adult forum that day at 9:30 AM in the Parish Hall Library.  All are invited.

The loose offering on December 10 will be given to Bishop Louttit's Discretionary Fund.  Please be generous.  FAB

THE PARISH PRAYER LIST

For some time the Vestry and Rector have discussed the parish prayer list and its effectiveness.  We have been accustomed to reading the person's first name because that is his / her Christian name, the name by which God knows that person.  On the other hand, we realize that very often, if not most of the time, the congregation does not really know which "Joseph" or which "Josephine" it is for whom we pray.

We understand completely one's desire for privacy, but when that person's first and last name, as well as his relation to the congregation member as well as the person's disease or problem is published and distributed by mail throughout other congregations in the area, it really looks as if All Saints cares less about our own than those other congregations.

In order better to serve the congregation as well as to insure anyone' privacy, we will publish in the church bulletin on the first Sunday of each month (not the monthly Newsletter), the first and last names of those who ask to be placed on our prayer list.  The name will not be listed without the person's permission, and in cases where the person is the "cousin of Joe Smith", we will state so.  We will not print the disease or problem.

What we hope is that the congregation will continue to pray for these people at those times of the service when we mention those who are in "trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity", or who are "anyways afflicted in mind, body, or estate", or when we entrust to God "all who are dear to us...for this life and the life to come."  We will not read a list of names.  We hope at those times as well as at others, the congregation will indeed pray for them, and that when you see them you will tell them that we have been praying for them.

Dostoevsky in The Brothers Karamazov makes the point that if we can pray for someone who we don't even know -- and have that much empathy for one we don't even know -- then imagine how much more empathy and mercy God would have for that person.  Praying for those we do not know is a very real act of charity.  However we also appreciate how such prayer will benefit the person being prayed for all the more if the person being prayed for understands and is re-assured that he is being prayed for.

Please note that we will continue on a regular basis, if not every Sunday, to pray for pregnant mothers and the children they carry, as well as for those in the armed services.  And of course if someone is having major surgery or something in the week and asks our prayers, we will mention him by name.

This may not be the absolute best solution to our dilemma, but we believe it will work better than the method we've been using.  Please don't hesitate to direct your comments to me or any Vestry member.         FAB

PS:  If you should be hospitalized, please remember there is no way for the clergy to know to visit you unless you notify us.  The hospital no longer provides us access to a "census".

EPISCOPAL YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES

This is one of the best programs the diocese has going.  Most of the congregation has received envelopes in which to make your donations.  This fund assists children of the diocese with tuition and emergency medical bills.

ATTENTION VESTRYMEN

The Vestry will have its regular monthly meeting in the Parish Hall Library at 8:00 A.M. on December 17.  Vestrymen elect are also asked to attend on this date.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

At our meeting on November 19, the congregation elected to the Vestry for three year terms Beverly Jackson, Marc Todd, and Dale Gurley.  We appreciate their willingness to serve the parish in this capacity.

The congregation also confirmed the Vestry's appointment of Debbie Beeson, Roy Lilly, and Tom Simmons as delegates to the 2007 Diocesan Convention.

EVERY MEMBER CANVASS

Please turn in your pledge cards to the office by December 15 so the Vestry can prepare its 2007 budget. 

Mr. Thomas Simmons

POINSETTIAS

Those of you who would like to give (memorial or thanksgiving) poinsettias or wreaths, please call the church office no later than Thursday, December 14.  The cost for each plant is $11.50, $50 for each wreath and $200 for a Christmas tree.
 

ALL SAINTS' ANGEL TREES

Advent season is upon us, so we urge those who have not purchased an angel ornament to do so and bring it to the church office so it can be hung on the trees.

Please place a card on each ornament stating who gave it and the person's name in whose memory or in thanksgiving for whom it is given.  We will keep those in a special memorial book to be placed in the vestibule each year.

OFFICE CLOSING

The parish office will be closed December 26 and 27in observance of Christmas and January 1 in observance of New Years, and January 5 for the Feast of the Epiphany.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DINNER

Many families have given time for both the preparation and delivery of this meal to the residents of Providence Plaza.  We now serve Halcyon Home as well.  The residents truly appreciate this effort.  If you can devote a tiny portion of time either on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning to this effort please call Rozzie and Eddie Davis (226-2355) or Nikki in the office.  It has been for us and other families an incredibly rewarding experience.  Also if you know of another charity where we should deliver meals, let us know.
 
Elaine Kavouklis
Rozzie and Eddie Davis

AN ADVENT COLLECT:

Grant, O Almighty God, that as thy blessed son Jesus Christ at His first Advent didst come to seek and to save that which was lost, so at His second and glorious appearing, He may find in us the fruits of the Redemption which He wrought; Who now liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.  Amen.

Children's Christmas Eve Pageant Rehearsal
Sunday, December 17
Immediately following Lessons and Carols

ECW NEWS

The ECW will meet on December 13 at 4:00 p.m. to stuff the Christmas bags for Safe Haven.  If you have not adopted a family call Debbie Beeson at 226-0306. 

At 5:00 p.m. Fr. Buechner will present a special program of Christmas music.  This will be followed by our Christmas Party.  Refreshments will be provided, but please feel free to bring your favorite holiday snack if you wish.

Jenny Ladson
Liz Parvey
 

ATTENTION EYC

This Sunday, December 3rd, after the morning service the EYC will meet.
 
We will discuss plans for December as well as plans for our local mission work in January (facilitated by Hands On Thomas County) and a winter ski trip.
 
We will be ringing the Salvation Army bell outside of the Billiard Academy on Saturday, the 16th of December.   I need everyone  to sign up for a 30 minute time slot THIS SUNDAY.  We will start ringing the bell at 10:00 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m.
 
Plans are being made for our Annual Christmas Party--everyone will bring a gift suitable for a teenage girl or boy--look for a postcard alerting you to details.
 
Mark your calendar for December 24th following the morning service we will have a special activity including present and past EYC members while we help decorate the church for the Christmas season
 
Andrea and Chip Hancock

ST. CECILIA AND ST. DAVID CHOIRS

Both choirs will sing on Advent I, December 3.  After that date the St. Cecilia Choir will not have any more rehearsals until January 3. In preparation for the Evensong on December 24, the St. David Choir Rehearsal Schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, December 6 - 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (note time change)
Wednesday, December 13 - 4:00 - 5:30 *very important rehearsal! Father Buechner will be with us that afternoon, and we will also rehearse in the church and in the choir loft with Mrs. Miller.

Sunday, December 24 - 5:00 p.m. warm up and vest for Christmas Eve 5:30 Evensong and Christmas Pageant

St. David Choristers are welcome to participate in the pageant; they sing Evensong and an Offertory Anthem before the pageant begins. Let Mrs. Buechner know as soon as you can if you would like to be in the pageant.  Also, if you will be out of town on Christmas Eve, please let me know.

Kathy K. Buechner

Eternity

   He who bends to himself a joy
   Does the winged life destroy;
   But he who kisses the joy as it flies
   Lives in eternity's sunrise.

                             -- William Blake

USHERS FOR DECEMBER

December 3, 2006   
Geoffrey Young
Raleigh Rollins  

December 10, 2006
Charles Sanders
Mike Shea

December 17, 2006    
Tom Simmons
Marc Todd

December 24, 2006    
10:30 a.m.     
Holy Communion   
Charlie Whitney    

December 24, 2006
5:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Pageant
Bernie Lanigan
Philip Watt

December 24, 2006    
11:00 p.m.      
Midnight Mass  
Ben Grace     
Amos McMullian

December 25, 2006
Jerry Shields
Marty Wood

December 31, 2006
Robert Balfour
Ben Grace
 
TRANSITIONS:

Happy birthday in December to:

Rachel Grooms   12-11-84
Jonathan Wood   12-15-89
Sarah Beeson   12-19-85
Anna Price Olson  12-28-91
Elizabeth Olson   12-28-91
Maria Olson   12-28-91
Cynthia Funk   12-29-93
Tommy Fearington  12-31-85

Happy birthday in January to:

Henry Todd    1-3-01
Laurel Sanders    1-7-86
Margaret Hancock   1-8-93
William P. Chubb   1-9-89
Christopher Bragg  1-11-91
Harrison Parvey  1-13-97
Charles W. Weissinger  1-14-04
Curry Brinson   1-18-00
Robert Lyons   1-26-87
Evan Carraway   1-30-87
Lewis Richardson Todd  1-31-04

Baptism:

Dawson Oliver Faulk received the sacrament of Holy Baptism on November 26, 2006.

Transfers:

Please welcome John, Julie, Alex and Will Carico from St. Thomas Episcopal, Thomasville, Georgia.
 

__________________________________________________________
DECEMBER 3
10:30 a.m. Holy Communion
(St. Cecilia and St. David Choirs Sing)
6:00 p.m. Holy Communion

DECEMBER 4
5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer/Holy Communion

DECEMBER 5
10:00 a.m. Holy Communion (Chapel)
5:30 p.m. Holy Communion (St. Thomas)

DECEMBER 6
5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer/Holy Communion

DECEMBER 10
BISHOP LOUTTIT'S VISITATION -- FOLLOWED BY CATERED PARISH LUNCH
10:30 a.m. Holy Communion
6:00 p.m. Evening Prayer

DECEMBER 11
5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer/Holy Communion

DECEMBER 12
No Holy Communion

DECEMBER 13
5:00 p.m. Fr. Buechner’s ECW Christmas Program
6:00 p.m. Evening Prayer/Holy Communion (Chapel)

DECEMBER 17
10:30 a.m. Advent Lessons and Carols
(Pageant rehearsal to follow)
6:00 p.m. Holy Communion

DECEMBER 18
5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer/Holy Communion (Chapel)

DECEMBER 19
10:00 a.m. Holy Communion (Chapel)
5:30 p.m. Holy Communion (St. Thomas)

DECEMBER 20
5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer/Holy Communion

DECEMBER 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
10:30 a.m. Holy Communion
5:30 p.m.  Evensong and Children's Pageant with Blessing of Creche
11:00 p.m.  Midnight Mass

DECEMBER 25
CHRISTMAS DAY
10:30 a.m.  Holy Communion

DECEMBER 26
No Holy Communion

DECEMBER 31
10:30 a.m. Holy Communion
No Evening Prayer
______________________________________________________________

REJOICE

Ring out, ye crystal spheres,
Once bless our human ears...

For if such holy song
Enwrap our fancy long,
  Time will run back and fetch the age of gold, 
And speckled Vanity 
Will sicken soon and die,
  And leprous Sin will melt from earthly mould,
And hell itself will pass away,
And leave her dolorous mansions to the peering day.

                                      taken from Ode on the Morning of Christ's Nativity
                                                                                          John Milton