Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and you will call him Immanuel - Isaiah 7:14

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus!

One of the reasons I love the Episcopal Church is the rhythm of the liturgical seasons of the Church Year. In fact, the last Sunday in November is the First day of the Christian New Year, as well as the first Sunday in Advent.

Advent signals the nearing arrival of the long-promised Savior, our Beloved Jesus. Advent is also a time of reflection and introspection, to make sure our “interior self” is as tidy as our home will be by Christmas.

Reflecting on our utter dependence on Father God’s unconditional love and mercy for each of us, his children, we pray for grace to forgive others, to love our neighbor and to share our abundance with others.

Our new Presiding Bishop, in a recent letter to all of us, asks us to remember the Words of God in Deuteronomy, where we are charged with caring for the foreigner and refugee in our midst. How opposite this reminder is from that

of the non-Christians around us. He concluded with “Be not afraid!” a comment often made by angels and saints.

Much is asked of us, for we are set aside and marked as Christ’s own forever. We should look and act different from those who do not yet believe.

If Jesus knocked on your door, what kind of hospitality would you show him?

Even as He arrived so silently, in the form of a Baby, we pray for his coming again. What shall we do to prepare for His arrival?

May you have a thoughtful Advent!+ Mother Helen

Christ Episcopal Church Chronicle for December 2015

Corner of Ridgecrest Drive and Franklin Turnpike, P.O. Box 10355, Danville, VA 24543-5006

Church Phone: (434) 836-2060 E-Mail: ChristChurch@gamewood.netwww.ChristChurchDanville.org www.facebook.com/ChristEpiscopalDanvilleVA

Upcoming Events ECW Christmas Party December 4th, 6pm

Youth Group - December 9th, 5:30pm

ECW Meeting - December 13th

Vestry Meeting - December 15th, 6pm

Hanging of the Greens - December 20th, following church

Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist December 24th, 7pm Reception following

Annual Meeting - January 31st following church

Thanksgiving is a time to remember

all that we are thankful for.

Here at Christ Church we have a lot to be thankful for. We are thankful for Mother Helen and Fr. Bob Hamilton, who serve as supply priests and make it possible to have Eucharist at least three Sundays a month. The month of November we had Eucharist all five Sundays, thanks to Rev. Leon Spencer from Greensboro who came the second Sunday. Unfortunately for us he will be away for the first two months of 2016, but he assured me he would be back in March and would be happy to help when he could.

We are thankful for our vestry who keeps us on track. We are thankful for the Altar Guild, who keeps the sanctuary shining. We are thankful for the ECW, who are always there lending a helping hand. We are thankful for those who keep our church ship-shape. We are thankful to our Church School staff who teach our youth about the Episcopal Church. We are thankful for our office staff who give us the weekly Sunday Bulletin and keep the office going. We are thankful for our monthly newsletter that keeps us informed as to what is going on in the church.

I am personally thankful for all who attended Annual Giving Sunday and turned in their pledge cards. The service was followed by our Thanksgiving Luncheon. We all had a good time, partaking of the good food and having the chance to sit and visit with each other. We handed out pledge cards again this past Sunday. If you haven’t turned in your pledge card, please do so as the vestry is getting ready to do the budget for next year. As I said in my Stewardship letter last month, and as I have repeated in church these past two weeks about annual giving, “Every moment, every dollar, and every ounce of energy we offer in service to another nourishes a body, mind and soul.”

Peace,Lu SullivanSenior Warden

I’ve recently overheard some conversation in our church about “Why can’t w e s i n g C h r i s t m a s hymns during Advent?” a n d “ W e c a n s i n g Christmas hymns without an organist, everyone knows them.” I do love hear ing and s inging

Christmas songs but unfortunately despite what Macy's and Wal-Mart might say, Christmas doesn't start until December 25 (or it's vigil), and runs past New Year's Day to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. So, during the four Sundays of Advent, will sing Advent hymns, not Christmas ones. The anticipation of those favorite carols is like a 5-year-old waiting for a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve.

The liturgical calendar is divided into various seasons, Advent being the season which begins the liturgical year, our "New Year’s." Advent's true believers say the ancient tradition is a season of preparation and anticipation, a sort of kinder and gentler version of Lent, the 40 days of prayer and penance leading up to Easter.

Advent has its own songs and traditions, including lighting the four candles of the Advent wreath, and musicians say it would be premature to sing Christmas songs about the birth of Christ before he's actually born. Michael McCarthy, the music director at Washington National Cathedral has been quoted saying "Would you sing 'Happy Birthday' before someone's birthday? That's basically it.”

Sincerely,The Church Mouse

Please join us on December 20th

following the service to decorate the

church for Christmas.

Ladies, please bring your husbands to lift

the heavy stuff.

The Christ Church Youth Group had it’s first meeting in November. All those in attendance agreed that it was a lot of fun. They even expressed in te res t in meeting more often they had so much fun!

We began the evening with a short evening prayer with a lot of involvement from our children. Then we moved on to working on our crafts while we waited for a pizza dinner to arrive. After a dinner filled with much laughter, we finished up our crafts and played Bingo and began a puzzle. The Youth Group would like anyone who would like to help work the puzzle feel free to do so.

The Youth Group will be meeting again on Wednesday, December 9th at 5:30pm at the church for a quick spaghetti dinner and then we are scheduled to be at Roman Eagle by 6:30 to do some caroling in the halls for their patients. We will take our holiday crafts to spread our holiday cheer. The Youth Group invites the congregation to join us for evening prayer, dinner & caroling. The Youth Group is for ages 6-18 and we would love to see this ministry grow and the fun and fellowship for our children in a Christian environment continue. Please pray for this ministry in our church and spread the word! If you have any questions or suggestions for this ministry please contact John & Kristi Ross. 836-1362 or ross810@me.com

P l e a s e h a v e y o u r C h r i s t m a s fl o w e r memorial form returned by December 20th to ensure it can be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin.

Forms will be available on the church credenza and on the last page of this newsletter.

The Sunday School has been diving into the Beatitudes. We have discussed how adding God into the mix of our lives and asking for help can guide us on the right path. The kids have enjoyed the creative comparisons that we have

made and are even catching my drift before I can finish making it! We spent one Sunday School class decorating the angel tree that is located in the Fellowship Hall. The children decorated some new ornaments and had a great time talking about giving back to others and Christmas traditions.

As always, thank you for your support of our Sunday School program and please continue to keep the children of the church in your prayers.

- Kristi Ross

December

Alex & Melissa Brummett – Anniversary 7 Jason Hall 7 Eddie Herndon 8 Alberta Hamlett 9 Mark Benz 10 Brantley Lewis 10 Tim Montgomery 13 Nancy Cormier 15 Bob & Janis Chenery – Anniversary 24 Chuck Sublett 27 Lucas & Selena Fifield - Anniversary 29 Chuck & Patsy Sublett – Anniversary 29

Thank You to everyone who brought in non-perishable items to support “God’s Storehouse” this Thanksgiving.

Christ Church was able to donate 5 turkeys and 4 large boxes of food to this important local charity.

Alberta Waller Goard, age 90, of 133 Apple Lane, Danville, VA, died on Friday, October 30, 2015 at Roman Eagle Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, after declining in health for the past ten years. Born on July 28, 1925, in Pittsylvania County, VA she was the daughter of the late Daniel Thornton Waller and Mollie Clay Waller.

Mrs. Goard lived most of her life in Danville, VA, and was a homemaker. On February 4, 1954, she married Ben Lee Goard who preceded her in death. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Goard is survived by a son, John Robert Goard (Gail) of Chatham, VA; a daughter, Mollie Huemoeller of Danville, VA; one sister, Janie Robertson of Gretna, VA, six grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Benjamin Allan Goard; and grandson, Forrest Huemoeller.

Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, November 1, 2015, at 2pm from Christ Episcopal Church with the Very Reverend Cleon Ross officiating. Interment followed at Danville Memorial Gardens. The family received friends prior to the service that Sunday at the church.

Alberta was a one of a kind individual. She touched every life in the church in one way or another over the years. There were many days that she could be found running the halls from the kitchen to the Fellowship Hall and back or pressing the linens for the altar or cooking or baking for the next church event. If the doors were open Alberta was there! She lead the charge for many, many activities and encouraged others to participate. If you could describe the Alberta I knew in a few words, they would be strong, caring, loyal, and hard working. In my eyes Alberta embodied all things a good Christian should strive to be. She was a true and faithful servant to her church and her God. When John and I sat down to think of who we would ask to be Mary’s Godparents, Alberta’s name came up and we knew in an instant that Alberta was a role model we wanted our daughter to have.

On November 1st, we all said goodbye to our friend and sister in Christ, but we all know we will see her one day spreading her wings and welcoming us into the Kingdom of Heaven. As I continue to be able to walk the halls of Christ Church I hope to remember her faithful spirit in all I do.

- Kristi Ross

This Advent-time we remember Mary and Joseph, giving thanks for their faithfulness, courage and obedience, stepping out into the unknown, in the strength of your Spirit, playing their part in the fulfillment of your plan to bring your prodigal people home again. We pray that their example might be the pattern of our lives, that when your gentle whisper breaks through the clamor of this world and into our small corner, we might be ready to listen, and having listened, to act.

Just a reminder that the ECW Christmas Social is quickly approaching.  The date is set for Friday, December 4th at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall.  The cost is $15 and includes the meal and cleanup.   The group will be playing Dirty

Santa, so plan to bring a gift to share.  Please sign up this Sunday or let Janis Chenery know so they can have an accurate head count for the caterer.

The ECW is planning a spring trip (April 25-27) to the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA, to see a new play, Sampson. The cost will be about $365. Marge Fifield is working on setting the trip up. The trip is open to everyone, not just members of our church, so be sure to tell others about the trip!

A s k a n d y o u s h a l l receive….

On Saturday, November 21st the church was busy with many hands. There

were members of our church in all areas scrubbing, washing, organizing, and sprucing up. Thank you to all who attended to make this job fun and productive. There is now a bin in the Fellowship Hall kitchen for any leftover food from coffee hour. We want to discourage any new pests that we worked so hard to get rid of on cleaning day. Thank you!

The Angel Tree is setup in Barksdale Hall.

P l e a s e h e l p u s provide some of the wants and needs of the children in our community this Christmas. We have been able to fill the underside of the tree in past years and hope we will be able to do the same this year.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

Flowers given in memory of someone or in thanksgiving for someone:

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Given By:_______________________________________________Phone: ____________

PLEASE PLACE YOUR FINANCIAL GIFT IN AN ENVELOPE WITH THIS FORM AND PUT IT IN THE COLLECTION PLATE, OR MAIL IT TO: CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, P.O. BOX 10355, DANVILLE, VA 24543 Be sure you indicate if the flowers are in memory of or they are in thanksgiving for someone as this will be listed in the Christmas bulletin. Thank you for your support

January Newsletter Deadline is Sunday, December 27th. Please send all news to

chirstchurch.news@gamewood.net or John & Kristi Ross.

Worship Schedule

(Watch your Sunday Church Bulletin for occasional changes)

Regular Monthly Meetings and ProgramsVestry Meeting - 2nd Week of the monthECW Meeting - 3rd Sunday at 10:00 am

Altar Guild Meeting - 3rd Saturday at 9:00 am

Christ Episcopal ChurchP.O. Box 10355Danville, VA 24543-5006

Sunday 9:00 am Holy Eucharist

Tuesday Noon Fellowship Lunch

Wednesday 6:00 pm Fellowship Supper

Christ Episcopal Church - December 2015Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

The Youth Group invites the congregation to join us for Evening prayer, a quick spaghetti dinner followed by caroling on Wednesday, December 9th at 5:30pm.

1

Noon LunchWendy’s

2 3 4ECW

Christmas Party

6:00pm

5

69:00am Holy Eucharist2nd Sunday of Advent

Rev. Helen McKeeCoffee Hour following

7 8

Noon LunchCiro’s

9

Youth Group & Caroling

5:30-7:30pm

10 11 12

139:00am Holy Eucharist3rd Sunday of Advent

Rev. Bob HamiltonCoffee Hour following

ECW Meeting

14 15Noon LunchTokyo Grill

6pm Vestry Meeting

16 17 18 19

209:00am Holy Eucharist

4th Sunday of AdventRev. Helen McKee

Hanging of the Greens & Coffee Hour following

21 22 23 24Christmas

Eve 7:00pmReception following

25 26

27

9:00am Morning PrayerCoffee Hour following

28 29

Noon LunchO’Kelly’s

30 31 Annual MeetingJanuary 31stfollowing the

9am Holy EucharistPlease plan to attend.

December 2015 Service Assignments

Date Reader Chalice Elements Servers Ushers Altar Hostess

December 6 9:00am

HE Janis Chenery Joe Hile &

Sarah OakesJackie &

Marty Wilson Anna Ballenger Luke Burris & David Hill Nancy Sands Mollie

Huemoeller

December 13 9:00 am

HE Sherry Gott

Shaun Anderson & Lu

SullivanLuke & Ivey

Burris Kayleigh Hall John Fifield & Joe Hile

Sandy Isom & Kayleigh Linda Oake

December 20 9:00 am

HE Mollie

HuemoellerBob & Janis

CheneryShaun &

Dinah Anderson

Anna Ballenger David Hill & Jerry Oakes Marty Wilson Nancy Sands

December 24 7:00 pm

HE Jerry Oakes Joe Hile &

Sarah OakesBob & Janis

CheneryAnna Ballenger

& Kayleigh Hall

Shaun Anderson & John Benz

Lu Sullivan Reception

December 27 9:00 am

HE Andy Sands

Shaun Anderson & Lu

SullivanJohn & Marge

Fifield Kayleigh Hall Jackie Wilson & Joe Hile

Dinah Anderson Marty Wilson