Introit Fanfare for Christmas Day Martin Shaw
The St. Christopher’s Choir
Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God in the highest)
Voluntary Pastoral Symphony G. F. Handel
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
The people stand, if able
Opening Processional Hymn “O come, all ye faithful” Blue Hymnal (BH) 83, v. 1-3 & 6
The Opening Acclamation Book of Common Prayer (BCP) p. 355
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be His kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The Collect for Purity
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse
the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and
worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Hymn of Praise “Angels we have heard on high” Blue Hymnal 96
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we,
who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where
with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
A Celebration of the Holy Eucharist The Eve of the Nativity
December 24, 2017 – 11:00pm St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church
Spartanburg, SC
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Be seated
First Reading Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep
darkness--on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they
rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of
their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the
day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be
burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his
kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward
and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Lector The Word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God.
The Response: “Cantate Domino” Giuseppe Ottavio Pitoni/arr. Puett
The St. Christopher’s Choir
Translation: Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints.
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the daughters of Zion be joyful in their King.
Second Reading Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and
worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly,
while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior,
Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for
himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Lector The Word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God.
All stand, if able
The Sequence Hymn “Hark! the herald angels sing” BH 87
Gospel Reading Luke 2:1-20
Gospeler The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
All Glory to you, Lord Christ.
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In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This
was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own
towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of
David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to
be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were
there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped
him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then
an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great
joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the
Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a
manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and
saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go
now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So
they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw
this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed
at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her
heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had
been told them.
Gospeler The Gospel of the Lord.
All Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Be seated
The Sermon The Rev’d Jim Trimble
After a moment of silence, all stand, if able
The Nicene Creed BCP p. 358
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen
and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the
Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one
Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came
down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was
buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and
the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of
life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and
glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic
Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of
the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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The people may remain standing, or kneel, if able
The Prayers of the People, Form 3 BCP p. 387
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray, especially, for the students and staff of Houston Elementary School; and for the staff and
families of The Haven Community Solutions.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for Justin, the Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, the Presiding Bishop; Andrew, our
Bishop; Jim, our Vicar; Fergie, our Deacon; and Pat, our Convocational Deacon.
In the Anglican Communion, we pray for the diocese of Yola in Jos, Nigeria
And in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, we pray for the Church of the Nativity, Union and
Church of the Incarnation, Gaffney.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
We pray, especially, for Donald, our President; Henry, our governor; Junie, our mayor; And all
elected officials who serve our country, state, county, cities, and towns.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
We remember, especially, and SAY TOGETHER: Shelby, The Cook Family, Roberta, Peggy, Katie,
Betty, Lessie, Jane, Suzanne, Shirley, The Mosley Family, Belinda, Noah, Mary Ann, Roy, Dan,
The Rochester Family, Robb, The Taylor Family, The Trimble Family, The Tuck Family, Bruce.
Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence
The Celebrant adds a concluding collect
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The Confession & Absolution BCP p. 360
Leader Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
All Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word,
and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with
our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly
repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may
delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus
Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Amen.
All stand
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
Announcements
Birthday & Anniversary Prayer
O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants as they begin
another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your
goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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THE LITURGY OF THE TABLE
The Offertory Anthem Divine Mystery arr. Lou Williams-Wimberly
11th Century Plainsong, Text: BH 82
The St. Christopher’s Choir
Mari Hashimoto, violin
All standing, if able
The Offertory Response “The first Nowell the angel did say” Blue Hymnal 109, v. 6
Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood mankind hath bought.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.
Celebrant The Lord be with you BCP p. 361
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father
Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
A Proper Preface is added
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of
heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
The Sanctus “Holy, holy, holy Lord” BH S-130
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, (repeat)
Heaven and earth are full, full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
The people stand or kneel
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen
into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and
eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God
and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect
sacrifice for the whole world.
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On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when
he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my
Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said,
“Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for
the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.
Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the Holy
food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this
holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all
your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
The Breaking of the Bread The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
Fraction Anthem “Christ our Passover” BH S-154
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Hymns at Communion
“In the bleak midwinter” BH 112
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“It came upon the midnight clear” (if needed) BH 90
Post-Communion Hymn “Silent night, holy night” BH 111
The Rev’d Deacon Fergie Horvath & Gary Horvath, guitar
(During “Silent Night”, the Light will be passed from the Christ Candle to each person on the center aisle.
Please pass the Light on to each person in your pew. Keep the candle lit till the end of the service.
Candles should be deposited in the foil lined basket in the narthex upon exiting. Thank you.)
The people stand or kneel, as able
The Prayer After Communion BCP p. 366
Celebrant Let us pray.
All Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the
most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these
holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal
kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve
you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and
glory, now and forever. Amen.
All stand, if able
The Blessing
Closing Processional Hymn “Joy to the world! the Lord is come” BH 100
The Dismissal
The Deacon or Celebrant proclaims a dismissal into the world
People Thanks be to God.
Voluntary In dulci jubilo J. S. Bach
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POINSETTIAS GIVEN
In Honor of
Paul, Kaci, Hattie & Harper Halphen by Mary & Paul Halphen
Rebecca, Grady, Sarah & Evelyn by Cindy & Lex Hray
Travis, Elizabeth & Nathan by Emilio & Wanda Larrier
Our children and grandchildren by Al & Mary Levens
Our children and grandchildren by Johnsie & Bill Canny
Our children and grandchildren by Bobbye & Bob Faucette
Our family by Dot & Jim Sloan
In Memory of
Maude & Jimmy Weatherly by Betty & Harold Holland
Joan & Edmund Dowling by the Dowling Family
Fran & Leonard Kendrick by their children
Holly & Bill Broadwell by Charlie Kendrick
Dennis Bruce by Bea Bruce
Gunter Pillar by Anneliese Pillar
Our parents by Al & Mary Levens
Barry & Jeffery Block by Luther & Shirley Lippert
Catherine & Shelton Culbertson by Donna & Max Fritz, Jr.
Elise & Max Fritz, Sr. by Donna & Max Fritz, Jr.
My parents by John Burchfield
Our parents by Johnsie & Bill Canny
Bill Wilson by Peggy Wilson
Joe Beasley by Doris Beasley
Walter Cook by Doris Beasley
Kathryn Sloan by Jim & Dot Sloan
Isaac Howell by Anna Howell & Megan Lenaghan
Craig Giegerich by Joyce & Roddy Jeffers
Catherine & Craig Pressley by Joyce & Roddy Jeffers
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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
TAKE IT TO THE MAT IN PRAYER: Our next evenings at 6:30 pm for gentle yoga/prayer will be on
January 4th & 18th in the Parish Hall. (1st & 3rd Thursdays) Suggested donation: $5.00. Please join us!
WEDNESDAYS @ CHURCH: Healing Eucharist at 5:30pm, simple supper at 6:15, discussing The
Wired Word at 6:45, and choir rehearsal at 7:30. (Not on this Wednesday the 27th or January 3rd)
EPISCOPAL CHURCH CALENDARS are available on the credenzas in the Narthex and the
credenza in the Connector. A parishioner donated these, so please take one!
GARDEN PLOTS: Garden Plots are available on a first come, first served basis. Plots are $20 a piece.
THE VICAR’S BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY takes place each 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at
12noon in The Conference Room, where we discuss the lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday.
The next meeting is January 15th.
ALTAR FLOWERS SIGN-UP: We are making the yearly Flower Schedule for 2018. If you’d like to
celebrate, honor, or remember a loved one or event, or renew your date, please call or write Anita in
the Parish Office to see if that Sunday is available. A $35 donation is asked to pay for the flowers.
DOK SECOND BIBLE STUDY: Daughters of the King announces the second book study open to all!
Our Deacon, Leslie Horvath (Fergie) has agreed to be our Facilitator for the second book study
sponsored by DOK. Those of you in church last Sunday heard a powerful sermon that Fergie gave on
just playing life safe and not stepping out to do what God wants us to do. This was the catalyst for
DOK to choose our next book. This book will cause deep thought, make you laugh out loud and see a
term with which most Episcopalians are not always comfortable! We will follow the same format,
meeting one Sunday a month (usually the second Sunday), taking a hiatus in the months of June, July
and August and finishing in December. We will begin in January 2018 during the Sunday School
Hour. Please consider joining us for this book study. Title: Evangelism without Additives by Jim
Henderson. We will be ordering books right before Christmas. If you would like to be included in
this order, please send Mary Levens an email and she will order one for you. The cost will be
approximately $15.00.
THE PARISH DISCRETIONARY FUND is one way that church members can help and assist those
in need in our community. On the first Sunday of each month, the loose offerings go to the Parish
Discretionary Fund to help Father Jim reach out to those needing a boost. The next collection is Jan.
7th.
A NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE 2018 MISSION COMMITTEE POSITIONS has been
appointed by the Vicar. They will be seeking candidates for Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, and two Mission
Committee members. As always, we also need candidates for delegates to the Diocesan Convention,
and alternates. If you are interested in being a candidate for any of these positions, please contact one
of the Nominating Committee members, any current member of the Mission Committee, or Father
Jim, before Christmas. Nominating Committee Members: Grant Cobb, Peggy Wilson, Agnes
Hamilton, Bill Canny, and Paul Halphen
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MAGAZINES are still being collected in the basket in the Narthex. Peggy Wilson collects the
magazines for her neighbor Anneliese Pillar. Anneliese is a dedicated volunteer at Spartanburg
Regional where she distributes the magazines to patients.
A LOOK AHEAD AT ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION: Sundays around 11:30am
Seasons of Advent and Christmas
Book Study: “Names for the Messiah”, by Walter Brueggemann
In Isaiah 9:6, a divine utterance is given to us using for royal titles – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In this study, we’ll ponder each title and how people understood it then,
how Jesus did or did not fulfill the title, and how Christians interpret Jesus as representative of that title.
Dec 31 Prince of Peace
Season of Epiphany
“Living Discipleship: Celebrating the Saints,” from Forward Movement
The saints witness to us what the life of faith looks like, lived out in real time, as they challenge us to live out
our own discipleship more fully and fearlessly. In a journey with the saints, we also learn something of our
history as we look at monks, missionaries, prophets, and more, and learn how different people in different places
and times, with different backgrounds and gifts, have taken their place in proclaiming the kingdom of God.
Jan 7 The Blessed Virgin Mary
Jan 14 Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob
Jan 21 John Chrysostom
* Jan 28 The St. Christopher’s Annual Meeting *
Feb 4 Enmegahbowh
Feb 11 Frances Perkins
Season of Lent
Book Study: “Forgiveness,” by Marjorie J. Thompson
‘Forgiveness is the healing stream flowing out from the crucified Christ over a world that does not know how
desperately it needs the healing.’ Forgiving others and humbly asking for forgiveness are central disciplines for
all Christian believers. Lent is an appropriate time to deepen our understanding and practice of forgiveness.
Feb 18 Beginnings: A Kinship Appeal
Feb 25 Self-Examination: Prelude to Forgiveness
Mar 4 Honesty: Engaging the Inner Struggle
Mar 11 Repentance: Getting a New Mind
Mar 18 Forgiving: Embracing Freedom
Mar 25 Beginning Again: Reconciliation and Restoration
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Season of Easter
Transforming Questions, from Forward Movement
Many Christians and seekers operate under an assumption that doubt is the opposite of faith. Sometimes we
hear people say that to have faith means accepting things without questioning them. Others say that you can’t
be a “good Christian” if you have a lot of doubt. Nothing could be further from the truth. Questions are an
essential part of faith. Almost every single person in scripture who encounters God does so with a lot of
questions, and more than a little doubt. Abraham and Sarah, Moses, David, Mary, the disciples, and Paul all
ask questions, and those questions are part of their faithful response to God. In fact, it is in the act of asking
questions that we wrestle more deeply with our faith, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the One whom we
encounter in the midst of our doubts and questions.
Apr 8 Why did Jesus have to die?
Apr 15 Who is Jesus?
Apr 22 Can we question our faith?
Apr 29 Does God answer prayer?
May 6 How should I read the Bible?
May 13 Why do I need church?
Sunday 12/24 The Fourth Sunday of Advent/Christmas Eve
9:30am Choir rehearsal in Sanctuary
9:45am Nursery Ministry available
10:00am Holy Eucharist in the Parish Hall
10:05am Children’s Sunday School
11:00am Fellowship in the Connector
11:30am Adult Formation Class in the Conference Room
3:30pm Gospel Pageant rehearsal/costume fittings in Choir Room
4:30pm Christmas Eve Family Service
10:30pm Concert with Soloists, Choir, Organ & Violin
11:00pm Festival Holy Eucharist
Monday 12/25 [THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: Christmas Day]
Office Closed
10:00am Christmas Day Service
7:00pm SA Anonymous Mtg in the Connector
Tuesday 12/26 [SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON AND MARTYR]
Office Closed
6:30pm Basketball League in the Gym
Wednesday 12/27 [SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST]
No Wednesday night activities
6:30pm FAVOR Family Group meeting in the Parish Hall
Thursday 12/28 [THE HOLY INNOCENTS]
5:45pm NA Meeting in the Connector
6:30pm Basketball League in the Gym
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Sunday 12/31 The First Sunday after Christmas Day
9:30am Choir rehearsal in Sanctuary
9:45am Nursery Ministry available
10:00am Holy Eucharist
10:05am Children’s Sunday School
11:00am Fellowship in the Connector
11:30am Adult Formation Class in the Conference Room
Birthdays
Mary Ann Palmer, 12/20
Paul Halphen, 12/22
Kyran Dowling, 12/23
Annie Ruth Bobo, 12/23
Pearl Lewis Judd, 12/24
Butch Harris, 12/28
Beth Richardson, 12/29
Jacob Anderson, 1/6
Patty Hairston, 1/6
Doug Hubbell, 1/6
Sabrina Harley, 1/9
Roy Parker, 1/10
Ashley Courier, 1/12
Meredith Linyard, 1/14
Donna Fritz, 1/15
Roberta Gentry, 1/17
Noah Oxner, 1/18
Sarah Trimble, 1/19
Mitch Slade, 1/20
Ralph Preston, 1/20
Dot Sloan, 1/22
LaJune Stephens, 1/22
Anniversaries
Lex & Cindy Hray, 12/27
Peter & Karen Barnes, 12/30
Roy & Cheryl Parker, 1/23
Pastoral Care Contact
December: Nancy Gibson, 579-0583
Parish Prayer List
Shelby Boyce
The Cook Family
Roberta Gentry
Peggy Graham
Katie Harris
Betty Holland
Lessie Irby
Jane Johnson
Suzanne Johnson
Shirley Lippert
The Mosley Family
Belinda Oxner
Noah Oxner
Mary Ann Palmer
Roy Parker
Dan Price
The Rochester Family
Robb Sartor
The Taylor Family
The Trimble Family
The Tuck Family
Bruce Wrenn
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Friends and Family Prayer List
This Sunday’s Ministers
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev’d Jim Trimble
Deacon: The Rev’d Deacon Leslie Horvath
Acolyte: Emilio Larrier
Chalice Bearers: Bliss Harley, Emilio Larrier
Lector: Charlie Kendrick
Verger: Emilio Larrier
Ushers: Jay Palmer, Paul Halphen
Altar Guild: St. Christopher’s Altar Guild
Flower Guild: St. Christopher’s Flower Guild
Sound Tech: Bill Canny
Manda Jackson, friend of Roberta Gentry
James Jennings, friend of Christine Evans
Ava Johnson
Robin & Bob Margeson, friends of St. Christopher’s
Ben Marshall, grandson of Doreen Marshall
Dean & Tyler McGraw, family of Bliss Harley
Rosa McKinney and family
Jamie McMillan, nephew of Grant & Elisabeth Cobb
Diana Nieto, mother of Belinda Oxner
Kevin O’Connell, friend of John Burchfield
Brian Parker, friend of Mary & Al Levens
The family & friends of Chely Patterson, colleague of Karen Barnes
Gene & the Peterson family, lifelong friends of Kyran Dowling
Debbie Pitts, a friend of Bliss and Brad Harley
Deborah Price, Dan Price’s wife
Emory J. Price, friend of Jennifer Evans
Johnny Price, friend of Leslie Horvath
Katie Rigby & family, family of Bliss Harley
Lillian Rochester, mother of Bruce
Sally, a friend of Anita Bruhnke
Danny Smith, brother of Mary Halphen
Allene Taylor, friend of Peggy Wilson
Henry Thomas, friend of Cassandra Gray
Al Walker, friend of Anita Bruhnke
Jim Whitfield, David Ragsdale’s uncle
The Young Family, friends of Donna & Max Fritz
Tracy & Stephanie, daughters of Bruce & Vickie Witteveen
Jenny & Katie, goddaughters of Bill and Johnsie Canny
Larry Armstrong
Annie Barr, friend of Agnes Hamilton
Steve Bond, friend of Donna and Max Fritz
Gail Bonnell, friend of Agnes Hamilton
John Bruhnke
Buck Buckland, brother of Penny Hucks
Jim Burchfield, John Burchfield’s brother
Cailynn Campos
Elizabeth Coggins, friend of David Ragsdale
Margaret Cook, Bliss Harley’s aunt
Laurie Copley, former member of St. Christopher’s
Scott & Kelly Denbow Family, nephew of Anne Denbow
Karen Yuleimy Gallego Diaz, friend of Gary Horvath
Whitney Dodd, niece of David Ragsdale
Ann Duncan, friend of Doris Beasley
David Ferguson, brother of Fergie Horvath
Josie Flore, friend of Belinda Oxner
Mary Gray, mother-in-law of Cassandra Gray
Donna Gurganus, friend of Donna & Max Fritz
Eddie Hall, friend of St. Christopher’s
Barbara & Buddy Hays, friends of Anita Bruhnke
Wanda Hicks, sister of Philip Tuck
Joan Horvath, Gary Horvath’s mother
Betty Hray, Lex Hray’s mother
Allie Hoy, friend of Mary Levens
Heather Hucks
Taft Hunt, friend of Donna & Max Fritz
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REFLECTION
A friend from college posted this week on social media, “I just want everyone to know, who may
be feeling melancholy at this holiday season, that your emotion is valid ~ it’s real ~ and you are not
alone!” Another friend commented with strong words declaring that all holidays remind her of how
much she’s messed up. Another responded that she’s not even putting up a Charlie Brown Christmas
Tree, just going to pass the time. This made me pause. And think. And reflect. And write.
My childhood – from birth through high school – could’ve been taking out of a storybook, or
Leave it to Beaver episodes. Nice suburban neighborhood, neighbors we played with, celebrated the
appropriate holidays and birthdays, never had to worry about where the next meal was coming from,
even a working fireplace. It was kind of like living in this middle-class bubble. I don’t think I had any
friends who were products of divorce. All the dads worked, and most moms were homemakers. I
went to school with, mostly, the same kids for 8 years. We had a dog, and hamsters, and a bird (for a
short time). It was perfect.
Surely, with all of my friends and their families, there had to be things that were kept secret, not
talked about, giving all the veneer of perfection, or, at least, peace. Reflecting back - my friends across
the street, the Dodsons, were a normal family. Mom, Dad, two girls and a boy. Until, the teenage son
used a shotgun to kill himself in the back bedroom. I was young, and we didn’t talk about it. They
moved to a new house shortly afterwards. I can only imagine what the holidays were like for them.
I learned that a few of the neighbors, the dads mainly, had drinking problems. When I look back
at old photo albums, especially when Mr. O’Connell, dressed as Santa Clause visiting every house
with kids, always had a red nose, kinda like Rudolph. Or Mr. Brown, who had chronic pain in his
legs. Mrs. Timmons, next door, who was probably living with undiagnosed dementia – my dad had
to retrieve her a number of times from the grocery store as she would walk up there in her nightgown
looking for her husband, who’d died in World War Two. Learning, in 8th grade, that my older brother
David and his wife, Kim, were getting a divorce after one year, and one daughter. I don’t think I even
knew what ‘divorce’ was at that time.
The holiday season can bring about many emotions, feelings, memories – joyous, as well as
painful. And that’s OK, because life is lived, not shoved in a bubble or frame and displayed for all to
see in all its finery and glory. Life is messy and real, and the holidays are no different.
As we live through this season of Advent, anxiously awaiting the celebration of the coming of
God into the world, we hold on to what we hold dear, and live it out. We hold on to our family,
friends, neighbors, as we’re all seeing this season and these events through different lenses and
experiences. We acknowledge that, and give credence to those realities, and pray to God, that we will
find new life in the newborn King. ~~ Fr. Jim+
16
UPCOMING SPECIAL DATES TO REMEMBER
December
25 10am Christmas Day Service
27 No Wednesday Service or Programs
31 Service of Compline @ 7:30pm
January
3 No Wednesday Service or Programs
4 Take It to the Mat in Prayer @ 6:30pm
7 Mission Committee Mutual Ministry Review @ 12:15pm
Feast of the Epiphany Celebration @ 6pm – at Church of the Epiphany
18 Take It to the Mat in Prayer @ 6:30pm
21 Dedication of the Courtyard Prayer Garden
28 St. Christopher’s Annual Meeting after church – in Parish Hall
February
13 Shrove Tuesday Oyster Roast @ 5:30pm – in Gym
14 Ash Wednesday Services at 12noon & 7pm
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 400 Dupre Dr. Spartanburg SC 29307
Phone (864) 585-2858 Web: www.stchrisonline.org FAX (864) 585-0799
The Rt. Rev’d Andrew Waldo........................................................................................... Bishop
The Rev’d Jim Trimble .......................................................................................................... Vicar
The Rev’d Deacon Leslie Horvath .................................................................................. Deacon
Anne Denbow .................................................................................... Director of Liturgical Arts
Margaret Hopper ............................................................................................................. Organist
Meredith Lockamy ....................................................................................... Children’s Ministry
Anita Bruhnke .............................................................................. Interim Parish Administrator
Catherine Ruchala ............................................................................................................... Sexton
2017 Mission Committee
Senior Warden: Grant Cobb
Junior Warden: Lex Hray
Treasurer: Ruth Anne Hickerson
Clerk: Mary Levens
Members: Karen Barnes (2020), Anita Bruhnke (2019), Emilio Larrier (2019), Adam Lockamy (2020),
April Preston (2018), Peggy Wilson (2018)
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