Advent represents a major seasonal change. Consequently you will notice some changes to the service beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, November 29th. At 8:00 we will make a few modifications to the service in that we will rehearse the 10 Commandments instead of the two Great Commandments and we will pray the collective intercession rather than the litany with petition and response. At 10:30 we will suspend the use of the Gloria and instead will sing the Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy). At both services, the prayers and music will reflect the season of Advent and our anticipation of the coming of Christ with God’s kingdom.

Advent is a season of growing, joyful expectation. During Advent our growing sense of anticipation for Christ’s coming will be highlighted by the growing nature of our decorating. We will be adding something to our worship space every week. On the first Sunday of Advent, we will have a colour change to purple and of course the Advent wreath will be a part of our liturgical celebrations. We use purple in the Advent season because it is symbolic of Christ’s glorious kingship and points to the reality that when Christ comes again it will be in glory and majesty. This is a royal purple that reflects the kingdom that we await with joyful expectation and long for in the difficult and challenging times of life. We long for that kingdom because in the kingdom every tear will be wiped from our eyes and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, because there God will dwell with his people forever. Throughout the rest of the season, a tree will be set up and then the figures of the nativity set will be displayed inside the altar. The tree is a reminder of Christ, the life he offers to us and the light that he brings to the world. It reminds us to be prepared and to wait expectantly for Christ to come again in order to bring the kingdom of God in all of its fullness. Until Christmas, this tree will be lit with blue lights as a

Advent at St. Mark’s by the Lake recognition of the season that we are celebrating. At Christmas we will shift to the white lights, to reflect the bright radiance that shines in our world as a result of the birth of the Christ child. When it is set out, the nativity set will be displayed without Jesus and without the wise men which will, each, be displayed with the rest of the pieces during our celebration of Christmas and the Epiphany respectively. We keep the baby in the manger out of the display in order to remind us that, in Advent, we are waiting for Christ to come and that this season is a season of expectation. At Christmas our celebration shifts so that we no longer look forward to the future coming of Christ, but look back to his first coming with thanksgiving and joy. Our decorating and our liturgical practices are meant to point us and direct our attention to watching for Christ to come and to building the kingdom of God in the world.

Beyond the liturgical changes we will be undertaking a few important activities which will reflect our expectation of the coming of the Kingdom and the joy that comes from receiving the gift of Christ’s presence in the world at Christmas. We will be supporting families through New Song Church with the purchase of gifts for children so that they can enjoy the Christmas celebration. Additionally, we will be offering gifts to some of our brothers and sisters in the long term care facilities around us. On top of those gifts, we will also offer our time to look after the Salvation Army kettle at the Tecumseh Zehrs on December 9, 10, 11, and 12. Through these efforts we will help to share the comfort and abundance of God’s kingdom with those in need.

It is my prayer, that through these changes and activities, the focus of our Advent season will be more sharply defined and, consequently, our Christmas celebration will be all the more joyful.

RECTORS REPORT

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I heard a story about a priest and his congregation from a friend the other day. There was a priest that told his congregation that he needed to talk to them about something before he preached his sermon. He said, “I have run into a young couple who need a place to stay for a short time. They're on their way home and they need somewhere to stay for a few nights. They're just starting out, they don't have anything, and they need a room, can anyone help out.” The congregation was a little taken aback because it was such an unusual request and

they sat motionless. Before anyone had a chance to respond, the priest said, “oh and by the way the woman is 9 months pregnant.” With that there was no movement and no hope for movement in the congregation. Nobody volunteered, nobody spoke up, nobody offered anything, it was silent and still and it was going to stay that way. The priest, sensing that this was going to be fruitless, said, “I guess I'll try to track down a shelter or something like that.” There was an inaudible sigh and relaxation in the congregation as they settled back in to listen to the sermon. As the priest was climbing the steps into the pulpit, he looked over his shoulder and said, “In case you're wondering, the names of the couple are Joseph and Mary.” Over the last few months we have heard a lot about people who need a place to stay. We hear all the time about refugees, immigrants, people struggling in poverty, people struggling with racial bias, people struggling to live. We hear all the time about people looking for a place to stay in our society. Sometimes they are young. Sometimes they are old. Sometimes they are pregnant. Sometimes they are addicted. Sometimes they are hungry. Sometimes they are angry. Sometimes they are sad. Sometimes they are hopeless. They are always looking for a place to stay in our society. They are always looking to come in, out of the cold, to live with us in dignity and love. They are always people who need to be let in. A long time ago two such people were left out in the cold. They were left to go out to the stable where there was no fire, no bed, no tables, no chairs, no comfort, and no one else. Out in the stable Mary gave birth to the saviour of the world, the son of God, Jesus Christ. With Jesus' birth, the Kingdom of God came into being; God came to dwell with his people except the only people there were Mary and Joseph. After Jesus was born, God sent the angels out and they found some people to share the kingdom with, they found the shepherds and invited them in. The wise men followed the star and they were invited into the kingdom as they came to offer gifts. Then Jesus grew up and he invited family, disciples, and crowds to join in the kingdom. The kingdom grew and soon those in the kingdom started inviting people in too. That's how we got in. This is a season for us to invite people to live with God, to invite them to live in God's kingdom, to invite them to stay with us. The problem that we run into is fear and space. We fear what people may do to us, what they might be like, how they might affect us and change our lives. We also don't feel that we have space in our lives for others because we are so busy. No matter what fears we have and what little space we have, God will invite them in. As faithful people we're called join in with what God's doing, to put aside our fears, trust God, and make the space to live with God in this and then invite people in. The invitation can be issued in a variety of ways. It can come through our spoken words, through telling the stories of God's goodness and grace. It can come through our sung words, through the carols and songs that tell of God coming to dwell with us. It can come through those words enacted in hospitality, in love, in acceptance, in help, in respect, in kindness, and in generosity. Whatever form it takes, this is a season to invite people in so that, with us, they can be built into the dwelling of God in the Spirit, into the Kingdom of peace, hope, and love. I wish you all the blessings of Advent and Christmas and pray that we may be faithful to our calling to invite people in through this holy season.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev’d Robert Lemon, Rector, St. Mark’s by the Lake

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjajYbi3anJAhXFHB4KHe0rAiEQjRwIBw&url=http://pixshark.com/nativity-scene-silhouette-printable.htm&bvm=bv.108194040,d.dmo&psig=AFQjCNFhye80Dh6bIppL9cIrAEm8XxLFtg&ust=1448477593503162

Outreach Justice Team Report The Outreach Committee collected $112.25 for bus passes for the homeless at the Christmas Bazaar.

Ten Thousand Villages will be visiting us on November 29, 2015 after each mass. Great time to start your Christmas shopping.

Our committee will be doing a toy drive for the New Song Church again this year. The New Song Church estimated they require the following: 15 infants - 0-12 months old 20 toddlers- 12-36 months old 25 preschoolers - 4-6 years 25 children- 7-9 years 25 preteens 10-12 years. If you wish to participate and help us give these children a good Christmas please bring your gift unwrapped (put in a gift bag) and deposit them in the boxes that will be located in the hall on or before December 13th, 2015. The children’s Christmas Party will be December 16th, 2015. We will also be accepting Christmas bags for New Song Church. If New Song Church receives too many gifts, the donations are also used for birthday gifts to the children during the year.

We shall also be doing Senior Christmas Gifts this year. Bev Watson is in contact with the nursing homes to determine specific needs of the residents. If you wish to buy for a senior please let Elaine Janosik, Jane Martin or one of the Committee members know and we will arrange to give you the wish list of one of the seniors. We are always looking for people to come and join our team. Come to any of our meetings which are held on the second Monday of each month. MERRY CHRISTMAS from your Outreach Justice Team

Sign up to help

“Ring the Bells”

December 9, 10, 11 and 12

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi5j8bj5anJAhVIox4KHZNoD-cQjRwIBw&url=http://agapemo.org/join-agapes-share-a-christmas-program/&bvm=bv.108194040,d.dmo&psig=AFQjCNFLA1XnpiLEsCBXDWEzvSG6LRlDYA&ust=1448479745736213http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi_8ofR7KnJAhWMNz4KHZTEBDwQjRwIBw&url=http://kfor.com/2013/12/04/salvation-army-gets-mysterious-and-generous-gold-coin-donation/&bvm=bv.108194040,d.dmo&psig=AFQjCNHnoMBEcI6aGj5UZ6ezZUPbdKJaYA&ust=1448481560843565

NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING CLAY is a gathering of Anglican and Lutheran youth ages 14-19, from across Canada, taking place every two years at different locations. The Gathering in 2016 will take place in Charlottetown, PEI from August 17-21st. The CLAY Gathering is a time when youth will encounter scripture in meaningful ways, experience ancient and modern ways of worship, learn together in special interest forums, enjoy fantastic social events, explore Charlottetown, make connections with youth from all over Canada and celebrate life together. Our Diocese is planning a pilgrimage by bus to the event. It will leave Windsor on Aug. 15 and stop in London and Waterloo to pick up the youth and leaders travelling from Huron Diocese to the event. Along the way, our Diocesan chaplains will be leading a program for the youth to get them ready for the Gathering! Three of our youth from St. Mark’s by the Lake have expressed an interest in attending this event, which costs approx. $1360 per person (includes all travel, meals, accommodation and event) to attend CLAY. We will be doing some fundraising to assist with their costs. One of our

projects will be offering homemade soup for sale each Sunday in the winter months! It will be fresh frozen and will be in the stand-up freezer in kitchen. At $2 per bowl, you can warm up your tummy and warm a heart too! For more information on CLAY, check out their website: www.claygathering.ca (there are lots of very cool videos as well as a ton of information).

Gesstwood Camp will be hosting a Bethlehem Walk on Fri. Dec. 4th from 7-8:30 pm and also on Sat. Dec. 5th from 6:30-8:30pm. (1034 Mole Side Rd. Essex). This outdoor event is open to anyone wishing to experience what the excitement would have been like during the first Christmas over 2000 years ago. Through interactive storytelling, you will experience what it was like in the town of Bethlehem during the time of the birth of Jesus! This is a FREE event, however donations are being accepted for the camp's summer bursary fund. Let's get a group together to experience this timeless story!

SOUP’S ON!! During the winter months, the youth group will be selling Homemade soup (fresh frozen). It will be in the stand-up freezer in the kitchen for your convenience. There will also be a jar to collect donations (suggested donation of $2 per soup). The money collected will go towards fundraising for the CLAY (Canadian Lutheran and Anglican Youth) Gathering in PEI this August!

http://www.claygathering.ca/http://claygathering.ca/

Communications Team The Communications Team has been working over the last couple of months to put together procedures for certain items in the Church. We are also working on signage, internal communications and external communications for the Church. Below are a few procedures within the Church that some may not know and some may need a refresher. Thank you Rob Lemon, Jane Cornett, Brooke White, Christie Paulton

Calendar for Memorial/Celebration Flowers If you would like to dedicate a particular Sunday for a celebration or memorial with flowers, please choose a week by signing on the flower calendar located at the main entrance of the church. Please print your full name and phone number. You may choose to buy your own flowers for the week, or make a special donation of $40, payable to 'St. Mark's by the Lake' (flowers). Please let the office (519-735-4921) know by the previous Tuesday if you are bringing your own flowers or if you would like the church to supply them. Also, let the office know what you would like written in the bulletin to dedicate the flowers. If you are bringing your own flowers, please bring them to the church by 9:30 am on Saturday, so that the chancel guild can arrange them. Thank you for dedicating flowers for your loved ones!

Newsletter Procedures Newsletters will be published on the following dates

o Nov 29th, 2015 о March 13th, 2016

o June 5th, 2016 о Sept 11th, 2016

o Nov 27th, 2016

All articles are to be in for submitted 2 weeks before publication date

Articles should be sent to Christie_paulton@hotmail.com or the church email

Articles should be typed

Any photos should be submitted as jpgs, pngs, pdf files or actual photos

Meat Pie Ordering Meat pies are made three to four times per year by a dedicated group of volunteers. A month ahead of time, order forms are available at the Welcome Desk. TO ORDER MEAT PIES:

Enter your order on the form at the Welcome Desk. Small meat pies may be ordered for $3.00 each, large

meat pies for $10.00 each.

Meat pies may be picked up starting the day after the baking. Payment may be made to someone on coffee

hour duty on that Sunday.

Pies may be picked up and paid for during the week from 9am – 12 pm and money left in the office.

Pick up and payment may be made at alternate times by special arrangement with the office (519-735-

4921).

tel:519-735-4921mailto:Christie_paulton@hotmail.com

Warden’s Report As advent and Christmas approach and our Rector Rob is well into his second year of ministry at St. Mark’, we look back on a busy year. We have had a variety of social and fundraising events this fall, as well as progressing with our ministry work. On the negative side we still have a substantial debt and are introducing a debt retirement program. Our main fall fundraiser events; turkey dinner, steak BBQ and Bazaar have been well attended and run very well with the help of the Parish Activity Team. We are very grateful to all our parishioners who have assisted at all these events. As well as the regular weekday service and bible study, our rector Rob and Angie led an interesting series of discussions on exploring Christian Invitation. Geoff and Margaret again spent some weeks with us for the summer and have now returned to the sunnier climes of Arizona. As always we are grateful for Geoff’s presence and participation in our Church life during the summer months and wish them both well for the upcoming season. We are also grateful to Jack for his participation in the choir and sermons when Rob is away. The warden’s would like to wish all our parishioner’s a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The Wardens

PASTORAL CARE TEAM Our Team took the summer months off, fully expecting to be at full force the beginning of fall. Due to vacations and personal demands, we did not meet our goal and have been limited with the visits we have been able to make. That being said, we have been in touch with many of those who have shared our pews over the past few years. It is always a pleasure to share some time with these folks and are happy when they can again return to regular Church services. Mary Jones is one of those who has returned recently but will soon be on her way to Australia to visit her son and his family. May she have a safe journey and come back to us in the spring! If you would like to join our Team, please speak with Barbara Lyons, our Team Leader and she will let you know of the role we play within our Church.

Bowling with the Deanery youth on Saturday January 2nd. In the afternoon. Details coming soon!

Thank you does not seem to be enough….Thank you for helping with the steak dinner… the extras that you did were awesome. We could not do it without you. Thank you for the desserts….they were yummy… Thank you for setting up tables…we had a place to sit and eat… Thank you for wrapping silverware, setting tables, wrapping auction items, running to the store for pens, setting up the bar, buying the bar items, servicing the bar… Thank you for writing on the bid sheets with beautiful hand writing and bringing your coffee pot and butler… Thank you for BBQing…yummy steaks…they were great and the chicken too… Thank you for bringing the vegetarian dishes and doing the extras for those who don’t eat meat… Thank you for listening to Angie whine…thanks Father Rob…. Thank you for calling out Auction items….parking spot/football tickets and more Thank you for setting up the music…and entertaining us… Thank you for buying up the extra steaks and making the night a total success… Thank you for putting out the signs twice in one week….. Thank you for printing tickets and making up sheets… Thank you for doing the dishes, cleaning up the kitchen… Thank you for bringing in items to bid on and for bidding on the items…even the Mystery Box…. Thank you for being the wonderful parish family that you are and attending another successful event.

God Bless you all.

Q Q Q Q Q Q

Once again - A BIG THANK YOU! Thanks go out to those of you who continue to support the work done by St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Harrow by bringing in your milk bags.

Tues. 10th we took 1,300 milk bags to Harrow and they are always so grateful to receive them.

..................and thanks go out to the women in our parish who tie the milk strips together and then roll them into balls for the women who crochet the bed mats, pillows and school bags. As well as St. Mark’s saving the bags, we are picking them up from St. John Vianney, Church of Ascension, All Saints, St. Mary’s, St. John’s and St. Rose School. One of the women at one of the churches works at a Nursing Home and she asked the cooks in the kitchen if they would save the milk bags and she put up several notices in the Home about saving milk bags so now when family come to visit their loved ones, they are bringing in their milk bags! She brings in 250 bags for us! We’ve had requests now from All Saints and St. Augustine for milk strips – the women in their parishes are joining them together and winding them up so we are grateful for their assistance. When we take all the bags to Harrow, they are all flattened out, some of them are squashed up like baseballs!.............the bags are sorted out according to the kind they bought. The women in Harrow pick up 15 of the bags making sure they are corner to corner and then the corners are stapled. They are then put into a wooden box and the lid comes down. The lid has slats with a narrow opening between them.............the men put their knives in the openings and cut from side to side making the milk strips. The women in Harrow go to Value Village or the Salvation Army and buy used sheets which are in good condition and they make pillow cases for the pillows and sheets to fit the beds. All their hard work is done for the people in Haiti who are still living a very difficult life. We have people giving us good, used t-shirts, summer shorts, our son-in-law, a pilot, brings us all the items from the hotel where he stays on a flight, like the small containers of shampoo, conditioner, bars of soap which are gladly received – the people of Haiti live a very difficult life and they are so happy to receive these types of articles. If you have any of these articles not being used, leave them with the milk bags. With sincere thanks, Jim & Edna Lee

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjcxonl8anJAhUGOD4KHbaVCr0QjRwIBw&url=http://www.dpcdsb.org/BRIGD/About/Social%2BJustice%2BInitiatives.htm&bvm=bv.108194040,d.dmo&psig=AFQjCNH65bJFUgwNHU5Ksrlhi8h_UmdXAA&ust=1448482973008514

«AddressBlock»

St. Mark’s by-the-Lake 150 St. Mark’s Road St. Clair Beach On N8N 2H4