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)