Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. 2 Peter 3:14-15a
Our readings during this time of contemplative, hopeful waiting give us clues about the work in which we should be engaged. Strive to be found at peace, Peter says. What does that look like? Peace! Seriously???
Yet, I’m sure you’ve seen those people who at least on the outside, are the epitome of peace. Lots is going on around them, but they are that presence that immediately calms everything down. That person who doesn’t get caught up in the fray…doesn’t pump up the anxiety, but lowers it. Calm and cool-headed. What does it take to be like that?
Being centered on God is one thing I believe it takes. Keeping your eyes on God’s love through Jesus Christ and all of God’s promises that we will be cared for. One thing I’ve found very helpful in this regard is praying with prayer beads. Yes, it’s helpful to pray, but holding those beads in my fingers and praying is comforting and relaxing and lowers my anxiety.
So, what a joy in the past few weeks to be making prayer beads for Chocolate Fest, adding another dimension to our efforts to strive to be found at peace. The fellowship of working together and being with each other on a project enhanced our efforts, I believe.
The beads have been blessed and they are being prepared to be offered at Chocolate Fest this Saturday. We pray these beads may help people strive for that peace, which is the work we are called to do during this Advent time.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Chocolate Fest is this Saturday, December 6, 9am – 3pm. Be sure to come to chocolate fest where there will be the usual assortment of scrumptious chocolate and candy, breads and cakes, as well as handcrafted ornaments and Christmas items. Prayer beads made by parishioners of all ages will be available and rubber band bracelets in holiday colors, too. Don’t Miss It!
Rebecca’s Schedule: Rebecca will be St. Agnes’ House Monday through Thursday. Her Sabbath Day will be Friday, December 12. You may leave her a message by phoning the church office at 606-528-1659 or emailing priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
Adult Forum: During December, we’ll continue our discussion of The Thirty-Nine Articles, BCP 867-876. Come learn about this historic document, which guides our denomination. Are the Articles still relevant today? Join the discussion. There will be no Adult Forum on December 28.
Godly Play (Sunday School): The Godly Play program is for children and offered each Sunday morning at 10:00 am. All children are invited to participate in this special form of spiritual development.
Mission House Eucharist: Join Rebecca for a Celebration of Holy Eucharist on Tuesday, December 9, 11am at Mission House in Lexington. Lunch will be served after Eucharist and a tour of St. Agnes’ House will be available.
Winter Coat Donations: The Rotary Club of Corbin is collecting 500 new winter coats, especially for boys and girls ages 3-9. Coats will be distributed at the Empty Stocking Fund party on December 22. If you’d like to donate a coat, bring it to church and give it to Rebecca. You can also make a financial contribution to Empty Stocking Fund and give it to Rebecca.
Donations for Christmas Flowers are being accepted until December 14. Donations can be made in Honor of, in Memory of or in Thanksgiving for a person or blessing. Envelopes are available in the parlor or put your offering in the plate marked, “Christmas Flowers.”
Daughters of the King meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm. The next meeting is December 17. If you have special prayer requests or would like to join this prayer ministry, please contact Shelia Phillips.
Decorate the church, Sunday, December 21, after church. Bring your lunch and stay after church on December 21 to help us decorate for Christmas.
Youth grades 7-12 are invited to a retreat, “A New Year in the Spirit” at Cathedral Domain, Saturday, December 27 – until Tuesday, December 30. See Rebecca for more information.
Flowers for the altar: Donations for flowers for the altar are accepted for any Sunday of the year. Please place your donation in the envelope, marking whether they are in honor of or in memory of someone.
Hymn Selection Group If you’d like to choose hymns for services, join this group. You will choose hymns for an upcoming service and then meet with the entire group to confirm the final selections. See Billy Hibbitts if you are interested.
Would you like to write Prayers of the People? If you are interested in writing these prayers (there are resources that can help with this task), please let Rebecca know by phone or email priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
United Thank Offering. Remember to get your box for your thank offerings for this ministry of The Episcopal Church. The next collection will be in the spring.
Are you interested in assisting with the Sunday service? Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Crucifers, Altar Guild Members and choir members are all important for each Sunday service. If you’re interested in serving, please let Rebecca know by phone 859-429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
Serving Our Neighbors – See baskets in the parlor.
- Everlasting Arms, Corbin’s shelter for people who are homeless, is in need of men’s and women’s razors, gloves, deodorant and socks.
- The Food Pantry at Corbin Presbyterian Church is always in need of nonperishable food items. Vegetables are especially appreciated.