Volume 4, Number 48                                  The First Sunday of Advent                                  December 2, 2007

Not a MacDonald’s!

Isn’t it interesting how patient the Bible is?  Yes, patient.  Think.  At the very beginning, God took six days to create the earth, not a single second, (Gen. 1.31) and a day could have been a lot longer, even a thousand years (Ps. 90.4).  Why did He take so long?  And think about Moses.  I sometimes think that great leaders like Moses had it all – personal attendance on God, pretty exciting events, power – but he spent forty years in the desert and, at the end of it, God gave him a tantalizing view of the Promised Land but didn’t allow him to enter it (Deut. 34. 4). Then what about the people of Israel whom God caused to be taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar in 586B.C. (2 Kings 25) and who only returned under the godly Ezra during the reign of Cyrus c. 539B.C. (Ezra 1. 5), that’s 47 years later.

It’s clear that Jesus was pretty patient too.  His ministry only started after his baptism by John (Mark 1.9) when he had already been an adult for a while.  St. Paul certainly had a turbulent and somewhat violent life (2 Cor. 11 ff) but was also patient for what was to come (Rom. 8.18-21).  And his final death, we imagine in Rome by the sword, was not at a time when he could see the results of his work as we know them today.

And what of us?  Are we patient too “until the Lord’s coming”? (James 5.7)  That’s not the way of the world around us, and maybe not of our own lives.  MacDonald’s décor, for example, is designed by psychologists who have determined what will make you uncomfortable after 10 minutes and want to leave.  Their food is designed to appear in seconds after you have ordered it.  Their food-line allows you not to waste a moment by even having to get out of your car.  Let us not be fooled.  That is not reality for the believer.  Our reality is to be John’s brother/sister “in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus” (Rev. 1.9).  Notice the word ours?  Patience belongs to us.

Yes, through the interims.  Through the exodus of others who can’t wait.  Through the disappointments of human frailty.  Through the failings of our neighbour.  Maybe even in our self doubt.  Not passively.  This is no mystical patience where karma is our lot in life.  This is a patience borne of faith, a faith which brings us the victory (1 John 5. 4).  This victory began at the beginning when all seemed to be failure, when Adam and Eve were in disobedience to God, when victory was immediately predicted – “He will crush your head” (Gen. 3.15).  This victory continues to the end – “Then I saw a new heaven and earth…(Rev. 21.1).  This is patience with endurance.  Our job is to continue on, faithfully. Like Moses.  And Ezra.  And Jesus.  And Paul.  And John.  And all the mighty hosts since then right to the current hosts at Immanuel.  “Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.  And hope does not disappoint us…(Rom. 5 4)

                                                               Simon Jeynes

During this Advent, our lead articles refer to the traditional four themes that are sometimes associated with the Sundays of the season.  This week, Simon helps us to think about the first theme – Hope.  The front page of next week’s Highlands Voice will take us into the theme of the second Sunday.

                                                                                    Kay Kennedy Wack, Highlands Voice Editor

Fr. Thom may be reached at his church phone, 302-658-7326 Ext. 14, during his normal office hours Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He works from home on Fridays. Please feel free to call him on his cell phone 302-229-8449 or write to thomjensen@gmail.com at any time other than church office hours, if a need arises.

THIS WEEK AT IMMANUEL:                                           COMING SOON:

Sun       2      First Sunday of Advent                                       Sun          9     both services, Bill Perkins preaching

                      8:00 am        Holy Eucharist in Chapel                 Sun        16     UTO Sunday

                      9:30 am        Sunday School resumes                 

                                               Families’ “China Project” begins                 

                    10:30 am        Sung Eucharist                               

                      4:00 pm        Advent Lessons and Carols

Mon     3       7:00 pm        Liturgy Meeting (Parlor)

Tue       4       6:30 pm        Search Committee (Parlor)

                      6:30 pm        Choristers (Choir Room)

                      7:00 pm        AlAnon (Common Room)

                      8:00 pm        Coro Allegro (Choir Room)

Wed     5       6:30 pm        Quiet Prayer (Common Room)

                      7:30 pm        Healing Service (Chapel)

Thu       6       7:30 pm        Mixed Choir (Choir Room)

Sat        8     12:00             AlAnon (Common Room)

Advent Lessons and Carols is December 2. The Season of Advent prepares us to experience the real meaning of Christmas; and at Immanuel a very important part of keeping Advent is our annual Service of Lessons and Carols for Advent.  Invite someone to join you Sunday, December 2 at four o’clock, the First Sunday of Advent, when the combined choirs of Immanuel will present this dramatic service of music and Scripture as an Advent gift to our parish and our community. A festive candlelight reception follows the service.

                                                                                    Jack Burnam

Positions Available for Torch Bearers and Crucifers!

What they do: Torch Bearers carry candles in procession at the 10:30 service – into the church, to accompany the Gospel Book, and out of the church.  Torch bearers also assist at the Eucharist, carrying items to the altar. Crucifers light altar candles before the service, carry the cross in procession into and out of the church, and assist at the Eucharist by refilling the bread and wine.

How often they do it: Ordinarily Torch bearers and Crucifers serve once a month; the schedule sometimes varies depending on who is available to serve.

Interested?  Please contact me to find out more. No previous experience is needed—training will be provided.

                                                                                    Eve English, Coordinator of Acolytes

Flower Ministry: Our dedicated members purchase and arrange the flowers for services each week.  This ministry can be supported through monetary donations at any time during the year.  Donations might be given to celebrate a special occasion, in remembrance of a loved one, or in thanksgiving; you may want to consider celebrating an event or relationship that has special meaning to you during the season of Advent.  The amount is up to you ($40 to $50 is typical).  Please be sure to let us know which Sunday you have chosen to give flowers and how you would like the memorial or thanksgiving attribution to read in the service leaflet.  Please let us know well in advance if you have a particular flower or color combination in mind.  Mark your check “Flowers” in the memo line, and send it to the Parish Office.  For more information call the parish office or Linda Lampinen, 655-1315.

                                                                                    Linda Lampinen, Flower Ministry

Come to Quiet Prayer. We meet Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.  We enjoy a meditation presented by one of our members and silence to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Please come join us.  In December, we’ll meet on the 5^th and the 12^th.

                                                                                    Maria duPont, Quiet Prayer Group

The Christmas at Sea ditty boxes and box supplies will be taken to the Seamen’s Center on Monday, December 3.  The Center gives a Christmas box to every sailor who comes to the Port of Wilmington in December.  Many of the sailors have been away from home and family for months, and as long as nine months.  Our gifts to them are very much appreciated.

                                                                                    Sue Welles, Outreach Ministry

Bill Perkins, the Executive Director of Friendship House, will be our guest preacher at both Sunday services December 9.  He will also be available between services to talk about the work of Friendship House and some of their new programs in Newark and in Wilmington.

Friendship House runs men’s and women’s day centers, transitional housing, Andrew’s Place Emergency Shelter for homeless men, Sunday Breakfast at Sts. Andrew and Matthew Church, the Clothing Bank of Delaware, and other services to make a difference in the lives of homeless and impoverished people in our area.  Their website is www.friendship-house.org.

                                                                                    Sue Welles, Outreach Ministry

Stewardship Update: As of November 26, 55 families or individuals have submitted pledge cards indicating their intentions to support Immanuel Church, Highlands in 2008.  The total pledged is $132,370, which presents a good news, bad news situation.  The good news is that we have exceeded the conservative expectation of $128,000 used in drafting a balanced budget for 2008. The bad news is that we remain well short of the total amount pledged for 2007.  The total amount pledged for 2007 was $149,000.  Some thoughts as we seek further pledges:

As we said at the commencement of this Stewardship Program, our theme this year, continuity while building for the future, is demonstrated through our many vigorous programs at Immanuel – including our Sunday School, Outreach Ministry, Katrina Mission and all our efforts at Immanuel to maintain a vital place for worship and giving.

Our Search Committee has embarked on the search process, working with the Diocese.  The description of our parish is:  Immanuel Church, Highlands is a community of believers with diverse theological perspectives committed to exploring our faith through liturgy, worship and music. We have a strong Church School program and wish to expand Christian Education opportunities. We are dedicated to reaching out to the community beyond our church building.

We have a good foundation that we pray to continue into 2008 and your support will help.  Our thanks go out to all our brothers and sisters in Christ who have submitted pledges.  We hope that those who have not yet pledged will do so promptly.  Completed pledge cards can be mailed directly to the church.  If you did not receive a pledge card or misplaced the one sent to you, a supply is available on the credenza in the foyer.

                                                                                    Elizabeth Curtis Swain and George Parshall, Stewardship

Craft Show announcement from St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1314 Foulk Road (next to Brandywine High School):  Saturday, December 1, 9 am to 2 pm, will be our Craft Show.  There will be over 55 Crafters, a huge Silent Auction, White Elephant Room, Lunch.  Bring the kiddies because SANTA will be there!!!!  All proceeds are donated to the Pastor's Emergency Fund for local charities.  Hope you can make it!!!!

The Katrina Mission will be selling NOR bracelets at this show.  Tell your friends.  E-mail this notice!

                                                                                    Vicki Anthos, Katrina Ministry

United Thank Offering (UTO) envelopes and boxes are in the foyer.  The offering boxes are a special way for children, as well as adults, to give in response to daily blessings and all we have from God!  A report of last year's grants is on the foyer table.  The UTO thanksgivings will be offered at the Eucharist on Sunday, December 16.  Give thanks with a grateful heart!

                                                                                    Sue Welles, Outreach Ministry

Articles from The Net - A Weekly Newsletter For Delaware's Episcopal Clergy:

The Christmas shopping season is well underway.  Here in Wilmington the increase of traffic around the Christiana Mall and on Concord Pike is noticeable.  Crowds are flocking to the outlets malls in Lewes & Rehoboth.

This year there are several positive, creative opportunities for alternative gift giving.  The Episcopal Relief & Development Website (www.er-d.org) offers many ways to make gifts and support worthwhile projects around the world.   Also, web shoppers thinking about making a purchase from Amazon.com should first visit the AIDS Delaware website: (www.aidsdelaware.org).  AIDS Delaware will earn up to 10% of the purchase price by simply clicking on their link before visiting Amazon.

There are many other similar opportunities available for gift givers.   The needs are always very great.

                                                                                    Faithfully, Wayne Wright, Bishop of Delaware

Note from the Editor of the Highland Voice:  Immanuel has some additional, similar catalogs on the tract rack in the foyer.

PARISH LIFE DAY - Thanks to all who participated and helped with Parish Life Day 2007 and making it a great success!  There were 135 participants and 32 exhibitors, with 28 churches in the diocese being represented.  Parish Life Day 2008 will be held, Saturday, November 22, 2008, 8:30 – 3:00, St. Anne’s School, Middletown.

Make Us an Instrument of Your Peace – Saturday, December 8^th

On Saturday, December 8, the Episcopal Peace Fellowship of Delaware will host a half-day retreat entitled Make Us an Instrument of Your Peace.  The Rev. Ron Gerber, retired Episcopal priest, will lead the reflection on world peace and Ms Patricia Kirby-Gibler, retired Shalem Institute retreat leader, will lead the reflection on inner peace.  Everyone is welcome! The retreat will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at the intersection of East Pine and Academy Streets, Georgetown, Delaware.  For more information, contact Debra Goebel at 302-337-8285 or The Rev. Earl Beshears at 302-856-2894.

Christ Church Christiana Hundred Green Show – Saturday, December 8^th

Not an actual show in the theatrical sense, the Green Show is free and features fresh holiday greens, handcrafted items, and homemade foods for sale for the Christmas season.  Premiering this year is a new cookbook combining recipes from parishioners from the 1960s to the present.  Also new for this year our entrepreneurial members are selling their unique offerings and donating a portion of the proceeds.  Included will be handmade quilts, belts, handbags, embroidered items, knitwear, decoupage, jewelry, books, decorative accessories and antiques.  The show runs from 10 am – 2 pm.  Additional information and online pre-registration for the luncheon and children’s workshop is available at www.christchurchde.org or call 302-655-3379.

 SEEKERS--Spiritual Treasures at St. Peter's Square

A new ministry of Saint Peter's Church in Lewes, Delaware opens on December 1st, 2007.  We will offer resources for spiritual growth, knowledge and inspiration for people of all faiths, including such items as Bibles and books, prayer beads, icons and meditation aids.  We also offer spiritual resources like Nativity sets and menorahs, as well as a variety of fair-trade gift items.  All proceeds benefit those in needs, (once start up costs are covered).  For more information and regular office hours please call 302-645-9916.