I wonder…

John Jacob Niles’ “I wonder, as I wander” is one of my favorite Christmas carols.  The choir sang it at communion on Christmas Eve, and it has been showing up repeatedly in my prayers during Christmas season.  Thus, I share the text for further pondering in the midst of our Nativity celebrations:

            I wonder as I wander out under the sky,                        If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,

            How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.                     A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,

            For poor on'ry people like you and like I...                    Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,

            I wonder as I wander out under the sky.                        He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.

            When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,             I wonder as I wander out under the sky,

            With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.         How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.

            But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,            For poor on'ry people like you and like I...

            And the promise of ages it then did recall.                      I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

Richard Rohr in The Naked Now shares that “wondering” is a word with three meanings:

            Standing in disbelief

            Standing in the question itself

            Standing in awe before something

During this Nativity Season, I invite you to join me in remaining open to all three “standings” to rest in “wonder.”  Instead of letting disbeliefs harden into skepticism or negativity; perhaps the Spirit is inviting us to simply wonder – feel awe in the presence of – the Holy Mystery of God’s Incarnation.  Phillip Stephens

Byron Hobson, Vestry Person of the Day:  Each week a vestry member is assigned as Vestry Person of the Day.  This enhancement to our Sunday morning schedule is designed to promote awareness of our lay leaders at both services and to further improve our welcoming embrace.

Epiphany Worship and Parish Dinner:  January 6th at 6:15 we will have our Epiphany service.  This year the youth will be leading the liturgy of the word, to include the reenactment of the entire Christmas story.  There will be a parish wide dinner following the service.  Please sign up on the bulletin board in the foyer.  This evening will be a great way to end the Christmas season and I invite you all to join us.  The youth have worked very hard to put this together and it is going to be something you do not want to miss.

Britta Bimbi

Special Holiday Offer:  “An Endless Alleluia,” the classic CD recording by the 1993 Immanuel Choir of Girls, is a perennial listening favorite that makes a wonderful gift or stocking stuffer.  Now, buy one CD for $10 and get a second one free!  Buy one to give as a gift and keep one for yourself!  “An Endless Alleluia” is available in the Parish Office, or directly from Jack Burnam. (Special pricing is available for larger quantities—speak to Jack.)  All proceeds benefit the Immanuel Church Choir fund.

Calling all Keys:  If you have a key to the church that you no longer have a need for please return it to the office. Thanks!  Fr. Kim+

Eucharistic Minister Training:  This ministry is a vital part of our Sunday morning service.  Our next opportunity for training will be Saturday January 16, 2010 at 10 AM.  If you are interesting in attending, or would like more information, please speak with Don Hobson or Fr. Kim. 

Pledge Cards:  The Stewardship Committee wishes to thank everyone who has responded to the call for 2010 pledges.  If you have not turned in your 2010 Pledge Card, please do so now.  Mail your card to the church address, drop it off at the office, or put it in the collection plates this Sunday at either service.

St. Stephens' Food Pantry Drive - more bags available:  There are more green St. Stephen's Food Pantry grocery bags with laminated suggested shopping lists attached in the foyer. Thank you for the generous donations so far for the Food Pantry! This food drive continues through December. Any donations after that will also be delivered to and gratefully accepted by St. Stephen's Food Pantry. Outreach Ministry

Friendship House Job Readiness Volunteers: Volunteer Opportunities are available for computer literacy tutors, Math & English tutors, Job coaches and Computer Lab monitors.  Volunteers do not need to be experts, but must have some experience and competency in basic computer or employment skills.  Flexible hours.  Time commitment as little as two hours twice monthly.  Orientation is provided!  Contact: Kathy Graham at (302) 588-7712 or email fhvolunteer.coordinator@verizon.net.

The trip to New Orleans this program year will be March 6-13, 2010!  The following folks have already signed on as volunteers: Vicki Anthos, Byron Hobson, Ryan Day, Debbie Long, Sophie Day, Ron Pierce, and Eve English.  There are eight slots remaining.  Come join the fun and hard work for those still in need in Louisiana.  Please see me to sign up.  Vicki Anthos

DELAWARE COMMUNION ON-LINE:

            The news page: http://www.dioceseofdelaware.net/news2.html

The Delaware Communion page: http://www.dioceseofdelaware.net/communion.html

IMMANUEL, HIGHLANDS CALENDAR ON-LINE:  http//immanuel-highlands.org

Contact Information for Fr. Kim:

Church Office: 302-658-7326 x14

Home Phone: 302-777-5418

Cell Phone: 973-945-4293

Email: kfcapwell@verizon.net

Highlands Voice Deadline: 4:00 pm each Tuesday for the next week’s issue

Phillip Stephens, Parish Administrator and Highlands Voice Editor

Office hours: 8:30 – 1:30, Monday through Friday

Phone: 302-658-7326 x 10

Email: PStephens@immanuel-highlands.org