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Author: Alice Lebow
With great pride we celebrate with Pastor Kelly her call to serve as the Assistant to the Bishop of the Virginia Synod. Her faithfulness, love for God’s people, creativity, passion, and compassion will now be experienced by an even greater audience.
Please make plans to be present as we lift up Pastor Kelly’s ministry among us at St. Philip. On Sunday, December 10th we will have a reception between worship services to honor her and to give thanks for the wonderful ways she has led us to be better disciples of Jesus. The reception will begin at approximately 9:45am. Come to share stories, a word of thanksgiving, and to surround her with our very best wishes. Well done good and faithful servant.
Advent: Season of Hope
In Advent, God’s people wait with hope for the birth of Jesus, God’s anointed one. Advent lasts for four Sundays (and the weeks between them); lighting candles helps us mark the time as we get ready for the Light of World, Jesus Christ. Great memories can be formed as candles on a wreath are lit, scripture is read, and the hopeful anticipation of Christ’s coming is celebrated. You are invited to pick up Advent devotions, on a table in the narthex, for you/your family to use during this holy season.
Advent Night: Potluck, Carols, and Advent Wreaths
Sunday, December 3rd at 5:30pm. All are invited to enjoy the culinary creations of the members of your church family at our potluck dinner, then a festive time with a Christmas carol sing along. We will also create family Advent wreaths with fresh greenery, an Advent calendar for kids AND a fun Christmas photo shoot that could be used for your annual family Christmas card! Come join us as we begin the Advent journey in anticipation of the birth of our Savior!
Fellowship Luncheon
On December 7, 11am, all are invited to attend St. Philip’s Annual Christmas Fellowship Event to help get us in the holiday spirit. The lunch will be held at The Plantation on Sunnybrook. The cost is $16.42, which includes the full buffet, dessert, drinks, and gratuity. Transportation can be arranged by contacting Cindy Fielder at 915-8154. We hope many can attend Thursday, December 7th! Sign up sheets are in the narthex. You are guaranteed an “extra special” Gift–time spent in fellowship with your church family!
Chrismon Tree Decorating, Sunday, December 10, before each worship service
A Chrismon tree is a special tree adorned with symbols of Christianity in its earliest days, such as the Alpha and Omega and the fish. Newer symbols like a dove, Bible, rose, and cross and crown can also be used. All decorations and supplies will be provided.
Christmas Caroling, Sunday, December 10, 5pm
You are invited to share Christmas cheer! Meet at St. Philip. Then groups will head out and about in the Roanoke Valley. Please also bring some cookies to share with folks. Sign-up in the narthex if you plan to join the fun!
Children’s Christmas Program
The children of St. Philip will share the Christmas story at the 5:30pm Christmas Eve worship service. Rehearsals for the children’s Christmas program are each Sunday at 9:50am, through December 17.
Christmas Eve Two opportunities for worship:
5:30pm – Candlelight service and youth program
9:00pm (note the new time!) – Traditional candlelight service
Holy Communion will be served at both services.
Morning Worship Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
Because Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve happen on a Sunday this year, we will worship on both Sunday mornings at 9:30am. Christmas Eve morning we will light the fourth candle of our advent wreath and conclude our observance of the Advent Season. Then on December 31st we will continue our celebration of the Christmas Season by using Lessons and Carols to shape our worship.
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December 2017 Worship Servers
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December 2017 St. Philip Invitation
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Thank You for Your Generosity
It is so important to say thank you. St. Philip is a community that practices generosity. That generosity takes shape in so many ways. Thank you. As we celebrate that generosity know that we are always hopeful for expanding the ways we live out mission and ministry. Please prayerfully consider making an additional gift as the calendar year comes to a close.
We are active in so many ways, but know that for Christ’s sake there is always more we might do. Remember that gifts made through December 31st count as charitable donations for the year 2017. You can also be creative in your giving
Consider:
- Consider increasing your offering so that we finish the year in a strong financial position. If 80 St. Philip families gave just an additional $100 between now and the end of the year, we would cancel that deficit and finish in the black. Your pastors are committed to making that additional contribution and invite you to do the same.
- Giving stock. Pay no tax on capital gains when donating stock to a church.
- Visiting the St. Philip website and set up a regular gift to ministry of St. Philip electronically.
* please speak with your accountant or tax advisor for details concerning charitable gifts.
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Church Council News – November
Church Council News – November
Dan Radmacher
Council met on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. in the church library. Though most of the meeting was taken up by going over and approving the 2018 spending plan, a good portion of the meeting was devoted to Pastor Kelly’s announcement that she has accepted a call to serve as Assistant to the Bishop of the Virginia Synod.
This sad and exciting news means major transitions ahead both for St. Philip and the Derrick family, and council spent some time discussing potential ways to fulfill the many responsibilities that Pastor Kelly currently handles. No decisions were made, except to keep Pastor Kelly’s compensation in the spending plan so resources would be available for future staffing decisions.
Council continued to wrestle with the spending plan, approving a plan with a hefty $17,000 shortfall. The fixed expenses of funding the church — staff compensation, utilities, maintenance and upkeep — continue to outpace giving in recent years. While St. Philip is blessed with resources, including substantial endowment and investment funds, council wants to make sure those are used in a responsible and sustainable fashion.
There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. to discuss and approve the spending plan.
The next council meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Thank you to all who helped cook, serve, and clean up for the Thanksgiving Feast at Philips!!
On Christmas Day, you are invited to serve the community as part of your family Christmas tradition. This year’s Feast will be more to-go boxes for our neighbors, but we will also serve those who come to eat at St. Philip.
How can you help?
- Volunteer to serve at the Feast
- Volunteer to pack to-go boxes for our neighbors
- Purchase and cook a turkey and/or a ham
- Bake a pie or pies
- Volunteer to help set up or clean up
- Make a financial donation to support the Feast (be sure to write “Feast at Philips” on your check)
This is a great opportunity to share God’s love by sharing with our neighbors. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, there is a volunteer sign-up sheet in the narthex with specific duties listed. If you have questions about offering yourself for this feast, speak with one of the pastors. Thank you for your servant hearts!!
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November 2017
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