"When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do."
St. John 5:5-6
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Fr. Scott's sermon on the Sunday Before Advent focused on the lessons on the last Sunday of the church year. The Epistle lesson is an Old Testament reading from the Prophet Jeremiah about the "righteous Branch of David". In the Gospel lesson, Jesus is teaching a large crowd along with the original disciples. Jesus asks Phillip how they might provide bread for the crowd. Philip replies that 200 pennyworth of bread isn't enough to feed them all. Andrew points out a boy with the 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread which is at least enough to feed Jesus. However, neither disciple asks "What could God do?" Jesus showed us by feeding the 5,000+ and collecting 12 baskets of left overs! We should use problems to draw us closer to God. Real world tests grow our faith by having us practice our faith. Don't give up on God during a crisis.
Please find Fr. Scott's complete sermon at the following link:
Thank you Fr. Scott for the thoughtful sermon.
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An Extra Special Treat - Ming joined us for services!
Ming and Sue provided all the beautiful music for our service!
Ming's mother and girlfriend came with him this Sunday - they are talking with Lynn as Ming plays! Ming was visiting from Boston for Thanksgiving. What a pleasure to see him again, hear about his studies, and his future plans (and to hear him play again)!
Thank you Ming and Sue for the beautiful music!
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Due to the continuing heat pump related construction in the basement, Christian Education and after services fellowship have been cancelled. We will resume both these activities on Sunday, December 4. Thank you for your understanding and patience!
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Construction Update!
The installation of the basement heat pump, duct work , and associated electrical work continued this week. Earl expects the work will be completed early this coming week! Thank you Earl for all your work on this project!
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Sue continues to lead our weekly online prayer group on Discord. Thank you so much Sue for taking the time each week to lead our prayers! If you have a special prayer request but cannot join us, please send your request to Sue. Please contact me if you would like to join us on Discord.
Please note the online prayer group is cancelled on Thursday, Nov 24 (Thanksgiving Day). Sue will resume hosting the online prayer group on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 11:30 am.
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We started our short 6 week Women's Bible Study for Advent using the pictured study guide. The first meeting was this past Wednesday at my house. We enjoyed a light salad for lunch and Rose Marie brought homemade cookies for dessert!
The subject of the first set of readings was how every promise of God was completely fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Our next meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Lynn's house starting at 11:30.
Please remember to bring the book and your bible!
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The Symphony of the Mountains is having their 'By The Fireside' Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 3 at 3 pm at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center in Kingsport. Rose Marie has made before the concert lunch reservations at The Chop House in Kingsport @ 1:00 pm. Please let Rose Marie know if you are coming to The Chop House so she can update the reservations. If you are interested in attending the concert, please let Scott know as he will obtain group tickets for us - tickets are $20 each (checks payable to The Symphony of the Mountains).
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Sunday, December 11, is our monthly pot luck luncheon! Please remember to bring a dish to share!
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St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church
Presents
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
The Festival tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ through nine scripture readings interspersed with traditional hymns and carols of the Christmas Season. First used in England to start the healing process after the horrors of WWI, the Festival is Anglican in origin but now used by many churches. The service at St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church features a string quartet from the Symphony of the Mountains and traditional Christmas Hymns.
Please join us on Sunday, December 18 at 11 am for this beautiful service! Please note there will not be a Christian Education class before this service.
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Our Annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, December 18 after the Lessons and Carols service. Please plan to attend as we will be approving a budget for next year and electing new members to the Mission Committee. After the meeting we plan to eat pizza and decorate the sanctuary for Advent!
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