DECEMBER 5-12, 2010

The third Sunday in Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday (“gaudete” is Latin for “rejoice”) and we light the rose-colored candle in the Advent wreath.  Rose–or pink–is less somber than the purple candles designated for the other Sundays in Advent, and is also symbolic of Mary the mother of Jesus.

THIS WEEK AT INCARNATION

Tuesday, December 7

8:00 am.  Morning Prayer in the Chapel of the Nativity. All are welcome. Coffee and pastries are served after the prayer service.  Enter at 25 East 35 Street.

Wednesday, December 8

12:15 pm. Holy Eucharist.

Friday, December 10

12:15 pm. Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12: THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:30 am:  Holy Eucharist. Homily: the Rector

10:00 am: Adult Forum meets in the Parish House Dining Room. We will be discussing “Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years,” by Diarmaid MacCulloch. In addition to his bestselling book, the author produced a series for BBC that we will view in half-hour segments and discuss. You need not purchase or even read the book in order to participate, but copies are available for 20% off the list price, that is, $36. Coffee and tea are provided.

11:00 am: Morning Prayer. Sermon: the Rector, “Strong Heart.” Music of Pergolesi, Magnificat. Nursery Care and our Sunday School program, Godly Play, are available for children during the 11 o’clock service.

Godly Play, a Montessori-based method of Biblical Storytelling, invites children to respond to the stories of the people of God and express themselves through art and imaginative play. For children ages 3 to 9. Contact the Associate Rector, amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org, for more information and/or to register your child.

12:00 noon. A short service of Holy Eucharist follows Morning Prayer.

12:30 pm.  Nominating Committee meets in the Rector’s office. The Committee is now receiving names for the 2011 Vestry. Give your suggestions to any one of the members of the Committee: Uche Akwuba II, Naomi Hirabayashi, Kathy Kehoe Glass, Janet Loengard, Julie Noll, Jonathan Vaughan and Colin Westcott-Pitt.

5:00 pm: Candlelight Communion service. Meditation: the Associate Rector.

The Scripture Readings for Sunday: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:4-9; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11.

COMING UP AT INCARNATION

Friday, December 17

6:30 pm. Greening of the Church.  The Men’s, Twenties and Thirties, and Women’s Groups decorate the church for Christmas. Please enter the church at 25 East 35 Street. The Rector will host a holiday reception in his apartment following the greening.

Sunday, December 19

5:00 pm. Festival of Lessons and Carols with Chamber Orchestra and Choir. Bach – Brandenburg Concerto no. 3 in G, BWV 1048. Handel – Organ Concerto in B-flat major, op. 7, no. 6. Choral Music of Holst, Warlock, Bassi and Poulenc with traditional carols arranged by Willcocks, Rutter and Near. Followed by the Parish Christmas Party in the Assembly Hall.  Call the church office, 212-689-6350, or speak with the Associate Rector if you would like to contribute a sweet or savory item for the party.

Friday, December 24

Christmas Eve

12:15 pm. Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing

10:30 pm. Service of Preparatory Music for choir and organ, featuring soloists from the choir.

11:00 pm. Festival Eucharist. Haydn: Missa Brevis St. Joannis de Deo (Kleine Orgelmesse). Adame: O Holy Night. Widor: Toccata (from Symphony V).

Saturday, December 25

Christmas Day

11:00 am. Holy Eucharist with soloists from the Choir. Visit to the Crèche for children

Monday, December 27

Church and Parish House closed.

Friday, December 31

Church and Parish House closed.

Supper/Brunch Groups: You can sign up for the Brunch and Supper groups at Coffee Hour or by calling the Parish office, 212-689-6350. Eight to ten parishioners share monthly dinners or brunches in each other’s homes. These gatherings offer members of the church opportunities to meet new people and enjoy one another’s company in a casual social setting.  The first of four meals is planned for sometime in January. For further information, speak with the clergy.

Be well.

~the Rev. Amanda Kucik: amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org

More details available online: www.churchoftheincarnation.org

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