Author: Andrew Buchanan

Transforming Lives Through Jesus Christ

Sword Points

November 26, 2025

www.SaintPaulsBrookfield.com (203) 775-9587

† Happy New Year

† Fresh Awakening
It’s a brand new Liturgical year in the denominations using the Revised Common Lectionary [RCL]. In the RCL we have a schedule of four readings appointed for each Sunday in the Liturgical/Church year, and for the two-year Daily Lectionary. We use an Old Testament reading, a Psalm, an Epistle, and a Gospel specific to a liturgical season of the year. Last Sunday we completed the appointed readings for Year C in the three-year Sunday cycle and begin again now with Year A.
The name of our new season, Advent, comes from the Latin “adventus” which means coming, and that derives from the Greek parousia [pa-roo-see-a] which is a term used for the Second Coming of Christ. Advent is a season of preparation for the Nativity of Jesus through repentance and joyful expectation.
In a series of booklets for group study called Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton, editors Jonathan Montaldo and Robert G. Toth, writing in the Advent and Christmas volume, say that Advent disposes us to conversion. Conversion? That's a term, a thought, a sensation which often makes more than a few of us who were born into Christianity uncomfortable. After all, I don’t need to be converted if I already believe - or, do I? Montaldo and Toth say further that Advent is a time for judging the choices we make for living our lives. This season is a ritual moment for confronting discomforting truths. It catches us in the act of living unconnected from the Gospel… It would appear that a little refreshment of our conversion is in order.
The Trappist Monk, author, and mystic Thomas Merton, said, We are numbered in the billions and massed together...worked to the point of insensibility, dazed by information, drugged by entertainment, surfeited with everything...there is no room for thought. There is no room for attention, for the awareness of our state… What would Merton, who died in 1968, think of the excess and indulgences of this day and age, the addiction to smart phones and social media, 24 hours of non-stop, never-ending everything?! It all speaks to us of being exiled in a wilderness of plenty where too much is still not enough and we are unexpectedly unconscious of all that we have and all that we are, or, are not.
In this Advent, now is the moment to wake and discover the faith choices we have yet to make. NOW, for as Jesus reminds us that day and hour no one knows...Therefore you must also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. As Paul also reminds us in this week's excerpt from the Letter to the Romans, “Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light…live honorably…” With Christ as our armor of light, hope is more than fantasy. Hope shines on the path ahead and propels us toward the House of God.
Get busy, prepare yourself. Jesus is coming! Happy New Year.

The King’s Crown
by Aaron Spong, 2019

† Socks & Toiletries for the Homeless
As the temperature drops and the seasons change remember homeless people are on their feet all day, and the only pair of socks they own are very likely to be threadbare. Once again, this year we are collecting socks and toiletries for the men’s homeless shelter throughout the winter months. Place donations in the bins in the back of the church or Crocker Hall.

† Lessons and Carols
Our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held on Sunday, December 14 at 5:00 pm. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this beautiful service which consists of Scripture readings about the birth of Jesus interspersed with the singing of traditional carols led by our choir. What a truly wonderful way to prepare your heart, mind, and voice for Christmas!
Or better yet, if you like to sing, you are welcome to join our special choir for this service. Rehearsals are on the following three Mondays from 7-9 pm: Nov 24, Dec 1 & 8; and Thursday, Dec 11. The only prerequisites are as follows: 1) you like to sing Christmas music, and 2) you like to be around people who like to sing Christmas music. No previous participation in the music ministry required! Please contact Kirsten Peterson to join: kirpeterson@comcast.net.

† This Week at St. Paul’s
Thu, Nov 27 Thanksgiving Day
Fri, Nov 28 - 10:00 am - Friday Walking Group, Fairfield Hills Loops, Newtown
Sat, Nov 29 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Downtown Diner, New Milford
8:00 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Guild Room
Sun, Nov 30 The 1st Sunday of Advent
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Adult Class, Guild Room
10:30 am - Sunday School, Classrooms
10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
10:40 am - Sunday School, Classrooms
Mon, Dec 1 St. Andrew the Apostle
- 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
7:00 pm - Lessons & Carols Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Tues, Dec 2 - 9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Guild Room
7:00 pm - Scout Troop #5, Meadow
Wed, Dec 3 - 10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (YouTube Live)
12:00 pm - Altar Guild Luncheon, Guild Room
- 7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Zoom Bible Study (Zoom)
Thu, Dec 4 - 9:30 am - Iron Sharpens Iron Discussion Group, Guild Room
11:30 am - Chronic Pain Support Group, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Property Committee, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Fri, Dec 5 - 10:00 am - Friday Walking Group, Fairfield Hills Loop
Sat, Dec 6 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Downtown Diner, New Milford
8:00 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Guild Room
Sun, Dec 7 The 2nd Sunday of Advent
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Adult Class, Guild Room
10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
10:40 am - Sunday School, Classrooms
12:00 pm - Q & A w/Bishop Ahrens, Crocker Hall
Check our website daily for schedule updates.
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection #144
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection #143
10:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
7:00 pm - Scout Troop #5
Thu, Nov 14 - 8:00 am - PraiseBarre (Zoom)
9:30 am - Iron Sharpens Iron Discussion Group, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Thu, Jun 6 - 8:00 am - PraiseBarre (Zoom)
9:30 am - Iron Sharpens Iron Discussion Group, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Property Committee, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Choir Practice, Sanctuar
Mon, Apr 29 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tues, Apr 30 - 9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Guild Room
7:00 pm - Boy Scout Troop #5
Wed, May 1 St. Phillip & St. James, Apostles
- 8:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection #108
10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (YouTube Live)
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection #106
7:30 pm - Vestry Meeting, Guild Room
7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Zoom Bible Study (Zoom)
Thu, May 2 - 8:00 am - PraiseBarre (Zoom)
9:30 am - Iron Sharpens Iron Discussion Group, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Choir Practice, Sanctuary
Sat, May 4 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Downtown Diner, New Milford
8:00 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall
9:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
3:00 pm - Prayer Workshop, Guild Room
Sun, May 5 Sixth Sunday of Easter
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Adult Class, Guild Room
10:30 am - Sunday School, Classrooms
10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
7:00 pm - Recovery & Self-Reflection, Guild Room (Zoom)
Sun, Mar 31 Sunday of the Resurrection - Easter Day
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
10:30 am - Nursery available
10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
Mon, Apr 1 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tues, Apr 2 - 9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Guild Room
Wed, Apr 3 - 8:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (YouTube Live)
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection #104
7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Zoom Bible Study (Zoom)
Thu, Apr 4 - 8:00 am - PraiseBarre (Zoom)
9:30 am - Iron Sharpens Iron Discussion Group, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Property Committee, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Sat, Apr 6 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Downtown Diner, New Milford
8:00 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Guild Room
9:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
Sun, Mar 7 Second Sunday of Easter
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Adult Class, Guild Room
10:30 am - Sunday School, Classrooms
10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
7:00 pm - Recovery & Self-Reflection, Guild Room (Zoom)
Check our website daily for schedule updates.
Mon, Feb 5 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tues, Feb 6 - 9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Guild Room
7:00 pm - Boy Scout Troop #5
Wed, Feb 7 - 8:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (YouTube Live)
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection #100
7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Zoom Bible Study (Zoom)
10:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
Mon, Dec 18 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tues, Dec 19 - 9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Guild Room
7:00 pm - Boy Scout Troop #5
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection
5:30 pm - Cubs Scouts Pack #5
- 6:30 pm - Friday Family Fun Night, Meadow
Thu, Aug 24 St. Bartholomew, Apostle
- 9:30 am - Men’s Study / Discussion Group, Guild Room
Sat, Aug 26 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Downtown Diner, New Milford
8:00 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall
Mon, Aug 28 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tues, Aug 29 - 9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Guild Room
Wed, Aug 30 - 8:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (YouTube Live)
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Thu, Aug 31- 9:30 am - Men’s Study / Discussion Group, Guild Room
Fri, Sep 1 6:30 pm - Young Families Bible Study & Gathering
Sat, Sep 2 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Downtown Diner, New Milford
8:00 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall
Sun, Sep 3 The 14th Sunday after Pentecost
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Adult Class, Guild Room
10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
12:00 pm - Parish Picnic at Siergiej’s
7:00 pm - Recovery & Self-Reflection, Guild Room (Zoom)
Tues - 9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Vestry Meeting, Guild Room
Fri, Aug 18 6:00 pm - Young Families Bible Study & Gathering
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection
- 7:30 am - PraiseBarre (Zoom)
- 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
- 7:30 am - PraiseBarre (Zoom)
10:15 am - Sunday School, Classrooms
7:30 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
11:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Bible Study, (Zoom)
Wed, Dec 21 -10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (YouTube Live)
Thu, Dec 22 - 8:00 am - PraiseBarre (Zoom)
9:30 am - Men’s Study / Discussion Group, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Choir Practice, Sanctuary
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Zoom Bible Study (Zoom)
Mon, Dec 12 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tue, Dec 13 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Crocker Hall
7:00 pm - Boy Scout Troop #5
7:00 pm - Behold the Lamb Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Wed, Dec 14 -10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (YouTube Live)
7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Zoom Bible Study (Zoom)
7:30 pm - Vestry Meeting, Guild Room
11 to Noon - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
Wed, Nov 30 St. Andrew, the Apostle
-10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (YouTube Live)
7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Zoom Bible Study (Zoom)
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
11-1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
9:30 am - Men’s Study / Discussion Group, Guild Room
Mon, Aug 29 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tue, Aug 2 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
10:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
11-1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Thu, Aug 18 - 8:00 am - PraiseBarre (Zoom)
10:15 am - Sunday School, Classrooms
sat 10:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
Mon, May 23 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tue, May 24 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Crocker Hall
7:00 pm - Ladies Evening Zoom Bible Study (Zoom)
11:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
10:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
11:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
Sat, Dec 25 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Diner, New Milford
8:00 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Guild Room
11:00 am - Gary Stein Burial Rite & Interment (YouTube Live)
Sun, Dec 12 Third Sunday of Advent
8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Walking the Road to Bethlehem, Guild Room
10:30 am - Christmas Pageant & Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
Mon, Dec 13 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
12:00 pm - Elvie Burr Burial Rite
Tue, Dec 14 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study, Crocker Hall
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
Wed, Dec 15 -10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (Facebook Live)
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
5:45 pm - PraiseBarre, Crocker Hall (Zoom)
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
12:00 pm - What’s Cooking St. Paul’s? (Zoom)
10:00 am - PraiseMoves, Crocker Hall (Zoom)
9:30 am - Men’s Study, Prayer / Discussion, Guild Room
9:30 am - Men’s Study, Prayer / Discussion, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary
Sat, Oct 30 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Diner, New Milford
8:00 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall
10:00 am - PraiseMoves, Crocker Hall (Zoom)
Sun, Oct 31 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Illuminating the Scriptures, Guild Room
10:15 am - Sunday School
10:30 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
2 - 3:30 pm - Trunk or Treat, Meadow
Mon, Oct 4- 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
7:00 pm - Stephen Ministry (Zoom)
Tue, Oct 5 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
9:30 am - Ladies Tuesday AM Bible Study (Zoom)
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
7:15 pm - Boy Scouts, Troop #5
Wed, Oct 6 -10:00 am - Holy Communion & Healing (Facebook Live)
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
11 am - 5 pm - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
12:00 pm - What’s Cooking St. Paul’s? (Zoom)
Mon, Aug 30- 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study, Crocker Hall (YouTube Live)
Tue, Aug 31- 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
Wed, Sep 1 -10:00 am - Morning Prayer & Praise Service (Facebook Live)
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Tuesdays 9:30 am - Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
Fri, Jun 11 Saint Barnabas, Apostle
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Thu, Jun 24 The Nativity of John the Baptist
- 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
10:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Thu, Jul 1 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
Sat, Jul 3 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Diner, New Milford
10:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
10:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
1-5:00 pm - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
Mon, Jun 28 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study (Zoom)
Tue, May 25 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
9:30 am - Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
Wed, May 26 -10:00 am - Online Healing Prayer Service (Facebook Live)
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
Mon, May 24 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study (Zoom)
12:00 pm - What’s Cooking St. Paul’s? (Zoom)
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
10:30 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
9:30 am - Sunday School
9:30 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
11:00 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
Mon, Nov 30 St. Andrew, Apostle
- 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study (Zoom)
Wed, Jan 20 -10:00 am - Online Healing Prayer Service (Facebook Live)
Tue, Dec 1 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
9:30 am - Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
7:15 pm - Boy Scout Troop #5, Meadow
Wed, Dec 2 -10:00 am - Online Healing Prayer Service (Zoom)
11 - 2 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Sat, Dec 5 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Diner, New Milford
10:30 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
Sun, Dec 6 The Second Sunday of Advent
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Sunday School
9:30 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
11:00 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
Mon, Nov 23 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study (Zoom)
Tue, Nov 24 - 8:00 am - PraiseKicks (Zoom)
9:30 am - Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
7:15 pm - Boy Scout Troop #5, Meadow
Wed, Nov 25 -10:00 am - Online Healing Prayer Service (Zoom)
11 - 2 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Thu, Nov 26 -10:00 am - Thanksgiving Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
Sat, Nov 28 - 7:30 am - John 21:12 Group, Theo’s Diner, New Milford
10:00 am - PraiseMoves (Zoom)
Sun, Nov 29 The First Sunday of Advent
- 8:00 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
9:30 am - Sunday School
9:30 am - Traditional Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
11:00 am - Contemporary Holy Communion (YouTube Live)
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
12:00 pm - What’s Cooking St. Paul’s? (Zoom)
12:00 pm - What’s Cooking St. Paul’s? (Zoom)
Mon, Aug 31 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study (Zoom)
11 - 1 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
Mon, Oct 5 - 7:00 pm - Men’s Bible Study (Zoom)
7:00 pm - Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study (Zoom)
Check our website daily for schedule updates and new links.
11 - 2 pm - Drive-Thru Food Collection
12:00 pm - What’s Cooking St. Paul’s? (Zoom)
Thu, Jul 23 - 12:00 pm - Bible Study with Fr. Joe & Rev. Tara (Zoom)

Fr. Nate, our Priest-in-Charge is distirbuting a weekly e-mail to communicate things directly from his desk to yours. Connection, communication, and care are among the highest priorities of his new ministry, and he wants to make sure there are regular touch points between us. If you would like to receive "The Priest-in-Charge Weekly" and already receive weekly e-mails from St. Paul's, you don't have to do anything - you're already included on the list! If you would like to receive "The Priest-in-Charge Weekly" and DO NOT receive weekly e-mails from St. Paul's, or if you want to opt out, write Fr. Nate at priest@saintpaulsbrookfield.com and let him know.

The Priest-in-Charge
WEEKLY

† Advent
Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas
Although we consider this the first season of the Christian year, the celebration of Advent and Christmas were not the first Christian seasons to be celebrated. Easter was the only seasonal celebration that was specifically Christian for the early church. Since they were expecting the immediate return of Christ, then centered on the resurrection celebration. Then they began to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which had its roots as a celebration of their Jewish heritage.
Advent and Christmas help people to see Jesus as not only a divine being, but a human person who had the same kind of experiences we have. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of a baby to a loving but unknown family, among common animals, and in an inconspicuous village. His birth revealed God as a loving God concerned about the poor and the rich alike, not as a distant untouchable figure of kingly nature.
In the fourth century, Advent was a period of penance and of preparation for baptisms that took place in Epiphany (January 6). In the sixth century, Advent was moved to the four weeks before Christmas Day and a special liturgy was added. In the ninth and tenth centuries, Advent’s meaning was broadened to include the expectation of the second coming of Christ.
Purple is the most often used color for Advent. When we use purple during both Advent and Lent we not only declare the coming of Christ as our king at Advent but we also connect this season of anticipation with Lent and Holy Week, the time we remember Christ’s suffering for us.
The use of evergreens and holly symbolizes the continuing life and hope that Christ’s birth brings, even into a world that seems cold and harsh. Red represents Christ’s blood shed for us.

† Saints of God
Monday, December 1
St. Andrew
Most references to Andrew in the New Testament simply include him on a list of the Twelve Apostles, or group him with his brother, Simon Peter. But he appears acting as an individual three times in the Gospel of John. When a number of Greeks (perhaps simply Greek-speaking Jews) wish to speak with Jesus, they approach Philip, who tells Andrew, and the two of them tell Jesus (Jn 12:20-22). (It may be relevant here that both "Philip" and "Andrew" are Greek names.) Before Jesus feeds the Five Thousand, it is Andrew who says, "Here is a lad with five barley loaves and two fish." (Jn 6:8f) And the first two disciples whom John reports as attaching themselves to Jesus (Jn 1:35-42) are Andrew and another disciple (whom John does not name, but who is commonly supposed to be John himself -- John never mentions himself by name, a widespread literary convention). Having met Jesus, Andrew then finds his brother Simon and brings him to Jesus. Thus, on each occasion when he is mentioned as an individual, it is because he is instrumental in bringing others to meet the Savior. In the Episcopal Church, the Fellowship of Saint Andrew is devoted to encouraging personal evangelism, and the bringing of one's friends and colleagues to a knowledge of the Gospel of Christ.
Just as Andrew was the first of the Apostles, so his feast is taken in the West to be the beginning of the Church Year. (Eastern Christians begin their Church Year on 1 September.) The First Sunday of Advent is defined to be the Sunday on or nearest his feast (although it could equivalently be defined as the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day).
Several centuries after the death of Andrew, some of his relics were brought by a missionary named Rule to Scotland, to a place then known as Fife, but now known as St. Andrew's, and best known as the site of a world-famous golf course and club. For this reason, Andrew is the patron of Scotland.
It is said that Andrew was crucified on a Cross Saltire -- an 'X' -shaped cross, thus his symbol on our stained glass window.

“Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Perhaps this advice suggests that those of us who try to live a good and holy life need to particularly practice the habits of prayer, generosity, and caring for others daily. When you pray daily, it isn’t necessarily that the day goes better, but that you do better with the day. If our days are grounded in prayer and service in God’s name, it won’t really matter when the Lord comes, will it?

As we come to the end of this church year, and look forward to the quiet of Advent and then to the wonderful stories of the Gift of our Savior’s birth retold, take some time to reflect on how your life as a disciple and steward has gone this year. Pray for discernment and guidance to “grow your gratitude” and serve God in new ways in the months to come.

† Thanksgiving Origins
Agricultural festivals are of great antiquity and common to many religions. Among the Jews, the three pilgrimage feasts - Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles - each had agricultural significance. Medieval Christianity also developed a number of such observances, none of which, however, were incorporated into the Book of Common Prayer.
Thanksgiving Day in the United States finds its roots in observances begun by colonists in Massachusetts and Virginia, a tradition later taken up and extended to the whole of the new American nation by action of the Continental Congress. The celebration continued intermittently during the nineteenth century, and in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation establishing Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday in November. Following an act of Congress, in 1941 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt officially designated the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

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† Original Mayflower Compact
There are more than l60 independent nations in the world. Whether dictatorships or democracies, nearly all have written constitutions, but that of the United States is by far the oldest. This is something we can too easily take for granted, but it really marked a pivotal turning point in history and the way nations came to govern themselves.
How do you suppose the founding fathers ever thought of having a written Constitution? The idea of a written contract between the people and their government came from a tiny band of fifty Christians called Pilgrims that sailed to America in the Mayflower in l620. The Pilgrims believed many of the Church of England's traditions were not Biblical. Since both King James and the state church persecuted many critics as criminals, the Pilgrims became Separatists and fled first to Holland, then to America. They planned to land in Virginia, where they had a charter from the King to govern them, but Atlantic storms carried them far north to Cape Cod. Since their charter was not valid in that region, they needed a new government.
And so on November 21, l620, the Pilgrims drew up and signed the Mayflower Compact (which is actually dated the 11th of November because Britain was still using the Julian calendar). It said: "For the glorie of God and advancement of ye Christian faith, we do... ...covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politick...to enact,... and frame... just and equal laws...for the general good of the Colonie, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience."
Several of the men aboard did not sign. Did they believe the document was illegal?
The compact was modeled after the church covenant that the Pilgrims had drafted and signed in l607 when they had first separated from the English Church and fled to Holland. For the next fifty years, the Mayflower compact served the Pilgrims well, and it became an important precedent for the idea of a written American Constitution at the Convention of l787.

† Transforming Stewardship
“Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42
People who have had health issues or near-death experiences generally have a greater appreciation for each day being a gift from God. The rest of us usually take for granted that we will be around tomorrow. But when living as a Christian you start to look at each day as a gift, you realize all the little miracles that happen daily and grow in gratitude for all that we have been given.

† Be Ready
Isaiah 2:1-5 - Psalm 122 - Romans 13:11-14 - Matthew 24:36-44
Despite all the advances of modern science, babies still come when the time is right. And as any mom will tell you, that time is always somewhat after the mother is ready for pregnancy to be finished. I have heard it said that a pregnancy lasts eight months plus an additional interminable time before the birth. Regardless of the specific moment of arrival, the family knows that a new little one is coming and the family’s attitudes and activities are transformed by that knowledge. The period of the pregnancy is characterized by waiting, anticipating, and preparing.
The waiting is a mostly passive affair. There is not much one can do about the arrival of a baby. But the waiting is an acknowledgment that the event will take place in the future. In that way it is an attitude of faith - the knowledge that what is yet unseen will become manifest at an unknown time in the future.
The anticipation has more to do with the questions that arise in the minds of the family members. What will the baby look and be like? Will the baby be mentally and physically healthy? What will the arrival of the baby mean to my life and the lives of those around me? How will I know when the time has come? Will we be ready for this new family member?
It is in preparation that we launch into action. We modify our habits, whether of exercise, eating, drinking, or socializing, to do all we can to assure a safe and healthy birth. The mother goes into “nesting” activities - decorating the nursery and rearranging the house to accommodate a new little one. Friends and family “shower” the parents with gifts of baby clothes, towels, diapers, strollers, car seats, and the like. The family and close friends all participate in the preparation so the anticipated baby’s needs will be met. Yet the rest of the world goes about its daily business as usual. When the baby is born, the announcement comes in the middle of everyday lives and schedules.
Pregnancy is a good metaphor for the biblical “last days” - that period of waiting between the first and second comings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Advent is the liturgical season of waiting, anticipating, and preparing. Each week we light another candle to remind us that he is indeed going to return, like a prisoner who ticks off the days on the wall of a cell in anticipation of the sentence’s end. Advent reminds us that we are pregnant - we are living in the “last days.” Just as the child was born to Mary in obscurity, the Son will return when the time is right according to the hidden calendar of God. What we know is that the return will be sudden and we must be prepared.
Jesus allows us no middle ground as he teaches about the Second Coming through a series of parables, making it clear that this is an either/or proposition. There will only be two categories of people: those who are prepared and those who are not. Will we be awake and ready? Will we be prepared through obedience like Noah? Or will we be too busy with our own agendas, like those who knew nothing until the flood washed them away? Will we be so connected to our Father that we will drop everything when the Son returns? Or will we have so isolated ourselves from God that we will merely continue our daily routine?
Look It Up: Romans 13:11-14
Think About It: What is the proper garment we are to wear as we await Jesus’ return?
- by The Rev. Dr. Chuck Alley, The Living Church, 2025

Our Lady of Advent | Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P./Flickr

† Christmas Memorial Flowers
Anyone wishing to remember loved ones and friends with a beautiful poinsettia plant that will be decorating the church for the Christmas services, please use an envelope found on the back table for this purpose. All memorials are due Sunday, December 21 in order to be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. If you have any questions, please contact David Szen, 917-226-9136 or dszen@yahoo.com.

† Good Stewardship Begins At Home: Our Home
Please remind all who use our home to be good stewards by turning off lights, closing curtains, turning down thermostats, cleaning up after themselves and locking doors when they are leaving, especially as fuel prices continue to steadily increase.

Our Men meet weekly to study on Monday nights. They are currently dissecting the Gospel of Luke. Join them each Monday night at 7 pm in Crocker Hall. All the studies are available live on YouTube.

† Advent Adult Class
Starting on November 30, we will look at the six major streams of faith and practice that define Christian tradition. Based on Richard Foster’s landmark book, “Streams of Living Water: Essential Practices from the Six Great Traditions of Christian Faith,” let’s learn together how the great traditions of the Church can deepen our faith and shape us into people who live, love, and serve like Jesus. The class starts at 9:30 am each Sunday in the Guild Room.

† The Giving Tree Is Back!
The St. Paul’s family will partner with Brookfield Human Services to help families in need through their Holiday Program.
Like Thansksgiving, the Christmas program will be accomplished through the use of gift cards.
Please take a tag or tags from the Giving Tree in the back of the church, and return the purchased card along with the tag by December 7th. Tags should be placed in the “mail box “ near the tree. There will be small envelopes available to place your card and tag in. There will be no sign up sheet. We are relying on everyone to return the gift cards before December 7th. This will provide time for Human Service to distribute the cards to families, and time for families to shop.
And, thank you to all who have been so generous in supporting the Thanksgiving Program this year. Many will continue to be blessed by you support through the “Giving Tree “ program.

† Art in the Christian Tradition
Weihnachts-Kalender, Im Lande des Christkinds,
drawn and issued by Richard Ernst Kepler (1851-1930), color print on cardboard paper, issued in 1903
And so we come to the first day of Advent. In its origins, this four-week period known as Advent (from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming”) began as a time of preparation for early converts to Christianity who were preparing for their baptism. Over the centuries, it evolved into the season we now know: a sacred time of expectant waiting for the birth of Our Lord. It also marks the beginning of our new Liturgical Year.
This week’s artwork is an Advent calendar dating from 1903. The tradition of the Advent calendar can be traced back to the mid-19th century, particularly in the Protestant regions of Germany. Religious families would mark the days of December by drawing a chalk line on the wall or lighting a candle for each day until Christmas Eve. Some families even hung one devotional picture per day as a visual countdown to Christ’s coming.
Soon this practice evolved into printed calendars that could be hung in the home. By the early 1900s, these calendars included small hinged doors, each revealing a Scripture verse or holy image when opened. It wasn’t long before the custom developed further, with children being delighted to find small chocolates, pictures, or prayers tucked behind the flaps.
The tradition almost disappeared during the Second World War when cardboard was rationed and the Nazi regime prohibited the printing of religious images. But in 1946 production began again, and Advent calendars quickly spread across Europe and beyond. One doesn’t see these Advent calendars very often in our shops anymore. And when Advent calendars do appear, they are so often completely secularized, reduced simply to selling chocolates, beauty products, or toys, rather than inviting us to open little doors that reveal a verse of Scripture, a prayer, or a glimpse of the mystery we are preparing to celebrate.
Many of us remember clearly, as a child, having such an Advent calendar at home. It was thrilling each morning to wake up, rush over, and open that day’s little door - and yes, to discover the chocolate inside (admit it!). It remains a beautiful way of involving children in the journey towards Christmas, helping them count the days until the light of Christ breaks into our world once again.

Robert Nelson Spencer

Greetings!
Advent begins on Sunday signaling the start of a new liturgical year, and, as become a tradition at St. Paul's, we will begin worship with the outstanding hymn "Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending." The hymn is full of many biblical quotations and references, including this passage from Revelation that reads: "Look! He is coming with clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail…" The end times and the beginning are again overlapping for us as we begin this new season!
Taking up the theme of Christ's glorious return, we are reminded in the Gospel reading from Mark: "keep awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come" When he does come, he does not come alone, but with a whole contingent of saints:
Lo! he comes with clouds descending, once for our salvation slain; thousand thousand saints attending swell the triumph of his train: Alleluia, Christ the Lord returns to reign.
The hymn reminds us that the return of Christ will not be like his first appearing, quietly and humbly at a manger, but with power and judgment.
Every eye shall now behold him, robed in dreadful majesty; those who set at nought and sold him, pierced and nailed him to the tree, deeply wailing, shall the true Messiah see.
We will be reminded, that when he returns in glory the scars that he received for our salvation will be positively glowing:
Those dear tokens of his passion still his dazzling body bears, cause of endless exultation to his ransomed worshipers; with what rapture gaze we on those glorious scars!
The last verse tells overlaps nicely with our readings from last Sunday, the feast of Christ the King, when he will reign in glory:
Yes, amen! let all adore thee, high on thine eternal throne; Savior, take the power and glory; claim the kingdom for thine own: Alleluia, thou shalt reign and thou alone.
I'll admit that with all the references to Christ's return, I've been curious why this is such an important Advent hymn. I mean, Advent is a period of waiting and anticipation of Christ's birth, his first coming. But after thinking about these words, I realized this hymn is important in fueling our anticipation…because if we don't know or understand Christ's majesty to begin with, then why are we waiting for him to come? This is a big deal! And the imagery is powerful, thanks to Charles Wesley (actual a reworking of a hymn by John Cennick).
In general, the imagery of many of the Advent hymns is amazing, and I'm so glad that we have four weeks to sing them! They are some of the best hymns in the hymnal. I've included a video of a rather peaceful setting of "Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending." While this is a powerful hymn that is befitting of full choir and organ accompaniment, this version works beautifully, too!
May we all have a blessed Advent.
Peace and blessings,
Kirsten

by Kirsten Peterson, Organist & Choirmaster

Charles Wesley

Choir Notes

John Cennick

Charles Wesley

† Women’s Wed Evening Bible Study
The Women's Evening Bible Study has started a study on Wednesdays, at 7:00 on Zoom. The topic is Courage: people in the Bible who showed courage in difficult circumstances. We will see how each person met their situation, what role God played, and what we can apply to ourselves now. All women are welcome. For more information contact Kathy Whipple at kthyw49@gmail.com.

† St. Paul’s Walking Group!
Our St. Paul’s walking group is making a great strides! Their next walk will be on the Fairfield Hills Loop, Newtown, tomorrow, Friday, November 28 at 10:00 am. Plan to meet up 2 Primrose Street in Newtown in the parking lot in front of the Newtown Municipal Center building. I’ll check the weather and send out an update e-mail if there are any changes before the meet up time. . Ron Switzer (rjswit@msn.com).

† Sunday School Info!
ATTN: PARENTS OF ALL SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS:
Sunday School classes have resumed. During Advent bring your students into church with you for the lighting of the Advent candles, then they will go directly to their classrooms. Children will be returned to the sanctuary in time for Communion.

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
Nov 30th 8 am - Sandy Chadwick 10:30 am - Beth Beck
Dec 7th 8 am - Heather Melody 10:30 am - Raegan LaBrake
Dec 14th 8 am - Roginski’s 10:30 am - Pageant Parents
Nov 23rd 8 am - Beck’s 10:30 am - Astbury’s

Contact Mary Allen at 203-775-6633 or chamla@charter.net.

† Thought for Reflection
- from Fr. John Morrison
William Stringfellow, "Advent as a Penitential Season" from A Keeper of the Word, p. 94

"We live now, in the United States, in a culture so profoundly pagan that Advent is no longer really noticed, much less observed....In the First Advent, Christ the Lord comes into the world; in the next Advent, Christ the Lord comes as Judge of the world and of all the world's thrones and pretenders, sovereignties and dominions, principalities and authorities, presidencies and regimes, in vindication of his lordship and the reign of the Word of God. This is the truth, which the world hates, which biblical people (repentant people) bear and by which they live as the church in the world in the time between the two Advents.

Phishing Scams - Don’t fall for them! Please do not respond to any message from Fr. Nate or St. Paul’s by email or any other method of communication that asks you to purchase something (often a gift card) or asks for a “favor.” Delete these messages, do not reply, do not click links in the messages, mark them as Spam or Junk. If there is any doubt about the veracity of a text or email, contact Fr. Nate by e-mail at (priest@saintpaulsbrookfield.com) or the office (dszen@yahoo.com).

† Helping Our Neighbors
Here is an update about St. Paul’s ongoing food-related ministries serving our community:
Drive Thru Food Collection - occurs every other Wednesday from 11 am - noon. We have now held 147 food drives since April 22, 2020! Last time we delivered food to the Brookfield Social Services & their Food Pantry and the Jericho Partnership in Danbury.
Our next food collection, will be Wednesday, December 10th and will support the Bethel Community Food Pantry, and the Jericho Food Pantry in Danbury.
Thank you all for your ongoing generosity and to the many volunteers who have helped to load the vehicles and deliver food to the pantries.

Next Drive-Thru Food Collection
Wednesday December 10th
Help us,
Help others!
11 am to Noon

If you would like to request Altar flowers for a particular Sunday in Memory of a friend or loved one, please fill out the flower chart or envelope located in the back of the church or send an email request to dszen@yahoo.com or contact David Szen.

† Pastor
/ pas-ter /
Pastor - The word “pastor” derives from the work of tending sheep: a pastor is one who cares for sheep. The term came into the Christian understanding of the ordained ministry because of the frequent references in Holy Scripture to God as a shepherd of the people of Israel and Jesus as the Good Shepherd. A priest is a pastor for his or her congregation in the sense that he or she cares for the people, protects them and directs them, and feeds them with spiritual food in the Holy Eucharist. Similarly, a bishop is a chief pastor because she or he has oversight of all those pastors who care for the people committed to their care. There are certain ambiguities in the term now that the church is much less agrarian and rural than in previous times. But the term “pastor” and the related work of pastoral ministry are deeply important for the Christian tradition of ordained ministry.
The work of pastoral care has always been deeply important in Anglicanism. It has been seen as the first work of the parish priest and of the bishop in a diocese. There have been times when pastoral care has been neglected on a wide scale. Those times have in turn provoked a demand among Christian people for a revival of pastoral care, as in the Wesleyan and evangelical revivals of the eighteenth century and the catholic revival of the nineteenth century. Each of those revivals has resulted from a sense that the church and the ordained ministry of the church have the care of God’s people as their first responsibility, even while the form of that care may vary in time and place.
In the church today pastoral care takes many different forms. For example, spiritual direction and pastoral counseling are both specialized forms of pastoral care that require specific training and responsibility. In the Episcopal Church there is great interest in enhancing the pastoral work of the bishops of the church for both the clergy and lay people of their dioceses. There is also great interest in developing the ministry of the laity for pastoral care.

† Ih-pis-kuh-puh l / Dik-shuh-ner-ee
(Episcopal Dictionary)

Our Daily Bread - The Our Daily Bread devotional pamphlet for December, January & February is now available at the back of the church. E-mail dszen@yahoo.com to have a copy mailed to you. Our Daily Bread contains a scripture verse and meditation for each day.

St. Paul’s Birthday Parties
We’ve started a new tradition. Each Friday morning between 7:30 and 8:30 at the Newtown General Store we’re hosting surprise birthday parties for whoever shows up. Free coffee for the birthday person and maybe a gift, too! Pam Szen will be our birthday girl this Friday.

Pat Brought & Lauren Melody celebrate on Thanksgiving Day. David Whippie opens presents on Monday. George Blass is a year older & wiser on Tuesday. Leena Bernardo blows out candles on Wednesday Have a blessed day everyone!

The Perfect Follower

Jul 8, 2019

More Birthdays

Saturday, November 29 is the birthday of writer C.S. Lewis, born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1898. His mother died when he was young, and he became an atheist - a conviction that deepened after he was wounded on the front lines of France during WWI. He loved mythology and Scandinavian epics, and as a professor at Oxford, befriended another young faculty member named J.R.R. Tolkien. A few days after a dinner with Tolkien and another friend discussing Christianity and myth, Lewis took a motorcycle ride with his brother to the Whipsnade Zoo - and on that ride, Lewis converted to Christianity: “When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did.”
Lewis and Tolkien also formed a writing group they called “The Inklings.” The group would gather over a strong pot of tea late in the evening, and take turns reading aloud from their latest writing projects. Tolkien read from The Lord of the Rings, and Lewis from The Screwtape Letters, imagined advice from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood.
Then one day Lewis sat down to write a story for his goddaughter, Lucy, taking as a starting point an image of “a Faun carrying an umbrella and parcels in a snowy wood.” That story became The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the first of The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis also hosted a popular series of short radio addresses on understanding Christianity, and these later became the basis for his book, Mere Christianity - today regarded as one of the most influential theological books of the twentieth century.

Sunday, November 30 is the birthday of Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens in Florida, Missouri, in 1835. Twain’s masterpiece, widely considered one of the classics of American literature, is The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - and that story turns on a remarkable theological scene.
Huck has been traveling down the river with Jim, who’s recently escaped enslavement, and Jim has just been captured and imprisoned in a shed. Huck recalls a lesson from Sunday School that anyone who assists such fugitives, as Huck has been doing on their travels, “goes to everlasting fire.” Contemplating this supposed sin, Huck decides to repent and write a letter to Jim’s enslaver, Miss Watson, so she can send someone to apprehend her runaway property. He writes the letter, and as he holds it in his hands, feels a wave of relief. What follows is one of the great passages in American literature: theological, moral, ironic, comic, satirical, and deadly serious all at once. Huck tells it this way:
“I felt good and all washed clean of sin for the first time I had ever felt so in my life, and I knowed I could pray now. But I didn't do it straight off, but laid the paper down and set there thinking - thinking how good it was all this happened so, and how near I come to being lost and going to hell. And went on thinking. And got to thinking over our trip down the river; and I see Jim before me, all the time; in the day, and in the night-time, sometimes moonlight, sometimes storms, and we a floating along, talking, and singing, and laughing. But somehow I couldn't seem to strike no places to harden me against him, but only the other kind. I'd see him standing my watch on top of his'n, stead of calling me, so I could go on sleeping; and see him how glad he was when I come back out of the fog; and when I come to him agin in the swamp, up there where the feud was; and such-like times; and would always call me honey, and pet me, and do everything he could think of for me, and how good he always was; and at last I struck the time I saved him by telling the men we had smallpox aboard, and he was so grateful, and said I was the best friend old Jim ever had in the world, and the only one he's got now; and then I happened to look around, and see that paper.
“It was a close place. I took it up, and held it in my hand. I was a trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: "All right, then, I'll go to hell" - and tore it up.
“It was awful thoughts, and awful words, but they was said. And I let them stay said; and never thought no more about reforming. I shoved the whole thing out of my head; and said I would take up wickedness again, which was in my line, being brung up to it, and the other warn't. And for a starter, I would go to work and steal Jim out of slavery again; and if I could think up anything worse, I would do that, too; because as long as I was in, and in for good, I might as well go the whole hog.”

Huck Finn

† Start Spreading the Good News!
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

St. Paul’s, with over 40 members, joined nearly 100 neighbors from across town for the Brookfield Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service. Our parishioners showed up in force, standing as a powerful witness to the unity and shared gratitude of the wider church. Fr. Nate preached on the power of saying “Thank You.”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th
11:30

As part of our outreach, St. Paul’s donates gift cards and non-perishable items to six area food pantries. The non-perishable items are provided by our generous congregation and are truly appreciated. Donations for the food pantry can be left in the basket at the back of the church. Delivery is made to one food pantry each month. Thank you.

Take a Hanger
Fill a Hanger

We are holding our annual Coat Drive to benefit the various agencies in Danbury supported by the Jericho Partnership. “Take a Hanger” from the rack we’ll have at the back of the church this weekend. Check your closets for those unused coats. And “Fill a Hanger.” Bring it back to St. Paul’s and we’ll get that coat on the back of someone who needs it.

† Wednesday Morning Healing Service
Our mid-week Wednesday morning 10 am Holy Eucharist with healing prayer, now has about 50 worshippers weekly.. With live music and a brief homily, this service is just what you need to sustain you through the week. Come join us and check it out or watch on YouTube Live.

† Praying for the 1/3 of our world that are still unreached with the Gospel
Lezgin
Country: Russia | Population: 487,000 | Language: Lezgi | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.02%
The Lezgi live in the Republic of Dagestan in Russia. They are subsistence farmers and raise sheep and goats. Some engage in skilled work such as leather working or textile production, and are well known for their hand-woven carpets. The Lezgi have preserved much of their literature and music. They also perform a world-renowned ancient folk dance called the Lezginka, which portrays the history and culture of the Lezgi people. This dance is performed at small village weddings as well as on stage in front of thousands of people in large cities across Russia and Europe. The Lezgi are Muslim with animistic practices woven into their faith, including tying rags on holy trees or holy graves to bring favor upon their finances, marriages, or health. Pray for the Lezgi to recognize the power of the Gospel and rejoice in discovering how Jesus died to set them free from sin and death. Pray they would choose to follow Him.

† This Sunday’s Readings
(Click on the red links for the readings)
Lay Aside the Works of Darkness
Isaiah 2:1-5
In our lesson from the Hebrew Bible the prophet Isaiah sets forth a majestic vision of a time when people throughout the world will worship the Lord and live in peace with one another. The mountain of the city of Jerusalem will be raised up to become a symbol of hope and justice to every nation. Many peoples will look to Jerusalem and to its holy Mount Zion as the place from which God will issue God’s word and law, bringing about an end to strife and warfare.
Psalm 122
A pilgrim’s song of praise and prayer for the peace of Jerusalem.
Romans 13:11-14
In this reading Paul urges a way of life in full awareness of the nearness of salvation. Disciples must recognize that the nighttime of sinfulness is passing. The daylight, the time for new conduct and the following of Jesus now comes.
Matthew 24:36-44
In our gospel lesson Jesus tells his disciples of the need for readiness because the Son of Man will come at a day and hour which no one knows. People will continue to go about their usual affairs, when suddenly this time of judgment will happen. Disciples are to be ever watchful, imaging themselves like a householder whose alertness could prevent a robbery.

Matthew 24: 36-44
This is what Advent is. In anticipation of Jesus arriving, we practice now how we expect to live then.

"They will beat their
* into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks."
Isaiah 2:4 NIV
* No mention is made of Sword Points!

† Sermon Shorts
"False Shepherds & the True King." To replay all our sermons, audio and videos follow this link for the Sunday Sermons. Check out our Sermon Archives as well.

† Your Prayers Are Requested For…
It is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and such a privilege God calls us to love one another. As a sign of that love, let us lift up our prayer to God for the needs of all people throughout the world and for…
.....Ed Licence, Gail Winkley, and other parishioners convalescing in extended care facilities.
.....Christ Church, Ansonia; St. Paul’s, Bantam; with Christ Church Chapel, Bethlehem.
.....Revival at St. Paul’s and the greater Danbury area.
.....Postulants & candidates for Holy Orders; the Commission on Ministry & its members.
.....For the Peace of Jerusalem. - Psalm 122:6
.....Clayton Ferry, Barbara Hock, Jim Megura, Peter Scalzo, Sr., Peter Scalzo, Jr., Doris, Cathy Latimer, Karen, Beverly Hall, Roger, Cynthia, Valerie, Heidi Pinheiro, Dale Mitchell, Ruth, Blake, Cliff, Evelyn Kirner, Jane Sedor, Jim Beck, Larry Wanzer, Bob Finn, Paul Kovacs, Peter Ruscoe, Larry Coleman, John Crisalli, Erin LaBrake, Walter, Elana and Veronika continued healing.
.....the people of Ukraine; the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the people of Poland; the bishop, clergy and laity of the Diocese of Rockhampton - The Anglican Church of Australia; and our sister and brother members of the Baptist Union of Denmark (in Danish).
…..For the Church: that we may grow in our awareness of how God is fulfilling the deepest desires of our hearts, expectantly await God’s continuing work, and learn to recognize God’s presence in our lives.
…..St. Thomas, Bethel and the Bethel Community Food Pantry, which is the recipient of our food basket collections for the month of December.
.....Our missionaries, Will & Becky McLaughlin and their family, and their ministry in Cambodia; and for all missionaries: that God will inspire the message that they offer, help them to recognize how they can best serve their communities, and sustain them in times of loneliness.
.....For all children: that they may recognize all the blessings that are theirs and that their hearts may not be lost in the things that they desire.
.....First Congregational Church of Ridgefield, a church partner of the Jericho Partnership.
.....Young Persons.
…..That we don’t take each day for granted and see the little miracles that occur in our lives every day.
…..For the one third of humanity that does not have access to the gospel, for zealous preachers of the word, that by the Holy Spirit, that they would become strong in their faith, grow in numbers and be a light to those around them.
…..For For all who are returning home this weekend: that God will keep them safe and help them to arrive without delay.
…..For the spaces of human trafficking, that all darkness in hotels, homes and the internet would be overcome with light and fully restored as grounds of abundant life.
.....Peace Among the Nations.

What Is Advent?
Advent is a time of waiting, hope, and anticipation. We pray that this video will help you understand the meaning of Advent as we celebrate Jesus' birth and look forward to a second advent, when Jesus comes again. Explore the story of our Savior and God's plan for us. May you have a blessed Advent as you wait for Him.

Starlink

Just For the Joy of It!

(And Christian Fellowship)

Random Fact of the Week!
Did you know … that in the movie “Alice’s Restaurant” one of the priests deconsecrating a church at about the 16 minute mark is the Rev. Pierce Middleton, a former rector of St. Paul’s (from 1954-60)? Click here to see movie.

Emily’s Wednesday Joke of the Week
Q. What was the Christian dentist’s favorite hymn?
A. “Crown Him with may Crowns.”

Ecclesiasticus 43:27 - We could say more but could never say enough; let the final word be: ‘He is the all.’

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