SRCA NEWS AND NOTES

Dear Parish Family,   I'm praying for each household to know and respond to the abundant blessings of our almighty God as we celebrate this national day of Thanksgiving. As we gather to celebrate the day let us offer prayers of praise to God for all he has done and petitions on behalf of those who do not have the joy of gathering to celebrate.   This Sunday will be the first Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning the church year. Advent is a season of waiting, of expectation, of preparation. In a culture of instant everything from mashed potatoes to media, to instant gratification, we need ask ourselves, "Have we forgotten the value of waiting, of looking forward with expectancy." Advent is a season that had fallen out of favor (If it was ever in favor).   With the change of church seasons you will notice a change in the liturgy. We begin by incorporating our children in the lighting of the Advent wreath. Being a more penitential season, the confession is moved to the beginning of the service. A different Eucharistic prayer is used, one that is more muted in tone, more "basic." As in Lent, alleluias are dropped from the spoken liturgy, though we might still sing one on occasion. More silence is incorporated into the service, as we seek to remove ourselves from the frenetic pace of what I call the Christmas crazies. My prayer is that you will find refreshment for your soul in our time of worship together.   Our readings for Sunday include: Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, and Matthew 24:36-44. Psalm 122 is the psalm appointed for the day. However, we will not use the psalm during Advent to permit a bit of silence in the service.   Let's look forward with expectation to the coming anew of Jesus into every heart as we worship him in Spirit and in truth.   Becki+   The Rev. Becki Neumann+ Rector, South Riding Church, Anglican Office 703-961-1983 Cell 240-217-4370 Home 717-762-0924 "When it's all been said and done; there is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for truth, did I live my life for you?"