Verse of the Day

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Calendar

December 2009
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Food Pantry and Cuddle Blanket Project

[ January 8, 2010; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. January 15, 2010; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. January 22, 2010; 10:00 am; January 29, 2010; 10:00 am; ] 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday, Donegan Hall

Food Pantry Needs

There is a basket in the Parish Hall with copies of the list of needs from the Food Pantry. Please take a copy so that you have it when you go shopping. Perhaps you could pick up an item or two or three. The list will be updated periodically and copies placed in this basket.

The flu, communion, the peace and shaking hands

In the entrance to the church are copies of Fr. Jay’s recommendations, (not commands) re: protecting your own health and that of others during the flu season. Disinfecting wipes for your hands are also available. For those of you who want to receive wine, you may do so by intinction or by drinking from the [...]

Update from the Search Committee

The Parish Profile is available online on our web site at www.rhinebeck-episcopal.org. The profile describes our church, who we are, where we want to be, and perhaps most importantly, what we are looking for in a new rector. It is the “want ad” that introduces our parish to “candidates.” The profile was based on your [...]

Stewardship Update

There are 210 parishes in the New York Diocese and we are number 51 in income. By this measure we are a wealthy church, and yet our operating budget historically runs in the red. This year we have a balanced budget for the first time in more than 25 years, due to having a part-time [...]

Readings for January 3, the Second Sunday after Christmas

Jeremiah 31: 7-14
PSALM 84 v. 1-8
Ephesians 1: 3-6, 15-19a
Luke 2: 41-52
Lessons and readings for past and future weeks may be found on The Lectionary Page.

ESL Classes

[ January 26, 2010; 7:00 pm; January 27, 2010; 7:00 pm; February 2, 2010; 7:00 pm; February 3, 2010; 7:00 pm; February 9, 2010; 7:00 pm; February 10, 2010; 7:00 pm; February 16, 2010; 7:00 pm; February 17, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] ESL, Donegan Hall 7:00-9:00 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday

Al-Anon Meeting

[ January 7, 2010; 8:00 pm; January 14, 2010; 8:00 pm; January 21, 2010; 8:00 pm; January 28, 2010; 8:00 pm; ] Donegan Hall, 8- 9 p.m., Thursday

Lay Reader and Acolyte Schedules

The Lay Reader and Acolyte schedules through March 2009 are now online; please go to http://www.rhinebeck-episcopal.org/index.php/lay-schedule/ to see them, and to get updated on procedures for making scheduling changes (you may also find the link in the “Pages” box on Messiah’s homepage). Lay servers and families, if you have not already done so, please send [...]

Readings for Sunday, December 27, the First Sunday after Christmas

Isaiah 61: 10—62: 3
PSALM 147 v. 13-21
Galatians 3: 23-25, 4: 4-7
John 1: 1-18
Lessons and readings for past and future weeks may be found on The Lectionary Page.

Readings for Christmas Day

Isaiah 52: 7-10
PSALM 98
Hebrews 1: 1-4
John 1: 1-14
Readings for past and future weeks may be found on The Lectionary Page.

Christmas Services

[ December 24, 2009; 5:00 pm; 10:00 pm; December 25, 2009; 10:00 am; ] Christmas Eve, 5 p.m and 10 p.m. We welcome The Reverend Fred Drobin as our guest celebrant.

Christmas Day, 10 a.m.

Christmas Pageant is ON!

players, please arrive by 9:30 today (Sunday, Dec 20).

Messiah Matters

The Winter edition of Messiah Matters has been mailed. If you do not receive a copy within a week, please call Su in the office (876-3533) so she can be sure you are put on our mailing list. In this edition is an article written by Fr. Jay concerning Baptisms, First Communion, Confirmation, and being [...]

Food Pantry Needs

There is a basket in the Parish Hall with copies of the list of needs from the Food Pantry. Please take a copy so that you have it when you go shopping. Perhaps you could pick up an item or two or three. The list will be updated periodically and copies placed in this basket.

Church and the H1N1 flu virus: The flu, communion, the peace and shaking hands

In the entrance to the church are copies of Fr. Jay’s recommendations, (not commands) re: protecting your own health and that of others during the flu season. Disinfecting wipes for your hands are also available. For those of you who want to receive wine, you may do so by intinction or by drinking from the [...]

Rides Needed for Christmas Services

If anyone is available to give rides to a parishioner for one of our Christmas services, please contact Su in the office (876-3533) or speak with Fr. Jay. Rides are needed for Margaret (Peggy) Harrison, to and from the 10:00 service on Christmas Day, and for Shirley Jones (service to be determined). Thank you.

Christmas Memorial Flowers

[ December 20, 2009; ] Because Messiah Matters mailed late due to new postal regulations, the deadline for requests for Christmas flowers has been extended to today. There are forms available in the Narthex and in the Parish Hall. Please place requests in the collection plate or in the box in the Parish Hall. Thank you.

Update from the Search Committee

The Parish Profile is available online on our web site at www.rhinebeck-episcopal.org. The profile describes our church, who we are, where we want to be, and perhaps most importantly, what we are looking for in a new rector. It is the “want ad” that introduces our parish to “candidates.” The profile was based on your [...]

Vestry Elections

At our Annual Meeting in January, three vestry members and a warden will be elected to fill expiring terms. Current vestry members Leanora Kovacs and Michele Fox, and current warden Ronald Hirsch will be standing for reelection. Maggie Salamone will be retiring and we thank her for her past years of service. Any members of [...]

Speaking of the Annual Meeting…

[ January 4, 2010; ] Committee chairs: please submit your reports for the annual report to Su no later than Monday, January 4th.

Lessons and Carols

[ December 20, 2009; 5:00 pm; ] Some members of our choir will be participating in Lessons and Carols this evening at St. Margaret’s in Staatsburg at 5:00 pm. All are welcome at this service.

Stewardship Update

There are 210 parishes in the New York Diocese and we are number 51 in income. By this measure we are a wealthy church, and yet our operating budget historically runs in the red. This year we have a balanced budget for the first time in more than 25 years, due to having a [...]

Readings for December 20th, the Fourth Sunday of Advent

COLLECT: Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Micah 5: 2-5a
Hebrews 10: 5-10
Luke 1: 39-45
Lessons and readings for past [...]

Holy Communion

[ January 7, 2010; 9:00 am; January 14, 2010; 9:00 am; January 21, 2010; 9:00 am; January 28, 2010; 9:00 am; ] Tyler Chapel, 9 a.m. Thursday.