Dear Fellow Parishioners,
As we write, we prepare our hearts and homes for Advent and that special but (for many) complex and uniquely stressful season that is Christmas. In an attempt to refocus on the true meaning of the season, many churches in North America and Europe have joined The Advent Conspiracy. Members of this comspiracy have agreed to worship fully, spend less, give more and love all. It is an idea, in these difficult times, that might just catch on again as the world (and our nation in particular) stresses over the economy, and over the war in Afghanistan. This year in addition to our regular Christmas programming, we take great delight in presenting Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol.
Although the setting is Victorian England, and we are three thousand miles and one hundred and sixty six years away we, like Scrooge, will have a blessed season if we come to our senses and put giving to those who could do with it at the core of our energies. It may do us a bit of good if we take the message of this story into our hearts and homes.
We are grateful to those who have taken a leadership role in our church; for your time, and for making our church a better place. As 2009 closes we thank in particular Graydon McArthur, Robert Ragsdale, John Floyd, Dale Allen, Clark Sissons, William Cowling, Sheila Tait, Cathy Hutcheon, Rachel Orth, Carol Ambler, Janice Douglas, Jim and Nancy Shapland, Annis Tebbut, Muriel Casy, Judy Beal, Tim and Marney Showalter, Ching-Hong Lam, Margaret Roze, John Dalton, Penny Burrows and Wendy Board. We are concious that there are names written in Heaven's book that we may have overlooked.
There are plenty of ways to be creative and joyful in our giving, including giving to (or through) our own church at St. Olave's; whether time, talents or money. Best of all, we look forward to your Christmas presence and your presence to come after Advent!
If your are interested in learning more about The Advent Conspiracy go to www.adventconspiracy.org.
Here's wishing all of us a sane and stress free Advent.
David Hutcheon -- Rector's Warden
John Stafford -- People's Warden
Gord Rands -- Deputy Warden