Louisville, Kentucky 40203-2115

The Rev. J. Edward Morris, Rector

COMMUNITY AND CHRISTIAN FORMATION NEWSLETTER

Winter 2007

Advent Event: The annual Advent Event will be Sunday, December 2 at 10:00 in the Parish Hall. Bring your friends and family as we prepare for the Advent season with advent wreath-making, decorations for the Calvary Christmas Tree, gift making, advent calendars, edible creches, and a visit from St. Nicholas.

Family Celebration and Observance of the Advent Season: Pamphlets will be available during Advent to take home so that you may observe the season of Advent. Examples of activities include: lighting the advent wreath every day, reading scripture, doing good deeds for friends and neighbors or those who are alone, using Prayer Stones, playing a simple “Advent Game”, etc.

Christian Formation Stewardship during Advent: Calvary is known for our outreach programs, especially our Food and Clothes Closet. During Advent, we ask for donations each week for the Mitten Tree. Please bring hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves to hang on the Mitten Tree in the Parish Hall. And as always, Engelhard Elementary always needs school uniforms, play clothes, and coats too and would appreciate gifts for children, but please bring them in gift bags. Volunteers are needed to deliver clothes to the Engelhard Family Center; it is a joy to see first-hand how much donations are appreciated!

Greening of the Church, Dec. 23, 2007: Sunday, Dec. 23, following the 11:00 service, we invite you (and need you!) to help decorate the Calvary Christmas Tree and “green the church for Christmas.” Children are also invited to sit with Father Ned on the steps to hear him read Twas the Night Before Christmas before we begin ornamenting the tree. We also need donations of cookies and sandwiches for Hospitality so we can nourish ourselves before decorating. Please sign up today!

De-greeing of the Church, Jan. 6, 2008: Christmas decorations will be stored for the following year on Epiphany Sunday after the 11:00 service, so please plan to help remove tree and other decorations after nourishing yourself at hospitality. Both of these events are very special and wonderful times to share with our church family and friends.

Calvary Christmas Pageant: Sunday, Sunday, December 16 at 11:00, is the annual Calvary Christmas Pageant. Hearing – and seeing – the Christmas story reminds us of the beauty of new birth, as Christ comes to us as a Holy Infant, calling us to love Him, and to love one another. If you are participating in the Pageant, the schedule is as follows: Rehearsals for Lectors and Main Cast Members will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2, following the 11:00 service (12:30 – 1:00 pm). All cast members’ rehearsals are as follows: Sunday, Dec. 9, 10:00 a.m. in the church; Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, December 15, 9:30 – 11:30; Christmas Pageant: Sunday, December 16 at 11:00, Cast Members must be dressed in costume by 10:30 on the 16^th.

Young Adult and College Ministry

Lilly Cary is inviting young adults and college students to a Christmas party at her apartment in the Highlands on Thursday, December 20, 6 pm. Cookie decorating, games, and a Christmas movie are just a few of the things we will enjoy. RSVP: calliehausman@calvaryepiscopal.org.

Calvary is hosting the 2008 Diocesan Acolyte Festival. Saturday, February 2, acolytes and chaperons of all ages will come to Calvary to worship, learn, feast, and play. If you interested in learning more about acolyte ministry, please register today, or plan to help host this event by volunteering to assist with welcoming, lunch, robes, etc. See Callie, Father Ned or Judy Wilson if you have any questions and are interested in participating. Registration information is available in the North Entrance.

IMPORTANT PARENT MEETING WITH FATHER NED:

Saturday, January 12, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Calvary is a vibrant and growing church, and we need your help in planning Calvary's future for children, youth, and families. Among items to be discussed are: the playground, youth music programs, Vacation Bible School, etc. Help us plan ahead for our children, who are not only the future of our church, but are very much an integral part of our present church community. RSVP: 587-6011ext. 22 or calliehausman@calvaryepiscopal.org. Nursery care will be available.

The Calvary Youth Group

December 9 Calvary youth are invited to deliver Advent treats to Calvary's friends who are not able to join us for worship at church. Please see Callie if you are interested in participating and/or helping drive. In January we look forward to the youth helping “degreen” the church January 6.

The South Tower is about to begin some repair and renovation. We are grateful to the Marshall Foundation for awarding a generous grant to the Calvary Youth and Christian Formation program which enables us to make improvements in anticipation of using the South Tower for classes and Youth Group meetings. We also thank the youth who have worked to earn funds. David and Deborah Stewart and the Hess family have also been generous contributors. If you are interested, please take a tour of the Tower to see the “before” and “after”. In January we will begin wall decoration. Details will be forthcoming as progress develops.

Editors: Callie Hausman; Director of Christian Formation calliehausman@yahoo.com;

Molly Isaacs-McLeod, calvarynewsmolly@bellsouth.net, and Betty Vernon

Contact Info: Calvary: 587-6011, http://www.calvaryepiscopal.org

The Rev. J. Edward Morris, Rector