December 2004

Dear Friends,

Peace be with you. As this liturgical year rapidly comes to a close, it is clear that we will begin again with renewed energy and hopeful expectations of the many blessings yet awaiting us personally and as a parish family in the season of Advent.

Much energy went into the design of the Newcomer's folders, which are complete and ready to be delivered to those desiring one. They detail contact people and show pictures of relationships and vitality in our growing parish family.

One of our new family units is Rev'd Jonathan and Carol MacKenzie, who retired from St. James, Laconia, NH. We are truly blessed to have them a part of the St. Anne's family. From time to time you will see Jonathan in a priestly role as the spirit moves.

The Olde-Fashioned Christmas Fair is energizing the creative talents of everyone and forcing us to think about the theme "Victorian". We chose this era to highlight the 115th anniversary of St. Anne's next year. The original church was consecrated in 1890. Please come and enjoy the Victorian creations, decorations - and even dress.

The Advent season will welcome a visit from the Rt. Rev'd Gayle E. Harris, Bishop Suffragan, on December 19. Please come out to meet her and ask anything you would like about Diocesan matters. She is warm, friendly, and very approachable.

There are some new names and ideas in this newsletter. Lynne P. offers to write letters to your little ones from the North Pole. This is a great idea and receiving such a letter will surely delight a child. Carol B. has undertaken the Angel Tree ministry during Advent. This year she wants to include teens on the list of gifts. She offers these ideas if you choose a teen angel (no pun intended!): watches, jewelry, CDs, gift certificates to various stores and baseball caps.

Please know that no Sunday service is ever complete without YOUR presence. St. Anne's is the people of God gathered together in prayer at worship and fellowship, sharing One Lord, One Baptism, One Faith. If you haven't been able to attend lately, please make a new start in the new Church year.

This comes sharing my thanksgiving for being among you.

Faithfully,

Peggy