Home: (631) 289-5761

21 November 2005

Dear Friends:

As we approach the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas our hearts and minds look for ways to reach out to others. The Christian Church responds to God’s great love in Jesus Christ by serving others as Christ has taught us to do. But it is also time for us to receive – to receive the love and joys of Christian discipleship. For as we give, we also receive.

In Psalm 92:1-2,4 we read, "Give thanks….sing praise…declare God’s steadfast love!" Giving thanks to God is very biblical and is also very American, particularly as we celebrate Thanksgiving). Let us this Thanksgiving remember how fortunate we are and resolve to share our blessings with those around us.

We invite all members of the church and the community to be with us on Thanksgiving Eve for a Thanksgiving Dinner will be served in the Fellowship Hall (4 to 6:30 p.m.) for all those who would enjoy a good meal with friends and neighbors of the church. Take-home meals will be delivered to shut-ins. The chef for the dinner is Grace Wright and if you would like to help call her at 289-5761. A Thanksgiving Worship Service will be held following the dinner at 7:30 p.m.

How we celebrate the Christmas season varies from family to family. Our concern as a church is that we celebrate it in a Christ like manner. Attached is the index page of a 32 page booklet with ideas for a Christ-Centered Holiday. Complete copies are available at the church or call the church office and we will mail a copy to you.

A holiday request for aid. Each holiday season the Deacons distribute food, toys and other items to needy families in the area. They are requesting drivers to help distribute the food, as well as the contribution of toys, turkeys, hams, gift certificates, blankets and warm coats (men, women and children). If you know of someone or a family who are in need and would benefit from the help of the Deacons please let me or the Deacons know.

You will be receiving in a separate mailing a stewardship letter and pledge card from the Stewardship Committee of the church. We are a growing parish and we need increased giving to meet the needs. Please read the letter carefully and prayerfully consider your support of the church for the coming year.

A "Thanks Offering Envelope" is enclosed for a Thanksgiving offering. I know our requests are many and can be overwhelming, but the needs are great. Thank you for all your help.

Sincerely yours,

Ralph Wright

Pastor

Let us remember in our prayers Ann Barlow who is recuperating from knee surgery, Ludwig Stahl who will be undergoing surgery, Tommie Famlingetti who struggles with his pace maker, John Knapp, though out of the hospital, has to regularly return, the family and friends of Jillian Mapes who died from injuries incurred in ATV accident, for Gene Thomas who needs a heart transplant, and for Helen Lewin who has been under the weather.

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During the four Sundays of Advent, as well as Christmas Eve, families together light the advent wreath during the worship service. If your family would like to participate please speak to the pastor.

(Note – Church Services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Church School is a part of and follows the 10:30 Family Service. Coffee Hour between Services in the Fellowship Hall. Church School Pageant rehearsals are from 11:45 to 12:45 following the Family Service.)

November

23 – (4-6 p.m.) Thanksgiving Dinner – Invite a friend to share a meal at the church

24 – (7:30 p.m.) Thanksgiving Eve Service – Bring a can of food for the hungry

26 - (6 p.m.) Patchogue Christmas Parade ( Main St. Patchogue) – Church Float

28– (9 & 10:30 a.m.) First Sunday of Advent

29-30 – (9 a.m. to ? p.m.) Christmas Decorations Work Party at the Church (contact John Knapp)

December

2 – (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.) TGIF Youth/Lighting of the Yaphank Christmas Tree at Gazebo

3. – (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) Holiday Bazaar- Luncheon (10-2)

3 – (9 a.m. to ?) Work Party – Electrical/Buildings & Grounds/Winterizing

4 – (9 & 10:30 a.m.) Second Sunday of Advent & Holy Communion

4 (4 to 8 p.m.) Yaphank Historical Society Tour/Church Open House

10 – (8 to 11 a.m.) Holiday Breakfast

11 – (9 & 10:30 a.m.) Third Sunday of Advent

17 – (TBA) Pageant Practice

18 – (9 & 10:30 a.m.) Fourth Sunday of Advent

(5 to 7 p.m.) Church School Christmas Pageant and Potluck Dinner

24 - (4:30 p.m.) Children’s Christmas Eve Service

– (7:30 p.m.) Family Christmas Eve Service

(11 p.m.) Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

25 – (10 a.m.) Christmas Day (Sunday) Service- note only one service

30 – (TBA) TGIF Youth Group Day Trip to New York City

DATES TBA –TGIF Roosevelt Field Shopping Trip and All Church Christmas Caroling

Freshmade Pancakes w/ Butter & Syrup