SERMON NOTES
What ’s up at St. John’s CELEBRATING A GIFT // TODAY You might think that as Christians we would get used to the idea of receiving gifts. After all, our lives and our salvation are purely gifts from God. And we use the language of “freely giving back” to God in our songs – which is not a repayment, but arises from the sense that God loves us so much, he has held nothing back from us. Yet sometimes an act of generosity should be celebrated since it produces thanksgiving to God. This is exactly what we plan to do immediately following the 10:00 am service on Sunday, December 9. We want to take time with the whole congregation to thank God for the substantial financial gift we received in 2018 from a long-time member of the congregation. We will also hear from the Trustees how we plan to use this gift to further the priorities of St. John’s. Please join us. EXPECTING EMMANUEL // MONDAY, DEC 10
DECEMBER EVENTS 9 Evening Carol Service 6:00 pm 10 Expecting Emmanuel 7:30 pm
Expecting Emmanuel is a special Advent service on Monday, December 10 at 7:30 pm. This is the time of the year when we are often too busy. We feel the expectations and pressure of our “Happy Holiday culture” while at the same time longing to meet the Christ of Christmas. And for some of us, the burdens we carry seem to harder to bear in this season of parties and celebrating. If you’re tired, burdened or just in need of a time apart from all the hustle and bustle, a time to meet Emanuel, consider coming to Expecting Emmanuel for rest. with special music.
15 First Noel 10:00 am // 2:00 pm // 6:30 pm VanDusen Garden
AN EVENING OF PRAYER, SCRIPTURE, AND FOOD
16 Lessons & Carols 4:30 pm
Evensong will happen Tuesday, December 11, at 5:30 pm. We will meet in the lower level Fellowship Hall now that the kitchen renovation is finished. Supper will be finished in time for those wanting to attend the Brass and Organ concert at Kerrisdale Presbyterian. SENIORS CHRISTMAS COMMUNION AND LUNCH TEA
11 Brass & Organ Concert 7:30 pm // Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church
24 Christmas Eve 5:00 pm // 8:00 pm // 10:00 pm 25 Christmas Day 10:00 am
Join us on December 11 at 11:00 am in the church chapel for Christmas communion followed by lunch. Please RSVP to Margaret Wilson, margaret@sjvan.org or 778-838-7400.
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MONDAY, DEC 10 PRACTICING ADVENT
10:45 am Little Years
There’s more to getting ready for Christmas than just buying a tree! We’ve prepared an Advent liturgy and bible reading booklet based on our sermon series “Christ in the Carols.”
7:30 pm Expecting Emmanuel
Pick up a copy today.
5:30 pm Evensong
ST. JOHN’S TRUSTEES 2019 NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2019 St. John’s Board of Trustees. The Trustees are responsible for setting the vision and providing overall governance at St. John’s. If you know someone who would be suitable for this position of leadership please contact our People’s Warden, Joanne Sawatzky at jmccran@gmail.com by January 15, 2019. FINANCIAL UPDATE TO DECEMBER 4 Please continue to pray for our church finances, and consider how you might use your own financial resources to further the ministries of St. John’s. Below is the offerings update up to December 4. 2018 Offerings Budget Offerings to Nov 29 Total we still need to receive by December 31
$2,192,000 $1,704,192 $487,808
TUESDAY, DEC 11
7:00 pm Women’s Bible Study 7:30 pm
Brass & Organ Concert
WEDNESDAY, DEC 12 7:20 am
Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
6:30 pm
Ekklesia (18 to 20-somethings)
THURSDAY, DEC 13 7:30 pm Choir Practice FRIDAY, DEC 14 10:30 am ESL Discussion Group 5:45 pm Men’s Bible Study SATURDAY, DEC 15 First Noel @ VanDusen 10:00 am Kids Noel 2:00 pm
Christmas Cabaret & Crafts
6:30 pm Cocoa & Carols SUNDAY, DEC 16 Psalm 98 8:00 am Holy Communion 10:00 am Holy Communion 10:00 am Jr Youth Service 4:30 pm Lessons & Carols 6:00 pm Evening Prayer Learn more at sjvan.org/calendar
Celebrate Christmas with the
VSO BRASS QUINTET and organist Terence Fullerton
Tuesday, December 11 at 7:30 pm Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church, 2733 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver Tickets available at the door only. Adults $20 // Students $15 // Children under 12 free
St. John’s Vancouver Offices: 2325 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J2 | Phone: 604.558.4400 | stjohnsvancouver.org Stay informed: facebook.com/stjohnsvancouver | Engage with each other: facebook.com/groups/stjohnsvancouver