Trust that you are enjoying the weather and the blessings of this week.

Here are your updates, reminders, and prayer requests

Sunday School

This important ministry for the young, resume this Sunday.  Classes

are held while worship takes place next door in church.

Prayer Breakfast

The ECW’s 7^th Annual Prayer Breakfast place next Saturday in the parish

auditorium from 10:00 a.m.  This year’s speaker is Eva Jallah, Vice President

of the ECW.  Meet us there.

Mayor’s Invitation Correction

Mayor Alvin Brown is extending an invitation to all for the 25^th

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at the Prime F. Osborne

Convention Center on January 13, 2012 from 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

UBE Fish Fry

Sidney B. Parker Chapter of the UBE is sponsoring a fish Fry –

January 20^th                    4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

January 21^st                   11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Dinners             $7.00

Sandwiches      $5.00

For more information contact Alma Flowers – 904.403.2100

Special Prayer Request

Our brother in the Lord, Leon Johnson is terminally ill.  Please keep him, Barbara (wife)

and the rest of the Johnson family in your prayers.

Also remember Vivian Sutton who did undergo surgery yesterday at Baptist Hospital.

For His Sake,

Barbara

It will soon be Christmas – that time of year that we all look forward to. For many, Christians and non-Christians alike, Christmas is the time reserved for being with those we love and care for in a special way. It is a time for fellowship, the exchange of gifts, and feasting on favorite foods as we listen to ‘Christmas music.’ Not everyone is able to observe the Yuletide Season with such frivolity. Those not so fortunate actually dread the Christmas Season for it reminds them of what is truly missing from their lives, leaving them with a sense of loneliness, emptiness and sometimes despair. Indeed both Christians and non-Christians can easily get so caught up in the celebration of Christmas or lost in a state of loneliness and despair that they fail to truly appreciate and give thanks to God for the gift he gave us that first Christmas – the gift of himself. No greater gift could ever be received!

For in giving us himself, God gave us the very best there is!!! Here a question for you to ponder over – why is it that we sometimes have trouble receiving and appreciating God’s gift? Why is that we are willing to jump through hoops, drive long distances, sometimes get marooned in airports, just so we could be with family and friends while shutting the door on the one who loves us the most? We often talk about our love for God and of our sincere desire to be with him, but fail to make time for him in our lives. Bishop William H. Love of Albany, New York puts it this way – see if you can identify with his experience: “I am ashamed to think of how many times I allow other things to come between me and the Lord. I can’t tell you how many times I have failed despite my best intentions to spend more time with the Lord in prayer, reading and meditating on his word. Sometimes, I just feel that I am stumbling through life in the shadow of darkness rather than walking in the light of his peace.” Does it feel the same for you – well you are not alone. Friends the gift God gave our world that very first Christmas – the gift of his Son, the gift that lives and dwells in through the Holy Spirit, is a gift unlike any other.

The gifts that you and I often work so hard to buy or make (lovingly and thoughtfully) to give friends and loved ones at Christmas, ultimately will break, wear out, get used up, outgrown, or be stored away only to be forgotten. In a word, they can’t be compared to God’s gift. Let me as your priest encourage you this Christmas to think again of His gift to us. And as we do so, may he bless each of us this Christmas with a burning desire to invite him into our family’s gatherings or to be with us if we will be alone. Let me also take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Holy Christmas Season and to remind you that no greater gift can be given or received than the gift of God’s love perfectly shared with us through the Lord Jesus Christ. Do accept from Genevieve, Eugenia, Cassandra, Pennela, Neil, and myself, our best wishes at this time.

Fellow Parishioners,

Trust that your week is off to a great start.

    Weekly Updates:

• Pledge Cards

Signed pledge cards are being returned on Sunday.  Each parishioner will have the opportunity to make a “faith walk” to the altar and present their individual pledge card.  Prayerfully make your commitment for 2012.

• Men & Boys Breakfast

This annual event takes place on Advent Sunday, November 27th and the speaker for the occasion is Reverend Deon Alex Johnson.  Help us advertise the event by inviting as many grandfather, father, and sons. Place: Auditorium Time: 8:00 a.m.

• Unity Day

Mark your calendar for Sunday December 4^th when we will observe Unity Day here at St. Philip’s.  This year’s featured speaker is our own Gregory Owens.  Do invite your friends and extended family member to join us for this special day.

• Edward College Day at St. Philip’s

We wish to thank ask those who gave so generously towards our appeal on behalf of Edward Waters College.  We are still receiving checks on their behalf. If you haven’t made your donation yet, bring it to church on Sunday.

• I-CARE

I-Care Community Problems Assembly takes place this evening at Mandarin United Methodist Church, 11270 San Jose Blvd. (½ mile south of I-95).  We need 20 persons to represent us.

• AD Book

Fellow Parishioners,

Trust that your week is off to a great start.

    Weekly Updates:

Just a reminder that we will be receiving orders for the AD Book until November 20^th.  Call the office  or let Oliver Robinson know on Sunday.

• Prayer Requests

Keep in prayer: Reverend Fathers Dennis O’Neil and Richard Turk, Anthony Nembhart, and

Leon Johnson.

Neil Joseph and Pennela Chapman, who will exchange marriage vows on Saturday,

November 19^th.

**SATURDAY NOV 5 2011 ** THE ST. PHILIP’S ECW PROUDLY PRESENTS THE ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL AT ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 3PM-7PM Join us! FAMILY DANCING FRIENDS DJ FOOD ADMISSION
$10-ADULTS
$5-KIDS UNDER 12
ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE for more information call (904) 354-1053 www.stphilipsjax.org FESTIVAL LOCATION
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
5616 ATLANTIC BLVD
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207

SEPTEMBER 25 2011 Jacksonville Mass Choir @ ST. PHILIPS EPISCOPAL CHURCH – 10AM SERVICE GUEST SPEAKER MAYOR ALVIN BROWN

It was just a few weeks ago that the seeds for “Family, Faith, and Friends Day” were planted.

Well, those plans took root, and have now almost come to fruition. The laborers were plentiful

on Saturday as they worked arduously on the grounds, in the sanctuary, the kitchen, and the

Sunday School rooms to beautify and edify St. Philip’s.  No stone was left unturned. Eleanor Hughes

stepped up to the plate and prepared a delicious meal for everyone.  A “Huge” thank you to Eleanor.

Blessings to those who made the sacrificial gifts of a financial contribution to this special day and to

those who wanted to give, but were unable to do so as well. It is apparent the love that you have for

St. Philip’s in giving of your time, talent, and treasure.  We want you to share that love for Christ and

this church by simply extending an invitation to at least one family member, friend, or lapsed members.

We want to be able to fill the pews and the extra chairs on standby on Sunday.

In anticipation of a wonderful turn out, we are asking our members to accommodate our guest in

the following ways:

• Families Carpool
• Park in  adjacent lots
• Drive  your guests to Church
• Give your guests directions to the church and service time
• Facilitate them with the order of service
• Smile and be very courteous

There is construction on the Matthew Bridge in the westbound lanes, so give your-self a little extra

time to arrive.

Thanks for your support, and remember the measure of our success will be the people in the pews.

Please come and bring someone.

In His Name,

Terrye Mosley