Dear friends,
On the heels of our Thanksgiving food collection for Emmaus House we are asking for something else — toys and gifts for the people Emmaus House serves. Emmaus House is a ministry of the Episcopal Church, serving the Peoplestown neighborhood around the old Turner Field, one of the city’s poorest areas. Emmaus House offers all sorts of social services to the neighbors, has a food pantry, a congregation that worships on Sunday, and a safe place for people to gather for fellowship.
In the past Emmaus House has asked churches to adopt families for Christmas, but for the past couple of years they have instead asked for gifts of toys and other items. A list of things that are appreciated is attached. Note that packages are to be unwrapped, and that no military or violence-related toys are allowed. We’ll begin collecting things now and continue until December 14. If you’re out shopping over this holiday week please consider picking up a few things to help make someone’s Christmas brighter.
We are entering into one of the holiest — and busiest — seasons of the year. We’re still operating in the pandemic, so the church calendar is not quite as full as it has been in years past, but there are still plenty of things going on. Here is a calendar of events for Advent/Christmas.
Advent/Christmas Calendar
First Sunday of Advent — November 28
November 29 — December 23 — Compline, M-F 8 p.m. online
December 4 (Saturday) — 7 p.m. — Cameron’s piano recital
Second Sunday of Advent — December 5
Third Sunday of Advent — December 12 — 10 a.m.Advent Lessons & Carols with Eucharist
December 14 — Toys for Emmaus House deadline
Fourth Sunday of Advent — December 19 — Decorating of the Christmas Tree
Christmas Eve — 5 p.m. — Eucharist with Festive Music
Christmas Day — 10 a.m. — Simple Eucharist (no music)
Sunday, December 26 — 10 a.m. — Christmas Lessons & Carols with Eucharist
And finally, remember that Cameron’s piano recital is Saturday, December 4, at 7 p.m. We hope you can be here for that special evening.