The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012 1

Dear brothers and sisters,

Most of us don’t think of Advent as a time for taking onnew disciplines. To be truthful, most of us don’t thinkabout Advent at all. Our Advent season is taken up withChristmas, and our Christmas season is taken up withnothing at all, or just getting back to normal.

However, I have recently taken on a new discipline. Normally, I say myDaily Office and prayers by myself. But on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,I have taken to saying them in the chapel at 7:30am. Truth be told, I neededmore exercise. But I am not someone who enjoys exercise for its own sake. Ihave to be chasing a ball, or getting somewhere I need to be. So, on theaforementioned days, I ride my bicycle from my house to the church and sayMorning Prayer. Sometimes others join me, which is a great gift, and keepsme honest.

It isn’t a big formal occasion. I arrive about 7:30, sweaty from my ride, withmy hair in disarray. And we say the morning office after catching breath andfinding the readings. It isn’t some beautiful cathedral affair, just Christiansjoining their morning praises and jumbled prayers to those of the faithfulthroughout the world. Then, about 8am, I may duck into my office for a bitor jump back on my bike to get home for a shower right away. Ingloriousfrom first to last.

On the other hand, there are far worse ways to start your day. Many won’t beable to join us at that particular time, which is fine. But if you would like to,we’d love to have you. Gathered thoughts and fine grooming definitely notrequired. Only willingness to wait upon the Lord. It might be one way tokeep Advent a disciplined time of waiting for the coming King.

God bless you all!

2 The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012

STEPHEN MINISTRY

A Mustard Seed Christmas© Charlene Elizabeth Fairchild

“What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? Itis like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew andbecame a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. “Luke 13:18-19

Last year our first Christmas decoration was a mustard seed. A lowlymustard seed. Taped on a sheet of white paper to the center of our mantelpiece.It was a sign and a symbol of the fragile and tiny hope I had of celebratingChristmas. The hope was fragile and it was tiny because I did not “feel” likeChristmas last year. How could I sing the Lord’s song in the strange land ofGrief ?

It was the first Sunday in Advent and my husband and I were havingour usual leisurely coffee brunch after all the duties of the morning and thenoon hour. Two church services and the important weekly phone calls to myfather and other family members were behind us for another week. My husband,rather gingerly, brought up the subject of Christmas knowing that I wasimmersed in the full bloom of grief. Mom had died on Labor Day and this wasthe first Christmas to be marked without her. I did not “feel” like Christmas.

Despite my fog of misery, I knew that I was being somewhat self-absorbed in my pain. Life was going on all about me but, for the life of me, Icouldn’t figure out how I was going to get through this time. Everybody busyand happy and having parties and family gatherings. I shrank inside. The thoughtof smiling and pretending joy was beyond pain for me. What was I going to do?

The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012 3

I remembered the reading from Romans that morning, “The night is fargone, the day is near. . . . Let us put on the armor of light . . . put on the LordJesus Christ.” The season celebrating His birth and looking for His comingagain was upon me and I was being called to participate. But it was beyond meto rejoice. As I said these things to my husband, he reminded me that God ISable even if I was not. He mentioned the parable of the mustard seed to me.God could take that little mustard seed and make of it something worthy. Godcould take that tiny seed of faith and grow it into a kingdom of hope.

I felt as if I had been touched. I got up and went to the kitchen andrifled through my spices. Yes! There it was. My bottle of mustard seeds. I gotone out and grabbed a piece of paper from the pad by our phone and taped thatmustard seed to the center. I returned to the dining room, waving the papertriumphantly. “I’ve got it! I’ve got it! I CAN celebrate this year.” My husbandsaid, “Here, let’s put it up on the mantel. It’ll be our first Christmas decoration.”Up it went. Every time I looked at it, I was reminded of the hope it symbolizedand the faith it embodied. I couldn’t do it on my own. But God could. And Goddid!

The mustard seed became a powerful witness in our house last year.Many people asked about it and it became a growing joy to share what it meant.The mustard seed again graces our mantelpiece to symbolize Light in thedarkness, hope in the face of grief and despair, and faith in the promises ofGod. My prayer is that, in the midst of difficult times, you will find hope; thata mustard-seed Christmas may be yours.

(Used by Stephen Ministry with permission from Mustard Seed.)

Most of us know someone who will be experiencing a different kind of Christmasthis year – the first one without a loved one – separated by a death, a move, anillness, a divorce…a loss of some kind. Please reach out to that person and letthem know that you care. Remind them that Jesus cares. He is coming! Hewill carry them through the difficult times.

Marilyn

4 The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012

Women’s Bible Study – The Thursday Women’s Bible Study continueswith a Beth Moore study of the book of James through the end of January. It’s never too late to join us; Thursday mornings 9:30-11:50. Call for information: Marilyn Browne 972-867-5857

Advent Quiet Morning: On Thursday morning December 6th, the Women’sBible Study Group will host an Advent Quiet morning (9am-1pm) in theparish hall. All are welcome to join us. Lunch provided.

ADVENT

A new liturgical year has begun: the green vestments have been replaced withblue, and the Advent wreath reminds us of the four Sundays preceding Christmas.

Advent bids us to reflect upon several things. We reflect upon preparationsGod made for Jesus’ birth in the life of the Jewish people through the prophets,such as, Zechariah, Isaiah and John the Baptist; and we ponder the mysteriousnews that a virgin shall conceive.

We also reflect upon the promise of Christ’s second coming and the new heavenand new earth, reminders of the Judgment. What have we done with all thegifts God has given us? Are we prepared to meet Him when He comes in glory?

In addition to the past and the future, we reflect upon our life in the present,nourished by His Word and Eucharistic Food. Are we faithful disciples? Arewe prepared to really celebrate Christmas, giving thanks to God for all that Hehas done for us in the Christ Child, born to die for us as Savior of the world?

If we are not so prepared, then Advent is a season which reminds us to beginagain. It is not yet too late to repent, and make a fresh start; not too late torepair relationships or mistakes. But, there is a deadline! Ready or not, Christmasarrives! Ready or not, the day we meet our Maker, Redeemer and Judge doescome! Advent reminds us to “prepare the way of the Lord.”

The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012 5

For 2012, The Brotherhood of St. Andrew continues its mission of prayer,study, and service by participating in many different events for Holy Nativityas well as the diocese and community. We continue to pray and study as a groupduring our monthly Saturday meetings – something all men of the parish shouldexperience. We will continue our fellowship events such as the Super Bowlparty, Ascension BBQ, and others. We’d like all men interested in participatingwith us to come and visit on the second Saturday of the month starting at 8:30in the Parish Hall! You will find the fellowship and study a blessing in yourreligious faith.

Intercessory Prayer is offered after both services on Sundays. Please come to thealtar rail where a Stephen Minister will offer private prayer for you.

Mass is Offered at 12:10 Tuesdays & 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays. If you are prayingfor people, attend and offer them to the Lord in the Eucharistic meal.

Prayer List Updates . . . Requests previously submitted for prayer need to berenewed monthly. Email or call Allison and give her updates. Thank you in ad-vance for helping us keep our prayer list up to date.

DECEMBER TRUMPET ANNOUNCEMENTS

Choir – Choir Rehearsals Wednesday at 7 pm.

“Living as a Christian” Deacon Wesley is offering an Adult Education classon the Christian Life. Topics will include such things as: How do I pray? Howdo I live a better life? And, how do I work through difficult decisions? Class isopen to adults, bring a friend to discover some of what we are about!

Mercy Ships needs donations of: zip-lock bags, men’s black dress socks,wash cloths, combs, toothpaste, floss, soap & shampoo.

6 The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012

ADVENT PRAYER OUTREACH

Monday, 10 December, 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the Chancel

We invite you to join us in a candlelit, contemplative atmosphere and allow us to silentlypray for you. It is our hope that this will bless you during the season when we prepare forthe coming of Christ. Please feel free to invite friends who are not members of HolyNativity. ~The Centering Prayer Group~

CHRISTMAS COPS is Plano Police Officers helping local families in needfor Christmas by collecting and distributing food, toys and coats. Yourdonation of a new, unwrapped gift will help them help others! Gift Ideas:portable game systems & games, CD/MP3 players, music CD’s, bicycles,tricycles, teenage gifts, baby clothes/blankets, powdered formula, diapers,gift cards for: video games, movie rentals, book stores or teen clothing stores.Please drop gifts off in the box located outside the parish hall by Monday,December 10

th.

SALVATION ARMY: Please join the Holy Nativity Outreach Committee onWednesday, December 19th from 3 to 6 to distribute gifts to the many familiesin need at Christmas. You have to be at least 16 years old; we will be at theDallas Distribution Warehouse at 9216 Harry Hines, Dallas.

Be sure to wear coats and bring gloves if the weather is cold due to thewarehouse being cold and walking outside often. Please arrive 15 minutesearly, parking is offsite. Questions, contact Adrienne - taekasm@hotmail.com.

THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING is Sunday, January 13th @ 10:30

a.m. We will have only ONE English mass at 9 a.m. that day. Please planto be here!

Advent Mini-Retreat: A silent Advent mini-retreat will be held in theparish hall on Thursday, December 6th, from 9 am to noon. Fr. Garrin willpresent the meditation topics. All are welcome to attend. Bring paper & pen,your Bible, and a friend. Lunch will be provided afterwards by the Women’sBible Study group.

The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012 7

DECEMBER BIRTHDAY’SFr. John Kline 7Sara Leonard 8Doug Gray 8Adrienne Leonard 13Lugard Onyendi (male) 16Pace Goodwin 28John Michael Estes 31

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIESDon & Pinkie Webb 14Jeff & Carol Wright 20Randolph & Vida Wheatley 20John & Terry Bell 26

Prayer Requests:

PARISH FAMILY: Don Webb, Pinkie Webb, Stephanie Gentry, Sid Bigby,Sarah Niday, Virginia Brandon, Carol Wright, Pat Sessions, Bill Shrewsbury,Marty Johnston, Juanita Frances, Sharon Macduff, Frances Andersen*, RichardGay, Phil Wylie, George Belshaw, Geri, Carpenter, Bob Brady, Ben Moore, VibertLaMaison, Bud Marecek, Chris Tao, Leonard Law, Bonnie Jean Chase*, AmyStrow, Richard Kincaid, John Phipps, Louise Turner, Isabel Kirscht. Maria LuisaEstes, Kathleen Law

FRIENDS & FAMILY: Kiersten*, Kristen*, Jim*, Bernice*, Jessie*, Robert*,Elizabeth*, Grover*, Abbie, Ronnie*, Donna*, Jerry*, Abby*, Trudy, George,Jean, Bill, Steve, Ed, Nick, Gail, Richard, Phil Jackie, Margaret, Kaitlin, Jillian,Andrea, Johnny, Kristi, Zee, Sally, Martha, Charlie, Jeannie, Ken, Eddie, Ann,Loren

SEMINARIAN:Perry Mullins

SERVING IN THE MILITARY: Vernon Allison, Karl Anker, NormanBodley, Frank Colon, James Engelhardt, Kevin Fralish, Devin Frank, JesseGerber, Brice Glasscock, Aaron Greenhaw, P. J. Grube, Mark Jones, NathanJones, Orion Jones, Glenn King, Christopher Kirscht, James Kirscht, BengaminLuker, Nick Mitchell, Brett Muse, Brian Patton, Greg Phillips, Todd Prichard,Edward Matthew Schmidt, Timothy Shrewsbury, Garrett Stevens, Albert Tao,Rob Taylor, Patrick Webb

8 The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012

Ministerio HispanoAdviento

“El tiempo de Adviento tiene una doble índole: es el tiempo depreparación para las solemnidades de Navidad, en las que se conmemora laprimera venida del Hijo de Dios a los hombres, y es a la vez el tiempo en el quepor este recuerdo se dirigen las mentes hacia la expectación de la segunda venidade Cristo al final de los tiempos. Por estas dos razones el Adviento se nosmanifiesta como el tiempo de una expectación piadosa y alegre”.

Es un tiempo de cuatro domingos antes de la celebración de la navidad,¿pero eso todo lo que significa adviento? ¡Claro que no!, la realidad advientoes un tiempo de examinar nuestras vidas y arrepentirnos de todo lo que hemoshecho mal que nos aparta de Dios. Es también tomar seriamente nuestra relacióncon Dios. Al reenfocar nuestras vidas a Dios, estamos listos para celebrar lanavidad, que es la conmemoración del nacimiento de Nuestro SalvadorJesucristo.

Después de reenfocar nuestras vidas a Dios quieren decir, que ya hemosinvitado a Nuestros Señor Jesucristo, a morar en nuestros corazones, significaque ya no hay en nosotros, discordia, odio, resentimiento, avaricia, envidia etc.Y ya estás listo para la segunda venida de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Si no esasí, entonces te exhorto a que te arrepientas de todo lo ha hecho mal y a entregarletu vida a Nuestros Señor Jesucristo.

NavidadPara el pueblo cristiano la navidad es un tiempo de regocijo junto

a la familia, por la presencia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo en nuestras vidas,por su amor incondicional para nosotros. Es celebrar su primera venida,y al mismo tiempo preparándonos para su segunda venida cuando vengapor su iglesia. Mis queridos hermanos de Santa Natividad, busquemossiempre estar en buena relación con Dios, con nuestros prójimos y connuestra familia, para estar en total comunión con nuestro Señor Jesucristoesta navidad 2012.

¡Que la gracia de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo este siempre conustedes! Les deseó con todo mi amor ¡Una Feliz Navidad y un NuevoAño lleno de Bendiciones!

Su siervo en Cristo,The Rev. Fr. Noe MendezNoviembre 30, 2012

The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012 9

LA POSADA 2012De la Iglesia Santa Natividad

Recordemos, el peregrinar de la virgen María ySan José en Belén, buscando un lugar dondepasar la noche. Y así en un humilde pesebre

nació, Nuestro Salvador Jesucristo.

Durante el servicio, se leen pasajes de los evangelios, cantamoshimnos navideños y al mismo tiempo los jóvenes hacen la

representación de la Santa Natividad de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

La iglesia de Santa Natividad, somos el pueblo de Dios. Dosidiomas, ingles y español, un solo cuerpo de Cristo y para Cristo. La

posada Es una buena oportunidad para convivir juntos, cómo elpueblo de Cristo que somos unidos por el amor.

Así que ya no sois extranjeros ni advenedizos, sino ciudadanos delos santos, y miembros de la familia de Dios. Efesios 2:19

Después de la posada tendremos, una rica tradicional cena, contamales, champurrado, atoles de diferentes sabores y piñatas.

Domingo 23 de diciembre, a las 6:00 PM

10 The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012

LA POSADA 2012At the Church of the Holy Nativity

We remember the difficulties of the Virgin Maryand Saint Joseph in Bethlehem. Looking for aplace to sleep, they finally found it in a humblestable, where Our Lord Jesus Christ was born.

During the service, we read passages from the Gospels, we singChristmas hymns and at the same time young people make the

representation of the Holy Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

The Church of the Holy Nativity, we are the people of God. Twolanguages, English and Spanish, one body of Christ for Christ.The posada is a good opportunity to live together, as one peopleof Christ, by love.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigner,but fellow citizens with the saints,

and of the household of God.Ephesians 2: 19

After the posada we will have a traditional dinner with tamales,chapurrado (Hot Chocolate), hot drinks and piñatas.

Sunday 23 of December at 6:00 p.m.

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12 The Trumpet of Holy Nativity Volume XXXXIII December 2012 - © Holy Nativity Church 2012

The Church of the Holy Nativity2200 18th Street

Plano, TX 75074 Phone 972.424.4574E-Mail: hnec@holynativity.orgWeb site: www.holynativity.org

The Rt. Rev’d James M. Stanton, The Bishop of DallasThe Rt. Rev’d Paul E. Lambert, Bishop Suffragan

The Rev’d Fr. Garrin W. Dickinson, RectorThe Rev’d Canon John W. Kline, Priest Associate

The Rev’d Fr. Noe Mendez, Spanish Speaking MinistryMrs. Allison Maybery, Parish Secretary

HEAR YE, HEAR YE!

The 11th Annual Boar’s Head Festival will be celebrated at Holy Nativityon the 5th and 6th days of January, year of our Lord, 2013, starting at 5:30 p.m.on Saturday, and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Be sure to put this on your calendar!

This is a fun evening of Olde English merriment combining the secularcelebrations of the Yule Log and Boar Hunting with the religious elements ofJesus’ birth and the coming of the Wise Men in Epiphany. A costumedprocession, music, entertainment and banquet provide people of all ages anevening to remember.

This parish-wide event is sponsored by the Choir, the EYC and benefiting theJim Livengood Organ Fund.

For information or questions, call Valerie Pankratz, 972-424-3130