A Word From Our Associate . . .

Fr. Bill and I would like to thank all of you who have remembered us with kind words, cards, gifts and prayers.  There are so many of you, it's difficult to return the same thoughtfulness.  Nevertheless, we would like to take this brief moment to offer our deepest gratitude and love.  Thank you for your generosity.  Thank you for your kindness to us, and your consideration during this holy season. Thank you for your "yes" to Jesus.  Know that you are in our prayers daily, and that we will be remembering all of you with special affection on this feast of the Incarnation.  I would also like to say Merry Christmas to all parishioners.  When I started here last summer, I was quite nervous, and probably a little stiff.  But I'm finding greater peace and joy as time goes on, and part of that is because I'm beginning to get to know more and more of you, and experiencing your goodness.  Truly, there are so many wonderful people in this parish, and I'm honored to be a part of your life, and I thank you for your patience with me, as I continue growing in priestly service. 
We are now beginning our celebration of the Christmas Season, a beautiful time to share gifts, experience family traditions, and rekindle ties with old friends.  Year by year, circumstances may change, as kids grow up, get married, and have their own children.  Nevertheless, year after year, there is one factor, which remains constant:  Jesus Christ is present to us, as a Light from the East, as a poor child born in Bethlehem, as the Incarnation of the Son of God, as the greatest Gift we could ever share!  How beautiful are the angels words, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people; for today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord."  Hearing these words, we too rejoice with the "multitude of heavenly hosts," praising God:  "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

School News&
Thank you for all of our Target Guest Card shoppers.  We were awarded $1,768.63 as 1% of your Guest Card purchases.  This is a wonderful fundraiser!  You can now have relatives and friends in other part of the country designate St. John's on the Guest Cards and we will receive 1% of their purchases as well.  If you haven't already signed up and designated St. John's we encourage you to do so.  Thank you all again.
May the Lord of surprised bless you beyond your fondest dreams!  May the Lord bless you with abundant patience as you prepare for the coming of His Son -- may you know the joys of Christmas Present and recall the happy memories of Christmas Past, as we work together to make the Christmases of the Future those of peace and earth and good will toward all humanity.  May the Lord bless and keep you in the palm of his hand.  A blessed Christmas and joy-filled New Year!
Classes resume January 3, 2000.

Youth Newz&
SR. HIGH LUTSEN TRIP
Preliminary Deadline: December 30
All 9-12th graders are invited to join us for a trip to Lutsen in February 18-21, 2000. Cost is $195 and includes lift tickets.  See this month's newzpaper for more information.  Make sure to have $50 deposit to Rick Craig by December 30!  Call Rick (612) 754-7666 if you have other questions!! Bring a friend!!

Music Notes&
Thanks to our many parish musicians who so enriched our holiday worship. 
Ensemble practices will resume January 3, 2000.

Our faith celebrates the beginning of the Millennium with the birth of Jesus.  In order to honor and reflect on what a new Millennium means for your life, our church will be open from 3:00--7:00pm, Monday, December 27--Thursday, December 30, with exposition of the Eucharist.  You are invited to stop by for silent prayer and reflection with whatever time you have on these days.  Each day at 3:00pm will open with a short prayer or Scripture reading and end at 7:00pm with a closing prayer.  Come, spend some time with Jesus -- the center of our faith and our new millennium!

     
If you would like to remember someone during the Christmas season, we invite you to donate, in their name, to the Christmas plant, wreath & tree fund.  To do so, please complete the form below & send it with $15 to the parish center or drop in the Sunday collection.

In memory of: _________________________________

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From_________________________________________


Amount Enclosed____________