St. John the Baptist of New Brighton


	Faith Formation News

THANK YOU TO ALL!

You made the Turkey Dinner a Huge Success. All the people who worked on all the jobs were wonderful! From those who started on Friday, worked on Saturday, served on Sunday, and to the floor scrubbers at the end. The crowd that stood in line was patient and friendly, too! We served about 1,100 people. This year our profit was $5,100.00. The dinner could not have been successful without each and everyone of you.


	CONFIRMATION If you are interested in attending the Chrism Mass on March 23, 2004, please return your flyer when we meet this evening. Just a reminder... Paul and Cheryl's small groups will meet for dinner at 5:00 p.m. SEEKERS: Adult Theological Book Club Next meeting is December 11, 8:30 p.m., in Room 210. We will view a PBS Legacy Video on INDIA with a discussion following. The next book to read is: Jesus in the New Universe Story by Cletus Wessels, Orbis Books (Maryknoll, NY, 2003).


	Thank You & God Bless You! TURKEY DINNER COMMITTEE Loretta Witkowski, Bev Aplikowski, Teresa Leiser


	Music Notes


	IT'S TIME FOR NEW CHOIR ROBES for St. John's Adult Choir! You have probably noticed this fall that we are not robed. Our familiar 20-year-old green robes were sold last summer when the opportunity arose. Thanks to parishioner generosity last weekend, we are now more than halfway to our goal of $8,000 to purchase crème-colored albs matching those of the other liturgical ministers (cantors, servers). We need 50 robes costing $180 each. Will you help by (partially) sponsoring a robe? Any size pledge would be gratefully accepted! Our Adult Choir is one of the most hard-working organizations in the parish, rehearsing every Wednesday evening and adding beauty and spirit to the 9:30 a.m. liturgy every Sunday, September through May, as well as Christmas and Holy Week. Please lend us your support! Contact the Music Office, 651-633-8333, ext. 1231, or you may simply leave a donation in the Parish Office. YOU ARE INVITED TO SING with St. John's Adult Choir for Advent and Christmas. To learn the music, attend our Advent Choir Workshop on Saturday, December 6, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., as well as our regular Wednesday evening rehearsals at 7:15 p.m. in the Choir Room. This year our repertoire includes Handel's "And the Glory of the Lord" from Messiah; a classic Christmas spiritual; and Bach's "Wachet Auf." On Christmas Eve, we will sing at the 11:00 p.m. Mass. Experience the spirit of the season through music! ST. JOHN'S HALLELUJAH CHORUS will participate in the Christmas play called HUMILITY in the Fellowship Hall of Immaculate Conception Church in Columbia Heights. They will perform at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, and Friday, December 12. The admission fee is $5.00. Please call Mary Anne Bennek for more information, 651-633-8333, ext. 1220. HOSANNA, our 7th - 12th grade choir/musical ensemble, has begun rehearsals for the Advent/Christmas Season. Rehearsals will be held each Wednesday evening from now until Christmas at 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. in Church. It is a short-term commitment; one Liturgy for Advent, and then one HUGE Liturgy on Christmas Eve. All students interested in participating in ANY capacity will be welcome! For more information, please contact Mary Anne Bennek at 651-633-8333, ext. 1220, or e-mail to mabennek@comcast.net.


	Open Doors is...

a social group for divorced, widowed, and single men and women -- meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Room 210 for socializing and snacks. Come to the meetings or just the events. The door is open -- you're always welcome!! For additional information, call Anne Marie at 651-633-8333, ext. 1237.

Upcoming events:
November 27 - Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk Come on out for a 3.1 mile run or walk through downtown Minneapolis to benefit Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank. Starts at 8:30 AM at Hennepin Ave. & 6th St., near the Target Center. Registration fees vary from $15 - $23. Registered runners receive a long sleeve t-shirt, refreshments, and use of the NW Racquet Arena Club until noon on race day. Call Paul at 763-717-6991, or see web site http://www.raceberryjam.com/arena.html .

December 9 - Monthly Planning Meeting 7:30-9:00 PM at St. John's in Room 210. Bring your ideas for upcoming events. Volunteers needed to coordinate future events. It's easy, it's fun, and a great way to get to know people!

December 13 - Holiday Party Mark your calendars now for a fun and festive holiday party you won't want to miss!! Bring a dish to share, a wrapped "white elephant" gift, and a food shelf donation item. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Social hour begins at 7:00 PM, followed by dinner, fun, and games from 7:30-11:30 PM in St. Joseph's Hall at St. John's. Entertainment will be provided by Comedy Sportz! Come alone or bring a friend!. RSVP to Jan, 651-780-2142, by Wed., Dec. 10.

Caribbean Cruise -- Open Doors 7-day South Caribbean Cruise, March 14 - 21, 2004; visit San Juan and five other islands. For more details, contact Mary Kay at 612-782-3872 or e-mail at mkv.hilsgen@juno.com .

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If you, or someone you know, would like to be added to our mailing list, or if you would like to receive an invitation to visit our new web site, please call Jan at 651-780-2142.