St. John the Baptist of New Brighton


	Faith Formation News


	Liturgy News


	CONFIRMATION REMINDER The Advent Prayer Service will be Sunday, December 7, at 7:15 p.m., in the Church. Bring yourself, your sponsor, and your bible. JUNIOR HIGH We are looking for parents, young adults, young-at-heart adults, and high school students willing to serve as small group leaders for Junior High Faith Formation starting January 14. Classes meet Wednesdays at 5:00 & 6:30 p.m. Please call Libby, 651-633-8333, ext. 1218. SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING on Wednesday, December 3, at 8:00 p.m., in the Youth Room. We will discuss the Christ Child and try to beat Brad at foosball! SEEKERS: Adult Theological Book Club meeting is December 11, 8:30 p.m., in Room 210. We will view and discuss a PBS Legacy Video on INDIA. The next book to read is: Jesus in the New Universe Story by Cletus Wessels. CIRCLE OF WOMEN meeting on Thursday, December 4, 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Our speaker will be Betsy Lee, President of Prayer Ventures. Her topic is "Do You Hear What I Hear? Listening for the Sounds of Christmas". Call Ruth Pauly with your questions, 651-717-0010. Child care will be available; suggested donation is $3.00. Please call Rita, 651-639-0291, to register your child.

ANOTHER GIFT TO THE PARISH!

In October, a parishioner gave a specific memorial to St. John's in the form of a carillon of bells. These bells are digitally sampled, much like our organ, from real cast bells. Hymns will be playable from both the Church and Chapel organs. The system is fully automated and will be used in conjunction with the four cast bronze bells located in the belfry. This system contains up to eight swinging and tolling bells, eight different clock chimes, 61 true cast bells, and 37 English bells, and it will be a wonderful addition to our St. John's and New Brighton community! As you listen to these beautiful bells, please remember our donor in your prayers this holiday season.


	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:
December 9 - Monthly Planning Meeting 7:30-9:00 PM at St. John's in the St. Vincent de Paul Room. Bring your ideas for upcoming events. Volunteers needed to coordinate future events. It's easy, it's fun, and it's a great way to get to know more people! Also, if you ordered Lorie Line tickets, they will be given out at this meeting (see below).
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.
December 21 - Lorie Line Concert If you ordered tickets for the Lorie Line concert, tickets will be handed out at our meeting on December 9, along with drawings for free gifts! If you can't make it to the meeting, call Linda at 651-636-6713 to arrange to get your ticket. On the date of the concert, meet at St. John's parking lot at 2:00 PM to carpool to the Orpheum Theatre. Concert begins at 3:00 PM. Dinner afterwards for those interested; place to be determined.
Caribbean Cruise It's not too late to sign up for the Open Doors 7-day South Caribbean Cruise March 14 - 21, 2004, visiting San Juan and five other islands! For more details, contact Mary Kay at 612-782-3872 or send an e-mail to mkv.hilsgen@juno.com .

* * * * * * * * *
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.


	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, 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! 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 Friday, December 12. The admission fee is $5.00.


	Please call Mary Anne Bennek for more information, 651-633-8333, ext. 1220.