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Fr Matt is offering a four-part study on the four nativity narratives in the Bible.  We’ll meet in the conference room in between the two Sunday morning masses, and no pre-reading is required.  And the coffee is always hot! 

December 1st:             The Nativity according to Matthew   

December 8th:             The Nativity according to Luke 

December 15th:           The Nativity according to John

Join us for a festive Advent wreath-making party after the 10:00 am mass.  Children are encouraged to participate!  Please sign up on the bulletin board or RSVP to Kelly Bretz in the office by Nov. 22nd so we have enough supplies:  (610) 356-0459, or by email at office@stalbansnewtownsquare.org.  A $10 donation for each wreath you make is requested.

A new tradition, St. Alban’s is invited back once again to sing Christmas carols during the Newtown Square Christmas Tree Lighting, on Dec. 8that 7 pm.  Unlike last year, however, we’re going to gather at 5 pm for a festive Advent receptionwhile we practice. Come and celebrate the season with us, even if you can’t sing; we will need folks to hand out candles.  Last year we distributed more than 300 candles and made the Christmastime experience all the richer for our neighbors.  

Please join us for Morning Prayer each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in Advent at 9:00 am.  A uniquely Anglican tradition, Morning Prayer is led by our parishioners, and anyone is welcome to do so by signing up—see the bulletin boards in the hallway for more information.  The service is brief and is a wonderful way to center your heart and soul before Christmas.  

Our Advent outreach this year focuses on St. James School in Philadelphia and St. Mary’s Food Cupboard in Chester, with whom we have growing partnerships.  Please consider donating toys, games and art supplies under $15 for St. James School, and gloves, scarves and hats for St. Mary’s.  Our collection will be at the Christmas tree in the hallway (soon to be set up!) and ends December 18th.

The greening of the church will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14th, beginning at 9:30 am.  Please join us to create green arrangements, cut and hang rope, and decorate the wreaths for the doors.  There are lots of jobs to do, and you don’t need to be a florist to be useful!  Come and join us for a morning of fun and camaraderie.  Contact Sidney Spahr with questions: 610.353.3539 or sspahr3523@yahoo.com. 

One of the great Anglican traditions, this service retells the story of our salvation from the Old Testament to the New, with myriad hymns and choir anthems.  Unlike last year, Lessons and Carols will be at the 10:00 am service only; the 8:00 am service will remain spoken, and it will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. 

Our season culminates in the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity.  The first Christmas Eve service is at 4:00 pm with a children’s Christmas pageant and professional childcare available.  The candlelight Midnight Mass is now at 10:00 pm, with incense and choral anthems.  Christmas Day’s service is at 10:00 am.

Please remember St. Mary’s and St. Mark’s Food Cupboards next time you are at the grocery store.  They would much appreciate canned meals like chilis, crackers, and other non-perishable food items.  A good motto to remember is: “give what they need, not what you no longer need.”  Those expired cocktail olives?  Toss ‘em out! That sale on spaghetti sauce you see at Acme?  Load ‘em up! Donations are collected on the pantry racks in the hallway.  

For many folks, the holidays can be an invitation for deepened sadness, regret, loneliness, and grief.  Fr. Matt reminds you that your clergy are available during this Advent season should you like to speak in confidence, pray together, or make a holy confession. We are your pastors, and we care for you a great deal.  Contact Fr. Matt if you’d like to set up an appointment: rector@stalbansnewtownsquare.org or (571) 429-1427. 

On Nov. 1st, a tornado ripped through our area and caused severe damage to the 4-H cooperative farm located on the Garrett Williamson property on Bishop Hollow Road.  Although none of their animals were harmed, the historic barn sustained structural damage, and the protective sheds were a complete loss, making the property unsafe for use.  So this year, more than ever, their Christmas tree fundraiser is important, and 100 percent of all proceeds will go directly to feeding their animals and rebuilding.  Contact the Staiber Family for more information on how you can help:  thestaiberfamily@gmail.com or at 610-348-4538.