From the Rector...
"Rejoice" Sunday in context
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
(The Collect for the 3rd Sunday of Advent)
The third Sunday of Advent has a traditional subtitle: "Gaudete" Sunday, using the Latin word for rejoicing. This Sunday marks the turn in Advent from the austerity of its early stage to the joyful anticipation of the Savior's coming. Yet, saying "rejoice!" to a person in mourning or struggling with the effects of evil can seem both terribly cruel and naive. How do we understand such rejoicing in its proper spiritual context?
The world presented to us in the birth narratives of Jesus is a world of profound tension, anxiety, anger, resentment, and fear. The Roman occupation of the Holy Land was like living with a knife point dug into your throat every day of the year. The threat of violence and menace was omnipresent. Memories ran deep, and grudges from decades and centuries before fueled reprisals and uprisings on a regular basis. The government was generally corrupt and, with the dynasty of Herod, under the thumb of a hugely vicious sociopath who thought nothing of spectacular cruelties and lavish displays of egotistical folly.
To preach rejoicing in the midst of such a world would seem utterly out of place; but rejoicing was the angel's message on the night of Christ's birth, and true Christians have always manifested this joy--even at their martyrdom. Joy is part of the message we bear. But, what sort of joy?
It is not something you can get "off the shelf," nor is it available online. It isn't a passing emotion, either. It is the fruit of experience--the experience of God's powerful presence and action in the midst of human need. Perhaps this is why so much contemporary life is so desperately unwell: a lack of that kind of experience and the joy it brings.
When John the Baptist was in prison and facing the end of his life and ministry, he sent messengers to Jesus to find out if, indeed, he was the Messiah. Jesus sent back word to John, quoting from Isaiah: "the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them." From that record of God's actions in the world Jesus lets John draw what conclusions he will.
Gaudete Sunday's rejoicing is not theoretical; it comes from actually experiencing God's power---in worship, in community, in service, and in lives being healed and changed. That is why the collect for this Sunday boldly prays for God to act anew in our day, giving us the experience of his presence---for only this can bring about in us real joy, the kind that leads to taking bold action, sharing the Gospel in our world. A church where that kind of joy is available has nothing to fear, for it is already witnessing the birth of the Kingdom of God in its midst. This is part of the Advent message---God coming into the world in the past, in the future, and even now.
As with St. John Baptist, all of us can get to the end of our rope at times, and when we get there we can feel that talk of rejoicing is misplaced in a hurting world. The temptation is to turn inward, but the solution is to seek the experience of God anew, for therein is the joy we desire.
We must answer a question first: are we truly interested in experiencing God? Are we open to real transformation? Are we willing to allow God to act in our life in a truly radical way, perhaps changing long-held views of ourselves, others, or the world? The choice really is ours, and this Sunday asks the question anew. Join me in saying "yes" once more.
A Slightly Miraculous Sunday
When our music director was indisposed on Sunday we found out a number of things. First, we saw again that there is no audience in worship: all are participants. Various people swung into action and helped us offer the liturgy in song and chant, if not in the usual richness of accompaniment we enjoy. The familiar settings of the liturgy, its hymns and chants, together with the generous sharing of various musical gifts made for a beautiful--if slightly scrappy--sung Eucharist, all to the glory of God.
The more complicated question was what to do about Lessons and Carols. Initially we had considered cancelling it. During the Creed, however, a voice came into my heart that said "This is for my glory, not yours!" and I knew that cancellation was not an option--spiritually or practically.
After I announced that we would be having some form of Lessons & Carols, Allen Muench, an organist who has attended here at St. Timothy's in recent months, offered to play the organ for the service without rehearsal, prior experience with the instrument, and after leading a vocal concert earlier that same afternoon. Then, after the 10 AM service, a group of parishioners came together to work through what would need to change for Lessons and Carols to take place in Jeff's absence, and Lucy Goman used her musical experience and gift for hymn selection to choose appropriate replacements for choir pieces which would have to be omitted and Deb Cowgill took leadership for the opening responsory at the Service of Light.
By 6 PM an improvised set of changes had been worked out and the liturgy went off smoothly and with a tremendous sense of worshipfulness.
At the reception following, and with knowledge that Jeff was feeling better, we all knew we had been through something of a miraculous Sunday and a reminder of what Anglican worship community is about: the Body of Christ going about its work and using its gifts with a straightforward, unfussy, and peaceable purposefulness. Once again, I am proud of you all and grateful indeed to serve as your rector.
Special thanks go to Calvin Steck for being our "magically-appearing keyboardist" at 10 AM and to Allen Muench for his generosity and fortitude, and to all the members of the choir who kept their heads and used their voices to keep us on track through a beautiful evening of scripture and song.
Faithfully in Christ,
Brandon+
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The Week Ahead...
Thursday, December 11:
- The Parish Office will close at 1 PM
- Women's Bible Study on Zoom
Friday, December 12: Francis de Sales, Bishop, and Jane de Chantal, Vowed Religious, 1622 and 1641
Saturday, December 13: Lucy of Syracuse Martyr, 304
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+ 8 AM: Holy Eucharist (said). In-person. 
+ 9:50 AM: Godly Play and Nursery open
+ 10 AM: Holy Eucharist (sung).
In person and online. With a visit from Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker and a blessing of the toys / gifts for Church at the Park families.
Following the 10 AM Liturgy:
+ Coffee Hour in the narthex.
+ After Ten Forum in the Guild Room of the Parish Hall.
Topic: The Book of Common Prayer in our personal devotional life. It will be a time of sharing personal experiences in using the BCP.
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Monday, December 15: Nino of Georgia, Missionary, c.332
- The parish office is closed on Monday
Tuesday, December 16:
- 10 AM: Craft Group
- 7 PM: Vestry
Wednesday, December 17: Dorothy L. Sayers, Apologist and Spiritual Writer, 1957
- 10 AM: Rite I Holy Eucharist in the Chapel, with tea and conversation following
- 7 PM: Catechumenate
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Prayer Requests from this Parish: Liz McClure, Margaret McMurren+, Melinda Filbert, Juanita Rivera, Scott Kohl, Caroline Gilbert, the Teeters family, Jim Whitney, Rorey DeWitt, Stephen Harrison, Adair Heard, Skip Padrick, Br. Matthew Tenney, Rich Zorko, Fr. Gary Zerr, Family Promise, Salem for Refugees, Mending Wings Youth Ministries. For peace and the many innocent souls caught up in armed conflict. For justice, mercy, and the governance of our passions in the nation, politics, and civil discourse.
For Those with Birthdays Next Week: Candy Rizzardini, Rayleigh Phelps, Peter Jones, Carol Hutchinson
In the Diocese of Oregon: St. Mary, Woodburn
In the Anglican Communion: Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil
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Zoom Recording of Last Sunday's Sermon
Sunday, December 7
Passcode: 6P*tKBb5
Links will be valid for two weeks.
The Lectionary Readings for this past Sunday can be found here.
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After Ten Forum
This Sunday, December 14 in the Parish Hall
Topic: The Book of Common Prayer and our personal devotional life.
A conversational sharing time to hear from others how the BCP guides, shapes and informs their personal devotional life.
 This is an opportunity to share your personal experience with the BCP to encourage others and to learn as well. If you have never used the BCP in your personal devotional life or been frustrated feeling that you aren’t doing it “right” come and hear the experience of others and be encouraged to find a way that works for you.
Everyone is invited to join the conversation.
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Advent at St Timothy's
Advent Outreach
 Toy Drive: This year we are supporting families living at Church at the Park’s Family Shelter. We will be donating gifts for their Christmas Gift Pod—a festive on-site “shop” where parents and children can choose gifts for one another. You will find a list of gift recommendations in the narthex. There will be a collection box for unwrapped gifts in the narthex. We will have a blessing of gifts this Sunday, December 14th during the 10 AM liturgy. Please plan to bring all gifts by December 14.
Pre-Christmas Sacramental Confessions
Saturday, December 20, 2-4 PM in the Chapel
Known officially as "The Reconciliation of a Penitent" (BCP pp. 447-451) but popularly called "Confession," this sacramental rite is part of the healing ministry of the Church and restores us to right relationship with God after making a personal confession of sin, receiving counsel, and having God's forgiveness declared to us with laying on of hands.
This is a valuable way to prepare for major Holy Days, clear our conscience, to be heard before God, and to deal with complex, often painful matters in the context of complete confidentiality.
If this is your first confession, just ask for some quick guidance from the priest. All baptized persons are welcome.
 "Greening of the Church"
We will decorate the sanctuary following the 10 AM Eucharist on December 21. Please stay around to help if you are able.
Advent Hymns
Listening to Advent music can be a way of experiencing the riches of this season. As shared last year, this site has a list of Hymns/Carols for each day of Advent.
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Nutrition Buddies - Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who helped with Nutrition Buddies this last week. We were able to provide 18 children with a supply of nutritious food. Special thanks to Susan Hawkins, Jim Apollonio, and Dale Cannon for shopping; to Marsha Witt and Mary Raney for setting up food for packing; and to Susan and Jim for delivering gift cards and food bags to the school.
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A Note from Your Financial Secretary
As we are drawing near to the end of the year, this is a gentle reminder that if you wish to have donations credited to the 2025 tax year, they must be postmarked to the church by Dec 31st. Any donations after this date will appear on your 2026 statement.
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Christmas Services
Christmas is one of the Seven Principal Feasts of the Church Year, when all Episcopalians who are able to do so are to share in worship together.
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Carols & Midnight Mass
Wednesday December 24th
Carols in the Nave, 10:30 PM
Midnight Mass, 11 PM
[Note: There will be no Wednesday morning service on this day]
Christmas Day Eucharist
Thursday December 25th, 11 AM
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| Christmas Eve will be a special celebration. You might think of inviting someone you know who would like to experience something new at Christmas this year, or begin making Christmas Eve a part of your observance if you have not done so before. All ages (we do mean all) are invited. |
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 Save the Date!
Christmastide Family Social
Saturday Jan 3, 4–6 PM.
We’ll gather in the Parish Hall for some Christmas games, pot-luck refreshments and child-friendly activities. All ages are welcome!
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Lenten Retreat at Mount Angel Abbey
with Fr. Brandon and Mtr. Patty Hale
A time of prayer, quiet, reflection, study, and peace to begin the Lenten season.
+ + +
The retreat begins on the late afternoon of Monday, March 2 and runs through the morning of Thursday, March 5, 2026. Spaces are limited; Please contact Fr. Brandon with questions or if you would like to reserve a space. Financial assistance available. Further details will be forthcoming.
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Sounds of the Season
“Sounds of the Season” brings together Sprague’s talented Band, Choir, and Orchestra students for a festive showcase of sound and spirit.
Performance Dates:
Thursday, December 11 – 7 PM
Friday, December 12 – 7 PM (After Party with dessert & jazz!)
Saturday, December 13 – 2 PM & 7 PM
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From Your Parish Librarian
:: Celts to the Creche, Week V ::
God be with us at each stop and each sea;
At each lying down and each rising up;
In the trough of the waves;
On the crest of the billows;
Each step of the journey we take.
- - - - -
St Pelagius (c354-c418)
Monk, theologian, heretic, Celtic Saint
So the heretical designation comes from what others thought of his teachings:
—He did not believe the doctrine of original sin. He believed that human nature was inclined towards goodness and that humanity had free choice to be sinful, or not.
—He believed God’s spirit was in nature. “Look at the birds flying across the sky,” Pelagius said, “God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the fish in the river and the sea: God’s spirit dwells with them. There is no creature on earth in whom God is absent. The presence of God’s spirit in all living things is what makes them beautiful; and if we look with God’s eyes, nothing on the earth is ugly.”
—“God is present in all things, great and small. God’s power is manifest in all events, great and small.” Pelagius saw God and God’s kingdom through the lens of a Celtic understanding which was different from the Roman view. He believed God’s Spirit (“ruah”), God’s breath, was breathed into all creation as sacred.
—Some of the contempt directed at Pelagius came from his teaching women to read Scripture. The censure was that Pelagius wasted time talking to women, and that he dared to discuss Scripture with women, and that he even had theological discussions with them while in public places like in the market or alongside the road.
The thing about heresy is that there is always a prevailing view. The thing about prevailing views is that they shift every couple hundred years making some once unacceptable opinions no longer threatening or less heinous. A local priest who wanders the Church grounds here, would be happy to confuse you on this matter.
A local priest who discussed heresy with Pelagius was Augustine of Hippo. When they first met—as student and teacher—Augustine referred to Pelagius as a “saintly man.” In four years the two were in conflict that was often public and was never resolved. May your discussion fare better with our local priest.
Jerome knew Pelagius and criticized him, calling him stupid from eating porridge, and that his hair style was inappropriate. The Librarian couldn’t find much detail about Jerome’s preference in hairstyles. Most clergy at the time were ordered to wear their hair short so they wouldn’t appear effeminate. A tonsure [a shaved bald spot on the top of the head] was worn to show priests and monks had separated themselves from worldly things. (Fun Fact: the tonsure was abolished as a compulsory practice in 1972.)
There were variations in the size of the shaved spot and how much ruffle of bangs was allowed to extend beyond the tonsure; but many, many clergy tonsured their hair so the style and quality of Jerome’s standards on grooming is beyond the simple understanding of a parish librarian.
Pope Zosimus liked Pelagius until the African Bishops voiced their opinion, then he didn’t like him; then six months into his 21-month (March 417 - December 418) papacy, he accused the African Bishops of being reckless in their condemnation of Pelagius, then the next year Pope Zosimus excommunicated Pelagius.
Horrified by his excommunication, Pelagius left Rome to sojourn with the vibrant Christian community in Egypt.
Incidentally, the Celtic Church endorsed Pelagius and embraced his teachings.
His last years were as an itinerant pilgrim, journeying from Britain to Rome to Carthage [North Africa] to Jerusalem before St Cyril, the Patriarch of Alexandria, invited him to return to Egypt where he remained and where history lost track of him.
—Bonnie Bonham—Parish Librarian—
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The Advent Collect
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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