The Feast of Saint Nicholas
Hi COTC Family!
I don't know if you're like me, but I didn't grow up learning about saints in the church. Since I’ve started attending an Anglican Church, learning about different saints has brought a new sense of richness to my spiritual life. This Sunday, December 6th, the churchcelebrates the Feast of St. Nicholas! It is easy to reduce St. Nicholas to calling him Father Christmas, but the history of St. Nicholas is so much richer and deeper than I initially realized. St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, which was a city in what is now modern-day Turkey. The stories of St. Nicholas's generosity are numerous, but the most well known story is that St. Nicholas secretly gifted a poor man dowries for his 3 daughters to save them from a life of slavery. Through my research about St. Nicholas this week, I learned how St. Nick truly responded to God's love for him through Jesus by generously giving to those around him. The generous legacy of St. Nicholas seems especially poignant as we journey toward the second Sunday of Advent which is marked by the theme of peace. May all of us be inspired by the generosity of St. Nicholas to extend peace and kindness to those around us!
In years past, COTC celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas with a party following worship. This year we are still celebrating, but for obvious reasons will have to celebrate a little differently. On Sunday, we will have our St. Nick's party at 1pm in the backyard of the Parish House. Families will be spaced out in the backyard so bring a blanket or camping chairs for your family to sit on! We will have hot chocolate and cookies that will be distributed in a safe way. We will also have crafts and the good St. Nick will be making an appearance! We will also be collecting HEB or Walmart gift cards ($50 proffered, but any amount I’d appreciated!) for the families of Harris Elementary and the families served by Side by Side kids. This is a tangible way we can extend peace and kindness and continue in the generous legacy of St. Nick. This is a party for the entire COTC community, not just for the kiddos. If you’re able, I hope you will join us on Sunday afternoon!
Blessings,
Sarah
P.S. There are two opportunities to support our wider community this season. If you would like to support families suffering from food insecurity at Harris Elementary and other AISD schools, be encouraged to bring an HEB/Target gift card this Sunday. Also, The Immigration Coalition is organizing a campaign to provide toys, blankets and cards to families seeking asylum along the border. If you are interested in participating in this project be encouraged to bring a Spanish language Christmas card, either handmade or store bought, or a cash donation this Sunday to service or the party! Donations can be accepted until December 13th