LIGHT OF THE WORLD
On Sunday, January 7th at 10:30 the parish will celebrate the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem to honor the birth of our Lord. The presentation of Mark Patterson's "Light of the World" is filled with readings, songs, carols and hymns that remember the birth in Bethlehem and the offerings of gifts by the Magi. Principal parts are portrayed by the children and "extras" are adults.

Gifts of Food - The congregation, as in the example of the Magi, are invited to bring gifts of canned and boxed food items as gifts to the newborn King. The area food pantries will see heavy use in the coming months because of increased heating expenses.

Lunch - Everyone is invited to the Parish Hall for lunch afterwards. There are sign-up sheets for soup, sandwiches and cookies. Stars of all kinds are needed to transform the church into a bit of heaven for morning! Make any style –be creative and have them at the church by 9 a.m., Saturday, January 7th for placement.

Epiphany - The great season of Epiphany begins on January 6th - the thirteenth day after Christmas. It originated in the eastern church where it was celebrated in honor of our Lord's baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. From the 4th century there is ample evidence that this feast was ranked with Easter and Pentecost. It was introduced in the western church about the 4th century where it lost its character as a feast of the baptism of our Lord. Instead it became associated with the manifestation of our Lord to the Gentiles in the person of the Magi who are remembered for bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Feast of the Epiphany remembers the coming of the Magi and the first Sunday after the Epiphany remembers our Lord's baptism. So we have the best of both every year!

THE FIRST ARTICLE

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! For 399 years the Church of England, and its successor the Episcopal Church, has reached out first to the English colonies and later the United States of America. Ware Parish was established circa 1651 when Gloucester County was opened for settlement. Records of the establishment of the four parishes are sketchy at best. With the death King Charles I in 1649 the English bishops, the Book of Common Prayer and the Church of England, as we know it, were abolished under Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England. The church was "restored" when Charles II was became King of England in 1660. A new Prayer Book was issued in 1662 which is still the official book of worship for the Church of England.

With the upheaval in England, the Church in the Colonies was free to tend to its own affairs with a fair amount of independence. Colonial Court and Council saw not only to the political needs of the day, but also to the spiritual ones. As new areas in Virginia were opened for settlement, parishes were established for those who would move there. Originally there were four parishes in Gloucester: Abingdon, Kingston, Petsworth and Ware. When Mathews was established as a separate county the parish boundary between Ware and Kingston became the dividing line between the two counties.

Since the founding of Ware Parish, the church has been through numerous controversies. With the consecration of Samuel Seabury as the first Bishop of Connecticut in 1784 and the founding of the Diocese of Virginia in 1785, a new church emerged in Virginia no longer as the established church but one among many who had retained the marks of the Church of England. Recovery of the church after the Revolution was a slow process. Clergy were needed for vacant parishes and Virginia's first bishop wasn't consecrated until 1790. The first Prayer Book was published in 1789. By 1892 and the authorization of the second Prayer Book prompted a group to leave the church forming the Reformed Episcopal Church. Others have left the church over the 1979 Prayer Book and the ordination of women. In 2006 perhaps more will leave as fallout over the selection of the Bishop of New Hampshire. Over the years those who have left the church have defined themselves by what they're against, don't like or won't tolerate. With integrity and principle, each group claims to be the continuing church.

One of the aspects of the Episcopal Church is our ministry to unique groups such as the Eskimos, Sioux and Athabaskan Indians, Black Episcopalians and the inhabitants of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our Lord asked us to "love one another as I have loved you." The church has always affirmed that all of us are children of God and in need of His love. In the coming year we will be challenged to find a middle ground for the issues before the church. While some seek clarity in the near future, perhaps God is asking us to struggle with our feelings, faith, theology and how He can make all things new. In 2006, please pray to "see" new things, for the church and one another.

Faithfully yours,
Christian Formation at Ware Church

MUSIC NOTES
New Year and New Resolution
The New Year is a great time to get involved in the music programs at Ware Church. With three very active choirs, there is a place for just about everyone. The Senior Choir is welcoming new members. Rehearsals are conveniently scheduled for Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. The Senior Choir sings a variety of musical styles. While it does take dedication to be an active member, there is a great deal of flexibility to meet busy scheduling demands. The Junior Choir welcomes children ages 5 and older. The Junior Choir not only sings, but also learns hand chimes during their rehearsals. It is a wonderful opportunity to expose children to the joys of music while providing a rich social setting for them. Their normal rehearsal time is Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. There are snacks, games and door prizes every week. With the Junior Choir, every child is a winner.

Ware Ringers, our handbell choir, would also like to welcome new members. It is helpful to already read music, but not a necessity. Ringers will certainly learn to read music along the way. If you've always wished you could read music but never learned, this is a wonderful opportunity. The group is multi-generational and that's one of the best aspects of the Ware Ringers. While a great deal of work takes place during rehearsals, there is also a great deal of laughter and fun.

Consider beginning the New Year with a resolution to add music to your life. It will be the easiest resolution you ever made and certainly one that will reap the biggest rewards.

Inclement Weather Notice
During the winter months there is always the potential for nasty weather. The rule for canceling Junior. Choir and Handbell Choir rehearsals is simple: if the Gloucester County Public Schools are dismissed early or are closed on the day of rehearsal (Thursdays), then there is no rehearsal that night. Simply listen to the local radio or television station for the Gloucester County Public School notice.

VESTRY NEWS AND REPORTS
At the December meeting the following officers for 2006 were elected: Tom Hay - Senior Warden, Lee Brown - Junior Warden, Nancy Wilson - Register and Pete Roane - Treasurer. An Every Member Canvas progress report announced that 113 pledges had been received for $193,542.50 which included 20 new pledges for $30,717. The Stewardship Committee noted that there were 33 pledges for 2005 that have not sent their 2006 card. Should these pledges give at 2005 levels, then $31,631 more can be expected with a total pledge of $225,173.50 for 2006. A reminder letter will be sent followed by phone calls and visitations. The 2006 Parish Budget $300,239 was adopted with an amended staff section. Rip Radcliffe, out-going Senior Warden was thanked for his excellent leadership as both Junior Warden in the previous year and Senior Warden during 2005.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Forming Hearts for God in Our Children
There is an important story in the sixteenth chapter of the Old Testament book of I Samuel. There we read that Yahweh will choose a new king for Israel from among the sons of Jesse the Bethlehemite. Samuel looks over seven of Jesse's sons, but the Lord had not chosen any of these men. Finally Jesse's youngest son, David, is summoned from the field where he was keeping the sheep. The Lord instructed Samuel, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one." We learn a valuable lesson here. That lesson is that mortals look on a person's outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
How might we form in our children hearts for God? There are many simple ways parents can do this. I've adapted the list below from George Conway, author of "Giving Good Gifts." Here are some things parents can do to help children develop healthy spiritual identities.

• Take your children to church (church, not just Sunday school) and let them see you worship God. At Ware we have "pew art" and children's worship bulletins available in the narthex to keep little fingers busy during the liturgy.
• Say prayers with your child before bed. It's a great time to reflect on the day. Let your child hear you ask God for forgiveness.
• Say prayers with your child as you begin a car trip. Weave prayers into many daily activities. Thank God for your pets; thank God for the helpful supermarket checkout clerk; thank God for the beauty of the natural world. Be certain to include a birthday prayer for each family member (see page 830, Book of Common Prayer).
• Frame your child's baptism certificate and hang it on the wall of her or her bedroom. Give special thanks for your child on the anniversary of his or her baptism. Encourage a special relationship with his or her god-parents.
• Pray over meals. This reminds everyone that all good things come from God.
• Let your children hear you include "God talk" in meaningful family events. For example, include prayer as part of your decision-making process.
• Tell young children stories from the Bible, don't just read them. Learn the stories and tell them in your own words. And, provide for your child Bible story books to enjoy at home. Look for books that show both girls and boys of many cultures and races being loved by Jesus.
• Remember always, the relationship with your child is triangular: you, your child, and God.
• Let your child see you engaging in gratuitous service to others. Show your child that "Faith without works is dead."
• Be true to your spiritual disciplines. Let your child see you studying the Bible and praying.
• Consider setting up a small worship space in your home, a special area or corner for prayer and meditation. Even very young children will learn the value of "holy ground."

Remember, actions speak louder than words. Your child's heart for God will be formed as your child learns by watching you. – Jo-Ann Murphy

TEACHERS' MEETING
Children's Christian Formation teachers will meet on Saturday, January 21, 2006, at 10:00am. We'll be learning more about "Godly Play," the wonderful new children's program we hope to introduce to Ware Church. Parents, too, are welcome to join us. If you cannot attend, let Jo-Ann Murphy, Director of Christian Formation, know (joannrmurphy@aol.com or 804-334-7821).

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION CONTINUES IN JANUARY
(Please Note New Start Time)
The Adult Christian Formation Class is off to an exciting start, having begun during Advent last month. Following the annual Advent breakfast and wreath-making, the class looked at the history of Advent, the life and ministry of John the Baptist, and consideration of a family systems approach to having a healthy Christmas.
There will be no Class on January 1 (New Year's) or January 8 (due to the Epiphany Pageant). We will re-start on January 15th. Please note the new starting time beginning that day and continuing thereafter -- 9:15 a.m. The schedule is as follows:
• January 15 Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Episcopal Church Governance
• January 22 A History of the Episcopal Church in Gloucester County
• January 29 A Report From the Annual Diocesan Council
• February 5 A History of Ware Church
Future topics include The Faith of the Founding Fathers and Notes on Observing Lent, as well as a special Lenten series. – Randy Appel

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
If you have been wondering what happens at Education for Ministry seminars, or thinking that you might like to be part of this exciting, interactive, and enriching exploration of Christian scriptures and traditions, please join the group for a meeting. At present we meet on most (but not all) Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 8, in the Library/Christian Formation office. Please call Louisa Jones at 642-1471 or Grace Cumming Long at 757-220-1108 to schedule your visit.

YOUTH GROUP DECORATING FOR EPIPHANY, SATURDAY JANUARY 7TH
Come at 10 a.m. to the Parish House. Please bring a string or two of white lights if you have them leftover from Christmas. We'll cut stars and transform the Parish Hall for the Epiphany Celebration. We will also have our January Youth Group Meeting. Questions? Contact Judy Doyel, 693-6135 or Malinda Collier, 359 - 6844.

The Senior High Sundays continue in January. All senior high youth are invited to meet with Malinda Collier in the Library Sundays January 15, 22 & 29 at 9:30 for food and conversation. Call Malinda if you have questions, 359-6844.

Going Ware? Mission Trip Meeting January 22! Anyone and everyone interested in learning more about our mission trip to West Virginia is invited to meet after the 10:30 service in the Chapel on January 22. Grab a cup of coffee and a snack and come with your ideas and questions for our organizational meeting. There is a role for all to play in the mission trip. Questions? contact Malinda Collier, 359-6844 or Jo-Ann Murphy, 334-7821.

Did You Know About the Middle School Class? We have a wonderful class for our middle school students. Led by Kim Ward and Sue Zima all 6th, 7th & 8th graders are invited to meet in the class room at the bottom of the steps.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN'S BOOK GROUP
The ECW Book Group will meet Thursday, January 12th at noon at Donna Deshazo's home for lunch and discussion of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Donna lives at "Evergreen", 7065 T. C. Walker Rd. Gloucester. Call Donna at 695-1709 if you are coming. All are welcome.

CALLING ALL MEN
The Men's Group at Ware Church will meet at Olivia's in the Courthouse for breakfast on Saturday, January 21st at 8:30 a.m. There will also be a speaker. Thank you to all who came to the first meeting. We had a very enjoyable time. If you have any questions, please call Rick Zima, 642-5270.

FOYER GROUPS
The mission of foyers is to build community awareness of others by getting to know those whom we only recognize by sight on Sundays. This is accomplished by gathering into groups for a meal and fellowship on a regular basis. We have a lot of new folks coming into the church and a lot of long-time members we would like to know better. If you want to join a foyer group, please turn in your questionnaire to the office. Contact Debby Wiggins at eaglecc@cablefirst.net or 758-1083.

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
If you wish for your birthday to appear in the monthly list, please call the Church Office.

VESTRY MEETING
The Ware Vestry meets Monday, January 9th at 7 p.m. in the Parish Library. Monthly Vestry minutes and the financial statement are posted on the Parish Hall bulletin board for your reading. The Vestry packs will be on the church porch table on Sunday, January 8th.

2006 WARE CHURCH CALENDARS ARE HERE
The Communications Committee is happy to announce that the new 2006 Ware Church calendar arrived in December. There are a few extra ones. A calendar costs $12. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Ayers Lawrence at ayers@vims.edu or 694-0994.

NEWS FROM THE MISSION COMMITTEE
All of the gifts for the Angel Tree were delivered along with an amazing amount of food. Boxes and bags of groceries were sorted with everything from peanut butter and rice to soup, crackers and hams. The food and gifts were given to the families.
Forty quilts have been sent out to the Gulf coast in time for Christmas. What a wonderful gift this was for children who had lost every stuffed animal and blanket they had. The cottage is almost done except for painting the pantry and two bedroom closets. Any volunteers? We are still working through the red tape involved with our Katrina family. The humane society is requesting donations of old blankets and towels. Drop them at the church office and the youth group will deliver them.
The youth group is coordinating the collection of items to be sent as a care package to two soldiers in Iraq. One is the son of a parishioner and the other a grandson. Suggested items include gum, candy, chapstick, lotion, sports or news magazines, phone cards, individually wrapped snacks. We will collect through January and mail for Valentines Day. Questions? Call Kate Zullo, 693-3185.

DENDROCHRONOLOGY REPORT FOR WARE CHURCH
Just how old is the building?
Over the years there has been much debate and research on the age of the present church building. The Rev'd William Byrd Lee in his short History of Ware Church stated that to the best of everyone's knowledge the church was build in 1690. Wm. Dudley Hunt, a noted historical architect, felt that the building was finished circa 1713 based on how the roof was attached to the building. Note brick mason Jack Peat has affirmed that the mortar mixes used in the brick work are definitely early eighteenth century. The question remains: when? Dendrochronolgy is based on taking core samples of wood in the building and matching growth rings with known weather patterns. For example, wet and dry years. A comparison of numerous core samples can help fill in missing year information. Here is the report:

Standing a few miles east of Gloucester Courthouse, Ware Church is one of the largest parish churches erected in colonial Virginia. Measuring 40 feet in width by 80 feet in length, the plan of this brick church originally consisted of a double aisle with a central entrance on the west gable end and chancel doors on both the eastern end of the south wall and the north wall, an unusual arrangement for a Virginia church where there was generally only a single chancel door. The interior was completely gutted in the nineteenth century and reworked again in the twentieth century so that no original fabric except a small west gallery survives from the colonial period. Fortunately the principal rafter roof with its unusual series of vertical boards that run from the lower chord of the truss to the collar survives in tact. The roof is unusual for the fact that it does not have a king post truss, perhaps an argument for an early date for the structure.

The architectural significance of Ware Church is in its transitional brickwork. Traditionally, thought to date from between the 1690s and the 1720s, it is one of the earliest surviving examples of the "neat and plain" style of brickwork characteristic of building practices from the 1710s through the end of the colonial period. Laid in Flemish bond with glazed headers above and below the beveled water table, the exterior also features rubbed and gauged work around the compass-headed windows and pedimented frontispieces at the chancel entrances on the north and south walls. The primary entrance on the west façade is not pedimented. Instead it is enframed by is a compass-headed opening of rubbed and gauged bricks that extend out at the spring of the arch to form a slightly projecting hood of molded bricks. This treatment is not found in later Virginia churches, the most elaborate of which have segmental pedimented front is pieces.

What is our latest thinking? Carl Lounsbury of Colonial Williamsburg writes: "The Oxford dendro guys were back in this country last week and informed us that they came up with a provisional date for Ware Church of 1718. I know it is slightly earlier tnat the mid 1720s that we have laid our bets on-but in terms of its brickwork it seens quite plausible. I stress that this is a provisional date and is subject to change as the lab perfects its tulip popular area pattern".

Beginning on Sunday, January 15
All Christian Formation
Classes for Children and Adults
will begin at 9:15 a.m.