Weekly News December 18, 2025
- St. Wilfred Episcopal Church
- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Christmas dinner is during Coffee Hour this Sunday. It will be potluck (as Bill will have been traveling). The church will provide the meat – PLEASE BRING A SIDEDISH OR DESSERT. Please bring warm and ready to serve as we cannot heat it up for you.
The Preschool Christmas Pageant is tomorrow at 11:30. You are welcome to come to see this entertaining and adorable presentation.
Sadly, we announce the death of Ann Lenk. Her service will be the end of February. The Celebration of Life for Ann Johnson will be Saturday, January 10th at 11:00 am.
Scroll to the bottom of this email to read a message from Father Roy and Audrey Shepherd.
Please return flower and music dedications by Monday, December 22nd in order to be included in the printed program.
Our Christmas Eve choral candlelight service is at 5:00 pm with hot chocolate & cookies while serenaded by our choir beginning at 4:00 pm. Begin the celebration of Christ's birth with us and our choir - bring a friend! There will be no service on Christmas morning.
It is Stewardship and Advent Giving “season. By now you should have received information on our activities, monetary form and pledge card.
Kindly return your pledge cards as soon as possible by placing it in the Blessing Box at the baptismal font, drop off or mail to the Parish Office, or by taking a photo of the card and emailing it to us. This assists us in our budge preparation for 2026
** Funds postmarked by December 31st will be credited towards your 2025 giving.
The Office will be closed from December 25th until Tuesday, January 6th. We will be checking messages and email. If there is a pastoral need please call Mother Joyce at 863-257-0537.
Book studies are held on the first and second Sundays of the month. Beginning January 11th we will be discussing the Theology of the Devil (Satan) and Demons. (No book). Grab some food at Coffee Hour and join us in Ricker Hall. (No meeting January 4th).
Needless to say the amount of families visiting our Food Pantry has doubled. You can help by volunteering, providing the toiletry items listed below, or donate funds. To donate online please go to: https://www.stwilfredsarasota.org/
This month's plate collection is for the Daughters of the King Outreach Programs. Among other works, they host receptions for funerals that are held here.
FYI – Our Food Pantry serves approximately 600 households per month and is increasing! Changes to the SNAP program of supplemental food assistance has been reduced by the federal government and an increase of local families needs is expected.
For December the Food Pantry is collecting toothpaste, brushes & denture supplies. Toiletries are not included with government food assistance and the need is greater than ever. They are in need of egg cartons, paper and plastic bags. There is a basket in the narthex, or kindly bring the items to the office.
The Food Pantry will be closed Friday December 26th and January 2nd.
The Food Pantry can always use some help on Fridays distributing the food and some strong arms on Thursdays. Please arrive around noon. If you know of someone that can lift heavy things that would be great! This would be on Thursdays and they don't have to commit to every week.
Facebook is a fun way to stay connected with the Church and the news and happenings! Postings from the Preschool, the Diocese, the Episcopal Church, the National Cathedral, plus some fun and humorous items. Visit us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/458237684264439
It's easy to give online to the Church ! Just click on the following link: https://www.stwilfredsarasota.org/ (Updated 11/13/25) There is no need to log in. You can designate which fund you wish to contribute to.
Standing meetings:
DOK and Men of AIM meet the third Sunday of the month after Coffee Hour.
The Men's Study Group led by Rev. Ev meets Thursdays from 12:00 - 1:00 in the Church office.
Prayers for the needs of our Parish, particularly those who are ill or in any kind of trouble including Jim, Roberta, Tony, Eddie, Rob & Barbara, Allan, Victoria, Herb, Amy, Julio, Marilyn, Charlene, Ginny C., Maverick, Amber Bradley, Barbara M., Anton, Jane, Aaron, Barbara J., Bob T., Sarah, Jack & Mary Sue.
Long term prayers: Betty Thompson, Michael Petusky, Barbara & George Harding, Lila & Les Porter, Dee Rigdon, Eddie, Rita Mahaffey, Sue Wilson, Ina O’Reilly, Ellen Jankowski, Ann Arvedon, Avery Woodruff, Katherine Vestal, and LouAnn.
+ For those who have died and their families that mourn including Ann Lenk.
+ For those celebrating birthdays ; and for those celebrating anniversaries including Diane & Tom Tennant.
+ For those who are traveling.
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A Message from Father Roy & Audrey Shepherd (in response to the Security message sent earlier):
Dear friends;
It has been ten years since Roy and I left Sarasota and returned to Canada on a full-time basis, but the St. Wilfred's community remains close to our hearts.
Roy preached his final sermon on his hundredth birthday, All Saints Sunday, November second. His message was "Love One Another"
And that is our message to you as you navigate these terrible, troublous times.
So far in Canada the main worshipping and school communities that have been tarfetted are Jewish, with no fatalities but many threats. Their leaders and the police are vigilant in many of the ways you describe.
We are with you in prayer and in the sure hope that love will conquer hate and light will overcome darkness.
"And they called his name Jesus - Emmanuel - God is with us!"
Audrey and Roy Shepherd
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Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (10-2)
Priest in Charge: The Reverend Joyce W. Holmes
Senior Warden: Connie Anderson
Junior Warden: Lyn Wheeler
Treasurer: Buddy Edwards
Secretary/Clerk: Diane Tennant
Additional Vestry 2025: Jane Homburg & Joel Swallow
St. Wilfred Episcopal Church
3773 Wilkinson Road
Sarasota, FL 34233
941-924-7436
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