march april 2015 newsletter - allsaints-episcopal.org · 3/4/2015 ·...
TRANSCRIPT
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Lent… It can be a difficult season. In the Northern Temperate Zone where Attleboro is, it often aligns with the back half of winter and the February blues, which afflict many with entropy and general crankiness, and more seriously with Seasonal Affective Disorder. As we know, this winter has been particularly miserable, and Lent feels like it should have ended before it even began. Lent is also the Church’s time to focus on human sinfulness – not a topic that is particularly enjoyable. The joy of God’s Love becoming incarnate in the world at Christmas leads quickly into the liturgical season of Lent and its reminders of just why we humans need a savior at all. Honest self-reflection can reveal the ways in which we malign the God-given dignity of others and ourselves, and so during Lent we pray our weekly confession and ten commandments to ask God for forgiveness and help in healing the wounds of sin in our own lives and in the lives of those we love and know. Sin is a powerful force that takes on energy and life of its own. In addition to personal sins of commission or omission – when each of us as individuals does something or fails to do something – there exist also the phenomena of structural and social sin. These are harder to put a
finger on because they exist in systems (social, cultural, economic, etc.) that individuals support without necessarily realizing it (i.e. we are not always aware of the air that we breathe). Structural and social sin create unjust and even oppressive environments for individuals in which their dignity is compromised. St. Irenaeus of Lyons, a 2nd century theologian, stated, “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” During this Lent, God asks us to reflect on those personal actions and social systems that do not promote the fullness of living, and to commit ourselves to partner and live into our covenantal relationship with God to work to make more present in the world God’s love, peace, and justice. While it may always be easier to point towards other people, or other social systems, or other cultures as blameworthy, the thing about Lent is that it holds up a mirror to ourselves and asks us to name and take responsibility for our own lives and the world in which we live. So yes, we do have self-examination and work to do. But we are assured that the Triune God and the communion of saints are supporting us – cheering for us! – as we pray and act to live more fully into the life-giving love of God made known in Jesus Christ.
In peace, Meghan+
SAINTS ALIVE! All Saints’ Episcopal Church 121 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA 02703 508 222-‐2233 March-‐April 2015
From Our Priest-In-Charge
Keeping In Touch Important Contact Information
Priest in Charge: The Rev. Dr. Meghan T. Sweeney
857 225-0243 (cell) Email: [email protected]
Pastoral Associate: The Rev. Billie Mae Gordon 617 584-2737 (cell) Email: [email protected] Church Office:
Robin Miller, Secretary 508 222-2233
Email: [email protected] All Saints’ Officers: Lyn Darling, Co-Warden
508 944-9770 (cell) Email: [email protected]
Marian Cote’, Co-Warden 508 223-1891 Email: [email protected]
Martha Lingard, Secretary Email: [email protected]
Evelyn Sanford, Treasurer Email: [email protected]
All Saints’ Vestry: Barbara Boynton Email: [email protected] Rich DeCusati
Email: [email protected]
Judy Little Email: [email protected] Cindy Akers Email: [email protected] All Saints’ Altar Guild: Becky Dailey 508 226-5577 Altar Flowers: Judy Little 508 226-1943 Email: [email protected] Coffee Hour: Yvonne Dwoske 508 226-3465
Website: allsaints-episcopal.org Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AllSaintsAttleboro Shutterfly:
https://allsaintsepiscopal.shutterfly.com
If you are interested in becoming an Acolyte, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Usher/Greeter, Lector or Intercessor, please contact Rev. Meghan. If you are interested in teaching Sunday School or serving on the Property and Grounds Committee, please contact Marian Cote’. In case of inclement weather, the outgoing message on the parish phone voicemail 508 222-2233 will be changed by 8:30AM on the Sunday morning in question. (If the message has not been changed, then we will gather at 10AM as usual.) If you are currently receiving the weekly e-news, you will also receive an email notification.
Warden’s Report While it seems like this winter has gone on forever, we look forward to a wonderful spring in the near future! We have been fortunate that All Saints’ has weathered through this winter with few problems. The ceiling in the Undercroft that was falling down has been repaired and painted. A H Painters did a wonderful job and the repair is not noticeable. The electrical connection to the garage failed prior to the Scouts’ Christmas tree sale. We were able to provide a temporary repair but we will be looking to fix the issues properly once the snow melts! We still have money from the 2014 Creation Care grant to repair additional windows on the lower level. Let’s hope that this project will be completed soon. One Family has been a priority for us since Rev. Ron resigned from the Program Manager position. We have several candidates interested in the position and we will be interviewing in the next few weeks. In the meantime, One Family events continue to be held with the five parishes working collaboratively to provide families with a monthly event. As we look forward to spring, we would like you to look around the church for areas in need of a good spring cleaning. Recently, we have had the opportunity to show visitors around and sometimes we feel like we are storing things whose time has passed. Can we look for a Saturday to do a cleaning somewhere in the Church? Keep warm! Hopefully by the next Saints’ Alive we will be reporting about the flowers we have seen!
Marian and Lyn
Lenten Practices
+Enter into Lent with Living Compass, a series of short daily meditations and questions. Workbooks can be found at the back of the church or on the counter in Parish Hall. +Holy Saturday Quiet Day. On Saturday, April 4th, 9AM to 3PM, we will join with St. John’s, Franklin, for a day of prayer, reflection and quiet. Please sign up by Sunday, March 29th so that appropriate planning can be done (sign up sheet in Parish Hall). +During Lent you will find a container on a table at the right hand of the stairs in the church. As you approach the altar rail to receive communion, please place your prayers – whatever they may be – into the container (slips of paper will be available in the pews). These prayers will be offered to God during the Passion Sunday Eucharist.
What’s Going On at All Saints’
Easter Flowers To order Easter flower memorials or thanksgivings, please contact Judy Little after church or by email, [email protected] or phone, 508-226-1943. Suggested donation of $25 would be appreciated. The last day to order Easter Flowers is Sunday, March 15th.
All Saints’ Donations for One Family Bags
During March, All Saints’ is collecting dish detergent for One Family gift bags. Our goal is 50 bottles. In April, we’re collecting bathroom tissue. Let’s see if we can collect 200 rolls!
Saturday, March 28th - Eucharistic Visitor Ministry Training A Eucharistic Visitor Ministry Training Day, Saturday, March 28th, 8AM-4PM at All Saints’. Would you like to bring Communion to and visit with people who can't get to church? All Saints' is looking for lay ministers to serve as Eucharistic Visitors in this important ministry. In teams of two, Eucharistic Visitors visit with home-bound parishioners to talk and pray with them and to bring them Communion. The commitment would be about one or perhaps two afternoons a month. If you are interested, please do two things: 1) Talk with Rev. Meghan about your interest; and 2) Register for the workshop either online at http://goo.gl/WRjrvx or use the form available on the counter in Parish Hall. Cost is $40 for lay people, $20 for clergy. Scholarship assistance for registration is available (please talk with Rev. Meghan about this). As part of our All Saints' Safe Church policy, all Eucharistic Visitors must satisfy a CORI check.
Holy Week Events
Palm Sunday, March 29th – Liturgy 10AM Maundy Thursday, April 2nd – Liturgy and Footwashing 6PM
Good Friday, April 3rd – Stations of the Cross 6PM and Holy Communion 6:30PM Holy Saturday, April 4th - Quiet Day with St. John’s, Franklin, 9AM-3PM
Easter Day, April 5th – Breakfast in Parish Hall 9AM; Liturgy 10AM
Easter Breakfast Sunday April 5th - 9AM Parish Hall
Sign up in Parish Hall before or after morning liturgy. Donations needed:
Bacon – needed before the morning of the breakfast* Sausage – needed before the morning of the breakfast* Eggs – needed before the morning of the breakfast*
*Please bring bacon, sausages and eggs with you on Sunday, March 29th – we’ll need to prepare these early on Sunday, April 5th.
Pancake syrup – needed for 8:30AM morning of breakfast Fruit for fruit salad – bite size pieces and slices – needed for 8:30AM morning of breakfast Orange juice – needed for 8:30AM morning of breakfast
Fair News
Spring Fair
Saturday, May 2nd 9AM – 1PM
Plants Vendors Yvonne’s Attic Zoo Mobile Book Room Electronics Recycling Bake Shop Lunch
Your help is needed on Fair day – during April, look for a sign up sheet in Parish Hall! As you begin Spring cleaning, please set aside books for the Book Room and household items and furniture that is clean and in good condition for Yvonne’s Attic. Small working appliances are welcome but please no clothing, electronics, tires, televisions, etc. The Capron Park Zoo Mobile will join us from 10:30AM-12:30PM bringing a collection of small animals – a fun and educational experience for all ages! During the Fair, we’re also hosting an Electronic Waste Drop Off Event with Indie Cycle, LLC – they’ll be located in the parking lot. No charge for computers, flat screens, laptops, PDA’s, cell phones, mice, keyboards, printers, toner cartridges, networking equipment wires, stereo equipment, telephones, microwaves and other electronic gadgetry regardless of age or condition. Batteries of any kind including auto/marine batteries and battery backups are also accepted. $10 charge for tube (CRT) TV’s, monitors, and coolant containing appliances such as air conditioners, water coolers, small refrigerators and dehumidifiers. Not accepted: light bulbs, furniture, hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals or broken TV tubes. Bake Shop – Our best sellers are cookies, brownies and other bars, small loaves of breads and quick breads, muffins, scones, fudge, and cupcakes. Look for a sign up sheet in Parish Hall during April. Donations are needed for lunch – hot dogs, canned baked beans, hot dog rolls, individual bags of chips, 12 ounce cans of soda, and various condiments. Raffles – we have two raffles so far - $50 Scratch Ticket Basket and Vera Bradley Ensemble. Let Evelyn know if you want to donate or contribute to a raffle basket – we’re hoping to have four or five raffle baskets.
Holiday Fair Saturday, November 7th
9AM – 2PM
I know it’s hard to look so far ahead to Saturday, November 7th. And we’ll be concentrating on most Holiday Fair details during the late summer and fall but right now we need to start to think about Raffles. For us to be able to sell Raffle tickets in advance of the Fair, we need to plan to have all of our Raffle baskets and Raffle items ready to advertise by mid-September. This means we need to have everything ready for photography for Facebook, printed fliers and website advertising in early September. We’re hoping to have no more than twelve Raffle baskets/items. Your donations and suggestions are welcome. Right now we’re organizing a Patriots Basket – this is always a popular Raffle item and sells lots of tickets. Because of the Superbowl win, there’s a great deal of Pats merchandise in stores right down. Your donations toward the Patriots Basket are welcome! Speak to Evelyn if you have any questions please.
Diocesan Confirmation Saturday, May 16th, 10:30AM
2015’s diocesan-wide Confirmation takes place at Grace Episcopal Church in North Attleboro.
All Saints’ Ad for Relay for Life Program Book
We would like to put an ad for All Saints’ in the “Relay for Life 2015 Program Book.” This book will be distributed to all Relay for Life participants at the annual Greater Attleboro Relay for Life event to be held in North Attleboro in June 2015. Monies collected for the ads support the American Cancer Society. This is an opportunity for us to be seen in the community as well as to support the American Cancer Society. We will have a basket in Parish Hall where you can leave your donation if you would like to help fund this ad for All Saints’ and support the American Cancer Society. There will be a copy of last year’s Relay for Life Program Book with the basket so that you can see how this ad may be presented.
BERMUDA HIGHS, LAMENTABLE LOWS
Cast your aspersions raw-faced of wind and snow to the Fates -- they be Harvey, JC, Mike, Joe et. al., in the meterology Hub. Their medium is the message, and so it is-- gesticulating...rotating on an Axis of Doom... swirling...whssshng the weather board, east and west. high and low, complete with a five-second seven-day planner... splendidly sartorial in Abboud and Gucci for a minute's gig. Though to think that a sore-throated cock in Caribou can better portend a coming cold front! Ah, those mavens of meterology all yearn to go to the Big Show, the Big Snow. Woe to those spurned, left to forecast only sunburn alerts in Tuscon or Mesa... "If you're playing thirty-six holes today"... Ah, perchance to soothsay a dust storm in Muskogee would be...OK?... would be a maven's Great Plan in the Great Plains... Atmospheric, nee Astrological, All-Stars, Pompeii-style, frozen in time. We induct the Class of February, 2015 Classically! Et tu Roke-r.
James Azevedo
Happy Birthday Wishes!
March 3 – Sandra Allard March 7 – The Rev. Meghan Sweeney
March 10 – James Azevedo March 14 – Kevin Lingard
March 14 – Karen Kull March 22 – Marion Brousseau
March 23 – Mavis Ogg March 27 – Yvonne Dwoske March 27 – Virginia Robinson
April 12 – Stephen Cote’ April 13 – Kathleen Hagar April 15 – Heinrich Ehlen
April 29 – Philip Allard
All Saints’ Episcopal Church Vestry Meeting Minutes
December 8, 2014
Present: Rev. Meghan Sweeney, Barbara Boynton, Marian Coté, Lyn Darling, Richard DeCusati, Judy Little, Martha Lingard, Evelyn Sanford. The meeting began at 7:00 with opening prayer led by Rev. Meghan. Minutes: Lyn moved to accept the amended minutes of the November 17, 2014 meeting. Barbara 2nd and the motion carried. Financial Reports:
• Evelyn distributed and reviewed the November Treasurer’s Report and the P & L through November. Martha moved to accept the Treasurer’s reports as presented. Barbara 2nd and the motion carried.
• The Finance Committee reported that $25,000 has been received from the DIT account. Marian moved to leave $5,000 in the checking account and move $20,000 to the money market account. Rich 2nd and the motion carried.
• Evelyn distributed and reviewed the One Family Treasurer’s Report for November. Martha moved to accept the report as presented and Marian 2nd. The motion carried.
• The Finance Committee reported that they are working on the 2015 budget. The final budget will be presented to the parish at the annual meeting in January.
Building and Facilities: • Lyn has completed the mid-term Green Grant report. She noted that we have saved
about $500.00 on electricity, but the largest savings was water. The increased gas cost has taken away savings on heat. On the bright side, we are warm! $1190.00 remains in Grant funds, so Steve Robinson will complete as many windows as possible with this money.
• An electrical problem has been found in the garage. Bids will be obtained in the spring for the repairs.
• Judy has picked up the paint from Peter for the side door. She will get information so that more of the paint can be ordered.
• Marian reported that the curtains on the Peck Street interior doors are done and they do go to the floor.
New Business: • The vestry Christmas retreat will be on January 11, 2015 at the Darling’s, following church. • Rev. Meghan has spoken with our representative on the Standing Committee and they
have recommended some changes to the By-Laws. A meeting of the By-Law committee was scheduled to review the recommendations and revise the By-Laws. The revised By-Laws will be voted on by the parish at the annual meeting.
• The annual meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2015 and reports are due January 7, 2015.
• The Council of Churches will present the Wake of Matty O’Malley for their fundraiser on March 21, 2015.
• After discussion about the need to keep the nursery open during church, it was agreed to keep it open through Easter. This will be re-evaluated should more young families join the church.
Returning Business: • The wardens sent a letter to Helen Daley requesting to continue Rev. Meghan’s
employment through 2017. Rev. Meghan also sent a letter expressing her desire to stay at All Saints until 2017. Helen discussed this with Bishop Gates, however for the time being he is only making decisions for one year at a time,.
• The spring fair will be held on May 2, 2015. The Zoo mobile and a metal recycling company will be there and Evelyn is contacting vendors.
• The Boy Scouts are looking to do another event with us and have suggested a pancake breakfast. Rev. Meghan will speak with Kevin.
• There was discussion about how to thoroughly clean the floor in the undercroft. Richard will look at hiring an outside vendor. However it was also suggested that it may not be worth doing at this time because of the use by the Boy Scouts.
• Marian mentioned that there a crack in the ceiling in the undercroft. She will look into the cause and how to repair it.
• Rev. Meghan discussed staggering vestry terms, beginning in 2015. • 2015 is the 125th anniversary of the church. Rev. Meghan will convene a committee in
January to make plans. • Judy reported that 29 pledges have been received. We met the criteria for new and
increases in existing pledges to receive $3000.00 from the Diocese. Clergy Reports:
• The concert will be held on January 10, 2015. • Eucharistic visitor training will be on January 31, 2015. • There was no One Family meeting in December. The next event is scheduled for January
24, 2015. • Rev. Meghan recognized Matt for a good job with his homily this past Sunday. She also
thanked all those who helped with Anna Fortune’s funeral. Closing Prayer: Rev. Meghan closed the meeting with a prayer. The next Vestry meeting will be January 19, 2015 at 7:00pm. Respectfully Submitted, Martha Lingard, Clerk
All Saints’ Episcopal Church Vestry Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2015
Present: Rev. Meghan Sweeney, Barbara Boynton, Marian Coté, Lyn Darling, Judy Little, Martha Lingard, Evelyn Sanford. The meeting began at 7:00 with opening prayer led by Rev. Meghan. Minutes: Barbara moved to accept the minutes of the December 8, 2014 meeting. Evelyn 2nd and the motion carried. Financial Reports:
• Evelyn distributed and reviewed the December Treasurer’s Report and the January – December P & L. Martha moved to accept the Treasurer’s reports as presented. Marian 2nd and the motion carried.
• Evelyn distributed and reviewed the One Family Treasurer’s Report for December. Marian moved to accept the report as presented and Martha 2nd. The motion carried.
Building and Facilities: • Marian reported that the crack in the undercroft ceiling has been repaired. • Lyn reported that Green Grant monies will be available again in 2015, with the maximum
grant of $10,000. Lyn will prepare the Grant application to include interior storm windows on the stained glass windows in the church and the windows behind the stage, and insulation in back wall of the church.
• Lyn has found that the blowers in the North Main Street vestibule do not appear to be working and the blowers in the Peck street entrance are blowing cold air. She will contact Brian Hicks to have him address the problem.
• Lyn has created a spreadsheet tracking the temperature and will set the temperature to 55 ◌֯ when the building is unoccupied in an effort to reduce heating expenses.
• Rev. Meghan has received a recommendation from the Diocese for an architect to assess the building use. He will do a walk through with Rev. Meghan and Lyn on January 20, 2015.
New Business: • Rev. Meghan reported that she has received verbal approval from the Diocese for the
incoming Bishop’s Vestry. • Rev. Ron has resigned from the One Family Program Manager position. The One Family
Advisory Board is meeting on January 20, 2015 and will review the job description at that time, and then the position will be posted.
• Rev. Meghan distributed a draft proposal for funeral fees. After lengthy discussion, she will make some changes and the proposal will be reviewed again.
• Bristol Case Grant money is available again and it was agreed to apply for grants for the One Family Program Manager position and a singer for services.
• Matt Roias is putting together a welcome packet and it will be reviewed upon completion.
• There was a debriefing on the January concert. Everyone agreed that it was excellent but felt that more advertising would have provided a better turnout. Rev. Meghan will convene a group of people to put together a list of advertising opportunities for future parish events.
• Evelyn is coordinating a Shrove Tuesday pancake lunch following church on February15th.
• The Christmas Fair has been scheduled for November 7, 2015. • Bishop Gayle will be joining us on November 1, 2015 for the 125th anniversary of All
Saints’. A dinner will be planned for October 30, 2015. • Rev. Meghan is communicating with St. John’s to do youth trip with their parish. • Following discussion it was agreed to continue nursery care through April 12, 2015. • Paul will be on vacation on February 8th and 15th. It was agreed to pay him for his time
off. Returning Business: • The wardens sent a letter to Helen Daley requesting to continue Rev. Meghan’s
employment through 2017. Rev. Meghan also sent a letter expressing her desire to stay at All Saints until 2017. We are still waiting for a response from the Diocese.
• The spring fair date was confirmed for May 2, 2015. The Zoo mobile and a metal recycling company will be there and Evelyn is contacting vendors.
• The By-Law Committee met to review the recommend changes from the Diocese. Lyn moved to accept the changes and Evelyn 2nd. The changes will be voted on by the parish this Sunday at the Annual Meeting.
• The Attleboro Area Council of Churches fund raiser will be held March 21st at the Elks Lodge.
• Judy reported that she has received 30 pledges. The pledge amount is $39,322, and we did earn the Diocese match for new and increased pledges adding $3,000 to the pledge total.
• The Lay Eucharistic Training will be held on January 31st at All Saints. Clergy and Warden Reports:
• There were no Warden or Clergy reports. Closing Prayer:
Rev. Meghan closed the meeting with a prayer. The next Vestry meeting will be February 16, 2015 at 7:00pm. Respectfully Submitted, Martha Lingard, Clerk
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Second Sunday in Lent
10am Morning
Liturgy
2-5pm Church of God
2
Church Office closed
6:30pm Cub Scouts
3
Church Office closed
7-9pm Church of God
4
Church Office closed
7-9pm Al-Anon
5
Church Office re-opens
7pm Boy Scouts
7-9pm
Church of God
6
7-9pm Church of God
7
8 Daylight Saving
Time begins
Third Sunday in Lent
10am Morning
Liturgy
2-5pm Church of God
9
6:30pm Cub Scouts
10
7-9pm Church of God
11
7-9pm Al-Anon
12
7pm Boy Scouts
7-9pm Church of God
13
7-9pm Church of God
14
15
Fourth Sunday in Lent
10am Morning
Liturgy
Last day to order Easter Flowers
2-5pm
Church of God
16
Finance Committee
6:30pm Cub
Scouts
7pm Vestry
17
7pm One Family Board
7-9pm
Church of God
18
7-9pm Al-Anon
19
7pm Boy Scouts
7-9pm Church of God
20
7-9pm Church of God
21
5pm Council Of Churches
Food ‘n Friends Fundraising Event at the
Elks Club
22 Fifth Sunday in
Lent
10am Morning Liturgy
2-5pm
Church of God
23
Registration Deadline for Eucharistic
Visitor Training
6:30pm Cub Scout
24
7-9pm Church of God
25
The Annunciation
7-9pm Al-Anon
26
7pm Boy Scouts
7-9pm Church of God
27
7-9pm Church of God
28
8am-4pm Eucharistic
Visitor Training
9-11am One Family
29 Sunday of the Passion: Palm
Sunday
10AM Morning Liturgy
2-5pm
Church of God
30
Monday in Holy Week
6:30pm Cub Scouts
31
Tuesday in Holy Week
7-9pm Church of God
DURING MARCH WE’RE
COLLECTING DISH
DETERGENT FOR ONE FAMILY
Calendar for March 2015
Calendar for April 2015
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
DURING
APRIL WE’RE COLLECTING BATHROOM TISSUE FOR ONE FAMILY
1
Wednesday in Holy Week
7-9pm Al-Anon
2
6pm Maundy Thursday
Liturgy and Footwashing
7pm Boy Scouts
8pm
Church of God
3
Good Friday 6pm Stations of the Cross 6:30pm Holy Communion
8pm
Church of God
4
Holy Saturday 9am-3pm Quiet
Day with St. John’s Franklin
5 Easter Day
9am Breakfast
10am Morning
Liturgy
2-5pm Church of God
6
Monday in Easter Week
4:30-8:30pm Champion
Youth
6:30pm Cub Scouts
7
Tuesday in Easter Week
7-9pm Church of God
8
Wednesday in Easter Week
7-9pm Al-Anon
9
Thursday in Easter Week
7pm Boy Scouts
7-9pm Church of God
10
Friday in Easter Week
7-9pm Church of God
11
Saturday in Easter Week
12
Second Sunday of Easter
10am Morning
Liturgy
2-5pm Church of God
13
4:30-8:30pm Champion
Youth
6:30pm Cub Scouts
14
7-9pm Church of God
15
7-9pm Al-Anon
16
7pm Boy Scouts
7-9pm Church of God
17
7-9pm Church of God
18
19
Third Sunday of Easter
10am Morning
Liturgy
2-5pm Church of God
20
Finance Committee
4:30-8:30pm Champion
Youth
6:30pm Cub Scout
7pm Vestry
21
7-9pm Church of God
22
7-9pm Al-Anon
23
7pm Boy Scouts
7-9pm Church of God
24
7-9pm Church of God
25
St. Mark, Evangelist
9AM-11am One Family
26
Fourth Sunday of Easter
10am Morning
Liturgy
2-5pm Church of God
27
4:30-8:30pm Champion
Youth
6:30pm Cub Scout
28
7-9pm Church of God
29
7-9pm Al-Anon
30
7pm Boy Scouts
7-9pm Church of God
May 1
7-9pm Church of God
May 2
9am-1pm Spring Fair