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| December 2003 | |||||||||
| FIRST COMMUNION REGISTRATION | |||||||||
| Registration for First Communion classes closed on December 1 Classes will begin on Sunday, January 4. For more information, please call Nancy at (401) 658-4591 or e-mail Nancy. |  |
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ST. JOHN’S CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE |
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| Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) at 5:30 p.m.: Eucharist Service and Children’s Christmas Pageant Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day) at 9 a.m.: Eucharist Service | |
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| GIVING TREE | |||||||||
| The Saint John’s Annual Giving Tree Project, chaired by Wendi Bosland, began on November 30. This year, the donations received will be used to provide a happier holiday season for two local families in need, as well as needy individuals who receive support from the Cumberland Happy Basket Program. To participate in the Giving Tree Project, simply select one or more ornaments from the Christmas tree at the front of the church. Each ornament has the name of a gift that has been requested by the recipients. After purchasing the gift, we ask that you wrap it, attach the ornament to the wrapped package, and place it under the tree. Donations of nonperishable food (no need to wrap these) will also be accepted. Donations for the Giving Tree Project will be accepted thru Sunday, December 14. If you have any questions, please contact Wendi at (508) 695-4835. | |
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| CRAFT NIGHT | |||||||||
| There will be a Craft Night in Townsend Hall at St. Martin’s for the youth of both parishes on Thursday, December 18, from 6 – 8 p.m. Hot cocoa and snacks will be provided. If you are interested in attending, please contact Cindy Grenier at (401) 334-1983 or e-mail clgrenier@cox.net. | |
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| EPISCOPAL CHARITIES AWARD | |||||||||
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On November 18, Chris Jackson, Vestry Outreach Chair and the St. John’s Episcopal Charities Chair, Senior Warden Paul Bousquet, and Deacon Mary Hitt attended the Episcopal Charities Annual Meeting and Celebration held at the West Valley Inn, Warwick. At that event, Chris, on behalf of Saint John’s, accepted an award from Episcopal Charities recognizing Saint John’s for not only meeting but exceeding our goal during the 2003 campaign. We should be exceedingly proud of this award, reflecting, as it does, not only Chris’ work and leadership, but the generosity of all parishioners who supported this important ministry through the generosity of their giving so. Thank you for your support. You should also be aware that at this function, it was announced that the Diocesan Episcopal Charities Program was selected by the state as the Outstanding Philanthropic Service Organization in Rhode Island, yet another award we can all be proud of. The award was presented on November 25, National Philanthropy Day, at a ceremony held in the Providence Performing Arts Center. According to Peggy Amatore, Director of Episcopal Charities for the Diocese, the award is “very stunning” and is made from slate and granite that is over 300 million years old; it can be seen at Diocesan House. |
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| November 2003 | |||||||||
| HOLIDAY BAZAAR | |||||||||
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On November 8, Saint John's and Saint Martin's
held their First Annual Holiday Bazaar at Saint Martin's Episcopal Church
in Pawtucket, RI. The Bazaar, which was open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
played host to hundreds of shoppers |
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| 2003 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN | |||||||||
| Every year at this time, the Stewardship
and Finance Committee begins developing a proposed budget for the upcoming
year for Vestry approval, which is then submitted for parishioner approval
at the Annual Meeting in January. During this budget process, the plans
and goals for the year are balanced against the expected income. Your pledge
is the most important building block of the budget - at Saint John's, pledges
account for about half of our budgeted operating income. To this end, the
2003 Annual Stewardship Campaign, under the capable leadership of Vestry
Member and Stewardship and Finance Committee Chair Ken Bosland, began on
November 2 and will end on December 7. Pledge packets which were not picked
up on November 2 and 9 were mailed on November 10. Please return your pledge
card no later than December 7 by deporiting it into the Pledge Box located
on the table in the back of the church, or by mailing it using the pre-addressed
envelope in your packet to: Saint John's Episcopal Church, Attn: Stewardship
Committee, PO Box 7155, Cumberland, RI 02864. Again, please return your
material no later than December 7. Thank you in advance for your pledge
and your support. |
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| ANNUAL BAZAAR | |||||||||
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Saint John's will hold its Annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 8, at Saint Martin's Episcopal Church, 1080 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI in Townsend Hall. The Bazaar will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with an open kitchen from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The bazaar will feature, among other things, handmade items, specialty baskets, a white elephant table, Christmas items, candles and accessories, trinkets and gifts, baked home goods, homemade jams and candy, buffalo sausage treats direct from Montana, photos with Santa, and much, much more -- something for everyone! So mark your calendar for November 8 and come join us! |
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| CHURCH DINNER | |||||||||
| And check this out ... On Friday, November 7, the night before the Bazaar, come join us for a delicious Ham and Bean Dinner at Saint Martin's, and give yourself a chance to preview the Bazaar items! The dinner will be held in Townsend Hall, the same location as the Bazaar. Dinner includes ham, beans, cole slaw, rolls, and beverages and will be served from 5 - 8 p.m with continuous seating. Tickets are $5.00 for adults, $4.50 for seniors (62 or older), and $3.50 for children 12 and under. You can purchase your dinner tickets in advance by contacting Paulette Robertson at (401) 333-5117 no later than Sunday, November 2. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. See you at dinner! | |
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| October 2003 | |||||||||
| FATHER JEFF HOME ON LEAVE | |||||||||
| Rev. Jeffrey Jencks, Rector of Saint John’s, who has been stationed in Baghdad, Iraq as a Rhode Island National Guard Chaplain since March of this year, returned home recently on leave. On October 5, he celebrated two Eucharist services, one here at Saint John’s, and his first service at Saint Martin’s, Pawtucket, with whom Saint John’s is exploring a yoking initiative. During these services, he delivered a pair of homilies that will long be remembered by both congregations. Father Jeff also had the opportunity to meet with many friends, both old and new, and was the guest of honor at a reception at Saint John’s in the morning, and a dinner later in the day at Saint Martin’s which was attended by over one hundred Saint John’s and Saint Martin’s parishioners and friends. The American flag which now flies in front of Saint John’s is a flag which Father Jeff flew over Camp Cavallaro in Baghdad, where he is stationed, and which was raised on October 5, in his presence, in a deeply moving ceremony by a contingent of soldiers from the Rhode Island National Guard which included Major General Reginald Centracchio, the Rhode Island Adjutant General. Prior to his departure to return overseas, Father Jeff was given the flag that had flown on our flagpole and he will raise that flag over his camp in Baghdad. Father Jeff returned to Baghdad on October 11 to complete the remainder of his assignment. Let us rejoice in the memories of his visit, reflect on how fortunate and blessed we are to have this man as our Pastor, recommit ourselves to each other, to our faith and to our mission, and join in prayer for Father Jeff’s safe return. (Click here to see photos taken while he was home.) | |
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| September 2003 | |||||||||
| VESTRY MEETING | |||||||||
| The next meeting of the Saint John's
Vestry will convene on Tuesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. in the Parish Center
Conference Room. |
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| YOUTH FIELD TRIP | |||||||||
| Talk about a great trip! On Saturday, September 27, a total of 43 youth and adults from St. John’s and St. Martin’s Episcopal Churches participated in a visit to the Southwick Zoo in Mendon, MA. Arriving right at opening time, we spent the morning touring the zoo, feeding and petting some of the animals, and leisurely strolling through the incredible Deer Forest among dozens of free-roaming fawns who seemed to be constantly hungry! After lunch, we visited more of the animals, then, of course, it was on to the Gift Shop. A truly wonderful day. Many thanks to Cindy Grenier, St. John’s Christian Education Director, Sarah Courtemanche, St. Martin’s Sunday School Director, and to everyone who organized, supported and participated in this memorable day for the children and adults alike! To see some photos of the trip, click here. | |
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| SPECIAL SUNDAY EVENTS | |||||||||
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For this Sunday (October 5) only, there will be no 8 o'clock service. Father Jeff will celebrate the 10 a.m. service at Saint John's, to be followed by a reception in the Parish Center Conference Room. Sunday afternoon on October 5, Father Jeff will also celebrate a Eucharist service at St. Martin's Church, 1080 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket at 4 p.m. This will be followed by a catered fellowship dinner for the parishioners of both parishes (there is no charge) in the Saint Martin's Townsend Hall. These events will give us the opportunity to be reunited with Father Jeff in worship and fellowship, and will also provide the first opportunity for Saint Martin's parishioners to meet and experience Father Jeff. |
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| LAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE | |||||||||
| The Consolidated Lay Ministry Schedule for the fourth quarter of 2003 (October thru December) for Readers, Greeters, Chalice Bearers, Acolytes and Counters will be published at the end of this month. If you currently serve in one or more of these ministries, please notify Paul Bousquet no later than September 21 if there are any dates between October 1 and December 31 when you will not be available to serve. | |
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| NINE-ELEVEN SERVICE | |||||||||
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On Thursday, September 11, Saint John’s will hosted a Nine-Eleven Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. to commemorate the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The Highlands Child Care Center, located in our Parish Center, has graciously donated childcare services during this service. Members of the St. Johns's Choir were joined by the choir of St. Martin's (Pawtucket). Highlights of the services can be see in this photo gallery. |
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| BISHOP’S VISIT | |||||||||
| The Right Reverend Geralyn Wolf, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, visited Saint John’s on Sunday, September 7, 2003. This is part of the Bishop’s Visitation Program whereby she visits each parish in the Diocese on a rotating basis. Bishop Wolf celebrated the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services on that day, and attended the Church School Welcome Back Luncheon immediately following the 10 a.m. service. Many parishioners also attended this luncheon. To see some pictures of this event, see this photo gallery. | |
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| REPORT ON THE GENERAL CONVENTION | |||||||||
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The Rhode Island Deputation to the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church (which convened in August) will present a Report on the Convention on Tuesday, September 16, 2003, 7:30 p.m., at Saint Martin’s Church, 50 Orchard Avenue, Providence. The Deputation will present an overview of convention actions and host open conversation about them. All are welcome to attend. |
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| CHURCH SCHOOL | |||||||||
| The 2003/2004 Christian Education season will begin on Sunday, September 7 at 9:45 a.m. at the St. John’s Parish Center. Parents are requested to stay after the 10:00 a.m. service on that day for a short meeting and to complete paperwork for the upcoming Church School year. This will be an important meeting and would be to your benefit to attend to obtain information about the 2003/2004 Class Schedule, class trips, parties, the Christmas Pageant, First Communion, Youth Group and Confirmation. Other topics will include Family Sunday (the First Sunday of each month), children’s participation in various ministries, Nursery, and other topics of interest. Also scheduled is the “Welcome Back” luncheon. We hope everyone can attend to enjoy fun and fellowship. | |
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| August 2003 | |||||||||
| CAR WASH/FLEA MARKET | |||||||||
| On a day overflowing with blue skies, sunshine and warm temperatures, volunteers from Saint John's conducted a successful Car Wash and Flea Market on August 23. Numerous tables offered bargains galore, lunch was served "hot off the grill," and customers could double their pleasure by getting their car washed by a crew that included adults and a number of our church youth. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this event possible, to everyone who came and supported it, and especially to Saint John's Fellowship Committee Chairperson Paulette Robertson who made it all come together. | |
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| SCRAP BOOK PROJECT | |||||||||
| Remember the Scrap Book that so many labored over with so much love (and patience? It's time to bring it back. The time has come to unveil the hidden pictures from the Scrap Book Gallery. The project was a birthday surprise for Fr. Jeff; the latest word is that he received it (and absolutely loves it!), so now everyone can share it. Lisa Dawson and the crew of volunteers can take great pride in their accomplishment, one that will always be remembered. | |
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| GREETERS | |||||||||
| Volunteers are needed to serve as Greeters at our 10 a.m. services. Greeters meet and welcome parishioners, guests and visitors as they arrive for services, hand out the Sunday Bulletin, answer questions, take attendance, assist with seating, collect and present the offering during the service, and perform other duties that help the service go smoothly. Greeters play an important role in creating the "first impression" that visitors have of Saint John's. All it requires is about half an hour of your time every 4-5 weeks. Training will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering for this important ministry, please contact Senior Warden Paul Bousquet at (401) 658-4591 or e-mail Paul. | |
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| FR. JEFF | |||||||||
| Congratulations and best wishes to Fr Jeff on his birthday. St John's - collectively and individually wish him God speed. | |
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| SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PARISH | |||||||||
| For the past several months, the Saint John’s Vestry and the Parish Development Committee have been conducting the preliminary work on an exciting initiative -- and vision -- which will involve and affect each and every one of us, as a community and as a church. This phase of the initiative is now complete, and it is time to present it to you, the members of Saint John’s. To that end, the Senior Warden has scheduled a Special Meeting of the Parish for Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the church. At this meeting, church leaders will present and describe the proposal to you, and will be available to answer any questions you might have. The nature of the proposal is such that the leadership considers it appropriate and important enough to call this Special Meeting. We want to know what you think. We need to know what you think. We want you to be a part of this. It’s that important. This proposal offers us a wonderful opportunity and has the potential to affect the very future and direction of Saint John’s as we continue to evolve and grow in our faith, our ministries, and as a community. The importance of attending and participating in the meeting on August 27 cannot be overstated. Please set aside some time to attend. | |
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| GENERAL CONVENTION | |||||||||
| The Episcopal Church ended its 74th General Convention on August 8 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the Convention, which is held every three years, all of the active bishops of the Episcopal Church, along with four clergy and four laypersons elected from each of the 110 dioceses of the Church, meet to consider the mission of the Church and to consider legislation concerning the Church and its works. This year, there are over 100 resolutions to be considered by the delegates. You can read about the results of the Convention online at The Official General Convention Website or The Episcopal News Service. | |
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| FOSTER CARE INFORMATIONAL NIGHT | |||||||||
| Unfortunately, there are hundreds of children in the state of Rhode Island that each day do not have the basic comforts of a home and/or loving adults to care for them. The Offices of Life and Family Ministry and Community Services of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, as part of the Rhode Island Foster Care Advocacy Coalition, are sponsoring an informational night for everyone interested in becoming part of a foster care program. The informational night will be held Tuesday, August 19 at St. Bernard's Parish Center, 415 Tower Hill, Wickford at 7 p.m. The Foster Care Advocacy Coalition was formed a year ago in response to the ever-present and ever-growing number of abused and neglected children in Rhode Island. In addition to the two Diocesan Offices, members of the Coalition include The Rhode Island State Council of Churches, the Federation of Rabbis, former state Senator Aram Garabedian, the Dept of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and Laureen D'Ambra, State Child Advocate. The informational night is open to any and all individuals as well as couples who would like to make a difference in the life of a child. In an initiative to assist DCYF in the recruitment, training and support of foster parents, the Diocese will also offer ongoing education, activities and supportive community services to uphold involved families. This unique process promises to be rewarding. All interested in seeking information about foster care or willing to explore the possibility of becoming involved are invited to attend. For more information, or if unable to attend this scheduled evening, please call Vicky Egan, Parent Education Coordinator at 401/421-7833 ext 116. | |
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MEMORY BOOK PROJECT MEETING |
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Due to popular demand, a date has been set to gather together again to finish creating the scrapbook for Father Jeff. Anyone who is still interested in creating a scrapbook page is invited to join us on Sunday, August 10, in the Parish Center Conference Room immediately following the 10 a.m. service. Please bring your photos or other special mementos you wish to share with Father Jeff. We also ask that you bring the following scrapbooking supplies: scissors, a type of adhesive (double-sided tape, tape runner, photo splits, glue sticks), some scrapbook paper or other embellishments, and an acid-free pen or marker. Come and join in the fun of creating a special gift for a special person. For those who have been working independently on the 12 x 12 pages and want to have them included in the scrapbook, please submit them to Lisa Dawson no later than August 10. If you have any questions or want more information, please contact Lisa at (401) 334-8320 or e-mail: lmhardman@aol.com. |
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| SCRAPBOOK PROJECT | |||||||||
| As a result of the response to the Saint John's Scrapbook Project, parishioner Lisa Dawson, the project chairperson, is now putting the finishing touches on all of the accumulated artistry and creativity. Many parishioners -- adult, youths and children – spent many happy hours designing their individual pages during two “formal” workshops and on their own. Sincerest thanks to Lisa for her devotion and guidance, and to everyone who contributed to this “labor of love.” | |
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July 2003 |
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PARISH PICNIC |
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The Saint John's Parish Picnic will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2003 at Diamond Hill State Park in Cumberland, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We ask that you bring your favorite picnic dish. Cindy Grenier, Ann Marie Alarie, and June Chere will be calling you to coordinate these donations. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to get together as a community for fun, food, and fellowship. So mark your calendar for July 19. See you there! (The rain date is Sunday, July 20 after the 10 a.m. service.) |
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who came to take advantage of some really great bargains. The Bazaar featured,
among other things, handmade items and crafts, specialty baskets, white
elephant tables, Christmas items, candles and accessories, trinkets and
gifts, Penny Social, baked home goods, homemade jams and candy, buffalo
sausage treats direct from Montana, photos with Santa, Bishops Blend Coffee,
several vendors including Pampered Chef and Avon, and much, much more
– something for everyone! Shoppers also had the opportunity to purchase
breakfast and lunch from our Snack Bar. And speaking of food, on the evening
before the Bazaar, the two churches held a ham and bean supper which served
approximately one hundred guests who also had the chance to preview the
Bazaar a day early! We thank everyone who planned, carried out, and supported
these two very successful events. Oh, and stay tuned for photos.