FOOD DRIVE

In a true outreach gesture, Deacon Mary Hitt has organized a Food Drive to be carried out by St. John's to help our hungry neighbors. All donations received will be distributed to the needy of our community and the State through the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The Food Drive will run from thru August 29. According to Deacon Mary, what we are looking for in the way of donations are canned and non-perishable goods such as meats, tuna, peanut butter, stews, soups, beans, rice, vegetables, fruit, pasta, sauce, etc. If you desire to make a monetary donation, these will also be gratefully accepted (checks should be made payable to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank; cash donations should be placed in an envelope marked "Food Drive"). Cash and check donations may be placed in the alms basin; other donations may be placed in a donation box in the narthex. If you have any questions, please call Deacon Mary at (401) 331-7936. And thank you for your support!

At a very special Awards Ceremony at Saint John’s on August 1, immediately following the 11 a.m. Eucharist, our Rector, Rev. Jeffrey Jencks, was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal by LTC (P) James Keighley, Commander, 118th Military Police Battalion (Father Jeff’s Commanding Officer). Father Jeff was approved for this medal as the result of his actions while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq from March 2003 to March 2004. The Rhode Island National Guard also recognized the parishes of Saint John's and Saint Martin's (Pawtucket) for their support of a Rhode Island Guardsman and his family when they lost their son in a tragic accident. Parishioners Arthur and Ann Marie Alarie were presented with the Above and Beyond Award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for their efforts during the 2003 Operation Freedom: Support our Rhode Island Troops in Iraq Project. And Saint John's Senior Warden Paul Bousquet received the Seven Seals Award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve "for meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who serve America in the National Guard and Reserve."

CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING

Father Jeff is scheduled to celebrate the Easter Sunday service, his first service at St. John’s following his return from Iraq. Father Jeff will co-celebrate the service with Father Laremore.

All services will take place at St. John’s unless otherwise indicated above.

If you would like to write to Father Jeff in Iraq, here's how.

Regular mail:

Chaplain MAJ Jeffrey Jencks
118th MP BN
BIAP-IRAQ
APO AE 09335

You can also e-mail Father Jeff at:

jeffrey.jencks@us.army.mil

Please do not attach any photos, files, etc. to any e-mail you send to him. E-mail attachments of any kind are prohibited.

Episcopal Charities is “A Mission for People Caring for People. A Tradition of People Helping People.” It is through contributions of time and money that programs supported by the charities receive the important support to allow them to do their wonderful work. All administrative costs are paid for by the Diocese, and 100% of your pledge money goes to these programs. Chris Jackson, Vestry member and Outreach Committee Chair, will launch the 2004 Episcopal Charities campaign on Sunday, March 14, Episcopal Charities Sunday. The guest speaker will be Mr. Ben Lessing, the Director of the Family Resource Community Action Center in Woonsocket. Following the service, Chris will be available to assist you with your pledge and answer any questions you may have.

WRITING TO FATHER JEFF

If you would like to write to Father Jeff in Iraq, here's how.

Regular mail:

Chaplain MAJ Jeffrey Jencks
118th MP BN
BIAP-IRAQ
APO AE 09335

You can also e-mail Father Jeff at:

jeffrey.jencks@us.army.mil

Please do not attach any photos, files, etc. to any e-mail you send to him. E-mail attachments of any kind are prohibited.

St. John’s Church and St. Martin’s Church are co-sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper fundraiser to be held at St. Martin’s Church, 1080 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, in Townsend Hall, on Saturday, March 13, at 6 p.m. Townsend Hall will host many events for both St. John’s and St. Martin’s in the future. The hall requires painting, ceiling tiles, a new floor and sound proofing. The kitchen requires ceiling tiles, cabinets, counter tops, kitchen equipment and various kitchen utensils. The net proceeds from the supper will be donated to the Townsend Hall Improvement Fund. The menu consists of corned beef, cabbage, potato, carrots, turnip, onion rolls & butter, coffee, milk, punch & dessert (second servings on food if available). Music will be provided by Harmony Heritage Barbershop Chorus (approximately 20 women vocalists). Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under; children under 6 eat free. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event to allow the committee to purchase an appropriate amount of food. Please contact Ann Marie Alarie for your tickets. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

The Saint John's Twenty-Five Week Club Dinner-Dance will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2004, at Crickets Restaurant, George Washington Highway in Smithfield, RI. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a wine, cheese and cracker reception. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., followed by a free raffle. The listen and dance to the live tunes of “Rumors” beginning at 8 p.m., featuring 40’s, 50’s and beyond oldies. The restaurant is offering a choice of three main courses: prime rib of beef (16 oz.), five baked stuffed shrimp, or boneless stuffed breast of chicken supreme. Current members need to contact Cindy Mulvey with their meal choice no later than January 15. Prizes for the free raffle include six gourmet goodie baskets, Swarovski Limited Edition crystal, Swarovski jewelry, and a single-use camera and developing package. The Grand Prize is a basket of goodies which include private label wine, private chocolates and a $500 Gift Certificate toward closing costs for any mortgage in 2004, donated by Bankers Mortgage. According to Cindy, if you haven’t joined yet but want to, just let her know by January 15. Also, all membership donations are due to Cindy no later than January 15. If you would like to join the Twenty-Five Week Club, if you have questions, or want more information, please contact Cindy Mulvey at (401) 334-2004 or e-mail nancymb24@cox.net. Also, if any Club members would like to try obtain donations for the raffle, please let Cindy know.