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| December | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MITTEN GIVING TREE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A huge "THANK YOU!" to all who were able to participate in this year's St. John's Mitten Giving Tree program. Five children from five different families through Adopt a Family of Woonsocket are going to get clothes, shoes, toys, games and stocking stuffers this Christmas. You all did an awesome job shopping, beautifully wrapping and delivering the gifts within one week! We even had enough items left from the Holiday Bazaar to put together small gift baskets for the parents and stocking stuffers for the kids (way to go, Cindy Mulvey). Also - thanks to Cindy Grenier for helping to collect and organize gifts at her home this week. And, deepest gratitude to Lisa Coleman for organizing this event; she personally made sure that all gifts were tagged, bagged and delivered properly and on time to Adopt a Family. Merry Christmas to all! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HOME AND HEARTH HOLIDAY FAIR UPDATE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If you were not there to join in the fun and surprises last Saturday, please ask those who attended if it was the kind of time St. John's is known for. We had visitors from Pascoag, Tiverton and beyond. The fudge, thanks to the Deptulas and the Colemans, was delicious, the pizza was terrific, and the vendors all had unusual and high-quality goods at nice prices. Debbie's jewelry sparkled. The Swarovski ornaments and figurines were spectacular on the Penny Social table, Paul. The Sunday School stuffed pet Adoption Center was so cute. It was so nice to see Ruth and Betty working together again. Don, we're still looking for your elf ears! And Mike, what a jolly elf you turned into! George's "Pot o’ Gold" table worked well. Phil, there's another career waiting for you as a raffle hawker. The Honey Farm booth was amazing. The caroling of Marilyn Ross, Lori Maciel, Michael Paz and Paul Nelson (an international award winning composer!) was pure enchantment. Our "surprise Santa" was a hoot indeed. The camaraderie, teamwork and excitement were precious to behold and made this event possible. We also had a major miracle that day. To get an idea on the level of community-wide participation that we benefited from, take a Booster Booklet home today, and show them to friends and family during these holidays. In order to get more corporate support for next year's Sesquicentennial activities, the businesses that generously helped us this month need to see you as frequently as possible. Small business supporters of St. John’s like Carelo's Pizza up the street from the Post 14 building grease the wheels for events like this.. Please stop in and have a bite, and tell them who you are. They deliver and have Gift Certificates. Holiday Fair "Lost and Found": Tablecloth missing: a large holly design on a 102” length, needed for Marilyn’s holiday table. Have you seen it? Please let us know. Parishioner prize winners, please come to the Community Room at the Parish Center after today’s service — the coffee will be on as well. Your sign-ups for future Coffee Hours would be appreciated. Cindy M. also has an Avon purchase that got left behind. We are also looking forward to signups for 2007 scheduled events on the Sesquicentennial calendar. If you don't have yours already, please see Barry Doherty today. As you wade through the crowds at the malls, don’t forget that our own homespun Sesquicentennial Cookbook makes a thoughtful, practical gift, for kids and adults as well (see the "Kids Can Cook" section). Get yours at Coffee Hour after the 10 a.m. services. Thank you to everyone! Peaceful Holidays One and All. Cindy Mulvey |
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| 2006 BALANCED BUDGET DRIVE UPDATE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total as of December 1: $19,965.00. Through your generous donations, large and small, we have not only reached but exceeded our goal. To everyone who contributed to this incredible achievement, thank you so very much! But we’re not stopping here. This isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of an opportunity to seriously improve our fiscal condition and, in combination with the upcoming Stewardship Campaign and other initiatives, to enter the new year with the ability to make further progress toward our vision and to sustain the growth we have witnessed during 2006. If you have not yet submitted your Gift Form, please invest a few moments to complete it and add your donation to the others. If you need a Gift Form, contact Paul Bousquet or Melissa Masquelette, or pick one up in church. Thank you. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SAINT JOHN’S GIVING TREE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| It's that time of the year when we get to brighten another families' Christmas celebration! This year our Giving Tree will benefit "Adopt a Family" of Woonsocket, RI. This organization finds donors to adopt a family (or families) that do not qualify for state services or receive items from other organizations. All gifts are for the children of the families and each child will receive 3 items of clothing and 3 toys/games. Please take a paper mitten or two from the Giving Tree and return the wrapped gift(s) with the mitten attached next Sunday, December 10. If you can not return the gift by December 10, please contact Lisa Coleman (401.568.5149) to arrange for your gift to get delivered by December 15 (deadline). Thank you for making this outreach to local families possible. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| YOUTH MINISTRY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| With many thanks to the generosity of St. John’s Episcopal Church parishioners for donating their spare change to the “Pennies from Heaven” Youth Group Fundraiser; our youth will be attending a performance of “Disney’s High School Musical” at LaSalle Academy High School on Saturday, December 2nd at 7:30 pm. Your support is greatly appreciated, God Bless and Thank you so much St. John’s Youth and Cindy Grenier, Youth Group Director. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WORSHIP SCHEDULE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning November 5, 2006 the Sunday worship schedule at Saint John’s will be 8 a.m. (Rite I) and 10 a.m. (Rite II). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NEW PRESIDING BISHOP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori officially becomes the 26th Presiding Bishop and Pastor of the Episcopal Church on November 1, and her formal Investiture will occur Saturday, November 4, in the Washington National Cathedral. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SESQUICENTENNIAL THEME | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 The official theme for the Saint John’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2007 will be “Love Grows Here.” The winning theme was decided by St. John’s parishioners through a voting process which took place from September 17 – October 8, during which parishioners voted between two “candidate” themes: “Love Grows Here” and “Rekindle the Light.” Parishioners were able to vote by written ballot or from a special voting link on the Saint John’s website. Sixty-six votes were cast: 55 by written ballot in church and 11 from the website. “Rekindle the Light” received 32 votes, and “Love Grows Here” (the winning theme) received 34 votes … a 2 vote difference!! Father Jeff made the official announcement of the winning theme at the Sunday Eucharist on October 15. Sincerest thanks to Lisa Dawson, Sesquicentennial Steering Committee member and Theme Project Coordinator, for planning, organizing and carrying out this important project, the results of which will remain visible in a variety of ways prior to, during, and beyond our Sesquicentennial. Well done, Lisa! And thank you to everyone who voted. |
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| October | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The 216th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island will convene October 27-28, 2006 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. Representing St. John’s at the convention will be our delegates, Mike Robertson and Don Carlin. Let us offer our prayers and good wishes to Mike and Don for a successful and productive convention. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WOMEN’S RETREAT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over a dozen women from Saint John’s will travel to New Hampshire for a Women’s Retreat next weekend, October 27-29. Let us offer our prayers to them for a safe and successful retreat. (Since all of the women in the choir will be attending the retreat, you will be treated to an all-male choir at the Eucharist on October 29!) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EASTER VIDEO | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Special Easter Service, a video by Steve Buttrick which includes the entire April 16 Easter service and a beautiful and inspirational slide show, can be purchased after the worship service in the Parish Center Conference Room. The videos are available for a donation of $10.00 each, in both VHS and DVD format. One-half of the proceeds will be applied to the Saint John’s General Operating Fund, and the other half will be applied to the operating budget in support of the Saint John’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SESQUICENTENNIAL THEME | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Saint John’s will celebrate its 150th Anniversary – our Sesquicentennial – in 2007. Our celebration needs a theme, and we’d like you, the parishioners of St. John’s, to choose it. The Sesquicentennial Steering Committee has identified two possible themes. You now have the opportunity to vote for your favorite through October 8 using the ballot that is available in church, or vote from the website at http://www.stjohnsofcumberland.org/contact/Vote.html. The theme that gets the most votes becomes the official theme of the Sesquicentennial. The winning theme will be announced on Sunday, October 15. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FATHER JEFF’S WECOME HOME AGAIN CELEBRATION | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Save this date … Sunday, November 12, 2006 … for Father Jeff’s Welcome Home Again Celebration at the Twelve Acres Banquet House of Smithfield, RI at 2 p.m. We’re also planning to have a DJ! The menu will consist of: For adults: soup; choice of stuffed single breast of chicken or 8-ounce broiled scrod; oven roasted potatoes; vegetable; coffee or tea; ice cream. For the children: choice of spaghetti and meatballs or a smaller broiled chicken plate; ice cream and cupcakes! Invitations requiring an RSVP will be mailed out to you during the first week of October. Tickets for this event are $20.00 for adults (this price includes a gift for Father Jeff) and $12.00 for children under 10 years of age. Please plan to join us for this celebration! It will be a great time, and a great kickoff to the happy holiday season. Stay tuned for more details. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| September 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 The 2006/2007 Sunday School Year begins September 17! Classes will meet in the Parish Center each Sunday at 10 a.m. (except the first Sunday of each month, Family Sunday). If you need a registration form for your child(ren), please see Sunday School Coordinator Lisa Coleman. To help celebrate the start of Sunday School, the Saint John’s Youth Ministry – Youth Group will be sponsoring a “Scoops” ice cream social in the Parish Center following this morning’s worship service, plus other food and beverages. Please join us! |
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| FALL CLEANUP AND BBQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Next Saturday, September 23 starting at 10 a.m. This will be a major cleanup of the interior and exterior of the church and some work at the Parish Center. We need as many volunteers as possible. A BBQ will follow. To volunteer, there’s a signup sheet on the Greeter Table in church. We would also like to ask everyone to bring a potluck donation (salads, dessert, beverages, etc.) and to please indicate on the signup sheet what you will bring. This will be an awesome fellowship event as we experience and share the joy of preparing for Father Jeff’s return. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPISCOPAL CHARITIES UPDATE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thank you for last weeks' pledges. We currently have $4406 of our goal of $5900 or 74.7%. We have 35 of a goal of 60 pledges or 58.3%. Phone calls will continue this week, and it would greatly help if you could contact Ben Dawson whether you do or don't plan to pledge. This will alleviate the need for any unnecessary calls. By getting an answer from all parishioners St. John's knows that has given 100% of its potential to this very worthy cause. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2006 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If you have already returned your pledge card, thank you. If not, please do so by dropping it in the Pledge Box in church or by mailing it in using the pre-addressed envelope in your pledge packet. Results to date:
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| PHASE II RENOVATIONS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The refinishing of the floors in the Parish Hall began and ended on schedule on August 14, and the Day Care Center re-opened for business as planned on August 15. The floors look wonderful. Stop over and have a look. Many thanks to Junior Warden Mike Robertson for overseeing this project. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| August 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PHASE II RENOVATIONS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In accordance with the Saint John’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), we have moved into Phase II of this initiative. Phase I, as you will recall, consisted of renovations and upgrades to the interior and exterior of the church. Phase II will focus on renovations and upgrades to the Parish Center and grounds. The first major project will take place from August 10-14 when the wood floors in the Parish Hall, currently leased by the Highlands Day Care Center, will be stripped and refinished. The Day Care Center will be closed for business during this period. In addition, our Conference Room will not be available during this time as it will be used as a temporary storage area for the furniture, etc. which must be removed from the leased area to allow the contractor to work on the floor. By prior agreement with the Day Care Center management, the cost for this work will shared by St. John’s and the Day Care Center; each will pay half of the $2,600 contract. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ST. JOHN’S FELLOWSHIP OUTING | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| It’s time for another St. John’s fellowship event! This time, we’ll travel to the Roger Williams Park Zoo and the Dinosaurs: Hollywood Style exhibit. The date is Saturday, August 12, 2006. Ticket prices: Adults (age 13 thru 61): $17.00; children (age 3-12): $8.00; Seniors (age 62 or above): $13.00; children under 3: Free. The ticket prices include admission to the Zoo AND to the Dinosaurs: Hollywood Style exhibit, as well as a $3 donation to be applied to the St. John’s general operating fund. To reserve your tickets, please fill out the signup form in church, or call Paul Bousquet (401-658-4591) or Marge Carrier (401-724-5925). To get the group rate on which the above ticket prices are based, we need at least ten participants. The deadline to sign up is Monday, July 31, 2006. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PARISH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (A message from the Senior Warden) As previously announced, both in church and in my letter and Father Jeff’s which were recently sent to all St. John’s parishioners, there will be a Special Meeting of the Parish on Sunday, July 23, 2006 in church immediately following the worship service. The subject of the meeting is our Yoking Agreement with Saint Martin's and related issues. I cannot overemphasize the importance of this meeting, and the compelling need for each and every member of Saint John’s to be there. At the meeting, you will be presented with the up-to-date facts associated with this matter, and with the results of the work of your Vestry during the past three months relative to this matter. There will be the opportunity for discussion and questions, to be followed by a vote regarding the future course for our church, to include the sustainment of Father Jeff as our Rector. I urge each and every one of you to decide now to set this time aside to come together as a family and as brothers and sisters in Christ. The church has always been there for us, as it has been for so many others across its 150-year history which we find ourselves preparing to celebrate next year. And Father Jeff, no matter the time, no matter the reason, no matter where in the world he happened to be … he has always been there for us. Now the church and Father Jeff need you. Please be there. Thank you. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL DINNER!! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Through the torrential rain they came, arriving soaking wet, but leaving with full tummies and smiles and good memories. Some seventy-five guests attended the St. John’s Strawberry Festival Dinner held at St. Martin’s Townsend Hall on June 24, braving the foul weather to be with friends and to dine together on over a half-dozen different types of lasagna, salad, and rolls, followed by dessert consisting of fresh strawberries, homemade shortcake, and real whipped cream. Toward the end of the evening, over two dozen prizes were raffled off from the Penny Social. Net proceeds from the dinner totaled $425.00 and will be used to support St. John’s general operating expenses. Thank you to everyone who supported this event! Photographs of the event will be available shortly. |
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| STATE FIRE CODE BILL S2868 UPDATE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A message from Senior Warden Paul Bousquet. Great news -- our Senators have recognized the need to create a separate category in the State Fire Code for "Places of Worship". The efforts of church people all over the State of Rhode Island have brought about the unanimous passage of Senate Bill S2868 on Tuesday, May 23rd. Now we move to the House of Representatives for their action on the bill. Please keep the pressure on the House leaders. We do not want this bill to get lost as the Legislature moves closer to adjournment.
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| NEW PRESIDING BISHOP ELECTED | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At its triennial General Convention in Columbus, Ohio, the Episcopal Church, 30 years after it allowed women to become priests and bishops, elected a woman as its Presiding Bishop, to succeed Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold. Katharine Jefferts Schori, 52, bishop of Nevada, was elected from a slate of seven nominees on June 18 as the 26th Presiding Bishop. She is the first woman to hold the top post in the church's nearly 400-year history. Her nine-year term officially begins November 1; she will be invested and seated November 4 during a liturgy at Washington National Cathedral. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WOMEN’S RETREAT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We are offering a women's retreat which will be held on Friday, October 27th to Sunday, October 29th in Campton, New Hampshire near Waterville Valley. Join us for some fellowship, fun, worship, recreation and relaxation. There is a sign up sheet available in the back of the church. Contact Sharon Buttrick (508) 699-7243 or Melissa Masquelette (401) 826-8936 for more details. Space is limited due to the size of the homes being rented. Come join us! The deadline to sign up is July 2, 2006. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| June 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "GROW IN UNDERSTANDING" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Every three years, the national Episcopal Church gathers at General Convention. The 2006 General Convention will convene in Columbus, Ohio June 13-21 and each diocese in the United States will be represented by appointed or elected deputies. At General Convention, the basic regulations and decisions that govern the church are made. For voting, the General Convention consists of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. Grow in Understanding is a series of handouts now available in church thru June 18. The series, made available through the Episcopal News Service, is an informative tool which provides information about the Episcopal Church and the General Convention, including how the Convention makes its decisions. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PARISHES PICNIC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thanks to everyone who helped with and supported the picnic last Sunday at Lincoln Woods. We needed light jackets, but we still managed to have a great time. Thank you for the many food donations for the community table. And special thanks to Cindy Mulvey, Mike Robertson, George and Margie Carrier, and Cheryl Robertson for spearheading this event, handling all the logistics, and for grilling up the burgers and dogs (the warmest spot at the site!) Pictures coming soon! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CHOIR REHEARSAL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A note from Marilyn Ross, Choir Director. The St. John’s Choir has had its last official regular rehearsal. For the rest of the summer, we invite you to join us in our "pick-up" choir. On Sunday mornings, we will meet at 10:00 a.m. and choose music based on who we have to sing it. We invite anyone who feels moved by the Spirit to join us. Make it a family affair if you think your children might enjoy it. If you do join us, you even get to help select the music (your favorites, of course). So if you like to sing (you don't have to be good at it, just like it), then join us when you can. Thanks. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| STATE FIRE CODE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A message from
Senior Warden Paul Bousquet.
We have received some very encouraging news on Senate Bill S2686 from the
Rhode Island State Council of Churches which I want to share with you. Our
efforts are beginning to show results with the legislature. During this
past week, much progress was made to get changes to the fire code that recognize
the unique character of places of worship. The only reason for this action
has been the overwhelming response from churches and church members that
have contacted the Governor, legislative leaders, and their own legislators. On May 16th two very significant events took place:
Senate Majority Leader Teresa Piava-Weed has given very strong assurance that the Senate will act on this matter on Tuesday. The next step will be to get favorable action in the House of Representatives when the Senate sends the bill to them. The Governor has given assurances that he will sign the legislation when it gets to his desk. The Council of Churches will keep you informed of the bill's progress and will ask for additional support if it is needed. The outpouring of support from churches and individuals has made the difference. Your efforts have definitely put his matter on the "front burner" of all the public officials who are involved in fire safety. We must continue to do all that is necessary and reasonable to make our buildings safe places for everyone who uses them. |
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| May 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OUTREACH EVENT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Following the Holiday Bazaar at St. Martin's in 2004, a lot of "stuff" from their tables and ours was left over and has been stored at St. Martin's ever since. Well, the storage room is now bursting at the seams and everything must go. To that end, St. Martin's will host a Yard Sale on Saturday, May 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and they have invited St. John's to also take part. The plan is to sell off the leftover "stuff" from the storage area; what isn't sold will be discarded. Nothing will go back into storage. This is an outreach event, and the proceeds will be used to purchase phone cards for the troops in Iraq. If you would like to take part in this event as a "vendor" please contact Emelia Prescott, the event chairperson, at 722-6197. If you have any "stuff" that's been stored at St. Martin's since the Bazaar and you want to retrieve it rather than seeing it sold or discarded, please contact Ruth Drolet at the St. Martin's Church Office (401-723-0050), Tuesdays thru Fridays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to make arrangements to pick up your "stuff" no later than May 18. Again, everything must go. Anything left over after the Yard Sale will be discarded. In the spirit of shared ministry, let's support this event and our troops. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BREAST CANCER 3-DAY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thousands of women and men will unite this year in cities across the country and walk 60 miles over the course of three days. It's a weekend of hope, as to honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, promote breast cancer research, and help bring breast cancer care to those who so desperately need it. The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, will participate in that walk. If you would like to support Bishop Wolf and make a donation to breast cancer research, donation forms are available in the narthex. Net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to fund breast cancer research and community outreach, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OUTREACH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| An outreach ministry opportunity exists for any interested Saint John's parishioners at our sister parish, Saint Martin's Pawtucket, which operates a busy Food Pantry from their church. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to participate within the spirit of shared ministry which is the foundation of the 2004 Yoking Agreement and to help our brothers and sisters in need. The Food Pantry is open September thru June on the last two Wednesdays of the month from 9-11 a.m. at Saint Martin's Church. If you are interested in participating in this ministry or want more information, please contact Nancy Leggatt at Saint Martin's at (508) 336-8642 or e-mail Nancy at dblngl@aol.com. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SERVICES SCHEDULE |
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| FATHER JEFF'S MILITARY MINISTRY PRESENTATION | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over sixty St. John's and St. Martin's parishioners and guests attended Father Jeff's presentation about his military ministry in Iraq which was held in St. John's Church on April 17. Supported by a large number of slides and Father Jeff's eyewitness testimonials about his ministry in Iraq and the environment in which he is conducting it, the presentation was moving, enlightening, and emotional, and included a moving tribute to a 20-year old female soldier who was recently killed in action. Also present that evening were three members of the Christ Church (Lonsdale) Episcopal Church Outreach Committee, who were recognized and thanked by Father Jeff and those in attendance for their recent shipment of eight boxes of "goodies" to Father Jeff for distribution to the troops. Following Father Jeff's presentation, St. John's parishioner Dick Beaupre provided a most interesting and educational history of Islam. This was followed by the presentation of two Elvis shirts, handmade by St. John's parishioner Mabel Wagner, for Father Jeff and his wife, Eileen. The evening ended with fellowship and coffee. Father Jeff's presentation provided a unique opportunity to experience a different perspective of events, personal stories, and Father Jeff's incredible ministry to the brave men and women serving there, and should contribute significantly to fostering and facilitating a greater awareness and understanding of what he is doing, and why. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HOLY WEEK | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Holy Week was a particularly special time for Saint John's and our sister parish, Saint Martin's (Pawtucket) in April. Serving since October 2005 in Iraq as a military chaplain with the Rhode Island Army National Guard, Father Jeff returned home on leave during Holy Week and celebrated the Great Vigil service at Saint Martin's and the Easter service at Saint John's. The combined choirs of Saint John's and Saint Martin's, a total of fourteen voices under the direction of Choir Director Marilyn Ross, and accompanied by Saint John's organist Jack Cook, sang at both services. Father Richard and Rev. Mary Hitt, Deacon, concelebrated both services with Father Jeff, and Father Richard also celebrated the 9 a.m. Easter service at Saint Martin's. At the Great Vigil service, Father Jeff presented an American flag which was flown over his duty station in Baghdad to Carol Marsland, Saint Martin's Senior Warden, and a second flag to Saint John's Senior Warden, Paul Bousquet at the Easter service. The flags will be flown on the flagpoles of the two churches. Father Jeff will return to Iraq at the end of April to complete his tour of duty, and is expected to return home in the fall. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FR. JEFF IN THE NEWS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Ellsworth American newspaper in Maine recently (Nov. 24) ran a feature story about the efforts of U.S. Army Capt. Ferdinand Slater and Fr. Jeff to reach out to the Iraqui children. Click here for details. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PROVINCE I CONFERENCE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) is divided into nine provinces. The Episcopal churches throughout the six New England States constitute Province I. For the last six years, the Annual Province I Conference has had two goals: to provide a first-class transformative experience, and to offer the finest resources of the church in Stewardship, Evangelism, and Congregational Development. This year's Conference will be held at the Wyndham Hotel in Westborough, Massachusetts from March 31 - April 2. We are pleased to announce that three members of Saint John's will be attending the Conference: Cindy Mulvey, Don Carlin, and Deacon Mary Hitt.The Conference theme is: Seeing Jesus and Living the New Covenant: Another Way of Life. Let us join together to wish our delegates a successful conference experience. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPISCOPAL CHARITIES SPEAKER | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last year we had a tremendous outpouring of generous donations. Please plan to attend next Sunday (3/19) so you can learn from just one of the many recipients of the Episcopal Charities funds. This year we will hear from the Rhode Island Free Clinic, Providence. It offers high-quality medical care and preventive health services to adults who do not have or cannot afford health insurance. The clinic is staffed by volunteers who serve as educational roles for trainees in health care fields, providing services under the supervision of clinicians from leading academic institutions in the state. All physicians, nurse practitioners, translators, nutritionists, nurses, certified diabetic educators, pharmacists and other clinical/administrative assistants are volunteers. Patients live at or near the poverty line, are from all backgrounds and geographic areas and represent a wide array of ethnicities. Most are working - they are the "working poor". Please contact Ben Dawson with any questions about the Episcopal Charities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper sponsored by Saint John's and Saint Martin's took place at Saint Martin's Glory Hall on February 28. Almost fifty parishioners from the two churches gathered together for some good fellowship and to enjoy the wonderful pancakes and sausage. Total proceeds: $330. Sincerest thanks to everyone who organized and supported this successful event. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 1 -- St. John's at 12:00 p.m. and St. Martin's at 7 p.m. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SPIRIT OF ST. JOHN'S AWARD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Spirit of Saint John's Award was established in 1999 to recognize those individuals whose outstanding contributions to the church mission merit the special respect and recognition of the community. Since its establishment, the award has been presented to 39 individuals and three groups. Nominations for this award for 2005 will be accepted from January 22 thru February 19. Nomination Forms are available on the table in the rear of the nave to submit the name of your nominee, to include the reason(s) why you believe he/she should receive the award. If you wish to nominate more than one person, please use a separate form for each nominee. A drop box is also available for your completed forms. Father Richard and Senior Warden Arthur Alarie will review all nominations and select the qualifying recipients. The awards will be presented by Father Jeff at the Easter service on April 16. For more information, please contact Paul Bousquet at 401-658-4591 or e-mail pbousquet@cox.net. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ST. JOHN'S BYLAWS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The time has come to undertake a comprehensive review of the St. John's Bylaws. The Bylaws serve as the rules of operation for our church. In effect, they are a road map of our organizational structure and our decision-making processes. They expand on the Articles of Incorporation and typically perform two important functions: (1) Establishing the structure of the organization. Bylaws specify the membership and participation in the congregation, and define the method of selection and the duties of officers and other Vestry members and church leaders. (2) Determining the rights of participants. Bylaws specify the operating rules to assure the rights of church members to proper notice and procedures. A periodic review of the bylaws assures that they reflect changes in governing laws of the church and of the State, as well as the wishes of the people of the congregation regarding its operation. Congregations often have a life span that spreads over hundreds of years. During that time people come and go. Unless there is an accurate and agreed upon set of rules, set out in writing and readily available to members of the congregation, the system of governance runs the risk of becoming personal to those serving in official capacities and disappears when the experienced members of the congregation leave. Without a set of rules established in advance, it can be difficult to establish rules for resolving issues once differences have arisen. Bylaws also serve as an educational tool to inform members of the congregation about church governance and prepare members to serve as officers in the church. To this end, Paul Bousquet is organizing a Constitution and Bylaws Review Committee. The work of this committee is expected to last through October 2006 with the goal of publishing the proposed amendments by the end of October and submission to the St. John's membership for voting and adoption at the Annual meeting in January 2007. If you are interested in serving on the Bylaws Review Committee, or want more information, please contact Paul Bousquet at 401-658-4591 or e-mail pbousquet@cox.net. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| VESTRY ELECTION RESULTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At the Annual Parish Meeting which was held on January 29, 2006, the following members of Saint John's were elected to the Vestry: Arthur Alarie (Senior Warden), Melissa Masquelette (Treasurer), Debbie Beanland (Secretary), and George Carrier and Cindy Mulvey (Vestrypersons). Congratulations and good luck! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 136th Annual Meeting
of Saint John's Episcopal Church and Vestry Election Sunday, January 29, 2006 |
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| ANNUAL PARISH MEETING | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The 136th Annual Parish Meeting of Saint John's Episcopal Church will convene next Sunday, January 29, 2006 following the 11 a.m. service in church. All parishioners are invited and encouraged to attend this important and informative meeting. The agenda includes: reports by clergy and lay leaders on church operations and activities during 2005; Vestry election (see related item below); and presentation of and vote on the Proposed 2006 Budget. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. Child care will be provided for the Annual Meeting. The Sunday School will have a light lunch and snacks available for children after church so that parents may attend the Annual Meeting. We will also be working on Valentines for Veterans and have some free play time, too. If you will have children attending we ask that you RSVP to Wendi Bosland at 508.695.4835 or bosland5@naisp.net) by Friday, January 27th. Thank You. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| VESTRY ELECTION SLATE OF CANDIDATES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Below is the final and official Slate of Candidates who will stand for election at the Annual Meeting next Sunday. All candidates meet the required qualifications to serve on the Saint John's Vestry, and all candidates have expressed a willingness to serve. The candidates will be formally introduced to you this morning during the Announcements.
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"THINK TANK" MEETING |
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Sunday, January 22, in church immediately following the 11 a.m. service. Please plan to attend and be sure to bring along your ideas about church growth and parish development and to continue the forward momentum at St. John's along the path to our vision. |
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| MONTHLY PRAYER SERVICE FOR THE MILITARY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For families and friends of military personnel, led by Chaplain Elizio Nogueras of the Rhode Island Army National Guard, at Saint Martin’s Episcopal Church the second Wednesday of every month from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. For more information or prayer requests, please call the St. Martin’s Parish Office at (401) 723-0050 Tuesday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
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