Dear Friends in Christ,
Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
And Happy St. George’s Day! Why does that matter to us? See “For All the Saints” below.
Here are this week's announcements, some parishioner news, For All the Saints', and the weekly meditation.
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Parishioner News
Baptisms this Sunday, April 26 at the 10 am service. Give thanks for our newest Christians! Parents please note: The children from the PreK-Grade 1 Sunday School class will stay in worship for the baptisms today – no class.
Baby Shower for Jody Doktor Velloso, Sunday, 2-4 pm in the Parish Hall. Come share Jody and Shea’s joy at the anticipated birth of their baby daughter. Everone’s invited: men, women & kidsBring an appetizer. Also bring a baby photo of yourself for a guessing game (you’ll get the photo back!). Speak to Alison Siener Brown with questions.
Sister Monica Clare is a Novice in the Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham. She has been singing in our choir for the last two years and assisting with some pastoral ministry. She will be making her First Vows on Tuesday, May 26 at 10:30 am at the Convent. If you would like attend this important and beautiful service and support Sr. Monica Clare, please speak to Mother Vicki.
New Parish Directories are available in the Narthex. They have a red cover, and your name and address on the back. Please pick yours up the next time you are at Church; it saves the cost of mailing them! If you don’t see one with your name on it, please call Susie Harris in the Parish Office and she will get one to you.
HELPING HANDS
Family Promise - it's our turn to serve again at the homeless shelter at Trinity House/Shrine of St. Joseph on Monday, May 4th. We need people to cook a pasta meal, and two others to serve it and provide hospitality to the shelter residents. We also need one more person to stay overnight at Trinity House. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. If you have questions, please speak to Kathy Pfeil.
Food for Friends – May 9th is the National Letter Carriers Food Drive. Let’s be sure to add to this awareness and effort by remembering to support the food pantry at St. John’, Dover on Sunday, May 10. Remember to bring your nutritious, non-perishable donations to Church that day. Need a shopping list? Pick one up on the table in the Narthex. Thanks.
STEWARDSHIP
Printer Cartridges - Remember we collect printer cartridges; you can drop them off in the collection box in the Narthex. For each cartridge, we receive credit at Staples. Thanks for making this fundraiser such a success!
Buildings & Grounds - Do you have handyman skills, interests in gardening or care of our buildings? We are always looking for people we can call on for projects and planning here at church. If you are interested in helping out put your name on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex, or speak to Tom Day.
Save the Date! The Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, September 19. Rummage collection will start on Sunday, August 2. The new "liturgical season" of Rummage will be upon us soon. Start saving up your treasures! The first day of rummage collection will be Sunday, August 2. Start setting aside your treasures. Look for more info soon. Kimberly Celeste is the person to contact with questions.
WORSHIP and MUSIC
Family Service & Communion Class Recognition, Next Week, May 4, 10 am. No Sunday School, all children come to worship with their families; Nursery care is available in the downstairs of the Church (Undercroft); birthday & anniversary prayers. Francis Story will be recognized as having completed his Eucharist Instruction Class. Please come and help him celebrate!
Evensong for Ascension Day will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 pm. Canticles, Scripture, and chant for this major holy day - and light refreshments after. See you in church!
Compline - It's a wonderful, short time of prayer and meditation at the end of the day- a way to connect to Christ's peace. We'll hold Compline again on May 21 at 9 pm; hope you can join us!
Pentecost Banners - We'll be making Pentecost banners at coffee hour on May 17. This year there will be two sets of banners - big ones for the parking lot, and small individual banners to wave in our Pentecost procession at 10 am on May 24. We welcome everyone who wants to help with these. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.
Trinity Tableau – Kids’ spring Sunday School Pageant on Sunday, May 31 (Trinity Sunday) at 10 am. All kids and teens are invited to participate! Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.
Special Needs Worship - All God's Children Service, at 12 noon, this Sunday, May 17 (on the 3rd Sundays of the month). Designed for children and families with a range of special needs - including anyone who has a hard time sitting still! A 30-minute service, no segment is longer than 3 minutes each; optional Communion. Pass the word to friends and neighbors who can benefit from this. Contact Mother Vicki for details.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Women's Book Group will meet on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 pm in the Rath House. The book for discussion is Sea Music, by Sara MacDonald. Come for an evening of fellowship, discussion,
Bible Study, Wednesdays, 10:15-11:30 am in the Rath House. We are currently finishing up the Gospel of John. Come and explore Scripture and your faith in a relaxed setting where your questions are welcome and laughter and sharing is expected. Use one of our Bibles or bring your own!
The new Forward Day By Day (FDBD) booklets are here. FDBD is an Episcopal daily devotional booklet that is published quarterly. It’s the perfect size to fit in your pocket, briefcase, or handbag, and pull out whenever you need a quiet moment for prayer or bible reading. Pick one up in the Narthex. Forward Movement also has a whole host of on-line resources for prayer and meditation. Take a look here: www.forwardmovement.org
Last Day of Sunday School – May 17.
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PARISH CALENDAR THIS WEEK
4/29 Bible Study 10:15 am, Rath House
4/30 HE & Breakfast 7:00 am, Church
Junior Choir 5:00 pm, Choir Room
Adult Choir 7:30 pm, Choir Room
And please check the calendar on our website for the full listing of groups and events in our buildings.
Dates to Save
May 3 – Family Service and Communion Class Recognition
May 10 – Rogation Sunday, 8 & 10 am
May 14 – Ascension Day; Evensong at 7:30 pm
May 21 – Compline, 9 pm; Church open for prayer, 8:30 pm
May 24 – Pentecost, 8 & 10 am [Memorial Day weekend]
May 31 – Trinity Sunday, 8 am; Sunday School Trinity Tableau, 10 am
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For All the Saints - April 23, George, Soldier and Martyr, c. 304,
Patron saint of England, Russia, and the Boy Scouts in the U.K.
George is the patron saint of England by declaration of King Edward II in 1347. He is remembered as a martyr, having given his life in witness to the gospel during the persecution of the church in the early fourth century. Very few details of his life have survived and his story is replete with legend. By the middle of the fifth century he was commemorated in local calendars and historical records of the period.
George was a soldier by vocation, serving as an officer in the Roman army. It is said that he “gave his goods to the poor, and openly confessed Christianity before the court.”
George’s initial notoriety may well have resulted from his faithfulness and witness to Christ during the Diocletian persecutions, 303-304, a particularly destructive period through which the church suffered.
Much of the legend of George dates back only to the eighth century, and more of it developed in the centuries that followed. The infamous story of George slaying the dragon, probably developed from Greek mythology, is not associated with him until the twelfth century. The inclusion of George’s story in the thirteenth century manuscript, The Golden Legend, accounts for his growing popularity in the Middle Ages.
In the twelfth century George was recognized as the patron saint of soldiers and he was called upon in support of those who would fight in the Crusades. The shield under which his soldier’s fought became a symbol of national pride for the English and in time was adapted into the national flag. Interestingly, the “St. George’s Shield”—white shield emblazoned with a red cross—is the basis of the Episcopal Church flag and seal. ~ Holy Women, Holy Men
Question for Reflection: What are you willing to give your life to or for? In what way do you make a witness for Christ?
+ + + + + + + + +
Prayer for St. George’s Day
Heavenly Father, give us the bravery of St George
to stand up for the truth and the glory of God
that we have seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
Give us the strength to overcome
in our lives and in the world,
all that is contrary to your rule of justice and love.
Help us to be good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind;
let the oppressed go free, and
proclaim the good news of God's favour and Jubilee. Amen.
~ Archbishop of York, the Most Rev. John Sentamu
Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+
Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
And Happy St. George’s Day! Why does that matter to us? See “For All the Saints” below.
Here are this week's announcements, some parishioner news, For All the Saints', and the weekly meditation.
+ + + + + + + + +
Parishioner News
Baptisms this Sunday, April 26 at the 10 am service. Give thanks for our newest Christians! Parents please note: The children from the PreK-Grade 1 Sunday School class will stay in worship for the baptisms today – no class.
Baby Shower for Jody Doktor Velloso, Sunday, 2-4 pm in the Parish Hall. Come share Jody and Shea’s joy at the anticipated birth of their baby daughter. Everone’s invited: men, women & kidsBring an appetizer. Also bring a baby photo of yourself for a guessing game (you’ll get the photo back!). Speak to Alison Siener Brown with questions.
Sister Monica Clare is a Novice in the Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham. She has been singing in our choir for the last two years and assisting with some pastoral ministry. She will be making her First Vows on Tuesday, May 26 at 10:30 am at the Convent. If you would like attend this important and beautiful service and support Sr. Monica Clare, please speak to Mother Vicki.
New Parish Directories are available in the Narthex. They have a red cover, and your name and address on the back. Please pick yours up the next time you are at Church; it saves the cost of mailing them! If you don’t see one with your name on it, please call Susie Harris in the Parish Office and she will get one to you.
HELPING HANDS
Family Promise - it's our turn to serve again at the homeless shelter at Trinity House/Shrine of St. Joseph on Monday, May 4th. We need people to cook a pasta meal, and two others to serve it and provide hospitality to the shelter residents. We also need one more person to stay overnight at Trinity House. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. If you have questions, please speak to Kathy Pfeil.
Food for Friends – May 9th is the National Letter Carriers Food Drive. Let’s be sure to add to this awareness and effort by remembering to support the food pantry at St. John’, Dover on Sunday, May 10. Remember to bring your nutritious, non-perishable donations to Church that day. Need a shopping list? Pick one up on the table in the Narthex. Thanks.
STEWARDSHIP
Printer Cartridges - Remember we collect printer cartridges; you can drop them off in the collection box in the Narthex. For each cartridge, we receive credit at Staples. Thanks for making this fundraiser such a success!
Buildings & Grounds - Do you have handyman skills, interests in gardening or care of our buildings? We are always looking for people we can call on for projects and planning here at church. If you are interested in helping out put your name on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex, or speak to Tom Day.
Save the Date! The Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, September 19. Rummage collection will start on Sunday, August 2. The new "liturgical season" of Rummage will be upon us soon. Start saving up your treasures! The first day of rummage collection will be Sunday, August 2. Start setting aside your treasures. Look for more info soon. Kimberly Celeste is the person to contact with questions.
WORSHIP and MUSIC
Family Service & Communion Class Recognition, Next Week, May 4, 10 am. No Sunday School, all children come to worship with their families; Nursery care is available in the downstairs of the Church (Undercroft); birthday & anniversary prayers. Francis Story will be recognized as having completed his Eucharist Instruction Class. Please come and help him celebrate!
Evensong for Ascension Day will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 pm. Canticles, Scripture, and chant for this major holy day - and light refreshments after. See you in church!
Compline - It's a wonderful, short time of prayer and meditation at the end of the day- a way to connect to Christ's peace. We'll hold Compline again on May 21 at 9 pm; hope you can join us!
Pentecost Banners - We'll be making Pentecost banners at coffee hour on May 17. This year there will be two sets of banners - big ones for the parking lot, and small individual banners to wave in our Pentecost procession at 10 am on May 24. We welcome everyone who wants to help with these. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.
Trinity Tableau – Kids’ spring Sunday School Pageant on Sunday, May 31 (Trinity Sunday) at 10 am. All kids and teens are invited to participate! Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.
Special Needs Worship - All God's Children Service, at 12 noon, this Sunday, May 17 (on the 3rd Sundays of the month). Designed for children and families with a range of special needs - including anyone who has a hard time sitting still! A 30-minute service, no segment is longer than 3 minutes each; optional Communion. Pass the word to friends and neighbors who can benefit from this. Contact Mother Vicki for details.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Women's Book Group will meet on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 pm in the Rath House. The book for discussion is Sea Music, by Sara MacDonald. Come for an evening of fellowship, discussion,
Bible Study, Wednesdays, 10:15-11:30 am in the Rath House. We are currently finishing up the Gospel of John. Come and explore Scripture and your faith in a relaxed setting where your questions are welcome and laughter and sharing is expected. Use one of our Bibles or bring your own!
The new Forward Day By Day (FDBD) booklets are here. FDBD is an Episcopal daily devotional booklet that is published quarterly. It’s the perfect size to fit in your pocket, briefcase, or handbag, and pull out whenever you need a quiet moment for prayer or bible reading. Pick one up in the Narthex. Forward Movement also has a whole host of on-line resources for prayer and meditation. Take a look here: www.forwardmovement.org
Last Day of Sunday School – May 17.
+ + + + + + + + +
PARISH CALENDAR THIS WEEK
4/29 Bible Study 10:15 am, Rath House
4/30 HE & Breakfast 7:00 am, Church
Junior Choir 5:00 pm, Choir Room
Adult Choir 7:30 pm, Choir Room
And please check the calendar on our website for the full listing of groups and events in our buildings.
Dates to Save
May 3 – Family Service and Communion Class Recognition
May 10 – Rogation Sunday, 8 & 10 am
May 14 – Ascension Day; Evensong at 7:30 pm
May 21 – Compline, 9 pm; Church open for prayer, 8:30 pm
May 24 – Pentecost, 8 & 10 am [Memorial Day weekend]
May 31 – Trinity Sunday, 8 am; Sunday School Trinity Tableau, 10 am
+ + + + + + + + +
For All the Saints - April 23, George, Soldier and Martyr, c. 304,
Patron saint of England, Russia, and the Boy Scouts in the U.K.
George is the patron saint of England by declaration of King Edward II in 1347. He is remembered as a martyr, having given his life in witness to the gospel during the persecution of the church in the early fourth century. Very few details of his life have survived and his story is replete with legend. By the middle of the fifth century he was commemorated in local calendars and historical records of the period.
George was a soldier by vocation, serving as an officer in the Roman army. It is said that he “gave his goods to the poor, and openly confessed Christianity before the court.”
George’s initial notoriety may well have resulted from his faithfulness and witness to Christ during the Diocletian persecutions, 303-304, a particularly destructive period through which the church suffered.
Much of the legend of George dates back only to the eighth century, and more of it developed in the centuries that followed. The infamous story of George slaying the dragon, probably developed from Greek mythology, is not associated with him until the twelfth century. The inclusion of George’s story in the thirteenth century manuscript, The Golden Legend, accounts for his growing popularity in the Middle Ages.
In the twelfth century George was recognized as the patron saint of soldiers and he was called upon in support of those who would fight in the Crusades. The shield under which his soldier’s fought became a symbol of national pride for the English and in time was adapted into the national flag. Interestingly, the “St. George’s Shield”—white shield emblazoned with a red cross—is the basis of the Episcopal Church flag and seal. ~ Holy Women, Holy Men
Question for Reflection: What are you willing to give your life to or for? In what way do you make a witness for Christ?
+ + + + + + + + +
Prayer for St. George’s Day
Heavenly Father, give us the bravery of St George
to stand up for the truth and the glory of God
that we have seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
Give us the strength to overcome
in our lives and in the world,
all that is contrary to your rule of justice and love.
Help us to be good news to the poor,
proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind;
let the oppressed go free, and
proclaim the good news of God's favour and Jubilee. Amen.
~ Archbishop of York, the Most Rev. John Sentamu
Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+
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