This week at the 10 am service we will have a guest preacher – one of the leaders of the Alcoholics Anonymous groups that meets here at All Saints’. Some of AA’s roots are in the Episcopal Church. When one of the movement’s two founders Bill W. first got sober it was through the ministry of the Rev. Samuel Shoemaker, the rector of Calvary Church, NYC in the 1920s and 30s. Bill learned many of the spiritual principles that became the Twelve Steps of A.A. from Shoemaker. In fact, Bill often referred to Sam as a co-founder of A.A. There is much spiritual wisdom for living life in these steps for all people. It is All Saints’ privilege to be able to host these meetings on five days every week, providing a place for lives to be saved and transformed – with the help and power of God.
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Community Forum: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? Caring for Aging Parents (from the perspective of the care-giver). Tuesday, March 29, 7:30-9 pm; Nunzio Gubitosa, presenter. Nunzio is a staff therapist at Grace Counseling Center in Madison. The Forum will take place in the Parish Hall, with ample time for questions and discussion. Last week’s discussion was very helpful and informative; this will be a good follow-up. Come and bring a friend or family member.
Homeless Shelter, March 31st – All Saints’ turn at the Interfaith Shelter at the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling. We need some people to cook and serve a meal to the shelter families that Thursday evening, as well as one or two people to spend the night. If you can help with this important ministry, please speak to Steve Leisch.
Church School Mite Boxes are available in the Narthex. Throughout Lent kids will collect coins to go towards an outreach project through Episcopal Relief and Development such as buying a flock of chickens for a family. The mite boxes will then be returned on Easter Sunday.
Japan Relief Contributions will be collected for another week. From communication with St. Alban’s Church in Tokyo we have learned that the Diocese of Tohoku (Sendai region) is receiving support from the US Diocese of Louisiana, with whom they have had a long prayer partner relationship. Contributions will go directly to relief efforts through the local Japanese diocese. Checks can be made out to “Episcopal Community Services” and put in the offering plate. We will then send them on to New Orleans to be routed to Japan. Thank you for your prayers and support for the people of Japan at this very difficult time.
Easter Flower Donations—if you would like to donate to our Easter decorations
in memory of or in thanksgiving for someone, please put your contribution in the Easter flower envelope you’ll find in the pews & write the name(s) of the person to be honored, as well as your name. All names will be listed in the Easter bulletins. Donations must be received by April 10th. Questions? Speak to Janet Mansfield.
Small Saints’ Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 23, 10:15 am in the Parking Lot (following the Kid’s Holy Saturday Service at 10 am). For children in Grade 2 or younger – and their siblings! Please sign-up on the sheet in the Narthex. We’ll need a few parents to fill and hide plastic Easter Eggs and someone to bring some refreshments (juice, cookies, coffee). Come and be a part of this fun All Saints’ tradition!
Maundy Thursday Seder Supper – April 21, 6 pm in the Parish Hall. Pot-Luck supper with a seder plate at each table. We’ll tell the story of the Exodus and the release of God’s people from slavery in Egypt and the ways that Christian faith connects to that experience. Come for food and fellowship as we begin our Maundy Thursday celebration. All ages are welcome. Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.
Seaman’s Church Institute – We have a great group of dedicated knitters who make hats and scarves for the seafarers’ Christmas-at-Sea program. We recently sent 23 items to Port Newark. Thank you to all who have taken on this ministry. If anyone else is interested in knitting, please speak to Janet Mansfield jecmans@aol.com. Also, if anyone has unused yarn at home or would like to donate yarn for these projects please speak to Janet. Thank you.
Women’s Book Group – April 27, 7:30 pm. This month’s book will be The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Come join the fun at the Rath House!
Parking Lot Challenge: Gala Kick-off Brunch, May 1, 11:15 am. Come and be part of this important and fun event as we take the next step in making our church more welcoming and open to serving the community. There are a number of ways that you can help – check out the sign-up sheets in the narthex. Also….save the date and get involved with the Fish and Chips Dinner (fund-raiser for parking lot) on May 5th.
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Lent 2010 Day 14
O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,
as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place,
that I might behold your power and your glory.
For your loving-kindness is better than life itself;
my lips shall give you praise.
When I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the night watches.
For you have been my helper,
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
Psalm 63:1-3, 6-7
Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+