Dear Friends in Christ,

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+

Dear Friends in Christ,

The beautiful weather yesterday is a taste of things to come – thanks be to God!  But in the meantime it is still Lent and there are a number of things for us to be attending to as we prepare our souls, our Church and our community for Easter.  Please do take a look at the announcements below and at the meditation at the end of this e-mail.

Sunday School Bowling Party – Sunday, march 13, 12:30 pm at the Plaza Lanes in Madison.  Cost is $14 per person for shoes, games, pizza and soda.  Parents are also asked to bring snacks/treats to share.  E-mail Jackie Sullivan jsully45@aol.com ASAP if you will be attending.

Japan Relief Contributions will be collected for the next two weeks.  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.

Community Forum: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? Caring for Aging Parents. Part I – From the parent’s perspective – Wednesday, March 23, 7:30-9 pm; Catherine Morrisett, presenter.  Tuesday, March 29, 7:30-9 pm; Nunzio Gubitosa, presenter.  Both speakers are staff therapists at Grace Counseling Center in Madison.. The Forums will take place in the Parish Hall, with ample time for questions and discussion.  Come to one or both!

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.

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 2011- Day 10

Penitential

There is a proper penitence
that leads across this forward-leaning season,
no mere regret or manufactured mortifying,
no self-imposed remorse about
those mild suburban sins that spot
and stain the corners of our copy books,
rather a purging
as of earth preparing Springtime,
a melting, washing action like the rain,
a breaking up and turning over
of the soil that is the human soul,
a casting off of chrysalis
that old and wrinkled yet familiar skin
before the aching ecstasy of flight
of wings unfolding iridescence
to the new spilled light.
                 - J. Barrie Shepherd
Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+

Dear Friends in Christ,
          Our Lenten season has begun.  Thanks to Gary Stapperfenne, Geof Kimak and Jean Kimak who cooked and managed the kitchen at our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  Thanks, also, to Liz Gorny and all of our kids who set up and served tables.  A good time was had by all!
            During this Lenten time reflect and spend time in prayer considering the nature of your relationship with God, because it is just that – your relationship with God, not anyone else’s.  What is it about God that most draws you in?  What is it that you question the most?  When do you feel God’s presence most strongly?  These are all good questions to be asking yourself – and the answer will be different for everyone.

Spring Forward: Time to Turn Clocks Ahead! This Saturday night remember to move your clocks ahead one hour.  Daylight Savings begins on Sunday, and you wouldn’t want to be late for Church!

Church School Mite Boxes will be handed out in Sunday School classes this week and are also available in the Narthex,  Throughout lent the children will be collecting coins to go toward an out reach project through Episcopal Relief and Development such as buying a flock of chickens for a family in developing country. The Mite Boxes will then be returned to Church on Easter Day….also, a few children still have boxes of offering envelopes on the table in the Narthex.  If your child did not get envelopes, please check to see if theirs are waiting.

Women’s Book Group will meet next Wednesday, March 16th at 7:30 pm at CVarol Berry’s home, 14 Coppergate Drive, Basking Ridge.  This month’s book is A Secret Kept, by Tatiana de Rosnay.  Come and be a part of this fun group!

Study and Pray During Lent – consider worshipping at one of our mid-week services: Wednesday at 9:30 am or Thursday, 7:00 am.  Both services are Communion with Healing Prayer.  Or if your Sunday mornings are getting busy, try the Sunday 5:30 pm service – simple, casual, candlight, 45 minutes long.  Another idea for lent is gathering with others to read and discuss a Bible passage – specifically the Gospel of Matthew.  Wednesdays 10:15-11:30 am.  No prior Bible experience needed – just bring yourself and your questions.

Church School Bowling Party – Sunday, March 20 at 12:30 pm at Plaza Lanes in Madison.  For only $14 per person you can enjoy an afternoon of bowling – complete with pizza and beverages.  RSVP to Jackie Sullivan: jsully45@aol.com – asap! 

Community Forum – Who’s in the Driver’s Seat? Caring for Aging Parents.  This two part series will look at issues and concerns of getting older.  On Wednesday, March 23 Catherine Morrisett will speak about concerns from the parent’s perspective.  On Tuesday, March 29 Nunzio Gubitosa will address issues from the adult child/caregiver’s perspective.  Both speakers are therapists on the staff of Grace Counseling Center in Madison.  Both sessions will include a presentation and then allow time for questions/discussion.  The Forums are in the Parish Hall from 7:30-9:00 pm.  They are free and open to the public.  Please invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker to attend with you.

Parking Lot Challenge – there are sign-up sheets in the Narthex to help with the Gala Brunch on Sunday, May 1st which will kick off the fund raising for repairing/repaving our parking lot.  There is also a sign-up sheet to help with the Fish and Chips Dinner on Thursday, May 5th (Argyle’s of Kearney is doing the cooking!), to which the public is invited.  These funds will go towards the parking lot, also.

Save the Dates: June 27-July 1 – Christian Arts Camp (kids age 4-Grade 4); July11-15 – summer Saints’ Musical Theater (kids Grade 5 – Grade 9).
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Lent 2011- Day 1

Now quit your care and anxious fear and worry;
For schemes are vain and fretting brings no gain.
Lent calls to prayer, to trust and dedication;
God brings new beauty nigh;
Reply, reply, reply with love to love most high;
Reply, reply, reply with love to love most high.

                   Hymn 145, verse 1~Percy Dearmer

Blessings,
 Vicki McGrath+

Dear Friends in Christ,
This Sunday is the Last Sunday after Epiphany.  That means we will be leaving behind green vestments, the Enriching Our Worship Eucharistic Prayer (at 10 a.m.), and saying Alleluia. Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday are coming up next week (see below) – hope to see you there!  We have Lenten meditation booklets from Episcopal Relief and Development available for you to pick up in the Narthex.  Lent is often a time when we think about taking on some particular discipline – exercise, prayer, fasting from sweets-television-credit cards-you name it, attending to habits that draw us away from God rather than closer to God.  Between now and Wednesday think about what might be helpful for you this Lent, and then take that on as a discipline.  Discipline is not an unbreakable rule, but a concentrated and steady way to learn something (like “disciple”).  We are always learning and growing as Christians, but Lent is a particularly good time to be focusing on ways that we can grow closer to God and more like Jesus.

A few notes about things going on at All Saints’:
·         The second bathroom on the main level of the Parish House is being renovated this weekend, as part of our on-going Centennial Campaign work.  It will also be a handicapped-accessible, unisex bathroom.  But as with any older building there are always challenges: we discovered that the sub-floor in the bathroom was seriously rotting.  There had been a leaky valve in a pipe in the wall.  The drain pipes also needed to be roto-rootered. Years of grease and coffee grounds and other things had clogged the drains.  Thanks to Charlie Hogan, and to Bob Meyers, our contractor!

·         Plans for the Gala Brunch on May 1st for the Parking Lot Challenge are underway.  We’ll be asking everyone to bring finger foods – either savory or sweet.  Sign-up sheets for food contributions, set up, clean up, decorating, etc. will be available in the Narthex starting next week. And make sure to put May 1st at 11:15 on your calendar as we start our Parking Lot Challenge of raising $20,000 to meet Leroy May’s match so we can fix the parking lot.

·         The Marketplace is taking a rest this year, as did the Grateful Gathering.  These have been a wonderful events in our parish life, but it seemed like a good time to step back from them.  There will be some other fun community-wide events planned.  Stay tuned!
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Scout Sunday will be celebrated on March 6th at the 10 am service.  All Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are asked to wear their uniforms to Church and participate in the Scout ceremony (the Law, Promise/Oath, and prayers).  Our celebration falls between the birthdays of Robert Baden Powell (founder of Boy Scouting) on February 22 and Juliette Gordon Low (founder of Girl Scouting) on March 12. The Scouting movement is supported at All Saints’ through our active sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 56 and Cub Pack 56, as well as by providing meeting space for numerous Girl Scout groups, including the monthly Long Hill Twp. Girl Scout leaders’ meeting.

 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – March 8th, serving from 5:30 – 7:00 pm in the lower level of the Parish House.  Pancakes, sausage, applesauce and Mardi Gras beads – come and have a last fling before Lent starts! Cost is $5 per person, maximum $20 per household, kids under age 3 are free.  Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, or RSVP to the parish office via e-mail.  Also, all middle school and high school kids are needed to help set tables, put up decorations and serve the meal.  If you can help please let Beth or Mother Vicki know.

 Ash Wednesday services will be held on March 9th at 9:30 am and 7:30 pm.  Eucharist and ashes will be available at both services.  The evening service will include music.  Plan to start the season of Lent in a reflective and introspective way.

 Women’s Book Group will meet Wednesday, March 16th at 7:30 at Carol Berry’s, 14 Coppergate Drive, Basking Ridge.  This month’s book is A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay.  This is a fun group – come check us out!

Community Forum – Wednesday, March 24 & Tuesday, March 29. Who's in the Driver's Seat?  Caring for Aging Parents: From Parents' and Children's Perspectives.  This two-part Forum will be presented in the Parish Hall from 7:30-9:00 pm, with time for questions and discussion.  On March 23 Catherine Morrisett will speak from the perspective of the parents’’ needs and feelings and on March 29 Nunzio Gubitosa will discuss the challenges and life changes facing caregivers.  Both speakers are counselors at the Grace Counseling Center in Madison, N.J.  All of us are touched by these important issues in some way.  Invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker and come share the evening with others.

 Children’s Eucharist Instruction Class – for kids in Grades 1 or 2; Monday afternoons, May 2, 9, 16 at 4 pm in the Rath House.  Please speak to Mother Vicki or e-mail the Parish office to enroll your child in this class.

 Save these dates…
May 1 – Gala Coffee Hour/Brunch Kickoff for Parking Lot Challenge
May 5 – Fish and Chips (Argyle of Kearny), public fund-raiser for parking lot
Late May/Early June – Car Wash, public fund-raiser for parking lot
June 4 – Beth’s diaconal ordination, 10 am
June 27-July 1…Christian Arts Camp
            for children age 4-Grade 4; 9 am-12 noon.
July 11-15…Summer Saints Musical Theater 
            for kids Grades 5-9; 9 am-2 pm.

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The following was found in “The Big Book of Scout Worship Services”, by Pete Metzloff for his Woodbadge project.  Woodbadge is a Boy Scout training program for adults.  These words can just as easily apply to Girl Scout leaders, Sunday School teachers, youth group advisors, and any adult Christians who care about the children in their church or at home.

A Scout Leader’s Wish
Deep reflection on my role causes me to pause.  Can I remember?  Can I be the leader I want to be?
Let me exhibit the qualities of those who I have admired, and shun the qualities of those I did not.
Let me create a safe haven for all who come to our troop.
Let me be as respectful of others and their ideas as I was when I saw an American Flag being ceremoniously retired by flame.
Let me have the humility to seek help from those more knowledgeable than I.
Let me remember, that in a Scout’s eyes, what I do speaks louder than what I say.
Let me have the patience to let the Scouts lead, fail and succeed.
Let me have the grace to praise the Scouts for the troop’s successes and accept the blame for its failures.
Let me have the perception and caring to seek out the troubled youth, the homesick camper, and the lonely Scout.
Let me have the creativity to help provide fun, spirit and knowledge.
Let me have the attentiveness to listen and respond completely,
Let me have enough time for deep reflection.
Let me have the necessary qualities and skill to instill the true meaning of the Scout Law, Oath, Motto, and Slogan.
Let me remember, but not be burdened by, the responsibilities of my position.
And please, Oh Lord, help me to watch over the Scouts under my care.

Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+