Dear Friends in Christ,

Welcome back from vacations, travels, and what have been some beautiful summer days! Thank you to everyone who kept the worship and spiritual life at All Saints’ going while I was away. It’s so good to know that All Saints’ is a community where people step up and do what is needed for the life of God’s people in this place.

On a sad note, Wayne Morse’s mother, Rosemary D’Elia Morse, died this past Wednesday. She was taken to the hospital suddenly at the beginning of the week. Her funeral will be early next week at the Shore. Please keep the Morse family – especially Wayne, Hilary, Chandler, Megan and Allie – in your prayers. May Rosemary rest in peace and rise in glory.

This Sunday the Eucharist will be celebrated at both the 8 and 10 o’clock services (despite it being a fifth Sunday of the month). Although I know many of you will be out of town because of the Labor Day holiday, it will be good to see those of you who are around, and to share stories after worship about what God has been doing in our lives since we last saw each other.

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WORSHIP and MUSIC
Welcome Sunday Worship Next week (Sept. 7) our fall schedule begins with worship at 8 and 10 am. The later service will include our choir and it will be a Family Service, children worshiping with their parents. All kids (PreK- Grade 12) are invited to bring their school backpacks for a special blessing of the backpacks for the start of the new school year. Birthday and anniversary prayers will be included at both services.

All Saints’ Choir - Do you love to sing? Would you like to have fun with others in offering your time and musical gifts to God? Do you want to learn and develop your musical skills? The All Saints’ Choir is open to new members and would love to have you participate. Children (in Grade 2 and older) rehearse Thursdays at 5 pm. Adults rehearse Thursdays at 7:30 pm. The choir sings at the 10 am service on Sunday mornings.

All Saints’ Choir is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music in America, which encompasses music education, choir and vocal training, and Christian education, spiritual development and leadership for all ages. For more information, please speak to our Director of Music Alison Siener Brown.

Mid-Week Worship Early morning Eucharist and Healing Prayer resumes Thursday, September 11 at 7 am. It’s a simple, quiet way to start your day before work and connect with Christ and others during the week. An optional light breakfast is served in the Rath House following the service.

FORMATION
Sunday School Ice Cream Social – September 5, 7 pm on the Parish House Playground. Come and meet your teachers, friends and classmates for a fun event before Sunday School starts. Add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

Welcome Sunday Hot Dog Picnic – September 7, 11:15 am. Gather after worship for a picnic on the Parish House lawn. We’ll provide hot dogs, rolls and beverages; you bring a salad, side dish or dessert. This annual event is the official start to our fall program year! Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. Hope to see you there!

Sunday School for Pre-K through high school start September 14 at 10 am. Registration forms and calendars will be e-mailed home next week, and will be available on Welcome Sunday. Questions? Please speak to Jackie Sullivan.

Wednesday Bible Study Group meets 10:15-11:30 am in the Rath House.  This week we’ll finish our study of Jesus’ parables. On September 10 we’ll start a new series: The Gospel of John. We read The Bible together and discuss how it applies to our lives today. Newcomers to Bible reading are welcomed and encouraged. We’ll provide you with a Bible if you need one. Come and try us out! Questions? Speak to Mother Vicki.

Women’s Book Group meets Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30 pm in the Rath House.  The book for discussion will be The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd (delayed from the summer). Come for a fun evening of friendship and discussion.

Adult Faith Study Group Wednesday nights 9/24-10/29, 7:30 pm, meets in the Rath House. We’ll read and discuss The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others, by Scott McKnight. The basic question of the book is What does it mean to be a spiritually formed person? and the author answers that by helping us to look at our relationship to Jesus, especially in light of his Jewish background. The book costs $10. Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex so we know you are coming!

STEWARDSHIP
The Rummage Sale is coming very soon – September 20! Here are the September hours for accepting rummage:
September 2nd - 2-4pm, 6:30-8:30 pm
September 4th – 6:30-8:30 pm
September 5th - 5-7pm
September 7th - noon-2pm
September 8th - 7-9pm
September 12 - 2-4pm
September 14 - Noon-2pm
And any weekday morning (Monday-Thursday) when the Parish Office is open.
September 14 is the last day of rummage collection.
If you have questions, or still haven’t signed up to help out please speak with Kimberly Celeste or Charlotte Davis.

Buildings & Grounds
Our Parish House has a new coat of paint on two sides to match the stucco on the new entryway. The remaining sides will be in progress soon. Take a look!

The Church Undercroft and the side entrance of the Church have been under construction, due to leaking and flooding we had this past winter and spring. The side entrance was newly plastered, painted, the carpet removed and the wood floor refinished. Terra cotta floor tile was installed on the entrance floor. Earlier, the flat roof was repaired with a new rubber membrane. A new system of French drains and sump pumps was put in. The green asbestos tile floor in the Undercroft was taken up and will be replaced with new commercial grade vinyl tile. The choir room and classrooms are not yet ready for use. We hope they will be by the middle of September. Please stay tuned for how this will affect various classes and programs. Thank you for your patience. We are very grateful that Church Insurance for funding the majority of this work!

HELPING HANDS
Food for Friends All Saints’ is the primary support for Food for Friends at St. John’s Church in Dover. We ask for contributions of  nutritious, non-perishable foods each week: canned meats and fish (preferably with pop tops), juices, parmalaat milk, pasta, rice, canned vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, whole wheat crackers, canned or dried fruit, etc. Thank you! Your efforts help so many!

COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY
Musik Garten Music Classes - This fall All Saints’ will become the host site for music classes for children from babies up to 8 years old – singing games and musical play all the way up to pre-piano/instrument classes on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. The classes are offered in partnership with the community organization Music in the Somerset Hills, and are taught by our own Alison Siener Brown. For more information or registration speak to Alison or go to http://musicsh.org/musikgarten/.

PARISH CALENDAR THIS WEEK
Mon 9/1 Parish Office Closed
Wed 9/3 Bible Study: Parables    10:15 am, Rath House
Thur 9/4 Choir (children)                  5:00 pm, Church
               Choir (adults)                  7:30 pm, Church
Fri 9/5    Ice Cream Social             7:00 pm, Playground  

And be sure to check our full on-line calendar on the parish website www.allsaintsmillington.org.
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A Prayer for Labor (Sun)day

God, help us to build a new world in the midst of the old. A world where all workers are valued. A world where those who clean houses are able to buy houses to live in. A world where those who grow food can afford to eat their fill. We pray for the coming of a world where all workers everywhere share in the abundance that you have given us. We ask these things knowing that you give us the courage and strength to live out our faith in the workplace and in the marketplace, as well as in the sanctuary. Laboring God, as you labor with us, may we labor for you, ever committed to do your world in the world. Amen. ~ written by Edi Rasell

Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

Here are the announcements for the month, along with an update about the Undercroft project. I hope you are having a good summer, and I look forward to seeing you at the end of August!

Pastoral Care and Worship during Rector’s Vacation (July 28-August 24):  For pastoral emergencies where you need a priest call the Rev. Elizabeth Wigg-Maxwell (St. Peter’s, Livingston, from 7/28-8/2) and the Rev. Paul Olsson (St. Paul’s, Morris Plains, , from 8/3-8/24). To put someone on the prayer chain or Sunday prayer list call Joyce Kulzer. For pastoral care/conversation call Sr. Monica Clare.

Services for the month of August
8/3       Holy Eucharist, the Rev. Peter Boyle (music at 10)
8/10     Morning Prayer (hymns and organ music at 10)
8/17     Holy Eucharist, the Rev. Stephen Gallaher (music at 10)
8/24     Morning Prayer (hymns, sung canticles, anthem by choir quartet at 10)
8/31     Holy Eucharist, the Rev. Vicki McGrath (music at 10)

FORMATION
Small Saints Arts Workshop, August 28, for Kids age 4-8; 9 am-12 noon in the Lower Room of the Parish House. Music, crafts, story time, dance/movement, snacks and games; $5 per family. A fun way to spend a summer morning before school starts! There’s a flyer on the table in the Narthex. Please tell your friends and neighbors.

Sunday School Ice Cream Social – September 5, 7 pm on the Parish House Lawn. Come and meet your teachers, friends and classmates for a fun event before Sunday School starts. Add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

Welcome Sunday Hot Dog Picnic – September 7, 11:15 am. Gather after worship for a picnic on the Parish House lawn. We’ll provide hot dogs, rolls and beverages; you bring a salad, side dish or dessert. This annual event is the official start to our fall program year! Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. Hope to see you there!

Family Service will be September 7 at 10 am, and Sunday School will begin September 14. Look for more information to come.

WORSHIP and MUSIC
Junior Choir Open House - August 28, 5:00-6:30 pm. For boys and girls grade 2 and older. Does your child love to sing? Would you like him or her to learn the basics of music, make friends, be part of a supportive community and have fun? Come and learn more about our Junior Choir and have a chance to try it out – and bring a friend! For more info contact Alison Siener Brown.

Adult Choir Rehearsals begin Thursday, September 4 at 7:30 pm. We welcome new singers, even if you don’t have experience with choral music; we especially need tenors. Singing in choir is a wonderful way to serve God and the church through music, and have fun with a great group of people.

Sunday School starts September 14 at 10 am.

Wednesday Bible Study Group starts again August 27, 10:15-11:30 am in the Rath House. This is an opportunity for sharing, discussion and growing in faith in a relaxed and casual setting. We’ll provide you with a Bible if you need one. Come and try us out at the end of the summer!

HELPING HANDS
Food for Friends – Please remember to buy non-perishable foods to donate to the food barrel when you shop for yourself and your family. Thanks!

Thank you to all who donated blood or provided hospitality for last week’s Summer Community Blood Drive. 

STEWARDSHIP
Rummage Drop-off will begin August 3 in the Parish Hall. What do we take? Good, useful, fairly clean items that you can no longer use: furniture, house wares, linens, electronics, garden/lawn tools, toys, children’s books, holiday items, small appliances, boutique items, etc. We don’t take tube TVs, tires, broken items, large appliances, shoes, clothes or hardcover books for grown-ups. If you have questions please speak with Kimberly Celeste or Charlotte Davis. And be sure to put the sale date, Sept. 20, on your calendar!

Please remember as you travel or have a lazy Sunday at home or at the Shore that it is very helpful to have everyone’s pledge contributions remain current. If you are not going to be at worship you can always put your check in the mail, or drop it off to the parish office. Thank you!

COMMUNITY HOSPITALITY
Musik Garten Music Classes - This fall All Saints’ will become the host site for music classes for children from babies up to 8 years old – singing games and musical play all the way up to pre-piano/instrument classes on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. The classes are offered in partnership with the community organization Music in the Somerset Hills, and are taught by our own Alison Siener Brown. For more information or registration speak to Alison or go to http://musicsh.org/musikgarten/.

UNDERCROFT UPDATE
This update is a bit long, but please read all the way to the end, so that you will be fully informed about what is happening at All Saints’ and why.
July 28 - asbestos abatement begins and lasts a week.
Mid-August – plastering, painting, carpeting and flooring in the side entrance.
August 28 - waterproofing in the Undercroft, 3 days.
September 2 (appx.) - The new floor will be installed.

After July 28 we will not have access to the lower level of the Church. The Nursery will move to the living room of the Rath House, and the Counters/Tellers will work in the Rath House kitchen.  All the Choir and music resources for the next month or so will be staged from the choir area at the back of the Church.

The only entrance and exit for the building will be the door in the Bell Tower (there is an extra emergency exit back behind the Sacristy on the main level). If you see things stored where they aren’t normally, please be patient and understanding. Thank you.

The bulk of the work is being paid for by the Church Insurance Company - $51,000; the contractors are the Church Restoration Group from the Pittsburgh area. They managed all the work in the lower level of the Parish House. The waterproofing will be done by United Waterproofing from Dover; again, they did the French drains and sump pumps in the Parish House.

All Saints’ is paying for the waterproofing ($15,000) and putting commercial-grade vinyl tile in the choir room ($2600), plus our deductible ($1000). Currently that floor is painted cement, but it did have the same asbestos tile which was removed in 2001. While there are some small french drains in the Undercroft, they are not enclosed and contribute to mold and mildew in the church. They also sometimes over-flow in heavy rains, and the floor drains in the classrooms are merely small dry-wells, not connected to the sump system. There is also an old, rusty open sump pit in a cupboard under the main stairs that always has standing water in it, because the water table is only about 2.5 feet below floor level. All of this will be remedied by the waterproofing work. As recently as two weeks ago there was water coming up out of the floor when we had a downpour.

The decision to extend the new tile floor into the choir room was made for several reasons: 1) The labor is there and we will only have to disrupt the choir room once. 2) It is a public “face” of the church because of the door to the parking lot. People coming to AA meetings in the Church use that door, Alison will be using the room for some of the Musik Garten classes, Jody Doktor rents the room for piano lessons. 3) The choir room is a major program and ministry space, as well as work space for a key employee; having the room on a par with the rest of the Undercroft is important.

The waterproofing and choir room floor will be paid for out of the Legacy Funds (formerly known as the John Mason fund and Dorothy Cook fund), which are not operating accounts.

To add to the improvements in the Undercroft, last week Parish Administrator Susie Harris was able to acquire a beautiful suite of barely used office furniture from someone local – for free! The majority of furniture (desks, bookcases, computer stands, etc.) in her office, the choir room, and the program office has been an overly-eclectic mix of worn and unattractive donations that have more than served their purpose. Some of this new furniture has already been installed in Susie’s office; it looks very attractive and professional. The rest of it will go into the choir room and program office once the new floor is ready, and will be very functional, as well as attractive. Thank you, Susie, for this find!

For the last seven years we have been working on many building projects. Each one has served to preserve and improve the structures that house and shelter our worship and ministry. Any building needs constant care and upkeep, but there are times when an extra effort is called for. This current project will make our Sunday School classrooms, nursery, and choir room clean, healthy and attractive for our children and adults, and for visitors and building users. It will improve our capacity to do ministry. We are grateful to God (and to Church Insurance and previous faithful members of All Saints’) that the funds are available. I would ask you prayers for those who are doing the work for us, and also for all those who will benefit in the future as we continue to expand our ministry of Community Hospitality that grows out of our worship and fellowship in the Lord.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update.

Blessings,
Vicki+

Almighty God, to whose glory we celebrate the dedication of this house of prayer: We give you thanks for the fellowship of those who have worshiped in this place, and we pray that all who seek you here may find you, and be filled with your joy and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 ~ Collect for the Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church, BCP page 254