Dear Friends in Christ,

Tomorrow is the parish Car Wash, June 18, 9 am-12 noon – We still need lots of help, adults and kids! Washers, rinsers, dryers, cashiers, etc.  Please respond to this e-mail if you or a family member and/or friends are coming. We also need donations/loans of old towels, sponges and buckets.  This event is a fund-raiser for the Parking Lot Challenge.  Of course, we’ll take help at any time, but if you can be there for the start of it, please arrive at 8:30 am so we can get set up.  If you have any questions call Jackie Sullivan or Roger Kosempel. Thanks!

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Sunday is both Trinity Sunday and Father’s Day.  At both services we’ll have special prayers for our fathers and white carnations in celebration or memory of our dads.  After the 10 am service we’ll have refreshments on the Parish House lawn with “beer” and chips for the guys (root beer, birch beer…you get it!). Hope to see you then.

Refreshment Hosts Needed for Sundays after 10 am.  During the summer we move our after-Church fellowship time outside and switch from coffee/tea to lemonade, juice or iced tea – and cookies.  Summer is a simple and easy time to host your fellow parishioners for a cool drink and relaxed conversation.  Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

Rummage Sale Meeting – Tuesday, June 28 at 7:30 pm in the Rath House.  We need to get organized for September’s sale, and everyone pulling together makes it easy and successful.  If you have questions, please speak to Kimberly Celeste. And save the date: September 17 for the sale itself.

Summer Youth Programs: Christian Arts Camp, June 27-July 1 for ages 4 through Grade 4. AND Summer Saints’ Musical Theater, July 11-15 for Grades 5-9.  Please spread the word!  More detailed information is on the website www.allsaintsmillington.org.  Questions?  Speak to Dr. Jody or Mother Vicki. 

Women’s Book Group – Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 pm in the Rath House.  The group will be discussing “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Varghese.  Even if you’ve never participated in Book Group before, this would be a great time to drop in and try it out!

And a Thank You to All Saints’ from the A.A. Groups – Last Saturday,  June 11 the church hosted the 4th Annual Gratitude Mass to celebrate the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous 76 years ago in June.  About 125 people came for worship, to hear and sing along with the “Rock Bottom Band” and have a delicious lunch afterward in the Parish Hall. This is part of All Saints’ on-going outreach and ministry to those in recovery.  Thank you!

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Friends Who Pray Together
Studies show that religion and happiness are linked. But faithful church attendance may not be enough: In a large survey, those most likely to rate their life satisfaction as a perfect 10 went to services weekly and saw close friends there. Church regulars without pals in the pews didn’t see the boost - they were less satisfied than infrequent attendees with friends, says study head Chaeyoon Lim, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. So go to services, by all means - but don’t skip coffee hour.

                                                          - Taken from Good Housekeeping May 2011 issue (hat tip to Kimberly Celeste)

Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+

Dear Friends in Christ,

This weekend is the unofficial start of summer, with barbecues, parades, yard work and sports tournaments.  I hope that it will be the start of a season of relaxation and renewal for you and your family.  But it is also more than that.  Monday is Memorial Day, a time to remember with gratitude all those who have given their lives in service of our country; and to honor all that is best in our ideals of freedom, equality, fair play and the common good.

Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter: Rogation Sunday, the time we particularly ask for God’s blessings on gardens and fields.  We’ll mark this day at the 10 am service with a Rogation Procession to the Memorial Garden with prayers, canticles and hymns (being the 5th Sunday of the month the service is Morning Prayer).  This tradition started in the early Middle Ages after a series of natural disasters that caused much suffering.  In an effort to start anew, the people and clergy went out into the farm fields to pray for God’s blessing on the spring planting in hopes of better times to come.  Remembering these roots seems particularly fitting in light of the tsumani, floods and tornados of the past months.  Another aspect of the Rogation processions was to walk the bounds of the parish and resolve any property boundary disputes that had arisen – all within the context of Christian community. We are then reminded how important it is to have good boundaries (emotional and physical) and to be in right relationship with others (our neighbors, co-workers, family members, fellow parishioners).  So an ancient tradition has much to teach us!

And thank you to everyone who has already made a contribution to our Parking Lot Challenge.  We’ve had good support from many of our neighbors and building users but we are not at our goal yet.  Every contribution helps and is valued.  The deadline for the matching grant is June 30, so if you are able to participate, please send you card in soon.  We’d love to have every parish household on board!

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Ascension Day is Thursday, June 2.  We will celebrate this day marking Christ’s ascension in two ways:  a 7:00 am Eucharist and a 7:00 pm Evensong.  The Eucharist will include an opportunity for healing prayer, and a light breakfast is available afterwards.  Evensong will be the traditional Prayer Book service, with lots of congregational singing.  Either way, come worship and reflect on this important day in our spiritual calendar.

Family Service, Sunday School Certificates and Communion Class Recognition – June 5. All kids and teachers who have been part of our Sunday School this year will receive certificates at the 10 am service.  The children who have been part of this year’s Communion Class will also be recognized as having completed an important step in their Christian education. They will then be honored with a cake at coffee hour.  Plus our choirs will model their new choir tee shirts!

Parish Picnic – June 12,12 noon at the home of Babrabar and Tim Erday, 1 William Penn Road, Warren.  We’ll provide hot dogs, hamburgers and rolls. You bring salads/side dish, drinks or dessert; also a bathing suit and towel. This is an event for all ages.  Sign up and plan to be part of the fun!

Beth’s Ordination as a Deacon – June 4!  Our seminarian Beth Sciaino will be ordained as a transitional deacon (last step before priesthood) on June 4 at 10 am in Trinity and St. Phillip’s Cathedral, Military Park on Broad Street in Newark – and we are all invited.  Plan to come and support Beth – and wear something red! The next day will be Beth’s first time to function as a deacon in our worship.  Be on hand to offer your congratulations.

Pentecost Pageant - June 12.  Calling all kids Pre-K through Grade 8!  Be part of our annual Pentecost Pageant. There will be two rehearsals: Thursday, June 9 @ 4:30 pm, and Sunday, June 12 @ 9 am.  If you can only come to the Sunday rehearsal, fear not- we will still be able to include you.  Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, or respond to this e-mail.  This is a great way to celebrate this important day in the life of the Church.

Diocesan Lifetime Achievement Award – This year’s honoree from All Saints’ is Bill Smullen.  The award Evensong will be on June 12, 4 pm at St. Peter’s, Morristown (preceded by a reception at 3 pm).  Come and support Bill and offer your thanks for all he has done over the years for All Saints’.

Car Wash – June 18, 9 am -12 noon.  This fundraiser is part of our Parking Lot Challenge.  We’ll need lots of helpers on the day (especially high school/middle school kids).  Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.  We also need donations of old towels; they can be left in the basket in the Narthex.  Questions?  Speak with Jackie Sullivan or Roger Kosempel.

Christian Arts Camp – June 27-July 1, 9 am-12 noon, for children age 4-Grade 4.  Arts and crafts, music, drama/games, snacks, Bible stories.  Theme for the week is “Fruits of the Spirit.”  Cost is $40 per child; $35 for 2 or more children per family.  We’ll also need teen and adult volunteers.  Questions?  Speak to Dr. Jody or Mother Vicki.

Summer Saints Musical Theater – July 11-15, 9 am-2 pm, for kids Grades 5-9 (completed).  Singing, acting, props, making costumes and sets for a production of “Table for 5000.” The cost is $60 for the week and includes lunch.  There is a $10 discount for kids who volunteer to help with Christian Arts Camp.  Participation is limited to the first 25 sign-ups. Dr. Jody will direct the program and can answer any questions you have.
Registration forms for both programs are on-line at www.allsaintsmillington.org and paper copies are available in the Narthex.

Thanks to Nancy Mink, Wendy DiSarno, Stelle Kuehne and Jean Kimak for a great night of socializing and Bunco!  We raised about $1000 and brought in lots of folks from outside the parish.  Come and play with us next time!   

Women's Book Group, July 20that 7:30 in the Rath House.  The next book we’ll read is Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.  Come for an evening of good conversation and fellowship.

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Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the
living and the dead: We give thee thanks for all thy servants
who have laid down their lives in the service of our country.
Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence; and
give us such a lively sense of thy righteous will, that the work
which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through
Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, page 488)

Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+

Dear Friends in Christ,

It has been a very busy week at All Saints’.  Thank you to everyone who helped make our Kick-off Brunch such a fun and inspiring time! Special thanks to our choir for their rendition of Mark Miller’s anthem “Draw the Circle Wide.”  [Some of you who’ve been in the area for a while may recognize Mark’s name; he’s a 1985 graduate of Watchung Hills High School, recently inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.] And a particular thanks to Vicky Ribon for having her dance troupe “God’s Glory in Motion” come and perform for us!

And our Fish and Chips Dinner was a huge success! We sold out all 250 dinners that Argyle’s brought (and that was with only 150 in pre-sales).  There were many, many people from the wider community who may have never been to All Saints’ before and came away with a favorable impression.  Two Girl Scout troops helped us serve and run orders, many parishioners and staff worked really hard.  We know there were a few kinks, but for a first-time event all went really well.  We made at least $1200 for the parking lot.  Very special thanks to Kimberly Celeste and her crew!  Good job, team!
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It’s Here: the All Saints' Men’s Group!Saturday,May 7, 8-9 amin the Parish House.  Come share coffee, doughnuts and an hour of fellowship on Saturday before the weekend to-do list kicks in! Questions?  Speak to John McGrath.

Mother’s Day – At all services on Sunday we will have special prayers for our mothers and flowers for them.  Also, at coffee hour after the 10 am service the Men of All Saints’ will be hosting the refreshments (organized by John McGrath).  Please bring bagels, fruit salad, muffins, juice, etc.  Thanks!

Communion Classes – (day/date correction) for children in Grades 1 or 2.  Monday, May 9 and 16 at 4 pm in the Rath House.  This is an important part of our children’s Christian education.  They will then be recognized on June 5 at the 10 am service for completing the class.  To enroll your child  please speak to Mother Vicki.

Spring Clean-up Day, May 14, 9 am -12 noon.  Pleae come and give an hour to help the grounds ready for spring and summer.  There will also be inside projects, if you prefer, and things kids can do.  Bring wheelbarrows, rakes (both leaf and garden), pole saws, clippers, blowers, shovels, weed whackers, etc.  Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.  Questions?  Speak to Tom Day (973-615-1341.

Women’s Book Group May 27 at 7:30 in the Rath House.  This month’s book is Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan.  It’s a fictionalized account of the relationship between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick.  Come for an evening of good conversation and fellowship.

Community Forum: Raising Spiritually Healthy Kids – Wednesday, May 18, 7:30-9 pm in the Parish Hall. The presenters will be Vicki McGrath and Beth Sciaino.  Come for inspiration and conversation on your parenting journey.  The approach to the evening will be open to parents of all faith commitments – not just Christian, and not just Episcopalian.  Bring a friend or family member.

Bunco! Friday evening, May 20 in the Parish Hall.  It’s a fun and easy dice game that you can play while you socialize.  $20 donation, with proceeds going to All Saints’.  Reserve your spot now, as space is limited.  Contact Nancy Mink or Wendy DiSarno with questions.

Beth’s Ordination as a Deacon – June 4!  Our seminarian Beth Sciaino will be ordained as a transitional deacon (last step before priesthood) on June 4 at 10 am in Trinity and St. Phillip’s Cathedral in Newark – and we are all invited.  Plan to come and support Beth – and wear something red!

Summer Programs for Kids:
Christian Arts Camp – June 27-July 1, 9 am-12 noon, for children age 4-Grade 4.  Arts and crafts, music, drama/games, snacks, Bible stories.  Theme for the week is “Fruits of the Spirit.”  Cost is $40 per child; $35 for 2 or more children per family.  We’ll also need teen and adult volunteers.  Questions?  Speak to Dr. Jody or Mother Vicki.

Summer Saints Musical Theater – July 11-15, 9 am-2 pm, for kids Grades 5-9 (completed).  Singing, acting, props, making costumes and sets for a production of “Table for 5000.” The cost is $60 for the week and includes lunch.  There is a $10 discount for kids who volunteer to help with Christian Arts Camp.  Participation is limited to the first 25 sign-ups. Dr. Jody will direct the program and can answer any questions you have.
Registration forms for both programs will be on-line at www.allsaintsmillington.org and paper copies in the Narthex next week.

And save the following dates:
Pentecost Pageant and Parish Picnic – June 12
Car Wash – June 18
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God of your goodness,
Give me yourself, for you are enough for me….
And if I ask anything less
I shall never be in want,
For only in you have I all.
     - Dame Julian of Norwich, 14th Century

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+