Pentecost is Sunday – it’s the final Sunday of Easter, the day we celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit, and the birthday of the Church. The Gospel will be read in several different languages. It’s also one of the four baptismal feast days, so we’ll renew baptismal vows at both services. Please wear something red to Church…and come to our festive coffee hour after the 10 am service!
On a sad note, the mother of parishioner Glenn Pecoraro died on Tuesday. Laura was ninety-two and had not been in good health for some time, but her family was able to spend time with her often, and they last saw her right before she died. Please keep the Pecoraro family in your prayers – Glenn, Candy, Joe and Gabby. May your servant Laura, O Lord, rest in peace and rise in glory.
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WORSHIP
Special Needs Worship: All God's Children – This Sunday, 12-12:30 PM. For children and families with a range of special needs – including anyone who has a hard time sitting still! Refreshments and gluten-free snacks afterwards in the Parish House. Volunteers welcome!
Evening Prayer, Wednesdays 7:15 pm (2nd and 4th weeks of the month: 5/22 and 6/12). Scripture, prayer and psalms. Come for a mid-week sense of calm and connection with God.
Picnic and Praise – on Wednesday evenings, starting June 19. Come at 6:15 pm, bring a picnic supper to the Parish House lawn, and stay for a simple 30-minute Communion service in the Memorial Garden. A great way to connect with God and fellow-parishioners mid-week. For all ages!
SUNDAY SCHOOL/YOUTH
Sunday School
5/19: Last Sunday School – Party for all classes in the Parish House Lower Room (Pentecost)
5/26: No Sunday School (Memorial Day Weekend)
6/2: Family Service, Sunday School Pageant, and Rite-13 ceremony for the 8th graders
Kids’ Pageant – this year’s end-of-program year pageant has been written by our own Parker Godwin! All parish children are welcome and invited to participate. There will be two rehearsals: Thursday, May 23 at 4:30 pm and Sunday, June 2 at 9 am. Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex and join the fun!
ADULT SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Bible Study-Bible Buddies groups meet as follows:
Wednesday morning
10:15 am in the Church Narthex - on May 22 we'll meet at 9:30 am for a field trip to the Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham
Wednesday evening
7:45 pm in the Rath House-2nd and 4th weeks, (5/22 & 6/12).
We are following The Bible Challenge – a program of reading the Bible through in a year. Where are we now? Monday, May 20 is Day 99 and the readings are 1 Samuel, Psalm 82, and John 17. If you are interested in participating in this program, but have not yet started, please speak to Mother Vicki.
Women’s Book Group - Our next book for discussion is Dream New Dreams: Reimagining Life After Loss, by Jai Pausch, written after the death of her husband Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon scientist who wrote The Last Lecture. We meet Wednesday, June 19 at 7:30 pm in the Rath House. The group is for all women-- parishioners and friends alike. Hope you can join us!
OUTREACH
The United Thank Offering (UTO) Ingathering last Sunday raised $150. Thank you! This is an ongoing outreach so please, take another box to keep on your kitchen window, bedside table or desk at work to add your thanksgivings day by day.
FUN AND FUND-RAISING
BUNCO is coming! Friday, May 31. Get a group together or sign up on your own, and come for a fun evening. This fundraiser needs help-- even if you can’t come, you can help! There is a sign up in the Narthex. If you have questions or want to reserve your space, speak with Nancy Mink (908) 672-3517.
Annual Parish Picnic, June 9 – 12 noon at the home of Barbara and Tim Erday, 1 William Penn Road in Warren. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. Wear your picnic clothes to Church! You bring a salad, side dish, dessert and/or drinks…and we need a few volunteers to grill. The Erdays have a pool, so bring your suit and towel, too! There’s a sign-up sheet in the Narthex – let us know what you can bring and how many people will come with you.
Coffee Hour/Summer Refreshments – We need hosts for Sunday coffee hour (until mid-June) or refreshments on the Parish Lawn (after mid-June: iced tea, lemonade, cookies, etc.). Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. Questions? Speak to John McGrath.
STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship: “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Worship Attendance (Combined Services)
Easter VII (May 12) 98
YTD Sunday Total 1845
YTD Sunday Average 97
Parish House Construction Update – This has been a quiet week for Parish House construction – we have been waiting for the delivery of the fire doors. The new refrigerator for the Parish Hall kitchenette was delivered (paid for by the A.A. groups that meet here – thank you!). Still to come – staining and finishing the oak floors, hanging the interior fire doors, painting the interior of the addition and the Parish Hall, painting the exterior of the original building, hanging the lighting fixtures, and some final electrical work.
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Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves and gravity, we shall harness for God energies of love. Then for the second time in the history of the world we will have discovered fire. -Teilhard de Chardin
Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+