
This is a short version of our weekly parish e-letter to remind you of a few things about tomorrow (Sunday). As you know, our daughter Meg and I went to visit our son Jack who is currently living in Holland. We had a wonderful visit, and Jack was a great travel guide. We spent time in Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Maastricht (The Netherlands), and Aachen (Germany). The parish gift of travel funds (from my 20th ordination anniversary) were most helpful; thank you. And thank you for your warm welcome last Sunday of the Rev. Marj Lindstrom as our guest preacher and celebrant! I know Marj enjoyed her time with you, and I am always proud to have other clergy from our diocese come and meet the wonderful Christian community of All Saints’, Millington. And a particular “thank you” to everyone who helped the worship and the Epiphany Soup and Sandwich Lunch go so smoothly, as well as helping the Altar Guild take down the Christmas decorations. Good job, everyone!
On a sad note, Mark Brigham, the brother-in-law of parishioner Nancy Brigham died this past week. Mark has been on our prayer list for quite some time. Mark was diagnosed at an early age with a form of Alzheimer’s, and he only lived two years beyond his diagnosis. Please remember Mark in your prayers, along with his wife and 10 year old son, Nancy and her husband Rob, and the extended Brigham family.
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Sunday, January 11th is the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (First Sunday after Epiphany). At both 8 and 10 am we will celebrate by renewing our own baptism vows. Sunday School classes also resume after the Christmas break. Hope to see you there!
Community Candlelight Walk and Bonfire – “Keeping the Light On for David Bird”, Sunday at 3:45 pm. It has been one year since our friend, neighbor, and Boy Scout Troop 56 Committee Chairman David Bird left his house for a short walk and never returned. While the police have continued to keep the investigation open and welcome any information that might lead to a resolution, it is important to support the Bird family – Nancy and their two teen-aged children Alex and Natasha. Troop 56, family friends, and All Saints’ Church are sponsoring a Community Candlelight Walk and Bonfire. Here are the details:
· Gather in front of All Saints’ Church at 3:45 pm. Please carpool or walk to the event. Dress warmly, and bring a flashlight.
· We will walk to the fire ring in the Hicks’ Tract (off Knollandale Ave, behind Millington School) where there will be a ceremony, a bonfire, and refreshments.
· Continue to support Nancy and the kids in prayer and friendship. Thank you!
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When Jesus went to Jordan’s stream
his Father’s will obeying,
and was baptized by John, there came
a voice from heaven saying,
“This is my dear belovèd Son
upon whom rests my favor.”
And till God’s will is fully done
he will not bend or waver,
for he is Christ the Savior.
The Holy Spirit then was shown,
a dove on him descending;
the Triune God is thus made known
in Christ as love unending.
He taught, he healed, he raised the dead,
yet, in his great endeavor
to save us, his own blood was shed;
but death could hold him never.
He rose, and lives for ever.
He came by water and by blood
to heal our lost condition;
he cleanses, reconciles to God,
and gives the Great Commission.
Then let us not heed worldly lies
nor rest upon our merit,
but trust in Christ who will baptize
with water and the Spirit
that we may life inherit.
~ Hymn 139, Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Blessings,
Vicki McGrath+