Dear Friends in Christ,
Our Annual Parish Meeting is this Sunday at 11:15 am the 10 am Family Service. This is always an important time to gather as a parish, hear from our lay and clergy leaders, and elect Vestry members and deputies to Diocesan Convention. We will also be celebrating Charlie White’s 93rd birthday with a cake! Please look at the announcements below, especially:
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
2018 Parish Directory Ready for Pick-up in the Narthex! Please take one.
Annual Meeting Leadership Slate – Here are the people who are standing for election at Sunday’s meeting. We have a single slate, and as you can see, we have a few open positions. If you are interested in serving in any of these capacities, please e-mail Mother Vicki or make a nomination from the floor on Sunday. Please note – if you nominate someone else, please make sure they are able and willing to serve! Thanks.
Bible Study/Book Study – Wed. at 10:15 am, in the Rath House. We are starting a new series that will run from Feb 7 through the end of Lent. We will read and discuss Inwardly Digest: The Prayer Book as Guide to a Spiritual Life, by Derek Olsen. Here’s a description: “Daily spiritual practice takes dedication and discipline, and we often wonder where to start and how to keep it from feeling like yet another task on our to-do list. In this grounded, practical book, author Derek Olsen uses The Book of Common Prayer for a template to a deeper spiritual life. Olsen explains the purpose and intention of the prayer book with fresh insight, offering practical applications for daily living.” The book costs $20. Can’t come Wed. mornings? You are still welcome to buy a copy and read it on your own. The books will be available in the Narthex.
Pilgrim Study Group Mondays, 7-8:30 pm in the Rath House. The topic for the 6-week session is The Bible: “What is it, how was it given to us, and how should we read it” Learn how to make reading the Bible a part of everyday life, with the ability to read, pray, and listen to what God might be saying, allowing the words to change us. Questions? Speak to Mother Vicki.
HELPING HANDS
Soup for All Seasons – Home-made soup and applesauce is available in the Parish Hall freezer for purchase ($3/pint, $5/quart). This week’s soups are Potato Leek & Chicken Noodle. If you have a family member or neighbor who is ill or shut-in, feel free to take them soup as an outreach. And if you would like to gather with others to help make soup in the Parish House kitchen, please see Barbara Barbeau.
Veterans Community Dinner, Feb. 24 at 5:30 pm - Vets and their families from our local community and from the V.A. in Lyons are invited for fellowship, conversation, and friendship...and a wonderful home-cooked meal in All Saints' Parish House at no charge. How can you help? Set up, clean up, serving, cooking (side dishes, salads, desserts). And please get the word out and invite any Vets you know! A sign-up sheet for volunteering will go out soon. This ministry is a partnership with our friends in the Christian (Catholic) Community. For more information speak to Kerrie Stepko.
ShopRite Grant – We are very pleased to announce that we have once again received a grant from ShopRite in support of our food pantry. $2500 will be credited to our account at the Community FoodBank and will assist us in purchasing food that we distribute in the community and in Dover. Thank you, ShopRite!
Knitting for Seafarers – Looking for a great outreach project you can do on your own time? Seamen’s Church Institute in Port Newark collects handmade scarves, hats and vests as Christmas gifts for the seafarers who transport our goods across the ocean. Simple patterns are available. Janet Mansfield is the person who heads up the All Saints’ branch of this ministry. Interested? Speak to Janet.
STEWARDSHIP
Looking for a worry-free way to keep current on your pledge? We have two opportunities:
LENT
Ash Wednesday is February 14. It begins the season of Lent in which we prepare for Easter. Ash Wednesday is a day to take stock of our lives and to gather to remember “our mortal nature” and God’s abundant grace. There are two opportunities for worship:
Lenten Devotional Books from Forward Movement - Are We There Yet?: Pilgrimage in the Season of Lent. “Using various and varied stories of pilgrimage and pilgrims, this book will explore the penitential and purgative process of walking to/around/through some of the most beloved pilgrimage sites in the Christian tradition as well as introduce the idea of an internal pilgrimage, a journey through difficult terrain of the soul.” The books are free and are available for pick-up in the Narthex.
We’ll also be exploring the theme of pilgrimage in other ways during Lent. Keep an eye out!
DIOCESAN NEWS
The Bishop Search Process is well under way. The remainder of the timeline is listed below. If you would like to read more about the Bishop’s search, please look here: https://dioceseofnewark.org/bishop-search. In the meantime, please continue to pray for God’s guidance for our Search/Nominating Committee, and for our diocese. And save the date: May 13! That will be Bishop Beckwith’s last visitation with us – both before the election on May 19, and before his retirement on September 22.
Bishop's Search Timetable
PARISH CALENDAR
2/5 Pilgrim Study Group Rath House, 7:00 pm
2/7 Book Study Rath House, 10:15 am
2/8 Holy Eucharist Church, 7:00 am
Junior Choir Choir Room, 5:15 pm
Adult Choir Choir Room, 7:30 pm
For a full schedule of our buildings check the website calendar www.allsaintsmillington.org.
CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Candlemas – February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. This is when the forty-day-old Infant Jesus was taken by his parents to the Temple in Jerusalem and presented to God as an offering, as was required for all first-born sons. At the Temple the met Anna and Simeon, two faithful and devout Jews who had been praying and waiting for the appearance of God’s Messiah. God had promised Simeon that he would not die before he had seen this take place. When Simeon saw the Child, he knew God had fulfilled his promise and proclaimed the words we know as the canticle Nunc Dimittis, which is always a part of Evening Prayer and Compline:
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, *
according to thy word;
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, *
which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, *
and to be the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)
The nickname for the day, Candlemas, comes from the traditional practice of blessing all the candles to be used for the church year at this service, related to Jesus being the Light “to lighten the Gentiles.” It is also the day on which any remaining greens, wreaths, and Christmas decorations are taken down.
The Nunc Dimittis has been set to music many times, by many different composers. Here are two recordings.
This first is by composer Geoffrey Burgon (published 1979), sung by the Abbey School Choir of Tewksbury https://youtu.be/1qIcmk8Eplw.
The second recording is by the early 17th century composer William Byrd, and sung by the Merbecke Choir, the chamber choir of Southwark Cathedral. The recording was made during a service of Compline and includes the traditional antiphon (sung refrain): “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.” https://youtu.be/cZ44v5Q-vXA
And on a completely different note….
With Sunday evening’s festivities in mind:
Prayer for Good Sportsmanship
Holy God, you have given us the joy of movement and games, and inspire us to always do our best: Be with those who will compete today; give them heart and a sense of fairness; keep them safe. Be with the fans and officials and give them a sense of perspective. And may our common life reflect your peace and goodness. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Epiphany blessings, Vicki+
Our Annual Parish Meeting is this Sunday at 11:15 am the 10 am Family Service. This is always an important time to gather as a parish, hear from our lay and clergy leaders, and elect Vestry members and deputies to Diocesan Convention. We will also be celebrating Charlie White’s 93rd birthday with a cake! Please look at the announcements below, especially:
- Parish Directory (Christian Formation)
- Leadership Slate (Christian Formation)
- On-line Giving (Stewardship)
- Soup for All Seasons (Helping Hands)
- ShopRite Grant (Helping Hands)
- New Book for Study (Christian Formation)
- Prayer for Good Sportsmanship (Christian Practices)
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
2018 Parish Directory Ready for Pick-up in the Narthex! Please take one.
Annual Meeting Leadership Slate – Here are the people who are standing for election at Sunday’s meeting. We have a single slate, and as you can see, we have a few open positions. If you are interested in serving in any of these capacities, please e-mail Mother Vicki or make a nomination from the floor on Sunday. Please note – if you nominate someone else, please make sure they are able and willing to serve! Thanks.
- Warden (2 year term): Tom Hackett
- Vestry (3 year term): Wendy Clarkson
- Vestry (3 year term): Janice Lettieri
- Vestry (3 year term): OPEN
- Vestry (2 year unexpired term): OPEN
- Diocesan Convention Deputy (3 Year Term): Carol Berry
- Diocesan Convention Deputy (2 Year Term): Jean Kimak
- Diocesan Convention Deputy (1 Year Term): OPEN
- Diocesan Convention Alternate (3 Year Term): OPEN
Bible Study/Book Study – Wed. at 10:15 am, in the Rath House. We are starting a new series that will run from Feb 7 through the end of Lent. We will read and discuss Inwardly Digest: The Prayer Book as Guide to a Spiritual Life, by Derek Olsen. Here’s a description: “Daily spiritual practice takes dedication and discipline, and we often wonder where to start and how to keep it from feeling like yet another task on our to-do list. In this grounded, practical book, author Derek Olsen uses The Book of Common Prayer for a template to a deeper spiritual life. Olsen explains the purpose and intention of the prayer book with fresh insight, offering practical applications for daily living.” The book costs $20. Can’t come Wed. mornings? You are still welcome to buy a copy and read it on your own. The books will be available in the Narthex.
Pilgrim Study Group Mondays, 7-8:30 pm in the Rath House. The topic for the 6-week session is The Bible: “What is it, how was it given to us, and how should we read it” Learn how to make reading the Bible a part of everyday life, with the ability to read, pray, and listen to what God might be saying, allowing the words to change us. Questions? Speak to Mother Vicki.
HELPING HANDS
Soup for All Seasons – Home-made soup and applesauce is available in the Parish Hall freezer for purchase ($3/pint, $5/quart). This week’s soups are Potato Leek & Chicken Noodle. If you have a family member or neighbor who is ill or shut-in, feel free to take them soup as an outreach. And if you would like to gather with others to help make soup in the Parish House kitchen, please see Barbara Barbeau.
Veterans Community Dinner, Feb. 24 at 5:30 pm - Vets and their families from our local community and from the V.A. in Lyons are invited for fellowship, conversation, and friendship...and a wonderful home-cooked meal in All Saints' Parish House at no charge. How can you help? Set up, clean up, serving, cooking (side dishes, salads, desserts). And please get the word out and invite any Vets you know! A sign-up sheet for volunteering will go out soon. This ministry is a partnership with our friends in the Christian (Catholic) Community. For more information speak to Kerrie Stepko.
ShopRite Grant – We are very pleased to announce that we have once again received a grant from ShopRite in support of our food pantry. $2500 will be credited to our account at the Community FoodBank and will assist us in purchasing food that we distribute in the community and in Dover. Thank you, ShopRite!
Knitting for Seafarers – Looking for a great outreach project you can do on your own time? Seamen’s Church Institute in Port Newark collects handmade scarves, hats and vests as Christmas gifts for the seafarers who transport our goods across the ocean. Simple patterns are available. Janet Mansfield is the person who heads up the All Saints’ branch of this ministry. Interested? Speak to Janet.
STEWARDSHIP
Looking for a worry-free way to keep current on your pledge? We have two opportunities:
- Auto-Payments from your checking account can be set up through your computer and on-line banking on a monthly basis. Your donation will come to us as a check in the mail, all at no cost to you or us.
- Vanco/EFT involves a small user fee. The funds are taken directly from your checking account and deposited into the church account.
LENT
Ash Wednesday is February 14. It begins the season of Lent in which we prepare for Easter. Ash Wednesday is a day to take stock of our lives and to gather to remember “our mortal nature” and God’s abundant grace. There are two opportunities for worship:
- 9:30 am Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes
- 7:30 pm Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes, with music
- Can’t make either service? Stop in for Ashes in the Church anytime between 11:45 am-1:00 pm. There will be opportunity for prayer and imposition of ashes, as well as quiet meditation on your own.
Lenten Devotional Books from Forward Movement - Are We There Yet?: Pilgrimage in the Season of Lent. “Using various and varied stories of pilgrimage and pilgrims, this book will explore the penitential and purgative process of walking to/around/through some of the most beloved pilgrimage sites in the Christian tradition as well as introduce the idea of an internal pilgrimage, a journey through difficult terrain of the soul.” The books are free and are available for pick-up in the Narthex.
We’ll also be exploring the theme of pilgrimage in other ways during Lent. Keep an eye out!
DIOCESAN NEWS
The Bishop Search Process is well under way. The remainder of the timeline is listed below. If you would like to read more about the Bishop’s search, please look here: https://dioceseofnewark.org/bishop-search. In the meantime, please continue to pray for God’s guidance for our Search/Nominating Committee, and for our diocese. And save the date: May 13! That will be Bishop Beckwith’s last visitation with us – both before the election on May 19, and before his retirement on September 22.
Bishop's Search Timetable
- Jan 15 - Feb 2: Phone/Skype Interviews of Applicants (by the Search/Nominating Committee, made up of 15 people - lay and clergy - from around the diocese.)
- Feb 3 - 4: Final Discernment for Retreat Invitations (for selected applicants and Committee)
- Feb 5: Discernment Retreat Invitations Sent
- Feb 19 - 22: Discernment Retreat
- Feb 23 - Mar 2: Narrow to Candidates
- Mar 5: Standing Committee Review and Announce 4 to 6 Final Candidates (The Standing Committee is made up of 4 lay persons and 4 clergy, elected by our Convention. They are the Bishop’s council of advice, and the ecclesiastical authority in the absence of a bishop. They have canonical authority for a bishop’s election.)
- Mar 5 - 15: Petition Process Open (i.e. nominations “from the floor”)
- May 3 - 6: 'Walkabouts' in Diocese (public presentations for all to come and hear/meet the finalists)
- May 19: Electing Convention (lay deputies and clergy from all congregations)
- Sep 22: Ordination of the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Newark (to which we are all invited!)
PARISH CALENDAR
2/5 Pilgrim Study Group Rath House, 7:00 pm
2/7 Book Study Rath House, 10:15 am
2/8 Holy Eucharist Church, 7:00 am
Junior Choir Choir Room, 5:15 pm
Adult Choir Choir Room, 7:30 pm
For a full schedule of our buildings check the website calendar www.allsaintsmillington.org.
CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Candlemas – February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. This is when the forty-day-old Infant Jesus was taken by his parents to the Temple in Jerusalem and presented to God as an offering, as was required for all first-born sons. At the Temple the met Anna and Simeon, two faithful and devout Jews who had been praying and waiting for the appearance of God’s Messiah. God had promised Simeon that he would not die before he had seen this take place. When Simeon saw the Child, he knew God had fulfilled his promise and proclaimed the words we know as the canticle Nunc Dimittis, which is always a part of Evening Prayer and Compline:
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, *
according to thy word;
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, *
which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, *
and to be the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)
The nickname for the day, Candlemas, comes from the traditional practice of blessing all the candles to be used for the church year at this service, related to Jesus being the Light “to lighten the Gentiles.” It is also the day on which any remaining greens, wreaths, and Christmas decorations are taken down.
The Nunc Dimittis has been set to music many times, by many different composers. Here are two recordings.
This first is by composer Geoffrey Burgon (published 1979), sung by the Abbey School Choir of Tewksbury https://youtu.be/1qIcmk8Eplw.
The second recording is by the early 17th century composer William Byrd, and sung by the Merbecke Choir, the chamber choir of Southwark Cathedral. The recording was made during a service of Compline and includes the traditional antiphon (sung refrain): “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.” https://youtu.be/cZ44v5Q-vXA
And on a completely different note….
With Sunday evening’s festivities in mind:
Prayer for Good Sportsmanship
Holy God, you have given us the joy of movement and games, and inspire us to always do our best: Be with those who will compete today; give them heart and a sense of fairness; keep them safe. Be with the fans and officials and give them a sense of perspective. And may our common life reflect your peace and goodness. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Epiphany blessings, Vicki+
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