
As we enter more deeply into this season of gratitude – for our families, our life, our faith, please watch Bishop Hughes’ latest vlog (video log) on the subject of gratitude: https://youtu.be/YQ4KoSU8ow4 . Here are this week’s announcements.
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Please take a look at this week’s announcements, especially:
- Cabaret Night RSVP (Parish Life)
- Annual Pledge Commitment (Stewardship)
- Veterans’ Day Prayers (Worship)
- Sunday Forum: The Hymnal (Christian Formation)
PARISH LIFE
All Saints’ Cabaret Night is coming on Saturday, November 23, 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall! Music, dessert, wine, mocktails, soft drinks, and a photo booth! Featuring soprano Jody Mullen, with performances by some wonderful local talent. $15 per person/$50 family maximum – pay at the door. Please RSVP to the e-mailed invitation (from Punch Bowl) or put your name on the list in your e-mail, invite a friend, and plan to party! You won’t want to miss this. We need help with sweet and savory finger foods for this after-dinner event. We also need people to help set up and clean up afterwards. Please volunteer by signing up on the sheet in the Narthex to help. Questions? Speak to Alison Siener Brown or Melissa Pagliaro.
Coffee Hour hosts are needed for November and December. You provide some snacks (e.g. baked goods, fruit, cheese & crackers), juice, and milk or half & half for coffee. If you are unsure about how to make coffee, John McGrath will show you how, or make it for you. Please sign-up on the sheet in the Narthex for this Sunday ministry of hospitality. Questions? Speak to John McGrath
STEWARDSHIP
Annual Pledge Campaign for 2020: Building a Joyful Community – Thank you to everyone who has made a pledge of support for God’s mission here at All Saints’ in 2020! We’ve heard from about 45% of our parishioners so far. Your financial contributions make up the largest portion of funding for our ministries and programs, and it is vital to hear from everyone. Please send in your pledge commitment form as soon as possible. If you need a form, pledge packets are available in the Narthex. Thank you for being part of God’s work and the mission of All Saints’ Church in our community.
Creation Care Team – our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 13 at 6:30 pm in the Rath House. As part of our delving into our stewardship of God’s creation we’ll discuss the short book Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case for a More Joyful Christmas by Bill McKibben. Anyone who feels interested or called to be a part of this effort to be good stewards of creation (especially here at All Saints’) is welcome to this meeting.
ShopRite Cards – buy a ShopRite gift card for your own groceries or as a gift for someone else. You pay face value and All Saints’ gets 5%. See Barbara Barbeau.
WORSHIP
Veterans’ Day Prayers, Monday 11/11 – Gather in the bell tower of the Church at 10:45 am for some short and simple prayers for all our veterans, and those who have served, concluding with the ringing of the church bell at 11 am.
Thanksgiving Day worship on Nov. 28 is at 10 am. It’s a simple service of Communion and Thanksgiving hymns. Come and give thanks to God for all your blessings.
The Ministry of Welcoming Guests – we are all proud and grateful to make All Saints’ our spiritual home; but because we belong here, we might forget what it feels like to be new and walking into church (All Saints’ or any church) for the first time. We’ve included the following in this Sunday’s announcements. Please read it – even if you have been part of All Saints’ for many years – and the next time you meet a guest at our church, you’ll have some good information to give them. The most important thing you can do for a newcomer is to be a welcoming, accompanying presence, yet not overwhelm them.
Newcomers – if you are new to All Saints’ Church, please introduce yourself and fill out the guest book (located by the front door), so we can be in touch with you. Then join us after the 10:00 am service in the Parish Hall across the street for Coffee Hour – munchies, a warm beverage, and an even warmer welcome!
All Saints’ Welcomes Children: just as they are!
- Families with children are welcome to sit anywhere. Some families like to sit in our Children’s Corner where there are quiet toys, a rocking chair, and a bit of wiggle room. Others like to sit up front where their children can see. Sit wherever you feel most comfortable!
- There are activity/coloring pages and crayons available at the entrance. Please help yourself.
- If you need to make a quick exit for any reason, it’s okay! We welcome you to reenter the service whenever you’re ready.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
THIS WEEK: Sunday Forum, Nov. 10, 11:15 am in the Parish Hall - “The Faith We Sing: The Hymnal.” Alison Siener Brown will offer a presentation and discussion on our hymnal and the place of music in Episcopal worship at our new monthly adult Christian formation/education opportunity during Coffee Hour. Get some coffee or tea, take a seat, and come learn something new!
Looking ahead – Advent Quiet Evening: Wed., Dec. 4. This will be a mini-retreat in the midst of the December hustle and bustle; time to catch your breath and prepare your heart for Christmas. It will be led by the Rev. Shawn Carty, and held here at All Saints’. Look for more information soon.
Bible Study meets Wednesday at 10:15 am in the Rath House. We are currently studying the Book of Revelation; this week Chapter 8. Come learn more about the Bible and its connection to our lives. Questions? Speak to Mother Vicki.
Narnia Book Club discussion during Coffee Hour will resume next week; Chapters 10-12 of Prince Caspian, from The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. This group is a wonderful way to engage both your imagination and your faith and share your ideas with others.
Pop Up Youth Event: Focus on Gratitude – Sun, Nov 17, 3:30-6:30 pm at Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge. This event will focus on gratitude and service and we will be doing a service project. Registration will begin at 3:30 PM and the event will take place 4-6:30 PM and include dinner. We ask for a small $5 donation from each attendee to cover the cost of food. For more info go to www.dioceseofnewark.org.
OUTREACH
Twelve Baskets Food Pantry continues our monthly outreach at the Long Hill Senior Center. We also provide food for individuals and families in need at any time be calling the Parish Office. If you know someone struggling with food insecurity, please pass the word along to them.
DIOCESAN NEWS
Here’s the link to the most recent Voice Online – our diocesan newsletterhttps://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--A-reflection-on-stewardship-from-Bishop-Hughes--plus-how-to-sing-a-song-of-the-saints-of-God-in-northern-New-J.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=sLOIc76jSfo
CONVENT CORNER
Upcoming events at the Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham. See the flyer on the Narthex table for the full schedule.
Fall Associates’ Retreat: From Commotion to Contemplation Saturday November 23, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, at the Convent. Leader: Sister Josita Marks, SCC. Topic: “From Commotion to Contemplation.” RSVP to Sr. Eleanor Francis 973-543-4641 ex.3 or sref@csjb.org. If you’re interested in learning about how to become a CSJB Associate, contact Sister Eleanor Francis.
Cultivating Compassion for the Environment: Sunday December 1, 2:00 - 4:00 PM, at the CSJB Retreat House. Compassion is a core belief in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. How do our traditions define compassion? Join Sister Eleanor Francis, Rabbi Debra Smith and Dr. Shabiha Sheikh for an intriguing text study and discussion. Contact Sister Eleanor Francis at 973-543-4641 x3 sref@csjb.org
The Epiphany Party! Sunday January 5, 2020; 5:00 - 7:00 PM, at the Convent. This event is for old and new friends of the Community. Enjoy an evening of music and fellowship with the Sisters. Vespers and Reception of Associates 4 p.m. Informal Supper and Hymn Sing at 5. Come when you can!
PARISH CALENDAR
11/12 Finance Committee Rath House 7:30 pm
11/13 Bible Study Rath House, 10:15 am
Creation Care Rath House, 6:30 pm
11/14 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
CHRISTIAN PRACTICES
Way of Love: Go – When we hear the word “go” it may call to mind the start of a race, as in ‘ready, set, go.’ That implies speed, and urgency. But when we are reflecting on the Christian practice of GO in the Way of Love, it is much more about stepping out of your comfort zone – to meet someone new, to speak to someone you may feel hesitant about, to travel to a different place. When we do that, sometimes small steps are best, going slowly so we can listen to others’ ideas, feelings, and experiences.
So while we need to go at the behest of the Holy Spirit, we always do so with a sense of calm, openness, and interest in the people around us, trusting in God’s pace and direction.
Blessings, Vicki+