Dear Friends in Christ,
Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone! If you are at the Shore or other places that may be affected by the tropical storm, please be careful as you travel. As school starts next week, prayers for all children and teachers as they begin the new school year. And prayers for all young adults who have graduated from high school or college and are finding their way in the world of work.
Of course, September is also the start of our program year. It’s a great time to give more focus to our relationship with the God who loves us, and wants us to be his agents and representatives in the world God has made. As Christ’s representatives, we all need a tune-up from time to time…just like a car or bicycle. There are many ways to do that – prayer, gvivng of ourselves, Bible reading, worship, meditation, exercise, reflection on how we use of time and money, taking a class, music; and All Saints’ has offerings in a number of these areas which may be helpful for you. No matter what, our growth as disciples/followers of Jesus depends on learning and deepening “holy habits” so that we learn to speak and act out of the life of Christ ingrained in us. What Christian habit/outlook will you invest in this fall?
~ VGM+
+ + + + + + + + +
EVENTS
NEXT WEEK: Welcome Sunday – September 11. Sunday School starts, our choirs will sing, and we’ll have our opening Hot Dog Picnic at 11:15 am. Please sign up on the Picnic Sheet in the Narthex to tell us what you can bring – salad, side dish, dessert. Both our 8 & 10 am services will include a Litany for Peace on the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11. See you there!
WORSHIP
Calling New Acolytes! Some of our acolytes (altar servers) have graduated and we are looking to expand the roster, serving about once a month. Students in Grade 7 and older are welcome – adults, too! For more information, speak to Janice Lettieri or Mother Vicki.
Music at All Saints’ Choirs - We have a place for (and a need for) singers – all ages, all voice parts! And do you or your child play an instrument? Interested in learning to play handbells? Want to share your joy in music with the rest of the congregation from time to time? We would love to have you be part of All Saints’ music ministry!
Choir Rehearsals are on Thursdays ~
5:15-5:45 Small Saints Choir (K-Grade 2)
5:30-6:30 Junior Choir (Grade 3 and up)
7:30-9:00 Adult Choir
Please speak to Alison Siener Brown for more information, either about choirs or instruments.
Mid-Week Communion and Healing Prayer Resumes Sept. 8 – every Thursday morning at 7:00 am in the Church. A simple service before your work day starts. A light breakfast is available in the Rath House afterward. This fall will be a great time to make a little more room in your life for God, so that you may have a little more life in your day!
STEWARDSHIP
The Rummage Sale is Sat., 9/17 and we need your rummage to help get us to 10K! We also need some help with rummage transportation. If you have a truck and would be willing to make a few pick-ups in the coming week, and/or help make so deliveries on the day of the sale, please e-mail the Parish Office. And do look at the Rummage Sale poster in the Narthex to see what other tasks need a volunteer – our Sale benefits the whole parish and needs everyone’s effort. Thanks!
Drop Off times for this week:
Sun 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Tues 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Wed 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Thur 2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Tell your friends and neighbors we’ll take their good, clean, rummage, too! Thanks for all your help. Questions? Speak to Kimberly Celeste.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Bible Study this Wed., September 7 at 10:15 am in the Rath House. We’ll begin reading the Book of Acts – the story of the first Christians and the way they were led by the Holy Spirit to engage with their communities and beyond. Come learn and grow!
And coming in the fall... Pilgrim - a Course for the Christian Journey. Christian formation is the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others and all creation. In this process, we are transformed into the people God wants us to be, equipped and strengthened to serve Christ in the world. This new resource from the Episcopal Church meets in six-week segments and covers the following broad questions: What do Christians believe? How do Christians know and worship God? How do Christians live? What is the Christian vision for the world? More information will be available in September. For now it would be helpful to know if Monday or Wednesday evenings would work best for you. Please indicate your availability on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
Do you know the date of your baptism and/or your child’s? We are collecting these baptismal anniversary dates for a parish project. Please take a few minutes to look for this information and send it in to the office via e-mail, with the subject line: Baptismal Anniversary. Thanks!
HELPING HANDS
Family Promise Homeless Shelter - thanks to all our volunteers this past week who participated in hosting homeless families in this ministry.
Twelve Baskets Food Pantry Ministry – we have two dates comng up: 9/24 and 9/25.
Musikgarten for Young Children Looking for parent/child music classes or group piano for beginners? Alison Siener Brown offers a range of Musikgarten classes here at All Saints’. For information, please speak with her, or go to the Music in the Somerset Hills website: http://musicsh.org/musikgarten/
Yoga
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Blood Drive at the Long Hill First Aid Squad, 9/8; 2 pm-8 pm; 949 Valley Road, Gillette.
Ecumenical Candlelight Vigil for 9/11 - Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling. A Gratitude Reception for the area’s first responders and their families who serve the community daily will precede the Vigil at 6 pm. All are welcome.
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PARISH CALENDAR
9/5 Labor Day Parish Office Closed
9/7 Bible Study Rath House, 10:15 am
9/8 Holy Eucharist Church, 7:00 am
9/8 Small Saints’ & Junior Choirs 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.
Parish Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs. from 9:30 am-4:00 pm,
Rector’s Sabbath day: Friday
Remember to “Like” us on Facebook: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Millington, NJ
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CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Work
As Americans, we work hard, and we increasingly work long hours. We do that because we need to support ourselves and our loved ones. Some of us are able to say that we love our work, or enjoy it, or take satisfaction in it. Others struggle with jobs that are dangerous, or demeaning, or that just don’t mesh well with our interests and skills, but is the only job available at the time. No matter which category we fall into, our work is part of our life of faith. Who we are and how we act on the job is as much a part of following Jesus as worship and loving our neighbor is. What does that mean? It means that bring our best selves to work every day, that we stay grounded in our knowledge and awareness of God’s love for us, it means that we act with integrity as much as we can – knowing full well that there will be challenges to doing so. It also means standing with co-workers and employees who may be having personal struggles, or be experiencing work-place mistreatment or injustice. It means looking for the best outcome for your work team, and not just for yourself. It also means valuing everyone at your work place and showing them respect – even that person who rubs you the wrong way, or with whom you disagree strenuously.
So as you start back to work next Tuesday, think about how your work contributes to the good of the larger community or society. Ask God to help you do your work to the best of your ability. A prayer each day on the way to work goes a long way towards helping you stay focused. Here are two examples:
For Vocation in Daily Life
Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory
and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the
earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service
of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in
truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of
him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. ~ Book of Common Prayer
OR
A Workplace Prayer
My Heavenly father, as I enter this workplace I bring your presence with me.
I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy, and your perfect order in this office.
I acknowledge your power over all that will be spoken, thought, decided, and done within these walls.
Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with.
I commit to using them responsibly in your honor.
Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.
Anoint my projects, ideas, and energy so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring you glory.
Lord, when I am confused guide me.
When I am burned out infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy, and a smile to all that I come in contact with today.
~ Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/prayers/christian/work/workplace-prayer.aspx#8eg01IaYdEKzqQGS.99
Blessings,
Vicki+
Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone! If you are at the Shore or other places that may be affected by the tropical storm, please be careful as you travel. As school starts next week, prayers for all children and teachers as they begin the new school year. And prayers for all young adults who have graduated from high school or college and are finding their way in the world of work.
Of course, September is also the start of our program year. It’s a great time to give more focus to our relationship with the God who loves us, and wants us to be his agents and representatives in the world God has made. As Christ’s representatives, we all need a tune-up from time to time…just like a car or bicycle. There are many ways to do that – prayer, gvivng of ourselves, Bible reading, worship, meditation, exercise, reflection on how we use of time and money, taking a class, music; and All Saints’ has offerings in a number of these areas which may be helpful for you. No matter what, our growth as disciples/followers of Jesus depends on learning and deepening “holy habits” so that we learn to speak and act out of the life of Christ ingrained in us. What Christian habit/outlook will you invest in this fall?
~ VGM+
+ + + + + + + + +
EVENTS
NEXT WEEK: Welcome Sunday – September 11. Sunday School starts, our choirs will sing, and we’ll have our opening Hot Dog Picnic at 11:15 am. Please sign up on the Picnic Sheet in the Narthex to tell us what you can bring – salad, side dish, dessert. Both our 8 & 10 am services will include a Litany for Peace on the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11. See you there!
WORSHIP
Calling New Acolytes! Some of our acolytes (altar servers) have graduated and we are looking to expand the roster, serving about once a month. Students in Grade 7 and older are welcome – adults, too! For more information, speak to Janice Lettieri or Mother Vicki.
Music at All Saints’ Choirs - We have a place for (and a need for) singers – all ages, all voice parts! And do you or your child play an instrument? Interested in learning to play handbells? Want to share your joy in music with the rest of the congregation from time to time? We would love to have you be part of All Saints’ music ministry!
Choir Rehearsals are on Thursdays ~
5:15-5:45 Small Saints Choir (K-Grade 2)
5:30-6:30 Junior Choir (Grade 3 and up)
7:30-9:00 Adult Choir
Please speak to Alison Siener Brown for more information, either about choirs or instruments.
Mid-Week Communion and Healing Prayer Resumes Sept. 8 – every Thursday morning at 7:00 am in the Church. A simple service before your work day starts. A light breakfast is available in the Rath House afterward. This fall will be a great time to make a little more room in your life for God, so that you may have a little more life in your day!
STEWARDSHIP
The Rummage Sale is Sat., 9/17 and we need your rummage to help get us to 10K! We also need some help with rummage transportation. If you have a truck and would be willing to make a few pick-ups in the coming week, and/or help make so deliveries on the day of the sale, please e-mail the Parish Office. And do look at the Rummage Sale poster in the Narthex to see what other tasks need a volunteer – our Sale benefits the whole parish and needs everyone’s effort. Thanks!
Drop Off times for this week:
Sun 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Tues 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Wed 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Thur 2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Tell your friends and neighbors we’ll take their good, clean, rummage, too! Thanks for all your help. Questions? Speak to Kimberly Celeste.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Bible Study this Wed., September 7 at 10:15 am in the Rath House. We’ll begin reading the Book of Acts – the story of the first Christians and the way they were led by the Holy Spirit to engage with their communities and beyond. Come learn and grow!
And coming in the fall... Pilgrim - a Course for the Christian Journey. Christian formation is the lifelong process of growing in relationship with God, self, others and all creation. In this process, we are transformed into the people God wants us to be, equipped and strengthened to serve Christ in the world. This new resource from the Episcopal Church meets in six-week segments and covers the following broad questions: What do Christians believe? How do Christians know and worship God? How do Christians live? What is the Christian vision for the world? More information will be available in September. For now it would be helpful to know if Monday or Wednesday evenings would work best for you. Please indicate your availability on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
Do you know the date of your baptism and/or your child’s? We are collecting these baptismal anniversary dates for a parish project. Please take a few minutes to look for this information and send it in to the office via e-mail, with the subject line: Baptismal Anniversary. Thanks!
HELPING HANDS
Family Promise Homeless Shelter - thanks to all our volunteers this past week who participated in hosting homeless families in this ministry.
Twelve Baskets Food Pantry Ministry – we have two dates comng up: 9/24 and 9/25.
- Next dinner for Veterans will be Saturday evening, 9/24 and we invite all those interested to help with any of the following: set-up, cooking, serving, clean-up, and especially with sitting and visiting with our guests. Want to help? Speak to Candy Pecoraro, Steve Kowalik, Afsaneh Thursfield, Betsy Wallace, or Jane Hayden.
- Next Day to Assemble Take-out Meal Bags for the Homeless is Sunday, 9/25 during Coffee Hour. Need info? Speak to Afsaneh Thursfield.
Musikgarten for Young Children Looking for parent/child music classes or group piano for beginners? Alison Siener Brown offers a range of Musikgarten classes here at All Saints’. For information, please speak with her, or go to the Music in the Somerset Hills website: http://musicsh.org/musikgarten/
Yoga
- Mondays at 6:15 pm - Bring your own mat and wear comfortable clothes. Cost is $15 per session. No need to register in advance; just come to class.
- Thursdays at 5:30 pm - Chair Yoga and Meditation for Seniors. No floor work, no mats needed. Starts 9/22 and runs for 6 weeks. Cost is $15 per class.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Blood Drive at the Long Hill First Aid Squad, 9/8; 2 pm-8 pm; 949 Valley Road, Gillette.
Ecumenical Candlelight Vigil for 9/11 - Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling. A Gratitude Reception for the area’s first responders and their families who serve the community daily will precede the Vigil at 6 pm. All are welcome.
+ + + + + + + + +
PARISH CALENDAR
9/5 Labor Day Parish Office Closed
9/7 Bible Study Rath House, 10:15 am
9/8 Holy Eucharist Church, 7:00 am
9/8 Small Saints’ & Junior Choirs 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.
Parish Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs. from 9:30 am-4:00 pm,
Rector’s Sabbath day: Friday
Remember to “Like” us on Facebook: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Millington, NJ
+ + + + + + + + +
CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Work
As Americans, we work hard, and we increasingly work long hours. We do that because we need to support ourselves and our loved ones. Some of us are able to say that we love our work, or enjoy it, or take satisfaction in it. Others struggle with jobs that are dangerous, or demeaning, or that just don’t mesh well with our interests and skills, but is the only job available at the time. No matter which category we fall into, our work is part of our life of faith. Who we are and how we act on the job is as much a part of following Jesus as worship and loving our neighbor is. What does that mean? It means that bring our best selves to work every day, that we stay grounded in our knowledge and awareness of God’s love for us, it means that we act with integrity as much as we can – knowing full well that there will be challenges to doing so. It also means standing with co-workers and employees who may be having personal struggles, or be experiencing work-place mistreatment or injustice. It means looking for the best outcome for your work team, and not just for yourself. It also means valuing everyone at your work place and showing them respect – even that person who rubs you the wrong way, or with whom you disagree strenuously.
So as you start back to work next Tuesday, think about how your work contributes to the good of the larger community or society. Ask God to help you do your work to the best of your ability. A prayer each day on the way to work goes a long way towards helping you stay focused. Here are two examples:
For Vocation in Daily Life
Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory
and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the
earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service
of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in
truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of
him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. ~ Book of Common Prayer
OR
A Workplace Prayer
My Heavenly father, as I enter this workplace I bring your presence with me.
I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy, and your perfect order in this office.
I acknowledge your power over all that will be spoken, thought, decided, and done within these walls.
Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have blessed me with.
I commit to using them responsibly in your honor.
Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.
Anoint my projects, ideas, and energy so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring you glory.
Lord, when I am confused guide me.
When I am burned out infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy, and a smile to all that I come in contact with today.
~ Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/prayers/christian/work/workplace-prayer.aspx#8eg01IaYdEKzqQGS.99
Blessings,
Vicki+
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