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SAINTS Alive! THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PARISH All Saints’ Church Chelmsford, MA December 2005
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SAINTS Alive! THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PARISH All Saints’ Church Chelmsford, MA December 2005
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From the Rector
The Stone Wall Turns the Corner
For the past year and a half Norm Douglas has diligently built the new stone wall between the Parish Hall and the Chapel. He turned the corner by the parking lot last month, right before the weather became too cold to work with stones and concrete. It has been a labor of love, with an emphasis on both labor and love. On the few times I was able to work with him, I realized how heavy stones are, especially when you have to pick up and turn around and around dozens of stones until the right one is found. Nonetheless, day after day, Norm has been out there fitting one stone after another. Yes, others have helped, especially his wife Carol, but nobody has come close to the countless hours Norm has put in. The stone wall is a testament of devotion to this parish, as well as to the joy of hard physical work.
Turning the corner has allowed the big pile of dirt, which hosted a majestic thistle all summer, to be used to back fill the wall. The level garden and lawn that will emerge next year is now a visible possibility. As we enter into the Advent and Christmas seasons, we too turn a corner. Reflecting on the stone wall reminds me that devotion and work will help make this liturgical turn a significant event. Our life as a congregation is the culmination of many people fitting together to be Christ’s body in this place. Those stones do not fit together just by stacking them in a heap. We must be turned and examined until the right spot is found.
The Holy Spirit has been working through us in worship and music, in fellowship and formation, in outreach and mission, so that a new garden is a visible possibility. I am not sure of the exact flora and fauna, but I see rich spiritual relationships blooming, vines reaching out to those in need close by and far away, and refreshing shade from the heat of the day. The exciting thing about this garden is that the stones that define its shape are not fixed in place, but are dynamic, living and full of possibility. As we enter a new year, as we prepare for the incarnation and indwelling spirit of God, I am excited as we turn this corner and discover all the possibilities God has in store for us.
Peace,
Tom
December Preparations
Advent: A Season of Preparation
The All Saints’ Lower Church School invites you to these important Advent activities
Each Sunday in Advent the church school will be hosting an Advent activity:
When: 9:30-10:00am
Where: Parish Hall
Who: Every Member of the All Saints’ Community
Come for one Sunday or come for all four- join us as we prepare for the feast of Christmas
The Advent Schedule
Nov. 27th, 9:30 - Level 1 Atrium Kids hosting Cookie Decorating for coffee hour
Dec. 4th, 9:30 - Bridge Atrium Kids hosting star decoration making for the church
Dec. 11th, 9:30 - Firelight Kids hosting holiday card making
Dec. 18th, 9:00 - Entire Lower School hosting communion bread making (note earlier time)
All Saints’ Christmas Eve Pageant
Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Pageant: 4 p.m.
This year we will be running a participatory pageant telling the story of the adoration of the Shepherds. We will need a lot of help, flexibility and creativity, but very little rehearsal time. Here’s how it works. Before the Christmas Eve service we need volunteers to help make simple costumes for sheep, shepherds, and angels. There are only a few roles which will be cast prior to the pageant: Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and two narrators. On the night of the Christmas Eve service, costume volunteers will be in the Narthex and greet each child as they arrive for the service: all children are welcome to participate. They can choose to be a shepherd, sheep or angel (as long as supplies last.) During the story we will invite each group to come up and adore the baby. There will be Christmas Carols for the whole parish to sing, and by the end of the story, all the children will be in the front of the church. The simple structure of this pageant invites all children to participate in the feast of Christmas. Invite your friends to join you for this service: all children are welcome.
Okay, here’s the help part.
· Costume makers
· Pageant greeters and costumers (for the night or the service)
· 2 narrators: older children are invited to consider this part
· Mary, Joseph
· Overall Pageant Director (receiving incredible support from the rector and church school directors)
Please call us ASAP with all offers to help.
Peace,
Laura Marshall
Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols
Our annual Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols will be held on Sunday, December 18 at 4p.m. Through scripture and song, the story of the birth of Jesus is told. In addition to congregational singing, there will be music by the Children’s, Junior, Senior, and Handbell choirs. This service is a 20+ year tradition at All Saints’ and is a perfect respite from the hectic pace of the holiday season. We hope that many of you will be able to join us, and to bring friends and family members to share in the true joy of this season.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Our Christmas Eve services will be at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the Christmas pageant occurring at the 4 p.m. service. The Children’s, Junior, and Handbell choirs will participate in the 4 p.m. service, and the Senior Choir will sing at the 10 p.m. service, which begins at 9:40 with carol singing.
Christmas Day, which falls on a Sunday this year, there will be one service at 10 a.m. in the chapel.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
New Year’s also falls on a Sunday, and there will be two services at 8 and 10 a.m., but they will be held in the chapel.
EPIPHANY CELEBRATION
We will hold an Epiphany celebration on Saturday, January 7, which will begin with a parish potluck at 6 p.m., followed by a performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors in the sanctuary. Amahl is a family friendly opera by Gian Carlo Menotti that tells a story about a poor boy and his mother, and their visit from the three kings on their way to see the Christ Child. This is an Indian Hill production, with Susan Gates as Amahl’s mother, and our parishioners as the village people. There will be a free will offering to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Please tell your friends about this unique opportunity that is open to all.
A Bright Idea
Ever try one of those small, low wattage fluorescent bulbs that replace standard 60W or 75W incandescent light bulbs? When they first came out about 10 years ago, they were pricey (about $8 each) and put out a yellowish light. Nowadays you can find them on sale for about $1 at places like Home Depot, and they put out a much more "normal" light that is very similar to an incandescent bulb. The best thing is that they only use about 14W of energy while producing the same amount of light as a 60W bulb. You save money on your electric bill while being a better steward of the environment and our natural resources. I use them in my basement and attic, in the overhang for our front entrance (yes, they work fine even when it is cold outside), and I have them scattered around the house in fixtures that need two light bulbs.
Matt Hickcox
A heartfelt thank you to the following who contributed to the success of the pie workshop by giving of their time, talent or money: Millie Adams, Andrea Bray, Carol Cannistraro, Dora Carr, Joan Clement, Aline and Kevin Davis, Carol Douglas, Vi Flumerfelt, Margie Lane, Barbara Lindberg, Kay Roberts, Carol Stys, Dawn Ware, Barbara Willman, Midge Wilson, and Ginny Wright. We made 50 blueberry pies, and 62 apple which never could have happened without all of your help. I think we all enjoyed the fellowship of coming together to achieve a common goal which ultimately is to raise funds for the general fund.
Thank you all so much.
Esther Davenport
Hope Begins With You
QPR, for Suicide Prevention
Every 17 minutes, at least 6 Americans lose a loved one to suicide. Most did not have the chance to learn the warning signs. You have the opportunity to make a difference. You have the chance to help save a life.
Easy to learn, QPR takes just one hour and is free. Participants will learn the warning signs and how to respond to those who are feeling suicidal. This free and life-saving training is being offered at ASC on January 8th at 4:00 pm. This training is especially valuable for those who have contact with the elderly, young adults, and those who are chronically ill.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a nation wide suicide prevention program. It will be taught by Alice Lenhart, a certified QPR instructor.
For more information, contact Alice Lenhart at aelenhart@hotmail.com.
Pilgrimage to Israel & Palestine
In January 2006, we, Christen Mills and Jennifer Barrington, will be part of a group of about thirty college students joining Bishop Tom Shaw on a ten-day pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine. Our journey will help us build wisdom and courage for the ministry of reconciliation to which we are all called by Christ. We will hear and see the impact of violence and division and listen for signs of hope, as we learn from Jewish and Palestinian college students in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Through home-stays, service work, conversation with families of victims, and trips to holy sites, we will gain a deeper understanding of our call to "seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
We are writing to ask for your financial support for our trip. It is costing each of us $500. The Diocese wanted to make sure it was affordable. The total cost is about $2000 per participant. We ask your help in defraying the total costs. Any donations to help send us and the other students on this pilgrimage will be greatly appreciated.
We are both very excited to go, and would love to share our experiences with all of you after we return.
Please make your check payable to the Diocese of Massachusetts, writing “Student Pilgrimage” in the memo, and clarifying that you are supporting us. Send contributions to Joe Morency, Episcopal Diocese of MA, 138 Tremont St., Boston MA 02111.
Thank you for your consideration of this opportunity for shared mission.
Peace and God Bless,
Christen Mills & Jennifer Barrington
Christen is a sophomore at Boston University majoring in Religion
Jennifer is a junior at Suffolk University majoring in Interior Design.
Both have been active in the Episcopal chaplaincy at Boston University
Adult Christian Formation
at All Saints’
Upcoming Formation Events
Dec 10 Advent Quiet Day 8:30- 2:00 Cranberry Room
Dec 13 Silent Night 7:00- 8:30 p.m. Blue Room
Jan 11 via media, Part 2 begins 7:00- 9:00 p.m.
From the Associate for Adult Christian Formation
As Advent begins, I find myself thinking a lot about talking and listening. Several threads weave together here for me, including:
· listening to the parish tell its story through the Raising the Roof strategic planning process. On October 23, 35 people met for nearly three hours to consider the story of All Saints’ at three points in its history-- its founding days, the time when Paul Twelves was rector, and the present. Then on November 20, 25 people gathered for lunch and a discussion of who we are at our best, who we say we want to be, and what barriers keep us from being our best self as a parish. These have been powerful, prayerful conversations, and I thank all participants for their openness, depth and humor. If the Learning Team’s summary of these conversations is not yet available in hard copy and on the website, it will be soon.
· hearing from several quarters in the parish some version of-- where might I talk about my beliefs and my spiritual life? Many people responded to the education event of via media and to the book discussion about God’s Politics with the sense that it is a gift to make space for these conversations. More than that, it is necessary to find ways to talk about our beliefs and our stories so that we might go forth from All Saints’ and find ourselves able to speak to the events and experiences of our personal lives and as we live as Christians in our families, friendships, workplaces and civic lives.
· spending a week in November at Pendle Hill, a Quaker retreat and education center, where once again I experienced the tremendous power of gathering in silence with others to wait upon the will of God.
My work here and in the diocese offers me the privilege of engaging over and over again in holy conversations about what matters most to people. If you are one who wonders, “Where might I talk about my beliefs and my spiritual life?” I encourage you to check out the many adult formation events here in the parish.
Book discussion, Sunday morning class at 9:00 AM, via media, and special groups offer varied opportunities for reflection and exploration. I hope that you will take time to read what the Learning Team is discovering about our parish and will talk to us (the Rev. Tom Barrington, Derick Gates, Melanie Hickcox, Amy Hunter, Lynne McSheehy, and Anne Whitaker) and, even more importantly, with one another about what you’ve read. And I hope that you will hear the invitation in the season of Advent, as we prepare and wait for Christmas, to be still and listen – to the people in your life, to the deepest stirrings of your being, to God.
in peace,
Amy Hunter
Associate for Adult Christian Formation
Advent Quiet Day
Saturday, December 10
Beloved in Christ, in the season of Advent, let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, to see the Babe lying in a manger. (The Book of Occasional Services)
The days and weeks leading to Christmas can be frantic and fraying. Christian tradition counters our habitual frenzy with the yearly invitation to enter into Advent, a season of preparation and waiting.
Join us for an Advent Quiet Day, December 10, 8:30 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. in the Blue and Cranberry Rooms. Come for the day or come for one hour. Come just for lunch. Setting aside even a little time to be still, pray, and prepare can invite holiness into the entire season.
We will provide food and beverages, music, seasonal reading, some Christmas cards, pens and paper. You might want to bring your own cards, sewing or knitting, something to read. This day is a time that supports quiet activity, especially activities that prepare you to celebrate Christmas, the Feast of the Incarnation.
Contact Amy Hunter at fifimom@juno.com or 978-459-3418 for more information.
Buildings, Grounds, and Digs
West Lawn = Right side of Church bounded by Narthex Handicap ramp.
Portico area…or Portico Patio = that small patch ‘below’ the Memorial garden where the Church Meeting room windows open to.
Meadow= area between Chapel and Parish Hall featuring the Great Norman Wall.
“Dig we must” was the motto of the Consolidated Edison company in New York City. And dig we have at All Saints’. We have cleaned up an area on the west side of the church driveway, which will be used to accommodate (hopefully) angle-in parking for compact cars. We will need to plant low-lying spreading juniper to hold in the terrace created.
This spring, an early Volunteer Day will feature raking out the Meadow area and the West Lawn to ready for the planting of grass. Grass seed (fescue) will be needed for that and many of the other filled in areas.
There is a landscaping plan for the Meadow. There are conversations taking place about the West Lawn and the Portico area. I suspect that these plans will require a lot of time, input and donations. Meanwhile, we will plant grass to prevent a weed lot from growing up.
Your B&G didn’t give a “Stewardship” talk this year during the services, because the hope was that the work would speak for itself. While we might ask you to support this work in helping the Vestry with the B&G portion of the budget, your time spent on some “third Saturday” Volunteer Days is equally important.
Please be sure to read the B&G portion of the Annual Report.
Permit me to note a special thanks to Community Tree of Chelmsford for free brush removal and especially to Dave Forgue (978-244-0189) an independent contractor in Chelmsford, who used his Bobcat for the massive earth moving.
Rich Jerome
We remember this December the towns, counties, parishes, states, provinces, and nations of the world; and all their governments; and all who work in public service.
We in New England can take many services, and sometimes even peace itself, for granted: clean water; electrical power; winter heating; summer cooling; the convenience and safety of well-stocked supermarkets; garbage collection; firemen, policemen, and medical workers; cars, buses, and the roads on which they run; the train system; schools. This December, let us stop from time to time to thank God for the visionaries of old, and the community leaders of the present, that have provided for these services, and pray that these services may reach more people every day.
We remember the people and parishes of the Brazil. There is a companion diocese relationship between the Episcopal Churches of Brazil and the dioceses of the Episcopal Church of the United States.
We recall the misfortunes of recent environmental disasters: hurricanes affecting Central America, Guatemala, and the United States; the earthquake in Pakistan and India; the tsunami of December 26 2004 and the affected coastal communities in the Indian Ocean.
Vestry Members
Scott Bempkins Robb Dussault
Beth Anne Economou Lois Freeman
Steve Grillo Karine Marino
Joe Sala Sally Warren Anne Whitaker
Adrienne Spear, Senior Warden
Kevin Davis, Treasurer
Chelmsford Recycling
See also:
or call 978-250-5203 for details.
Curbside leaf collection: December 3.
(All phone numbers are area code 978 unless indicated)
Church Office...................................... 256-5673
Senior Warden....... Adrienne Spear
Junior Warden........ Ron Cannistraro
Treasurer............... Kevin Davis
Clerk..................... Jeremy Ahouse
Acolyte Director.... Clem Cole
Adult Education...... Amy Hunter
Altar Guild............. Liz Landers
Buildings and Grounds……................... Rich Jerome
Christian School..... Laura Marshall
Michelle Thomas
Elizabeth Danieli
Coffee Hour.......... Cindy Dussault
Endowment ........... Jean McCaffery
Environmental Stewardship Committee…Liz Marshall
Fellowship.............. Meredith McElroy
Finance.................. Clem Cole
Music Minister....... Maggie Marshall
Outreach............... Dave Kuzara
Pastoral Care......... Joy Chadwick
Saints Alive............ Patrick Blumeris
SaintsAlive e-mail:.. ... saintsalive@yahoo.com
Stewardship........... Steve Grillo
Thrift Shop............. Carol Cannistraro
Youth Group.......... to be filled
Webmaster............ Richard Coles, Steve Sullivan
Web site................ www.allsaintschelmsford.org
… for the January 2006 Saints Alive! is
December 18th, 2005
Please leave your articles in the Saints Alive! mailbox in the church office, or send them via email to SaintsAlive@yahoo.com
Thanks