From the Rector

Mission Sunday: The Outreach Committee has designated Sunday, February 12^th as Mission Sunday. We will welcome the Rev. Dr. Ted Gaiser, Deacon, as a guest preacher. Mission will not, however, be a one Sunday event. February 12^th will be the launch of a number of Sunday sermons and activities focusing on mission through this winter and spring.

Ted Gaiser is a permanent Deacon in the Episcopal Church. The permanent deaconate is not a step toward becoming a priest. Rather, as a deacon Ted is committed to a ministry of service and proclaiming the Gospel. His ministry has focused on helping congregations in the diocese establish companion partnerships with other congregations and groups locally and around the world. Our Bishops have commissioned him to this task by as a way for the congregations in the diocese to actualize the diocesan goal of every congregation being in a relationship with another congregation or organization in the Anglican Communion.

As I have been thinking about congregational partnerships I realize that All Saints’ has a number of mission relationships. They include:

· Hosting the youth from the St. Peter’s Anglican Collegiate School in Wolverhampton, England

· Participation in the Chernobyl project, hosting children from Russian and the Ukraine for a month in the summer.

· Working with the Sierra Leone Association of the Merrimack Valley (SLAM) to raise fund to help rebuild schools and health care facilities in Sierra Leone.

· Participating in the West Virginia Summer Work Camp with the Central Congregational Church.

We also have several individuals and families committed to helping those in needs. Edith Parekh and her family have been supporting the Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica. They are orphanages and schools for children with special needs. Norm and Carol Douglas have been supporting the For His Children Orphanage in Ecuador.

Being a church in mission is not a new thing for All Saints’ Church. I hope that by focusing on mission, we might better celebrate the work that we are doing, become more intentional, and possibly learn some new ways in which we can join God in God’s continuing mission of reconciling love.

Peace,

Tom

News from Beneath the Pews

Did you know we have a resident “church mouse”? Thank you Ann E. Mouse for the $17.50 in wrapped pennies that appeared in the penny basket.

She reports that they were found under the pews! What a wonderful find – and to donate them all to the Feeding Program is just wonderful. Thank you “Ann E.”

Barbara Willman

ps: This brings our pennies donated for this year up to $126. That’s a lot of pennies. Thank you all: The “Feeding Program” loves your support.

Current Vestry Members

David Cahill Beth Anne Economou Lois Freeman Derick Gates

Steve Grillo Doug Hausler

Joe Sala Sally Warren Anne Whitaker

Adrienne Spear, Senior Warden

Ron Cannistraro, Junior Warden

Melanie Hickcox, Treasurer

Meredith McElroy, Clerk

Events in the Wider Church

Merrimack Valley Deanery Meeting

Thursday, February 16, 2006 at Christ Church, 33 Central Street, Andover: 6:30 PM light supper

7:00 PM program on Esperanza Academy (Academy of Hope): Come learn about the exciting new middle school for girls that Grace Church, Lawrence, and Christ Church, Andover, will be opening in Lawrence in September 2006. It is a free Episcopal School for at-risk girls.

All are welcome. Please contact Tom Barrington for more info and for rides.

Diocesan Spring Gathering Growing Together

Saturday, March 4^th at Boston University

The third annual Diocesan spring gathering will focus on congregational development. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Randolph Charles, Rector of Church of the Epiphany in Washington DC, a parish which has an exciting story of rebirth to tell. There will be workshops on small group ministry, spiritual formation in the parish, mission discernment in the parish and other workshops offering practical helps for parish leaders.

More information will be in the Sunday bulletin. All are welcome.

Lobby Day at the Massachusetts State House

Thursday, March 9^th from 10:30 am to 2:30 PM

Once a year, the Episcopal City Mission hosts an advocacy day at the State House for Christians and other people of faith to raise a strong voice for the needs of those who are poor. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the legislative process as well as to witness how our faith can inform the policies and laws of our state.

Adult Mission Trip to Biloxi, MS, March 19-25, 2006
Our first mission trip to the Gulf Coast will be to our partner parish, the Church of the Redeemer, in Biloxi, MS. The trip is being organized and sponsored by the Diocesan Katrina Relief Task Force and will be led by the Rev. Dorsey McConnell. It is limited to 24 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. The focus of the trip will be to provide physical help in removing debris from people’s homes, cleaning yards, and generally being available and willing to do similar work-related tasks. Physical requirements are that participants be at least 21 years old, in good physical condition, and free of respiratory ailments. Expectations and requirements also are that participants be flexible, adaptable, sensitive, and patient. A smile and positive attitude will go a long way. Accommodations will be at Camp Biloxi, a volunteer center sponsored and set up by the Lutheran Church to receive, house, and feed Katrina Relief volunteers. Accommodations are basic, safe, clean, and relatively comfortable. Participants are responsible for the cost of $352.50 to cover airfare. Meals and transportation during the stay will be provided. If you’re interested, please leave contact information for the Katrina Task Force Administrative Coordinators, Deacon Barbara Stowe and Carol Kingston at bstowe@diomass.org; (617/482-4826, ext. 354)

Start of Lent

Ash Wednesday will be on March 1^st

Services at All Saints’ Church

7:00 AM - Imposition of Ashes – in the Chapel

12:00 Noon - Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist – in the Chapel

7:00 PM - Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist – in the main Church: Joint service with Trinity Lutheran Church

Upcoming Formation Events

Feb 1 via media ends 7:00- 9:00 PM Parish Hall

Feb 8 via media part 2 snow day – if needed

Feb 14 Silent Night: Compassion Meditation 7:00- 8:30 PM Blue Room

Feb 15 parish conversation with Learning Team 7:00- 9:00 PM

Mar 1 Ash Wednesday – Lent begins

Mar 8 TREK Lenten program begins

Mar 12 Book Discussion group: noon, Blue Room

From the Associate for Adult Christian Formation

I have recently returned to taking a yoga class and attempting to have a personal yoga practice. I knew that my present teacher was right for me because as soon as she saw me attempt my first pose, she hurried over with blocks and blankets to prop me up. My impulse is to push myself (with painful consequences); hers is to slow me down and support me.

I offer this experience as an image for approaching one’s own spiritual life. It is easy to know one’s limitations and avoid yoga or Bible Study or a formation group. Your impulse may be like mine, to jump in too fast, too hard and become overwhelmed. But I suggest my yoga teacher’s wisdom to you – slowly, gently, with lots of support. Come and check out one Sunday morning class or one gathering of Silent Night or the first Lenten class. Light a candle. End your day by offering thanks for one thing that happened. I don’t have blocks and blankets (actually, I do have blankets in the Blue Room!), but I have books and pamphlets and suggestions to offer as you seek to be intentional about seeking God’s presence in your life.

Formation events and groups to check out:

Silent Night: This group meets monthly on the second Tuesday evening, 7:00- 8:30 in the Blue Room. The “main event” of the gathering is shared silence, during which people pray, write, read, sew, etc. The group opens and closes with reflection and prayer. Themes for the coming months are:

· February 14: Buddhist Compassion Meditation led by Jeremy Ahouse

· March 14: Lenten focus on Mission

· April 11: Holy Week

· May 9: Easter

· June 13: Centering Prayer led by Lynne Grillo

· July 11: Unprogrammed worship in the manner of Friends (Quakers)

Invitation to keep a holy Lent: The season of Lent each year offers a unique opportunity to be intentional about one’s spiritual life. The possibilities can be much more rewarding than giving up chocolate! And now is the time to think about how you might choose to observe Lent this year.

· Attend the special services in Lent-- Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, weekday services during Holy Week

· Participate in the Lenten Program, TREK, The World of Enough and explore how each of us and our community can live in ways that connect with our deepest values and honor the creation we are part of. Wednesday evenings, March 8, 15, 22, and 29, 7:00- 9:00

· Find restoration and time for reflection at a Lenten Quiet Day, 9:00- 2:30, Saturday, March 25. Coffee and pastries at 8:30. Lunch provided.

· Experience the story of Holy Week at Palm Saturday, a wonderful intergenerational event with music, activities and a Prayer Walk that takes you through the story of Jesus’ final week, death and resurrection. This event is not just for children and their parents, but for anyone wishing to enter into the story in a hands-on way.

· I have an array of books with readings for Lent and daily devotions, drawing from C. S. Lewis and others for the season. See me if you want to borrow something for personal study and devotion.

Finally, thank you so much to the many, many people who attended via media during January. What an exciting event! Thank you to Edwin and Janet Redman for tireless support, Lois Freeman and Donata Pater for organizing great food (and to all the wonderful cooks!), and to Steve Grillo, Esther Davenport, Lois Freeman and the Rev Tom Barrington for leading discussion groups. A project like this does not happen without a lot of folks helping. I am grateful to all who took part-- and I look forward to further dialogue in this parish.

in peace,

Amy Hunter

Associate for Adult Christian Formation

Book Discussion Group Looks at Mission:

This winter the All Saints’ Discussion Group is reading Horizons of Mission by Titus Presler, who was the rector of St Peter’s Church in Cambridge and has had mission experience in India and Zimbabwe. In reading Horizons of Mission, we hope to turn the discussion to how God may be calling this parish to join God’s mission. This focus ties in with the strategic planning work that the Outreach Committee and the learning team are doing. It also invites the parish to be intentional about supporting and participating in Tom’s sabbatical work in Kenya and reflection on mission next spring and summer. So, join us as we read and consider-- What is mission? What does mission mean in a world of multiple religions, vastly different cultures, and some people who reject religion altogether? How might this parish be energized for mission?

Our discussion will be at noon on Sunday, March 12 in the Blue Room. Check with Amy Hunter for a copy of Horizons of Mission or for information about how to get your own copy.

Angel Tree 2005

A component of Prison Fellowships, Angel Tree is a national program originated by a former prison inmate who noticed how prisoners, unable to buy Christmas gifts, would wrap up toiletries donated to them by churches in order to have something for their children. We hope that providing gifts in the name of the absent parent will strengthen the parent-child bond, as well as communicate God’s love for all families. From my interactions with the caregivers and sometimes the children, and from the letters of thanks we receive from the prisoners, I do feel the program accomplishes more than just the giving of tangible items.

Most sincere thanks to All Saints’ generous parishioners who purchased the requested Christmas gifts for 14 youngsters in six Angel Tree families in the December just past. Thanks also to Karen Braunschweiger and my family for additional help. A number of the gift requests this year were for teenagers. Although some feel buying for teens is not as exciting as shopping for small children, in some ways I feel those gifts may be more important. The teenagers know more about the disruption and pain the parent’s incarceration has brought to the family. Also, a gift for a teenager, like a CD Walkman, often costs more than a younger child’s gift, such as a stuffed toy, and the cash-strapped families may really be unable to buy much for the older children.

Talking with the families and delivering gifts opens some windows into their lives. Many grandparents, aunts and uncles find themselves caring for children at an unexpected time in their own lives, sometimes one when income is diminished. One grandfather who is undergoing daily cancer treatments confided that years ago he and his wife were able to contribute to Angel Tree rather than receive from it. A mother told me about the tragic death of her eldest child and the loss of her own job, forcing the family to move in with the grandmother, who is keeping the whole family going on the basis of her work as a home health aide. Usually we try to include some family gifts, like grocery cards, restaurant gift certificates or movie tickets.

This year I will post some de-identified excerpts from prisoners’ letters on the bulletin board in the connecting link. Take a look and know that you have contributed to something important, and please hold the prisoners and their families in your prayers throughout the year.

With gratitude,

Stephanie Ackert

Outreach Happenings

The year in Outreach got off to a great start with a wonderful production on January 7^th of “Amahl and the Night Visitors”. This was performed in the sanctuary as part of All Saints’ Epiphany celebration and was very well received. An offering was collected to benefit the West Virginia Workcamp which raised $634. This production was a joint effort of All Saints’ and Central Congregational churches and many thanks go to Susan Gates, Dan Swanson and all the members of both congregations who were in the production. Thank also to all of you who donated so generously.

On Saturday, January 14^th the annual West Virginia Workcamp dinner was held at Central Congregational church. This was a ham and bean supper followed by brief description of what actually happens at a workcamp. Tony Bellissimo of Central Congregational and Alison Kuzara of All Saints’ each spoke briefly about their experiences as first-time workcampers. Finally, there was a slide show of pictures from the 2005 West Virginia Workcamp. Thanks to all of the All Sainters who turned out to support the workcamp program.

In the next few months, you will see a focus on Mission and Outreach both in the service and in other educational opportunities. Some of the major upcoming events are:

“Horizons of Mission” Book study

The next book in the ongoing book study series is “Horizons of Mission” by Titus Presler. This book should help us explore what God is calling All Saints’ to be and do, and how might we energize our parish for mission. Contact Amy Hunter (978-459-3418 or fifimom@juno.com) for information about getting a copy of the book. The book discussion will be Sunday, March 12 in the Blue Room.

Mission Sunday, February 12^th

Sunday, February 12^th will be “Mission Sunday” this year at All Saints’. The service will have a Mission focus with Outreach-themed prayers and hymns. The Reverend Ted Gaiser will be the guest preacher. Rev. Gaiser is a deacon who has been working to help congregations establish companion relations with parishes and dioceses in other countries.

First Sunday in Lent, March 5^th

On Sunday March 5^th, All Saints will host Nancy and Gerry Hardison. Nancy and Gerry are missionaries at St. Philip’s Theological College and Hospital in Kenya where the Rev. Tom will be spending two months during his sabbatical. There will be a slide show and discussion afterwards.

“Trek – The World of Enough” Lenten Study

“Trek” is a program of focused readings and discussions that helps us explore the questions “What do I really need?”, “How much is enough?” and “What is really important to me?”. This program has been used at all Saints in the past with very favorable reviews. There will be both daytime and evening opportunities to participate during Lent. More details will follow in the March Saints Alive.

There will also be chances during other Sundays in Lent to hear about the Mission experiences of several parishioners. After Lent, the Outreach Team will be engaging church members to listen to what you feel is the Mission of All Saints’ and to hear what Outreach programs you would like to see put into place. We will also be seeking ideas on how the parish should respond to the openings for Outreach presented by Tom Barrington’s sabbatical. Please take advantage as much as you can of these opportunities to learn about Outreach and to help the parish discern its Mission.

For the Outreach Team,

Dave Kuzara

Outreach Prayer

Lord, help All Saints’ Church to do your will in the wider world around us.

Strengthen us in your efforts to help those who are poor or vulnerable and to remember that “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me”.

We ask that you give the Outreach Team the wisdom and courage to help the parish discern, define and act upon our mission to be Christ’s representatives to all nations. We ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.

St. Patrick's Day Dinner

An evening of dining, entertainment and family fun, Saturday, March 11, 2006

The annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner will be held at 6PM on Saturday, March 11th. The menu is as follows: Corned Beef & Cabbage with Potatoes and Carrots, served with homemade Irish Bread; coffee, tea and beverages. For dessert there will be a make your own sundae bar.

Entertainment will be provided by the Mary Heavey-Quinn Irish Step Dancers. They are fantastic and we have enjoyed them the past two years.

The price for the evening is $7 per person ages 10 and over, all children ages 4 to 9 are $3, and 3 and under are free.

Reservations will be limited to the first 100 people who sign up. We will not be able to accept reservations later than Thursday, March 9th. Please call Carol & Ron Cannistraro at 978-256-0929 to sign up or you may e-mail us at carolron@comcast.net.

Thoughts of Mission

Wesleyan Intentions

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

John Wesley (1703-1791)

St. Paul to the Philippians

Be united, loving one another, and live together in full agreement. Let nothing be done in rivalry or pride, but do all things in a lowly spirit, each looking upon the others as better than himself. You should not have an eye all the time on your own interests, but should consider the interests of others.

Philippians 2

Parish Contact List

(All phone numbers are area code 978 unless indicated)

Church Office...................................... 256-5673

Senior Warden....... Adrienne Jerome

Junior Warden........ Ron Cannistraro

Treasurer............... Melanie Hickcox

Clerk..................... Meredith McElroy

Acolyte Director.... Clem Cole

Adult Education...... Amy Hunter

Altar Guild............. Liz Landers

Buildings and…….. Rich Jerome

Grounds

Christian School..... Laura Marshall

Michelle Thomas

Elizabeth Danieli

Coffee Hour.......... Cindy Dussault

Endowment ........... to be filled

Environmental Stewardship

Committee............. Liz Marshall

Fellowship.............. to be filled

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

Web site................ www.allsaintschelmsford.org

Submission

… for the March 2006 Saints Alive! is

February 19^th, 2006

Please leave your articles in the Saints Alive! mailbox in the church office, or send them via email to SaintsAlive@yahoo.com