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SAINTS Alive! THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PARISH All Saints’ Church Chelmsford, MA October 2007
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SAINTS Alive! THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PARISH All Saints’ Church Chelmsford, MA October 2007
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Over the summer various groups reflected upon Colossians 1:1-6, 9-12. It was the epistle reading in early July and I realized this is a wonderful description of a community of Christians praying for other Christians. Others and I have used it for reflecting about our Parish Partnership, Church School, and Vestry. I invite the rest of the parish to take a moment to read the adapted passage and reflect on how we are living out this prayer here at All Saints’ church and in our own lives.
Peace,
Tom.
Colossians 1: 1-6, 9-12 (New Revised Standard Version)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in [Chelmsford]: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
This prayer for us is that:
· we may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding
· we may lead lives worthy of the Lord that are:
o fully pleasing to him,
o bearing fruit in every good work
o growing in the knowledge of God
· we may be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power
· we may be prepared to endure everything with patience
· we may joyfully give thanks to the Father
All Saints’ Church has been granted a one-year, $10,000 Diocesan Congregational Development Grant to hire a part-time Youth Missioner to help us develop intentional and sustainable youth programs. We envision this person dividing their time evenly between working with our youth and helping us figure out how to continue these programs. Please prayerfully consider becoming a part of this effort as well as thinking about who else in this parish should be on the Task Force. For more information please speak to vestry members Deb Dutton or Becky Ricard, or the Rector, Tom Barrington.
We have been reminded to think of the parish youth as our treasure. “…where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Luke 12:34. With this in mind, please note the “Safe Church Policies” now in draft form and outlined in the following pages.
At All Saints’ Church, “as we strive to welcome and include all people, we realize the importance of maintaining an environment of safety that preserves a sense of protection, integrity and respect for people of all ages.”
That is the introduction to the proposed Safe Church Policies that will be presented to the Vestry later this month. The Reverend Tom Barrington, Vestry members Edith Parekh and David Cahill, and parish member Mike Gilchrist have worked through the summer discussing, writing and honing the proposed policies. Their job was made much easier by the work done last year by Rob Dussault, who wrote a first draft for the proposal.
The first part of the policies outlines rules, restrictions and recommendations for adults working with children, both for activities on the Church property and out in the community.
The second part of the policies outlines requirements that must be met before a church member can volunteer to become a leader in youth activities or work in pastoral care. Volunteers must be active members of the parish for six month and fill out an application form with references. All paid staff will also fill out an application form with verifiable references. All paid staff and volunteers working with youth and pastoral care must take the Diocese of Massachusetts Safe Church Training within a specified period of time. All must also agree to having a CORI Check (criminal offender record information) to insure that we are not endangering our children or other members to possible abuse from a known offender.
The third part of the policies tells what to do if you have a concern about possible abuse or neglect. It outlines who are mandated reporters, to whom you can report concern and what the response of the Church must be. It also protects the reporter.
The Safe Church Policies Committee has suggested that, once approved, these policies be prominently posted in all classrooms, the parish hall, the narthex, and other places where they will be visible reminders, and a reassurance to parents and caregivers of our most vulnerable members.
All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Chelmsford exists for the worship of God and the equipping of the saints to join God in God’s mission of reconciling all creation to God’s self. As we strive to welcome and include all people, we realize the importance of maintaining an environment of safety that preserves a sense of protection, integrity and respect for people of all ages.
RULES OF PREVENTION
Two Adults
At least two adults should be present in groups of children or youth. If unable to do this, the one adult should be in proximity of another adult. In the case of a Sunday School Class, an adult and a high school age youth is permissible.
At least two adults accompany groups of youth or children taken off church premises.
An adult should never drive alone with a single minor without written permission from a parent or guardian.
Open Door
Whenever facilitating a group of youth or children, the door shall be left open whenever possible. When not possible, the door shall have a window of at least 18” square. We encourage parents and/or guardians to stop in at unscheduled times.
Obtain Permission
When a private meeting or session is required with one or more adults and one youth or child, obtain clear permission from parent or guardian.
Seek clear permission from parent or guardian before taking any youth or child off church grounds.
Written permission forms will be required for any trip.
A written permission form is required for all overnight programs, both at the church or off site
Avoiding Compromising Situations
Never meet a child or youth in an unplanned way or in a secluded area.
Do not single out a youth or child for gift giving unless the parent or guardian offers clear permission.
Other Precautions
· Use caution about any movies or other media. Many PG-13 rated films contain material that is inappropriate.
· Never show youth any material that could by any standard be called pornographic. If such material is brought by youth, confiscate it at once and consult with clergy/supervisor/trusted adult to establish the fact that this was brought to the event by a participant and not by an adult leader/teacher.
· Never allow alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs to be brought to, or consumed during, any church-related activity for children/youth.
· All drivers are required to show a valid drivers license to the group leader before driving. Drivers must be at least 25 years old to drive other children or youth to church sponsored events
SCREENING AND TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers working with children, youth and pastoral care volunteers are required to
· Fill out an application with references that can be checked.
· Take the Diocese of Massachusetts Safe Church training within nine months of volunteering. All other volunteers and leaders in the parish are encouraged to attend a Safe Church Training session.
· Authorize a CORI check.
· Must be an active church member for at least six months before serving in a leadership role
QUESTIONS & REPORTING
If you have any questions concerns about abuse or neglect of any child in our congregation or any other member of our congregation, please call the Rector or one of the Wardens. If you have any questions about our Safe Church Policies, question about qualifications or requirements for adults working with children or question about reporting concerns about abuse or neglect, please see the complete Safe Church Policies in the church office, posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex and Parish Hall or on the web site.
Rector – The Rev. E. Tom Barrington 978-256-5673
Senior Warden – Derick Gates 978-250-1569
Junior Warden – Lois Freeman 978-663-1709
Reports or questions about the abuse or neglect of any child may be made be made through the Child-At-Risk hot line 1-800-792-5200.
SCREENING AND TRAINING OF PAID STAFF
All paid staff is required to have a CORI check, submit references to be checked before being hired and attend Diocese of Massachusetts Safe Church Training within six months of being hired.
EXPANDED REPORTING POLICIES
REPORTING MISCONDUCT WITHIN A CONGREGATION
Children are the most vulnerable segment of our population and child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages in equal numbers. There are many causes and circumstances that lead to abuse or neglect. However, there should be only one collective concern among adults and that is to protect children against physical and emotional injury, sexual abuse, and neglect.
It is not our responsibility to investigate suspected abuse or neglect of a child. Rather, the responsibility of adults who come into contact with children is to report suspected abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services. DSS is the Massachusetts State agency charged with protecting children and strengthening families. DSS responds to reports 24 hours a day and offers a wide range of services through contracted agencies appropriate to each circumstance. If DSS determines that a situation is an emergency, the investigation is completed within 24 hours. Investigations of all other reports are completed within 10 days. If the Department determines a child has been abused or neglected, DSS will take immediate and appropriate steps to protect the child from further abuse or neglect and will provide services to the family. Likewise, if serious abuse or neglect has occurred, DSS is mandated under Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 119, sec. 51B) to notify the District Attorney, who has the authority to file criminal charges. DSS will also notify the mandated reporter who filed the report of its decision. If the report is supported, the Department provides the family with services to reduce the risk of harm. Even if the report is unsupported, the Department may offer family services on a voluntary basis.
A. Mandated Reporters:
1. All Clergy - The only exception for clergy would be reports heard in confession pursuant to “The Reconciliation of a Penitent” found in The Book of Common Prayer, according to the use of The Episcopal Church pgs. 447-452, 1979 edition.
2. Paid employees who supervise, educate, coach, train or counsel children on a regular basis.
3. All paid employees and volunteers should also consider themselves reporters.
4. Volunteers and non-mandated reporters may give their report to the Rector, Wardens, or another mandated reporter rather than contact DSS directly. In turn, the Rector, Wardens or mandated reporter will file the report.
5. Employees who are mandated reporters must notify the Rector of any report that is filed directly with DSS about suspected child abuse or neglect.
B. When to report:
1. Massachusetts law requires that mandated reporters immediately make an oral report to the local office of the Department of Social Services when, in their professional capacity, they have reasonable cause to believe that there has been suspected or known child abuse or neglect of a child under 18.
2. The report should be made regardless of where the suspected abuse has occurred or by whom. Absolute proof is not required.
C. How to report:
1. Call the Child-At-Risk hot-line at 800-792-5200 to submit a verbal report
2. You must follow-up with a written report. The form for filing the report can be obtained from the local DSS Area Office or downloaded from the web at www.mass.gov/dss.
D. Following the report:
1. The Rector may notify and meet as soon as possible with the person suspected of abuse or neglect, regardless of whether the individual is an employee, volunteer, parishioner or member of the victim’s family. If advisable, the Rector may want to include a warden in this initial meeting.
2. If the allegation of abuse is against someone who is a paid employee or volunteer, the Rector will suspend that individual’s contact with children, youth the elderly or disabled until all investigations are complete.
3. The Rector will notify the Diocesan Bishop of any reports made to DSS.
4. All contact and conversations concerning alleged abuse or neglect should be documented and kept in a locked filing cabinet. These matters are sensitive to the injured and alleged abuser and should remain confidential until such time as it is deemed necessary or appropriate to share information with specified individuals within the parish.
E. Protection of reporters:
1. Mandated reporters are protected from liability in any civil or criminal action and from any discriminatory or retaliatory actions by an employer.
2. Good Samaritan laws also protect volunteers and any other non-mandated reporters from retaliatory actions. There are, however, legal consequences for not reporting.
REPORTING ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED
1. All parish personnel (clergy, employees and volunteers) should be mindful of harmful conduct against the elderly and disabled. These two populations can also be vulnerable to mistreatment. The statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts covering protection for the elderly and disabled are Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 19A and 19C respectively.
2. Any sign or evidence of abuse or neglect against the elderly should be reported to the Elderly Abuse Hotline at 800-992-2275.
Acknowledgement and thanks to Christ Church, Andover, Massachusetts Safe Church Policies, from whom parts of these policies were adapted.
Paul Onyoyo is the seminarian pastor of Nyahela Parish. He has asked us to pray for the following church and staff needs for the parish of Nyahela in the Diocese of Maseno North.
Paul Onyoyo – Seminarian and Pastor of Nyahela Parish
Dorcus Esilaba - Assisting in St. Paul’s church.
Shem Bwonya - Assisting in ACK Munyenyi church.
Elizabeth Osiolo - Assisting in ACK Mwinyelo church.
Specific Nyahela Needs:
a)- Pray for the sick people especially those affected with HIV AIDS.
b)-Pray for the widows and widowers
c)-Financial status to improve (poor giving of offerings)
d)-Development within our church compounds
e)-Wisdom of leadership for the parish
f)-Orphan program good management and governance.
g)-Education system within the project.
ACK: Anglican Church of Kenya
ACK NYAHELA PARISH
P.O. BOX 201
LUANDA - KENYA
CODE: -50307.
e-mail address: onyoyo_06@yahoo.com
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A glimpse of the calendar at the front of the prayer book shows a number of names to be celebrated, but very little is said about these people.
In October, the names include, among others:
· Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226 and is remembered on 4th.
· Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley and Thomas Cranmer, remembered on the 16th. They died in 1555, 1555, and 1556 respectively.
· Luke the Evangelist, who proclaimed from Rome Jesus’ message of God’s boundless love, being extended even to the Gentiles. We remember him on October 18.
· James the Evangelist, the martyred younger brother of Jesus Christ, who died around 62, just a few years before his “adopted” home town of Jerusalem was destroyed (We remember him on October 23).
· Alfred the Great, Saxon king of Wessex, who worked to defeat Danish invaders and in 878 created peace and legislated for Christianity through the Treaty of Wedmore. Alfred died in 899 and is remembered on October 26.
· Among the lesser-known names is Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, who died in 1253 and is remembered on October 9. There is a Lincoln name remembered in November, too: Bishop Hugh, who died in 1200. Hugh died towards the end of the peace before the Fourth Crusade began; Grosseteste in a time of relative domestic peace, although the king at the time was unpopular, and was later imprisoned in a “palace coup.”
Seeking harmony was a lesson that may have been imparted by Bishop Hugh to the teachers of Bishop Grosseteste; about midway between their deaths was that of Francis of Assisi, whose determined ways in pursuit of peace led him to facilitate peace talks between the factions in the Fifth Crusade.
Peace, both domestic and international, is always a worthy goal. Let us pray for it and work for it. God willing, we shall achieve it.
Patrick Blumeris
Editor
Upcoming Formation Dates and Events
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Oct 9 |
“Prayer as First Resort,” Prayer for Personal Life and Family |
7:30pm, Blue Room |
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Oct 14 |
Creation Sunday with the Blessing of Animals |
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Oct 19- 21 |
Workshop: Welcoming Children in Worship |
Newton Corner |
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Oct 20 |
Deanery Workshops: Putting Legs on Mission Strategy |
Methuen |
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Oct 20 |
Walk to Remember Details from lowellwtr@comcast.net or Aline Davis 742-9707. |
9:30 am, Lowell Boulevard, Lowell. |
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Oct 20 |
Transformational Leadership series |
Episc Div School in Cambridge |
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Oct 20, 27 |
“Wake the Dead” workshops in Gloucester, preparing for All Saints Day |
Gloucester |
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Oct 29 |
Connect program: Connect with Jesus: An Open Invitation |
7- 9 pm, Meeting Room |
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Nov 1 |
Feast of All Saints |
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Nov 5 |
Connect program, Connect with God: Praying Freely |
7- 9 pm, Meeting Room |
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Nov 12 |
Connect program, Connect with God’s Story: The Good News! |
7- 9pm, Meeting Room |
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On Saturday, September 15, Edith Parekh, Lois Freeman and I went to the first session of the Transformational Leadership series at Episcopal Divinity School. The focus was the assertion that vocation and transformation flow out of 1) knowing that God cherishes us, 2) finding the place where our gifts (what we are good at) meet with our passions (what brings us joy or infuriates us), 3) discovering where we find ourselves free to commit ourselves, and 4) authentic community. These are ideas to warm the heart and soul of an Associate for Christian Formation!
We here at All Saints’ are surrounded this fall with such a bounty of opportunities to nourish ourselves as people of faith, as spiritual leaders and as parishioners. In October members of All Saints’ are heading to trainings about worshipping with children, about transformational leadership, and about joining God in God’s mission of reconciling love. I invite you to read about these trainings in this newsletter and in our Sunday bulletins and then to join in.
We will end the month by beginning Connect, an evening program for adults who want to be in fellowship with one another, have safe space to explore and discuss their faith with others on the journey, and pray with one another. There will be food, presentations and good conversation.
The Leadership class continues to challenge me to look at my faith, my daily life and my work here at ASC in the light of God’s love. I find myself stopping to ponder the invitation to act out of joy and gratitude – a marvelous alternative to anxiety and fear of scarcity.
in peace,
Amy Hunter,
Associate for Adult Christian Formation
The second annual Lowell area Walk to Remember will be held on Saturday, October 20th beginning at 9:30 at the Lowell Boulevard. This is a non-fundraising walk for parents, friends and family of those who have lost children by miscarriage, stillbirth and/or infant death. It is a time to gather, share stories and remember our children. The walk is open to anyone and everyone.
If you have any questions or comments, you can email lowellwtr@comcast.net or call Aline Davis at 978-742-9707.
This fall our Prayer as First Resort group will use the Prayers and Thanksgivings on pp. 810-841 in The Book of Common Prayer as a way into developing and deepening our prayers as a community and as individuals of faith. We invite you to join us-- if you want to learn how to pray, if you want to pray with others, if you want to know more about the resources offered to us out of our Anglican tradition, and even if the whole subject of prayer terrifies you. We began in September with a prayer service on the anniversary of 9/11. In October, November and December, each session will have time for teaching about the evening’s prayer theme, looking at the prayers of our faith tradition, group discussion and prayer (you may wish to lead a prayer or pray aloud, but no one will be forced to do so), and some ideas to try at home in the month ahead. Please join us!
What: Prayer as First Resort: Practicing our Faith
When: Second Tuesday evenings of each month, 7:30- 9:00PM
Where: Blue Room
Fall Sessions:
October 9 Prayers for Family and Personal Life
November 13 Prayers for the Church
December 11 Prayers for the World and for the Natural Order
For more information, contact Lynne Grillo or Amy Hunter
Connect? What Does It Mean to be part of a Eucharistic Community?: an exploration of what it can mean to connect to a Eucharistic community:
Join in the fellowship and conversation Monday evenings, 7:00- 9:00, October 29, November 5 and November 12! This fall, All Saints’ presents Connect, an adult formation program in which participants consider Jesus’ invitation to a new life in God’s reign of love and justice. For those who enjoyed via media two years ago, you may recognize aspects that many folks enjoyed—an opening time with food, fellowship and discussion, a presentation to the whole group, small discussion groups that remain together with a leader for the course, and gathering together for closing worship.
Connect is intended for those outside the church, those on the fringe of the church, those who have attended for years. The focus of Connect is on the Eucharist in order to help participants to make sense of their experience of worship. Participants build relationships in small groups that provide support, encouragement to grow, and a sense of connection with the parish.
We will offer Part One this fall and Part Two in January 2008.
The fall sessions are:
Oct 29 Connect with Jesus: An Open Invitation – As we celebrate the Eucharist, we remember and give thanks for Jesus’ ministry, particularly celebrating the ways Jesus made use of meals to invite all people into community.
Nov 5 Connect with God: Praying Freely -- Jesus teaches us to connect openly with God. The Lord’s Prayer is central to every celebration of the Eucharist and is a primary resource for our prayer as individuals and in households.
Nov 12 Connect with God’s Story: The Good News! – There are many ways in which Christians (including biblical authors) have viewed the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, but as Christians we agree that Jesus is the best lens through which we can read the story of God’s love of the world. In the liturgy of the Eucharist we retell this story, from the goodness of creation through the ending we anticipate – the messianic banquet.
Keep your eyes open for further information about how you can Connect!
Transformational Leadership series
Several folks from All Saints’ attended the first session of this series on September 15 and found it supportive, challenging and energizing. We look forward to having others join us for the rest of the classes.
We can carpool into Cambridge (parking is very limited), leaving at about 7:45am from the church parking lot. The sessions cost $60 per person if we have 3 or more attendees ($75 otherwise). Please speak with Amy Hunter if you need some financial aid.
Each session runs from 9:00 am- 2:00pm and includes a light lunch. The remaining sessions are:
• October 20, 2007 - Passionate and Committed explores the participants’ passionate desires as a key to their participation in God’s mission of justice, compassion and reconciliation and to develop an understanding of maturity as commitment, as they discover the freedom that comes from doing what they love in service of their deep desires.
• December 1, 2007 - A Vocation Worthy of Our Calling encourages all to use a model of vocation to articulate and support their own particular call; to practice supporting others as they strengthen their own sense of vocation; and to locate curricula and other resources for use in their own context.
• February 9, 2008 - Building Transformational Communities will attempt to illustrate how to use a model integrating inner and outer work as a tool for transformation. Furthermore, the workshop will guide participants through the steps of leading and facilitating transformational groups.
• March 08, 2008 - Creating Radically Welcoming Communities explores the practice of “radical welcome” for individuals and communities, which is embracing the transforming power and presence of “The Other.” This workshop will also guide participants through the practices of preparing communities for change, especially reckoning with the fear of change.
• April 5, 2008 - Leading Reconciling Communities engages participants in the nature of conflict and healing in organizational systems. Participants are encouraged to learn specific facilitation skills for healing historical wounds and embedding reconciling practices in parish and other organizational settings.
Please contact Amy Hunter at 978-459-3418 or fifimom@juno.com if you wish to participate.
It was a surprise and delight to hear that some of our friends who have moved away keep up with our doings through these newsletters. Perhaps they read the B&G column so they won’t feel their own ‘home improvement’ tasks are so bad after all.
This month’s home repair tip … copper pipes, steel pipes and brass pipes are ‘dissimilar metals.’ When they are joined (as in old systems) the flow of water through them will create a slight current that will etch one and ‘plate’ the inside of another. This is why old pipes will break, typically at the joint, without much warning, as they get eaten away from the inside, and constricted (raising the pressure). We caught one in the Thrift Shop, just before it would have become a well appointed wading pool. The new plumbing is insulated and heated, so it will not freeze in the winter, as part of the ‘Chapel Ambient’ energy conservation project.
Carpenter ants and termites really are different creatures! Carpenter ants ‘migrate’ out of nearby trees, just looking for a nice nesting place for a while; termites are there to set up house! I was surprised to learn that the termite solution injected deep in the ground around the Chapel is actually the same compound (100 times more dilute!) used in flea and tick powder for pets. I find that I have no Buddhist proclivities, after these – some of God’s creatures – ate the sill of the Prodigal Son window.
It comes as no surprise that I was a kid once; because some might say that I am that still. I liked to play in the dirt of a freshly dug up Meadow, a big pile in the parking lot or a sandy 1 foot deep hole in the ground (the Lower Garden). It’s OK. Kids like dirt, dirt likes kids. Ask Proctor and Gamble. One caution: Mommies and Daddies need to watch for stones that sometimes magically learn to fly in the presence of children. Could be a Hogwarts kind of phenomenon. I remember being about 8 years old, and this rock that was right next to me, up and flew right at a running friend, but found a window instead. 47 years later, I’m still sorry it missed.
We envision some hardy plantings and maybe another bench or two in the Lower Garden and Meadow. We aim to create safe multifunctional spaces for ALL to play in and enjoy.
Respectfully submitted
Rich Jerome,
:-) Commissar
The Mystery Club has challenged all kids and adults in the parish to see how well they know their church and how well they can sleuth out interesting objects and places. We created this scavenger hunt so that anyone can do it at any time. Instead of finding and collecting things, participants need to answer simple questions that will prove they found the object or place. Individuals, teams, and families can work together.
We will score the results as they come in, but folks can take their time. It's not over until Advent.
Some objects are easy. Some are hard. Some may be nearly impossible!
All are in common safe areas (no furnace room or attic craziness). The Mystery Club invites everyone to check it out. Paper copies are available in the Narthex and electronic versions on the parish website.
Brian Hunter can provide more information for those interested.
All Saints Church will hold its first annual Blessing of the Animals to be celebrated on Creation Sunday, October 14, 2007 at the 10:00 service. We invite all parish pets to come to church and receive a personal blessing. If your pet isn't a good candidate for coming to church, bring a photo, a collar, or other memento as a proxy. If you don't have a pet, and want to participate, we'd love to have you! Just bring a favorite stuffed “critter,” or a picture of an endangered species you'd like to receive a blessing, and we'll do that. All we ask is that live animals be appropriately restrained with carriers, leashes, or cages. We will also be including our ill and departed animal friends in the intercessions, so please submit your sick or deceased pet's name to the office by Tuesday, October 9 so Darlene can get it in the bulletin. We will also have a special coffee hour after the service, with treats for our animal friends, so plan to join us for this special time to meet and greet our VIP (Very Important Pet) guests.
We are also looking for folks to help with the festivities, so please contact Tom Barrington, Shelley Kesselman, or Lois Freeman if you’re interested.
October 20, 2007, 8:30-12:30
Saint Andrew’s Church, Methuen
The Merrimack Valley Deanery presents its 5th Annual Workshop Day
Don't miss this morning of workshops especially designed to make parish life in our deanery more vital and viable than ever! This year's features include:
This year’s event will be hosted by
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
90 Broadway
Methuen, MA 01844-3838
For more information or to register contact:
Helen Pickard (978) 681-9915 or mapickard1@verizon.net
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In the Sunday Bulletin under the section on “those in our parish in need of healing,” we list those with more acute needs. Saints Alive now carries a list of more “on-going” concerns to bring to God in prayer.
We will make the description you provide as general or specific as you indicate. Please let us know what you would like included. We encourage you to clip out these names and keep them in your prayers.
If you would like your name to be added or removed from any of the prayers lists, please contact Darlene in the Church Office.
· Gladys Stephens, Palm Manor Nursing Home
· Eleanor Ferreira at home
· Millie Adams at home
· Mary Buote at home
· Grace Wardell, Sunny Acres Nursing and Rehab Center
· Dora Smith, Betsy Eisemann’s mother
· Priscilla Smith at home
· Doug Grant at home, chronic back pain
· Chaz Freeman, transition to new home
· Debbie Anderton, Dora Carr’s daughter
· Dorothy Eaton, Willow Manor
At Nyahela Sub-Parish in Kenya:
ACK NYAHELA PARISH
P.O. BOX 201
LUANDA - KENYA
CODE: -50307.
e-mail address: onyoyo_06@yahoo.com
Specific Nyahela Needs:
a)- Pray for the sick people especially those afflicted with HIV AIDS.
b)-Pray for the widows and widowers
c)-Financial status to improve (poor giving of offerings)
d)-Development within our church compounds
e)-Wisdom of leadership for the parish
f)-Orphan program good management and governance.
g)-Education system within the project.
Churches and institutions we are asked to consider especially during the month of September are listed in this section.
Sunday, October 7, 2007 The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Christ Church, Swansea
St. John's Church, Taunton
St. Thomas' Church, Taunton
Trinity Church, Topsfield
South Shore Deanery
Sunday, October 14, 2007 The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Grace Church, Vineyard Haven
Church of the Good Shepherd, Waban (Newton)
Emmanuel Church, Wakefield
Parish of the Epiphany, Walpole
Congregations: Acolytes
Sunday, October 21, 2007 The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
Christ Church, Waltham
Church of the Good Shepherd, Wareham
Church of the Good Shepherd, Watertown
Church of the Holy Spirit, Wayland
Order of St. Luke
Sunday, October 28, 2007 The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
St. Andrew's Church, Wellesley
All Saints' Church, West Newbury
Emmanuel Church, West Roxbury (Boston)
St. Mark's Church, Westford
The Diocesan Convention
Greater Boston Interfaith Organization
Thursday, November 1, 2007 All Saints’ Day
All Saints' Church, Belmont
All Saints' Church, Brookline
All Saints' Church, Chelmsford
All Saints' Church, Dorchester (Boston)
All Saints’ Church, Marondera, Zimbabwe
All Saints' Church, Stoneham
All Saints' Church, West Newbury
All Saints' Church, Whitman
Sunday, November 4, 2007 The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
St. Peter's Church, Weston
St. John's Church, Westwood
Trinity Church, Weymouth
Union of Black Episcopalians
The Officers of the Diocese
Sunday, November 11, 2007 The Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost
All Saints' Church, Whitman
St. Elizabeth's Church, Wilmington
Parish of the Epiphany, Winchester
St. John's Church, Winthrop
The Diocesan Staff
Taunton River Deanery
Come join us for a pie making workshop on Saturday, November 3. We have been doing this for a number of years and have a lot of fun making pies to sell to enhance the church budget. The workshop starts at 9:00 a.m. and usually ends at 2:00 p.m. Coffee and sticky buns are available in the morning and a light lunch is also available. We need people to peel apples, put ingredients together, crimp crusts, bag the finished pies for freezing, etc. If making crust has always seemed like a mystery to you, come learn the easy way and get to know some parishioners you might not have had the opportunity to meet before.
Donations toward buying ingredients for making the pies are always welcome. We need flour, sugar, apples, frozen blueberries, aluminum pie plates and large frozen food bags, and money to buy these things is always welcome. The past few years we have been able to add $1000 to the general fund and let’s see if we can do that again.
Esther Davenport and Vi Flumerfelt
This December, All Saints’ Episcopal Church is hosting our 2nd Annual Gingerbread Village Display to benefit The Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity. The theme this year is, “All Aboard the Gingerbread Express!” There will be a train display as well as a central “village” replica in the main parish hall. We are encouraging everyone to participate by making an entry to the Village and then to come visit the display the weekend of Dec 1st and 2nd.
Last year’s event had over 80 entries and ranged from elaborate professional houses to the no-less-beautiful graham cracker cottage. All of the gingerbread builders donated their time, talent and their houses to help raise over $3,500 for Habitat for Humanity.
Here’s how the fundraiser works. We start by asking as many people as we can to make an entry to the Gingerbread Village. We encourage you to be creative – all entries are gratefully accepted. There is no charge to participate in the display. We ask you to consider the following “building codes”:
All building materials should be edible.
All buildings should be built on a stiff foundation such as foam core or cardboard so that the house can be moved for display.
Try to estimate the size of the base of your building and notify the event organizer prior to the event if you need to make modifications to your estimate.
Notify event organizer if your entry requires electrical outlets or special handling.
There will be a Builders’ Challenge for those participants who want to build replicas for a central “Village” display. Anyone can choose to take on the Builders’ Challenge. To participate in the Builders’ Challenge you need to register the building you would like to build with the event organizer.
Entries can be on loan just for the display or donated to be sold by silent auction. More details about entries can be found and pictures of last year’s event can be seen online at www.allsaintschelmsford.org.
All Saints’ Shops
All Saints’ will also be raising money through specialized Christmas Shops and food service. There will be a Whistle-Stop Lunch Counter with delicious soups, breads, and other tasty treats. There will also be the Gingerbread Express Café, where you can get a pot of tea or cocoa and fresh gingerbread or other sweets. There will be an even bigger cookie walk this year. We will need help with baking, staffing shops, and crafts, etc. Please contact the event organizer if you can help with All Saints’ fundraising for this event.
Habitat for Humanity
We will be asking for a donation of $5 per family to walk through the display. There will also be some entries for sale by silent auction- so you could end up going home with one of these wonderful houses. All of the proceeds from the admission and sale of gingerbread entries will go to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell.
Please consider joining us for this major event – we need all the help we can get!
Important Village Express Dates
Nov. 24th Registrations Due
(late entries are accepted, up until Nov. 29th, but please try to register so that we can plan a beautiful display)
Nov. 29th House Drop Off
Drop-off times are 10am until 6pm. If you cannot drop off during these times please make arrangements in advance with event organizer.
Nov. 30th Builders’ Preview
Friday night 7:30-9 pm. All builders and contributors to the event are invited to a preview of the display. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP if you will be attending.
Dec. 1st Gingerbread Village Display
Display open from 9am until 4pm
Dec. 2nd Gingerbread Village Display
Display open from noon until 6pm
David Cahill Tom Decker Deb Dutton
Beth-Anne Economou Rich Jerome Liz Landers
Edith Parekh Rebecca Ricard Harry Taplin
Derick Gates, Senior Warden
Melanie Hickcox, Treasurer
Kevin Meyers, Clerk
Church Office........ 978-256-5673
Senior Warden....... Derick Gates
Junior Warden........ Lois Freeman
Treasurer............... Melanie Hickcox
Clerk..................... Kevin Myers
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 ........... Oliver Chamberlain
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
… for the November 2007 Saints Alive! is
October 21st, 2007
Please leave your articles in the Saints Alive! mailbox in the church office, or send them via email to SaintsAlive@yahoo.com. Thanks.
