The Episcopal Charities Campaign at Epiphany has
begun! Episcopal Charities, a diocesan project for
over 50 years, helps to fund over 100 agencies in
Rhode Island most of which bear witness to the
millennium goals. 100% of your donation goes to
these agencies. You will have the opportunity to make
your pledge in the parish hall following both services.
You may pay by cash, check, or credit card, or you may
wish to be billed. Contact Rhoda Bucci with
any questions about the Episcopal Charities
campaign-401-270-7197 or rhoda.bucci{at}verizon{dot}
net.
|
|
| |
Dear friend,
A couple of weeks ago several vestry members and I
heard an inspired speaker named Reggie McNeal.
He was speaking about the mission of the church and
shared many examples of churches that have become
places that love as Jesus loves, because they have
been willing to reach out in service. One anecdote he
shared had to do with challenging a congregation to
go out and bless others. He said, "I want each one of
you to bless three undeserving people this week.
Next week come back and well talk about it."
The interesting thing about this was that many in the
congregation spent time and energy deciding who
they would reach out to in the "undeserving" category.
McNeal's point in telling this story, and in challenging
Christians to be people of blessing, is that ALL of us
are undeserving. This is a startling truth, especially
when coupled with the truth of our faith that ALL of us
are God's beloved, receiving love and blessing
despite our many and varied shortcomings and sins.
This week's Gospel, is the rich
and compelling story
of the Prodigal Son. It is a tremendously important
story to contemplate on our journey toward Holy
Week. The characters may remind us of ourselves,
those whom we love, and those whom we judge.
Above all it is a story in which we remember the
extravagance and abundance of Gods love for us, no
matter who we are or how deserving we may or may
not be.
Join with your community this Sunday. You deserve it!
Faithfully,
Jennifer
|
| |
| |
| |
| This Sunday |
| |
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 14, 2010
Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Sermon: The Reverend Edward Gammons
Christian Education at 9:15 a.m.
Godly Play-PreK-5: Faces of Easter IV
Adult Forum-"Via Media"
Bible Study- 1st & 2nd Timothy
Scripture readings:
Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Read these
lessons
Liturgical Ministers for this Sunday:
8 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Eucharistic Minister-Roger Decker
Lector-Jodi LeDuc
Usher-Arthur & Geri Manning
Greeter-Betsy Kelley
Coffee Hour- Val & Mike Till and Louise &
Neal Harrington
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Eucharistic Minister- Pat Jeffrey
Eucharistic VisitorRhoda Bucci
Lectors-Bill Dench & Kristin Chase
Cantor- Linda Vaughan
Acolytes Tyler Lockard, Matt Chase & Sarah
Chase
Ushers-Bill Dench & Max Jencks
Altar Guild-Cal Loven & Carolyn
DeOliveira
Greeter- The Bennett
Family
Counters-Janice Johnson &
ToppyCarlson
Coffee Hour-Bo & Kathy Ivey, Jim Bryant &
Celesta Liceaga
|
| |
|
| |
| The Simple Challenge Lent 4: March 14-20, "Clothed in Righteousness" |
| |
Over the course of Lent, we are cleaning out and de-
cluttering our material possessions as a spiritual
discipline. This week we will clean out our clothing
and closets paying attention to clothes, shoes, jewelry
and accessories. Clothing is a significant part of our
daily lives, providing protection, self-expression, and
much more. We like to believe and we even say to our
children, "it's what is on the inside that is most
important." Yet, the way we purchase and live with
clothing, shoes, and accessories, may send a
different message. Our choice of clothing is a deeply
personal issue and we often have strong feelings
about what we wear. Our clothes say a great deal
about us, sending all kinds of messages. What do
your clothes tell you about yourself? As you clean out
closets and drawers this week, what does your
wardrobe have to teach you?
Come up with a strategy for your de-cluttering so that
you experience gratitude for what you have and keep
AND experience generosity in giving away what you
can.
This week's offerings for the "Great Give Away" may
be
brought by the church and donated directly to the Thrift
Shop located on the lower level on the Parish Hall
side of the building. You may also consider offering
items on "Jen's List" for in-community giving and
receiving.
For your reflection and prayer this week:
"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what
you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food, and the body more than
clothing?--- And why do you worry about clothing?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they
neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all
his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God
so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today
and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much
more clothe you - you of little faith?---But strive first for
the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all
these things will be given to you as well."
Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew, 6:25-
33
And the crowds asked him, "What then
should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever
has two coats must share with anyone who has
none; and whoever has food must do
likewise."John
the Baptist in the Gospel according to Luke 3:10-
11
The body is a sacred garment. It is your first and last
garment; it is what you enter life in and what you
depart life with, and it should be treated with honor.
Martha Graham
Until you make peace with who you are, youll never be
content with what you have. Doris
Mortman
I base my fashion taste on what doesnt itch.
Gilda
Radner
What are your very favorite articles of clothing? What
makes them your favorite? How many coats do you
have? How about shoes, sweaters, suits, or hats?
How many do you need? How many do you want?
What difference could you make in sharing with those
who have none?
Where do your clothes come from? Who made
them? Do our clothing choices have anything to do
with loving our neighbors as ourselves? If so, is there
anything you would like change about what you will
purchase or wear or give away?
A Prayer
God from whom no secrets are hid, I have wrapped
myself in the clothing of deceit, hiding from those who
love and trust me, driven by what I want and what I
fear. Strip away my false clothing and dress me only
in your armor of light, that I may bear witness to your
truth; through Jesus my Savior. Amen. from
Prayers
for Penitents, by the Revd Jennifer M. Phillips.
|
| |
|
| |
| Simple Challenge Fieldtrip |
| |
Saturday, March 20, ALL are
welcome on a
fieldtrip to Recycling for
Rhode Island Education, located Spooner Street
at 95 Hathaway Ctr., Ste. 3, Providence, RI.
We will meet in
the parish hall at 9 a.m. to carpool together. If
interested, please contact
Brett Brumbaugh by telephone, 401-490-0746 or
email, bbrumbaugh5{at}gmail{dot}com.
|
| |
|
| |
| Easter Memorials & Thanksgivings |
| |
The flowers that add to the beauty of our Easter
worship are provided by the Altar Guild with donations
from members and friends. If you would like
someone remembered with flowers on our Easter
memorial and thanksgiving list, please fill out the form
found in the bulletin and return it, by Sunday, March 28,
with your check to the church office.
|
| |
|
| |
| Free seeds! |
| |
This Sunday after the 8 & 10:30 services
there will be a table set up in the parish hall with
tons
of seeds for people to take for their Community
Garden plot and/or use in their home
gardens. There are so many seeds that you can take
some for your friends and family too. Please contact
Anne Bryant at adbotr{at}usa{dot}net or 401-722-4699.
|
| |
|
| |
| Epiphany's Great Give Away! |
| |
Save the date for Epiphany's Great Give Away,
Saturday, April 17th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or
shine This giant yard sale, will benefit Haitian
relief efforts through Episcopal Relief and
Development. If you are de-cluttering as a
spiritual discipline by taking part in the Simple
Challenge, or simply Spring cleaning, save your items
and bring them to church during the week of April 11.
Better yet, bring your give aways and help out with the
yard sale. If you are interested in helping you can
meet with Judy Phillips, on Sunday, March 21 at 9 a.m.
in the multi-purpose room or contact her: jphillips304
{at}cox{dot}net or 401-438-7447. More updates to
come so stay tuned!
|
| |
|
| |
| Good Friday Hunger Walk |
| |
This annual walk to raise money for and awareness of
the hungry and homeless will take place on Friday,
April 2. You can help out by participating as a walker
and/or by making a donation. Golden donation
envelopes have been included in your box of pledge
envelopes this year and others are available on the
table in the entrance of the church. *Checks
should
be made out to Good Friday Hunger Walk.*
Contact
Charlene Underhill, 401-438-6347 / eundrh{at}aol{dot}
com
or Matt Hawryluk, 401-728-4382/
scooterfly104{at}cox{dot}net for more information or
you
may check out the website at www.
goodfridaywalkforhungerri.org
|
| |
|
| |
| Next Sunday |
| |
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 21, 2010
Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Sermon: The Reverend Jennifer L. Pedrick
Christian Education at 9:15 a.m.
Godly Play-PreK-5: Faces of Easter V
Adult Forum-"Via Media"
Bible Study- 1st & 2nd Timothy
Scripture readings:
Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8
Read these
lessons
|
| |
|
| |
|
