Purpose To be a Community where all persons will encounter the power and love of the Living God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Vision All Saints Episcopal Church is called by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to... · Worship Jesus Christ · Learn and Teach His Word · Minister in His Name · Proclaim Him and Share the Blessing of His Love · Welcome All in His Name |
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The All Saints Messenger
February 8, 2018
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Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Mark begins his story of Jesus with these words: "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." As we continue reading Mark's "sermon" we hear a voice from heaven announcing Jesus as the beloved Son of God and that he is to be heard and heeded. We see Jesus casting out demons, giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. We hear his proclamation in word and deed that the presence and power of the kingdom of the living God is real and now.
Yet, there are many who do not see or perceive, who do not hear or listen. Even now as they stand with Jesus, Moses and Elijah in the mind-boggling event of the Transfiguration, the closest followers of Jesus still don't seem to get it. What they see and hear doesn't fit their expectations.
It is only when Jesus has died and been raised from death that the Holy Spirit frees us from all that prevents our seeing and hearing. Then we are truly able to begin to know, believe in and fully live with Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
These are good preparatory words for us as we begin Lent next Wednesday, February 14th, when we receive ashes and remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return.
Living and Loving God, whom we meet and know most truly in Jesus, free us from all that clouds our hearts and minds. Use the coming Season of Lent to help us stand "beneath the cross of Jesus" and know that Jesus is the only true home within the wilderness of this world. Amen.
See ya Sunday!
Blessings,
Gary+
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
*
Cooking for the Army
: This Saturday, February 10th
, parishioners will gather at
9AM
to cook approximately 700 meals for The Salvation Army & Cornerstone Ministry. We are always in need of more hands to assist in this life-giving project since "more hands make light work." If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the church office and we will put your name on the monthly e-mail reminder.
* Shrove Tuesday Pancakes: On Tuesday February 13th at 6PM we will have our Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Donations go to Outreach. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending!
* Ash Wednesday Service Schedule: Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, February 14th. All Saints will administer ashes on a walk in basis between 7AM-8AM and we will also have a 7PM service. Please join us for one of these services as we are reminded "that we are dust, and to dust we shall return."
* Giving Envelopes: Recently, we have received cash gifts in unmarked envelopes. Please know we fully appreciate your gifts. However, we can only credit the giver if you place your name on the envelope. Many thanks and appreciation!
* Parish Breakfast: Thanks to Tony Fugate for helping make the breakfast casseroles and thanks to Linda Boyd, Marsha Ellison and Steve Morris for helping set-up for the meal and thanks to Jim McCarthy and Marian Watts for helping clean-up. We took in $104 minus expenses of $37.94 netted us $66.06.
* Lenten Study:
Beginning on Saturday, February 17 and continuing every Saturday through March 24 (6 sessions total), we will have a study entitled "The Great Teachings: From Disciple to Apostle, A Lenten Study Based on the Gospel According to John." The group will meet from 9am-11:00/11:30am. Written and led by Deacon Cris South (perhaps with a friend or two), it will build upon last year's study as we move deeper into our lives in Christ. Everyone is welcome so please feel free to invite adult family and/or friends, regardless of religious affiliation. Also please call the church office and leave your name and phone number or sign up in the lobby to register so we have an accurate count. This is necessary for making sure there are enough study guides and snacks for everyone. From the course Introduction..."From the example of humble service through the washing of feet in John 13 to the great priestly prayer in John 17, Jesus prepares them to take his mantle and continue his work. In these chapters, he reiterates his entire message one last time. In doing so, he invites all of us to move into that same apostleship under our Christ. Although a Bible study, this course is meant more to be a deep self-study, relating the teachings to ourselves and our lives in ways that enlighten and empower. Rather than lectures, each participant is invited to be present in that "upper room" with Jesus as he teaches, using his last chance to make all of us understand. It is only through that understanding that we can move from being disciples (believers and followers) to becoming apostles (literally, a person sent forth) of Christ's church in the world. It is relevant to us today and is meant to lead us to an apostolic life in Christ, serving the world and transforming all that is around us with his love. The season of Lent is a perfect time to deeply examine our faith, to commit ourselves, to accept our responsibility as new (or perhaps RE-newed) apostles. We come into this quiet season of reflection, knowing that we follow our Christ into the power, agony, and glory of Easter, and into his great triumph." I hope to see many of you there!
* Bishop's Visitation: Our bishop, The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin, will make his parochial visit on Sunday, September 16, 2018 (Please note the date change. The Bishop had to change his visitation date due to a calendar conflict). A bishop's visit is time for celebration as well as Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation. For new members this is a time for being received or confirmed into your new faith community. Fr. Gary will offer a course, Episcopal 101, to assist anyone interested in better understanding our tradition.
* Foyers: It is time to create new Foyers Groups for 2018. Foyers is a social gathering taking place at a restaurant or in member's home with the purpose of getting to know each other better in a small group setting. If you would like to remain in Foyers and be assigned to a new group or if you are new to Foyers and would like to participate, please let Jerry Wertz know
at
[email protected]. It is an excellent way to get to know different people within the church.
* Year End Statements: Statements will be available for pick up after both services on Sunday.
* Building Use Policy: Our buildings are being used more and more and scheduling conflicts have occurred. Effective immediately, all rooms/buildings will be reserved and scheduled by the Parish Administrator through the submission of a form which are available at the office. Additionally, if you are in need of advance set-up for the room or event you are scheduling (night before, earlier than the event, etc.) please take that into consideration when reserving. We appreciate your understanding realizing that this will improve our ability to serve our parishioners and ministries.
* Pacesetters: The Pacesetters will visit the Schiele Museum on Tuesday February 20th at 10:00. Our guide will be Dr. Dawn Flynn who will show us how collections are done and maintained. The cost is $2.00. Afterwards we will go out to lunch. If you plan to attend, please let
Jerry Wertz know at
[email protected].
* Episcopal 101
: Continues from
9:30-10:15.
Fr. Gary is offering an introductory course, Episcopal 101, for new and established members of the Episcopal Tradition. We are a tradition rich in scripture, history, heritage, literature, art and so much more. Fr. Gary's class will journey through our history, the Sacraments, prayer and how they intersect with our world today. Please mark your calendar to attend these classes and learn some new things about our tradition.
* Save the date: All Saints Outreach will host a "Summer Blast Picnic" fundraiser on Saturday, June 2nd from 5-8. Please put it on your calendar and plan to attend. More details will follow!
* Save the date: Parade of Tables on Saturday, September 22nd.
* Annual Giving
: If you have not returned your pledge sheets we encourage you to do so. We appreciate your gifts in our corner of God's Kingdom.
* 2018 Sign Up Sheets: For Coffee Hour, Altar Guild and Altar Flowers are on the bulletin board in the FLC.
Coffee Hour hosting can be as simple as drinks and cookies. Coffee hour is provided to have fellowship with our parish family. Please sign up or call the church office to add your name to the list (704-864-7201).
* Cookbooks
:
$5.00
If you don't need a cookbook, but would like to help our Outreach committee reach their budget goal, consider buying a cookbook to donate to our newcomers committee. Any donated cookbooks will be included in the welcome bag we hand out to newcomers.
* Family Promise:
The remaining 2018 dates that we will be host to the Family Promise guests are 4/8, 8/12 and 11/4. Family Promise is a community program that provides housing and support to families that are less fortunate. All Saints is one of the original churches that helped establish this ministry more than ten years ago. We host families in this ministry four times a year at our parish facilities with assistance from the Redeemer Lutheran Church here in Gastonia. There are many ways to support this ministry. During hosting weeks we need parishioners to greet and engage guests, to provide homework and enrichment activities for the children, to prepare and serve dinner, and to spend the night.The other way that parishioners can assist these families is to donate items that our guests need. Suggested items to donate are clothes, detergent, toothbrushes and toothpaste, small first aid kits, hair products, soap and/or body wash, suitcases (both used or new), 10, 20, and 30 gallon storage tubs w/ lids, towels and washcloths (both used or new), bed linens (both used or new), family friendly movies or videos, board games, & craft supplies. For more information, or to volunteer please contact Marc Dudley at 704-718-4044 or
[email protected]
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* Parish Nurse Ministry
will be taking blood pressures after the 8:00 and 10:30 services on the second Sunday of the month. Nurses interested in the parish nurse ministry please contact Cheryl Saylor, MSN.
* Bible Study:
The Wednesday Bible Study group has completed
Zealot - The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan. We highly recommend this book for all of you to read. The next book we will study is Language of God by Francis S. Collins. Dr. Collins was Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute. He positions science not as a substitute for theology but as a subset of it. The book traces his personal path to God and explains how his faith affects his work. The group meets on Wednesday at 10:00 in the Family Life Center. If you would like to join us for this study and need a copy of the book, please contact Jerry Wertz at 704-577-9699.
* Needed: Monetary donations for lettuce and carrots for the Salvation Army salads on Mondays. Each week, we use up one large bag of sliced carrots and 6 heads of lettuce. Cost is about $20 a week. Donations are needed to offset this cost. Anyone willing to donate cash or a gift card to the project, please see Linda Klocker, 704-827-3901. Checks should be made out to All Saints, garden fund. Thanks for your generosity. The clients at the Salvation Army really enjoy a fresh salad.
* Zumba
: Now being offered 3 days a week in the Family Life Center! $5/class
- Tuesday & Thursday at 7:15PM: Please join Dana Wolfe for a fun workout made for everyone. The class that started the dance-fitness revolution and changed the way we look at a "workout" forever. It's fun, effective and best of all? Made for everyone!
- Friday at 9:15AM: Taught by certified instructor Barbara Mooradian who has been teaching for 6 years. Especially suited to older adults or those with mobility issues or restrictions, Zumba Gold has all of the liveliness and fun of Zumba while being low impact and easier on the body. It can even be done while sitting!
* First Sunday of the month Coffee Hour: We need someone to set up and clean up only
for Coffee Hour on Parish Breakfast Sunday. You do not have to provide any food, just set out the food left from breakfast. Please sign up for this on the Coffee Hour sign-up sheet.
* Youth Christian Formation: Christian Formation for our young people begins at 9:30 sharp. Our new program is an Episcopal curriculum. We have 11 dedicated teachers and three dedicated musicians who will be guiding our young people. Please bring your children and let them experience God and Jesus with others.
* Towel Ministry Coordinator
: All Saints Towel Ministry funds and builds handicap ramps and does other small building projects for those in Gaston County who have a need. If you are a good organizer and understand basic building techniques All Saints could use your services as our new Towel Ministry Coordinator. You are not expected to do all the work, just take requests, assemble the teams and help out the citizens in our community who need help. If interested please speak to Fr. Gary.
* Choir Rehearsal: Sunday mornings at 9:25 am.
* Food Pantry: Please help us restock the shelves! Through your generosity, we have been able to help many families and individuals.
* Preaching ROTA (rotation) at All Saints: We are blessed at All Saints to hear three different voices in preaching. Each one of our clergy; Gary, Cris and Martha, have experienced the world and see the world differently and through different lenses. Because our community is made up of different people from different experiences we need to hear different voices. At All Saints, Deacon Cris preaches on the 3rd
Sunday of each month, Deacon Martha preaches on the 1st
Sunday of alternate months, and Fr. Gary preaches the other Sundays. We hope you find the different voices fulfilling in your spiritual journey.
* Salvation Army Service Schedule: Monday, February 12th - Team #5. (Linda Boyd & Charlie Jenkins)
* Church Financials: The Vestry wants to make sure that all parishioners are aware that the monthly financial reports are posted on the bulletin boards in The Family Life Center. If you have any concerns or questions please contact Phill Wertz or Fr. Gary. Thank You!
* Why Do You Love All Saints? Who here loves All Saints? Do you want to tell the world why you love being a part of the All Saints family? Please help us spread the word about our congregation by telling your All Saints Story. All Saints Stories will be published on our website: AllSaintsGastonia.org as well as our facebook and twitter pages. To submit your story, go to AllSaintsGastonia.org and click "All Saints Stories" under the Parish Life tab. If you can, please submit a photo with your story.
* Prayer List: Our prayer list grows rapidly. We ask all parishioners to keep the office informed so that our prayer list remains current and manageable.
* Partnership: All Saints has entered into a relationship with the YMCA's Resource Connection Gateway. This relationship enables us to help those in need more rapidly and efficiently while also addressing long-term needs versus only addressing immediate concerns. If you would like more information please see Fr. Gary.
* Salvation Army Serving: If anyone is interested in serving at the Salvation Army on Mon. nights from 5:00 to 6:00, please contact Candy Albergine at 704-868-8691 or email [email protected]. We have a couple of spots open and you will find this ministry is a true blessing to all involved. The schedule is on bulletin board in Family Life Center.
* All Saints Sermons online: Thanks to John Woodward, our sermons are available in audio and video on our website at: www.allsaintsgastonia.org/sermons
* Free Mulch: There are several piles of mulch in the upper parking lot that you are welcome to take. We need to free up some parking spaces in that upper lot. Please do not take the mulch by the shed as that is intended for the garden.
* Planned Giving: Programs for Outreach Ministries are an important part of our parish. You can ensure the continuation of these programs by setting up an endowment or including a bequest in your will. The Episcopal Foundation of Western Carolina has set up "The Living Stones Society" to provide Education and training to all clergy and parishioners about setting up a program. For more information see Fr. Gary or call the foundation at 828-225-6656.
* Ministry Opportunities: There are a variety of Ministries available at All Saints including feeding at The Salvation Army, tending the Garden, Family Promise where we take care of those without a home for a week at a time, Altar Guild, Readers, Lectors, Acolytes, Chalicers, and many more. Everyone at All Saints is encouraged to serve in some way. Please let us know what you are interested in and we will put you in touch with the ministry coordinator. You can call the office (704-864-7201), email ([email protected]) or speak to Fr. Gary.
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| Upcoming Schedule February 10th: Cooking for the Army February 13th: Shrove Tuesday February 14th: Ash Wednesday February 17th: Lenten Study February 18th: Parish Lunch February 20th: Pacesetters February 20th: Vestry February 23rd: Last Friday Get Together June 2nd: Summer Blast Picnic September 16th: Bishop Jose Visit September 22nd: Parade of Tables |
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This Sunday's Scripture Readings
The Collect
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12
When the
Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; for the
Lord has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the
Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that today the
Lord will take your master away from you?" And he said, "Yes, I know; keep silent."
Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here; for the
Lord has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As the
Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that today the
Lord will take your master away from you?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be silent."
Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; for the
Lord has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As the
Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you." Elisha said, "Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit." He responded, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not." As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, "Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
1
The
Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *
he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
God reveals himself in glory.
3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.
4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
to witness the judgment of his people.
5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, *
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice."
6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
for God himself is judge.
The Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
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Saint Day / Feast of the Week
Absalom Jones
Priest, 1818
Absalom Jones was born a house slave in 1746 in Delaware. He
taught himself to read out of the New Testament, among other books.
When sixteen, he was sold to a store owner in Philadelphia. There he
attended a night school for Blacks, operated by Quakers. At twenty, he
married another slave, and purchased her freedom with his earnings.
Jones bought his own freedom in 1784. At St. George's Methodist
Episcopal Church, he served as lay minister for its Black membership.
The active evangelism of Jones and that of his friend, Richard Allen,
greatly increased Black membership at St. George's. The alarmed
vestry decided to segregate Blacks into an upstairs gallery, without
notifying them. During a Sunday service when ushers attempted to
remove them, the Blacks indignantly walked out in a body.
In 1787, Black Christians organized the Free African Society, the
first organized Afro-American society, and Absalom Jones and
Richard Allen were elected overseers. Members of the Society paid
monthly dues for the benefit of those in need. The Society established
communication with similar Black groups in other cities. In 1792,
the Society began to build a church, which was dedicated on July 17,
1794.
The African Church applied for membership in the Episcopal Diocese
of Pennsylvania on the following conditions: 1, that they be received
as an organized body; 2, that they have control over their local affairs;
3, that Absalom Jones be licensed as layreader, and, if qualified, be
ordained as minister. In October 1794 it was admitted as St. Thomas
African Episcopal Church. Bishop White ordained Jones as deacon in
1795 and as priest on September 21, 1802.
Jones was an earnest preacher. He denounced slavery, and warned
the oppressors to "clean their hands of slaves." To him, God was the
Father, who always acted on "behalf of the oppressed and distressed."
But it was his constant visiting and mild manner that made him
beloved by his own flock and by the community. St. Thomas Church
grew to over 500 members during its first year. Known as "the Black
Bishop of the Episcopal Church," Jones was an example of persistent
faith in God and in the Church as God's instrument
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February 8th - Gay Lindsey
February 11th - Cary McWhirter
February 19th - Kirsten Witry
February 22nd - Dennis Stewart
February 24th - Sydney Wertz
March 2nd - Kyle Tilly
March 4th - Marian Watts
March 5th - Sid Brandon
March 5th - Brandon Maher
March 5th - Christina Solis
March 9th - Linda Stanford
March 14th - Chong Saile
March 14th - Larry Kish
March 19th - Sammy Miller
March 24th - Jocelyn King
March 24th - Karen Sims
March 28th - Debra Sayles
March 29th - Jerry Wertz
March 30th - Kelly Eckard
March 31st - Millie English
March 31st - Bruce Kiser
Please let the office know if we have missed your birthday!
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MINISTRY SCHEDULE
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2018
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February 11
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February 18
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CHALICE/LECTOR
8:00 AM
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Don Stine
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Susan Maxon
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CHALICE
10:30 AM
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Jim & Flo
McCarthy
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Terry Eckard
Jack Gaskey
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LECTOR
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Marc Dudley
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David McDowell
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ACOLYTES
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Sydney Wertz
McNeal Miller
Lindsey Wells
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Lee Wells
Zoe Tilly
Omar Scott
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GREETER/USHER
8:00 AM
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Linda Boyd
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Tony Fugate
Bruce Kiser
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GREETERS/USHERS
10:30 AM
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Bob & Claudette Forbes
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Candy Albergine
Marc Dudley
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ALTAR GUILD
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Marc Dudley
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BREAD
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March
Jocelyn King
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ALTAR FLOWERS
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COFFEE HOUR
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Erin Balco
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Parish Lunch
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MORNINGSIDE
10:30 AM
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George Sowersby
Eileen Klimkowski
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Pete Laine
Judy Mullins
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SOUND TECH
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Terry Eckard
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William Graham
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EUCHARISTIC
VISITORS
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William & Priscilla Graham
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Jim & Flo
McCarthy
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YOUTH
FORMATION
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Chris Butterworth
Christine Borner
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George Sowersby
Eileen Klimkowski
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VPOD 8:00
10:30
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Jerry Wertz
Lee Wells
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Don Stine
William Graham
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Blessings & Peace,
Fr. Gary+
phone: 704-864-7201
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