* Cooking for the Army: On Saturday, April 7th, 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.  Upcoming date:  Sunday, May 6th.  

 - April 8, 2:00pm - Movie and popcorn at the Stine Residence.  The Stine's  have graciously offered their home theater to the youth for a movie.  Please let Chris know if you plan to attend.   christina.s.butterworth@gmail.com so we can arrange car pool; their residence is gated.

 - May 20 2:00pm Putt Putt Golf - details to follow.  This is our final activity until the Fall.

*  Spring Worship & Potluck: On Sunday April 29th we will gather at 10:30 at the Waterfront Pavilions at Rankin Lake for our Spring worship and potluck. No chicken will be provided so we ask people to bring main dishes, side dishes, salads, desserts and drinks. There will be an 8 AM service at the church. Please join in the fun as we worship our Lord in the beauty of creation.

*  Pastoral Caregivers: Committee meetings will now be once a month on the second  Tuesday of the month in Conference Room starting in April,  April 10th.  The Pastoral Care Committee is reorganizing. We are looking for parish volunteers to walk, communicate and visit with our parishioners who are homebound, struggling, lonely or sick. This ministry is key to ensuring those who are in need receive care and knowing that their church family loves them. Our desire is to have enough people on our team that no one has more than two people. No special skills are required; just a desire to love their neighbor. If you are interested please contact Deacon Martha, Deacon Cris or Father Gary.

*  Wednesday Book Club at 10:00:  The next book we will be reading starting  in two weeks is Original Blessings:  Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place by Danielle Shroyer.  If you were thinking of joining the group, this would be a good time as we start a new book.  The book costs $15.41 new with used books costing nearly the same.  If you would like me to order a book, please contact me at  [email protected]. 

*  Family Promise: Family Promise is a community program that provides housing and support to families that are less fortunate. Our Family Promise guest will once again be with us starting Sunday April 8th, and will be with us the entire week until Sunday, April 15th. On the Sunday they arrive, we need individuals assist in moving the family belonging, and on the following Sunday to load the trailer. During the week, we like to have volunteers at the Fellowship Center when the guests arrive. During the week we find it rewarding to engage the children by playing games, coloring and other types of entertaining activities in the evening. We also need volunteers to prepare and serve meals. One of the most important duties that is required during the week is that someone be on the church premises to ensure the families' safety and to assist in case of an emergency during the evening. This program is a wonderful opportunity to give families without a place that they can call home, a temporary sanctuary by providing a bit of compassion. Any assistance that you might offer, would is greatly appreciated. For more information, or to volunteer please contact Marc Dudley at 704-718-4044 or  [email protected].

*  Concert of Healing & Reconciliation: On  Saturday, April 14, 2018 @ 7:30 PM The Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte will present a concert at All Saints Episcopal Church. The concert will feature Joel Thompson's Seven Last Words of the Unarmed which is a powerful creative piece addressing the deaths of unarmed men and police officers shot in the line of duty. For tickets, log on to www.gmccharlotte.org.  Parishioners can use the code S18MAD which will set the ticket price to $0.

*  Community Foundation Run AKA Run for the Money is being held on  April 14th.  Those who wish to sponsor an agency for this event such as CAM, Gaston Library, AIDS foundation of Gaston County, Family Promise etc. should contact the agency involved to sign up or look at the website for the Community Foundation Run of Gaston County.

*  Luncheon Results:  The St. Patrick's Day Luncheon was well received and thanks go to Alice Rudisill-Braddy, Charlie Jenkins, Cheryl Saylor, Linda Boyd, Marlene Nivens and Helen Goulet for preparing the meal and Bill Collins, Dave Smith, George Saylor & William Graham for helping to clean up.  Thanks to all who so generously contributed, we raised $232.00 with expenses of $38.75 netted us $193.25. 

*  Donation:  Linda Klocker has donated a set of DVD's/books from "The Great Courses".  The Holy Land Revealed and Great Figures of the New Testament.  Will put them in the conference room if anyone wants to borrow them.

*  Zumba:  Now being offered 3 days a week in the Family Life Center!  

     - 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!  ($5/class)

*  First Sunday of the month Coffee Hour:  We need someone to set up and clean up only

*  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.

*  Salvation Army Service Schedule:  Monday, April 2nd - Team #6.  (Jerry Wertz & Deloris Stewart)

*  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.

  

*  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.