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March 9, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ:
For many Christians, Lent is a time of introspection and self-examination. For others, it is a time of learning and reading. For still others, Lent is a time to focus on helping our neighbors. None of these approaches is "wrong" or improper. More than anything, Lent is a time to change focus, or hit the pause button. To shake us out of just going through the motions of life, might be one way to think of it.
In my sermon at the Community Lenten service last night (which you can find HERE), I told the story of my own call to the priesthood, which went very differently than most people's call to ordained ministry. But, just as there is more than one way to observe Lent, there is also more than one way for God to call us into what we were meant to be, and how we were meant to serve. God never stops calling any of us into the ministry that only we can do, no matter how unorthodox God's methods might be. God is always calling, and sometimes--despite ourselves--we hear that call.
On to the updates . . .
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Sunday 3/12, Children's Sunday, Lent III
8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I. In person only.
10:00 am Rite II Holy Eucharist. In person and streamed at our website, on youtube and on our Facebook page. This week's bulletin is HERE. Special activities for children during the first part of the service; they will then join us for Holy Communion.
Tuesday 3/14, Taize' 7pm
Our monthly Tuesday Taize' service will be streamed at our website and on Facebook. Your in-person attendance is welcome. You can sing along with us at home or in church. The service outline and music are HERE. (We will have printed copies at the door.)
Wednesday 3/15, Rite II with Healing
12:10pm Our mid-week service of Holy Eucharist, includes anointing with oil for healing. In person only.
Sunday, 3/19, Lent IV, Laetare Sunday
8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I. In person only.
10:00 am Rite II Holy Eucharist. In person and streamed at our website, on youtube and on our Facebook page. This week's bulletin is HERE.
Wednesday 3/22
12:10pm Our mid-week service of Holy Eucharist, includes anointing with oil for healing. In person only.
6:30pm Community worship service with Holy Communion, choir, and incense. In person and streamed at our website, on youtube and on our Facebook page. The bulletin can be found HERE.
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UPCOMING DATES OF NOTE
Mar. 12 Children's Sunday, 10am
Mar. 14 Taize', 7pm
Mar. 22 Host MACCA Lenten Service, 5:30-7:30
Mar. 26 Seminarian Melissa Allison preaches
- Sonnenberg Station Concert, 3pm
Apr. 2-9 Holy Week (see below)
Apr. 12-21 Fr. George to Ukraine/Romania
Apr. 29 Bishop Jolly Ordination, 11am Cleveland
May 6 Coronation Watch Party, 7am (estimated)
May 7 Blessing of the Bikes, time TBD
May 9-10 Church Directory photos
May 13 Wine Tasting Social
June 3 Impact Massillon
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CHOIR NOTE CRUNCH
This Saturday, March 11th, the choir will gather to rehearse pieces to carry us well into the Easter Season. If you are interested in adding your voice to make a joyful noise this Easter, come join us from 10am to 2pm on Saturday. No commitment required, but fun, beautiful music, and a delicious lunch are guaranteed.
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MACCA LENTEN SERVICES
Just three community Lenten services remain. The basic format is a 5:30pm meal of soup and salad, followed by 6:30pm worship with Holy Communion. I'm excited that we've added new hosts and preachers this year, and I hope you can attend when you're able.
March 15th First United Methodist
Rev. Linda Slutz of Epworth UMC preaching
301 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
March 22nd St. Timothy Episcopal *incense will be used
Rev. Roger Alber of First Baptist preaching
226 3rd St SE, Massillon, OH 44646
March 29th First Baptist Church
Rev. Jules Joy of Central Presbyterian preaching
20 Sixth St. SE, Massillon, OH 44646
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PHOTO DIRECTORY SIGN UP SHEETS
As you'll see, we have a table set up in the parish hall for folks to begin scheduling appointments to have photos taken, May 9 and 10, from 2pm to 8:30pm.
You can sign up in person any time you are in church, or you can call the church office at 330.833-3183 and we can sign you up for an open slot.
Please also be sure to check your contact information on the printout on the table, and make any corrections as necessary.
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SONNENBERG STATION RETURNS
A few years ago, we hosted a concert by the local men's chorus, Sonnenberg Station. And it was wonderful! At their request--and to our great benefit--they're coming back to sing for us at the end of this month. The concert is open to the public, and free to all, though donations of support will be gratefully accepted.
Mark your calendar, and plan to join us Sunday, March 26th, at 3pm for a memorable performance.
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HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
April 2, Palm Sunday: 8am and 10am
April 6, Maundy Thursday: 7pm
April 7, Good Friday: 12pm and 7pm
April 8, Easter Vigil: 8pm
April 9, Easter Sunday: 10am
More details will be included in a letter to be mailed out March 23rd.
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BISHOP ORDINATION AND CONSECRATION
Our Bishop-elect, the Rev. Anne B. Jolly will be ordained and consecrated on Saturday, April 29th at 11am in Cleveland. St. Timothy's will be well represented at the event, with Choirmaster Andrew Bolden serving as Litanist, Danielle Shaffer serving as Verger, Melissa Allison serving as acolyte, Fr. George serving as Chalice Bearer, and our own Bishop's Chair serving as . . . well, chair.
It promises to be an historic and lovely event, and I hope you can make plans to join us. More information can be found HERE.
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CORONATION WATCH PARTY
We are in the early stages of planning a watch party for the Coronation of King Charles III, on May 6th. We're still waiting for the actual start time to be posted, but it seems certain to be happening in the morning over there, which means in the early morning over here.
We will have a livestream of the goings on, and hope to offer a right proper Full English Breakfast. We'll have activities for the kids, informational displays, tours of the church building, and more. Tell your friends and put it on your calendar.
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IMPACT MASSILLON
Somehow, I fell into the role of communications guy for Impact Massillon this year. And, as part of that role, I have created a new Facebook page for the event, which I encourage you to like and follow HERE.
Impact Massillon is an amazing event, held the first Saturday in June, where churches, civic organizations, local businesses, and the city administration team up to repair and beautify a string of houses on a particular street in town.
St. Timothy's will once again be participating, and there will be more information in the months ahead. But for now, mark June 3rd on your calendar, and speak to Danielle Shaffer if you are interested in helping out.
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THANK YOU TO OUR ECW!
For quite some time, our organ bench has been "adjustable," in the sense that we have a variety of thicknesses in the 2x4s we put under the legs. This is not only embarrassing when we have a guest organist, but is also more than a bit hazardous.
At their recent meeting, our ECW voted to cover the not-insignificant cost of a custom-made, adjustable bench. Safety and pride are sure to follow our gratitude!
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EASTER LILIES
Speaking of our wonderful ECW, the time has come to begin dedicating lilies to decorate our Altars for Easter. If you would like to sponsor a plant or two, you can find a form in your bulletin on Sundays, or in the parish hall, or you can call the church office, or you can also make a dedication at our website using this LINK.
We ask for a $10 contribution for each lily. The deadline for inclusion in our annual bulletin listing is Monday, April 3rd.
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PRAYERS REQUESTED
When you ask for someone to be added to the prayers, they will stay on our list for four weeks unless we hear from you. We maintain a continuing prayer list for those with ongoing needs. The email list below merges both lists.
Please be sure to let us know if someone should be taken off this list so we can focus on those in need.
Please pray for the people of Ukraine & Russia, that they would be kept safe and live in peace and safety.
And please also keep these friends and parishioners in your prayers:
✥Priya Kurian ✥Chuck Tilley ✥Liz Frank ✥Mike Requa ✥Toni Contini ✥Brian Dorosch
✥Bob Daane ✥Noble Carpenter ✥Gail Moss ✥Greg Rush ✥Tony Donahue ✥Ruth Lash
✥Gayle McHenry ✥Dylan Miller ✥Hadley Hirschman ✥Eamonn Hunter ✥Sarah Kouri
✥Becky Frum ✥Marilyn ✥Thomas Haidet ✥Ed Nihser ✥Lester Kidney ✥Bill Mayer
✥Andrew DeBroeck ✥Allison Stergios ✥Dave Cottrill ✥Leah ✥Trisha Rusford ✥Curt Allison ✥Linda Devore ✥Gabriella Santos ✥Steve Deuble ✥Dan Kloock ✥Randa Farah ✥Jennifer Baer ✥Ian Long ✥Ann Renkert ✥Allison Armentrout ✥Joel Vogt ✥Janine Hartman ✥James Hutzell ✥Carson Hutzell ✥Jimmy Carter ✥Carolyn Flamm ✥Jennifer Moyer ✥Bob Schroeder
✥Linda Schmidt ✥Sheila
For the repose of the soul of Dr. Matthew Neal.
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BIRTHDAYS and ANNIVERSARIES
Lots of folks celebrating birthdays over the next two weeks, including Muffy Miller (3/13), Hayley Sunquist (3/13), Dave Renkert (3/16), Pam Dill (3/17), Beverly Kovacevich (3/19), Scott Hupp (3/20), Cormac Kimball (3/22), and Wendy Silvis (3/22).
No anniversaries, as far as I'm aware.
Be sure to send good wishes and thoughts to all who celebrate in the coming weeks!
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PERIODIC PUZZLE
Though we are expecting snowfall ahead, daffodils do not have weather apps on their phones, and they are pressing on, adding a splash of yellow all around the outside of our building. However, I have it on good authority from the Mother of Seedlings that the daffs will be just fine, thank you very much.
Speaking of which, you can find a puzzle entitled "Here They Come" by clicking HERE.
As always, you can choose your background color, number of puzzle pieces, and even set it to display just the edge pieces. Plus, you get a very affirming crowd reaction once you have completed it!
Also, if you want to take a trip down puzzle memory lane, you can go back and find the whole collection on our website at this LINK.
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As I mentioned in a previous email, there were plans afoot to return to Romania the week after Easter, and those plans have now solidified. I'll be leaving the Wednesday after Easter, and returning on April 21st or so. The main purpose of going back is to check in on the Life For Ukraine Center we established in Constanta, and to explore ways to safely get food and medical supplies into Ukraine itself, probably focused on serving Odesa.
Just like last time, I promise to be safe and not do anything stupid. If you are interested in supporting this ongoing effort, you can speak to me directly, or find more information on our Facebook page, or at the website. And, of course, feel free to speak to me anytime about the trip, either before I leave or after my return.
Faithfully,
Fr. George
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