Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter | | |
Another New Song to Sing!
Remember how the Alabama State University Chorus filled our church with wonderful music just a few months ago? The energy and joy that they brought to our little church were such a gift! We decided right then that we were going to break bread with these amazing young people regularly as part of the ways in which we are relearning and learning to sing a new song of joy.
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Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday is February 17th. On that evening,
5:30 – 7:30 pm, we will have a traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper (and include the Children's Family Meal): Pancakes and Syrup. Just a few (?!) beads. Sausage Patties. Beverages. Lots and lots of laughter. The ASU Chorus will be our guests, and I hope you will, too! There is no cost, but donations are welcome for the Music fund at Holy Comforter.
Even if you can’t make it that evening, would you be willing to help earlier that day? There will be some set-up and preparations that will need to happen in the afternoon. Please contact Michael Paul or Kris Sancheck if you’d like to help.
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Message from Rosa
Things That Are Being Put in Place
Dearest Holy Comforter Family,
Life is unfolding quite quickly now. I suspect the next six months will fly! I have a few bits and pieces to share with you, along with some thoughts about the time ahead.
Let's start there. On Wednesday, most of your staff met to start
"pre-planning" for the time after I have retired and before a new rector has been called. Some of our conversation was about the things we could and should have in place before July 31st. We identified some staff needs and how to organize the work that will need to happen during that period, “after and before.”
I also asked what other transitions had been like when previous rectors left Holy Comforter. Missy, Terri, and Angela, who were part of the Holy Comforter community during previous times of transition, discussed what those times had been like. As I listened to their stories, I was struck again by the strength, courage, and faith of a community that keeps showing up through thick and thin. I think I speak for all your staff when I say we left the meeting confident that we can use our time well and make the transition smooth. That will take intention, a whole lot of listening, and some good planning. We may ask for your help as we develop the plan. We certainly ask for your prayers!
Parallel to the work I'm doing, the vestry has worked for the past two weeks to develop a list of potential candidates for the Calling Committee. Jeri has done a fine job making sure the process is thoughtful and also keeps moving along. While I have not (and will not) have a role to play in this process, I am impressed by the fact that the vestry is ready to finalize a list of candidates they will invite to join the Calling Committee.
And then, of course, there is the here and now. This week, a small group of parishioners and staff will work with me to finalize our Lent and Holy Week plans. Tentatively, the theme for Lent is: "Gifts We Find Only In The Wilderness". Sometimes we enter the wilderness willingly-to hike, to camp, to fish and hunt. Other times, we feel like we've been shoved out of the life we are very comfortable with. How does God show up for us in that place where we have less control? What does God intend for us in places that feel not just unfamiliar, but scary? That's what I hope we'll explore together!
Our Palm Sunday/ Sunday of the Crucifixion observances will be a little different than usual because Bishop Glenda will be with us that Sunday. It looks like we will also have several confirmations. That is thrilling! The rest of Holy Week will be a time of reflection and quiet, and then, we will pull out all the stops to have a truly glorious Easter celebration!
Sometimes, as I find my way through the work week, I get a lump in my throat. But mainly, I am so very grateful that I have this gathering of days to laugh and work and pray with all of you. God has richly blessed us! Rosa+
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Do You Want to Be Confirmed?
It is traditional in the Episcopal Church that when a Bishop makes his or her annual visit to the parish, people who are 12 or older or who want to become members not just of the parish, but of the Episcopal Church, are
confirmed-confirmation, as the name suggests, is about reaffirming your baptismal vows. If you are interested in knowing more about this lovely way the church welcomes in new members, please reach out to me or our deacon, Lee Wilkins. We will work with those who are interested to schedule a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon retreat in preparation for being confirmed. The bishop visits on March 29.
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Sunday Book Study is Back
We are excited to announce the resumption of our book study now that the holiday season has concluded. Join us on the first and third Sunday of each month at 11 AM. For any questions, please reach out to Emmi Harrell.
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Tending to our hearts & spirit
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Join us for a time of serene reflection
Sunday Morning Eucharist
10:00 AM (in-person & online)
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Weekday Worship
Michael Paul • Randy Woodland
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Morning Prayer
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM
(online)
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Compline
Thursdays, 7:00 PM
(online)
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Events, programs & updates
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Feb. 11, 11:30 AM
Fried Tomato Buffet
6561 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery
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the Food Pantry
Critical needs: Canned Corn, Ramen noodles, Spaghetti Sauce
(Preferably canned or plastic. Aldi's has inexpensive sauce in plastic jars.)
We now have a Kitchen closet. We would greatly appreciate your donations of:
- Kitchen items, household knick-knacks, lamps, pictures, vases, & more.
- Reusable grocery bags and canvas totes are always welcome!
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If you can help unload the van, see Leanne or Mark
To donate, please drop off your items in the bins outside the double doors of McMaster Hall, the large basket by the offices, or the large basket in McMaster Hall. Read more about the Food Pantry.
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Save the Dates
February
11- Men's Lunch Bunch, Fried Tomato Buffet, 11:30 AM
15 - Vestry Meeting
16 - Office closed
17 - Shrove Tuesday Supper, 5:30 PM
(and Children's Family Meal)
18 - Ash Wednesday, 12:15 PM
22 - Kaleidoscope Concert w/ Corey Galloway, 6:oo PM
3, 10, 17, 24 - Food Pantry, 9:30 AM
4, 11, 18, 25 - Morning Prayer, 9:30 AM
5, 12, 19, 26 - Compline, 7:00 PM
March
22/23* - Vestry Meeting
tbd - Men's Lunch Bunch, 11:30 AM
29 - Palm Sunday/Bishop Visitation
tbd - Children's Family Meal, 5 PM
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - Food Pantry, 9:30 AM
4, 11, 18, 25 - Morning Prayer, 9:30 AM
5, 12, 19, 26 - Compline, 7:00 PM
*Option to have a Zoom meeting on Monday, 23rd, 7 PM
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FEBRUARY
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Watch over thy children O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________
Birthdays
Terry Seanor, Justin Bryan, Julia Neeley, Walter Alvarenga,
Joe Hodges, Julie Speaks, Annette Taylor
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Please pray for
Parishioners — Kathy Albree, Ken Beer, Ann Carlton,
Barbara Dailey, Rob Dailey, Fred Earle, Scott Lollar, Julia Neeley, Eddie Norred, John Parker, Lea Russell, The Rev. Larry Sharpton, Ami Simpson,
Elizabeth, William, and Ward Speaks, Judith Granger Ward, Paula Weeks,
Randy Woodland, Evie Yonker, Barbara Zdanis
Friends — Cindy Bailey, Chandler Brewer, Amy Espinosa, Gay Curlin,
Harry Curlin, Rosamary Duncan, Janet Hutto, Hawthorne Ramsey,
Jon Kusa, Kitty McDowell, Mike Lloyd, Myra Patterson, Mike Winter
Students — Davis Dickert, Grayson Dickert, Matthew Franklin,
Cecilia Haag, Sam Lee, Michael Moore, Aiken Via, Eliza Wilkins
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Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter
Montgomery, Alabama
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