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"Read, Mark, Learn and Inwardly Digest..."
Lent and food are inextricably linked. As Ash Wednesday approaches, often people share with me their plans for fasting in the coming weeks; chocolate, alcohol, refined carbohydrates and red meat sometimes come up in the course of these conversations.
While it's tempting to dismiss Lenten fasting as "dieting for God" I think there is value in adopting a dietary practice in Lent that marks this season as different from all others. So often -- from the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to Christ's making himself known in the breaking of the bread -- scripture uses food to manifest our relation to God. The medieval monastics placed "gluttony" among the gravest of the seven deadly sins because they understood it as an assault on the ideal of beloved community.
Oftentimes, Christians who fast during Lent will calculate savings yielded by abstaining -- and donate those to support organizations such as Project Bread, World Central Kitchen or our own Food 4 Kids ministry. The idea is less private denial than it is public solidarity.
In this liturgical year ("C") the church reads Luke's gospel, and as Lent progresses we will be taking a particular look into Luke's gospel on five Wednesday evenings (5:30-7:15 pm, March 12-April 9). "Justice, Joy and Daily Bread" will explore how Luke uses food imagery to teach about the Kingdom of God. In small groups we'll also have time to reflect on personal habit and history, on Christian traditions of feasting and fasting, and the centrality of Eucharist to our common life. And we'll be eating together! All are welcome to join us on any or all of these five Wednesday evenings but do tell us of your intentions by an email to office@chsorleans.org.
See you in church!
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SUNDAY MORNING EUCHARIST SERVICE
10:00 A.M.
In-person worship at the church with music
followed by Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall.
If you are unable to join us in person, you may watch the service on YouTube using
your Smart TV or another device.
Use this link to reach our YouTube channel:
Then select the service from Upcoming Live Streams option.
You can also view past services.
Weekly Church School
Join us in the Lower Level of the Parish Hall
Arrive by 9:45 a.m.
Children will join parents in church
for Communion.
https://www.youtube.com/@churchoftheholyspiritorleans
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ASH WEDNESDAY
Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes
Wednesday, March 5
10:00 am and 5:30 pm in Church
Morning service will be streamed via YouTube (see link above).
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TUESDAY MORNING LECTIO DIVINA & PRAYERS
(Formerly Healing Service)
Lectio Divina is a monastic mode of prayer, contemplation,
and Bible study.
All are welcome to experience this with us.
10:00 a.m. via ZOOM
A Zoom Meeting invitation email is sent on Monday mornings.
It includes links to the Zoom service and Service Bulletin and Readings.
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HOLY EUCHARIST and PRAYERS FOR HEALING
Thursdays at 11:00 am in the Church
Join us for a simple service of weekday Holy Eucharist
with a short meditation.
Private prayers for healing available after the service concludes.
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GLIMPSE OF THE GOSPEL
‘Glimpse’ meets in the Fireplace Room on Sunday mornings at 8:45. Participants are sent a copy of the readings from scripture for the Sunday service earlier in the week to give opportunity for reading, reflecting, and inwardly digesting beforehand.
Contact Tom Dewing, email st.dewing@verizon.net or 508-255-2656.
All Welcome!
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The Church of the Holy Spirit Annual Meeting was held on February 2nd, and it was wonderful to see so many parishioners attending in person and on Zoom.
John Harter, our Treasurer, presented the budget, and his information can be found on our website in the 2024 Annual Report section. It was exciting to learn that we have grown to 151 pledging units this year. Celia thanked Patrick for all his hard work this past year and emphasized our need for an Assistant Priest. Patrick thanked the staff and highlighted how important they are to CHS. He also gave the parish information about upcoming events, including Lenten classes on Wednesday evenings and a very special speaker on Palm Sunday. Sarah Gregory, vestry member-at-large, presented proposed changes to our bylaws which were accepted unanimously by the parish.
Retiring vestry members, Ann Pike-Paris and Nancy Boccia, were thanked for time served and presented with sconces crafted by the Kimball Guild. Kate Paradise and Cynthia Murray were also thanked for their time served as Diocesan Delegate and Alternate. Then we welcomed Carol Baffi-Dugan and Bill Mason to the Vestry, and Brenda Ridgeway and Sue Sasso as Diocesan Delegate and Alternate. Thank you to everyone who helped to make the meeting a success.
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Our vestry meeting on February 20th opened with a lovely reception to welcome Carol and Bill, our new members to the vestry. Patrick provided the opening reflection from the book Meditations for Vestry Members by Colleen McMahon. We read the first chapter together, "The Call". Everyone had time to share why they accepted the invitation to serve on the vestry, and we learned much about each other.
The meeting moved on as the Vestry approved requests from B & G and FinCom to repair and replace ailing gutters on our buildings and to purchase a new refrigerator and freezer for the kitchen. These current kitchen appliances are over 15 years old and have broken down several times this past year.
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Patrick talked about our upcoming vestry retreat to be held on March 21 and 22. We will begin on Friday evening by socializing over dinner and ending the evening with prayer. On Saturday, we will be hard at work with a facilitator, talking about Mutual Ministry Review at CHS. We will be looking at aspects of our ministries--what is working well, what needs changes, and goals for action. We will keep you updated as we move along.
Thank you for your prayers,
Priscilla Isner, Celia Calhoun, Wardens Above right: Parishioner Meredith Perkins
admires the lovely coffee hour spread at Annual meeting.
Above left: Nancy and Ann unwrap their thank you
gifts as Patrick thanks them for their extraordinary service.
Photos by Cynthia Murray
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, March 4th at 5:30 pm
Dinner served at 6pm
On the Menu
Pancakes • Sausage • Fruit
Contests
Best Crown (Applause Meter)
Best Apron (Your apron brought from home) (Applause Meter)
Pancake Flipping
FUN
Make your own Crown (We have the supplies!) Upon Arrival
Color an Alleluia for our treasure chest
Sign up in the Parish Hall! Let us know you're coming!
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In February, the Church School decorated Valentines for some of our homebound parishioners.
During Lent we plan to have discussions about food and feasting and fasting — how they connect to our present lives. What is the liturgical message on these topics, and do we follow it in our personal lives?
Other Lenten plans include:
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A labyrinth walk in the church school Gathering Room (see photo above)
- A Sharing of Ashes service following Ash Wednesday,
- Burying the Alleluiahs in a trunk,
- Sharing information about upcoming retreats for middle and high school students at the Barbara Harris Camp.
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Food 4 Kids headlines
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We are incredibly grateful to be the benefactors of an upcoming Chatham Choral concert. Help support our 13th season by attending one of three Chatham Chorale Broadway Benefit concert performances on March 8 and 9. Click this link to buy your tickets today.
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Help raise funds for our 13th season by walking 1-2 miles in a local F4K Walk for Hunger during the Brewster in Bloom parade on May 4th afternoon. Look for an invitation to sign up in the next edition of Together.
- The new Board of Directors met on February 11 and spent time getting to know one another's backgrounds and what each of us can contribute to the mission. This group of community connectors will help make the strategic decisions to ensure that Food 4 Kids will be sustainable far into the future.
- Jenn and Kisten attended the annual kickoff to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) season on January 30. We made lots of new connections including: MA Library leadership for cost-effective book supplies and resources to support new local library sites, Project Bread traveling chefs and Aramark for consultation on our menus/recipes, and other SFSP sponsors for marketing/outreach best practices.
Thanks,
Jenn Gale, Executive Director, Food 4 Kids
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Good Friday Walk – almost 40 years!
You, my Holy Spirit family, and I, have been on a journey of love and compassion both for Jesus and for our neighbors in need, since 1986– our first walk! In that time, you have helped over 300 families with children with profound and lifelong illnesses or injuries. In that time, you and other parishes have generously donated over a quarter million dollars to that end!
The outpouring of thanks and gratitude has been enormous – so many cards and texts and conversations – all expressing thanks for support, and particularly, for easing the families' feelings of isolation and aloneness. In 40 years, I have never seen a better example of the commandment “Love thy Neighbor" than you have demonstrated.
And about the walk… Over the years, thousands have turned out from over a dozen churches on our walk to honor Jesus's sacrifice. The witness of the cross with the purple robe installed each year at Bible Alliance Church on Route 6A, has been viewed by at least 100,000 people as they pass by in their travels.
I feel so blessed to be a part of all that has happened with the Good Friday Walk in these 40 years, but there is more to be done. It has been a hard year for the ten families we support, and recently, we have two more families that will need our help. So, as we head into Lent on our way to the cross, I must again ask for your support. I am so proud to be a part of a parish that for 39 years has never wavered, and I am blessed to be the link that spreads God‘s love from you to those in need.
I will be at the coffee hours on the two Sundays before Good Friday to gladly accept donations or, if you wish, your donation can be mailed to Up for Kids, PO Box 297, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.
For those who wish to join us in our walk on Good Friday, we will meet at the Bible Alliance Church at 8:30 AM on Good Friday for registration and intake. The Bible Alliance Church is located on Route 6A in Brewster, 1.1 miles west of Route 6, exit 12.
We have hopes and prayers for sunny weather as Good Friday is on April 18th this year. We hope and pray also that you will join us on that day to honor Jesus – his life and his sacrifice.
Thank you all and God bless you!
Rich Weeks
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SUNDAY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP | |
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The Book Discussion Group has started up again on Sundays after the worship service. We have been meeting in the fireplace room to discuss The False White Gospel by Jim Wallis.
"A major new work by The New York Times bestselling author, arguing that the answer to bad religion is true faith that will help re-found democracy. It is time, says Jim Wallis, to call out genuine faith―specifically the 'Christian' in White Christian Nationalism―inviting all who can be persuaded to reject and help dismantle a false gospel that propagates white supremacy and autocracy...
Wallis is a teacher, preacher, justice advocate, regular international commentator on ethics and public life. He is a New York Times bestselling author of twelve books, served on President Obama's White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and has taught faith and public life courses at Harvard and Georgetown University." (Goodreads).
Please come and join us!
Brooke and Brian Skea
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March Ladies Luncheon will be held on March 6th, the day after Ash Wednesday. Come and join us as we all begin our journey through Lent 2025. Bring a sandwich or salad and come to the Parish Hall about 11:45, so you can chat with friends and be ready to sit down about 12:00 noon.
Our volunteers for March are: Joannie Barnes, chips; Georgia Schneider, table decorations; and Fay Cole, dessert. We’ll supply coffee, tea, and juice and use the supply drawer to cover the paper goods.
Each month we take up a collection to buy supplies for A Baby Center (ABC), in Hyannis, one of the agencies our Outreach committee supports. At our February meeting, Elizabeth Merritt reported that she and her neighbor Bonnie Adams were able to purchase a carload of diapers and wipes for Margaret Ann and Bill Heuss to deliver on our behalf. Its arrival was much appreciated.
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As we enter March, we find the various B&G committee members hard at work on various projects. To recap, the vestry, at the request of B&G and FinCom, has approved the following projects:
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Our exterior wooden stairs to the parking lot will be replaced. Karber Construction is scheduling the work for March – weather permitting.
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Our boiler #2 (see photo at left) has been installed under the supervision of Dave Blanchet. It has been a challenge as the original system circulation pumps were underpowered, but diligent oversight has solved the problem. Thank you, Dave and Monomoy Plumbing
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To solve a serious safety issue of having Wayne and Russ climbing 30-foot ladders to repeatedly clean the gutters, Dan Lowery (as spokesperson for B & G) has awarded a contract to Gutter Pro to clean all gutters and downspouts. They will repair and replace sections, add new sections, and add a Leaf Protection System to all gutters on the church, the admin building and the parish hall.
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At the request of some dedicated kitchen staff and church leaders, the current 18-year-old plus refrigerator and freezer will be replaced with like-quality brand new appliances. The new units will arrive shortly.
I would like to thank the entire B&G team for their wisdom, attention to detail, and willingness to help review all these projects we have faced. A special “shout out” to Wayne Curry, Dave Blanchet, Steve Koehler, Dan Lowery, Anne Pike-Paris, Meredith Perkins, Russell Karber, and Peter Jensen for their helpfulness and dedication with the projects mentioned here.
Brian Ridgeway, B & G Chairperson
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Photos taken by GutterPro outlining the work they will perform on campus. | |
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With thoughts of spring beginning to emerge, I’m announcing our first Garden Party Day: April 5, 2025!! Please save the date as we have a surprise in store!
As the gardens and open areas begin to emerge from their winter sleep, some clean-up will be done, but to start the morning, we’ll be having a surprise tutorial from our own Peter Jensen! As we work to restore many areas, Peter will be showing us how to create an area for our garden waste…Yes, we have that! In buckets! Come and share some time and fellowship and sharpen your knowledge about the preservation of this most special space we share.
NO prior experience needed! We’ll share our knowledge and skills and help you on your journey to gardening and preservation!
Ann Pike-Paris, Grounds Chairperson
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Still winter? Spring coming?
Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20 in all time zones in North America………even on Cape Cod!
New Free Shop schedules (April 2025 - March 2026) will be mailed in early March. Any of the TWENTY faithful volunteers who has not received one - please contact Sharyn or Suzy.
The Free Shop will gladly and gratefully receive your warm spring clothing!!!!!!!
“Drop off" bins are located on the first floor of the Parish Hall - by the elevator.
The shop is open every Monday and Wednesday - 10 to 1.
COME SEE - COME SHOP - COME VISIT
Sharyn Laughton & Suzy Gray - CoDirectors
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Artist of the Month - The Kimball Guild
Florence Kimball and Vernon Smith, founding members of The Church of the Holy Spirit, taught the art of hammered aluminum to parish members. Proceeds from sales were used to support local families "in need" and other charities.
This craft continues today through members of the Kimball Guild who use the same process and tools as Florence and Vernon did. Enjoy and purchase the talented work of Ellen Adamson, Jane Affleck, Carol Fitzgerald, Roger Lovejoy, Georgia Schneider, and Donna Tavano. All proceeds are donated to the Rector's Discretionary Fund--continuing the tradition of the Guild!
The photo above depicts vintage Kimball Guild creations dating back to 1949--some crafted by Florence Kimball. This work is not for sale.
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View from inside: A new work table with six work stations has been designed and built for the Kimball House. | |
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Newer creations
Photos by Ellen Adamson
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Our Outreach Committee at The Church of the Holy Spirit has supported the Endupoto schools in Tanzania for several years. Cheryl Kyle, seasonal parishioner at CHS, writes that she has recently returned to California after spending six wonderful weeks in Tanzania.
Pictured above left and center: Baptism
of 32 men, women and children at St. Michael's Anglican Church located near Endupoto Primary School in a remote area of the Maasai Steppe in Tanzania.
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Above: Following the baptism, Karen Royce from Christ Church in Greenwich, CT, and Cheryl were honored for building the church five years ago and for keeping it maintained every year they visit.
Photos by Cheryl Kyle
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As we bid farewell to the winter season, we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming
Spring Show 2025 Call for Art at Galley West Art Gallery.
Running from March 7 to April 7, this is an opportunity for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talents. We encourage you to prepare your art for entry and take advantage of this opportunity to engage with our amazing artist community… let your creativity shine!!
Entry Form and information are on our website.
SPRING SHOW 2025 KEY DATES:
- Call for Art - March 7 – April 7
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Entrants are notified by April 14
- The show is open May 7 – June 14.
- Gallery Hours Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 – 2:00
- Join us on May 7 for the Opening Day Reception 3:00 – 5:00
Not an artist but interested in being a part of this special group?
Talk to Sharyn Laughton or Sue Sasso about ways you can help us have another successful year or, send us an email at contact@gwagart.com
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Did you know our pastoral care ministry will coordinate an occasional meal delivery to those in need to make life a little easier?
If you would like to volunteer to provide a meal for 1 or 2 people on occasion, or to learn about this ministry, contact Patrick or Michele Puzo.
If you are unable to attend one of our Eucharist services and would
like to receive communion at home...or...
If you are in need of a pastoral visit...or...
You or a family member has been admitted to a medical facility
(hospital, skilled care, etc.)...or ...
You want to request prayers for you or a family member or friend...
Please call the church office at (508)-255-0433
or email pastoralcare@chsorleans.org
There is also an Intercessors group that offers confidential prayers. Please email your request to intercessors@chsorleans.org
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Happy New Year, everyone! We on Health Ministry are planning to meet on February 25 at 12:30 in the Fireplace Room, in person and virtually. We’re looking forward to a chance to touch base and look forward! We are a small and welcoming group with a focus on health, with a long history at CHS! We’d love for you to join us if you are interested. Feel free to call or text Meg Nemitz with any questions.
Other Health Resources:
Barnstable County Human Services: www.bchumanservices.net (Comprehensive website with multiple resources on the Cape)
Councils on Aging
Orleans: 508-255-6333 Brewster: 508-896-2737 Chatham: 508-945-5190
Eastham: 508-255-6164 Harwich: 508-430-7530 Wellfleet: 508-349-0319
Yarmouth: 508-398-9866 Truro: 508-487-2462
VNAs of Cape Cod
Hyannis: 508-957-7400 Falmouth: 508-495-5716 So. Dennis: 508-957-7400
Cape Cod Hospital Social Services Department
508-862-5501
Cape Cod Healthcare Newsletter: Go to this link: https://www.capecodhealth.org/
First page has a free sign up.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
Call or text: 833-773-2445 (BHHL)
Online chat: masshelpline.com
Alzheimer’s Family Support Center
alzfamilysupport.org (508)896-5170
Cape Wellness Collaborative
cape wellness.org (774)408-8477
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BIRTHDAYS - ANNIVERSARIES -REMEMBRANCES | |
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IF YOU WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR BIRTHDAY OR
ANNIVERARY LIST, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE
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BIRTHDAYS
Mae McLaughlin 3.1 Ian Ellison 3.3 Matthew Thompson 3.5 Christian Chung 3.5
Jean Gatzkiewicz 3.8 Barbara Knisell 3.11 Betsy Dow 3.12 Suzanne Gillespie 3.13
Parker Keeffe-Jones 3.14 Kevork Meguerdichian 3.16 Philip Suraci 3.17
Evie Ellison 3.19 Phyllis Calsson 3.19 Richard Paris 3.23 Mary Hammatt 3.25
Keith Silva 3.25 The Rev. Sue Lederhouse 3.26 Paul Colwell 3.28
Joan Kirchner 3.30
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Martha and Richard Williams 3.21.66 Deborah and Kevork Meguerdichian 3.25.73
REMEMBRANCES
John I. Lough 2.28.08
Elizabeth Clarkson 3.01.91 Matthew Mapes Nickerson 3.02.89 William Mines 3.03.98
Shirley Adamson 3.05.07 Evelyn M. Burroughs 3.06.08 Aram Kachadorian 3.06.92
Rosamond G. Thomas 3.07.14 William Ranscht 3.07.22 Dorothy Skeats 3.09.03
Marcia Birdsall 3.10.20 James Hammond, Sr. 3.11.95 Katherine Recknagel 3.11.99
Wally Houghton 3.12.03 Lester Knisell 3.13.07 Richard Miller 3.13.19
The Rev. Richard Payne 3.13.20 John Rayner 3.14.05 Robert Munson 3.15.15
Nancy Aucoin 3.15.21 Anne Crocker 3.17.18 The Rev. Sherrill Smith 3.18.14
Carol Potter 3.19.15 Freda Bonin 3.20.14 Marion A. Eckhardt 3.20.08
Gordon Hampton 3.22.04 Deni Jacobson 3.23.18 Harold Lockwood 3.23.90
Victor von Schlegell, Jr. 3.23.08 Kenneth Dennis 3.24.99 Amy McDonald 3.24.22
Robert Thorley 3.25.15 Joan Gironda 3.26.20 Marjorie Burling 3.27.02
Paul Perry 3.28.04 Patrician Nickerson Flor 3.30.21 Frances Pike 3.31.99
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Watch over thy children, O'Lord, as their days increase..
Bless and guide them wherever they may be
keeping them unspotted from the world.
Strengthen them when they stand.
comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall.
And in their hearts, may thy peace, which passes all understanding,
Abide all the days of their lives.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.,
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CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS | |
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- Tuesday, March 4 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (5:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, March 5 - Ash Wednesday Services at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Morning service will be available on YouTube.
- Saturday/Sunday, March 8/9 - Chatham Chorale Concerts in aid of Food 4 Kids
- Sunday, April 13 - Palm Sunday Service
- Thursday, April 17 - Maundy Thursday Service
- Friday, April 18 - Good Friday Service
- Saturday, April 19 - Easter Vigil Service
- Sunday, April 20 - Easter Day Service
- Friday/Saturday, May 2/3 - Rummage Sale
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Wednesday, May 7 - Galley West Art Gallery (GWAG) Reopens
- Sunday, June 8 - Day of Pentecost Service, Parish Anniversary
- Sunday, June 29 - Diocesan Bishop Julia Whitworth Visitation
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DIOCESE of MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNICATIONS
Stay informed and connected to the Episcopal Diocese of MA
To receive our diocesan communications,
including the monthly E-news go to: www.diomass.org
Brenda Ridgeway, Together Editor
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