Ah February, not only the shortest month of the year, but the last month of the winter season. While I enjoy living in New Jersey and experiencing the changing of the seasons, winter is not my favorite season. I've seen enough of dormant trees and nothing growing in the garden. But, March is only a few weeks away. I wonder if the Good Lord planned that Easter cannot be earlier than March 22 or later than April 25. Everything that appeared to be dead is alive. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jack Olthuis, Senior Warden, announced at our Annual Meeting, that The Rev. Allison Burns-Lagreca will officially be Rector of St. Mary's on March 1. However, Mo. Allison will be the Celebrant, as Supply Priest, on February 16 and 23. On February 16, there will be only
one service at 9:30 am
so the congregation can welcome Mo. Allison and Lisa to St. Mary's. A brunch will follow the service in the parish hall. If possible, please bring something to share for the bunch. Regular service times, 8:00 am and 10:00 am, will be offered on Feb. 23. We appreciate the dedication and time the Discernment Committee and the Vestry committed to the process of finding and calling Mo. Allison as our Rector.
Barbara Cleffi chaired and the youth and their families sponsored the fourteenth consecutive year of St. Mary's participation in Souper Bowl of Caring on February 2. The proceeds collected, $215.00, will go to the people who were displaced by the earthquakes in Puerto Rico. Many thanks to all who contributed soup and money to this worthwhile outreach project.
Our Saviour Lutheran Church will be hosting their annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 and we're all invited.
Lent begins on February 26 and Mo. Allison will distribute ashes at The Branches at 11:00 am and at St. Mary's at 5:30 pm.
Winter is an especially challenging time for Sandra Lockhart, Terri Mascione, and their team of volunteers at The Branches. In addition to providing breakfast and lunch six days a week for those less fortunate than we, they also find a place for the homeless when Code Blue goes into effect. The State recently made 32 degrees as the overnight low temperature for Code Blue. That means all the homeless need to have a room for the night. Some of the staff at The Branches are there from 6 am until everyone finds housing for the night including Sundays. I'm sure Sandra and Terri would appreciate a few more volunteers.
Circle Sunday, March 1, on your calendar. A Voice For The Homeless of Cape May County will present its 4th Annual Concert for the Homeless at First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes Street, Cape May, at 3 pm. This is one of The Branches favorite and best "funraisers." Janice and I have attended the concerts. The music is great and it is truly a fun afternoon. No tickets needed - only a donation.
Debbie Smith, manager of St. Mary's Thrift Shop, could also use a few volunteers. The shop is open six days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. If you have an hour or two or three to donate, Debbie would appreciate your donation of time. The Shop funds St. Mary's outreach projects.
Have you remembered St. Mary's in your will?
