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Nativity scene created for CHS in the Parish Hall by Suly, Natalia and Dayan.
Photo by Kate Paradise
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Faith in Our Time
"Well," a colleague once told me. "You're a person of faith. Of course you think things are going to get better!" We shared office space at the time. In that particular period, we may have been talking about the first Gulf War or the Charles Stuart case. I don't now remember.
What I do remember is his understanding -- as someone outside of the church and without a professed faith -- of what faith means to those of us who claim one: fixed hope, unyielding trust in God, inoculation from despair, anesthesia from all manner of psychic and spiritual pain.
Faith is none of these of course. As I look at the photo above -- a closeup by Kate Paradise of the pesebre or nativity scene built as a gift for us by some of the young women who joined us for our celebration of the Colombian "Day of Little Candles" in Advent -- I'm reminded of the perspective of a liturgist I once heard lecture. "Every year," he observed, "the joy of Epiphany collapses into ash as Lent begins."
Like me, I bet you know the feeling of something collapsing into ash. And the church gives us such symbols and calendared seasons in part to help us make meaning when such collapses occur. I suppose my own faith is less a fixed fortress of trust than it is something I'm continuing to build the way a bird builds a nest: by twigs and strands. Some of the twigs and strands are scripture passages, things I've listened to or overheard, the wisdom, witness, bravery and kindness of other people, memories, art, and my experience of the sacraments over time.
Through these. and only through time, has divine love emerged. Not a love that fixes or shields but a love that somehow helps me interpret, connect to something beyond myself and find meaning.
"Faith in the First Person" has been our planned Lenten study program for the coming season. That's because spiritual autobiography -- the personal nest-building accounts of characters like Augustine and Thomas Merton and Helen Prejean and Lauren Winner -- are powerful models for each of our own lives of faith.
While we will offer that program at a later point, I decided this week to tighten our focus in Lent through reading and sharing our responses to a single voice and single text: Hanna Reichel's recently published For Such a Time as this: An Emergency Devotional. We will explore this text over five Wednesday evening soup supper sessions in Lent (see details below).
Reichel is a professor of theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and one of her abiding interests has been Swiss theologian Karl Barth and the experience of the church in Germany during the 1930's. Her short new book has a simplicity to it that is anything but simplistic. Organized into four sections (Gathering, Communion, Listening and Sending) that mirror our worship, For Such a Time as This offers perspective and inspiration for the perilous and deeply divided political times we are living through just now.
If your own faith feels "under assault" lately -- or if you are wondering about what shape your own witness might take in days to come -- I hope you will make time to be with us. In such a time as this.
Faithfully,
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The Church of the Holy Spirit
Annual Meeting
February 8, 2026
Sunday Morning Eucharist Service @ 10:00 - Church
Meeting @ 11:30 am -Parish Hall/Zoom
To review our 2025 Annual Report, please click HERE.
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Lenten Soup Suppers:
For Such a Time as This
- Five Wednesdays: Feb 25, March 4,11,18 and 25
- 5:30 - 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
- Supper, presentations and small group conversation
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Register please via email to pward@chsorleans.org
- Purchase your own text or purchase one of a limited supply we have ordered
- We hope to have you with us!
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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 Parish Hall
Arrive by 9:45 a.m.
Children will join parents in church
for Communion.
Fourth Sunday of the month -- Children attend and take part in the
entire church service
https://www.youtube.com/@churchoftheholyspiritorleans
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Tuesday Morning Lectio Divina & Prayers
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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Celia opened this month’s vestry meeting with a moving meditation about what the chalice means to her. She also talked about her four years as a warden and closed with a prayer.
Treasurer John Harter reviewed the 2026 Budget, the Stewardship Campaign, and the Fund for the Future with us. The 2026 Budget was unanimously approved. John will be giving an update to the parish at the Annual meeting schedule for February 8 following the worship service.
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Patrick discussed the arrival of our Associate Rector, The Rev. Nancy Hagner. Nancy will be beginning with us in March. We look forward to having her join our church community.
Epiphany was celebrated with The Three Kings Pageant beautifully narrated by Ragnhild Bjerke. Gifts were presented for the Necessity Shop at Nauset Regional High School. The generosity of the parish was overwhelming. Thank you to all!
On January 12, a Vestry/Newcomers Dinner was held. It was a very enjoyable evening getting to know each other and welcoming the newcomers to the church community. Cynthia Murray, Ann Pike-Paris and Michael Isner prepared a delicious meal for all.
On January 19, the church hosted the Nauset Interfaith MLK breakfast. There was a special tribute given in memory of The Rev. Ken Campbell, founder of the NIA. The very inspiring keynote speaker was The Rev. Liz Walker, whom many of us remember as a Boston news anchor in the 1980/1990s.
We hope to see you at the Annual Meeting on February 8, at 11:30 a.m. in the parish hall or on Zoom. Thank you to the Nominating Committee, whose slate of candidates was published last week.
Thank you for your prayers,
Priscilla Isner and Celia Calhoun, Wardens
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The Feast of the Epiphany, January 4, 2026
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Top Left: Kings Jim Anderson, Rich Weeks, and Rev. Anne Koehler sing at the altar.
| | Top Right: Epiphany Pageant team on the altar: Ragnhild Bjerke (narrator), shepherds Katharine Mockett and Jenn Gale, and children of parish | |
Bottom Right: Epiphany Brunch Team Michele Puzo, Chris Lavenets, Matthew Harmon, Nancy Ludewig, and Cris Harter
Photos by Kate Paradise
| | Vestry Dinner/Newcomers Dinner held on January 12 in Parish Hall | | From left: Earle Bailey, Darby Boggess, Bill Boggess, Dianne Fromm and Deirdre White. | |
From left: Skip Atwater, Celia Calhoun, Judith Zimmerman, Peter Zimmerman, Bill Mason and Katharine Atwater
Bottom Right: Anne Pike-Paris, Michael Isner, and Cynthia Murray prepare dinner.
Photos by Priscilla Isner
| | From left: Susan Moran, Jen Marlin, Peter Falconer, Tessa English, John Harter and Rev. Patrick Ward | From left: Polly Bryson, Dave Davidson, Ann Davidson, Betty Suraci, Robert McKay and Marie McKay | | MLK Breakfast at The Church of the Holy Spirit on January 19, 2026. | | The Reverend Liz Walker, keynote speaker, reminded us of the importance of prayer in our daily lives. | | Singer and performer Candida Rose led the crowd in several rousing spirituals. | | The Rev. Dan Smith of Cotuit Federated Church, The Rev. Liz Walker, Ogoma N., a local high school student and this year’s MLK Action Team student intern, Candida Rose, and Advocate for Racial Justice award winners Jeanne Morrison (2025) and Tara Vargas Wallace (2026) | | |
A bit of mystery - In early December a wrapped package appeared on the piano in the choir transept with an unsigned card expressing holiday wishes and appreciation for the meaning the choir brings to our services. Inside were a number of elegant guest soaps in varying seasonal scents of bayberry and balsam. As we have not been able to identify our admirer, we want to thank them for their gift!
-The Choir
Right: Joan Kirchener and Ellen Adamson perform for the congregation.
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Next meeting of the Cape Cod Deanery
Date: Thursday, January 29th
Time: 6:30 PM
The meeting will be by Zoom (link below)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89926297780
Meeting ID: 899 2629 7780
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,89926297780# US
+19292056099,,89926297780# US (New York)
Please include your church name in your Zoom name.
AGENDA
6:30 - Welcome and opening prayer
- Reports by Dean, Regional Canon, Diocesan Council, Conveners, and Treasurer
7:00 pm - Program
We will meet with the Rev. Canon Dr. Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa who will share his work with the Diocesan Mission Strategy on Immigration Resources and Advocacy.
https://diomass.org/immigration-multicultural-ministries
Closing Prayer
Upcoming Deanery assembly meetings
Thursday March 26, 2026, will be a Virtual meeting
Thursday May 28, 2026, will be a Hybrid meeting at Holy Spirit in Orleans
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Upcoming dates to note:
- There will be a middle and high school retreat at the Barbara Harris Camp the weekend of February 13, 14 and 15 for anyone interested. Matt Thompson will be attending and is available to answer any questions.
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We will hold a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 17th at 5:30 pm. Come and wear your favorite apron, make a crown, and get ready for the pancake "flip off"! Great fun was had last year and, we hope to have as much fun this year!
Very warm welcomes to....
- Mary O'Reilly, who has returned to assist at times in the Nursery.
- Linda Mason who joined us for music and singing in the church school Gathering Room! We think this will be an every third Sunday event !!!
Thank you to all who help to make our church school a warm and welcoming place!!
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SACRED GROUND DIALOGUES BEGIN
The third round of Sacred Ground Dialogues has begun. Meeting for eleven sessions over a twenty-two-week period, eleven members of CHS and two members from other Communions will meet focusing on “white supremacy” and “systemic racism”.
It is a program of the National Episcopal Church to explore these topics via readings, videos and films. It is not a program to produce guilt, but rather to lift up underreported histories of Indigenous, Asian, Latino, and Black persons. Through the sharing of responses to the materials, learnings emerge as to our family stories and how they influence our attitudes re: race and racism.
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When this round concludes, over forty members of CHS will have completed Sacred Ground, another step taken toward Beloved Community.
Co-facilitators are Doug Fromm and Celia Calhoun.
| | Sunday Book Discussion Group | | |
The Book Discussion group is currently reading The Project by David Graham. We will finish our discussion of the book in early February and then will begin our discussion of Stolen Pride by Arlie Russell Hochschild. Date TBD. We hope it will be a good complement to The Project.
"Arlie Hochshcild reveals what liberals miss - -that the moral emotions of pride and shame animate the resentment that roils our politics. This is the best book yet on the moral and political psychology of the new right, a masterclass in the art of listening across our cultural and political divides." - Michael J. Sandel, author of The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good?
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"Stolen Pride is a masterpiece of epic proportions. Her account of a small, struggling Appalachian community's response to a parade of out-of-state-white nationalists provides a glimmer of hope for our fragile democracy, even in the face of political polarization, economic inequality, racism, and the nonrational, emotional dimension of political identity and mobilization. My advice to everyone is: read this book." - Shaunna L. Scott, Associate Professor Emerita of Sociology, University of Kentucky and Former President of the Appalachian Studies Association
Please join us!
Brian and Brooke
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B&G has commissioned Russ Karber to paint the walls of both floors of the parish hall in late January and early February. In December, the Vestry authorized this project as part of a campus-wide refresh as it has been twenty-five years since building the parish hall in 1999/2000. Additionally, we are investigating upgrading the audio-visual elements in the parish hall to provide an improved sound and visual experience during presentations.
The stairs to the rectory will be upgraded for safety reasons this early spring--weather permitting.
Grounds is enjoying the slumber of winter, with spring planning still a bit away. However, the Pollinator Pathway Newsletter is full of ideas, for example, a most interesting story about wild bees in winter. Here’s the link for you to enjoy: https://pollinator-pathway.org
If you notice a problem or concern on the grounds, please be sure to let Ann Pike-Paris know.
We hope the winter treats you well, no matter where you land!
Brian Ridgeway & Ann Pike-Paris
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At top: Russ Karber safely paints the entry wall to Parish Hall on a recent morning.
Above: The Fireplace Room, the Parish Hall, and the Women's Bathroom have fresh new coats and colors! Photos by Priscilla Isner
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Jambo from Cheryl and Karen!
We are thinking of you and want to say thank you for what you make possible with your generosity.
Thirty-six Endupoto graduates started at Oljoro Secondary School on January 13th. Here are words of advice they heard that day from Jackson, an Endupoto teacher and vital member of our Team. “Lower yourself and be humble. Know that you are here to learn from your teachers. Respect your teachers. This is your home now. I was your father, but the headmaster is now going to be your father."
We also visited the other three schools where we are engaged: Endupoto and Losinyai Primary Schools and Osajilo where first and second graders attend. We met with headmasters, teachers, village chairmen, and government education officials. With our trusted contractor, we reviewed necessary annual maintenance and new projects we are considering.
With gratitude, Cheryl Kyle and Karen Royce
Photo at top: Karen and Cheryl attend meeting wth education officials.
Photo below: The 18 girls and 18 boys with Efraem Solomon, Cheryl, and Jackson Melitha with Headmaster Mr. Merinyo in the front.
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Food 4 Kids is heading into 2026 stronger than ever
We closed the year with a $1,900 surplus, a meaningful sign of how much this outreach matters to our community. Whether you gave, volunteered, shared our message, or offered encouragement—thank you. Your faith in our mission truly makes a difference. We are also grateful for our funders and sponsors, who are leading the way in positive impact for our community. Supporting them helps sustain a circle of giving - visit our website for a full list - Our Funding Partners.
Planning for the 2026 season has begun with budget and grant planning, the annual Project Bread Summer Eats conference on January 29, a Board meeting on February 3, and Operations planning session on February 5. During the December Board meeting, we identified ways to reduce pressure in the system while meeting the needs of local children. We will implement several recommendations for the 2026 season, including a data-driven approach to weekly meal deliveries to reduce over-making fresh lunches.
Finally, many have asked about federal funding; at this time, the outlook for 2026 is positive. We’ve included additional resources on food insecurity on the Cape and across Massachusetts for those who wish to learn more.
Jenn Gale, Food 4 Kids Executive Direcctor
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We are coming to the end of Epiphany. The shepherds have returned to their flocks--rejoicing and in wonderment at the Messiahs coming. The Wisemen have left their gifts for Jesus and, with a divine warning about Herod, departed for their kingdoms another way. The Angels who brought the good news of the Messiah's birth have returned to Heaven singing songs of joy and praise.
And we have shared in the celebration of the birth of our Savior, exchanging love and gifts with family and friends. Some may feel a bit of a let-down as we move from a time of joy and gladness into the bleak midwinter, but be of good cheer!!!
In 2025, the funds raised by the volunteers at the Good Friday Walk were able to help fourteen families with special needs children. They are all so grateful for the caring and the thoughtfulness you have shown in reaching out to them in their times of need.
May God bless each and every one of you, and may the gratitude of those you've helped warm your hearts. May the gift of God's love bring you joy.
Rich Weeks, United People for Kids
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Our January CHS Ladies Luncheon gathering had almost a record attendance! Perhaps our meeting on February 5th will top it. You are all invited and we hope to have you join us. Come to the Parish Hall about 11:45 for conversation, and we’ll sit down about 12:00. Just bring your own sandwich or salad, and the rest will be provided.
Volunteers for February are: Chips, Maggie MacLeay; Paper goods, Nancy Ludwig; Table Decorations, Sarah Barkoff; Juice or tea, Fay Cole; and Dessert, Brenda Husson.
Fay Cole, Convener
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THANK YOU……………..
Suzy delivered your Epiphany Offerings to The Necessity Shop at Nauset High School!
The Free Shop will hold/store some of your offerings…... to be distributed as needed and requested by the Nurse and Therapist.
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THANK YOU…………..
We are so grateful for
-your WINTER clothing donations
-large brown bags with handles
-almost perfect shoes
-please NO men’s suits and
-please NO glassware/gifts/baby furniture!
Your clothing donations can be dropped into bins located on the first floor of the Parish Hall by the elevator.
COME SEE - COME SHOP - COME VISIT
Open every Monday and Wednesday - 10 to 1
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Due to the closing of Katie’s Corner in Orleans for renovations - the Free Shop
is meeting/greeting/welcoming many more grateful customers and donations from the
Lower Cape Community …………..we welcome your help in the shop!
Sharyn Laughton & Suzy Gray
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The featured CHS artist for the month of February is Susan McDormand. SPRING FORWARD………….filling the vases and walls!
"These vases of real flowers passed in front of me, and I couldn't resist capturing them with oil paint on canvas. Happiness is painting these flowers and suggesting the container that holds them. It is truly a delightful endeavor and allows me to explore colors in a fun and bold way. All of this makes me smile.
And thank you for looking and I hope you find some pleasure in these images! I know the real thing may perhaps be more exciting, but sometimes we need some flowers hanging quietly on the wall of our room..." Susan
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The 2026 Gallery calendar is full!
Looking ahead - coming in November - Offrenda!
Looking way ahead - the 2027 Gallery calendar is in the gallery
window by the door. Choose a month to exhibit/sell your art/craft in 2027!
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Though Galley West is closed for the winter, we’re busy behind the scenes creating new opportunities for community connection.
With workshops like “How to Photograph Your Art” and “How to Write an Artist Statement”, we continue our mission of welcoming both emerging and experienced artists to submit their work to our group shows. We also plan to introduce artist talks, which we’re calling Fireside Chats.
We’re excited for these opportunities to learn from each other and support each other’s creative growth. View our 2026 Show Calendar and learn more about upcoming events at galleywestartgallery.com.
Save the dates:
o March 6 – our Spring Show call for art opens!
o May 6 – Galley West reopens!
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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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Health Resources:
Barnstable County Human Services: www.bchumanservices.net (Comprehensive website
with multiple resources on the Cape)
Councils on Aging
Orleans: 508-255-6333Brewster: 508-896-2737 Chatham: 508-945-5190
Eastham: 508-255-6164Harwich: 508-430-7530Wellfleet: 508-349-0319
Yarmouth: 508-398-9866Truro: 508-487-2462
VNAs of Cape Cod
Hyannis: 508-957-7400Falmouth: 508-495-5716So. 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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- Sunday, February 8: 10:00 am Holy Eucharist followed by Parish Annual Meeting 11:30 am (Church, Parish Hall, and Zoom)
- Tuesday, February 17: 6:00 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (Parish Hall)
- Wednesday, February 18: Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist with sermon and imposition of ashes
10 am and 5:30 pm (Church and am livestream)
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Wednesdays, February 25 through March 25: For Such a Time as This 5:30 to 7:00 pm (Parish Hall soup suppers)
- Palm Sunday, March 29: 10:00 am Holy Eucharist
- Tuesday, March 31: Labyrinth 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
- Wednesday, April 1: Labyrinth 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Stations of the Cross 10:00 am and 5:00 pm (Church)
- Maundy Thursday, April 2: Labyrinth 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Holy Eucharist 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Church)
- Good Friday, April 3: Labyrinth 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Good Friday Service 12:00 to 1:00 pm (Church)
- Easter Vigil, April 4: Holy Eucharist 7:00 to 8:00 pm (Church)
- Easter Sunday, April 5: Holy Eucharist 10:00 am
Breakfast 11:15 am to 12:30 pm (Parish Hall)
| | Birthdays - Anniversaries - Remembrances | | Please contact the office if we don't yet have your dates! | | |
Birthdays
Chris Lavenets 2.6 David Davidson 2.6 Brooke Eaton-Skea 2.8
Jaden Ellison 2.8 Benjamin Chung 2.9 Philip Sousa 2.10 John Sasso 2.13
Katherine Atwater 2.13 Joyce Haun 2.15 Hannah Chung 2.15
Davis Keeffe-Jones 2.15 Andariel Bethel 2.15 Jeanne De Cervens 2.17
Martha Armstrong 2.22
Anniversaries
Kathy & Bob Hubby 2.1 Ann & Dick Anderson 2.7 Sarah & Rich Gregory 2.8
Judy & Bill Gardiner 2.14
Remembrances
Elisabeth Meyer 1.30.16 George Wallace Ruckert, Jr. 1.30.97
Elizabeth C. Houghton 2.01.08 Sara Joy 2.01.09 Helene Barrington 2.02.15
Charles Boulton 2.02.89 Muriel Maguire 2.03.06 James Boyd 2.04.15
Edward Gombos 2.04.91 Florence E. Idman 2.04.15
Richard H. Jones 2.04.08 Dan English 2.06.25 Helen Enochs 2.09.01
Shirley Felsenthal 2.09.98 Ruth Fish 2.09.05 Gladys Pearston 2.09.07
Richard Carter 2.09.22 Robert Affleck 2.10.81 Philip Drew 2.10.98
John Seale 2.10.86 Alfred Chandler 2.11.80 Edrie Dalton 2.11.97
Fay Olwig 2.11.02 Harry Pike 2.12.22 Gertrude Cuthbert 2.14.99
Anne Hagenbuckle 2.15.75 Francis Gardiner Bridge 2.16.13
Mary Varga 2.16.92 Luella Kramer 2.16.24 Libby Anderson 2.17.07
Helen Riedl 2.21.97 Christopher H. Lovelock 2.21.08
Margery Mead 2.22.93 James Birdsall 2.23.21
Tommy Thompson 2.24.01 Ellie Brainard 2.25.15
John I. Lough 2.28.08
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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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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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