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The Feast of the Epiphany -- featuring Chris Crighton, Rich Weeks, and Vicki Hutchens
Photo by Brenda Ridgeway
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The President and the Bishop
From my teens on, I've developed reflexively a sort of mental map of clergy "archetypes." There's the Billy Graham type -- chaplain to the powerful, at home in the establishment and primarily a source of comfort and solace to upholders of secular institutions. Another type is the "radical priest" Paul Simon sang about in "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." The late Daniel Berrigan comes to mind: activism, pacifism, impassioned protest leading to serial arrest and imprisonment.
I suppose one could say that church-going Americans are increasingly segregating themselves along political party lines. To me, though, the dividing lines are more nuanced. What is religion for? Are churches primarily non-challenging places of solace and comfort, or are they founts of righteous resistance to human greed and every threat to human dignity? This binary thinking is what never-ending arguments about "politics in the pulpit" are all about. Most of the faithful veer at least slightly in one direction or the other, while the answer of course is "all of the above." Revelation 21:4 puts it best for me: even as the wider world and its hierarchies are being made completely new, every tear is wiped from every eye. The societal, the political, the intensely personal. All of it together.
By now you've likely heard about a sermon preached on Tuesday by Bishop Mariann Budde of the Diocese of Washington DC. By dawn on Wednesday, six parishioners had emailed me about it, and you may view it HERE. Bishop Budde was preaching from the Canterbury pulpit of the National Cathedral at a long-planned Inauguration prayer service. In a remarkable and discomfiting moment, she hazards something preachers seldom do outside of marriage homilies: she directed her words at the most prominent member of her congregation, our new president. She asks him to have "mercy" upon millions in the nation who are "scared" right now, primarily LGBTQ people and undocumented immigrants.
Nasty? Ungracious? Attacking a guest? Overtly and inappropriately political? I don't agree with many of the critical assessments in circulation just now. To ask a head of state for "mercy" is actually a deeply deferential acknowledgement of that person's office and power. A request for mercy is actually the opposite of an attack. Bishop Budde's request was also framed pastorally, her concern being for human beings in our nation who are "scared." What is religion for?
The still-unfolding story of the bishop and the president underscores for me three tenets of our common life here at The Church of the Holy Spirit. We must speak the truth to each other. We must seek out and care for the vulnerable. And we must remain in beloved community, even and especially when we don't agree.
See you in church!
Faithfully and fondly,
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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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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 Vestry met this past Thursday, January 16th. The meeting started with a lovely reception for Ann Pike-Paris and Nancy Boccia who have each completed their terms on the Vestry. Ann, as co-chair of Buildings and Grounds, always kept us up to date on projects on the campus that need attention or were completed. In addition to volunteering in so many ministries at CHS, Nancy has served as an amazing chair of the Holiday Bazaar. We look forward to her chairing the bazaar again this year. They both will be missed for their numerous contributions over the past four years. Ann wrote a meditation that she read about her years on Vestry, the high and the low points, ending with a prayer.
Sarah Gregory updated us on the number of pledges that have been returned. A goal of 150 pledges was set by the Sustainability Committee, and we have reached an amazing 151 pledges!! Thank you to everyone for pledging and helping us reach the goal.
Sarah informed us that the changes to the By-laws were approved by the Diocesan Standing Committee, but the Commonwealth of Massachusetts informed the Dioceses that our By-laws needed to document that we conduct meetings on line. This change was approved by the Vestry, and the revised Draft version will be presented to the Parish for approval at the Annual Meeting. (Please see notice below regarding By-Laws!)
Patrick announced that in the spring there will be a Vestry retreat; the topic will be Mutual Ministry Review. This will be a review of how we are managing the ministries of the church together and where we need to add more support. Vestry members are looking forward to this topic and the retreat.
Please remember to attend the Annual Meeting on February 2, 2025 at 11:30 in the Parish Hall and by Zoom – see separate notice. Hope to see you all there! Please keep us in your prayers as we come to the Annual Meeting.
Peace,
Priscilla Isner and Celia Calhoun, Wardens
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MEETING --
DRAFT BY-LAWS DISCUSSION
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Draft By-laws Discussion -- Sunday, January 26, in the Parish Hall after the worship service
Over the past year the CHS Bylaws were reviewed by Vestry and the Bylaws task force. The existing CHS bylaws, adopted in 2012, were determined to be in need of update to reflect current practices and Diocesan recommendations. The proposed By-laws have been circulated to the Parish with the Warrant, and paper copies are available in the Church Office. The proposed Bylaws will be presented to the Parish for vote at the Annual Meeting.
If you are interested in discussing these changes, we will be available to answer questions this Sunday, January 26, in the Parish Hall after the service.
The proposed Bylaw changes are summarized here:
- Article V, Section 3: revision of the quorum requirement for our annual meeting,
- Article VI Section 2: election of the Rector by the Vestry,
- Article V Section 2 and 3: Allow vestry to offer participation in parish meetings by remote communication,
- Article XI Section 5: (a) Allow vestry to meet using remote communication, and (b) add a conflict of interest clause regarding vestry actions,
- Article XV: Extension of indemnification to all vestry members, and
- General: Correction of typos, reduction of gender references, etc.
Celia Calhoun and Priscilla Isner, Wardens, and Sarah Gregory, Chair of the By-laws Task Force
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MARK THE DATE ON YOUR CALENDARS NOW -- SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ANNUAL MEETING
11:30 A.M. IN THE PARISH HALL AND ON ZOOM
All members are invited........
to elect our new slate of officers and vestry members,
to vote on our By-Law amendments,
to hear a timely report on our financial health,
to experience being a full church citizen!
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THE CAPE & ISLANDS DEANERY | |
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The next meeting of the Cape & Islands Deanery will be held on Thursday, January 23rd, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Have you ever wondered how our deanery works? This could be your opportunity to find out! Questions? Do feel free to reach out to deanery representatives Cris Harter and Kate Paradise.
Join us – all are welcome.
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Above: Christmas Eve Pageant
Below left: Shepherds prepare for Christmas Eve
Below center: Beautiful tables set for Epiphany feast held at CHS on January 5, 2025
Below right: Players prepare for Epiphany program during service
Photographs by Sharyn Laughton and Hanna Schneider
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We were blessed during the Christmas Eve service to have both alumni, visitors, and current students participating.
January's Epiphany event was lovely with church school families--both parents and children participating.
The Church School has resumed its regular schedule as we move into February--Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. in the Gathering Room.
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Celebrating individual donations in 2024
Many of you donated money or time to Food 4 Kids in honor and celebration of people who took, or are taking, action for the betterment of their communities. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and celebrate these individuals alongside you.
Food 4 Kids 2024 donations were given in celebration of:
Looking ahead - 151 days to Summer 2025!
- A new Board of Directors will kick off in early February. Thank you to Brenda Ridgeway (Board Chair), Anne Koehler (Treasurer), and parishioners Jeanne de Cervens and Brian Schnetzer who have agreed to serve. Other Board members to be confirmed will come from the community with representation from Health and Human Services agencies, local schools, and other involved community members. We look forward to sharing the output of our first meeting.
- Jenn Gale, Executive Director, and Kisten Olsen, our new Site Manager for 2025, will attend Project Bread's annual MA Summer EATS conference on January 30 to hear best practices on running a successful Summer Food Service program. We look forward to sharing our plans for 2025 in the spring.
- Fundraising: Two grants are due in Feb, United Way of Cape & Islands and USDA/MA DESE Summer EATs; these are among our largest sources of funding. We have a good story to share to ensure this support going forward.
- We have two events planned for this Spring, and we hope you can join us:
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On March 8 and 9, the Chatham Chorale is hosting A Broadway Feast to Benefit Food 4 Kids! Help us sell out and purchase your tickets today by clicking here:
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We need help planning our first annual Food 4 Kids Walk for Hunger during the Brewster in Bloom parade on Sunday, May 5 @1 pm. Send an email to info@food4kidscapecod.org to indicate your interest.
Thanks,
Jenn Gale, Executive Director, Food 4 Kids
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UPDATE FROM 2024--The holiday season is now at an end. Although Jesus was born to save us all, rich, or poor, it is hard to feel the spirit of Christmas when you’re struggling to pay the bills or to put food on the table. Couple this with raising a child with profound illness or injury, the holiday season can be overwhelming.
However, the generosity of our supporters last year on Good Friday brought relief and joy to ten families this Christmas! Thanks to you, the fears and anxiety of missed payments for mortgage or utilities have been relieved! Thanks to you, little children have had a brighter Christmas, and their parents feel less alone and isolated.
Keep in mind, these families are your neighbors. They might live around the corner from you. You might work in the same place or shop in the same stores. Also, know that 100% of your donation goes to these families in need! I am happy to pass along from those neighbors, their deep appreciation, gratefulness, and relief.
You are all welcome to join us on Good Friday, April 18, in our walk to honor Jesus, or you may donate to help those families with special needs kids. (Details for the walk will follow in the next Together.)
May God‘s blessing be with you now and always!!
Rich Weeks, UP For Kids
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FRESH HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS | |
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The Holiday Greens Arrangements Team wants to express our gratefulness to our CHS volunteers, our volunteers from other churches, and the community members who again helped make our fundraiser a success. And, of course, we counted heavily on those who delayed their pruning to be able to bring us fresh greens and those who provided containers and decorations for the arrangements.
We raised $3,662.00 that will be donated to Lower Cape Outreach Council, Food 4 Kids, Habitat for Humanity, and Homeless Prevention Council. Additional funds will be disbursed to several other local, non-profit groups.
We especially want to thank Dottie Walsh, the founder and leader of the Holiday Arrangements fundraisers (originally called First Fruits). After many years of leadership, Dottie will be stepping down from this position.
The Holiday Arrangements Team
Nancy Ludewig, Dottie Walsh, Arlene Barrett, and Susan Hitchcock
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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 will 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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It’s a new year. If you have ever thought you would like to join us, just bring a sandwich/salad and show up. It is a great way to meet new people, and a comfortable way to share with friends. We would love to include you around our tables.
The February Ladies Luncheon meeting will be Thursday, February 6th, in the Parish Hall. Plan to arrive about 11:45 to chat with everyone, and we’ll sit down about 12:00.
Volunteers for the 6th are Katherine Mockett, Chips; Andi Stubbendick, Paper Goods; Ruth Campbell, Table Decorations; Ginny Lucil, Juice; and Dilys Smith, Dessert.
Many thanks to both Kate Paradise and Brenda Ridgeway for their care and guidance at the January meeting while I was with family over the holidays.
Fay Cole
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The Building and Grounds Committee has started 2025 with our first project--adding an efficient work table in the center of the Kimball House art room. Our vestry approved the recent request by the Kimball House artists for more efficient and increased artist workspace. Russell Karber is currently building the work table per design by our talented parishioners.
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At the recommendation of Buildings and Grounds, the Vestry has also approved replacing the slippery, inhospitable wooden staircase to the parking lot. As weather permits, we will be installing commercial concrete steps, plus a center landing area, before springtime. There will be new safety railings on both sides of the walkway.
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Additionally, we will be replacing our boiler #2 in the Parish Hall during the first quarter of 2025. Age has finally caught up with this 30-year old boiler as some leaking and rust developments are evident. Dave Blanchett, our resident HVAC senior engineer, will be managing that project. We have been assured that the downtime of three days for replacement will not affect the hot water and heating services to the Parish Hall.
Brian Ridgeway & Ann Pike-Paris
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As Uncle Sam used to say – WE NEED YOU!
Hopefully you recycle at home and know how it helps the environment. We have been recycling at CHS for about 12 years and it has a significant positive impact. We have a small team of volunteers who do this…. But…. we REALLY need additional people on the CHS Recycling Team. It is not a difficult task. Once every 7 to 10 days is usually sufficient to collect the recycles and bring them to your town recycle center.
There are two areas where recycled items are gathered at CHS:
1. The recycle bins located in the Parish Hall kitchen for plastics, glass, metal and cardboard.
2. The white container for recycled paper located in the hallway leading to the Church offices is the main vehicle for parish paper collection. A black plastic trash bag is kept in this container. When collecting recycles, just remove the bag and insert another. Keep the original trash bag to reuse the next time.
If we have 12 people on the recycle team, each person would be assigned a specific month and only would need to do recycling 3 or 4 times a year.
PLEASE Consider helping with the CHS recycling. It is a small but important task to help our environment.
For more information or to join the recycle team, contact Jack Sasso at jacksasso@hotmail.com or 508-237-9171.
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Gratefully accepting your WINTER clothing donations - warm coats/jackets/vests/sweatshirts/hats/
gloves/boots!
Your donations can be dropped in bins located on the first floor of the Parish Hall - by the elevator……any time the
Parish Hall is open.
The shop is open every Monday and Wednesday - 10 to 1.
COME SHOP - COME VISIT - COME SEE
There have been 3 drop off’s (trips) made to the “Necessity Shop” at Nauset High School since the start of the school year in the Fall 2024..
Meagan, the school nurse, was overwhelmed with the generous donations given by our parishioners at our Epiphany Trope. Thank you to all those who
donated money that went into the NHS account allowing for continued shopping for what is needed this year!
This is how the Necessity Shop works…………….when Meagan is low on supplies, she contacts us and we go to the Dollar Store in Dennis. We purchase
BPA free water bottles, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and individual tissues.
The Free Shop volunteers save gently used sweatshirts, fleeces, sweat pants, leggings, hats, gloves, T-shirts, new socks and underwear in original packaging.
Thank you for supporting this very important mission that benefits our young students who need the basic necessities to thrive.
Suzy Gray and Sharyn Laughton - Co-Directors
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Calling all CHSartists/crafters/potters/jewelers/ quilters/writers/photographers……………..sign up to exhibit/sell your gift/talent for one month in the CHS Gallery. The 2025 sign up poster is located in the window by the gallery door.
Sharyn Laughton and Gail Binney Sterne - Curators
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Just one more week to view the lovely January exhibit - Tole Art and so much more by Hedy O’Hara………….curated by Richard O’Hara. | |
The featured CHS artist for the month of February is Diana Crighton.
"I believe I was born with a creative spirit, granted me by God. I can remember sketching and drawing from an early age. My favorite classes in school were those that had a creative element, such as drawing the parts of the light bulb, plants, geography-maps … couldn’t tell you much about them now, but I sure loved to draw them!
My brain is not a logical one, it is one that sees pictures of things that could be. I believe that is what brought me to my professional career as an Occupational Therapist. I knew from the age of 11 that I wanted a career in the allied health sciences. I love working with people, and I love creating.
I love to paint, draw, garden, sew, craft and read. Boredom is not within my vocabulary. I am always “busy.” I love working on projects. When I need something, my mind immediately begins to think of how I can create it. I can often be found at our town’s Gift House, just browsing, because I can “see” pieces of things--rusty metal for what it could be with a touch of paint, a stitch here, a bit of sanding there… One woman’s treasure…”
I am sharing with you some of my creative endeavors brought from my home. Although
nothing is for sale, they may give you some ideas for your own home! I love to share my
crafting with family and friends, especially at Christmas time. It brings me such joy, too!
I have purchased items made by other parishioners, displayed here at CHS, because I understand what it takes to create them, and I appreciate the effort--such an
abundance of talent!
How wonderful an opportunity we have been given to showcase them here at CHS.
What a creative bunch we are!"
Diana Cantu Crighton
February 2025
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Master Bath Mural
Above: Seaside mural behind dining table
Murals and photography by Diana Crighton
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The gallery is closed for the winter…we hope all CHS artists are busy being creative and plan to enter our Spring Show. If you have questions or need help with your entry, contact Sue Sasso via email--susansasso@hotmail.com.
SPRING SHOW KEY DATES:
· March 7 – April 7: Call for Art. Information about how to enter your art online is available on our website.
· May 7 – June 14 – gallery open Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 – 2:00;
· May 7 - Opening day reception 3:00 – 5:00
Are you 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.
See you in the Spring!
Sue Sasso and Sharyn Laughton
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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
William Gardiner 1.23 Doug Fromm 1.28 Jacob LaBranche 1.29
Brooke Eaton-Skea 2.8 Jaden Ellison 2.8 Benjamin Chung 2.9 Philip Sousa 2.10 JackSasso 2.13 Katherine Atwater 2.13 Hannah Chung 2.15 Davis Keeffe-Jones 2.15 Anda Bethel 2.15
Joan Kirkby 2.16 Jeanne de Cervens 2.17 MarthaArmstrong 2.22
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Kathy and Bob Hubby 2.1.87 Ann and Dick Anderson 2.7.61 Sarah and Rich Gregory 2.8.98
Judy and Bill Gardiner 2.14.71
REMEMBRANCES
Gardy Bridge 1.23.13 Jane Lough 1.23.10 Barbara MacArthur 1.23.17
Peg Skelly 1.25.23 Francis Hoffman 1.26.22 John Anderson 1.27.04
M. Egerton “Jim” Gray, Jr. 1.27.08 June Glover 1.27.21 Harry Preston 1.28.85 Anne Swift 1.29.03 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 2.04.9 Florence E. Idman 2.04.15 Richard H. Jones 2.04.08
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
RECENT DEATHS
Susan R. Owens 12.14.24
Sandra Vose Marshall 12.17.24
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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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- Sunday, January 26 - Meeting to Review By-Law Changes in Parish Hall (11:30 a.m.)
- Sunday, February 2 - Annual Meeting in Parish Hall (11:30 a.m.)
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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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