February 2003

Dear Friends,

Peace be with you. This is the eve of Groundhog Day and I am wondering what the rest of the winter has in store for us. The Farmer's Almanac (I am told) predicts a storm similar to the blizzard of '78 in mid-February. It is also true that Groundhog Day is a secular reference to Candelmas, a time to bless and give thanks for the many ways that Jesus is the light of the world in our midst. A better thought!!!!!!!

The Annual Meeting was a huge success, from all those who took the time to come and participate, to the wonderful brunch that the Youth of the parish prepared, to the thoughtful reports that were submitted. Thank you one and all for making the day so much fun. The youth who entertained us are very talented and we thank them very much for sharing their gifts with us.

As the year gets off to a busy start, the vestry will pause the first weekend of the month and reflect on where we are as a parish family. They will start to think about ways in which we can improve communication, the welcoming of newcomers, education and all those things that make us proud to be Episcopalians. As is our custom, they will preach the sermon following the retreat on February 9. Please come and hear what they have to say and even ask them any questions you might have.

If you are interested in being Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church by the laying of hands by the Bishop, please let me know so I can make arrangements with Bishop Cederholm. He will be with us on October 3. Those who are Received are from the Roman Catholic tradition; all others are Confirmed.

We will be hosting the first of the Lenten Lunches again this year on March 5. The St. Elizabeth's Guild will be preparing the luncheon. I will be sharing the service with Sr. Mary Coffey, who is the chaplain at the Life Care Center. A listing of other dates with clergy is listed in the Upcoming Events link on this website. The services will be held at the Congregational Church on Andover Road. The luncheon begins at 11:50 AM with the service beginning at 12:30 PM.

Another thank you to Sandy Giroux who has organized and planned for us to have another Pampered Chef party on February 15 at 2:00 PM. Please plan to come and enjoy the good cooking of Jen Kidwell - and bring a friend. All proceeds will benefit St. Anne's.

Unfortunately I will miss the party because I will be on vacaion from February 15-23. In my absence the Rev'd Jim Knudsen will supply on Sundays. You may remember Rev'd Knudsen as one of the interim rectors who was here in 1996 before I came. If there is an emergency, please call the church. One of the wardens will be covering and will get back to you.

If you have an interest in producing the newsletter or maintaining the web site, would you please call me. Thank you.

We all listen to the new events with perked ears these days fearful of war with Iraq. If you have a loved one in the armed services would you please give me their names. I would like to put them on the prayer list during this time.

Did you know that Marion Clark has made a beautiful quilt for us? The proceeds of the opportunities will be put in the Altar Improvement Fund. You may purchase tickets from her or from Pat Simpson at any time. Tickets are $5. The drawing will be on Easter Sunday. If you are wondering how the Altar Improvement Fund is doing: To date there is $9,700 in the fund to replace the $10,500 that was borrowed from the Land sale proceeds. Thank you everyone who contributed.

Be well dear friends.

Faithfully,

Peggy