Dear Friends,

A cool sunny day – yet a sad one. Our dear friend, Bob Newell, died this morning at Lowell General Hospital. He and Margaret were the first people to greet me at St. Anne’s Church thirteen years ago when I came to visit before applying for the position of rector. Many others have expressed similar sentiments. A celebration of his life will be held at St. Anne’s on Saturday, September 5th at 10:00 AM. This letter is written before other arrangements have been made so please look in the newspapers for details. We will also send parish-wide emails.

The program year 2009-2010 is already underway. The Explorers preschool has repainted the Davis Room and moved in all school equipment which has been in storage. They are expecting very good enrollment this year. If you have any questions about their program please call them at 978-663-2225. The directors are Diane Capidilupo and Deanna McGuinness.

This year St. Anne’s sent seven campers to the Barbara Harris camp in Greenfield, NH. They were Rebecca Burns, Austin Castagno, Caitlyn, Jordan and Hannah Leedberg and Dustin and Harley Thibeault. During their week of July 26th – Aug 1st they took pictures – many of which are already posted on the board near the door. We are hoping to continue sending our youth who are active in church life to camp. It is a life-changing experience. Already two of this year’s campers are looking forward to next year.

Seven other scholarships have also been awarded. Each year the interest on the Endowment Fund is used to provide moneys for outreach opportunities or scholarships. Each recipient will receive $400.00 this year.

Our acolytes have not been scheduled all summer. They are so dedicated all year long and serve in other capacities that we thought they needed a rest. We resume, however, this coming Sunday, September 6th at 9:00 AM– in between the services. If you have not ever been an acolyte and now think you might be interested please come to the meeting and speak to Sandra Giroux.

The two new bathrooms are now complete and they are lovely. Many thanks to Kathy Brewster and Kathy Jeffrey for coordinating the colors and design – and decorations.

Vivian Lapadula fell and broke her ankle in three places. Many of you have prepared meals for them. If you are able to bring a meal to them please contact Judy MacPherson. Vivian will be non-weight bearing for a few more weeks. She and Dick are so thankful for all the love extended to them by the St. Anne’s family.

Marion Clark is very much enjoying her new Bose wave radio system and the photo album. She also looks forward to going to the Merrimack Rep. Theater this fall. After some vacation time she expects to be back and working on something here. In her place is Peter Morelli who comes to us from Christ Church, Quincy. He plans to add some new music to our worship and he enjoys accompanying both vocalists and instrumentalists. Please greet him after the service or at the Welcome Back Brunch on September 13th at 9:00 AM. If you are interested in joining the choir please tell him. He will welcome you.

The vestry’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th at 7:00 PM to finalize plans for the brunch. Other calendar information is included in this newsletter along with the Church School Registration form. We are hopeful that you will bring your children to the brunch and then to the first day of Church School on Sept. 20th.

Please read ahead to find out the dates of the Confirmation classes. The Confirmation itself will be Saturday, October 17th at Trinity Church, Boston. If you are interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church and you are not signed up for the class please speak to me before September 8th.

Some of the ushers have recently noticed that a few people are bringing coffee and other drinks into the sanctuary. Please don’t unless there is a medical reason why you need to stay hydrated. It’s just like home. When you eat or drink something you do it in the kitchen and not in the living room!

Finally I am wondering if you would be willing to send me an email with your name included. We are in the process of updating our files and there may be some email addresses we don’t have. Send them to peggyhowell05@yahoo.com

Thank you.

Peggy