Purpose To be a Community where all persons will encounter the power and love of the Living God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Vision All Saints Episcopal Church is called by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to... · Worship Jesus Christ · Learn and Teach His Word · Minister in His Name · Proclaim Him and Share the Blessing of His Love · Welcome All in His Name |
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The All Saints Messenger
February 15, 2018
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Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Gods don't suffer. And they definitely don't die! They intervene capriciously with human affairs and are usually impervious to our pleas for justice. The notion that God would participate in the depths of suffering--six feet deep to be precise--is completely absurd. Unless, of
course, that God had a passionate love for humanity that could only be expressed by joining fully in the human experience. Knowing that God has stood with us and for us for the sake of love and freedom, we too are called to proclaim love to others knowing that we are freed to do so.
The passionate love of Jesus in the flesh is now released into the world as we are made alive in our baptism. The suffering that comes from standing with and for others is
now redeemed in Christ. We can now face the toughest challenges that our world faces knowing that we belong to God. As James Baldwin said, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
This is a good spiritual practice for this Lent. May you face that which you need to face with the knowledge and freedom that although what you face may not change or improve or be solved or whatever...you can be free in the truth that you decided to face it and grow.
Jesus, teach us how to die before we die. Show us that true power is in vulnerability. Help us put down our weapons and pick up our cross. Amen.
See ya Sunday!
Blessings,
Gary+
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
* Giving Envelopes: Recently, we have received cash gifts in unmarked envelopes. Please know we fully appreciate your gifts. However, we can only credit the giver if you place your name on the envelope. Many thanks and appreciation!
* Pacesetters: The Pacesetters will visit the Schiele Museum on Tuesday February 20th at 10:00am. Our guide will be Dr. Dawn Flynn who will show us how collections are done and maintained. The cost is $2.00. Afterwards we will go out to lunch. If you plan to attend, please let Jerry Wertz know at [email protected].
* Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: A good time was had by all and the Mardi Gras decorations assembled by Linda Boyd were outstanding. Thanks go to Sharon Tatlock, Charlie Jenkins, Dave Smith and Bill Collins for not only cooking but cleaning-up as well. For those of you who did not attend, we served blueberry, chocolate chip, pecan pancakes with toppings of strawberries and whipped cream to name one of the toppings. Sausage was prepared and given by Chong Saile. The King cakes were made by Barbara Mooradian. Thank you all so much. Thanks to the generous donations of $92 received.
* Lenten Study:
Beginning on Saturday, February 17 and continuing every Saturday through March 24 (6 sessions total), we will have a study entitled "The Great Teachings: From Disciple to Apostle, A Lenten Study Based on the Gospel According to John." The group will meet from 9am-11:00/11:30am. Written and led by Deacon Cris South (perhaps with a friend or two), it will build upon last year's study as we move deeper into our lives in Christ. Everyone is welcome so please feel free to invite adult family and/or friends, regardless of religious affiliation. Also please call the church office and leave your name and phone number or sign up in the lobby to register so we have an accurate count. This is necessary for making sure there are enough study guides and snacks for everyone. From the course Introduction..."From the example of humble service through the washing of feet in John 13 to the great priestly prayer in John 17, Jesus prepares them to take his mantle and continue his work. In these chapters, he reiterates his entire message one last time. In doing so, he invites all of us to move into that same apostleship under our Christ. Although a Bible study, this course is meant more to be a deep self-study, relating the teachings to ourselves and our lives in ways that enlighten and empower. Rather than lectures, each participant is invited to be present in that "upper room" with Jesus as he teaches, using his last chance to make all of us understand. It is only through that understanding that we can move from being disciples (believers and followers) to becoming apostles (literally, a person sent forth) of Christ's church in the world. It is relevant to us today and is meant to lead us to an apostolic life in Christ, serving the world and transforming all that is around us with his love. The season of Lent is a perfect time to deeply examine our faith, to commit ourselves, to accept our responsibility as new (or perhaps RE-newed) apostles. We come into this quiet season of reflection, knowing that we follow our Christ into the power, agony, and glory of Easter, and into his great triumph." I hope to see many of you there!
* Youth and their Family Bowling! Save the Date
March 18
2-4 pm details to follow.
Please email Chris Butterworth at [email protected] if you want to attend! Thank you!
* Bible Study: The
Wednesday Bible Study group is studying
The Language of God by Francis S. Collins. Dr. Collins was Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute. He positions science not as a substitute for theology but as a subset of it. The book traces his personal path to God and explains how his faith affects his work. The group meets
on Wednesday at
10:00 in the Family Life Center. We are now 10 strong and would welcome anyone to join us. Get a copy of the book and come
on Wednesday for some excellent discussions.
* Cursillo WNC has entered into a Season of Reflection and we are not having Cursillo weekends at this time. Each Deanery is hosting Holy Conversations to discuss the direction of Cursillo in this Diocese. This is an opportunity for all voices to be heard and concerns expressed. All Saints is honored to host the next Holy Conversation, which will be held on
Saturday March 24, 2018 from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm. There will be an Ultreya from 1:00pm-2:00pm. We ask for your prayers; we ask for your thoughts and ideas; but most importantly we ask for your presence. All are welcome to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Richard, Marsha Ellison, or Flo McCarthy.
* Bishop's Visitation: Our bishop, The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin, will make his parochial visit on Sunday, September 16, 2018 (Please note the date change. The Bishop had to change his visitation date due to a calendar conflict). A bishop's visit is time for celebration as well as Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation. For new members this is a time for being received or confirmed into your new faith community. Fr. Gary will offer a course, Episcopal 101, to assist anyone interested in better understanding our tradition.
* Foyers: It is time to create new Foyers Groups for 2018. Foyers is a social gathering taking place at a restaurant or in member's home with the purpose of getting to know each other better in a small group setting. If you would like to remain in Foyers and be assigned to a new group or if you are new to Foyers and would like to participate, please let Jerry Wertz know
at
[email protected]. It is an excellent way to get to know different people within the church.
*
Cooking for the Army
: On Saturday, March 3rd
, parishioners will gather at
9AM
to cook approximately 700 meals for The Salvation Army & Cornerstone Ministry. We are always in need of more hands to assist in this life-giving project since "more hands make light work." If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the church office and we will put your name on the monthly e-mail reminder.
* Year End Statements: Statements will be available for pick up after both services on Sunday.
* Building Use Policy: Our buildings are being used more and more and scheduling conflicts have occurred. Effective immediately, all rooms/buildings will be reserved and scheduled by the Parish Administrator through the submission of a form which are available at the office. Additionally, if you are in need of advance set-up for the room or event you are scheduling (night before, earlier than the event, etc.) please take that into consideration when reserving. We appreciate your understanding realizing that this will improve our ability to serve our parishioners and ministries.
* Episcopal 101
: Continues from
9:30-10:15.
Fr. Gary is offering an introductory course, Episcopal 101, for new and established members of the Episcopal Tradition. We are a tradition rich in scripture, history, heritage, literature, art and so much more. Fr. Gary's class will journey through our history, the Sacraments, prayer and how they intersect with our world today. Please mark your calendar to attend these classes and learn some new things about our tradition.
* Save the date: All Saints Outreach will host a "Summer Blast Picnic" fundraiser on Saturday, June 2nd from 5-8. Please put it on your calendar and plan to attend. More details will follow!
* Save the date: Parade of Tables on Saturday, September 22nd.
* Annual Giving
: If you have not returned your pledge sheets we encourage you to do so. We appreciate your gifts in our corner of God's Kingdom.
* 2018 Sign Up Sheets: For Coffee Hour, Altar Guild and Altar Flowers are on the bulletin board in the FLC.
Coffee Hour hosting can be as simple as drinks and cookies. Coffee hour is provided to have fellowship with our parish family. Please sign up or call the church office to add your name to the list (704-864-7201).
* Cookbooks
:
$5.00
If you don't need a cookbook, but would like to help our Outreach committee reach their budget goal, consider buying a cookbook to donate to our newcomers committee. Any donated cookbooks will be included in the welcome bag we hand out to newcomers.
* Family Promise:
The remaining 2018 dates that we will be host to the Family Promise guests are 4/8, 8/12 and 11/4. Family Promise is a community program that provides housing and support to families that are less fortunate. All Saints is one of the original churches that helped establish this ministry more than ten years ago. We host families in this ministry four times a year at our parish facilities with assistance from the Redeemer Lutheran Church here in Gastonia. There are many ways to support this ministry. During hosting weeks we need parishioners to greet and engage guests, to provide homework and enrichment activities for the children, to prepare and serve dinner, and to spend the night.The other way that parishioners can assist these families is to donate items that our guests need. Suggested items to donate are clothes, detergent, toothbrushes and toothpaste, small first aid kits, hair products, soap and/or body wash, suitcases (both used or new), 10, 20, and 30 gallon storage tubs w/ lids, towels and washcloths (both used or new), bed linens (both used or new), family friendly movies or videos, board games, & craft supplies. For more information, or to volunteer please contact Marc Dudley at 704-718-4044 or
[email protected]
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* Parish Nurse Ministry
will be taking blood pressures after the 8:00 and 10:30 services on the second Sunday of the month. Nurses interested in the parish nurse ministry please contact Cheryl Saylor, MSN.
* Needed: Monetary donations for lettuce and carrots for the Salvation Army salads on Mondays. Each week, we use up one large bag of sliced carrots and 6 heads of lettuce. Cost is about $20 a week. Donations are needed to offset this cost. Anyone willing to donate cash or a gift card to the project, please see Linda Klocker, 704-827-3901. Checks should be made out to All Saints, garden fund. Thanks for your generosity. The clients at the Salvation Army really enjoy a fresh salad.
* Zumba
: Now being offered 3 days a week in the Family Life Center!
- Tuesday & Thursday at 7:15PM: Please join Dana Wolfe for a fun workout made for everyone. The class that started the dance-fitness revolution and changed the way we look at a "workout" forever. It's fun, effective and best of all? Made for everyone! ($5/class or $20/month)
- Friday at 9:15AM: Taught by certified instructor Barbara Mooradian who has been teaching for 6 years. Especially suited to older adults or those with mobility issues or restrictions, Zumba Gold has all of the liveliness and fun of Zumba while being low impact and easier on the body. It can even be done while sitting! $5/class
* First Sunday of the month Coffee Hour: We need someone to set up and clean up only
for Coffee Hour on Parish Breakfast Sunday. You do not have to provide any food, just set out the food left from breakfast. Please sign up for this on the Coffee Hour sign-up sheet.
* Youth Christian Formation: Christian Formation for our young people begins at 9:30 sharp. Our new program is an Episcopal curriculum. We have 11 dedicated teachers and three dedicated musicians who will be guiding our young people. Please bring your children and let them experience God and Jesus with others.
* Towel Ministry Coordinator
: All Saints Towel Ministry funds and builds handicap ramps and does other small building projects for those in Gaston County who have a need. If you are a good organizer and understand basic building techniques All Saints could use your services as our new Towel Ministry Coordinator. You are not expected to do all the work, just take requests, assemble the teams and help out the citizens in our community who need help. If interested please speak to Fr. Gary.
* Choir Rehearsal: Sunday mornings at 9:25 am.
* Food Pantry: Please help us restock the shelves! Through your generosity, we have been able to help many families and individuals.
* Preaching ROTA (rotation) at All Saints: We are blessed at All Saints to hear three different voices in preaching. Each one of our clergy; Gary, Cris and Martha, have experienced the world and see the world differently and through different lenses. Because our community is made up of different people from different experiences we need to hear different voices. At All Saints, Deacon Cris preaches on the 3rd
Sunday of each month, Deacon Martha preaches on the 1st
Sunday of alternate months, and Fr. Gary preaches the other Sundays. We hope you find the different voices fulfilling in your spiritual journey.
* Salvation Army Service Schedule: Monday, February 19th - Team #6. (Jerry Wertz & Deloris Stewart)
* Church Financials: The Vestry wants to make sure that all parishioners are aware that the monthly financial reports are posted on the bulletin boards in The Family Life Center. If you have any concerns or questions please contact Phill Wertz or Fr. Gary. Thank You!
* Why Do You Love All Saints? Who here loves All Saints? Do you want to tell the world why you love being a part of the All Saints family? Please help us spread the word about our congregation by telling your All Saints Story. All Saints Stories will be published on our website: AllSaintsGastonia.org as well as our facebook and twitter pages. To submit your story, go to AllSaintsGastonia.org and click "All Saints Stories" under the Parish Life tab. If you can, please submit a photo with your story.
* Prayer List: Our prayer list grows rapidly. We ask all parishioners to keep the office informed so that our prayer list remains current and manageable.
* Partnership: All Saints has entered into a relationship with the YMCA's Resource Connection Gateway. This relationship enables us to help those in need more rapidly and efficiently while also addressing long-term needs versus only addressing immediate concerns. If you would like more information please see Fr. Gary.
* Salvation Army Serving: If anyone is interested in serving at the Salvation Army on Mon. nights from 5:00 to 6:00, please contact Candy Albergine at 704-868-8691 or email [email protected]. We have a couple of spots open and you will find this ministry is a true blessing to all involved. The schedule is on bulletin board in Family Life Center.
* All Saints Sermons online: Thanks to John Woodward, our sermons are available in audio and video on our website at: www.allsaintsgastonia.org/sermons
* Free Mulch: There are several piles of mulch in the upper parking lot that you are welcome to take. We need to free up some parking spaces in that upper lot. Please do not take the mulch by the shed as that is intended for the garden.
* Planned Giving: Programs for Outreach Ministries are an important part of our parish. You can ensure the continuation of these programs by setting up an endowment or including a bequest in your will. The Episcopal Foundation of Western Carolina has set up "The Living Stones Society" to provide Education and training to all clergy and parishioners about setting up a program. For more information see Fr. Gary or call the foundation at 828-225-6656.
* Ministry Opportunities: There are a variety of Ministries available at All Saints including feeding at The Salvation Army, tending the Garden, Family Promise where we take care of those without a home for a week at a time, Altar Guild, Readers, Lectors, Acolytes, Chalicers, and many more. Everyone at All Saints is encouraged to serve in some way. Please let us know what you are interested in and we will put you in touch with the ministry coordinator. You can call the office (704-864-7201), email ([email protected]) or speak to Fr. Gary.
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| Upcoming Schedule February 17th: Lenten Study February 18th: Parish Lunch February 20th: Pacesetters February 20th: Vestry February 23rd: Last Friday Get Together March 3rd: Cooking for the Army March 18th: Youth & Family Bowling March 24th: Ultreya & Holy Conversations June 2nd: Summer Blast Picnic September 16th: Bishop Jose Visit September 22nd: Parade of Tables |
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This Sunday's Scripture Readings
The Collect
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The First Lesson: Genesis 9:8-17
God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."
1
To you, O
Lord, I lift up my soul;
my God, I put my trust in you; *
let me not be humiliated,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *
let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.
3 Show me your ways, O
Lord, *
and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all the day long.
5 Remember, O
Lord, your compassion and love, *
for they are from everlasting.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *
remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O
Lord.
7 Gracious and upright is the
Lord; *
therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8 He guides the humble in doing right *
and teaches his way to the lowly.
9 All the paths of the
Lord are love and faithfulness *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
The Epistle: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you-- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
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Saint Day / Feast of the Week
Martin Luther
Theologian, 1546
Martin Luther was born November 10, 1483. His intellectual abilities
were evident early, and his father planned a career for him in law.
Luther's real interest lay elsewhere, however, and in 1505 he entered
the local Augustinian monastery. He was ordained a priest April 3,
1507.
In October 1512 Luther received his doctorate in theology, and
shortly afterward he was installed as a professor of biblical studies at
the University of Wittenberg. His lectures on the Bible were popular,
and within a few years he made the university a center for biblical
humanism. As a result of his theological and biblical studies he called
into question the practice of selling indulgences. On the eve of All
Saints' Day, October 31, 1517, he posted on the door of the castle
church in Wittenberg the notice of an academic debate on indulgences,
listing 95 theses for discussion. As the effects of the theses became
evident, the Pope called upon the Augustinian order to discipline their
member. After a series of meetings, political maneuvers, and attempts
at reconciliation, Luther, at a meeting with the papal legate in 1518,
refused to recant.
Luther was excommunicated on January 3, 1521. The Emperor
Charles V summoned him to the meeting of the Imperial Diet at
Worms. There Luther resisted all efforts to make him recant, insisting
that he had to be proved in error on the basis of Scripture. The Diet
passed an edict calling for the arrest of Luther. Luther's own prince,
the Elector Frederick of Saxony, however, had him spirited away and
placed for safekeeping in his castle, the Wartburg.
Here Luther translated the New Testament into German and began the
translation of the Old Testament. He then turned his attention to the
organization of worship and education. He introduced congregational
singing of hymns, composing many himself, and issued model orders
of services. He published his large and small catechisms for instruction
in the faith. During the years from 1522 to his death, Luther wrote a
prodigious quantity of books, letters, sermons and tracts. Luther died
on February 18, 1546.
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February 19th - Kirsten Witry
February 22nd - Dennis Stewart
February 24th - Sydney Wertz
March 2nd - Kyle Tilly
March 4th - Marian Watts
March 5th - Sid Brandon
March 5th - Brandon Maher
March 5th - Christina Solis
March 9th - Linda Stanford
March 14th - Chong Saile
March 14th - Larry Kish
March 19th - Sammy Miller
March 24th - Jocelyn King
March 24th - Karen Sims
March 28th - Debra Sayles
March 29th - Jerry Wertz
March 30th - Kelly Eckard
March 31st - Millie English
March 31st - Bruce Kiser
Please let the office know if we have missed your birthday!
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MINISTRY SCHEDULE
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2018
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February 18
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February 25
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CHALICE/LECTOR
8:00 AM
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Susan Maxon
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Dennis Bolin
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CHALICE
10:30 AM
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Terry Eckard
Jack Gaskey
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Lee Wells
Bob Forbes
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LECTOR
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David McDowell
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Jim Carpenter
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ACOLYTES
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Lee Wells
Zoe Tilly
Omar Scott
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Phill Wertz
Noelle Martin
Sophie Martin
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GREETER/USHER
8:00 AM
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Tony Fugate
Bruce Kiser
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Jerry Wertz
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GREETERS/USHERS
10:30 AM
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Candy Albergine
Marc Dudley
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George Sowersby
Pam Hart
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ALTAR GUILD
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Allison Wells
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Marc Dudley
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BREAD
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March
Jocelyn King
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ALTAR FLOWERS
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Lenten Greens
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Lenten Greens
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COFFEE HOUR
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Parish Lunch
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Alzner/Martin
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MORNINGSIDE
10:30 AM
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Pete Laine
Judy Mullins
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Jim McCarthy
Morningside Resident
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SOUND TECH
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William Graham
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John Woodward
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EUCHARISTIC
VISITORS
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Jim & Flo
McCarthy
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George Sowersby
Susan Stroud
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YOUTH
FORMATION
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George Sowersby
Eileen Klimkowski
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Allison Wells
Judy Mullins
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VPOD 8:00
10:30
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Don Stine
William Graham
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Jerry Wertz
Susan Stroud
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Blessings & Peace,
Fr. Gary+
phone: 704-864-7201
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