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
March 1, 2018
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Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Sorry for the delay this week.
Further reflection on this week's gospel reading suggests that there are standards or principles by which God operates. When these principles or standards are violated, God acts. Why else would Jesus act so harshly?
As Jesus disrupts the marketing in the temple, might Jesus be saying to us that some of the disruptions in our lives, in the nation and in the church are acts of God to redirect our paths? It is hard to know one way or the other. What we can affirm is that Jesus can be a disruptive force.
After he cleansed the temple, Jesus was asked about his authority for taking this drastic action. His response did not directly answer their questions, and their interpretation of his response was also amiss. This drives home a point that all who wish to follow Jesus must
continue to seek to understand his word, and strive to walk in obedience.
In my imagination I stand in the Temple courtyard, as the young Rabbi from Galilee enters. I notice the courtyard, the sounds, the smells, the rattle of coins on the tables, the reek and cries of the animals. I watch Jesus, see the blood rush to his face. He has come to reverence the temple and to pray. Instead he finds all the focus is on business. Suddenly I sense a whirlwind of anger as he whips the hucksters and scatters their money. This is a new side of Jesus and it shakes me. I stay with it.
Lord, help me to understand your word to me. Amen.
See ya Sunday!
Blessings,
Gary+
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
* Easter Flowers: If you would like to contribute to the Easter Altar Flower Arrangement to be placed in the church for Easter Services in memory or in honor of your loved ones, please fill out the form located on the table in the Narthex. We plan to have one large arrangement like last year. We suggest a minimum of $10.00.
* 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!
* Adult Christian Formation: We will begin this Sunday, March 4th a study on The Lives of Great Christians. Our guide is Professor William Cook. Some of those we will journey with are St. Antony, the First Monk; Francis of Assisi; Augustine; and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Please join us
on Sunday mornings at
9:30 in The Life Center.
* Parish Lunch: Many thanks to Charlie Jenkins, Jerry Wertz, Calvin Boyd Jr. and Linda Boyd for cooking and for Marlene Nivens and Alice Rudisill- Braddy for also providing food. Thanks to Marsha Ellison for helping to clean up. Thanks also to the many people who contributed. We raised $114 for Outreach.
* Garden/Salad Fund: The garden fund is in need of refueling and Charlie Jenkins is now getting the garden ready for planting and has expenses. Providing the salad each
Monday for the Salvation Army has been averaging about $80/month. Any help is greatly appreciated. If writing a check to All Saints, please mark it for Salad Fund. Many thanks!
* Pacesetters - Trip to see St. John's Bible: We will be taking the church bus to Charlotte on Wednesday March 7th to see the St. John's Bible on display at Christ Church. Our tour starts at
noon so we will be meeting at the church and leaving around
11:00. The tour will last 1 to 1 ½ hours. In order to know about the Bible, please follow the following link:
https://youtu.be/Dt4AeidkDyc . There is still room on the bus so if you would like to go, please let Jerry Wertz know at
[email protected].
* Pastoral Caregivers: The Pastoral Care Committee is reorganizing. We are looking for parish volunteers to walk, communicate and visit with our parishioners who are homebound, struggling, lonely or sick. This ministry is key to ensuring those who are in need receive care and knowing that their church family loves them. Our desire is to have enough people on our team that no one has more than two people. No special skills are required; just a desire to love their neighbor. If you are interested please contact Deacon Martha, Deacon Cris or Father Gary.
* Lenten Study:
Continues 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.
* Outreach Committee: Will meet on Tuesday, March 27th at 6:30PM.
* 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.
*
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. Upcoming dates: Saturday, April 7th and Sunday, May 6th.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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, March 5th - Team #2. (George Sowersby)
* 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 March 3rd: Cooking for the Army March 7th: Pacesetters March 18th: Youth & Family Bowling March 24th: Ultreya & Holy Conversations March 27th: Outreach Committee April 7th: Cooking for the Army May 6th: Cooking for the Army 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, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-17
Then God spoke all these words:
I am the
Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the
Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the
Lord your God, for the
Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the
Lord your God; you shall not do any work-you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the
Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the
Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.
Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the
Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
1
The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3 Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
7 The law of the
Lord is perfect
and revives the soul; *
the testimony of the
Lord is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent.
8 The statutes of the
Lord are just
and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the
Lord is clear
and gives light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the
Lord is clean
and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the
Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold, *
sweeter far than honey,
than honey in the comb.
11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *
and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often he offends? *
cleanse me from my secret faults.
13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me; *
then shall I be whole and sound,
and innocent of a great offense.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable in your sight, *
O
Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
The Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
T
he Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." The Jews then said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
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Saint Day / Feast of the Week
William W. Mayo, Charles F.
Menninger, and Their Sons
William W. Mayo, with his two sons, William J. Mayo and Charles H.
Mayo, built St. Mary's, the first general hospital in Minnesota. When a
devastating tornado struck Rochester, Minnesota, in August 1883, the
Mayos joined with the Sisters of St. Francis to respond to the disaster.
This partnership between the Episcopalian Mayos and the Roman
Catholic Sisters raised a few eyebrows, but became well known for a
new type of patient care that emphasized the whole person, spiritually
as well as physically.
Building on a vision of doctors working as a team with other medical
professionals, not as solo diagnosticians, the Mayos aggressively
opened their doors to other doctors and medical researchers. St.
Mary's Hospital and what would become The Mayo Clinic became
a model for integrating person-centered medical care with the best
in cutting edge scientific and medical research. The Mayo Clinics
continue today as outstanding centers for patient care and medical
research.
Charles F. Menninger, together with his sons, Karl and William,
were pioneers in establishing a new kind of psychiatric treatment
facility in Topeka, Kansas, founded in 1925. They played a major
role in transforming the care of the mentally ill in ways that were not
only more medically effective, but were also more humane. Among
the notable accomplishments of the Menninger Clinic has been its
advocacy for better treatment and a more informed public policy in
support of the needs of the mentally ill.
In 1973, Dr. Karl Menninger wrote the influential book, Whatever
Became of Sin? The work looks at sin-personal, corporate, and
systemic-and insists that recognizing sin, within us and among us,
is a key component in personal and relational health. He believed
strongly that naming sin and dealing with its consequences contributes
positively to good health in persons and in communities. The book
was a standard textbook in theological seminaries for a generation or
more.
The work of the Mayos and Menningers was transformative because
of their commitment to treating the whole person-physically,
emotionally, and spiritually.
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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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March 4
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March 11
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CHALICE/LECTOR
8:00 AM
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Lee Wells
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Kelly Morris
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CHALICE
10:30 AM
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Jim & Flo
McCarthy
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Cheryl Richard
Adam Nygren
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LECTOR
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Allison Wells
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Judy Mullins
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ACOLYTES
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Cheryl Richard
Autumn Jager
Lydia Kish
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Lee Wells
McNeal Miller
Lindsey Wells
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GREETER/USHER
8:00 AM
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Kelly Morris
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Laurie Stewart
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GREETERS/USHERS
10:30 AM
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John & Jessica Woodward
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Priscilla & William Graham
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ALTAR GUILD
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Glenda Carpenter
Adam Nygren
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Marc Dudley
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BREAD
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April
Judy Cheek
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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 Breakfast
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Diane Camp
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MORNINGSIDE
10:30 AM
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C.B. Barr
Morningside Resident
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Pete Laine
Eileen Klimkowski
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SOUND TECH
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Marc Dudley
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William Graham
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EUCHARISTIC
VISITORS
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Lee & Casey Allison
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Jerry Wertz
David Klocker
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YOUTH
FORMATION
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Sharon Tatlock
Christine Borner
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Jerry Wertz
Judy Mullins
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VPOD 8:00
10:30
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Linda Klocker
Flo McCarthy
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William Graham
Marsha Ellison
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Blessings & Peace,
Fr. Gary+
phone: 704-864-7201
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