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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 12th, 2023
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Rector's Reflection
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:1-2
These two verses give us a glimpse of what it was like during the Babylonian Empire to hear the news that the Jews could return to Jerusalem. I think about times in my life that were very hard and when I was greatly discouraged, fearing that life would never be good again, when suddenly I received news that was very good indeed. I remember smiling until my cheeks hurt and that laughter came very easily. I felt much like the ancient Jews because the Lord has done great things for me, too.
Joy and laughter, for the Christian, are to be a part of our life. Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), second only to love. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and to lead us into all God has for us, we become more loving people and we become more joyful. When I meet dour and serious Christians who never smile, I wonder whether any fruit is being produced by the Holy Spirit, or if they just find Christianity and life just plain hard work with no joy anywhere on the horizon.
There are times when life is hard and our faith is being tried. I am not talking about going through difficult and trying times, where we struggle to find joy. I am talking about those whose practice of Christianity is rigid with legalistic expectations is grim. This is not what God wills for us. Even in the midst of difficulties, God wills for us joy. Part of that joy can be found in discovering that there is humor in how seriously we take ourselves. Indeed, when we learn to laugh at ourselves and smile in the face of difficulties, we find tendrils of the joy that the Spirit of God longs to produce in us. It is said of the faithful woman described in Proverbs (31:25) that “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” There is joy in knowing that God holds the future and that nothing can steal our faith away (Romans 8:37-39).
Laughter is only unseemly when we laugh at others’ expense or we take pleasure in their downfall. This kind of laughter will never lead to joy, rather only to bitterness and an empty heart.
Part of survival is learning to see humor in dark places, and learning to laugh instead of complain. When we commit our way to the Lord, a light is shone in those dismal places, and even in those dark places, we find the genuine joy of the Spirit. We are not alone. God will help us to find the humor in life. As we practice humor and laughter, we will find our hearts more pliable and able to hope. As we practice laughter and live into the joy of the Lord, we will be made strong and more able to face life’s trials because, indeed, the Lord has done great things for us!
Grace and peace,
Lynn+
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SCHEDULE OF CHURCH SERVICES
All worship services are in-person except the 10:30 service which my be viewed online or in-person.
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All Saints Vestry Members
Claudette Forbes, Senior Warden
William Graham, Junior Warden
Judy Cheek, Clerk
Carol Wertz
Jim McPherson
Kelly Halley
Allison Wells
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Altar Flower Dedication
No Flower dedication during Lent
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What is the Episcopal Church all about?
Please join us at 9:15 on Sunday mornings beginning March 12 in the conference room. This class is for any who want to learn more, especially those who are wanting to be confirmed or received. The class is open to all, and I hope you will come.
Contact Lynn+ with any questions.
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Yard Work Day!
There will be a church yard work day on April 1st, 2023 beginning at 9:00 a.m. We are cleaning up the church yard before Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday so please mark your calendars.
We need everyone's help, please join us.
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Help with Easter Egg Hunt
We are beginning to collect candy and eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt. Please contact Allison Wells for more information.
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All Saints Men's Fellowship
All Saints has started a Men's Fellowship! The intent is to provide opportunities for the men of the parish to gather and build stronger relationships. Our weekly get together is every Friday morning at 8:00 AM at the Union Diner (1101 Union Rd, Gastonia). Have a cup of coffee or tea, order breakfast, or simply come and enjoy some interesting conversations.
Please contact Doug Orville at 207-801-8059 if you have any questions.
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Crisis Assistance Ministry
The cupboards are nearly bare! There are many in Gaston County who are food insecure and hungry! You can help; please be generous in your gift of food to fill CAM’s shelves. It is being collected in the Parish Hall. Thank you!
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The Wednesday Morning Book Study
The Book Study is beginning a new book, Good Girls, Bad Girls of the New Testament: Their Enduring Lessons by T. J. Wray. We would love for you to join the group which meets for one hour on Wednesday morning via Zoom at 10:00 am. Please read chapters 8 & 9 for March 15th.
Click Here to Join
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Thursday Evening BOOK STUDY @ 7:00 pm
Please join us for Book Study on March 16th with Philip Yancey’s, The Jesus I Never Knew. Please read chapters 3 & 4. The study will be a hybrid study, meeting at the Orville's, and over Zoom, as well. The Zoom link can be found in the Messenger.
Click Here to Join
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Pacesetters
Pacesetters are hosting a St Patrick's Day Lunch on Thursday March 16 at 11:30 in the Family Life Center. Reuben sandwich, salad, dessert, and punch will be served. Sign up is in the Family Life Center on the Pacesetter bulletin board. Bring a friend or neighbor to share in the celebration. In looking ahead keep Wednesday April 19th open as we hope to have a picnic and go to historic Brattonsville.
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All Saint's Music Ministry | |
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All Saint’s Music Ministry
All Saints Singers
We meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room on the second floor of the education building. We welcome anyone and everyone to come join us as we sing and worship together!
All Saints Ringers
We practice right after worship for 30 minutes every Sunday in the choir room. Even if you have never rung before, please come and check us out. There are still spots available at the bell table!
All Saints Children's Choir
All Saints Children’s Choir meets at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday morning before Sunday School. Come join the fun as we sing and play instruments together!
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Loose Cash Offering
Just a friendly reminder:
The loose cash offerings collected on the first Sunday of each month will be deposited in the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. Please give generously!
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CHAIR YOGA
Chair Yoga is continuing at All Saints on Friday morning at 9:45am. The cost is $40 for 8 weeks. Instructor Jude Blankenship has committed to 8 more weeks with us. Please bring your checks for $40 made out to Jude Blankenship for our next session if you plan to continue with us. This is a great program for males and females to help us stay fit. If you have questions, you may contact Jerry Wertz at 704-577-9699.
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COFFEE HOUR
We are needing individuals to sign up for Coffee Hour for any available dates. As a member of All Saints, attending Coffee Hour is very important to welcome newcomers into the church. A sign-up sheet is posted in the Family Life Center, or you can let the Parish Administrator know what Sunday you will provide for Coffee Hour. A small plate of cookies is all that is necessary. We will make sure you know how to operate the coffee pot if you want to serve coffee, but lemonade or tea is also good. Our signs say All Are Welcome! So let’s make sure we make an effort to ensure everyone feels welcome.
Click here for link to coffee hour schedule
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The Ministry Schedule
Due to conflicts, the schedule is very dynamic. Please look over the proposed schedule and let me know if you are aware of any conflicts.
Click here to view Ministry Schedule
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SATS - Serving at the Shelter
Beginning with March 4th, we have opportunities available for All Saints to fix Saturday supper at the Shelter. Please sign up in the Parish Life Center.
(Sign-up is on the bulletin board in the Parish Life Center).
Also, since the shelter suffered damages due to flooding, the shelter lost all the décor pieces in the women’s rooms. All Saints will now be collecting items to try and redecorate their rooms with things such as pictures, wooden plaques, rugs, and throw pillows in pastel colors such as pink, blue, and green
Any questions, please ask Lynn+
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March 14 - Chong Saile
March 14 - Larry Kish
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March 12 - Rob & Cathy Webster | | | |
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All Saints Prayer List
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble. We pray for Linda, Jane, Courtney, BF, Eleanor, Luciell, Kirby, Harold, Nancy, Mike, Wayne, Carol, Kristy, Carol, Elynanne, Kate, Lisa, Michael, Sally, Carroll, Brad, Ashley, Dorothy, Isaac, Kim, Buster, George, Kate, Kathleen, Todd, Shelley, Collins, Jerry, Michelle, Cheryl, Josie, and Sam.
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03/12
03/19
03/26
04/02
04/09
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Claudette Forbes
William Graham
Carol Wertz
Allison Wells
William Graham
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Date
March 12
March 19
March 26
April 2
April 9
April 16
April 23
April 30
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Staff Members
Allison and Phill
Gay and Lindsey
Jerry and Doug
Mickie and Elizabeth
Allison and Phill
Gay and Lindsey
Jerry and Doug
5th Sunday
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SERVERS FOR SUNDAY SERVICES | | |
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Servers
Eucharistic Minister
Reader 8:00 AM
Prayers of the People 8:00 am
Ushers
VPOD
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March 12
Kelly Morris
Martha Monico
Judith Hilton
Judith Hilton
Carol Wertz
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March 19
Kelly Morris
Doug Orville
Ken Harvey
Ken Harvey
William Graham
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Servers
Eucharistic Minister
Reader 10:30 AM
Prayers of the People 10:30 am
Acolytes
Ushers
Sound Tech
Altar Guild
Altar Flowers
VPOD
Coffee Hour
Sunday School Staff
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March 12
Jordan Avery
Allison Wells
William Graham
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Priscilla & William Graham
Doug
Allison Wells
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Carol Wertz
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Mickie & Elizabeth
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March 19
Bonnie McPherson
Doug Orville
John Still
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Gay Lindsey & Lindsey Wells
Marc
Marc Dudley
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William Graham
The McPherson’s
Allison & Phill
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The Rev. Lynn Orville
Emergency phone number: 207-801-8060
Church Contact Information
phone: 704-864-7201
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