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FROM THE RECTOR:
Dear Parish Family:
With the New Year there are lots of things happening at the church that
are opportunities for your participation, inspiration, and prayers.
In January, we will have a weekly preaching series by John and Alice
Bower. Both of them are wonderful educators (John is the Chair of the
Math Department at Shasta High School, and Alice is our weekly Bible
study leader). Last Spring they offered to prepare this series during
their summer vacation, an offering that the Vestry and I were quick to
accept. Lay preaching has added a wonderful new dimension to our weekend
experience in worship, and I know that you will be blessed by John’s and
Alice’s gifts this month.
Starting on Wednesday, January 20th there will be a three-session
gathering on Discerning Your Personal Spiritual Gifts. Using a simple
Myers-Briggs personality inventory, you can learn what your personality
style is and how God invites each of us in unique ways to a ministry
that matches our gift-mix. This will be a fun and relaxed experience
that can help each of us to appreciate the different ways that we
perceive the world we live in and how we can positively engage with
others as an expression of our faith.
Our Annual Meeting of the parish will take place in Memorial Hall on
Sunday, January 31st, following the 10 AM service. This is the time when
we elect new members to the Vestry and our delegates to represent us at
diocesan events—including the Annual Diocesan Convention, which will
take place in Redding on November 12th & 13th, 2010. We will review the
2009 finances of the church and preview the draft 2010 operating budget.
As Rector, I will be presenting my state-of-the-parish address; and Fr.
Gregg Churchill will be sharing with us the purpose and vision for the
Practicing for Reconciliation Seminar, to take place at All Saints’ on
February 5th & 6th.
Also starting on January 31st, we will begin the winter session of our
Foundations of Discipleship Program. This popular program has become an
important way of building relationships with people who are new to our
congregation, and part of welcoming them into our church family. If you
are new to the church, or just feel like you have not gotten connected
the way you would like to be, please contact me about registering for
this program (revjeff@sbcglobal.net, or 243-1000).
An interim team is in place to provide for our music in worship at the
10 AM service. My thanks to Susan Daubner, Marian Petersen, Carol Lee
Pomponio, and Ruth Coe for sharing their gifts in directing the choir
(Susan and Marian), hymn selection (Carol Lee), and administrative
support (Ruth) while we begin our search for a new Choir Director. We
will continue to worship at 10 AM with congregational hymns, as well as
choral and instrumental anthems for our Offertory and during the
distribution of Holy Communion. Please pray for the Choir, the Vestry,
the Worship Committee, the Personnel Committee, and myself; as we work
together to discern the present and future music needs of the parish.
With so many new things happening, I am reminded of the words of our
bishop, The Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, who in his first address to our
diocese as our newest bishop, stated that there are three things we need
to do to be the church today: Focus on the Mission, Stay Together, and
Keep moving forward in the name of Christ. Good words then, and now.
Fr. Jeff
TWELFTH NIGHT PARTY/POTLUCK:
Twelfth Night marks the coming of the Epiphany and concludes the Twelve
Days of the Christmas season. We will celebrate the end of the Christmas
season with a Twelfth Night party. Please join us at the home of Rick
and Betty Harrison Smith on Wednesday, January 6th, at 6 PM. Each person
should bring a wrapped “white elephant” gift to share. Here is your
chance to rid yourself of that Christmas gift that did not excite you!
Please RSVP to Betty at 241-6359. Each family will be asked to bring
some food and drink to share. This event is a wonderful way to end the
Christmas season. In the Harrison Smith household, Christmas decorations
are NEVER removed before Twelfth Night!
A blessed Epiphany Season!
Rick & Betty Harrison-Smith
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH—SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
10 AM SERVICE IN MEMORIAL HALL:
We will vote in 4 new Vestry Members. Vestry nomination forms are
available in the Church Office. All Annual Ministry Reports are due on
Sunday, January 17th.Candidates are also needed to be elected by the
parish as Delegates, who represent the parish throughout the year; and,
particularly, at the Annual Convention of the Diocese of Northern
California—which, in 2009, will be on Friday and Saturday, November 12th
and 13th, at the Redding Convention Center.
THE NEXT DATE FOR BAPTISMS IS JANUARY 10TH. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW
WOULD LIKE TO BE BATPIZED, PLEASE CONTACT FR. FROST (243-1000) AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE FOR A PRE-BAPTISMAL VISIT.
NEW 2010 ALTAR FLOWER CHART:
The 2010 Flower Chart is awaiting your signature (at the back of the
Sanctuary on the wall). Remember a loved one or offer a thanksgiving for
a special person or event in you life with the gift of flowers. Pick a
date and sign your name. We ask a minimum donation of $35 and the
flowers will be used for the weekend services and then taken to members
of our parish that were unable to make it to church that weekend. If you
have any questions or would like to sign-up over the phone, call Heidi
Heiman, 547-3853.
ALL SAINTS’ THRIFT SHOP NEWS:
Sales at the Thrift Shop during this Christmas season have been great
and by the time Christmas came there were few holiday items left. The
shop had everything 50% off December 15th—18th and the last few days
before Christmas all Christmas items were 75% off. A good way to clear
the shelves for the New Year.
Because of the rough times everyone is having this year, the Thrift Shop
made some additional donations in the last two months. $2,000 was given
to the Power for Seniors Program because they lost one of their
fundraising sources. Marilyn Rea contacted the Record-Searchlight and a
really nice article about it appeared in the paper. An additional $1,000
was also given to the NVCSS for the Adopt-a-Family program, $1,000 to
ACCA for help with food baskets, and $1,000 to Youth for Christ. What a
great feeling to have the funds to be able to contribute when these
extra needs arise.
Be sure to check the bulletin board at the church and the annual report
for a complete list of donations for 2009.
Once again, a request for bags for the Thrift Shop! This is an ongoing
need! Paper bags from the grocery stores are a real help. Please leave
them in the box in Memorial Hall. Thank you.
Gerry Statton,
Duane Wainwright
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING:
Daughters enjoyed a “wrap-a-thon” when they brought together the gifts
they had gotten for the family they adopted from the NVCSS (North Valley
Catholic Social Services) program. It’s always fun to see all the toys
and clothes that you know will help make Christmas a happy one for a
family. When all the packages were wrapped Daughters enjoyed a soup
lunch together.
A Christmas gathering of Daughters and spouses was held at Marilyn and
Dick Rea’s home. Everyone contributed to a delicious ham dinner and
afterwards a fun gift exchange was held.
Now Daughters are looking forward to the New Year and beginning the
“Spiritual Gifts” study reported in December’s newsletter. It was
scheduled to begin then, but because of all the activities was postponed
to January. All women are invited to join us for this study. It will be
held during our regular Tuesday meeting in Memorial Hall. Come join us.
Mary Wainwright
VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS:
· The process for refinancing the church mortgage is moving forward.
· The Rector’s annual review was presented to the Vestry for their
comments. A separate meeting of the Vestry will happen soon, with
feedback provided through the Wardens. New goals and objectives for the
Rector will be established in February 2010 after the new Vestry is in
place.
· The latest Draft Budget shows an approximately $3,000 deficit for
2010. Thank you to everyone who completed a pledge card, as this greatly
assists the Vestry in our financial planning for the coming year.
· The resignation of the Choir Director was discussed. Fr. Frost will
work closely with the Choir on an interim plan for continuing music at
the 10am service, while an updated job description will be completed.
· The ReFocus Launch Team that implemented the Church Action Plan one
year ago will be brought together to do an annual update of the Plan,
which will be presented to the Vestry in early 2010.
November 2009 Financial Summary:
Current Assets* – November 30, 2009 October Operating Budget (actual*)
Operating Account = $ 910 Income = $24,205
Payroll Account = $ 50 Expenses = $23,853
Restricted Checking = $ 284 Difference = $352
Restricted Savings = $233,140
Restricted CD’s = $101,060 * not including cents
ECW Checking/Savings= $ 7,003
Thrift Shop Checking= $ 33,820
Rector’s Discret. Fund = $ 307
Saint Nick’s Counter = $ 1,015
“GRATEFUL, GLAD AND GIVING”:
In January, the Diocese will roll out a new program for stewardship,
focused on the theme "Grateful, Glad, and Giving". One area of focus
will be year-round stewardship. Materials to assist in developing an
atmosphere of giving by a generous congregation will be available to
stewardship committees across the diocese.
This year-long compilation of successful ideas and programs is designed
to assist parishes in preparing their own stewardship programs. It
includes audio, computer-generated, and hands-on materials which promise
to be of help to local committees.
CURSILLO INFORMATION LUNCH:
On January 17th, following the 10 AM Service (around 11:30 AM) there
will be a Cursillo Information Lunch in Eaton Hall East. This to bring
together those of you who have attended Cursillo with those of you who
might be interested in going to Cursillo, but need more information.
Cursillo is a weekend renewal experience that features talks by (mostly)
lay people and small group reflections related to the talks. As with
most spiritual experiences, the depth of the experience is difficult to
express, but we’re going to give it a try. At the Information Lunch,
there will be an opportunity for folks to come and talk about his/her
Cursillo experience—for those who may have expressed an interest and/or
completed an application to get more information—and to match up
potential candidates with sponsors.
For more information or to indicate that you plan to come, please call
Gregg/Jo Churchill at 229-1801 or email us at
gjchurchill@snowcrest.net
ALL SAINTS’ 2010 STEWARDSHIP REPORT:
While our recent stewardship drive is a bit short of the goal post, we
are at the 10 yard line. Here are our latest figures, courtesy of Helen
Bonnet. Pledge totals: $143,712. This represents results from 69 of our
pledge givers. There are still 10 pledges outstanding. While our giving
appears the same as last year, it is apparent that there is a decrease
of actual pledges.
Plans continue to implement proposals to continue to stress the idea of
a congregation of generous people. Stewardship Committee members are
reading a book with just that title, which offers new ways of proposing
and developing year-long stewardship, but with a continuing focus on the
"drive"—different from the ways we have conducted drives in the past.
Our parish financial reports continue to show realistic plans and their
development, as well as successfully achieving our goals for this past
year. A final report on the financial health of the parish, as well as
results from the stewardship drive, will be part of the yearly
congregation meeting in January. Please mark your calendars. We need
you there!
ESYAC (EAGLES SOAR YOUTH ACTIVITIES CENTER:
Even though we did not have Homework Club during the school break,
December was a busy month for ESYAC. Our number of kids is now up to 17
as we have 3 new ones, and three came back after returning to Sycamore
School.
Saturday, December 12th, Patti and Joanie took eight kids to the USFS
Holiday Christmas Cheer Party. They were bused to Lakehead and enjoyed a
bonfire, lunch, hike to the lake, and a Smokey the Bear talk on fire
safety. They made birdfeeders out of pine cones, and decorated wreaths
to take home to their families along with a fresh cut Christmas tree.
Santa brought gifts for each child.
For two weeks before break we made Christmas ornaments, rolled and
decorated cut-out cookies, made key chains for gifts, stamped Christmas
cards and gift-wrap. Carrie Bursell and her four children came and
helped each child make a stuffed animal with clothes. We wrapped books
donated from St. James Lutheran Church for each child. Brian Davis
brought gifts for each child from an angel tree project he organized at
Faith Community Church.
During the school break we took the kids on three adventures. First, we
attended Heritage Plaza Apartments Kid’s Christmas Party. Before
Christmas we took them to Viking Skate Country for lunch and skating and
the next week to Shasta Lanes for bowling and lunch.
One of our families was blessed by the Model A Car Club which is helping
them fix their car which had not been running for months. It will be a
nice for them not to have to get groceries with their bikes in the rainy
weather.
Please keep us in your prayers for the use of a van, as we just found
out the one we have been using will no longer be available.
Happy New Year!
Rhonda,
Patti
& Joanie
SATURDAY SERVICE CHECK-IN:
Following the 5 PM Saturday service on January 9th, there will be a
fellowship time with food and beverages (at 6 PM), along with the
opportunity to check in on the reformatted experience of worship started
in August, 2009. Since that time we have: experimented using different
Eucharistic prayers, enjoyed several volunteer musicians, and worshipped
using the cathedral chairs in a square formation (with the altar in the
center). One of the things that we have discussed for 2010 is the use of
the inclusive language liturgies from Enriching our Worship; which are
supplemental liturgical materials prepared by The Standing Liturgical
Commission of the Episcopal Church. Whether in expanded form, or in
conjunction with other liturgies, we continue to offer the opportunity
for people to receive prayers for healing as a part of our weekly
worship experience. Everyone is invited to come for worship on January
9th; and stay for the food, fellowship, and conversation.
MOPS (MOTHERS OF PRESCHOLLERS):
The MOPS monthly meetings have seen a growing number of participation by
the young mothers at All Saints’ and have covered topics ranging from
stress reduction, positive parenting, and how to save money in tight
economic times. The number of MOPPETS has also grown and we had fifteen
people participate in the MOPS Holiday Gathering. We are planning
expansion efforts after the first of the year, so stay tuned for more
information in the upcoming months.
Monthly breakfasts, crafts, and preschooler activities are included
along with discussion topics of interest to young mothers at each of the
meetings. Free breakfast and childcare are provided. Parish members are
encouraged to get involved by inviting family members, neighbors, and
co-workers to attend. This is an open community event which is available
to mothers of preschoolers and mothers-to-be. It is held the last Sunday
of each month at 9 AM.
Due to the Parish Meeting on January 31st, our meeting in January will
be January 24th at 9 AM. Thanks to Alex Stephens, Donna Komar, Joyce
Hankin, and Julie Clements for helping out as the MOPS Steering Team. If
you have questions, or would like to help out, please talk with Jo Ellen
Barnhart. We are looking forward to the next MOPS which will include
Yoga relaxation exercises taught by Jana Parker on December 27th at 9
AM.
Yours in Christ,
Jo Ellen Barnhart
P.S. We are expanding the MOPS group to include all mothers of young
children!
PRACTICING FOR RECONCILIATION SEMINAR:
Preparation for this Seminar began in January of 2009. Our Team of seven
persons began meeting monthly: studying, praying, and sharing our lives,
thoughts, hopes and struggles. The theme was, “How do we respect God,
ourselves, and others while living in the midst of family, friends,
church, and the world?” We each wrote and delivered a short talk about
one of the seven core values of Reconciliation. And, we experienced
exercises which enabled us to discuss and apply each topic to our unique
situation.* And…..WE HAVE GROWN! We now feel ready to replicate this
pattern with you. We hope that each person reading this announcement
will come and see and hear about the gift of reconciliation which we
have experienced and trust God has given us to share. We further trust
that as you discuss and apply these things to your own lives in family,
church, and world, you too WILL GROW!
*For a list of Topics and Presenters see the PRACTICING FOR
RECONCILIATION Brochure (available on the back table of the Sanctuary).
Send with $20.00 for materials and three meals (Fri. dinner, Sat.
breakfast and lunch) to:
Recon Seminar
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
2150 Benton Way
Redding, CA 96003
For further information see www.reconcilers.net
A prayer for the ‘Practicing for Reconciliation’ Seminar: O God, you
sent your Son to be your message of reconciliation to the whole world:
be with those who will be present and attend the ‘Practicing for
Reconciliation’ Seminar; that in finding peace with You, they may
experience peace with a new respect for themselves and their
adversaries; through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whom resides your unity,
and your peace which passes all understanding. Amen.
ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE OF FUN, FROLIC, KNOWLEDGE & FELLOWSHIP:
How to Make Homemade Gnocchi with Maria:
Learn How to make gnocchi from scratch. What is gnocchi, you ask? It is
soft dumplings used as pasta. Come hungry because we will eat the
gnocchi after we make it. Expect lots of fun as well as a homemade pasta
lunch!
Saturday, January 16th
from 11 AM to 2 PM in Memorial Hall
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PERSONAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS WITH FR. JEFF:
Ever wonder how your personality might be part of God’s gifts to you for
ministry? Do you feel a connection between Who You Are, Why You’re Here,
and What You Do Best? Do you think that knowing yourself could be part
of finding you God-given place in life? All these questions, and more,
will be explored in a three part series beginning on
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20TH,
at 6:30 PM, in Eaton Hall East. Using the book, LifeKeys: discovering
who you are, why you’re here, and what you do best; we will learn about
and complete a simple form of the Myers-Briggs personality inventory,
explore how our different personalities can advance and inhibit our
relationship with God, and consider the different ways that we are wired
for different ministries. This will be a relaxed and fun gathering to
learn more about ourselves and how God calls us in unique ways to
vocations that will appeal to our unique gifts.
The other dates for the series are: January 27th, and February 3rd.
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Hear ye! Hear ye!
We need more TLC’s (Teacher, Leader, Coordinators) for more classes for
All Saints’ College. Do you have a talent to share? An interest to
explore (it can be a single 3-hour “class” or spread it over a few
“classes”. Time and subject is your choice. Let’s talk—ASAP!!
Chloe Winston, 276-94444
or winston25us@yahoo.com
NEW CHURCH DIRECTORIES:
Each year at the Annual Meeting of the Parish we have an updated edition
of our Church Directory available for each household. We would like to
have the information as complete and as accurate as possible. We can
only do this with your help. Please fill out and return the form on this
page to the church office by January 17th for inclusion in our 2010
Church Directory. Thank you, Lynn Clay (243-1000).
MINISTRY BOOKLET UPDATES:
We are updating our Ministry Booklet, too! If you have a new ministry at
All Saints’ or would like to update your ministry description, please
email Lynn at the church office, allsaintschurch@sbcglobal.net. New
pictures for your ministry would be good, too. If you can’t remember
what the booklet states about a particular ministry, I can email you the
existing description. Please send changes by January 17th so they can be
available at the Annual Meeting of the Parish.
ANNUAL REPORTS DUE FROM EACH MINISTRY:
Annual reports from all the ministry and program groups in the parish
are needed in the church office by January 17th for inclusion in the All
Saints’ Annual Report.
CREATING CONGREGATIONS OF GENEROUS PEOPLE, BY MICHAEL DURALL:
We've recently completed a stewardship drive and now are currently
reading a book titled "Creating Congregations of Generous People", which
in no way implies that our All Saints' family is not generous—it
certainly is, in the usual and necessary "time, talent, and treasure"
departments.
Reading this book should help us design a plan of year-long generosity,
not focused solely on a once a year, fall pledge drive. The first part
of the book asks 'what kind of people do we want to become?' It speaks
of the typical pledge drive, asks what can churches ask parishioners to
give? And, surprisingly, says the budget isn't really that important in
the pledge drive. (I might disagree with that, but I'm still re-reading
the book. CW) It also speaks of the minister's role in fund-raising.
The second part deals with putting a long-term stewardship program in
place. One of the first things it suggests is changing the name
"stewardship." (It has become loaded with some negatives over the years,
hasn't it?)
In addition to reading, then discussing this book, the stewardship
committee (still that, until and if we change the name!) welcomes ideas,
thoughts and suggestions you may have.
In the author's preface, he states: A great deal of difference
distinguishes asking people for money and creating congregations of
generous people...this is an engaging, rewarding endeavor that takes on
ever more meaning with passing time.
He adds: people give more money to their places of worship than to any
other organization. Dedicated churchgoers give to their congregations
for decades on end; through good times and bad...generous their entire
lives...and indeed after, as they often includes churches...in their
wills and estate plans.
The Stewardship Committee
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR JANUARY:
January 2 & 3— Isaiah 44:1-6 Psalm 84:1-8
1 John 3:21-24 John 15:12-14; 16:5-15
January 9 & 10— Genesis 32:1-32 Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17 John 4:1-42
January 16 & 17 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 36:5-10
1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 Luke 3:1-18
January 23 & 24 2 Kings 6:8-23 Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Matthew 2:16-21
January 30 & 31 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30
ALTAR FLOWER DEDICATIONS FOR DECEMBER:
Altar Flowers were given to the glory of God by:
December 5 through 25—The altar greens from the Altar Guild.
December 26 & 27—In loving memory of Liz’s mother Elinor Elder from Bill
& Liz,
Cody, Erin, Conner & Riley.
THERE IS A NEW FLOWER CHART FOR 2010 POSTED AT THE BACK OF THE
SANCTUARY.
QUICK REMINDERS:
January 1 Happy New Year, office closed
January 3 Healing Stations @ the 8 & 10 AM Services
January 4 Building & Grounds Team Meeting, 6:30 PM, Choir Room
January 5 Tuesday Night Bible Study resumes, 7 PM, Eaton Hall East
January 6 EPIPHANY
January 6 “12th Night Party”, 6:30 PM, Harrison Smith home, see page 2
January 9 PARISH WORKDAY
January 9 Schafhirt Funeral, 11 AM, All Saints’
January 9 5 PM Worship—Food/Fellowship/Discussion
January 10 Pastoral Care Team Meeting, 11:15 AM, Eaton Hall East
January 12 Administrative Staff Meeting, 11:30 AM, Rector’s Office
January 12 Program Staff Meeting, 1 PM, Rector’s Office
January 12 Personnel Committee Meeting, 6:30 PM, Rector’s Office
January 13 Vestry Meeting, 5:15 PM, Eaton Hall East
January 15 Saints’ Alive articles due
January 16 All Saints’ College—How to Make Homemade Gnocchi with Maria,
11 AM, Memorial Hall
January 17 Annual Reports due
January 17 MOPS Steering Meeting, 9 AM, Memorial Hall
January 17 Worship Committee Meeting, 11:15 AM, Eaton Hall West
January 17 Cursillo Informational Lunch, 11:30 AM, Eaton Hall East
January 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19 Thrift Shop Board Meeting, 1:30 PM, Choir Room
January 20 All Saints’ College—PERSONNAL GIFTS ASSESSMENT 1 of 3, 6:30
to 8 PM, Eaton Hall East
January 23 CURSILLO, 8 AM to 3 PM, Memorial Hall
January 24 MOPS Gathering, 9 AM, Memorial Hall—MOPS Childcare,
9 AM, Eaton Hall East
January 25 4th Day Group, 3 PM, Eaton Hall East
January 27 All Saints’ College—PERSONNAL GIFTS ASSESSMENT 2 of 3, 6:30
to 8 PM, Eaton Hall East
January 31 Foundations Class begins, 9 AM, Eaton Hall West
January 31 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH after the 10 AM Service
OTHER DATES TO KEEP IN MIND:
February 3 All Saints’ College—PERSONNAL GIFTS ASSESSMENT 3 of 3, 6:30
to 8 PM, Eaton Hall East
February 5 & 6—Reconciliation Workshop, see previous article
February 13 Vestry Retreat, 11 AM, YAKS
February 17 Ash Wednesday
February 21 1st Sunday of Lent
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