Dearly Beloved,
As previously announced, with the Vestry’s approval, I am calling a Special Parish Meeting for this coming Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. All members of the parish should make time to attend this meeting. You will be presented with the Vestry’s plan for the immediate future here at All Saints. Last year, we announced that the Vestry approved designing a possible expansion of our facilities. The concepts and designs have been completed and our parish meeting will be about taking the next step. The meeting will be the time to learn all the details so please hold your questions until then. Anything you might have heard, other than what I have written here, is just rumor. We truly have been blessed here at All Saints over the past few years. The fact that we can consider expanding our “base of operations” for living the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is nothing short of amazing. I am so excited about the future here. Pray with me that our Lord continues to shower his blessings upon us. See you on Sunday!
First Friday Kids
Our young people are gathering tonight in the parish hall, February 2, at 6:00 p.m. for Pizza and a Movie. Nice way to spend a frigid winter evening! See you tonight.
Men’s Breakfast
The men of the parish are gathering together for breakfast tomorrow morning, February 3, at 8:30 a.m. at Mills River Restaurant. I have been advised that I am required to put one small item on the agenda for our time together. I will fill you in tomorrow.
News of Note
Richard Cole had his knee replaced this past Tuesday. He is doing very well, recuperating at home. Continue your prayers for his rehab and we hope to see him back here soon.
News of Note #2
Betty Parkinson was admitted to the hospital yesterday, primarily due to bronchitis which she has not been able to shake. She is in very good spirits. Keep her in your prayers so she may return home quickly.
Ash Wednesday, February 14
Be sure to mark your calendars for Ash Wednesday, which is only twelve days away. Worship times are:
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7:00 a.m., Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
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12:00 p.m., Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes & Penitential Office
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7:00 p.m., Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes & Penitential Office (incense used)
Palm Branches & Palm Crosses
Bring in your palm branches and crosses from last year so they may be burned for ashes for Ash Wednesday.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Our simple, yearly pancake supper will be held this year on February 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This custom follows the idea of “cleaning out the larder” before the fast of Lent begins.
It is hard to believe that Lent is upon us already. At the bottom of this email, below the rest of the announcements, is the Lenten Schedule, so you can begin to make your plans for a holy Lent.
One Final Thought
This year Ash Wednesday falls on February 14, which is also St. Valentine’s Day. As we know “Valentine’s Day” has become a huge secular holiday. In fact, I watched the folks at Ingles putting out Valentine candy on the day after Christmas this year. Our Anglican tradition, as outlined in the Prayer Book, says that Ash Wednesday takes precedence over any other celebration. In fact, it is a strict fast day, which means that all those who are physically able abstain from all but water for the entire day. Doesn’t exactly say go to Ruth’s Chris for dinner. I urge you to consider whether or not you will allow Whitman’s or Hallmark to dictate your spiritual priorities. And also consider how the real St. Valentine, who was martyred for his faith, would view someone ignoring Ash Wednesday in favor of a “romantic dinner.” Please do think about it.
Blessings to you all and I will see you on Sunday morning,
Fr. Erich
Announcements
Coffee Hour & Fellowship Lunch
· There is a new sign up sheet for the coming months of our weekly Sunday fellowship luncheon, which follows the 11:00 a.m. worship. Please get with your group and pick three dates. If you would like to join a lunch team, please see Kathy Zwingert.
Food Bank
· Bread of Life in Transylvania County is this month’s recipient of our in-gathering of food stuffs.
Tuesday Book Study
· C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters is our study book. It is very easy to jump in at any time. Join us at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday mornings. Please read Letters 23-25.
Bible Study
· This week we turn to Chapter 9 in St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans.
Flowers and Sanctuary Candle Charts
· New charts are available on the bulletin board for the giving of flowers and sanctuary candles. The suggested donation for flowers is $50.00 and it is $10.00 for the sanctuary candle. Sign up today to be sure you are able to get your desired day.
Lenten Fish Fry
· It’s that time again! On Friday, March 16, we will hold our Lenten Fish Fry. Tickets are $9.00 each in advance ($10 at the door) for breaded tilapia filets, roasted potatoes, hush puppies, coleslaw, and iced tea or lemonade. Take-out will be from 5-6 PM and dine-in will run from 6-8 PM. Kids under 12 eat free. Ticket packets will be available beginning Sunday, February 11.
Classical Scholars Fundraiser
· Next Saturday, February 10, Classical Scholars will hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser for their upcoming Annual 8th grade trip. Breakfast is served between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and the cost is $5.00. Please see Abigail Byrd to get your tickets today!
Altar Guild Breakfast Social
· To help out one of our Junior Altar Guild Members, Abigail Byrd, with her fundraising, Altar Guild will gathering for a breakfast fellowship at 9:00 a.m. during the Classical Scholars Fundraiser on February 10. Altar Guild Members, please purchase your ticket from Abigail and let Alice Owen know you will attend so that we can have reserved seating that morning.
2017 Contribution Statements
· Giving statements for 2017 are available in the vestibule. Be sure to pick yours up on Sunday.
This Week in the Parish
Friday, February 2
6:00 PM, First Friday Kids
Saturday, February 3
8:30 AM, Men’s Breakfast
Sunday, February 4, Sexagesima
8:30 AM, Holy Communion
9:45 AM, Parish Meeting
11:00 AM, Holy Communion
12:15 PM, Fellowship Lunch
Tuesday, February 6
11:00 AM, Book Study
Wednesday, February 7
6:00 PM, Holy Communion
6:30 PM, Fellowship Dinner
7:00 PM, Bible Study
7:00 PM, Choir Practice
Lenten Schedule
Sunday
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
8:30 AM Holy Communion
9:45 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Holy Communion
5:30 PM Evening Prayer
Monday
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
5:30 PM Evening Prayer
Tuesday
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
11:00 AM Book Study
12:00 PM Stations of the Cross
5:30 PM Evening Prayer
Wednesday
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
5:30 PM Evening Prayer
6:00 PM Holy Communion
6:30 PM Meatless Supper
7:00 PM Bible Study
7:00 PM Choir Practice
Thursday
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
5:30 PM Evening Prayer
Friday
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
5:30 PM Evening Prayer
7:00 PM Stations of the Cross
Saturday
8:00 AM Morning Prayer
5:30 PM Evening Prayer
