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The Angel Messenger
A Newsletter from On A Wing And A Prayer

 August, 2009                                                                                                     Issue #15

Serenity
Prayer


God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.  Taking as Jesus did this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that he will make all things right if I surrender to his will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with him forever in the next.



           Reinhohld Niebuhr


REMINDERS


Seasonal Hours:
May - November
Closed on Mondays
Hours:
Tues - Fri 10:00-6:00
Saturday 10:00-4:30



ANNOUNCEMENTS

In Need of a Retreat?
We are blessed to be able to offer retreats for adults, youth or children on a variety of topics.
 Do you have special areas that you would like to cover in such an experience? We will shape the retreat to your group's needs, and it can be structured for any time frame, whether you prefer a half day or a weekend.
You may email Michelle orJo for more information, or call the store: 816-453-7705.


Mark Your Calendars!
8th Annual
Christmas
Open House
Saturday,
November 14
10:00 - 4:30
A day full of sales, fun, give-aways, entertainment and refreshments!


Look for us on Facebook!
Yes, that's right.
On A Wing And A Prayer has a business Facebook page!
We're trying to get with the program and reach all of you who are out there online everyday.
Give us some time, but we hope to be able to post regular updates of what's going on in the store. Should be fun once we get going. We've got it started, but you might have to help us along.
Sign up and be a fan!!


R
ENROLL YOUR
CHILDREN NOW!

Catechesis of the
Good Shepherd

Level I - Ages 3-6
held at
Holy Family Parish
Monday 5:30-7:30
Thursday 10:00-noon

Level II - Ages 6-9
held at
On A Wing
And A Prayer

class times still being scheduled
preferences considered

Call or email Jo
453-7705

THE
CATHOLIC
CORNER


Want to learn more about your Catholic Faith?
Check out these options:


Catholic Faith
and Reason

Bi-monthly meetings of Catholic Faith and Reason Assn. at Our Lady of Good Counsel with apologetics presentations, lively discussion, prayer and refreshments every other Saturday morning at 10:45 AM. following the Mass and Holy Hour.  Join us!  For more info phone 816-524-0291.
If you would like to be on our mailing list, email:
 Catholic Faith and Reason
 
Bishop Helmsing Institute
The Bishop Helmsing Institute is operated by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and was developed to help you deepen your walk with our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Institute's primary focus is systematic catechetical formation. Guided studies lead students to a firmer grasp of the whole of the Catholic faith while challenging them to understand doctrine and to become immersed in the mysteries of God. By visiting the website you can meet the faculty, learn the history of the program, examine the courses and enroll or apply for tuition assistance. Phone them at 816-756-1850 for more information.


Tune in to Catholic Radio
KEXS/1090AM


CUSTOM
ROSARIES
AND
JEWELRY

Mother's Rosaries
  and Bracelets
Sacrament  Rosaries
Pocket Rosaries
Rosary Bracelets


Keepsake Jewelry
Bring in the roses from a wedding, anniversary, funeral, or other significant that is close to your heart. We will make the roses into beads and create a Keepsake Jewelry piece for you. A memory that will stay with you forever.

A Note To My Friends
   It's about this time every August when I return from my annual retreat at the lake. My time there is so quiet and I have so much time for prayer and contemplation, and time to spend talking with God. Somehow, listening to God comes so much easier there too. Each year, I seem to come back with an overall message that God had revealed to me. This year, he sure didn't beat around the bush with what he wanted me to learn.
    It all started when I was supposed to leave on a Thursday at 2:00pm, and didn't get away until Friday morning about 11:00am. It seemed nothing went smoothly and things just kept holding me back. Frustration was setting in before I even got on the road. As I finally got the car loaded, with all of my belongings, and Sophie's, (my 1-year-old peekapoo), I thought we were ready to ease on down the road. I soon discovered the trip was not going to be easy! As it turned out, Sophie had not finished her 'business,' before we left the house! The frustration heightens, and it was only the beginning. She later became carsick and then decided that stopping on the side of the highway was quite fun! The frustration continues to grow! Finally, we hit the half-way point and stopped to get gas, only to find that my credit card had been canceled due to fraud. After spending 45 minutes on the phone with the bank, we were once again on the road. My frustration level is maxed out!!
    When I finally arrived in Springfield, (still not at the lake), my three hour trip had taken me 4 ½ hours. A friend said to me on the phone, "Sounds like God is trying to teach you to depend on him, and him alone."  I thought long and hard about that. I sure didn't get away or arrive on MY timeline. Through all the frustration and difficult circumstances, not once did I calmly say, "It's in your hands Lord" or "Jesus I'm frustrated, but I know you'll help me deal with this." Interestingly enough, everything I read that week kept coming back to surrendering our will, giving up self-reliance, and depending solely on God. It was evident this was to be what I learned this year.
    The most profound thing I read was about how even Jesus, in his time on earth, was completely dependent on the love of The Father; His ministry, His miracles, His passion and death. He could have never faced all He had to go through without depending on the love of The Father. So if Jesus Christ himself was dependent on The Father, why do we so often think we can make it through difficulties on our own?  That really makes a person think!
    God taught me this year that I need to rely on Him, not only when a crisis hits, or I need help making a decision, or just in the "big stuff," but all the time. Complete surrender means COMPLETE surrender, in every aspect of my life - - even the good. It's amazing, even the gratitude comes easier when everything about your life is given to God. The peace that comes from knowing that we truly have no burden to carry without Him is such a relief, but it's such a hard realization to come to because we have such a need to feel in control of things. Our greatest dignity as human beings comes from our dependence on God. To Him, our surrender is the greatest gift we can give - it's like a parent with such a loving heart, wanting so badly to help a child and saying, "I'm here; let me help you."  We only need to surrender our stubborn will, accept the love, and show our thanks in gratitude.

                                         Sincerely in Christ,
                                         Michelle Barone
                                         michelle@onawingandaprayergifts.com
Sales and Promotions
Summer SonShine Sale
August 25 - September 5SonShine
 - All books, Bibles, videos and
    music 10
% off
 - All gift merchandise 20% off
    or more!!
Look for this sun symbol throughout the store for special bargains!
Your days are never cloudy when you
Live in the SonShine!!
Introducing Angel Bucks!
   Angel bucks are dollars you earn that can be spent in the store on future purchases. We will run specials from time to time where you will earn $1.00 in Angel Bucks for every $10.00 you purchase. Our first Angel Buck promotion will run during our Summer SonShine Sale. For every $10.00 you spend from August 15-29, you will earn $1.00 in Christmas Angel Bucks. Christmas Angel Bucks can be spent on the day of our Christmas Open House, which is November 14, OR anytime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. So purchase as many gifts and things you need now when merchandise is on sale, and earn your Angel Bucks so you can save money at Christmas! What a deal!
Congratulations!
   Congratulations to Roger Cummings for being certified as a Level V Catechist through the Bishop Helmsing Institute. This is the culmination of three years of classes and study. The institute is run by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
     Congratulations to Kim Rogowski and
Jo Thornley Cox
as they complete their Level III catechist formation courses. They will be certified to facilitate atria for children from age 3 through 12, concluding more than 300 hours of class time under the direction of the SonFlower Region of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in accordance with the National Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. You can read more about this program by visiting the national Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website.
What's New in the Store?
Roses In My Garden
   For a long time now, people have been asking Susan Lordi, artist of the Willow Tree line, to make pieces that looked like members of "their own family." She has now introduced a new series called "Roses In My Garden" 
WT-RosesInGardenThis is a selection of individual children pieces that can be added to various other family pieces to create YOUR perfect family, even with more than one generation! She's also has a few more new additions this spring/summer. Willow Tree continues to be very popular and always has the just the right gift for any occasion.
   Any weddings coming up? In addition to the Willow Tree figurines, we are carrying a few more wedding items. We have the Promise series cake topper, photo album and guest book. What a lovely sentiment and special keepsake!  
Foundations by Karen Hahn   FNDStarSky
Karen Hahn has introduced a new look to her Foundations Angels. They don't have the glitter that the early ones did, but they are soft, flowing and beautiful. A few have arrived now, more will arrive through fall, then by Christmas we'll have the new nativity in the same style.
(click picture to see current selection)
 Foundations Jewelry
   Did you know that Karen has also now started a new line of Foundations Jewelry? She designed lovely sterling silver necklaces and bracelets with multiple charms, and all have inspirational messages.
Custom Laser Engraving
  You may know that we've been doing laser engraved wooden crosses and plaques for quite some time, but did you know that we're now doing mirrors, granite tiles, ornaments from wood and glass, and much more? Samples are available in the store, but if you have an idea for something, just ask - - we might just be able to come up with it. Thanks to Les Pingel, Let There Be Light Creations, we're able to offer many wonderful custom-designed projects.
New Card Lines
   DaySpring as added four new card lines to our standard card displays. Those of you who come for your monthly card supply will be happy to see some bright new ideas to choose from!
   We've also expanded the traditional Catholic greeting card line a little. If they sell, we'll continually add more. Let us know if you like them. We think they're beautiful and many more saints are available in various occasion cards.
. . . and a lot more coming!
   In the coming months, more shipments will be arriving. Fall and Christmas shipments start arriving in late August and continue through early November. You may not see new Christmas items on the shelves that early, but we'll definitely have the new gift lines and other items out. Our shelves may get a little sparse in the summer when there aren't many shipments coming, but with all the new things coming, there are a lot of reasons to keep checking in!
Reading With Roger
An Update on Books, Bibles, Music and Media
   This past year has been very challenging in the book business.  There have been a lot of mergers and consolidations in the publishing arena.  For example, TAN books has been purchased out of bankruptcy by Saint Benedict Press. Catholic Word is now distributing Marian Press materials. Harcourt publishing (text books) is now being distributed by Our Sunday Visitor. This is all good news for On A Wing And A Prayer, because we can now consolidate our ordering and have materials available from Saint Benedict Press and Harcourt.  What does that mean to you?  Harcourt publishes school textbooks, so we can offer a wider selection of textbooks for home school families. While we won't have a large supply in the store, we are happy to order them for you.
    Another new change has been the increased availability of study guides with some new books, such as "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope Benedict, workbooks for Theology of the Body for Teens, and many others that we carry in the store.
   We are constantly adding new ways for people to learn their Catholic faith.  For example, we have a selection of apologetics lectures and audio books by the most noted speakers in the Catholic church, ie; Tim Staples, Christopher West, Scott Hahn, Jason Evert and Rosalind Moss.
    We continue to add new titles in books, music and videos to keep our inventory current. At the same time, we are adding reprints of classic publications including titles from the early church fathers, to the more recent classics such as G K Chesterton, C S Lewis and Bishop Fulton J Sheen. 
    You are welcome to come in and browse anytime. If you don't find what you are looking for, ask. If we don't have it, we will try to order it for you. We're always happy to see you.
                                                                                          Sincerely,
                                                                                          Roger Cummings
                                                                                          books@onawingandaprayergifts.com
Catechesis Update from Miss Jo

Exciting news!
We are expanding Catechesis of the Good Shepherd!
Our atrium will upgrade to Level II, serving children ages 6-9. This level revolves around Jesus as the True Vine and adds the moral parables, maxims, the vastness of the Kingdom of God, and the history of God's gifts. Creation, Redemption, and Parousia are words and concepts we visit again and again. Baptism and Eucharist are explored more deeply, and Reconciliation as sacrament is presented as gesture, rite, and prayer.  The Bible also is a focus, coming to understand it as many books within one and how to use it.
We'll schedule Level II classes with their registered families, possibly on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. Forms are available at the store or by requesting through  Classes@onawingandaprayergifts.com.
All this does not mean we're losing our Level I atrium for children ages 3-6. It's moving to Holy Family Parish, which has offered us space. Ember Riley is the director of religious education there, and she will accept registrations. As of now, there are two classes scheduled: 5:30 to 7:30 Mondays and 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays.
Kim Rogowski and I will continue to be lead catechists. We hope to have some other adults join us as aides, and we'll need lots of help making materials for both atria. If you're interested in sewing, woodworking, painting, drawing, gluing, cutting, sculpting, whatever, let us know. Contact me at Jo@onawingandaprayergifts.com.
We're so blessed to be able to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Come visit our atria anytime!

In peace and joy,
Jo Thornley Cox
Thank You!
Thank you all for your continued support and patronage. We appreciate you so much!

We hope you've enjoyed the new format for the newsletter. Using this tool should make it easier for us and safer for you because it will be protected from spam. It is also our hope to be able to get back on schedule with getting newsletters out to you on a regular basis, along with occasional promotions, coupons and sales. You will always have the option to unsubscribe if you wish, but we want you to enjoy it as much as you always have. Please let us know what you think and forward it on to others who may enjoy it also.
 
Sincerely,
Michelle and staff:  Jo, Roger, Joyce, Kim and Paige
On A Wing And A Prayer
6032 NE Antioch Road
Gladstone, MO  64119
816-453-7705
www.onawingandaprayergifts.com
info@onawingandaprayergifts.com