Campaign Corner

 

Last week, in the Rector's Ramblings, Fr. Terry shared with us the news that the 50^th Anniversary Campaign is underway.  The Campaign is an important part of our 50^th Anniversary Celebration, as it provides the resources necessary to position St. Michael's for our next 50 years as a faith community. 

 

The Vestry has set a goal for the Campaign of $250,000, and $110,000 has already been pledged by current and past members of St. Michael's.  THANK YOU to all of you who have graciously given of your time, talent and treasure to this effort!   What a fantastic show of support.  Really, it must be said again...THANK YOU!

 

We will officially "kick-off" the campaign after holy week, and ask the entire congregation to join together in this effort to provide for the future of our community.  In the weeks leading up to our kick-off we will share with you in this "Campaign Corner" section of our newsletter more of the details of the Campaign.   You will read about our plans for a new boiler, and the energy savings that will result.  You'll discover the savings we've already achieved by retiring our kitchen debt, and learn more about investments to be made in our roof and parking lot.  And, you'll hear about our plans to engage in greater outreach efforts.  We want you to understand the details of each of these projects, so that you can make an informed choice about your participation.   We ask in the coming weeks that you talk with your family and fellow parishioners about the campaign, celebrate the gifts that have been given, and pray about your participation and the future of St. Michael's Church. 

 

 

 

Ash Wednesday

 

            

  

Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and is the first day of Lent.  It occurs 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It falls on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter. It can occur as early as February 4 (February 5 on leap years) or as late as March 10.

 

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of worshippers as a sign of repentance.  Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent's way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. It marks the start of a 40-day period commemorating the time Jesus was in the desert to fast and pray.  

 

The ashes used are typically gathered after the Palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. The Priest marks the forehead of each person with black ashes in the shape of a cross, which the worshipper traditionally retains until it wears off.

 

This year Ash Wednesday is on March 9^th.  We will have services at 12:15 and 7:00 PM. 

  

 

Have you ever been hungry?   

           

 

        

Once a month, St Michael's helps feed the hungry at St. Patrick's Meal Program. This month the day is March 10^th.  If you have never been there to serve, you should try it some time.  I have seen children as young as 5 or 6 bringing their younger siblings in to eat because they are not getting food at home. I have seen people of all ages who are down on their luck who are in need of nourishment.  Some of these people look like they have recently been in the position to need help and others who have had hard times all their lives.  The one thing they all have in common is that they are hungry and need our help.

 

This month it is our turn to provide 6 salads for the meal program.  Please get a pan in the kitchen or bring a disposable 9x13" pan filled with salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, or pasta salad). You do not have to provide dressing, they have it at St. Pats.  Bring it to church by 3:00 PM and our St. Pat's Angel, Lucy Dykstra, will take it to St. Pat's.

 

**REMEMBER MARCH 10^TH, 3:00PM**