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December 2011
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 Letter from Father Bob
Dear Friends,
Robert, a disciple of Jesus Christ, to the faithful of St. John's Church in Franklin and Trinity Church in Wrentham: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Now, that sounds a bit archaic, and so it is but the beginning of many letters written by Christians to one another over the centuries start in this kind of style which mirrors the letters written by St. Paul, St. Peter and others in the Bible. Old fashioned and formal to be sure, but I have always liked the idea of starting correspondence in a gentle way, bringing God's peace into the conversation from the very beginning.
For many of us at this time of year, we may welcome such "grace and peace" to be multiplied in our hearts and souls as we cope with the various pressures and expectations of this holiday season. Both parishes are busy preparing for their respective Christmas fairs; packages are being sent far and wide to family, friends and military personnel serving far from home; many young people will come home from college or working far away; families are preparing for Christmas hoping they are finding the "right" gift for the children; homes are being decorated; food is being bought for the big dinner . . . .and the list goes on . . . .
My hope and prayer for you, for your families and friends and in our parish life together both at Trinity and St. John's is to enjoy the preparation which leads up to and includes the celebration of Christmas. Our Lord's birth, the gift of God's only son to the world, is certainly a time to celebrate. Let us also take time in our homes and in our hearts to reflect on the amazing story of the birth of Jesus in humble surroundings who would fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah and be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
It's a great story. I know, we've heard it all before but never before have we heard this story at this time in our lives. Each year it's a new story for we are indeed not the same people we were a year ago. Listen again to the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, the shepherds and animals, the angels and the wise men. Listen with new ears and may God's grace and peace be multiplied in you.
Faithfully,
Fr. Bob
Now to some nuts and bolts . . . .
Christmas is coming. How will the service times work out?
Good question. The art of compromise, cooperation, honesty, reality and thoughtfulness is where the Collaborative Council started and with this in mind made the following recommendation to both vestries which both vestries accepted.
Christmas Eve: 4:00pm at Trinity (Christmas Pageant with Eucharist)
6:00pm at St. John's (Christmas Pageant with Eucharist)
10:00pm at Trinity (Rite II Eucharist, choir, sermon)
Christmas Day: 10:00am St. John's (Rite II Eucharist, "said" service, music
acappella as desired by those present)
We'll give this a try for this year and evaluate for Christmas 2012.
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How do I contact the Priest in Charge?
Here are the phone numbers and e-mails:
Mobile: 508-627-0842
Rectory : 508-384-0682
St. John's Office: 508-528-2387
St. John's e-mail: fr.bob@stjohns-franklin.org
Trinity Office: 508-384-3958
Trinity e-mail: fatherbob@trinitywrentham.org
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Letter from our Wardens
Trinity Parishioners: Your Vestry has committed itself to be ever-eager to support all of the great things going on at Trinity in recent months. While most of you are aware of the obvious changes at our parish lately, including our new rector, the improvements to the rectory and the sanctuary, and the money that we will receive from our Church Insurance policy to implement repairs to our buildings after last winter's storms, the fact is that the day-to-day operations of the church continue, and we need to be aware of our constant and consistent commitment to our future.
Our stewardship campaign is in full swing, and we are counting on all of you to continue your support of Trinity's efforts to better itself and improve its facilities and programs. We received tremendous encouragement from former interim rector Eddy in rejuvenating ourselves, and now it is up to us to commit to the Rev. Edmunds' ministry and each others' ongoing efforts to continue to make Trinity an inviting and welcoming place. Your Vestry has made clear its investment in Trinity's future by committing to a 100% group pledge effort, and we are hopeful that you will look into your collective hearts to do the same. Just because we are collaborating with St. John's does not mean that we can take our future and each other for granted; our future financial needs depend on you and your generosity and dedication, and our hope is that a projected balanced budget for 2012 will go a long way toward ensuring our longtime viability and success as a parish.
Your wardens feel that Trinity has never been at a more positive point in its nearly 150-year existence, and great things are still happening behind the scenes and below the surface, especially through Father Bob's guidance and direction. Please take the time to make your pledge for 2012 -- either on-line at Trinity's web site (trinitywrentham.org) or through the pledge cards mailed to you recently. Together, we will continue to grow, improve, and flourish, but all of the potential that we have within our church can only be realized through a parish-wide commitment to sustaining those efforts. We thank you for all you have done and given to Trinity in the past, and we hope that you feel the same sense of enthusiasm that we feel moving forward. With the backing of our parish community, we can all look forward to a continuation of the spectacular transformation and revitalization of our church and its devoted citizens, and in the process leave a lasting legacy for our children as they grow up as a part of God's community in the beautiful church we should all consider our second home.
Thank you for your consideration and dedication to Trinity Episcopal Church.
Your wardens,
Chris & Jody
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Stewardship Update
The Stewardship Committee is committed to enhancing Trinity's growing Family.To do this, the committee has set an ambitious goal of adding 25 more pledge units than we had last year. Last year we had 85 units and this year we are striving for 110 pledging units to maintain current activity and to be fiscally sound. This is not only an important goal for the Stewardship Committee, but for the entire Trinity family. We still have a way to go to meet this goal. As of November 27th we have received 28 pledges for a total of $70,000 in pledge income.Thank you to all that have made a pledge!
On Sunday, December 18 there will be an Ingathering to complete the pledge drive. In order for the finance committee to formulate our operating budget for 2012, we ask that you make your pledge no later than Sunday December 18th.Our goal for 2012 is to have at least 110 pledges for a total of $210,000 in income. Please join our growing family by making your pledge and encourage those you know to join our family in this important effort. Reaching this ambitious goal is a parish-wide endeavor. It represents not only the Stewardship Committee's efforts, but the contribution of every single parishioner. Remember, pledges are not binding and can be changed in the course of the year if your financial circumstances change.
To make a pledge you may either complete a pledge card (cards are available at the rear of the sanctuary) or pledge on-line by visiting our web site at www.trintitywrentham.org and clicking on the PLEDGE NOW button located on the right hand side of the home page. Pledge cards may be dropped in the offering plate or mailed to:
Trinity Episcopal Church
47 East St.
Wrentham, MA 02093
Attn: Jeff Hall
Thank you very much for your contribution and participation in the life of Trinity parish. We truly are a growing family - growing in family Spirit with the ever guiding hand of God's almighty wisdom and spirit.
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December Calendar
In an effort to provide a more readable and functional calendar we have decided to present you a direct link. This link will open the church online calendar for your viewing pleasure.
Click HERE
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As the holiday season approaches our Parish calendar is likely to fill up. Please help us to coordinate parish events by checking with Jennifer in the parish office before you schedule an event. This will help us to keep our communication clear and avoid "double booking". The "official" parish calendar is located in Jennifer's office. Thank you and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email Jennifer at 508-384-3958 or office@trinitywrentham.org |
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Birthdays
Ellen, Eliot, David and Ann invite you to join them in celebrating their mother's 90th Birthday. Mary-Alice Ewing Raymond would love to see any of you who can drop by between 1 and 7 p.m. on New Year's Day, January 1, 2012, at the family home, 458 South Street, Wrentham. No gifts are desired, but if you wish to make a donation to Trinity, that would be splendid.
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01 Chloe Layne
02 Alan Sarapas
02 Francis Burke
04 Daniel Huyett
05 Molly Huyett
05 Logan Hughes
08 William Hughes
08 William Crocker
08 Matthew Gray
08 Olivia Cohen
09 Carol Davis
09 Rachel Barros
10 Verna Holst
10 Benjamin Herbst
10 Diana Blake
11 Ashleigh Whitbread
12 Dianne Mahoney
12 Kathi Redman
12 Mark Gately
13 Esther Crosby
13 Amanda Vogan
13 Lukas Gray
14 Robert Heiselmeyer
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14 Melissa Burke
15 Elizabeth Costanzo
15 Delight Lynch
16 Caitlin Woodcock
17 Stephen Shea
18 Barbara Romans
18 Heather Crocker
18 Mackenzie Dyke
18 Madison Buliung
21 Eoghan Bacon
21 Julie Tschumperlin
22 Alyssa Shea
24 Randi Heiselmeyer
25 Joseph Gately
25 Karly McDonald
25 Olivia MacDonald
25 Dylan Maw
27 Emily Buliung
27 Katherine Mills
28 Elisabeth Greene
28 Sarah Gray
30 Lynda Byrne-Hinkson
31 Robert Scholl
31 Joshua Hall
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Anniversaries
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08 Jennifer and Richard Bishop
24 Verna and Bill Holst
26 Bonnie and Mike Myers
28 Amy and Arthur Buliung
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FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Finance Committee meets on a monthly basis to review the finances of the Parish, both the Operating account and Non Operating Accounts. Below is a brief summary of the Operating Account through October 2011. The Income side of the budget has been bolstered by a temporary transfer of $21000.00 from the Reserve Fund. The Committee is currently projecting an approximate deficit of $15000.00 at years end. This past month , pledge receipts were slightly off due to the surprise snow storm on 10/30. The first collection in November however made up for the difference. Some October bills were not paid until November due to the power outage following the storm. A full report will be posted in the parish hall. If anyone has any questions regarding the budget, please feel free to contact our Treasurer, Joe Wencus or myself, Dave Mahoney- FinCom Chairman. If you have a question regarding your pledge, please contact our Assistant Treasurer, Jeff Hall.
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Income Highlights |
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Actual YTD thru 10/31/2011 |
2011 Budget | | |
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Pledge Income |
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$124,030.20 |
$128,333.34 | |
Total Income |
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$161,126.51 |
$161,199.94 | |
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Total Expenses |
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$160,720.38 |
$170,702.12 | |
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Overall Total |
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$406.13 |
($9,502.18) |
Respectfully submitted Dave Mahoney
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The Capital Improvements Committee(formerly known as the Buildings Committee) presented a Master Plan to Vestry at the November 23rd meeting. The plan details three phases of projects with sub phases to improve our Parish Hall, Parking areas, and Education Wing. The CIC also requested and was approved to proceed with replacing the roof on the Education Wing with a new asphalt shingle roof before winter is over as the old roof has become compromised since last winter's terrific snow storms. Cost is approximately $12K. This project was properly sent for multiple bids prior to selection of contractor. Work will begin as early as December 1st.
Please watch out for the dumpster that will be installed in the parking lot to collect roofing debris. Please do not put any other trash into that dumpster. Construction/Roofing only trash is almost entirely recyclable and therefore much cheaper to dispose of unless it is contaminated with other trash.
The Committee wishes to thank all the members of the Committee for their efforts since last November
to realize a cohesive thoughtful plan for Trinity. The Committee meets every month but since June the Committee has been meeting twice a month(2nd&4th Tuesdays) to make this master plan a reality.
The Committee especially wants to recognize Tom Leveroni for his volunteer efforts to help Trinity. Tom, a parishioner at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, shares his 30+ years of construction management experience with the committee and his insights and ground work are key to the committee coming up with an accurate, precise and inclusive plan for improvements here at Trinity. Tom made multiple plans, drawings and plot plans for us and his assistance has been invaluable.
Since the mantra says "No good deed should go unpunished"... I propose we make Tom head of all things Buildings & Grounds related! ..Ok, just teasing Tom. Anyway, Thank you.
Now the fun part. We have raise some money to make this happen. I suspect you will be hearing from Vestry soon on this!
Faithfully reported,
John Redman CIC Coordinator.
VESTRY NOMINATING
We are looking to form a committee that will meet occasionally over the next two-and-a-half months to focus in on recruiting new Vestry members to replace those members whose terms are expiring next year. As you know, good things are happening at Trinity these days, and we think you can sense the excitement. We invite and request that parishioners who want to be a part of that continuing growth either join the soon-to-be-formed Nominating Committee, or let one of the wardens know of your interest in joining Vestry come February.
We have three Vestry positions, plus a Co-Warden and a Vestry Clerk position open for candidates. The responsibilities of joining Vestry include attending one meeting every third Wednesday of the month, and for new members that involves a lot of listening, learning and contributing as God's will impassions you. Vestry is the lay leadership of the church, and its members work closely with the Wardens and Rector to guide and shape the direction of the parish. With our revitalized committees working already, this means as a new Vestry person, you will have support and ideas aplenty to help you. Please consider getting involved with Vestry as Trinity embarks on a new era. Please speak with one of the wardens if you are interested in joining the Nominating Committee or would like to be considered for a Vestry position.
COMMUNICATIONS
We are pleased to share that we will be adding an information rack in the entry of the parish. The purpose of this "information center" will be to provide information to new-comers as well as to all members of the parish of activities taking place in the Trinity community. The Communications Committee cordially invites anyone interested in participating in efforts to keep the Trinity family informed of all of it's many activities to join the committee. We are particularly interested in a volunteer(s) to collect updates from committees for Tidings each month. Please watch for announcements of future meetings and come join us or e-mail Gretchen Hall at gandphall@hotmail.com if you are interested.
OUTREACH
Trinity's Outreach Committee has chosen to donate to the "Friends of the Unborn", which is a Crisis Pregnancy Center and shelter for pregnant, homeless women. We have purchased some Stop & Shop gift cards for the center and we are inviting the members of our parish to sponsor one (or more) of the gift cards. The gift cards are in $25 dollar amounts and all money collected will go directly toward this Crisis Center. The cards will be given to social workers at Children's Hospital who work with families that are at the hospital for lengthy stays.
If interested, please contact any member of the Outreach committee.
For Outreach
Brad Davidson, June Reinhardt
Common Cathedral: New Years Day 2012
For the past 10+ years, as one of our Outreach traditions, Trinity has been hosting Common Cathedral on the Sunday after Christmas and on Easter Sunday. This year, the Sunday after Christmas is New Year's Day. For those of you who may not know, Common Cathedral is a church that meets outdoors on the Boston Common every Sunday. It offers people who are homeless the opportunity to be fed in body and in spirit.
This year, as always, we are looking for cooks (prior to January 1, 2012) and helpers on the Common (January 1, 2012). Sign up sheets for donations of food, cooks and helpers will be posted in the parish hall after the Christmas Fair. Trinity will provide the hot meal and Grace Church in North Attleboro will be partnering with us to provide many additional items of food and drink. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted, as are socks, mittens, hats, scarves and gift cards to Dunkin Donuts or McDonalds. Whatever you can do is a blessing. No gift is too big or too small. Here is the website Ecclesia Ministries and Common Cathedral if you would like more information:
http://www.ecclesia-ministries.org/common_cathedral.html
Thank you for whatever you can do to help.
Betsy
If you have any questions, please contact me at betsygadzooks@yahoo.com or at 508 695-4261.
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Sunday School
Sunday School classes continue to meet from 9:00-9:45, returning to church for Communion. All children/youth are returning to church with material from their class and/or a weekly bulletin that reinforces the weekly readings or class discussion/activities. We will also on occasion hand out other announcements and/or articles that may be of interest to parents. Please let us know if you have any suggestions or feedback! Please see the schedule below.
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Date
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Description
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December 4, 2011
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All classes meet
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December 4, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 PM
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Make Advent Wreaths, Parish Hall (sign-up only)
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December 11, 2011
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All classes meet
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December 18, 2011
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All classes meet
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December 24, 2011
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Christmas Eve Pageant
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December 25, 2011
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No Sunday School-Christmas
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January 1, 2012
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No Sunday School-New Year's Day
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Movie Night
The next movie night will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Parish Hall.
Youth Group
Trinity youth (grades 8 - 12) have been invited to participate in St. John's youth group. Please contact Rachel Flum if you would like to be added to the email distribution list.
There will be a Youth Group Meeting with Rev. and Mrs. Edmunds at the Edmunds Wrentham Rectory home on Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 6:30-8:30 PM.
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Notes and Announcements
Wrentham Food Pantry
We've done it again! Trinity Episcopal Church, along with community sponsors, has collected almost 200 boxes of hot chocolate for distribution in holiday baskets to our neighbors in need. Thank You All! The Wrentham Food Pantry is grateful for all that Trinity does for our baskets and throughout the year. You never let us down!
The ongoing needs of the Pantry continue, and our greatest needs, currently, are the "extras" that are not included on the staple list. If, in the spirit of giving that surrounds us at this time of year, you wish to lend a hand to those less fortunate in our community, the items below are greatly appreciated and generate ALOT of smiles! Thank You from the Bottom of My Heart!
Denise Angerame (508) 384-1342 WFP Executive Board
COFFEE, MAYONNAISE, KETCHUP, KLEENEX, JUICE BOXES
Celtic Christmas Extravaganza
This Christmas season, the Boston String Quartet and Silver Tongued Irish Vocalist Pan Morigan will present "Celtic Christmas Extravaganza" at churches and theaters throughout New England. Be prepared for a thrilling concert of soaring Irish melodies, thumping rhythmic patterns and Celtic flavor with a unique underlying storyline.
When: 12/11/11 (7:00pm)
Where: Grace Episcopal Church, 104 N. Washington Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760
Tickets: $15 seniors, $15 students, $20 regular, Family 4-pack $50.
THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE IS
LOOKING FOR MOVERS AND SHAKERS
If you want to be part of a dynamic committee with big plans and ambitious expectations, the Capital Improvements Committee (CIC) would love to have you join it. They are working to implement tremendous improvements in the parish hall, education wing, and kitchen, but they need more people on board to help them move forward at a brisk pace. This is an excellent opportunity to get in on the ground floor (so to speak) on one of the most forward-looking and enthusiastic committees at Trinity, but it needs more active members to accomplish their lofty goals. If interested, please contact John Redman or Jim Derick to learn more about the CIC.
SENIOR LUNCHEON SCHEDULE
December 2011 thru June 2012
Tuesdays at 12 Noon - Parish Hall
December 13, 2011
January 24, 2012
February 28, 2012
March 27, 2012
April 24, 2012
May 22, 2012
June 26, 2012
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Altar Flowers:
December 4 - In loving memory of Barbara Anne Gutermuth, donated by Jan and Mike Levangie
December 13 - in loving memory of Dimmie Williams, donated by Jane Robison
December 18 - in loving memory of Evelyn E. McCormack, donated by Emily, Don and Linnie Mosher
December 25 - Separate signup sheet
Sanctuary Lamp:
OPEN
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Christmas Altar Flowers If you would like to remember loved ones with flowers on the altar this Christmas, whether as memorials or as thanksgivings, kindly use the form at the bottom of the page. Please make your check payable to Trinity Church for any donation you wish to make (flowers are quite costly, so your generosity is appreciated) and place it with the completed form in an envelope in the offering on Sunday, or mail to: Trinity Church Office, P.O. Box 55, Wrentham, MA 02093. Extras flower forms are available at the rear of the church and on the table in the parish hall. All names and checks must be received by Wednesday December 14th for inclusion in the Christmas bulletin. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Bennett at 508-384-3958 or via email at: office@trinitywrentham.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Christmas Flowers 2011 Form In Memory Of ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In Thanksgiving For: _____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ Donated By: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Editor's Corner
Hallelujah!
Please click here and close your eyes......
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CONTACTS
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Priest-in-Charge
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The Rev. Canon Robert Douglas Edmunds
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627-0842
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Parish Secretary:
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Jennifer Bennett
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384-3958
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Organist:
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Donald C. Rockwood
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384-3958
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Choirmaster:
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Edwin Milham, Sr.
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399-8383
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Sexton:
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Bob Pellet
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384-3958
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OTHER CONTACTS
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Acolyte Director:
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Bonnie Myers
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384-3483
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Altar Guild Director:
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Deb Favreau
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384-2323
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Co-Church School Supt.:
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Rachel Flum
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528-8645
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Co-Church School Supt.:
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Donna Gibson
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668-5750
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Youth Choir Director:
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Michelle Gray
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384-1849
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Chair Outreach:
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Priscilla Isner
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241-5983
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Prayer Chain:
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Church Office
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384-3958
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Tidings Editor:
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Chris Young
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384-5116
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Youth Coordinator:
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OPEN
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VESTRY
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Co-Warden:
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Christopher Young
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384-5116
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Co-Warden:
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Jody Derick
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528-2799
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Treasurer:
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Joseph Wencus
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384-8587
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Clerk:
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Tricia Gately
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384-8285
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Bonnie Myers
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384-3483
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Kathi Redman
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384-3674
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Jane Robison
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384-3823
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Trish Crocker
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384-6501
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Cheryl Dyke
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699-0443
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Brenda McGinn
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384-2077
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Dave Mahoney
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384-2144
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Dick McCullough
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384-2652
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Barbara Romans
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384-1168
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