May 26, 2016
Paths Intertwining

Having entered the circuit of the "Paths Intertwining" series, we continue with the opportunity to explore a variety of Christian contemplative practices with their purposes and benefits.  The following classes will be led by Sandra Giles on:
Sundays, 10:15 - 11 a.m.  
Ministry Center, Room 206

May 29
Contemplative Prayer
 Sacred Word, Centering, 
Jesus Prayer, 
Sitting with God

June 5
Contemplative Reading
Lectio Divina

June 12
 Healing Prayer
Laying on of Hands
 Distant healing through prayer chains
What Do We Value?         

What do we value in our congregation? Is it our traditions, our worship, our friendships, or perhaps our freedom to ask questions and express our doubts when we wrestle with the Word of God? Do we value the past or the future?  Do we value our young children and their families?  Do we value our aging members who can no longer be with us in church? Do we value one another? Do we value the opportunity to worship together each week?
The Vestry and Wardens of St. Anne's are taking on a special task this week.  They are giving up their Friday afternoon and evening of Memorial Day weekend to meet over several hours with a consultant to work on a Vision for St. Anne's for the next 3-5 years.  

This offering of their time and talent goes beyond making informed decisions about the day to day operations of our church, or the tough and prayerful decisions required to address a crisis, such as the death of our HVAC system in the sanctuary.

This weekend, your church leaders will reflect on the work that has been done, and the work that has been left undone, on our congregation's collective path as disciples of Jesus.  They will be discerning what we value in our life together, and how to shape our future programming and goals to be in line with those values as expressed in our worship, our fellowship, our prayers, our care for others, and our Baptismal Covenant, where we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves. 

Please keep your Vestry leaders in your prayers this week as they engage in this important work.  Spend some time in quiet reflection or conversation considering what you value in St. Anne's and think about how that shapes your vision for your church.  Discern how you might be called to share your own 
unique and abundant gifts in this particular Body of Christ. Listen to God's voice during this Sabbatical summer, and pray about how that  voice might move us towards an ever closer walk with God together.

God bless you all, and many thanks for your presence, your support and your prayers as we follow the many intertwining paths of our Sabbatical Summer.      

Rev. Ellen Richardson
Surf Shack Sunday June 12      
As sanctuary air conditioning is being replaced, we will continue to hold our Sunday Eucharist services at 9 and 11:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall, with Sunday School in the Ministry Building in between.  This move to worship in our "Family Room" has brought us much gratitude for our beautiful sanctuary and for the blessing of air conditioning in our "outside the box" temporary worship space.

In the spirit of this unexpected summer adventure, on Sunday June 12, we will kick off our Vacation Bible School that begins the following evening by celebrating Surf Shack Sunday where we will catch the wave of God's amazing love!  Wear your Hawaiian shirts and your shades, sport your favorite flip-flops, bring in your contributions of requested food, supplies or cash to support our VBS, and experience our scripture readings dramatized by the VBS players in place of the sermon. Surf's up!!
Donations Needed for Vacation Bible School
Support Vacation Bible School through monetary gifts for food and supply needs 
or by donating any of the following items 
before June 7
:
  • 2 -- 50 lb. bags of paver sand 
  • 18 cups cornstarch
  • 75 small plastic sand castle/animal molds
  • 50 -- 8" x 8" square disposable aluminum pans
  • 50 ft. cotton string (preferably not dyed)
  • 75 Cotton Balls
  • 75 Thick Wooden Kebab Skewers
  • 1 -- 4' x 8' x 1/2" Foam Bead Board Insulation
  • Capri Suns 
  • Assorted chips
  • Baby pickles
  • Strawberries
  • Grapes
  • Apples
Register your children and their friends...all are welcome to join us for a week of fun in the sun as we catch the wave of God's Amazing love. This year's Vacation Bible School will be held June 13-17 from 5:30-8 p.m. for rising Pre-K through 5th graders.  Register now at the link below:



Volunteer to help with VBS at the registration link above or by contacting  Pam Leonard,  Nicky Lamb, or  Shelly Schmeisser.
Ministry Matters
St. Anne's Stephen Ministers are caring members of our  parish who help  others  bear the burdens of a crisis or a difficult time.   With strict confidentiality and genuine  accepting love, they will  listen, empathize, encourage,  and patiently support those who are dealing with the death of a loved one, loss of a job, terminal illness, divorce, and many other rough patches of life.  Each Stephen Minister  has received many hours of special training through a national program to help him/her  become  a skilled and compassionate confidante who will walk beside  a hurting person as long as the need persists. 

If you believe a Stephen Minister could be of help to you, please contact 
Rev. Ellen Richardson by email or  through the parish office 229-382-7505.  


 
Camp Honey Creek
creates friendships for a lifetime.

Learn more and sign up your child or grandchild at

Camp scholarships are available. Cost should never prevent a child of St. Anne's from attending camp. Speak with Rev. Ellen for more information.

Upcoming Liturgical Ministers  
Remember: In the event of a scheduling conflict, lay ministers are responsible for finding their own replacements and for notifying the church office of changes.

Want to see further ahead? A full schedule showing several weeks in advance is viewable at www.stannestifton.com/schedule.

DateTimeMCEMAMLector 1Lector 2
Sunday
May 29		9 amBettie Sue
Bucky F.Sarah G.Lisa G.Peter P.
11:15 am
Bettie Sue
Marion C.
Allen L.
Jay L.
Tyler R.
Wednesday
June 1		6 pmn/aMarion C.n/an/an/a
Sunday
June 5		9 amDavid F.Marion C.TBASteve M.Chris B.
11:15 am
David F.Bucky F.TBANana W.Lisa K.
Our Clergy & Staff This Week 

Fr. Lonnie will be on Sabbatical leave returning to the office on August 15.

Rev. Ellen has been making pastoral visits, attending Vestry meetings and summer program planning sessions. She is available for individual appointments for pastoral care in the office, at home or at the hospital as needed. Contact her at ellen@stannestifton.com or 229-382-7505.
 
Emily, our new Parish Administrator, is managing the office. Please contact Emily for all appointments, room reservations, reimbursements, etc. Her email is office@stannestifton.com.
Go in Peace to Love & Serve the Lord . . . 





O, God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength:  By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
                          --BCP
 
The Staff of St. Anne's
(229) 382-7505