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What's Happening in November? Read about our special service schedule on our Annual Meeting date, learn who was just married, read on to know about 'The Big Red Door', find out what's new at our upcoming Christmas Bazaar and more!
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November, 2014 |
Volume 2, Issue 2
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From the Desk of Father Brad
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Being Thankful in All Situations
Last month I was in Chicago for my continuing education, attending lectures on Paul's letters and the Acts of the Apostles. I took advantage of some free time as well and went running on the beaches of Lake Michigan. I've done this many times, having lived in the area years ago, and each time it is an enjoyable and inspiring experience. As I ran, on one side of me were towering skyscrapers and the activity of the city, and on the other side were calm, quite waters of the gigantic lake which appeared to go on forever. It's an amazing contrast between busy noise and eternal peace.
There are many contrasts in life. In the Bible's Book of Ecclesiastes (chapter 3) everything has its time and place:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Things don't really stay the same for us; there is much variety in life. But in the midst of all this there can be a common denominator: the practice of being thankful. Being thankful in ALL situations.
This may seem an odd response. Of course we would be thankful during the good times. But the difficult ones as well? Those times when we are sad, angry, frustrated, brokenhearted, and depressed? Only a nutcase would do that!
Maybe so. But is it really crazy to believe that we are not ultimately in charge of what happens to us in life, but that we are in charge of how we understand it and respond to it? Ultimately, we are the ones who choose how we want to feel, regardless of our circumstances. Thankfulness, as with all feelings and attitudes, is a choice. It's not beyond our control. We can spend our time lamenting everything we don't have, or we can rejoice in what we do.
In our spirituality of stewardship we are taught that all we have in a gift from God. We have it only for a time and then it is gone. This includes our very lives. What we do with what we have, then, is our significant responsibility. It reflects our understanding of who we are and what life is about.
This time of year is commonly known as the season for giving thanks. Thanksgiving Day is a major feast day in the church, and it is also a national holiday in which we as a nation take time to express our gratitude for our lives and all that they entail. In reality, however, every day can be a day of thanks. And it really ought to be.
Do you see your life as a gift? Do you see the hand of God at work in what you experience? Are you thankful for what you have in life? Why or why not?
A blessed Thanksgiving to all of you.
Brad +
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All Saints' Annual Meeting Have you ever been curious as to what goes on behind the scenes at All Saints' church? Come to our annual parish meeting on beginning 10:30 a.m. on Sunday November 23, 2014!
Members of All Saints' who are qualified to vote at elections of members of the Vestry and on all questions which may come before any meeting. Who qualifies to vote? Persons age 18 yrs & up, belonging to All Saints' from 2012 forward (two years) and have supported of All Saints' with a contribution of $25 per year.
This is also the time in which we elect our vestry members, who may be nominated before hand or nominated by any voting member at least five days prior to our annual meeting.
Having said all of that, come even if you're not eligible to vote! Come be a part of the discussions and see how an Episcopal parish organizes itself for another year of ministry. Hope to see you in Friendship Hall on November 23rd!
Special Note - we will be hosting a single combined service on this day at 9:00AM only. No Sunday School will be in session on this day.
Who: All Parishioners When: Sunday, November 23rd, 10:30AM - 12:00PM Where: All Saints' Friendship Hall
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A big red door is not enough "For more than a few people, we are simply invisible, in spite of the fact that the church takes up an entire city block." - Rhonda Waters , writing in the Anglican Journal, discusses a generation that is not hostile to church - they just don't know it exists. Rhonda continues to write, "This invisibility is both a serious problem and a great opportunity. It tells us that the church has become so irrelevant in the lives of many Montrealers that they don't even notice our existence - their eyes simply slide off even our most obvious outposts. We may be proclaiming the Good News, but we clearly aren't doing it loudly enough to attract their attention" Do you think All Saints' Torresdale is succeeding at proclaiming the Good News to not just those within our walls, but those outside?
To read more of Rhonda's article on the Anglican Journal site, click the below link: http://www.anglicanjournal.com/articles/a-big-red-door-isn-t-enough
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2014 Warmth In Winter
It's supposed to be a record year for snowfall this winter - can you imagine having to live on the street in that weather, with your children no less? All Saints' Torresdale is happy to participate in the 2014 Warmth in Winter clothing drive.
Although many charities have assisted to provide children with coats, very rarely are children supplied with the additional accessories to keep their hands, necks, and heads covered and warm.
Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown's office, All Saints' Torresdale, and a number of other participating organizations will be drop-off locations for collecting new scarves, hats, mittens and gloves for children of all ages. These donated items will be distributed to 19 homeless shelters across the city of Philadelphia. Look for the box arriving the first weekend of November to donate.
What: New Scarves, Hats, Mittens & Gloves Needed When: Nov. 1st - Dec. 11th. Where: Drop off box, Friendship Hall |
Editorial Help Wanted
Do you know your way around a computer? Are you tech saavy? All Saints' is looking for editorial help for the All Saints' newsletter. What's involved? A few hours a month, updating the latest and greatest issue with people news, events, and misc. information. Don't worry - the final send off and formatting will still be on the plate of your friendly newsletter editor's - we're just looking to share some of the enjoyment! Contact the office at [email protected] if you think you'd be interested.
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Heard In the Pew One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.'
'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor, what is this? ' The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.' Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, 'Which service, the 8:45 or the 11:00?' - thanks to Adelaide Martin for sharing! |
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What's Happening at All Saints
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Serving Dinner at St. Gabriel's
Are you interested in help serve dinner at St. Gabriel's shelter on Saturday, November 1st? We would love if you would volunteer to help, shop, cook or serve!
If you're interested, contact Nora Perry at 215-514-9193 or leave a message with the church office.
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Labyrinth at All Saints' Church
What is a Labyrinth? Join us Sunday, November 9th 11:30AM -1:00PM in the Parish Hall and find out! A Labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool, used for prayer and walking meditation. The Labyrinth is not a maze. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. It has a single circuitous path that winds its way into the center. There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Many people may walk at the same time. Children, supervised by parents, are welcome to walk the Labyrinth. We will also have a facilitator to guide us on how to walk the Labyrinth then offer a question and answer session afterward.We will also have a Finger Labyrinth for those who do not want to or are not able to walk the Labyrinth. When: Sun., November 9th, 11:30AM - 1:00PM Where: All Saints' Friendship Hall Contact: See Jan Esrang with any questions, or contact the church office.
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We Changed The Date!!! November Breakfast Club Now November 15th - 9AM We like keeping you on your toes when it comes to partaking in our monthly breakfast. We've changed the date (for November only) to the 3rd Saturday of the month, November 15th. We hope you're hungry! Our breakfast club is gearing up again to serve up some bacon-n-eggs, hash browns, sausage, scrapple, muffins, danish...I promise you won't gain any weight reading this newsletter, but I can't promise you won't from breakfast!
Join us this month and enjoy a bite to eat with your fellow parishioners - just give us a holler or a note that you're coming. Send an email to [email protected]
Who: All Diners $5 When: Saturday, November 15th at 9:00AM (volunteers by 7:00AM, please) Where: All Saints' Friendship Hall
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It's Not Too Late to Order Pot Pies from our ECW! The ECW pot pie sale runs through Sun., 11/16 - choose from any of the twelve (12) delicious varieties of pot pies!
Pick-up will be on Saturday, 11/22 from 11:00AM to 12:00PM only. Submit your order form with your payment via cash or check (written to ECW). For a copy of the order form, click below. ECW Pot Pie Order Form
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Birthday Tea at National Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel
Our very own Jan Showler shared news of this delightful event with Cordelia Biddle, author of Saint Katharine: the Life of Katharine Drexel. Cordelia is a fine speaker and lovely lady, and is celebrating the anniversary of the National Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel with a birthday tea. Tickets may be purchased via phone or by website. There will also be a book signing by Cordelia, 50/50 and Raffle Prizes, and guests are asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to a local food pantry.
When: Thursday, Nov. 20th, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Where: National Shrine of St. Katherine Drexel, 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA
Cost: $10 + non-perishable food item
How: Purchase tickets by phone at 215-244-9900 x380 or by email by sending mail to [email protected]
For more information: Click here to see the flyer.
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The Christmas Bazaar is almost here!
Mark your calendars! Save the date! Cancel your appointments! Our Christmas Bazaar is coming up quick - December 5th 10:00AM-8:00PM and December 6th 9:00AM-4:00PM.
Check out what's new! Our personalizing table with hand made stockings. Stockings are available.
Friday Night's Roast Beef Dinner from 5:00PM - 7:00PM will be a nice reward for a busy week. Stop on in for the mere price of $10 per adult and $5 (per child 10 & under). Stumble on something while cleaning out your house? Don't forget the White Elephant room - leave all donated items in the choir room, please. We are still in need for donations to the Country Store, Chance Table, and of course "Basket of Cheer".
New this year! All Saints' is offering a Historic Church Tour on Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th - both at 1:00PM. Come and learn about the 243 year old parish - don't forget your camera! A $2.00 donation is suggested for this tour. |
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This Month's Events
Saturday, November 1
All Saints' Day
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, November 2
All Saints' Day
8:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
Wednesday, November 5
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
Thursday, November 6
12:00PM Young at Heart
Saturday, November 8
9:00AM November Breakfast
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, November 9
8:00AM Holy Eucharist
10:00AM Holy Eucharist
10:45AM Sunday School
11:30AM Walk the Labrynith
Tuesday, November 11
Office Closed
Wednesday, November 12
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
11:30AM Episcopal Church Women
Saturday, November 15
Diocese of PA Convention
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, November 16
8:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:45AM Sunday School
Wednesday, November 19
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
Thursday, November 20
12:00PM Young at Heart
Saturday, November 22
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, November 23
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
9:00AM ONE Worship Service
10:30AM Parish Meeting
Wednesday, November 26
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
7:30PM Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist
Thursday, November 27
Office Closed
Saturday, November 29
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, November 30
8:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:45AM Sunday School
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Next Month's Events
Monday, December 1
Christmas Bazaar Set up
Clergy Conference
Tuesday, December 2
Christmas Bazaar Set up
Clergy Conference
Wednesday, December 3
Christmas Bazaar Set up
Clergy Conference
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
Thursday, December 4
Christmas Bazaar Set up
Friday, December 5
10:00AM Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, December 6
9:00AM Christmas Bazaar
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, December 7
8:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:45AM Sunday School
Wednesday, December 10
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
11:30AM Episcopal Church Women Christmas Luncheon
Saturday, December 13
9:00AM December Breakfast
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, December 14
8:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:45AM Sunday School
Wednesday, December 17
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
Saturday, December 20
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, December 21
8:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:45AM Sunday School
Wednesday, December 24
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
4:00PM Christmas Eve Eucharist with Pageant
7:30PM Christmas Eve Eucharist
Thursday, December 25
10:00AM Christmas Day Eucharist
Saturday, December 27
5:30PM Holy Eucharist Service
Sunday, December 28
8:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
10:00AM Holy Eucharist Service
Wednesday, December 31
9:30AM Healing Service
10:30AM Bible Study
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It's Time to Fall Back!
Don't forget to change your clocks back on November 2nd! Daylight Savings Time officially ends at 2:00AM!
Congrats are in order to Maryellen Rush and Chip Smart who were just married on October 18th.
It is with sadness that we held the funeral for George Hilley on October 25th, and he was buried shortly thereafter in the All Saints' Cemetary. Godspeed, George!
Please join us in welcoming the newest to-be member of All Saints' Church, Mileena Marie Joy Wirgau, born to Tim & Jaleyne and baby brother Lorenz on October 21st at 9:20 a.m.. Mom & baby are doing well.
Have you picked up your copy of your All Saints' Directory? If not, it's waiting in the office for you. Please stop by and pick up your copy.
All Saints' had a wonderful time representing the Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 12th at Philly Outfest. The annual event is a festival focused on extending a welcome to LGBT individuals and inviting them to be themselves (often for the first time). Many thanks to Tracey Thomas and Ashley Parsons-Thomas, Christina Jarosz, Mike Wilkie and Alan Fine, Heidi Rodgers, Pam Gehring and Ruth & Brad Hauff.
A great big thank you to our Sunday School staff for the great job they have been doing during the transition to new schedules. We know it seemed like it was going to be 'frightful', but having all our children in church has been 'delightful'. Thanks to our Sunday School Staff for making this transition less of a trick and more of a treat!
Pictured below: Dolores Ryan, Rebecca Golden, Hilde Vertlieb, Tori Jennings (and baby Anna!), Colleen Ryan, and Nora Perry.
For more pictures from our Halloween Parade, visit here. |
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November
Birthdays
11-02 Mary Hoffman
John Klak
11-03 Deborah Klak
11-04 John Bulmers
11-06 Leona Zimmer
11-08 John Emberger
11-10 Dave Thomas
Madeline McGraw
11-12 Kyle Canamucio
Rodger Ryan
11-16 Paul Petrasso
Janet Sicilia
Janet McGinty
11-17 Jennifer Wetzel
11-18 Anne W. King
11-20 Christopher Jennings
11-20 Robert Mitchell
11-24 Joan Hearn
Charles Fassano
11-26 Elizabeth Gudgeon
11-28 Joan Kelly
11-30 Marilyn MacDougall
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November Anniversaries
11-06 Donna & James Carrick
11-16 Kathryn & Neal Hayes
11-18 Nancy & Edward Ramberg
11-21 Stella & Pat Bonaccorso
11-22 Patricia & Rodger Ryan
11-24 Christine & Phillip Civatte
11-27 Michele & Robert Haberle
11-28 Donna & Robert Lucas
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All are welcome to join our weekly Healing Service & Holy Eucharist on Wednesdays at 9:30AM in our Chapel, followed by our Scripture Review at 10:30AM. Stop in and get to know your fellow parishioner's in a more relaxed format!
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Our Sunday School program takes place during our 10:00AM worship service for children and youth. Our pre-school class (ages 3-5 yrs.), intermediate class (Grades 1-5), and young adult class (Grades 6-12) join us during service until receiving of the Eucharist. At that time, children continue to their classrooms and parents are welcome to pick up their children at the conclusion of our Christian Education hour at 12:00PM .
Our Adult Christian Education begins shortly after our 10 a.m. worship service and continues into our Christian Education hour which ends at 12:00PM. |
We welcome children of all ages to remain with us in service, and also offer a more intimate nursery room (with video capability) for parents who would like a quieter space for their babies. Read the Top Ten Reasons Children are Welcome at Our Church
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