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Look inside to see what new book our Adult Education class is starting this month! Can you guess who our mystery member is? All Saints' is heading back to Uno's in April - find out when! Save-the-date for our annual corporate communion breakfast in May!
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April, 2015 |
Volume 7, Issue 1
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From the Desk of Father Brad
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Being an Apostle of the Resurrection
Many of us are familiar with a TV commercial for a local automobile dealership that features the owner saying, "If our emblem isn't on the back of your new car or truck, you probably did pay too much." The salient word here, of course, is probably, which allows for the possibility that the claim is mistaken and lets the person off the hook for saying it. If you remove that word, then the statement becomes a guarantee, with all the associated expectations and responsibilities. It becomes a matter of truth.
We have entered the Easter season. During our worship services the opening acclamation is, "Alleluia, Christ is risen." The people's response is, "The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia." Notice that there is no probably in there. It is a statement of total conviction. If you say it, there is nothing that lets you off the hook. It is a guarantee, with all the associated expectations and responsibilities. It is a matter of truth.
Belief in resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. When we are baptized, we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ. When we share Eucharist together, we proclaim Christ as having died, risen and coming again. At our funeral services, when we die, the Paschal candle of Easter is brought out for us, reminding us that after each death there is a resurrection, that this life is merely a prelude to another one, that we are participants in eternity. When we say "Christ is risen," we are also saying that we will be raised with Christ, and that it is true. When we do this, we become apostles of the resurrection. We proclaim it as truth.
The word apostle means, "one who is sent forth." The first to do this was Mary Magdalene, who went forth on Easter morning to tell the disciples about the empty tomb of Jesus. They did not believe her. But there was no probably in what Mary was saying. So they had to investigate for themselves.
Belief in resurrection is not easy. It shouldn't be. It's too important to casually acknowledge as fact. It must be embraced as truth. Facts merely tell us what something is. Truth tells us what something means. Facts are easy to find. Truth takes time and effort to discover. Truth requires us to do our own searching in order to find it, not to merely take the word of someone else. Truth allows for the element of mystery and varieties of understanding. These are inherent in the nature of resurrection. For me it is ultimately about the eternal cycle of life and death and God's never-ending, unconditional love, as evidenced by the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Thus I proclaim resurrection, without fully understanding it, as truth. This means that I am also on the hook for practicing what I am proclaiming; that is, living as an apostle of the resurrection and telling others about it as truth, as a guarantee. No probably about it.
Is the resurrection true to you? If so, what does it mean to you and how does it impact your life? If not, have you been looking for it? Either way, we invite you to be among us at All Saints this Easter season.
Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Brad
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What's Happening at All Saints
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Wednesday April 1st - A Service of Tenebrae at 7:30 pm
Thursday, April 2nd - Maundy Thursday Eucharist & Stripping of the Altar at 7:30 pm
The Vigil in the Chapel beginning at 9:00 p.m.
Friday, April 3rd - Morning Prayer after the Vigil 8:00 a.m.
Good Friday Liturgy at 12:00 noon
Saturday, April 4th - The Great Vigil of Easter with Baptisms at 5:30 pm**
Sunday, April 5th - Easter Eucharist 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
**Our children and youth are invited to join us on Saturday's
Great Vigil of Easter for the flowering of the cross
in anticipation of the Resurrection.
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Meeting Jesus for the First Time, Again
Bring a book! Bring a snack! Bring a friend! This month our Adult Christian Education classes return once again, this time on Wednesday evenings, as we read "Meeting Jesus for the First Time, Again" by Marcus Borg. A reader comments, "The trouble is that in some ways reading about the life of Christ is a bit like reading a mystery. Sure you can read the book again, but you already know whodunit the next time you go back to it, and having that knowledge changes the way you see things from then on. "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time" has clarified for me the difference between pre-Easter and post-Easter Jesus."
We will look to order books for those that prefer to purchase through All Saints, however we apologize that we are uncertain when this shipment will arrive. You can purchase Meeting Jesus for the First Time, Again (ISBN-10: 0060609168) as an e-book if you choose. Due to popular demand, it is recommended you order a physical book early if you choose to do so.
What: Adult Education Book Club, Discussion & Snacks When: Wednesday Evenings, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., April 8th through May 27th. How: See the signup sheet in Friendship Hall For more information: See Fr. Brad or Jane Esrang with any questions. |
April Breakfast Club Saturday, April 11th
What better way to celebrate the return of Spring than stopping by for a bright and early breakfast with friends, neighbors, and not-yet-met friends! Grab a seat for our All Saints' Breakfast Club and treat yourselves to some home-cooked eggs, hash browns, bacon, and more! You bring your appetite, we'll bring the coffee and juice, too! Stop on in!
Send a quick email to Tony or Nora at [email protected] and let 'em know you're coming! Or, give them a ring (on the phone!) at 215-514-9193.
When: Saturday, April 11th at 9:00 AM Where: Friendship Hall Cost: Adults & Children - $5 |
All Saints' Dough-Raiser Uno's Pizzeria - April 21st The rumors are true! We all know Episcopalians love to EAT - what better reason than for a cause? Mark your calendar's - we're heading back to Uno's Chicago Bar & Grill for some delicious Chicago fare on Kids-Eat-Free Tuesday April 21st! This time? This time we're going to take over Uno's at Neshaminy Mall. Take a break from the every-day grind and treat yourself to some Uno's signature pizza's - opt for a mouth watering steak - or stop in for some mini-appetizers in your travels. Don't forget the voucher!!!! Moi? I'm going to round up some friends and see who wants to grab a big table for twelve for a fun dinner and drinks. All fundraising supports the 2015 Bazaar and our church restoration. Thanks to all those that have joined us for this fun event in the past! Who: All are welcome. Kids eat free with each adult meal! When: Tuesday, April 21st - 11 a.m. to Midnight Where: Uno's Pizzeria & Grill, 801 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem PA How: Bring the attached voucher for 20% of your bill to go to All Saints'. Come hungry! Check out the menu in advance. |
All Saints' Youth Group
Hits the Road
Thanks to the generosity of our many (hungry) members and friends, our trip to Lancaster in late April will be completely funded for our Youth Group! Fr. Brad, teachers, and youth group members will be heading to St. James Episcopal to participate in their renowned Saturday evening Jazz Mass. The visit will include a detour to the delicious Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Look for permission slips and additional details to follow in upcoming weeks from your teachers!
Who: All Saints' Youth Group & Teachers
When: Sat., April 25th - stay tuned for time.
Where: St. James Episcopal Church & Shady Maple Smorgasbord (Lancaster, PA)
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Annual Corporate
Communion & BreakfastSaturday, May 9th Be sure to join us for our Corporate Communion & Breakfast on May 9th at 9 a.m.! The men from the Saturday Breakfast Club will be cooking and serving a delicious breakfast.
The Holy Eucharist will celebrated by Reverend Dr. Bradley Hauff and we will welcome a representative from the Philadelphia Veteran's Comfort Home as our guest speaker. Tickets may be purchased by seeing Myrna Weinstein or Doris DeRitis following the 10 a.m. service on April 26th and May 3rd. Please make checks payable to Episcopal Church Women.
When: Saturday, May 9th at 9 a.m.
Where: Friendship Hall, All Saints'
Who: Adults ($5) and Children 12 & under ($3)
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Adopt-A-Homebound
Member In-reach
The long winter period can be difficult for many members of All Saints', some of which are not able to regularly attend service as much as they'd prefer.
In March, Jo Anne Tempest and the Welcoming / Membership Committee launched a new in-reach program 'Adopt-a-Homebound Member'. This program pairs a homebound member with a volunteer who reaches out once a month (minimum) to their homebound member by sending cards and recognizing events. Volunteers do not need to know their adopted member - prayers, blessings, holiday, birthday cards (no sick cards, please) are signed from 'Your All Saints' Family'.
Jo Anne has received a wonderful response and 19 homebound members were already adopted during this first week. Are you interested in adopting a homebound member? Don't worry - Jo Anne receives additional names and would welcome your participation. You may contact JoAnne after service, or via phone (215) 815-2186 if you'd like to help.
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Empty Plate Dinner
Saturday, April 18th
Did you know that on any given night in Philadelphia, approx. 1,000 children stay in a shelter. Can't fathom what that might look like? 1,000 children are the equivalent of adding 10 of our Sunday services into one.
The Empty Plate Dinner supports PIHN's work to find lasting solutions to family homelessness and its underlying causes. This family friendly event is suitable for all ages with fun activities for children. Your modest donation treats you to fresh foods and desserts from area restaurants. (Adults - relax with unlimited beer and wine for an additional $5 donation).
Guests chose a complimentary hand-painted plate donated by Holy Family University, local congregations, and school children. This plate will go home with you as a reminder that every night many neighbors, parents, and children have only an empty plate.
Who: Adults ($20), Students w/ID ($10), Children 12 & Under ($7)
When: Saturday, April 18th. 5-8 p.m.
Where: Marian Hall, St. Dominic Parish, 8532 Frankford Avenue
For more information or to purchase tickets:
http://philashelter.org/index.php/news-and-events/empty-plate-dinner-2015/about-the-empty-plate-dinner/
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April Bible Trivia
How well do you know your Bible Trivia? Test yourself by seeing how many of these trivia questions you can answer - bonus points if you don't need to look the answers up. Answers will be in the May Messenger! - How many Psalms are there?
- What is the fifth book of the New Testament?
- What did God create on the fifth day?
- What is an apostle?
- Was the apostle Paul married?
- Who were the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ?
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Shared from the Mail
To Pastor Brad and Friends: What you did meant a lot. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending the card; I appreciate it. - Sincerely, Deborah Younshousky
Greetings to Father Brad, Ruth and all the folks at All Saints: The "Messenger" is a joy to read - its new format is super attractive. The Forward Day by Day is great for daily morning devotions. Many thanks for your kindness and all you do! - Love and Blessings, Emily Simon
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Who Am I?
How well do you know your fellow parishioners? Read the following five clues and see if you can answer the question of .....who am I? Bonus Points - you get to know someone a little better!
1. I have been a member of All Saints my whole life 2. I am CPR certified 3. I am studying two languages 4. I have traveled out of the country once 5. I have a dog named Graceie and a rabbit named Oreo
Look for the answer beneath the birthdays and anniversaries! Thank you to Bill Marks for being our March mystery member!
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A warm hearty thanks goes out to all of the members, parents, and children that donated to our Youth Group Souper Bake Sale. The total monies raised exceeded our expectations - $520. Wow! A full belly, and a lazy afternoon made for the perfect Sunday afternoon nap recipe.
The Welcoming & Membership Committee has provided Episcopal Information and Spiritual Pamphlets in the vestibule outside of Friendship Hall. Take a moment and see what speaks to you.
Our ECW Pot Pie Sale is taking place between April 12th and May 10th.. A great little something to set aside for a night you don't feel like cooking, straight from your refrigerator / freezer to the table in less than 20 minutes. Look for the order forms in your Sunday bulletin. Pick-up will be Saturday, May 16th.
Palm Sunday brought many visitors to All Saints' - stop and say hello to Georgeann Newman, Dr. Marilyn Kennedy, Cheryle Young, Kay Corbin, David Corbin, and Mary & Rob McQuaid. Take a second to meet Owen Rooney, son of Rob Rooney & Rebecca McBride when you have an opportunity too.
It was with great sorrow that we we said goodbye to Anna Onimus on March 16th, and Dorothy Stevenson Jones Anderson on March 28th. Both Anna and Dorothy's services followed with burial in the All Saints' cemetery. Rest in Peace, Anna and Dorothy, your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
We had lots of egg-cellent fun on Saturday, March 28th with the kids from All Saints' Sunday School, All Saints' Day School, and St. Gabriel's! Special thanks to Camryn Ryan and the Jennings boys (Richie, Chris, & Matt) for their help in hiding over 1,200 treat filled eggs outside. Fun was had by all. Check out the photos by visiting our Events & Activity Photos page on the All Saints' website by clicking here.
Take a stroll down memory lane if you'd like in our newly added Newsletter Archive Library. Since it's re-introduction in 2010 our newsletter continues to evolve. Tell us what you think! Is there something you'd like to see added into our newsletter? Is something 'not hitting the mark' and you'd rather pass it being included? E-mail us at [email protected]
We are always keeping an 'ear to the ground' for people news - if we've missed it, we must not have heard it. Drop the office a note, or send us an email so we can share the news!
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April Birthdays
4-01 Lisa Burke
4-02 Charles McAnally
4-03 Staci Lee Capozio
Robert Drager
4-04 Barbara Johnson
4-05 Virginia V. Muckley
John Gorbe
Stan Mascibroda
4-06 Charlotte Evans
JoAnne E. Tempest
Katelyn Canamucio
4-08 Ed Ramberg
4-09 John Chaudrue
Grace Ramberg
4-10 Linda Asher
Anne Drager
Sandra McGill
Cary Rush
4-11 Kathryn Hayes
4-12 Jason Capozio
4-13 James Radcliffe
4-19 Donald Minniak
Emily Simon
4-20 Joanne Davis
4-21 Jaime Boyce
4-22 Bonnie Lee O'Neal
4-23 Susan Turner
4-26 Susan Pytlewski
4-27 Janice Kammerer
4-28 Shawn Jennings |
April Anniversaries
4-11 Fr. Brad & Ruth Hauff
4-28 Tracey & Ashley Thomas
4-29 Isobel & John Bulmers
This Month's Answer to
Who Am I?
Camryn Ryan
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This Month's Events
Wed 4/1 7:30 PM
Thu 4/2 7:30 PM
Thu 4/2 9:00 PM
Fri 4/3 12:00 AM
Fri 4/3 8:00 AM
Fri 4/3 12:00 PM
Sat 4/4 5:30 PM
Sun 4/5 12:00 AM
Wed 4/15 4:00 PM
Sun 4/19 11:30 AM
Tue 05/21 All Day
Sun 4/26 11:30 AM
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Tenebrae Service
Maundy Thursday Service & Foot Washing
Maundy Thursday Watch begins in the Chapel
Maundy Thursday Watch in the Chapel
Morning Prayer in the Chapel
Good Friday Liturgy
The Great Vigil of Easter with Baptisms
EASTER SUNDAY!
School Board Meeting
Executive Committee Meeting
Uno's Fundraiser
Vestry Meeting
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Next Month's Events
Thu 05/07 12:00 PM
Sat 05/09 9:00 AM Sun 5/10 12:00 AM
Wed 05/13 11:30 AM
Sat 5/16 12:00 AM
Wed 5/20 4:00 PM |
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Young at Heart
Corporate Communion Breakfast ECW Pot Pie Sale Ends
Episcopal Church Women
ECW Pot Pie Pickup
School Board Meeting |
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We welcome children of all ages to remain with us in service. Read the Top Ten Reasons Children are Welcome at Our Church! If parents are looking for a quieter space for their babies, visit our nursery room for some intimate one-on-one time. Our Sunday School program takes place at the conclusion of our 10:00AM worship service. Children and youth 3+ yrs join us during service until receiving the Eucharist. At that time, children continue to their classrooms, and parents are welcome to pick up their children at the 12:00PM conclusion. The All Saints' Youth Group (Grades 6-12) meet bi-weekly at 11:30AM after service. Our Adult Christian Education begins shortly after our 10:00AM worship service and continues into our Christian Education hour which ends at 12:00PM.
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