Here is an UPDATE of what made news in the past week or will be making news in the coming weeks:
1. COME TO THE GARDEN PARTY:
YES, the "garden/parish work day party is STILL ON for Saturday, August 7. YES, you are still invited to the party. We will begin with Morning Prayer at 8:45am and Mass at 9am. As our new parish sign reminds us, "Ora et labora" translated "Prayer and work/service". Following Mass, we will all grab our donuts, muffins, coffee and tea and head straight into "work/service" tidying up our Meditation Garden, cleaning around the church premises and getting it all ready for our Patronal Festival. There will be work/service opportunities for everyone. Let us "pray and work" so we can better build God's reign and our parish community.
2. THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 7:
(a) Serving:
EMs: Sandra Dyson [1], Peter Braganca [2]; Thurifer: Simone; Lector: Sam Hitz; Prayers of the Faithful: Angela; Obation-bearers: Malicia & Sara Sue; Usher: Dr. Neboh; Coffee: Volunteer.
(b) VESTRY MEETING:
The Vestry will meet in regular session following Mass in the VICAR'S OFFICE. We will start at 11:15am.
(c) Why/What is a Patronal Feast?
Many have asked these questions over the last few weeks. We will address these questions at Mass in hopes that it would prepare us for the festival.
3. MONDAY, AUGUST 8:
The carpets in the working sacristy - from the top of the stairs leading into the attic all the way to the landing - will be put in on Monday beginning around 10am. We are deeply grateful to our "re-carpetting project" team for their hard-work in pooling resources together for this project. May God richly replenish the resources you spent on this project. You are indeed building up treasures for yourself in heaven and in God's kingdom.
4. PATRONAL FESTIVAL [SUNDAY, AUGUST 15]
Serving:
EMs: Peter Marinkovich [1], Kozetta Garnett [2]; Thurifer: Anthony Yarzue; Lector: Larry Osakwe Sr; Prayers of the Faithful: Debra Mckinney; Usher: Obed; Coffee: Festive potluck brunch.
By popular request, the Jacob Daley's band [same band that played at our patronal feast in 2009] will be playing again during the brunch. Bring your appetite, good humor and dancing shoes!
The Vestry will announce the 2010 recipients of the Theotokos and Magnificat Awards during the brunch. Thanks to all for your nominations; we had an extraordinary list to consider. Build up for yourself treasure in heaven.
5. CONGRATULATIONS:
To Stephanie Walker and Michael as they married on Saturday, August 7 in Texas. Stephanie received your kind and generous gift [cards and money] last Tuesday, before she left for Texas. She was really touched by the kind gesture and asked me to express her thanks to all of you.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
6. Sunday, September 5
Morning Prayer will be prayed at 9:45am to be immediately followed with Mass. This will be a regular feature on all Sundays. Plan on arriving early to join in this worship service or join in quietly if you arrive after 9:45am and Morning Prayer is being prayed. The church encourages everyone to pray daily at least Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. We endorse this spiritual discipline.
7. ORDINATION SILVER JUBILEE MASS: SUNDAY, SEPT. 12
Please, plan on joining our parish on this Sunday, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fr. Vincent Shamo's ordination to the priesthood. Any anniversary is worth celebrating, especially an Ordination Silver Jubilee. Festive food will be potluck so it can truly be our parish's event.
Pray for your priest, his family, his ministry among us and indeed for all bishops, priests, deacons and all who are discerning vocations to various ministries in God's kingdom.
COME TO THE BANQUET OF THE LORD.
"Ora et Labora"
