No. 130

O God, whose glory it always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BCP p. 218.

LENT HAS BEGUN

          We had a great turn out for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Many thanks to those who helped make it possible. That supper is a long tradition here at St. John’s and it helps us maintain a sense of fellowship and family.

          On Sunday, Feb. 3rd. at 4:00 p.m. we had an organ concert by Stephen Tharp, internationally renowned performance organist. It was a thoughtful and reflective experience which manifested the brilliance of both the organist and our incredible organ.

          Ash Wednesday services were well attended and quite meaningful. Fr. Wheeler preached at both the 12:10 service and the 7:00 p.m. service. Our choir sang at the evening service. On Thursday The Stamford Advocate ran a front page picture of Fr. Gage placing ashes on the forehead of a parishioner. Many workers in the offices around Canterbury Green came out for the Ash Wednesday services.

          The Rector’s Sermon Workshop has begun. It meets on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. The first meeting was on Feb. 4th. and had an attendance of twelve. Sign-up sheets for future workshops are in the dining room. Persons are asked to commit to six weeks or so at a time. Then there will be a new series of workshops. If you have any questions, please speak to Fr. Wheeler.

          Ten Prayers God always says “Yes” To by Anthony di Stefano is the study guide for the Men’s Lenten Breakfast Series. The men of St. John’s meet every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. during Lent for breakfast, conversation and study.

          The Wednesday Night Lenten Potluck Series started on February 13th. Fr. Wheeler spoke about praying with icons. It was an insightful evening. Please mark your calendar for February 27th when Fr. Gage will reflect on his last eighteen years at St. John’s. “The best years of my life.”

          On March 28th, Friday, there will be a retirement party for Fr. Gage. Please contact the parish office for further details.

          Home Gatherings continue. Please check the sign up sheets in the dining room for one nearest you. If you have any questions, call Sandie at 348-2619 x 10.

          Christian Yoga Classes will be held on Wednesdays February 27-April 9 from 6-7 in St. John’s gym. Cost is $65. Kathleen Gallagher, a certified instructor, will lead them. Contact Linda Clapp for further information at 348-2619 x15.

STEWARDSHIP CHALLENGES

Our St. John’s Rising Capital Building Fund Campaign has been successful. As of February 14th (Valentine’s Day) we have received 98 pledges for a total of $1,513,610. That is “lovely.”
          The 2008 Annual Giving Pledge Drive to date has received 108 pledge cards for a total of $183,061.00. We are about forty pledges behind last year and about fifty thousand short of last year. If you donate regularly but have not filled out a pledge card, please do so. If you have not made a pledge and donate sporadically, please make a mature commitment and fill out a pledge card. This is the income that helps take care of our operating expenses.

Recently we have received notices from probate courts that Ronald Wippern, Irene Stillings and Betty Conwell named St. John’s in their wills. Prior to that we received a bequest from Mildred Poole. These bequests are modest but important. Endowments and bequests are essential to the financial stability and life of a parish. Please remember St. John’s in your will. Packets of information are available from the parish office. Thank you.