A Message from Rev. Bailey

We are still in Epiphany for most of this month. Richard DeCusati's picture of the mysterious light on our bulletins assures us we have been surrounded by God's light through the depths of winter. The season of light followed our use of the Sun-Son-Savior Stewardship symbol. The

image of light and new life has coincided with a time of changes in the parish: my retirement plans, new additions to our Vestry, help from Helen Daley as the plans for new ordained leadership proceed. It is never too late to make a pledge for 2012. We need more help to carry us through the year.

Lent starts on Wednesday, February 22nd with Ash Wednesday. We will have two services that day. One at 12 Noon and one at 7PM. The last Sunday in February is the first Sunday in Lent. We will be using Rite One for our liturgy during Lent.

We will be using the image of the Phoenix, the bird we adopted several years ago, as our Lenten symbol of new life at All Saints. It will be on our bulletin and enrich the theme of our weekly discussions. Each week we will have a parishioner lead the discussion on “Here I Am, Send Me," and what it means to be called to serve.

But before that, the new Vestry will be having a meeting as well as a retreat day to get to know each other better and to set goals for this coming year. I will install them on a Sunday that is convenient to the majority of them. As they decide on their responsibilities you will see them in their new roles and I know that they will have your support.

Our Sundays will be quieter this month but full of wonderful Bible passages. Our organist, Marilynn Fuller, will be away for several Sundays as she heals from an operation on her hand. We will miss her but wish her well as she has been in pain for some time. We will be using Synthia and hope to find more people who can operate the machine during the service to keep each service as lively as possible.

We will continue to deepen our relationship with the Church of God. There are plans being developed for a joint meal between services. They are very welcoming if we want to join in a service and we have invited them to share with us. They have been lending Rev. Ron Holy Oil for anointing during his Thursday night worship. God works in mysterious ways to have His name honored and shared.

The four movies that were such a success may be shown again this spring. Watch for notices of them. They were very well received in the fall and winter. There is something very special about seeing the Bible come alive, acted out and full of song and energy.

Robin Miller will be taking a much deserved week’s vacation in February. Her hard work on a daily basis has helped us go forward in ways we can only imagine. She is a joy to work with.

Epiphany's color is green. Another symbol of new life. In the midst of the cold there is increasing sunlight. The green color reminds us of the warmth of spring to come. God breaks through any darkness and God's light guides our lives. Our faith enriches our life at All Saints and in the rest of our lives as well. Join us on our journey into the future that God has waiting for us.

Blessings, Bailey