From the Rector
VIA MEDIA
On Wednesday, January 25, we will begin an exciting new adult education program called Via Media. The program is open to anyone who has ever been curious or interested in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition. Via Media will run for eight Wednesdays and use a combination of learning styles such as video, written materials, small group discussion, and large group forum. The videos feature Episcopalians of different backgrounds, including Bishop Steven Charleston, who discuss the special ethos and spirit of our Church. I have seen a preview of the videos and found that they are great discussion starters. We will begin our sessions at 6:30 pm with a simple supper and conclude by 8:45 pm. Leslie Sterling, Stefani Schatz, Chris Wendell and others are helping with this exciting program. We also looking for someone who might volunteer to coordinate the suppers. If you ever wanted to know more about the Episcopal way of being Christian, please join us -- and please tell your friends! Please let Mary Downes know that you plan attend by calling 617-738-1810, ext. 10 or office@allsaintsbrookline.org.
PARISH COMMUNICATIONS
Parishioners have suggested that Saints Alive! contain more stories and articles about members of the parish. We have heard you -- and this newsletter will feature more stories by and about parishioners in coming issues. I have asked Jean Knox to serve as Chair of an Editorial Committee that will solicit and coordinate this feature. Please send Jean at Jean_Knox@hmco.com your ideas and stories. Many thanks to Jean for taking on this role and to Kari Hannibal, Assistant Editor, who puts the issue together, Mary Downes, who oversees distribution, and June Santosa, who makes the newsletter accessible on our website. We are all looking forward to this enhancement of our fine newsletter.
MINISTRY DISCERNMENT DAY
The annual Ministry Discernment Conference offered by the bishops and the Commission on Ministry will be held on Saturday, February 4, 8:45 am - 2:45 pm at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont Street in Boston. (The snow date is Feb. 25.) The day is intended to give potential applicants to the ordination process an opportunity to clarify their sense of call, to discern whether it is ordained or committed lay ministry and to clarify the ordination process and its purposes. Persons considering ordained ministry are required to attend this conference along with at least one member of their discernment committee. It is strongly encouraged that inquirers bring their partners, spouses or close friends. Registration by Monday, January 30, is necessary and can be made online at: www.diomass.org/discernment or by calling Judith Lidberg, Staff Officer for Ordained Vocations at 617-482-4826, ext 494; jlidberg@diomass.org Those interested in attending from All Saints should speak first with me.
2006 STEWARDSHIP
Many thanks to all who made a covenant to All Saints for 2006. The response so far is encouraging. We invite everyone who is nourished by this community to be a partner in the ministries and services of All Saints Parish by making your commitment now. If you need a stewardship brochure and pledge card, please call the parish office at 617-738-1810 extension 10.
SPIRITUALITY AND JUSTICE AWARD
All Saints Parish annual presents the Spirituality and Justice Award to individuals whose notable commitment to justice for all Godís people is grounded in a deep spiritual life. Previous recipients were:
1998 Bishop Barbara C. Harris;
1999 Bishop Simon E. Chiwanga;
2000 Bishop M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE;
2001 Bishop Steven Charleston;
2002 Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu;
2003 Dr. Yang Jianli and Christina Fu;
2004 The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas;
2005 Bishop V. Gene Robinson.
As we honor these distinguished individuals we draw strength from their example. They inspire us to renew our commitment to justice as an essential expression of our spirituality and faith. A $500 gift is given to the organization designated by the recipient. Please see the nominating form found on the information tables at church or contact Mary Downes at office@allsaintsbrooline.org to submit your nomination. The deadline is February 1st.
PULPIT EXCHANGE
The Rectors of Brookline will exchange pulpits on January 15. George Chapman of St. Paul's Church will be preaching at All Saints; Ed Kienzle, the new Interim Rector at Church of Our Saviour, will be preaching at St. Paul's Church; and I will be preaching at Church of our Saviour. This annual exchange is intended to bring our three parishes closer together. 
|
