Saints Alive!

The Auction is Coming!

On May 13, 2006, the All Saints Auction will take place and we need to begin planning! Please come to auction planning meetings Sunday, December 4 and January 8 at 12 noon. For information on how you can help, please contact Susannah or Andrew Wardly at 617-848-8948, andrew@wardly.com.

From the Rector

MANY THANKS

Our Solemn Festal Holy Eucharist celebrating the 111th founding of our parish on November 6th was a beautiful and moving event. Many thanks for the extraordinary music of our Choir and Schola, the beautiful decoration of our church by the Flower Committee and Altar Guild, the reverent ritual of our clergy and lay ministers on the altar, ushers, greeters, and all who prepared the worship. Thank you to Barbara and Brad MacDonald and all who helped with the gala reception following the service. Thanks to Laura Vennard, Peter Stringham, and Tom Nutt-Powell, co-chairs, for their outstanding leadership and to all the generous donors to Surround the Spirit. And thank you to all who prepared and participated in our 111th anniversary observance.

2006 STEWARDSHIP

Many thanks to all who made a covenant commitment to All Saints for 2006. The response so far has been 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.

ADVENT

The beginning of a new liturgical year on the first Sunday of Advent is an invitation to change. We are called to become the unique persons God created us to be and to participate in God's mission in the World. What is God's mission? It involves treating all of God's creatures with love and respect and creating the conditions for all to live in freedom, dignity, and peace. It means living in harmony with God and God's creation. The season of Advent beckons us as individuals, families, and a parish to "welcome the Christ" into our lives and hearts. Please join in prayer at home and at church to make room for the Christ and to pray and work for peace in the world.

SPIRITUALITY AND JUSTICE AWARD

All Saints Parish annually presents the Spirituality and Justice Award to persons whose notable commitment to justice for all of God's 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 insert for nominating information.

CONGRATULATIONS , JOHN AND MICHAEL

The Rev. J. John Keggi, who served as Interim Rector at All Saints prior to my arrival in 1992, rejoined us last January as Priest Associate after his retirement as Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Augusta, Maine. In addition to helping us, John will be installed as pastor of Jamaica Plain Trinity Latvian Evangelical Church, 100 Rockview Street, in Jamaica Plain on Sunday, December 4, at 11:00 am. All are invited to the installation and to the reception following the service.

John Michael Bell, who served as a field education student at All Saints in 2002-2003, will be ordained a priest on Saturday, December 17, at Calvary Episcopal Church, 330 North State Street, Hillman, Michigan 49746. Congratulations, John and Mike. May God bless you and your ministry to God's people.

SAINTS ALIVE!

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