From the Rector

HOUSE MEETINGS

During the first two weeks of March, the Vestry and the Stewardship and Outreach Committees will sponsor a series of meetings in the homes of members of the parish. These meetings are both an outgrowth of the discernment questionnaire administered by the Vestry last fall and a way to focus on themes appropriate for Lent. They will be followed by a presentation during the sermon time at the 10:30 service on March 13 and a lunch and further discussion after the service.

The meetings will center on the fifth promise we make whenever we repeat the baptismal covenant, which asks us to turn our attention to social, economic and political relationships in the world within but especially beyond the church's walls: "Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?" (BCP p. 305). We respond, "I will, with God's help." Clustered around the font, moreover, we also know that we do not speak alone: when we make the response together the corporate voice is strong and sure.

It is not often easy, however, to know just how to act out that promise from day to day, living as we do in a world where everything seems faster and more urgent and more uncertain than it did last week, all the needs more compelling, all the resources more inadequate including our own resources of time and energy. Lent, indeed, is a particularly appropriate time in which to conduct that inquiry and doing some of it in company with other members of All Saints Parish offers the possibility of recovering some of that corporate vigor we all feel when we seal a new Christian into our community.

The meetings will focus on our experience of justice, peace and dignity, and will include time for fellowship and prayer, a consideration of the Magnificat, Mary's hymn of joy for the coming of Christ into the world, and a chance to hear and tell stories about our various individual and communal efforts to carry out the promise. On Sunday, March 13, we will hear some of the Good News from each of the meetings and discuss these matters further, in the hope of discerning more clearly what God is calling us to do.

The schedule of house meetings and their hosts is found in the article section (click here). You will hear from the host to whose meeting you have been assigned, but if you cannot attend that meeting, please go to another - just call first. It is hoped that everyone will participate in this Lenten study.

THANK YOU TO...

- Joseph Carey, Charlie Rigg, Carol Pineiro, Laura Vennard, and Wendy Wheeler who have completed their service on the Vestry.
- Brad MacDonald, chair, and the Nominating Committee for the excellent candidates presented at the Annual Meeting.
- All who contributed to the 2004 Annual Report on the ministries and activities of the parish (copies are available on the information tables at the church).
- Liz Beattie, Roberta Schnoor, and all who helped prepare and serve the delicious luncheon at the Annual Meeting on February 6.
- David Evett and Dorothea Hass, co-chairs, and the Stewardship Committee for their leadership and to all who have made a pledge for 2005.
- Tom Nutt-Powell, Peter Stringham, and Laura Vennard, co-chairs of the Surround the Spirit, for their leadership and to all who have made a pledge and contributed to Surround the Spirit thus far.
- Barbara MacDonald, Coordinator, and all who host the Social Hour after the 10:30 am service.
- Susan Hagner, Jean Stringham, and the Art Committee for the fine artists' exhibits in the Guild Room.
- Stefani Schatz for leading the Women's Reading Circle and Peter Stringham for co-leading with me the Men's Group that meets on Saturday mornings.
- The Discernment Committees for Christian Brocato, Anne Gallagher, Christine Jugueta, David Pfarrer, and Tina Rathbone and the Reflection Committee for Jennifer Allred.
- The Property Committee and all who are helping with the ongoing care of our building.

UNEMPLOYED, UNDEREMPLOYED, AND PEOPLE IN TRANSITION

I meet on the second Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 am with those who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or in career transition. We gather for breakfast, check-in, networking and Bible Study. Those who attend find that this monthly meeting gives them support and strength during what can be a very lonely and difficult time. All are welcome to join us. For more information, contact me at rector@allsaintsbrookline.org

JOURNEYS

"How do I become an Episcopalian?" people sometimes ask. Our parish offers a two-stage process to become a member of the Episcopal Church. The first part is "Explorations in Faith," an eight-week course presenting the basics of the Christian faith, which provides information for an informed discussion regarding the Episcopal Church. Explorations is offered twice a year, in June-July and September-November. "Journeys in Faith" follows for those who have completed "Explorations" and who wish to affirm their Christian identity in the Episcopal Church. Sponsors who join them for the Wednesday evening classes and the Sunday Holy Eucharist accompany participants in Journeys. Journeys will culminate in the Easter Vigil Service on March 26 at 7:00 pm. Thank you to Leslie Sterling, Jennifer Allred, and Jon Eden who are co-leading Explorations and Journeys with me this year.

WELCOME, JOHN!

The Reverend J. John Keggi, Interim Pastor at All Saints prior to my arrival in January 1992, recently completed ten years of service as Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Augusta Maine. He has moved back to this area and is available to serve non-stipendiary as a Priest Associate in our parish. John was a surprise visitor at our Annual Meeting on February 6, delighting those who remember his devoted service in our parish from 1989-1992. John will be busy leading the worship at the Jamaica Plain Trinity Latvian Evangelical Church on most Sundays, but from time to time he will assist at our Wednesday and Sunday services as well as celebrate the Sunday service at the Boston Pre-Release Center. Welcome back, John! We are pleased that you will be part of our All Saints Parish community.

FROM ASHES TO EASTER

The Lenten season began with the solemn imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday on February 9 and will conclude with the Great Vigil service on Holy Saturday and the worship services on Easter Day. For forty days the Christian people undertake acts of prayer, introspection, bible study, spiritual reading, almsgiving, and service as we seek to follow more closely in the path of Christ. It is a holy season with many opportunities to turn from self-destructive behaviors to a renewed life in Christ. May you have a Lent that gives you freedom and joy as you grow in the spirit. Please join us for worship, prayer, and study throughout Lent, and especially for the worship services of Holy Week and Easter. May God renew and bless you in this holy season.

MEN'S GROUP

The Men's Group at All Saints meets Saturdays, 8:00-9:15 am. Led by David Killian and Peter Stringham, the group will discuss the book A Celestial Omnibus (available in the Guild Room). The group meets March 5 and 19, April 2 and 16. Bagels, juice, and coffee will be served. For information, contact David , rector@allsaintsbrookline.org or Peter at stringham@aol.com.

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

- Laura Vennard and Chuck McVinney, recipients of this year's Yule Candle awards for their devoted service to the parish at the Annual Meeting.
- David Evett, Senior Warden, Chuck McVinney, Junior Warden, Anne Guenzel, Treasurer, Tom McManus, Clerk; Vestry members Colin Johnstone, Kathleen Theisen, Sue LeClaire, and Andrew Wardly, and the delegates and others elected at the Annual Meeting February 6 and commissioned at the Holy Eucharist on February 13.