EPISCOPAL CHURCH O F THE HOLY NATIVITY

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1 EPISCOPAL CHURCH O F THE HOLY NATIVITY APRIL 2019 NEWSLETTER IN THIS ISSUE: Monthly Message from Father Michael Holy Week Schedule...2 March Vestry Highlights...3 Treasurer s Report...4 Birthdays & Anniversaries...4 Ladies Knitting Retreat...5 Caring Closet...5 Bridal Shower...6 Ladies Time Out...7 Prepared for a Flood...8 April Calendar...9 Fr. Michael Case Office Hours: Thurs., 04/11/19...5:30-8:00PM Thurs., 04/25/19...5:30-8:00PM Please call the church office at (208) or Father Michael at (208) to make an appointment The Episcopal Church of the 828 W. Cherry Lane Meridian, Idaho (208) SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:30 AM Monthly Message from The Rev. Michael Case, Priest-in-Charge Dear People of, At we walk the Stations of the Cross each Lent prior to the Good Friday service. This tradition started long before my arrival, and even though it is not a large service it is very important to those who attend. Since my arrival there has been talk of acquiring a set of stations more fitting to our architectural setting. Last year we purchased a set of 14 icons which Mary Buchanan beautifully framed. The last Thursday in March, I hung these icons in our sanctuary while the choir rehearsed. They fit into our sanctuary perfectly. This process made me think about the many journeys we experience in our lives. It took these icons over a year to make it to the walls of our sanctuary. They represent a journey traveled by our Savior. We remember that journey by walking the stations each year on Good Friday a journey in and of itself in which we open ourselves to the Spirit as we contemplate each scene depicted. The journeys that we travel are not always singular in nature, that is to say we are usually on multiple journeys at once. And like the Stations of the Cross, some journeys we travel more than once. Some journeys have more significance for us than others. Some we barely recognize as a journey, and some we would just as soon forget. But truly, from each we can learn something maybe something of little significance, or maybe something of great worth. How often, I wonder, do we recognize the journey that the other is on? Do we sit on the sidelines and watch our brothers and sisters on their journeys without uttering a word? Do we weep when they struggle and fall? Do we mock and jeer? Or do we bend down, pick up their cross and help them on their way? Very soon our season of Lent will be complete. We will enter the joyful season of Easter and once again gleefully shout the A word forbidden in Lent. But until then, there is still time to continue our path of self-reflection. Which journeys in our lives hold value, and which simply mark time? Over these past few weeks, I have been meeting with a dear sister in her 90 s who is preparing for the end of this earthly journey. Doctors tell her it is a matter of a few months, but we all know the count of our days is not known to man. Our meetings have been wondrous occasions for me as we speak about her life, how she would like to be remembered, the type of service she would like to have, but Continued on page 2

2 APRIL 2019 Page 2 Rev. Michael Case Message Continued more importantly how the end of one journey is simply the beginning of the next. This dear sister s faith is strong. She sees God s presence in her life daily and, looking back, can see where God has been present with her throughout her life good times as well as bad. She is ready ready to enter God s loving embrace as she embarks on a journey anew. Wherever you are on your journey whichever journey you are on it is my prayer that you will always feel and see God s presence in your life. May that presence guide you through any darkness, comfort you through any sorrow, and strengthen you for any rough patch you may encounter, that when this journey comes to an end you may rest in the assurance that the next begins in the arms of one who loves you completely and without question. Your servant in Christ always, Michael + Sunday, April 14 9:30am...Palm Sunday Wednesday, April 17...Tenebrae Thursday, April 18 6:00pm... Seder Supper...Maundy Thursday Friday, April 19 6:00pm... Stations of the Cross...Good Friday Eucharist Saturday, April 20...The Great Vigil of Easter Sunday, April 21 9:30am...Easter Eucharist Episcopal Church of the 828 W. Cherry Lane Meridian, ID (208) Michael Case, Priest In Charge

3 APRIL 2019 Page 3 MARCH VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS The meeting opened at 6:35 PM with Vance W.egner reading the Prayer for Vestries. We welcomed Vance Wegner to the Vestry. He will be assisting Christy Fendley with Education. Minutes: Cindy Wolfenbarger The corrected minutes were approved by the Vestry members via on Feb.24, Treasurer s Report: Mike Magette Mike handed out the financial reports and went over them with us. The kitchen cupboards were painted and paid. We are still doing very well. VESTRY REPORTS Fellowship: Mary Buchanan The painting of the kitchen cabinets has been completed. Mike installed blinds on two of the windows in the large classroom. Mary ordered frames for the 14 stations of the cross. They will be available for Good Friday on April 19. They may or may not be hung by then. Locking Mailbox: Garry installed the locking mailbox. We are still discovering bills that appear to have been stolen. This was reported to the police. Office: Cindy Wolfenbarger Cindy had some questions about dates of events in April. We will not have Worship Committee meeting, or a Vestry Meeting in April. Pastoral Care meeting will be postponed. Recycling Bin: Jo Ann Myers JoAnn called Republic Recycling to request a larger recycling bin. She found out they had the wrong address and phone number for our property but she fixed it. Outreach: Carl Pierce The Outreach committee met and set some goals and ideas. 1. Signage: use yard signs, or banners to advertise the church. Consider new messages for the Reader Board. 2. BOG meals: Say a blessing at the beginning of Be Our Guest Meals? This was discussed.. 3. Mentoring/Tutoring: Contact Meridian Middle School/ Elem school to see if we could do tutoring or mentoring? 4. Red Doors: Paint the front door of the church red? 5. Car Decals: Use Episcopal car decals.fr. Michael has some he will contribute. ACTION ITEMS 1. Kitchen: Fr. Michael suggested that a committee be formed to meet with those who work in the kitchen, to talk about what changes need to me made to the kitchen. This will then be submitted to the Vestry. Carl Pierce will head up the committee and Mary Bcuahan, Mike Magette and either Phil Street or Clay should be included. 2. Vestry Meeting in April there will not be a Vestry meeting in April. 3. Changing the Sunday Service time: Fr. Michael will announce in church that there will be an survey sent out for people to select whether they prefer 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, or don t care. The meeting ended at 7:50PM with all praying the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Wolfenbarger, Vestry Clerk

4 APRIL 2019 Page 4 MARCH 2019 TREASURER S REPORT Cash Balance $55, Accounts Payable / Bills $ Balance After Payment 54, April Birthdays FUND BALANCES Operating Reserve $9, Be Our Guest $2, Caring Closet Fund $2, Children s Ministry $ Cents A Meal $ Building Fund $17, Memorial Fund $1, Paradise Point $4, Youth Mission $1, Kitchen Improvements $6, Total 46, MONTHLY RECURRING EXPENSES New Commercial Loan $2, Priest $1, Total $3, Jennifer Erickson...4/1 Kelly Litvinoff... 4/2 Harrison Galbreaith... 4/4 Christian Hungate...4/9 Patricia Clarke-Kempf...4/11 Ryan Richards...4/11 Margaret Bremer...4/12 Stephanie Wheeler...4/12 Jon Anson...4/17 Rev. Larry Harrelson...4/17 Clayton Lisle...4/19 Bob Burnz...4/24 Munro Dearing...4/24 Andre Munayirji...4/24 Karen Ryker...4/26 Lisa Street...4/26 Tim Domka...4/28 Jonathan Mullin...4/28 Dennis Wolfenbarger...4/28 APRIL ANNIVERSARIES T E N E B R A E April 17 Don t miss this special service. Richard and Lorraine Bowring...4/30 Jerry and Donna Lofton...4/30

5 APRIL 2019 Page 5 KNITTING RETREAT March 8-10, 13 ladies from attended a Knitting retreat at the Monastery of the Ascension near Jerome, ID. The monks do the cooking for us and we just hang out and enjoy each other! We share projects we have done, learn new techniques, share patterns, and knit or crochet all weekend. We have yoga sessions, go for walks, attend services (or not) and just have a nice relaxing weekend! We are already signed up for the retreat Nov. 8-10, but if anyone new is interested, let Cindy Wolfenbarger know CARING CLOSET MINISTRY In case you are new to our family or simply do not know about our Caring Closet, let me tell you a little about this ministry. The first and second Wednesday of the month in conjunction with Be Our Guest, we open the doors to a closet (room) full of clothing and personal hygiene products. These items are given away to anyone who wants them. Our clothing inventory comes from our family's kind donations. We are accepting donations of gently used clothing that you no longer want and any unopened personal hygiene items like you get at hotels, etc. Please bring any items for donation to the parish hall by the Caring Closet door. Any questions, please call: Barbara Samperisi or Judy Pierce

6 APRIL 2019 Page 6 Bridal Shower for Peggy Sewell A bridal shower was given for Peggy Sewell who will be married in our sanctuary on April 13, At her request, the shower gifts were actually designated to be items given to the Women s Shelter. We wish Peggy a lifetime of love, happiness and blessings too numerous to count. Bridal Shower for Peggy Sewell

7 APRIL 2019 Page 7 LADIES TIME OUT AT IDAHO HOT SPRINGS A group of our lovely ladies enjoyed a relaxing get-away to the hot springs at Idaho City. This outing, organzied by Sue Pahlas, was obviously a wonderful time of fellowship and oodles of fun!

8 APRIL 2019 Page 8 Are You Prepared For A Flood? Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. You will likely hear weather forecasters use these terms when floods are predicted in your community: Flood/Flash Flood Watch Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. Flood/Flash Flood Warning Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. You ll be better prepared to withstand a flood if you have the following items available packed and ready to go in case you need to evacuate your home. Water 3-Day Supply of Food Flashlight Battery-powered or hand-crank radio Extra batteries First Aid kit 7-Day Supply of Medications Multi-purpose tools Sanitation and personal hygiene items Copies of important personal documents Cell phone with chargers Family and emergency contact information Extra cash Emergency blanket Map(s) of the area Baby supplies Pet supplies Extra set of car keys and house keys Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes Rain gear Insect repellent and sunscreen Camera for photos of damage Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS) Be prepared to evacuate at a moment s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there. Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger. Return home only when officials have declared the area safe. Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage. If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department. If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater. Materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous. Check with local authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk. During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots. Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out! Contact your local or state public health department to see if your water supply might be contaminated. You may need to boil or treat it before use. Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula!

9 APRIL 2019 Page 9 APRIL 2019 CALENDAR SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT Be Our Guest 4 Choir Practice 5 Walking In The Parish Hall 10:30 to 11:30am 6 7 9:30am Holy Eucharist 9:45am Sunday School LENTEN STUDY AT 11am Be Our Guest 11 Choir Practice 12 Walking In The Parish Hall 10:30 to 11:30am 13 Andy and Peggy Sewell Wedding 3:30pm (congregation is invited) :30am Holy Eucharist 9:45am Sunday School PALM SUNDAY Tenebrae Maunday Thursday Seder Supper 6pm Service - Walking In The Parish Hall 10:30 to 11:30am Stations of the Cross 6pm Good Friday Service The Great Easter Vigil 21 9:30am Holy Eucharist 9:45am Sunday School EASTER SUNDAY Easter Egg Hunt after Service 28 9:30am Holy Eucharist 9:45am Sunday School Knitting Circle at 11am May Deadline Choir Practice Join us for Seder Supper 26 Walking In The Parish Hall 10:30 to 11:30am Thursday, April 18 6pm 27 LEADERSHIP TEAM Bishop of Idaho: The Rt. Rev. Brian Thom Priest-in-Charge: The Rev. Michael Case Assisting Priest: The Rev. Alice Farquhar-Mayes Music Director: Ms. Heidi Roberts Senior Warden: Ms. JoAnn Myers Junior Warden: Mr. Garry Mattson Finance Chairman: Mr. Mike Magette Treasurer: Mrs. Donna Lofton Ministry Schedule: Mrs. Kelly Mattson Children s Sermons: Mr. Matt Wheeler Sunday School: Mrs. Diana Bush Youth Group: Mr. Matt Wheeler Altar Guild & Flowers: Ms. Clare Barrett Food Bank: Mr. Richard Jones Fellowship: Mrs. Mary Buchanan Women s Group: Ms. Sue Pahlas Worship Committee: The Rev. Michael Case Editor: Mrs. Mary Buchanan