OUR LADY OF HOPE and ST. BRIGID SCHOOL

Transcription

1 OUR LADY OF HOPE and ST. BRIGID SCHOOL A Jesuit Ministry August 4 / 5, 2018 Pastoral Staff Rev. Paul Sullivan, S.J.- Pastor Rev. John d Anjou, S.J.- Parochial Vicar Rev. Vincent Curtin, S.J. Senior Priest Rev. Mr. John McAuliffe, Deacon Lori Arsenault Tom Luna Mary Cafazzo Linda McCormack Melodye Deberadinis Jean Ingalls Andrew Litcher Christopher Landry Parish Musicians Nancy Curran Joan Dube Office Staff Parish Business Administrator Parish Administrative Assistant School Bookkeeper Office Assistant IT and Maintenance Maintenance Upcoming Events Monday - August 6 - Parish Office Closed Tuesday - August 14 - Vigil Mass - Assumption of Mary 5:30 PM St. Pius X Church 7:00 PM St. Joseph Church Wednesday - Assumption of Mary 9:00 AM St. Pius X Church Additional Weekly Masses with our Jesuit Community: Monastery - 7AM Monday thru Friday 8AM Saturday St. Brigid School - 8AM - Monday (No Mass During Summer) Cheverus -7:15AM Monday thru Friday (No Mass During Summer) Finance Council Bill Green, Jon Melanson, Charlie Noyes, Barbara Willey Pastoral Council Kristen Connelly, Bill Slavick, Mary Ellen White, David Reese, Sue & John Mullen, Elizabeth Tarasevich Michael Luna, Andy Litcher pastoral.council@ladyofhopemaine.org Sacrament of Baptism Please call the Pastoral Office at to register for pre-baptism class. Sacrament of Marriage Couples should contact the Pastoral Office at least six months in advance. Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday - St. Joseph Church 2:30 to 3:00 PM Faith Formation ourlady.religioused@gmail.com Saturday - St. Pius X Church 3:30 to 4:00 PM Sandra Litcher-Director of Religious Education Saturday - St. Peter Church 2:30 to 3:30 PM -Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Coordinator Or By Appointment Pastoral Office, 673 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME Linda.McCormack@portlanddiocese.org Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM The office is closed on Fridays except by appointment (including phone calls). Phone messages left at any time are returned as soon as possible on the next regular work day. Readings for the Week of August 5, 2018 Sunday: Ex 16:2-4, 12-15/Ps 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54 [24b]/Eph 4:17, 20-24/Jn 6:24-35 Monday: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 [1a, 9a]/2 Pt 1:16-19/ Mk 9:2-10 Tuesday: Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22/Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and [17]/Mt 14:22-36 or 15:1-2, Wednesday: Jer 31:1-7/Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13 [cf. 10d]/Mt 15:21-28 Thursday: Jer 31:31-34/Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, [12a]/Mt 16:13-23 Friday: 2 Cor 9:6-10/Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9 [5]/Jn 12:24-26 Saturday: Hb 1:12-2:4/Ps 9:8-9, 10-11, [11b]/Mt 17:14-20 Next Sunday: 1 Kgs 19:4-8/Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [9a]/Eph 4:30-- 5:2/Jn 6:41-51 Observances for the Week of August 5, 2018 Sunday: 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday: The Transfiguration of the Lord Tuesday: St. Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs; St. Cajetan, Priest Wednesday: St. Dominic, Priest Thursday: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin & Martyr Friday: St. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr Saturday: St. Clare, Virgin Next Sunday: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Parish Office Closed Parish Office will be closed Monday August 6 for Staff Development.

2 II SATURDAY: August 4, th Sunday in Ordinary Time 4:00 PM St. Joseph Alphonse & Frances Pizzo by Mary & Jim (Fr. Jack) 4:30 PM St. Pius X Dorothy Egan, Frank Egan, & William E. Nugent, Jr. by Courtney Willey & Family (Fr. Paul) SUNDAY: August 5, th Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:00 AM St. Pius X For the People of the Parish (Fr. Paul) 8:00 AM St. Joseph Memorial for Villacci, Lorello, DeSarno & Valente by The Family (Fr. Bob L) 9:00 AM St. Pius X Mitchell Klapper by Michael & Liz Walsh (Fr. Jack) 10:00 AM St. Joseph Joseph Perreault, Jr. by The Family (Fr. Bob L) 5:00 PM St. Joseph Doris Ledue by Joy (Fr. Paul) MONDAY August 6, :00 AM - St. Joseph (No School Mass) 9:00 AM St. Pius X Mary A. Kelley by Bridget & Jack Moran TUESDAY: August 7, :00 AM St. Pius X Deceased Members of Rosanne & Julie Dostie Family, Rosanne, Julie, Mack Dostie* by Family WEDNESDAY: August 8, :00 AM - St. Pius X Charles Mulkern by his sister Lillian THURSDAY: August 9, :00 AM St. Pius X Kelly McGeouth by Judy Stanhope FRIDAY: August 10, :00 AM St. Pius X Josephine P. Marr by Bridget & Jack Moran SATURDAY: August 11, th Sunday in Ordinary Time 4:00 PM St. Joseph Helen Shea by her friends (Fr. Paul) 4:30 PM St. Pius X Fred Leblond & all Deceased members of the Leblond Family (Fr. Jack) SUNDAY: August 12, th Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:00 AM St. Pius X Andrew Music by Ken & Mary (Fr. Jack) 8:00 AM St. Joseph For the People of the Parish (Fr. Vince) 9:00 AM St. Pius X Mitchell Klapper by Michael & Liz Walsh (Fr. Jack) 10:00 AM St. Joseph Doris Ledue by Lou & Eleanor Hannigan (Fr. Vince) 5:00 PM St. Joseph Doris Ledue by Edwin Gallant (Fr. Vince) The Sanctuary Candle burns this week at: St. Joseph Church St. Pius X Church Jack Lacourse 08/05 to 08/11 Daily Prayer This Week This week we can ask, in the variety of ways and situations each day that our eyes might be opened to see Jesus as he really is - glorified, with the Father, and ready to renew our faith and trust in him. As we begin our day, and at brief times throughout our day, we can pull our consciousness together by letting the themes of this week's reading guide us. One day, we might ask to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we go through a day full of strong wind and waves. We can ask again and again, as things get tougher and more challenging. Another day, we might focus on what comes out of our mouths. Is there cynicism, judgments, distortions of the truth, divisive and selfserving manipulation, yelling and hurtful put-downs? Do I practice using my voice to give praise to God by affirming others, forgiving them, by telling the truth, by defending the poor and the voiceless, by giving God thanks? Another day, I might be conscious of those I regard as dogs, those I disdain or think of as the enemy. I might ask for the grace to open my heart to whatever faith in God they have, however different from mine. I might ask for a sense of solidarity with them, not because it is my desire or inclination, but because it is God's desire for me. How can I heal and reconcile, at least in my heart, what needs healing: racism, sexism, anti-semitism, negative stereotypes towards Muslims and those I see as foreigners. How can I be relieved of my hostility against the poor or being judgmental about sinners. Later in the week, we can get in touch with the call of Jesus to deny ourselves. This is not self-denial for its own sake. This is the dying to self that comes from loving in the self-sacrificing way that Jesus did. Who in my family, friends, relative, co-workers and members of my parish or congregation needs my self-denying love? How have I focused on gaining the world and lost some of my true self in the process? Is there some way this week that I can taste discovering my true self in giving some time, some compassion, some love, some special care to someone who needs this from me? And throughout the week, perhaps at a special time of powerlessness or some time when I feel that I don't have the energy or gifts to do the more, to move a mountain, I can ask for faith the size of a mustard seed. And, each night I can give thanks to God for being generous to me all week, for this simple focus on our relationship every day. Holyday Assumption of Mary Next Wednesday, Aug 15 th is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. It is a holyday of obligation. Making an effort to attend Mass for this feast is a good way to take a bit of summer time to give God thanks for the blessings of this season. Since it celebrates Mary s eternal life, it offers us a chance to reflect on our hopes, maybe questions, about what comes next. Masses will follow the usual holyday schedule. Tuesday Aug 14 5:30 PM Mass (St. Pius X) and 7 PM (St. Joseph), Wed Aug 15 9 AM Mass (St. Pius X).

3 Weekly Offertory Report Your Gifts of Stewardship for the Weekend of July 21 / July 22, 2018 Our Lady of Hope Parish 1st Collection was $ envelopes were used Weshare: (1st Collection) $ 1, Weshare Transactions 76 TOTAL Parish Offertory was $ 10, (In order to meet our budget for this year, our First collection needs to average $13, per week. Thank you for your generosity God Bless Finance and Administration July Payment - Paving Project Date: beginning bal. payment principal/ 7/25/18 $108, $1, $733.45/ interest ending bal. $ $107, The total cost for the parking lot paving project came to $120, The contractor has been paid in full. We pulled from our savings to cover $12, difference. To date we have raised $40, towards our paving loan. If you plan to support the parish with a one time donation or a regular continuing donation towards the paving fund please be sure to mark your envelope or check memo area with "parking lot". Thank you for your generosity! III Catholic Appeal June Parish Poor Box Collection $ St. Vincent depaul Poor Box for July is Project Feed If you haven t responded to this year s Catholic Appeal with a gift or pledge, please give serious thought to this important request. Every gift is important. As of a recent update OLH is holding steady at 68% of our parish goal. Two years ago we exceeded our goal. Much rides on the success of the Appeal and your support of this parish too. One important stat is that so far about 10% of registered members of the parish have made a gift or pledge. Can we edge that up a few points? Thanks for your reflection and prayer on this point. Support your local food pantry! THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF RECIPES OUT THERE! DO YOU HAVE THE WINNING ONE? Catholic Charities Maine Parish Social Ministry is sponsoring The St. Hildegard Food Pantry Recipe Challenge this summer. Enter any recipe for any type of dish, the requirement is all the ingredients have to be what is available at a local food pantry. Recipes will be judged on nutritional value and ease of cooking. You may enter as many recipes as you like. The winners will receive a cash donation to your parish to support the food pantry, soup kitchen or other food-based ministry connected to the parish. The deadline is August 31 st. Winning recipes will be announced on September 17 th. (The Feast Day of St. Hildegard.) recipes to: psm@ccmaine.org Please put Recipe Contest in the subject line. Or you can mail recipes to: Recipe Contest, Catholic Charites Maine, P.O. Box 10660, Portland, Maine FMI contact Susan at Parish Office Closed Parish Office will be closed Monday August 6 for Staff Development. Good News We recently received a report that Our Lady of Hope parishioners joined a list parishes in the diocese that contributed over $1000 to the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl project this past Lent. Thanks for your generosity in this project which helps feed hungry people around the world and right here in Portland. May you be blessed for your generosity. Fr. Paul SJ Upcoming 2nd Collections 08-04/ Holy Father - Peter s Pence 08-11/ Catholic School Support 08-18/ Grounds Care 08-25/ Maintenance Fund 09-01/ Matthew 25 Fund If you have any questions regarding your envelopes, please contact Linda at Thank you for your continued support and generous donations. Liturgy of the Word : Interest has been expressed from some parishioners in having Liturgy of the Word for children during the Mass. Liturgy of the Word is a program for children to hear the Word of God on their level. They leave Mass with their catechist before the readings to hear the Word of God and return in time for the Nicene Creed. Liturgy of the Word does not replace Faith Formation, it helps the children to better understand the Word of God In order for this program to take place we need your help. We would need several sets of catechists so people could rotate. We would start with once a month at a weekend Mass at one of our churches. We would help you with the material to be able to present the class. A member of our parish has expressed the desire to help with a Children s Liturgy of the Word. We are now looking for 2 more people to join in making this opportunity possible. If you are interested in helping our young children take part in this great program, we would love to hear from you. You can call at or at ourlady.religioused@gmail.com. We do need your help to move forward with this program. Sandy Litcher DRE Thank You Thank You The Summer Fun Raffle raised $3, for Our Lady of Hope Parish. Thank You again, to all who participated, purchased raffle tickets, made donations and to all the volunteers who made this event possible.

4 Faith Formation Religious Education Classes Pre-K - 5 RCIA - Right of Christian Initiation of Adults Our Lady of Hope Sebastian Rasle, SJ Prayer Circle August Intentions Members and friends of our parish are invited to join our Prayer Circle - no meetings or dues! Just a commitment to pray for the monthly intentions. 1. For the spiritual health, vitality, and financial support of Our Lady of Hope Parish and St. Brigid School. 2. Pope Francis August Prayer Intention: For Families. That any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the well-being of all families. 3. For those burdened and discouraged. That when we feel grey and lifeless, God, You remind us that each day holds its own gifts: new truths, restored vision, inner healing, and the possibility to forgive even our enemies. Making our faith part of our lives.. we seek your help! One of the goals that has come from our Parish Planning process this year is making more opportunities available for those who want to grow in a deeper experience of their faith. This fall we will be inviting members of the parish to join in small groups to reflect on the Scriptures and Jesus call to us. Right now we need a few willing hands to help us get this plan off the ground. No training needed just a generous heart. If you have a generous heart and can give us a bit of time, please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible. Thanks Fr Paul SJ Fr. Sebastian Rale, S.J. Pilgrimage The second annual Fr. Rale pilgrimage will take place on Saturday August 11th beginning at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Skowhegan at 9:00 AM and ending by 1:00 PM at the Fr. Rale monument in Madison Maine. Fr. Sebastian Rale was a Jesuit missionary to the Abenakis of Norridgewock, Maine (now Madison) who died in 1724 at the hands of New England colonists after refusing to abandon his flock. Join us at the place where it all happened as we reflect on the life of Our Lady and on the life of this Maine missionary and how love led both of them to follow Jesus to the cross. For information, contact Joe Moreshead (a seminarian of the diocese) at joseph.moreshead@portlanddiocese.org. Join Pro-Life Maine this Summer----WALK---- to Support and Celebrate the Gift of Life! A Celebrate Life! Walk will be held Saturday, August 25 th to promote and celebrate the gift of life. Anyone can participate! The Walk is only 2 miles long. It s fun! It s easy! Join family, friends and community leaders as we Walk for Life! Proceeds benefit unborn babies and their Moms. Love them both! If you would like to participate please contact Mary McCann at or at marykiely1@yahoo.com. If you don t want to walk, please consider sponsoring a Pro-Life Walker! Join us on August 25 th as we Go Green For Life! Help build a Culture of Life one step at a time. Register today! Sponsored by Maine Right to Life Committee, PO Box 257, Auburn, ME Faith Formation News As we move into August, it is time to think about registration for Religious Education classes for fall for Grade K to Grade 5. Pre-registration letters have gone out to families who were registered last year. There will be registration for Grade K to Grade 5 at each of our churches. Saturday - August 25 th and Sunday August 26 th - St. Pius X after all Masses Saturday September 1 st and Sunday - September 2 nd - St. Joseph after all Masses You may also stop by the Religious Education Office Monday, and Thursday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Friday by appointment 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM to register. We continue to have the 2 year Sacramental Preparation program in our diocese. Level 1 - For students in Grades 1 and Grade 2 who are just beginning their faith formation. Level 2 - The immediate preparation for all three (3) sacraments (Penance, Confirmation, and First Eucharist) for those who have completed Level 1. New this year, we will have a combined group of 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th Grades. We will be using Venture from Pflaun Gospel Weeklies. It uses the readings from the Sunday Mass and how it can be applied in their everyday life. Classes begin September 16 th, at St. Brigid School. We meet weekly from 8:55 AM to 9:55 AM. Looking forward to seeing your child / children in the fall. Blessings Sandy Litcher DRE Thanks IV Over the past couple of weeks I have spoken about our need for more members of the parish to serve as Eucharistic Ministers at weekend Masses. Thank you to the several people who have stepped forward to offer your service. The need still remains so please consider joining your neighbors. We will schedule according to your needs and will provide training. To continue our schedule of seven weekend Masses we do need more of you to assist as Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters/ Collectors, and Lectors. We have also a great opportunity for young people (or adults too) to become acolytes ( altar servers ) at Masses. The life of OLH is, literally, in the hands of each of us. Blessings, Fr Paul SJ God of the Ripe Corn In older times, the first of August was known as Lammas Day Loaf Mass Day, a time for celebrating the harvest. Loaves were baked from the first wheat crop and brought to church to be used as Communion bread. In England corn means wheat, but we can use this prayer to celebrate the great gift of summer our American corn on the cob, or maybe, a good loaf of fresh bread! God of the ripe corn, on Lammas Day our ancestors brought you bread made from the first fruits of the wheat harvest. Today we bring you the fruits of our labors; our joys and our achievements, our hopes and our disappointments, our plans and our dreams. We ask you to accept the work of our hands and our minds and our hearts. God of the ripe corn, bring us safe home to harvest. Amen (Ruth Burgess)

5 V Adorations Tuesday Evenings 7:00 to 8:00 PM St. Joseph Church Fridays 9:30 AM to 12 Noon St. Pius X Church Bulletin Items for the bulletin are due 10 days prior to publication. Please submit information to andrew.litcher@gmail.com.thank You Rosary Devotion Monday through Thursday following 9:00 AM Mass St. Pius X Church Candles : The Sanctuary candle at St. Pius X and St. Joseph which burn for a whole week, may be sponsored in memory of loved ones or in honor of those living. The requested donation is $20. To arrange for this, either contact the Parish Office or place your gift and a note in an envelope and but it in the collection basket. We also have vigil candles at St. Joseph Church which can be lit. (screenshot of St. Pius X Church Live Streaming ) Universal Prayer The Catholic Appeal * As disciples who are called to make a difference in our world, may our offering bring new opportunities for the Church to reach out to those in need through the Catholic Appeal. * As stewards who are grateful for the many gifts with which God has entrusted us, may we respond generously to the Catholic Appeal. * As disciples who are dedicated to supporting our brothers and sisters in need, may we prayerfully discern how we can help others through the Catholic Appeal. * As Catholics who live our convictions, may we be channels of Christ's presence in our world by participating in the Catholic Appeal in a spirit of unconditional love. * As Christians who are committed to the ministries of our diocesan church, may our support of the Catholic Appeal be a meaningful and practical expression of our faith. * As a people blessed by the Lord, may others come to know the caring and compassionate Christ as we share from our bounty through the Catholic Appeal. * As a people who have been saved by the Lord, may our commitment to the Catholic Appeal reflect God's gracious generosity to us. * As a people whom the Lord has called by name, may we say "Yes" to his invitation to sacrificial service and charity. * As disciples who are alive in the Risen Lord, may our actions reflect our desire to grow in the love and light of Christ. MAGNIFICAT MINISTRY CATHOLIC WOMEN S PRAYER BREAKFAST September 8, 2018 from 9AM -12 Noon, Fireside Inn & Suites, 81 Riverside St., Portland, ME. Maria Boylan is the guest speaker. Topic: The Power of Forgiveness and Saying Yes To God. Breakfast Reservations are $22.00 payable to : Magnificat Scarborough Mail to: Shirley Estabrooks c/o Magnificat Reservations, 109 Ridgeland Ave, Apt # 229, South Portland, ME Or magnificatscarborough@gmail.com Reservations are required by 8/25/18. FMI: No tickets sold at door-limited seating August 6 - Feast of the Transfiguration Today the Church remembers the time when Jesus took Peter, James and John up a mountain and his appearance became Easter-like dazzling bright. It was a vision of hope and promise. It is perhaps not a coincidence that Aug 6 th the earth saw another dazzling light, the explosion of the first atomic bomb dropped on a population center (Hiroshima, Japan in 1945). As the Book of Deuteronomy puts it I set before you life and death Which power do we worship and follow? Is it that power which harnesses the forces of God s world for destruction.or is it the power of the One who shines on the mountain top, the One whom our Celtic ancestors called the Sun behind all suns, in whom our humanity is glorifed? A Christian of our time has written Either we walk on the poor and we ll end with Hiroshima, or we walk with the poor which will end in Transfiguration. On this day let us pray to choose life in all its forms, not fear and death. St. Joseph s Parking - A reminder that St. Joseph Street (alongside the church) is posted NO PARKING on the side of the street furthest from the church (the south side). Parking there could get you a ticket and also makes access by emergency vehicles rather difficult. It would be good to obey the signs.

6 Altar Servers Eucharistic Adoration Eucharistic Ministers /Lectors Homebound Ministry Ushers & Greeters Marriage Mentors Prayer Shawl Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Scripture Study Young Families Group The Way We Grow Parish Ministries Serve at Mass according to a schedule. Training offered by the Parish. Tuesday at 7:00 PM St. Joseph Church Friday at 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM St. Pius X Church Shifts are allotted to cover the presence of the Eucharist. Serve at Mass according to a schedule posted on website. Training and support are provided to those who serve as liturgical ministers. For those who have need of the Eucharist at home or in another facility. May also include transportation to and from Parish for Mass and special events or occasions. Anyone interested in supporting this ministry may contact the Parish office for details. The ministry of ushering & greeting is to greet people with a smile, assist them in finding a seat, and answer any questions they might have. Lead discussions and offer support to those who are preparing for Holy Matrimony. Meets the third Friday at 2:30 PM St. Pius X Church Msgr. P.J. Flanagan Parish Center Offering shawls to those in need of comfort. Knit prayer shawls at home or at monthly meetings. Knitting experience not required. All skill levels welcome. Faith Formation mentor program for those seeking to enter the church or for those seeking to receive Confirmation. Offered seasonally. Meets the First Friday at 10:00 AM St. Pius X Church Msgr. P.J. Flanagan Parish Center Offers presentations and discussion on family or spiritual topics. Parishioners offer 20 minute presentations and lead discussion. Parish Bazaar/Tree Festival (207) Mary Bellinombellino2000@ gmail.com (207) (207) Joan Beal / Joan.Beal@gmail. com Deacon John McAuliffe Katie Paladino / katiepaladino9@gmail.com Youth Ministry Bereavement Ministry Our Lady of Hope Sebastian Rasle, S.J. Prayer Circle Music Ministry Women s Fellowship Women s Sodality Matthew 25 Project Wayside Soup Kitchen Events Committee Bingo Exer-Chi St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen Parish Ministries Middle and High School students offering help to those in need through prayerful support and service. Assists families at the time of the loss of a love one. Parishioners who commit to praying for Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Brigid School and for two other intentions which will change monthly. Coordinates and plays music at parish liturgies to assist parishioners. Seeking singers and instrumentalist. Meets at Msgr. P.J. Flanagan Parish Center at St. Pius X Church Meets first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM Meets at Msgr. P.J. Flanagan Parish Center at St. Pius X Church. Provides financial assistance to Portland residents needing oil, food, and clothing. Parishioners conduct interviews using Parish-provided cell phone (can be done from home). Meets at 4:00 PM 2nd Thursday of Month Deering Center Community Church 4 Brentwood St., Portland Serve free community meal. Meets monthly to plan for events coordinating the Parish Calendar Meets Wednesday at 12:00 PM St. Pius X Church - Msgr. P.J. Flanagan Parish Center (October May) Meets Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM St. Pius X Church - Msgr. P.J. Flanagan Parish Center Monday thru Friday 307 Congress Street 11:00am to 12:30pm VIII Lori Arsenault / Karen Joyce Jean Ingalls Rose Lannon rose@maine.edu (207) Susan Mullen/ (207) Jesse Senore / (207) (207) Update to Our Lady of Hope Parish Bazaar/Tree Festival - To clarify this year s Bazaar/Tree Festival will include our traditional Jewelry, Craft and Knits table, Children s Room, Big Wheel, Bakery and of course the food from the kitchen will continue to serve our famous homemade lobster stew and rolls. New to this year will be our Mini-Tree Festival decorate and loaded with gifts with raffle changes for sale. Each decorated themed tree and total value of gifts under the tree can have a monetary range from $250 to $2000. Winners will take home the decorate tree and all the gifts under that tree. We are also planning a visit from the local Ghostbusters team to visit the children and show off their Ghostbuster mobile. Santa will of course be joining us during his busy season. Finding God in the Birds Shemaiah Gonzalez Growing up in Inner City Los Angeles, I hadn t really seen a bird that wasn t a pigeon unless I went to the beach. You know what they call pigeons in East L.A.? Flying rats. The only other experience I had with birds was the Alfred Hitchcock movie by the same name. One of the local networks would show the film on television each year around Halloween. So yes, I was never what you might call endeared to birds. Twelve years ago, my husband and I moved to the Pacific Northwest, where on any given afternoon we could find a dozen different kinds of birds hanging out in our yard. We were surprised to find hummingbirds stopping in for nectar from our flowers. Flocks of starlings landed in our yard to search for bugs and then left en masse without notice. We d even see a bald eagle now and then, soaring high above Lake Washington, located not far from our home. Yet the most interesting was the never-ending drama between the crows and the American robin couple guarding their new nest. My husband would holler into the house from his yardwork. It s back on! as if it were a soap opera on the television. I d take two cups of coffee out to the deck, and we d watch the story unfold. Up to this point, the robin couple had been able to defend their nest. But that day, the crows ganged up on them, separating them, leaving the nest unguarded. A crow swooped in, stealing an egg and dramatically eating it atop our neighbor s roof. The robins squawked loudly on the telephone wires overhead. It sounds like crying, I said with tears in my eyes. My husband was more pragmatic. That s why they re called a murder of crows, he said, grabbing his shears and returning to work. I stayed, sipping my coffee when the phrase, Are not you more important than they? popped into my head. I knew exactly where it was from, Jesus Sermon on the Mount, when he talked about dependence on God: Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? (Matthew 6:26 27) I had anxiety dreams the night before. The ones where I must quickly pack a bag but keep forgetting what I need to take with me. Or I m driving, only to discover my brakes don t work. I d been busy with our move, and I had been worrying. But in that moment, I knew the robins would be ok. God cares for them. I knew I d be ok too. I didn t need to worry. It wouldn t make a difference to worry. I needed the reminder to depend on God. I looked up to see one of the robins, its beak full of dried grass. They were rebuilding their nest. And so would I.