Maundy Thursday Supper

On Maundy Thursday, April 2, at 6 PM, when we commemorate Jesus' last meal with his disciples, our tradition includes a simple supper of soups, pastas, salads and breads. If you would like to a dish, or if you can help with set up or clean up, please sign up in Eva's Room, or contact Vestry Member for Fellowship, Paula Colburn (pcolburn1@verizon.net).

Easter Vigil

On Saturday, April 4 there will be an Easter Vigil at 6:00 PM. This one hour service designed for families starts with the ancient tradition of lighting the Paschal Candle from the new fire which we will start outside and then move into the church for the saving stories of creation and exodus followed by ringing in the first Eucharist of Easter with bells and noise makers. We will start the service with candle light from the new fire and when the time comes to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus we will celebrate with light and music and bells and noise makers. Come and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at the Easter Vigil.

Easter Breakfast

Once again this year Nan and Bob Malone will be cooking and serving Easter Breakfast, Sunday April 5, between the 8 and 10 AM Easter services. The menu this year includes scrambled eggs, French toast, beans and cornbread, sliced ham with pineapple, veggie sausage, homefried potatoes, hot and cold cereal, fruit, juice, tea and coffee. All are invited, but we request you sign up on the sheet in Eva's Room so an accurate count for breakfast is available. Donations of fruit and pastry for breakfast and Easter coffee hour will be gratefully accepted, but again please note if you will be bringing a donation. For more information please contact Bob or Nan Malone KRMalone1@verizon.net or maxximilla@verizon.net).

On Easter Day, April 5, there will be an egg hunt for young children, through fourth grade, following the Ten O'Clock Eucharist. The Easter Bunny is also expected to hop by for a visit. Due to the severe winter and possibly muddy grounds, the children will hunt inside the building this year-locations to be announced. Bags are available but children are encouraged to bring a basket. Please open up all the eggs, keep the candy and return the eggs to the containers. We ask parents to speak to their children about taking a fair share and behaving in a safe and respectful manner. There are plenty of eggs for everyone.

Ash Wednesday

There will be celebrations of Holy Eucharist, with the imposition of ashes, at 12 Noon and 7:30 PM on Ash Wednesday, February 18. There will also be a children's Ash Wednesday liturgy at 6 PM. This short service will include the imposition of ashes and some simple explanations of the meaning of Lent.

Lenten Adult Education

In addition to Companions in Christ (see below ) we will be offering another opportunity to explore Lent together. For those who are interested, we will be reading and participating in Christ Walk - A 40 Day Spiritual Fitness Program, written by Anna Fitch Courie RN. The program is based around a 40 day devotional that has you pick your own physical, spiritual and mental goals. The idea is based around the idea of "walking" to a destination - for example, Jerusalem. You gain miles by walking, running, biking or any number of physical activities. But you also can go the distance by prayer and meditation or volunteerism if physical exercise is not your goal.
We will order copies in bulk for the church. If you would like a copy they are $12.24. You can also order it on Kindle/ebooks for $9.99 (ISBN# 9780819231697)
Please sign the list at the back of the church if you would like a copy ordered on your behalf. We will send out the order out after the Annual Meeting. Please also put a check for the amount in the envelope attached. If for some reason you are not able at this time to purchase a copy, please sign up anyway and we can provide a book for you. For more information, please contact Sarah Robbins-Cole ( sarahrobbinscole@yahoo.com).

Companions in Christ for Lent

Companions in Christ will agen be offered during Lent. Companions will meet for an hour and a half on Monday evenings beginning on Monday, March 2. The meetings begin at 7:30 PM for gathering time and snacks with the opening prayer at 8 PM. Join us as we share in the opportunity to be in a small group gathering within St. Michael's larger church family and thus more deeply explore your personal faith journey. the Society of St. John the Evangelist has already posted advanced notice of the 2015 Lenten offering, Stop, Pray, Work, Play, Love with videos and a guide book. For more information, contact Deb Ervin (djemac@verizon.net) or Nan Malone (maxximilla@verizon.net).

World Day of Prayer

World Day of Prayer, an annual ecumenical service, will be at Christ the King Lutheran Church on March 6 at 10 AM. Each church is asked to bring two baked treats on March 6. This is a sweet service prepared by women of other countries. Bob and Nan Malone will both take roles at the March service.

Mardi Gras Coffee Hour

Kristen Walters has generously offered once again to host our Mardi Gras celebration at coffee hour on Sunday February 15. Join us for traditional New Orleans style food as we mark the last Sunday before Lent begins. Kristen will need some help, as well as an additional dessert and/or fruit, so please contact her at kewalters@comcast.net if you can lend a hand.

Book Sale

Be sure to browse the book sale in Eva's Room on Sunday, February 8, and stock up on books to read this winter. Proceeds from the sale go to the Rector's Discretionary Fund, which is used to help those in need in our community and in the greater Holliston community. For more information, please speak to Anke or Frits Geurtsen at 508-429-1132.

Annual Meeting

This Sunday our Annual Meeting will be conducted at the Ten O'Clock Service. Be sure to join us following the service for the pot-luck brunch where we will conclude the Annual Meeting with the election of vestry members and officers. During the brunch children are invited to watch a film in the Meeting Room. Some of our youth group will watch over them. Everyone is invited - bring a dish if you can. We also need some help in the kitchen so that one or two people aren't left to do all the setting up or cleaning up by themselves.

Sarah's Installation

Bishop Alan Gates will officiate the Installation Servicec for our new rector, The Reverend Sarah Robbins-Cole, which will take place Tuesday, January 20 at 7 PM. Be sure to save the date on your calendar and make plans to attend this important occasion! There will be a reception aftwerwards. If you would like to contribute an appetizer or dessert to the reception please contact Craig Miller (cmiller108@gmail.com) or Pat Duffey (duffeypj@aol.com). A snow date is scheduled for Thursday, January 22.

Companions in Christ for Advent

Companions in Christ will meet during Advent for our spiritual and spirited evenings on Mondays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22. Gathering time will be from 7:30 to 8 PM with the opening prayer at 8, finishing around 9 PM. Deb Ervin and Nan Malone will be co-leading the sessions. We will provide materials so there is nothing to purchase and no homework. Two nights will use the book, Watch for the Light, and two will be from Advent and Christmas by Henry Nouwen. We hope you will join us for these special times together as we study, share and pray. for more information please contact Nan Malone (maxximilla@verizon.net) or Deb Ervin (djemac@verizon.net).

Hymn Sing

Do you have a favorite hymn that is seldom sung at St. Michael's? Or is there a hymn with special meaning for you that you'd like to tell us about? On Sunday, December 28, at our one service only at 10AM that morning, we will ahve a hymn sing in place of a sermon. Everyone is invited to come and say a word or two abotu a favorite hymn - we'll sing a verse or two of each hymn.

Heifer Advent Project

The famous Heifer Advent Calendar Project is returning to St. Michael's. Advent calendars and collection boxes will be available on Sunday, November 23. We will collect money to purchase a Heifer animal or plats for someone in need. Each day of the calendar will pose a question: how many people love you? Did you go to school today? The answer can be a simple yes or a number. You collect that number of coins or bills andput the in your special box. We will collect all the boxes at the Feast of the Epiphany, Sunday, January 4. All participants will then vote on which Heifer animial or plant we will donate. This project is a wonderful way to introduce the spirit of giving in your home. Children and adults are welcome to participate. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Michelle Tate (michellefrancistate@yahool.com or 508-893-0945).

Blue Christmas Service

Although Christmas is a time of celebration for most of us, for some it can be a sad reminder of what has been lost -- whether it is a loved one, a job or good health. On Wednesday, December 17, at 7 PM, St. Michael's will be hosting a Blue Christmas Service for those who may not be feeling the joyof the season. This is a special reflective opportunity to acknowledge the blue in our Christmas. It will be a service of readings, music, candle lighting and silence.

Christmas Pageant

St. Michael's Annual Children's Christmas Pageant will be held at 10 AM on Sunday, December 21. All children are warmly encouraged to participate. We do need some adults to help assist with smaller children during the pageant and also "shadow directors" who can take on this exciting role next year. If you would like to help or need more information, please contact Michelle Tate (michellefrancistate@yahoo.com) or Linda Ouellette (louellette@cataldolawoffices.com).

Christmas Caroling

On Sunday, December 21 at 5PM YAC, J2A and Rite13 will carol our community. Please join us and send your Rite13, J2A and YAC youth appropriately dressed in warm, dressy, festive apparel. We will meet in the church parking lot at 5PM. Button down shirts, ties and dress coats are encouraged, if available. We will provide festive Santa hats but bring your own if you wish. Do you have jingle bells or hand shakers and sticks? Please bring them along to make our singing even more festive.

Candlelight Lessons and Carols

Everyone is invited to our Candlelight Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, December 14 at 5 PM, which will feature readings and music from the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Stockings of Hope

This year St. Michael's will again be filling Christmas stockings for 60 women who reside in Serenity House. Please adopt a stocking in the narthex, buy one of each listed items and return your unwrapped stocking stuffers to St. Michael's or Soul Spirit Studio, 76 Railroad St, by Sunday, December 14. For more information please contact Paula Colburn (pcolburn1@verizon.net) or Pamela PinterParsons (newpamela@comcast.net). We would love to have one or two more people join us in organizing this worderful project.

Celebrate with St. Nick

On December 7 we will be having a special coffee hour to celebrate St. Nicholas. You are invited to join the holiday cheer by bringing in a plate of food that is special to you and your family during the holiday season to share. There will be a story, music, and cheer. Remember your smartphones or cameras if you would like to have a photograph with dear old St. Nick!

Recognizing Veterans November 9

On Sunday, November 9 at both the 8 and 10 AM services we will be honoring all veterans, living and deceased. Please send the name of a loved one or friend that is a veteran (both living and deceased) and we will make a list of the names to be recognized. You can either email or call the Parish Office (stmichholl@aol.com or 508-429-4248), or leave the name in the Parish Office. Please let us know if the person is living or deceased and your name in case we have any questions about spelling names. Veterans present at the 8 and 10 AM services will be invited to come up and stand around the altar during the reading of the Eucharistic Prayer.

All Parish Dinner - Get Your Tickets

This year's All Parish Dinner will be held at Anthony's onthe Green at Pinecrest Golf Club on Sunday, October 19 from 5 to 8pm. There will be a buffet with a selection of Italian dishes. The cost is $15 for adults. All children under age 18 are free but must obtain their own special ticket. Tickets will be sold after services on Sundays and are also available from the parish office. A cash bar will be available from 4:30 to 5pm. Anthony's on the Green needs a guarenteed count on October 12 so if you know you are coming please purchase your tickets by then. Anthony's on the Green can accomodate special dietary needs with advanced notice.

Applefest Fall Fair

Saturday, October 4, is the date of our Annual Applefest Fall Fair. We will be having a few different tables this year. Pat Weston, Applefest Coordinator is hoping to make it new and different. If you would like more information or would like to help with the Applefest Fall Fair, please call Pat Weston at 508-429-6455.

Blessing of the Animals

On Sunday, October 5, we'll hold our annual Blessing of the Animals at the 10am Eucharist. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend to St. Michael's. Please bring your animals suitably caged or leashed and do not take them upstairs or into downstairs classrooms because some children have allergies.

All Parish Community Meeting

After the Ten O'Clock Service on Sunday, September 28, we will hold our first All Parish Community Meeting. It will be a time for you to ask questions and for the vestry to update you on important parts of our life together such as finance, stewardship, plans for welcoming Rev. Sarah and meeting our new Youth Minister.

Book Sale

Be sure to browse the book sale in Eva's Room on Sunday, September 21, and stock up on books to read this fall and winter. Proceeds from the sale go to the Rector's Discretionary Fund, which is used to help those in need in our community and in the greater Holliston community. For more infomation, please speak with Anke or Frits Geurtsen at 508-429-7731.

Celebration Sundae

Celebration Sundae will be a little different this year as you can see by the title. Yes, it is a Sunday and, yes, we will have ice cream sundaes after the 10 AM service, and yes we will gather to say good bye to Pat Stelz and to celebrate the ministry that we have shared together over these last 14 months. We will return to the usual times for services, with Eucharist at 8 and 10 followed by coffee hour with ice cream sundaes.

You will have an opportunity to register your child for church school and meet with teachers. During the 10 AM service there will be a blessing of the church school teachers and children. Let's gather as a community to welcome each other back after this beautiful summer and to celebrate the mutual ministry that we have shared with Pat. See you all on the 14th.

Hymn Sing

Do you have a favorite hymn that is seldom sung at St. Michael's? Or is there a hymn with special meaning for you that you'd like to tell us about? This Sunday, August 31 everyone is invited to say a word or two about a favorite hymn - we'll sing a verse or two of each hymn.

B-SAFE in July - Save The Dates

This year St. Michael's will be sponsoring three days of B-SAFE on Wednesday, July 23, Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25. Friday will be our day at Hopkinton State park. This will require some planning so we hope that each of you will mark your calendar and put at least one of these days aside. We would love to involve as many people as possible. If you would like to help please contact Frankie Gartner at Fgartner5583@comcast.net.

Pastoral Care Meeting Sunday June 29

Any interested parishioners are invited join the Pastoral Care Committee. How to help in small ways (that make a big difference): (1) Write a note or make a phone call; (2) Cook a meal as needed (Compassionate Cooks); (3) Drive someone to an appointment or shopping (Angels on Wheels); (4) Keep St. Michael's parishioners in your daily prayers; (5) Come to a Pastoral Care Meeting. This group meets a few times per year. The next meeting will be Sunday, June 29 at 11:15 AM. Please speak to Nan Malone (maxximilla@verizon.net), Jane McIntyre (mcintyre1@verizon.net), or Pat Weston (pweston317@yahoo.com) if you'd like to help.

Newcomer's Brunch this Sunday!

St. Michael's has a tradition of periodically hosting a "Newcomer's Brunch" for those who have become parishioners since the prior one. Newcomers are cordially invited to attend our next Newcomer's Brunch, which will be this Sunday, June 22, following the 10 AM church service in the Montessori school area (Ekwall Hall). An assortment of treats will be prepared and served by the vestry, who will join the newcomers for this event. If you are a newcomer, please join us in this fellowship opportunity. And if you're not sure if you're a newcomer, assume you are! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Craig Miller at cmiller108@gmail.com. Thank you.

Diocesan Family Picnic and Worship Celebration - Honoring Bishop Tom Shaw

On Saturday, June 21 from 10:30 AM to 1 PM, there will be a Diocesan Family Picnic and Worship Celebration at Pinebank Promontory on Jamaica Pond (Rain or Shine). Every congregation of the Diocese is invited to bring a picnic lunch and join in this joyful and fun celebration of Bishop Shaw's nearly 20 years of Episcopal ministry (ice cream and beverages will be provided). To RSVP go to www.diomass.org/season-service-and-celebration. Carpool and use public transportation if you can. Shuttle buses from public transportation will be provided. Check for updates at www.diomass.org/season-service-and-celebration.

Prayers for Healing

This Sunday's Eucharists includes prayers for healing. If you would like to receive laying on of hands and a prayer for healing, either for yourself or for someone else, please return to the altar rail after Communion following an invitation by the Celebrant.

Celebrate Pentecost On Sneaker Sunday - June 8

We celebrate the Day of Pentecost, one of the three great festivals of the church year, on Sunday, June 8. Please remember to wear red, the liturgical color of the day. As well as celebrating Pentecost we will also mark the start of manhood and womanhood for young people in our Rite-13 program. After the service there will be a picnic-themed coffee hour.

St. Michael's Quilters This Sunday

The St. Michael's Quilters meet every second and fourth Sunday evening of the month from 5 to 7 PM in Eva's Room. Everyone is welcome and no sewing experience is required. For more information please contact Clarissa Flannery at rickflan03@gmail.com or 508-435-5271.

Stewardship Thank You Dinner May 18

The Stewardship Committee will host a Thank-You dinner on Sunday, May 18 at 6 PM in Eva's Room. We'd like to say thanks to all at St. Michael's for their stewardship contributions of time, money and skills. EVERYONE IS INVITED! All you need to do is let us know if you will attend (and how many) by NEXT FRIDAY, May 16. Please RSVP to Dana Frye by email (dana.g.frye@gmail.com) or by phone (508-881-2726). Again: All we ask is that you let us know if you will attend. This is a thank-you dinner and not a solicitation. So please come and enjoy some Italian cuisine and fellowship.

Companions In Christ Lent 2014

Companions in Christ will be using a Lenten program of short readings and videos prepared by the Society of Saint John the Evangelist. It is called Lovelife and focuses on the Gospel of John. The program is available on-line beginning on March 5th. Go to www.ssje.org/lovelife to register your email and receive daily videos if you choose to do the daily program. When we meet next Monday, March 10th, we will have copied the readings and other materials and watch a brief video. These materials can also be downloaded from the link. Co leaders Nan Malone and Deb Ervin are excited about this program and it's opportunities for discussion and prayer. Companions - Mondays: March 10 through April 7th; the Meeting Room at St. Michael's; 7:30 to 8, gathering, conversation and treats; 8 to 9:15, the program, prayer and discussion. For more information, call or email Deb (djemac@verizon.net) or Nan (maxximilla@verizon.net) or see us at church on Sunday.

Maundy Thursday Supper

On Maundy Thursday, April 2, at 6 PM, when we commemorate Jesus' last meal with his disciples, our tradition includes a simple supper of soups, pastas, salads and breads. If you would like to a dish, or if you can help with set up or clean up, please sign up in Eva's Room, or contact Vestry Members for Fellowship, Dana Frye (dana.g.frye@gmail.com), Craig Miller ( cmiller108@gmail.com), or Ralph Stover (ralph.stover@verizon.net).

Easter Vigil

On Saturday, April 19 there will be an Easter Vigil at 7:30 PM. This one hour service designed for families starts with the ancient tradition of lighting the Paschal Candle from the new fire which we will start outside and then move into the church for the saving stories of creation and exodus followed by ringing in the first Eucharist of Easter with bells and noise makers. We will start the service with candle light from the new fire and when the time comes to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus we will celebrate with light and music and bells and noise makers. Come and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at the Easter Vigil.

Easter Breakfast

Once again this year Nan and Bob Malone will be cooking and serving Easter Breakfast, Sunday April 20, between the 8 and 10 AM Easter services. The menu this year includes scrambled eggs, French toast, beans and cornbread, sliced ham with pineapple, veggie sausage, homefried potatoes, hot and cold cereal, fruit, juice, tea and coffee. All are invited, but we request you sign up on the sheet in Eva's Room so an accurate count for breakfast is available. Donations of fruit and pastry for breakfast and Easter coffee hour will be gratefully accepted, but again please note if you will be bringing a donation. For more information please contact Bob or Nan Malone KRMalone1@verizon.net or maxximilla@verizon.net).