ThisWeeksNews from The Episcopal Church in Marlboro

Sunday, the first of February, was the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. It was also children's Sunday at Christ Church. Boys and girls from the Sunday school welcomed those who came to church, distributing service booklets. Billie-Jo Buttner read the lesson from the Old Testament (and did very well!). They presented the bread and wine and took the collection. During the consecration, they stood with me at the altar. Scroll down for photos.

Vacation Bible School planning has started

The team that's preparing for the 2009 vacation Bible school kicked off their preparations at a meeting held this week. Last week the event was set at the beach, this year's it's in the mountains. You'll be hearing about progress as the next few months go by, and you'll be asked to help by providing some needed materials.

Choir practice was scheduled to begin yesterday

Bad news. Had to cancel. Another snowstorm … again. Rehearsal will begin again next week, preparations for Easter.

Baptism next week

This coming Sunday we'll be baptizing Savannah Laurette Collin. Her mom and dad were married at Christ Church a couple of years ago. Give me a great deal of pleasure to be able to offer this sacrament to their offspring.

EpiscoBuild fundraiser Sunday

There's an EpiscoBuild (Habitat for Humanity) fundraiser scheduled for Sunday at St. George's Church in Newburgh. (Details at the end of  this blog.)

Nursing home visit rescheduled

Our visit to the Hudson Valley Nursing Home will take place on the 3d Sunday, not the 2d Sunday, this month.

Photos from Sunday morning

Nicholas and Benjamin Gephard at coffee hour. Brianna Gilman brought cupcakes that appeared to be "groundhogs." Chocolate sprinkles for fur, slivered almonds for buck teeth, etc. Delicious, too!

The sermon was for the kids. I taught them my own version of rock-paper-scissors, about the "strength" of God in Jesus. It went this way: rock (a fist), paper (flat hand, palm down), scissors (1st and 2d fingers forming scissors), and Jesus (both palms up, one over the other, as though receiving communion). Our youth in the parish are definitely a priority for all of us.

Boys and girls at the altar at the elevation of the conscrated bread and wine.

And here they are as the communion is being distributed.

Evelyn Gilman receiving communion with her mom, Brianna.

Four newly elected members of the vestry were "commissioned" Sunday. Left to right, Erin Gephard, Paul Segnit, and Joanne Ward. Bill Borchert (far right0 was elected warden.

Announcements

EpiscoBuild fundraiser this afternoon

The internationally acclaimed, faith-centered drama troupe—Coventnt Players—will be performing Sunday at 4 p.m. at St. George’s Church in Newburgh. It’s a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and “our house,” EpiscoBuild. Since 1963, Covenant Players has pioneered the use of drama as a communications resource in the church. Units of Covenant Players travel throughout the world communicating the reality of the Gospel in churches of all denominations. Suggested admission is $10 for adults, students and seniors, $5.

Lenten quiet day at the Monastery March 7th

The Rev. Gwyneth MacKenzie Murphy will be leading a Lenten quiet day at Holy Cross Monastery Saturday, March 7, 9:30–3:30 p.m. (Cost expected to be $15–$20.)
Mid-Hudson Lenten event March 4th
A Lenten program, “From Ashes to Fire,” is being presented by the Mid-Hudson Program Committee. The Rev. Canon Andrew Dietsche (diocesan Canon for Pastoral Care) and The Rev. Canon John Osgood (dioscesan Canon to the Ordinery) will each make a presenttion, with time allowed for questions and discussion. Sandwiches and beverages will be provided. No cost. See me to reserve a seat.—jb+