ThisWeeksNews from The Episcopal Church in Marlboro

Austin James Perillo came to church today!
It was very busy this morning at The Episcopal Church in Marlboro. Austin James Perillo was welcomed into full membership, and it was witnessed by a full house—nearly 70 of us. Austin's parents are Manny and Valerie. They were married nine years ago at our church and live in Dutchess County. What a warm, friendly group of visitors we had today. The movie included here includes photos taken during the service, at coffee hour, and later in the Sunday school, where Lea Buttner, Reneé Borchert, and their children have already begun preparing the sets and props for the 2009 vacation Bible school in June.

A perfect opportunity to improve our kitchens
At last week's vestry meeting, we decided to act on the two kitchen improvements that we've been talking about for quite some time. It seems like the classic "perfect storm," where things surprisingly come together all at the same moment to bring about change. We had previously raised about $1500 toward changes in the parish hall kitchen (new sink, built-in dishwasher, and kitchen counter). Turns out, Carolyn Cuilty, our treasurer, is working for a firm that in the business of kitchen upgrades, and some deep discounts are a possibility. Looks as though we will be able to move forward sooner rather than later.

The original kitchen in the former rectory has been an embarassing eyesore embarassing in the midst of our office and Sunday school rooms. Sgt. Bukavinsky, from the Eastern Correctional Facility, has been urging us to take advantage of services provided to nonprofit organizations by inmates. They currently have two teams available with guys who are skilled at putting up sheetrock. Steven Gilman provided a professional estimate of costs for materials, and it totals about $500. If we can raise that amount quickly (and I think we can), we can transform that room into usable space and eliminate an eyesore.

We owe the Diocese some back-payments
Turns out we paid the Diocese less in 2008 than we should have. The vestry will make an effort to manage funds this year in such a way that we're out of debt within 12 months.

Pancake supper Tuesday 5:30-7 o'clock: bring us your palm branches from 2008
It's an Anglican tradition, the pancake supper held on the evening preceding Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras without beads. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit. We'll be burning palm branches from 2008 Palm Sunday to be used the next day, Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday eucharist and imposition of ashes at 7 o'clock
Our service will begin at 7 o'clock Wednesday. I'm trying to come up with a list of alternative services in our area for those who are unable to make our service. Will keep you posted.

Red Cross blood drive on Saturday in our parish hall
The Red Cross will be taking over the parish hall Saturday from 9–2 p.m., hoping to replenish their supply. Spread the word!

Lenten family potlucks begin this Sunday
We'll be getting together at 4 o'clock on the next five Sundays sharing potluck meals. Following the meal, adults will stay in the parish hall for a program provided by the Congregational Development office of the National Church: Spiritual Journey: A Small Group Resource. The children will take part in a parallel "track" suited to their needs. We did this same sort of thing last year, and it was well received.

Birthdays
2/23 Nicholas Gephard

Anniversaries
2/24 Susan and Joe Jurkovic
Calendar*
Sunday, Feb. 22, 4:00pm Bach Cantata at Monastery
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7:30pm Choir practice
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5:30pm Pancake Supper
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:00pm Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes
Saturday, Feb. 28, 9:00am Red Cross blood drive
Sunday, March 1, 9:15am Church school dropoff
Sunday, March 1, 9:30am Family-friendly mass
Sunday, March 1, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Tuesday, March 3, 7:30pm Choir practice
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30pm "From Ashes to Fire"
Thursday, March 5, 9:30am VBS planning
Saturday, March 7, 9:30am Lenten quiet day
Saturday, March 7, 2:30pm Sunday school to ARF
Sunday, March 8, 2:15pm Nursing home ministry
Sunday, March 8, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Sunday, March 8 Girl Scout Sunday
Tuesday, March 10, 7:30pm Choir practice
Friday, March 13, 7:00pm Integrity
Sunday, March 15, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Tuesday, March 17, 7:00pm Vestry
Tuesday, March 17, 7:30pm Choir practice
Thursday, March 19, 11:30am “Third Thursday” mass + lunch
Saturday, March 21, 9:00am Faith is a Verb Adult Formation Workshop
Sunday, March 22, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Tuesday, March 24, 7:30pm Choir practice
Sunday, March 29, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Tuesday, March 31, 7:30pm Choir practice