ThisWeeksNews from The Episcopal Church in Marlboro—February 8th

The first Sunday in Lent on the first of March. Seemed like it should've been the start of spring. When I was a boy growing up in Seattle, I always bought my mother local, fresh-cut daffodils for her March 9th birthday. That was Seattle. This is New York, and right now, at 9:45 a.m., it's only 10 degrees out there. And I'm not even mentioning the wind-chill factor.

Lots of photos from a kid-friendly mass

Sunday it was our turn to provide a more kid-friendly mass. The boys and girls greeted folks at the door and distributed service booklets. They also presented the bread and wine, and took up the collection. Cameron read the lesson (perfectly). At the consecration of the elements, they joined me at the altar. And then, at the conclusion of the service, they dismissed the congregation. "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord."

Photos are posted on our Facebook page:

(This link should work. Please let me know if it doesn't!)

Lenten potluck series: week 1

We kicked off Lent with the first of five Sunday afternoon (4–6 p.m.) potlucks. The first hour was social. Food, a glass of wine, food, conversation, food…well…you get the idea. Lots of great food! Social time for adults. Social time for the children.

Emily brought the most incredible "dog" with her. It's a big poodle-like stuffed animal that wags her tail, barks, wimpers, sits, stands, pushes back at you when you scratch her ears. Uncanny! I made a one-minute "movie" of the "dog" in action. Click here. (Please let me know if the link doesn't work.)

If you’re not an Episcopalian yet, would you like to be?

If you were baptized in The Episcopal Church, you’re automatically an Episcopalian. If you were baptized elsewhere, but confirmed in The Episcopal Church, you’re an Episcopalian. If you were confirmed elsewhere, but received into the Episcopal Church by the laying on of hands, you’re an Episcopalian. If not, an awesome opportunity awaits.
On the last Saturday in May, Confirming and Receiving of new members will take place at our Cathedral of St. John the Divine. It’s an awesome setting for any occasion, but especially for this rite of “belonging.” Interested? Let me know. Preparation will be painless…even enjoyable.—jb+

A window of opportunity: please help!
We have a window of opportunity, right now! Resources are available right now to “gut” the 1950s rectory kitchen, put up sheetrock, and then tape, spackle, and paint the room. No charge for labor. All we need is $500 for materials. If each of us were to drop an extra week’s contribution into the plate, we’d immediately have more than enough funding for the project, and would not miss this opportunity. I hope you’ll join me in continuing as much as you’re able to make our Sunday school facilities as inviting as possible.
Remember to mark your contribution as “Rectory Kitchen” and include your name if you like. Special envelopes are available in the pew.—jb+

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 presentation, with time allowed for questions and discussion. Wednesday, March 4, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Zion Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls. Sandwiches and beverages will be provided. No cost. See me to reserve a seat.—jb+
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.)

Looking forward
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30pm "From Ashes to Fire"
Thursday, March 5, 9:30am VBS planning
Thursday, March 5, 7:30pm Choir practice XTRA
Saturday, March 7, 9:30am Lenten quiet day
Saturday, March 7, 2:30pm Sunday school to ARF
Sunday, March 8, 9:15am Church school dropoff
Sunday, March 8, 9:30am Mass
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
Thursday, March 12, 6:00pm MidHud Exec Committee
Thursday, March 12, 7:30pm Choir practice XTRA
Friday, March 13, 7:00pm Integrity
Sunday, March 15, 9:15am Church school dropoff
Sunday, March 15, 9:30am Mass
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 Thing" (mass+healing+lunch+conversation
Thursday, March 19, 7:30pm Choir practice XTRA
Saturday, March 21, 9:00am Faith is a Verb Adult Formation Workshop
Sunday, March 22, 9:15am Church school dropoff
Sunday, March 22, 9:30am Mass
Sunday, March 22, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Tuesday, March 24, 7:30pm Choir practice
Thursday, March 26, 7:30pm Choir practice XTRA
Sunday, March 29, 9:15am Church school dropoff
Sunday, March 29, 9:30am Mass
Sunday, March 29, 4:00pm Lenten potluck
Tuesday, March 31, 7:30pm Choir practice