Happenings Throughout

From the Rector…

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Blessed Easter and a happy spring to everyone! It was a joy worshiping with everyone over Holy Week into Easter. Many of you have stopped by or called to talk about how the various services and programs filled your heart, were rich with solemnity, and joyous in prayer, praise, and music. There were quite a few parishioners who were just overwhelmed with joy as the communion hymn was being sung. As we all stood up, our voices grew strong and we gave praise to a God who has conquered death through his son Jesus.

There was a tangible feeling of community and togetherness all week as we walked the way of the Cross and sung hymns to our risen Lord. When the vestry met several days later, we took a moment to listen to those who wished to share their experiences of the season. There were a few who spoke with tears expressing feelings words alone would not have explain. COS, as the hymnist wrote, really welcomed Easter’s “happy morning”. We felt and participated in what it means to be a community of faith who gives thanks for God’s grace and can boldly, unapologetically, shout to the world our King has come.

During the Great 50 Days of Easter we will read from the Acts of the Apostles how the community after Easter responded to the joy they experienced. They came together regularly around the table finding new meaning in breaking bread. They sold all there possessions and shared the proceeds with everyone. They participated in their communities and when possible invited who ever would come to hear the story of the Messiah.

This years Easter Season at COS will also be about being community, gathering to break bread, participate, and live out our faith in the Messiah. As you read through the Banner…you will note that we will gather with Bishop Cederholm and other parishes in our deanery to confirm and receive new members into our tradition. Once again the doors will be open to the community at large with our 2^nd Annual Yard Sale. We will break bread together in celebration of our Lord Ascending to the Father and in 50 days we will praise Christ for sending the Holy Spirit at Pentecost “that we all may be one” in him.

Our life together in the parish is a testimony that we don’t just practice faith but live out our faith. The world around us is filled with static noise. Constantly listening to the troubles of the time, the constant bombardment of television and radio ads, being drawn into a kind of self imposed isolation by the internet and video games, the world becomes full of static noise that can drown out the voice of God. Gathering together, participating together and living out our faith unashamedly is how God shouts back – I am here and with you always.

God’s voice was clearly heard at COS this Easter. As we move through this season, may God continue to be heard in the world as we live into our transformed lives of faith, hope, and love.

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia,

The Rev’d David R. Milam+

2^nd Annual COS Yard Sale – May 2^nd

(8:30am-3pm)

Church of Our Saviour is holding its 2^nd Annual Yard Sale in the Parish Hall on Saturday, May 2^nd from 8:30am-3pm.

We are looking for donations of toys, furniture, clothing, plants, kitchen items and any other items you would like to contribute. All items can be brought to the Parish Hall beginning Monday, April 27^th. Should you have large furniture or other items you cannot bring yourself, please contact Matt Galvin at (508) 947-7851 to coordinate pick up.

Parish History Update

Thanks to all who assisted with information and recollections in connection with the article on the needlepoint kneelers at the altar rail in the March Banner. Thanks to all of your leads and a clipping from the Middleborough Gazette, provided by Joanne Benshoff, here is the list of these skilled and devoted women whose work still enriches our worship today: Priscilla L. Derrick, Priscilla S. Derrick, Andrea N. Eayrs, Lorena B. Eayrs (in memory of Carrie Eayrs Fidler), Doris Keith (in memory of Virginia Hewitt Smith), Margaret A. Perry, Susan B. Staats, and Alice Sylvia. The kneelers in the Lady Chapel were made a few years later and I hope to include them in a future article.

Other news: Laura Stagliola has been harvesting a wonderful list of articles from past decades of the Middleborough Gazette. They include comings and goings of rectors, efforts of the church to help the community and nation in time of war and other crises, and many other items of interest about the parish hall, carpeting, music performances etc. Thank you, Laura, for this great source of new things to learn and remember about our past!

Gretchen Umholtz,

Parish Historian

Bishop Cederholm to Celebrate Deanery Confirmation and Reception

May 9^th, 10 a.m. at COS

Each year a parish in the Taunton River Deanery hosts the Confirmation/Reception Eucharist. This year Church of Our Saviour will be that host. Bishop “Bud” Cederholm will preside at the service, giving us a sermon, confirming and receiving new members, and celebrating the Eucharist. Members of our Chancel Choir will be present to sing and the Treble Choir will offer an anthem during Communion. A reception in the Parish Hall will follow. Lisa Buckley is coordinating with other parishes to help with the collation. If you would like to help with set up, providing eatables, or can help with the breakdown, please let her know or give her a call.

From COS we have 5 who will be received or confirmed. They are:

Matt Stagliola

Robert Studley

John Costa

Frances Costa

Joseph Morrissey

We will recognize our new members at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, May 10. Please offer your prayers and congratulations.
Church of Our Saviour 2^nd Annual Golf Tournament

Saturday June 6, 2009

Lakeville Country Club

Registration 12:30 p.m. - Shotgun start at 1:30 p.m.

Cost $115 per person includes: 18 holes/cart/dinner

Dinner for the non-Golfer 6 p.m. – Cost $25: This will be a mixed grill with your choice of BBQ chicken, beef tips, or linguica, potato and pasta salads, and dessert.

There will be several raffle items and prizes will be awarded during the dinner

Invite your friends and co-workers

We are looking for corporate sponsors. If you or the organization you work for would like to sponsor a hole or prizes

please contact Wayne Perkins

First Communion Class for All Second Graders

First Communion classes will take place May 10, 17, and 31 (no classes May 24, Memorial weekend). We will meet from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Washburn Library and Parish Hall Kitchen. Our first meeting there will be a spaghetti lunch which the children will help cook. This class is for all Second Grade children who have not received instructions on the Eucharist (whether they already take communion or not). The class will celebrate their First Communion on Trinity Sunday, June 7^th at the 10 a.m. service. Please contact the office (508-947-1900) if you would like your child to attend.

Janet Nichols Scholarship

Application forms for Janet Nichols Scholarships are now available from the Church Office (and with Youth Group supplies in the Parish Hall). These scholarships are to help graduating seniors with costs of their first year of college (or other post-secondary education). Applicants must be actively involved in programs at Church of Our Saviour. Completed applications (including 3 page essay on your educational plans and what the church means to you) are due at the Church Office by Friday, May 15.

The Janet Nichols Scholarship Fund was established in March 1998 in memory of past president of the ECW Janet Nichols. Janet was a long time member of the Parish Church of Our Saviour. Her mother Madeline was also a past president of the ECW.

Janet was always an active member in the church. Janet and her husband Bob (a music teacher) had a son Ryan. Janet was diagnosed with skin cancer and after a valiant fight with cancer succumbed in her early forties.

To honor the work she did in her short time at Church of Our Saviour the ECW established a Scholarship in her memory. Scholarships are for Church of Our Saviour parishioners who graduated High School this year and plan on furthering their education.

In order to be considered for the Janet Nichols Scholarship Fund, you must actively be involved in Church of Our Saviour programs. All applicants must write a three-page essay detailing the following:

One page must contain you future educational plans.

A second page must describe what the Church means to you.

A third page must list all the activities you have been involved in at Church of Our Saviour.

The completed essay must be submitted by Friday, May 15, 2009.

You may submit your essay to: Church of Our Saviour

c/o Janet Nichols Scholarship

P.O. Box 89

Middleborough, MA 02346

Anglican Rosary – 1^st Friday of Every Month

During Lent several parishioners expressed an interest to continue praying the Anglican Rosary. This request was sent to the Vestry and after discussion has agreed the Church will be open the 1^st Friday of every month at 7 p.m.

The Anglican Rosary was developed in the mid 1980’s by an Episcopal priest who was looking for a way of centering prayer. What this uniquely Episcopal prayer form provides is a way of enlivening prayers and responses used in our Book of Common Prayer, is a means of bringing parishioners into a community of prayer, and offers those prayers on behalf of our parish, community and the world around us. Each month our prayers will be centered on a theme, meditative readings reflecting that theme, and scripture readings. Fr Dave will be available after the prayer to sit with those who would like to stay and discuss the scripture and meditations and will then close with the Office of Compline.

For those who do not have an Anglican Rosary, place an order with the office for $15 dollars and one will be made for you. You can also go online and search for Anglican Rosaries. There many and various available in all price ranges.

Shepherd’s Ministry: Stocking Up for Spring/Summer 09

Information will be posted on the

COS Update email

and

May Sunday Bulletins

Bi-annually the Outreach Committee conducts this Stock the Freezer campaign to insure we have a ready made meal to provide for persons who may be sick, suffered a loss, or have no food or finances to purchase groceries. Meals were delivered to families that had loved ones in the hospital or were so stretched with taking care of others.

The Stock the Freezer Campaign is quickly becoming a favorite of this parish and is a wonderful way to share our abundance and care. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any member of the Outreach Committee. Also if you know of anyone who is in need of a lovingly prepared meal, please sign it out and deliver it, or contact the office or one of the committee members.

Blessings to all,

The Outreach Committee

Vestry Notes

February 09 Minutes are from this years Annual Meeting and will be included in the Annual Report for this year

March

New vestry members welcomed and introduced

Fr. Dave gave a brief overview of the practice and procedures of the Vestry. At Church of Our Saviour, the vestry works as a collaborative ministry being responsible not only for the property but the mission and ministries of the Church. Fr. Dave briefly went over vestry activities

Vestry follows Roberts Rules of order; will receive agenda, minutes by email; Julie takes minutes, once voted, corrected & approved becomes permanent record; Vestry meetings are the 4^th Thursday of every month

ECW – Ursula Hill has been asked and accepted the position of liaison between ECW and Vestry

Worship

While the Rector has sole say on worship Fr. Dave has put together a committee that includes Altar Guild representative, acolyte parent, Beth Ann, and vestry liaison. Betty Wainwright has been asked and accepted the liaison position for the Worship Committee.

Fr. Dave would like to develop a pastoral care committee and has asked Betty Wainwright to help develop this committee and chair it. The committee should include healing ministers, Eucharistic ministers – discuss and identify who needs to be visited and possibly have visiting teams

Nearly New Shop

The Nearly New Shoppe is a ministry of the parish and should have representation on the Vestry.

Sim Bullard has been asked and accepted liaison position between the NNS and Vestry.

The provides a way for vestry to be a resource and help them

Sim Bullard gave a brief overview of the NNS last meeting. Will need 3 bids on items mentioned in her notes. Nearly New Shop would like new keys. A question was asked – what is the NNS check writing policy. The response was phone # & correct address on check or copy of license. Nancy volunteered to help with collections of bad checks if necessary. The shop opened up 3 Saturdays, did not work out. There was a small petty theft reported therefore a small safe will be placed in the shop & a re-issue of keys.Ursula Hill reported on the dishwasher and asked did anyone tell Wally? Fr. Dave informed vestry that the dishwasher flooded the floor during the Pancake Supper

Stewardship

Gretchen Umholtz who is on stewardship committee provided notes on her attendance of the Brian McLaren workshop. Fr. Dave provided some information about Mr. McLaren. Sr. Warden, Randy King, asked for more time to review notes and to discuss the next meeting. Gretchen is replacing Tom Brown as our representative on the Executive Council of St. Paul’s Brockton. Stewardship will be undertaking a project to promote planned giving in our Parish

Guild House

The Guild House is occupied by two tenants. The downstairs occupant is moving in July. Vestry discussed the issue of putting the apartment back on the market. Several issues must first be addressed. Replace furnace? - should have 2 units for furnaces. Current rent is $685.00 2^nd floor, $1300.00 1^st floor - we pay heat. There is asbestos in the cellar (approximately $3000.00 to remove) and the water line to street bad. To change water main it will be approx. $1500.00. Sometimes there is a problem w/ water on 2^nd floor. 2^nd floor –tenant helps with basic maintenance which is why the rent is lower. The Vestry directed the Jr. Warden Wally Kling, to get 3 bids on changing over from oil to gas, the cost of 2 furnaces, replacing the water main and removal of the asbestos.

Vestry was requested by a parishioner to discuss its check signing policy of 2 signatures on any check over $500. Barry Capistron, our Treasurer, responded that this was suggested by an auditor. It is good accounting practice. Patty Stagliola, as Asst. Treasure will be the 2^nd signatory. Barry expressed that she is in support of this policy. She was responsible for the motion that put this policy in place and remains in favor of it.

Reports

Treasurer – Barry Capistron

$26000.00 pledges rec’d

Barry will give a quarterly report to vestry next month. She also reported that Wayne, Patty, and her attended a Diocesan workshop on internal audits.

Jr. Warden – Wally Kling

West side of lawn is being rejuvenated. Fr. Dave wondered if we might begin thinking of a small meditation garden with some chairs. The grass will need improving. Wally has already begun working on the flowers. Joseph Morrissey will help with the replacing of the ceiling fans in the Church. He would like digital photos of the fans – Barry agreed to take them. Bob Long is working on the outside lanterns and both Wally Kling and Fr. Dave mentioned that there still needs to be some form of security light on the West lawn. The crypt door lock needs to be fixed and ready for opening at Easter.

Sr. Warden – Randy King

Welcomed the new vestry and commented that this vestry is somewhat young. the new Vestry is quite diverse in its “tenure” within this parish and this tradition. He stressed that the work is serious but he has enjoyed it.

Rector – Fr. Dave

Received a form from Diocesan Council which will have to be filled out and signed by the vestry. The form will reduce our Diocesan Assessment by $1,000 if we can show that we have a program that is directed at caring for women and infants. A few snags - only 60 out of 196 parishes will qualify and currently the request is due by May 1^st. Nancy volunteered to help with report.

Fr. Dave reported that our Sexton, Ronnie Vaughan is now self-incorporated, has the new job description and everything is working out fine.

Golf Committee

The Committee has met twice, is working on flyers and information and the tournament will be June 6, 2009 at the Lakeville Country Club. It will be the same fees as last year will a different menu. Registration will be $115.00 p/p (includes 18 holes golf cart, and mixed grill dinner); 12:30 p.m. is registration with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start if we have 50-60 or more players; the meal alone is $25.00 and will include BBQ chicken, beef tips, linguica, corn on the cob, baked potato and pasta salads, cookies & ice cream. Kermit Studley is the chairperson of the committee; Sue Simmons will work with raffles and gifts. Wayne Perkins will once again work with corporate sponsors, Gary Lincoln recommended and will contact Titlist, and Craig DiGiorgi will once again be responsible for the electronic information.

For next meeting – Nancy Lee suggested vestry discuss Rotary auction pointing out that Fr. Dave would be a good guest auctioneer. Wally belongs to Rotary – will help

New Business

Barry Capistron raised the issue of the secretary’s salary during her illness. She was paid medical leave and given her salary earmarked for vacation. Barry suggested any comp time Mrs. Kulak earns now should be applied to vacation time. The vestry agreed that any time Fran was paid during her illness over and above the agreed on salary should be forgiven.

Church of Our Saviour thanks all the volunteers who help in the office and aided in the everyday operations of the parish. THEY WERE WONDERFUL!

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Granfield

Clerk Pro-temp

MAY BIRTHDAYS

David Robinson 05/05 Tom Sylvia 05/07 Zachary Thomas 05/08

John Gardner 05/09 Christian Thomas 05/10 David Ferchen 05/15

James Nelson 05/15 Jack Siderwicz 05/15 Kathry DeArruda 05/17

Judy Lincoln 05/17 Madison King 05/19 Kevin Lynn 05/20

Lisa Bukley 05/21 Robert Cushing 05/21 Jason Holdsworth 05/21

Eugene Turney 05/21 Ashley Nielson 05/25 Pattie Stagliola 05/25

Jayden Verhaegen 05/25 Donna Robinson 05/26 Natalie Atkins 05/28

Ruth Milam 05/29 Samuel Rantz 05/30 Sandi Choate 05/31

Deborah Long 05/31

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

Linda Trauterman 06/11 Ryan Holdsworth 06/03 Christine Morrissey 06/07

Alexander King 06/08 Tina Nelson 06/09 June Rogers 06/10

Barbara Thomas 06/11 Linda Trauterman 06/11 Harold Bolster Jr. 06/17

Beth Ann Young 06/15 Daniel Darcy 06/16 Eileen Cassady 06/18

Brenden Hill 06/17 Shaun Alger 06/18 Edna Fidler 06/24

Mona Larkin 06/19 Cory Flaherty 06/21 Ann Doherty 06/30

Fran Kulak 06/26 Daniel Kelly 06/27

Ryan Morrissey 06/30

The Prayer Chain

For those wishing to add names to the prayer list, please notify Natalie Atkins

or contact the Church office at 508.947.1900.

The Prayer Chain

For those wishing to add names to the prayer list, please notify Natalie Atkins or contact the Church office at 508.947.1900.

Cathy Carol Tracy Rachel Jane

Gary Marlene Loretta Bob Walter

Carl Manny Bill Sally Olga

Lisa & Acacia Ann Dave Chad Paul

Eleanor Ken Darrel Jeanne Gloria

Christo Chris Paul Vincent Lisa & Eddie

Sarah Kurt Bob & Barbara Alice Dick

Mary Elaine Alex Ginny Elmore

Mark John & Agnes Gerrald John Nick

Joyce Stefanos Kate & Bill Ken Myrna

Sissy Theo Margaret & Bob Sandy & Harold

Barbara & Joe Clayton & Alice Wilkinson Family

Whittty Family

We pray for all who serve their county especially those in harm’s way.

Home