June 20, 2024 Edition

Right after the Bishop laid hands on my very sweaty head and consecrated me a deacon, he said this prayer: "Make her, O Lord, modest and humble, strong and constant, to observe the discipline of Christ. Let her life and teaching so reflect your commandments, that through her many may come to know you and love you. As your Son came not to be served but to serve, may this deacon share in Christ’s service, and come to the unending glory of him who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN." – BCP p. 545

This same prayer was said at the ordination of Deacon Jackie and Deacon Vern, and when Rev. Nancy, Rev. Jim, and Rev. Mary were first ordained as Deacons. It is kind of hard to explain that in the Episcopal Tradition, to become a priest you are ordained twice, once as a deacon and then, after six months or so, as a priest. But on a quiet day with Bishop Sam before my ordination, he talked about two things. First, he said that Holy orders are not hierarchical but cumulative. Bishop Sam talked about how his own view is that each one speaks to the importance of the order. For him as Bishop, he will always be a deacon and priest simultaneously. One does not erase the other but builds upon each. To be first ordained a deacon is to stay rooted and grounded in what this whole Christian thing is all about. Click to read more.

Do you feel that God is calling you to explore ministering to those who are homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion? You are invited to a training & refresher session for current and prospective Eucharistic Visitors on Saturday, June 22 at 9:30 AM in the Parlor! Contact Father Jim or call the church office if you are interested!

HONDURAS IS CALLING! As most of you are aware, we have been participating with a medical mountain mission group, Friends of Barnabas Foundation, since 2017. It has been the reason for our numerous pie fundraisers! It has been a richly rewarding venture. It is our desire to begin building a team from All Saints'. It is not required that you have a medical background, in fact half of the team members are not medical. To that end, we have invited Erin Caldwell, President of Friends of Barnabas Foundation and Patti Wagner, Medical Director of Friends of Barnabas Foundation, to come speak here at All Saints' on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 10 AM. They will provide information about the programs and opportunities. We are looking to fill a team for March 15-22, 2025. The minimum age is 18. If you want additional information, visit the website www.fobf.org. You can also contact either of us, Debbie or Joe Stegman. Our information is in Realm. We hope you will prayerfully consider this opportunity, and we look forward to seeing you on June 23.

Are you interested in taking a deeper dive into the Bible, learning more about the history of the church, and taking a closer look at the joys and challenges of our daily lives as Christians through a theological lens? If so, the Education for Ministry (EfM) class may be the place for you. Through reading and study, as well as engaging in regular theological reflection, EfM is designed to develop theologically informed, reflective, and articulate seekers of God. If you would like to know more, make plans to join us on Sunday, June 23, between the 9 and 11:10 AM services, to get more information. You may also reach out to Christiana Holyer, EfM Mentor.

Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM) needs items for its food pantry! Summer temperatures are high and so are food needs at the CCM pantry. Currently, the biggest needs are for: canned chicken and tuna, other canned meats, peanut butter, canned corn, peas, carrots, potatoes, and mixed vegetables, canned beans, canned fruit, rice, pasta, macaroni & cheese, cereal, shelf-stable milk, and diapers. For a detailed list of healthy items needed, click here. CCM gladly accepts all donations at the Crisis Center at 246 Country Club Drive NE, Concord.

You are invited to serve at the Night Shelter, July 28-August 3! The opportunity for All Saints' to prepare and serve meals at the Center of Hope Night Shelter in Concord is upon us! Our next week to serve those in need is Sunday July 28 through Saturday August 3. Please prayerfully consider how you, your family, small group, or ministry can help out. The commitment is about two (2) hours of your time, plus food one evening (or multiple evenings if that's your jam). This is a great chance to love our neighbors! Contact Gary "the Guitar Guy" Kovar with questions or if you are interested in helping (or chase him down between services). Gary's contact information is in Realm.

Summer Planning | Looking ahead, here are a couple events to place on your summer calendar. Details will be coming soon!

• Church Office Closed – July 4
• Parish Par-Tay – July 14
• Volunteer Luncheon – July 16 at Noon
• Night Shelter – July 28-August 3
• Vacation Bible School – August 1-3
• Blessing of the Backpacks, Rally Day & EYC Kick-off – August 11
• Rabbi Barbara Thiede – August 18 & August 25 at 10 AM

On Sunday, along with Bishop Sam's visit, we celebrated the baptisms of Catherine Nicole Crotty, Zadie Ella Wagner, Ezekiel Joseph Wagner, Zayden James Wagner, Ezra Jacob Wagner, Boaz Oliver Wagner, Jeremiah Scott Wease, and Jonathan David Wease. We also celebrated the confirmations of Jay Alan Boyar, Karen Marie Crotty, Samantha Grace Genevieve Hornung, Yasmine Aaliyah Miller, Steven Robert Wagner, Julie Lane Wagner, and Geralda Marie Antonides, who was received. You are welcomed with joy!

CVAN's Men for Change ad ran in Sunday's Independent Tribune! There were 1,042 participants, which is an increase of 11 over last year. Thank YOU to all who supported this powerful stand! Click to see the ad.

We offer condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Marilyn Carroll, who entered into the Resurrection on June 18, 2024. Marilyn was a long-term member of the Altar Guild and a coordinator for receptions and parish life events. She was dearly loved and will be missed. A memorial service will be scheduled by Marilyn's family later this summer.

We offer happy congratulations to the Goodwin family on the birth of Ioan Michael Goodwin on May 31, 2024. Ioan is Ken & Melissa Goodwin's fifth grandchild and first grandson. Ioan is the Welsh form of John, and he's named after his dad's godfather. Ioan's sisters are smitten with him, as are his grandparents. 

We offer joyful congratulations to Deb and Kyle Grill on the birth of their son Joey Grill on May 29, 2024. We celebrate this new birth!

Prayer is the foundation of the ministry of this parish. If you would like to request prayers, please share here. If you are hospitalized, please let the church know. If you are unable to make the call yourself, ask for the chaplain on call and they will make it for you. The church phone number is 704-782-2024.

Prayers have been requested for those who are suffering from addiction, Geoff, Tiffany, Martin, Rachel, Charlotte, Riley, Kathy, Larry, Kristen, Sarah and her children, Mike, Riley, Jake, Betty, Jennifer, Chris, Steve, Nora, Forrest, Al, and Jean.