JANUARY 11TH PARISH EVENTS CELEBRATE EPIPHANY

The first day after the twelve days of Christmas is January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany which celebrates our Lord being made manifest to the world. The central Biblical story for this feast is the arrival of the Magi and their three gifts. Ware Church will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with a family breakfast at 9 a.m. on Sunday, January 11th. Regular Sunday School classes for preschool through adult also begin the winter session at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 11th.

The presentation of Mark Patterson's "Light of the World" takes place Sunday, January 11th during the 10:30 service. The music will be led by members of the Junior and Senior Choirs. The cast of actors will consist of both children and adults. This pageant is a wonderful way to begin the new year celebrating the joy of the gift of Jesus as the "Light of the World."

PARISH LASAGNA LUNCHEON SET FOR JANUARY 18TH

On Sunday, January 18th the Youth Group is serving a Lasagna Luncheon after the late service. The cost is $6 for adults, $4. for children over 5 years and free for children under 5. The menu includes lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and homemade desserts. If you can not stay and eat at the Parish Hall, the youth will box up your meal to take home for later.

FROM THE RECTOR

Dear Parishioners,

The third year of the third millennium has been filled with war, a devastating hurricane and turmoil in the Church. We continue to pray for Stewart Blackston who serves in Bagdad. The cleanup around the church and many of our homes is ongoing. And the Church seeks to learn from the issues surrounding the election of a bishop in New Hampshire.

One or more of these issues has torn at us. Answers sometimes seem as elusive as the report from the insurance adjustor after the storm. Yet at the center of our faith is the opportunity for new beginnings. The new year is a time to pray for peace in the world and healing in the Church. 2004 is a time to plant trees! May the new year be a time when our troops can come home, that contractors finish the repairs to our homes and the Church can find peace.

May you and yours have a most blessed Christmas and a grand new year. May there be joy and happiness for all of 2004.

Faithfully yours, Peter Worthington

MUSIC NOTES

Epiphany Pageant Rehearsals

There is a special Junior Choir rehearsal Wednesday, January 7th at 5:30 p.m. to rehearse the music and select costumes. Anyone who wants to sing in the performance, even those who are not regular Junior or Senior Choir members, can learn the music that night. Most of it is very familiar. There is a required dress rehearsal for everyone in the pageant Saturday, January 10th, 10 a.m. - noon. Anyone who has not received a costume prior to that day needs to come at 9:30 a.m. to get fitted for one. This is a family event with a part for all members of the family; please consider getting involved.

Ware Ringers

A new year is a great time to begin ringing with the group. Come to our first rehearsal of the year on Wednesday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m.

VESTRY NEWS

The 2004 Vestry installation is set for Sunday, January 4th at 10:30 a.m. New members are Lee Brown, Kate Cole, Tom Hay and Nancy Wilson.

2004 Officers are Marvin Hohenberger, Senior Warden; Rip Radcliffe, Junior Warden; Nancy Wilson, Register and Pete Roane, continuing as Treasurer. Meeting times this year are the 2nd Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

The Vestry Retreat will be Saturday, January 24th at Westminster Canterbury.

GIVING STATEMENTS

The 2003 giving statements will be mailed this month. Please check yours for errors or needed corrections.

PRAYER GROUP MEETS

The Ware Church Prayer Group gathers for fellowship, prayer time and the Holy Eucharist. They pray for parishioners and friends of Ware. The next meeting is Wednesday, January 14h at 10 a.m. For prayer requests, please call Jane Van Leeuwen at 693-3500.

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

Don't see your name listed on your birthday? Please call the office so it can be added to the list.