PARISH PLANNING DAY SET FOR MARCH 12TH

What are your hopes and dreams for Ware Church? How about planning less to do more? On Saturday, March 12th, beginning at 9 o'clock the congregation is invited to spend the day hearing brief presentations about specific concrete missional objectives, visitation, inspiring worship, effective groups, quality leadership, good organization, competent programs, accessibility, visibility, good facilities and solid financial resources. The goals and planning objectives for Ware will be selected that day by the congregation and not a planning committee. The process deliberately keeps a small group from planning what the larger group should be doing. The process is designed to keep the listed parish goals, which will be selected during the meeting, to a single page! Who ever heard of a planning committee getting its work done in a single day by as many parishioners as want to take part?

During the Planning Summit on the 12th, teams of parishioners will present several brief presentations about the listed topics. Effective congregations are good at nine of them. Ware Church already does a good job with at least half or more of them. The day includes a box luncheon provided by a local caterer. The congregation is deeply indebted to the leadership of John Dutton who will be the day's facilitator.

FROM THE RECTOR

Dear Parishioners,

On January 2, 1985, I began as the eighteenth Rector of Ware Church. These past twenty years have gone by way to quickly! We came with small children and we have watched them grow and they are now adults. Along the way you cared for the four of us and our extended families. Now our family has grown with Dan's marriage to Miss Nora Murnyak last month.

The luncheon on Sunday, January 23rd in our honor at the Ware River Yacht Club was deeply appreciated by Jane and me! I wish to thank Marvin Hohenberger, Pete Roane, Tom Hay, Bobby Ray, Nell Jones for organizing the day and for the help given by Margie Teagle, Bobby Ray and Sandy Geiger in the kitchen. Also thank you for everyone who brought food and those who came and took part in the day. I am deeply appreciative of the album of photographs and letters and I will always cherish the gold watch presented in honor of these years of service. Jane and I are most grateful for the trip or cruise of our own choosing. The day was wonderful!

It's been a joy being here 20 years! Thank you for sharing your lives, your homes and your love with us.

Faithfully yours,
Peter Worthington

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

The great penitential season of Lent begins with special services of the imposition of ashes and Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Chapel. Ashes in Biblical times have long been the sign of penitence and remorse. Those wishing to receive ashes have them placed on their forehead with these words from the Prayer Book: "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This season of forty days is a time for self-examination, and repentance; a time for prayer, fasting, self-denial and the reading and meditating on God's holy Word.

Lent 2005

Tuesday, February 8th
Shrove Tuesday Family Pancake Supper
beginning at 6 o'clock
Proceeds assist Boy Scout Troop #111 by providing camp scholarships, awards, equipment and training materials

Wednesday, February 9th
Ash Wednesday Services
10 a.m. in the Chapel
7 p.m. in the Church
Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes to mark the beginning of the 40 days of Lent

Holy Week

March 20th, Palm Sunday - The Liturgy of Palms and The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ Services of the Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 am. marking the beginning of Holy Week

March 23rd, Wednesday in Holy Week - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel at 10 a.m.
March 24th, Maundy Thursday - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel at 10 a.m.
March 25th, Good Friday - Good Friday Services at noon
March 26th , Saturday in Holy Week - Easter Egg Hunt, 3 p.m. at Toddsbury
March 27th, Easter Day - Festive Easter Celebrations of the Holy Eucharist at 8:30 and 10:30, Flowering of the Cross, 9:30 a.m.

Dealing With Terrorism

A Series of Discussions
Sunday Mornings in Lent
9:30 - 10:l5 a.m.

by
Dr Edward LeRoy Long, Jr.

These four weeks will be devoted to examining terrorism and looking at different proposals for countering its impact. Consideration will be given to what, if anything, Christian faith can contribute to understanding and mitigating this frightening and disruptive phenomenon.

Sunday, February 20th - Terrorism and Its Causes
9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall
How does terrorism differ from other forms of violence and why does it arise?

Sunday, February 27th - Models for Countering Terrorism
9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall
Three ways of attempting to combat terrorism are possible:
1) Stamp it out by massive counter-violence
2) Treat it as criminal behavior to be brought to justice
3) Overcome its causes.

Sunday, March 6th - Dangers and Pitfalls in Countering Terrorism 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall
9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall
Efforts to combat terrorism can prompt actions that threaten civil liberties and may even encourage sadism. How can these dangers be avoided?

Sunday, March 13th - Christian Resources
9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall

What foundational Christian understandings can help us to deal with terrorism most constructively?

The themes and ideas in this series are treated at greater length and in a somewhat different configuration in Dr. Long's book, "Facing Terrorism: Responding as Christians".

Easter Lilies for Ware Church

At Easter Ware Church is adorned with lilies that have been given in memory of the loved ones of the parish. Lilies are one of many Biblical flowers that grew in the Galilean hills. They have long been associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus at the time of the Annunciation and with the Resurrection.

To celebrate the joy of Easter, Ware Church will be filled with these beautiful plants on either side of the cross and the church windows. To give one or more plants in memory of your loved ones, please copntact the church office and return it with your check ($8.00 per plant) by March 21st.

BOOK STUDY GROUP

The Ware Church Book Study Group will meet Thursday, March 3rd at 12 noon at the home of Anne Clark, 6632 Baiae Lane, Schley (Ware Neck). The book Devil in White City by Erik Larson will be discussed. The book is a popular non-fiction history of the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. This gathering is open to all. Light lunch will be provided. Call Anne at 693-4026 if you plan to come.

MUSIC NOTES

Junior Choir News

The Junior Choir will be singing on Sunday, February 13th during the 10:30 service. It has become a custom with the Junior Choir to decorate a special Lenten Prayer Tree which is on display upstairs in the Parish House. Each choir member makes a Lenten cross to hang on the tree. Each cross represents a special prayer request.

Senior Choir and Handbell News

Both choirs welcome new members as preparations begin in earnest this month for Palm Sunday and Easter services. If you are interested in either or both choirs, please contact Dee Johnston. This is a great time of the year to "Try on" a choir to see if it is something you would enjoy.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Please notify the office of any address, e-mail and telephone number changes by Friday, February 11th so the next directory is as up to date as possible.

VESTRY NEWS

The Vestry will meet Tuesday, February 1st at 7 p.m. in the Parish Library. Vestry packets will be available on the church porch on Sunday, January 30th.

PRAYER GROUP MEETS

The Ware Church Prayer Group gathers for fellowship, prayer and the Holy Eucharist on February 9th. After this Ash Wednesday service at 10 a.m., they will pray for parishioners and friends of Ware. For prayer requests, please call Jane Van Leeuwen at 693-3500.

GRAPEVINE DEADLINE

ANGEL TREE A SUCCESS

The Mission Committee wishes to thank all the friends and members of Ware Church and the Family Room parents who helped make a wonderful Christmas for the twelve families we sponsored at Christmas. Parents, grandparents and children in these households were remembered with gifts from their personal wish lists and a Christmas ham with all the fixin's. Thanks also to those who gave mittens, scarves, hats and gloves for the Jesse Tree.

YOUTH FUNDRAISER
CHILI AND POTATO BAR
WARE TALENT SHOW

On Sunday, March 13th after the late service, the Youth group will hold its second annual Talent Show accompanied by chili and a potato bar. The show is open to all ages You can perform as a group or solo. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall or you can contact Judy Doyel-Fulk at 693-6135 or at thebloompetaler@netzero.com.

Proceeds from the show will go to help build a new aquatic center in memory of Josh O'Neil. Your participation will make this event a big success.

MORE YOUTH GROUP STUFF

The Youth Group thanks all who supported their Lasagna Lunch on Sunday, January 16th and our wreath sales during Advent. These fund raisers help us with our projects and fun trips. The monthly Episcopal Youth Committee meeting, which is open to all 7th - 12th graders, will be on Sunday, February 9th at 9:30 a.m.

Our annual ski trip is March 5th and 6th. For more information about these activities or the Youth Group, please call Judy Doyel-Fulk at 693-6135.

FIRST SUNDAY FOOD OFFERING

On the first Sunday of every month Ware Church receives gifts of food and other personal items to restock the shelves at the Salvation Army Food Closet. Items always in demand include canned meat items, tuna fish, peanut butter and paper products. Gifts for the Pantry can be left in the office or taken directly to the Salvation Army. Thank you for your contributions.

PARISH REGISTER ENTRIES

Baptisms:
Harrison Porter Zima
son of Rick and Sue Zima January 16, 2005

Marriages:
Daniel O. Worthington, III
Nora Andrea Murnyak
January 8, 2005

Burials:
Virginia Beathard Morck Pickett
January 2, 2005

Shirley Lyons Robinson
January 22, 2005

COFFEE HOUR

Thank you to all past Coffee Hour host and hostess volunteers. There is now a sign-up sheet on the church porch for March - May hosts and hostesses. Sign up early so that you may choose the Sunday that best suits your schedule.

LONG RANGE PLANNING

The Long Range Planning Group will meet on Thursday, February 10th at 7:30 p.m. in the Library in the Parish House.

A NOTE FROM STEVE FOR ACOLYTES, WOULD-BE ACOLYTES AND THEIR PARENTS

I am looking forward to working with our acolytes during the coming year and have been in the process of "recruiting" prospective acolytes to add to our existing numbers. If you have an interest in becoming involved in this very important aspect of worship, please give me a call at 693-0349 or speak to me at church. Within the next few weeks, I will be sending a letter to all acolytes. This correspondence will include some "reminders" related to specific acolyte duties and my expectations as to the carrying out of these duties. Beginning with this month's assignments, please give me a call if you need to switch your assigned Sunday with another acolyte. You will still be responsible for finding a substitute, but I will inform the church office of the change and will also help to fill your spot if you have difficulty. I want to ensure that we have all acolyte positions filled on any given Sunday. All new acolytes: prior to your first assignment, I will be reviewing your duties with you on a Sunday, immediately after church. You will also be teamed with an "experienced" junior acolyte for your first few months, so don't panic! I am excited to have the opportunity to be involved with our acolyte group and to have the pleasure of working with these outstanding young people.
--Steve Parker

Lenten Mite Box Offering

During Lent the congregation is requested to support the Lenten Mite Box Offering by placing coins and folding money in the individual family offering containers and bring them to be included in the Easter Sunday offering. The Mite Boxes will be given out on Sunday, February 13th , the First Sunday in Lent. This year the offering will be sent for tsunami relief through the Anglican Church.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

To have your birthday listed in the Grapevine, please call the church office.