JO-ANN MURPHY NEW
DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION
The Reverend Jo-Ann R. Murphy has begun as the Director of Christian Formation for Ware Church. A 1987 graduate of the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Mrs. Murphy received her Doctor of Ministry in 1998 from Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, New Jersey with her thesis-project being entitled "The Spirituality of Sunday School Teachers." She began her professional career as a kindergarten teacher, later edited The Virginia Seminary Journal for ten years and after ordination in the Episcopal Church, served parishes in Virginia and New Jersey.

In the Diocese of Virginia, Mrs. Murphy is the chair of the Committee on Women's Mission and Ministry and the diocesan coordinator for the University of the South's Education for Ministry program. For three years she was a member of the Adjunct Faculty of the Virginia Seminary. She has lead a number of quiet days, retreats and conferences on spiritual growth and contemplative prayer groups.

She began her ministry at Ware Church on September 10 by leading a morning long workshop for our Sunday School teachers and overseeing the first day of Sunday School classes on the 11th.

She is married to Russell Murphy, an international financial consultant, and they are parents of two children and the proud grandparents of five granddaughters. The Murphys make their home in Richmond, Virginia.

A NOTE FROM THE RECTOR

Dear Friends,

The news in these last weeks has been filled with the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and Louisiana and Hurricane Rita in Texas and Louisiana. While New Orleans has captured the headlines with stories of dramatic rescues, flooded homes and broken levies, the real story may be all of the gulf region.

Ware Church's initial offering of $7,600 was sent to Episcopal Relief and Development where it has been forwarded to the Dioceses of the Central Gulf Coast, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Western Louisiana to support immediate needs such as food, shelter and medical supplies. On Saint Francis' Day, October 2nd, the supplies collected by Ware Church will leave for distribution along the Gulf Coast. The loose plate offering on that day will also be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development.

To give you some idea of what's going on with the Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Louisiana is operating from temporary offices at St. James' Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. So far at least 18 churches have been lost and the diocesan office in New Orleans was looted. The Diocese of Western Louisiana has taken in thousands of evacuees and are housing them in private homes and the diocesan camp and conference center. In Mississippi, many churches are a "total loss." Reports have indicated that at least six Episcopal Churches have been totally destroyed with serious damage being done to many others. What is harder to comprehend is the increasing reported death toll, large numbers of displaced people, loss of over 250,000 homes and employment and the continuing trauma and the need for help. Our experiences of Hurricane Isabell give us an understanding of what has happened. What can we do?

First, pray the prayer written by Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold:

"God of mercy and compassion, be in our midst and bind us together in your Spirit asa community of love and service to bear one another's burdens in these days as we face the ravages of storm and sea. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord from whom alone comes our hope. Amen."

It need not be the Episcopal Church! Gifts to the Salvation Army, Humane Society, American Red Cross or any creditable charity can help those who have lost so much. Please be generous as your gift will make a real difference in the lives of others.

Faithfully yours,
Peter Worthington

MUSIC NOTES
A New Rehearsal Day for The Junior and Handbell Choirs
Both the Junior and Handbell Choirs rehearsal days are moving to Thursday nights beginning October 6th! They will keep their regular times 5 to 6 p.m. for the Junior Choir and 6:30-7:30 for the Handbell Choir. This change, hopefully, will help the musicians' with their busy schedules.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
If you wish for your birthday to appear in the monthly list, please call the Church Office.

Oops! Harrison Zima celebrated his first birthday on September 27th and his name was omitted from the birthday list last month. Happy Birthday Harrison!

VESTRY NEWS
The Ware Vestry meets Tuesday, October 4th at 7 p.m. with meeting packages being available the first Sunday in October. Monthly Vestry minutes and the financial
statement are posted on the Parish Hall bulletin board for your reading. At the September meeting the Vestry developed a working model of the 2006 Parish Budget which was increased by about8% which includes a salary line item for the Director of Christian Formation and a hefty increase for heating oil. In other business, the Vestry approved the 2004 Audit, reviewed plans for the 2006 Every Member Canvas, and noted the upcoming Congregational meeting on November 20th where four new members will be elected to the Vestry and the four working groups for the planning committee will report on their progress.

PRAYER CHAIN MEETS OCTOBER 12TH
There are times when it is a real help to know someone is praying for you, a member of your family or a friend. The Prayer Group seeks to provide a quiet ministry of intercessory prayer on your behalf. . If you have a request or need , please call, Anne Clark at 693-4026, Jane Van Leeuwen at 693-3500 or Bruce Forsberg at 776-7734. The Group's next meeting is October 12th at 10 o'clock. The day begins with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Healing Service followed by time to pray in the Library.

EPISCOPAL YOUTH
Sunday, October 9th is the youth group meeting. We meet at 9:30 a.m. The group is open to all young adults from 7th to 12th grade.

The Ware Church Walkers is participating in the March of Dimes Walk in Kilmarnock on Sunday, October 2nd. Children and adults are welcome to join us. We will be walking approximately three miles. Donations should be made payable to the Ware Church Youth Group. You can commit to a specified amount per mile or just donate a flat sum. Last year $462.30 was collected for the March of Dimes. Let's see if we can top that this year. For more information, call Judy Doyel at 693-6135 or Fran Musick at 693-4568.

MARCH OF DIMES WALK
The Ware Church Walkers will be participating in the March of Dimes Walk in Kilmarnock on Sunday, October 2nd. Adults and youth are welcome to join us. We will be walking approximately three miles Sign up on Sunday, September 11th at the Youth Meeting. Donations should be made to the Youth Group. You can commit to a specified amount per mile or just donate a flat sum. Last year we collected $462.30 for the March of Dimes. Let's see if we can top that this year. For more information, call Judy Doyel at 693-6135 or Fran Musick at 693-4568.

WOMEN OF WARE HOST REGION II EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN'S FALL MEETING
The Women of Region II will be hosted by Ware Church on Wednesday, October 5th. Husbands are also invited to attend. Keynote speaker will be Sheila Callis Williams, author of Big Wigs, Old Goats, and Loose Women (a humorous account of Colonial Virginia, with a focus on the early church). Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Holy Eucharist at 10 o'clock. The offering will go for the Dominican Republic Project of our Diocese. A business meeting will be held with a short presentation by our President Constance McDearmon who accompanied Bishop Frank Gray on his recent visit to the Dominican Republic. Lunch is at Noon (bring your own sandwich) with our speaker at 12:30 p.m. We expect to end the day by 2 p.m. A reminder to Ware Women: Bring your baked goods in for this fall meeting

COME AND SEE, and have a pastry, coffee and tea.
Sunday October 16th, 9:15 am - 10:20 am, in the Parish Hall, Pat Piland, President of the Diocese of Virginia Episcopal Church Women will meet with ALL women of Ware Church. This is a chance to discuss with Pat and each other, ways to revitalize our ECW, and to explore what other sorts of women's groups you would like to see at Ware.

Women are, have been and should continue to be a vital part of the life of Ware Church. Women's groups (such as the ECW) give women of all ages a chance to get to know each other and develop relationships within the church community. They provide a place of welcome for new members. As women together, we are able to learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ and how we are called to serve others. All are invited ---- Please come.

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. Particularly needed items this month are canned corn, pork and beans, soup (no tomato or chicken noodle), spaghetti sauce, and mashed potatoes. Gifts for the Pantry can be left in the office or taken directly to the Salvation Army. Thank you for your contributions.

NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR WARE CHURCH -- WARECHURCH@INNA.NET
There is a new email address for Ware Church. The old one warech@inna.net and
and warechurch@inna.net both work for incoming emails. Please use the new one!

BISHOP LEE VISITS WARE ON NOVEMBER 13th
Every year one of the three Bishops in the Diocese of Virginia visits Ware Church for the Service of Confirmation, Reception and Holy Eucharist. At this service members of the congregation to affirm the promises made for them at their Baptism. It is also a time for those wishing to join the Episcopal Church who are coming from one of the other Christian traditions to be received into the Episcopal Church. Bishop's visitations have always been a time for celebration and excitement.

It is an honor to have The Rt. Rev'd Peter James Lee visit Ware Church Sunday, November 13th. He was consecrated in the Washington National Cathedral in 1984 as Bishop Coadjutor for the Diocese of Virginia and became Bishop upon the death Bishop Robert Hall in May of 1985.

November 13th begins with the Bishop meeting with the congregation in the Parish Hall at 9:30 followed by the service of Confirmation, Reception and Holy Eucharist at 10:30. A reception is planned for the Parish Hall in honor of those being confirmed and received.

CONFIRMATION IN 2006
In 2006, the Diocese of Virginia is planning a schedule of confirmation visitations to congregations that emphasizes our common life in the Diocese and the centrality of our baptismal vows during the Easter season. To accomplish that, we are scheduling thirteen combined confirmation services around the Diocese and inviting rectors, other parish clergy, and their confirmation classes, as well as their wardens (and any others who wish to attend) to come together in these thirteen services.

Ware Church will take part in the Confirmation service on April 18th at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock. Other congregations participating are St. Mary's, Fleeton; Wicomico Church, Wicomico; St. Stephen's, Heathsville' Trinity, Lancaster; St. Mary's, Whitechapel;Christ Church, Middlesex; Kingston Parish, Mathews; Abingdon White Marsh; and St. Paul's and St. John's of West Point.

This schedule will permit all the participating congregations to plan for a substantive process of instruction for persons to be confirmed or received during Eastertide and we hope very much you will take advantage of the time to do just that. Any baptisms at these joint services should be those of adults. We are planning two Total Ministry Days on October 22 and November 5, 2005, and hope you will bring your candidates to one of them.

SAINT FRANCIS' DAY BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Bring your dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, fish, frogs and iguanas to Ware Church on Sunday, October 2nd at 9:30 a.m. for the Annual Blessing of the Animals. This service will be held outside the Parish House Chapel due to larger numbers of animals and parishioners attending. In addition to a special worship service, each animal will receive its own blessing. Can't get your pet here? Then, please bring a picture and your pet will be included in the service. If you plan to stay for the 10:30 service, please remember to have plenty of water for your pet and to leave your car windows open at the top.

The service also includes an ingathering of pet food for the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society. On any given day the Society feeds cats, dogs, chickens, rabbits, and even a horse or two. The gift of these food items helps this important group continue to feed stray pets and animals. Dog food and cat food is always appreciated but old towels are also needed. The Youth group will make certain that your donations are delivered to the shelter.

This special day honors St. Francis of Assisi, a thirteenth century friar who was the founder of the Franciscan Order. This religious order is marked by a simple rule of life that forgoes most worldly comforts and identifies with the poverty and sufferings of our Lord.

PARISH HALLOWEEN PARTY
Sunday, October 30th
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.*

Wear you favorite Halloween costume

Prizes, Games, Lots of Treats, Costume Contest
Another special event brought to you by the Ware Church Youth Group

A HALLOWEEN MOVIE - HOCUS POCUS
Please join us for a family movie afternoon at Ware Church in the Parish House on October 23rd, from 2 to 5 p.m. All ages are welcome, come spend the afternoon with your children and a Halloween movie. We will be showing Hocus Pocus (rated PG). Halloween refreshments will be served and if you have a favorite snack, you are welcome to bring it. If you have any questions, please call 694-0373 or e-mail hanson3@cox.net.

SPRUCE UP THE GROUNDS
There will be a Parish Grounds Clean-up Day Saturday, October 8th, beginning at 8 a.m. Bring a good pair of work gloves, your saw, loppers, clippers and a pick-up truck to help with the clippings. All help is appreciated. Lunch is provided for everyone!

QUILT DAY OCTOBER 15 FOR KATRINA RELIEF
Come out to Ware Church on Saturday October 15 anytime between 8am and 5pm in the parish house. On that day volunteers will be making quilts for children displaced by Katrina. If you have a sewing machine, please bring it. It you have cotton fabric, quilt batting or other sewing supplies that you would like to donate, please bring it. Our objective is to make as many quilts as we can that day. If you can't sew, come anyway. We can always use help with ironing and cutting. If you'll be around at lunch time, bring a covered dish to share. Last year the EFM group held a quilt day for the Laurel Shelter. We found that many hands make for light work and finished 10 quilts. We don't think it is possible to make too many quilts for these displaced children, but we would sure like to try. If you have any fabric you would like to donate or if you would like to participate or have questions, please contact either Louisa Jones, 642-1471 or Maryethel Miller, 693-0749.

ALL SAINTS' DAY REMEMBRANCE REQUEST
Every All Saints' Day during the Prayers of the People, the names of the loved ones of our parish family are read. To have your loved ones included with "those who have gone ahead of us in faith", please list their names in a request to the Church Office either in person or by U. S. Mail (Ware Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 616, Gloucester, Virginia 23061-0616) no later than Wednesday, October 26th.

UNITED THANK OFFERING
On Sunday, November 6th, the Episcopal Church Women will receive the Fall Ingathering of the United Thank Offering. Blue Boxes for your gifts that fold and jingle in your pocket may be found on the church porch table. For your convenience, UTO envelopes will be included in the November issue of the Grapevine.

HOLIDAY SALE
Come to Ware's African Team Ministries Holiday Sale and do lots of Christmas shopping! There will be African jewelry, books, toys, knickknacks, and copies of Ware's history. The sale opens after the early service on Sunday, November 6th and continues all morning. The Ware Youth will be wrapping gifts that day as well as selling Christmas wreaths.

CEMETERY AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE MEETING
The Cemetery and Grounds Committee will meet Saturday, October 9th at 10 a.m. If you can not attend, please call Kenny Wiggins.

NOTES
Turn in your nominations for next year's Vestry by Monday, October 10th.

WARE CHURCH CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT
Ware Church still has a few of the Christmas ornaments commemorating the 350th anniversary. The ornament, a three-dimensional brass copy of the Church building, sells for $15.00.

FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES
When should one begin receiving Communion? Often parents ask what's the best age. The basic requirement to receive Communion is to be a baptized Christian. For children it is a parental decision as at Baptism parents and sponsors promise that the baptismal candidate will be brought up in the Christian faith and life. It is appropriate that all baptized people receive Communion at celebrations of the Holy Eucharist even if they are not Episcopalians. It's important to remember that it is the Lord's Supper or in other words, "The gifts of God for the people of God."

Living into the promise "for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christina faith and life" there will be first communion classes for parents and children on Saturday, November 12th at 10 o'clock in the Chapel. Time will be taken to speak about the communion service, provide instruction in receiving communion and the importance of coming to the Lord's table.

Those wishing to may make their first communion when Bishop Lee visits on November 13th

NOVEMBER EVENTS
6th All Saints' Day Celebration and the remembering of the faithful departed
6th United Thank Offering Ingathering
6th Mission Fair and sale of African Jewelry
13th Bishop Peter James Lee's Visit to Ware Church for Confirmation
13th First Communion Sunday
20th Annual Congregational Meeting at 10:30
24th Thanksgiving Day
27th Advent Sunday Corporate Communion and Parish Breakfast

VESTRY ELECTION
In early September Vestry Election Nomination Forms were sent to the congregation seeking nominations for Vestry terms which begin in January of 2006. Please read over materials and return your nominations so the Nominating Committee might be guided by your choices. Elections will be held at the Annual Congregational Meeting at 10:30 on Sunday, November 20th.

WELCOME TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH - A NEW MEMBER CLASS
Beginning Sunday, September 18th and continuing through November 6th, classes for those wishing to learn more about the Episcopal Church and those who wish to join the Episcopal Church will be held in the Parish Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interested in attending? Bring your children to Sunday School and join us. Topics include: Prayer - Talking with God, Worship - Why Episcopalians do such funny things on Sundays, Holy Scripture - God's sharing his love over the generations, Church History - All those crazy things others did before we got here, Faith - What we believe and don't believe, and Questions - and A Morning with the Bishop - time to be with Peter James Lee, Bishop of Virginia. This class is especially for teens and adults wishing to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church.

GRAPEVINE SUBMISSION DATE
To have news items and articles included in the November Grapevine. please submit them by Monday, October 10th. They can also be sent as an attachment in an email to warechurch@inna.net.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
You get to sleep an hour later on Sunday, October 30th! Turn back your clocks and hour on Saturday. Sunday services are 8:30 and 10:30 with Sunday School starting at 9:30 Eastern Standard Time.