CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR TO JOIN STAFF
The Vestry of Ware Church at its July special meeting approved an additional staff member to direct the Youth and Christian Education programs of the parish. The need for the position was articulated at the March Planning Summit. With more than 70 parishioners giving a day of their time to set the parish priorities, this need emerged as one of the top priorities for the parish.

As this issue of the Grapevine goes to press, advertisements were placed with two seminaries and local newspapers generating interest from eight people. The applicants bring an interest in Christian Education and a commitment to teach our children in an unsteady and confusing world. The new staff member will be asked to organize and lead the Sunday School, youth programs and other special children's events. Other duties include communicating with students and teachers through fliers, cards and writing articles for the Grapevine and local papers.

Louisa Jones, Lewie Lawrence, Darcy O'Neil, Allison Parker and Peter Worthington will be interviewing all interested applicants. Their experience includes teaching Sunday School, serving as the Superintendent and three of the four have served or are serving on the Vestry.

The new position is being funded for the balance of this year from the 2004 surplus and will appear as a new budget item for 2006.

A NOTE FROM THE RECTOR

Dear Friends,

Ware Church is in the process of changing! The word "change" excites some and perhaps brings fear to others. Last March in an all day Parish Summit attended by almost 75 parishioners, a bold vision was offered to the congregation about Mission, Programs, Groups and Communication. The Planning Committee, appointed by the Vestry from those who attended the Summit, has been working to develop a plan for Ware Church based on the desires of the congregation. The hope for the March Planning Meeting was for twenty-five to attend and 75 of you came. In this issue of the Grapevine you will see reports of their work which are exciting and filled with energy!

At the heart of these planning groups are opportunities for involvement and leadership. Each group received its direction from the spring meeting and is now developing ideas and projects. The committee members have obligated themselves to work over the next two years to firmly establish the planning process. More people will be needed to activate the proposals and there will be numerous opportunities for leadership. One of the gifts of Ware Church are parishioners with all kinds of leadership experience in the community, business and church.

In the weeks ahead parishioners will be asked to serve on the Vestry, teach Sunday School, lead the Episcopal Church Women and begin new programs. The annual Vestry nomination letter will be mailed in early September. When you receive it, please read it over and send in your nomination suggestions. We need people new to the Vestry, those with previous Vestry experience, we need men and women and we need people with young children and those whose children have grown and left home. We will need ten people to team teach Sunday School and work closely with the new Director of Christian Education. We need someone to serve as President of the Episcopal Church Women. We need people who wish to start new things like Loraine and Pete Hanson's new Sunday afternoon film series.

This is an exciting time for Ware Church! Make plans to take part in our various activities and events. And finally, please continue to keep the parish in your prayers.

Faithfully yours,
Peter Worthington

MUSIC NOTES

New Music Room for the Choirs
An often wished for dream has become a reality in the Parish House during this summer–a Music Room for Ware's three choirs! An Everett upright piano now graces the old Chapel which includes seating for 20, music storage cases, a desk, a computer system and a filing cabinet. We are indebted to Marvin Hohenberger who constructed and painted four shelving units for the music filing boxes. Many thanks to Dick Zima who supplied the desk. A complete computer system, given by IsaBell and Nelson Horsley to the Yard Sale was "rescued" and now maintains the Music Library for the three choirs. Computers Plus on Main Street upgraded the hardware for its new use. New lighting is being installed to create a brighter atmosphere. Stop by and take a look at the Music Room!

Junior Choir and Acolyte Trip
The Junior Choir and Acolytes will take a fun-filled trip to Go-Karts Plus in Williamsburg on Sunday, Sept. 25th after the 10:30 service. We will have 2 hours of unlimited rides and activities, eat lunch at the snack bar, and then return to the church around 3:30 p.m. Parents are needed as drivers and chaperones. Call Dee Johnston at 804-843-3447 or Steve Parker at 639-7069 to help.

Ware Ringer
Come join the Ware Ringers, our handbell choir! Music reading is not necessary to join, but members do learn to read music quickly. Ware Ringers provide music for various services with a special emphasis on Christmas and Easter. New members are welcome!

Senior Choir
The Senior Choir is a wonderful opportunity for fun and fellowship. All that's required is a love of singing! There are opportunities to develop musical skills while working on wide and varied music.

Junior Choir
Children in Junior Choir sing, play games, learn to play hand chimes and participate in other fun activities. They earn points and "Ware dollars"for their participation. In May they receive their points, award jewelry and a special fun trip. "Ware dollars" are spent at the end of December and May at "WareMart." Junior Choir is fun and encourages young children to develop a sense of commitment and to participate in church activities.

WARE PLANNING COMMITTEE

Program Committee — Allison Parker, Chair
The Vestry recently approved the position of Director of Christian Education for Ware Church. The newly formed Program Committee was charged with the task of contacting area churches in an effort to obtain information and ideas for possible use in the Director of Christian Education job description. The finalized job description was forwarded to Peter Worthington, and ads were placed in local newspapers. A group of three Planning Committee members and one Vestry member will interview all candidates and recommend its choice to Peter Worthington. Providing assistance in the hiring of Ware's first Christian Education Director is the Program Committee's current focus, with other program initiatives being developed at a later date.

Small Relational Groups Committee — Anne Clark, Chair
The Foyer (dinner) Groups have been started and will reorganize this fall for the coming year. For more information, telephone Debby Wiggins at 693-4487. The Episcopal Church Women will be working on revitalizing a group or groups for women at Ware Church. For years, men have asked about a "men's group." This group will be developing in the fall, so MEN, please call Rick Zima at 642-5270 to let him know in what sort of group you would like to participate.

Mission Committee — Bobby Ray and Kate Zullo, Co-Chairs
As the result of the March retreat, a Mission committee was formed and has met this summer. After much discussion, we are focusing on two aspects. The first is to look at what we are already doing at Ware. In early October, the Mission committee will hold an informational forum. This will be between the early and late service and coffee will be served. The purpose will be to educate parishioners on the various missions or outreach projects in which Ware already participates. A brief presentation will be given including who is involved, when it occurs, and who it will benefit. The goal is to increase participation and awareness in our current projects. Once these ongoing missions are more clearly defined, our second goal will be to determine new outreach programs for Ware. The Mission committee is researching the various opportunities available to us.

Communications Committee — Lisa Lawrence, Chair
The goal of the Communications Committee is to improve internal communications to our members and to increase our visibility and improve our image in the community. So members, be on the lookout for informational posters at coffee hour to learn about the various groups that Ware Church has and how you can get involved. To enhance our visibility in the community, we hope to have more coverage in the local paper about the exciting things happening at Ware. One of the big projects the committee is planning on undertaking this fall is a new Ware Church calendar for 2006. If you have any pictures of the Church that you think would be great for this calendar, please contact Lisa Lawrence at ayers@vims.edu or 694-0994. Also, any artistic people who would like to help with the coffee hour posters should call Lisa Lawrence.

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

VESTRY NEWS
The Ware Vestry meets Tuesday, September 6th at 7 p.m. Meeting packages will be available the first Sunday in September. Monthly Vestry minutes and the financial statement are posted on the Parish Hall bulletin board for your reading.

PRAYER CHAIN MEETS SEPTEMBER 14TH
The Ware Church Prayer Chain gathers for prayer and the Holy Eucharist in the Parish House. After the service, they gather in the Library to pray for friends and church members. The next meeting is Wednesday, September 14th at 10:00 a.m. If you have a prayer request, call Bruce Forsberg at 776-7734, Anne Clark at 693-4026, or Jane Van Leeuwen at 693-3500.

A WINTER WOOLIES DINNER
On September 24th, 2005 at 5:30 p.m., a potluck dinner will be held at the Ware Church Parish House. Each family is asked to bring their favorite (or easiest to prepare) dish to share with others. If you do not have time to cook , consider bringing beverages, rolls, cheese & crackers, etc. Desserts will be provided.

As many of you are aware, Anne Dyal works with the Salvation Army, Gloucester County Social Services, and the Family Room to help supply those families in the Gloucester County school system who are in need of "winter woolies." Each person/family in attendance is also asked to bring some "winter woolie" item for donation. If you are unable to attend, we will welcome a donation!

Please call Pete and Lorraine Hanson at 694-0373 if you have questions. We also request an R.S.V.P. by September 19th. We will have a sign-up available in the Parish Hall during coffee hours.

Some recommended items (all sizes) for donation include:

• hats, scarves, mittens & gloves
• socks (there really is a sock monster)
• other "winter" items

Sponsors for this dinner include Ronda & Ash Bowden, Lorraine & Pete Hanson, Allison & Steve Parker, and Bobbie & Ed Ray. Please come out to support this worthy cause and enjoy a relaxing dinner with the wonderful congregation at Ware Episcopal Church.

EPISCOPAL YOUTH
Sunday, September 11th will be the first youth group meeting. We will be nominating officers for the coming year. These people will be representing you, so it's very important that you attend this meeting. The only qualification to be an officer is that you be a member for 2 years. We meet at 9:30 a.m. The group is open to all young adults from 7th to 12th grade.

Judy Doyel, Youth Coordinator

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.

REGION II ECW MEETING AT WARE IN OCTOBER
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 2:00 p.m.

THE ECW BOOK CIRCLE
The Episcopal Church Women's Book Circle will meet Thursday, September 29th at noon at Mary Lou Boone's home. The book that has been chosen is Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult. This novel centers around a mother whose child begins talking to God and how the mother handles it. There are also other aspects of faith mentioned. This gathering is open to all. A light lunch will be provided. Call Mary Lou Boone at 776-6141 by September 27th if you plan to come. If you would like to carpool to her home, meet at the church at 11:15 a.m. on the 29th.

PARISH REGISTER ENTRIES

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 cereal, paper products, peanut butter and jelly, and macaroni and cheese. Gifts for the Pantry can be left in the office or taken directly to the Salvation Army. Thank you for your contributions.

PRAYER CHAIN MEETS JULY 13th
TThere is now an additional email address for Ware Church. The old one warech@inna.net and warechurch@inna.net both work for incoming emails. Please feel free to use ither one!

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
This four-year course of study in Bible, Church History, and Contemporary Christian Thought is challenging and enriching. Students enroll for one year at a time, can stop and restart when life circumstances require, and transfer to other areas of the country and around the globe if needed. At the same time, each seminar group is a community of faith and friendship. The first meeting for the 2005-06 class is September 18th. All registration and enrollment information forms must be completed before class begins. Seminars will be held on Sunday evenings but the group usually does not meet on major holidays or Festival Sundays. The time and place for the meetings will be decided after the group is formed. Contact Louisa Jones at 642-1471 or Dr. Grace Long at 757-220-1108 (gracelong@cox.net) if you want more information or would like to enroll in the group.

FAMILY ROOM BEGINS BUSY FALL SEASON
The Family Room, a free co-operative playgroup for preschool children, gathers in the Parish House Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. during the school year. Over sixty families are participating in the playgroup, activities, field trips and fund raisers. The Director is Sister Colleen Magill.

The Family Room has held several activities during the summer including a day at the movies at Kiln Creek, bowling at Yorktown, a visit to the Virginia Living Museum's Dinosaur Exhibit, swimming at Carter's Cove pool, a visit to Sanders Retirement Village, and a picnic at Beaverdam Park. There is also a monthly Mom's Night Out so that "Mom can have some much needed adult time."

To supplement The Family Room Budget, parents often participate in group fund raisers such as a June Yard Sale which made about $2,750 this year. Currently raffle tickets are being sold for two handmade toy boxes. These are large (about 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall and deep with a safety lid). They are hand painted–one for a boy and one for a girl and will be customized with the winner's name. Each box will be filled with toys. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The raffle drawing will be held in December before Christmas. Tickets can be purchased from any Family Room member.

The Family Room parents are also in the process of collecting recipes for a Family Room Cookbook. We would like to have recipes from Ware Church members as well as our Family Room members. All recipes need to be submitted by the end of September.

New families are always welcome to join us! During the school year, there are field trips, and visits. For more information, please call Sister Colleen Magill at 693-3821.

THANK YOU

New Books of Common Prayer
Ware Church has replaced all of the Prayer Books in the Church with each being given in memory of a loved one of a friend or parishioner. The project is drawing to a close with only fifteen Prayer Books needing to be given for the Chapel. They are $20 and one is more than welcome to give one or more books in memory of a loved one. Thank you for making this project a wonderful success!

Clothes for Gloucester School Children
On the July 1st a letter was sent to the members of Ware Church asking for help in providing new shoes, clothes, and school supplies for needy children in Gloucester County as they start the new school year. As a result of your generous donations to the School Clothing Fund, eighty-nine (89) children received new clothes and shoes. Each child was given their school supplies in a backpack on the day they purchased their school clothing from Wal-Mart. Anne Dyal, Chairman Gloucester Salvation Army Advisory Committee, helped the children with this undertaking. The Salvation Army expresses sincere thanks to Ware Church for making the project possible.

Music Camp
Thanks to Dee Johnston and all her helpers for a wonderful Music Camp this year. The children's presentation on Sunday, August 21st was indeed a joyous occasion!

MISSION PROJECTS REPORT
This year Ware Church has been involved in financial giving in many areas. In addition to the budgeted items of gifts to the Gloucester Salvation Army ($2,400 a year), Gloucester Samaritan Group ($1,200 a year) and the Gloucester-Mathews Free Clinic ($1,000 a year), Ware has contributed to the following organizations and individuals.

United Thank Offering $ 924.28
Family Room Yard Sale $ 2,750.00
Children of Chernybol $ 250.00
Good Friday Offering for The Diocese of Jerusalem $ 134.00
Mite Boxes $ 910.04
Tsunami Relief $ 1,229.75
Discretionary Fund Grants $ 2,441.76
School Clothing $ 4,172.00
Boy Scout Pancake Supper $ 750.00
Total Mission Gifts $ 13,561.83

OFFICE HOURS
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday -Friday

BISHOP LEE VISITS WARE ON NOVEMBER 13TH
Each year one of the three Bishops in the Diocese of Virginia visits Ware Church for the Service of Confirmation and Reception. This is an opportunity for 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 of celebration and excitement.

It is an honor to have The Rt. Rev'd Peter James Lee visit Ware Church on Sunday, November 13th.
Bishop Lee 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. Today the Diocese of Virginia is the largest Diocese in the Episcopal Church with almost 200 churches and missions, five church schools and home of the Virginia Theological Seminary. The Diocese is perhaps best known as a leader in planting new congregations.

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.

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 - Why didn't Noah swat the mosquito when he had the chance and A Morning with the Bishop - time to be with Peter James Lee, Bishop of Virginia. Please call the Church Office to join these classes or just come!

CONFIRMATION CLASSES FOR THE YOUTH
In preparation for Bishop Peter Lees's visit on November 13th, there will be Confirmation Classes for the teenagers each Wednesday afternoon beginning September 14th. Actual class time will be set based on school and after school activities schedule needs. Interested in being confirmed? Please call the Church Office to join these classes!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT WARE

Parish Breakfast Opens Sunday School on September 11th
Join us on Sunday, September 11th and enjoy a Parish Breakfast at 9 o'clock in the Parish Hall. Debby Wiggins has promised a delicious family breakfast for everyone! After the meal learn about the new year in Christian Education at Ware.

Sunday School Rooms Reorganized
During the summer with the establishment of the Music Room for the three choirs, the Sunday School class rooms have received an upgrade. New children's chairs have been ordered to replace the painted wooden ones. The old office for the Music Director, the Director of the Family Room and Sunday School Superintendent has been restored as a class room for the coming year. There are eight rooms for Sunday morning classes: seven rooms for the Sunday School and the Parish Hall for the Adult class. The two Parish Hall closets have been set up as the Christian Education Resource Center. Things are brighter for the new year.

Sunday School Curricula for 2005
Two new curricula are being evaluated as the Grapevine goes to press. The first is published by Morehouse Publishing, a major supplier to the Episcopal Church. "All Things New" honors each one's unique spiritual journey while applying contemporary research into different learning styles. As a scripture centered set of materials, it examines 78 key Bible stories while incorporating Episcopal liturgy and tradition.

The second curriculum, published by Living the Good News, is based on the weekly lectionary lessons (bulletin inserts). Here is an exciting set of materials that helps one participate on all learning levels in gaining a better understanding the weekly readings of the Old Testament. The inclusive program honors each one's spiritual growth as it "opens" the weekly lessons. It begins at age 2 and 3 and continues through adult.

Chapel Services for 2005
Sunday School opens with a short service in the Chapel of the Christ Child . New materials are being developed to provide more opportunities for more participation by everyone. Care will be given to the lessons and prayers so children find easier to listen to or to understand.

HURRICANE KATRINA AID - EMERGENCY SPECIAL NEED
Hurricane Katrina is predicted to heavily impact Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama with New Orleans being the hardest hit. The loose plate offering from September 4th will be sent to assist with immediate needs of the city and those states. Please consider giving to the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-435-7669 or the Salvation Army at 1-800-725-2769 or Episcopal Relief and Development at 1-800-334-7626. Donations given to Ware Church will be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development Agency. In emergencies like Hurricane Katrina, all funds will be used to aid those in need with overhead costs coming from other sources. Please keep all those affected by Hurricane Katrina in your hearts and prayers.

In the next few days there should be places in Gloucester to donate items to people in need. If you decide to take items, please make sure they are either new or in like new condition. All items need to be clean and ready to use. Shipping of items from Virginia is extremely expensive; so, please only give items that are requested. Items that are not new or like new should be taken to the Puller Center, or Laurel Shelter Thrift Store.

Please keep all those affected by Hurricane Katrina in your hearts and prayers.