GOING WARE? MISSION DINNER
A night to remember! Mark Tuesday, April 18th on your calendar for the elegant, exquisite, delectable dinner being held to raise funds for the summer mission trip. This is your chance to support the team of parishioners who will be going to West Virginia in July. At the same time, you will enjoy a fabulous meal prepared by our own culinary magician, Gary Ward and the crew from Olivia's. You will be waited on by some of the finest servers in the Middle Peninsula (our own parishioners) and music will accompany your meal. Please consider buying a ticket even if you're unable to attend, since this is our biggest fundraiser for the mission trip. Tickets are $50.00 each and include wine, dinner, dessert and a wonderful speaker. You will be served a first course of Penne Pasta with Seafood Cream Sauce and a second course of a Mix of Fresh Garden Greens. The main course is a Petite Filet Mignon paired with Tender Jumbo Shrimp. The finshing touch to the meal is a Dessert Trio. You don't want to miss this enchanting spring event. For tickets please call Kate Zullo (693-3185), Donna Deshazo (695-1709), Louisa Jones, (642-1471) or the church office, (693-3821).

LENTEN SOUP SUPPER PROGRAM
Join us Wednesday, April 5th at 6:30 p.m. for a soup supper prepared by the Choirs and a program presented by the Hickory Neck Praise Group, a twelve-member praise band from Hickory Neck Episcopal Church in Toano.

FROM THE CLERGY
At his retirement as Professor of Speech and Music of the Virginia Theological Seminary, The Rev'd Lowell P. Beveridge spoke of the discussions about the language of heaven he had heard over the years. Some said it was Hebrew, the language of the Ten Commandments; others said it was Greek, the language of the four Gospels and others said it was the English as found in the King James translation of the Bible. Dr. Beverage simply noted the language of Heaven was music for there we will be singing the praises of God. He was right about heaven's language.

As we enter the holiest part of the Christian year, our hymns speak to the important events in the days ahead. While violet, black and white hangings note the visual importance of this time and the lessons tell of the events of Holy Week, it's our music and the hymns that we sing that says it all.

The imagery of Palm Sunday is caught in the 9th century words of Theodulph of Orleans:

Reginald Heber penned these words either in the 18th or 19th centuries about the importance of Maundy Thursday and the Holy Eucharist:

In the days ahead the Church will do its best to proclaim the Good News which such words as: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." or "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." or "Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia." Come sing with us and hear of God's love for each of us.

Faithfully yours,
Christian Formation at Ware Church

FROM THE CLERGY
"Get Thee to a Nunnery"

Does it surprise you to learn that the Episcopal Church has eleven recognized religious orders for women, five orders for men, and one order for both men and women? These orders adopt the traditional three-fold vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Some Episcopal religious orders are engaged in urban ministry; some are teaching orders; some practice liturgical prayer, spiritual direction, retreat leadership, hospital chaplaincy, or other ministries. Some Episcopal religious orders are cloistered contemplative orders, some are active orders, engaged in serving Christ in the world.

Since 1989 I have been an Associate of the Order of Saint Helena. As a "third order" member, I do not live in community but I practice a daily rule of prayer and make an annual retreat to the Convent at Vails Gate, New York.

This year the Saint Helena retreat will be June 9th -11th and is called "Living Within the Sacred Hoop of God's Creation." The weekend's leader will be Sister Mary Therese, who will introduce us to desert and native American spirituality.
You are invited to join me on retreat at Saint Helena. Our group will leave early Friday morning, June 9, and travel by car or van to Vails Gate which is near West Point, New York. It is about an eight hour drive.

We hope to arrive in time for Vespers in the Convent Chapel at 5:00 pm. Supper in the Convent refectory will follow and our retreat will begin with an introduction to the Convent and Sister Mary Therese's first meditation after supper. Friday evening closes with Compline in the Convent chapel.

Saturday and Saturday evening will be silent, with additional meditations by Sister Mary Therese, participation in the Convent's daily offices, free time to hike the spacious convent grounds, practice private prayer, read, receive spiritual direction, or just relax with God. I have always found that time at Saint Helena restores and refreshes my soul in immeasurable ways. I leave Saint Helena with a peace in my heart, renewed and inspired, blessed by its quiet beauty and serenity.
We will return home early Sunday afternoon, following the conclusion of our retreat, Sunday morning Eucharist and Sunday dinner with the Sisters and other guests. While at the Convent our accommodations will be in simple, private rooms with shared baths. Meals are healthy and plentiful. Men, women, and couples are welcome at Saint Helena.

The requested donation for the weekend for those who can afford it is $145.00 plus shared transportation. Registration forms are available from the Ware Church parish office. Please return your registration form to me with a $50.00 deposit made payable to Order Saint Helena. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact me at joannrmurphy@aol.com or 804-334-7821. The registration deadline is May 14th.

In order to acquaint you more completely with the Order of Saint Helena, I will show a video about the order both on Sunday, April 23rd at 3:00 p.m. and at the Sunday Forum, May 7th at 9:15 a.m.

"Get thee to a nunnery," said Hamlet to Ophelia. With pleasure

Faithfully yours,
Reverend Jo-Ann Murphy

MUSIC NOTES
Schedule Changes for April!
Ware Musicians take note of the changes in your rehearsal times during April. It is a busy month with lots of obligations placed on us. Please check the Grapevine calendar for all the changes.

Musicians' Breakfast
There will be a "covered dish" breakfast for all musicians participating in the Easter Morning services immediately following the 8:30 service. Musicians will meet in the kitchen in the parish house.

Rehearsal Break
There are no rehearsals on April 20th. Thank you for your hard work and dedication in preparation for Palm Sunday and Easter!

FINANCE
The Finance Committee will meet Monday, April 24th at 6:30 p.m. iin the Parish Hall library.

GIVING STATEMENTS
Giving statements for the first quarter of 2006 will be on the church porch soon. Pick yours up and check it for errors or needed corrections. Call the office if you have any questions about your statement.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed Saturday night, April 1st. That way you won't be embarrassed by being late for church Sunday, April 2nd, the first day that Daylight Savings Time is in effect.

VESTRY MEETING
The Ware Vestry will meet on Tuesday, April 4th at 7 p.m. in the Parish House. The Vestry packets will be on the church porch table on Sunday, April 2nd.

GOING WARE - MISSION TRIP UPDATE
We are definitely Going Ware! The travel team is assembled and will begin meeting in earnest this month to learn more about how we will work together and carry the spirit of Ware to Pipestem, West Virginia. The next meeting is April 23rd in the chapel at 11:45 a.m. All traveling team members should plan to attend.

Fundraising
We are off to a good start with the Daffodil quilt raffle. Tickets were sold at our successful chili & potato bar Talent Show fundraiser and during National Quilt Day. Thanks to Judy Doyel for organizing both events, and thanks to the youth: Amy, Tim, Kayla, Caroline, Nick, and Michelle for their hard work during the chili & potato bar.

It is not too late to help sell raffle tickets during the Daffodil Festival April 1st and 2nd. We have a booth reserved, #315 for Saturday, and the quilt will be on display at the Gloucester County Museum on Sunday. Come and help or just come by and see the quilt - it is so beautiful. Contact Malinda, 804-359-6844 or chaps8chess@vcu.org to help on Saturday. Ann Dyal is coordinating the Sunday display at the museum.
We are also working to have the quilt on display and have tickets sold at the Gloucester Library in April and the Love 2 Quilt store in May. The lucky winner's ticket will be drawn on Pentecost Sunday, June 4th. We hope to raise $1,000 for the quilt. As beautiful as it is, if I could, I'd just write the check and take the quilt home!

Our special dinner fundraiser will be held April 18th in the Parish House. Please plan to attend and enjoy a delicious evening of food and beverage. All proceeds above costs will help the mission trip. Thanks to the Wards for supporting this evening with their food expertise and commercial kitchen.

Mission is about community and as these few paragraphs read, we see a community joining in mission support. As has been said, some will travel but all will go. Pray for this mission, start now.

A Prayer for the Mission of Ware Church
God of all the people of the earth, as you called your disciples to leave their homes and families to follow you, so now you call the people of Ware Church to leave behind what is familiar and comfortable and step out in mission. Be with us as we prepare for and undertake this journey.

As you have blessed Ware Church in the past, so now bless our eyes that we may see your dear Christ in each person with whom we travel and in each person we meet. Bless our mouths that we may speak words of witness to your gospel. Bless our ears that we may hear your gospel spoken in accents and languages different from our own by those you send us to serve. Bless our hands that we may labor with strength to build your kingdom among the people of Appalachia. Bless our feet that we may go where you lead us and return with new lessons and expanded vision. And give us generous hearts to support this mission trip with our resources, our energy, and our prayers.

We ask this for the sake of your son Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen.

A MOVIE AT WARE CHURCH
Please join us on Sunday, April 9th at 2:00 p.m. for a showing of

The Gospel of John
"...the best loved of the four gospels, vividly comes to life in a faithful and powerful dramatization of the Biblical text. The Gospel of John meticulously re-creates the era of Jesus during a tumultuous period that changed the course of history."

This feature is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 3 hours.
If you would like more information,
go to: http://www.gospelofjohnthefilm.com/

R.S.V.P. is appreciated but not necessary
Pete & Lorraine Hanson, hanson3@cox.net
or 694-0373

We hope you will join us for this captivating depiction of the last 3-years of Jesus' life and ministry.

Refreshments will be served

WOMEN OF WARE HAPPENINGS
Come to either or both!

WHAT: Women of Ware Luncheon
WHEN: Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. (Order your own lunch)
WHERE: Olivia's in the Courthouse

WHAT: Women of Ware Wine & Cheese
WHEN: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ware Church Parish House
Babysitting provided at evening function. R.S.V.P. for childcare to Debby Wiggins, 758-1083 or to Nell Jones, 693-5632.

In May the Women of Ware will be the guests of the Middle Peninsula Fine Arts for a luncheon followed by an exhibit. Meet at the church on May 10th at 9:30 a.m. to carpool. If you prefer to drive, the function begins at 10:30 a.m. The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is located at the intersection of Warwick Boulevard and J. Clyde Morris Boulevard/Peninsula Fine Arts Drive in Newport News.

WARE MEN'S GROUP
Thanks to all who came out to support the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper for the Boy Scouts. The best attendance ever! We had a great time in the kitchen. Sorry we ran out of food. We have upped the order for next year.

Come to Olivia's in the Village on May 6th at 8:15 a.m. for the next Men's group breakfast. Gary will cook us up some good eats and we will have another guest speaker. Let's see if we can fill the place–bring a friend!

OOPS! A NOTE FROM DAVID TEAGLE
Fellow Church Members,
Your purchasing agent for our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Event fell short in his performance this year. For anyone who had to endure fast Tuesday without sausage, you can stack the leftover pancakes on me.

With the re-organization of our old men's club and the great leadership provided by Rick Zima, it's very evident that next year's event will require more provisions.

Thanks to all for the great turnout. We served approximately 120 people.
Yours in service,
David H. Teagle

CHRISTIAN FORMATION

Sunday Adult Forum
Remember that we begin at 9:15 a.m.; fresh coffee and tea available. In April, we conclude the Via Media series on the elements of our Episcopal tradition and faith:

Text in Community
Text in Community, Ware Church's new spiritual reading group meets on the third Sunday afternoon of each month except when it doesn't! This month (April) TIC will meet on April 23rd, at 4:00 p.m. in the Music Room. Our new book is Finding Jesus, Discovering Self by William Dols and Caren Goldman.

Finding Jesus, Discovering Self invites us to go on a unique journey, to live questions about the life of Jesus, the questions posed by Jesus, the world around us, and our own lives. Finding Jesus, Discovering Self invites us to become probing detectives, uncovering multiple layers of meaning in the biblical texts and the multiple ways those texts live in us. It is an invitation to self-exploration that integrates personal stories, psychological and spiritual insights, poetry, and literature.

Finding Jesus, Discovering Self is available from Morehouse Publishing. Please obtain your own copy and read the Introduction and Chapters 1 through 5 (through page 39) before April 23 if possible. Questions? Contact Jo-Ann Murphy, joannrmurphy@aol.com or 804-334-7821. Refreshments will be served.

Education for Ministry
What is your ministry? To what is God calling you? If you are wondering, beginning in September, 2006, spaces in the current Sunday evening EfM group (mentored by Dr. Grace D.C. Long) are available and a new Education for Ministry group will offered at Ware Church. Reverend Jo-Ann Murphy will lead a daytime EfM group, date and time to be determined. Speak to either Grace or Jo-Ann if you are interested or would like to discuss your possible participation in this popular adult education opportunity. Brochures and prospectuses are available in the parish office.

On Sunday, May 21st, 9:15 p.m., current and former EfM students and mentors will present an Adult Forum to introduce the Education for Ministry program. A new EfM video will be shown. Save the date, plan to attend and find out what all the fuss is about!

Children's Christian Formation Teachers' Meeting
Ware Church's Children's Christian Formation teachers will meet for lunch and conversation on Sunday, April 30th, 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We will hear more about introducing Godly Play to Ware Church, prepare for Children and Youth Sunday (June 4th) and our Pentecost celebration, and learn about summer plans for children at Ware Church. A catered lunch will be served. Please R.S.V.P. to Jo-Ann (804-334-7821 or joannrmurphy@aol.com) by April 23rd. Childcare will be provided if requested.

Good Friday Experience for Children
On Good Friday, April 14th, children and families are invited to walk the Stations of the Cross at 4:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Parish House. Throughout the Sundays in Lent our Sunday School children have been learning the story of Jesus' last week on earth and painting the traditional scenes ("stations") that depict his journey from his trial and condemnation to his crucifixion and burial. The children's creations will be hung in the chapel windows on Good Friday for our meditation. Please join us as we pray and remember that sad journey. This will be a short service, appropriate for even the youngest children.

EVENSONG
Everyone is invited to Evensong on May 10th at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock. Bishop Lee will attend and deliver the homily.

WARE'S PRAYER GROUP MEETS APRIL 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 meets April 12th at 10 o'clock with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Healing Service.

YOUTH
The Youth will meet Sunday, April 9th at 9:30 am. All youth, 7th - 12th grades are welcome.

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

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 in demand include peanut butter, jelly, toilet paper, paper towels, boxed cereal, coffee and tea. Gifts for the Pantry can be left in the office or taken directly to the Salvation Army.

CHRISTIAN SEDER
Ware Church is hosting a Christian Seder on Maundy Thursday, April 13th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish House. Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and the institution of Holy Eucharist during a Passover meal. This is the traditional time for holding a Christian Passover Fellowship or Seder. The celebration tells the story of God's people through tradition, liturgy, and the breaking of bread. Everyone is welcome, especially children and guests.

Everyone is asked to contribute to the community meal. Suggested items are cheeses, fruits, vegetables, lamb or other meats, eggs, salad, nuts, and lentils. Foods traditionally excluded in a Passover meal are pork, leavened bread, shellfish, and meat dishes cooked with dairy products. Being Lent, dessert will not be served. Ware Church and the Education for Ministry group will provide the requisite Seder items – wine, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, lamb shank, and much more. Ware

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
Ware Church is excited to announce that we will be producing a new pictorial directory for our members through Lifetouch, Inc.. This new directory will help our members connect with one another by putting names with faces and will highlight the wonderful activities of Ware through photo and information pages.

Portraits will be taken at Ware Church May 1st through 3rd and we hope to have participation by all our members. You will be able to sign up for your 15 minute portrait session through one of our volunteers available at coffee hour, or do it yourself online. Multi-generational families can have a portrait taken with the entire family in addition to the individual family portraits. To do so, simply sign up each individual family for consecutive time slots. Are your favorite family members of the four-legged variety? Then bring your pet and have him/her included in your portrait.

Ware Church members will receive a directory and a color 8"x10" portrait absolutely free with no obligation. Those who choose to will be able to purchase additional pictures.

The directory project is being spearheaded by the Ware Communications Committee, but we need additional volunteers to help with sign-ups, directory layout, etc. If you're interested in helping, please see Lisa Lawrence, Fran Musick, or Nancy Wilson at church, or contact Lisa at 694-0994 or ayers@vims.edu.

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS AND HOSTESSES NEEDED
A sign-up sheet is on the church porch for Coffee Hour hosts and hostesses for May. Sign up for the Sunday that best fits your schedule. You provide cookies. The lemonade and coffee supplies are in the kitchen. One or two people are needed each week.

LAITY HELP
Are in interested in being a lay reader, usher, or greeter? Help is always needed in these areas and the tasks are not difficult. Call the church office if you wish to be added to one of these lists.