2006 SUMMER MISSION TRIP
TO WEST VIRGINIA HOLDS FIRST MEETING
Going Ware? Malinda Collier, a student at the Virginia Theological Seminary and Youth Group Advisor at Ware Church is organizing a mission trip to Pipestem, West Virginia, the week of July 30th thru August 5th. Each year the Appalachian South Folklife Center hosts a variety of groups who come together in the spirit of community and faith to provide home repairs to families and elders in Summers and surrounding counties. The work includes repairs, painting, and yard work. This program not only helps people with their home repair needs but also brings people together from all over the United States. Volunteers develop teamwork and leadership skills and learn about the importance of helping others. More importantly it helps one learn that they can make a contribution that can change and make a difference in the lives of others.

While in West Virginia, there are times to learn about the area and explore some of the many recreational opportunities that are available which includes everything from white water rafting to camping. Nothing like having fun and being helpful all in the same place!

This trip is for all of Ware Church! Some will be going on the trip, others are needed to help raise the estimated $400 per person expenses, others are needed to pray for the participants and still others are needed to help celebrate the mission accomplishments. Do take time and call Malinda at 804-359-6844 or send her an email at chaps8chess@vcu.org and share how you can help!

FROM THE CLERGY
Dear Friends,

Ware Church is completing its first year of a congregation-inspired planning process. It began last March with the Planning Summit and its seventy-five participants and has evolved into the four planning groups for mission, quality programs, significant groups and communications. Progress reports were given at November's congregational meeting, and there have been several articles in the Grapevine. Results of the planning initiative include a mission trip next summer to West Virginia, a wonderful Christmas/Epiphany pageant, refurbishment of Ware cottage, a new music room, a men's group, meetings for the women, a 2006 color calendar and a new pictorial directory due later this year and an exciting Christian formation program with an adult forum.

The January Vestry Retreat celebrated the work of the Planning Committee and began the process of looking at how the vestry might reorganize itself so that the planning priorities can be more fully incorporated into our parish life. The Vestry studied leadership styles for Family, Pastoral, Program and Corporate size congregations. Ware is well on the way of moving past being a pastoral size congregation and becoming a program size one. In the last month, more than 250 parishioners have attended one or more services. Program size congregations typically have 150 - 350 active members.

Leadership in program size congregations changes from a single group like the Vestry to teams leading programs and ministries. Examples at Ware include the organ committee, Christian Formation teachers, music groups, mission, foyer groups, special events and groups for men, women families and young people or an intergenerational mixture. Increasingly clergy time in this model is spent enabling groups, assisting with the formation of dreams and new directions and coordinating
different ministries.

This year the Vestry will learn more about this ministry model. At the very heart of it is congregational life that has numerous opportunities for leadership, ministry and fellowship. Our next step is to expand each of the planning groups not only with more people but also with fresh ideas. If you have an interest, want to be involved or have time to help, please call or speak with Marvin Hohenberger. You are needed and we need you! Most importantly, all of these plans, programs, groups and ministries always need to reflect what you and others wish to see happen here.

The wardens, Vestry, Planning Committee, staff and clergy are excited about 2006! We're finishing a great beginning and making ready for an even better year. Please do call Marvin or just come to one of the planning meetings.

Faithfully yours,
Christian Formation at Ware Church

GODLY PLAY IS COMING TO WARE CHURCH
What is Godly Play?

"Godly Play is an imaginative approach to working with children, an approach that supports, challenges, nourishes and guides their spiritual quest. We enter into parables, silence, sacred stories and sacred liturgy in order to discover God, ourselves, one another, and the world around us." (From The Complete Guide to Godly Play, Jerome Berryman, 2002).

Godly Play is an approach to religious education based on the methods of Dr. Maria Montessori, her students, and Sofia Cavalletti. Godly Play was founded by The Rev. Dr. Jerome W. Berryman, Director of the Center for the Theology of Childhood in Houston, Texas. Godly Play is used in all regions of the United States in denominations such as Episcopal, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Catholic and Presbyterian. Godly Play is used in schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, retirement centers, and other settings. Godly Play is used internationally, especially in the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Canada, Australia, and in Spanish-speaking ministries in many locations.

Godly Play is unique among Christian education curricula. Godly Play holds an extremely high view of children. Godly Play assumes that children have some experience of the mystery of the presence of God in their lives, but lack the language, the permission, and the understanding to express and enjoy that spiritual experience in our secular culture. Stories are told (not read) using "boxes" with manipulatives with which the storyteller and the children "make" the story. Imagine your child setting up your family's crèche set and you will begin to understand the power and the beauty of entering into the story. Now, in a reverent, respectful voice, ask "I wonder how Mary felt as she held her son for the first time?"

Already we have begun to incorporate Godly Play storytelling in our Children's Chapel services at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Parents and interested adults are most welcome to join us! Our children's Christian Formation teachers will be offered the opportunity to attend Godly Play training in the near future. If you'd like to know more, I'd be happy to speak with you. In the meantime, please pray for the children of Ware Church and their leaders and keep Godly Play in mind. You'll be hearing more.

— Jo-Ann Murphy

MUSIC NOTES
Summer Music Camp Plans
Plans are being made now for our annual Summer Music Camp for children ages 5 and older. Several new, exciting, fun musicals are being carefully considered. This event is a real hit with children of all ages, offering singing, games, craft activities, prizes, outdoor fun and much more. Please mark your calendars now for the week of August 14th - 18th for this special camp. Adult helpers are needed as well as teen camp counselors. Contact Dee Johnston at 804-843-3447 or deejnston@aol.com to reserve a camp spot for your child or to volunteer.

Rehearsals
Choir rehearsals continue as usual on Thursday nights for Junior Choir and Handbells and Sunday mornings for Senior Choir. However, there is no practice on Thursday, February 23rd for Junior Choir or Handbells. Senior Choir has an additional practice on Thursday, February 9th at 7:30 p.m. All times are listed on the calendar page.

EPIPHANY PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON IS A HUGE SUCCESS!
Many, many thanks to all who helped with the Epiphany pageant and luncheon! A BIG thank you to Pete and Nick Hanson for the work in the nave and to Kalelyn Crabtree, Karen Swords, Katharine Richardson, Lucy Alice Crook and Mollie Hoffman for the glitter work, our lighting masters Tim and Judy Doyel, Stephanie Hanson for the wonderful blue stars, and Cheryl Morales for braving the ladder to hang the garlands, and to the Vestry that arrived like the cavalry at just the right time to set up the tables. The light shown brightly at Ware Church thanks to all of you! Many thanks to everyone who helped make the church luncheon such a wonderful and delicious event. Scrumptious soups, savory sandwiches, heavenly cookies, etc. were provided by Elizabeth and Cici Brown, Chuck, Lucy Alice and Paul Crook, Pete Hanson, Molly Hoffman, Jennifer James, Louisa Jones, Teri Kepner, Mary Montague, Cheryl Morales, Jane Smith, Dottie Valentine, Gary Ward and Jane Worthington. Hopefully, no one has been omitted from this list as everyone's contribution was most appreciated. Extra thanks go to Pete Hanson, Molly Hoffman and "Princess" Lucy Crook for their help with clean-up and last but not least, Chuck Crook for his assistance "extraordinaire" with set-up and clean-up. You all are great! Thank you!

WOMEN OF WARE BOOK CIRCLE
On March 9th at noon at the home of Jean Johnson, the Women of Ware Book Group will be discussing "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory. Before Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn, her older sister, Mary, was his mistress. This book describes court life during the reign of Henry VIII as seen through the eyes of Mary, is based on truth and tells a fascinating tale.

WARE MEN'S GROUP
The Ware Men's Group met on Saturday, January 21st at Olivia's in the Village. Gary Ward served a fabulous breakfast. George Handley from the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society was the featured speaker. He gave the history of the shelter, talked about ongoing activities and the number of animals that are served as well as elaborating about the need for a newer and larger animal shelter. Approximately 25 men attended.

Rick Zima gave everyone a questionniare to complete. The group concensus was to meet for breakfast on a Saturday morning maybe every other month. Stay tuned for the March date. If you have any questions about the Men's Group, call Rick Zima, 642-5270.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN HAPPENINGS
Winter Activities for all women of the church

WHAT: ECW Luncheon
WHEN: Wednesday, February 1, 2006 Come to either or both! 1:30 p.m. (Order your own lunch)
WHERE: Olivia's in the Courthouse

WHAT: ECW Soup & Salad Evening
WHEN: Wednesday, February 8, 2006 Gather at 6:00, with dinner at 6:30
WHERE: Ware Church Parish House
Babysitting provided at evening meal. RSVP for childcare to Debby Wiggins, 758-1083 or to Nell Jones, 693-5632

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
Education for Ministry (EfM) is one of the Christian Formation programs available to adults at Ware Church. The program is developed by the University of the South, in Sewanee Tennessee. It is a four-year program that only requires a one-year commitment at a time. Many people have asked "For which ministry will I be prepared?" The answer is probably different for each person. EfM helps individuals discover how God is calling them by preparing them with studies in the Old and New Testaments, Church history and contemporary Christian thought. EfM also guides groups through a process called Theological Reflection, which helps us learn how to apply theology in our lives. If you want to know more about EfM, you are invited to sit in on one of our seminars. To make arrangements, please call either Louisa Jones (642-1471) or Grace Long (757-220-1108).

VESTRY AND WARE PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD JOINT MEETING
The Ware Vestry and the Ware Planning Committees will meet on Tuesday, February 7th at 7 p.m. in the Parish House. The combined meeting should last about an hour and the Vestry will meet briefly afterwards. The Vestry packets will be on the church porch table on Sunday, February 5th. Monthly Vestry minutes and the financial statement are posted on the Parish Hall bulletin board for all members to read.

PARISH REGISTER ENTRIES
Baptism: David Allen Morales, December 1, 2005
Transfer: James Hilterbrant to Holy Comforter in Richmond
Burial: Grace Gould Christine Rosenberg December 18, 2005

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Sunday Adult Forum
Remember that Adult Formation classes begin at 9:15 a.m. Here is February's schedule.

February 5th History of Ware Church
February 12th Faith of the Founding Fathers
February 19th The Dissenting Protestants
February 26th Reflections on Lent

In March and in observance of Lent, each week will be devoted to a particular aspect of our Christian faith.

TEXT IN COMMUNITY - A SUNDAY AFTERNOON STUDY
Join the Reverend Jo-Ann Murphy on Sunday afternoon, February 19th at 4 p.m. in the Music Room of the Parish House for refreshments and continuing discussion of Marcus Borg's The Heart of Christianity. Questions? Please contact Jo-Ann at 804-334-7821 or joannrmurphy@aol.com.

SAVE THE DATE ...
Lenten Quiet Day, Saturday, March 4th. Details in next month's Grapevine.

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

YOUTH STUFF
The youth group will meet at 9:45 a.m. on February 12th in the Library. ALL seventh through twelfth graders are invited. We'll be talking about our mission trip and fund raising events, Lenten programs, the ski trip, and more.

Senior High Sundays continue at 9:45 a.m. on February 5th, 19th and 26th. Come and talk, ask questions, maybe answer a few. Call Malinda Collier if you want to know more, or if you are just tired of donut holes, 804-359-6844.

Our middle school class continues as well. Join Kim Ward and Sue Zima for a very creative look at how our faith intersects with our life.

WARE'S PRAYER GROUP MEETS FEBRUARY 8TH
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 February 8th at 10 o'clock with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Healing Service.

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS AND HOSTESSES NEEDED
A sign-up sheet is on the church porch for Coffee Hour hosts and hostesses for March - May. Sign up early so that you may choose 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.

CHURCH DIRECTORY
It's time to issue a new Parish Directory to fill in until the Communications Committee prepares the 3rd Ware Parish Pictorial Directory. Plans call for it to available this coming summer. Please notify Becky Morris in the church office of any address, e-mail and telephone number changes by Friday, February 10th. While every directory contains at least one error, please help us so that's not in your information!

ANGEL TREE A SUCCESS
The Mission Committee thanks 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 dinner with all the fixin's. Thanks to those who gave mittens, scarves, hats and gloves earlier this year.

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.

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 on Wednesday, March 1st. Since Biblical times ashes have 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.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 28th 6:00 p.m.

Enjoy: pancakes, sausage, baked apples, beverage

Proceeds assist with equipment and camp
scholarships for Boy Scout Troop 111.

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 fill out a form and return it with your check by April 7th.

SUNDAY FLOWERS FOR WARE CHURCH
Every Sunday except during Advent and Lent, flowers are placed on the Altar either in honor of someone or in someone's memory. Flowers usually come from either a wholesale distributor in Richmond or a local flower shop and arrive at Ware Church on Friday morning. The Chancel Guild members arrange them for the Sunday services, and afterwards they are distributed to those who are sick or infirm.

If you would like to give flowers, please call Lorraine Ingles at 693-4508 to check on the availability of a particular Sunday. Lorraine continues the fine work of previous Flower Chairmen. Many thanks to Avril Kalinich, Betty Barr Ould and Barbara Roane who have worked with the congregation to provide flowers that have been pleasing to the donors and have enhanced the beauty of Ware Church.

OPPORTUNITIES
Stewardship Conference
The Diocese of Virginia's Annual Stewardship Conference is set for Saturday, March 4th at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Rt. Rev'd John H. MacNaughton, author of More Blessed to Give, is the featured speaker. The Conference is a wonderful resource for Stewardship Committees and Every Member Canvas leaders. If you would like to attend, please speak with Tom Hay, Senior Warden.

Shrinemont Camps
Every summer the Diocese of Virginia offers a super camping experience at Shrinemont, the Diocese of Virginia's Conference Center in Orkney Springs, Virginia. Since January 29th, information about the coming year's program has been available during the Sunday Christian Formation classes or in the Church Office. Interested? Get the materials! Worried about costs? Apply and receive one of the many scholarship that are available!

Womankind — Faith, Family, Future
WomanKind was conceived by the ECW at St. James Episcopal Church in Richmond as a way to bring together women in all of our diversity to share our experiences, insights and questions on the path toward spiritual renewal. This year's theme is Redefining Normal: Love, Laughter and Radical Hope. This event begins Friday evening, February 17th and concludes on Saturday afternoon, Feburary 18th. There are keyote addresses by Anne Lamott as well as several workshops. Topics of the workshops include Christianity for the Rest of Us, Reaching for Our Soul Center, Dreams: Radical Hope for More Intimacy with God, Changing the Way We Work: Prophetic Profitability and Care of the Corporate Soul, In Celebration: Women's Gifts/Women's Spirit and Ruth and Naomi: Girl, I Know Just What You Mean. For more information, call the church office.