All Souls Weekly                 
Volume 2, Number 7, January 11, 2009

Praying for Christian Unity

Beginning on Sunday, January 18, and lasting through Sunday, January 25, is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The idea for this eight-day period of prayer originated with two priests in 1907. The Rev. Spencer Jones, a priest in England, wrote to the Rev. Paul Wattson, an American Episcopal priest, suggesting that a day of prayer for Christian Unity might be observed each year on the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29). Wattson proposed instead an eight-day octave observance of prayers, sermons and conferences between the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter the Apostle on January 18 and the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on January 25. During this week we are asked to focus on those things that Christians have in common, rather than on those things that continue to separate us.

At All Souls, we’ll be using the special Collect for the Unity of the Church on both Sundays and at Matins throughout the week. Personally, I’m also going to try my own discipline toward Christian Unity. When I see another Christian, especially from another denomination or theological perspective, I’m going to make a special effort to think of how we are like each other, rather than immediately focus on how we are different (and usually how I am right and the other person is wrong). I am hoping that this practice might somehow seep into my prayers, and vice versa. You might think of other ways to pray for Christian Unity—by attending a prayer service at another church, by participating in an ecumenical event, or perhaps by reading something about another perspective of Christian thought. Whatever you do, I urge you to join us in praying for unity among all Christians. John Beddingfield 

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Your prayers are asked for . . . Barb Chaffee, Ed McAllister, Jim Capen, Libby Davis, Harriet Martin, Dorothy Whitmore, Susan Morrison, Sydney Ponturo, Chris Cobb, Suzanne Eyman, Landis Vance, Vickie Drell, Stephanie Russell, Ruth & Fred Huber, Jim St. George, Martha Holdgate, Chip Meyers, Mary Backus, Anne Marie Morotte, Ron Biggs, Steve Coon, Dorothy, Cindy Harvey, Jerome & Mary Ann Gariff, Carol Atnip, Walter Jason, Arthur Andrew Warren, Robert Osborne, Mary Beth McCutcheon, Bryan Powell, Regina Dading, Julia Gutierrez, Ted Field, and for the repose of the soul of Ellen Bozman . . . Pray also for the members of our Armed Forces on active duty, especially Jack Severson, David Jones, and Timothy Zlatich . . . If you wish to participate in our ongoing Internet Prayer Circle please contact Vicki Lowe at lowevg1@verizon.net.

Around the Parish . . . Join us for the Adult Forum this Sunday  morning as we continue to explore ethical questions around life, death and in-between. The discussion is coordinated by Dan Davis and meets at 10 a.m. in the Undercroft . . . On Sunday morning, January 25, there will be a Ministry Day in the Undercroft. Representatives from various ministries, guilds, and groups will be on hand to enlist volunteers and answer questions . . . A new parish directory will be published at the beginning of February. If you have changed any of your contact information, please let the parish office know so that changes can be made . . . Those who have asked for contributions envelopes for 2009 may pick them up from the table in the Undercroft . . . Attendance Sunday, January 11 at the 8:30 a.m. Mass, 45; at the 11 a.m. Mass, 141 . . . Total pledge offerings this week were $25,489.00. The plate offering this week was $1,000.00.   

Liturgical Notes . . . Since there is no specific dedication for flowers today, altar flowers are provided by the parish flower fund. If you would like to donate flowers in memory of a loved one, or in celebration of a particular event, please contact the parish office at 232-4244 or allsouls1@aol.com.

Breakfast at All Souls needs your help . . . Our traditional breakfast gathering after the 8:30 Mass on Sundays is on the endangered list due to lack of support. Each week we provide a tasty fellowship opportunity for all. The math is simple: we typically serve about 40 people each week, and we do this about 40 weeks of the year. We therefore need every available Soul who enjoys this meal to prepare breakfast at least once a year. If you have any questions or would like a helping hand in the kitchen, please speak with me at 8:30 Mass, at breakfast, or at 240-676-1644. Tom Esch

Endowment Grant Applications . . . Applications for grants from the All Souls Endowment Fund for 2009 are available in the parish office. Grants may be made for projects in ministry or mission as well as for capital improvements. All applications are due in the office by February 7, 2009 and will be acted upon by the Board and Vestry.

Foyer Dinner Registration . . . One of the best ways to get to know others from All Souls (and to eat some very good food) is to become a part of the Foyer Dinner Program. The insert in this Weekly explains more about the program and how to be included. The program also needs people willing to be “captains,” who help coordinate a specific group. If you have additional questions or ideas, please speak with Kathleen Scholl or Butch Bradburn, coordinators.

Episcopal Men’s Fellowship . . . The EMF will meet on  Thursday, February 19 in the Undercroft at 7 p. m. Ed Perlman will be discussing the life and works of George Herbert, a 17th century Anglican minister and poet. Herbert's best-known poems remain with us today as the lyrics to many of our most enduring hymns, and his book The Country Parson is still in publication, considered to be a valuable instruction manual for new priests as well as a guide for living applicable to any Christian. Dinner and drinks will be served for the low price of $15. Please RSVP by sending an email to Ike.brannon@gmail.com or by signing up in the Undercroft.

Stewardship and Finance update . . . The Finance Committee met on Sunday, January 11 and a more thorough report can be made next week. While our original goal has not been met, the Committee is suggesting no additional cuts and hopes to recommend to Vestry a balanced or close-to balanced budget for 2009.