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Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 | 1

T h e A l b A n o r TheNewsletterofSaintAlban’sEpiscopalChurch Lent2010

L e n t e n We d n e s d ay s a t S a i n t A l b a n ’s

Every Wednesday evening of Lent we will gather as a community to observe the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This year, our Wednesday evening Lenten programs will center on hunger – both physical and spiritual. On three of the Wednesdays, we will offer “Simple Suppers” (soup and bread only). On those days, we ask that attendees fast as much as possible - eating only what is needed to allow you to complete your required tasks - and to donate whatever else you would have spent on food that day to support various organizations that address hunger in the U.S. and overseas.

On three Wednesdays we will offer evening worship services, but we encourage everyone to continue the fasting and almsgiving on your own those days. The complete schedule is as follows:

February 17th: Ash Wednesday Services at 9am & 7pm

February 24th: Contemporary Eucharist with Fr. Jim Adams at 7pm Join Fr. Jim for an informal service of Holy Eucharist in the choir chancel. The service will include a brief homily, prayers and contemporary music ala Fr. Jim’s I-Pod.

March 3rd: Family Lenten Supper at 6pm Join us for a simple supper of soup and bread followed by a short presentation designed for school-age children on Heifer International, an organization that works with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. By giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out, Heifer empowers them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into ones of self-reliance and hope. This Simple Supper will be hosted by our Sunday School children and parents.

March 10th: Lenten Supper to Benefit Haiti at 6pm Join us for a simple supper prepared by our R.O.P.E. youth. A brief presentation on hunger in Haiti will follow the supper. Contributions will benefit our sister parish in Tru du Nord, Haiti.

March 17th: Evening Prayer with Music at 7pm Join us for a traditional service of evening prayer which will include a short reflection, prayers and hymns. (Don’t worry, at least one will be Irish!)

March 24th: Lenten Supper with Passion Reading at 6pm Join us for our final Simple Supper. An informal discussion of the events of Holy Week and a short chancel play centered on the Passion of Jesus will follow the supper.

“Climbing the Cross of the Moment”

MondayEvenings:March8th,15th,&22nd

AttheRectoryfrom7pmto9pm

InpreparationforthecomingofEaster,ourFaithMattersdiscussionswillexplorehowthechangingseasonsoflife,thoughoftenfilledwithuncertainty,presentopportunitiesforgreatblessings,fortremendousgrowth,andfornewlife.WewillgatherattherectoryonthreeMondayevenings:March8th,March15th,andMarch22ndfrom7until9pm.

WewillrelyontheScripturesaswellasscenesfromcontemporaryfilmstoprovideacommontouchstoneforourdiscussions.WewillspendtimetakingthemeasureofJesus’lifeaswellasourown.Inaddition,attentionwillbegiventoprayersfromtheBookofCommonPrayerthatengageourtopicbeautifullyaswellaswritingfromcontemporarypoetsandtheologians.Ourrectorwillhostourgatheringsandfacilitateourdiscussions,but,asalways,wewilldoallthatwecantolettheHolySpiritleadus.

Allarewelcomeandinvited.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecalltheparishofficeat799-4014orsendemailtostalbans@stalbansmaine.org.

Dates to Remember .....................2

Rector Letter ..................................3

The Spoken Word .........................4

Worship ......................................... 7

Parish Life .......................................9

Mission & Outreach ................... 10

Christian Education ................... 12

Youth News ................................. 13

Adult Education .......................... 14

Vestry News ................................ 14

Announcements ......................... 16

Calendars................................ Insert

Inside this issue…

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The Albanor is the official monthly newsletter of Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church, a Congregation in the Diocese of Maine.

Saint Alban’s Vestry Connie Babcock, Steve Etzel, Philip Hamilton, John Hartley, Jay Houghton, Rose Kennealy, Heidi McInerney, Don Shire, Scottie Wellins

Gordon Gayer Senior Warden

Jim Croft Junior Warden

Frank Governali Treasurer

Linda Howard Assistant Treasurer

Greg Hicks Sexton

Kirsten Helfrich Parish Administrator

Debbie Fisher Christian Education Director

Sarah Poirier Youth Director

James Strand Organist/Choirmaster

The Venerable Audrey Delafield Archdeacon

The Reverend John Balicki Associate Rector

The Reverend James Adams

Rector

Submissions are invited and are

subject to editing. Please send

materials, announcements and

address changes to:

The Albanor, 885 Shore Road,

Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107,

or call 799-4014, or e-mail

[email protected]

T h e A l b A n o r

Dates to REMEMBERSundaysFeb. 14 Holy Eucharist 8am & 9:30am

Last Sunday After the Epiphany

Feb. 21 Holy Eucharist 8am & 9:30am

First Sunday in Lent

Feb. 28 Holy Eucharist 8am 9:30am & 5:30 pm

J2A Eucharist 9:30 am

March 7 Holy Eucharist 8am 9:30am & 5:30 pm



Deadline for Easter Flower Memorials

March 28 Holy Eucharist 8am, 9am, 11am & 5:30pm

Palm Sunday

April 4 Holy Eucharist 8am, 9am, 11am & 5:30pm

Easter Sunday

MondaysMarch 8 Faith Matters 7pm

March 15 Faith Matters 7pm

March 22 Faith Matters 7pm

TuesdaysFeb. 9 Betsy Ross Service 2pm

Feb. 16 Shrove Tuesday Supper 6pm

Feb. 23 The Spiritual Dimension of Aging 7pm

Talk by author, Dr. Fred Brancato

March 9 Essentials Pantry 8am

Betsy Ross Service 2pm

March 16 Book Group 7pm

Wednesdays Men’s Coffee Group every Wed. 7am

Centering Prayer every Wed. 8am

Holy Eucharist every Wed. 9am

Chancel Choir rehearsal every Wed. 2pm

Feb. 17 Ash Wednesday Services 9am & 7pm

Holy Eucharist & the Imposition of Ashes

both services

Feb. 24 Contemporary Eucharist 7pm

Book Group 7:30pm

March 3 Family Lenten Supper 6pm

March 10 Lenten Supper to Benefit Haiti 6pm

March 17 Evening Prayer with Music 7 pm

March 24 Lenten Supper with Passion Reading 6pm

Thursdays Handbell Choir rehearsals every Thurs. 6pm

Chancel Choir rehearsal every Thurs. 7:30pm

Feb. 25 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am

Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki

Village Crossings Service 2pm

March 4 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am








Village Crossings Service 2pm

April 1 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30 AM


J2A Maundy Thursday Seder 6pm

Maundy Thursday Children’s Program 6:30 pm

Maundy Thursday Service 7 pm

(an all-night prayer vigil follows this service)

April 8 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am


April 15 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am


FridaysApril 2 Good Friday

Meditation on The Seven Last Words of Christ

Noon to 3 pm

Compline 7 pm

SaturdaysFeb. 13 Soup Kitchen

March 13 Soup Kitchen

April 3 The Great Easter Vigil 7:11 pm

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DearParishFamily,

First,Iwanttothankyouforyourletters,e-mails,phonecalls,andwordsofencouragementandappreciation.IthankGodforyouandIwantyoutoknowthat,betweennowandApril14th,Iintendtosavorandmakethemostofourtimetogether.

WoodyAllentellsthefunnystoryofthemanwhogoestothepsychiatristcomplainingthathisbrother-in-law,wholiveswithhim,thinksheisachicken.

“Describehissymptoms,”thedoctorsays,“MaybeIcanhelp.”

“Well,”themanreplies,“mybrother-in-lawcacklesalot,hepecksattherugandthefurniture,andhemakesnestsinthecorner.”

Thedoctorthinksforamoment,thenhesays,“Itsoundslikeasimpleneurosistome.Bringyourbrotherin-lawtoseemeandIthinkIcancurehimcompletely.”

“Ohno,Doc,”themansays,“Wewouldn’twantthat!Weneedtheeggs!”

AswebegintheseasonofLent,thisistheheartofthematter.ItissodifficulttoletgoofOURways,eveniftheydon’tworkverywellforus.Wehavebecomeattachedtoacertainwayoflivingand,moreimportantly,acertainwayofthinkingaboutGod.Ourreligionisalittlevague,andwewouldliketokeepitthatway--keepingGodatadistancewherewecanprayandpraiseabitbutnotreallyletGodin,notreallyletGodchangeanythingaboutthewayweareliving.

ThepoetWendellBerrysays,“ThequestionbeforemenowthatIamoldisnothowtodie,whichIknowfromtoomuchpractice,buthowtobealive.” ThisistheheartofthematterinthisholyseasonleadinguptoEaster.DuringLent,Godknocksonthedoorandwaitsforustoanswer.Nomoreexcuses~weeitheranswerthedoororwedon’t.So,willwegothroughthemotionsforyetanotherLentormightthisbethemomenttoopenthedoortoforgiveness,healing,andanewbeginning?

ThepagesofthisAlbanorarefilledwithopportunitiesto“answerthedoor”thisLent.IhopethatyouwillbepartofFaithMatters,ourWednesdayLentenprograms,orFr.John’sclasses.IthankGodthatwewillhavethisseasonofLenttogether,and,attheend,IlookforwardtocelebratingEasterjoywithyou.

Peace,

TheRev.JamesAdams

[email protected]

From Our RECTOR

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling) i fear

no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want

no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

e e Cummings

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The Spoken Word We a r e t h e B o d y o f C h r i s t

Text of the Sermon Delivered on January 24, 2010 at Saint Alban’s Church, Cape Elizabeth by Rev. James P. Adams

Whennewlyengagedcouplescometoseethepriestabouttheirwedding,theyareusuallyalittlenervous.PerhapstheyareafraidthatIwillbejudgeandjuryastheymustprovethattheyarewellsuitedforoneanother.Indeed,thatisajobwhichisabovemypaygradeanditisnotthepurposeofourmeetings.Thebetrothedwalkintomyoffice,and,almostalways,thebride-to-beiscarryingalittlenotebookthatholdsallthesecretsoftheweddinguniverse---phonenumbersfortherightcaterer,thecoolestband,andthemostelegantflorist.

OurfirstmeetingbeginswithalittlesmalltalkbeforeIaskthequestion.Itisthefirstquestionandit’swhatIreallywanttoknowaboutcoupleswhocometogetmarried.

“Willyoutellmethestory?”–Iask.

“Thestory?”

“Yes,willyoutellmethestoryofhowyoumet”Isay.“Tellmethestoryofhowitallbeganforthetwoofyou.”WithTHAT,themoodintheroomgrowslighterandwarmer.Theylookateachother,andtheygrin,andmaybeshesays“Doyouwanttotellhim?”andhesays“No,youtellit,youtellthestorybetterthanIdo,”ormaybehesays“Sure,I’lltellit,”andturnstome,andtellsthestory.Onewilltellitandtheotherwillmakesurehe/shegetsitright.Littledotheyknowthatthisishowitwillbeforever.

“IwasinanEconomicsclass,”shebegins,“andtherewasthisguysittinginfrontofme,andhekeptturningaroundandtalkingtomeinthemiddleofthelecture.Theprofessor’stalkingandthisguyisturningaroundandtalkingtomeoutloud!”Heblushesandtheylaughoutloudtogether.

Anothercouple...

“Wewerefixedupbymysister,”hesays.“Itwasourfirstdate--ablinddate--andIcamedownwiththefluthatday.Assoonaswesatdownattherestaurant,IknewIwasgoingtobesick.ItwasawfulandIspenthalfthedinnerinthebathroom.ThewholetimeIwasthinking‘thiswomanissogreatandIamblowingmychance”butsheseemedokay.

“No,Ididn’tmind,”shesays,“Iwasalreadyfallingforhim.”

“That’showitbeganforus,”shesays.

Anothercouple...

“ItwasDecember19th,”theguysays,“Wemetatadinnerpartyandhadthemostwonderfultime.Webothknewwhatwashappening.WhenIgothome,IrealizedthatIhadforgottenmy

wintercoat.So,Iwentback.Shewasthereinthekitchen,andwhenshesawmeshesaid,“Oh,mygosh.”

Shepicksupthestory,“Andhewalkedstraightacrossthekitchenandtookmeinhisarms.That’sourstory.”

Thesearethestoriesthatwillsomedaybetoldtotheirchildrenandgrandchildren.Mychildrenlovetohearthestoryofhowtheirgreat-grandparentsmet.Mygrandmotherdeliveredthedailynewspaperonherbicycleandmygrandfather--justateenageboy---figuredoutprettyquicklythathehadacrushonthepapergirl.Thatwas75yearsago,andwestilltellthestoryofhowitallbeganforthem,forus.

Thereissomethingabouttellingthestorythatremindsthem,thatremindsus,whatit’sallabout,whatwe’reallabout,anditgivesusaclueaboutwhereweareheading,too.


The Spoken Word InourGospeltoday,SaintLuketellsushowitbeganwithJesus.Aftertheamazingbirthonthatsilentnight,thestoryisfast-forwarded�0yearstothestartofJesus’publicministry.Heisinthesynagogue,andhestandsuptoread,andwhathereadsisfromtheprophetIsaiah,thepromiseofasavior.“TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme,becausehehasanointedmetobringgoodnewstothepoor,releasetothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,andtolettheoppressedgofree...”

Today,Jesussays,“Ibeginmyworkwiththishope,withthispromise--goodnewsforthepoor,releasetothoseincaptivity,sighttotheblind,andforthosesufferingoppression,FREEDOM.”

Everyonceinawhile,abignewsstorybecomesasymbolofallthatiswrongwiththeworld.Thesedays,theearthquakethatstruckinHaitihasbecomethatkindofstory.Wehaveallstruggledtotakeinthemagnitudeofthelossthere,andtomakesomesenseofthatcataclysmicevent.TheHaitianpeoplewerealreadyontheirknees,andthisissounfair.

Itisthelittlestorieswithinthelargerstory,though,thatmakeitrealforus.Ithinkofthestoryofafatherwhoapparentlywrappedhimselfaroundhis�-year-oldsonsothatthefallingconcretethatkilledhimwouldnottouchhislittleboy.Thesonwassavedbythefather’ssacrificiallove.

Justyesterday,weheardthenewsthata24-year-oldhotelclerksurvived11daysbysippingjustalittlebiteachdayfromacanofsoda.

“It’samiracle,”wemightbetemptedtosay.Maybehecouldbeourhero,onehappystoryinarock-pileofdisaster~ahero,asurvivortohelpusforgetalltheothersthattheearthswallowedup.ThatwouldbeonewayofdealingwithalltheuncertaintyandsadnessthattheHaitiearthquakeshakesupinsideofus.

Anotherwayofdealingwithitwouldbetodismissitasafreakeventthat,becauseofourlocationandoursophisticatedwarningsystems,etc.,couldnothappenhere.Maybeso.Andyet,wehavelearnedthehardwaythatintoeverylife—includingyoursandmine—comestormsweneverimaginedwouldcome,challengesandlossesforwhichweneverplanned.Tosomedegree,wecanprotectourselvesfromfeelingtheimpactoftheearthquakeinHaiti,butthereisnodenyingthefear,theuncertainty,andtheseaoftearsthatcomewhenlife’spersonalearthquakesshaketheveryfoundationsofourlifeandouridentity.

“Therecomesamidnighthourwhenallmen,allwomenmustunmask,”thephilosopherKirkegaardsaid.

Let’sbehonest;theearthquakeinHaitiandthepersonalearthquakesofourlivesstrainourbeliefinGod’sgoodness.These

eventsforceustoquestionwhetherwearesafeintheworld,whetherthereisapurposetoourlives,whetherGodisreallywatchingoutforus.Ifwe’rewillingtogetreal,tragedyisalwaysgoingtochallengeourfaith.

Ifwesetasideourautomatic,“go-through-the-motions”religion,whatwouldwehaveleft?Ifwereallyandtrulylooktoourfaith,willwefindanyanswers?Ormaybeanotherwayofaskingthesamequestionisthis:Iftheearthstartedtoquakehereandsuddenlyturnedonus,ifwehadamassiveearthquakehereinMaine,whatwouldweactuallydo?WhatwouldhappentoSaintAlban’sChurch?

Ifyou’relookingforthefaceofhopeinHaitithisweek,lookatthefaceofthat7yearoldboy--KikiJoachin--whowasrescuedwithhis10yearoldsisterSabrinaafterbeingtrappedundertherubbleforeightdays.Whenheemerged,thecamerascapturedthemoment.Iamsuremanyofyousawit.Kikiisliftedfromtheholeintheground--fromthatconcreteprison.HeislikeLazaruscomingoutofthegrave.Kikiisliftedbyhiswaistandasheislifted,hisfacelightsupwiththemostamazing,beautiful,radiantsmileandheraiseshisarmsoverhishead.Maybeitisasignofvictory,maybeasignofpraise,asignaltotheworldsaying,“Iamstillhere.”MaybeKikispeaksforalltheHaitianpeople,“WEarestillhere!”Maybehespeaksforallofus.

Lateron,areporteraskedKikiafewquestions:

“Whywereyousmiling,Kiki?”

“IsmilebecauseIamfree.IsmilebecauseIamalive.”

“Howdidyoufeelwhenyousawyourparents?”

“Icriedforthem.Icriedforthem.”

“Kiki,”thereporterasked,“Howdidyousurviveallthattimewithnofoodorwater?”

Thatbeautifullittleboylookedrightatthereporterandsaid,“Godheldus.Godheldus.”

Kikiwasright.Goddidholdhimbothinthespiritualsenseandintheveryphysicalsense.GodheldlittleKikiinthepersonofaNewYorkCityfirefighterbythenameofChrisDunic.WhenyoulookatthephotographofKiki,lookatthefirefighterthatisholdinghim.That’sChrisDunic.HelearnedhowtocutthroughtwistedmetalandtodigthroughrubbleattheWorldTradeCenterafter9/11.Afterthat,hewentofftoAfghanistanwiththeUSArmytodefendourfreedom.

ChrisDuniclivesinBrooklynandworksatafirestationinQueens.Hesaysthekeytotheunit’ssuccessisthat“eachmancanstepintoanother’sshoeswithoutevenapauseintherescueprocess.”

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The Spoken Word

“IwasjustluckythatIwasatthefrontwhenKikicameout,”hesaid,“Anhourlater,itwouldhavebeensomeoneelse.”

WhenIgrowup,IwanttobelikeChrisDunic.Ibetyoudo,too.

Inthemiddleofthelongestofthepsalms,Psalm119,thereisaversethatmayspeaktoustoday.“Yourword,OGod,isalanterntomyfeetandalightuponmypath.”Wemaywishthattheroadaheadofuswasasbrightasdaybecausethatwouldmakeusfeelmoresecure,morecertainofthefuture.WhatweDOhaveinourfaithisalanternthatwecanrelyupon,thatwecantrust,anditwillprovideenoughlightforustofollowthepaththatisgiventous,onedayatatime.Acircleoflightthatwillallowustostepforwardinfaithandthatwillbelightenoughforthewholejourney,stepbystep.“Yourword,OGod,isalanterntomyfeetandalightuponmypath.”

Andso,what’stheanswertothe$�4,000question?Ifthetherewasanearthquakehere,iftheearthshookandrumbledandturnedonushereinMaineasitdidinHaiti,whatwouldweactuallydo?Whatwouldhappenhere?

Whileit’shardtopicturethathappening,myfaithandtrustinwhatwouldhappenhereiscertain.Whatwouldwedoifweweresurvivorsofamassiveearthquake?

Youknow.Wewouldhelpeachothersortthroughtherubbleofourlivesandandwewouldbeginrebuildingourfuture.Ibelieve,beyondtheshadowofdoubt,thatinthewakeofadisaster,wewouldmakeatablefromrubbleandwewouldbuildanaltar.In

thatwreckage,wewouldfindsomebreadandsomewineandatthealtarwewouldbreakbreadtogetherandwewouldbeginagain.Together,wewouldvisitandcareforthesickandthewounded.Together,wewouldhonorandburythosewhohaddied,andwewouldsupportoneanotherthroughthesadness,andwewouldcircletogethertoprotectandstrengtheneachother.Wewouldgoonbecauseweknowthereisnothingmoreimportant.Wehavelearnedthateverydayisawindfalltobelivedforthepreciousgiftthatitis.AndwewouldtelloverandoveragainthestoryoflovethatJesustaughtus,“notonlywithourlipsbutinourlives.”

Hisstoryofloveisaboutgoodnewsmaderealforthepoor,releasetothecaptive,healingforthesickandsighttotheblind,andtothosesufferingoppression,hisstoryoflovecallsoutFREEDOM.

ThisiswhatGodhasbeendoingwithusandthroughusallalong.Goodthingswillhappenandbadthings,too.Thereisauniquepowerattheheartofcreation,andthatuniquepoweriscurledupinsideofyouandmeaswell.Itisthepowertobeginagain~tousherinthemorning,towelcomethespring,andtoreceivethelifeandlightthatisbornevenoutofdeepestdarkness.Wewerebornbylove,forlove.Thisisourfaith.Thisisourpurpose.Thisisourhope.

“Yourword,OGod,isalanterntomyfeetandalightuponmypath.”

“I smile because I am free. I smile because

I am alive.”KiKi

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M AU N DY T H U R S DAY S E RV I C E

April1st:7pmHolyEucharist

Fr.Jim’sSermon:“LoveAlone”

TheliturgyofMaundyThursdaytiestheeventsoftheLastSupperwiththoseofGoodFriday.WewillcelebrateHolyEucharist,stripthealtarofdecoration,andleaveinsilenceorremaintokeepwatchinprayer.Followingtheservice,thechurchwillbeopenforanall-nightprayervigil.

Maundy Thursday Children’s ProgramApril1stat6:30pm

FatherJimwilltalkwiththechildrenaboutthesignificanceoftheLastSupper.ThechildrenwillthengatherinthekitchentobakethebreadtobeservedforHolyCommunionthatevening.WeinvitealloftheparishchildrentoparticipateinthebelovedHolyWeektradition.

“Remain Here, and Keep Awake…”Onthenightbeforehisdeath,JesusaskedthedisciplestostayawakewithhimasheprayedintheGardenofGethsamane.SaintAlban’sparishionersareinvitedtokeepvigilonMaundyThursdaybytakinganhourtocometothechurch,watchwithChristandpray.Therewillbeasign-upsheetonthetableoutsidethesanctuary.Thevigilwillbeheldbetween9pmonMaundyThursdayand8amonGoodFriday.

WORSHIP

Grace Chapel at Saint Alban’sBeginningFebruary28that5:30pm

BeginningonSunday,February28th,SaintAlban’swillofferathirdSundayserviceat5:�0pm.SaintAlban’swillwelcometheGraceChurchcommunityfromPortlandtoacandlelightEucharistwhichwillalsoprovideSaintAlban’sparishionerswithaneveningalternative.The5:�0pmservicewillbeofferedonatrialbasisuntilmid-June,andatwewillevaluatewhethertocontinuethisserviceatSaintAlban’sorsomeotherlocation.

Inordertoretainthelow-key,mission-churchfeelofGraceChurch,thiseveningservicewillbeheldintheannexofBonoffHall,whereourWednesdaymorningservicesareheld.Pianoaccompaniment,withhymns,willbeprovidedbyGraceChurchmusicianTomKovacevic. TheservicewillbelessformalthanourSundaymorningservicesbutwillincludethesamesermon.Itwillbea“comeasyouare”informaldressservice.Giveitatry,andletusknowwhatyouthink.

Ash Wednesday Services of Holy Eucharist and the Imposition of Ashes

Wednesday,February17that9am&7pmFr.John’sSermon:“Ashes,Ashes,WeAllFallDown”

TheAshWednesdayserviceofHolyEucharistandtheImpositionofAshesbeginsLent,aseasonofself-examinationandprayer.ThisquietserviceisoneinwhichweareaskedtoconfessoursinsandtoaskGodtoremakeourheartscleanandrenewourrightspirits.TherewillbetwoservicesofHolyEucharistandtheImpositionofAshesonWednesday,February17th,at9amand7pm.

Join Saint Alban’s Sunday, March 28th

S u n d ay o f t h e Pa s s i o n : Pa l m S u n d ay

8amHolyEucharist,RiteI

9amHolyEucharist,RiteIIWithChoir

11amHolyEucharist,RiteIIWithChoir

5:30pmCandlelightEucharist

Fr.JimAdams’SermonTitle: “IntheRightPlaceattheRightTime”

PalmSundaybeginsHolyWeekandpointsustowardEaster.ThisuniqueserviceincludesadramaticreadingofthePassionGospel,whichtellsofthesufferinganddeathofJesus.

Please Join Us Sunday, February 21st

The First Sunday in Lent8amHolyEucharist,RiteI

9:30amHolyEucharist

DeaconAudrey’sSermon:“BelievingWiththeHeart”

TheseasonofLentlastsforfortydays.WhileLentisoftenseenasadarkseasonofself-denial,onemayalsoseetheseasonasaninvitationtoliveourlivesinamorereflectiveandmeaningfulway,andtoopenourselvestoGod’spresence.JoinusaswebeginourjourneythroughLent.


EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES8amEucharistwithHymns

9amHolyEucharistwithChancelChoir

11amHolyEucharistwithChancelChoir

5:30pmCandlelightEucharist

Fr.Jim’sSermon:“DeadorAlive”

OnEasterSundaywewillcelebratethereturnofChrist’slighttoourliveswiththesingingoffavoriteEasterhymnsandwithspecialsacredmusicfororganandtrumpet. Nurserycarewillbeavailableforinfantsandtoddlersbeginningat8:45am.

THE GREAT EASTER VIGILSaturday,April3rdat7:10pm

Fr.JohnBalicki’sSermon:“HeOnlyComesOutatNight”

TheGreatVigilisthefirstserviceofEaster.AtSaintAlban’s,ourservicewillbeginonSaturdayevening,April�rdat7:10pm,theexacttimeofsunset.Theservicewillbeginoutdoorswiththelightingofthe“FirstFire”,thenthecongregationwillenterthedarkenedchurchtogether. TheprocessionwillmoveintothechurchbycandlelightwhileanancienthymncalledtheExsultetissung.AslidepresentationofartworkbyourSundaySchoolchildrenwillaccompanyreadingsfromtheOldTestament.TraditionalEasterhymnsaresung,andwewillcelebratethelightofChristwiththefirstjoyous“Alleluia”ofEaster.

WORSHIP

From the Organ Bench Serving Through Music by James Strand, Organist/Choirmaster

PSALM SINGINGEach Sunday in the worship service at Saint Alban’s we participate in the psalm for the day. Generally, the psalms are read responsively by leader and congregation. During Lent, the psalm is sung by the choir.

Many of the psalms are attributed to King David, and since ancient times they have played a central role in the worship of synagogues and churches. They have also inspired later writers to compose psalm-like prayers and hymns for use in public worship and private devotions. The word “psalm” goes back to the Greek psalmos, used by translators to render the Hebrew mizmo or song - a word that appears in the titles of some psalms. Another name for the book of Psalms, “Psalter,” goes back to the Greek psalterion, a stringed instrument.

In the English-speaking Protestant and Reformed churches of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, the singing of Psalms was according to published metrical Psalters. In the Anglican and Calvinist-rooted denominations, psalmody provided an approximate equivalent to the earlier use of chorales in the German Lutheran Church. Around 1790, psalmody began to give way to the increased use of hymns and choral singing in the Anglican cathedral style (anthems, responses, etc.), a tradition which persists today. A few metrical Psalms still survive as hymns, e.g., “Old Hundredth” (“All people that on earth do dwell”). There are a total of 35 metrical Psalms and hymns based on Psalms found in the Hymnbook 1982.

When the Pilgrims and Puritans came to North America, they brought with them a thorough background in psalmody, which provided their sole musical form both for recreation as well as for devotion. The first book of psalmody printed in North America was The Whole Booke of Psalms Faithfully Translated into English Metre (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1640). In 1698 the ninth edition was published, which included settings in two parts for 13 tunes, the first music printed in America.

The choir will use a variety of psalm tones during Lent, many of which are found in the hymnal. They consist of a simple melodic line to which alto, tenor and bass parts have been added. The tradition of psalm singing goes back to the third century, when Gregorian Chant was used. The use of four voices in harmony is a tradition which began in England during the 19th century, as a result of the Oxford Movement.

Good Friday at St. Alban’sApril2nd

The Seven Last Words of ChristNoonto3pm

JoinFr.Jim,Fr.JohnandDeaconAudreyforthisbeautiful,extendedservicethatincludesreadings,silentmeditation,musicandreflectionofJesus’lastwordsfromthecross.Thismovingservicewilltakeplacebetweennoonand�PM.Stopinandparticipateforafewminutesordothemarathon.

Complineat7pm

JoinusforatraditionalserviceofCompline,ornightprayer.Complineisacontemplativeservicethatemphasizesspiritualpeaceattheendofabusyday.


Parish LIFE

New Book Will Honor Our Most Beautiful Memorial Gifts

Gloriousstainedglasswindows,glowingbrass,goldandsilver,pristinefairlinens,andeleganthandcraftedneedle,woodandironworkallsignificantlyenhanceourworshipserviceseverySundayatSaintAlban’s.Mostoftheseextraordinaryartifactsweregiveninlovingmemoryofparishionersorasspecialgifts.AltarGuildmembersGailRiceandLouiseValati,alongwithArchiveCommitteememberShirleyGrange,areembarkingonaresearchprojecttodocumentinsightsintothehistoryofSaintAlban’sthroughthegiftsgiventotheChurch(aslistedintheMemorialBookbythesanctuaryentrance)witheveryitem’sdescription,location,photograph,historyofuseandpresent-dayapplication.Inaddition,thegroupwillattempttocreateashortbiographyconnectingthehonoreetoSaintAlban’s.StaytunedformoreinformationintheAlbanorastheprojectprogresses,andletusknowifyou’dliketojointhisinterestingendeavor.

Wednesday, February 24th at 7:30pm

ThebookgroupwilldiscussSame Different as Me,byRonHallandDenverMoore

Tuesday, March 16th at 7pm

ThebookgroupwilldiscussLet the Great World Spin,byColumMcCann

SaintAlban’sBookGroupmeetsonthesecondfloorintheyouthlounge.Weinviteyoutocometoallourgatheringsorjustthoseyourscheduleallows.Youarewelcometoengageintheconversationorsimplysitbackandenjoylisteningtoothers.Allarewarmlywelcomed.

“ G i v i n g B a c k ”ByRickPeterson

Hello!IattendGraceChurchandamaprofessorofEnvironmentalStudiesattheUniversityofNewEngland.IrecentlyreturnedfromanamazingtriptotheDemocraticRepublicofCongo(DRC)andwantedtosharewiththeSaintAlban’scommunityabitaboutthegoodworktakingplaceinthatcountry,despiteallthebadnewsthatwehearinthepress.

IspentthreeweeksinKinshasa,theDRC’steemingcapital,workingwithGivingBacktoAfrica(www.givingbackafrica.org),anonprofitorganizationdedicatedtothelong-termmissionofeducatingyoungpeopleintheDRC.Since2007,GBAhasbeenrunningaScholarsProgramattheProtestantUniversityofCongo(UPC)basedupontheconceptsandpracticeofservantleadership.Eachyear,GBAselectstwoScholarsandprovidesthemwiththeresourcestoearntheirMasters-leveldegreeatUPC,whilepreparingthemfortheprincipalfocusoftheprogram:a4-�monthGivingBackProjectdesignedandimplementedbyeachGBAScholarinanunderservedareaoftheDRC.

Whatapleasureitwastoworkwiththeprogram’sfirsttwoscholars,MasaniMatshiandMalivoKagaba,astheydesignedtheirGivingBackProjectstobecarriedoutatPAID(ProgramofAidandIntegrationtotheUnderprivileged),asmallschoolandorphanageontheoutskirtsofKinshasawithwhichGBAhaspartnered.MalivoandMasaniarecurrentlyresearchingandbeginningtoimplementseveralsmallmicro-enterprisesthatwillallowPAIDtosupportchildrenfromthecommunitywhoarecurrentlynotgoingtoschoolbecausetheirparentssimplydonothavethemoneytopayeventheverylowschoolfeesthatPAIDcharges.Oneoftheseenterprisesisaraised-bedorganicvegetablegardenandrabbit-raisingprojecttohelpfeedthechildrenattheorphanage.Surplusproduceandmeatwillalsobesold,alongwithotherbasicnecessities,inasmallstorestaffedbyPAIDstudentstoraisemoneyfortheschool.

HowhumbledIwastobesowarmlyreceivedbythechildren,teachers,andstaffofPAIDandtoseeandexperiencepeople’sdeepdesireanddrivetoachieveabetterlifeforthemselvesandforothers.AllthepeopleatPAID,alongwiththefourGBAscholars,askedmetogreetfriendsbackhereintheU.S.AndsoIbringyougreetingsandinviteyoutolearnmoreabouttheworkofGBAandabouthowyoumightbeabletohelpyoungpeopleinDRCbecomeservant-leaderscapableoftakingcontroloftheirownliveswhileservingaschangeagentsintheirlocalcommunitiesandthroughoutthenation.Pleasefeelfreetocontactmeviaphone:774-07��,ore-mail:[email protected],ortocontactGBAthroughtheirwebsiteifyouwouldliketolearnmoreand/orbecomeinvolved.


Update on Haiti and Our Partnership with St. Luc’sBySaraMerrill

Mission & OUTREACH

OnJanuary12th,anearthquakestrucktheislandofHaiti,leavinginitswakeatrailofdevastationandheartbreak.Priortothequake,lifeinHaitiwasastrugglethatmostofuscouldbarelyfathom.Now,asimagesoftheaftermathstreamintoourlivingrooms,weareoverwhelmedbytheextentofthecalamity.ItistoohardtoimaginewhatlifemustbelikeinHaitirightnow.

Weareconnected,though,andcannotturnaway.WeareconnectedtoourfriendsandpartnersatSt.Luc’sthroughpicturesandvideos,throughanaltarclothwiththecolorfulhandprintsofHaitianchildren,throughwishesbroughtbackfromHaiti,throughourfaithandloveforeachotherandourGod.AndthroughthispartnershipweareconnectedtoalltheHaitianpeople.

FellowparishionerAmberBurksandI,alongwithMichaelCooperfromSaintLuke’s,Wilton,hadplannedtraveltoHaitionJan.1�.Wehavehadtopostponeourtripindefinitely.Wearewaitingtobringthechildrenthesoccerballs,jumpropes,andcoloredpencilsyouallgenerouslydonated,aswellasavideoofourchildrenwhichwasrequestedbytheschoolchildrenduringourvisitlastyear.Children’sbooksinFrench,careofPondCove’sScholasticBookFairandJaneAnderson,willalsohavewaittobedeliveredtothechildren.Thetripwastocontinueourworktowardbuildingourrelationshipandunderstandingofeachother.Inthiswaywecanworkalongsideourpartnerstoassisttheminachievingtheirlongtermgoalstoimprovethephysicalplantoftheschool,providealunchprogram,secureteachers’salaries,andprovidequalityeducationtostudents,pre–Kthroughhighschoolandontotechnicalortradeschool.TothatendweweregoingtoresearchandconnectourpartnerstogroupssuchasSOIL(Irecommendyoucheckouttheirwebsitewww.soil.org,andreadthestoryentitledKourajCherie.),andFonkoze,amicroloanorganizationthathelpswomenstartbusinesses,teachingthemliteracy,moneyhandlingskillsandbusinessskills.We’dalsohopedtocontacttheWorldFoodProgramtoassistwithgettingfoodtoSt.Luc’sforalunchprogram.Allthiswillhavetowaitabitduetotheearthquakeandthedevastationitleftinitswake.

Asmanyofyouknow,incrediblywehavereceivedseveralpiecesofgoodnews.PereLouisisfine.St.Luc’sSchoolasfarasweknowwasnotaffected,andthechildrenandstaffaresafetoo.ThankGod.Wehavealsoreceived

wonderfulnewsthatPereLouis’wife,Erline,and4sonsPascal(4),Valeri(8),Leonelle(12)andSamuel(14),whoallliveinPortauPrince,aresafe.PereLouis’familyhomewasdestroyed.Itistrulyamiraclethatallareok.HolyTrinitySchool,homeofLesPetitsChanteurs,collapsedintheearthquake.Miraculouslyallbuttwoofthestudentsandstaffattheschoolsurvived.Manyarenowhomeless,andalltheinstrumentswerelost,buttheDioceseandallinvolvedwithHolyTrinityarecommittedtorebuildingtheschool.Inthewordsoftheschool’sdirector,Rev.DavidCesar,“Ifwearealive,webelieveGodhasaspecialmissionforus….NowthetimeistorebuildtheMusicSchoolandConcertHallandgetmusicbacktolifeinordertoshowthefutureofHaiti.”

AllofHaitiisaffected,asPortauPrinceandtheentirecountrymustnowrebuild.Itisgoingtotakealongtime.TheHaitianpeoplehaveadeepfaith,deeperthananythingI’veeverexperienced.IthasseenthemthroughthistragedythusfarandIknowitwillsustainthemastheyrecover,asinthestoryFr.Jimtoldusaboutthe8-year-oldboy,Kiki,rescuedafter8days,whowhenasked,“Howdidyousurviveallthattimewithnofoodorwater?”answered,“Godheldus....Godheldus.”WehavebeengiventhegiftoffaithfromtheHaitianpeople.Theywillneedourcontinuedprayersandhelpinthemonthstocome.TheRev.KesnerAjax,PartnershipProgramCoordinator,tellsus“Yournotesandemailsofsympathyareveryimportanttous.Pleasecontinuetosendyournotesofencouragement.….DonotforgetyourpartnersinHaiti.”

AswelearnmoreofthespecificneedsofHolyTrinityMusicSchoolwewillletyouknowhowyoucanhelp.OurpartnersatSt.Luc’swillneedourhelpmorethanevertopaystudenttuitions,asthecostoffoodandgasolineandothersupplieshaveskyrocketedforpeoplewhowerealreadygoingwithout.Thecostofachild’stuitionis$50ayear;$75includestuitionandauniform.YoucanmakeoutachecktoSt.Alban’sandputHaitiFundinthememotocontributetothiseffort.Wewillalsobeseeingwhatwecandotofacilitatealunchprogramassoonasconstructiononthethreeroomsiscompleted.

IamgratefultobeapartofthislovingcommunityatSaintAlban’s.Thankyou.


Shrove Tuesday Supper Benefits Haiti ReliefTuesday,February16that6pm

SaintAlban’sShroveTuesdaysuppersarememorablecelebrationsofgoodfoodandgreatcompany,withMardiGrasmasks,beads,andactivitiestodelightkidsofallages.Thisyear,ourShroveTuesdaybashwillbehostedbytheMission&OutreachCommitteeasafundraiserforearthquakereliefeffortsinHaiti.Suggesteddonationsare$5perperson/$15perfamilycap.

Essentials Pantry Kitchen DriveEndsSunday,March7th

Manyofthemorethan�00familiesservedbytheEssentialsPantryarerecentimmigrantstoMaine.Hailingfrommorethan1�countries,theyareworkinghardtoestablishthemselveshereandsetupnewhomesfortheirfamilies.DonatedkitchenitemsarealwaysgratefullyandenthusiasticallyreceivedbyPantryclients.SO,wearecurrentlyseekingdonationsofgentlyusedkitchensuppliesandappliances.Ifyouhavepots,pans,dishes,glassware,flatware,kitchenappliancesorcookingutensilsyouwouldliketodonate,pleasebringtheminbetweennowandSunday,March7th.Acollectionboxwillbesetupintheparishhall.YourdonateditemwillbedeliveredtothePantryonTuesday,March9th.Thankyou!

Soup KitchenSaturday,February13th

Saturday,March13th

SaintAlban’svolunteersprovidelunchatthePrebleStreetSoupKitchenonthesecondSaturdayofeachmonth. Volunteersareneededtocook,serveandclean.Ifyouwouldliketolearnmoreaboutvolunteeringatthekitchenorwouldliketohelpononeoftheabovedates,pleasecallScottScharfat�29-5784,[email protected].

Essentials PantryTuesday,March9th

EveryTuesdaymorningtheEssentialsPantrydistributesmuch-neededhouseholdessentialstoapproximately�00families.SaintAlban’snextdatetoserveatthePantryisTuesday,March9th.WewillleaveSaintAlban’sat8amandreturnby11am.PleasecontactAlleneCooleyatcapecooley@aol.comifyouhavequestionsorwouldliketohelp.

Mission & OUTREACH

12 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 1�

Come and Join the Fun on Shrove Tuesday!

It’sreallybecomeahighlightofthechurchyear–havingdinneratSaintAlban’sonShroveTuesday.Thisyearwe’llcontinueourtraditionoffunandgames,includingmask-making,variousarts&craftsprojects,andgamesledbythe10thgradeROPEgroup.Ofcourse,thehighlightoftheeveningwillbesettingalightthepalmsfromlastyear,whichwe’lluseastheashesfortheImpositionofAshesonAshWednesday.PleasejoinusonFebruary1�th!

March 3rd Evening Prayer & Simple Supper Especially Well

Suited for FamiliesAsyouknow,everyWednesdayeveningduringLentweholdasimpleserviceat7pm.OnMarch�rd,thefocusofthedaywillbethetroublingbutalltoorealtopicofworldhunger.Duringtheday,weinviteeveryonetoeatonlywhatyouneedtofulfillyourdailyduties.Then,cometochurchat�:00pmforaverysimplesupper,whenwe’lldiscussworldhungerandhowthisexperiencefitsintotheseasonofLent.Pleaseconsiderdonatingwhateveryourdon’tspendonfoodthisdaytoHeiferInternational,aChristianhumanitariancharityorganizationthatisdedicatedtoshowingChrist’sunconditionallovetopoorchildrenallovertheworld.Aftersupper,everyoneisinvitedintochurchforabriefandsimpleserviceofcompline,basedonthethemeofGod’scareandloveforthepoorandthehungry.SundaySchoolteachersandchildrenarepreparingthesupper.PleasecallDebbieFisherat799-4014ifyouwouldliketohelp.

“Journey to the Cross” Rotation Begins March 7th

TheOurPLACEchildrenwillbeginanewrotationonSunday,March7th.We’llstudyindetailtheeventsthattookplacebetweentheLastSupperintheupperroom,tothecrucifixionatGolgotha,aspanofjust12hours.We’llexaminehowthedramaticeventsofJesus’finalweekonearthrevealthecentralEastermessage–thatGod’sloveisgreaterthanourhumanfailings,andmorepowerfulthansufferingordeath.Andwe’llseehowJesusemergesasaSaviorwhosharesmanyofourownhumanemotions.Yetdespitefear,doubtandbetrayal,hetrustsinGodhisfather,andfollowshislife’scalling.

Maundy Thursday to Feature Children’s Bread Baking

ThisisanotherwonderfulHolyWeektraditionthatfocusesonourGodlyPlayandOurPLACEchildren.Allchildrenareinvitedtocometochurchat�:�0,whenFatherJimwillspeaktothemaboutthesignificanceoftheLastSupper. We’llthengatherinthekitchentobakethebreadthatwillbeservedforHolyCommunionthatevening.

Easter Vigil to Showcase Children’s Artwork

Asisourtradition,theEasterVigil(Saturday,April�rd,at7:11pm)willshowcasechildren’sillustrationsoftheVigil’sOldTestamentreadings.OnthefirsttwoSundaysinMarch,thechildrenwillwieldtheircraypas(vibrant,oil-basedcrayons)tobeautifullycreatetheirinterpretationsofthereadings.We’llscanthepicturesintoaPowerPointpresentationthatwe’llprojectontoascreeninthesanctuary.Ifyou’reartisticallyinclinedandcanlendahandduringOurPLACEonMarch7thor14th,pleasecontactDebbieFisherat799-4014.

Children’s Alleluias to Fill the Church!

Callingallchildren–Oneofthehighlightsofthisyear’sChristmaspageantwashearingtheChoirofAngels’beautifulvoicesfillthesanctuary.AttheEasterVigilonApril�rd,allchildrenareinvitedtosingachildren’sversionofHymn178,Alleluia,whichwesangonthelastSundayaftertheEpiphany.ComeandwelcomebacktheAlleluia!

Christ ian EDUCATION

12 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 1�

J2A at the Root CellarJ2AmemberscontinuetobearegularpresenceattheRootCellar’safter-schoolmentoringprogram.Inadditiontoourusualgamesandactivities,wehostadifferentprogramforthechildreneachmonth,rangingfromart,Biblestoriesandsports.Caretojoinus?WeleaveSaintAlban’sat�pmandreturnby5:20pm.Emailj2a@stalbansmaine.orgformoreinformation.Youthofallagesarewelcometoparticipate!

Upcoming dates:

Friday,February26th Friday,March19thFriday,April30th

J2A Eucharist with Fr. Jim: Sunday, February 28th at 9:30am

TointroduceourLentenprogramonSunday,February28th,Fr.JimwillleadJ2AyouthincelebratingtheEucharisttogetherdirectlyafterthesermoninthe9:�0amservice.PleasejoinusforthisveryspecialEucharist!

J2A at the Soup Kitchen: Saturday, March 13th from 11:30am to 2pm

UnderthedirectionofScottScharfandotherregularsoupkitchenvolunteers,ourmiddleschoolstudentsenjoyhelpingsetup,serveahotmealandcleanupatSt.Luke’sSoupKitchen.OurnexttriptothesoupkitchenwillbeSaturday,March1�th.We’llleaveSaintAlban’sat11:�0amandtopofftheafternoonwithatriptoColdStoneIceCreamintheOldPortbeforereturningtothechurchat2pm.PleaseRSVPtoj2a@stalbansmaine.orgbyWednesday,March10th.

J2A Maundy Thursday Seder: Thursday, April 1st at 6pm

Backbypopulardemand,J2AmemberswillonceagaincelebratetheSedertogetherandlearnaboutitssignificanceastheLastSupper.Followingthemeal,wewilljointherestoftheparishinthesanctuaryfortheMaundyThursdayservice.

Youth NEWS

The Other There are nights that are so still

that I can hear the small owl callingfar off and a fox barking

miles away. It is then that I liein the lean hours awake listening

to the swell born somewhere in the Atlanticrising and falling, rising and falling

wave on wave on the long shoreby the village that is without light

and companionless. And the thought comesof that other being who is awake, too,

letting our prayers break on him,not like this for a few hours,

but for days, years, for eternity.

R.S. Thomas


February23,2010~7pmto9pm

AdmissionisFree,

DonationsAccepted

TransportationAvailableifNeeded,

PleaseCallSteveEtzel,838-4122

Dr.FredBrancato,authorofanewbooktitled“AncientWisdomandtheMeasureofOurDays”willbegivingafreetalkonTuesday,February2�,2010at7pm.

Combiningfiftyyearsofongoingstudyofworldreligionswithhisownpersonalexperiencesofaging,Dr.Brancatorelatestheviewsandinsightsofsages,mystics,andsaintsfrommanyoftheworld’sdiversespiritualtraditionstotherealitiesofchangeasweallage:ourshiftingpersonalities,inevitablediminishingofphysicalandmentalcapacities,loss,andtheincomprehensiblenatureoftheInfinite.

FredBrancatohasbeenaprofessionalbaseballplayer,socialworker,teacher,foundationexecutive,executivedirectorofachildwelfareassociation,andconsultantonmattersofraceandorganizationaldevelopment.Nowretired,Dr.BrancatoholdsaPh.D.fromNewYorkUniversity’sDepartmentofCultureandCommunication.Hehasbeenstudyingtheworld’sdiversespiritualtraditionsforoverfiftyyears.HenowteachesTaiChiandconductscontinuingeducationcoursesattheUniversityofSouthernMaineinPortland.

Pleasejoinusinwhatissuretobeathought-provokingandinterestingevent.

ForMoreInformationcall799-�412

SponsoredbytheSaintAlban’sSpiritualMen’sGroup.

T H E S P I R I T UA L D I M E N S I O N O F AG I N G

By:Dr.FredBrancato

The Final Week of Jesus of NazarethAday-by-daywalkthroughHolyWeek

AnadulteducationclassledbyRev.JohnBalicki

Thursdays,9:30AMto11:30AM,February25throughApril15

JoinusonThursdaymorningsthroughLentandthefirstThursdaymorningsoftheEasterSeasonforaday-by-daywalkthroughHolyWeek.UsingThe Last WeekbyMarcusBorgandJohnDominicCrossanasourguide,wewillexploreasingledayofHolyWeekeachclass,beginningwithPalmSundayonFebruary25andendingwithEasterSundayonApril15.TheclasswilluseMark’sgospelandbeamixtureoflectureanddiscussion.Pleasejoinus.

Adult EDUCATION Vestry NEWSDiocesan Council

Diocesan Council is the “convention between conventions” of the Episcopal Church. Attending are the Bishop, the four Executive Canons, heads of the Finance Committee and the four Commissions (Diocesan Operations, Ministry, Congregational Life, Deployment and Ministry) two elected representatives from each of the eight areas of the diocese, and the four Bishop’s appointees. It meets about five times a year at different churches around the state.

I have been honored to be the Area 7 (Cumberland County) Representative to Council. It has been interesting and given me a different view of the Episcopal Church and how we operate in Maine. We discuss budget issues and needs that arise at various churches and oversee the work of the four Commissions.

There are some extremely important issues to be considered in the next few years. The Bishop has appointed four Study Groups to consider Mission Strategy, Mission Priorities, Convention Delegate Apportionment, and Clergy Compensation. Council will be hearing their reports and making decisions about the future of our Diocese.

I have enjoyed my time on Council, but have termed out. The term is two years with possible re-election for two more terms. Since Saint Alban’s is in the Diocese, I hope one of our parishioners will volunteer to stand for election in the fall. This is a great way to contribute to the Diocese that doesn’t take an inordinate amount of time! If you want more information about Council, please talk with me.

If you would like to volunteer as a candidate or nominate someone, please speak to Fr. John or Gordon Gayer. The Representative will be elected at the Pre-Convention Hearing in the fall.

Barbara Hall 799-2136 or [email protected]


What is your background?

AlthoughIhaveallofthetruecharacteristicsofatrueMainer,Ireallycan’tclaimtobeingbornhere.IwasborninDover,NH,asthatwastheclosesthospitaltoSouthBerwick,whereIspentmyfirstfiveyears.IthenmovedtoJay,Maine,whereIspentmyformativeyears. Ididn’treallylikeitatallthere,asIalwaysfeltlikeamisfit.AfterattendingtheUniversityofFarmington,ImovedtoPortland,whereIhaveprobablyworkedfor15differentcompanies.Imetmywife,Gretchen,onablinddate18yearsago,andwehavebeenmarriedforalmost14years,thehappiestofmylife.Youmayrecognizeourdaughters,GraceandLulu,whenwegoupforCommunion.Theyaresosweetandfunny,andbeingtheirdadismyhighesthonor.

How did you find your way to the Episcopal Church?

AlthoughtheCatholicchurchwaspartofmylifegrowingup,itwasonlyafterourgirlswerebornthatwetriedchurchlifeagain.

What are the most important things in your life?

Myfamilyandfriends.WeareinsuchagreatplacewithSt.Albansandreallylovethecommunityandallofthefriendswehavemadehere.

How long have you been at St. Alban’s?

It’sbeenfiveyearsnow.

How did you find St. Alban’s?

Fiveyearsago,Gretchen’sfriend,HopeLeBlanc,askedhertofillinforheronthebellchoir.Subsequently,Gretchenjoinedthebellchoirandwebecamemembers.

What do you love most about this church?

Thesmileithas...soundscornybutIquicklygetasmilewhenIcomeinthroughthedoors.

Do you have a favorite St. Alban’s memory?

ThreeyearsofdoingtheChristmaspageantwithJustinLeblanchasbeenareallyfuntime.Iseemasunlikelyacandidatetobeapartofiteachyear,butitiswithoutadoubtverysatisfying.

What do you feel is the role of the vestry?

TorepresentSt.Alban’sinitsoperationandmissionandtobringanyone’sconcernstolight.

What do you like most about being on the vestry?

IfeelourleadershipatSt.Albansisinverygoodhands,fromourwardenandjuniorwardentotheclergyandthevestrymembers.It’sagroupofveryconnectedpeoplewholoveSt.Alban’sandwanttobegoodstewards.

What are some of the most exciting things happening at St. Alban’s?

Therearesomanyopportunitiestoserveortotakeaclassorjustbeapartofthisgreatvibrantparish.AftereverySunday,Itaketheleaflethomeandalwayslooktowhat’scomingup.

What do you most look forward to in St. Alban’s future?

WatchingmyfamilygrowandbepartofSt.Alban’sformanyyearstocome.

What is your...

Favorite movie? Fargo

Favorite “children’s” book?OneMorninginMaine.

Favorite sound?MagaretChaseSmithleavingtheFerryLandingfromLincolnvilleheadingtoIslesboro.

Least favorite sound?MargaretChaseSmithleavingtheFerryLandingfromIslesboro.

What do you want to hear God say when you enter heaven?

Wehaveallbeenwaitingforyou!

Getting to know…John

Hartley

Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 | 1

TheNewsletterofSaintAlban’sEpiscopalChurch Lent2010

SaintAlban’sChurch885ShoreRoadCapeElizabeth,Maine04107

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID

PORTLAND, ME PERMIT NO 70

“God’s heart is the most sensitive and tender of all. No act goes unnoticed, no

matter how insignificant or small.”

Richard J. Foster

E a s t e r F l o w e r M e m o r i a l s

EnclosedinthisissueoftheAlbanoryouwillfindanenvelopethatyoumayusetomakeadonationforaltarflowersinmemoryoflovedonesandfriends.InorderforyourmemorialstobelistedintheEasterbulletins,pleasereturnyourenvelopewiththenamesofthoseyouwishtomemorializebySunday,March21st.YoumaydosobymailingyourenvelopetotheparishofficeorplacingitintheofferingplateatanySundayservice.Youarealsoinvitedtosubmittheinformationviaemailatstalbans@stalbansmaine.org.

“You must love the Lord your God

with all your heart, all your soul, and

all your mind. This is the first and

greatest commandment.

A second is equally important:

Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire

law and all the demands of the prophets

are based on these two commandments.”

Jesus of Nazareth

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat.1 2 3 4 5 6

7

8am, 9:30am Holy Eucharist

8 9

2pm Betsy Ross Sevice

10

7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice

11

6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

12 13

Soup Kitchen

14


15 16

6pm Shrove Tuesday Supper

17

7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Ash Wed. Service 2pm Choir Practice 7pm Ash Wed. Service

18

6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

19 20

21


22 23

7pm Spiritual Dimension of Aging

24

7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice 7pm Contemporary Eucharist 7:30pm Book Group

25

9:30am The Last Week 2pm Village Crossing 6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

26 27

28

8am, 9:30am, 5:30pm Holy Eucharist 9:30am J2A Eucharist

Saint Alban’s FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat.1 2 3

7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice 6pm Lenten Supper

4

9:30am The Last Week 6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

5 6

7

8am, 9:30am, 5:30pm Holy Eucharist

8

7pm Faith Matters

9

8am Essentials Pantry 2pm Betsy Ross Sevice

10


11


12 13

Soup Kitchen

14


15

7pm Faith Matters

16

7pm Book Group

17

7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice 7pm Evening Prayer

18


19 20

21


22

7pm Faith Matters

23 24


25

9:30am The Last Week 2pm Village Crossing 6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

26 27

28

8am, 9am, 11am, 5:30pm Holy Eucharist

Palm Sunday

29 30 31

7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice

Saint Alban’s MARCH CALENDAR

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