Did You Know - Archives
"did you know" archives
Posted: 12-3-11
Wednesday Night Book Club?
If you have visited our home page lately, you no doubt have noticed that the ladies have a book club that meets every 2 months (July/Sept/Nov/Jan) on the second Thursday of the month. But did you know that there is also a book club that meets on Wednesday nights? Well the secret is out. Once a month after the WOW! meal and service, we gather to discuss what we're reading. Join the conversation on the following Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Activity Room.
Wednesday Night Book Club?
If you have visited our home page lately, you no doubt have noticed that the ladies have a book club that meets every 2 months (July/Sept/Nov/Jan) on the second Thursday of the month. But did you know that there is also a book club that meets on Wednesday nights? Well the secret is out. Once a month after the WOW! meal and service, we gather to discuss what we're reading. Join the conversation on the following Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Activity Room.
Posted: 11-27-11
First Thursday Marching and Eating Society (Facts & Myths)
Fact: The First Thursday Marching & Eating Society (FTM&ES) WILL MEET on Thursday, December 1st, 2011 in the Retreat Center at 6:30 P.M.
Myth: The FTM&ES is just for “SENIORS”. The FTM&ES is NOT just for “SENIORS”: While most folks who attend regularly are of a “mature age,” there are “young-uns” attending along with the other “Young at Heart” participants.
Myth: The FTM&ES is just for “COUPLES”. The FTM&ES is NOT just for “COUPLES”. Some who attend come “solo”and fit right in with the group.
Myth: The FTM&ES is a "closed" group. The FTM&ES is a NOT a “CLOSED” group. It is an open gathering… no dues, no fees. All members and friends of the All Saints Family are always welcome and invited. It is a good time and place to meet and become better acquainted with other “All-Sainters” in a warm and relaxed setting.
Please join us, Thursday, December 1st to kick off your Advent and Christmas celebration with a program featuring traditions and songs of the season. Please bring your table service and a food dish to share. See you there at 6:30 PM in the Retreat Center.
First Thursday Marching and Eating Society (Facts & Myths)
Fact: The First Thursday Marching & Eating Society (FTM&ES) WILL MEET on Thursday, December 1st, 2011 in the Retreat Center at 6:30 P.M.
Myth: The FTM&ES is just for “SENIORS”. The FTM&ES is NOT just for “SENIORS”: While most folks who attend regularly are of a “mature age,” there are “young-uns” attending along with the other “Young at Heart” participants.
Myth: The FTM&ES is just for “COUPLES”. The FTM&ES is NOT just for “COUPLES”. Some who attend come “solo”and fit right in with the group.
Myth: The FTM&ES is a "closed" group. The FTM&ES is a NOT a “CLOSED” group. It is an open gathering… no dues, no fees. All members and friends of the All Saints Family are always welcome and invited. It is a good time and place to meet and become better acquainted with other “All-Sainters” in a warm and relaxed setting.
Please join us, Thursday, December 1st to kick off your Advent and Christmas celebration with a program featuring traditions and songs of the season. Please bring your table service and a food dish to share. See you there at 6:30 PM in the Retreat Center.
Posted: 10-30-11
Weekly Announcements Online?
Did you know that you can listen to the weekly announcements online? To listen, just click on the "Who We Are" tab and look for the green and yellow scroll in the sidebar that says "Announcements/News On Demand". Of course you can also read or download the full version of the announcements anytime by hovering your mouse over the "Parish Life" tab and then click on "What's News". Once there, you will find, among other things, announcements covering the most recent two week period.
Weekly Announcements Online?
Did you know that you can listen to the weekly announcements online? To listen, just click on the "Who We Are" tab and look for the green and yellow scroll in the sidebar that says "Announcements/News On Demand". Of course you can also read or download the full version of the announcements anytime by hovering your mouse over the "Parish Life" tab and then click on "What's News". Once there, you will find, among other things, announcements covering the most recent two week period.
Posted: 10-29-11
Vestry Pages
Have you ever wanted to know more about the people who currently sit on our All Saints Vestry or learn more about what the Vestry does or what the word "Vestry" means? You can get answers to these questions and more by visiting the "Vestry Pages". Not including the Rector, Senior/Junior Wardens, Clerk of the Vestry, and Treasurer, the Vestry consists of twelve members at large; six men and six women. To learn more click "Vestry Pages".
Vestry Pages
Have you ever wanted to know more about the people who currently sit on our All Saints Vestry or learn more about what the Vestry does or what the word "Vestry" means? You can get answers to these questions and more by visiting the "Vestry Pages". Not including the Rector, Senior/Junior Wardens, Clerk of the Vestry, and Treasurer, the Vestry consists of twelve members at large; six men and six women. To learn more click "Vestry Pages".
Posted: 9-8-11
Choirs To Receive New Robes!
In early June eight members of the congregation embarked on a choir robe assessment and evaluation process. Consideration to replace the old robes and multi colored stoles was influenced by the normal wear/tear/permanently soiled status of the 20 year old robes, sizing issues, and the lack of closet space for the multiple hanger garments.
We are happy to announce that the “I Got a Robe” Committee has selected a robe design and company. The committee worked diligently through the summer, comparing manufacturer’s design options and reputations. During the conversations and evaluations the committee considered sleeve style for choir and bell ringers, color, neck style, and closure style. It was a good team of evaluators who honored opinions with open and frank discussions while trying to take into account all the variables. We had many samples and we borrowed robes from Trinity Cathedral to try. We decid
ed on a robe described as “Choir Alb” by CM Almy Company which you will find on display in the choir room.
The choir sleeves will be in the “bell” style as on the sample and the bell choir sleeves will be with a cuff. Red was chosen to complement the acolyte cassock color, and the zipper was the preferred closure. An added bonus in the selection is the alb will be washable! CM Almy is a very reputable manufacturer of church apparel and accessories with a feature that will allow ordering additional robes in the future with color swatches matching. Additionally, we will likely be ordering new robes for the children in the next year or so and a complementary children’s robe will be available.
The CHOIR ALB robe will be on display in the Choir Room for singers, ringers and parishioners to see as we are finishing up the last important phase prior to ordering: MEASURING!!!
Thank you to the following members of the committee who willingly shared their time and experience in making the selection.
Liz Easton
Jerry Gray
Mike McCabe
Laura Palmer
Joel Perry
Tracy Peterson
Gayle Smith
Nancy Wulf
Gratefully, Claudianna Todd, committee leader
Choirs To Receive New Robes!
In early June eight members of the congregation embarked on a choir robe assessment and evaluation process. Consideration to replace the old robes and multi colored stoles was influenced by the normal wear/tear/permanently soiled status of the 20 year old robes, sizing issues, and the lack of closet space for the multiple hanger garments.
We are happy to announce that the “I Got a Robe” Committee has selected a robe design and company. The committee worked diligently through the summer, comparing manufacturer’s design options and reputations. During the conversations and evaluations the committee considered sleeve style for choir and bell ringers, color, neck style, and closure style. It was a good team of evaluators who honored opinions with open and frank discussions while trying to take into account all the variables. We had many samples and we borrowed robes from Trinity Cathedral to try. We decid
The choir sleeves will be in the “bell” style as on the sample and the bell choir sleeves will be with a cuff. Red was chosen to complement the acolyte cassock color, and the zipper was the preferred closure. An added bonus in the selection is the alb will be washable! CM Almy is a very reputable manufacturer of church apparel and accessories with a feature that will allow ordering additional robes in the future with color swatches matching. Additionally, we will likely be ordering new robes for the children in the next year or so and a complementary children’s robe will be available.
The CHOIR ALB robe will be on display in the Choir Room for singers, ringers and parishioners to see as we are finishing up the last important phase prior to ordering: MEASURING!!!
Thank you to the following members of the committee who willingly shared their time and experience in making the selection.
Liz Easton
Jerry Gray
Mike McCabe
Laura Palmer
Joel Perry
Tracy Peterson
Gayle Smith
Nancy Wulf
Gratefully, Claudianna Todd, committee leader
Posted: 8-20-11
Crosses for Christ Ministry...it didn't start out as a ministry
From time to time I have been asked, “What is this “Crosses for Christ” ministry all about?” I usually answer by saying, “It didn’t start out a ministry at all”. Initially, the intent was to make a few cross necklaces and include them in newcomer Welcome Bags. The idea caught on and we found ourselves being asked again and again if we could make a few crosses for those preparing to do mission work. But, I am getting ahead of myself. So how did this ministry, that didn’t start out a ministry, become one?
Crosses for Christ had its humble beginnings a little over three years ago on a warm summer day inside a garage! That’s right, a garage. Barb & I had gone over to Sooz Edwards’ house to take part in a garage sale. As you know, garage sales have their share of downtime between sales. Sooz had purchased some beads and heavy string from an arts & crafts store and had this idea that we could string beads and make cross necklaces during the garage sale’s slow periods. She said the crosses we made would then be placed in the newcomer Welcome Bags that, at the time, were being distributed by the Welcoming & Evangelism mission team. I asked, “Where do we get the crosses?” Sooz explained that Doug Hokenstad got them from the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. The olive wood crosses are handmade in the Holy Land by Palestinian Christians. She went on to say that Doug had the crosses and was on his way over to drop them off. Thus, the first cross necklace was created in a garage and a new ministry was born. I don’t know how many necklaces the four of us put together that afternoon but I do remember the beads kept rolling off the makeshift cardboard box table. We had a good time that afternoon and decided to get together again to make more cross necklaces. I should probably point out that we use no templates. Each necklace is different and unique. No two are exactly alike. To date, we estimate that we’ve made and distributed over 300 cross necklaces. At first, as mentioned above, the crosses were included in newcomer welcome bags, but now are generally given to parishioners who go on mission trips. We encourage the missionaries to give the crosses away as a way of sharing God’s love for others.
With the passage of time, our little group grew from four to six with the addition of Don and Peggy Girard. Currently our members include: Sooz Edwards, Peggy Girard, Doug Hokenstad, Ann Olmsted, and Barb and Doug Kaiser. We do not meet in a garage anymore. Instead when we get together to make cross necklaces, we take turns hosting at each other’s homes. After the work or, I should say, “labor of love” is done, we sip a little wine, enjoy appetizers, and sit down to a sumptuous homemade dinner.
At this point there is one short story that begs to be told. One Sunday morning as we prepared to hand out cross necklaces to a youth group getting ready to embark on a pilgrimage to New York, it became instantly apparent that despite our best efforts to keep the crosses from tangling, we had failed. We had a “birds nest” (fishing terminology for a tangled fishing line) of mammoth proportions that any angler would be proud of. We were able to hand out a few necklaces but decided to distribute the rest after the service so as not to disrupt the service. Since then we now distribute the crosses in their own individual plastic pouches complete with a brief history and explanation of what the cross necklaces symbolize.
Oh, one final question we are sometimes asked. Who came up with the name, “Crosses for Christ”? That’s a very good question. I think Doug Hokenstad first used the words in a sentence during the course of one of our many “intellectual and stimulating” conversations. The phrase just stuck. As the late Paul Harvey, news commentator used to say, “and now you know the rest of the story.”
Photo Gallery
Crosses for Christ Ministry...it didn't start out as a ministry
From time to time I have been asked, “What is this “Crosses for Christ” ministry all about?” I usually answer by saying, “It didn’t start out a ministry at all”. Initially, the intent was to make a few cross necklaces and include them in newcomer Welcome Bags. The idea caught on and we found ourselves being asked again and again if we could make a few crosses for those preparing to do mission work. But, I am getting ahead of myself. So how did this ministry, that didn’t start out a ministry, become one?
Crosses for Christ had its humble beginnings a little over three years ago on a warm summer day inside a garage! That’s right, a garage. Barb & I had gone over to Sooz Edwards’ house to take part in a garage sale. As you know, garage sales have their share of downtime between sales. Sooz had purchased some beads and heavy string from an arts & crafts store and had this idea that we could string beads and make cross necklaces during the garage sale’s slow periods. She said the crosses we made would then be placed in the newcomer Welcome Bags that, at the time, were being distributed by the Welcoming & Evangelism mission team. I asked, “Where do we get the crosses?” Sooz explained that Doug Hokenstad got them from the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. The olive wood crosses are handmade in the Holy Land by Palestinian Christians. She went on to say that Doug had the crosses and was on his way over to drop them off. Thus, the first cross necklace was created in a garage and a new ministry was born. I don’t know how many necklaces the four of us put together that afternoon but I do remember the beads kept rolling off the makeshift cardboard box table. We had a good time that afternoon and decided to get together again to make more cross necklaces. I should probably point out that we use no templates. Each necklace is different and unique. No two are exactly alike. To date, we estimate that we’ve made and distributed over 300 cross necklaces. At first, as mentioned above, the crosses were included in newcomer welcome bags, but now are generally given to parishioners who go on mission trips. We encourage the missionaries to give the crosses away as a way of sharing God’s love for others.
With the passage of time, our little group grew from four to six with the addition of Don and Peggy Girard. Currently our members include: Sooz Edwards, Peggy Girard, Doug Hokenstad, Ann Olmsted, and Barb and Doug Kaiser. We do not meet in a garage anymore. Instead when we get together to make cross necklaces, we take turns hosting at each other’s homes. After the work or, I should say, “labor of love” is done, we sip a little wine, enjoy appetizers, and sit down to a sumptuous homemade dinner.
At this point there is one short story that begs to be told. One Sunday morning as we prepared to hand out cross necklaces to a youth group getting ready to embark on a pilgrimage to New York, it became instantly apparent that despite our best efforts to keep the crosses from tangling, we had failed. We had a “birds nest” (fishing terminology for a tangled fishing line) of mammoth proportions that any angler would be proud of. We were able to hand out a few necklaces but decided to distribute the rest after the service so as not to disrupt the service. Since then we now distribute the crosses in their own individual plastic pouches complete with a brief history and explanation of what the cross necklaces symbolize.
Oh, one final question we are sometimes asked. Who came up with the name, “Crosses for Christ”? That’s a very good question. I think Doug Hokenstad first used the words in a sentence during the course of one of our many “intellectual and stimulating” conversations. The phrase just stuck. As the late Paul Harvey, news commentator used to say, “and now you know the rest of the story.”
Photo Gallery
Doug Kaiser
Posted: 7-1-11
Pomegranate Shop Now Has It's Own Web Page
Did you know that the Pomegranate Shop now has it's very own web page? Each week the page is updated and contains information about current items being offered. You can get there by going to the Parish Life tab at the top of any web page. From there locate the "Pomegranate Shop" in the sub-menu and click on it for more information. Here's a quick link to go there now.
Pomegranate Shop Now Has It's Own Web Page
Did you know that the Pomegranate Shop now has it's very own web page? Each week the page is updated and contains information about current items being offered. You can get there by going to the Parish Life tab at the top of any web page. From there locate the "Pomegranate Shop" in the sub-menu and click on it for more information. Here's a quick link to go there now.
Posted: 6-14-11
Lectionary Page Added
Whether you are a lay reader or just want to know what the appointed readings are for any particular weekend service now all you have to do is visit the new Lectionary page. There are several ways to navigate there, one way is to simply hover your mouse over the Worship tab on our home page and drop down and select Lectionary or, to visit right now just click on Lectionary.
Lectionary Page Added
Whether you are a lay reader or just want to know what the appointed readings are for any particular weekend service now all you have to do is visit the new Lectionary page. There are several ways to navigate there, one way is to simply hover your mouse over the Worship tab on our home page and drop down and select Lectionary or, to visit right now just click on Lectionary.
Posted: 6-13-11
Why Are Those Doors Red? Have you ever wondered why the front doors of our church are red? If one were to do a bit of research on the subject, one would quickly discover that there seems to be no clear cut definitive answers that might explain why or how the red door tradition even began. One popular and generally accepted scenario is that red doors have their roots in the early days of the Episcopal church. Historically the red doors of a
church were a symbol of sanctuary - a place where a soldier could not pursue an enemy, for example. The red signified the blood of Jesus Christ who came to save all who took refuge in him. People who passed through the red doors were safe. Today the doors continue to provide safety and refuge to all who enter. At All Saints, we also like to think of the red doors as a symbol of a welcoming church, a church that opens its arms and doors to everyone regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation. So the next time someone asks you, "Why are those doors red?", you can say with some conviction, "I believe I can answer that..."
Why Are Those Doors Red? Have you ever wondered why the front doors of our church are red? If one were to do a bit of research on the subject, one would quickly discover that there seems to be no clear cut definitive answers that might explain why or how the red door tradition even began. One popular and generally accepted scenario is that red doors have their roots in the early days of the Episcopal church. Historically the red doors of a
Posted: 6-8-11
Tech Tip - Are you having to squint to read the web pages you visit?
If you answered yes to the above question, then try this. If you are using a Windows PC, hold down the"Ctrl" key while tapping the " + " key. In almost all cases this simple action should enlarge the print. On the other hand, if the print is too large, repeat the above but this time while holding down the "Ctrl" key tap the " - " key.
For Apple/ Macintosh computers, it's the same process but instead you hold down the "Command" or "Apple" key, as it is sometimes referred to, while tapping either the " + " or " - " key.
Try it right now on this page.
Happy Surfing!
Tech Tip - Are you having to squint to read the web pages you visit?
If you answered yes to the above question, then try this. If you are using a Windows PC, hold down the"Ctrl" key while tapping the " + " key. In almost all cases this simple action should enlarge the print. On the other hand, if the print is too large, repeat the above but this time while holding down the "Ctrl" key tap the " - " key.
For Apple/ Macintosh computers, it's the same process but instead you hold down the "Command" or "Apple" key, as it is sometimes referred to, while tapping either the " + " or " - " key.
Try it right now on this page.
Happy Surfing!
Posted: 6-8-11
Nebraska Diocese Elects New Bishop
[From the Episcopal News Service] The Rev. J. Scott Barker was elected on June 4 as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church.
Barker, 47, rector of Christ Church, Warwick, New York, was elected on the second ballot out of a field of three nominees. He received 78 votes of
111 cast in the lay order and 49 of 74 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 57 in the lay order and 38 in the clergy order. The election was held during a special diocesan council meeting held at St. Mark's Pro-Cathedral in Hastings, Nebraska.
Pending a successful consent process, Barker will succeed Bishop Joe G. Burnett, who resigned as bishop of Nebraska and has taken a position as assistant bishop in the Diocese of Maryland. Under the canons (III.11.4) of the Episcopal Church, a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees must consent to the bishop-elect's ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election. Barker was ordained a priest in 1992 in the Diocese of Nebraska. He began his ministry as a priest in the Diocese of Nebraska at Trinity Cathedral in Omaha and then moved on to serve as rector of Church of the Resurrection in Omaha. From 2002 until the present, he has served as rector of Christ Church in Warwick, New York. Barker is married to Annie and they have two children; Emily, a college sophomore, and Sam, a high school senior. The consecration is due to take place Oct. 8 in Omaha, Nebraska. The other nominees were the Rev. Margaret Duncan Holt-Sammons and the Rev. Canon Sarah J. Shoftsall. The Diocese of Nebraska contains 51 parishes and comprises the entire state of Nebraska.
Nebraska Diocese Elects New Bishop
[From the Episcopal News Service] The Rev. J. Scott Barker was elected on June 4 as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church.
Barker, 47, rector of Christ Church, Warwick, New York, was elected on the second ballot out of a field of three nominees. He received 78 votes of
Pending a successful consent process, Barker will succeed Bishop Joe G. Burnett, who resigned as bishop of Nebraska and has taken a position as assistant bishop in the Diocese of Maryland. Under the canons (III.11.4) of the Episcopal Church, a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees must consent to the bishop-elect's ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election. Barker was ordained a priest in 1992 in the Diocese of Nebraska. He began his ministry as a priest in the Diocese of Nebraska at Trinity Cathedral in Omaha and then moved on to serve as rector of Church of the Resurrection in Omaha. From 2002 until the present, he has served as rector of Christ Church in Warwick, New York. Barker is married to Annie and they have two children; Emily, a college sophomore, and Sam, a high school senior. The consecration is due to take place Oct. 8 in Omaha, Nebraska. The other nominees were the Rev. Margaret Duncan Holt-Sammons and the Rev. Canon Sarah J. Shoftsall. The Diocese of Nebraska contains 51 parishes and comprises the entire state of Nebraska.