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Joan Shisler Parish Office 410-326-4948 Sr. Warden www.middlehamandstpeters.org

The CONNECTOR

Jim Yoe Karen Timmons Jr. Warden Editor

The Newsletter Of The Rev. David G. Showers, Rector The Rev. Sarah Akes-Cardwell, Asst. Rector Middleham and St. Peter’s Parish The Rev. Skip Steiner, Adjunct Clergy

FEBRUARY 2017

God and Family

For the last six weeks Robb Hupp, as one of the leaders of the 1684 Boy Scout Troop,

has been leading a God and Family class with six Webelos. The curriculum has four

main goals:

To provide an opportunity for young people and families to explore their faith

together

To learn six ways of strengthening families through faith

To help families grow in God’s love

To memorize the Ten Commandments

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To help class members remember the content the lessons are built around how to

make a pizza. Every pizza has a crust, the foundation, a sauce, the family’s heritage,

toppings, the talents and gifts unique to that family, and cheese, which holds

everything together and it’s like the guidelines for families. Each class had a Bible

study, and each boy kept his notes from the class in a pizza box.

When I met with the class we discussed what was the most amazing and surprising

thing they learned about their families, and what is a challenge they discovered by

taking this class.

Some of their answers were taking responsibility for their place in the family,

learning new Bible stories, and finding out about the history of their family. Finally,

they told me the Ten Commandments sometimes in their own words.

Scouting is a great tradition and I am glad we have sponsored our own troop 1684

troop, and are working with Cub Scouts and Webelos.

Peace,

David

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This is a new program for the parish to which we invite your support and

participation. The purpose of this program is to improve the ways in which we

welcome our Southern Maryland neighbors, connect them to our parish

community, and strengthen all of our relationships with God and our neighbors.

We do a great deal of good here at Middleham and St. Peter’s. We want the

broader community to know who we are and how we live our lives as followers

of Jesus. We hope too that they will witness something they can be a part of by

joining with us in community. We sometimes feel like we are a “best kept

secret” and that we aren’t reaching out into the community, either as a church

or individuals. This program will help us address that.

On the evening of Friday March 3 and during the day on Saturday March 4, we

will host a workshop to which the whole parish is invited. We want you to come

be a part of investing in our future as a parish and as people of faith. We are

asking that you sign-up, so that we can plan for and provide the services needed

to assure your participation. Child care and transportation will be provided as

needed.

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We have received a grant from the Diocese of Maryland to help us with the

program. It provides us with the funding to retain the coaching services of Paul

Nickerson and Jim Griffith to support us throughout the program, including the

workshop. They excel in guiding parishes who wish to reach new people,

increase their impact on the community, and become more vibrant and faithful

congregations.

Over the two day workshop, we will receive a wealth of information and

practical training on a range of topics. Over the weekend, we as a parish will

develop plans that will guide us in carrying out this program over the next

months and years. We are asking you to invest your time and wisdom in those

plans. Planning together, and then carrying out the plan in a sustained effort is

the key.

Let’s all work together to truly live into our baptismal covenant of “proclaiming

by word and example the Good News of God in Christ”.

You can see how this has worked in another community assisted by Griffith

Coaching at:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/iff91lgchyspc4j/Warsaw%20UMC%20%27How%20

to%20reach%20new%20people%27%20Workshop.mp4?dl=0

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Treasurer’s Corner

One of the quotes that was in our bulletin "You can make Miracles happen by helping

others," by Norman Vincent Peale could be the motto at MSP. We have such a

wonderful, giving, and loving congregation, along with very special clergy that help

us on our way on this earth and in our community. 2016 is gone but not forgotten. I

have learned much over the year as your treasurer, and you do much to help in this

endeavor. One thing that has made life easier is using Vanco for our pledging. This

automated payment method helps Anne and me keep track of the pledges, building

fund, Building for Greater Ministry funds, and other items that are unique interest to

you. Currently, we have 33 people who pledge through the Vanco

system. Approximately, one-third of our deposits are through the automatic pay

function and because it is automatic, you can make changes when and if you need

too. Call the church office if you need help with making a change or adding a new

user. 2016 is gone but not forgotten. I also want to thank all of you for your support

to me during this daunting transition to me as your treasurer.

Jackie Vos, Treasurer

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2017 Endowment Grant

Application Announcement The vestry has approved the renewal of endowment grant opportunities for 2017. The initial

deadline for applications is Sunday February 19.

Endowment grants provide the opportunity for the parish to more completely fulfill its mission by

developing or expanding ministries beyond what is possible through its annual operating funds.

Any MSP Ministry, organization, or parish member may submit an application for support.

1. Applications should be compatible with one or more of parish values (see the parish

mission, vision, and values statement in the application).

2. Preference will be given to applications that support new initiatives.

3. Funding is available for $2000.00 total.

4. Grants are awarded for one year at a time.

Requests are assessed as to whether they:

1. Fit one or more of our values

2. Demonstrate need

3. Have a high probability of success, clearly defined project objectives, schedules, and budgets

Grant applications are available through the parish office.

Direct any questions to Hugh Davies on the finance committee.

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Campaign for Greater Ministry:

Strengthening our Foundations

Summary

At the completion of the 2016 Capital Campaign we have retired a significant portion

of our debt, are in the process of bringing our facilities back up to snuff, and are

replenishing our Building Fund, and allowed the Parish to have funds available for

our future and current ministries rather than focusing so much on the constant drip

of maintaining our facilities and servicing our debt.

This is a tremendous gift for the future generations of Middleham & St. Peter’s Parish.

Thanks to all who participated.

By the Numbers

Total Pledged $365,455.

Total Collected $224,817.

Due over the next two years $140,638.

64 Families Pledged

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Projects Completed or Underway

As we began the campaign, there were many immediate issues that needed attention which have

been addressed or are currently underway. Our five-year plan has been revised to reflect the

immediate and future needs. First and foremost, we needed to address infrastructure issues at each

of our facilities. These included repairs and painting of the windows and doors at Middleham

Chapel. This work was accomplished by volunteers which significantly reduced the costs. More

work will be done in the Spring to complete this project. Additionally, lighting upgrades were

completed on the interior and exterior of the building which included more efficient LED lighting.

At St. Peter’s oil furnace is being replaced with a 92% efficient gas furnace which will reduce the

heating costs by approximately 60%. The hot water heater is also being replaced with a more

efficient model to reduce electrical costs.

At the Parish Hall, the windows are being replaced with more efficient double pane models which

will cut energy consumption and eliminate a safety concerns. The heating and air condition system

in the basement has been replaced with high efficiency zone units so that only those areas needing

heating and cooling will operate. This, coupled with the foundation and exterior waterproofing, has

greatly improved the atmosphere and eliminate the long-standing mildew issues.

Other projects for 2017 and beyond include roof repairs at the chapels, a new stove for the kitchen,

interior painting and new carpeting for Middleham Chapel.

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FEBRUARY

Christian Formation

Check out the offerings below for ways to engage your faith life this February!

Special February Children and Youth Activities

Sunday 2/12: Youth Group Gathering, 6-8pm

All middle and high school youth are invited to join in making Valentine cards

and cookies for our neighbors at Asbury and Calvert Hospice. Cookies and

cards will be made during the morning Sunday School hour of 2/12, and

delivered that evening from 6-8pm. Meet at the Parish Hall at 6pm. Friends

are always welcome!

Tuesday 2/28: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! 5-7pm

This annual event brings the community together in

celebration before the season of Lent begins on March

1st. The Great Hall will host this breakfast-for-dinner

feast, with our children and youth serving as wait staff,

and flapjack flipping brought to you by your clergy.

Friday 3/10-Saturday 3/11: Lenten Nightwatch in Baltimore

All middle and high school youth are invited to this fun and engaging

overnight opportunity at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore. Learn

more about the gathering on page ___ of the Connector. Registration forms are

available in the office, via the weekly children and youth email, and in worship

spaces.

Registration Forms due to Rev. Sarah by Monday 2/20.

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Adult Christian Formation

Coffee and Conversation continues on Sunday mornings from 10:30-11:30am in

the Parish Hall Conference Room. All are welcome!

Bible Study throughout the year is held on Tuesday mornings @ 11:00 AM in the

small conference room. Feel free to join at any time. Call for information.

Wednesday Nights in February will feature the Examining Our Foundations

series in the Parish Hall. Note that all programs begin at 7pm, with a potluck dinner

beginning at 6:15pm.

The clergy of Middleham and St. Peter’s will lead this series to deepen our

awareness and understanding of what we believe and how we worship as

Episcopalians. For some this will be a refresher, and for others an introduction.

This series can serve as preparation for Confirmation or Reception in the

Episcopal Church for adults interested in these rites.

February 1st Holy Eucharist

February 8th The Creeds

February 15th The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion

Have questions? Contact Rev. Sarah assistant.rector@middlehamandstpeters.org or

410-326-4948

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Calling all Middle and High Schoolers!

Lenten Nightwatch March 10th-11th

Friday 4:30pm-Saturday 1pm

Cost: Free for MSP Youth (bring money for dinner and lunch on the road)

$30 Registration Cost for Friends of MSP Youth (plus food) Registration Deadline: February 20th

For the first time, Nightwatch will be held in Baltimore at the Cathedral of the

Incarnation! This overnight opportunity will gather young people from across the region

for fellowship, hands-on prayer stations, and to learn more about the Lenten season.

This spectacular, new one night program will bea great way to journey through Lent.

Registration forms are available in the church office, in the weekly Youth email, and in all

three worship spaces. Please return the forms to Rev. Sarah by Monday 2/20.

We’ll depart from the Great Hall parking lot at 4:30pm on Friday afternoon, and plan to

return around 1pm on Saturday March 11th. We will stop for food on our way to and from

Baltimore. Please bring money for two meals.

Questions? Call or email Rev. Sarah

assistant.rector@middlehamandstpeters.org 410-326-4948

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OUTREACH

You can be sure the spirit of the Lord is present at Middleham and St. Peter’s Parish.

The need for food is great in Calvert County and many people are being fed at MSP

through the MD Food Drop, the Helpful Harvest Garden, SMILE and Backpacks for

school kids. Presently we are researching ways to do more in the way of the Food

Drop and the school kids. Time is an issue for allowing more people to have an

opportunity to be involved. And storage is an issue for where we could put more food

for the school children.

The HeartF.E.LT program is at the capacity of our original plan. Twenty-five

elementary age school children are now receiving 5 to 6 pounds of food on Fridays so

they will be ensured of having healthy food over the weekend. Weekly shoppers

supplement what has not been donated. On Wednesdays volunteers sort and pack.

And on Fridays drivers deliver the food to the school. These are minimal tasks and

have been well staffed, but what happens if somebody is unable to show up? Think

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about lending a hand in February when a couple people are having surgery and the

program is short-handed. POC is Elizabeth Broadus (elizabethruggles@comcast.net)

Due to the fact that MSP will not be hosting the Safe Nights program this year, we have

formed a relationship with St. Paul UMC, just up the road from us. They welcome the

help and will be hosting February 5 - 12 . Volunteers are needed for overnight

monitors, clean up, making a breakfast or doing laundry at the end of the week. POC

is Jennifer Wood (305-510-4102) or Jodie, the church receptionist at 410-326-4475,

ext. 10.

WELCOME-CONNECT-STRENGTHEN Workshop is Friday, March 3rd & Saturday,

March 4th. This workshop will improve the ways in which we connect with our

Southern Maryland neighbors. All parishioners are invited to come to the workshop

to learn about best practices for reaching and welcoming our neighbors. For more

detail refer to the article in this newsletter.

Our Outreach Committee will meet again on March 28, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the parish

hall conference room. All are welcome to attend.

Nancy Favor, for the Outreach Committee

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Boy Scout Troop 1684

Boy Scout Troop 1684 is very grateful to the parish for supporting our Spirit Night Fundraiser

at Roy Rogers in December! The troop earned $481 for the three hours we hosted this event.

The money will help with equipment, awards and other basic troop costs.

Troop 1684 promoted two more scouts, Miles Hupp and Eric Gronda ,to Eagle on December

22nd, 2016. Congratulations Miles and Eric, we are very proud of you!

Robb Hupp for Troop 1684

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Pancake Supper: Shrove Tuesday

February 28, 2017 5:00 — 7:00 PM

Mark your calendar for the Annual Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Pancake Supper!

Come out for an evening of fellowship with friends and acquaintances from the parish

and the community. Pancakes and country sausage along with various fruit toppings

will be served. Coffee and juices – apple, cranberry and orange – are on the menu

also. The cost is a free will donation which will help to support the parish. Please

Join Us.

Middleham and St. Peter’s Parish

10210 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 20657

office@middlehamandstpeters.org

410-326-4948

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Follow Middleham and St. Peter’s on Instagram!

@middlehamandstpeters

Last month we launched our parish Instagram account using the name

@middlehamandstpeters. Search for us on Instagram through the app or

at Instagram.com. Instagram is a great way to stay connected visually to

Middleham and St. Peter’s through photos and brief reflections.

Have questions or want to learn more?

Contact Rev. Sarah, @ 301-326-4948

assistant.rector@middlehamandstpeters.org

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Looking Forward in 2017

As we begin this new year we look at the resolutions we made and

wonder if we made the best choices. Did you say you wanted to

lose weight, be healthier, clean out the closet, or even pledge to

volunteer more?

All the above can be done and we can help with any of those things. February is

a “heart month” so let’s get started. As always- diet first:

1. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products

2. Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts

3. Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars

4. Stays within your daily calorie needs

Next- move more- clean out that closet, use the stairs more, park your car further from the store you are

going to, or just get out and walk- you may need to put on a heavier coat and gloves, but walking for at least

20 minutes a day is a good start.

And also- about that pledge- Our church does so much- we have space for anyone who wishes to volunteer

for a few minutes or more. Whatever skill you have can be used at the food distribution, Heartfelt

backpacks, parish health, mission work, Habitat, echo, and SMILE as well as many more things. Please let

someone know if volunteering is on your to-do list.

Let’s not forget to have that annual check-up- the parish health team can help you keep track of your

Blood Pressure, listen to your heart and give you direction on local resources to keep fit. Just let us know!

I am at the Parish Hall most Sundays and am willing to take your BP or talk with you about your health

concerns. Hope to see you soon and have a great and Healthy New Year!

Dale Yoe, Parish Nurse

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Have you heard about this new non-profit? It was developed by a group on concerned

citizens who really want to help the underserved folks in the southern part of Calvert

County. We have seen numbers grow at the food drops and at S.M.I.L.E. We are gaining

HeartFELT backpacks all the time. So- how can we fund these activities and more.

The Community Life Center was organized to try to help subsidize the health screenings

and health awareness for our community and to help with the funding for food sources.

The Life Center is very thankful for Middleham and St. Peter’s Parish for the use of the Parish

Hall as it is very convenient to the participants of S.M.I.L.E. and the bus route.

The Inaugural event was Saturday, January 21st and was well attended by county officials,

board members and others. This event focused on Cancer and included information on

Prostate, Lung, Skin, Breast, Cervical and Colorectal Cancers.

The next event will be on Saturday, February 11th from 9-1 and will focus on Heart Health.

Feel free to come and get information- we’d love to see you!

By Dale Yoe

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Wednesday, February 1st @10:00 - 2:00 PM The Southern Maryland Job Source Mobile Career

Center (MCC)

Wednesday, February 1st @ 10:00 AM – Big Conversation Planning Meeting

Wednesday, February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd @ 11:00 AM – HEART F.E.L.T. Volunteers Back Pack

packing food. This is held every Wednesday if you would like to volunteer. This month is short-

handed.

Wednesday, February 1st - @ 6:15 (Pot Luck) Program @ 7:00 PM – Examining Our Foundations –

“Holy Eucharist” Wednesday Evening Series.

Thursday, February 2nd, 9th , 16th , 23rd - @ 6:00 PM Bell Choir

Thursday, February 2nd, 9th , 16th , 23rd - @ 7:00 PM EFM

Thursday’s Choir will resume rehearsals on March 2nd

Tuesday, February 7th Tuesday, @ 10:00 PM - Monthly Staff Meeting.

Tuesday, February 7th , 14th, 21st , 28th - 11:00 AM – Bible Study

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Tuesday, February 7th @ 7:00 PM Vestry Meeting, All Are Welcome. Wednesday, February 8th @ 6:15 (Pot Luck) Program @ 7:00 PM – Examining Our Foundations –

“The Creeds”, Wednesday Evening Series.

Thursday, February 9th @ 6:00 PM – SMILE Annual Meeting

Saturday, February 11th @ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Community Life Center of Southern Calvert County

presents, “Healthy Hearts” – Blood Pressure Screenings, Heart Health Education

Wednesday, February 8th @ 1:00 PM – Parish Health Ministry Meeting.

Monday, February 13th @ 3:00 PM – Daughters of the King

Tuesday, February 14th @ 8:30 AM Calvert Interfaith Council

Tuesday, February 14th Food Drop – Volunteers needed for Prep @2:30 PM, Distribution @ 4:30

PM.

Wednesday, February 15th @ 6:15 (Pot Luck) Program @ 7:00 PM – Examining Our Foundations –

“The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion”, Wednesday Evening Series.

Monday, February 20th @ noon - Asbury Episcopal Fellowship – Topic – “What’s In A Name”. All

Are Welcome, you do not need to be a resident – The site will be the Riverview Restaurant and the

cost will be $10.00. Russ Horton is the contact person and he will need your reservation by the

Thursday before the event. Contact information: jrhortonsr@comcast.net or at 410-394-3216.

Monday, February 20th @ 7:00 PM Finance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, February 28th Shrove Tuesday @ 5:00 – 7:00 PM – Pancake Supper

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Connector Article Deadline

The deadline for submissions for MARCH CONNECTOR will be FEBRUARY 14TH

Due to attendance at the CEEP Conference and a short month, rough draft editing on 14th and 16th.

Final proof is on February 21st.

Thanks so much, Karen Timmons, Communications

Submissions earlier as they are ready are most welcome.

ASH WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

March 1, 2017

9:00 AM Holy Eucharist @ Middleham Chapel

7:00 PM Holy Eucharist @ St. Peter’s Chapel

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FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Bryan Carpenter 02/01

Cheri Campbell 02/02

Anita Falkner 02/04

Lauren Rivers 02/05

Michael Stanton 02/06

Rick Greenlee 02/07

Mordecai Bowen 02/09

Elizabeth Broadus 02/10

John Wagner 02/12

Justin Forrest 02/13

Betty Miller 02/13

Ryan Jedrey 02/14

Joshua Patten 02/15

Mark Converse 02/17

Grace Korn 02/18

Melissa Chapman 02/19

Charles Bennett 02/21

William Wakeman 02/21

Katie Briggs 02/22

Caitlin Whelan 02/22

Stuart Simmons Jr 02/26

Elizabeth Miller 02/28

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

Jim & Karen Wilson 02/24

Christopher & Colleen Davies 02/29

If you have a birthday or anniversary this month and it

is not on our list, or the date is incorrect, please call

the parish office with your information.

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February 2017

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4

JobSource Van @ SMILE 9:00 AM HE&Healing– St. Peter’s 10:00 AM Big Conv. Plng 11:00 AM Heart FELT 1:00 PM Parish Health 6:15 PM Potluck 7:00 PM Adult Ed

7:00 PM Boy Scouts-1684

6:15 PM Bell Choir

7:00 PM EFM

Great Hall: Private

Group

10:00 AM

Overeaters Anon

7:00 PM AA

Meeting

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Super Bowl

8:30 AM HE St. Peter’s

9:30 AM HE Great Hall

10:30 AM Christian Ed

11:15 AM HE

Middleham

6:00 PM AA Meeting

10:00 AM Staff Mtg

11:00 AM Bible Study

6:30 PM Cub Scouts 427

7:00 PM Vestry

8:00 PM AA Meeting

9:00 AM HE & Healing– St.

Peter’s

11:00 AM Heart FELT

6:15 PM Pot Luck

7:00 PM Adult Ed

7:00 PM Boy Scouts-1684

6:00 PM SMILE

Board

6:15 PM Bell Choir

7:00 PM EFM

9:00 AM Health

Clinic

10:00 AM

Overeaters Anon

7:00 PM AA

Meeting

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

8:30 AM HE St. Peter’s

9:30 AM HE Great Hall

10:30 AM Christian Ed

11:15 AM HE

Middleham

3:00 PM Daughters

of the King

3:30 PM Girl Scouts

5145

6:00 PM AA Meeting

8:30 AM – Calvert Interfaith Council

11:00 AM Bible Study

2:30 PM Food Dstn prep

4:30 PM Food Dstn

6:30 PM Cub Scouts 427

8:00 PM AA Meeting

9:00 AM HE & Healing–

St. Peter’s

11:00 AM Heart FELT

6:15 PM Pot Luck

7:00 PM Adult Ed

7:00 PM Boy Scouts-1684

6:15 PM Bell Choir

7:00 PM EFM

10:00 AM

Overeaters Anon

7:00 PM AA

Meeting

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

8:30 AM HE St. Peter’s

9:30 AM HE Great Hall

10:30 AM Christian Ed

11:15 AM HE

Middleham

12:00 PM Asbury

Episcopal Fellowship

6:00 PM AA Meeting

7:00 PM Finance

Committee

11:00 AM Bible Study

6:30 PM Cub Scouts 427

8:00 PM AA Meeting

9:00 AM HE&Healing– St.

Peter’s

11:00 AM Heart FELT

7:00 PM Boy Scouts-1684

6:15 PM Bell Choir

7:00 PM EFM

CEEP Conference

10:00 AM

Overeaters Anon

7:00 PM AA

Meeting

26 27 28

8:30 AM HE St. Peter’s

9:30 AM HE Great Hall

10:30 AM Christian Ed

11:15 AM HE

Middleham

3:30 PM Girl Scouts

5145

6:00 PM AA Meeting

Shrove Tuesday 11:00 AM Bible Study

5:00– 7:00 PM Pancake

Supper

6:30 PM Cub Scouts 427

8:00 PM AA Meeting

Workshop

March 3rd

6:00 PM –

9:00 PM

Remember To

Workshop

March 4th

9:00 AM –

4:00 PM

Sign UP

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Middleham and St. Peter’s Parish Worship Schedule – February

DATE

SERVICE

Time & Location

CELEBRANT & PREACHER

CHALICIST READER GREETERS

HEALING St. Peter’s

@ 9:00 AM

2-05-17

8:30 St. Peter’s

Father Steiner Anne Gross Katie Briggs Bernie Helms & Russ Horton

2-08-17 Fr. Showers

Epiphany 5 9:30 Great Hall

Rev. Akes-Cardwell Diane Davies Jordan Jedrey

11:15 Middleham

Father Steiner Karen Wilson Zach Connolly

2-12-17

8:30 St. Peter’s

Father Showers John Wagner Elaine Christy Dick & Rosemary Staley

2-15-17 Rev. Akes-Cardwell

Epiphany 6 9:30 Great Hall

Rev. Akes-Cardwell Tom Briggs

11:15 Middleham

Father Showers Mike Shisler Bruce Calvin

2-19-17

8:30 St. Peter’s

Rev. Akes-Cardwell Betty Eble Elaine Christy Mark & Lucy

Tonacci

2-22-17 Fr. Steiner

Epiphany 7 9:30 Great Hall

Father Showers

Chris Davies

11:15 Middleham

Rev. Akes-Cardwell Jackie Vos Karen Timmons

2-26-17 8:30 St. Peter’s

Father Showers

Bill Miller George Eble

3-1-17 Ash Wednesday

Last Epiphany

9:30 Great Hall

Rev. Akes-Cardwell Tonya Stanley

11:15 Middleham

Father Showers

Mike Shisler Sharon Cargo

Altar Guild

ST. PETER’S: BETTY EBLE & ANNE GROSS GREAT HALL: DIANE DAVIES & ANNE GROSS

MIDDLEHAM: GRACE KORN & JACKIE VOS