Saint Boniface News Published by Saint Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, FL 34242

MARCH 2019

WEEKLY SERVICES

Sunday Eucharist

8:00 & 10:00 am

Tuesdays 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer

(Eucharist first Wednesdays)

Thursdays 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Healing

NURSERY Childcare is available for our youngest parishioners on Sunday mornings 8:45 – 11:45 a.m. in the Nursery with Ms. Yu Ya, our licensed,

professional caregiver.

LENTEN MEDITATION HAPPENING Instead of giving up something for Lent, consider doing something extra! Some quiet time is being planned for Saturday, March 23, with contemplative prayer time in the Healing Mission (9:00 am), followed by a guided labyrinth walk. You are invited to come and open your mind, heart, and soul to the peace and love of the Spirit of the Living God. For more information, contact Rita Valenti-Piovane (610)442-0984.

CHURCH SCHOOL Weaving God’s Promises

Children in Pre-K4 to 5th grade are welcome to join us on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. A friendly greeter at the Welcome Table can direct you and your child to the classroom. The children return to their parents in church just before communion. For more information, contact Fr. Jonathan Evans, (941)349-5616 x313.

FROM THE RECTOR’S DESK March 2019

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday night, February 24, was joy-filled as we kicked off our

65th Anniversary celebration with a wonderful Gala Dinner. My thanks to

all of the volunteers, donors, speakers, and staff who made the night so

much fun and memorable. To God be the glory!

Ash Wednesday, March 6, begins the season of Lent. Lasting for forty days (omitting

Sundays) in imitation of Christ’s time in the wilderness after his baptism, Lent leads us to

Easter. Lent has always been recognized as a time of “penitence and fasting.” In ancient

times, this season was especially important to converts to the faith who were preparing for

baptism. Lent was also a time of reconciliation for those guilty of notorious sins, being

restored to the Christian community. The last three days of Lent are the sacred Triduum

of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. We are each invited to “observe a

holy Lent by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting and self-denial. And (just

as importantly), by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” (BCP p. 265)

For all of the above reasons we make multiple, intentional changes in our worship

during Lent. Church services will have a different look and feel. There will be no flowers at

the altar. The liturgy and the music will reflect the season. The “alleluias” are buried. The

penitential color in the Church is violet. Each change is an effort to help direct our focus

toward Lent’s spiritual goals. Lent is also a good time for a spiritual “check-up.” Contact

any of the clergy and we’d be happy to meet with you, suggesting ways for you to have an

enriching Lent.

Bishop Smith will be here at St. Boniface on Palm Sunday. This means confirmation,

reception, reaffirmation, and baptism will each be part of the day. If you or a member of

your family feel called to these Sacraments, please contact Jonathan or myself, soon.

Classes of preparation are getting underway.

God bless you, Wayne+

FAITH & FOUNDATIONS A class to better learn about our Episcopal and Anglican heritage, sacraments, liturgies, and theologies of the church —all are welcome! This month we will combine with the Bap t i sm , Con f i rma t i on , and Reaffirmation class. 9:00 a.m. Sundays in the Community Center.

EVENSONG SERVICE & RECITAL Sunday, March 3, 4:00 pm

Hosted by St. Boniface Church, the occasion begins with a recital featuring gifted organist, Alden Wright, from the Eastman School of Music. Then the choirs from St. Boniface Church and the Church of the Redeemer will present a Choral Evensong featuring music by Rickard, Whitley, Howells and Bairstow.

SOLEMN EVENSONG ~ Sunday, March 17, 5:15 pm A repeat service at Church of the Redeemer, a collaboration of St. Boniface and Redeemer choirs.

ASH WEDNESDAY

March 6 The liturgy of Ash Wednesday is

one of the most profound

moments of the year, but happily

is directly tied to the celebrations

of Holy Week and Easter. Our traditional Ash Wednesday Liturgy

and Eucharist services are:

7:30 am, 10:00 am, 6:00 pm

(NO Wednesday dinner)

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

Join us Shrove Tuesday, March 5, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the

Community Center for this traditional gathering before Ash

Wednesday. Reservations, please, by signing up at Coffee Hour,

calling (941)349-5616 x5, or on our website (search “pancake supper”). Pay at

the door, $7.00 per person, families with young children capped at $20.00

MARCH at St. Boniface Church

ROMM FAMILY TRIO

Sunday, March 24, 4:00 p.m.

St. Boniface Church welcomes back this extraordinary trio, Avis, Ron and Aaron Romm, presenting wonderful music for piano and trumpet. A free concert (free-will offering), thanks to the generosity of the Boniface Friends of Music.

Calling all Graphic Designers & Marketers! If your cup runneth over with creative juice, we have just the project for you! A new St. Boniface ministry, Center for Spiritual Transformation (CST), is seeking experienced graphic designers and marketers to help us develop printed and electronic communication pieces. Contact Jackie, eeant@mac.com, for more information and timelines

SUNDAY READINGS in MARCH

You may find these helpful in preparing for worship

Sunday mornings, or if you are joining us via our live

video stream. All readings are from the NRSV translation

of the Bible. Visit our website and search “readings” for

downloadable copies.

March 3, last Sunday after Epiphany Exodus 34:29-35,

2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a], Psalm 99

March 10, first Sunday in Lent Deuteronomy 26:1-11,

Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

March 17, second Sunday in Lent Genesis 15:1-12,17-18,

Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Psalm 27

March 24, third Sunday in Lent Exodus 3:1-15,

1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8

March 31, fourth Sunday in Lent Joshua 5:9-12,

2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32

HIKES & PRAYERS Join Fr. Jonathan and Fr. Fred Mann on this outdoor ministry! Meeting at the Myakka State Park, we will lead through a gentle hike (about a mile), stopping at various points to do the liturgy together. Not a challenging walk, but be sure to bring your walking shoes and water. A very family friendly event and great way for us to enjoy God's creation! Saturday, March 16, 4:00 p.m., meet at the Nature Trail. Please sign up at coffee hour or by contacting the Church Office, 941-349-5616.

SPECIAL OFFERING Each month, above and beyond our regular giving, we

have an opportunity to support a specific aspect of or parish life at St.

Boniface. This month’s Special Offering is dedicated to the Staff

Appreciation Fund, established by the Vestry as a means of recognizing the

work of our staff with year-end giving, or honoring a staff member on a

noteworthy occasion. A glance at the back of this newsletter shows the

breadth of ministries and activities the staff supports, ensuring that St.

Boniface is a vital spiritual presence serving one another and our

community in Christ’s name. Your gift can be a tribute or memorial. Please

give generously! – Phil Baker, Senior Warden of the Vestry

COMPASSIONATE CONVERSATIONS Once per month during season, we will take time to learn more about and pray for the things in the world that grieve God and grieve us – globally, nationally, and locally – and how our faith informs our responses. The format includes an informative presentation with small group discussions, learning how to talk with love about difficult topics. Please join us for our next topic of conversation, Climate Change, Environment, and the Green New Deal on Sunday, March 10, 11:30 a.m., Comm Center.

COURTYARD BRICKS Create your lasting tribute – three lines of up to 13 characters each – to mark a special occasion, and we’ll do the rest! Please note beginning April 1 prices will increase to $150 per brick. Order forms are available in the church entry or on our website (www.bonifacechurch.org and type “brick” in the search box).

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER GROUP If you are seeking some peaceful, reflective time in your life, consider being a part of this prayer group. Give yourself the gift of an hour of prayer and sharing. The group meets in the Healing Mission on Sunday, March 10 at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. For more information, contact Fr. Michael Piovane at 610-442-0983.

LITERARY LADIES meets the second Thursday of the

month to share insights and conversation over that

month’s chosen book. On March 14 we’ll discuss Pecan

Man, by Cassie Dandridge Selleck. April’s meeting will be

on Tuesday the 9th, when we’ll talk about Sourdough, by

Robin Sloan. All are welcome. Contact Marilyn Hill (941-

374-1990) for more info.

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS Join us for worship at 5:30 p.m. in the Church, social time and catered dinner at 6:00 in the Community Center, (for dinner reservations, please sign up at Coffee Hour or call 941-349-5616 x5 by noon the Tuesday before, $10pp), then programs after dinner:

March 6: Ash Wednesday Join us for an evening service at 6:00 pm (No dinner or program) March 13: The Rev. Jonathan Evans on Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and shame March 20: The Rev. Wayne Farrell “The Seven Ways of Love- practices for a Jesus-centered life.” March 27: The Rev. Ev Walk on forgiveness : What is the power of forgiveness and how you do it?

Join us each Friday for a delicious fish dinner that includes fried tilapia, macaroni & cheese, coleslaw, cornbread, dessert and a drink - and all for only $12! Meals are available for dine-in or take-out in the Boniface Community Center 5 - 8 p.m.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour for standard time Sunday, March 10!

WHOLLY LIVING How can we live “whole lives” – especially as

we face life transitions? Over the coming months we’ll offer four

workshops with resources to help you make plans and choices that

reflect your wishes, values and priorities. We will dispel myths and

provide solid information about retirement/assisted living, health

proxies, hospice, wills, funerals and legacy planning. Live your life

wholly with good planning!

My Life, My Choice, the first of the workshops, will equip you to

make and share your choices on advanced care planning, living

wills, health care surrogates. Join parishioner and Stratum Health

System director, Suzanne Barksdale, 11:30, Sunday, March 24 in

the Community Center.

and BEYOND!

GIVING TREE March’s Giving Tree supports Manasota Operation

Troop Support by reaching out to our men and women serving in

the armed forces. Your participation brings the comforts of home to

those so far from family and friends. You can provide items from

the wish list below, volunteer at one of MOTS’ packing parties or

help with postage expenses ($18.40 ships one care package - mail

your check to MOTS, 4301 32nd Street West, Suite C-20,

Bradenton 34205). For info on our Giving Tree contact Nancy

Rafter (941-402-3302). For info on Manasota Operation Troop

Support contact MOTS director Linda Craig (941-782-0748 or

motsfl@gmail.com). Baby Wipes ♦ Hand Sanitizer ♦ Razors and Non-Aerosol Shave

Cream ♦ Barbeque Sauce ♦ Coffee (Starbucks Via packets, or other

instant packets) ♦ Cocoa, Cider, Tea (instant!!) ♦ Snacks (that don’t

need heating) - Clif Bars are popular! ♦ Dried or Canned Fruit ♦

Dried or Canned Meat (jerky, SpaghettiOs) ♦ Nuts ♦ Batteries (AA

and/or AAA) ♦ Electrical Tape and/or Duct Tape ♦ Inexpensive

Watches ♦ Sunglass Keepers ♦ Socks ♦ Pen/Pencils/Markers (to

give to the locals) ♦ Please leave your unwrapped donations under

the Giving Tree by Sunday, March 24.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The annual St. Boniface parish

picnic, sponsored by Foyers, takes place on Friday, April 12th

at the Sunset Pavilion, Siesta Key Beach. Tickets are $10 per

person (kids eat free), meet and greet with appetizers and

beverages at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm. Sign-ups begin mid

-March. For info call Connie Mereness (346-

1844), Linda Pendray (312-0097), Holley

Schroeder (966-1466), Bev Parker (349-8789)

or Peg Davant (924-9895).

42 or 58? You’ve invested your time and talent to acquire your treasures. You’ve also gathered loved ones and cherished organizations (like St. Boniface!) in your lifetime. So, be sure you’re among the 42% of adults who have created a will or living trust! Through your estate plans, you – not the state – determine who gets what at the time of your death. See your estate planning professional for guidance. St. Boniface’s wills planning tool can help gather your info and ideas. For a copy contact the church office 941-349-5616 x318 or bdanner@bonifacechurch.org).

ALTAR GUILD SEEKING SEWERS (we mean "people who

sew") Every week the Altar Guild works behind the scenes to maintain the things that "set the table" for worship. Among those things are the linens used at the altar for the various Eucharist services, including sharing the Eucharist at hospital and home visits. We are looking for someone who is able and willing to sew hems (machine stitching is perfectly acceptable) for smaller square and rectangular linens to be used in the Eucharistic Visitor kits. If you have an embroidery machine and are able to add simple crosses to the flat piece, that would be terrific, but not required. Please contact Altar Guild Co-director, Lea Ellwood-Filkins at 734-612-8181.

LENTEN MEDITATIONS and MITE BOXES

During Lent, Episcopal Relief & Development provides two

opportunities to reflect on and deepen our faith. This year’s daily

meditations offer writings from church leaders across the country.

You may pick up a booklet (while supplies last) in the church entry,

or visit www.episcopalrelief.org/Lent to sign up for daily emails or to

view the day’s message online. Mite Boxes will also be available in the church entry area. They

provide a daily practice of providing for others from our own

abundance. Return yours Sunday, April 28, when we will bless them

at the altar. All donations will be sent to Episcopal Relief &

Development, the independent outreach arm of the Episcopal

Church.

Beyond the Broken Heart is an ongoing support ministry for those dealing with grief and loss. There is a tendency for people to believe that

grief is associated with the death of a loved one, and while those losses cause intense grief, any loss can cause grief. Grief is a reaction to many types of losses, such as divorce or relationship breakup, loss of health, losing a job, loss of financial stability, miscarriage, retirement, death of a pet, unfulfilled cherished dream, a loved one’s serious illness, loss of a friendship, loss of safety after a trauma, selling a home. Recognizing the broad scope of loss, St. Boniface Church has a ministry of support for those who are grieving. We meet at 11:30 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. For questions or more information contact Rita Valenti-Piovane (610)442-0984.

HABITAT for HUMANITY at ST. BONIFACE

Building on the new Habitat community, Hammock Place, is underway. And we need you to help! Saturday, March 30 is our St. Boniface Build Day for this 40-home community. Parishioners are invited to volunteer, and/or to make contributions to the $1,200 fund needed for this day. Want to get involved sooner? On-site volunteer opportunities are available Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 7:00 – 2:00. Visit www.habitatsrq.org for details. No special skills are needed – just the desire to see a deserving family in a home of their own. Volunteers are also needed to interview prospective homeowners or teach basic budgeting classes. To volunteer visit www.habitatsrq.org or contact parishioner, Steve Reid (stevereid4@gmail.com or 206-571-6392).

St. Boniface Church will host its fourth annual

meal-packing event on Saturday, March 9, 2019.

These packages are shipped around the world to

support school feeding programs and crisis relief.

This year our goal is to pack 20,088 meals in a little over two

hours. We will need about 100 parishioners who are willing to

work at the event, 10 of whom are willing to do some “heavy

lifting.” We will also need to raise $5,825 to cover the .29 cost

per meal. Sign up at coffee hour TODAY. For more information

contact event co-chairs Annarita Scott at 941-504-1205 or Linda

Loveman at 617-816-5716 .

SARASOTA UNITED for RESPONSIBILTY and EQUITY

Our biggest gathering of the year: NEHEMIAH ASSEMBLY

Monday, March 25th, 2019 6:30pm – 9:00pm, Sarasota Municipal

Auditorium Join us as we ask for commitments to real issues in

Sarasota. After months of research and conversation, we will be

seeking real work on the things that affect our Sarasota Community

negatively. If you wish to attend, and haven’t yet registered, call

Judy Stickler at 941-359-1288.

GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 1st The St. Boniface Grants & Outreach Committee are accepting grant applications this month, download forms from our website, or contact Helen Francis 941-921-6820