Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012 marks the beginning of the season of Lent
Ash Wednesday Service
February 22, 2012
5:30 PM
The annual meeting was held this last Sunday, and Father Don Nicholson outlined three major areas of concentration for future growth of St. Raphael's.
1. Establsihment of an accepted and enthusiastic mission, the goal of which
is to define St. Raphael Church's role in the demonstration of God's love
of the world.
2. Active stewardship not only for financial growth of needed revenue, but a
disciplined approach to the appropriate spending of money.
3. Continued expansion of the church membership as a family and community
parish.
The congregation has been steadily growing. February 12, we welcomed 91, members, guests, and visitors at the service. Many stayed to participate in the annual meeting.
Even Stone Soup!!
Remember, BRING A FRIEND TO CHURCH!
Sunday, February 19 2012: The Last Sunday after Epiphany
Traditional Morning Prayer and Eucharist: 10:00 AM
Reader: Dean McIntosh
Chalice Bearers: Judy Haataja, Ellie Bunting
Ushers: Bonnie and Rob Beaulieu
Prayer for the Epiphany
"Father we thank you for revealing yourself to us in Jesus the Christ, we who once were not your people but whom you chose to adopt as your people. As ancient Israel confessed long ago, we realize that it was not because of your own righteousness, or our own superior wisdom, or strength, or power, or numbers. It was simply because your loved us, and chose to show us that love in Jesus.
AS you have accepted us when we did not deserve your love, will you help us to accept those whom we find it hard to love? Forgive us O Lord, for any attitude that we harbor that on any level sees ourselves as better or more righteous than others. Will you help us to remove the barriers or prejudice and tear down the walls of bigotry, religious or social? O Lord, help us realize that the walls that we erect for others only form our own prisons!
Will you fill us so full of your love that there is no more room for intolerance. As you have forgiven us much, will you enable us through you abiding presence among us, communally and individually, to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Name we bear.
May we, through your guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues in ways that we have not imagined of holding the Light of your love so that it may be a light of revelation for all people.
We thank you for your love, praise you for your Gift, ask for your continued presence with us, and bring these petitions in the name of your Son, who has truly revealed your heart. Amen"
Stewardship!!!
Bottom Line for 2012 Budget
As prepared and presented by The Finance Committee
Income Year T0 Date: $66,257
Projected Expenses: $94,081
Difference needed to meet Budget $27,823
