Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday, February 26

We have received a letter from our Bishop, Thomas Ely, encouraging us to support ERD during Lent, part of which is quoted below:

"I am writing you in support of Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday on February 26 as we move through the season of Epiphany and prepare for Lent 2012. Lent was officially designated at the 2009 General Convention as a time to encourage congregations to remember and support the work of Episcopal Relief and Development by praying for those who are impacted by poverty and disease worldwide, and consider dedicating a special offering in support of this mission."

Bishop Ely has asked us to obtain the 2012 Lenten Meditations - this year's devotional which provides a particular focus on promoting health and fighting disease. The meditations are co-authored by a group of leaders across the Episcopal Church who bring a range of perspectives as they reflect on Scripture and other sources of spiritual wisdom. We have these booklets and they are available in the office and at the piano in the Nave.

On Sunday, February 26, the first Sunday in Lent, we will pray for those who are suffering worldwide and designate a special offering for ERD at both services.

This year's flyer will appear in the service bulletin that morning, promoting a plate offering for the NetsforLife Inspiration Fund, the grassroots effort to educate, engage and unite Episcopalians to support the fight against malaria.

Please participate in this offering to help heal a hurting world. If you write a check it can be made payable to All Saints with a notation for ERD. It will be deposited along with cash donations, and one check for the total will be forwarded to the fund from All Saints.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED  to partner for Meals on Wheels delivery on the 2nd Tuesday and the occasional 5th Tuesday of the month. The route takes about an hour and a quarter. The customers are friendly.

Contact Audrey Park   864-0442

Thank you

Infection Prevention and the Eucharist

Surprising Fact: Dipping the bread by hand into the chalice spreads more germs than drinking directly from the cup.

Facing the potential of a world-wide major flu epidemic, about a year ago the Diocese of Vermont decided to permanently discourage the practice of "intinction", namely when a communicant dips the bread by hand into the wine or gives  his portion of the bread to the Eucharistic Minister for the bread to be dipped in the wine. Often, one's fingertips touch the wine. Surprisingly, this practice is much more likely to spread infection than drinking from the common cup. Again, surprisingly, fingers carry more germs than our mouths! This is a scientific fact which many find difficult to believe.

The shared Communion of bread and wine at the Eucharist is central to our experience of worship. Because hands are the most common and significant means of transmitting infections, to minimize any possibility of transmission of infection as we share this precious gift, clergy and Eucharistic Ministers wash their hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer prior to serving the bread and wine. (A ten second wash with alcohol based hand sanitizer is more effective in reducing bacteria  than a longer wash  with soap and water.)

If anyone does not wish to drink from the common cup, either they can leave the altar after receiving the bread, before the cup is offered, or they can remain, but with arms crossed over their chest. The Eucharistic Minister will then verbally present the cup without putting it to the person's lips. This is called "spiritually receiving" the chalice.

Another thought about infection prevention; the exchange of  "the Peace" often involves shaking  hands with one's neighbors. It has become an important expression of community in our congregation. Hand sanitizer is available at the back of the church for anyone who wishes to wash their hands before receiving communion.

Please feel welcome to talk with me or any of the clergy if you have questions.

Marga Sproul MD

Prayer Shawls Needed

If you are a knitter or crocheter, we need your help. The prayer shawl ministry combines the love of knitting or crocheting with a prayerful spiritual practice that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy.

We have many pastoral needs at All Saints right now and we have given away all of our prayer shawls. We need more to bring comfort. A prayer shawl measures  about  60 inches long by 2 feet wide, takes  about 3 skeins of yarn, and can be made in any color or pattern. It's a great project for a winter's evening and carries our thoughts and prayers for the receiver.

David blesses each shawl before it is given to someone. If you want patterns, if we can teach you to knit or crochet, or if you have someone  to whom you would like to give a shawl, just talk to me! You may leave completed shawls with Margaret or in the sacristy.

Peggy Mathauer

Emergency Food Shelf Suggestions for  Any Time

• Cereal (low sugar)
• Peanut Butter
• Baby Food, Baby Formula, Diapers
• Canned Soup (low sodium)
• Tuna
• Canned Fruit (in juice or light syrup)
• Pork and Beans
• Canned Vegetables (low sodium)
• Tomato/Spaghetti sauce
• Dry pasta: Spaghetti, Macaroni, etc.
• Rice
• Juice (100% juice, canned concentrate)
• Meals in a  can

AVOID GLASS CONTAINERS, WHICH CAN BREAK

If you wish to make a monetary donation, every gift helps. Just one dollar buys three cans of beans. $3 buys  eight cans of  soup. $5 buys seven boxes of cereal.