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…ST. FRANCIS’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH

COMMUNIQUÉ

SEPTEMBER 2009 EDITION

One Year in…

My dear sisters and brothers,

I can hardly believe that I have been at St. Francis’ now for a full year. On the one hand, there are times it feels as if I’ve not quite completely arrived. For instance, if you’ve been in my office recently, you might have noticed that some of the books, files and pictures that weren’t completely unpacked last September are still in the same state they were then. I hit the ground running last fall as the program year began, and it doesn’t feel like I’ve stopped since. I know, too, that I still have much to do in learning the history and traditions of St. Francis,’ as well as in getting to know better the wonderful people who have welcomed me so warmly.

On the other hand, there are ways in which I feel like I’ve always been here. You have made me a real part of this community of faith by telling me your stories, speaking with me honestly, responding to my leadership and working with me in our common life of worship, fellowship and service. I have a sense that I now belong to this place, this people, this congregation – and that makes me glad.

In preparing to enter my second year as your Vicar, I’ve been enjoying being able to work with parish leaders in planning program and events for 2009-2010. You’ll read about some of that work elsewhere in the Communiqué:

• The Stewardship Committee’s plans for Growing Together in the use of the time, talent and treasure God has so richly blessed us with;
• Songs and Sweets, a new musical fund-raiser that I am putting to together with, I hope, the help of many of you;
• The Newcomers’ Committee’s Welcome Dinner on September 19^th.
• The Newcomer’s Committee also plans to offer training to the Vestry, Greeters and all interested parishioners in effective ways to welcome visitors so that the strangers become friends and fellow parishioners.

There is a common thread in many of these plans – building the community that is St. Francis’ while at the same time inviting any and all who want to worship and serve God to join with us in the wonderful adventure of Christian community life. And the goal of that life, though not always easy to live, is simple to name: to love the God we have come to know in Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to reach out in active love to the world that God made and that Jesus died to save. With God’s help, may we grow more deeply in the love of God and of neighbor in this coming year.

Peace,

Jack+

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Birthdays & Anniversaries in September

Happy Birthday to:

Joyce Tereman – 9/01

Barbara Chernichowski – 9/01

Heather Nunes – 9/13

Norma Tucker – 9/13

Karen Williams – 9/18

Cheryle Wilson – 9/18

Virginia Meeker – 9/18

Calvin King, Jr. – 9/20

Nicholas Neal – 9/20

Waring Webb – 9/20

Brian Morris – 9/25

Casey Torzewski – 9/25

Danielle Dessino – 9/29

Anniversary of Baptism

Allison York-Autin – 9/01

Phillip Heiney – 9/01

Neil Donnelly – 9/03

Kyle Morris – 9/04

Connor Dunham – 9/04

Joyce Tereman – 9/13

Everette Pfeiffer – 9/21

Carl King – 9/23

Tracie Toke – 9/28

Anniversary of Confirmation

Marian White – 9/01

Wedding Anniversary

Francis & Princess Thomas – 9/09

Phillip & Claudia Tauriello – 9/13

Gary & Michelle Neal – 9/18

Vincent & Pam Maiolo – 9/27

Serving the Church in September

Sept. 6th – Labor Day Weekend
9 AM Lectors - Lisa Webb, Carroll Wilson
 Chalice - Elaine Patania, Lisa Webb
 Ushers - Ed Myzie, Arthur McConney
 Greeter - Norma Trimmer
 Counters - Carroll Wilson, Waring Webb
 Altar Guild - Geri Peters, Karen Williams, Barbara Dalto
 
Sept. 13th 
 8 AM Lector - Sharon Benjamin
 Chalice - Paul Sinckler
 Usher - Ed Myzie
10 AM Acolytes - Kelsey Pelliccia, Nancy Crowther, Amanda Telesco, Samantha Meyer, Vito Pelliccia, Ashley Beam
 Chalice - Clay Horton, Tiffany O’Sullivan
 Lectors - Princess Thomas, Elaine Patania
 Ushers - Pam Maiolo, Waring Webb
 Greeter - Leslie Oliver
 Counters -  Mary Pfeiffer, Audrey McConney
 Altar Guild - Audrey Johansen, Norma O’Sullivan, Sharon Benjamin
 

Sept. 20th 
 8 AM Lector - Carroll Wilson
 Usher - Carroll Wilson
10 AM Acolytes - Amanda Telesco, Ashley Beam, Alex Meyer
 Chalice - Norma Tucker, Lisa Webb
 Lectors - Pam Maiolo, Leslie Oliver
 Ushers - Arthur McConney, Clay Horton
 Greeter - Audrey Johansen
 Counters -  Amy Myzie, Tiffany O’Sullivan
 Altar Guild - Barbara O’Neill, Norma Tucker, Muriel Wilson
 
Sept. 27th 
 8 AM Lector - Amu Myzie
 Chalice - Paul Sinckler
 Usher - Ed Myzie
10 AM Acolytes - Arielle Baker, Vito Pelliccia, Cecil Baker
 Chalice - Elaine Patania, Princess Thomas
 Lectors - Tom Jackson, Sandy McNelis
 Ushers - Arthur McConney, Barbara O’Neill
 Greeter - Norma Trimmer
 Counters -  Pam Maiolo, Leslie Oliver
 Altar Guild - Pam Maiolo, Leslie Oliver, Cordell Trotman
 

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Diocesan Quilt Design
 
Cathy Hirsch and Vin Maiolo both submitted drawings for the square which will represent St. Francis, Dunellen in the Watchung Convocation quilt which will be displayed at future diocesan conventions. The designs have been combined, and Cathy is hard at work painting the design on the fabric which will then be sent to Trenton.
 
We plan to display each design and a copy of the final piece for all to see.
 
Thanks to Cathy and Vin for sharing their time and talents with us.
 
Book Group
 
The group resumed meeting on Wednesday, September 16, at noon, with bag lunches, to begin discussion of the  Ellis Peters mystery, "A Morbid Taste for Bones".  This is the first book of the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series which takes place in medieval England.
 
Any and all are always welcome to join us as we learn a little, share a  little, and laugh often.
 
Information, Barbara Dalto, (732) 563-2243.
 
Sunday School
 
Mary Pfeiffer and I began during the summer to plan and prepare for our Sunday school classes resuming on Sunday, September 13 at 10 AM. We have our curriculum materials, Living the Good News, Episcopal lectionary-based, and published by Morehouse Educational Resources.
 
Miss Rachel Nusser will welcome our youngest children in the church nursery.  Mrs. Mary Pfeiffer and a few of our other moms will meet with our 3 to 5 year olds in their room for stories, crafts, and play.  Young people 6 years old and older join me in the Nellie Reid room. We all join our families in church for the celebration of the Eucharist.  Materials are available to keep restless hands busy while in church.
 
At times all our young people join together.  For example, we begin Sunday school as we all join in prayer at our children's altar at 10 AM.  Another example is our annual gathering in the church kitchen.  This year we will meet there on Sunday, September 27th to work together making goodies to share using melted chocolate.
 
We welcome all young people, visitors as well as regular attendees, to participate in our Sunday school activities.
 
Barbara Dalto
Information, call (732) 563-2243.
 
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OUTREACH

Grace's Kitchen - Next St. Francis' support dates - Aug 31 &  Sept. 28. Join us in helping to prepare & serve meals to those in need.  Some of our regulars were absent in July, but Fr. Jack & his wife Judith were on hand to help out. Thanks to all who support this important outreach mission. 

FISH - Our donations to this local food bank were very light during the summer.  At this writing the requested school supplies were filling the green container.  Let's keep up the giving with suggested donations - Sept.- Hot/Cold Cereal, & Oct.- Milk- Powdered or Parmalat Box. (Not evaporated or condensed.)

Thanks to Sandy & Evelyn McNelis (and the troop) for their generous donation of Girl Scout Cookies to FISH.  The girls got a photo opp. with the staff during their visit to the facility.

Eyeglasses & hearing aids - Deposit your used glasses (prescription or not) & hearing aids in the bucket on the narthex table.  These donations are passed on to the Lions Club.

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Malnutrition affects millions of people around the world. One child dies every six seconds from malnutrition and related causes. Please visit the websites below to help with hunger around the world -

www.brands.kraftfoods.com/sharealittlecomfort

www.freerice.com

www.thehungersite.com/

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St. Francis’ Shut-Ins

Most of the parishioners below are no longer able to attend church regularly. By remembering them in our prayers and sending them cards, we let them know they remain part of our parish family – a great blessing to them in the isolation they often experience.

* * * * *

Joe Sogan

c/o Roosevelt Care Center

One Roosevelt Dr.

Room 204

Edison NJ, 08837

*******

Doris McElvery

17 Clarendon Place

Piscataway, NJ 08854

********

Virginia Meeker

5 Winans Ave.

Piscataway, NJ 08854

Angela Chernichowski

420 Mountain Ave.

Dunellen, NJ 08812

*******

Melinda Hammond

Trenton Psychiatric Hospital

PO Box 7500

Raycroft East 1

Trenton, NJ 08628

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Monthly FISH Donation

2009/2010

JULY Peanut Butter/Jelly	AUGUST School supplies	SEPTEMBER Cereal Cold/Hot
OCTOBER Milk powdered or Parmalat box	NOVEMBER Canned Vegetables	DECEMBER Your choice
JANUARY Pasta/sauce	FEBRUARY baby food/supplies	MARCH Juice
APRIL Paper goods Napkins/paper towels Toilet paper	MAY canned/jarred fruit	JUNE Your choice

• The suggestions for each month are just suggestions for donation. You may give any food or personal product at anytime.
• Please remember to check expiration dates on the food that you donate. All products with expired dates will be discarded.
• THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION

 
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September 2009
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
30 9 AM – Holy Eucharist	31 Grace’s Kitchen	1	2 7:30 PM – A.A. Meeting 7:30 PM – Choir	3	4	5
6 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist w/Sunday School & Nursery	7 – Labor Day	8	9 7:30 PM – A.A. Meeting 7:30 PM – Choir	10	11	12
13 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist w/Sunday School & Nursery	14	15	16 7:30 PM – A.A. Meeting 7:30 PM – Choir	17	18	19 Welcome Back Dinner – 5:30 PM
20 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist w/Sunday School & Nursery	21	22	23 7:30 PM – A.A. Meeting 7:30 PM – Choir	24	25	26
27 8 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM – Choral Eucharist w/Sunday School & Nursery	28 Grace’s Kitchen	29	30 7:30 PM – A.A. Meeting 7:30 PM – Choir	1	2	3

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FUNDRAISING AND FELLOWSHIP DATES:

· September 19^th at 6 PM - Newcomer's and Welcome Back Dinner – details on following page

· October 4^th at 12 PM - Annual Blessing of Animals – details elsewhere

· October Wreath Sale – details below

· October 18^th – Songs & Sweets Music Concert

· November 7^th – annual fall dinner with Outback Steakhouse

Please start thinking about your attendance, your friend’s attendance, and the ads you can solicit from the merchants you visit regularly. We will need your assistance!!

· December 8^th at 6:30 PM - Annual Women's Christmas Party

· December 24^th - Christmas Eve Services - Family Mass at 4:30 PM, Carols at 10:30 PM, and Midnight Mass at 11 PM

Fundraising News:

Clothing Drive: Thank you all who donated clothes and items.  We collected 782 pounds of clothing for a profit of $102.14.  Will schedule another clothing drive for the Spring.

Wreath Sale: Wreath Sale will begin in Mid October.  Finals orders will be submitted NO later than November 3rd.  Items will be delivered during the week of November 16th to the 23rd.  Hopefully they will be here in time for Thanksgiving. 

Prices for items are as follow...

Classic Wreath - 20.00

Victorian Wreath - 23.00

Classic Spray - 15.00

Victorian Spray - 18.00

Living Tree - 20.00

Centerpiece - 22.00

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Songs and Sweets:

A New Fun and Fundraising Event at St. Francis

What in the world is Songs and Sweets? Exactly what the names says: wonderful music and wonderful (sweet) food. Fr. Jack has invited three of his professional singing colleagues join him for an afternoon of exciting music ranging from opera to Broadway (that’s Songs). At Intermission, homemade desserts, coffee and tea will be served. (that’s Sweets). It will all take place on Sunday, October 18^th at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Good music and good food – a great combination on a Sunday afternoon!

As with any Church fund-raiser, it will need the efforts of many to succeed. We will need to get publicity out to the community and sell tickets to friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Homemade desserts will be needed (start planning on making your specialty!), and set-up, serving and clean-up help will be needed. If you are able to help with any of these, please contact Fr. Jack (jzamboni@juno.com or 732-968-6781) and look for opportunities to sign up in September.

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Welcome Back Dinner

Summer Vacation is over so it’s time to take a Trip Around the World. This year’s Welcome Back dinner has an International theme. Please join us Sept. 19^th at 6:00 PM for a potluck dinner in Milbank Hall.

Bring a dish that celebrates your heritage or just something you love. Ethnic dress is encouraged.

Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex so we have an idea of how many people are attending.

If you have any decorations with an international flare (flags, centerpieces, etc.) or any questions, contact Nancy Dunham at 732-878-6648 or mizuzd@optonline.net.

Nähdään siellä! See you there!

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Growing Together

Stewardship

Our stewardship theme for 2009-2010 is St. Francis’ Church Growing Together! Throughout the year we will be studying and learning about the different aspects of Growing Together.

Time: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Weekly worship and shared fellowship each Sunday offer the love, peace, and beauty we all need

Talent: We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:6)

Your presence encourages others as does the offering of your talents. When we encourage others to share their gifts we can also inspire ourselves.

Treasures: We have all received one blessing after another. (John 1:16).

God works through your generous giving. When you give to support the ministry of St. Francis, many lives are affected, including yours -- for in giving you receive.

Our journey of Growing Together begins with our fall pledge commitment campaign. During three Sundays in September and October, under the leadership of Father Zamboni and the Stewardship Team, we will meet together during our Sunday services for discussions on Growing Together. Please join us as we prepare to form a deeper relationship with God and getting to know more about the members of our congregation.

In November, you will be invited to make a pledge to support the life and ministry at St. Francis’. In line with our theme of Growing Together, our goal is to increase the percentage of participation in financial commitment to the ministry we share as a congregation. When all of us give, each in proportion to our means (Acts 11:29), we grow together.

In 2010, we will offer opportunities to deepen stewardship of time and talent. We look forward to Growing Together with you in the New Year.

“Be of good cheer. We’ve been here before. We will be here again…and every time we’re here, we do best when we recall that we are here together, as God’s people The Church.”

…The Rev. Frank Crumbaugh-July 2009

The Stewardship Committee

Elaine Patania

Carroll Wilson

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St. Francis’ Episcopal Church

400 New Market Road, Dunellen, NJ 08812
invites you to

“Dinner with an Outback Flair”
on

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009

Enjoy the Food prepared by

OUTBACK STEAK HOUSE

Green Brook, NJ

Entertainment *** 50/50 *** Door Prizes *** Raffle Baskets

Doors open at 5:30 PM ***** Dinner served at 6:00 PM

Tickets: Adults: $20 – Children under 12: $10

(Discounts available for families with small children)

For Tickets or Information, call 732-968-6781 or

732-752-5608 5

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Annual Blessing of the Animals

Bring all your
furry, slimy, slithery and
feathered friends
to church
(on leashes or in cages, please!)
at Noon on Sunday, October 4^th for
the Annual Blessing of the Animals
in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi.

Flyers will be available for distribution to local businesses
to encourage community attendance.

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Middlesex Presbyterian Church Hosts

Community Flu Vaccination Clinic

Sunday, September 27, 12noon-3pm

Flu season is coming and when the flu strikes, it affects us and our families and those around us. That is why Middlesex Presbyterian Church, in partnership with the Community Visiting Nurse Association, is hosting a Flu Clinic for the community to receive a flu vaccination on Sunday, September 27, from 12noon to 3:00 pm at the church’s campus facility located in the borough of Middlesex, 1190 Mountain Avenue (adjacent to Borough Hall, across from the new Police Department).

“Middlesex Presbyterian Church and the Community Visiting Nurse Association have had a long partnership with the CVNA providing a health clinic for families once a month,” says the Rev. Neal D. Presa, pastor of MPC. “With this flu clinic, we are expanding this preventative health opportunity for the whole community.”

The cost is $25 and can be paid by check, cash, or Medicare Part B, on the day of the clinic. Please call (732) 469-4498 or email mpcadmin@optonline.net to sign up.

Middlesex Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and has been serving the community since 1962. It is located at 1190 Mountain Avenue in the borough of Middlesex, and on the web at www.middlesexpresbychurch.org For more information, you may contact (732) 469-4498 or by email at mpcadmin@optonline.net