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\\\Kat[Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere in the document. Use the Text Box Tools tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text box.] ` Christ Church Quaker Farms, 470 Quaker Farms Rd, Oxford, CT 06478 www.ccqf.org ccqf@att.net (203)888-4936

The Rev. John Donnelly, Rector jdonnellyccqf@aol.com

THE MESSENGER January/February 2019

Edi tor : Tammy Borkowski

Sunday, Feb. 10th, 11:05am

Meeting to elect officers, table discussions, approve

budget, plus the annual meeting joke. Potluck lunch for everyone

Special entertainment for the Kids during the Meeting featuring “Prinkles the Clown”.

Then everyone has lunch together

Sign up to bring a main dish/salad or side dish/ dessert.

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COMING TO CCQF JUST FOR KIDS & YOUTH The PRINGLES the CLOWN

MAGIC AND BALLOON SHOW SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 11:05 am

(while parents attend the Annual Meeting) POTLUCK LUNCH FOR ALL FOLLOWS at 11:45 am

The typical show is prepared in varied modules so that the children are constantly being amused by something different. The show often opens up with a sing-a-long, as this helps relax and set the tone for a good time. Now everyone can enjoy some magic. The magic is kept age appropriate and entertaining, as well as socially tasteful. We now move to the wonder of balloon sculpture and face painting. All children receive a balloon that was specially sculpted for them. The face painting follows and has proven to be a favorite time for most children. Most children enjoy having their face painted, and Prinkles draws the cheek-art with non-toxic, water-soluble paints.

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\ COMING BACK TO CCQF IN 2019: THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE One of the most popular bible studies, along with the most popular Non-fiction book, is THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE by Rick Warren. This study has been done on two different times in past years at CCQF, and the response was most enthusiastic.

Since so many new parishioners have joined our church since this study was last done in 2012, we will be offering this 6 week bible study in March -April. Both groups will meet in the Church office. All are welcome to attend and to bring friends.

Mondays, 7:00 to 8:15 pm, Wednesdays, March 18-April 22 Led by Susan Evancho (Small group Coordinator) and Bob Knapp

Fridays, 7:15-8:35 pm, Fridays, March 15-April 12, & April 26. Led by Cathy Lee and Father John.

The author has revised and updated this study, now entitled THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE: What on Earth am I here For?

The most basic question everyone faces in life is: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but Rick Warren says the starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God's purposes for putting us on earth.

The Purpose-Driven Life takes the groundbreaking message of the award-winning Purpose-Driven Church and goes deeper, applying it to the lifestyle of individual Christians. This book helps readers understand God's incredible plan for their lives. Warren enables them to see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God created them to live.

The Purpose-Driven Life is a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century...a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself, Warren clearly explains God's five purposes for each of us:

We were planned for God's pleasure so your first purpose is to offer real worship. We were formed for God's family so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship. We were created to become like Christ, so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship. We were shaped for serving God so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry. We were made for a mission so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.

This 10th anniversary edition, with emphasis on the question What on Earth Am I Here For? is the life-message of Rick Warren, founding pastor of Saddleback Church. Written in a captivating devotional style, the book is divided into 42 short chapters (six weeks) that can be read as a daily devotional, studied by small groups, and used by churches participating in the nationwide 40 Days of Purpose campaigns. Participants may feel free to use the previous edition of the The Purpose Driven Life.

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Altar Guild members prepare the altar for communion. For more information contact Kim Wentz (203) 881-1886

Adults and 10th-11th Graders & College Aged Needed to Serve at the Altar

How I am blessed by serving on the Altar Guild By Karen Olsen Father John asked me to say a few words about the Altar Guild and I cringed, as I’m not comfortable speaking in front of people. I see Kathy come to the front of the congregation almost every week and make an announcement. She is very good at it, but that is not me. That’s one of the reasons I’m blessed to serve on the Altar Guild. Two months out of the year I’m able to serve the Lord in a way that is way more comfortable for me. Evenlyn Nash and I have been partners since I joined many years ago and we work well together. We figure out what time will work best for us and it’s usually quiet and very peaceful in the church. It’s gratifying to be able to prepare the Lords table for communion. There are may ways to serve the Lord and being on the Altar Guild is suited well for me. No matter what your personality is, there is an opportunity to serve the Lord that is suited for you (Altar Guild, Minister of Communion, reader, usher or greeter). If you would like to learn more about serving on the Altar Guild, contact the Director, Kim Wentz (203-215-1680

CCQF: RECRUITING NEW MINISTERS OF COMMUNION by Susan Evancho Being a Minister of Communion for several years is more than meets the eye. In giving communion you are sharing in the gift of Christ’s body and blood. What is communion? It is a fellowship of believers by which they gather together to remember the sacrifice of the LORD Jesus Christ. On the night that Christ was betrayed, He instituted this "remembrance." "And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you" (Luke 22:19-20). (Also see: Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25.)

I have also found that at the altar people come to communion to receive this gift but sometimes they come for forgiveness, heartaches, fears, and loss. Many weeks heavy burdens are left at the altar, and I feel as a Minister of Communion by offering the gifts, a warm smile a touch of my hand, I can be a part of this in some way.

(To learn more, speak ot Bob Thiel or Fr. John, or leave a message at 203-888-4936)

Ministers of Communion (MOC) administer the chalice at the altar. Interested persons must be confirmed or have been received in the Episcopal Church. For more information contact Bob Thiel (Verger) (203) 915-3264 or Fr. John (203) 888-4936.

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CCQF SEEKING NEW ACOLYTES By Thad Burr

Christ Church Quaker Farms is currently seeking young people, age 11+ to undergo training, and then serve, as acolytes for our church. If you are interested, please contact me, Father John, or the Acolyte Dad (Mr. Falconer), and let me know the days (and time) of the week that you are normally available, and we will work out a schedule accordingly. Thank you for considering this special position within our special church.

Being an acolyte is a very important, time honored position within the Episcopal Church. It requires maturity, attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and a desire to assist in making Christ Church Quaker Farms even stronger than it is. In summary, an acolyte is the "right hand helper" of the presiding priest conducting the service, and as such, you need to know what is expected of you throughout the service, including the what, when, where, and how, for each part of our liturgical service. You will also be expected to be generally familiar with what is required for special services such as Christmas, Easter, weddings, etc.

The training is broken down into 3 (or 4 if there are more than 3 candidates), one hour sessions. All training takes place at CCQF, and I will work with you and the other candidates to work out a time/date schedule that is convenient for all of us. I will supply you with all required books, pamphlets, and instructions. What I ask of you, in return, is to commit yourself to these training sessions, come to class prepared, read the assigned materials prior to class, and then volunteer for acolyte duties as your personal schedule allows. Becoming an acolyte is a significant responsibility, demonstrates the confidence that the presiding priest has in you, facilitates your active participation in our church, and builds upon your faith. I look forward to working with you during the weeks ahead, and hopefully taking a "field trip" to a cathedral in order for you and your fellow acolyte candidates to see firsthand how acolyte duties are performed in a larger, more formal, church setting.

TESTIMONY FROM ROBERT LEE on his service as an ACOLYTE Hi my name is Robert Lee and I have been an acolyte for over 2 years. Today, I want to encourage more kids that are eligible, to volunteer to become an acolyte like many of us that you see in the precession each week. As an acolyte, you are responsible for lighting the candles on the Altar, and you also lead or follow in the procession. You will need to arrive a few minutes early to church, to be able to dress into the proper attire. I feel it is very beneficial to become an acolyte, because it is good for your spiritual development, and it is a great opportunity to serve God and feel closer to Jesus, in your journey as a Christian. This is a privilege to be proud of, as you fellowship with other acolytes, and youth in the church. I hope many of you will consider this opportunity and if you have any questions, you may see me during coffee hour. Thank You

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BLESSINGS I RECEIVED FROM MY VESTRY SERVICE By Joyce Pallman As vestry members we're given the opportunity to get involved in the operations of Christ Church. Ideas are always welcome and ready to be discussed. Being on the vestry also gives me the pleasure of working with a great group of people who work hard to make our church what it is. The best part is we are doing the Lord's work, and there is always joy from doing that.

NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED By 2019 Nominating Committee

The “Vestry” is the governing board of an Episcopal church, which works with the Rector, to lead our congregation. At our annual meeting, vestry positions will be filled. There are openings for qualified persons to become vestry persons. Qualifications are as follows: you must be baptized and at least 18 years old, be a regular supporting attendee of Christ Church, pledge annually, and be willing and able to give the time necessary to support Vestry activity.

Interested persons should contact nominating committee chairman, Warden Mike Evancho (203-881-8393). The annual meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2019 at 11:15am.

New Addition to the Parish Hall By: Katelyn Wentz Thanks to the handy work of our own Michael Bawlick, the parish hall has a brand-new prayer wall. If you have never heard of a prayer wall before, the concept is rather easy. There is paper by the frame for anyone to write down prayers that you might need some extra help with. You can add your name or keep your needs anonymous. Once you have written your prayer down, roll it up and stick it in one of the holes in the frame. Finally, take someone else’s prayer from the wall to pray for. There is power in prayer, and by utilizing this wall your prayers will have an army of people raising them up towards God. After you take responsibility for the prayer, feel free to put it back in the wall for the prayer to continue to spread around the church! Whatever prayers are left in the wall, the youth group will pray for together; that’s over fifteen people praying! God Bless!

WANT SOMEONE TO PRAY FOR YOU? YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS? The CCQF Healing Ministry is here to help you: Pattie & Paul Doyle, Healing Ministry & Email Prayer Chain Coordinators PRAYER FOR HEALING, in person, is offered every last Sunday of the month, or any other time by request. INTERCESSORY PRAYER is offered by the new CCQF Email Prayer Chain. Submit requests to: rpaulgtx@gmail.com. ALL PRAYER REQUESTS are strictly confidential. Prayer releases God’s love and healing (James 5:16). Let us pray for you. Contact Patti or Paul Doyle with your prayer requests: 203-264-9093 or rpaulgtx@gmail.com

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WELCOME TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH’S GOOD BOOK CLUB. We invite you to explore Christ’s redeeming love by reading Paul’s Letter to the Romans each day throughout the season of Epiphany 2019. Join with tens of thousands of Episcopalians to learn about life in the early church and central principles of our Christian faith. The Good Book Club offers an opportunity to dive deeply into scripture and create a daily practice of engagement with God’s Word. It’s easy to join the Good Book Club: Just open your Bible

and start! To support you in your journey, we have a variety of resources for individuals, small groups, and congregations. What is the Good Book Club? The Good Book Club is an invitation to all Episcopalians to join in reading Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans during Epiphany 2019. Episcopalians will start reading Romans on January 7, 2019 and read a section every day (except Sundays) through the Epiphany season.

Why read the Bible? People who read scripture with an open heart grow in faith through their encounter with the sacred stories of the Bible. We know this to be true in our personal experiences — and we have research to back it up. RenewalWorks, a Forward Movement research-based initiative, has data from nearly half a million participants that identify scripture engagement as a key catalyst for spiritual vitality in congregations and for individuals. In other words, if you want to grow and strengthen your faith, reading scripture is the perfect exercise.

The Book of Romans into 50 daily readings, beginning on Monday, January 7, and concluding on Shrove Tuesday, March 5. Each day, participants are invited to read, reflect, and pray upon a few verses of Romans. On Sundays, we encourage participants to take a break from Romans and listen and respond to the lectionary readings at their local churches.

For more information and the list of readings, go to www.goodbookclub.org

Greeting Card Ministry Karendale & The greeting Card Ministry

Our “Greeting Card Ministry” is alive & well. We rely on donations of cards, stamps, & monetary, to keep us going. We send cards out to those in need. Those with terminal or prolonged illness receive cards on a regular basis. Children of our congregation receive birthday cards with coloring sheets. Thus far the response has been wonderful! People really enjoy receiving that little card of hope & inspiration. We plan to offer inspirational note cards for sale, to support this ministry, in the near future. Thank you, to all of those that have donated to this ministry. Please continue, so that we can continue to be self-supporting.

Church Historian Marilyn Stebar - Historian A historian is a writer of history, according to Webster’s dictionary. To be a historian of Christ Church Quaker Farms is interesting and fun. To delve into the history of Christ Church is rewarding. Many articles have not been physically collected in the past few years because it’s on computers. The historical items are in a file cabinet and are in good order. It is time for this information to be computerized. The many articles and photos need to be scanned. My computer skills are very limited. I do have a scanner for someone to use. I would like to work with someone who is willing to take on this adventure. It’s time to take the next historical step. Please walk with me.

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GOOD STEWARDSHIP NEWS Faithfully, The 2019 CCQF Consecration Sunday Committee: Mike Gibbons (Chair), Mike Evancho (Warden), Celeste Hawthorne (Vestry), Bob Knapp (Treasurer) & Michelle Macisco (Vestry)

Our Consecration Sunday Committee has an update of our projected annual giving for 2019. As of Sunday, January 6, we have received ******57 Estimate of Giving Cards, which includes 7 new giving commitments, 21 families who have committed to increase their giving in 2019, for a total of $124,892 in anticipated offerings. The committee extends their gratitude to all who have made such commitments. ******It is not too late to join in to support the work of Jesus through CCQF in 2019. Estimate of Giving Cards may be found at church, or call the office and we will send you one (203-888-4936). AS we have heard, our giving to God is key to our spiritual growth and well-being. God has placed in our hearts the need and the desire to give to Him, that we might grow closer to Him and to receive more of his abundant blessings. God says, “test me and see if I do not pour out my abundance to you, in response to your gift.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES w/ Holy

Eucharist

11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

"Ashes to Go"--come by the church anytime

& see Fr. John

SOUND MAN OR WOMAN

for Sunday services, to make sure that the volume on the church sound

system is not too high or too low. Needed for our Sunday services at

10:00 a.m. For more info, contact

Michael Bawlick (203-215-1751)

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ECW News

Shelter Dinner We hosted the residents from the Spooner House Shelter on January 7. A wonderful dinner was enjoyed by twenty-

eight guests and thirteen volunteers. Many thanks to everyone who contributed the delicious food, the condiments,

and the bus donation. It is your support that allows this mission to continue. A special thanks to Ted-the Dishwasher

Guy, and to Bobbie, Alex, Terrence, Ali and Don who mopped the floor and wiped down the tables!

The Quaker Farms Fire Department will serve dinner at the Spooner House in February. Sue Gibbons' Enrichment

Class will host March, and the Great Oak Softball Team is hosting April. Thanks to all these groups.

In lieu of supporting the Shelter Dinner during these months, please consider donating to our annual Easter Dinner

Food Drive for the families served by the Food Bank.

The Food Bank which operates out of the Spooner House serves local families in the Valley. The families must be employed but be below an income level. For many of the families the only protein they have all month comes from the Food Bank. Typically food banks are extremely well-stocked over the holidays with generous donations. Unfortunately, by March/April many have empty shelves. The ECW and our parish youth have organized a drive to provide families with a traditional Easter Dinner in the past. This year we will begin collecting on Ash Wednesday. Since families only come to the Food Bank once a month we will make more than one trip down with the donations. Items needed will include the ingredients for green bean casserole, potatoes, carrots, juice, coffee, butter, rolls, desserts, and ham. A complete list will be available in the Parish Hall, along with the dates they will be delivered. Many stores are having "can sales" now so it may be a convenient time to stock up on some items. Please help us share our love by providing an Easter dinner.

Tea for Carolyn's Place: On Saturday, March 30 at 2:00 the ECW will host a Tea to benefit Carolyn's Place in Waterbury. Carolyn's Place provides support to young mothers in our community. The group is Christian based having begun when a local priest discovered a baby girl abandoned on his church steps. The parish rallied around Baby Carolyn to find her a good home. They now provide education in the Waterbury School system, and support to parents. After completing a series of parenting classes each mom is provided with a car seat and a crib. There is a wonderful support network which follows the family after the baby arrives. The tea is open to all ages, and is not limited to women. There is no cost for the event, but we ask for donations of baby goods. Please save the date and consider inviting a friend. If you are interested in helping with this event or getting more information please speak to Kathie Osborn 203-509-9482.

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2019 First Holy Communion Schedule

Those children who are age 7 and up are eligible to attend our First Communion Classes. We are pleased to welcome AIMEE CELOZZI as our new teacher this year.

Classes will meet at 10am on the following Sundays: March 31, April 7, April 14 ,no class (Palm Sunday Family Eucharist), April 21 (Easter Sunday), April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19. May 26 (no class Memorial Day Weekend). Saturday, June 1 Rehearsal and Pot Luck Super (6 pm notice to follow), June 2, 2019 at 10am Communion students will go to church and celebrate their special day. Congratulations! Please text Aimee Celozzi at 203-598-5199 to sign up or for any questions.

Pancake Breakfasts

Our Youth will be continuing a long standing CCQF tradition of providing pancakes between the 8 and 10 am services during Lent. These breakfasts have always been a great opportunity for fellowship between parishioners of both services. The pancakes are free, and a donation jar will be available if you would like to support the kids' Mission Trip .Please join us!

Speaking of PANCAKES... our annual Pancake Supper will be held on Shrove Tuesday, March 5. Tradition has it that households needed to purge of the rich ingredients they had prior to the beginning of Lent. Therefore, pancakes became a traditional supper the night before Ash Wednesday. Many of you will also be familiar with the Mardi Gras celebrations held prior to Ash Wednesday. Our family-friendly Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be from 5-7:00 pm and will feature a Mardi Gras theme with games and a raffle. All proceeds will go directly to the Youth Group Mission Trip. In the coming weeks tickets will be available from the youth and also at the door the night of the event

The Scouts are coming to worship with us, including our own Cub Pack #14 on Feb. 24th @ 10:00 a.m. This Family Eucharist will be designed to engage people of all ages in inspiring worship on hope, loyalty and service. All Scouts—Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers, etc., are invited to join us and to wear your uniforms.

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THANK YOU TO OUR CHRISTMAS PAGEANT CAST & STAFF: ANGELS- Flora Fabry, Tessa Alfonzetti & Grace & Gabriella Orlowski NARRATORS- Abigail Beecher & Juli Fabry PROPHET— Skylar Prihoda TOWNSPEOPLE/Innkeepers– Sophia Beecher & Sadie Turchuk CAESAR- Rocco Alfonzetti GABRIEL- Ella Alfonzetti MARY- Hannah Murray JOSEPH- Chase Celozzi SHEPHERD- AJ Orlowski WISE MEN- Ella Celozzi, Nya Celozzi & Megan Murray STAR OF BETHLEHEM- Andrew Rogers ADVISOR-Christi Orloswki PAGEANT DIRECTORS: Natalie Beecher, Aimee Celozzi & Jess Murray

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On December 23rd, our wonderful youth represented not only Christ Church Quaker Farms but truly represented the unconditional love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. About 30 middle and high school students (and some of their parents) prepared a hot turkey dinner for the homeless. They spent about 2 hours peeling and mashing potatoes, cutting over 120 pounds of turkey into bite sized pieces as well as preparing vegetables, stuffing, bread and cookies for the homeless and the hungry. We then departed Oxford with 19 of the high school and college kids and some parents and headed to the New Haven Green. We participated in a worship service outdoors with members of the community for about 30 minutes, singing praises with the music played on drums made out of 5 gallon buckets and random sticks, we prayed from our hearts. We even had the opportunity to pray healing prayers with each person upon request. A special thank you to Maddie Sastram and John Covino for sealing each individual with oil, during these prayers. Following the service, we fed the people of community the food we had prepared. They were very thankful for the hot meal. While the kids dished out the food, the adults stood behind asking Jesus to recreate the miracle of multiplying loaves and fishes with the turkey and stuffing we had brought. We planned food for 125 people and there were well over 200 who showed up to eat that day. Of course there was food to feed all but about 5 people and to those few we handed out the Dunkin Donuts gift cards that so many of you donated money to buy after church last week. What is most impressive by this experience is that when we come together in the name of Jesus it gives us the opportunity to grow spiritually in ways that we can't always do from inside the walls of a church building. This gave us a chance to look past the dirty clothes, past the presence of drugs or alcohol, to not take notice the lack of hygiene or use of manners but to look at each other through God's eyes, to see each other as God's children. It gave us the chance to be excited to make conversation with a stranger as they wait in line....to share our blessings with those who have little....to give a larger scoop to those who asked even though we weren't sure we had enough for everyone....to carry the tray of food for those with physical challenges. Anything to bring a smile to someone’s face. And in the end, not only does this give us a chance to grow but to truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus. So thank you for your generosity, your support, and your prayer in raising the amazing youth in this church.

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Visit us at: www.ccqf.org

Christ Church Quaker Farms 470 Quaker Farms Rd Oxford, CT 06478

Sunday Services 8:00 a.m. – Traditional

10:00 a.m. – Contemporary 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School