NEWSLETTER MARCH 2017
EMMANUEL, ST. ANDREWS, & ST. MATTHEWS
This year Ash Wednesday is the
first day of March, which will set a
penitential tone for the month as the
Season of Lent begins. The Book of
Common Prayer states that we are
invited to the observance of a holy Lent,
by self-examination and repentance, by
prayer, fasting, and self-denial, and by
reading and meditating on Gods holy
Word (p. 265). The lives of the Holy
Women and Holy Men listed on the
calendar this month are shining
examples for us to emulate in this quest.
They can help us strengthen our spiritual
person and discern Gods will for us.
They learned how to listen to what the
Lord was saying to them.
St. Patrick says that the Holy
spirit was his guide in prayer, quoting St.
Paul: The Spirit helps the weakness of
our prayers. For we know not what we
should pray for or how. But the Spirit
himself intercedes for us with
indescribable groanings that cannot be
expressed in words. The Lord himself is
our advocate and asks on our behalf.
Patrick began to pray in earnest after he
was captured as a 16 year old youth and
taken as a slave from Britain in the
Roman Empire to Ireland, the land of the
Picts. During the time he was forced to
tend flocks of sheep, he prayed many
times throughout the day. The love of
God grew strong within him and his faith
was strengthened. He would rise before
dawn and go forth to pray, even in hail,
rain, or snow. In a dream, he heard a
voice that said to him, :Thou doest well
to fast; thou shalt return to thy native
land. And another night it said,
Behold, thy ship is ready.
EPISCOPAL CHURCHES
The Message of An Angel
Submitted by Cheryl TenWolde
Amazingly, he was able to make his
escape and return home. However, once
at home, in another dream he was handed
a letter which contained the voice of the
Irish crying, We pray thee, holy youth,
to come and walk amongst us as before.
(The Life of St. Patrick by J.B. Bury
p. 31). He discerned that the will of God
for him was to be ordained and return to
Ireland to evangelize the people there.
Later in life, Patrick looked back on the
time spent in bondage and deprivation in
a foreign land to be the cause of his
conversion and the most important stage
in his spiritual development.
St. Joseph is also one who can
teach us to listen to the word of God. His
yes after the annunciation of the angel
to him was legally necessary for the
Kingdom of God to be established.
According to the Gospel of Matthew, an
angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a
dream and told him not to be afraid to
take Mary as his wife. He was told to
name the child that was to be born
Jesus, for he would save his people
from their sins. Joseph obeyed the angel
again when he appeared in a dream and
said to take the child and his mother and
flee to Egypt. He remained in Egypt until
he was again visited by an angel and told
to go to Isreal. Warned again by an angel
in a dream, he went to Nazareth in
Galilee. Joseph is a silent man in the
Bible who simply acts humbly in defense
of His family. As the patron saint of
fathers, artisans, and workers, his
intercession and deep contemplative life
is a model for all of us today.
We especially remember him this year on
Monday, March 20, transferred from
Sunday, March 19.
The Annunciation of Our Lord
Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary
is celebrated on March 25. The
ingredients of Marys life can greatly
inspire us. Through the message of an
angel, she was told not to fear, for she
has found favor with God. She, and we
also, are filled with Gods grace. He is
with us and we need not fear. We can
call on the power of the Holy Spirit to
help us. Mary shows herself to be a
servant of the Lord by her obedience.
She went in haste to visit her elder
relative, Elizabeth and help her. She
trusted in the Lords words and
proclaimed the greatness of the Lord.
She blessed Elizabeth, and in turn was
blessed by Elizabeth, who told her,
Blessed are you among women, and
blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus. Mary remained with Elizabeth
for three months. Both women show us
how to be the presence of God for each
other and how to bless each other, and
bring joy to each other.
God is communicating with us
right now. If we can make room for
silence and prayer, we may hear Gods
presence calling us into a deeper
relationship with him. How does God
speak to us? In as many ways as there
are people. Maybe he is in someones
smile or facial expression; maybe he can
be seen in snow, wind , or rain, or in the
leap of a deer. Maybe he will touch you
in the Eucharist or in a song. Maybe he
will speak to you in a dream, with the
message of an angel.
 MARCH LESSONS
5 1st Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 19 1st Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 32 Psalm 95
2nd Romans 5:12-19 2nd Romans 5:1-11
Gospel Matthew 4:1-11 Gospel John 4:5-42
12 1st Genesis: 12:1-4a 26 1st 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 121 Psalm 23
2nd Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 2nd Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel John 3:1-17 Gospel John 9:1-41

March 7, 2017: Computer Safety at St. Andrews Parish Hall 7:00 PM

March 14, 2017: Open Crafting at St. Andrews Parish Hall 7-9 PM.
Both of these programs are free and open to the public. Questions? Call Jeanne Westcott at 965-6419

Emmanuel Episcopal Church St. MatthewS & St. andrewS

March Birthdays March Birthdays

2 Robyn Uhlig 20 Russell Ketch 3 Thelma Gray 19 Robert Angel

Sierra Uhlig 21 Savanna Keator 4 Thomas Lyons Dakota Spina
3 Karen Banks-Lindner 22 Lisa Smith 5 Michael Allen 22 Michael Gualtieri
4 Nola Russell 23 David Austin 6 Hudson Lyons 23 Betty Palmer
Curtis Woodard 24 Bonnie Carrier
7 Ann Faulkner 25 Josh Gronwall
5 Gary Muserallo Ethan Hitchcock
8 Carl Berdzinski 27 Hannah Johnson
6 Stanislaw Chmielewski James Kriener
9 John Parker 30 Delores Brown
Lynn Murray 25 Monica Stone
10 Heath Hettig
12 Cathy Heim Gray Jonathan Brummel
13 Elizabeth Vermeulen
13 Jeremy Strauss 26 Peter Sullivan
14 Rachel Ballin 14 Dawn Tedesco
27 Lance Henderson
15 Talon Schroeder 28 Fred Miers Dorenda Johnson
16 Sierra Conant 30 Bernard Dye 17 Alexis Robinson
17 Miranda Murphy 31 Sally Miers Alex Johnson
19 Barbara Higley 18 Christina Taranto
Elaine Sharki

Broad St. United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad St., Norwich, will be hosting an ecumenical
Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. They are inviting all Christian
brothers and sisters from other local churches as the season of Lent begins.
 Our Daily Bread Food Closet Annual Narrative Report 2016
submitted by Rev. Joe Connelly

Our Daily Bread Food Closet is located at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. A number of parishioners from
many churches assist with the operation as volunteers and a number of parishioners from many churches make
generous monetary donations to this effort. It is important to be aware that all money given to the Closet goes
directly to food. There are no overhead costs and no paid staff. Funds are raised from individuals and from
foundation grants. Further and indeed, much of the food stocked by the Closet is ordered from the Central New
York Food Bank at a very, very, very low cost. When necessary, additional food is acquired locally.
Last year $65,786 was spent on food. That comes out to $5,482 a month. Hence, the Pantry needed to raise
$5,482 each month to keep the shelves stocked. Last year we helped a total of 2,414 household/families and 65,169
meals were provided. That math is easy. If we spent $65,786 each meal we distributed costs slightly more than $1
per meal.
What all these numbers actually tell us is a real need is there. Further, one thing the volunteers realize is
many of the clients who access the Food Closet do so only once or twice a year, when the need is severe. What that
also tells us is people are, generally, not accessing this resource to rip off the system. Indeed, at a recent meeting
of volunteers this story was told: For several months in a row a man has brought in boxes of food. Why? Several
years ago, when he was down on his luck, he needed to access the Closet. This was his way of paying back. Our
Daily Bread Food Closet is always open to accepting monetary contributions from individuals, no matter how
large or small. The Pantry is also open to recruiting additional volunteers. To volunteer contact Emmanuel Church
at 334-8801. The Central NY Food Bank Truck arrives three Thursdays a month. Volunteers are also welcome to
join that group. Food Pantry Hours:
Monday & Wednesday 10-12 and
3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Friday 10-12

Stations of the Cross will be held on Fridays during Lent at 5:00 p.m. at
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Norwich, NY
Friday, March 3 through Friday, April 14, 2017

Stations of the Cross will be held on Wednesdays during Lent at 7:00 p.m. at
St. Andrews Episcopal Church, New Berlin, NY
Wednesday, March 8 through Wednesday, April 12, 2017

To the family of Grace Gustapson on the passing of

her daughter, CONSTANCE A. MCGEE
who passed away on February 11, 2017.
 Lenten Bible Study
40 Days of Community
What on Earth are WE Here For?

Join us for a 6 week Lenten Bible study beginning Wednesday evening March 8, 2017 at Emmanu-
el Episcopal Church. We will be using the study materials 40 Days of Community: by Rev. Rick Warren.
This study will explore how we, the body of Christ, can deepen the love within our church family and then,
by reaching out in love, we can impact the community around us.
We will examine the five reasons we need each other to fulfill Gods purposes for our lives. The five
purposes are:
1. We fellowship better together!
2. We grow better together!
3. We serve better together!
4. We worship better together!
5. We reach out better together!
This study is open to everyone. We do however, ask that you call Emmanuel Episcopal Church at
334-8801 to register so that we will be able to purchase enough study guides.
See you Wednesday evening 6:00 PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Feel free to bring your sup-
per. We will take a little time to eat and get to know each other then have our discussion time. I look for-
ward to getting to know you better. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Claudia Kachmarik 607 242-1338 ckach14@gmail.com

What: 2017 Souper Bowl

When: March 25, 2017
Where: Norwich YMCA, North Broad Street 4 pm6 p.m.
Why: Benefit for Chenango County Habitat for Humanity

The event consists of Chenango County restaurants providing one of their best soups for people
to sample and to vote on their favorite. A 50/50 raffle, bake sale, entertainment, door prizes and basket
raffle are included. Beverage and dessert will be included with the soup tasting. Bake sale/basket raffle
begins at 9:00 am. Tickets: $7.00. Please bring a can of soup to be donated to a local food pantry.
Proceeds from the event will be applied to building a Chenango County Habitat house or a small work
project.

The 185th Annual Meeting of Emmanuel was held Sunday, January 29. The Annual Meeting was informative as Sr. Warden,
Dave Loomis recognized everyone for their contributions in 2016. The current Vestry for 2017 is Warden Dave Loomis-
2018, Warden Jim Everard-2019, Vestry members: Kai Loomis-January 2020, Gary Tompkins-January 2020, Tony Giglio-
January 2018, Sandra Colton-January 2018, Sharon Everard-January 2018, Phil Giltner-January 2020.

Zachary and Dominic Fowlston were

baptized at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on
February 12, 2017.
KIDS CHRISTIAN FORMATION. Emmanuels Sunday School class will be meeting at 4:15 p.m. for 45 minutes on
Sunday for Christian Formation and fun. The classes will include stories from the Lectionary Lessons while building a
model, making gifts, and learning about loving all of Gods creation. Refreshments will be served; like juice, pizza and
cookies. All children in the Greater Norwich Area as well as those already in the Episcopal Parishes are cordially invited
to join in the excitement and fun in learning about God, Jesus, and being an Episcopalian. The Sunday dates for 2017 are:
March 26, 2017 4:15 5:00 PM in St. Matthew (So New Berlin) Parish Hall - Psalm 23 tableau
April 30, 2017 4:15 5:00 PM in Emmanuel Parish Hall Painting floor canvas Labyrinth
Parents are also welcomed to stay and participate.

Please register your student, any age from 5 to 18, by calling 334-8803, so we have contact information in case events
change, and to get supplies needed for each age group. If you have any question or need additional information, please,
telephone Lynne at 334-8803 or 334-8801 (Emmanuel office), or email emmanuelmission@frontier.com.

Please consider helping to fill the church with lilies for Easter. You can do so by filling out this form
and sending a donation to the church or putting the envelope in the offering on Sunday. Please let us
know by Monday, April 10. Thank You for your donation. Return this form to the church that you
indicated.

NAME____________________________________________________________________________
IN MEMORY OF ___________________________________________________________________
IN CELEBRATION OF________________________________________________________________
CHURCH NAME (check one) _____EMMANUEL _____ST. MATTHEWS _____ST. ANDREWS

The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York Presents:

Happening #67
Come share a weekend filled with Fun, Fellowship, & Faith
For teens in grades 9-12
Spring Weekend: March 31 April 2, 2017
Casowasco
158 Casowasco Drive
Moravia, N.Y. 13118
For Applications or more information
Visit the Diocesan website at:
http://cnyepiscopal.org/happening
OR Contact: Lisa Semenza 315-246-7243
lnsslp@a-znet.com
 Newsletter NON-PROFIT ORG.

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NEW BERLIN, NY

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MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS:
PERMIT #10

We Worship Together

Remember the Church in Your Will!

Chit, Chat & Chew EMMANUEL SOUL

Please come to St. Andrews KITCHEN
Episcopal Church Thursday, MARCH 9, 2017
in New Berlin from 11:00 a.m. Good Free Meal for
to 1:00 p.m. Body & Mind
All are welcome to come
March 18, 2017sponsored by
Eat, Talk, Make Friends!
United Methodist Church
Only one seating
STARTS AT 5:30 P.M.
Parish Hall,
To the family of Joan Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Chapin who passed away 37 West Main St.
Norwich, NY
on February 2, 2017. 334-8801 for more
information

If you no longer wish to receive this Newsletter, please let the church know. You can email
us at emmanuelchurch@frontiernet.net or call 607 334-8801 and leave a message.