What a grand day November 5th was! Our parish celebrated the first visit by Rt. Rev. Leo Michael and Holly.
Bishop Leo confirmed three new Anglicans: Mr. Mark Plumb, Jamie and Alex Pate. After the service, we
enjoyed lunch at the Branson Community Center.
This service marked the first use of our Bishop's Chair. The seat cushion was made by Mrs. Thelma Yates and the chair was donated by John DiMarzio and Dan Britt in memory of their parents. It is generosity such as this that helps our church grow.
Our weekly bible study began in October with the book of Matthew. The meeting is highlighted by fellowship and good food as we delve deeper into the First Book of the NT.
We have plans for a caroling party in December at local nursing homes. our transportation will be "Ride the Ducts.". This will be a fun-filled evening.
Our building fund continues to grow, in the meantime our continued thanks to the First Presbyterian Church for the use of the Old Stone Chapel. We have plans for a joint Christmas Eve service with them again this year. We continue to pray for the unexpected in our lives. Thanks be to God.
Sundays we will begin a special prayer-a "prayer for the unexpected" for St. Joseph. What I have in mind is something unexpected to really get our building project off the ground. The unexpected may be money or land to build on. We are expecting a visit from Suffragan Bishop Leo Michael November 5 for the confirmation of Jamie Pate, Alex Pate and Mark Plumb. In honor of the conformations and the Bishop's visit, we will host a parish dinner at the Branson Community Center immediately following the service.
The Deanery of the Ozarks and their families met July 29 at the home of Fr. Jim and Bobby McTaggart in Branson, Missouri
with a full agenda.
First up, clergy making up the examining chaplains interviewed Tom Maple prior to his August 5 ordination to the diaconate. The examination covered several topics and promoted much discussion among the clergy. The discussion proved a need among the clergy to gather for the exchange of ideas and the probing of minds.
In other discussions, professional procedures applying to clergy visiting other parishes were outlined, book selections were suggested and Bishop Leo presented the clergy with a computer CD containing the new UECNA logo and other helpful Anglican resources. As usual, photos were taken and Fr. Jim grilled hotdogs.
Those present included:
- Bishop Leo and Holly Michael (St. Gabriel's, Springdale, AR)
- Fr. Jim and Bobby McTaggart (St. Joseph Anglican Church, Branson, MO)
- Mr. Jerry Ellington (St. Gabriel's, Springdale, AR)
- Fr. Sam Seamans and family (St. Thomas Anglican Church, Mountain Home, AR)
- Fr. John Hunter and family (All Saints Anglican Church, Pittsburg, KS)
- Mr. and Mrs. Tom Maple, (Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, Tulsa, OK)
- Fr. Philip Shaffner (St. Stephens United Episcopal Church, Cedar Grove, WI,
the far edges of the Ozarks!)
the far edges of the Ozarks!)
- Deacon Ed Knox (St. Gabriel's, Springdale, AR)
- The Very Rev. Glen and Laurie Hartley (St. Francis Anglican Church, Ava, MO )
These meetings are designed to encourage and develop camaraderie among clergy and their families. And they do! They also give each of us a chance to discuss cares and concerns in our parishes and church in general. These are important sessions for all of us.
The Deanery of the Ozarks will meet with the presiding bishop December 2, 2006 at St. Francis Anglican Church, Ava, MO.
We thank all the spouses of the clergy for their support and encouragement in the ministry.
We appreciate the teamwork!
On All Parish, Saturday on January 28, an afternoon dinner was held at the Don & Mary Ellen Holley Ranch. Authentic Mexican
cooking tradition were the highlight of the evening. Fun, food, and fellowship were enjoyed by all, and that wonderful
Episcopal family bonding blesses each of us. Our Hosts, Don and Mary Ellen, prepared an awesome feast.
In our upcoming April calendar of events, we are looking forward to four Holy Baptisms! Two are scheduled for Easter Sunday, and we will have two more on the following Sunday.
