• Sunday Announcements, March 30, 2008

    ByRosemary

    Rosemary’s Blessing: An Apache Blessing

    May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being.

    Noah

    Special Thanks:

    • For reading: Mary Ellen & Noah
    • For the Communion Bread: Kim & Cindy
    • For Serving: Carmen & Ashley
    • For the Books & wine cups: Cliff and Jean, Beth & Rob
    • For the music: Ray & Shonda, Celeste, & Hue

    Happy Birthday: Chris Phipps, Jacob Wilson, Cole Bentley (6).

    Happy Anniversary:

    • Bobbi & Danny

    Please Remember:  My friends & classmates Dickie Hull & Jerry Brophy; Duncan & Anna; Kathleen’s friend Jim Wallis; Jackie’s brother John & neighbor Earl; Dee Miller; Libby’s uncle; Nina’s friend Nancy;  Mary’s son John; Casey & Rob plus Cameron & Reid, Brady & Trey; Tom & Teresa’s friend Teri Knapke with cancer & Teresa’s niece Angel; Cindy Cramer’s friend Sarah Dixon;  Diane’s friend Mike Gertisen & cousin Judy; Rosemary’s nephew, Kevin; Jean Atwood’s friend Kerry whose dad is dying; Margarita’s  Aunt Lenore, & Yolanda; one year old Sadie with cancer; Margie’s mom; Donna & Cathy Goode’s mom; David Pastula’s companions in the military overseas, including Margarita’s Matt Gomez on tour 3, Trey Bailey, Ryan McClurg, Matt Gardner, Chebino, Roy’s son Chris; Lisa’s nephew Kristopher on his 2nd Iraq trip, his grandmother Alice Quiocho & Lisa’s friend Shelly; David & Rita; Mary Ellen’s Christopher, Margaret, & Jim; George & Marianne’s sons & Linda’s son; a cure for autism from Laura Chollick; Shawn in a car wreck; Dawn’s friend Jessica & Aunt Ann and Dawn’s back op. March 11; Fred’s friend John with cancer & Maureen’s friend Sharon.

    Celeste

    Catch the latest on the quadruplets’ web: http://gerwerbabies.blogspot.com      

    Your Finances:

    • March 30:  Income for Running  Expenses:       $ 1,236.00                                               Income for Outreach Expenses:  $ 430.00

    Thanks for your Generosity!

    Have a Great Week, J.S

  • Sunday Mass Reminder for March 30, 2008, 2nd, Easter

    ByRosemary

    Mass: 9:30; coffee, donuts, home made muffins, & juice on the house.

    Place: Vines High School on 15th between Custer & Independence.

    Readings: Acts 2, 42-47; Psalm 118; 1Peter 1, 3-9; John 20, 19-31.

    Easter_egg_hunt

    Community Bulletin Board

    Coomunity Directory: went out Wednesday.  You should have your copy if you signed on.  Any changes, let me know.  We can alway update & add data periodically.

    Quad Squad:  Even a couple of hours once a month is a help!  Let me know or Donna Thomson,
      donnathomson@tx.rr.com     

    Next Community Party: May 3, 7:00 P.M., Fairview Farms’ Barn, The Anniversary.  Hold the date.

    Our taxi man, Rick Turner, knows the Metroplex.  Call: 214-707-6536c; 972-412-0711h.

    From Frank Reyes:  

    John, attached is the flyer for our play Arsenic and Old Lace. If you want to mention it Sunday Laura and I will have discount coupons for buy one get one at half off. Thanks. Arsenic

    See you Sunday.

    J.S.

  • Sunday Homily, March 23, 2008, Easter

    ByRosemary

    Readings: Acts 10, 34-43; Psalm 118; 1 Corinthians 3, 1-4; Luke 24, 13-35

    A Resurrection Day

    A few weeks ago when Cameron & Reid, Brady & Trey, our quads were still in Presbyterian, Rosemary & I went to visit them and Casey one Thursday morning.  We parked, entered the hospital, and got on the elevator with a medical aide pushing a stretcher on wheels.

    Kids

    As the elevator climbed to the sixth floor, Rosemary asked the guy how he was doing.  "Great," he responded, "I always try to have a great day."  We chatted a bit more and he explained that his old grandfather had told him years ago that he could choose to have a happy or a sad day and that he decided that he would choose happy.  "And it works," he added

    We arrived at floor five and he exited, leaving Rosemary and me somewhat touched by two things.  First, he was comfortable enough to share his outlook and history with us on an elevator ride from floor one to five.  Secondly, he certainly presented a buoyant presence and it seemed to come from an inner choice. 

    Because of my psychological training and experience I immediately find two disharmonies surfacing.  First, not everyone can just decide to be happy and get there.  Chronic or situational depression effects the ability to choose.  When we put Naomi to sleep, I could not just choose to be happy.

    Secondly, we might find the "just choose happiness" phenomenon a bit Polly Anna.  In other words, superficial.  No matter what, I maintain a superficial happiness, skimming over tragedies as if they are just steps on the road to heaven.  These are the people who tell you when you have suffered a painful or tragic death that you will get over it with time or it is all God’s plan or will.  In other words, just be happy.

    Despite these side thoughts, all of us here today have reasons for happiness.  We have life, at least.  The man we met on the elevator was for Rosemary and me a genuinely happy man and what he did touched us like a resurrection to new life.  What sunshine is to flowers, a smile & encouraging word are to the human spirit.

    Easter_egg_hunt

    On this feast of the resurrection to new life, what about your life are you most happy?

    AUDIO:  http://mysite.verizon.net/reso7rjy/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/2008-03-23.mp3

    CHILDREN’S CHOIR: JESUS LOVES ME: http://mysite.verizon.net/reso7rjy/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/2008-03-23%20Jesus%20Loves%20Me.mp3

  • Sunday Announcements, March 23, 2008

    ByRosemary

    Rosemary’s Blessing:  A Prayer for Easter Sunday (from A Book of Irish American Blessings and Prayers by Andrew Greeley)

    Oh God who bestows life prodigous and of whose abundant graciousness the rabbit and the egg and the lily are symbols, renew our life of faith on this morning of joy and help us to sing the alleluia with confidence and hope that some day, just like Jesus, we too will rise again.  We ask this in the name of the Risen Jesus.

    Alexandra

    Special Thanks:

    • For reading: Alexandra & Morgan
    • For the Communion Bread: Kim & Cindy
    • For Serving: T.J., Lacee, & Lorynne
    • For the Books & wine cups: Cliff and Jean, Beth & Rob
    • For the music: Ray & Shonda & Wendy & Celeste, Hue

    Happy Birthday: Joanne, Ken Cramer, Sheila Baach, Susie Harrell, Buddy Goode, Barb Wittek, Colleen Lackey, & Poncik

    Happy Anniversary:

    • Cathy & Buddy (28th)

    Please Remember:  Lance Anderson’s mom who died this week; Rose Banzhaf’s mom who also died this week; Kathleen’s friend Jim Wallis; Jackie’s brother John & neighbor Earl; Dee Miller; Libby’s uncle; Nina’s friend Nancy;  Mary’s son John; Casey & Rob plus Cameron & Reid, Brady & Trey; Tom & Teresa’s friend Teri Knapke with cancer & Teresa’s niece Angel; Cindy Cramer’s friend Sarah Dixon;  Diane’s friend Mike Gertisen & cousin Judy; Rosemary’s nephew, Kevin; Jean Atwood’s friend Kerry whose dad is dying; Margarita’s  Aunt Lenore, & Yolanda; one year old Sadie with cancer; Margie’s mom; Donna & Cathy Goode’s mom; David Pastula’s companions in the military overseas, including Margarita’s Matt Gomez on tour 3, Trey Bailey, Ryan McClurg, Matt Gardner, Chebino, Roy’s son Chris; Lisa’s nephew Kristopher on his 2nd Iraq trip, his grandmother Alice Quiocho & Lisa’s friend Shelly; David & Rita; Mary Ellen’s Christopher, Margaret, & Jim; George & Marianne’s sons & Linda’s son; a cure for autism from Laura Chollick; Shawn in a car wreck; Dawn’s friend Jessica & Aunt Ann and Dawn’s back op. March 11; Fred’s friend John with cancer & Maureen’s friend Sharon.

    Morgan

    Catch the latest on the quadruplets’ web: http://gerwerbabies.blogspot.com     —   Note: we continue to form a "Quad Squad" of volunteers to help take care of these jewels. 

    Your Finances:

    • March 23:  Income for Running  Expenses: $ 1,592.00
    • March 23:  Income for Outreach Expenses: $ 1,448.00 

    Thanks for your Generosity!

    Happy Easter & Have a Great Week, J.S

  • Sunday Mass Reminder for March 23, 2008, Easter

    ByRosemary

    Mass: 9:30; coffee, donuts, home made muffins, & juice on the house.

    Place: Vines High School on 15th between Custer & Independence.

    Readings: Acts 10, 34-43; Psalm 118; 1 Corinthians 3, 1-4; Luke 24, 13-35

    Community Bulletin Board

    EASTER EGG HUNT: Easter Sunday before Mass, 9:00.  Welcome all you kids!!

    Good Friday Stations: No Service.

    Coomunity Directory: if you have not signed in and want to, send me your info.  At Easter I will publish on line to all who have signed up.

    Quad Squad:  This Sunday I will sign people up.  I am looking for a grandmother who has time to help with nights at the Gerwers, like maybe five nights a week for the next year.  Anyone out there available?

    Jerry

    Next Community Party: May 3, 7:00 P.M., Fairview Farms’ Barn, The Anniversary.  Hold the date.

    Our taxi man, Rick Turner, knows the Metroplex.  Call: 214-707-6536c; 972-412-0711h.  Also, searching for an inexpensive 4 cylinder, 4 door car we can help Rick & Jackie get. 

    Marilyn Ackerman writes:

    John, I attended a staff meeting today with the folks at Plano Community Homes.  While the income isn’t all that great, PCH needs some additional people.
    Attached is an ad I thought you might be able to put in your newsletter.  The team there are really terrific people.  Thanks for the consideration. Download employment_parttime_staff.doc 

     

    See you Easter Sunday.

    J.S.

  • Sunday Homily, March 16, 2008, Palm Sunday

    ByRosemary

    Readings: Matthew 21, 1-11, Entry into Jerusalem; Isaiah 50, 4-7, Suffering Servant Song; Psalm 22; Philippians 2, 6-11; Matthew 26, 14-27, 66, Passion.

    Because this liturgy is so long, there is no homily today.  Today we celebrate two things.  First we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with the people placing palm branches before him.  This takes place as we prepare for the Mass.  Next, we read the whole Passion.  This Sunday begins Holy Week and leads up to the Resurrection next Sunday.

    Mass

    Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday are normal days. 

    Holy Thursday is the day we remember Jesus’ washing the feet of his apostles and the last supper.  We have a washing of the hands ceremony, this being more germaine to our contemporary lives. 

    Friday we remember the death of Jesus.

    Saturday is a day of waiting, no Masses taking place until the Easter Vigil, Saturday night.  Then & Easter Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection.

    Both Thursday & Friday we will meet at 7:00 P.M. at Mary Kee’s home, 2625 Millington, Plano 75093.

    Happy St. Patrick’s Day on Monday.

    John

  • Sunday Announcements, March 16, 2008

    ByRosemary

    Rosemary’s Blessing:  An Old Irish Blessing

    May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.  May good and faithful  friends be yours, wherever you may roam.  May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.  May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

    Special Thanks:

    • For reading: Mary, Scott, John, Tom & Lynda
    • For the Communion Bread: Kim & Cindy
    • For Serving: Sabrina & Anthony
    • For the Books & wine cups: Roy & Carol, Beth & Rob
    • For the music: Ben & Wendy & Celeste

    Mary

    Happy Birthday:  Margarita, Christine, Joanne, Ken, Sheila, Susie, & Bob McGrath.

    Happy Anniversary:

    • Cathy & Buddy (28th)
    • John & Margie

    Please Remember:  Rose Banzhaf’s mom; Jackie’s brother John & neighbor Earl; Dee Miller; Barb Wittek’s friends Ronald & Alice Kirk; Libby’s uncle; Nina’s friend Nancy;  Mary’s son John; Casey & Rob plus Cameron & Reid, Brady & Trey; Tom & Teresa’s friend Teri Knapke with cancer & Teresa’s niece Angel; Cindy Cramer’s friend Sarah Dixon;  Diane’s friend Mike Gertisen & cousin Judy; Rosemary’s nephew, Kevin; Jean Atwood’s friend Kerry whose dad is dying; Margarita’s  Aunt Lenore, & Yolanda; one year old Sadie with cancer; Margie’s mom; Donna & Cathy Goode’s mom; David Pastula’s companions in the military overseas, including Margarita’s Matt Gomez on tour 3, Trey Bailey, Ryan McClurg, Matt Gardner, Chebino, Roy’s son Chris; Lisa’s nephew Kristopher on his 2nd Iraq trip, his grandmother Alice Quiocho & Lisa’s friend Shelly; David & Rita; Mary Ellen’s Christopher, Margaret, & Jim; George & Marianne’s sons & Linda’s son; a cure for autism from Laura Chollick; Shawn in a car wreck; Dawn’s friend Jessica & Aunt Ann and Dawn’s back op. March 11; Fred’s friend John with cancer & Maureen’s friend Sharon.

    Nina

    Catch the latest on the quadruplets’ web: http://gerwerbabies.blogspot.com     —   Note: we continue to form a "Quad Squad" of volunteers to help take care of these jewels. 

    Next Sunday: Easter.  9:00 A.M., The Easter Egg Hunt.  Welcome, All You Kids!!

    Your Finances:

    • March 16:  Income for Running  Expenses: $ 1,438.00
    • March 16:  Income for Outreach Expenses: $  752.00

    Thanks for your Generosity!

    Have a Great Week, J.S

  • Sunday Mass Reminder for March 16, 2008, Palm Sunday

    ByRosemary

    Mass: 9:30; coffee, donuts, home made muffins, & juice on the house.

    Place: Vines High School on 15th between Custer & Independence.

    Readings: Matthew 21, 1-11, Entry into Jerusalem; Isaiah 50, 4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2, 6-11; Matthew 26, 14-27, 66 (Passion)

    Community Bulletin Board

    EASTER EGG HUNT: Easter Sunday before Mass, 9:00.  Welcome all you kids!!

    Holy Thursday Mass: 7:00 P.M., Mary Kee’s house, 2625 Millington, Plano 75093

    Good Friday Stations: no place yet.  Please let me know if you would like to come to one or both of these services, so we see how many might attend.

    Coomunity Directory: if you have not signed in and want to, send me your info.  At Easter I will publish on line to all who have signed up.

    Quad Squad:  This Sunday I will sign people up.  Casey wrote me:

    Hey Father Stack, I am in desperate need of your help. We had some wonderful women show up to the meeting but we were wondering if you know of any other volunteers as well. We have only had 4 hours of sleep in the last two days and are stuggling to function. We just need some more day help so I can grab an occasional nap.
    Love Casey                        PS they are all home by the way.
    Reid_robbie_home

    Next Community Party: May 3, 7:00 P.M., Fairview Farms’ Barn, The Anniversary.  Hold the date.

    Rick Turner is driving taxi.  Good man, knows the Metroplex.  Call: 214-707-6536c; 972-412-0711h.  Also, anyone got a lead on an inexpensive 4 cylinder, 4 door car we can help Rick & Jackie get?  Theirs is pooping out.

    David Hoover’s daughter will be in play starting March 28.  Check it out: www.dct.org  

    See you Sunday.

    J.S.

  • Sunday Homily, March 9, 2008, 5th Lent

    ByRosemary

    Readings: Ezekiel 37, 12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8, 8-11; John 11, 1-45.

    Ezekiel: Again we make a big jump, from Samuel & David to the prophet Ezekiel. The time is ca. 580 B.C, the time of the defeat of the Hebrews and the Babylonian captivity.  Ezekiel is warning the people of the calamities that come and ends eventually envisioning a new Jerusalem.

    Blair

    How Many More Years You Got to Appreciate?

    We hear it said all the time that we have around 75 years of life in us.  That means we got 75 Christmases to enjoy, 75 springs and summers, and 75 Thanksgivings.  And that is from the age of Cameron & Reid, Brady & Trey.  Now you kids who are 10 or 15 only have 65 or 60 more birthdays and Easters.  Those of you 50 have only 25 more Christmases.  I have, guess, only 7 more according to the profile. 

    Marriage at 25 means 50 years of fun & companionship.  I got married at 65.  Not much time to experience the fun & companionship. 

    Over the past 5 weeks I have talked about some secrets to making marriage work.

     

    ·       Stay away from divorce, but play,

    ·       don’t expect a perfect marriage, but work for perfect moments,

    ·       plan fun and date regularly,

    ·       empty out the back pack of my junk and keep communicating,

    ·       give with words, listening, and touch & hugs.

    Frank

    This final discussion is both a summary of the five previous weeks and also a focus on appreciation.  Appreciation for the person who agreed to marry me.  The temptation is to rattle off the Spanish saying, "El amor es Ciego," love is blind.  The response to the temptation is appreciation.  Appreciate the perfect moments, the companionship, and the anniversaries.  Celebrate the appreciation.

    We only have a limited number of Christmases & Easters, perfect moments and anniversaries.  Let’s not blow it.  Appreciate each one.

    How many more do you have to celebrate?

                   

    AUDIO: http://mysite.verizon.net/reso7rjy/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/2008-03-09.mp3 

  • Sunday Announcements, March 9

    ByRosemary

    Resource: to check the source for the marriage homilies, Project Everlasting, click the link.  Thanks to Carol Eshelbrenner for finding this lost resource.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19031744/

    Rosemary’s Blessing:   A Blessing for the Day (Adapted from a blessing by Andrew Greeley)

    May the God of the dawn awaken you;  May the God of sunrise stir you up;  May the God of morning bless your work;   May the God of noon renew your strength;  May the God of sunset bring you home;  May the God of dusk soothe your soul;  May the God of night bring you rest.

    Servers

    Special Thanks:

    • For reading: Blair & Blake
    • For the Communion Bread: Kim & Cindy
    • For Serving: Carmen & Ashley & Noah
    • For the Books & wine cups: Roy & Carol, Beth & Rob
    • For the music: Ray & Shonda, Wendy & Celeste, Hue

    Happy Birthday: Michelle Brown, Diane McClurg, Jackie Urbanczyk, Marianne Elwell, Tori Rogers (17)

    Please Remember:  Rose Banzhaf’s mom; Jackie’s brother John & neighbor Earl; Dee Miller; Barb Wittek’s friends Ronald & Alice Kirk; Libby’s uncle; Nina’s friend Nancy;  Mary’s son John; Casey & Rob plus Cameron & Reid, Brady & Trey; Tom & Teresa’s friend Teri Knapke with cancer & Teresa’s niece Angel; Cindy Cramer’s friend Sarah Dixon;  Diane’s friend Mike Gertisen & cousin Judy; Rosemary’s nephew, Kevin; Jean Atwood’s friend Kerry whose dad is dying; Margarita’s  Aunt Lenore, & Yolanda; one year old Sadie with cancer; Margie’s mom; Donna & Cathy Goode’s mom; David Pastula’s companions in the military overseas, including Margarita’s Matt Gomez on tour 3, Trey Bailey, Ryan McClurg, Matt Gardner, Chebino, Roy’s son Chris; Lisa’s nephew Kristopher on his 2nd Iraq trip, his grandmother Alice Quiocho & Lisa’s friend Shelly; David & Rita; Mary Ellen’s Christopher, Margaret, & Jim; George & Marianne’s sons & Linda’s son; a cure for autism from Laura Chollick; Shawn in a car wreck; Dawn’s friend Jessica & Aunt Ann and Dawn’s back op. March 11; Fred’s friend John with cancer & Maureen’s friend Sharon.

    Communion

    Catch the latest on the quadruplets’ web: http://gerwerbabies.blogspot.com     —   Note: we are forming a "Quad Squad" of volunteers to help take care of these jewels.  More in Friday’s blog.

    Bishop John Shelby Spong (Episcopal) recommends for Old Testament study on line: Christ Community Church.  Let me know if you try it.  I don’t know it yet, but I trust Bishop Spong, a progressive scripture scholar.

    Next Sunday: Palm Sunday

    Your Finances:

    • March 9:  Income for Running  Expenses: $ 859.00
    • March 9:  Income for Outreach Expenses: $ 625.00

    Thanks for your Generosity!

    Have a Great Week, J.S