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We clergy are sometimes asked, “Do I have to come to church?”  “No,” I often reply, “but you GET to come to church.” It is hard to believe, in the freedom of our own culture where worship is mostly made difficult by the many diversions begging our attention -- the many demands on our own fragile time and relationships -- that some brothers and sisters of faith actually brave worship, to their own peril. What they wouldn’t give for the freedom we enjoy daily!  

Or, perhaps they have looked deeply into a freedom we sometimes overlook. “O God, whom truly to know is eternal life….and whose service is perfect freedom….” To be found in the service of God, whether in worship, prayer or ministry, is to be in the moment of perfect freedom.
 
So, this Holy Week, you get to come to church and enjoy, if only briefly, perfect freedom from the demands of the world. Do clear your calendars for worship: 
Palm Sunday at 8:00 or 10:00 a.m.
Thursday in Holy Week at 6:00 p.m.
Good Friday at 8:00 a.m., 12:15 and 7:30 p.m.
Holy Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Easter Day at 8:00 or 10:00 a.m.
Bring friends, neighbors and family with you to all of these services.
 
Please continue to hold “Dodie” Loutrel, the mother of Fr. Bill Loutrel, in your prayers and intercessions as she lies in great weakness. Fr. Loutrel’s siblings have gathered to join him at her bedside. We remember them and all her family and many friends in our prayers, as well.
 
In our ministry to Covenant to Care this Easter, we are reminded of the twenty-five older youth and teens who are preparing to transition out of the foster care system. Our gift to them is an Easter basket with a pair of movie tickets and candy (or cash for refreshments). We need 11 more baskets by this Sunday, candy for filling them, and a total of 14 pairs of tickets ($15 per pair), brought to St. Thomas’s by this Sunday. Your help will insure the parish’s ability to reach its goal. Items must be in church this Sunday by 10:00 a.m. Do join with the households of Canton-Tate, Meyer, Michaud, Carbutti, Klaus-Huskes, Sabosik-Griffith, Fenn-Hodson, Ray-Harris, Robertson-Hogan, Parkin, Hudd and Robison who have already volunteered. E-mail office@stthomasnewhaven.org or phone 203-777-7623 immediately and let us know what you are able to provide as part of your offering.
 
Lastly, I received an e-mail from Helen Bailey saying she had arrived in the U.K. and was settling into her next assignment before ordination this summer. A portion of that e-mail is addressed to the entire parish:
“I just wanted to properly thank you and the church for the lovely sendoff you gave me -- the amazing English tea! It was stunning -- and delicious! I've been telling everyone about it and showing them my photos, and it meant so much to me! Please do thank everyone for me and give them my regards. I shall keep St Thomas's in my prayers, and very much in my thoughts. I'm so grateful for the time I had with you all. And thanks again to you for everything! I had just such a helpful and rewarding time working with you and the church! With very best wishes, Helen”
Faithfully,
Fr. Ray+