The Annual Holiday Fair was held on Saturday, December 2. This year in addition to our usual crafts, we also offered Lighted Baskets, "little britches", beaded eyeglass holders, wine/water glass holiday charms, napkin rings, faith bracelet and cross ornament as well as themed gift baskets. We had Christmas trees and wreaths for sale. We offered hot chocolate and smores outside next to a campfire with the help of our Youth Group. There was also an ornament table so that children could make their own.

Following the fair, we held our ever-popular Ham-and-Bean Supper and a "Party Book" Raffle.

Christmas this year had our traditional 3 services:

• Christmas Silver Tea service was held in the early afternoon for our 'senior' parishioners. After the service, tea and food are offered.

• Christmas Pageant service has been in the early evening, but this year was held at 10 AM. As usual, the focal point of the service was the special way that the children do the Adoration stories, and give us the true meaning of Christmas.

• Midnight service, is always special, preceded with Carol singing.

On Sunday, November 19, it was Commitment Sunday and the All Parish Event. This year the Youth Group participated in the service at 10:00 AM by doing the readings, ushering and acolyting. Our Senior Warden, Rita Etherington, gave the sermon. After the service over 100 of us went to the Masonic Hall in Billerica center for a spaghetti dinner prepared by Cindy and Dave Fawcett. After dinner, we had a Square Dance caller teach us some fun dances!

We held a Harvest Fair/Flea Market during the second Saturday in October. The Thrift Shop was opened early. Several vendors of crafts, games and clothing were on hand. Two "chefs" were honored in our (pumpkin and apple) Pie Contest. Speaking of food, we offered chili, soups, hot dogs and baked goods along with coffees, teas, cider and soda.

The church year began with our Annual Welcome-Back Brunch on Sunday, September 10 in between the services. Everyone enjoyed homemade quiches (from Rev. Peggy), fresh fruit salads, bagels, muffins, cereals (for kids of all ages), pastries, juices, tea and coffee. It was nice to see everyone back after a nice, restful summer!

On the last Saturday of the month, we celebrated the Feast of St. Francis with a special blessing of the animals. All creatures great and small were welcome! Even stuffed animals were brought for blessings! The celebration was different this year. Besides the blessings, some of the children of the parish told the story of St. Francis and lead us in prayer and song. A special guest introduced us to their companion animal and talk about how their dog helps them in daily living. The celebration ended with cake and refreshments to celebrate St. Francis' birthday!

A Vacation Bible School for children was held during the 10 AM service. The focus of these Sundays were the Gestures that we do in church. For gestures are signs that say something. The gestures that were covered are the Sign of the Cross (we belong to Jesus), the Sign of Peace (spreading the Peace of God and Jesus), the Epiclesis (asking ) and the Offering. The first tow are what we do during service, while the last two are what the rector does during the Great Thanksgiving. (For more information on the Gestures, please check out the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd link under Christian Formation.)

St. Anne's had its first Spring Craft/Vendors Fair on June 3. We had many hand-crafted items and merchandise for sale, such as Recipes in a Jar, a Cookie Walk, Anglican Prayer Beads, and Pampered Chef. The turn out was great and we look forward to seeing you at next year's fair!
Our Annual Strawberry Festival, in celebration of summer beginning, was held in -believe it or not - sunny, dry weather. It was hosted by St. Anne's Gardening Angels, who take care of all the flowers and minor landscaping at St. Anne's. The strawberry short cake (with biscuit, not the - dare I say - small 'cake/foam' stuff) was delicious as usual. Even a parishioner's father, visiting from Florida, enjoyed the strawberries, biscuit and whip cream that he plans on making next year's festival. (As he said, the strawberry's in Florida are not as enjoyable as the one's here.) Also served were drinks, hot dogs and chips.

Bishop Shaw visited us for our annual bishop's visit. Before the 10 AM service, the bishop met with the vestry. Everyone really enjoyed the meeting as we discussed what brought each of us to St. Anne's. During the service, one parishioner was confirmed by the bishop. Afterwards, the Bishop Shaw shared some time with the parish during a luncheon.

Over 60 special ladies - that is, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, aunts, and friends - of all ages were treated to a luncheon that was hosted by St. Anne's Men's Group. Upon arriving, each "lady" received a rose and a raffle ticket. Lunch consisted of sandwiches, garden salad, fruit salad, appetizers, two types of cheesecake, chocolate cake and beverages. Seeing that is was Rev. Peggy's birthday, everyone was treated to a rendition of Happy Birthday from all the men. Since this was enjoyed so much by everyone involved, it's being considered to become an annual event.

St. Anne's took part in the Ecumenical Lenten Lunches once again. St. Anne's kicked off this Billerica Lenten tradition by supplying lunch on Ash Wednesday.

A second Prayer Bead workshop will be held by popular demand. Thanks to Wendy Kessler for leading it.

The annual meeting was held on Sunday, January 29 following one service at 9:30 AM. Once again, everyone enjoyed the potluck brunch that was provided beforehand.