Once again, we held our Annual Holiday Fair. This year the fair had Raffles, Crafts, such as Lighted Baskets, Wreathes, and Jewelry; Holiday Gifts, Baked Goods, Pie Tasting, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chowder, Children's Crafts, Photos with Santa, Children's Christmas Shop

The Fair was followed by a Ham & Bean Supper in the evening. After enjoying the food and each other's company, the Gift Party Book drawings were held with dozens of prizes given out!

Thanksgiving Eve Service of Holy Eucharist

Again, in honor of St. Francis, Blessing of the Animals was held. With the weather being as great as it has been, the blessing was held outside. Many pets, big and small came. The celebration ended with cake and refreshments to celebrate St. Francis' birthday!

Olin Mills Parish pictorials
Olan Mills was on site to take pictures for our church directory, so that we will have a current parishioner directory.

With summer coming to another end, what better way to welcome back everyone that food. So once again, we our Annual 'Welcome Back Brunch'. This brunch was again put on by the vestry. Everyone enjoyed coffee, tea, juices, cereals, homemade quiches, bagels, assorted pastries, fruit salad, and yogurt.

All of our programs began this month, as Church School, Youth Group and the Acolytes met for the first time this fall. Adult groups and Christian education began as well.

St. Anne's held its Annual Golf Tournament at Billerica's Swanson Meadows Golf Club. Despite many teams using up all of their Mulligans, the Awesome Four team won the tournament with a 2-under-par score in the best-ball format. The day proved to be great weather-wise as some ate the BBQ lunch outside after the tournament was finished.

St. Anne's would like to thank all participants and sponsors who made this a success!

The Annual Strawberry Festival included a Craft Fair this year. Beside the usual freshly-picked strawberries, and hand-whipped cream for shortcakes, we also had a cookie walk (where you pick out what cookies you would like as you walk around), coffee, cold drinks and hot dogs. The Gardening Angels held a raffle that included many things for your garden, such as tools and cement figurines. Our teens provided face painting and nail polishing.

The vendors for Craft Fair offered a variety of products, like children's books, hand-crafted ceramics, jewelry of different types, photo-albums, and dog biscuits.

Recognition Sunday, which celebrates the children and their involvement in Sunday School, being acolytes (serving on altar during services), the Youth Group, and the like, was part of the 10 AM service. Following that was a make-your-own-sundae "coffee hour", with 4 gallons of ice cream, chocolate and strawberry toppings, candies, sprinkles and whipped cream. It was delicious!

A Maundy Thursday service with the traditional stripping of the Altar and washing of feet, which had its biggest turn out in recent memory.

The Way of Sorrows with the consumption of reserve sacrament was held on Good Friday.

The traditional Children's Easter Celebration was held on a cool but sunny day. Over 24 children participated, with several of the children bringing cousins and friends. This year's celebration included a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd presentation of City of Jerusalem,using the newly made 3D map of Jerusalem. The children also made the bread that Jesus would have used during the Last Supper - matzah bread. There was an Easter Egg hunt, along with and explanation as to why eggs and rabbits are associated with the Resurrection.

Easter Sunday had Festival services of Holy Eucharist at both the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services with choir and special music. Both services were well attended, and we thank all who came. In between these services, the Youth Group put on a delicious breakfast of eggs, sausage, bagels, fruit salad, pancakes, coffee, tea and juice.

2nd Annual Special Ladies Luncheon was be put on by the St. Anne's Men's Group after 10 AM service. This luncheon is held in celebration of the all the women at St. Anne's.

The Annual Meeting was held after the single 9:30 AM on January 21. This year we held a potluck coffee hour. Fruits, pastries, doughnuts, and delicious hot dishes were quite enjoyed! As for the meeting, new leaders were voted in, and thanks given to those who stepping down.