At the beginning of the month we had our Annual Christmas Fair. This year's theme was the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Early in the month, the Annual Pet Blessings was held; parishioners brought man's best friend, cats and other creatures in honor of St. Francis. Click here to view the service handout.

The All-Parish Event was held at the end of this month after the 10 AM service. It was known as "Bling, Bling, Bling!" Deacon Gay had us memorialize our loved ones who have passed away. We did this by bringing in photos of our loved ones and framing them with colorful paints, glitter, sparkling gems and other materials. These celebrative memorials were part of our All Saints' Day celebration, as they reminded us that our loved ones were saints who went before us.

Welcome Back Brunch was held in between the services in early September. Everyone enjoyed the fresh fruit, bagels, yogurt, quiches, cereals, and the like as they caught up with one another after a nice relaxing summer.

The month began with Recognition Sunday in which children of the parish and those who teach or lead them are remembered in a special way. An Ice Cream social followed during coffee hour.

This June there were not many sunny days. Fortunately, one of those days was during St. Anne's Annual Golf Outing at Swanson Meadows Golf Club in North Billerica. We had our biggest turnout ever! Golf followed by food and prizes; it was a great time.

Literally in between rain storms, the Annual Strawberry Festival/Cookie Walk and Craft Fair was held on church grounds. Strawberry Shortcake, Hot Dogs, Cookies and crafts were just a few of the things that were enjoyed during June's rare dry periods.

We were privileged to have the The Rev. Jay Pierce, speak at both services for the Food For The Poor program. As their website states, 'Food For The Poor is the number one international relief and development charity in the United States, feeding 2 million poor everyday.'

Early Communion was held at the beginning of the month. The theme was the Eucharistic Presence of the Good Shepherd from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program.

On the 3rd Sunday of the month there was a Special Luncheon for the parish as they listened to those who recently went on the New Orleans mission trip speak about their personal experiences. I would simply say that is was sobering as well as moving.

Nine parishioners along with Rev. Deacon Gay went on a mission Trip to New Orleans.

Bishop Shaw visited our parish on a Saturday in the middle of the month. The Bishop had breakfast with the volunteers of the Thrift Shop and Bishop. Bishop Shaw celebrated Holy Eucharist with us, during which time he brought the children up to the altar and spoke with them. After the service, the parish mingled with the Bishop during coffee hour.

Before meeting with the vestry, Bishop Shaw made pizza with the youth group; the pizza was served as a lunch for the meeting.

On the last Sunday of the month, we held our Annual Meeting after the 9:30 AM Holy Eucharist service. New members were welcomed onto the vestry (the lay leadership of the group) and thanks given to those who finished serving.