05/08/2026
Dear All Saints members and Friends,
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, one of the most highly attended Services of the year, after
Christmas and Easter.
Think about your Mom. What was the one thing she always said? What was her
greatest strength, with what did she struggle? As you remember her, what images
come to mind? What was the hardest part of motherhood for her? When was a time
she was struggling and the Lord came through for her? What is your greatest area of
thankfulness for you Mom?
Mother Mary loved her son Jesus, her tender eyes, watching him progress through
childhood, adolescence and fully coming into his own as a young man. Like every
mother, she wished to protect her child from all harm. Mother Mary is every Mother, a
complicated family portrait of joy, sadness and hope.
I can hardly imagine the cries of anguish as heavy Roman hammers drove merciless
spikes through living flesh before the eyes of those who loved him the most. How like
your Mom and mine, as we grew up in the happiness as well as turmoil that surrounds
every child.
I am reminded of the song, “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child”, especially in
these days of change, uncertainty and fear. How we long for the comforting memories
of a mother’s tender love when the family is at its best. We also remember and lament
Motherly moments when love is clouded, or seemingly extinguished by darkness.
Jesus is the lover of all souls. He especially loved his own Mother and made
preparations for her care.
Near the Cross stood his Mother, Mary. When Jesus saw his Mother there, and the
disciple whom he loved, standing nearby, he said to his Mother: “Dear Woman, here is
your son”, and to the disciple, “Here is your Mother”. From that time on, he took her into
his home. (John 19:26-27)
Remember too, Jesus ended his life with a call of forgiveness. “Forgive them, for they
know not what they are doing. There are moments when every parent is in that state!
May all families find healing and closure.
Sincerely, your fellow traveler in Christ,
Fr. Jack
PS: The coffee hour calendar has failed to get our attention of late. If you are
able, please bring something for the coffee hour table. Thank you!
Hymns:
657 Love Divine, all love excelling
L -173 Keep me Every Day
460 - Alleluia, Sing to Jesus rs 1, 3, 4.
L -170 Yield Not to Temptation
10 Mile Yard Sale May 16 - Thank you for donating books, furniture, tools and
other items in gently used condition to sell at our table. Please no clothing items.
We request drop off of items by May 8. Set up starts 6:00 on Saturday only. On
Friday we host parking and bathroom facilities. Fr. Jack and David signed up -
more helpers are welcome.
Calendar:
Sat. 5/9 Funeral - David Hart and Louise Savoy 1:00 pm Fairview Cemetery,
Harland Rd, Canaan - receptions following at the Farmers Hall, 296 Main St.
Canaan. All are welcome.
Sun 5/10 HE Fr. Jack Mothers’ Day Celebration
Fri 5/15 10 Mile Yard Sale Parking / bathroom at All Saints
Sat. 5/16 10 Mile Yard Sale - set up starts at 6:00 a.m.
Thurs 5/28 Flute Concert + Reception 5:30 pm
See you Sunday, Fr. Jack
