INDEED! HE HAS RISEN!!
Dear Parishioners,
The joyful praise, “Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!” will be sung and proclaimed throughout the Easter Season. The readings of the Easter Vigil began with the story of creation in the Book of Genesis and concludes with the powerful story of the New Creation through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Joy of the Resurrection means – Life is stronger than death. Good is stronger than evil. Love is stronger than hate. Truth is stronger than lies. Easter is the feast of the new creation. Jesus is risen and dies no more. Jesus won for us the ability to enter into this New Creation and to reclaim the Image and Likeness to God which was once lost by our first parents. He has opened the door to a new life, where we joyfully proclaim, “Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!”.
Even though the 40 days of Lenten Fasting feels as if it hasn’t ended with the continued effects of the COVID-19 virus and the Shelter-in-Place mandate still in effect, one day, like the Easter celebration of the Resurrection, we too will move from 40 days of Fasting from the old way of life to the joy of Feasting on the new way of life in Christ.
The litany BELOW “From Fasting to Feasting” eloquently gives us hope in the time of distress by describing the fruits of this Easter Joy.
Together with Fr. Anthony, Deacon Charles, and our Pastoral Staff, we pray that this Easter season be a time of renewed Joy of being true disciples of the Risen Lord.
Easter blessings,
Rev. John L. Poncini
***
P.S. Many people have asked me if I know of ways to help our brothers and sisters who are in need during this COVID-19 pandemic. My staff has assembled a list of different ways to help our local community–presented below.
P.P.S. Please note the items marked with a (*) are not parish programs. St. Nicholas & St. William are only providing a connection between a need and a volunteer and is not responsible for the service or interaction between the two and can accept no liability and provides no warranty for any service provided.
From FASTING to FEASTING!
Fast from judging others; feast on seeing the best in people.
Fast from despair; feast on hope.
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from biting words; feast on encouraging others.
Fast from discontent and taken-for-granted; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from hostility; feast on peacemaking.
Fast from looking for differences; feast on what we have in common.
Fast from resentment and grudges; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from excessive activity; feast on moments of reflection.
Fast from disrespect; feast on recognizing the scared in all life.
Fast from selfishness; feast on serving others.
Fast from severity; feast on compassion.
(Adapted from W.A. Ward, Assembly)
We believe in the power of prayer!
St Nicholas & St William Parish has a dedicated team of parishioners who believe in the power of intercessory prayer and pray daily for the special intentions of others. Praying for others allows us to put faith into action and recognize God’s grace working through us. If you would like our Prayer Team to pray for you, send us your prayer intentions online:
Join Our Prayer Team
We invite registered parishioners to join the St Nicholas & St William Parish Prayer Team! Our Prayer Team members make a commitment to opening prayer request emails in a timely manner and to pray for the intentions received each evening. If you feel called to unite with us in prayer each day, if interested, please join the Prayer Team by clicking above.
Cops & Gobblers Mission *
The Cops and Gobblers program was started in 1997 by the Mountain View Police Officers’ Association to provide food for less fortunate families in the community at Thanksgiving. Given the current circumstances created by COVID-19, there is incredible need in the community and Cops and Gobblers has initiated a program to provide 600 $50 Safeway Gift Cards to families that are struggling. Those cards will be distributed in partnership with the Community Services Agency, the Police and Fire Departments, and other community organizations. Following that, we will work to do a second gift card distribution in late April or early May.
Please go to the website for more information on how you can help, be it a Gift Card Donation or Hygiene Kit
Parish Buddy Connection List
Could you use a “buddy” to help you pick up groceries? Are you a parishioner looking to be a disciple of Christ now by helping others beyond sheltering-at-home? At St. Nicholas & St. William, we are working to help you make these connections.
You can sign up for the Parish Buddy Connection List for help or service two ways: call us at 650-948-2158 or signup online at this link.
Grocery Runs *
Hi! We’re a group of LAHS seniors who are available to get groceries/essential items to anyone in the area that can’t leave the house. This is completely free of charge – except for reimbursements of the groceries.
Please click to fill out the form. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
What about donations? – MANY WAYS!
Our parish’s mission relies upon the generosity of our parishioners.
Here are a few ways you can support the parish:
Our office (while closed to the public) is still working. Please feel free to mail your envelopes or check to: 473 Lincoln Ave. Los Altos, CA 94022.
If you are not a regular online giver, please prayerfully consider becoming one. We offer both one-time and scheduled giving. Click Donate Now to access our on-line giving portal.
Easter Blessings,
Rev. John Poncini