01/01-08/08 – GCN Conference

Father David drove down to Alexandria (VA) to represent the Mission Parish at the annual conference of our ministry partner Gay Christian Network (GCN).

01/19/08 – Minor Ordination

Father David admitted Sister Carol Bolstad, MA, MATS of Dorchester (MA) into The Minor Orders during Mass at her home parish, Saint Nicholas Mission (Winthrop). Assisting in the ordination rites were Ms. Peg Bailey, Ms. Carrie Peapples, Ms. Lee Spatafore and Ms. Sandra Hutchinson as well as The Reverend Jean Marchant and The Reverend Ron Hindelang (Co-ministers of The Spirit of Life Community, Framingham). Father Donald Milligan (rector of Saint John's Episcopal Church, Winthrop) who served as Master of Ceremonies.

01/20/08 – Christian Unity Sunday

Members of The Mission Parish joined our ministry partners at Grace Episcopal Church (Everett) for the 100th Anniversary Observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.   The Reverend Barbara Smith-Moran (priest-in-residence at Grace Episcopal Church) presided.   She was assited by Deacon Gail Phillips Bucher (ELCA); Brother Iguens Felisier and Brother Ephraim Morisset (L'Eglise du Christ Haitienne, Everett, MA); our own Father David (who served as preacher); and Keyboardist Jakub Rojek, Lay Reader Beverly Faison Sneed, and Crucifer and Altar Server Kyle Sneed (all from Grace Church, Everett).

02/06/08 – Ash Wednesday 2008

Saint Nicholas Mission observed Ash Wednesday 2008 with services in Saint Luke’s Church (Malden) and in the Saint Florian Chapel (Chelsea).

February 16, 2008 – Arimathea Ministry

On 16 February 2008, Father David conducted a Funeral Service for Anthony C. Pirelli in the Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel (Everett, MA).   As we commend Anthony to God's mercy, let us also remember his family, his friends, and all who mourn his passing.

02/17/08 – Intern’s Third Sermon

Subdeacon Carol Bolstad preached her Third Sermon to The Mission Parish gathered with our friends at Grace Episcopal Church (Everett, MA). Her Ordination Council and members of the combined congregation shared a Sermon Talk-Back immediately following the Mass.

03/01/08 – Annual Meeting for FY 2007

The Annual Meeting of Saint Nicholas Ministries, Inc. to close out Fiscal Year 2007 was held on March 1, 2008.

03/16-23/08 – Holy Week 2008

Saint Nicholas Mission observed Holy Week 2008 with a full schedule of services:

Palm Sunday was observed with our friends at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church (Malden).

Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday with our friends at Saint John’s Episcopal Church (Winthrop).

05/15/08 – Decision to Reassess our Ministry in Winthrop

When Father Don Milligan announced his retirement from Parish Ministry effective June 30, 2008, the members of Saint Nicholas Mission began a reassessment of our ongoing relationship with Saint John's Parish (Winthrop). We realized that a number of the Friends of the Mission "had not been seen in years" due mostly to being unfamiliar with Winthrop and the impression that it was "so far away" from Everett and Malden. As the date for Father Don's retirement got closer the members of the Mission Parish voted to move our services to the Saint Florian Chapel (Chelsea) at least during the time of pastoral transition in Winthrop.

05/19/08 – Diaconal Ordination

Father David admitted Sr. Carol Bolstad, OJD, MA, MATS of Dorchester (MA) into The Order of Deacons during Mass at her home parish, Saint Nicholas Mission (Winthrop). Assisting in the ordination rites were Mr. James Butler, Ms. Carol Connolly, Ms. Jane Greenspan, Ms. Sandra Hutchinson, Ms. Julie Lytle, Ms. Carrie Peapples, Br. Stephen Sawyer, OJD, Ms. Lee Spatafore, Ms. Dorothy Taylor, Ms. Beth Walsh and Ms. Ruth Widerski as well as Saint John’s Episcopal Church Choir, Father Charles Moore (rector of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, Malden) and Father Donald Milligan (rector of Saint John's Episcopal Church, Winthrop) who served as Master of Ceremonies.

June 15, 2008 – Return to Saint Luke's (Malden)

Between 2005 and 2008, Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church (Malden) lost twenty-five to thirty of its members to death or relocation. Towards the end of 2007 the remaining parishioners began to realize that they could no longer sustain their former ministries. As Abraham responded to God's call to leave his home and discover a new place to call home, so our friends at Saint Luke’s embarked on a similar journey during 2008. With the guidance and blessing of Bishop M. Thomas Shaw—Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts—the Saint Luke's vestry concluded that God was leading them to find a new spiritual home. Vestry members visited six local Episcopal churches and unanimously decided that Saint John's Episcopal Church (Saugus) reflected the values and style of worship that was most similar to that of Saint Luke’s Parish. Although saddened to close their beloved church, the vestry and parishioners are nevertheless excited about discovering a new faith community that they can support with their presence and assets. The members of Saint Luke’s were also excited to learn that the same architect who built their church building also built St. John's Church and that the interior of both churches are similar.

The last regular service for Saint Luke’s Parish was held in early June. The members of Saint Nicholas Mission offered to “church sit”—so that the building would look “lived in”—and agreed to move our services there for the Summer (rather than to the Saint Florian Chapel as previously announced).   As of June 15, 2008, Saint Nicholas Mission resumed meeting in Saint Luke’s Church Malden and agreed to remain doing so until the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts came up with a plan for the property.

June 16, 2008 – Arimathea Ministry

On 16 June 2008, Father David conducted a Graveside Service for Mabel E. Moores in the Puritan Lawn Cemetery (Peabody, MA).   As we commend Mabel to God's mercy, let us also remember her family, her friends, and all who mourn her passing.

June 29, 2008 – Arimathea Ministry

On 29 June 2008, Father David conducted a Funeral Service for Joan Maloney-Winter in the Vazza-Beechwood Funeral Home (Revere, MA).   As we commend Joan to God's mercy, let us also remember her family, her friends, and all who mourn her passing.

07/01-31/08 – Deacon Carol's Summer Ministry

During the Masses of July, Deacon Carol Bolstad preached a Sermon Series based on the readings assigned in the Revised Common Lectionary.

20 August 2008 – Arimathea Ministry

On 20 August 2008, Father David conducted a Funeral Service for Norma J. Pease in the Porcella Funeral Home (Revere, MA).   As we commend Norma to God's mercy, let us also remember her family, her friends, and all who mourn her passing.

09/07/08 – Closing Service for Saint Luke's Episcopal Church

Father David shared an Offertory Reflection giving thanks for the life and ministry of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church (Malden, MA) during their Closing Service. Mission Members Carol Bolstad and Carrie Peapples served in the massed choir, Associate Member Peg Bailey served as Crucifer, and Associate Members Ragna Bolstad and Mary Murray assisted from the pews. Our friend from Saint John's (Winthrop) Dorothy Taylor—who grew up at Saint Luke's—served as organist.

10/05/08 – World Communion Sunday

The Mission Parish joined our ministry partners at Grace Episcopal Church (Everett) for the celebration of World Communion Sunday. The Reverend Barbara Smith-Moran (priest-in-residence at Grace Church) presided and Father David preached.   Assisting at the altar were Deacon Carol Bolstad; Lay Reader Beverly Faison Sneed, and Altar Server Kyle Sneed.

October 10, 2008 – Arimathea Ministry

On 10 October 2008, Father David conducted a Funeral Service for Stephanie Ann Hanafin in Saint John's Episcopal Church (Winthrop, MA); burial followed in the Belle Isle Section of the Winthrop Cemetery.   As we commend Stephanie to God's mercy, let us also remember her family, her friends, and all who mourn her passing.

10/11/08 – Twice-a-Month Study Group

Eight members, associates and/or friends of The Mission gathered in the "Presidential Room" of Jeveli's Restaurant (www.jevelis.com) for a wonderful first meeting of the Twice-a-Month Study Group in our new format. Participants at this planning session of the new “Dinner and God Talk” format included Gina and Joe, Peg, Ed and Mary, Marilyn, Carrie and Father David. A great time seemed to be had by all.

10/12/08 – Bessler Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary

Lee, Ragna, Deacon Carol and Father David joined with The Reverend Barbara Smith-Moran and the members of Grace Episcopal Parish for the celebration of Holy Eucharist on the occasion of the Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary of Associate Member Louise Bessler and her husband Herb.

10/26/08 – Field Trip to Greendale Peoples' Communuty Church

Father David, Deacon Carol and Ragna travelled out to Worcester to attend the 10:00 a.m. Service at Greendale Peoples' Church during which The Reverend Michael Livingston—Executive Director of the International Council of Community Churches (ICCC) and immediate Past President of the National Council of Churches—will preached. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the members of one of our sister ICCC congregations.

10/31/08—Halloween

Our friends from Zodi-ACK! Productions had a wonderful time passing out Halloween Candy at Father David’s residence. A non-school night, coupled with mild weather, made for a steady stream of trick-or-treaters throughout the early evening and the distribution of eleven bags of candy.   Great Fun!

11/09/08 – Blessing of the Chair

The Mission gathered in Saint Florian's Chapel for "The Blessing of the Chair" as we dedicated a new cathedra — bishop's chair — for the Rumney Marsh Diocese. Father David celebrated the Eucharist and Deacon Carol preached a sermon on "Being Prepared." Additional worship leaders for the 90-minute Liturgy included, Lee (read The Lesson and The Names), Eleanor (lead The Psalm), Peg (read The Epistle), and Carrie (lead The Prayers of the People).

11/23/08 – Founders' Day

The members of The Mission gathered in Saint Florian's Chapel for a "Mass of Thanksgiving" celebrating the 10th anniversary of their incorporation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.    Father David celebrated the Eucharist and shared about the history of The Mission (in lieu of a sermon).   Additional worship leaders for the Liturgy included, Carol (in her liturgical role as Deacon), Lee (read The Lesson and The Names), Eleanor (lead The Psalm), Peg (read The Epistle), and Carrie (lead The Prayers of the People).

11/26/08 – Annual Mass of Thanksgiving

Members of The Mission Parish gathered in the Saint Florian Chapel at 7:00 p.m. for our 10^th Annual Mass of Thanksgiving.

12/06/08 – Feast of Saint Nicholas

The Feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra—the patronal feast for both our diocese and our parish—was celebrated with a special Mass in the cathedral chapel at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Carol preaching. After the Mass Carrie, Deacon Carol, Father David, Lee, Peg, Ragna, and Eleanor continued the celebration with dinner in TGI Friday's (Everett, MA).

December 18, 2008 – Arimathea Ministry

On December 18, 2008, Father David conducted a Funeral Service for Dorothy Elva Blaisdell in the Weir Funeral Home (Malden, MA).   As we commend Dorothy to God's mercy, let us also remember her family, her friends, and all who mourn her passing.

In celebration of the birth of the Lord, we gathered for Mass in the Saint Florian Chapel at 6:00 p.m. followed by our first ever Christmas Eve Open House.

Christmas Eve Mass featured a musical program that tried to represent the ethnicities of the parish members. In addition to our traditional carols in English — “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Silent Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” – we also had a smattering of Latin and Greek — “Adeste Fideles,” “Kyrie, eleison,” and “Agnus Dei” – some ancient chant – “Only Begotten, Word of God Eternal” – some modern chant – “Glory to God” and “Psalm 96” – a modern reflection – “Thankful” by Josh Groban – two Norwegian Carols – “I am so Glad” and “Her Kommer Dine Arme Små” – two Italian Carols – “Tu Scendi dalle Stelle” and “Gesu Bambino” – Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” and the Celtic Woman version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Head Elf — Lee Spatafore — coordinated the menu for the Open House which included Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce, Norwegian Leg of Lamb, Italian Lasagna, and assorted platters of Fruits and Vegetables, Pepperoni, Cheeses and Crackers, and a variety of ethnic holiday treats including Norwegian Sand Cakes, Ginger Bread, Italian Anise Cookies, Anginettis, Cannolis, Chocolate Chip Cookies and “Thumb Prints.”