NEW BEGINNINGS #3 Youth in grades 6-8 February 17-19, 2012	New Beginnings is a unique ministry in the Diocese of Southeast Florida that shares the love of Christ with the middle school aged youth of today. In this ministry, the high school youth minister to the middle school youth. New Beginnings speaks, listens and challenges the youth of today to be positive about yourself, your family and your community. This ministry reminds them that we are all children of God, you are special and you are loved, you are more than a conqueror, and there is nothing that you cannot overcome with Christ. The New Beginnings program begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and continues until Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Activities include a series of songs, skits, films, tapes, and small group discussions. Topics such as self, friends, parents, siblings, school, God’s love and prayer are explored with talks introduced by the high school youth and adult members of the team. Location: St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church, 7801 NW 5 St. Plantation, Florida 33324 Cost is $35.00 per participant Participant Registration deadline is Feb.13, 2012 Groups of five or more participants must have a sponsor from their parish that must attend the weekend with them!  All participants must pre-register for the event, and follow the diocesan guidelines for youth ministry. The registration deadline is February 15, 2011. Youth may attend any weekend they choose during their middle school years. Parishes are responsible for all transportation to and from the weekend facility. All “Parish Sponsors” must have current “Safeguarding All God’s People” training. Contacts: Mary Cobiella – 305-373-0881, ext.29  E-mail: mary@diosef.org Pamela Sahdev - 954 802-8744  E-mail: Pamsahdev@aol.com
	Mission of the month is Shoebox Christmas 2011 and Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades: DID YOU KNOW ….. over 95% of the world’s goods are delivered across the oceans by seafarers?  Behind the gifts we may be fortunate enough to open, is the hard work of a seafarer who left home and loved ones behind to bring that gift item to our shores.  Each year during the Holiday Season, Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades works to bring expressions of God’s love to working mariners who must be away from their families for Christmas.  With the help of congregations like ours, wrapped and decorated shoeboxes filled with personal toiletry items and a calling card for that important Christmas call home are assembled by volunteers and carried aboard cargo ships and tankers.  Last year this all volunteer effort delivered over 1,800 gift boxes to ships calling at Port Everglades between Thanksgiving and New Year’s!  Seafarers’ House needs our help again this year and we hope you will join our Shoebox Christmas crew!  Students -- remember that community service hours can be earned for your involvement in the project!  Please find our collection box in the narthex or contact the office for more information.
Princess Cruises & Seafarers' House	Cordially invite you to the “Show Your Love” Valentine Luncheon Saturday, February 11, 2012, 11 am aboard the Luxurious Crown Princess. Join us as we SURPRISE our honorees during the cocktail reception and luncheon! Your information must be received at Seafarers’ House BEFORE 5:00PM on January 23rd, 2012. Please Note: TICKETS ARE $50 each and are LIMITED…this event sells out fast! Reservations must include the port security information for each guest (Drivers License Number, Date of Birth, and Citizenship information) and will be accepted on a “first come/ first served” basis. You must bring your driver’s license or passport to the luncheon with you.
	Attention all card players!  Join us for an evening a fun and fellowship and learn to play the "Hand and Foot" card game which is similar to Canasta. It is a fun game that can be played and have a conversation too.  We will be playing on the first Friday of each month. We will meet in St. Peter's Room in the Fellowship Hall at 7 p.m.  This is open to all who love to play cards and want to learn Hand and Foot or already know the game. Please bring one deck of cards per person, your beverage of choice, and a light snack, if you want.  Hope to see you in February!  Please call Kathy & John Steinbauer with any questions (954) 514-7340.
	Exercise classes are being offered here at St. Benedict’s on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1:30 in the afternoon in the parish hall. The program stems from the YMCA and a trained instructor leads the class. For more information contact Kendrick Montgomery at (305) 934-1144 or at gokrazyinc.com. You can also visit his website at gokrazyinc.net
Fundraising Breakfast	Every 3rd Sunday of the Month a different ministry will host a fundraising breakfast in the parish hall. The cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child 12 and under. Please show your support and have breakfast with us every month.
	St. Benedict’s to host health screenings that could save your life St. Benedict’s is pleased to offer preventive health screening in collaboration with Life Line Screening.  The screenings are offered on Dec. 14, 2011 at 7801 NW 5th Street Plantation, FL 33324 and test for stroke risk, vascular disease, and bone density. Call 1-888-653-6441, or visit www.lifelinescreening.com, for more information and to pre-register.