Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.  Isaiah 43:18, 19, 25

I have been reflecting about how special summers are to me and how they have shaped my life.  After Easter, I always hit a low point in my spiritual life and summer seems to revive me as I take the time to look at things in a new way.  This formation is the new found warmth of the gentle sun, the inviting water, the lush green foliage, and the presence of family and friends.  Each new summer brings new things and it is always a challenge as to how I will embrace the differences and changes.

It seems that our lives are shaped by events.  For my grand-parents generation, it was World War I and the Great Depression.  For my parents, it was World War II and the Korean War.  For my generation it was the Vietnam War, the explosion of the “me generation,” and Rock n’ Roll.  For today’s generation, (Gen X) it is the age of technology and yet another war.

One of the things that shaped the generation of Israel was the Babylonian Exile.  This was when the Babylonians attacked Judah and destroyed the temple and walls of Jerusalem.  This calamity was seen as God’s punishment against Israel for all her iniquities against God.  After about 50 years, the judgment was over and they were able to return home.  God promises the exiles a safe return home and then promises to forget their sins as the Israelites are set apart as God’s chosen people.  The people are chosen to be the light and revelation of love to the world.

Each of us, like Israel, is held captive.  We are held captive by situations that we cannot control and by sins and mistakes that we have committed.  It can be anything from the loss of a job, to a move to a broken relationship or an injustice for which we nurture resentment.  When we are in captivity, we are held hostage to remembering and living in the old ways.  It is impossible to embrace the new and move on.  When this happens, we need to be rescued.

God says, “I am about to do a new thing in your life, regardless of your sins and mistakes and regardless of your situation.”  God has forgotten our past.  Through the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ our sins are forgotten and we become new people with a bright future that is full of hope and promise.  God does not want us to be held hostage in the past.  We are called to shape our own lives as we move on toward our journey of faith.  Life is too valuable and precious to be held hostage.  God, in Christ expects us to live a better life, a more abundant life.

Just remember, that Christ is doing new things in each of us.  Let us take the time to see how these events shape our lives.   My prayer for each of you this summer is that you may be released and feel free to embrace some tree, some rain drop, some relative or friend in a new way that will shape your life forever.

May God continue to bless and keep you,

Margie

Dear members and friends of All Saints,

As spring and school calendars come to an end and summer commences, many of us get distracted with the numerous activities of the warmer season.  Let us remember those in need and less fortunate by continuing to contribute to our food pantries by way of food or monetary donations.

Please remember on Saturday June 7^th our youth are sponsoring a yard sale in the Parish House.  Proceeds will benefit youth activities so let’s support our youth!

Included in this Messenger you will find an insert of a survey that we would like completed and returned by July 15^th.  This survey is to upgrade the records we currently have on file as we want them to be current for the new computer program we are currently installing. It also helps me compile the annual Parochial report that must be sent to our diocese.  On the reverse side of this form you may list your activities within the church. If there is an activity in which you would like to be included please note that as well.

We are compiling a new pictorial church directory and, in lieu of our hiring a photographer as we have in the past, we are requesting that you email to Vickie or submit, by mail, a photo you have on file to be included in this directory. You may see Susan Hodge or Betty Harris who will take a digital photograph of you and/or your family for the new directory should you not have a recent photograph and want one included.

I, personally, would like to thank all of the members and friends of All Saints church for supporting me this past year.  I hope all of you have a wonderful summer and I look forward to catching up with you again in The Messenger in August.  Until then I will see you on Sundays.

Prayerfully,

Bob

Robert J. Burke
Senior Warden

Nixonland: The Rise of a President
and the Fracturing of America
By: Rick Perlstein, Scribner, 2008

President Nixon has been slated in history as creating a cultural division that we will probably never outgrow.  It started in college when he was elected student body president and pitted the outsiders against the insiders.  During his tenure as vice president, he attacked the elitist groups, stating that he was an average struggling middle class American.  In the later 60’s he coined the term, “Silent Majority” by once again creating a division between two kinds of Americans.   Nixon also had a lot of good attributes, but his goal was to attain the presidency and nothing would get in his way.  Sadly, he will always be remembered for his resignation in 1974.  But there was a lot more to President Nixon and his legacy than his fall from grace.  This book is extremely well written and I was surprised at how much I didn’t know about Richard Nixon.

Abraham’s Curse: The Roots of Violence
in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
By: Bruce Chilton, Doubleday, 2008

The author, an Episcopal priest, divides religious history into three sections as he gives us a look at violence in the Bible.  The first section is the sacrifice of Isaac, the second is the martyrdom during the Maccabean era and ending with death of Christ.  Christian fundamentalists, as well as those in the Jewish and Muslim faith, believe in sacrificing people rather than facing their own uncertain truths.  Chilton closes the book with this phrase, “Any voice that calls us back to the mount of human sacrifice, in whatever form it takes in its myriad of disguises, is not God’s.  It is time for us, whether believers or not, to come down to the place of promise, where we can see that no moral value attaches to sacrificing any human life for any cause, with the possible exception of one’s own.”

Days of Infamy
By: Newt Gingrich and William Forstechen

This book explores the aftermath at Pearl Harbor. This is a book that is full of action.  It looks at what might have happened if Admiral Yamamoto, who was a hard line Japanese leader, had led the attack on Pearl Harbor.   Gingrich gives us a deep look at the psychology of war and the dynamics of sporadic raids versus pounding attacks that last for days or weeks.  This is a great study of command and doctrine.  It was interesting to note how the personalities of war leaders play a large factor in war strategies.  This book is a must for veterans and history buffs.

Reviewed by Margie

Episcopal Church Women

The weather cleared up for our annual picnic and Ann Boyd Smith’s place was lovely.

I am sorry that  more of you did not attend. We had a most enjoyable evening  and the food was delicious. Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality Ann Boyd.

The new officers for the up coming year are Peggy Barber (Sec. of Christian Education), Betty Pearce (Sec. of Christian Social Ministries), Sandy Lehman (Sec.of College Work), Margie Musgrove (Sec. of Missions and CPC), and Frances Jones (United Thank Offering Treasurer). These positions are for a term of 2 years. Sadie Carol Ward has been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Food Administration. We have generally had installation the first Sunday in June however most of the new officers will not be in town so we will do this at a later date.

I have learned that boxes for CPC miles of pennies are available and we will be getting some in so if you would like one you may ask at the office or talk with Margie Musgrove. They will be good reminders and collection site for those pennies at home.

Keep the Campbell soup labels, Box Top$ and empty pill containers coming in to the Administration Building and the Parish House. Let’s fill up those baskets.

Let us tell the good news and celebrate the mysteries of salvation so that our part in Christ’s life is renewed and we are sent to share that life with all people.

Sisters in Christ,
Ruthie G.

 
Church Periodical Club

To those of you who generously donated to the CPC, give yourself a high “5”.
We collected $567.50 toward our assistance for our missionaries.
Margie Musgrove

· Fundraiser for Kelly Singh—Contact parish office to sign up to purchase a framed color photo of our beautiful church.  ($10). The loose offerings on June the 8th will go toward the Kelly Singh Fund.

· The Summer Schedule will began June 1st..  We offer an 8 am and 10 am service, with no Sunday School.

· During the summer months we will be working on a new pictorial directory.  If you have a family photo that you wish to use, email it to the parish office.  Or ask Betty Harris or Sue Hodge or anyone with a camera to take a picture and send to the office.

 
St. Francis Guild News

The St. Francis Guild is an outgrowth of Christian Social Relations which is an office in the ECW.  It is a group of parishioners who visit, send cards or take food as needed.  Peggy Barber is Chairperson of this group and has asked that cards be sent to the following.   The committee for the month of June is Sally Hardison, Julian and Inez Gardner.  The committee for the month of July is Liz Thiele and Katie Green.

Special Note:  If anyone has hospital items, such as portable toilets, wheelchairs, canes, etc… please let Vickie know in the office so we can share these items.  As well, if you are in need of any items contact Vickie so she can help locate items in need.

 If you know of someone who would like to be contacted or visited by this group, please call Peggy Barber at 537-6368 or Vickie.

· Let us give thanks for the marriage of W. G. and Leslie Smith who wed on May 31, 2008..
Make their lives together a sign of Christ’s love to this world, that they may be blessed with unity and strength as they live together in love and fidelity with care for one another.  Amen.

· Kelly Singh sends her thanks for all the prayers, cards, calls and thoughts that have been sent her way.  She wants everyone to know how inspirational all the cards have been to her, please continue to send them. (note new room #) UNC Hospital, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC  27514 Room # 6235 (919) 966-2650)  Please know your calls are needed and that she can only be contacted by calling her room, as her cell isn’t receiving calls.   Also, te Second Sunday offering will go towards the Kelly Singh Fund.

The newly-minted Episcopal Church was founded during a time of Evangelical fervor and disdain for the Catholic traditions of liturgy.  But in the mid-1800’s, as part of the Oxford Movement (begun in 1830’s by John Henry Newman, author of the Via Media or the “Middle Way” between Catholicism and Evangelicalism), the Anglican Church began a liturgical renaissance, reaching back into the “early church” for liturgical traditions.  These traditions included more eucharistically centered worship (moving away from the sermon as the focal point of the Sunday service), the clergy and choir wearing traditional vestments, and reintroducing the chanting of the psalms and the singing of the ordinary of the Eucharist—Kyrie or Gloria, Sanctus and Benedictus, and Agnus Dei—as we do today.

In 1866, Presiding Bishop John Henry Hopkins urged that a wide variety of ritual usage should be permissible in the church. Later, beginning with the 1892 BCP, the Episcopal Church officially endorsed a more liturgical service, with many churches reintroducing “smells and bells” (or “high” church uses of incense and Sanctus chimes), and allowing individuals’ making of the sign of the cross.  Our church was built in the 1920’s and reflects this liturgical resurgence.  We have a rood beam (“rood” is the Celtic word for cross) above the chancel and a high altar, for example.  Our altar window, added in the 1930’s, features a saint (Cecilia, traditionally the patron saint of music) instead of a depiction of Jesus, along with the symbols of the great sacraments of the Church —the font and the chalice and host.  Those items central to Evangelical worship—images of the Bible and the Ten Commandments—are given a much smaller presence above the liturgical symbols.  A more traditional Evangelical depiction of Jesus is reflected in the window over the west entrance of the Nave.

The diverse worship styles used in today’s Christian churches reflect the diversity of our modern society.  For example, there are traditional movements afoot in the Catholic Church to restore the Tridentine Mass said by the priest in Latin, reversing Rome’s attempts to make the Mass more accessible over the last 50 years.  Meanwhile, other mainline Protestant churches have rediscovered liturgical traditions such as the imposition of ashes, foot-washing, and regular communion.  The United Methodist Church has recently “suggested” that their churches should celebrate Communion every Sunday, and the formats of the Methodist and Presbyterian worship services contain identifiable elements of the early mass such as creeds and confessions.  At the same time, other Protestant churches, primarily those identifying themselves as Evangelical or Pentecostal, have moved as far away from the traditional liturgy as possible, centering worship on preaching and congregational singing, and their services are not recognizable as having come from the liturgical traditions of the early church.

The Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church have continued their liturgical  renaissance into the 21^st Century, although modern Episcopal churches have made the Eucharist more accessible to the people by bringing altars out into the chancel or even into the nave, among other innovations.  The Episcopal Church’s Web site states, “Today we attempt to strike a balance and follow the example of the earliest Christian centuries and of the great Reformers, as we obey Christ's command, ‘Do this for the remembrance of me’."  This is the “via media” in 2008.

Blandford Church, built in 1735, features 15 exquisite Tiffany stained glass windows honoring the states that provided soldiers for the Confederate army.    The Ladies Memorial Association of Petersburg organized the church’s restoration campaign, soliciting funds from each former Confederate state for the creation and installation of a stained glass window in memory of the Confederate soldiers from that state. Louis Comfort Tiffany's studio was commissioned to design the fifteen memorial compass windows.   Each of the large windows contains the image of a Saint and symbols associated with the Saint. The four smaller windows were designed to complement the larger ones. The Ladies Association will provide a guide for our tour of the church and the surrounding cemetery. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children under 12 and seniors 60 and older. For more information, visit the website:

*Bring a sandwich; drinks and chips will be provided.
*Departure time from All Saints’: 11 a.m. or immediately following the 10 a.m.
service.  Return by 3 p.m.

Enjoy a visit and tour of the Cole pottery and a shopping stop at North State Stoneware in Sanford.  We’ll lunch in Sanford before we make our way to the Pee Dee Peach Orchard near Rockingham where we’ll find peach ice cream made right there at the orchard as well as a variety of peaches for purchase.  Visit these websites for more information:

*Bring money for lunch, snacks, and purchases.
*Departure time from All Saints’: 9 a.m.  Return by 8 p.m.

Nearly 400 carved decoys from 1872 to 2008, beautiful Audubon bird prints and natural bird specimens only skim the surface of ArtDuckO: Waterfowl Culture in North Carolina, an exhibit at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. ArtDuckO brings together 150 years of waterfowl culture ― from decoy carving, art and fashion to market hunting, hunt clubs and conservation efforts — into one fascinating exhibit. Admission is free.

*Bring money for lunch at an Irish Pub in downtown Raleigh.
*Departure time from All Saints’ parking lot 10 a.m.  Return by 4 p.m.

What’s next?  September:  Lighthouses of the Outer Banks (Corolla, Bodie, & Cape Hatteras)  October: The Winery at Iron Gate Farm, Mebane, NC (http://www.irongatevineyards.com/ )

Present: Bob Burke, Tony Short, Joanne Parrott, Scott Barber, Ralph Ingram, Henry Moncure, Bill Pierce, Bill Hodge, Cary Whitaker, Fletcher Carter, Billy Green

Absent: Mary Wellman

 Lighting of the Christ Candle and Devotion

 Approval of Minutes –Amendments to make:

Pastoral Care – Kelly Singh, Ida Bowers

Mission and Vision Statements – Vestry members will look over and get back thru email with Margie on any changes etc..

 Sr. Warden’s Report – Bob Burke

Deedie Moncure will retire the first of June after 30 years being the Treasurer of All Saints’.  *Motion by Billy Green to purchase a gift up ____, seconded by Tony Short.  Money to come from the General Fund.  Passed unanimously.

Looking for a volunteer to replace Deedie

Will set up new system of paying bills, collecting money and making deposits once we update the ACS financial program and find a new treasurer to pay the bills etc..

· Jr. Warden’s Report – Tony Short

Replaced base board
Dishwasher needs repaired – looking for a repairman
Plumber put vent in commode in church – fixed our problem.
Church basement was flooded when we had a big rain. – Observed 2 leaks in church and one in parish office building.
Started Cleaning Gutters on Office Building, but discovered moss growing on top, need to use Clorox to clean it off.
Been tightening up the wooden chairs in the parish office.
Removed Niche Cover in columbarium – Sharon Ringenbach.
Saints’ on Wheels – first trip was great.

Old Business

ACS Program – Will take 30 – 45 days to convert to new system.

St. Luke’s planned for Pentecost.

Columbarium Cost –The guy that built the existing columbarium has moved. Bob has someone else that is going to stop by soon and give an estimate for the addition needed.

Lehman Fund Discussed.  Music Committee needed, Fletcher Carter volunteered to chair that committee.  Margie will speak to Chris Lehman

Church Safe Training- Held on Monday, April 28 – 29 people attended.

Roach/Moss Wedding coming up.

Mary Ales Welbaum visited the parish office – Came to pick up Stole that belonged to Craig.

Concern on how to document projects, events and or donations.  Discussion followed.

Submitted by Vickie Irby  (Motions are in bold with * - Financial Reports are available in parish office.)

Child’s Name_______________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name ______________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

 E-mail Address _______________________________________________________________

 Phone Number    Home ___________ Cell ____________ Work ____________

Date of Birth ___________ Age ____________________

Last school grade completed __________________________

Home Church ______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

 Name ___________________________ Phone ____________________________

Name ___________________________ Phone ____________________________

Name (s) of person (s) who may pick up this child from VBS

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Surfer Group________________________________

Any parents helping with BEACH PARTY: SURFIN’ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES VBS? _____

If yes, where? ________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________ has permission to walk and/or be transported from First Presbyterian Church to T.J. Davis Recreation Center from June 22-26.

________________________________________
(parent signature)

________________________________________
(date)

Please remember to pickup any dishes you may have left in the parish house.

Thanks, Jan

The Garden Guild is giving a Gold Star Award to the following people  for their hard work on Yard Day, May 31st.

 Clarence and Dee Coburn
Miles and Ruthie Gregory
Sally Hardison
Shannon Jarchow
Kathy Rector
Tony Short
Richard Thiele