The Messenger, May 2009

This has been a hard month for all of us.  We have had two deaths, one life cut tragically short and one life blessedly long.  Hope is one of the hardest things to define in the world.  The dictionary isn’t much help.  Paul says that hope is the assurance that nothing in this life is the final end.  It reaches back in faith to what Jesus did on his cross and at the resurrection, and it reaches forward in trust that we have a future in God.  To many, this may seem like an idle statement or old-time religion with little substance.  But when it is all said and done, as an anonymous writer put it so succinctly centuries ago, “Those who live in the Lord, never see each other for the last time.”

 Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play says this about life: “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”  Everywhere we turn, this attitude of despair more and more infects our consciousness like a disease.  It is an unavoidable issue, and sooner or later all of us are forced to ask ourselves, “What does it mean?”

 The truth be told, we can’t explain it.  In the face of death and loss and tragedy, we do not look to the things of this world for comfort, for there is not comfort or hope in this world; rather, we look for God’s love more and more.  This is the Easter answer to a death.

 If there is an answer to the problem of suffering, it is this: that for most of us, the worst thing that can happen is not to suffer without reason but to suffer without God.  All other pain pales next to the pain of divine abandonment.  The Bible shows us time and again that God does not abandon us.  When there is nothing left, when all the flocks have been stolen and all the children have been buried, when there is nothing left but a long stick to scratch our sores, what is still left is the God of all creation, who laid the foundation of the earth, who has walked in the recesses of the deep, who has made everything that breathes.  This is the Lord of all life, who never runs out of life, and whom we may always ask for more.

 Questions, more than answers, often take us further along the spiritual journey.  The questions are words of hope for us, too.  Even when we, in the midst of death, are unable to have faith in the ultimate trustworthiness of God’s realm, there is hope for us as we walk the journey of increasing faith.

 When we live in our Easter answer, we find that if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Romans 8:25).

 May the Lord continue to bless and keep you.

 Your faithful servant,
Margie

God of all mercies, lift your good servants, Henry Spruill and Jay Hardison on eagles’ wings beyond all earthly cares.  From your heavenly reign, please watch over all your children through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Time Flies!
Jim Lee

Church musicians are doubly cursed and blessed.  Even though we are a part of so many special moments throughout the church year, we can’t sit back and savor them; we have to be looking forward to the next season or service.  For example, at the same time that we have just completed a wonderful Easter weekend, I realized that I have just completed my fifth year with you at All Saints.  I don’t know where the time has gone, and at the same time I don’t seem to remember a time when I was not part of this wonderful family.  But this seems like a good time to thank you for everything that you have blessed me with the last five years.

Thank you for your patience.  I came to All Saints at a time of transition and since that time we have had a number of different choir configurations as choir members have come and gone.  Transitions are a natural part of the life of a church and a choir, but I appreciate that every Sunday so many of you express your appreciation for the choir’s contributions to our worship service whether we are a big group providing challenging music or a small group performing more simple fare.

Thank you for your understanding.  Since I have arrived we have increased the variety of hymns we sing every Sunday by about half again, and this expansion of our hymnody has added immeasurably to the depth of our worship experience.  I know that some of the hymns I have introduced have not always been warmly received, but some of them have become familiar favorites, too.

Thank you for the opportunities you have given me in my spiritual growth.  I want to especially thank Mother Margie for her encouraging me to become a lay preacher and the congregation as a whole for your warm reception for my preaching.  And writing an article for the Messenger every month makes me search my heart and flex my brain even harder.

Thanks to the choir members who have served so faithfully not only during my time here but for years before my incredible appreciation for their sacrifice of time and contribution of talent.  (By the way, we always have room for a few more!).  And many thanks to Judith, without whom nothing musical would be possible.  She has been my Jiminy Cricket in guiding me with her experience and wisdom, and we have almost developed mental telepathy in planning, adjusting, and performing.  I could not ask for a better colleague.

When I look back on my five years with you, memories of so many special moments come flooding back.  But recounting those will have to wait for some other time.  Right now I am too busy planning for so many wonderful moments we will create together in the future.  As my summer hiatus begins in June, I will be evaluating music for the fall and Christmas as time continues to fly.

Unable to make Church on Sunday?

Well, now you can catch Margie’s sermon via the sound waves!!!

Her weekly sermon will be broadcast on Sunday mornings at 10:45 am and again on Sunday evenings at 9:45 pm on WEZU 95.9 FM, which is a local public radio station.

For the sake of outreach, we are trying to help those that may be homebound and unable to attend church be able to hear Margie’s sermons.  Please help spread this wonderful new ministry to all that may not be able to attend church every Sunday.   If anyone is in need of a radio, contact the parish office.

Episcopal Church Women

I thank everyone who helped with the Convocation meeting on the 21st of April. I received this note from Dr. Linda Jobe, dated April 23^rd.

Ruthie,
Thank you and the women of All Saints’ for organizing a lovely meeting for the Rocky Mount Convocation, April 21^st.
I especially appreciated you offering to host the meeting early in the fall.
Everyone who attended was impressed with the beauty of the whole church and the great spirit of hospitality that was displayed by All Saints’ members.

God bless you,
Linda Jobe

I, too, felt that everything went well and it was a good gathering.

On Sunday, May 3rd, we will have the annual CPC (Church Periodical Club) Ingathering, and on Tuesday, May 12th, we will have our annual picnic at Rev. Dr. Holm’s home at the lake. We can meet at the parish house at 5:30 and ride together. The event is scheduled for 6 pm.  I hope to see you there. Good food and fellowship; ECW’s last gathering of the church year.

The Spring UTO Ingathering will be on Sunday, May 24^th.

On June 7th, the officers for the next term will be installed at the 11:00 am service.

Sisters in Christ,
Ruthie G.

  
Directions to Margie’s place

Take 10th Street to Thelma Road, continue straight onto Thelma Road, turn right into Edgewater Subdivision, go to the end, turn left onto Windsong Drive.  Her home is on the right side, look for the brick entrance to her driveway, the address is 336 Windsong Drive.  (Otium Sanctum) Home phone is 535-5357.

Outreach

The second Sunday in May is Outreach Sunday, and we plan to make a special Mothers’ Day donation to the Penick Village.  It is a ministry of our diocese whose mission is “to create a loving community by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.”  They seek to deinstitutionalize the aging experience, and our contribution will assist those whose resources are inadequate for tcare in their later years.  If you want to learn more about the Penick Village, go to www.penickvillage.org.  We hope you will give generously on May 10th!

The Annual CPC (Church Periodical Club) Ingathering will be Sunday, May 3rd.

CPC—dedicated to the Ministry of the printed word throughout the world, supplying reading, study, reference, teaching and devotional materials FREE to those who cannot otherwise obtain them.

The Spring UTO (United Thank Offering) will be on Sunday, May 24th.

The United Thank Offering is a ministry of the Episcopal Church that provides a way for men, women and children to give daily thanks to God with a sense of gratitude.  The discipline begins at home by placing coins in the "Blue Box."  Every coin is used to support grants for mission and ministry.

Garden Guild

We hope to get together the morning of  Saturday, May 23rd.  We will meet at the back of the church about 9:00 am and would love for as many of you to join us as possible, even if you only give us an hour.  If you cannot come at 9 am, do come anytime that morning.  We will have goodies in the kitchen at the parish house for a late breakfast or break and I am open for suggestions for what you would like. We have had coffee and peach tea as beverages in the past.  Would you like orange juice?  It would be nice if you bring clippers and maybe a little hand shovel (trowel). We have lots of little trees.  Any gardening equipment you feel may come in handy will be beneficial. See you on the 23^rd.

Thanks,
Ruthie G.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
 
 June 21 – 25, 2009
5:30—8:00 pm

 This year All Saints’ will be hosting Vacation Bible School with the First Presbyterian Church.  Lori Gowen is the coordinator.

The theme is Camp E.D.G.E.
Experience
Discover
God
Everywhere

CAMP E.D.G.E. takes children to an extreme adventure camp where they Experience and Discover God Everywhere! CAMP E.D.G.E. Vacation Bible School is not your typical stroll through the woods.  It's an action-packed, adrenaline-filled expedition that teaches kids their strength and might come from God.  Through rockin' contemporary music, larger-than-life recreation games, and cool, challenging crafts, you'll show your kids how to live on the E.D.G.E. in their faith. CAMP E.D.G.E.

· God is with me. I will stay close to God.

· God guides me. I will follow.

· God teaches me. I will learn.

· God loves me. I will love God and others.

· God sends me. I will go.

The Schedule

5:45 pm—6:30 pm Dinner
6:30 pm—6:40 pm Mission
6:40 pm—7:00 pm Music
7:00 pm—8:00 PM Classes and Crafts

Come and share your gifts!
We are looking for volunteers to help with teaching, music, cooking, crafts, and fellowship

 Please give Lori  a call at 535-3424 if you would like to participate and support our Vacation Bible School.  You can also email (allsaintsrr@embarqmail.com) or call the parish office at 537-3610.

Saints’-On-Wheels Schedule

Saints’-On-Wheels provides an opportunity for church members and friends to explore God’s creation….the beautiful world around us… with fun and fellowship.  You can get to know some really cool people….your fellow Episcopalians!  Please call Vickie in the church office at 537-3610, if you wish to go.  If you need to be picked up, let her know.  We need at least 7 people to go; if not we should cancel.  Cost per trip will be $10 to cover the cost of gas.  Meals, drinks, admission fees, and other personal purchases of course will cost extra. Parents must accompany their children.  Trip ideas are welcome.

Hillsborough Visit Saturday May 16^th

We will leave at 9 a.m. and visit Hillsborough.  They will be having their Downtown Hillsborough Spring Sidewalk Sale.   In conjunction with that is the Spring Garden Tour, and the Downtown Merchants along Churton Street and King Street will showcase sale items along the sidewalks. Many of these items will be related to gardening, plants, cooking, and springtime. The Spring Garden Tour will be 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 16th.

http://www.historichillsborough.org/calendar/
 

 Thursday, Jume 11^th
J.C. Raulston Arboretum and the Farmer’s Market
Raleigh

We will leave at 9 a.m. and stop at the Farmer’s Market.  You can buy whatever is seasonal.  Afterwards we will have lunch at their restaurant.  Then we will go over for a visit to the Arboretum. www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh  www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum

The Day of Pentecost

Breathe on me breath of God;
Fill me with life anew …
Edwin Hatch, 1835-1889

Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  We can look at examples of Old Testament history and remember that God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7) and into the Valley of the Dry Bones (Ezekial 37:3-6). 

 The Day of Pentecost celebrates the birth of the Christian Church – it marks the day when Jesus' disciples felt the Holy Spirit come upon them and empower them to tell Jesus' story to the world.  Red, the color associated with the Holy Spirit and tongues of fire, is the color for this Feast Day.

 The season after Pentecost is the sixth and final season of the church year.  This season is also referred to as ordinary time.  The Season after Pentecost is also the longest season of the Church year.  It begins before summer and ends at the end of November or the beginning of December in Advent.  During the season after Pentecost we recount the stories of Jesus' life and ministry.

The color for the Season after Pentecost is green, appropriate for the season of growth.

The Prayer of the Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy his consolations. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Pentecost Service and Lunch
Margie and Richard Holm’s Home
Sunday, May 31, 2009
11:00 am

Bring your favorite covered dish, hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided.  If it rains the service will be at All Saints’ Church. See directions under the ECW article in this Messenger or call the office.  No Sunday School.

Ascension Day

Ascension Day is the occasion on which the risen Christ is taken into heaven after appearing to his followers for forty days (Acts 1:1-11, Mark 16:19).  It is celebrated on a Thursday on the 40^th day of Easter, or 39 days after Easter Sunday.  This year, Ascension Day will be celebrated on Thursday, May 21^st.

Ascension Day is one of the earliest Christian festivals dating back to the year 68 CE.  In the New Testament, we have been reading about Jesus meeting with the disciples during the 40 days after his resurrection.  The appearances of Jesus were to help instruct the disciples to carry out his teachings.   It is believed that on the 40^th day, he took the disciples to the Mount of Olives, where they watched as he ascended to heaven.  It is the final elevation of his human nature to divine glory and the near presence of God.  The Ascension is affirmed by the Nicene and Apostles Creeds.

Ascension Day signifies the end of the Easter season and occurs ten days before Pentecost.  The liturgical color is white and different symbols include the ascending Christ, birds flying homeward, open gates, a lion conquering a dragon , Elijah’s fiery chariot and a broken chain.

Readings for the Month of May

The Fourth Sunday of Easter                                May 3, 2009
Acts 4:5-12 –                              Peter’s defense before the Jewish council.
Psalm 23 –                                  The Lord is my Shepherd…
I John 3:16-24 –                        We should lay down our lives for each other.
John 10:11-18 – The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

The Fifth Sunday of Easter May 10, 2009 (Mother’s Day)
Acts 8:26-40 – Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Psalm 22:24-30 – Dominion belongs to the Lord.
I John 4:7-21 – When we love God, we must also love others.
John 15:1-8 – As living branches of the True Vine, we are to spread the Good News.

The Sixth Sunday of Easter May 17, 2009
Acts 10:44-48 – Cornelius, the Centurion has a vision to summon the Apostle Peter.
Psalm 98 – Sing to the Lord a new song.
I John 5:1-6 – We know that we are God’s children by loving and obeying the commandments.
John 15:9-17 – Love one another as I have loved you. 

The Seventh Sunday of Easter May 24, 2009
The Sunday after the Ascension
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 – Peter declares the need to replace Judas
Psalm 1 – Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked.
I john 5:9-13 – Eternal life comes in knowing Jesus.
John 17:6-19 – The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus.  Jesus prays for his disciples’ protection and unity after he has ascended. 

The Day of Pentecost May 31, 2009
Acts 2:1-21 – With wind and tongues of fire, the Day of Pentecost is upon us.
Psalm 104:25–35,37b – When the Lord sends the spirit, God’s creation rejoices.
Romans 8:22-27 – Our hope lies in what is not actually seen, but in what is anticipated.
John 15:26 -27; 16:4b-15 – Jesus promises that his spirit will be with them after he is gone.  This promise is fulfilled in our reading from Acts. 

Trinity Sunday June 7, 2009
Isaiah 6:1-8 – The call of the prophet Isaiah.
Psalm 29 – A nature poem that speaks to the glory and might of God.
Romans 8:12-17 – Paul gives us the image of God as our adoptive parent.
John 3:1-17 – The story of Nicodemus – a seeker of the truth.

Sally and Bill Pierce extend their most sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks for your friendship, kindness, and many tributes to them during the past days, since the death of their beloved grandson, Henry.

Please continue to keep them and their family in your prayers.

 Lucy and Wayland Spruill
206 Crescent Drive
Windsor, NC  27983

lucyspruill@gmail.com