All Saints' Episcopal Church
Roanoke Rapids, NC
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The Messenger, October 2009 |
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I received a card from one of you that read, “Congratulations on your special day, the folks at All Saints’ joined together to stand in wonder and thanks to God in arranging this happy occasion.” I am flooded with biblical images about the passing of the torch. As we are drawn into the surprising intimacy among the disciples and prophets, the scene of my installation as your thirteenth rector signifies the passing away of the old and the embracing of the new. When I reflect on the journey that led me to All Saints’, I am reminded of the Christian mystery. As I struggled and struggled with my self-worthiness in serving with you, it became apparent that God feels differently. Christian mystery is not something to be reduced to a secret, as in something to be solved or discovered. It is not anything like a murder mystery or a mystery of scientific inquiry. Christian mystery is the stuff of revelation. Christian mystery is not hidden; it has already been revealed. The transcendent depth of Christian mystery may never be exhausted or fully grasped, but it is not hidden. That is the reality that struck me. I was searching to uncover some huge secret plan that God had for my life. No matter how hard I searched, I could not find it… By surrendering to the wisdom and power of God, I was able to focus on the mission of All Saints’ and allow myself a little grace. That is when Heaven came to me… The light shines on in the dark, and the darkness has never mastered it. (John 1:5) Christ is the light that shines for all of us, and this was so apparent during the installation. I have led numerous spiritual retreats over the years, and one thing we always stress is never to say “Thank You.” The premise is that the gifts of God are free and available to all, so a thank you is not necessary. However, today I am going to break my own rule and say, thank you. I am honored and humbled that you have chosen me as your rector. It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve with you, and, I might add, each of you have given me a glimpse of heaven…
Thanks be to God!
Dates to Note
The Messenger
The Lost Symbol Here is a suspenseful and new book full of symbolism and codes. It takes place right in our own backyard: Washington D.C.. Dan Brown once again brings a story that is full of symbolism and numerology. As he tries to decode the mythology of the Freemasons, we are introduced to a fascinating aspect of this global spiritual organization that brings all faith areas together. They believe in a Supreme being and that we are all created equal, they have high moral codes and they expect to live together in harmony. You will enjoy looking for the lost symbol…
The Anthologist This book is hard to get into, but, once you do, there is no turning back. As the character, an epic procrastinator, drones on and on about his breakup with his girlfriend, you can find yourself identifying with his feelings of despair and loneliness. He touches on the lives of other poets: Poe, Tennyson, and Rothke. This is a great literary novel.
True Compass: A Memoir This is a fascinating book that Ted Kennedy penned about his storm-tossed life. It is surprisingly poignant as he addresses the losses and loves of his life. The historical significance of his life will have an impact on our political system forever. I never knew much about the man, but I was moved by his televised funeral and, now, this book.
PAIN TOO SHALL PASS The great French painter August Renoir suffered from painful arthritis in his later years and had to strap a brush to his paralyzed fingers in order to do his creating. When friends suggested he give up painting, Renoir responded, “Pain passes but beauty remains forever.” Paul Coutinho, S.J. in Just as You Are.
RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT Anglican theologian and priest Sarah Coakley says that a quality of great leaders is that they “can put the wounds of the past behind them, without repressing them, in order for us to all move forward with grace and forgiveness.” She cites Nelson Mandela as an example. Another leadership quality, Coakley says, is the ability to remain silent the way Jesus did before Pilate. Ignatius of Antioch put it this way in his Epistle to the Ephesians: “The one who truly possesses the word of Jesus is able to hear his silence, that he may be perfect, that he may act through what he says and be known through his silence.” Interview with Sarah Coakley, faithhandleadership.com
AT PEACE WITH THE WORLD The Top Ten most peaceful countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index, are:
New Zealand The U.S. is ranked 83rd out of 144 countries; Iraq is 144th. Peaceful countries, according to the GPI, have well-functioning governments, good relations with their regional neighbors, low levels of corruption, high enrollment rates in primary education, freedom of the press, and respect for human rights. They don’t see their cultures as superior to others, they place a high value on tolerance and free speech and they believe that military action should be limited and sanctioned internationally. (The Christian Century, September, 2009.)
“Pain passes but beauty remains forever.”
 E.C.W. Chatterbox
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread:
Fighting Hunger in Our Own Backyard
Who: All – women and men,
laity and clergy – are welcome.
“Give bread to those who are hungry. Give hunger for justice to those
who have bread. Amen.”
ECW In House Projects Aluminum Cans are being collected and recycled for the Miles-of-Pennies Fund. This money will buy books for pre-school through high school children. Please rinse all cans and put them in a plastic bag before placing in the E.C.W.’s recycle bin located in the parish house. The Jars: Does your loose change rest in a candy dish or jar or is it just scattered about on the chest or dresser. Well, bring your loose change to church and donate to the Miles-of-Pennies Jar. The Jar will be in the Narthex and Parish House labeled Miles-of-Pennies. These jars were designed by Ms. Diane Sawyer. Our goal is to raise four miles-of-pennies. FYI – One mile of pennies is $844.80. Thanks!!!! All monies accepted. Soup Labels: Yes, we need Campbell’s Soup Labels. Please bring untrimmed whole labels to church and place in the basket in the Church Narthex or Parish House. Please take care not to damage the barcodes. Thank you! College Student Affairs: Attention mom and dad!! If you have a daughter or son attending college, please send their college mailing address and e-mail address to Mrs. Sandy Lehman. Both addresses will be used during the course of the school year. murphy514@charter.net
The Episcopal Church Women On Wednesday, September 9, 2009, the first Episcopal Church Women’s branch meeting for this year was a time to rejoice. The weather was beautiful, and there were thirty-three Episcopal Church women worshipping and singing His praises. The Reverend Beverly Huck, our surprise guest speaker, gave an awesome homily on the life of Lady Constance and her companions. The beautiful stole worn by Mother Beverly pictured five ladies who helped develop our role as females in the world, and she narrated their story. Sacrifices have been made and foundations lain, so it is up to us to continue to build a world for justice, peace, and love. The business meeting was filled with much information and some challenges for the year. Our program guest was Ms. Sonja Bennett, former Communications Coordinator for the Diocese of North Carolina. Ms. Bennett shared with us the reason we should take serious interest in “The North Carolina Disciple,” because it is our link to the important happenings around the diocese. Also, we were informed that the publication Episcopal Life is about to fold; therefore, our publication may have to change its format and publishing status. To close her presentation, Sonja sang “In His Plan” as a tribute to All Saints’ ladies. Her powerful voice brought chills, tears, smiles, and quiet Amens to those present. Wow, another uplifting presentation! Before leaving the sanctuary, the members played a scavenger hunt called “Check your Book of Common Prayer,” and the lucky ladies to find the surprises were Ms. Sonja Bennett, Mrs. Christina Gregory, and Mrs. Frances Hursey. Off to lunch. Have you heard? David Young is our caterer and will prepare lunch each month, assisted by the lovely Mrs. Sadie Carol Ward. Our first lunch was just delectable, and the decorative atmosphere was wonderful. As we enjoyed lunch with chatter and laughter, we played “Solve the Mystery,” an interesting brain-teaser. Winners were Mrs. Jane Deese and Ms. Joanne Parrott. The board members of the Episcopal Church Women used a lot of their energy this summer, meeting, thinking, and praying about you. From this shock-wave of brainstorming, developing creative ideas, and making final decisions, we feel we are ready for you to experience a spiritual, learning, and fun-filled time this year. Remember, every female involved in the Episcopal Church is an automatic member of the Episcopal Church Women. Hopefully, you will support all efforts made in your name by saying, Yes, I will give, participate, and share with God’s help. See you Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at eleven o’clock, and bring a friend. Looking forward to serving you this year. God’s peace, Patricia A. Barnes, President ECW
EYC Schedule for October Sunday, October 4: This weekend, several of the high school youth and I will be out of town for the diocesan Fall Youth Event and return late in the afternoon. If, however, at least three people want to come to EYC, we will hold a meeting with dinner that evening from 6 until 7:30. Sunday, October 11: We will travel to St. Andrew’s in Rocky Mount for Messy Games Night, their yearly tradition. The fun begins with dinner at 5:30, followed by games. We will leave All Saints’ in the church van promptly at 4:40 and return at 8. The games will be very messy, so youth need to bring a towel and a change of clothes. Sunday, October 18: We will meet for dinner and programming from 6 until 7:30 in the Parish House. Sunday, October 25: We will meet for dinner, discussion, worship, and pumpkin carving from 6 until 7:30 in the Parish House. Saturday, October 31: We will meet early in the evening to worship using the All Hallows' Eve Service from The Book of Uncommon Prayer. Time TBD.
Fall Bazaar and Food Fair. Please be thinking of what you might prepare, and, in some cases, prepare now. I would love to get an idea of the food items that we will have for sale. Please give me a call and we can communicate on this matter. Ruthie 537-9278. We want lots of items with a good variety. See below for some ideas.
Specialties Needed for Bazaar and Food Fair Crafters: If you sew, paint on glass, plastic, wood, glue items, make jewelry, stationery, cards, tee shirts, blankets, fall/Christmas flower arrangements, pocketbooks, Christmas items, crochet, knit, needle point, etc., now is the time to get busy and donate your God given talents to the community. If you are having a “mental crafters block,” please contact Sarah Davis or Susan Hodge for suggestions and be sure to let them know your craft donations. Please be willing to help with the fall and early Christmas shopping. Magic Chefs: If you have the magic touch with the spoon and mixer, please dust off your cookbook or turn on the food channel and begin deciding your gourmet contribution to the food fair. If you enjoy or will bake lemon bars, cookies, cakes, breads, casseroles, candy, pies, etc., “go for it”. We will need condiments: jelly, mustard, pickles, pickled squash, relish, etc. Don’t forget one dish meals, soups, sauces, pasta salad, slaw, etc. If you are experiencing a “mental cooking block”, please contact Ruthie Gregory or Sadie Carol Ward. Please be willing to stock our shoppers’ pantries and freezers with delicious holiday treats. The Vintage Boutique: This boutique will house wedding dresses, bridesmaid’s dresses, prom dresses, cocktail dresses, evening bags, and tuxedos. If you have any of these lovely garments hanging in your closet or packed in the attic, please clean them up and give to The Vintage Boutique room. You may be helping a teenager or an adult attend a formal dance or prom, or giving a bride the opportunity to experience an enchanted day. If you have friends with these garments, ask them to donate to a worthy cause. The Estate Room: Have you received gifts that did not complement your décor? Have you up-graded to a more twenty-first century look? Well, I have just the room for those now packed away items. Sets of dishes, glassware, stemware, flatware teapots, tea/coffee cups, pewter and silver trays, lamps, jewelry, pictures, painting, vases, figurines, and jewelry boxes will need to be available for our shoppers. As you begin your Fall House Cleaning, please think of the items suggested and donate to the Fall Bazaar and Food Fair. Special note!! Please, please do not bring any items to the church for storage. A date will be posted when to bring your wonder items for the Vintage Boutique and The Estate Room.
Meditation for Fall The seasons of spring and summer with all their flowers are gone. Now we enter the season of fall. Think back for a moment to those flowers- to the daffodils of spring and the roses of summer. What purpose do they serve? In the plan of creation, do flowers provide shelter, or heat, or food? No, they just exist. The only reason for their existence is to give us pleasure. Why would God, who made the sun and moon, expend energy on flowers unless He loves us? Think now of autumn, and the changing colors of the leaves. Couldn’t all the cycle of nature the cycle of rest in winter and rebirth in spring occur just as surely if the leaves simply turned and fell from the trees? Instead the leaves turn all the colors of flame and fill the air and carpet the ground with beauty. Why? Why does this happen unless it is meant to delight our eyes and do lift our hearts? The trees sing of the glory of God. Look at them and know that God loves you.
SERVERS for October Ushers Jack Barber, Bill Hodge, and Tom Wellman Altar Guild Sally Hardison and Wendy Baker St. Frances Guild Patricia Barnes and Betsey Moncure
Lectors Chalice Bearer October 4 Frances Hursey Julian Gardner October 11 Inez Gardner Joanne Parrott October 18 Sally Hardison Summerlee Walter October 25 Frances Hursey Julian Gardner November 1 Inez Gardner Julian Gardner
Lectors Chalice Bearer October 4 Mary Wellman Patricia Barnes October 11 Tom Wellman Sarah Davis October 18 Cary Whitaker Richard Thiele October 25 David Young Morning Prayer November 1 Jack Barber Summerlee Walter
Lay Readers October 4 Jim Lee October 11 Deedie Moncure October 18 Summerlee Walter October 25 Patricia Barnes November 1 Scott Barber
Acolytes October 4 Shiloh Burch, Nathan Davis, Gabby Rooker, Kathryn Moncure October 11 Hall Mebane, Stewart Mebane, Gage Vanheel, Brooke Vanheel October 18 Garrison Gordon, Sam Barber, Rebecca Gordon, Emma Barber October 25 Hayden Singh, Ella Carter, Edward, McGilbra Cutchin
October Scripture Readings Proper
22 October 4, 2009
Sign Up Sunday On Sunday, October 11th, we will have our annual “Sign Up Sunday.” Please bring food suitable for a light lunch. Our different ministries will be featured and each chairperson will be available to answer any questions concerning each committee. Please make every effort to come on Sunday, October 11th. If you are not able to come on that Sunday but would like more information or to sign up for any particular committee, contact Vickie in the parish office at 537-3610.
Kiosk · Mitchell Gold, Author/Editor, CRISIS speaks on “Growing Up Gay in America” Monday, October 12 at 7 pm at the Nash Arts Center (100 East Washington Street, Nashville, NC—office has directions.) Mitchell Gold is a successful businessman and editor of the book CRISIS: 40 Stories Revealing The Personal, Social and Religious Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America. This Discussion is especially meaningful for educators, social workers, church leaders, elected officials and parents.
· Below
is a list of Diocesan related events for our convocation for the month
of October. Thank You Notes Received · Thanks to everyone that helped make Sunday, Sept 20th a day to remember. It was a wonderful day. · The staff, families and children of System of Care/Families Supporting Families sent a thank you expressing their appreciation to All Saints’ Outreach for the donation of snacks and juices. The contribution provide snacks for their summer cultural Arts Camp, Music Camp and Academic Camp.
ALL
SAINTS’ EVERY MEMBER CANVASS It’s time again for All Saints’ Every Member Canvas. This effort provides major funding for our financial needs for the coming year. Pledge cards will be mailed to our membership in the next few weeks. We have placed one in this publication for your convience. Please prayerful consider your pledge for 2010.
All Saints’ Episcopal Church 2010 EVERY MEMBER CANVASS IN RESPONSE TO THE MANY BLESSINGS RECEIVED FROM GOD. I (WE) DESIRE TO SUPPORT MY (OUR) CHURCH DURING THE COMING YEAR AND PLEDGE AS FOLLOWS: FOR 2010 GENERAL FUND $ __________WEEKLY, OR $ __________MONTHLY OR $ __________ANNUALLY NAME: _____________________________________________ ADDRESS: ___________________________________________
DATE:
________________
St. Francis of Assisi October 4 is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis, the son of a wealthy clothing merchant, publicly confronted his father, renounced his wealth, and devoted himself to service to the poor. Under his leadership, the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans) formed, and they lived their lives literally to subsist according to Luke 9:3 ”take nothing for your journey and receive nothing for your work.” St. Francis had a spirit of happiness and gratitude for everything in God’s creation. St. Francis of Assisi day has traditionally been the day to bless pets and other creatures that Francis considered to be an essential part of God’s creation. Sunday, October 11th, we will bless the animals as part of our worship. If the weather is bad, we will bless and celebrate in the Conference Room. Bring your lawn chair, dress warm and bring your pet for worship and a blessing!
Music and Liturgy Notes With November 1 falling on a Sunday this year, we have the possibility of a long weekend that focuses on Christian saints, those known and unknown, living in the next life and, for many of us, this life as well. We also have an opportunity to come together as the family of All Saints for an additional celebration. The first of these days, Halloween, originated among ancient Celtic tribes of Ireland and the British Isles who celebrated their New Year and the coming of winter on November 1st. On the night before, they observed a festival of their Lord of the Dead who allowed spirits to return to their former homes. Such ghosts and goblins could be frightened away by people wearing masks and costumes and by lighting bonfires. Eventually the night became somewhat Christianized as All Hallows’ Eve or “Holy Evening,” shortened to Halloween. It was supposed to be a period of preparation for the next day - All Saints’ Day. All Hallows’ Eve is not on the official Episcopal Church calendar. However, in the Church’s Book of Occasional Offices there is a form for an All Hallows’ Eve service complete with recreational possibilities. The second day - All Saints’ - had its roots in the 4th century and by the 9th century was commemorated on November 1st. The day originated as a commemoration of Christian martyrs, known and unknown and evolved to give thanks to God for the lives of all Christians who have passed to the next life. Among many today it is evolving further to encompass “saints” in its New Testament usage as including all believers living in this life and the next. In this interpretation, All Saints’ Day is a celebration of the fellowship of the entire Church, those who went before and those present, Christians no longer remembered, contemporary Christians famous and unknown, and each one of us– every one a saint in the New Testament sense. The third day, the feast of All Souls’ Day, was in place by the early 900s to help worshipers purify the souls of the dead through magic-like prayer. Thankfully it is not on the Episcopal Church’s calendar. It was permeated with superstition and soundly rejected by the Reformers. However, as a matured extension of All Saints’ Day, the inclusion of the day as a “Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed” provides an optional, extra focus on our own deceased, if one wants to observe such a day without the superstitions connected to its All Souls’ origins. In addition to these celebrations, All Saints’ Church’s Name Day is on All Saints’ Day. Normally a church’s name is determined by its founding on or near a particular feast day, so a Name Day celebration is something in the way of a birthday party. In preparation for such a double feast, the choir is planning special music to heighten the grandeur of the day. Please plan on joining us for the excitement on November 1.
Saints’-On-Wheels 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. Usually once a month we take a trip on the church van. Please call Vickie at the church office (537-3610), if you wish to go. The cost per trip is $10 to cover gas. Snacks, drinks, and bottled water will be provided. Meals, admission fees, and other personal purchases are extra. Parents must accompany their children.
Next Trip: Thursday, October 22nd
We’ll leave the
Parish Office around
8:30 a.m. We
plan to visit several wineries in the Charlottesville area.
November Travel with us to the showroom of Southern Supreme. This has become an annual tradition. We will eat lunch in Sanford and then head to the factory. Their fruitcakes are the best; they are more like nut cakes.
Their website is:
December
Get into the spirit of the holidays by touring our local area to see Christmas lights! See displays of both the tasteful and the not so tasteful. We’ll meet at the Parish House at 7 p.m. for a warm up. Space is limited so please call to reserve your seat, for this the most popular tour of the year. There is no charge for this one.
Satisfaction guaranteed.
Outreach Notes The second Sunday in October is Outreach Sunday. We would like to use the loose offering to purchase school supplies for the children at the Mission of the Good Shepherd in Belize. They appreciated our help in the past and have sent us artwork from the children. I'll post them in the Parish House. If you have ideas for Outreach projects, please share them with a member of the Outreach Committee. Consider becoming a member as we gear up for a new year. Mary
 Dear Saints’, “All I have and all that I am are gifts from God.” I saw this statement recently in a Diocesan stewardship workshop article and thought it beautifully summarizes the many gifts that we both give and receive in this life. To emphasize this thought, “The Gifts of All Saints’” was chosen as the theme for this year’s stewardship campaign. We will be celebrating our many blessings at this year’s stewardship celebration scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2009 in the Parish Hall. Pledge cards will be available or will be mailed to those who cannot attend. And do we have a lot to celebrate!! In the last year our church has: · Built an addition to the Columbarium · Hired a director for Youth Ministry · Increased our Outreach efforts and commitment to the community · Erected a brand new altar · Purchased a new chalice, paten and ciborium in order to accommodate our growth! · Hosted a wildly successful Vacation Bible School · Seen an increase in the number of new people coming into the church. · Had fun and celebrated our fellowship with such events as Mardi Gras, Lenten lunches Pentecost, ECW, Brotherhood, The Daughter’s of the King, field trips and dinners. · We are working to Improve our property by repairing our roofs, oiling our steeple, adding a beautiful portable organ, installed the old altar, upgrading our kitchen with two new stove tops and two new ovens, and extending our welcome through and a new and improved web page. · Restarted our Eucharistic Visitor ministry to share communion with those unable to come to church. · Stretched our welcome by holding services outside by the columbarium (Blessing of the Animals). · Received a great pledge total in 2008 which is helping us to meet all our financial obligations, even in the face of one of the worst recessions in recent memory! · The list just seems to go on and on – reminding us of all the gifts available through God’s abundant love. · Come help us celebrate on Sunday, October 11, 2009, and join the other “Saints of All Saints’“ at “In-gathering Sunday” on October 25, when we will offer our gifts to God.
With faith, love and gratitude,
Each one of you has received a special grace, Grudge giving says, “I have to.” Duty giving says, “I ought to.” Thanks giving says, “I want to.”
Altar Guild News
The All Saints’ Altar Guild is a dedicated group of men and women whose primary mission is to prepare and maintain our sanctuary for use by God’s family. They prepare for regular Sunday worship services, celebrating communion every Sunday. They also prepare for Lent, Easter, Christmas, Baptism, wedding, and funeral services, as well as other special events. Their service makes our worship meaningful. We are fortunate to enjoy the assistance of a faithful Altar Guild membership. More than 15 members serve on the Altar Guild on a regular schedule or as alternates. We continue to appreciate the ongoing efforts of members who prepare and care for the altar. Each member who serves on the Altar Guild is committed to this service. We appreciate their gifts of time and warmly welcome any and all members of All Saints’ who are interested in joining this group. On October 11th, Sign – Up Sunday, there will be a sign-up sheet for the Altar Guild. I encourage you to sign up and experience for yourselves this wonderful and meaningful ministry.
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