Lent, Holy Week and Easter

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1 Spring Edgewood Drive, Charleston, WV A diverse family of faith, sharing in God s love, participating in ministries and inviting all. Lent, Holy Week and Easter Episcopalians celebrate Lent "by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word." (BCP, p. 265). St. Christopher offers opportunities for us to fulfill this call. Our sanctuary reflects that we are in Lent, with purple sashes over the crucifixes. During worship, we are reminded of Lent with the powerful absence of the alleluias, as well as the Lenten messages from Pastor Melissa and the readings. The St. Christopher Fellowship Committee is helping us to live out our call to fast. With this program - Eat Beans and Rice - we are called to both fast and give alms. Congregants were given beans and rice and asked to prepare a simple meal one evening during the upcoming week. Then they were asked to calculate what they saved by not preparing a full course meal, and to donate the amount of savings to the St. Christopher Fellowship Committee to re-stock the pantry and freezer in the church kitchen. Additionally, St. Christopher is offering a Lenten Study Program, focusing on the Book of Revelation using Conversations with Scripture: Revelation by Frederick Schmidt. This program is held on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:00 with a simple supper and concluding at 7:45. This program began February 25 and runs through March 25. 3/ HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SUNDAY Sunday of The Passion: Palm Sunday Palm Sunday Service Palm Sunday Service Special Music Program 4/1 Holy Wednesday Stations of the Cross 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 4:00 PM 12:10 PM 4/2 Maundy Thursday Service 7:00 PM 4/3 Good Friday Stations of the Cross (Lunch will follow the Service) Good Friday Liturgy 4/5 Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Sunday Services Holy Eucharist (Nursery Care) Holy Eucharist (Nursery Care and Sunday School) Noon 7:00 PM 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 1

2 Dr. Sonya Armstrong Receives Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship On January 26, 2015, the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) notified Dr. Sonya Armstrong that she was awarded a Fulbright award to the Slovak Republic. The FFSB is the presidentially appointed 12-member Board responsible for supervising the Fulbright Program worldwide and approving selection of all Fulbright recipients. The Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries, and it is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. As a Fulbright grantee, Dr. Armstrong will join the ranks of distinguished participants in the program. Fulbright alumni have become heads of state, judges, ambassadors, cabinet ministers, CEOs, and university presidents, as well as leading journalists, artists, scientists, and teachers. They have been awarded 53 Nobel Prizes.The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, which oversees the operations of this Program throughout the world, joined the Board in congratulating her. The Fulbright period will be from February to July, Dr. Armstrong will be in the Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Matejbel, very similar to her position at WV State University. The first step in the application review process involved going through peer review by the United States Fulbright board. Then the board forwarded her application to the European Fulbright board which made the selection. Lastly, the university was selected. Dr. Armstrong s superior academic credentials, work with different cultural groups, focus on inclusion, expertise in teaching individuals with autism, and hosting exchange students all served to enable her to shine as a star, and to rise up as the clear choice for this Fulbright award. Dr. Armstrong thanks all the people who encouraged her, especially Dr. Michael Anderson and Kelly Merritt, who assisted with last minute edits. Sunday School Presents Christmas Pageant On Christmas eve 2014, members of the Sunday school presented a Christmas pageant at the four o'clock service. The performance featured a narration of the events of the very first Christmas by Pastor Melissa, with various scenes of that first Christmas dramatized by members of the St. Christopher Sunday School. Below are scenes from the performance. Carolyn Tillman 2

3 Greetings from Pastor Melissa Dear Sisters and Brothers of St Christopher, Good News! Spring is around the corner and we enter into it as Christian Community via Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Holy Week and Easter events. Re-living the story of Holy Week and Easter year after year can either be just another year or a year of important spiritual growth. I have always referred to the season of Lent as an opportunity to really focus on Spiritual Fitness. I mean why can t we put a strong emphasis on spiritual fitness like we do spring training for team sports? What is really more important for our lives in the long run? How might we as individuals and as a parish family discover Lent, Holy Week and Easter as an opportunity for spiritual growth? Most of you have expressed an interest in the topic of the Book of Revelation against the backdrop of our modern day world. Revelation or Apocalypse means unveiling. Do we read it as a guide to how the world will end? After all we are experiencing the destructive and scary effects of severe fires, pestilence, earthquakes etc. Or, do we read it as a writing that points to a reality that defies and escapes all of our scientific gauges and finds expression in symbols and visions? A book that attests that every moment of human history, even the most desperate moments that cause people to lose hope, reveals that God is present, and has the final word and action in Creation! From Conversations with Scripture, we will read Book of Revelation by Frederick Schmidt. This should be a great opportunity to have important discussions on the progress of our faith journey as we explore this fascinating book from the Bible and how it relates to modern day life. Also, let us not forget the profound opportunities for growth and understanding when we attend the special services during Holy Week starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Morning. The journey from the Liturgy of the Palms in which we welcome Jesus into our lives with joy and hallelujah s to the crucifixion of Jesus upon the Cross teaches us again how fickle and cruel we can be if we are not careful. From the crucifixion on the cross to the miracle of the Resurrection of our Lord on Sunday morning, we learn that we do not have the power over life and death; ultimately God has that power and we are called to be constructive servants of God for the sake of peace and good will toward all people. Maundy Thursday always focuses on the Last Supper and the last Commandment, which is a profound opportunity to learn the meaning of Jesus call for all people to love one another as Christ loves all of us, in order to do our part to help mend a broken world. Yours In Christ, Pastor Melissa 3

4 Celebration of New Ministry The Right Reverend W. Michie Klusmeyer, Bishop of West Virginia, institutes the Reverend Melissa Remington as Rector of St. Christopher Episcopal Church on April 23, The Vestry called Pastor Melissa to serve as its Rector and she accepted the call in December Treasure Box with Poppy King Ron Poppy King engages the children and youth in a homily during Sunday services. There is always something exciting in St. Christopher s Treasure Box. New Vestry and Delegates to Convention At the Annual Meeting in January, the membership elected the following individuals to Vestry: Mike Anderson, Fred Chiles, Katherine Paybins and Shirley Starkey. Also, the following individuals were elected to be Delegates for Convention: Dr. Sonya Armstrong and Bill Rainey. Dr. John L. Fuller and Preston Browning shall serve as alternates. Fellowship Committee Thanks to all who have brought such a diverse selection of dishes. The Treasurer also thanks you for providing our Sunday dinners. Please continue to mark your calendars for the following Sundays, to bring a dish, set-up and clean-up: 1st Sunday - Everyone, except Vestry and Choir 2nd Sunday - Folks with last names beginning with A - J 3rd Sunday - Vestry + 1/2 the Choir 4th Sunday - Folks with last names beginning with K - Z 5th Sunday - Men. Tish Lawson. Planning Team The Planning Team has met and is ready to proceed with the information gathering phase of their discernment. The members are: Pastor Melissa, Lloyd Miller, John Yeary, Paco Cuadra, Megan Grose, John Skaff, Afton Myers, Chris Dew, Wynn Young, Katherine Paybins, and Dave Milam. See photo of the last meeting s attendees. The Planning team members have been assigned interview teams to meet with the current committees. These interviews will be held over the next 6 weeks. Please enthusiastically receive these interview teams to assist in the planning of St. Christopher s Growth and mission. Lloyd Miller. Facilities Assessment Team The Facilities Assessment Team reports no new activity on the sale of the former All Saints property. We have scheduled a storage organization day for Saturday February 28 from 10 till noon. Representatives from Fellowship, Sunday School, Altar Guild, and FAT should be present. All are welcome to participate. We have also scheduled a Holy Week grounds clean up day for Saturday March 28 form 9 till noon. All are welcome to participate. Lloyd Miller. 4

5 West Side Information WCHS-TV and West Side Main Street, Inc. held two meetings in January. These meetings were designed to bring West Side citizens and businesses together with WCHS-TV, West Side Main, Inc. and City of Charleston officials to share some of the good things and bad things happening on the West Side. Hopefully this will lead to problem solving and implementation of new programs to help our community to become a better place to live and work. At the West Side Neighborhood Association meeting those attending were informed that a $ grant for West Side projects had been received. Officers from the Charleston Police Department presented two programs they were working on. One of the programs is to help people who have been incarcerated and are being released to be re-introduced in positive ways back into their communities. The other program is to help children whose parents have been arrested and taken from the home by informing the child's school of the situation. The school staff would participate by "taking the children under their wings" and helping them through the trying situation. More to follow. Bill Pile. After School Tutoring and Enrichment Report St. Christopher s after-school tutoring and enrichment program began its fourth year in November The planning began in August with school personnel at the new, beautiful Edgewood Elementary. We reviewed results of test scores to discern what weaknesses needed to be addressed and began gathering appropriate materials and developing strategies for our November start date. We have several constant volunteers and at least four are in attendance at each session (Tuesday and Thursday). We have six students who come both days. We begin each session with a prayer and a snack. Their attendance has been excellent and we are able to give them lots of one-on-one tutoring twice a week. We have been told by the staff and parents that improvement is evident. Thank you to volunteers: Carolyn Tillman, Elaine Chiles, Dr. John L. Fuller, Shirley Starkey, Marcia Van Hook, Tish Lawson, Judy Pratt and Gail Higgins who prepare the snacks and tutor. Also, thanks to the van drivers: John Yeary, Wynn Young, Bill Dew, Preston Browning, Mike Anderson and Joe Redd. You are helping us to reach out and make a difference on the West Side. Lauretha Kellum and Juanita Cook, Co-Directors. Paul Lawrence Dunbar Second Avenue Neighborhood Center At the direction of the Rector, efforts have been made in the last few months to understand how and where St. Christopher parishioners might more effectively involve themselves on the West Side of Charleston in order to make a difference for the community of which St. Christopher is a part. Conversations with a variety of West Side folks led us to the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Second Avenue Neighborhood Center, a block away from the Mary Snow Elementary School and just a mile from St. Christopher. The Neighborhood Center is a second home for many of the neighborhood children after school during the week, and dinner is prepared there by volunteers every school night for fifty children after they are tutored. On Monday nights, mentoring of boys and girls takes place. There is a Boys to Men program and a Sisters to Sisters program. Volunteers assist with this effort as well, talking through conflict resolution, the importance of making a good impression, problems in disrepecting others, dealing with negative stereotypes and vocabulary, holding each other up and positive peer influences, to name a few. St. Christopher volunteers have joined in beginning in January to help with providing a home cooked dinner once a month, and also with the mentoring experience. It has been enriching and enlightening, we are making new friends, and our efforts seem to be appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering, check with any Vestry person and we will point the way. Deborah Rodecker 5

6 Important Milestones and Updates on our Members Pam Snead was featured in the January 2015 Spotlight on Educators: Pam Snead, the principal at Weimer Elementary is the elementary principal in the spotlight this month. Pam began her career as a teacher, spending many years at Dupont Middle School, Belle Elementary and Kenna Elementary. Pam is a very caring individual and desires the best for her staff and students. She monitors all aspects of the school and has high expectations for everyone. As a principal, Pam has done lesson plans for teachers, modeled lessons and has attended professional development sessions right beside her teachers. Under her leadership, Weimer Primary was a pilot school for Achieve3000 and currently is piloting ST Math. She is a true curriculum leader in her building. Pam learns about each program and assessment in order to be able to assist her teachers in their implementation of these initiatives. She is proactive and is not hesitant to tackle difficult issues. Member Spotlight Helen Purdy All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten. This was the message that Helen Purdy delivered for 16 years to the young men of Lambda Chi Alpha at Louisiana State University. As House Mother, Helen taught the boys leadership and supported them by attending all of their parties, dining with them Monday through Thursday, and living with them in a small apartment within the fraternity house. Helen has three children, and lives with her daughter and husband here in Charleston. She was born in North Carolina and began her college career at the old Wake Forest and graduated from UNC at Chapell Hill. Helen worked in Girl Scouts and soon became a Hospital Recreation Worker for the National Red Cross. She worked two years in Okinawa and Japan and visited the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Viet Nam. In between, Helen has been a realtor, bank teller and in sales - she loves being with people. She is an avid reader and enjoys her book club and attending the Shepherd Center. Although born a Southern Baptist, Helen visited the Episcopal Church as a young woman and fell in love with the prayer book, which drew her to join the church. Helen s current favorite TV show is Blue Bloods and appreciates Tom Selleck s good acting. Dave Milam As the youngest of three, Dave grew up with his mother, Mary, playing and recording music. Beginning in the 4th grade in the sleepy little river town of New Martinsville, Dave played the trombone in the band. He continued as a bandsman throughout school and college at Fairmont State. Majoring in music education, Dave started his career as a Junior High School Band Director. After a while, Dave joined the Army Band in Fort Drum, NY, which is a light infantry division. In addition to being a trombone player in the band, Dave was a 60 gunner and provided security around the DE-TOC, which was the General s Command Center. Later, Dave joined the Army National Guard Band and served with the 249th Army Band in Fairmont/Morgantown and then the 122nd Army Band out of Columbus, Ohio, retiring in Dave s love of camping originated with family trips to upstate NY, in a camper his father, Ed, built. In addition to fly fishing, Dave spends his time making beer and wine, when he isn t at work as a Senior Disability Examiner. Dave met Sallie, the love of his life, in 2004 and they married in Fiji in 2008, combining their households, including their cats. After growing up American Baptist, he has been attending the Episcopal Church since 2005 and hopes to be confirmed at St. Christopher soon. Dave wants to thank everyone for their friendship and support over the past few months as he has been recovering from a knee injury. The love and community has been amazing. 6

7 ! March 2015 ST. CHRISTOPHER - SPRING CALENDAR Sun 1 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 2 Worship Planning Meeting 6:00 PM Parish Hall Tues 3rd Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Tues 3rd Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Wed 4 Lent Program 6:30 PM Parish Hall Thurs 5 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Sat 7 Creative Memories Scrapbooking 9:00 AM Parish Hall Sun 8 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 9 Vestry Meeting 6:30 PM Parish Hall Tues 10 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Tues 10 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Wed 11 Lent Program 6:00 PM Parish Hall Thurs 12 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Sat 13 Creative Scrapbooking 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Parish Hall Sun 15 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 16 F.A.T. (Facilities Assessment Team) Meeting 6:30 PM New Classroom Tues 17 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Tues 17 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Wed 18 Lent Program 6:00 PM Parish Hall Thurs 19 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Sun 22 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 23 Communications Meeting 6:30 PM New Classroom Tues 24 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Tues 24 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Wed 25 Lent Program 6:00 PM Parish Hall Thurs 26 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Sun 29 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II - Palm Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Tues 31 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center 7

8 ! April 2015 ST. CHRISTOPHER SPRING CALENDAR Wed 1 Stations of the Cross 12 Noon Main Sanctuary Thurs 2 Maundy Thursday Services 7:00 PM Main Sanctuary Fri 3 Good Friday Services 7:00 PM Main Sanctuary Sun 5 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II - Easter Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 6 Worship Planning Meeting 6:30 PM New Classroom Tues 7 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Tues 7 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Wed 8 Vestry Meeting 6:30 PM Parish Hall Thurs 9 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Sat 11 Creative Scrapbooking 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Parish Hall Sun 12 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Tues 14 Mary Snow Enrichment Program 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Tues 14 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Thurs 16 Mary Snow Enrichment Program - Last Day 2:00 PM 4:45 PM Resource Center Sun 19 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 20 F.A.T. (Facilities Assessment Team) Meeting 6:30 PM New Classroom Tues 21 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Thurs 23 Celebration of New Ministry with Bishop Klusmeyer as Celebrant 6:30 PM Main Sanctuary Fri-Sat 24 Stewardship Conference Flatwoods, WV Sun 26 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Tues 28 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center! MAY 2015 Sun 3 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 4 Worship Planning Meeting 6:30 PM New Classroom Tues 5 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Sat 9 Creative Scrapbooking 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Parish Hall Sun 10 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Tues 12 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Wed 13 Vestry Meeting 6:30 PM Parish Hall Sun 17 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 18 F.A.T. (Facilities Assessment Team) Meeting 6:30 PM New Classroom Tues 19 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Sun 24 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary Mon 25 Communications Meeting 6:30 PM New Classroom Tues 26 Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Resource Center Sun 31 Holy Eucharist Rite I & Rite II Sunday Services 8:00 &10:30 AM Main Sanctuary 8