Harmony. December at a glance. Table of Contents. December St. Andrew s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Ministry

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1 Harmony December 2017 St. Andrew s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Ministry Holiday Service Schedule Sunday, Christmas Eve Services 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) 4:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II; Children s Choir (Church) 8 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) Monday, December 25, Christmas Day 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) Sunday, December 31 8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Chapel) 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) December at a glance 12/6 Advent Evening Prayer, also on 12/13 and 12/20 12/9 Community Open House & Mini-Market 12/11 Early Music Concert 12/13 Racial Justice & Reconciliation 12/13 Las Posadas Table of Contents News and Events P. 3-4 Sunday Mornings P. 4 Worship Announcements P. 5 Children & Youth P. 6 Fellowship Announcements P. 7 Parish Notes P. 9 Stewardship/Finances P. 10 The season of Advent is about much more than simply waiting for Christmas. It is a season of reflection and mystery, of looking forward to the Lord s return, when a world that seems upside-down will be turned, in the words of our Presiding Bishop, rightside-up. Advent is also a season to proclaim justice, which also means speaking honestly about the reality of sin and injustice in today s world. We sing for Emmanuel to come and ransom captive Israel. We seek the comfort that Isaiah offers, and the promise of return to a state of grace. And we are promised in the words of the Magnificat that the Kingdom of God will be a place of true justice and equity, that God has scattered the proud in their conceit, has cast down the mighty from their thrones, has lifted up the lowly, and has filled the hungry with Good things. A number of folks at St. Andrew s have been discerning, over the past 18 months or so, how St. Andrew s can become the place of transformation and reconciliation envisioned in the Magnificat, perhaps the favorite of all the canticles. They have recognized the particularly urgent need for American Christians to engage in the hard work of racial reconciliation, not out of any sense of politeness or propriety but because we are called to be healed of anything that separates us from God. They have recognized that we all have much to learn, much to heal, and much joy to discover in the holy work of racial reconciliation. This emerged out of conversations that apparently happened during my sabbatical (the best things sometimes happens when the rector is away, no?) led by the continued p. 2 1

2 Continued from p.1 there has also been great conversation about the Rev. Audra Abt, Joe Stultz, Hepsie Roskelly and Joe Graves after Hepsie and Joe led an adult formation class. They then asked, how do we continue this important conversation? This led to the creation of St. Andrew s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Ministry (RJ&R). The RJ&R began with a series of sessions on storytelling: where realities of a culture - from the north to the south and all points in between where we have not been the people that God has called us to be. The conversations have been intimate, in-depth, and respectful. They are what I imagine Christians who love one another and who seek communion are particularly called to have together. have we encountered racism, where have we been made Doing our Work session at St. Andrew s on memories of desegregation, Spring 2017 Something very special is happening in this ministry, aware of power we do or don t have because of the color of our skin? They did some initial work with Joseph Barndt s book Becoming the Anti- Racist Church: Journeying towards Wholeness. They hosted citywide workshops on race-based federal housing policy, and on the memories of and I hope you ll consider being a part of it. The monthly sessions are on Wednesday evenings. On December 13 at 6 p.m., we will gather in the Parish Hall to discuss The 13 th, a film that is available on Netflix. We hope you ll choose to join us! desegregation in Greensboro. They are shaping This is important, holy work, and it isn t complete without you. Wherever you may be on this a faithful path of formation, education that we hope will lead to understanding and action, at a journey, our conversations are enriched by your personal level and in the communities where we participation and presence. This is not like anything I ve seen in church life, and frankly we live and work. The RJ&R now led by Joe Stultz and Joe Graves (we call them Joe 1 and Joe 2 but you have to attend the sessions to know which is which) is now in its second year and discerning where God is taking it. We have experienced rich Sunday Morning formation sessions on the legacy don t have a map. But I know one thing: this is something that will help St. Andrew s to grow as a community of discipleship and transformation. We can be agents of healing, of God s grace. It begins with holy conversations, and a willingness to be the Body of Christ. of confederate monuments and on Christian My Soul Proclaims the greatness of the Lord! Just War theory. We had a midweek session on My spirit rejoices in God my savior the myth of the Lost Cause that led a postconfederate culture to downplay the role of slav- The Almighty has done great things for me, And holy is his Name. ery in the Civil War, and its impact today. In each session, there has been lots to learn. But BJ+ 2

3 News & Events Christmas Eve Services We look forward to seeing you on Christmas Eve at St. Andrew s! This year December 24th falls on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, which means that there will be lots of church that day. We will celebrate Advent IV in the morning, but will condense our usual morning schedule to one 10 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist. That means we will cancel the 8:30 a.m. service. In the evening, we will celebrate Christmas Eve with our usual 4:30 and 8 p.m. services of Holy Eucharist. Because we have Sunday morning services as well, we will not have a late night service this year. We will, however, offer a Christmas Morning service at 10 a.m. The Rev. Audra Abt called as the Vicar of the Church of the Holy Spirit, We are thrilled to share the news that our former Assistant to the Rector, the Rev. Audra Abt, has been called as the Vicar of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Greensboro. As you know, Audra has served as the Greensboro Area Missioner for several years, cultivating and leading latino ministries in Greensboro and assisting emerging congregations throughout the Diocese. For the past few years, St. Andrew s has been one of several churches offering financial support for Audra s ministry, which also received substantial support from grants and Diocesan funds. Audra s new call comes after a period of discernment with the Diocese of North Carolina and several Episcopal churches in northeast Greensboro. Her work at Holy Spirit will complement rather than replace much of the work she has already be- gun, and though our 2018 Budget is still in process the Vestry intends to continue to support Audra and our companions in ministry at Holy Spirit through annual financial assistance. This is great news for Audra, and really great news for Holy Spirit, one of the unique and vital congregations of the Episcopal Church in Greensboro. We are grateful for the opportunity this gives us to remain connected to our diocese and our city through Audra s ongoing work. Las Posadas: A Latin America Advent Tradition, Offering Sanctuary & Holy Welcome See page 8 for more -Las Posada is for ALL ages and abilities, and coming in costume for the Nativity is indeed welcome -Dress according to the weather to be outside from 6-6:15 p.m. -Please bring a potluck dish to share for a celebratory meal that will follow the service Las Posadas is an Advent tradition that remembers the Holy Family seeking refuge in Bethlehem as Jesus was being born. We will celebrate with a bilingual service that includes an outdoor procession, Advent and Christmas carols from different cultures, prayers, and reflections on the Scriptures and the broader theological meaning of Sanctuary as it relates to the Incarnation and our call as Christians. We will then share in a potluck feast with Juana Ortega, living in Sanctuary at St. Barnabas, and with other friends and people of faith. 3

4 News & Events cont d The Adult Choir & Company Will present A Little Night Music Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 Parish Hall at 7:30 p.m. Come, relax and enjoy an evening of light entertainment and scrumptious desserts. Ticket will be available for purchase Sunday, Jan. 7 through Jan. 21. Seating is limited. Sunday Mornings in December Sunday 11:15 December 3: First Sunday Fellowship We ll gather with the rest of the parish for first Sunday fellowship. This Sunday we will also have a class offered by Dr. Joe Graves on Just War Theory (see below). December 3: Just War Theory Christian responses to warfare range from strict pacifism to a belief that armed conflict is justified in certain circumstances. Dr. Joe Graves will lead us in an exploration of the meaning and application of the oftenmisunderstood concept of Just War Theory. December 10: St. Nicholas Day & Advent Lessons & Carols We will offer our first-ever Advent Service of Lessons & Carols at the 10 a.m. service. St. Nicholas will also join us, so be sure to bring your gifts to present during the service! December 10 & 17: The Songs of Advent The season of Advent is marked by hymns and songs with rich theological meaning. Dr. Jen Feather will offer a two-session class on some of these wonderful pieces of music. 4

5 Worship Announcements Advent Evening Prayer December 6, 13, 20 Join us in the chapel on Wednesdays in Advent at 5:30 p.m. for evening prayer. The services will include music for evening prayer and evensong. Christmas Poinsettias by Dec. 17 The Altar Guild is providing an opportunity for you to contribute toward Christmas poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones. Please remember that flower donations for Christmas and Easter are the Altar Guild s only source of funds to purchase the flowers for the church and maintain various church supplies such as candles, linens, and vestments. Envelops will be available in the pews for your donation. You may place the envelope in the collection plate or you may mail your donation to the Parish Office. For inclusion in the Christmas Eve bulletin, the firm deadline will be December 17. New Tapestry Hangings for the Chapel With the passing of time, St. Andrew s Chapel is being used more and more. We have our Tuesday noon service and many other special services such as weddings, funerals, service of remembrance, etc. The Altar Guild makes a special effort to ensure the Chapel has all of the liturgical items required for each service, with appropriate hangings. Through generous donations, the chapel now has a tapestry lectern hanging, bible markers, burse and veil. Mary V. Compton donated her gift in memory of the Compton family. Sandy O Brian donated her gift in remembrance of her niece, Amanda Kendall Barbee. Alice Hill donated her gift in memory of the Comptons. Mary Hearn and Carl Compton became Alice s pew friends in 1983 when she first came to Greensboro. They were both faithful members of St. Andrew s. BJ dedicated these hangings on Nov. 26 at the 8:30 a.m. service. 5

6 Children & Youth Ministries EYC Serves The Servant Center Our EYC group is excited to start our first service project of the year! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, EYC will be preparing a meal for the veterans experiencing homelessness that live at The Servant Center in Greensboro. Please join us in praying for and celebrating the youth coming together to serve the community! Episcopal Youth Community Needs You! One thing our youth definitely get excited about is the FOOD! If you would like to help the Youth Support Team by providing dinner for one of our EYC meetings, please Rachael Revell at revellr@outlook.com. Kids of the Kingdom Volunteers St. Andrew s children attendance has been greatly increasing this school year! As excited and thankful as we are for this encouraging development, we need more volunteers to help us accommodate. If you would like to look into becoming a Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) leader, please Felicia Cole at felicia.cole@standrewsgso.org Children s Sunday School in December 1 st Sunday(12/3) 2 nd Sunday(12/10) 3 rd Sunday(12/17) 4 th Sunday (12/24) Godly Play (age 4-2 nd Grade) Godly Play (age 4-2nd Grade) Godly Play (age 4-2nd Grade) No Sunday School Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Christmas Service at 4:30 p.m. 5th Sunday(12/31) Godly Play (age 4-2nd Grade) Kids of the Kingdom (3 rd -5 th grade) Children s Sunday school takes place during the 10 a.m. service. If you have any questions regarding Children s or Youth Ministries please contact Felicia Cole, Children and Youth Coordinator, at felicia.cole@standrewsgso.org or

7 Fellowship & Christian Formation Early Music Concert, December 11 All church members and friends are invited to the annual Early Music Concert on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This is a wonderful event, with seasonal favorites, interesting instruments, and a delicious variety of refreshments served afterward by the church women, to give you an opportunity to interact with the performers. Several of our church members are part of this group, and this concert is their thank you to the church for providing them a practice space. Mark your calendars now for this exciting event. Community Open House and Mini- Market, Dec. 9 Join us on December 9 from 6-9 p.m. for our Open House and a chance to shop early at Andy s Mini Market. New and familiar items will be for sale along with free refreshments. Come see the lights and get out of the cold. Please help spread the word. This is our opportunity to invite the community to share in the St. Andrew s spirit! Save the Date - Looking for an opportunity to be renewed and enjoy some "re-creation?" St. Andrew s is sponsoring a Women's Retreat at Haw River State Park on Friday evening, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 24, for all women of the church. We will relax, join in some fun and inspiring activities, and get to know ourselves and each other better. Registrations are being accepted. Meals and lodging (if you choose to stay overnight) will be included in the cost. Fees will be approximately $90 per person for a double room, $115 for a single room, and $35 for commuters. We are hoping to have some scholarship funding available as well. Please plan to join us for this chance for a quick get-away and fellowship with friends. Questions? Contact Jennifer Jones at , Carol Phillips at , Karen Spencer at , Shelley Kappauf at , or Marcia Moore at Hearing the Gospecl This is a reminder that our Winter-Spring sessions of Hearing the Gospel will begin on Thursday, Jan 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the Library. We will meet every Thursday morning through May. All members of the Parish and friends are welcome to attend. Each week we read and discuss the gospel reading for the coming Sunday using a Lectio Divina format. No advanced preparation is required. We just want you to come and participate. If you have questions or comments, you may contact Bill Hill at or hillgolf@bellsouth.net. Racial Justice and Reconciliation The next meeting of the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Ministry is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 13, 5:30-7 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The focus for this meeting will be a discussion of the documentary film, 13th. This film is available on Netflix. It s recommended that participants view this film prior to the meeting but is not a requirement to attend. Subsequent meetings of the Ministry will be held throughout 2018 on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30 7 p.m. The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Ministry is open to all who may have an interest in this important work. Contact Joe Stultz at joedstultz@gmail.com. 7

8 Las Posadas St. Barnabas Episcopal Church with Holy Spirit & St. Francis Episcopal Churches invite you to celebrate Las Posadas with our congregation and with Juana Ortega & her family Weds, Dec. 13 from 6-8 p.m. St. Barnabas Episcopal Church 1300 Jefferson Rd, Greensboro **Costumes for the Nativity are welcome, and folks of all ages and abilities are invited **Dress to be outdoors for minutes at 6 p.m. **Please bring a potluck dish to share for a celebratory meal that will follow the service Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration with origins in Spain, now celebrated chiefly in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and parts of the Southwest U.S., from December 16 to December 24. A candlelit procession walks through the neighborhood, with children, musicians, and people dressed as Mary and Joseph, all singing carols and seeking sanctuary. They are turned away until they are finally recognized as the Holy Family and allowed to enter. Once in the home, the group gathers around the Nativity scene to pray, reflect on Scriptures, sing Christmas Carols, and share a feast. Sometimes, children break open star-shaped piñatas and guests celebrate this season of light with sparklers and fireworks. The churches of the North Greensboro Mission Corridor wish you to a Holy Advent and Blessed Christmastide. Las Iglesias Episcopales in el Norte de Greensboro le deseamos un Adviento Santo y una Navidad Bendita. 8

9 Parish Notes Drew Courtright to be ordained as Transitional Deacon Drew Courtright, younger son of Mark and Cheri Courtright, will be ordained on Saturday, Dec. 16 in Concord, NH. He will wear the red stole that belonged to his godfather, Deacon Kermit Bailey. We ask for your prayers and good wishes for Drew during this exciting time. We Pray For Mary Stalter, Anna Stalter, Ella Janssen, Sarah Lipscomb, Jeff Cummer, Art Bishop, Jean Lange, Judy Wells, Hien Phan, Norma Bullock, Bailey Hobgood, Moira Ermentrout, Hugh McLawhorn, Doug Scott, Laurie Simon Queen, Albert Madden, Gisselle Rivera, Don Allen, Esther Mallard and family, Kerry Mitchell, Bonita Beshears, Bruce Adkins, Barry Odell, Anne Hansen, Ashlen, Nathan, Landyn, Charles and Rebecca Goodrum, Dee Dee Fulton, David, Judy Stancil, Lisa Janvari, Jeanne Campbell Our military: Wes Durham, Tom Stauffer, Paul Zeigler, Stephen Johnson, Michael Hens, Benjamin Phillips Kenneth Gearhart, Alex Reyes Prayers for Seminarians: Margie Baker and Jenn Phillips with James and Eden Expectant Parents: Drew and Alice Courtright 9

10 October Financials October- YTD YTD Actuals Actuals Budget Pledge Income $27,184 $241,925 $239,750 Other Income ($757) $157,739 $61,666 Total Income $26,427 $299,664 $301,416 Total Admin & Mission/Forma. Expenses $25,593 $240,071 $267,548 Total Operating Expenses ($2,649) $85,099 $90,014 Total Expenses $22,943 $325,170 $357,562 Net Result $3,484 ($25,506) ($56,146) *Adjustments were made in October to correctly record income and expenses to fund accounts for the year resulting in negative balance for the month. HARMONY is published monthly except in July by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 2105 W. Market St. Greensboro, NC Editors: Kimberly Rathburn and Tony Bengel Rector: The Rev. Bernard J. Owens Deadline for January Harmony: December 15th by Noon to: Staff Vestry 2017 The Rev. Bernard J. Owens, Rector The Rev. Brooks Johnson, Deacon Debbie Dowd, Pastoral Associate Kimberly Ann Rathburn, Parish Administrator/Business Manager George Platt, Senior Warden Mike Van Ormer, Junior Warden Robin Bartlett Susan Brannan Susan Buck Scott Durham Charles Kappauf Barbara Lawless Ken Massey Bob Mills Carol Phillips Ashley Wigglesworth Ann Doyle, Minister of Music Karen Rierson, Clerk Chris Berger, Treasurer Felicia Cole, Youth/Children s Coordinator felicia.cole@standrewsgso.org 10