THE GOOD NEWS March 2016

Transcription

1 THE GOOD NEWS March 2016 Celebrating Easter 8:00 Rite I & 10:00 Rite II Sunday, March 27 Inside this Issue Parish News & Notes Vestry highlights Upcoming Events EYC Happenings Church Calendar and Ministry Schedule Baptism What s It About from the Rector Having just experienced one of the most wonderful worship services of the year when Bishop White was with us, perhaps many of you will remember that the liturgy for Confirmation, as for Baptism (not coincidentally!) begins not with one of the seasonal acclamations, but with a responsive quote from St. Paul s letter to the Ephesians, a simple yet complete responsive statement of what holds us together as the Body of Christ. I thought maybe I d take this opportunity, and maybe stick with it for a piece, to talk some more about what it means to be a part of that Body. We are one Body and one Spirit, the Bishop began. In two thousand years, we Christians have managed to splinter ourselves into probably ten times that many different pieces, sometimes violently and sometimes quietly, but never peacefully. And, of course, we continue to find one issue or another to line us up one side against another. But our Lord s own final wish for us as he broke bread one last time, was that we would be one, even as he and the Father are one, and in that we believe that what we have in common is more important than what we have separating us, that we are joined by the Spirit that brooded over creation, the Spirit that fell on all the disciples of Christ at Pentecost, the Spirit who yet today makes us one. We have the next line in the baptismal liturgy, There is one hope in God s call to us. As Christians we share the same calling and the same hope. We share the promise of resurrection when this life is through. We share the absolute assurance of eternal life with God and with those we love. We share one hope of life in the presence of God, and we can be sure that there will be no reserved sections. As Christians, our liturgy reminds us, we have one Lord. When it comes right down to it, nearly all of the differences between Christians have been over who is in charge. But when it comes down to it, our Lord is the one who hung on the cross, and rose from the grave, and sits at the right hand of God and no one else. There is for us one Faith, we continue. The Church always has been, always will be, and definitely should be concerned with the fact that there is such a thing as ultimate truth. But in the end, it is not the issues that define us. As Christians, we have but one true focus of faith, and that is Jesus Christ, and him crucified, risen and coming again! There is one Baptism, Paul continues. when we baptize someone, we aren t making that person a member of St. Paul s or even the Episcopal Church. As part and parcel of our baptism, we are, each of us, born into the Body of Christ, the fellowship of all believers, here and throughout the world, now and through the ages. With a splash of water and the sign of the Cross, we become one with all those who have gone before, the great and the small, the powerful and the powerless, the haves and the have-nots, the liberal and the conservative, the black and the white, one of, and one with the great cloud of witnesses to Christ s mercy and grace and love. Each time we bring another member into the family, each time we confirm one of our own, each time we reaffirm our own identity in the Body, together we conclude with the proclamation that there is one God and Father of all. Every time we quote St. Paul s definition of everything it means to become a part of the Body of Christ, we are reminded of who we really are, and perhaps more importantly, whose we really are. Our body, and our spirit, our hope, our Lord, our faith, and our baptism, are grounded not in our selves, nor in our posturings and proclamations and pronouncements of what we think about this, that and the other thing. Rather, our whole being, individually and as the body of believers, is bound up in the Holy One who is above all and through all and in all. And, praise his holy name. Doesn t that take an awful lot of pressure off little ol us? Peace and joy,

2 Upcoming Events Sundays 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite 1, 9 a.m. Choir Practice, 10 a.m. Choral Eucharist, Sunday School. Coffee Hour following the service. Mondays Office Closed, 6 p.m. EfM Tuesdays 6 p.m. Saints, Sinners and Cynics Rookies Sports Bar Wednesdays during Lent Noon Lenten Luncheons Fridays during Lent 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross Wednesday March 2 Noon Community Lenten Luncheon, Presbyterian Church Friday March 5 Wardens Conference Tuesday March 8 6 p.m. VBS Meeting Wednesday March 9 Noon Community Lenten Luncheon, St. Paul s March Youth Spring Gathering All Saints Camp Saturday March 12 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vestry Retreat Wednesday March 16 Noon Community Lenten Luncheon, Chapel Hill Church Sunday March 20 Palm Sunday Monday February 21 Noon St. Ann s Guild Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week 12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist Maundy Thursday March 24 Community Lenten Service and Luncheon Zion U.C.C. 6 p.m. Lord s Table Liturgy Good Friday March 25 Noon Stations of the Cross Holy Name, 2 p.m. Reconciliation, 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross Saturday March a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, 8 p.m. Great Vigil of Easter Easter Sunday April 27 Holy Eucharist 8 and 10 a.m., St. Paul s East Egg Hunt after 10 a.m. service. Parish News and Notes Trae, Jacob, Quinton and Alexis stand ready for the Gospel. The Bishop Confirmed ten youth and one adult, and Received three more adults into the Episcopal Church during his visit February 21. Fr. Rich proudly welcomes Bp. Terry and Cn. Amy Coultas to St. Paul s.

3 Update on the Journey from the Postulant On February 20, I attended my last class of the School of Ministry s module on pastoral theological education with the Rev. Lisa Tolliver. More importantly, this was the last class of my education with the Diocese of Kentucky School of Ministry (SoM)! I received my final exam on January 25, and finished the exam on March 6. The exam covered Scripture, Church history, theology, ethics, and the Diaconate. I am really glad to have the exam behind me, but there is still more of the Diaconate process ahead. I know all of you have been praying for me and I thank you for your prayers and support. Please continue those prayers as I move forward to Ordination! As a Postulant having completed my studies with the SoM, I have filled out my application for Candidacy for Holy Orders, and am grateful that the Rector and Vestry of St. Paul s, my beloved Community of Faith (CoF), have submitted their Certificate for Candidacy to the Bishop as well. This certificate is simply a letter of support by the congregation, signed by two-thirds of the Vestry and Fr. Rich. Judy mailed these two forms to the Bishop on March 17. The next step is for the Commission on Ministry to make a recommendation to the Bishop for my Candidacy, after which I will be scheduled an interview with the Standing Committee, making sure I have all my requirements in order according to the Canons. The Standing Committee will then submit their recommendations to the Bishop. The Bishop will act on both recommendations, will write a letter to me with his decision on my Candidacy, with copies sent to the Director of the School of Ministry, and my Community of Faith. If yes, then I your Postulant will be your Candidate for Holy Orders. Even then, there is a pile of paperwork. After admission to Candidacy I will submit another application to the Bishop, this time requesting ordination to the Diaconate, and again accompanied by another letter of support from my CoF. The Bishop will then send written evidence of my admission to Postulancy and Candidacy to the Standing Committee, the Director of the SoM will send them my scholastic record in the subjects required by the Canons, and the Commission on Ministry will send their recommendation. After receiving all that information, and after reviewing all the documentation, if the majority of the Standing Committee can certify that I have met all canonical requirements, and consent to my ordination to the Diaconate, they will submit their consent to the Bishop of Kentucky. Then the Bishop will schedule my ordination as a Deacon! I thank all of you for taking this wonderful journey with me. I pray that God will continue to grant me, your servant, the boldness to speak his Word, the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to know the love of Christ and be filled with the fullness of God! God s Peace and Love, Smiling Bright Our challenge for giving to Christian Community Outreach for February was toothpaste, and all told, we collected more than 75 tubes of dentifrice. We had toothpaste from Crest, Colgate, Aim, AquaFresh, Pepsodent, and Close Up. We supplied the stuff in fresh mint, ultra mint, cool mint, original mint and cinnamon. We gave toothpaste that is tartar protecting, cavity protecting, even triple protecting and triple action, and it was even blessed by the Bishop. Our next 3rd Sunday collection for CCO is Palm Sunday, March 20 when, at Mary s request, we're once again looking for packages of disposable razors. Holy Week and Easter Palm and Passion Sunday 8:00 & 10:00 Sunday, March 20 12:10 Monday Wednesday, March Holy Eucharist Rite II Maundy Thursday, March 24 Noon Lenten Program Zion UCC 6:00 Maundy Thursday Liturgy (incl. supper) Good Friday, March 25 Noon Stations of the Cross Holy Name RCC 6:00 Stations of the Cross Holy Saturday, March 26 8:00 Great Vigil of Easter The Feast of the Resurrection Sunday, March 27 8:00 Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:00 Holy Eucharist, Rite II Festive Reception and Children s Egg Hunt

4 Quinceañera! Leslie Newman The youth had yet another wonderful treat in February by their opportunity to attend and participate in Zoё Green s quinceañera on February 27. The message of the service rang true not just for the princess, but also for our youth and the many other youth in attendance, as they pass from childhood to womanhood and manhood, and here in the place where they are rooted. And the party following the service was spectacular! We all are enriched by the Green family sharing this celebration of their Hispanic heritage. Pancake Supper a Success Leslie Newman Despite yet another round of winter weather, EYC was able to host the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper this year, on February 9, following two years of having to cancel due to snow and ice. This year, we had both, again, and no school that day, but by that evening it was clear enough that folks got out and came to join us a surprisingly big crowd filled the parish hall with laughter, fellowship and hearty appetites. Our youth worked diligently on January 31, after they helped prepare and serve the Parish breakfast, to clean and set up the Parish Hall, plan the menu and shopping list, and then on the big day they represented our Parish sooo impressively, with good manners, friendly demeanor, great service and hard work. Way to go St. Paul s youth! Thanks to Chef Kent, his sous chef, Sophia, and to the EYC parents and grandparents who delivered their youth and stayed to help. Your presence is much appreciated. Thanks to our Parish family who invited and brought their families and friends, and to those who couldn t attend but contributed to the cause, which is the support of our youth. There are ways we might raise more money than we do from this event, but our greatest accomplishment is raising friends with this community tradition. Our presence on the front page of the Gleaner, and the fun photos from Mike Lawrence, were a bonus this year! Confirmed in the Spirit Leslie Newman It was awesome to see so many of our St. Paul s youth confirmed by Bishop White on his annual visit to St. Paul s, on February 21. Congratulations to Jackson, Brianna, Zoё, Anna, Sophie, Sarah, Quinton, Kaleigh, Caitlin, and Zach. Winter weather interfered with planned preparation for receiving this much anticipated Sacramental Rite, but we managed a crash course after school on the first Wednesday of Lent, which made for a nice crowd for the soup supper. Fr. Rich will conduct follow up Confirmation training throughout the spring, and that Christian formation will conclude in a youth retreat. Jumping for Joy (and for Fun) Leslie Newman On February 28, EYC joined with our Vacation Bible School partner, the Presbyterian Church, for a blustery trip across that money-saving bridge to the Evansville indoor trampoline arena SkyZone. It s unbelievable how much activity takes place at SkyZone, with other youth groups, birthday parties, family outings and individuals! We had thirteen jumpers from St. Paul s, two from the Presbys, and Fr. Rich, Becky Durham and I sacrificed to serve as lifeguards, given the possibility there could be an injury. Aside from sweat and fatigue, though, we came away intact! Afterward, we braved the crowds for the buffet at Cici s Pizza in the same shopping center. Thanks to Jacob and Jessie for driving, and the Presbys for once again providing their van. Gathering at All Saints Leslie Newman Spring Gathering is the weekend of March at All Saints. If your youth would like to attend this much-anticipated event, please hurry to register, on the diocesan website and see Fr. Rich about scholarships. As usual, adults please be on the alert to help with transportation! Coming Up Leslie Newman Youth who aren t coming home from Spring Gathering on Sunday, March 13, and whoever else in our Parish would like to participate have another fun option. The Presbyterian Church has invited us to join them for a Family Photo Scavenger Hunt throughout the downtown area from noon until 2. Call me for details. Our VBS partners will visit us at St. Paul s from noon until 2 on Palm Sunday for an art activity led by our resident artists, Iris and Greg. Our youth s Holy Week reflections will be captured on canvas and displayed on Easter Sunday. We are rounding up paint, brushes, and other supplies; contributions are welcome. Lunch will be provided, of course, because where there are youth, there tends to be famine! EYC will host the St. Paul s Easter Egg hunt. If you would like to purchase individually wrapped candy of a size small enough for the youth to stuff eggs, it will not go to waste! If you would like to contribute for me to shop for you, I will be glad to do that, too.

5 Bishop visit Thanks The Rt. Rev. Terry A. White, VIII Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky made what has become his annual visit to St. Paul s on Sunday morning, February 21. We were blessed to have him with us, and Fr. Rich was pleased to present a strong group of Parishioners to him for Confirmation or Reception. Those being Confirmed were: Jacob Martin, Jackson Deep, Brianna Garcia, Zoё Green, Anna Hayes, Sophie Hayes, Sarah Henderson, Quinton Owen, Kaleigh Purdy, Caitlin Walker, and Zach Walker. Those who, from their adult affirmation of faith in another denomination of the Church, were Received into the Episcopal Church were: Jesse Gonzales, Jennifer Preston, and Brandon Smith. It was a wonderful morning of worship and celebration, followed by a beautiful and tasty reception provided in their usual high style by the women of St. Ann s Guild. Bishop Terry was effusive in his praise and thanks for the welcoming warmth and hospitality that we already know are hallmarks of St. Paul s Parish, and many of the visitors that were on hand that morning commented that they felt that openness and friendliness as well. The relative short notice for the Bishop s visit, combined with weather complications, abbreviated our preparation for Confirmation, but plans are in place for that education to take place later this spring. Vestry Notes At their meeting on February 16, St. Paul s Vestry: Reviewed January financial reports showing the year off to a good start, though without the amount of prepaid pledges we have enjoyed in the past. Assigned themselves as liaisons for the areas various ministry. Heard plans for the Bishop s visit and for presentation of candidates for Confirmation and Reception. Approved support from outreach funds for the Matthew 25 Runway Red fundraiser, and the placement of a sign for VITA free tax return preparation at the Housing Authority. Received a pastoral update from Fr. Rich. Unanimously consented to Larry Courtney s application for Candidacy for Holy Orders. Identified Safeguarding modules to be completed by new members of the Vestry. Scheduled the Vestry planning retreat. The next Vestry meeting will be as part of the annual planning retreat beginning at 9:00 Saturday morning, March 12 in the Rector s study. Annual Yard Sale Saturday, April 23 6am to 1pm You can bring YOUR items after Easter! Lenten Programs Continue There s still plenty of time to make this year s Luncheons a part of your own Lenten tradition. Sponsored by the Ministerial Association, each event features an ecumenical worship service at one of our churches followed by a light lunch. This year s schedule continues: Wednesday, March 2 Presbyterian Church Wednesday, March 9 St. Paul s Episcopal Wednesday, March 16 Chapel Hill Methodist Maundy Thursday, March 24 Zion UCC Good Friday, March 25 Holy Name Catholic An offering is collected at each event for the work of the Ministerial Association throughout the year. As is usually the case, St. Ann s Guild will be providing hospitality here at St. Paul s. If you would be willing to help, please contact Susan Sauls. Here at home, our Lenten Wednesday evening series continues to share our thoughts, reflections and insights from our devotional booklet, God s Abiding Love. Join us each Wednesday through March 16 for supper at 6:00, and then the program at 6:30. And join us as well as Larry Courtney leads us in observing the Stations of the Cross each Friday evening this Lent at 6:00 through Good Friday, March 25. This devotion of our Lord s Passion may be the key to your journey this Lent. The Green Family wishes to thank their Parish Family for being part of Zoё s Quinceañera Financial Summary as of January 31, 2016 Pledged Amount to Date $16,009 Pledged Income received to Date $11,979 Other Operating Income to Date $7,023 Operating Expenses to Date $20,410

6 St. Paul s Episcopal Church Staff The Very Rev. Rich Martindale, Rector Leslie Newman, EYC Director Evalyn Champion, Organist/Choir Master Donna Mulcahy, Bookkeeper Judy Duncan, Parish Secretary Phone Service Times Sunday 8:00 Rite I 10:00 Rite II Wednesday 12:10 Rite II w/ anointing Vestry Members Sr. Warden Jr. Warden Clerk Budget and Finance Parish Life Building and Grounds Outreach Worship and Music Christian Formation and Youth Communications Treasurer Greg Powell Bill Gentry Susie Watkins Hugh Hennessy, Bill Gentry Marilyn Dixon, Greg Powell, Susan Sauls Greg Powell, Bill Gentry, Hugh Hennessy Kurt Wilson, Marilyn Dixon, Susan Sauls Jennifer Preston Jennifer Preston, Kurt Wilson Hugh Hennessy St. Paul s Episcopal Church 5 South Green Street Henderson, KY