The Severn Light. Christmas Message. Worship Schedule for Christmas

Transcription

1 The Severn Light St. Stephen s Episcopal Church Severn Parish Crownsville, Maryland November 2011 Advent-Christmas Edition IN THIS ISSUE: Christmas Services Page 1 Deacon-in-Training Page 2 Musical Notes Page 3 Thanks-4-Giving Page 4 Christmas Message In the midst of a busy season, take time for the Lord. Let your heart find peace and may Christ be born anew in your life. In God s Peace, Father Hagerman St. Stephen s in the Community Page 5 News and Notes Page 6 Poinsettias Page 7 Junior Warden Report Page 8 Lenten Previews Page 9 Church School Schedule Page 10 Worship Schedule for Christmas Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Eucharist w/ Children s Pageant 8:30 p.m. Christmas Carols with the Choir 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist **This newsletter is either ed to those who have online capabilities or sent through the postal system for those who don t. If you have a delivery preference, please let the church secretary know. Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day Eucharist

2 PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 2011 THE SEVERN LIGHT THOUGHTS FROM OUR DEACON-in in-training. Before taking Holy Orders for Ordination, the Deaconate Formation Program offered by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, requires among many things, that their postulants/students serve in various intern capacities. This year I am working as a Chaplain Intern for Johns Hopkins Hospital-Bayview campus. The intern program is called Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Last week was an experience at Hopkins Bayview that I am happy to share with my St. Stephen s family. Last Tuesday during my CPE assignment I discovered another example of "Beholding the Face of God". While visiting the geriatric floor of the Care Center, I stopped by the nurse's station to check for any referrals. The Charge Nurse suggested that I visit with a patient whose name was "M" sitting not far from her desk. I found "M", a very small, thin, elderly African American woman, curled up in a leather recliner next to a large sunny window. Next to her was another patient enjoying a nap. A CD player was playing Big Band music from the 40's. "M", while sitting in her recliner was sobbing uncontrollably. She was not loud, just consistent with her sobbing. I sat down next to her, introduced myself, and remained quiet. She sobbed and mumbled words that I didn't understand. She just made mumbling noises accompanied with sobs. While sitting next to her, I looked out the window, told her what a lovely day it was and that it was a getting cold outside. It would soon be time to bake apple and pumpkin pies. I told her I loved the smell of baking in my kitchen, and asked if she also liked the smell of pies baking. The sobs stopped. With her beautiful, large brown eyes damp with tears, she just looked at me. She began making noises that were unclear. I asked if she would pray with me, and she gave me both of her hands. One of my learning goals with CPE is to learn to pray spontaneously. Closing my eyes, I sat there and prayed for peace and comfort for my new friend. The amazing thing was with each new sentence of prayer, "M" responded with a very clear and articulate "Thank you Jesus". There were no longer tears, mumbling or strange noises. Upon completion of our prayers, we remained holding hands. Quietly we sat. She shut her eyes and started sleeping peacefully. I am reminded daily of the power/beauty of God. He's the real deal. The opportunity to sit with my new friend and help her find one minute of peace was meaningful. As Christians we are called to be the Body of Christ in the world... to take up the ministry of Jesus on earth... a tall order! Paul paints a particularly vivid "word picture" of what that looks like in his Letter to the Ephesians: Ephesians 4:1-7, "But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love." CPE is never the same on any day. On this day however, it was an opportunity for me to be blessed and "Behold the Face of God" and for that I am grateful. Kathy Shahinian

3 THE SEVERN LIGHT NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 3 Musical Notes The leaves have just about finished their glorious show for the season -- why is it they seem more beautiful every year? This is truly one of God's greatest gifts in nature, is it not? I finally visited the National Arboretum yesterday -- after 30 years' living in the area: about time, eh? I was surprised to find the name of the most beautiful of beautiful trees: the sweet gum, with yellow, orange and red leaves all on one tree! Thanks be to God! Music at St. Stephen's reached a new high point on Friday (Nov. 11) with the performance of Mozart's Requiem by the choirs of Crofton: Seton Parish, Crofton Community Singers, First Baptist and St. Stephen's along with an orchestra of 10, piano and organ, directed by Brendan Walls of Seton. The melodies are impossible to silence in one's head if one was involved singing or playing with this group on Friday! And what wonderful melodies they were. Thanks a million to all our choir members! This was truly a mountain-top experience of soul, spirit and body, along with being a remembrance of our Veterans past and present and of the many souls of the dear departed, my precious Kristine (my youngest daughter) included. If you missed this fine performance, we are doing a return engagement this Saturday (Nov. 19) at 7:30 p.m. at Seton Parish RC Church, Davidsonville Rd., Crofton. Thanks so much to all who attended last Friday and for your contributions to the cause, Crofton Christian Caring Council, that is so in need of our help in these difficult times. Advent and Christmas are the most church-musical times of the year. In keeping with tradition, we begin Advent with Sleepers awake, the night is flying, by Bach (Offertory Anthem on Nov. 27), continue with Spirit Singers' offering of Comfort, comfort ye my people -- in a medieval chanson-style version, with drum -- on Dec. 6, and Christmas Eve highlights: The Shepherds' Farewell by Berlioz, Bach's Break forth, O beauteous, heavenly light, and more. May your Advent season and Christmas celebration be filled with joy, thanks, and... much church music! Yours for church music, Don Chandler, Ch.M. Organist-choirmaster Some of our Choir participants in Mozart s Requiem performed on November 11, Veteran s Day. Top Row from left to right: Don Chandler, Marjorie Centofanti, Mark Valentine, Lynn Bernard, Rob Cortes Seated from left to right: Amy Laughlin, Pamela Higgins, Chuck Sands.

4 PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 2011 THE SEVERN LIGHT St. Stephen s Youth Host Appreciation Breakfast Sunday, November 27 9:00 a.m. Please join St. Stephen s Youth as they extend thanks to all, especially those who have helped support the years outreach and activity programs: Holiday Sharing, Homeless Runs, Spirit Singers, Holiday Pies, Appalachian Service Project (ASP) Menu: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Bagels w/cream Cheese, Fruit, Cereal, Coffee, Tea, Orange Juice, Milk

5 THE SEVERN LIGHT NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 5 WALK-A-THON UPDATE Our next Crofton Cares Walk-a-thon Planning Meeting will take place on Thursday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. here at St. Stephen s. Please come if you are interested in volunteering or if you represent another group that is interested in helping out (i.e. Scouts). With last year s experience in place, the planning process should be relatively easy. We look forward to this fund raiser that will benefit the Crofton Christian Caring Council and in turn, help many needy families in Anne Arundel County. In review, participants will obtain donations from sponsors and walk the Crofton Parkway circumference on Sunday, April 15 with 2:00 p.m. as the start-up time. For more information, call the church office at or speak directly with Father Hagerman. FOOD PANTRY NEWS In October, 289 bags of food were distributed to 133 families with the majority coming from the Crofton- Gambrills-Crownsville area. This is the highest amount of distribution so far this year. In order to have a variety of food on hand, each CCCC church was given list of suggested food items to concentrate on each month. St. Stephen s is asked to bring in cereal for November, peanut butter in December, and mac n cheese in January. Susan Bixby, the Pantry director from Seton, reports this plan is working very nicely. A big thank you for your continued support. And remember that we have a Baby Pantry at Community United Methodist Church that always is in need of disposable diapers and baby wipes. Thanks again to our regular contributors you have saved the day more than once!! COAT AND BLANKET COLLECTION The Crofton Christian Caring Council partners with many organizations. One of them, called H.O.P.E. for all, is collecting a winter coats and blankets for the homeless and needy in our area. We would like to show our support by adding to their supply. If you have any winter coats, jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves or blankets, that are gently used and in good condition, please drop them by Woodward Hall no later than December 12. To learn more about this organization, you are welcome to check out their website: WINTER RELIEF Seton Parish, with the help of many of the churches in CCCC, is sponsoring the Winter Relief Program again. For one week (January 30 through February 6), they will provide shelter and food for approximately 35 homeless men, who will be screened through the Arundel House of Hope, an ecumenical organization working with the poor and homeless of our county. If anyone from St. Stephen s would like to volunteer for one of the many committees, you are invited to contact Coordinators Roy and Alice Soluri at / royal63@aol.com. The list of help needed will be on the Parish Hall bulletin board and in the church office....just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. Matt 25:45

6 PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 2011 THE SEVERN LIGHT g{tç~áz ä Çz fxüä vxá gâxáwtç? aéäxåuxü EE JMFC ÑAÅA tçw jxwçxáwtç? aéäxåuxü EF DCMCC taåa NEW YORK CITY BUS TRIP Friday, December 2, 2011 There are still two seats available for this trip. The cost of $ per person includes travel in a luxury video motor coach with bagel & juice breakfast, an afternoon tour of the Ground Zero Memorial, ticket to the 1:00 p.m. Radio City Christmas Show, soft drinks & snacks upon departure from NYC, and all taxes & tips. Contact Berney if interested: shbjh@verizon.net/ CLEAN UP DAY Bring your rakes and gardening tools to help spruce up the grounds for the holidays!! YOUR help is needed. We have two Saturdays set aside to accomplish our goal: November 19 & December 10 from 8:00 am-noon. Questions? Call Doug Sykes: UPCOMING RETREATS Begin 2012 with a spiritual pick-me-up at the Bishop Claggett Center, Buckeystown MD. For more info or to register, check their website: For Women: Walking in the Light of God s Love January Passages: The Joy of Becoming January For men Journey to the Cross: Reflections of the Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer February HOLIDAY SHARING The Church School of St. Stephen's is sponsoring 7 families and 2 seniors in the Crofton/Gambrills area for both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. With the generous help of the parish, we provide a Thanksgiving dinner and pantry staples for each household at Thanksgiving. At Christmas we provide a Christmas dinner and gifts for each household. If you are able to help with Thanksgiving Holiday Sharing, please pick a leaf (or a pile) from the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Please return the food items/grocery gift cards by the 10:00 service on November 20th. The Church School students will sort and pack the food for delivery that morning. We will also need volunteers for make deliveries to the households after the 10:00 service on November 20th. There is a sign up list in the Parish Hall. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation, please make the check out to Episcopal Teens and write "Holiday Sharing" in the memo. Checks and gift cards may be left in the Middle School/High School Church School box in the office. Any funds not used at Thanksgiving will be used at Christmas. CROP FOR HOLIDAY SHARING Saturday, December 3 10 am 10 pm St. Stephen s Parish Hall Visit with friends, sort through memories and work on your scrapbooks or any other project you choose. We ll provide music, food and drinks. We ll have some crop tools and a computer/printer for you to use, but encourage you to bring what you know you need. Cost: $40 (100% tax deductible!!!!) The proceeds go to the Holiday Sharing program. Contact Lisa Eliot at or lisae9051@gmail.com to reserve your spot. And an extra feature: PAMPERED CHEF DEMO From noon to 1:30 p.m., a rep will demonstrate some fast and easy recipes & give you an opportunity to shop for some gifts... These proceeds will benefit the Appalachia Service Project! Join us for the demonstration, enjoy lunch and time with friends. Please RSVP to Lisa. (This part of the CROP DAY is free!) The Next Newsletter will be published in January 12

7 THE SEVERN LIGHT NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 7 CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS We ve already had our first snow, so Christmas can t be far behind!! Help decorate the church as we celebrate the birth of Christ by giving a poinsettia plant or two. Order your thanksgiving and/or memorial poinsettia for the price of only $8.00 each. Last day for ordering is Sunday, December 11, If you have any questions call Gail Brooks, Altar Guild Director at Christmas Poinsettia Order Form Name $8.00 each In memory of In thanksgiving for Last day for ordering is Sunday, December 11, 2011

8 PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 2011 THE SEVERN LIGHT THE JUNIOR WARDEN REPORTS: The Vestry is working to improve the heating and air conditioning in the Church, Woodward Hall and Parish Hall. As many of you know, the Parish Hall boiler was installed when the building was built around 1960 and is beyond its design life. It is becoming very expensive to maintain on a year to year basis. We looked at options for replacing the boiler as well as the noisy window air conditioners. We decided on a modern city-multi system that will perform both functions. We then decided to look at replacement of the heating and air conditioning in the Church and Woodward Hall as both of those systems are aging as well. The final result will be less reliance on heating oil which is becoming more expensive year by year. The current estimate to perform this major facility renovation is on the order of $160,000. In order to fund this, we are applying for a Diocese of Maryland s Middendorf Revolving Fund loan. We plan to repay the loan through a capital fund drive similar to that used to obtain a new roof for the Church. As this project is significantly more expensive than the roof was, we will be looking at this as a 10 year project. The work should take place sometime in 2012 but the funding is expected to take place over 10 years, with the Middendorf low interest loan providing us with that ability. This project should enhance the mission of St. Stephen s Episcopal Church and provide greater comfort for Worship and Christian Education. Norm Shackelton Junior Warden 2012 Pledge Status Through November 14, 2011 Total Amount Pledged $114,488 Pledges Received 46 New Pledges 6 Pledges Increased Yes, I want to pledge to St. Stephen s in 2012! Name: Address: Annual Pledge Amount: Your Pledge Matters Big or Small! Gracious and loving God, giver of all that is good and true and beautiful and life-giving. These cards represent our sweat, they represent our lives, they represent our dreams. The pledges which we make on them are but tokens of the awesome gifts that have been given to us and they are pledged in thanksgiving for all we have received, for all we have been inspired to be, for all we are challenged to become, in this place. May they be the first fruits of all we have and not what we have left over, so that we may live out as closely as possible how you give to us. May we see them as our offering to you, sacred, holy, yet earthy, filled with possibilities. May we hold this image in our hearts and minds so as we watch our offerings each week come to your table, we can see our very selves being part of this offering, it is us on the table, living sacrifices to you. Amen. The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel

9 THE SEVERN LIGHT NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 9 LENTEN PROGRAM 2012 THE WISDOM JESUS by The Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault (190 pp.) The teachings of Jesus The mysteries of Jesus Christian Wisdom practices THURSDAYS IN LENT: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 7:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. in Woodward Hall Each week will feature an introduction to Centering Prayer (see Marjorie Centofanti s article below) and a Book/Bible Study segment by Father Hagerman. (please contact the office if you would like a copy of the book.) March 1 The Kingdom of God is within you and among you. Luke 17:20-21; Matthew 25:31-40 March 8 In a dance of parables and blessings. Matthew 5:1-12, 13 March 15 Emptied unto fullness. Philippians 2:9-16, John 14, 15 March 22 Christ for all seasons: The Paschal Mystery Part 1. Luke 22, 23 March 29 Christ for all seasons: The Paschal Mystery Part 2. Luke 24 THIS COOKIE CHANGES YOUR LIFE Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Most of us concentrate on the heaven part of that, thinking that ll be my reward for life, that s when I ll finally get to know God. But there s a reason the on earth part is in the Lord s Prayer. How would it feel to have God closer to you than your own breath, to allow God to ripen your trust in Him and not have to work at it yourself, to know God, really, as the absolute best thing in your life, bar none, to have God s goodness pass before you daily and have the sense to realize it --all while you re firmly in the here and now in Anne Arundel county? To do that, say centuries of apostles, prophets, saints and our Lord Christ himself, you need to be able to tune yourself out for small periods of time, to empty yourself of yourself enough to see what it s like being lived in by God. Through a pattern of resting in God that s called contemplative prayer unlike our Sunday liturgy, this prayer has no words a change begins to take place in your consciousness. You become more and more open to the mind of Christ. In my shaky computer understanding, it s a lot like installing a cookie in your home computer so it can interact with the Internet in a way it couldn t before. Except this cookie changes your life. As part of this March s Lenten program, St. Stephen s is offering an Introduction to Centering Prayer, a trusted way to ease onto a contemplative spiritual path. We ll follow steps suggested by Contemplative Outreach, an ecumenical Christian organization that our Bishop Sutton knows well. I ve been a CO member for nearly a decade and have just completed training with them. Come see how Centering adds to your Sunday prayers to deepen your closeness to God. For more about this prayer: pagename=about_practices_centering God s Peace, Marjorie Centofanti

10 PAGE 10 St. Stephen s Episcopal Church NOVEMBER 2011 THE SEVERN LIGHT Severn Parish 1110 St. Stephen s Church Road Crownsville, Maryland Phone: Fax: st_stephens@verizon.net Office Hours: MON-FRI 8:00 am to 5:00 pm The Rev. Steven W. Hagerman, Rector CHURCH SCHOOL NOTES We ALL have an extremely busy time of year fast approaching. A letter will go out to all the Church School families detailing the particulars. These are the highlights: Sunday, November 27 th ~ (Sunday after Thanksgiving) There will NOT be Church School. However, I will be showing a Veggie Tales Christmas DVD for all our children and any child-aged guests, during the 10:00 AM Service. Sunday, December 4 th ~ Advent Family Sunday The younger children will decorate the Jesse Tree in Church during the 10:00 AM Service Saturday, December 17 th ~ NOON to 1:30 PM Christmas Pageant Rehearsal with Pizza Lunch Saturday, December 24 th ~ Christmas Pageant 5:00 PM Service All children who will be in the Pageant must be in the Parish Hall by 4:45 PM Sunday, December 25 & Sunday January 1st ~ No Church School January 8th ~ 1st Sunday after Epiphany Church School resumes Please contact Berney should you have questions about any of these dates and/or events /shbjh@verizon.net