Advent Greetings from the Senior Warden

Transcription

1 Advent Edition December 2014 Advent Greetings from the Senior Warden Happy New Year! Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year in the Episcopal Church and encompasses the span of time from the fourth Sunday before Christmas until the Nativity of Our Lord is celebrated. Advent is a preparatory season of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also, this Advent Season, the St. Alban s Vestry asks for your prayers in acquiring a Priest-in-Charge. Preparatory meetings have been started for the Transition Process. With the announcement from the Reverend Gideon A. Uzomechina, Priest-in-Charge, of his departure this September, the Vestry has met the Right Reverend William Hallock Stokes, D.D., the XII Bishop of Diocese of New Jersey; the Reverend Canon John Sosnowski, the Canon to the Ordinary; Canon Phyllis Jones, Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of New Jersey; and Cecilia Alvarez, Canon for Transition Ministry and Clergy Development, from mid-september through November The Bishop's Office has revamped the Transition Process. The Vestry has had three meetings with the Bishop's Office. Those meetings gave the Bishop and his staff the opportunity to get a better awareness of the spiritual, emotional, and financial state of our congregation. From those meetings, the members of the Vestry and I feel confident that we have full support from the Bishop and his staff in finding and obtaining a new Priest-in-Charge. The Vestry and I wish to thank you for your continued support of the ministry of St. Alban's Church. We continue to depend on your time, talents, and treasures as we move through this transitional period. Please, invite your family members and friends to join us this ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASON! Watch ye, for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. Mark 13: Mr. Joseph Tinley, Senior Warden

2 TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! At left, St. Theresa s Guild President Kathryn Roach and Women s Day Co-Chair Claudia McGowan, at right, handed over a check worth $3,000 from the proceeds of Women s Day 2104 to Senior Warden Joseph Tinley for the St. Alban s General Fund. Congratulations!! St. Alban s Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of St. Alban s Episcopal Church will be held on the fourth Sunday in January, Jan. 25, at 12:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to participate. The meeting will be governed by Canon 51 of the Episcopal Church (Anglican Communion). Duties of Rectors, Vicars, Wardens, and Vestry members or Mission Committee Members SECTION 1. The Rector or Vicar has exclusive charge, under the Canons, of all things affecting the spiritual interests of the Parish, subject only to the Bishop. It is the Rector s or Vicar's duty to give orders concerning the worship of the Church, together with all that appertains thereto. The Rector or Vicar may from time to time appoint fit and proper persons to perform under his or her supervision, such duties relative to the service and the decoration of the church buildings as may be properly done by laity. The Rector or Vicar shall be at all times entitled to access to the church buildings, to open the same for public worship, for catechetical or other religious instruction, marriages, baptisms, funerals, and all other offices authorized by the Church. The Rector or Vicar shall have spiritual direction and control of all Sunday Schools, Parish Schools, and other educational and charitable associations connected with the Parish, and shall preside, with right to vote, at all Parish and Vestry meetings or Mission and Mission Committee meetings.

3 Dear Parishioners and Friends: Message from the St. Alban s Vestry We hoped you had a Blessed Thanksgiving, that it was joyous and peaceful. Special thanks to our Guest Celebrants: Rev. Catherine Brunson, Deacon; Rev. Joan E. Fleming; Rev. Dr. Karl L. Morrison; and Rev. Canon Terrence W. Rosheuvel. We thank you for your continued support of the Ministry at St. Alban s Church and we look forward to seeing you as well as hearing from you during this Advent Season. The Rev. Canon Terrence W. Rosheuvel will continue as our Guest Celebrant for Advent Sundays 2, 3, and 4. On Wednesday, December 24, he will be our Guest Celebrant for our Eucharist Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols at 7:30 p.m. Let us prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ! 2014 Vestry of St. Alban s Church Joseph Tinley Jr., Senior Warden Angela Anderson, Treasurer Glenda Simmons, Financial Secretary Enid Atkins Easton Haughton Garfield Nembhard James Simmons Jr., Junior Warden Paula Walcott-Quintin, Clerk Neme Akunne Robert Chambers Shanique McGowan Maxine Young What We Believe About Stewardship! Good stewardship centers upon the conversion of people, not the collection of more dollars. Good stewardship means recruiting leaders, not taking volunteers. Good stewardship enables church leaders to talk about money in ways that transform lives. Good stewardship values the time and talent of volunteers. Good stewardship means accepting that the difference between what we say and what we do is reconciled by Jesus. Joseph Tinley, Senior Warden President, Finance/Stewardship Committee

4 St. Theresa s Guild Hosts Women s Day 2014 The St. Theresa s Guild of St. Alban s celebrated its Women s Day weekend with a Luncheon on Saturday, November 1 and a special Service on Sunday, November 2. The co-chairpersons of the Women s Day Weekend were Mrs. Claudia McGowan and her daughter Ms. Shanique McGowan, who successfully led this special occasion, hosted by the St. Theresa s Guild, which is led by Mrs. Kathryn Roach. Held at the Holiday Inn in Somerset, NJ, the luncheon featured a dynamic keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover of St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, NJ. The Mistress of Ceremony of the luncheon was Mrs. Glenda Simmons. Special thanks to the following St. Alban s members whose hard work made the Luncheon a resounding success: Musicians Steven Clarke, Gibson Okafor, Laticia Lewis Co-Chairpersons Claudia McGowan and Shanique McGowan St. Theresa s Guild President Kathryn Roach Invocation Deacon Catherine Brunson Mistress of Ceremony Glenda Simmons Journal Paula Walcott-Quintin Collators James Simmons, Claudia McGowan, Glenda Simmons Flyers Shanique McGowan Tickets Nicole Gayle Musical Selections Dr. Katye Monroe Pocketbook Deborah Anderson Tricky Tray/50/50, Raffle Eloise Tinley, Joan Steele, June Joseph, Daphne (Vickie) Johnson-Jones Door Prizes Eloise Tinley, Eloise Jasmin, Joan Steele Registration Shanique McGowan, Nichelle Gayle, Jazmine Bailey Closing Remarks Enid Atkins Assessment Candace Walcott-Shepherd

5 Women s Day 2014 (continued) On Sunday, November 2, the Reverend Joy Fields delivered a powerful sermon at the Women's Day Service, which was followed by a special reception in the Fellowship Hall. In a moving candle-lighting ceremony, the late Doris A. Griffin and Lillian McCargo Nelson were honored for their outstanding work with St. Theresa's Guild. Also honored were the women that St Alban s Church has lost since its last Women's Day, including The Reverend Canon Harroldean Ashton, Edith Campbell, Lillian Johnson, and Thelma D. Johnson. Hosts for the Sunday Service Reception were the Men of St. Alban s. Special thanks to those who contributed to the meal and those who participated in the Women s Day Service preparation and performance. Women s Day Service Sermon - Reverend Joy Fields Bulletin Joan Steele, Daphne (Vickie) Johnson-Jones, Mildred Steele Necrology Glenda Simmons, Claudia McGowan Lector Paula Walcott-Quintin Ushers Eloise Tinley, Dorothy Bryant Gift Bearers Angela Anderson, Candace Walcott-Shepherd What a Mighty God We Serve!!

6 EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN Honors St. Alban s Member Judith Haughton On October 18, St. Alban s Altar Guild member Judith Haughton was honored at the 6 th Women of Honor Luncheon sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of New Jersey at the Holiday Inn of Manahawkin, NJ. On hand to congratulate Judith and the other Women of Honor was the Right Reverend William Hallock Stokes, D.D., the XII Bishop of Diocese of New Jersey. A contingent of St. Alban s members, which included her husband Easton, daughter Millie, and grandsons Malahkyle and Malik, attended the event in support of Judith, for a most deserving recognition! CONGRATULATIONS JUDITH! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

7 THRIFT SHOP SIDEWALK SALE A SUCCESS On Saturday, October 25, the St. Alban s Thrift Shop held a huge Sidewalk Sale, opening its offerings to the community to browse and shop for bargains. Thrift Shop Manager Mr. James Simmons, Jr. would like to thank the following members for their assistance in making the Yard Sale a huge success: Angela Anderson, Enid Atkins, Sakeyna Bailey, Dorothy Bryant, Robert Chambers, Jazmine Fisher, Laura Ford, Michael Gayle, Sr., Nichelle Gayle, Nicole Gayle, Easton Haughton, Judith Haughton, Daphne Vickie Johnson-Jones, June Joseph, Claudia McGowan, Dr. Katye Monroe, Garfield Nembhard, Gibson Okafor, Glenda Simmons, and Joseph Tinley. FUNDRAISING FISH FRY St. Alban s held a fundraising Fish Fry at the church that drew call-in orders that were delivered as well as a brisk sit-down trade, including members from neighboring Rutgers offices and church supporters and members. Thank you to all the members who supported the program and made donations to make this event a success.

8 Rutgers Staff Support St. Alban s Food Pantry The St. Alban s Food Pantry was again blessed this year with an outpouring of support from the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS). SEBS staff from Martin Hall, OCPE and ASBII participated in this annual, oneweek food drive at SEBS between October 24 and 30. This year s food drive amassed a total of 1,429 items, which were shared among three local food pantries, including St. Alban s. Mrs. Kathy Goundrey, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, again coordinated the food drive this year and delivered the much-needed items to the Food pantry with Ms. Sarah Dixon, coordinator of the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market, which is managed by Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Helping to facilitate the donation was Ms. Paula Walcott-Quintin, Clerk of the Vestry. Junior Warden Mr. James Simmons and Contemporary Music Coordinator Gibson Okafor were on hand to accept the donation. In November, the Food Pantry also received additional items from staff in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers. Ms. Kathy Manger is pictured (at right) with the box of supplies which she handed over to Paula Walcott-Quintin to help with the outreach ministry of the St. Alban s Food Pantry. The St. Alban s Food Pantry has been serving about 200 clients every month on Wednesdays, from 7-9 p.m. The Food Pantry needs volunteers, as well as both perishable and nonperishable items. Monetary gifts are also accepted. Please contact Mrs. Enid Atkins at to donate your time or food items. Thank you all!!

9 Diocese Honors Two of St. Alban s Senior Members Two seniors of St. Alban s Church, Mrs. Mildred Steele and Mr. Irvin Perrin were honored at the Diocesan Evensong on September 27 at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton. Mildred Larrier Steele was born November 7, 1920, and was educated in New York City and Brooklyn. In 1942, she married and became a military dependent, living in Germany, Japan, and Okinawa. She s had a long career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Harlem Hospital, NY, a proofreader for the Army Corps of Engineers in Okinawa, and an Assistant Special Education Teacher, in Creskill, NJ, among other jobs. Mrs. Steele has been a member of St. Alban s since 1973, serving on various church committees, including the Mission Committee and Church Women United. She is currently Chairperson of the Lay Readers, Ushers and Gift Bearers, a member of the Episcopal Church Women at St. Alban s, and Vice President of St. Theresa's Guild. She is the proud mother of three children Joan, Gary, and Michael. She has six grandchildren Sage, Chad, Courtney, Eric, Ryan, Lindsey, and five great grandchildren Quinn, Nicholas, Evan, Dylan, and Colton. Mr. Irvin Mortimer was born in Havana, Cuba, on November 1, 1918, and spent the first 13 years of his life there before his parents returned to Westmoreland, Jamaica, his parents homeland. Mr. Perrin s career in Jamaica included serving as a registered assistant school teacher as well as a Lab Technician with the West Indies Sugar Company in Westmoreland, Jamaica, during which time he married the late Violet Lucinda Perrin. At the start of World War II, Mr. Perrin enlisted in the British Army and for 15 years, he was a Radio Operator, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and stationed in various locations including Italy and Germany. After emigrating to the U.S., he worked with the British Chemical Company becoming its Chief Laboratory Technician. He moved to Franklin Township and found a church home at St. Alban s, serving on the Vestry as Senior and Junior Warden, and in a variety of other positions, including lector and a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews. He is the proud father of seven children Ansel (deceased), Yvonne, Gerald, Gladstone, Barrington, Carl, and Adonna (deceased). He is also the grandfather of numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Congratulations to Mrs. Mildred Steele and Mr. Irvin Perrin!!

10 SIGHT & SOUND TRIP TO SEE MOSES The bus ride to the Sight & Sound Museum in Lancaster, PA, touched the hearts of all who attended, especially Mr. Gibson Okafor who testified to the powerful impression left upon his heart during the performance of Moses, which brought the Old Testament to life through enactment of the parting of the Red Sea, the Burning Bush, the Plagues, and the Ten Commandments. Special thanks to Mr. Joseph Silcott for planning this important fundraising event that was well attended by members and their friends and families, thanks in part to the sales prowess of Mrs. Enid Atkins, who sold the most tickets for the bus trip. Please see the event, in pictures, which were contributed by Mr. Silcott and Mrs. Maxine Young.

11 SIGHT & SOUND BUS TRIP (CONTINUED)

12 ST ALBAN S CELEBRATE FIVE BAPTISMS Five baptisms were performed on Sunday, September 14 by outgoing St. Alban s Priest-in-Charge Gideon Uzomechina. St. Alban s, which prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and strong neighborhood connections, welcomed the children as members of the Christian Church. To echo the chorus of one of St. Alban s favorite Praise and Worship songs, the newly baptized are walking in the light of God.

13 NOTICES!! The Altar Guild is appealing to church members for flowers. Please consider placing flowers on the Altar in celebration of your birthday, your child's birthday, in memory of a loved one, or your wedding anniversary, among other special occasions. You will be blessed!! Van Needed! The St. Alban s family is looking for a van that will allow it to expand its Food Pantry Ministry, among other activities. We re seeking a partnership with several Community Food Banks outside of our area and a large capacity van, owned by the Church, will facilitate our growth. We re praying to be blessed with the donation of such a vehicle or a contribution, in part or in whole, towards its purchase. If you are the individual to bless our ministry in this way, please contact St. Alban s Senior Warden Mr. Joseph Tinley, Jr. or Junior Warden Mr. James Simmons, Jr., at St. Alban s Birthday Club!! On most first Sundays of the month, the post-service Coffee Hour held in the Parish Hall in honor of the birthday celebrants for that particular month, is coordinated through the Birthday Club. For additional information, contact Patricia James, Birthday Club Coordinator, at

14 Tuesday, May 28: Ministry to the Yardville St. Alban s Episcopal Church Phone: Fax: office@stalbansnewbrunswick.org Website: PLEASE NOTE St. Alban s Food Pantry opens Wednesdays, 7 9 p.m. To volunteer, contact Mrs. Enid Atkins, Coordinator. St. Alban s Thrift Shop opens Wednesdays 6 8 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. 1 p.m. To volunteer, contact Mr. James Simmons Jr., Manager. Please share your comments, story ideas, and events for the The Voice of St. Alban quarterly newsletter with Editor-in-Chief Paula Walcott-Quintin, by sending an to office@stalbansnewbrunswick.org. St. Alban s Episcopal Church 148 Lee Avenue New Brunswick, NJ TO: