The Decentralization of Self

Transcription

1 THE MISSION OF CHRIST CHURCH is to bring all persons to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through Word, Sacraments, and instruction, as taught through the Episcopal tradition, that all may know the joy and grace of faith, and to share that grace through outreach. The Chronicler March 2016 Spotsylvania, VA The Decentralization of Self When we are born, we only know how we feel. We don t even comprehend how the environment around us affects us, or how we affect it. We just know when we feel hungry, or tired, or wet, or cold. Over time we develop an appreciation for our surroundings, how we interact with them, and particularly other human beings in our world. The socialization of the self takes years, and really continues throughout our lifetime. However aware we become of the world around us the other people with whom we share this world and their individual perspectives as distinct from our own we continue at our base being quite selfish and selfcentered creatures. Evolutionary biologists can explain to us how even sacrificing one s self is actually a self-serving act, as long as it is seen as facilitating the continuation of our genes in the world, either through our own offspring or through the survival of our tribe. Following Jesus, in many ways, calls us to be something we are not by nature: creatures who see their own good as the good of others. In other words, Christianity calls us to experience the center of our world not as our self, but as someplace outside of our self, specifically in Jesus Christ, who gave himself for the world. The decentralization of our self is a big part of the work of Lent. Indeed it is The life s work of every Christian. It s just that Lent is a good time to practice. How do we learn to go against our nature of being self serving? How do we develop a new nature, one that is more divine than human? Two things are necessary: the grace of God, and our cooperation. God s grace is a given. This we know primarily through the story of Jesus life, teaching, miracles, passion and resurrection, and it is manifest in our lives through the action of the Holy Spirit. Our cooperation? That s where the work comes in. We try to walk with Jesus. That is the basic job description of being a Christian. That means we model our lives after his. It doesn t mean that we are perfect at it, but we do need to be committed to trying again and again even when we get it wrong. During Lent we look at our habits, daily activities, things we do unconsciously, things we do intentionally, and things we never intend to do but do anyway. In a real way, we are the sum total of our habits. This is a time to question whether we are practicing the habits that will help us be the person we want to be, the person God created us to be, or not. The ancient practices of fasting, abstaining from other worldly pleasures, and spending significant time in prayer and the study of Scripture, are tried and true methods of cooperating with the grace of God as it shapes us into that creature with a new, transformed nature, a heavenly nature. Of course, there are other practices that can help us do this. Get creative. Learn from others. Try something new. Most of all, humbly seek to reach that state where, when looking deep within yourself, you see the heart of Christ.

2 MARCH 2016 LAY MINISTERS SCHEDULE Lector Chalice Bearer Acolytes Ushers Altar Guild Nursery March 6 Wieland Team 8:00 Dana Houck Edd Houck Jack Cheeseman 10:30 Martha Clark Werner Wieland Aaron and Frank Carosella Steve Clifford David Packard, Ethan Goldberg Bill Estes Amy Biscoe March 13 8:00 Beth Goshin 10:30 Beverly McNeill Jeff Massey Jenny LeBlanc Deacon Margaret Robert Truslow Williams Team Aaron, Jack and Drew DiFilippo Cecil/Missie Jarman March 20 PALM SUNDAY 8:00 Joseph L. Ilk Edd Houck Joseph L. Ilk Magin Team Molly Watts 10:30 Judi O Neill PASSION GOSPEL READERS TBA March EASTER SUNDAY Tim Watts Penny Knepp Alex Watts Ian Gibson Stephen Wallach Hank Mausolf Tim Watts Wieland Team Amanda Watts 8:00 Joseph Ilk Deacon Margaret Calib Garland 10:30 Mary Williams Jenny LeBlanc Alex Watts Megan LeBlanc (Streamers) Jenna Philllips Ethan Goldberg Aaron DiFilippo Frank Stewart Werner Wieland McKenzie Goldberg NOTE: You are responsible for finding your own replacement in the event that you cannot serve when scheduled. Please notify parish office of replacements. Those of our church family who will be serving in the special Easter Holy Week services will receive an message next week indicating your role.

3 C H R O N I C L E R MARCH 2016 EDITION Choir Director Denise Gregory mdgregorymusic@gmail.com Organist Hannah Massey hannah7019@gmail.com Secretary Ruth Feltner Secretary@christchurchspotsy.com Newsletter Coordinator Ruth Feltner Secretary@christchurchspotsy.com Christ Episcopal Church 8951 Courthouse Road Spotsylvania, Virginia Phone (540) Rector The Reverend Jeffrey A. Packard Rector@christchurchspotsy.com Director of Christian Education Jenny LeBlanc jennyleblanc1978@gmail.com WELCOME BACK Tom and Judy Murphy who hail from Morristown, NJ, and visited us in July of last year. They have since moved to Fredericksburg and are attending the 10:30 service. We look forward to them becoming members of our church family. Bill and Ingrid Sides and their three children, Will, Gabe and Kate have been attending our 10:30 service. We hope they will continue and, eventually, become members. WE WELCOME Denise Gregory and Mary Peterman, a great addition not only to our church family but also to our music ministry. Vestry Senior Warden Linda Wieland Jr. Warden Tim Watts Treasurer Mary Williams Asst Treasurer Linda Smith Register Martha Clark Members Bill Butler Martha Clark David Fagiano Missie Jarman Jim Kenkel Beverly McNeill Sue Roberts Tim Watts Linda Wieland Our Christ Church family extends their sympathy to Joan Gere and her family on the death of Joan s husband, Bob, who passed away on February 17. A celebration of Bob s life will be held in the church on Sunday, April 3 at 2 PM immediately followed by inurnment in the Columbarium. Following inurnment, a reception hosted by the Episcopal Church Women, will be held in the Great Hall. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, by the mercy of God, rest in peace.

4 MARCH 2016 The March Winds Blow 03/01 Chris Westcott 03/06 Joan Palmer 03/06 Raymond Brancolini 03/07 William Palmer 03/09 Robert Massey 03/09 Lee Gupton 03/09 Aaron DiFilippo 03/10 Missy Pixton 03/10 Trisha Westcott 03/11 Christine Roberson 03/11 Elizabeth Warne 03/14 Shelby Kuhl 03/16 Melissa Jackson 03/16 John Fristoe 03/17 Deborah Garland 03/18 Marv Pixton 03/19 Mary Svare 03/21 Ron Magin 03/21 Doris Mills 03/22 Roy Smith 03/25 Jeff Everhart 03/28 Matthew Stockli 03/28 Greta Roberson 03/29 Richard Moynahan 03/29 Amy Biscoe 03/30 Paul Christensen 03/31 Jenna Phillips 03/31 Megan LeBlanc Episcopal Church Women - After cancelling their February meeting because of snow, ECW will get back on track in March with their usual monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 11:30 in the Great Hall. We will discuss plans for our April Plant and Bake Sale which, because of a conflict with the Shrinemont Retreat, will be held this year on Saturday, April 16, in conjunction with the Thrift Shop s Yard Sale. However, for those of you that have a knack for growing plants (especially bedding plants), we would be so grateful if you could start planning to donate some of these for our sale on April 16. There will be more information on this, our biggest money maker for the year, in the April Chronicler. However, if you have questions concerning this event, please contact Debbie Garland at jrroverman@verizon.net or (540) ; Elaine Wyant can also answer any questions you may have: elaine_wyant7@comcast.net or (540) Episcopal Church Men will continue to hold a men s luncheon meeting the 4 th Monday of each month. The purpose of their next luncheon will be to plan for upcoming events and review some new ideas. There was a great turnout for the first luncheon on February 22. Please join the men for their next meeting on Monday, March 28 at 12:00 PM at Vinny s Italian Grill on Leavells Road. RSVP to Ron Magin or Bill Palmer via phone or .

5 Parish Retreat: Fun and Fellowship at Shrine Mont Christ Church and St. Peter s, Port Royal will once again partner in a parish retreat at Shrine Mont April 29 May 1, The rector of St. Peter s is Catherine Hicks, whom you may remember as a seminary intern here a few years ago. The program differs each year, but the general flow of the weekend will go like this. We arrive late Friday afternoon in time to unpack and go to dinner. After dinner, we gather in an upstairs ballroom for Evening and an activity to help us all get to know each other. On Saturday after breakfast we have Morning, followed by a program that varies every year and is optional, then free time. During free time you can hike up the mountain, play tennis or other games, go shopping, go exploring or just relax. It s usually easy to find or put together a group to do something fun. Saturday night we have a campfire, complete with making s mores. Stories and campfire songs usually result. Sunday morning there s a worship service at the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration and more time to relax, read a book, look for wildflowers, etc. The rooms are simple, but comfortable. The food is abundant and delicious. The company is relaxed and welcoming. It s a great chance to get to know folks whom you may not know well, or have just met. Many of us have gone many times, but are always open to new people coming to enjoy the weekend. Come on up to the mountain with us this year! Retreat check-in: 4:00 p.m. on Friday Check-out: 2:00 p.m. on Sunday Scholarship funds are available. Carpools can be organized. Please do not let transportation or cost be the reason you don t join us. Prices listed are per person and do include your meals and tax for full weekend. Your only out-of-pocket expenses will be gas and any shopping you do. Single occupancy room may be available. Let us know if you want a single room. Most rooms have 2 single beds. We do have a small number of rooms with 1 double bed and 1 single bed and a few connecting rooms; these rooms will be available to families with children first. We promise to do our best to accommodate everyone. Fill out the form below including a $10 per person deposit by Sunday, March 13 th. Final payment is due Sunday, April 24. Please make all payments to Christ Church with Shrine Mont Retreat in the memo line. Hope to see you there! Adults: $ (Double Occupancy) Adults: $ (Single Occupancy) Youth: $52.00 (ages 4-12) Children: Free (ages 0-3) Name (contact person): Other adults attending: Names of children attending (include ages): Dietary Concerns: Roommate request Special Needs/Housing Preferences: Donate to our Scholarship Fund? $150 $100 $48 other Need scholarship help? Amount of request:

6 New Vestry Members and Officers At our Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 31, we elected three new members to the vestry: Martha Clark, David Fagiano, and Jim Kenkel. They will each serve a three year term. We also thanked the three members whose terms expired: Ray Crafton (who served as the senior warden for the past three years), Jeri Phillips (who served as the register of the vestry for the past three years), and Roy Smith. At the first vestry meeting with the new vestry the following officers were elected for one year terms: Senior Warden Linda Wieland (who served as the Junior Warden last year); Junior Warden Tim Watts; Register Martha Clark; Treasurer Mary Williams; and Assistant Treasurer Linda Smith. On February 21 at the late service we had a ceremony of installation for the members of the vestry and the officers. Please continue to pray for those who are elected to leadership positions in our parish. Shrine Mont Summer Camps The diocesan summer camps at Shrine Mont have something for everybody. If you are into sports, or music and drama, or high adventure, or just looking for a classic summer camp experience, they have the camp for you. See the Communications Center for informative pamphlets about all of the summer camp programs. Financial aid is available. Did you know that Christ Church has a Quilter s Club? Yes, the ladies have been together for over 36 years and meet at 10:30 AM every Thursday in All Saints Hall, in Room 8, get their quilting rack set up and begin. Then, they break for lunch (bring a bag lunch) and go back to continue the quilt they are working on. In between working, they have a good time. Over the years, for one reason or another, the membership has dwindled down to a precious few and they are currently seeking anyone interested in learning the skill of quilting. They re willing to teach you! Feel free to walk in and observe the ladies on Thursday morning or call Alice Daniels on (540) for more information.

7 Holy Week and Easter Schedule Palm Sunday, March 20 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II procession with palms Maundy Thursday, March 24 7:30 PM Holy Eucharist with foot washing and stripping of the altar Good Friday, March 25 Noon to 3:00 PM Ecumenical Service of Meditations on the Seven Last Words of Christ 6:30 PM Stations of the Cross, Great Hall 7:30 PM Good Friday service Easter Eve, March 26 10:00 AM Flower Workshop, GH 10:00 AM Vigil Rehearsal in church 7:30 PM The Great Vigil of Easter Bring a bell! Wine and Chocolate reception, Great Hall Easter Day, March 27 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9:15 AM Church School Easter Party & Egg Hunt 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II Children s Easter Party & Egg Hunt On Easter Sunday during the Christian Education time we will have an Easter Party and an Easter Egg Hunt. Bring children to the Great Hall at 9:15 where there will be games and crafts for them. Meanwhile the older children and youth will be playing Easter Bunny and hiding the eggs outside. When all is set the hunt will begin. If you would like to help supply the eggs, you can drop off your plastic eggs, filled with packaged candy, and taped shut, in any one of several locations around the church. We need the eggs no later than Palm Sunday, March 20. Speak to Molly Watts if you have questions.

8 Confirmed, Received & Reaffirmed On February 7 we welcomed Bishop Susan Goff. It was a lovely service, and she confirmed 3 youth: Colby Clifford, Aaron DiFilippo, and David Packard; and 2 adults: Angie Wienckowski, and Rick Moore. She also received Tim Wienckowski into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church; he had been confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church. And 3 adults reaffirmed their commitment to Jesus Christ: Carol Moore, Linda Wieland, and Werner Wieland. Following the service we had a wonderful reception with a potluck lunch. Somehow we all managed to get home in time to watch the Super Bowl (or Downton Abbey). The Great Vigil of Easter On Easter eve we celebrate the ancient service that is the root of the modern day sunrise service. In the early church, those who had been prepared for baptism would spend the night before Easter Sunday in vigil with prayer and fasting. Then, just before dawn, the rest of the faithful would gather for the first service to celebrate the Lord s resurrection. They began in darkness. Then a new fire was kindled. From the fire the Paschal Candle (symbolic of the risen Lord) was lit, and from that candle all the candles held by members of the congregation. Soon the church was filled with the light of Christ. At this service, which began with long readings from the Old Testament, the highlight was the baptisms. The natural light was growing outside throughout. Finally, with the sun rising gloriously to light the way, the celebration of Easter began with the classic Easter acclamation, Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. We keep this tradition, gathering in the evening rather than in the wee hours, and creating the growing light artificially rather than relying on the sun, as we celebrate the Great Vigil of Easter. Come join us for this most joyful time at 7:30 PM on Saturday, March 26. Don t forget to bring a bell as we literally ring in the holiday. Following the service we gather in the Great Hall for a wine and chocolate reception hosted by the choir.

9 Check Out the Enclosed Holy Week and Easter Schedule. Sunday morning worship schedule and Children s Chapel and Sunday school: Two services 8:00 and 10:30, (Children s Chapel is held in the Choir Room during the 10:30 service) with Christian Education for all ages from 9:15 to 10:15. Children s Chapel is not held on the first Sunday of the month. Episcopal Church Women meet the 3 rd Tuesday of each month in the Great 11:30 AM. The ECM meet the 2 nd Saturday of each month in ASH at 8 AM. The Vestry meets on the 2 nd Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in room #8, All Saints Hall. Sunday bulletin announcements due by: noon Wednesday, call Deadline for the April Chronicler is March 18. Please send articles in Microsoft word document to Ruth Feltner: secretary@christchurchspotsy.com

10 Christ Church March 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 7:15pm Choir Rehearsal 3 10:30am Quilters, 4 6:00pm Lenten Pizza Night, ASH 8:00pm AA Mtg 5 6 8:00am HE Rite 1 9:15am Christian Education 10:30am HE Rite II 11:45am Fellowship, GH :00am Food 11:00am RAAI in Pantry, ASH Great Hall 6:00pm Sunlight Garden Club, ASH #6, :30am Quilters, 7:00pm Vestry Mtg, 11 6:00pm Lenten Pizza Night, ASH 8:00pm AA Mtg :00am HE Rite 1 9:15am Christian Education 10:30am Children's Chapel 10:30am HE Rite II 11:45am Fellowship, GH :30am ECW Meeting, GH :30am Quilters, 18 6:00pm Lenten Pizza Night, ASH 8:00pm AA Mtg PALM SUNDAY 8:00am HE Rite 1 9:15am Christian Education 10:30am Children's Chapel 10:30am HE Rite II 11:45am Fellowship, GH :00am Food Pantry, ASH MAUNDY THURSDAY 10:30am Quilters, 7:30pm Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing 25 GOOD FRIDAY 12:00pm Ecumenical Service of Meditations 6:30pm Stations of the Cross, GH 7:30pm Good Friday Service 8:00pm AA Mtg 26 10:00am Vigil Reheasal & Flower Decorating Workshop 7:30pm Easter Vigil; Wine & Chocolate Reception Following 27 EASTER DAY 8:00am HE Rite 1 9:15am Christian Education 10:30am Children's Chapel 10:30am HE Rite II 11:45am Fellowship, GH :30am Quilters,