THE EPISTLE RECTOR S REFLECTIONS ST PAUL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH NOVEMBER 2010

Transcription

1 ST PAUL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH NOVEMBER 2010 THE EPISTLE RECTOR S REFLECTIONS Nothwithstanding the very serious drought we are in (please join me in praying for more rain), the weather lately has been absolutely spectacular - typical October; low humidity, blue high skies, and comfortable temperatures. There has also been a buzz of activity around the church what with Lobster Fest, Pumpkin Patch, study groups, meetings, and the many kinds of activities and comings and goings that occur in such a busy parish as St. Paul s. Busy, probably like your lives. For the last several weeks a mockingbird has been singing away tirelessly and joyfully from the tree in front of the Clos. Many of you have noticed it too. With all of the activities, it seems almost as if the bird s mission is to surround us with something special, unexpected, and undeserved. Its song reminds me that, along with the industry and planning, there is also mystery and spontaneity. Just when we may be relying too much on ourselves and about to forget about God, the St. Paul s mockingbird calls our attention to a reality of grace, mystery, and beauty of which we are part and parcel. I offer a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins. It came to mind as I heard the song of the mockingbird as I gathered myself before church on Sunday morning. It is entitled God s Grandeur. The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man s smudge and shares man s smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod. And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; And though the last lights off the black West went Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastwards, springs Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings. Blessings, David+ All good gifts around us Are sent from heaven INSIDE THIS ISSUE: MUSINGS FROM ASSOCIATE RECTOR 2 PARISH RETREAT 3 ANNUAL MEETING; LAS POSADAS 4 PICTURES!! 5 BOOKS N BROWN BAGS; ST. PAUL S ON THE ROAD above; Then thank the Lord, O, thank the Lord For all his love. The Hymnal 1982 #291 6 CALENDAR 7

2 PAGE 2 THE EPISTLE MUSINGS FROM THE ASSOCIATE RECTOR Whispers of God Why is it that when one wants to get the attention of a little child, often the best way to do that is to whisper? Perhaps the child senses something important about to be revealed or is simply curious about this new tone of voice in an adult. Whispering was a ploy that I often used at home when our daughter was young, as well in my pediatrics office when the crying of a toddler threatened to preclude hearing heart sounds! It seems to me that whispering is often the way God gets His children s attention, too. Instead of shouting, God tends to speak to us in that still small voice that the prophet Elijah heard on Mount Horeb (I Kings 19:12). One of the ways that we hear those whispers is through God s Word Holy Scripture. Scripture, of course, is woven throughout our Sunday liturgy. Every Sunday we hear lessons read from the Old Testament, a New Testament Epistle, and a Gospel. Hopefully, most of us read Scripture on a daily basis as well, using one of several methods of regular Bible reading and study. Through the ages, a special way of reading the scripture called Lectio Divina has allowed those who practice it to attend to the presence of God in the Bible in a contemplative and prayerful way. This ancient art arising out of the monastic tradition used to be practiced by all Christians. Through this way of engaging the Scriptures, we can hear God s whisper bringing new insights about our relationships with God and with one another. These six steps to practicing lectio divina are simple and accessible: 1) Choose a text from the Scriptures to read, realizing that there is no set goal of finishing. 2) Place yourself in a comfortable position and become silent for a few moments before beginning. You may want to choose a prayer word or focus on your breathing. Quieting ourselves makes it possible for us to hear the still small voice of God. 3) Next, turn to your text and read it very slowly and gently. Listen for the word or phrase that especially rings in your heart at this time. This step is called lectio. 4) Stop there and take that word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and repeat it several times. Ponder it and in so doing enter into dialogue with God. This step is called meditatio. 5) Speak to God and offer what you have discovered during your process of meditation on the passage. This step is called oratio. 6) Rest in God s embrace and when you feel ready continue with your contemplation of God s Word. Use words or not God listens to the whispers of our hearts as well. This step is called contemplatio. The beauty of lectio divina is that it has no goal other than that of being with God by praying the Scriptures and listening for God s gentle voice through them. If you are seeking another way to know God s presence and guidance in your life, why not set aside time daily for drawing near to God through His Word in lectio divina? Begin with 10 minutes a few times a week. Let God lead you as you enter a rhythm of reading and contemplation. Talk with one of the clergy if you would like more direction in this time-tested approach to scriptural prayer. Shhhh..listen! Can you hear the divine whisper? It is God - gently reminding each one of us of our belovedness as we open the ears of our hearts Love, Betsy+

3 PAGE 3 ~ PARISH RETREAT ~ NOVEMBER ~ It s that time again! Time for our Parish Retreat at Camp McDowell where we can play and pray together. Our theme will be With Grateful Hearts, since Thanksgiving follows 4 days later. Take hikes, sing into the night, or just sit back and enjoy the fellowship of other parishioners! Arrive at Camp Friday afternoon/ evening for a potluck supper (bring your own pot and your luck and don t forget your supper!) at Stough Lodge. All other meals are included. Saturday morning the adults can participate in a short presentation and workshop on Linda Douty s How Can I See the Light When It s So Dark?: Journey to a Thankful Heart, while the children do art and activities around the theme: Growing a Grateful Heart. Sunday morning after breakfast we will celebrate Holy Eucharist in the new Chapel and then head home at your own pace. You can your registration to Joyce at parish@stpaulselma.org by copying and pasting the box below into your message, complete the form and send your check payable to St Paul s with Retreat in the for line in. You may mail your form and check to St. Paul s, P. O Box 1306, Selma, AL Questions? Call the church office at LODGING Single Room $65.00 per night (one person per room) Double Room $37.50 per person per night (two persons per room) Additional Person over 10 years in double room is $11.00 per person per night. Children 6-10 years free lodging when they are the 3rd or 4th person in room. (Children under 6 years free lodging and meals.) SINGLE ROOM $65.00 x 2 DAYS= DOUBLE ROOM $75.00 x 2 DAYS= ADDITIONAL PERSON (over 10) $11.00 x 2 DAYS= TOTAL LODGING $ MEALS Meals: $6.50 per meal per person (under 6 years is free) Friday evening dinner is covered dish to share. Saturday breakfast and lunch and dinner in dining hall. Sunday breakfast in dining hall. Saturday breakfast $6.50 x number of persons = Saturday lunch $6.50 x number of persons = Saturday dinner $6.50 x number of persons = Sunday breakfast $6.50 x number of persons = TOTAL MEALS $ TOTAL COST = $ Reservation Name: ***REGISTRATION DEADLINE - MONDAY NOV. 8th*** SORRY, NO PETS ALLOWED!! Birmingham and Montgomery - Take I-65 North in Birmingham. Take exit 264 and turn left onto Daniel Payne Drive going west. Go approx. 1 mile and then turn right on Coalburg Road. Then turn left onto I-22/78 (Corridor X) towards Jasper. Take Exit 63 and turn right onto 269 North into Jasper. Turn right at second light onto 18th St. and an immediate left onto 9th Ave. which will turn into HWY 195. Take HWY 195 approx. 15 miles to mile marker 13 and turn right into camp.

4 PAGE 4 THE EPISTLE OF MATTERS CONCERNING THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AND PARISH ELECTIONS The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday December 5 th. At this meeting reports will be given about the various ministries of this parish. Five vestry members will be elected. Allen Bearden, Grace Hobbs, Henry Moore, and Allen Reeves will be completing their three year term of service on the vestry. We will also need to elect a member to fill Lyn Kendall s two year unexpired term. To be eligible to serve on the vestry one must be a confirmed communicant of St. Paul s Parish and at least sixteen (16) years of age. Nominations are now open until November 10 th. Brief biographies of nominees will be distributed on November 21 st. People may be nominated at any time up until the Annual Meeting, but only those nominated by November 10 th will have their bios published. Nomination forms are available on the back table in the church and in the church office. The Sunday morning schedule for December 5 th is as follows: One Holy Eucharist service only at 9:00 AM Annual Meeting in the Church following Holy Eucharist No early breakfast served at church but.. Potluck Brunch in Parker Hall after the meeting is over LAS POSADAS The Advent custom of Las Posadas ( the inns ) is an old Spanish tradition which celebrates Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem. Finding its beginnings in Spain, the celebration came to Mexico and then to the American Southwest. But instead of a one night journey, we people of St. Paul s follow the Holy Family s travels for the entire season of Advent from house to house to house. Our Holy Family figurines will begin their journey to Bethlehem on Sunday, November 28 th. Their journey will end the night of December 24 th in the stable at the foot of the chancel steps. Each evening of Advent before nightfall, the figurines will be carefully moved from one St. Paul home to another. This is a very special way of celebrating Advent and preparing for the birth of the Christ Child. If you ve never hosted the A Prayer for (More!) Rain Holy Family and have questions, please call Barbara Pritchard ( ). Look for the signup sheet in the Lower Hall beginning October 31 st. Don t let Mary and Joseph find no room in the inn when they visit St. Paul s this year!! O God, Heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to our comfort and to thy honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 828)

5 P AGE 5 LOBSTER FEST 2010 PUMPKIN PATCH 2010 October Peanut Butter and Jelly Club - Over the Rainbow! PBJ continued Over the Rainbow this past month as Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch of the North paid the children a surprise visit. Glinda talked about being good and crowned each child a munchkin.

6 PAGE 6 THE EPISTLE St. Paul s on the Road Many thanks to the following parishioners for bringing us bulletins, etc., from churches they have attended/visited recently: Anne Pilcher St. James Episcopal Church, Fairhope, AL; Trinity Church Copley Square, Boston, MA Carol Sommers St. Mary s-on-the-highlands, Birmingham, AL Olivia Aiken Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. Margie and Richard Burk Otey Parish, Sewanee, TN Nancy Travis All Saints Episcopal Church, Mobile, AL Bunny and Bill Gamble Episcopal Church of the Advent, Lillian, AL Grace and Ralph Hobbs First United Methodist Church, Carrollton, GA; Christ Episcopal Church, Tuscaloosa, AL Becky, Lilly, Maggie, and John Beekman Youngblood Trinity United Methodist Church, Homewood, AL Terry and Catesby Jones Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Huntsville, AL Henry Moore Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, Brundidge, AL Sheila Mitchell Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit, MI THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! Heart-felt thanks and gratitude for all those who worked together to make last month s Lobster Fest and Pumpkin Patch such resounding successes and great fun!! In particular, Coordinators Bunny Gamble (Lobster Fest) and Howard Tinsley (Pumpkin Patch) deserve a hearty round of applause!! But so many others pitched in and volunteered in all sorts of ways. St. Paul s is grateful for the efforts of everyone! What a great way to come together as a parish and to open our arms to the wider community as well! November Books N Brown Bags With the 1st Sunday in Advent, November 28th, we enter into a new Church Year - a good time to examine our spiritual practices and make resolutions for deepening our relationship to God. In that spirit, the Books N Brown Bags group will turn its attention this month to rules of life by reading and reflecting upon Margaret Guenther s book At Home in the World: A Rule of Life for the Rest of Us. Guenther is a priest, writer, teacher and grandmother...and a friend of David and Betsy s! She was formerly the Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality at The General Theological Seminary in New York City. In her book, Guenther offers warm and sensible advice on crafting a rule of life for the rest of us - singles, couples, parents, extended families, members of churches, professionals and laborers, homemakers and students and provides the support we need to create a rule that is both helpful and balanced, grounded in Christian tradition, while taking into account the realities of modern life [quotes from the back cover of the book]. The book is available through Amazon.com. Bring yourself, your book, (and lunch if you like) on November 22nd at noon in the Bishops Room for an hour of sharing and conversation! All are welcome!

7 PAGE 7 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 1st Feast of All Saints Holy Eucharist 6:15pm - Chapel (DOK meeting follows the service) 3rd Holy Eucharist 7am Breakfast follows Little Friends Chapel 9:30am Choir 6pm 7th All Saints Sunday Holy Eucharist 7:30 & 10:30am Breakfast 8:15am Sunday School for all ages 9:10am EYC 5-8pm 8th PB&J Club 3:30-5:30pm 10th Holy Eucharist 7am Breakfast follows Little Friends Chapel 9:30am Cedar Hill 10:30am Choir 6pm 14th 25 Pentecost Holy Eucharist 7:30 & 10:30am Breakfast 8:15am Sunday School for all ages 9:10am EYC 5-8pm 15th Newsletter Deadline 17th Holy Eucharist 7am Breakfast follows Little Friends Chapel 9:30am Choir 6pm 18th Vestry 5:30pm 19th - 21st Parish Retreat 21st Last Sunday after Pentecost Holy Eucharist 7:30 &10:30am Breakfast 8:15am NO Sunday School NO EYC 21st Community Thanksgiving Service First Baptist Church 6pm 22nd Books N Brown Bags NOVEMBER 2010 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat SAVE THE DATES!! November 8 - *DEADLINE* to sign up for Parish Retreat November Parish Retreat at Camp McDowell (Note for those who do not attend the Retreat: there will still be two services of Holy Eucharist at St. Paul s Nov 21st - 7:30 and 10:30am) November 21 - Community Thanksgiving Service 6 pm First Baptist Church November 25 - Thanksgiving Day Holy Eucharist 10 am St. Paul s November 28 - First Sunday of Advent and Las Posadas begins! December 5 - Holy Eucharist 9am (one service only) followed by Annual Meeting and Potluck Brunch 24th Holy Eucharist 7am Breakfast to follow 25th Thanksgiving Day Holy Eucharist 10am 28th 1 Advent Holy Eucharist 7:30 & 10:30am Breakfast 8:15am Sunday School for all ages 9:10am

8 ST PAUL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH NOVEMBER Lauderdale Street P O Box 1306 Selma, AL Church Office: (334) Fax: (334) The Rev David Powell - rector@stpaulselma.org The Rev Betsy Powell - associaterector@stpaulselma.org The Rev Joe Knight - hazenone@bellsouth.net Joyce Dawson - parish@stpaulselma.org Joanie Hammonds - deacon@stpaulselma.org Miriam or Patti - choir@stpaulselma.org Come Ye Thankful People Come Community Thanksgiving Service Sunday November 21 6pm First Baptist Church St. Paul s Holy Eucharist Thanksgiving Day 10am