From the desk of the Priest-in-Charge

Transcription

1 Trinity Edition June 2014 From the desk of the Priest-in-Charge Dear friend, It s hard to imagine but we ll almost half way through another year. Time is really flying. On Thursday, May 29, 2014, the Christian church celebrated the feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ into the heavens. According to Traditions, the ascension of the Lord took place forty days after his resurrection in the Mount of Olives, adjacent to the town of Bethany. And it was pertinent that he returned into the heaven for the ministry of the church to kick-in. Prior to his ascension, the Lord promised his followers that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit. He instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until the Spirit had come, which occurred on the day of Pentecost ten days after His ascension and Pentecost became the birthdate of the Christian church. Jesus ascension signaled the end of His earthly ministry, signified success in His earthly work, marked the return of His heavenly glory, symbolized His exaltation by the Father, allowed Him to prepare a place for us, indicated the beginning of His new work as High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant, and set the pattern for His return that helps us to anchor our lives solely on Him. Of all the conundrums that have come to vex and confound us, there are three that continue uniquely to rivet our attention faith, charity, and hope. Each provides a key to the great and enduring realities of the Christian life which lies on Jesus redemptive work. Without doubt, the Feast of Ascension is the supreme moment in the life of Christ, the final climactic event to the work of his Redemption. Face to face with the mystery intended from the beginning, which is nothing less than the Incarnate Son sitting in glory alongside the Father, we too await a common destiny, that of God himself coming to confer the crown of everlasting life upon those who love him. It means that even as Christ belongs no more to a fallen and corrupt world, so also will we, who cleave to Christ, find refuge forever in the arms of God. Anyone whose life is anchored on faith in the redemptive work of Jesus through the works of charity and love amongst all and who believes in the resurrected and ascended Christ in words and deeds, is bound for glory and destined to experience a land beyond the stars that will overflow with the radiance of unending bliss and transfiguring joy. Rembrandt s The Ascension Your Priest and friend, Fr. Gideon

2 The primary objective of the Church is to bring people into closer relationship with God. Strengthening relationships with individuals is an important part of this but the goal is always to create an environment in which the relationship with God is strengthened. The Church is to encourage individuals to discern the gifts God has given them and the work God is calling them to do. God is the source of the mission and the money. Both are gifts over which the giver exercises faithful stewardship. Giving is taught as a significant spiritual practice. The Church encourages giving by providing a variety of opportunities to give. Giving is also seen as a joyful response to God's generosity to us. Recognition is seen as a means of witness. The goal of recognition programs is to provide givers with an opportunity to express their faith and encourage others. Submitted by: Joseph Tinley, Senior Warden President, Finance/Stewardship Committee Lay Eucharist Ministers Receive Licenses Several members of St. Alban s Church received their licenses in March, designating them, among others things: Lay Eucharistic Minister (licensed to administer the elements at the Eucharist) and Lay Eucharistic Visitor (licensed to take the Sacrament to the Sick). The licenses, signed by the Right Rev. William H. Stokes, were distributed during service by Fr. Gideon and assisted by Ministry Intern Mr. Casey Woodruff. Pictured below, at left, are Casey Woodruff, Michal Gayle, Jr., Pauline Chandler, Mr. Joseph Silcott, and Fr. Gideon. Pictured below, at right, Deborah Anderson is congratulated by Fr. Gideon. Congratulations to all the St. Alban s licensees!

3 Food for the Poor Visits St. Alban s On April 6, Food for the Poor s Rev. Bruce Torrey traveled from the Catskills Region of New York to visit St. Alban s Church. He began by singing Amazing Grace and shared the story of this song, which he experienced during a trip to Haiti. Unprepared for the level of poverty in the country following the devastating earthquake in 2010, with thousands living in tents provided by international NGOs, he described the rollercoaster of feeling sad and uplifted during the visit. He shared the story of an orphanage for girls that was untouched by the earthquake and a Food for the Poor visit during which the volunteers sang Amazing Grace and the girls sang the same song in Creole. He said the moment really melted my heart and went on to extol the virtues of ministries that reach out to those who are marganilized and disenfranchised and lift them up. He described the impact of donations given to Food for the Poor, which collaborates with other religious organization, as giving new life. He ended as he started, with the song Amazing Grace, and spent an enjoyable hour with St. Alban s members in the Fellowship Hall following the service. St. Alban s members, like Mrs. Joan Steele below, also donated to the organization for its work in Latin America and the Caribbean.

4 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper The St. Theresa s Guild and Episcopal Church Women (ECW) hosted Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on March 4 at St. Alban s Church. Attendees were treated to a delicious supper of pancakes, bacon and sausage cooked by several church members, including the Senior Warden Mr. Joseph Tinley and Junior Warden Mr. James Simmons who donned aprons and played chefs for the evening! In addition, they watched the film, Final: The Rapture, a Christian movie introduced by Fr. Gideon. More on the movie can be found here: ASHES-TO-GO! Ash Wednesday, March 5, saw the annual administration of Ashes-to-Go at the New Brunswick Train Station to busy commuters and members of the community at the New Brunswick Train Station, between 7-9am, to usher in the scared season of Lent. This year, Father Gideon was literally accompanied by St. Alban s Contemporary Music Director Mr. Gibson Okafor on his organ, as they provided early commuters with ashes and a word of prayer on the way to work. They also made a visit to McCarrick Care Center where Fr. Gideon administered ashes to St. Alban s members Mr. Irvin Perrin, who was convalescing at the time, and Mrs. Helen Hewitt, who has been a long-term resident at the home, and to other residents at the care center.

5 PALM SUNDAY Passion (Holy) Week got underway at St. Alban s with the annual blessing of the palms and the Palm Sunday procession in the neighborhood. EASTER SUNDAY Passion (Holy) Week ended with a wonderful Easter Service, which was followed by a small Fashion Show organized by Ms. Shanique McGowan, Church School teacher, in the Fellowship Hall. The kids displayed their Easter Sunday finery for all to see. Our youngest model, Albany, was assisted by proud Dad, Fr. Gideon. Shanique also took the initiative to host an Easter Egg Hunt on the Church gounds for the kids and provided the gift bags and treats, as well.

6 BLACK HISTORY MONTH/DIVERSITY PROGRAM Passionate Worship Ministry hosted the Black History/Diversity Program at St. Alban s Church on Sunday, March 2, Ministry Co-Chairs Angela Anderson and Glenda Simmons, along with members Deborah Anderson, Pauline A. Chandler, Steven Clark, Nicole Gayle, Judith Haughton, Mealah Haughton, Clara Haynes, Dr. Katye Monroe, and Kathryn Roach sponsored the program to celebrate National Black History Month and demonstrate that we, at St. Alban s Church, value diversity and promote the tenets of inclusion. Mrs. Pauline Chandler ably served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the program titled, Celebrating our Heritage. Highlights of the program included informative portrayals by church members of famous Black American and multicultural persons who fought for freedom and social justice. Each presenter was dressed as a famous person and after each presentation, the congregation was interactively engaged by asking them to identify the person who had been portrayed. Presenters were Neme Akunne as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Robert Chambers as Dr. Martin Luther King, Nicole Gayle as Nanny of the Maroons, Trenyce Hinds as Sojourner Truth, Gibson Okafor as Archbishop Oscar Romero, and Shanique McGowan as Shirley Chisholm. Church School members and Gibson Okafor, Contemporary Music Coordinator, sang Spirituals while Michael Gayle, Jr. and Mrs. Pauline A. Chandler read relevant poetry, which added to the uniqueness of the program. As a special part of the celebration, flags were hung in the sanctuary to reflect the countries of St. Alban s members heritages. Father Gideon blessed the flags and acknowledged the diversity and inclusiveness of our congregation.

7 BLACK HISTORY MONTH/DIVERSITY PROGRAM (CONTINUED) After Service, a delicious multicultural luncheon was served in the Parish Hall which included African-American, Caribbean, and African and Hispanic cuisine. Worshippers also enjoyed the Black History and Diversity displays that were set-up in the Parish Hall. Passionate Worship Ministry wishes to thank the following individuals for their assistance with and contributions to the program: The Venerable Gideon Uzomechina, Neme Akunne, Sakeyna Bailey, Robert Chambers, Laura Ford, Daphne Johnson-Jones, Easton Haughton, Michael Gayle, Sr., Michael Gayle, Jr. Nichelle Gayle, Rochelle James, Charo Jimenez, Shanique McGowan, St. Alban s Sunday School, Devante Mobley, Garfield Nembhard, Olivia Oquekwe, Gibson Okafor, Trenyce Hinds, and Joan Steele.

8 Dr. Katye Monroe Honored by Rutgers Graduate School Alumni A large picture on an easel of the 2014 honoree greeted a large contingent of family and friends, many from St. Alban s Church, who attended the 2014 Distinguished Service Awards Dinner on April 26 hosted by the Rutgers Graduate School of Education Alumni Association, in honor of one of its own Dr. Katye Monroe (GSE Class of 1972 & 1974). Dr. Monroe, one of two 2014 honorees of the GSE Alumni Association, received a Distinguished Service Award presented to alumni who have rendered outstanding service to education and/or to the Rutgers Graduate School. Katye earned not one, but two master s degrees; the first in Guidance and Counseling from Rutgers University and the second master s degree in Administration and Supervision from Rider University. And, she also has a doctorate in Counseling and Psychology from Rutgers. Katye, who s been a member of St. Albans for over 40 years, has served the church in various capacities, including Superintendent of Sunday School; a member of the Altar Guild & Church Women United; and headed the Episcopal Summer Camp for Kids. Congratulations Katye!

9 Celebrating Kathryn Roach s 90th Birthday Mrs. Kathryn Roach, President of the St. Theresa s Guild, and one of our oldest and longest-serving members at St. Alban s celebrated her 90th birthday on March 27. She had not one but TWO parties in her honor. The first party was held at St. Alban s Church in March, where her family and dear friends joined church members to mark the milestone with a cake and a lovely meal. The second party was held at Carpaccio Ristorante in Middlesex, NJ, on April 26 and several members of St. Alban s, some pictured below, were honored to join Mrs. Roach and family in a wonderful celebration of her blessed life. Prayers, poems, presentation of roses, and especially The Walk Down Memory Lane with the Cast of Kathryn Chronicles, were highlights of the celebration. Our best wishes for continued good health and blessings to our beloved Mrs. Roach!!

10 Choir Acquires New Instrument At left, Rev. Canon Jerry Skillicorn, who is the chief celebrant at St. Alban s in May and June while Father Gideon visits Africa, blesses a new instrument, a euphonium, acquired by the Choir. In making the announcement of the purchase, Music Director Mr. Steven Clark explained the origins of the name euphonium. Attributed here to Wikipedia, the name derives from the Greek word euphonos meaning "well-sounding" or "sweet-voiced" (eu means "well" or "good" and phonos means "of sound", so "of good sound"). An accomplished trombonist, St. Alban s Chorister Mr. Bob Chambers is pictured (at right) holding the euphonium, which was purchased with him in mind. Watch for an upcoming article on the acquisition and installment of a new organ, which has enhanced the musical and worship experience of St. Alban s members. ST. ALBAN S THRIFT SHOP Great bargains are available at the Thrift Shop. The hours of operation are Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make a donation or to volunteer, contact James Simmons, Jr., Thrift Shop Manager, at Read more in the New Brunswick Patch.

11 The final prize, a 42 Color TV that went to the third place winner of the Men of St. Alban's Raffle, was disbursed to the winner in the sanctuary of the church. Mrs. Lidia Walego was the lucky winner, who bought her ticket from St. Alban s member Mrs. Enid Atkins. Mr. Joseph Silcott, who helped coordinate the raffle, expressed sincere thanks to the members and friends of the church on behalf of the Men of St. Alban s, for their collective support of this fundraising event. L-R: Mr. Joseph Silcott, Mrs. Enid Atkins, Mrs. Lidia Walego, third prize winner, and St. Alban s Senior Warden Mr. Joseph Tinley. Special Baptism for Four Young Siblings Fr. Gideon, assisted by Ministry Intern Mr. Casey Woodruff, administered the Sacrament of Baptism to four young siblings and welcomed them into the fold of St. Alban s Church in April. Siblings OSMAIRY HERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, OSTTYN JONAS RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, OSVIEL JUNIOR RUBIO RODRIGUEZ, and OSMIEL JUNIOR RUBIO RODRIGUEZ were baptized and celebrated by a full church of god-parents, family, and members of the church. They were entrusted into the spiritual care of St. Alban s by their proud parents CARLOS JUNIOR RUBIO BALBUENA and BLAIRA YNA RODRIGUEZ. Members of the Radical Hospitality Committee of St. Alban s prepared a wonderful meal in celebration and had a cake to mark the special occasion. Welcome!!

12 NJ Diocesan Youth Event: Camp Lebanon YOUTH GROUP CORNER On May 16-18, the New Jersey Diocese held its annual spring youth event at Camp Lebanon, in Lebanon NJ. St. Alban s Youth Group coordinator, Candace Walcott-Shepherd, successfully registered and chauffeured youth member Jessen Oguekwe, who was eager to attend the sleep away camp this year. Camp participants explored the great mysteries of Baptism through exciting program, music, games, and relaxing free time. Jessen enjoyed himself and made some new friends. The event ended with the Eucharist on Sunday, performed by Rev. Dr. Anne-Marie Jeffery, Rector of St. Peter s Episcopal Church, in Perth Amboy. Many parents who were there to pick up the youth were in attendance for the Eucharist. CALENDAR of Events Youth Group Weekend: Seminar, Saturday, June 14, from 1-3pm. Youth Group Service, Sunday, June 15, at 11am. Youth Group Car Wash: Saturday, June 21, from10am to St. Alban s Church.

13 St. Alban s Food Pantry The St. Alban s Food Pantry welcomed two new volunteers one day in April to its weekly Wednesday operation. Below, Ivonne Mejia and Brandon Blank assist with packaging dry food items and handing over a bag of food to a client. Ivonne and Brandon are both friends of Ms. Shanique McGowan, St. Alban s member and volunteer at the Food Pantry. Shanique is responsible for checking in the clients who come weekly to the pantry. According to Shanique, Ivonne is a former college mate of mine from Montclair State University and now a graduate student in Maryland. Brandon, a pilot, is also a friend of mine, and they both decided to come and help out since they had some spare time. They are both looking forward to volunteering again in the future. The St. Alban s Food Pantry has been serving about 200 clients every month on Wednesdays, from 7-9pm. The Food Pantry needs volunteers, as well as both perishable and nonperishable items; monetary gifts are also accepted. The first Sunday of each month has been designated Food Pantry Sunday, so attendees are reminded to bring their non-perishable items to the Mass. Please contact Enid Atkins at if you d like to donate your time on Wednesdays. NOTICES The St. Alban s Altar Guild is appealing to church members for flowers. Van Needed! St. Alban s Church 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. 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!! If you are the individual to bless our ministry in this way, please contact St. Alban s Senior Warden Mr. Joseph Tinley, Jr.; Junior Warden Mr. James Simmons, Jr.; or Father Gideon 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. Family Counseling Program on Wednesdays 11 a.m.; Healing Service 6 p.m. Call for an appointment, please! Office Hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. 5 p.m. 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: