the story St. Thomas Episcopal Church August 2015 Volume 38, Issue 8

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1 the story St. Thomas Episcopal Church August 2015 Volume 38, Issue 8 All are Welcome! No Exceptions! St. Thomas Episcopal Church accepts all people and we commit to: Celebrate the Eucharist regularly Keep a personal and community discipline of prayer and study Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ by promoting justice, peace, and love Nurture God s people as we grow in Christ Live with thanksgiving, wonder, and openness to God s love Restore all people to unity with God and each other Read This Book Now!: Whitney s Top Ten Spiritual Reads By the Rev. Whitney Rice, Priest-in-Charge Well, friends, we re nearing the end of the summer reading season, but there s still time for those beach reads (or curl up in an air-conditioned house reads) so I thought I d share with you my top ten spiritual books (outside the Bible). Here, in no particular order, are the books that have formed me, challenged me, changed me, and inspired me the most. Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality by Richard Rohr. Those of you who have come to any of my Christian Formation offerings know that I am a huge Richard Rohr fan. He is a Franciscan monk who teaches out of what he calls an alternative orthodoxy in the perennial tradition, which basically means going back to the Bible and ancient spiritual sources to see if everything we ve been taught matches our knowledge of God s love. He shows how much unexpected grace there is to be found in all of the great spiritual writings check him out and see how your perceptions of the Bible change through this book. The Humility of God: A Franciscan Perspective by Ilia Delio. Another Franciscan I found her work through Richard Rohr. She explains the wonderful generosity of God in the Incarnation, how lovingly God limits Godself and seeks to be with us as a human on Earth in Jesus what she calls bending low in love. Read this book to experience God the romantic, the greatest sufferer of unrequited love in the world. Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West by Daniel Ladinsky. God, I love this book! Daniel Ladinsky translates the writings of spiritual greats with a combination of tenderness, creativity, and faithfulness to the spirit of the original texts that fairly makes the words leap off the page. You will laugh and cry and be changed by reading God s radical love here. The saints included (some Christian, some from other faiths) are: Rabia, St. Francis of Assisi, Rumi, Meister Eckhart, St. Thomas Aquinas, Hafiz, St. Catherine of Siena, Kabir, Mira, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and Tukaram.

2 Parish Life Page 2 (Whitney+ continued) The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt-Out by Brennan Manning. I first read this in college when I was going through a rough patch (actually, 80+% of college was a rough patch for me) and this book was my first taste of liberation from the teacher with a ruler, moral report card, perpetually disappointed in my sin vision of God. This is a meditation on grace that helps you explore how very deeply and truly God values the real you, not the you you are always striving to be but can never quite make it. Bring Me the Rhinoceros: And Other Zen Koans That Will Save Your Life by John Tarrant. Okay, if I haven t already at St. Thomas, it s time for me to come out as a Buddhapalian. What s a Buddhapalian? It s a faithful Episcopalian who is seriously influenced by parts of Buddhist teaching and practice. This book is one of the best in that vein if you need to get out of a spiritual rut, explore this text. One thing I love about it is the idea that Enlightenment (we might call it the descent of the Holy Spirit or communion with God) is often very funny. A Thomas Merton Reader by Thomas P. McDonnell. Those of you who are already Merton fans will love the way this book brings out the wide range of his writings from memoir to poems to political and social commentary to deep theology. Those you unfamiliar with the mid-20 th century Kentucky Trappist monk will find this the perfect book to get to know him and his passionate, flawed but glorious, lifelong struggle/love affair with God. Another one who opened me to a whole new world when I first read it in college. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke. I don t care if it s clichéd, I don t care if it s over-quoted, things become classics for a reason. Read it and mine your own depth and go back to being a tortured adolescent dreaming of the great things you ll do. We shouldn t lose that part of ourselves just because we fancy ourselves sophisticated adults. It really is important to think big, lofty thoughts and ponder the meaning of life every now and then. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. Go even further back, back to your childhood. This book introduced me to the gospel before I even knew what the gospel was. The books our parents read to us as children become the refrains of our hearts for the rest of our lives, and I m so glad mine read me this one. Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich (ca CE). This is the greatest of the tradition of medieval women mystics that has been incredibly important to me as a woman, as a mystic, and as a priest. Julian and her contemporaries (if you already know Julian, try Mechthilde of Magdeburg and Hildegarde of Bingen) found a way to speak against the tide of patriarchy that dominated medieval Christianity and reveal a whole new way of being in relationship with God that was intuitive, emotional, and embraced mystery and grace. The Letters and Martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch, 5 th century CE, from Early Christian Fathers by Cyril C. Richardson, 1995 edition. This was one of the first books I was assigned to read in seminary, and I remember sitting on my couch in my student housing apartment and crying and crying as I read it. I was captivated by the intensity of relationship and discipleship that would lead Ignatius of Antioch to embrace violent martyrdom with actual joy. (It also raised up questions of how much is too much, how far is too far, and when does the impulse that drives martyrdom tip over into dangerous and destructive fanaticism.) But more than anything, I wanted a life that was so infused with God that the spiritual world was more real than the physical world, where every day was a reckless adventure of faith, where simultaneous passionate longing for and consummation with Christ make up every single breath. That s Ignatius world, and that s what gets me up every morning. I could go on, but those are a few of my favorites. What about you? What s your favorite spiritual book(s) maybe we could start a book club! We ll put a sheet on the bulletin board where you can write in your most influential spiritual books and we ll all have plenty to read and grow in God s grace together.

3 Page 3 Parish Life FOR YOUR CALENDAR FAST TRACK SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE Ends August 16 Bring school supplies (lists available in foyer) now through mid-august to help Johnson County children in need. Donations also gladly accepted. Checks payable to St. Thomas and memo Fast Track. Elyssa Everling is the coordinator. LABYRINTH REDEDICATION We will rededicate our Labyrinth on Sunday, August 16 at worship. Let s walk in prayer together. SUMMER BIBLE STUDY BOOK CLUB The Bible Study group is reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright. They will meet before worship at 10 a.m. to discuss part three on August 23. Contact Cheryl Faust for more information. ST. THOMAS SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 We are halfway through our Shared-Ministry agreement. How s it going? We want to hear from you. Join the coffee-hour discussion at 9 am on Sunday, August 30. Please bring a breakfast dish to share. We will worship together at 11 am followed by Lemonade on the Lawn. ST. THOMAS CLINIC NEWS Thanks and good luck to Felicia Stewart, NP, as she leaves the clinic to teach full-time at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Felicia has been such a blessing to the clinic as both Nurse Practitioner and Steering Committee Chairperson. She will be missed! Welcome to Joey Hollis, RN, who is the new Steering Committee Chairperson. Joey has been a member of the committee and we look forward to his assistance in his new role. Fundraiser Monday, August 3, 4-8 pm Ritter s Frozen Custard in Franklin; no coupon Sign the back of your Ritter s receipt with your name & phone number. One person will win a Rascal s Fun Zone 12-attraction ticket plus 20 tokens! ($48 value) The Dine-to-Donate fundraisers help keep us afloat. Your contributions to the Clinic are our mainstay in serving those in need. Please consider making a donation this month. The Clinic served 833 Johnson County residents in the first half of this year. The Clinic is open each Wednesday and some Saturdays by appointment only. Call Upcoming Saturdays are: Saturday, August 1, 9am-noon Saturday, September 12, 9am-noon Terresa Branham, Interim Director St. Thomas Clinic The Clergy, Staff and Officers of St. Thomas Bishop... The Rt. Rev. Catherine M. Waynick Priest-in-Charge... The Rev. Whitney Rice Deacon... The. Ven. Ron Goldfarb Organist/Choir Director... Mary Barrett Parish Administrator... Carol Macmillan Senior Warden... Robin Kares Junior Warden...Mike Ramsey Clerk... Jen Tullis Treasurer... Marti Ramsey Assistant Treasurers... Robin Kares, Eric Smith The 19th Vestry of St. Thomas ( ) David Buchholz, Marikay Kapke, Mike Ramsey Robin Kares, Jen Tullis Steve Faust Vestry will meet TUESDAY, August 18, 7 p.m. Have you sent your feedback to Robin Kares yet on the Long-Range Plan?

4 Parish Life Page 4 BOY SCOUT TROOP 229 RANSBURG CAMP 2015 We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of Boy Scout Troop 229. The contributions that the church has made to the Troop, in way of welcoming us into your community has allowed the Troop to continue to grow this past year. The monetary contributions this past month has allowed two of our Scouts to attend the yearly summer camp out. This allowed these Scouts to participate in Team building as a group, and two individual advancement of badges of merit for these particular Scouts. Over all, we had four Scouts achieve four different merit badges, and two Scouts further their advancement towards Eagle rank. We had a wonderfully challenging time, individually and as a Troop, through weather and learning on our path forward. Without your assistance, prayers and support, we would not have been able to achieve all that we have completed this year. I feel I can speak for all of the parents and Leaders, as well as the Scouts of the Troop in saying THANK YOU!!! Regards, Boy Scout Troop 229: Tyler, Daniel, Cameron, Chandler, Daniel, Thomas-Senior Patrol Leader, Larry Lynch-Troop Leader

5 Page 5 Parish Life Teacher Training Saturday, August 22, 10 am St. Thomas welcomes back Godly Play! What is Godly Play? Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Created by Jerome Berryman and based on Montessori principles, the Godly Play method is one of experience and encounter. Teacher training will be led by Susie Hooten, Saturday, August 22 at 10 a.m. in the Godly Play room. Classes will begin for children ages 3-6 on Sunday, September 13 during the 11 a.m. service. The children will join their parents at the Peace for the Holy Eucharist. A big thank you to all teachers volunteering their time each month for our youth: Karen Cushing, Suzanne Bachman, Kristen Ring, and Susie Hooten. We truly appreciate your time and commitment to Godly Play. Contact Deirdré Warrenburg for more information: drwarrenburg@gmail.com; A huge thank you to all those that contributed to sending Angel Tree and CASA Kids to Camp! There were seven children who received this wonderful experience all had a great time and learned so much. They would not have had this opportunity without you. Thank you. Blessings, Ann Kieffer The Interchurch Food Pantry wishes to thank you for your most current donation. We provided food to 3,256 families in the 2nd quarter. Thank you for helping us serve our needy. We appreciate your partnership in the continuing fight against hunger and are humbled by your generosity. Blessings, Carol Phipps, Manager The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35) not only took pity on the beaten man left on the side of the road, bandaged his wounds, carried him on his donkey to the inn and took care of him; the next day he gave money to the innkeeper to 'look after him and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' Talk about loving your neighbor! The St. Thomas Clinic continues to take care of those in need but the funds needed to cover the 'extra expenses' are so great. St. Thomas Church covers our biggest overhead costs--rent, utilities, cleaning service, etc.--and for this we are most grateful. Thank you! As well, we are so appreciative of our providers, nurses, counselor, social workers, pharmacy techs, students, and all volunteers who consistently give of their precious time and talents to help those with medical needs in our county. Thank you! It is still a constant struggle to pay for labs, pharmacy and other needed clinic supplies. We recently did not receive one of the grants we applied for but God provides! We did receive an unexpected gift from one of our regular donors from the Greenwood Presbyterian Church who named us as beneficiary of $5,000 from her life insurance policies. What a blessing! And while things are still tight financially, we continue to trust in God to lead the way by touching the hearts of the Good Samaritans in our community. With a grateful heart, Terresa Branham, St. Thomas Clinic

6 Page 6 August 2015 Calendar Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Summer Sunday Schedule 8:30 am Lay-Led Morning Prayer 11:00 am Holy Eucharist Worship Noon Lemonade on the Lawn No Youth Worship or Adult Forums in summer St. Thomas Sunday, August 30 9 am Discussion & Breakfast 11 am Worship Noon Lemonade on the Lawn 1 2 The Rev. Mollie Williams 3 4 Whitney+ back from vacation For Clinic: Ritter s 4-10pm Franklin No coupon Boy Scouts 6 pm Girl Scouts 6:30 pm Vestry College Waycross Boy Scouts 7pm Clinic Steering & Personnel Comm. 7pm 16 Labyrinth Re-Dedication at Worship Deadline GODLY PLAY Teacher Training 10am Food Pantry: Stacked Pickle All day-coupon needed Vestry Meeting 7pm Boy Scouts 7pm Girl Scouts 6:30 pm 23 Summer Book Club 10am 30 Shared Ministry Gathering (see above) Boy Scouts 7pm

7 August 2015 Worship Schedule Page 7 AUGUST 2 AUGUST 9 AUGUST 16 AUGUST 23 AUGUST 30 PROPER Year B, 10th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 13 Year B, 11th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 14 Year B, 12th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 15 Year B, 13th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 16 Year B, 14th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 17 LESSON 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, Kings 2:10-12; 3: Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 PSALM 51: :1-2, 7-10 EPISTLE Ephesians 4:1-16 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 Ephesians 5:15-20 Ephesians 6:10-20 James 1:17-27 GOSPEL John 6:24-35 John 6:35, John 6:51-58 John 6:56-69 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, WORSHIP LEADERS CLERGY The Rev. Mollie Williams, The Ven. Ron Goldfarb The Rev. Whitney Rice, The Ven. Ron Goldfarb The Rev. Whitney Rice, The Ven. Ron Goldfarb The Rev. Whitney Rice, The Ven. Ron Goldfarb The Rev. Whitney Rice, The Ven. Ron Goldfarb MUSIC MINISTRY Mary Barrett Mary Barrett Mary Barrett Mary Barrett Mary Barrett SERVERS Tel Lee Clark Anne Kieffer Danny Bachman Sammy A. Dave Buchholz Isaac B. Danny Bachman Tel Lee Clark Reid S. Gavin A. ALTAR GUILD Karen Smith Marti Ramsey Marti Ramsey Marti Ramsey Marna Poindexter ALTAR FLOWERS Steve & Cheryl Faust Susie Hooten Judith Mullinix Steve & Cheryl Faust Don & Fran Thompson BREAD MINISTRY Laura Skimina Laura Skimina Marti Ramsey Marti Ramsey Susie Hooten EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Marta Pincheira Susie Hooten Cheryl Faust Mike Ramsey Judith Mullinix READERS Jim Phillips Paula Sites Don Thompson Paul Jump Susie Hooten Mike Ramsey Cheryl Faust Judith Mullinix Paula Sites Karen Smith HOSPITALITY TEAM Candace Phillips Jacob Phillips Steve & Cheryl Faust Dave Buchholz Marikay Kapke Cheryl Faust Judith Mullinix Steve Faust Ann Kieffer LEMONADE ON THE LAWN COUNTERS MOWER FOR NEXT WEEK Wilma McDermott Mike & Marti Ramsey Robin Kares Paula Sites Dave Buchholz Jen Tullis Robin Kares Steve Faust Marikay Kapke Milly Kopecky The Buchholz Family Mike Ramsey Marikay Kapke Dave Buchholz Robin Kares Mike Ramsey Danny Bachman Steve Faust Phil McIver Mike Ramsey

8 St. Thomas Episcopal Church 600 Paul Hand Boulevard Franklin, IN Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am to 1 pm Sundays: See calendar, page 6 Phone: Fax: stthomasepis@aol.com Website: stthomasfranklin.org Facebook: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Franklin, IN All are Welcome! No Exceptions! St. Thomas sermons now on Twitter! Also, available online at Bishop Michael Bruce Curry from North Carolina Elected 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church August Celebrations Birthdays 7 Shelli Anderson 13 Wilma McDermott Candy Phillips 16 Mark Anderson 19 Judith Mullinix 20 Maura Archer Herb Cushing 28 Ashley Bachman Baptisms 1 Paul Jump 2 Sydney Anderson 3 Mel Archer 11 Fran Thompson 12 Marta Pincheira 13 Darby Merriman 14 Judy Thompson 16 Elizabeth Moffett 17 Roseanna Saenz 18 Candy Phillips Anniversaries 3 Steve & Cheryl Faust 13 David & Shirley Beck Is your name missing from the Celebrations section? Please submit your birthday, anniversary, and baptism dates to the parish administrator at stthomasepis@aol.com or by calling