The Bell Ringer. Up coming programs at St. Mary s. St. Mary s Episcopal Church. Taste of Hope The Choir School at St. Peter s.

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1 St. Mary s Episcopal Church April 2015 The Bell Ringer Online at Up coming programs at St. Mary s Taste of Hope 2015 An exciting evening of food, drink, and cooking will take place at 7:00 p.m., in Moseley Hall on Monday, May 18th, with Chef Khymi Harrell of Ginger 108. Khymi will be at St. Mary s for a cooking demonstration and food tasting. Khymi Harrell found her way into the culinary world at the age of 19. A self-taught hand, combined with an eccentric taste for food have inspired her to infuse farm to table ingredients with Asian cuisine at Ginger 108. Khymi was brought up in the small town of Ahoskie, NC, where her great-grandmother and grandmother taught her how to cook from the garden. It was with Isabelle and Kae that Khymi learned to harness her southern roots and cook from the soul. Everything from canning tomatoes and jams to cooking squash and collards from the family garden. This close bond exposed her to the art of slow cooking and how to highlight simple ingredients, allowing them to shine on the plate. Throughout her earliest years of cooking, Khymi enjoyed combining classic ingredients with "off the beaten path" preparations and flavor pairings. Working for well-renowned chefs in the industry, along with continuous trial and error have allowed Khymi to polish her culinary skills and discover her own unique cooking style. Her equally passionate love of art is apparent not only in her innovative dishes but her playful and beautiful plate presentations. Tickets are $25 per person with proceeds going toward St. Mary s mission trip to the Dominican Republic this summer. The Choir School at St. Peter s The Choir School at St. Peter s consists of five auditioned choirs ranging in age from six to eighteen. The Choir School calls St. Peter s Episcopal Church, Charlotte, NC, home. The choristers come from throughout the Charlotte area, and represent varied denominations, culture and economic backgrounds. Ben Outen, the director and Kay Johnson, the managing director, began the program in 1993 with a small choir of boys. The choir has significantly grown from there. As part of the program, each year they take the three older choirs on tour. This July, the older singers will be in residence for a week at Salisbury Cathedral, England. Therefore, the Tour Choir will travel throughout Eastern North Carolina. We are excited to announce that The Tour Choir will present a concert at St. Mary s on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. The choir singing at St. Mary s is composed of 17 girls and 15 boys, ranging in age from We will soon be looking for families to host choir members in their homes the night of June 17th. More information regarding this will be forthcoming.

2 The Episcopal Church α In the Anglican Communion A global community of 80 million Anglicans in 40 member provinces/churches. α In the United States A community of 2 million members in 109 dioceses in the Americas and abroad. Established in Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Episcopal Church Center nd Avenue New York, N.Y α In the Diocese of East Carolina A community of more than 15,000 communicants in 74 churches. Founded in The Rt. Rev. Robert S. Skirving Diocesan Office, 705 Doctors Dr. P.O. Box 1336, Kinston, NC Tel: Fax: Website: α St. Mary s Episcopal Church A church of 405 baptized members whose mission is to worship and serve God joyfully, to nurture each other in faith and wholeness, to minister to others, and to manifest the good news of Christ. 800 Rountree Street Kinston, NC Tel: Fax: Website: Rector The Rev d A. Michael Singer Assistant The Rev d Thomas P.H. Warren Director of Music Mr. Nick Voermans Parish Administrator Mrs. LaTonya Smith Parish Secretary Mrs. Linda M. Johnson Director of Children s Ministries Mrs. Shelly L. Yarbrough Sr. Warden Mr. Scott Newton Jr. Warden Mr. Mark Herring News at St. Mary s Congratulations to new grandparents: Jane Walter on the birth of a granddaughter, Ella Marie Walter, born February 14th, in Rock Hill, SC, to her son David and his wife Sharon Walter. Sam and Kathy Gilmore on the birth of a granddaughter, Claire Kelley Gilmore, born February 14th. Proud parents are Joel and Theresa Gilmore. Bob and Mary Hosea who are new grandparents to Robert Edward Hosea, born on February 21st. Proud parents are Robert and Anna Hosea. Charles and Eleanor Beasley on the birth of their first grandchild (granddaughter); Ferebee Packard Beasley, born March 4th. Proud parents are Cori and Britt Beasley. St. Mary s offers sympathy St. Mary s offers sympathy to: Constance Hengel, and family on the death of her sister, Rachael Hall Harvey. Delores Callender and family on the death of her sister, Jean Wigfall. Pat Patrick and family on the death of her sister, Virginia Cozart McLeod. Will Harvey and family on the death of his father, William Suggs Harvey, Jr. Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. St. Mary s welcomes new Parish Administrator St. Mary s is happy to welcome LaTonya Smith, as our n e w P a r i s h A d m i n i s t r a t o r. LaTonya is also the Director of Mary s Kitchen. LaTonya began at St. Mary s on February 2, She was born and raised in Kinston, She has a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. LaTonya is currently enrolled with Liberty University online in efforts to obtain her M.B.A. She is married and has three wonderful children. Her family enjoys family time activities and travel. The next time you are at the church, please stop by LaTonya s office and welcome LaTonya. A special thank you to Marilyn Wiggins, who returned to work at St. Mary s in January and trained LaTonya during the month of February. 2

3 From the Rector - Father Michael Singer 3 On the first Sunday of April we celebrate the day of resurrection, Easter Day. It is joyful; our music, our liturgies, the flowers, our family and friends gathered together. It is all very familiar. There is a sense of peace and comfort in what is familiar. And yet, in our biblical narrative, for Easter, the risen Christ is unfamiliar. Mary Magdalene didn t recognize Jesus when he appeared to her on the day of resurrection. Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, `I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. But as we know, in each of these circumstances, Jesus was recognized eventually. What a joy, what a discovery to know and understand His presence in their midst. He came to them in unexpected ways. Do we recognize our risen Savior when the bread is blessed, broken and shared? Do we recognize the presence of our Savior in the midst of daily life? In our joys and in our sorrows? Do we recognize the presence of our Savior in our times of gratitude and thanksgiving? Do we recognize Him in the faces of loved ones and of strangers? Usually not. As current disciples, we are just as challenged as Mary Magdalene, and the others when it comes to recognizing the loving presence and the power of the risen Christ in our midst. I urge you this year to look and listen for Him along your paths. In the ordinary days of your life, He is present. He probably will not be revealed to you as you might expect, but He is there. The risen, largely unrecognizable Jesus is before us, beside us, above us, and beneath us. New life is exactly that; it is new. It is not the same old things. May the Risen Christ be known to you in new and unexpected ways. Alleluia, Christ is Risen. The Lord is Risen indeed, alleluia. Clean water We take for granted our access to clean drinking water. Most of us go to the faucet and get a glass of clean fresh water several times a day and never give the first thought to the importance of water. Sadly, in many other countries across the globe, this a problem that is all too real. They are forced to drink water from rivers, streams, watering holes, and other water sources, that are more than likely diseased or polluted. Diseases from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies aren't strong enough to fight diarrhea, dysentery and other illnesses. Time spent walking and resulting diseases keep them from school, work and taking care of their families. Along their long walk, they're subjected to a greater risk of harassment and sexual assault. With safe water nearby, women are free to pursue new opportunities and improve their families lives. During Lent, churches in the Diocese of East Carolina will be collecting coins, bills or checks into a bucket found in the Narthex for clean water projects.

4 Worship 4 Every Easter Sunday, we sing familiar, festive hymns to celebrate His resurrection as we enter the festive season of Easter. With that in mind, I encourage you to examine John Wesley s Rules of Singing as congregational song is a time for us to lift our hearts and voices to God in praise. John Wesley s Rules of Singing 1. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find a blessing. 2. Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of it being heard, then when you sing the songs of Satan. 3. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound. 4. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before, not stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first. 5. Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

5 Christian Formation 5 ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION This spring we are using lessons from Whole Christianity, a book of instruction in the Teaching and Worship of the Episcopal Church, by The Rev. Hugh Edsall. We will attempt to adhere to the following schedule but lessons may last longer than one week, based on discussion of the participants. If you would be willing to teach a session this spring,, please speak to Father Michael April 5th - Day of Resurrection - Easter - Invite family and friends to join us for our Easter worship celebrations. April 12th - Bringing the Physical into the Act of Worship - Ceremony and physical acts of worship. April 19th - The Bringing the Physical into the Act of Worship - The church building and music and musical instruments. April 26th - Prayer How to begin and sustain a life of prayer. Adult Christian Formation Classes take place Sunday morning from 11:15 a.m. until 12:00 noon in Moseley Hall, unless directed elsewhere. Mass on the Grass 2015 Vacation Bible School will be here soon! Gordon Street Christian Church June Acolyte training Young people who will be entering the Fifth Grade or older are invited to serve as acolytes. Acolyte training will be held on Sundays, April 19th and 26th at 4:00 p.m. Training will last approximately 45 minutes. Those with questions are asked to contact Father Michael or Father Tom. Find Us on the Web: Like Us On Facebook Mass on the Grass 2015 will be held Sunday, May 17th, at 10:00 a.m. There will be music, worship and we will acknowledge our high school graduates at this time. Following the service we ll enjoy a picnic lunch. Hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks and tableware will be provided. Save the date and invite your friends. Again this year students from the Wright School of Music in Greenville will provide our music. Invite your friends. For reminders and ongoing updates on St. Mary s events, programs, and ministries, please like us on Facebook and check our website periodically at ww.stmaryskinston.com. Also keep your address current with the parish office. Please share St. Mary s Facebook page with your friends.

6 Youth Community News 6 Mark Your Calendars!! April 5 - Easter Sunday! No EYC Sunday, April 12 Jr. & Sr. Church Jr. EYC 5:30-6:15pm Sr. EYC 6:15-8:00pm Both groups eat together from 6:15-7:00pm Wed. April 15 6:45-8pm EYC Jam Session! (in the sanctuary) Sunday, April 19 No EYC - Warrens out of town Sunday, April 26 Jr. & Sr. Church Jr. EYC 5:30-6:15pm Sr. EYC 6:15-8:00pm Both groups eat together from 6:15-7:00pm Please come and bring a friend!!!! Thank you to Fr. Michael for joining Fr. Tom and the EYC for a Stump the Priest evening. This was a great evening to continue our theme of asking questions and a d d r e s s i n g t h e m through the lens of our Christian faith. We also were able to [finally] burn the Warren family Christmas tree. Pictured above is the grand finale with the Sr. EYC! EYC Retreat to Finn s Island May Registrations Due April 26! to Glory Ridge: 122 Days!! THANK YOU!!!! Thank you so much to Sarah Warner, Renee Herlong, Sandra & Frank Warren, Barbara & Warren Glen, and the Carey & Stroud families whose gifts of hospitality have allowed the EYC to enjoy food and fellowship together in March 2015!!!

7 Our church 7 Cherished Members and Friends Luncheon The April Cherished Members and Friends Luncheon will not be held this month, as it falls during Holy Week. The luncheon will return on May 7th. All retired individuals are welcome to attend. Softball returns With the arrival of spring, it s time to gear up for summer sports. Again this year St. Mary s will enter a team in the Kinston Parks and Recreation Commission s Summer Church Softball League. Men and women, 16 and over are encouraged to participate. If you are interested in playing, please indicate so on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Last year, under the direction of Coach Sandy Shimer, St. Mary s won both the regular season championship and the playoff championship. Sandy is taking some time off after coaching the past five years. We thank Sandy for his hard work and dedication. We are happy to announce that Andrew Duppstadt will coach this year assisted by Greg Turner and Kevin Zoltek. Contact these men or the Parish Office if you are interested in playing. Attention graduates Spring is the time for graduations. If you are graduating from high school or an institution of higher learning this spring, we at St. Mary s want to celebrate your success. Please contact Linda Johnson, the Parish Secretary, by ing her at High schoolers, please give us the school you re graduating from and your plans following graduation. College graduates, please give us the degree you received and the field of study. We will acknowledge our high school graduates on Sunday, May 17th, at Mass on the Grass, at 10:00 a.m. Summer reading - it s important Summer is a great time for reading fun books (or even required ones) for most of our kids at St. Mary's. If our kids want a book (or need it) we quickly download it on their Kindle, stop by the library or make a trip to the closest bookstore. But books for summer reading are not as accessible or maybe even deemed as important for a lot of students at Northwest Elementary School. I n a n a t t e m p t t o e n c o u r a g e r e a d i n g, especially in the summer when beginning readers can lose much of what they learned d u r i ng the school year, St. Mary's, through our Hand in Hand program, distributed books to each kindergarten through Fourth grade student last spring. We hope to continue this tradition this year by distributing more than 400 paperback books to Northwest students. Last year many of the students were thrilled to have an opportunity to put their name in a book that they were able to pick out from an assortment of grade appropriate books. Many of the students were walking to the buses at the end of the day reading their new book. For us, and for our children, a new book is a small thing. But it is through these small things that we can make such a difference in the lives of children in our community. Won't you consider making a donation to St. Mary's Hand in Hand program to help defray the cost of these books? Please make your check payable to St. Mary s Church and in the memo portion of your check write, Books - Hand in Hand. Thank you for your consideration. Pancake breakfast You are invited to a pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 19th, The meal will be served from 8:45-9:30 a.m. in Moseley Hall. Stick around after the 8:00 a.m. Sunday service or come a little early before the 10:00 a.m. service. The breakfast will consist of pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice. The Vestry will prepare the meal and the profit benefits youth scholarships. The cost of the meal is $7 for adults and $5 for children, 9 and under. Join us for breakfast and leave the dishes to us!

8 8 St. Mary s Episcopal Church 800 Rountree Street Kinston, NC Mary s Kitchen Anonymous Donor Challenge! Although t h e F e i n s t e i n Foundation has suspended its annual $1 Million Giveaway to Fight Hunger for 2015, a generous member of St. Mary s has stepped forward to offer their own challenge. The donor, who wished to remain anonymous, will match up to $5,000 of money collected through April 30, If this challenge is met, Mary s Kitchen will net more proceeds this year than in previous Feinstein challenge campaigns. Please consider being a part of this!! If you would like to donate,please make your check payable to Mary s Kitchen and mail to the church office. And spread the word to your friends about this year s challenge. SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP SERVICES Sundays 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II 11:15 a.m. Sunday School Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 2015 W. Scott Newton, II Cyndi L. Rafferty Joseph V. Stark Stuart L. Stroud Thank you! A special thank you to the many people who contributed so much to make the liturgies of Lent, Holy Week and Easter so meaningful: a special thank you to members of the Altar Guild, our Choirs, Ushers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Acolytes. We appreciate your ministry at St. Mary s Church. ST. MARY S VESTRY 2016 Stephen B. Hill Isaac C. Hines Barbara A. LaRoque Kevin M. Zoltek Senior Warden W. Scott Newton, II Junior Warden J. Mark Herring Clerk Cyndi L. Rafferty Treasurer D. Stuart Lindley 2017 H. Earl Harper J. Mark Herring John John John Sandy Shimer Jr.