THE ST. NICK S SENDS FORTH SEMINARIANS

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1 THE VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 COMMUNICANT JUNE 2011 A place to belong! A place to become.! St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, The Rev. Ken Howard, Rector. Regular Sunday Services: 9.00 am., am, 5.00 pm; Summer Sunday Services: am, 5.00 pm. ST. NICK S SENDS FORTH SEMINARIANS The congregation of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church (St. Nick s), Germantown, Md., on May 8, 2011, said good-bye to two seminarians who had served them well for two years. Meghan Holland and Tracey Kelly, students of Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) were released from their commitment when the Rev. Ken Howard, Rector of St. Nick s pronounced during the service Meg, Tracey, in the Name of Christ, and of this congregation, I send you forth, grateful for the gifts you have shared and for your presence among us. Meghan s and Tracey s sojourns at St. Nick s were a required part of the VTS curriculum for church leaders. According to the course description on VTS s website, its Department of Field Education facilitates and oversees a series of courses and programs involving the practice of ministry and reflection on both the practice and the context. Our hope is that the integration of practice with study will produce church leaders who pray and think theologically about their ministry. Both seminarians were given the opportunity to choose the institution in which they wished to do their field practice provided they were approved by the director of Field Education. St. Nick s is proud that its uniqueness, rector qualifications and recognition proved to be excellent recommendation. At St. Nick s, Meghan and Tracey preached sermons, participated in the administration of the church, and lead spiritual formation groups. In other words they performed most clerical roles except those reserved for the clergy. Meghan will be remembered most for introducing Godly Play to St. Nick s children and leading a Lenten series on death and dying. Tracey will be remembered more for her organizing and scheduling abilities and for leading the first Easter (Continued on page 2) Love and Hope Describe El Hogar Ministry On May 7, 2011 Tracey Staley, a parishioner, hosted at her residence a cocktail party (Cinco de Mayo style) to raise funds to continue St. Nick s ministry at El Hogar, Honduras. The event was very successful and it raised funds of $1, Congratulations Tracey! Tracey had taken up the gauntlet left by Mary Ellen Howey who over the past year for personal reasons needed to travel out of state. Previously, in fact, every February, for 4 years, in order to raise funds for the El Hogar ministry, Mary Ellen had hosted a Wine and Cheese social at her home. Like at Tracey s party, there had been no charge at the events, but all were invited to make donations. Each year, St Nick's tries to raise a total of $2, to support Jose Manuel Salguero and Wilmer Perez, students of El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza (The Home of Love and Hope) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. St. Nick s began supporting Jose in the 2006/2007 school year by donating $1, a year for his keep. Wilmer was "adopted" in 1999/2000 after Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras. (Continued on page 5.) Inside this issue: Mothers Day Gifts Benefit... Spiritual Journey Group Editorial St. Nick s Census... 2 Darnestown Day, a Success The Children s Page 2 3 Milestones 4 St. Nick s Youth Awarded... Save the Dates Calendar June/July 2011 Reflections- Rev. Ken Howard St. Nick s : the Right Blend... 8

2 Page 2 THE COMMUNICANT JUNE 2011 Seminarians... Continued from p. 1. Sunday sunrise service at St. Nick s. There were a few tears at the sending forth but mainly the seminarians were looking ahead to finishing their final papers at the seminary in preparation for graduation. So, after the giving and receiving of token gifts and prayers for blessings on their ministries, the congregation responded Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Darnestown Day, a Success Despite the overcast weather and a forecast for showers, Darnestown Day, May 14th, proceeded without a hitch. While there were fewer persons attending compared to last year, a rough estimate of proceeds showed a greater intake of funds. A wrap-up meeting for the event is scheduled for June 12, at am, when the positives and negatives of the event will be reviewed in readiness for next year s fair. The final accounts will also be presented. Much congratulations and credit are to be bestowed on Lis Kraft who brilliantly managed the event. The Chicks of St. Nick s has pre-empted all and for its May social feted Lis on May 21, by taking her out to dinner at Italian Pines, a lovely little restaurant, with good, reasonably-priced food. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers, the core group and of course to Lis for doing such a great job. Spiritual Journey Group Assigned Reading The Spiritual Journey Group has recessed until the Fall when it will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 7-9 p.m. Its next meeting will be Tuesday, Sept, 20, and will take the form of a book study. The assigned book is The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Happy summer reading! Mothers Day Gifts Benefit St. Nick s Reforestation On Mother's Day, we honored the mom's of St. Nick's with some of God's lovely creation, red, pink and white carnations to take home, as well as almost $500 given in the name of many mothers for reforestation of the church grounds. In addition, we feted our two seminarians, Tracey Kelly and Meghan Holland, with a cake of hearts and roses. It was the sweet in the bitter-sweet experience of losing them to service and ministry beyond ourselves. We wish them well. They have added to our understanding of our Lord, showing us His love by their very presence. (Contributed by Donna Anderson) EDITORIAL: St. Nick s Census Why the Delay in Responding? St. Nick s launched a membership census in late 2010/ early The reason given for the census is to collect data to update the membership records. A church census can sometimes be complex. It may try to find out what attracts persons to church; what keeps them faithful; what discourages them; and what repels them. It may also delve into family life, requesting information on issues and stressors within the family. It may inquire about employment, education and social and political concerns. Most types of church census can usually be justified as enabling the development of a foundation for ministry. Comparatively, St. Nick s census is straightforward. To be truly effective a census requires 100% response. Therefore St. Nick s would like all members to respond as soon as possible. If your delay in responding relates to any of the following : The census form is complicated and challenging; You do not like completing census forms; The census is unnecessary and unimportant; You are unsure about your feeling at this time; You are not comfortable with giving the requested information online; Any other concerns you may have about the census; please let the rector or church office know. Otherwise, thank you for completing the membership census. St. Nick s is the place to belong and become. your articles by the 15th of the month to The Editors, at newsletter@saintnicks.com. We reserve the right to edit all s and letters for length, style and clarity. Thank you.

3 Answers: 1. Rocks, 2.Rooms, 3.Roman, 4.Robes, 5.Roast, 6.Roots, 7.Rouse, 8.Rough, 9.Royal, 10.Ropes Page 3 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 The Children s Page Word Hunt! Look for ten words of five letters each and all beginning with the letters RO. Each word is described or defined to help you guess it, and you may check your answers by looking for the word in the Bible 1. Large stones. (Jeremiah 4:29) 2. Parts of a house. (Matthew 23:6) 3. Man of a certain nationality. (Acts 22:29) 4. Garments. (Luke 20:46) 5. A way to cook meat. (1 Samuel 2:15) 6. Parts of a tree. (Mark 11:20) 7. To waken. (Genesis 49:9) 8. The opposite of smooth. (Isaiah 40:4) 9. Kingly. (Esther 5:1) 10. Large twisted cords. (Acts 27:32)

4 Page 4 THE COMMUNICANT JUNE 2011 St. Nick s Youth Awarded Prestigious McNair Scholarship Siobhan Kibbey, Chalice bearer, and Godly Play Instructor at St. Nick s, has been awarded a McNair Scholarship to the University of South Carolina following a highly competitive nationwide selection process. This meritbased scholarship has been awarded to only 24 incoming freshman for Siobhan is the daughter of proud parents, Maura and Tim Kibbey. According to information from the website of the University of South Carolina, the McNair Scholars program, established in spring 1998, is a prestigious scholarship for out-of-state students supported by a generous gift of $30 million from USC alumnus Robert C. McNair and his wife, Janice. McNair Scholars now represent 18 states and are among the nation's brightest students. McNair students are distinguished by their extraordinary academic talent, exemplary character, and outstanding leadership skills. These young scholars personify not only the ideals Ralph Waldo Emerson spoke of when he said, "character is higher than intellect," but also the University's own motto: "Learning humanizes character and does not permit it to be cruel." Those of us who know Siobhan know very well that the M I L E S TO N E S characteristics cited above totally describe her. In addition to all the ministries she serves at St. Nick s, we recall the sermon entitled Humble Enough to Gamble on God's Grace that she delivered so effectively at family worship on January 30, Siobhan begins her study at the University of South Carolina in August of this year. She is thinking about majoring in International Business, Finance, and Biology, but that's subject to change. Siobhan has told this newsletter that she actually would have been happy attending any of the colleges to which she applied but she decided on the University of South Carolina for its honors college, which has hundreds of small classes; for the friendly southern community; the availability of resources and depth of program offered to McNair Scholars; the opportunities afforded by a large research university, and its many graduate schools, Division I spirit, and, of course, the climate. Well done Siobhan! We will be monitoring your progress and praying for your continued success. You may read Siobhan s sermon at sermon_detail.php?id=263 Thanksgiving for the April 28 birth of Hadley Grace Bamber, daughter of Kimberly & Rich Bamber. Congratulations to the following parishioners on their wedding anniversary: Margaret & David Andreadis who celebrate on June 6. Valerie & Mark Veckman who celebrate on June 6. Sharon & Dave Briggs who celebrate on June 7. Laura & David Bivans who celebrate on June 8. Laurel & Jim Pepper who celebrate on June 24. Joy & Scott Strickler who celebrate on June 24.

5 El. Hogar...continued from page 1 Wilmer and his mother and sister were found on the streets of Tegucigalpa. Wilmer graduated with technical skills in welding from El Hogar in 2006, but wanted very much to go on with his studies. For $500 a year, he was able to continue his studies at the Marriott Hotel where he learns about the hotel trade, after which he plans on attending university. St. Nick s discovered El Hogar when two of its parishioners traveled through Honduras about 10 years ago. El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza was founded about 30 years ago by an Episcopal woman whose husband was with the World Bank in Honduras. Episcopal doctrine isn t strictly taught, but the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts has supported the school for years. It is a school that has 80 boys and, about two years ago took its first class of 5 girls. Page 5 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 The school houses and educates the children through elementary school. It also teaches them God s love, selfrespect and opportunity. Several years ago El Hogar added a middle school that continues with some math and language classes but also gives the boys a chance to learn a trade: electrical, welding or carpentry, so they can find employment when they graduate. Recently, the Marriott Hotel in Tegucigalpa, began a program for the boys in which they learn about the hotel trade. In 2006, a group of St. Nick s parishioners went to El Hogar to work and play with the boys. They helped to build their new dining hall and paint the dorms. From most accounts, it was an incredible experience and an eye-opener for everyone! The parishioners thought they were bringing "wealth" to share with the boys but instead they themselves received great spiritual wealth. They hope to visit El Hogar again someday. Congregational Retreat at Shrine Mont October 7-9, 2011 Register asap. Donna Anderson. andonnae@aol.com) St. Nick s will have access to all facilities open in October, such as fishing in the pond, tennis, hiking trails, games, etc. The Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration * Diocesan rate (per person/per night) double occupancy $67.50, single occupancy $ Rates include meals and there is a 2-night minimum. (Rates do not include sales and lodging taxes of 5.25%.) *The Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration, an open-air cathedral of the Diocese of Virginia, was consecrated in Each of its stones was pulled by horse or rolled by local people from the mountain that embraces it. The baptismal font was originally a dugout stone used by Indians to grind corn. The Shrine remains the core of Shrine Mont. Summer Sunday Services: May 29 through September am: Morning Service with Holy Eucharist, followed by Fellowship 5.00 pm: Contemplative Service

6 Page 6 THE COMMUNICANT JUNE 2011 Church Calendar (click link)

7 Page 7 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6 From the Desk of the Rector, Rev. Ken Howard. "It's Good to Be Back" Dear Friends, Most of you know I was away most of last week [May 22-28]. But do you know where and what I was doing? The "where" was the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan. The "what" was consulting about applying the principles of Christian community outlined in my recentlypublished book "Paradoxy," which as you may know, are largely based on the way of Christian community that we have been developing over the years at St. Nick's. Pretty cool. I got to brag about the community I love and WE got paid for it! Between the Diocesan Clergy Conference, the public presentation, and the workshop for the leadership of St. John's, Midland that I led, we netted $6,000. And yes, I did say "WE." Here's why. You see, I (and we) need to share what we've learned at St. Nick's with the larger Church. That takes time: something that is in short supply for the rector of a relatively new and growing congregation like St. Nicks. So your Vestry and I came up with an innovative solution: I provide the consultation on behalf of St. Nick's, and the consulting fee is paid directly to St. Nick's. I share this with you, not to get an "attaboy" but to help you understand what the kind of Christian community we have developed/are continuing to live into at St. Nick's is worth. Others are willing to pay significant sums and work hard to learn about the kind of community that we, by the grace of God, already share. They are willing to do this if they see it as an investment in the future of their own congregations and dioceses. I share this because I want to invite you to the challenge in a similar way: to tap into our own creativity, determination, and generosity as an investment in our own future and the future of the unique kind of Christian community we offer the larger Church. I remind you - in the words of the old adage about investments - that an investment in tomorrow must always begin today. Robin Williams' joked that "God trusts Episcopalians enough to let them take the summer off." In a growing congregation like ours, "keeping the lights on" over the summer is always our immediate challenge. Practically speaking, we have to remind ourselves that while we may go on vacation, the church's electric bill, (and other expenses) do not. It is just as important (if not more so) to keep the light of love aflame as well, both in our hearts and at the heart of our congregation. We need to feed the flames in our and others hearts by "just showing up" when we can and participating in worship and fellowship with each other. We also need to be there when we can to "show the love" (God's love) to those that come to explore our congregation over the summer. We need to think about our long-term "investments" in our congregation, too: growing membership and giving to the point where we can be truly self-supporting, independent of diocesan financial assistance, and free to boldly discern and live into our own Spirit-driven destiny as a congregation. More on those challenges another time. For now, I'm looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday! In Christ's love, Ken+... we have to remind ourselves that while we may go on vacation, the church's electric bill, (and other expenses) do not. It is just as important (if not more so) to keep the light of love aflame as well, both in our hearts and at the heart of our congregation.

8 Page 8 THE COMMUNICANT JUNE 2011 What St. Nick's Means to Us... Rose and Ron Mahan, Parishioners To understand what St. Nick's means to us, it helps to know our journey getting here. Ron was raised in a repressive fundamentalist church. He never rejected God, but he thoroughly rejected organized religion. Although he became a Lutheran, and later an Episcopalian, he was never keen on going to church. Rose was raised in the same village Episcopal church in which her mother (in 1900) and her grandfather (in 1860) were baptized. She served on altar guild, sang in the choir, was assistant organist, and loved going to church. During the first few years of marriage, Ron rarely went to church; Rose went with some regularity. When we moved to NC in 1968, we joined the Episcopal church. In the early years, Ron did his share of teaching adult Sunday school and ushering and Rose her share of teaching and being a lector. In that church, our daughters were baptized, all our children (and Ron) were confirmed, and the funerals for Rose's parents were held. Yet, it never became a church home, and we never felt we belonged. In the later years, we rarely went to church. Ron had never liked to go. Rose had drifted far from her youthful faith and then returned through fundamentalism. So, when we moved to Maryland in 2003, all we expected to find was a church where we could occasionally worship together and which had an active senior's group. We joke that we found St. Nick's where WE were the active senior's group. What does it mean to "become"? Certainly, we have become very active members. Ron ushers, is a counter, serves in the Shady Grove ministry, and is on the Finance/HR committee and a seminarian lay committee. Rose served on vestry, has co-chaired several committees and is a member of several others, is a lector and chalice bearer, and also serves at Shady Grove. Both of us attend study groups. Ron hosted one and also completed the Education for Ministry program. He [Ron] is finally in a church he enjoys attending. Rose's fundamentalism has been tempered by the loving spirit of St. Nick's. But it is the feeling of belonging which means so much to us. We have found close friends and a church family -- a church home, at last. For it, we give thanks to God who led us Germantown Road Germantown, MD In disciplined response to the grace and love of God in Christ. We are a spiritual home, a safe haven, grounded in Scripture and centered in life, where we are nurtured and challenged in our journey of faith. We welcome all people to join us in worship and prayer, and in joyful service to the community around us. St. Nicolas Episcopal Church. The Abbey, Dec. 2001, p. 12. THE COMMUNICANT Germantown Road Germantown, MD Tele: Fax: office@saintnicks.com Newsletter deadline is generally FIFTEEN DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH. Send articles to: Rev. Ken Howard at rector@saintnicks.com The Editors at newsletter@saintnicks.com Audrey Thompson at audreyt58@gmail.com Cara Poirier at cara.littlewood@gmail.com Permission is given to reprint original articles, so long as This Newsletter and the authors are both credited St. Nicholas Episcopal Church.