The Advent Chronicle. Rev. Bill Barrett, Priest-in-Charge Vol. XIV, Issue IX September, Look what s happening at Church of the Advent!

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1 The Advent Chronicle A publication for the members and friends of the Episcopal Church of the Advent SW Highway 484 Dunnellon, FL (352) Look what s happening at Church of the Advent! Rev. Bill Barrett, Priest-in-Charge Vol. XIV, Issue IX September, 2014 The Brotherhood of St. Andrews Mark your calendars now the members of the Brotherhood will be coordinating a Trash to Treasures sale on Saturday, October 25 th from 6 AM until 2 PM on the church grounds. Read details in this issue of the Chronicle. Supporting Food-4-Kids Backpack program continues Interfaith Emergency Services in Ocala continues to provide hundreds (no, thousands) of children with food items for those weekends where lunches and snacks may not be available. You ll be amazed when you read the numbers of backpacks and how that program is supported by volunteers from Advent. ECW (Episcopal Church Women) to meet Wed. Sept. 10 th at 1:30 PM At this initial business meeting members will be planning activities and fund raising for All women of the church are invited. You are a valuable part of the organization and your input is important. Election of officers will also be held. Any questions? Call Liz Herrick. Table Hoppers start up for another round of fun! Table Hoppers is a great opportunity to get to know other people from Advent. Singles or couples are welcome and the small groups (up to six people) meet monthly at either homes or restaurants for a meal that the hosts for that month chooses. If you want more information, talk to Alice DePerna. And remember the Confirmation and Reaffirmation Service with Bishop Brewer? See more pictures in this month s newsletter. 1

2 The Food-4-Kids Backpack Program (Coordinated for Advent by Al Sickle) We will again begin actively supporting the Backpack Program by mid to late September. For the benefit of those who are not familiar with this program, here are some bits and pieces of why and how Advent supports this vital Community Outreach Mission. Food-4-Kids is coordinated throughout Marion County by Interfaith Emergency Services. Some time ago, there were reports from the Marion County School District that many children did not have sufficient food at home, especially over the weekends, when they were not able to participate in the lunch program at school. The Backpack program began to try to meet the needs of these hungry kids. Today Food-4-Kids reaches out to 1650 kids through 31 of our schools. Churches and volunteers in Marion County are asked to support the program by contributing $25 a month for the 10 months of the school year per child. Interfaith purchases the backpacks, food and drinks to fill the backpacks, and coordinates their delivery to local schools. Currently, Advent supports 20 kids at Sunrise School. Any amount of money donated at Advent, earmarked for Food for Kids goes directly to Interfaith for the program. In addition, our support includes volunteers who pick up the back packs at Sunrise School and deliver them to Interfaith, where they are filled with packaged nonperishable food and drinks for fairly substantial meals and snacks. From there our volunteers pick up and deliver the backpacks to Sunrise for distribution to the students. This is usually done by a two-person team and requires your time on Friday mornings between 9:00 AM and noon. Volunteers are asked to make only 2-3 deliveries for the school year. If you would like to give us a hand, please contact Al Sickle, (352) and we will get you on the schedule. For Our Caregivers (Contributed by Deacon Marcella) There are several resources I d like you to know about if you are caring for a loved one in your home or even if your loved one is now in a facility. Never feel you are alone. A group of caregivers meet once a month at the First Methodist Church at SR40 West, Dunnellon, from 12 noon to 1:30 PM. There s time for everyone to share their ups and downs, and usually a guest speaker will attend. The month I was there a medical social worker talked about taking care of yourself physically, spiritually, and emotionally. If you d like to be notified, call Ron Bright at (352) There s also a Transitions Program Luncheon on October 23 from 11:30-1:00 pm at Grace Ocala Episcopal Church at 510 SE Broadway in the parish hall. Be prepared to feast on a delicious lunch, be entertained, receive helpful information and there are door prizes, too! All caregivers are welcome. The luncheon is free! Just call Deacon Marcella to reserve a spot and/or if you need a ride. You can come alone or bring your loved one with you. The Star Banner also carried a brief notice that there will be a free six-week course of training for caregivers of dementia patients. It will be held at Hawthorne Estates, 3211 SW 42 nd St., Ocala, from 1-3pm beginning Sept. 3 rd. To register call Tom Rinkoski at , Ext. 126, or rinkoski@agingresources.org. Call me at any time, either at home ( ) or at the church any Mon. thru Thursday from 9-12 noon if you have any questions or just want to chat. Blessings, Deacon Marcella 2

3 A Message from Fr. Barrett Welcome back to all our snowbirds that will be coming home in the next few weeks! The next few months will be an exciting and meaningful time at Advent. First of all, we continue to grow. Sixteen of our members attended a joint worship service this summer for confirmation, reception into membership, and renewal of baptism vows. We are meeting with two people this week who are joining our congregation. If you left for the north you may have missed Father Barrett's stage debut dressed in drag as Helga, the German cook, in our murder mystery tea (I didn't do it). Everyone had a great time and the ladies raised money for their next project. They are considering a remodel of the kitchen which would allow us to expand our ministry to our neighborhood. In November we are planning a homecoming celebration after the second service. At this time we will recognize the anniversary of our church and welcome all new members who have joined the congregation in the last two years. Starting in September, we will include a brief healing service in the second Mass. Once again this year we will read the names of loved ones who now rest with the Lord during communion distribution on All Saints Sunday. Now that you all know me and have heard me preach at least once, we will return to the tradition of having Deacon Marcella occasionally deliver the sermon. She will be preaching three times this year. Once again we will have mid-week Advent services preceded by a soup supper. Also, this year I will be here for Christmas! I will celebrate a Candlelight Christmas Eve Mass and a Christmas morning Mass. At the end of October I will have been Priest-in-Charge for a year. When I started here, I still had difficulty walking and getting up the chancel steps. Many good things have happened since then for you and me. God has blessed us abundantly. I am anxious to see how God's grace will be revealed to us and among us for the rest of the year.. Fr. Bill Grace Notes from Fr. Loring Judging from the weather in August here it is difficult to remember that autumn will soon be here. Choir rehearsals have resumed on Wednesday afternoons at 3 p.m. If you enjoy singing, you would be welcome in this group. One of the useful books of meditations that I enjoy reading is "Quiet Moments with God" by Lloyd John Ogilvie. It is subtitled "Prayers and Promises for each New Day." His meditation on Aug. 20 begins with Isaiah 41:10 "Be not dismayed for I am your God" and continues "Dear God, every so often it happens. It's the sense of distance from You, a feeling of separation. There's a longing for Your love, the flow of Your joy, the assurance of Your guidance. 3

4 "Occasionally the real rift is in my heart. How could You, a good God, allow such bad things to happen? When these things happen to me personally or to those I love, the rift becomes all the more poignant. I even wonder if You are listening to my prayers. "Today I feel Your reach across the rift. Now I know that when I feel the distance, it is not You but I who move. You are working Your purposes out, in spite of the evil in the world and the meanness of some people. "The cross is Your reach across the rift. You come to me (us) with grace and hope. It's not my job to run the universe. You are in charge, and You know what You are doing." Yes, God is in charge! He does know what He is doing! Fr. Loring Good News about Fr. Bernie Flynn Father Bernie has been released from Timberridge Rehabilitation Center. He and Madonna are living with their daughter (Rosanne Dillon) at 3513 SW 147 Lane Rd., Ocala Fl. This is in Marion Oaks. Bernie's phone number is He would enjoy telephone calls or cards. God bless you Fr. Bernie get well soon. Vestry Notes The following are highlights of the July Vestry meeting. Minutes for the August meeting have not been reviewed at this time and will be 4 highlighted in the next issue of the Chronicle. In the meantime, approved minutes and financial statements are always available to parishioners and are located in a notebook in the hallway. At the May and June Vestry meetings a quorum was not met so there are no minutes from these meetings. Vestry members present: John Everlove, Gordon Herrick, Paul McGuckin, Alex Pasay and Al Sickle. Members Absent: Mary Daniels, Robert Traudt, Art McNeal and Joe Perez Clergy present: Deacon Marcella Pasay Others: Gil Fortin, Marta Bruenn (Clerk) and Nancy McGuckin (Treasurer) The minutes from the April Vestry meeting were approved as read. The Treasurer reported that the Girl Scout Scholarship Fund has carried $52.00 for one year (the troop no longer meets at Advent) and it was moved that that money be donated to the Interfaith Back Pack Program. The motion passed. The Diocesan Pledge is up to date. It was moved that $5000 be moved from the checking account to the reserve account. The Financial Statements were reviewed and accepted as presented, pending audit. John Everlove (Insurance and Liability) asked for suggestions for a monthly building check list for liabilities. Gordon Herrick reported on the status of Education for Ministry program. Alex Pasay (Building and Grounds) reported the interior of the building was in good shape (with the exception of a recurring insect problem in the kitchen). The Outside gardens need work and weeding. Paul McGuckin will approach the Boy Scouts about helping in the yards. Paul McGuckin reported that he, Mary Daniels, and Gordon Herrick will be leaving the Vestry as their respective terms are up at the end of the year. After elections the Vestry will nominate a new Senior Warden. Paul McGuckin asked that Vestry members be considering who might be called as candidates for the Vestry.

5 The Budget Committee and Stewardship Committee must be formed. It may be advisable to go to a smaller copier saving up to $300 a month. The decision for this change needs to be made by November. Guest Gil Fortin suggested that Advent should consider advertising in the Sun Valley and Bulletin. He also observed that the front sign is not currently lit making it difficult to see the church at night. From our Pews and Beyond Bea Millard is at home and healing. You may send cards and notes to her there we re sure she d love to hear from you. Jay Lord is currently at Shands in Gainesville but get well wishes may be sent to him in care of Joan Lord. Deacon Marcella will in the church office Monday thru Thursday from 9:00 AM until Noon providing leadership and continuity in the office. She is receiving a stipend for her work and know she will be a great help in coordinating the day to day business at Advent. Thank you Marcella! News from the Brotherhood of St. Andrew The Brother Hood of Saint Andrew will be conducting a Trash-to-Treasures sale on Saturday Oct 25 th, beginning at 6 AM and ending at 2 PM. Spaces are available for rent (10 x 10 ) at $15.00 per space, tables are not provided. Sellers and artisans from the community are welcome to show and sell their wares. Nearly, all sites will be tree shaded. Sites will be assigned as the registration and fee is received by the church. Checks should be made payable to The Church of the Advent, with Trash-to- Treasures on the memo line, and mailed to Advent Church at: SW Highway 484, Dunnellon, FL., The Brotherhood will have tables where items donated to them will be sold with monies going to The Brotherhood. All donations should be clean, in good working order or packaged as necessary and marked as to what you feel they should be sold for. Please, no clothing, furniture, or other bulky items. All donated items should be brought to the church on Friday (10/24/14) evening between 6 and 8 PM. For additional information you may contact me or any of the Brotherhood members. AL Sickle (352) Cursillo Gathering Scheduled There is an Ultreya scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at St Mary s, in Belleview beginning at 5:30 PM. It will consist of a potluck supper, music, songs and witnessing. All Cursillo members, as well as anyone wishing to learn about Cursillo, are invited to attend. As chairperson for the Cursillo Movement at Advent, we would like to get your input as to how you would like to see this program operate. We have set a meeting for Sunday, September 14th, immediately after the 10 AM service, all members are encouraged to attend. There will be much to discuss. We want to know what kind of program interests you, how often should we meet, how often should we hold Ultreyas, how often should we hold groupings, who is grouping and with whom, and how do we go about recruiting participants for future Cursillos. For more information, please call either Al or Florence Sickle at (352) Milestones (Our membership birthday and anniversary lists are currently being updated. If your birthday or anniversary is not on these lists or listed incorrectly, please contact the office and let us know so we may update our data base we want

6 to include you with our blessings and best wishes). We will include milestones for the months of August and September in this issue of the Chronicle. Birthdays Karen Czechowicz 8/2 Harold Hubbard 8/4 Jane Tegeder 8/5 Charles Knecht 8/7 John Menning 8/7 Randy Sickle 8/8 Don Daniels 8/12 Joan Manley 8/15 Bob DelPrete 8/17 Stella Bender 8/18 Art McNeal 8/18 Kelsey Hutchinson 8/21 Nancy Lillard 8/22 Claudette Burrows 8/24 Arthur Thomas 8/24 Maria DelPrete 8/25 Gerry Pritchard 8/25 Shirley Peloquin 8/27 Paul McGuckin 8/28 Walter Lamp 8/31 Roger Bays 9/1 Barbara Dalton 9/2 Nancy Snow 9/2 Yvonne Daniels 9/3 Jean Harper 9/5 Harry Sterling 9/6 Brian Ying 9/7 Jay Lord 9/13 Jim Routson 9/13 Bob Gillespie 9/20 Shirley Newhart 9/20 Loring Chadwick 9/22 Bea Milliard 9/26 Carolyn Smith 9/26 Diane Victor 9/30 Anniversaries Virginia and William Reichert 8/7 Nancy and Robert Comeriato 8/12 Liz and Gordon Herrick 8/21 Yvonne and Rupert Daniels 9/2 Marilyn and Bob French 9/5 Eneida and Joe Perez 9/5 Diane and Rodger Hutchinson 9/10 6 Psalm 121 Mission We are a prayerful church our Prayers of the People are far reaching from Advent to friends, families and all those whose lives touch ours. Prayers of special intention are included daily in lists to members of Psalm 121. You are welcome to join this mission in daily prayers. For more information contact Deacon Marcella Vestry Members Paul McGuckin, Senior Warden Mary Daniels, Junior Warden Gordon Herrick, Christian Formation Robert Traudt, Membership and Assimilation Al Sickle, Outreach Ministries John Everlove, Insurance & Liability Alex Pasay, Building and Grounds Art McNeal, Parish Life Joe Perez, Stewardship and Finance Marta Bruenn Clerk of the Vestry Nancy McGuckin - Treasurer Who s who Our Volunteer Leaders Acolytes (Crucifer/Servers) Liz Herrick Altar Guild Diane Victor Backpack Program Al Sickle The Centers Karin Roberts Coffee Hour Al Sickle Daughters of the King Diane Victor Food Basket Program Al Sickle Greeters Eveline Lapointe Hygiene Products Flo Fifield St. Francis Guild Pat Stewart Interfaith Pat Stewart Lay Eucharistic Visitors Marcella Pasay LEM, Lectors, Prayers of the People Chalice Ministers Norm Lapointe Music/Choir Master Marta Bruenn Office Volunteers Lynn Johns Psalm 121 Ministry Marcella Pasay Sunrise School Knitters Karin Roberts Ushers Karin Roberts Boy Scouts Troop 508 Gina Young Cub Scouts Troop 508 Brian Ying Youth Ministries Carla Traudt The Advent Chronicle Editors: Bill & Dori Sullivan (352) billdori@embarmail.com Deadline for articles: the 25 th of the month

7 Pictures provided by Lisa and Brian Ying. Thank you! Members confirmed from Advent included Trudy Wells, Casey Akiah Ying, Alexandra L. Fringo, Aimee J. Lumadue, Jacob Scott Harris and Jamielyn Harris 7

8 The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Dunnellon Florida Established January, 1991 Our purpose is to Love God, Love One Another and Make Disciples Regular Events Sunday, Sept. 7 th Return to two Sunday services 8:00 AM (a simple said Mass) 10:00 AM. (Mass with music) Monday Events: Boy Scout Troop 508 meets at 6:30 PM Tuesday Events: Morning Prayer and healing service at 9:00 Cub Scout Pack 508 meets at 6:30 PM Wednesday Events: Choir Practice at 3:00 PM Thursday Events: Vestry Meetings - 2 nd Thursday of the month Special Events Wed. Sept. 10, 1:30 PM Sat. Sept. 13, 5:30 PM ECW Planning Meeting and election of officers, to be held at Advent. All Women of Advent Welcome! Ultreya at St. Mary s Belleview Sunday Sept. 14, Following the 10 o clock Mass Planning meeting for Advent Cursillo Saturday, Oct. 25 th Trash to Treasures Sale at Advent by the Brotherhood of St. Andrew Sunday, November 16 A Very Special Sunday Mark your calendars!! Details to follow!! The Advent Chronicle Episcopal Church of the Advent SW Hwy 484 Dunnellon FL