THE PARISH VISITOR. Youth Camp Sign Up Past & Present Luncheon Save the Date

Transcription

1 THE PARISH VISITOR Youth Camp Sign Up Past & Present Luncheon Save the Date

2 From the Dean s Desk Easter Joy and the Shadow of the Cross There in the south transept of the parish in which I spent my childhood is a Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass window depicting a scene from the Road to Emmaus. The scene in fact is a risen Jesus breaking bread with the two stranger he encounters on the road. Their faces depicting recognition and awe of Jesus when he breaks bread. The masterful art of Tiffany shows in the table cloth where Jesus stands the shadowy image of Jesus hanging on the cross. It emerges as the light behind the window shifts, it is a powerful image, the risen Jesus standing above the shadowy memory of the cross. The reminder that Easter Joy and the harshness of the cross live together and form the crucible of hopeful love on which we who follow Jesus depend. The Easter Vigil this year again was a beautiful reminder of this. The lighting of hope-filled fire in the midst of the Good Friday darkness we find ourselves despairing in. The coming to mindfulness of God s best offerings in times of darkness and struggle, offering the paradox and promise of salvation and new life through such circumstances. It was at the end of this time, when the crowds had left and the parking lots of the Cathedral had cleared that I found myself alone in the Cathedral preparing for Easter morn. This when my eyes looked up and caught an image of delight. A young girl on a scooter, flying free on it through out parking lot. Smiles of delight and I could see giggles as she moved with haste on her scooter. Freedom born from love. Easter. It was beautiful. When I arrived home a friend sent me a link to a story about the on-going awfulness taking place in Syria. There an image of a mother and child in a bombed out area, the young child literally sitting in a cardboard box eating a small morsel. The contrast between the images in my mind and heart of these two children were startling. Good Friday and Easter before me. Sometimes I don t know what to do with the overwhelming sense of helplessness I feel when the harsh realities of our world encroach. Yet at the same time I know it takes strength and courage to go to such cross places inside of ourselves. More compelling too is the image of a young girl on a scooter, who I know moves in freedom because some among us would not be overwhelmed. Easter and the shadow of the cross. Church Picnic Sunday June 11 at 10AM at the Upper Saucon Township Park (3231 Preston Lane, Center Valley). Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers & Drinks provided. You supply salads, sides & desserts. Rain or Shine! All are welcome! This will be the ONLY 10 AM service this Sunday. 8 AM Service held at Cathedral. Page 2

3 FROM THE CANON S CORNER This past April was regional confirmation. Each Wednesday evening during Lent, I had the opportunity of teaching confirmation classes to our J2A youth. During the last class in April we discussed Spiritual gifts and being an adult member of the Church. Each time I think of using gifts and talents, my thoughts turn to a woman I grew to love and appreciate from a former parish. Ann (not her actual name) was active in the parish her adult life. She taught Sunday School, sang on the choir, assisted with fund raisers and always had a smile and kind word for anyone she encountered. By the time I got to know her well, she was confined to a wheel chair and was forced to move into her daughter s home because she could no longer live independently and needed full time care. But despite the wheel chair and her lack of independence, Ann remained active both in her daughter s home and in the church. While Ann needed help getting clothes out of the closet and assistance in and out of the shower, she was at home each day to greet her granddaughters when they got off the bus. Each day she was able to sit with them, to discuss their day, and to help with a snack and homework. She frequently told me that she cherished the relationship she developed with her granddaughters which was strengthened because she now lived with them. While she hated her dependence, this was certainly a blessing she did not anticipate. And while she was unable to attend Sunday worship unless someone drove her and assisted her both in and out of the car, Ann continued to offer assistance to the church. Anytime we needed to recruit volunteers for a church activity, Ann made the phone calls. If we needed to coordinate an event, Ann took over, making the arrangements from her kitchen table as she sat in her wheel chair with church directory, a pad of paper and a pencil. While she was physically limited and dependent on others for assistance, her ministry was no less effective. New members received calls from her welcoming them and explaining questions they had. The youth received graduation cards and established parishioners received birthday cards from her. Ann knew each member of the parish because she engaged them in conversation and got to know them when she called. Ann s soft, gentle, loving voice became the face of the church for many. Ann refused to stop serving God even as her body was failing. She would simply not give up. She once told me that the only thing she was able to do now that she was physically declining was make phone calls, apologizing for the limits of her service. What she never quite realized was how valuable those calls were; not only did she coordinate and recruit volunteers, but with each call she spread love and grace. The confirmation youth discussed the value of each gift and each offer of service in the church. The body has many parts, each part is vital to the whole and necessary for the body to function. No part is more important than another, because each is needed for the body to function properly (1Cor 12). I am excited to see the gifts our new confirmands, as well as each member of Nativity, will discover as they grow in Christ and how they are offered to the Church for the glory of God. Past & Present Luncheon Where did the Offices Go?"-stories of change from Dean Schenkel. This is not a written story, but a verbal one that we will all be able to hear when Dean Schenkel comes to talk at our May Past and Present Luncheon. For those of us who were there through the many changes of the 80's, it will be a fun reminder. For those who weren't, you may be surprised to hear the events that happened. Put the date on your calendar and join us for the year's concluding luncheon: Friday, May 12th. 11:00 for the talk and social time with lunch at noon. R.S.V.P. Sarah Norwine Pam Bayliss Page 3

4 From the Deacon s Bench Dn. Rodney This is the first part of a series on the diaconate. I hope to give a background of the ministry and what it means to have a deacon in the parish as well as in the diocese. This first article is about the early church s concept of the diaconate which has shaped the way the ministry now stands. The word deacon comes from the Greek diakonos, meaning waiter or servant. The ministry of the diaconate is often referred to as a servant ministry. But the role of the diaconate quickly transformed into more than simply waiting tables. The diaconate has its roots in the New Testament Book of Acts. The early church had been growing bringing in Greeks, Hellenists, and Israelites, Hebrews, who had different backgrounds, traditions and concerns. A chief concern of some of these converts was for the widows within the community of the Greeks and that there was not enough being done to make sure they had sufficient food to survive. New converts, the future of this early movement, were important to the spread of Christianity, and they had a valid point of caring for their own. However, the leaders of the church were doing too many important tasks to care for hungry in their midst. To solve this problem, Acts 6:3b-4 tells us that seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, were appointed to care for the widows, to literally wait tables, while we (the leaders), for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word. Acts 6:5 tells us that they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus We quickly find that deacons cannot keep their mouths shut and become troublemakers. Stephen is especially vocal and is quickly targeted by those trying to stop the spread of Christianity. They conspire together to have him arrested and then he is stoned after using their own Scripture to argue against them. It is at Stephen s execution that Saul of Tarsus is first mentioned. Philip is also mentioned later in Acts 8 as one spreading the Word of God and who baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch. There are also female deacons with Paul naming Phoebe as a deacon in Romans 16:1. This division of labor as well as the way the early deacons took on other roles beyond just caring for the needy has been subject to some controversy as to what that model means for the modern deacon. The diaconate continued to develop since this 1st century concept of ministry to what it is today. The next article will discuss how the modern diaconate has developed. Room at the Inn Shelter Appreciation Dinner May 4, 6:00 pm Sayre Hall I would like to invite all the volunteers from this past shelter season, and anyone else interested, to a pot luck dinner on Thursday May 4 at 6:00 pm in Sayre Hall. For those that brought friends along, please pass the invitation on to them as well. After sharing a meal, I d like to go over what happened during this season and talk about changes for next year. It will also be a good time to talk about lessons learned during the season to strengthen the program. Please bring a covered dish to share and if you have any questions, please contact me at rodneyconn@icloud.com or at Dn. Rodney Page 4

5 NATIVITY YOUTH CAMP Nativity Youth Camp (NYC) June 17-24: Blessed are those who turn in Camp Registrations!!! This year s camp theme is the Beatitudes. Time is running out to return a completed camp registration form! Please register your children for NYC and return completed forms to the church office. Registration forms are available in the back of the church, HERE or by contacting the church office. Camp is free to Nativity members. Camp allows children and youth to grow in the Christian faith, build community, and make friendships and memories that will last years. Camp is truly one of the most formative programs available for Nativity youth. Speak to camp directors Brian & Marie Mauro 4mauro@gmail.com or (610) or Canon Michelle if you have questions. Cathedral Night at the Iron Pigs Monday, August 21 (gates open at 5:45 pm) Iron Pigs vs Syracuse Chiefs PPL Picnic Pavilion Tickets $15 per person Includes: Admission, Dinner Buffet & Free Soft Drinks IRON PIGS Contact: or teisenreich@nativitycathedral.org for more details. MAY ADULT FORUM May 7 May 14 Joe Mozingo, Music as Prayer Jo & Trip Trepagnier, Refugee Resettlement Update May 21 May 28 Cathy Bailey, EFM and Theological Reflection Summer Break begins no Adult Forums Sunday School LAST DAY: May 21 is the last day of Sunday School for children, J2A and Threshold for youth, and Adults who attend Forum. Nativity Book Club Nativity Book Club: A Man Called Ove by Frank Backman. We will meet on Thursday May 18th at 11 AM in Room 23. All are welcome! Bring your lunch. June: Heat and Light by Jennifer Haigh Page 5

6 Annual INCOME YTD Actual thru 3/31/17 YTD Budget thru 3/31/17 YTD Variance 2017 Annual Budget Pledge & Non-Pledge Income 169, ,971 21, ,885 DIT Investment Income 9,957 9, ,830 Hurd Trust Distribution 0 22,971 22,271-91,844 Other Income Sources 6,232 23,688 17,456-94,753 Allowed for Uncollected Pledges 0 6,336-6,336 23,345- TOTAL INCOME 185, ,251 13, ,467 EXPENSES Quarterly Budget Financial Status Report Q General 146, ,071 6, ,283 Worship 21,473 20,426 1,047-81,705 Renewal 21,020 21, ,188 Evangelism 1,355 2,573 1,218 10,291 TOTAL EXPENSES 190, ,867 7, ,467 YTD Net Excess or Deficit $4,777- thru 3/31/2017 Key Summary Points thru 3/31/2017 Pledge and Non-pledge Income is on target. Expense is under YTD budget. Our financial year is off to a good start! Definition of Categories for Financial Statement How we get and spend money annually Income: How we accumulate our resources for God's mission (Sources of Income) Pledge and non-pledged income: Gifts generously given by YOU! Faithful worshippers offering money to God's glory and to pursue our mission together. (Equally grateful to God for your time and talents given as well!) This faithful expression is the bedrock on which we spring forward in mission! Diocesan Investment Trust (DIT): These funds are Invested monies that have been faithfully given to God's glory by parishioners who have died, who through their wills and estate planning, have remembered the work of the Cathedral and left lasting gifts. These monies are pooled with other monies of congregations of the diocese with oversight of Diocesan Council, and managed by professional investment firms. Each year a small percentage of income generated by the INTEREST (only) is made available to help us resource the care of our properties and support of our mission and ministry. A portion of INTEREST is reinvested to preserve and grow principal to ensure a more predictable stream of income to help fund what we do annually together. Page 6

7 Hurd Charitable Trust Income: Priscilla Payne Hurd, a member of the Cathedral created a trust in In simple terms generous income was invested in a Trust. The Cathedral was named as one (of many) beneficiaries who receive a yearly payout of income generated by the Trust. A certain percentage of that income is reinvested on behalf of the Cathedral. When the Trust matures (year 2020) yearly distributions of income to the Cathedral will cease from the trust, but the corpus of money accumulated over the years by investment will remain, the interest of that invested monies (now fully belonging to the Cathedral) will be available for use in the annual mission budget or other initiatives at the discretion of the vestry. Other Income: Other income is obtained through fundraising events, rental of space to groups using space, individuals who give occasional monetary gifts for general or specific purposes, special offerings throughout the year, etc. The Third Millennium Fund* (TMF): In the year 2001, the vestry of the Cathedral established this fund. Monies in the fund have been accumulated through gifts, estate planning, etc. The Funds are in investments managed by the Diocesan Investment Trust (DIT). Each year INTEREST income from the invested funds are granted to petitioners to pursue mission and ministry in the following categories. Capital parish needs, education and training, outreach ministries and projects of the Episcopal Church at home and abroad. An appointed board of parishioners oversees the distribution of funds each year. Some examples of funded projects: Eagle Scout projects, New Bethany Ministries grants, education and formation programs, Refugee Resettlement program, Elder Care Ministries, Evangelism projects, etc. *Not an annual budget Income source but a great and Godly resource you should know about Expenses: How we seek to faithfully expend income in pursuit of our mission Our Annual budget is organized in the following categories: General The funds found in the General category represent the support of our mission through salaries of Clergy, Administration, Sextons, Utilities, Insurances, support of the diocesan wide mission through the payment of our assessment, as well as simple but important pragmatic items such as copiers, telephone, mailing, etc. All of what we do together finds its foundation in this category. Ministry design and leadership, planning of meaningful worship, pastoral care, formation and education planning, design, and implementation. Spiritual development opportunities, organization and implementation of outreach/service opportunities such as Homeless ministries, Refugee ministries, Neighborhood after school kids programs, discretionary outreach to neighbors in need, etc. The good stewardship of clean and kept property and spaces enabling the many activities and ministries that take place here, including the nearly 20 or so outreach oriented community groups that make use of our space. Connecting with one another through communications so that we can be aware and participating in mission, worship, and fellowship events. The support of the ministry of our Bishop and the common ministry of our diocese expressed throughout 62 congregations supported by the ministry of the Episcopate. Worship The funds found in the Worship category represent the faithful expression of our worthy and beautiful praise, adoration, and worship of our Lord through our common worship. The funds in this category support our music ministry through staff salary, music, guest musicians etc. The funds also support all of materials and items necessary to make worship opportunities sacred space where individuals and groups may encounter holiness and transformation in their lives. Renewal The funds found in this category represent the full expression for programs, opportunities, events, experiences for followers of Christ to grow deeper in a renewing faith. The funds here support formation, pastoral care, nurture, fellowship through salaries and programmatic funds for church school, family ministries, Youth Camp, Journey to adulthood, Adult Forums, and many other opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal for all ages. Evangelism The funds found in this category represent mission and ministry aimed at the spread of good news and invitation to individuals to grow deeper in faith. Monies here support a diocesan wide fund focused on outreach and mission activities, the invitation and incorporation of new members to the Faith and this cathedral, support of mission work locally and globally (such as Kajo Keji) and resources to spread the news about our mission through communications (social media, advertising, web, etc). Page 7

8 Eve Before the Ascension Festal Choral Evensong Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 7:00 p.m. All are welcome! Tai Chi Classes Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that is practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic the benefits are decreased stress, improved mood and aerobic capacity, increased energy and stamina, improved flexibility, balance and agility. Tom Ardizzone will instruct classes Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM in Sayre Hall beginning May 6th through May 27th. Cost $30.00 for 4 classes. No experience necessary & beginners are welcome. To register please call the church office at or teisenreich@nativitycathedral.org. Proceeds will benefit Nativity Youth Camp. The Better Buy Thrift Shop Last month the Better Buy Thrift Shop presented a check for $8,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of the Southside of Bethlehem to fund part-time staff for their summer programs. In addition, another $8,000 was given to Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley to provide shelter and support to the women and children at their local shelter in our neighborhood. When Nativity took over running the shop from the defunct Southside Ministries coalition it was decided, by our vestry, that all profits go directly back into the community, expressly to the organizations located on the Southside of town. We have remained faithful to that promise. Since 2014 we have donated $24, 000 to the Boys & Girls Club and $7,000 to Habitat for Humanity. The shop has become a ministry to those we serve, as well as those who serve. Our volunteers have formed lifelong friendships celebrating life s joys and who give comfort in times of trial. Nativity volunteers work together on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays decorating the shop, sorting clothing, giving fashion advice to our customers and welcoming shoppers with warmth and acceptance. Three other Bethlehem churches complete the weekly volunteer schedule. Part of our mission is to provide free clothing to those who are most needy. This year we opened the shop on Thursday evenings so that the guests at our emergency shelter could have access to warm coats and clean clothing at no charge. We gave away over $5,000 in free clothing to New Bethany Ministries, the soup kitchen at Trinity Episcopal Church and Turning Point. All of this is due to the generosity of our parish members who have donated thousands of dollars worth of gently used clothing, shoes, boots, books, toys, linens and beautiful housewares. We have purposely kept our prices low to accommodate eve the most meager budgets and God has blessed us as we remain faithful to our mission. We look forward to continuing our ministry to our brothers and sisters on the Southside of Bethlehem, to be a welcoming presence, to share God s love, and to provide free and affordable necessities to those in need. Come be a part of our story! Connie Gilbert, Thrift Shop Coordinator Page 8

9 Scholarship Opportunities The Jon C. Norwine Memorial Scholarship annually provides an award of $1,000 toward higher education in the college, university or trade school. James & Sarah Norwine have established this award in memory of their son, Jon. It is given to a graduating senior or college-aged member of the Cathedral who has been active in parish programs. The Joseph Emmanuel Correll Memorial Scholarship has been created through the generosity of Ms. Pam Calabrese in honor of her dear friend Joseph Emmanuel Correll. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a young person of the Cathedral who is graduating from High School and is intending on furthering their education. The criteria for this scholarship seeks to honor the spirit of Mr. Correll s philanthropic generosity and his love of children and education. The deadline for submission of applications is Thursday June 1, The award will be presented during worship at the annual parish picnic on Sunday June 11. Applications available through the Parish Office. FOUNTAIN HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MENTOR PROGRAM We are currently in desperate need of mentors to work one-on-one with our students, as we have a wait list for this program. The time commitment is thirty minutes a week per student. Our students are identified to receive a mentor by their teacher for both academic and emotional support purposes. In some cases, mentors can provide academic reinforcement during their time with their student by working on reading or math skills, flashcards, and worksheets using materials provided by the student's teacher. In other cases, the relationship is more emotional and gives students a chance to connect with a caring adult to talk, play games, do crafts, and read together. In some circumstances the relationship is both academic and emotionally-supportive in nature. All volunteers are required to have volunteer clearances to work in our building, but the process is simple and I am here to help facilitate as need be. Paige Hoffman Community School Director Fountain Hill Elementary School Northampton Community College (610) x29310 phoffman@basdschools.org Page 9

10 VESTRY SNIPPETS The Vestry met on April 18, Holy Week and Easter were faithfully attended and beautifully done! Refugee Resettlement Ministry The Mustafa family is happy and coming into health. The children are receiving great education and the group is working with them on being more independent. Next scheduled meeting May 16, Baptisms 04/15/2017 THE PARISH REGISTRY Sharlene Classé Elijah Cristales, son of Sharlene Classé and Kelvin Then Ella Mae Yost, daughter of Rachel and Robert Yost Russell Robert Yost, son of Rachel and Robert Yost Marriages 03/18/2017 Christian Arcario and Karen Muhleisen Transfers Out Donna Nonnemacher to St. Matthew Episcopal Church, Sunbury, PA Confirmation 04/23/2017 Reception 04/23/2017 Tyler Andrejko Noelle C. Eisenreich Ryan Evans Mary Felix Caitlin Elsie Hertzog Anthony Michael Hertzog Tyler Huch Charlotte Renee Samuelson Ava Kate Scattergood Preston Scott Smith Kathryn Wescoe Barbara Beal Leon Beal Photo from Regional Confirmation & Reception April 23, 2017 Page 10

11 THE MAY LECTIONARY Editor Change Parish Visitor Very recently, the Parish Visitor celebrated its 75 th anniversary as our church publication. Ever since I can remember, (I joined the Nativity when I was 8 years old) it has been key to keeping the people of our church informed and connected. For the past 6 years, I have had the honor of being the Editor of this newsletter and it has been a great joy for me to use my creativity and skills to help share the Nativity news with you all. As of this month, this responsibility has transitioned back to the church office. I appreciate Tracy Eisenreich s willingness to take it back in house. Please note: she will be the recipient of any s you send to parishvisitor@nativitycathedral.org. I know I will look forward to reading it each month in my and I encourage everyone to do the same! Special thanks to all of you who provided contributions, articles and support over the past 6 years. Your efforts and commitment were appreciated. Dana Whedon May 7 Acts 2: Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10 Psalm 23 May 14 Acts 7: Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14 Psalm 31:1-5, May 21 Acts 17: Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21 Psalm 66:7-18 May 28 Acts 1: Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11 Psalm 68:1-10, CLERGY AND VESTRY The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Bishop Provisional The Very Rev. Anthony R. Pompa, Dean and Rector tpompa@nativitycathedral.org The Rev. Canon Michelle Moyer, canonmichelle@nativitycathedral.org Richard Sause, Sr. Warden rsause9@gmail.com Karen Boksan, Jr. Warden kboksan@rcn.com 321 Wyandotte St. Bethlehem, PA Follow us on Facebook is published by the Cathedral Church of the Nativity. Articles can be submitted through the church office or to the editor at parishvisitor@nativitycathedral.org.