FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN

Transcription

1 JULY, 2009 FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN While the Rector is on vacation, it was my honor to be asked to write the opening article for this issue of the Wild Onion. So here goes Over the years one of the many questions I have heard is, Just what is St. David s involvement in outreach? This is my response. To begin with the budget of St. David s includes pledges and gifts to the Diocese of Tennessee, The Episcopal Church, and The Millennium Development Goals (goals set out and included in Episcopal Relief and Development), all totaling in excess of $30, These funds are used in a variety of ways to support the mission of the church locally, nationally, and internationally. That amount is over 10% of our operating budget. Other donated funds are reflected on an additional page to the budget, the third page, where non-budgeted items are listed. These are dedicated accounts where the money does not mingle within our operating budget. For example there is an account for Mission-Honduras which holds funds donated for Honduras until they can be transferred to that mission. Using the interest accrued in our Endowment Fund, another third page account, charities are chosen by the Endowment Committee to receive an annual grant. This year s interest amounted to $1, split between Rooftop, Incorporated - which helps with low-income housing here in Nashville - and St. Ann s Episcopal Church s East Nashville Hope Exchange, benefiting at-risk children. You are probably familiar with much of our local outreach. At the ongoing Wednesday Lunch Programs at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, volunteers supply and cook food, and provide entertainment for the local Hispanic population. We have been long-time supporters of the Campus for Human Development and Room in The Inn where, during the colder months of the year, St. David s volunteers to provide a home-cooked meal, breakfast, sack lunch, and gift-filled Christmas backpacks for homeless men spending the night at St. Luke s Community House. St. Luke s is where many parishioners choose to volunteer their time in any number of ways, from tutoring and Meals on Wheels, to This n That Thrift Shop. All our current food collections go to St. Luke s Food Pantry. We also 1

2 support their Christmas toy drive and adopt-a-family programs, responding to a variety of special needs. Globally, parish volunteers have sponsored scholarships for children in Honduras, helped build schools, and supplied them with books and medicine. We have developed a long-lasting relationship with Fr. Francisco Peña, an Episcopal priest with numerous parishes across Honduras. Our Gringo Market proceeds have helped many programs within the country as well as in Mexico and Guatemala. More recent involvements have been with Kiva Loans, which enable parishioners the opportunity to donate as little as $25.00 to support small businessmen and women around the world. We have worked to support Childreach Africa. The president and founder of Childreach Africa, Catherine Piwang, visited with us on her visit to the United States at the end of May, and reported on the land she purchased with funding from St. David s parishioners where she hopes to build a trauma center for the women and children who have suffered grievous harm during continued hostilities in Uganda. You may recall the sale of all the African crafts available over the years and this past month in Sanders Hall. Our newest interest is in The Stung Treng Women s Development Center in Cambodia (SWDC). The SWDC focuses on developing life skills that assist in breaking the cycle of poverty and illiteracy for vulnerable people, especially women. Salaries are paid and programs funded by the production and sale of Mekong Blue Silk. These silk products will soon be available locally. Watch for developing information and ways to be involved. So are you getting tired yet? Individually St David s parishioners really do go forth to love and serve. We have members that are involved in the work of diocese. Others serve or have served on the boards of St. Mary s Sewanee, the Dandridge Trust, the board of DuBose Conference Center, or have attended and worked for Camp Gailor-Maxon. Our members volunteer as Court Appointed Special Advocates as well as other city-wide organizations, hospitals, and schools. Parishioners help out with programs such as those addressing needs within our community: the elderly, literacy, immigrants, spousal and child abuse, homelessness, and addictions, as well as community development, issues regarding justice, civil rights, equality, and politics. We also try to designate 10% of any church fundraising proceeds to a charity outside of St. David s. Within the parish, a church the size of St. David s, we are all needed to help as we can, Therefore not many of you are just pew sitters, you provide the necessary muscles and brains behind the life and breath of our parish. We could not do all that we do with out the volunteer choir, the prayers and service of our Daughters of the King, and the meals and loving support from Agape. Thanks to all the volunteers we have to help with our weddings, dress our altar, and arrange our flowers. Volunteers are our acolytes, ushers, lay readers and Lay Ministers, and the patient and gifted teachers of our precious children and adults. And how about the guys who magically (without being asked) change the light bulbs and take care of a variety of things around here? Thanks to the generous folks who kick in a few extra bucks just when it s needed, paint a room, or decorate the Sanders Hall shelf. Then there are the kind men and women who send a card, deliver flowers, call and check on someone, take holiday goody bags, donate something special to the church, pretty up our gardens, share books, and other wonderful things. Where would we be without those who clean the kitchen, prepare breakfasts, serve tea, organize events, take out the trash, load the dishwasher, as well as those who donate to and purchase items from our Bazaar, Souper Sunday and various events? These may seem to be simple things, maybe, but oh, so necessary. As we depend upon one another, it helps us to build community, love one another, and have a wonderful time doing it. And you know what? This is just a small sampling of what goes on in the lives of our parish family. 2

3 St. Paul refers to the church as being one body with many parts performing different jobs according to their talents and interests. St. David s is a glowing example of that. But don t think that I am suggesting we just pat ourselves on the back and sit back and relax. This is ongoing work. The church is a living thing and needs continue to ebb and flow. As one interest wanes, another waxes, we flex our muscles, roll up our sleeves, and respond. This is why I just love St. David s and am so proud to be a part of what s going on. The Spirit is so alive here. St. David s has a reputation for its mission and outreach programs. Someone called us the little church that does. If you want to be more involved there are many ways to get plugged in. On the Sanders Hall bulletin board there is a list of names of who is in charge of what; just call them, or call me! Yes, we can and do go forth to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!!!!! Julie Erwin, Senior Warden IN OUR PRAYERS Please remember those for whom our prayers have been requested: Terry Brubaker, Jimmy Snapp, Jacqui Penney, Holly Anderson, Jean Branch, Barbara Coleman, Bethany Barber, Vernon Thomas, James Taylor, Gail Miller, Sue Steinmetz, Mary Tom Jackson, Linda Thomas, Joe Akin, Louise Armstrong, Mary Kathleen Puckett, Charles Riddle, Jean Castleberry, Leah Helen, Joe Ferrelli, Donald Cornelius, Ed Berry, Mary Lloyd Pearson, and Sarah Whitman. Minister to them, O Lord, of your healing gifts 3

4 ONION RINGS by Norman Gillis Rachel Andrews' granddaughter, Ashley Meryl Logan, graduated in May from Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations. She has served as an intern photographer at the Brookgreen Sculpture Garden on Pawley's Island. Grandmama is very proud! You may recall that the Vestry, upon Ann Walling's retirement, named the Children's Chapel in the undercroft in her honor. We've had a cast bronze plaque made and installed on one of the doors reading: WALLING CHILDREN'S CHAPEL dedicated in honor of the Reverend Ann Boult Walling, Assistant to the Rector, Laura Duke and daughter Molly will be performing in The Sorceress's Apprentice with Olde Worlde Theater at the Belcourt Theater on July 25, August 1, and August 8. Join them for a fun children s show. Our newest caregiver in the nursery, Miranda Merrick, reports that she will reach the ripe old age of 19 on July 2! Congratulations, Miranda! St. David s Best Ever Christmas Bazaar Wants You! Mark your calendars! St. David s Third Annual Best Ever Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15. Our last two Christmas bazaars have been very successful, and we want this year s bazaar to be even better! We plan to entice parishioners, neighbors, families, and friends with reasonably priced goodies again this year. Organizers are hoping the whole parish will become involved in this worthwhile event to support Mission Outreach, and they are asking each group active in St. David s to consider some way they might be able to contribute (DOK, EFM, St. David s Youth, Adult Choir, Children s Choir, Flower Guild, Bloomin Onions, Shawl Ministry, LEM s and Lay Readers, Vestry, and Kitchen Guild). For those with special arts, crafts, cooking, and organizational skills, individual contributions are welcome as well. So put your thinking caps on! You can choose one of the following 4 projects or come up with your own. Here are some suggestions that worked well in the past: Crafts, Jewelry, Knitted Items, Cookie Corner, Desserts, Christmas Decorations, Baby Items, Earth-Friendly Items, Kids Booth, Publicity, Boxed Lunches, Decorations, and Cashiers. Annette White (annette.a.white@tn.gov) Lezette Thomason (lezette@nashville.net), and Anne Swift (swifta@hardingacademy.org) will be happy to hear from you. The Rev. Molly Dale Smith, St. David's new Priest Associate, has a brand new book out from Church Publishing: Transitional Ministry: A Time of Opportunity. Molly is a trained interim specialist and is president of Transitional Ministries in the Episcopal Church (TMEC). Her new book sheds important light on what we mean when we talk about "transition" in the church. To quote the cover: "Transition" is the word we use to describe a time of significant change. In congregations, that change might be the sudden -- or planned -- departure of the pastor, a catastrophe such as fire or Hurricane Katrina, or simply the adaptation required by growth or decline. Transition calls for clergy with specialized training to respond and lead." Congratulations, Molly, for this much-needed and timely book! What is the longest name in the Bible? Mahershalalhashbaz (Isaiah 8:1) July 2 July 3 July 7 July 8 July 13 July 19 July 23 July 24 July 26 July 27 July 3 July 6 July 11 July 24 July 28 JULY BIRTHDAYS Mathieu Agee, Linda Heft, Miranda Merrick Martha Elliston, Joe Lentz, Austin Martin, Sophie Cass Dick Murphy, Dot Williams Logan Lechleiter Bob Napier Cathy Hinton Robert Garner John Maiberger John Kitch Raymond Leathers, Bob King JULY ANNIVERSARIES Ann & Tom Means Heather & Jody Sullivan Frances & Joe Hendrick Laura & Mike Benton Joan & David Green

5 UPDATE ON SECURING OUR FUTURE OUR CAPITAL LOAN by Rahn Huber Background: St. David s capital loan must be refinanced by February, Since interest rates are climbing, the Vestry has decided to refinance the loan sooner rather than later in order to lock in a lower interest rate. At the Vestry meeting held June 9, 2009, the Finance Committee presented various proposals we have had from the following banks: SunTrust, Regions, Capstar, and Pinnacle Financial Partners. We thank Darlene Marsh, Anne Swift, and Debbie McDougall for giving us good contacts at each of these institutions. The Vestry chose Pinnacle for the loan and also decided to move the checking account and other funds. We are very pleased with the responsiveness and interest from Pinnacle as well as the terms of service. We originally took out a loan on January 26, 2005, for $395, Since then, we ve reduced what we owe to $245, This is amazing when you realize that we have paid nearly twice in extra payments toward the loan principal what we have paid through monthly payments. Currently $2 out of every $3 paid on the front end of the loan goes to interest payments. So while we ve done a great job prepaying, we need to continue doing that as frequently as possible. The more we can apply extra to the principal, the less we will pay in the long run. If you have any questions about this, please let us know! NOTES FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN by Julie Erwin "Summer Nights" on Wednesday evenings have resumed! All events provide dinner and activity for $7.50 adult, $5.00 child 5-12 years, and a family maximum of $20.00, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Child-care by reservation only for adult evenings. Summer is the perfect time to relax and get to know your St. David's family! Pick one or any 5 number of the offered activities, and come on out and join in the fun! Wednesday, July 1 The second annual St. David s Patriotic Picnic will be hosted by the McElroys; John Hamilton will cook the main course. The rest of us will bring sides and desserts. Activities and parade for all - especially the children. Bring friends and open to the neighborhood. Bring bikes and other riding toys for the parade! Dress in patriotic garb! Wednesday, July 29 St. David s chapter of the Daughters of the King is hosting a High Tea. Ladies and Gents and older children come dressed for an old southern tea party. Wednesday, August 26 The Bloomin' Onions invite us to a Beach Party!, beach-themed activities and food. MONDAY BIBLE STUDY by Julie Erwin Hello, fellow and potential Bible Study members! We had a wonderful meeting with the Rev. Molly Dale Smith on Monday, June 15, to discuss how to move forward with our Bible Study. We agreed that we will continue to meet Mondays from until noon, beginning August 10. We also agreed that our format for the Bible Study will be a reflection and discussion about the lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday. We will be working with a book titled: Serendipity Bible Study NIV. We will order copies for those of you who would like your own; however, it is not necessary to purchase your own copy as the questions presented from the text will be read aloud. The cost through Cokesbury is $ We will order for arrival before our group starts in the fall. This is a great opportunity to join in a wonderful study and fellowship, and all are invited to join. This particular format provides a chance for those who have only a couple of Mondays a month to attend as time allows. We look forward to seeing you all.

6 July 2009 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Pentecost V 6 6:00 pm Patriotic Parade and Picnic Pentecost VI Pentecost VII Pentecost VIII :00 pm High Tea

7 JULY 2009 LAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE ACOLYTES July 5 Pentecost V July 12 Pentecost VI July 19 Pentecost VII July 26 Pentecost VIII August 2 Pentecost IX Crucifer L. RAYHAB M. GREEN A. MARTIN L. LECHLEITER S. RAYHAB ALTAR GUILD J. LEATHERS C. HINTON D. ROGERS M. ADAMS tba (Saturday) S. MOORE M. HINTON H. SULLIVAN L. McLEVAIN L. CHRISTIANSEN M. L. PIERCE L. GUSTAVE D. RAYHAB H. GASPARD H. FOX COUNTERS - D. AXFORD B. LENTZ M. J. HOWLAND A. PILCHER D. AXFORD V. DONETS J. LENTZ S. JORDAN D. WILKINSON V. DONETS FLOWER GUILD C. HINTON E. GIBBONS J. ERWIN M. BROWN D. ROGERS (Saturday) M. HINTON S. SPECTOR K. DOUGAN M. L. RAYHAB H. GASPARD LECTORS 8:00 a.m. M. L. PIERCE J. FERRELLI K. CARLSON B. BOWEN M. CAVER D. SHELTON N. HOWRY L. HOVIOUS L. DUKE S. JORDAN L.E.M. S 8:00 a.m. M. L. PIERCE J. FERRELLI K. CARLSON J. FERRELLI M. L. PIERCE A. PILCHER S. JORDAN* L. DUKE C. SCHMIDT* D. SHELTON B. LENTZ* J. HAMILTON S. GISH* P. HALPERIN G. HARMON* USHERS N. & K. HOWRY R. LEATHERS P. LECHLEITER A. & P. HOVIOUS C. SCHMIDT G. WILLIAMS J. MAIBERGER J. ERWIN 7