St. Alban s Episcopal. From the Rector. St. Albans Oktoberfest Saturday, October 5 6:00 pm featuring Miss Lisa s Dancers

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1 he St. Alban s Episcopal word Church October 2013 Volume 13, Issue 9 From the Rector Fr. Jeff blessing the students, parents, teachers and backpacks and conducting the Children s Sermon on September 1. Lately I have been reading about the spirituality of the Jesuits, or as it is better known, Ignatian Spirituality. I am attracted to what I ve seen as the theme of Ignatian spirituality finding God s presence in all aspects of our lives. Sometimes we become most aware of God s presence in our lives when we least expect it or when we re not looking for it. The beauty of a sunset, the innocence of children, the warmth of being surrounded by community, the comfort of friendship--all are times when we might become aware of God breaking through to us. Certainly when we are engaged in ministry, doing the work of the Gospel, or are captivated by inspiring worship, we know and feel God s presence. Ignatian spirituality encourages us to look for God in everything that we do and in all the activities that make up our day. To the question, where do I find God, the answer would be, look around you. When I am on our Youth Group mission trips, we gather at the end of each work day and ask our youth to consider the question, where did you see God today? Our youth share their experiences of God in the mundane but necessary work of painting, roofing or doing yard work, and it is in the sharing that those routine chores are recognized as holy work - a sacred experience shared with their fellow workers and with the people for whom they are working and with God. It can be a challenge to see God in all that we do because it is not something we think to do. When we recognize that God is present with us not just on Sunday morning, but at all times, our lives and our actions take on more meaning our lives become a prayer. Striving to see God in our lives is an exercise that might be best approached in small steps. And like our Youth on mission, I encourage each of you at the end of your day to consider the question, where did you see God today? so as God is revealed to you in the tasks of each day, your relationship with God in Christ will grow and you will be more aware of just how blessed and grace-filled your life is. -Fr. Jeff Blessing of the Animals October 6; both services. St. Albans Oktoberfest Saturday, October 5 6:00 pm featuring Miss Lisa s Dancers Delicious meats and brats provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share A-L Side Dish M-Z Dessert Get ready to have some OKTOBERFEST Fun!

2 The Warden s Pen Things are fairly quiet as summer ends and autumn approaches but I take pleasure in announcing two happy events. First, the Vestry has approved and Fr. Jeff has signed a Letter of Agreement. Sometime this autumn (the date has yet to be confirmed) the bishop will conduct a Celebration of Ministry, and that will be the VERY happy ending of our discernment process. The second happy event is that we will have our very own sexton beginning October 1. Many thanks go to Nancy Harrell and Monica Beniste for conducting the preliminary interviews and doing the weeding out of many applicants. I believe everyone will be pleased with the person chosen for this important position. -Delores Baisden, Sr. Warden A Big Thank You from Bethany House Thanks to all who helped with St. Alban's collection of school supplies for Bethany House kids. We received a warm thank-you letter from Bethany House telling us that our contributions helped them supply 47 children with school supplies, backpacks, etc. This eased the burden on these families. Please note that our Christmas collection for Bethany House will begin before Thanksgiving this year, so please keep Bethany House moms and kids in your shopping plans. Blessing of the Animals October 6 We are delighted to invite you and your pets to the 8:15 am and 10:15 am services to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis. Please bring necessary items to help your pet be a responsible church-goer. From the Stewardship Committee Being God s Church Part II In last month s Word, we talked about how the difference between going to church and being God s church lies in answering God s call. You all responded mightily and joyfully on Ministry Sunday, signing up to share your time and talent, and we are excited about the coming year! Now that it is October, we are asking you to give some thought to what God is calling you to do with your money. One aspect of this is that our church life and robust ministry programs are possible only through your generous giving to St. Alban s. Your financial support is vital to the continuation and expansion of what we do to serve our congregation, the community, and the wider world. Another (and perhaps more important) aspect is that what you do with your money is a direct reflection of your relationship with God, and it is very much a two-way street. God has entrusted you with blessings, and He has faith in your willingness to be responsible, compassionate, and generous in your use of what you have been given. Answering God s call to good financial stewardship requires you to have faith in God and to trust that that you can do what God is asking. Good stewardship is a process. It is a journey that each of us takes individually, carrying our own experiences and circumstances. God is with us on every step of that journey to encourage and help and love us. Grow-One Sunday will be October 27. We are asking you to make a special effort to come to church and make a Commitment of Annual Giving to St. Alban s. Before then, you will hear the question, What percentage of your income is God calling you to give? As with the call to ministry, there are as many answers to that question as there are people in the world, but be assured, God has equipped you for good financial stewardship, and He will be with you on your journey. -Allison Blanchard, Chair, Stewardship Publisher: The Rev. Jeff Shankles. Managing Editor, Photo Editor, Design & Layout: Barbara Hallman. Production and Distribution: Monica Beniste, Sharon Belanger. Contributors: The Rev. Jeff Shankles; The Rev. Cayce Ramey; Betsy Anderson; Delores Baisden; Allison Blanchard; Marty Barringer; Larry and Jo Hodgin; Nancy McSlarrow; Debbie Schrag; Camille Stern; Clarence Zuvekas. Photographers: Barbara Hallman; Fred Holmes; The Rev. Cayce Ramey Articles/photos welcome! to: bhallman1@cox.net 2 Deadline for Next Edition: October 15 St. Alban s Episcopal Church Annandale, VA Phone: Fax:

3 Choir Notes October 6. Our anthem this Sunday is O Lord, Increase My Faith by Orlando Gibbons ( ), the preeminent English musician of his generation. Gibbons was born in Oxford and graduated from Cambridge University. In 1605 he was appointed organist of the Chapel Royal, and in 1623 he assumed the same position at Westminster Abbey. His compositional output was modest: about 40 anthems, two sets of service music, madrigals, some organ pieces, chamber music, and few other works. His talents as an organist were highly regarded by his contemporaries. In 1606 he married Elizabeth Patten, then perhaps 16 years old; they had six surviving children. October 13. Felix Mendelssohn ( ) was a prolific composer in various genres and one of several musical giants born within the span of a few years (the others are Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt). Some musicians regard his violin concerto as the best ever written for that instrument. Many of us are familiar with his incidental music to A Midsummer Night s Dream. Mendelssohn is also well known for rescuing J.S. Bach from nearobscurity, and for helping to make the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra one of the world s finest. Mendelssohn s sister Fanny was likewise a talented composer and virtuoso pianist, but brother Felix didn t think much of women pursuing such manly endeavors. (This didn t stop him, however, from passing off some of her songs as his own.) This Sunday we will sing Felix Mendelssohn s anthem, Above All Praise, part of a set of six composed in The English title sounds more felicitous to our ears than the original German, Am Himmelsfahrtstage. October 22. George Frideric Handel ( ) was born in Halle, Germany. By the age of 19 he had composed the first of many successful operas. His substantial compositional output also includes oratorios (notably Messiah), organ music, and chamber and instrumental works. Handel first came to London in 1710 and settled there permanently in 1726, becoming a British citizen in that year. This Sunday we will sing Let Justice and Judgment, the middle section of Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened, one of four anthems written for the coronation of King George II at Westminster Abbey on October 11, Handel wrote this music in the short span of four weeks, with the hope of gaining the favor of the new monarch. Up to that time their relationship had been rather strained, in contrast to the good relationship Handel had enjoyed with George I. Despite the sloppiness of the under-rehearsed performances, the new king was pleased with the anthems, which put his relations with Handel on a good path. October 29. Our children s choir will return for its first offertory this season. -Clarence Zuvekas Children s Music Program and Youth Choir rehearsals started on September 22. Passages Long time parishioner Helen Brock died on August 29 while on vacation at her home in Maine. Funeral services and interment will be held in Maine. Carol Hohos, mother of Lois Murphy, mother-in-law of Larry and grandmother of Simon, passed away in September. Please hold family and friends of Helen Brock and the Murphys as well as those slain in September at the tragic Navy Yard shootings in your thoughts and prayers. "Receive, O Lord, your servants into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light." Muldoon Concert Series Concerts at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall October 13 - Om Shalom Sitar, Cello and Tabla in a fusion of Indian and Jewish folk music 3 pm Improvisation master class free for secondary students and adults - to register Lhodgin@aol.com or call pm Concert November 10 - Marissa Regni and Wes McCune Violin and Piano December 8 - Debbie Rosse and Malarky All-Woman Band January 12 - Kirsten Warfield and Present Company Brass and Percussion March 3 - Mark Cheek and the Dirty Pints Celebrate St. Patrick's Day early! For further information, please contact Larry or Jo Hodgin Lhodgin@aol.com 3

4 McCoy Baptisms September 8 Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ s Holy Family. Please pray for these five little children who were baptized by Fr. Jeff and Fr. Cayce on September 8 and for their families: Eli Donovan McCoy and Catherine Ann McCoy, children of John and Carolyn McCoy; Reese Bayan McCoy, Kai Harrington McCoy and Ryan Allison McCoy, children of Nicholas and Tracey McCoy. Welcome to St. Alban s newest little Christians! Five little McCoy cousins were baptized on September 8. Here they are right after their baptism ceremony. So cute! Children s Sermon & Backpacks Blessing Fr. Jeff conducted the children s sermon about helping the needy and blessed the students, teachers, parents, & backpacks on September 1. 4

5 Fr. Cayce and Sarah Traum explore the new ministry for families called CONNECTIONS on Ministry Sunday, September 8. Talking with Your Kids about God -TYKG TYKG seeks to connect parents at St. Alban s through the exploration of our shared challenges in raising faithful kids. Together, we ll learn about Child Development and Faith Formation in kids, explore our own faith, and develop habits that support and encourage our children s life of faith. Through monthly gatherings and online interactive community, we ll share questions, struggles, ideas, resources, setbacks, and successes as we experiment with practical ways to engage our faith in family life. TYKG Schedule October 6 4:00-5:30 pm Session 1: Kids & God How does child development influence faith formation? Why try to raise faithful kids? Dr. Lisa Kimball a professor at Virginia Theological Seminary and an expert on children and faith formation, will speak to these questions and more. (Also: introductions and logistics). November 3 4:00-5:30 pm Session 2: Kids, Parents, & God How do we fit in? What about our own faith, I m not sure what I believe! Listening for God, listening to our kids, and listening for God with our kids. December 8 4:00-5:30 pm Session 3: Now What & Where To? Resources, the road ahead, habits and practices for family faith, kids in church / kids at church / kids as church. CONNECTIONS: Families with St. Alban s Do you want to meet the other parents and kids at St. Alban s? Do you have questions about sports teams and child-care? CONNECTIONS is it! Could you use some encouragement in your parenting? Want to learn to pray better with your kids? Do you need a place to share your joys and sorrows? CONNECTIONS is it! As a community of families with kids at St. Alban s, CONNECTIONS seeks to deepen our relationships with God and each other through mutual care, fun, and learning. Gathering monthly in-person and online, we ll share joys, questions, struggles, and successes as we journey together. October 18 Game Night November 10 Stop Hunger Now December 14 Cookie Decorating Want to be more involved? Have energy and ideas to contribute? To help shape the future of CONNECTIONS at St. Alban s, to get connected, or for more information contact Fr. Cayce at cramey@stalbansva.org or call CONNECTIONS Kick-off Family Picnic On September 22, families came to meet other families, make new friends, and swap inside information about neighborhoods. All sessions will meet at St. Alban s with child care provided. Light snacks will be served. Older kids are welcome to attend Youth Group on October 6 and November 3. 5

6 St. Alban s ICE CREAM SOCIAL September 1 End-of-summer ice cream extravaganza! Cecilia, Cloe, Kaela, Sophia, Elizabeth, Emily, Sam in the courtyard. To right: Making ice cream creations: Zach and William. Olivia. Trevor. Above: Elizabeth, Cecilia, Robin, Kaela, and Carson picking toppings. Below: Enjoying ice cream: Emily. Felix. Ginger, Ed, Betsy, Ingrid. 6

7 September 15 Pot Luck Dinner 7

8 THEN: August 28, 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Fifty years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. led the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The marchers descended upon the National Mall to rally for equal civil and economic rights for African-Americans. The Episcopalian reported that the March "shattered the images of the Church as a timid, fence -sitting institution unwilling to involve itself in the fight for racial justice." The Episcopal Church was one of "twenty-four American denominations [that] answered the call to bear witness in Washington." At least 3,000 Episcopalians and at least 10 Bishops were among the estimated quarter million participants in the protest that was influential in securing passage of the Civil Rights Act. Recently, researchers learned that Jonathan Daniels was one of the many Episcopalians present at the March when a photograph of him, wearing his clerical collar and brandishing a placard, was found in the personal papers of another marcher. The photo indicates Daniels was just feet from Dr. King when he delivered his famous speech in which he said, "With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood." (Image and story courtesy of The Episcopalian.) AND NOW 50 Year Anniversary of the March August 28, 2013 Betsy Anderson and Gail Coleman share reflections on their experience of the 2013 March. (more photos, opposite) Members of St. Alban s and friends joined tens of thousands of people who marched on Wednesday, August 28 to mark the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King s famed I have a dream speech. Fifty years ago, barriers to achievement and dignity for African- Americans were rampant, and extended to segregated restrooms. Those signs that said "white" and "colored" are gone. And you won't see them anymore, intoned Congressman John Lewis, the only speaker from 1963 who is still living. But there is still a long way to go. There is a tremendous agenda ahead of us, said President Carter. President Clinton exhorted, it is time to stop complaining and put our shoulders against the stubborn gates holding America back. President Obama reminded us that because of the 1963 march, things changed not only for African-Americans, but for everyone, and that positive change is based on our willingness to take on the mantle of citizenship. Attending the 50 th year anniversary of the March on Washington with members of the parish family was, for me, a ministry of presence. By our presence we stood with those committed to equality of opportunity for everyone. By our presence we were counted with those who believe that every citizen s vote should count. By our presence we made a promise to the future, to keep pushing against those stubborn gates. -Betsy Anderson I remember how moved I was when I watched Martin Luther King s speech, standing in my grandparents living room in Philadelphia how much I wished I were there, and how much I wanted to be a part of the movement. When Fr. Cayce said he was organizing a group to attend the 50 th anniversary march, I felt I had to participate. Recently I ve been auditing classes at George Mason on race and justice, and on the Jim Crow period. Most of us barely realize how difficult those times were for black people. My African-American professor said something that struck me as remarkable that blacks have always been (on the whole) very patriotic, and I felt that same pride around me at the march. What affected me most strongly was talking to participants. They were so proud to be there, to be a part of the moment. One man from Chicago talked about walking around the mall the night before, reflecting on the changes from Lincoln to Martin Luther King and then to today. And he put together a music performance to commemorate the event. Hopefully he will still feel that forward progress if he returns in ten years! -Gail Coleman Betsy Anderson, Gail Coleman, Daylon Ramey and Daylon s dad Fr. Cayce at the march on the Washington Mall, August 28,

9 Fr. Cayce, son Daylon, Betty Anderson and Gail Coleman attended the March. Back at the church, the bell was rung 50 times to celebrate the anniversary by John and Liz Clements, Monica and Annelise Beniste and Betsy Murray. If you have celebrated a big anniversary, a significant life event like retirement or a big birthday, or have one coming up, please share your happy event with us! Contact editor Barbara Hallman for a photo and announcement in future editions of The Word. Joyce and Alan Aument, Jo and Larry Hodgin (not shown), and David and Jane Lesko received anniversary blessings on September 8. ACCA Furniture Moving Team A Big Thanks! 9 Welcome to Julia Anne, daughter of David and Beth Olkowski and sister of Christina and Emily, born August 21. Here is Julia Ann s debut appearance at St. Alban s Ice Cream Social on September 1. Thanks to all for a job well done in serving needy clients at ACCA on September 14. It was a mighty showing of 16 volunteers operating 4 trucks that completed 10 deliveries to needy households and 6 pickups of donated furniture for a total of 16 furniture actions. Included in the deliveries were: 8 bed sets and linens, 6 chests of drawers, 2 dining tables and 17 chairs, 2 televisions, microwave, small refrigerator, end table and some lamps. Thanks for your patience in dealing with old donated equipment and for being such a congenial and giving group of volunteers who care enough to help clients in need of deliveries and pickups. You make it happen, and we are grateful, as are the many needy clients that we serve. Looking forward to seeing you all again on October 19 when we're up for duty again! -Debbie Schrag

10 Ministry Sunday September 8 Parishioners came to see how they could get involved in outreach and other activities at St. Alban s at the September 8 Ministry Fair. 10

11 St. Alban s Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 16 9:00am 2:30pm *Café *Baked Goods *Face Painting *White Elephant Items *Books *Art *Toys & Games *Jewelry *Handmade Items *Candy *Christmas Decorations *Tools *Silent Auction *Face Painting *Plants * Poinsettia Order *Caroling by the Church Choir St. Alban s will have it all! Children of all ages can visit with Santa and have their picture taken. Our kitchen will be open for breakfast and lunch. This is an event not to be missed! Volunteers are still needed for many stands contact Betsy.Anderson@me.com Questions? Call the church office at We look forward to seeing you there! FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH LUNCH BUNCH J. Gilbert's in McLean at 11:30 am Please RSVP to Lynne Schrag by phone or at: lynneschrag@ .com Getting Ready for the Bazaar! It is time to prepare for our annual holiday bazaar on Saturday, November 16 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. We need volunteers to help decorate the parish hall, set up and take down the tables and chairs, move sale items in and out, and work in the stalls. Much of the work takes place starting the Sunday before the bazaar. This year, we are adding tools to our offerings, so donate clean and serviceable hand and small power tools to the bazaar. Jim Kilby will be coordinating that effort. Our Café needs help; also can you help make sausage rolls on November 3 after church services in the church kitchen? If you can, please contact Debbie Rosse debbiehr15@gmail.com or The parish hall closet is open for your donations. Please place items in boxes or sturdy bags marked with what s inside: White Elephants, Toys, Tools, Books, or Christmas Decorations. All items should be clean and in good working condition. No textbooks, electronic items such as computers, printers, TVs or clothing (save clothing for the rummage sale). There will also be a silent auction; contact Alison Dilworth if you would like to contribute auction items at crdilworth@hotmail.com Please watch SAM for announcements about where and when to bring these items and calls for other volunteer needs as they arise. Please get in touch with Betsy Anderson at betsy.anderson@me.com to volunteer! Elizabeth Cheek 1 Rawley Gilmore 3 Mark Russell 3 Robert Fleming 4 Scott Martin 4 Hope Grauel 6 Drew Schrecker 7 John Brinkema 8 Christopher Hite 13 Ellen Gerdes 14 Howard Foard 14 Becky Lallande 14 Patricia Elder 15 Joseph Kim 15 Ellen Kennedy 16 Dorothy Fones 16 Eleanor Lauderdale 16 Gail Coleman 17 Kevin Ebersohl 17 Andrew Lieberthal 17 Margaret and Camille promoting the bazaar and volunteer opportunities at the Ministry Fair on September 8. October Birthdays Jessy Jackson 17 Pam Broberg 18 Mary Voss 18 Gabe Nassar 19 Danielle Krafft 19 Jinsun Cho 20 Maddy Clune 20 Olivia Findorff 20 Martha Kelley 21 Luanne Gutermuth 23 Douglas Mairena 25 Jack Gelman 25 Abigail Pickard 25 Gean Martin 26 Kevin Lauderdale 26 Ned Ryder 26 Chris Peck 27 Jack Harrell 29 Lynne Schrag 30 Helen Hershner 31 11

12 St. Alban s Episcopal Church 6800 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Annandale, VA Permit No. 38 Discovering the Bible Wednesday evenings 7:00 am to 8:00 am Thursday mornings 10:00 am to 11:00 am Fr. Jeff will be offering a series called Discovering the Bible. Discovering the Bible is a comprehensive introduction to the Bible for both the first-time learner and the lifelong student. This course will be a rewarding encounter with Scripture that will greatly deepen our knowledge and understanding of the Bible. All are welcome to attend the class. Required Resource Books will cost $31 per student; checks may be made payable to St. Alban s with Kerygma in the memo line. For more information please contact Fr. Jeff. Calendar Highlights October 4 First Friday of Month Lunch Bunch J. Gilbert s October 5 Oktoberfest 6:00 pm October 6 Blessing of the Animals, both services October 6 Kids & God - Presentation by Dr, Lisa Kimball 4:00 pm October 13 Muldoon Concert Series 7:00 pm; Om Shalom October 27 Grow One Sunday Annual Giving Day November 2 All Soul s Holy Eucharist 7:30 pm November 3 Kids, Parents & God 4:00-5:00 pm November 10 Muldoon Concert 7:00 pm; Regni and McCune November 16 Christmas Bazaar 9:00 am to 2:30 pm 12