The Incarnation Word. The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. April Presiding Bishop s Easter Message

Transcription

1 The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation 308 College Drive Gaffney, SC The Incarnation Word April 2013 Presiding Bishop s Easter Message we have cultivated compassionate hearts. We join in baptismal rebirth in the midst of Jesus own passing-over. The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation The Rt. Rev. W. Andrew Waldo Bishop of Upper S. C. The Rev. Jenny Gettys Rector The Rev. Pat Gotautas Deacon Mrs. Ann Batchler Parish Sec. / Bookkeeper Mr. Hal Tyson Choir Director and Organist 2013 Vestry Bobby Love Senior Warden, Buildings and Grounds Jamie Greene Junior Warden, Evangelism and Outreach Ree Batten Christian Education Michael Darnell Hospitality Scott Glidden Worship Sara Harding Pastoral Care Lori Thompson Stewardship ex officio, David Taylor Treasurer ex officio, Renée McFalls, Vestry Clerk Rejoice, rejoice and sing, rejoice and be glad for earth and heaven are joined and humanity is reconciled to God! [1] As the Lenten season ends in Easter rejoicing, note what has been wrought in you this year. A remarkable cross-section of America has been practicing Lenten disciplines, even some who are not active Christians. [2] There is a deep hunger in our collective psyche to re-orient our lives toward life and light, healing and peace. We share a holy hunger for clarity about what is good and life-giving, and we yearn to re-focus on what is most central and important in life. Easter celebrates the victory of light and life over darkness and death. God re-creates and redeems all life from dead, dry, and destroyed bones. We are released from the bonds of self-obsession, addiction, and whatever would steal away the radical freedom of God-with-us. Our lives re-center in what is most holy and creative, the new thing God is continually doing in our midst. Practicing vulnerability toward the need and hunger of others around us, The wonder of the resurrection is upon us once more. May we embrace God s ever-new life with every cell of our being, every yearning of our soul, and every muscle of our will. Christ is risen, death is vanquished, humanity is restored to holy and creative relationship with God s ongoing and eternal liveliness. Praise God who brings light out of darkness, life out of death, and newness out of the stale and moribund. Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church [1] From the Exsultet, Book of Common Prayer pp [2] a-ritual-of-lent-attracts-nonbelievers.html? _r The Incarnation Word 1

2 Worship Maundy Thursday Thursday, March 28 6:00 pm This is the night that Jesus joined his disciples for the Passover feast and told them that the bread was his body and the wine his blood. We ll gather in the parish hall for our own Passover feast. We ll experience the Seder Meal just as Jesus did: we ll eat the symbolic foods and remember all God has done for us in history. And at the point in the meal that Jesus began the Eucharist, we ll share that feast as well. Then we ll move into the church for the Stripping of the Altar in preparation for Good Friday. This service is designed for children as well as adults. And a full meal is part of the celebration. Good Friday Friday, March 29 12:00 noon We ll gather at Limestone Presbyterian Church at the corner of Limestone and Jefferies Streets with the congregations of Limestone Presbyterian and Buford Street United Methodist Churches. We ll pray and remember together, pausing to recall Christ s death. Good Friday Friday, March 29 6:00 pm We ll share the Good Friday liturgy together this evening. We ll pray for the needs of the world. And we ll recall our own sinfulness. We ll have an opportunity to nail our sins to the cross, experiencing the pounding brutality of how we ve wounded our Savior. The evening will end without the hope of the Eucharist as we dwell on Christ s death for us. Easter Day 10:00 am We ll celebrate Christ s resurrection all together at one service. The children will flower the cross, turning the instrument of Christ s death into a beacon of new life and joy. Please bring flowers from your yard for the children to use. And we ll finally bring back the Alleluia, so bring bells to make a joyful noise every time we say the word. The children will participate in the sermon time, helping tell the story of Easter. After the service we ll gather in the parish hall for our covered-dish brunch and the bake sale hosted by the children. There will be an egg hunt for the children, and plenty of fellowship time for the adults. April 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 31 EASTER!! 10:00 Festive Choral Eucharist 11:30 Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt 7 2nd Easter 9:30 Breakfast 11:45 Worship Committee 14 3rd Easter 9:30 Godly Play & Adult Ed. 21 4th Easter 9:30 Godly Play & Adult Ed. 11:45 Torres Baby Shower 28 5th Easter 4th for Food 9:30 Godly Play & Adult Ed. 1 April Fool s Day 2 3 6:00 Evening Prayer Earth Day :00 Vestry Meeting :00 HE/ Healing 6:00 HE/ Healing 6:00 HE/ Healing 4 5..Jenny on vacation :30 am Vestry Officers :30 DOK Congregational Leadership Day 9: The Incarnation Word The Incarnation Word 11

3 Date 2nd Easter April 7, 10:30 3rd Easter April 14, 10:30 4th Easter April 21, 10:30 5th Easter April 28, 10:30 Acolyte Tim Beaty Alaina Hartman Ellis Greene Arnold Tucker OT Lector Luke Harding Lori Thompson Frank Barnwell John Gelok NT Lector David Taylor Renée McFalls Leslie Brown Michael Darnell Intercessor Danny Stacy Bobby Love Scott Glidden Pam Bradburn Eucharistic Minister Altar Guild Greeters Betty Tucker Michael Darnell Lori Thompson Leslie Brown Jackie Hoffman LaDonna White Carla Winter Danny & Martha Stacy May Ella Blanton Charlotte Hartman Pam Bradburn Hope Greene Marty Marett Bobby & Cindy Love Dawn Bridges Jennie Hamrick Leslie & Ron Brown Sudie Gelok Cindy Love Lois Beam Mike & Pam Bradburn Nursery Lois Beam Marty Marett Sara Harding April Taylor Kids Chapel Volunteer needed Ree Batten Luke Harding Julie Taylor Godly Play None Cynthia Glidden Carol Pirkey Lois Beam Marty Marett Coffee Hour Breakfast Ree Batten Dawn Bridges Jennie Hamrick Counters April Servers Schedule John Gelok Ben Torres Bobby Love Scott Glidden David Taylor Ann Torres Jessica Fowler Cindy Love Sudie Gelok Ben Torres Arnold Tucker Hospitality Easter Brunch after the 10:00 service Pastoral Care Our kids are making the cutest, most thoughtful cards to send to parishioners on their birthdays. And it means so much to get a card hand-made by our little ones. You can help the kids in their ministry. Drop off colorful card stock, decorative papers, and pretty stickers at the church. Our children will add love and creativity to make truly touching birthday remembrances. On Easter we all worship together as one family at our one service. And afterward, we ll enjoy a covered dish feast together. So when you come to church on Easter, be sure to bring a main or side dish to share and plan to spend some time celebrating the risen Christ together. During the Brunch, the children will raise funds for new playground equipment by having a bake sale. You can purchase all kinds of delicious deserts from them, and help Incarnation build for the future, too! Evangelism/Outreach Peach Center Ministries helps the needy in our area with food, financial assistance, and other basic needs. As with other helping agencies, funds are always tight for Peach Center. But you can help! On Tuesday, April 2nd, come to House of Pizza for a great lunch or dinner. Mention Peach Center, and House of Pizza will donate 15% of your purchase to the agency. What a delicious way to make a difference! Peach Center is also selling tickets for Belk s non-profit day. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased either at Peach Center (518 North Limestone Street) or from their board members. Peach Center will get the full $5 purchase price of tickets; the tickets give you $5 off your first purchase at Belk on Saturday, April The Incarnation Word The Incarnation Word 3

4 Christian Education Prayer List Birthdays Easter Egg Hunt While the grown-ups relax over brunch Easter Sunday, our little ones will search the playground for Easter eggs. So children, don t forget to bring your Easter basket to hold your eggs! Easter Bake Sale Our children are raising money for new playground equipment. Their first fundraiser will be a bake sale during the brunch Easter day. So bring some cash and plan to indulge! Nursery Sundays during 10:30 service Some busy bees have been hard at work in our nursery. It s been cleared of excess furniture, leaving more room for children to play. Everything s been cleaned and freshened, and there are new, cheerful murals on the walls. Be sure to drop in and admire our children s new space! Godly Play Sundays, 9:30-10:15 The children will explore the earliest days of the church during this Easter season. The stories they ll hear are: April 14 Jesus and the Twelve Looking at Leonardo davinci s painting of the Last Supper, the children will learn more about each of the apostles. April 21 The Good Shepherd and World Communion The children will make the connection between Jesus feeding the sheep and our receiving the Eucharist. April 28 Ascension The children will stand with the disciples as they watch Jesus go to be with his Father. Those participating in the Bible Challenge The Sick: Martha Stacy Patty Walker Those on the DOK prayer list Those Expecting Children: Shelly and Michael Brown Jennifer Gray and Terry Hendrix Caitlin and Tyler Rohn Angharad and Ben Torres The Homebound and Those with Long-Term Needs: May Ella Blanton Mary Bolinger Linda Caggiano Lori Crook David and Peggy Fort Isaac Gelok Beth Gettys Bill Glidden Barbara Gupton Dave Hewey Frances Higgins Billie Kajma Jim Kennedy Bobby Parris J. L. and Marcia Peake Charles Smith Keith Smith Jim Spigner Mary Threadgill The Deceased: Mark Bunn, Tuckers son-in-law Kathryn Hecker, Bobbi Albert s aunt Tim Martin, John Cavell s friend Dennis Petty, Ann Ellison s son Alexis Turner April 1 Betty Weaver April 2 John Gelok April 3 Stephen Bratt April 6 Renée McFalls April 12 Carter Boggs April 12 Heidi Walker April 15 Martha Stacy April 16 Hal Tyson April 17 Aubrey Lewis April 17 Patricia Walker April 18 Lori Thompson April 19 Ellen Cubberley April 24 Charlotte Hartman April 27 Reuben Harding April 27 Attendance Sunday, Mar Wednesday, Mar Sunday, Mar Wednesday, Mar Sunday, Mar Wednesday, Mar Sunday, Mar The Incarnation Word The Incarnation Word 9

5 Readings April 7 2nd Easter April 14 3rd Easter April 21 4th Easter First Reading Psalm Second Reading Gospel Acts 5:27-32 Psalm 118:14-29 Or 150 Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:19-31 Psalm 30 Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19 Acts:9:36-43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30 The Bible Challenge Sundays, 9:30-10:15 Join this exciting adventure! Even if you aren t current in the readings, we d love your input in our discussions. S, 4/20 - Isaiah 22-24, Ps 33, 1 Tim 2 S, 4/21 - Hear scripture read In church M, 4/22 - Isaiah 25-27, Ps 34, 1 Tim 3 T, 4/23 - Isaiah 28-30, Ps 35, 1 Tim 4 W, 4/24 - Isaiah 31-33, Ps 36, 1 Tim 5 T, 4/25 - Isaiah 34-36, Ps 37:1-18, 1 Tim 6 F, 4/26 - Is , Ps 37:19-42, 2 Tim 1 S, 4/27 - Isaiah 40-42, Ps 38, 2 Tim 2 S, 4/28-Hear scripture read In church April 28 5th Easter Acts 11:1-18 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35 M, 4/29 - Isaiah 43-45, Ps 39, 2 Tim 3 T, 4/30 - Isaiah 46-48, Ps 40, 2 Tim 4 Deacon s Corner Words are a part of our life from before we are even born, Our parents talk to us hoping we hear their love even before they know who we are. All around us we are bombarded by words, some important, some informative, some we don t understand, some that irritate, some that make such an impact that we write them down or say them over and over so we don t forget them. On Easter we hear the three most important words ever spoken, HE IS RISEN. Three simple words but ones that changed the world. These are words of hope and joy. They are the symbol of life forever overcoming death. Words of power and comfort and assurance that the God who creates us will never, ever stop loving us. HE IS RISEN who do we need to share these three amazing words with? Happy Easter! - Pat+ The readings for March are: M, 4/1 - Prov 23-25, Ps 17, Phil 1 T, 4/2 - Prov 26-28, Ps 18:1-20, Phil 2 W, 4/3 - Prov 29-31, Ps 18:21-50, Phil 3 T, 4/4 - Ecc 1-3, Ps 19, Phil 4 F, 4/5 - Ecc 4-6, Ps 20, Col 1 S, 4/6 - Ecc 7-9, Ps 21, Col 2 S, 4/7 - Hear scripture read In church M, 4/8 - Ecc 10-12, Ps 22, Col 3 T, 4/9 - Song of Songs 1-3, Ps 23, Col 4 W, 4/10 - Songs 4-6, Ps 24, 1 Thes 1 T, 4/11 - Songs 7-8, Ps 25, 1 Thes 2 F, 4/12 - Isaiah 1-3, Ps 26, 1 Thes 3 S, 4/13 - Isaiah 4-6, Ps 27, 1 Thes 4 S, 4/14 - Hear scripture read In church M, 4/15 - Isaiah 7-9, Ps 28, 1 Thes 5 T, 4/16 - Isaiah 10-12, Ps 29, 11 Thes 1 W, 4/17 - Isaiah 13-15, Ps 30, 11 Thes 2 T, 4/18 - Isaiah 16-18, Ps 31, 11 Thes 3 F, 4/19 - Isaiah 19-21, Ps 32, 1 Tim 1 Baby Shower Sunday, April 21 11:45 am It s always exciting when we get to welcome a new little one to our parish family. Plan to stay after the 10:30 service on April 21 to help Ben, Ann, and Cora Torres get ready for their newest family member. We ll shower them with the gifts they ll need to care for our newest Incarnation kid. 8 The Incarnation Word The Incarnation Word 5

6 Empty Tomb Cookies Yard Sale Saturday, May 4 7:00 am until As part of their efforts to raise money for playground equipment, the Incarnation kids (and their parents) will be hosting a yard sale. So clean out your closets, garages, and cabinets and bring your items to the church by April 20th. Items we d love to have include: Dishes Linens Books Jewelry Furniture Art Baked Goods What-Nots Tools Antiques Collectibles Toys Children s Clothing (Damage-free & Clean) Electronics (Please note if they work!) Small Appliances that Work Please, no adult clothing or shoes. Anything not sold will be donated to charity. We need volunteers to help price items the week before the sale and to run the sale itself. To volunteer, call Ree Batten ( ) or Dawn Bridges ( ) or sign up on one of the bulletin boards at church. Vacation Bible School Sunday, July 21 Thursday, July 25 6:00-8:00 pm Escape to Athens with Paul! Imagine leaving a life of privilege and power to face angry mobs, painful imprisonment, and chainbreaking earthquakes all to spread the life-changing truth of God s love. Learn the jaw-dropping story of the Apostle Paul straight from Paul himself! In an ancient anything goes culture, Paul will inspire kids to share the truth of God s immeasurable love today! Ingredients: A Bible 1 cup whole pecans 1 gallon-sized zipper bag Wooden spoon or meat mallet 1 teaspoon vinegar 3 egg whites 1 pinch salt 1 cup sugar Tape Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Read John 19:1-3 ~ After Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Put the pecans in the plastic bag and let the children beat them with a wooden spoon or meat mallet until they are broken into small pieces. Leave them in the baggie until later. Read John 19:28-30 ~ When Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink. Let the children smell the vinegar. Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the mixing bowl. Read John 10:10-11 ~ Eggs represent life. Jesus gave his life to give us life. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. Read Luke 23:27 ~ Jesus followers shed salty tears over the bitterness of their sins. Sprinkle a little salt into each child s hand. Let them tast it, then brush the rest into the bowl with the eggs and vinegar. Read Psalm 34:8 ~ The sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. Let the children smell and taste the sweetness of the sugar. Add one cup of sugar into the mixture. Crank up the mixer and let it go while you read from Isaiah 1:18. The color white represents the purity in God s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Let the mixer continue for minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Read Matthew 27:57-60 ~ Fold in the broken nuts. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Drop the mixture by spoonfulls onto the waxed paper. Each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus was laid. Read Matthew 27:65-66 ~ Jesus tomb was sealed. Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Read John 16:20 ~ Jesus followers were sad when the tomb was sealed. Go to bed, discussing that the children may feel sad that we have to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. The next morning, read Matthew 28:1-9 ~ On the first Easter Jesus followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Open the oven door and take out the cookies. Bite into one. Notice the inside of the cookie is hollow! Alleluia! 6 The Incarnation Word The Incarnation Word 7