Good News. Symbolism of Episcopal Church Emblem

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1 St. Peter s Good News MAY 2014 Symbolism of Episcopal Church Emblem Officially adopted by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 1940, the red cross of St. George, patron saint of England, symbolizes our connection with the Church of England and is one of the oldest symbols of Christianity. The St. Andrew s cross in outline on the azure field recognizes our debt to the Scottish Church for consecrating our first bishop, Samuel Seabury of Connecticut, at Aberdeen in The nine small crosses represent the nine original dioceses (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia) comprising the 1789 Convention in Philadelphia when the Constitution of the Episcopal Church was adopted and the first American Book of Common Prayer approved. As usual, our church looked beautiful on Easter morning. Tiffany Myers put together this photo collage of some of the wonders to be seen. May Calendar Highlights PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES May 3 Rummage Sale May 4 Sunday School Teacher meeting May 11 St. Paul s Breakfast Program 7:45 a.m. May 13 Vestry Meeting 7:30 p.m. May 18 VBS planning meeting after 10:15 service May 19 Caps & Laps 1 p.m. May 25 No Sunday School or Chapel

2 FROM PULPIT TO PEW by The Reverend Canon Donald J. Muller As Rector of St. Peter's or any Episcopal Church, a priest has to balance the spiritual/religious side of the congregation with the financial/business side. Sometimes I have to concentrate almost exclusively on one or the other. Given a choice, I'd rather spend my time and energy on the spiritual/religious side of parish life. I suppose that is one of the reasons I like Lent so much. People are more willing, in Lent, to come to worship more often, to attend a class or Bible Study. I, therefore, get to spend more time preparing for worship and/or a class. There are other times where I have to be the wise "steward" of what God has given us in managing the "temporal" affairs of the church: the Annual Parish Meeting, Vestry Meetings, overseeing the buildings and grounds, budgets, etc. While there are spiritual aspects to these activities, they do consume significant less than spiritual energy. I suppose the early church and some of the "emergent" churches of today, have it somewhat easier in that they didn't/don't have to build, maintain, insure, and manage a building. But we do have a building that we inherited, an existing congregation within the Episcopal Church with certain expectations and responsibilities. Here the advice of Jesus in the 14th Chapter of Luke comes to mind: "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'"(luke 14:28-30) Our buildings are assets for the use of the ministry of St. Peter's and we have to be good stewards of what is entrusted to us, by maintaining and improving them as the ministry changes through the years. There are times that the spiritual/religious side and the financial/business side go well together, like the annual stewardship of money campaign in the Fall. I truly believe that our financial giving back to God through our pledge to St. Peter's is a spiritual exercise. It truly represents our faith when we take it seriously, pray about it, figure what percentage of our previous years giving was and how we might increase it. It certainly is not a "spiritual exercise" if all we do is put down the same number as last year or view it as "dues" or not even fill in a pledge card. In Matthew's gospel Jesus says: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumers and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21) (continued on page 6) 2

3 KIDS CORNER Sunday School Past and Present By Sue Legnani, Director of Christian Formation Personally, I have found that the term Sunday School is often off-putting to kids. Anything associated with school means that it isn t going to be enjoyable. The fact is that Sunday School didn t always exist. It didn t begin until the 1800 s. Robert Raikes, a devout Anglican layman and newspaper publisher in Glouster, England, began a school in Soot Alley for poor children of the city as part of his efforts at prison reform in The purpose was to teach working children (child labor laws didn t exist then) reading and math on Sunday, their free day when they basically terrorized their neighborhood for lack of anything else to do. The Bible became a primary tool for teaching. From that movement Sunday School associations were formed to carry on the work. The movement found its fullest expression in the United States, beginning in Philadelphia in 1824 with the Sunday School Society. The movement spread with the population that moved across the frontier with readers, song books, Bibles and other materials that were packed into saddlebags. Sunday School became an established part of each pioneer village at an early stage of development. The movement continued to grow especially after the Civil War when local, county, and state associations were formed in every state in the Union. The Methodist, Baptist, Congregational, and Presbyterian denominations were the most active in these associations, the Lutheran and Episcopal churches less so, and the Roman Catholic almost not at all. Large conventions were held around the world where Sunday School workers joined together, with the World Sunday School Association that was formed in This group merged with the World Council of Churches in 1950 and in 1971 became their program unit on education. The roots of the curriculum that was developed by this group of educators retained its concern for uplifting the social welfare (personal hygiene, literacy, and personal morality), evangelization of the unsaved or the education of believers in the faith. Mainline churches still feel the need to have Sunday School, but the trend is toward putting the Christian education/ formation of children and youth back in the hands of parents as the primary educators of their children. The challenge for all churches is that as society changes and families seem so conflicted with busy schedules, church becomes one of many things to fit into that busy schedule. Studies have been done and books and articles are written about how societal changes are affecting how we form and educate all the members of our church. That raises questions for us such as: How important is the formation and education of all members of the parish? What are the best ways to accomplish this? How can we support one another as we go forward? Sunday School isn t going away any time soon, but it is becoming an endangered species in many churches. The only way it will survive is if we all make a firm commitment to be involved. The next step is to make Christian Formation a priority in our homes as well. Next month: What can we do to foster faith in the home? 3

4 Body and Soul VBS is coming! By Edith Green, RN Easter has come and gone, the candy has been eaten, the dentist has been seen and Spring has appeared after a horrific winter. God has done his job. Very nicely, too. So how will you spend your time this summer? Some questions: What would you spend your time on if time and money was no object? Where would you spend your time if time and money was no object? How much time will you spend being thankful for your gifts? And we all have them. Wilderness Escape: Where God Guides and Provides July 13 to July 18 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm This summer we will caravan with Moses and the Israelites from their escape from Egypt to the Promised Land. Children will join one of the twelve tribes of Israel and experience what it was like to live in the Israelite camp, meet Moses and hear his story of leading the people, play games, eat food and participate in the community of the Israelite people. Don t miss the fun and the opportunity to experience being one of God s chosen people. For VBS we need: Paper towel and toilet paper rolls, small coffee cans How much time will you spend giving back to your world? How much time will you spend doing mindless things that serve no purpose in fulfilling your dream or passion? How much time will be spent thinking about past hurts and perceived injustices? How much time will be spent being angry with a neighbor or family member? Some things you never get back: A word after it s spoken Time after it s gone A deed after it s done. I hope you all have a great Spring and will spend your time wisely. and other small cans with lids that we will make into musical instruments in one of the centers. Please put these items in the bin that will be placed in the Narthex. More items will be requested in a few weeks. Look for the board with the stickynotes. Thank you. 4

5 DEACON S BENCH An Easter Gift Dear Friends, I first found the following meditative prayer twenty years ago, in an old issue of The Anglican Digest. The stories of Mary s discovery of the empty tomb and Jesus first post-resurrection appearance to his followers are this year s readings for Easter Day and the following. May the prayers be God s vehicle for speaking to your sole, as they have been for me. A blessed Eastertide to you all, Deacon Helen Prayers for the Easter Season Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, they have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. John 20:1-2 O Father, how easily we jump to conclusions. We do not stop to reflect on your activity among us. Open our minds to consider what You might be doing in our lives that our hope may be grounded in You. The other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. John 20:4-5 O Father, We are so often afraid of the unknown. We hesitate to take that further step. Give us courage to face the situations where we might see your glory, in Jesus name. As yet, they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. John 20:9 O Father, Give us a new desire to study the scriptures. Give us new understanding to perceive your truth, and let this truth lead us all our lives in the way of Christ our Savior. (cont. on p. 7) 5

6 Continuations Deacon s Bench (cont. from p. 5) Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, I have seen the Lord! John 20:18 O Father, give us grace to share the good news, and words to tell of our experience of Jesus. May we never keep quiet for fear that others will not believe us or think we are strange. Mary told what she knew: May we do the same for Jesus sake. Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned and said to him in Hebrew Rabbouni! (which means Teacher.) John 20:16 O Father, You know us all by name. You have promised to turn our weeping into joy. May we always know your care for us in the presence of our risen Lord and Teacher. Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send You. John 20:21 O Father, make us aware that we are sent people. Never let us think of Jesus peace as a balm just for our own souls. Help us remember our mission to carry that peace into all our life s situations, and to share that peace with all whom we meet, for Jesus sake. From Pulpit to Pew (cont. from p. 2) Throughout April and May we (St. Peter's Episcopal Church), you and I, have been engaged in a small "capital campaign" to preserve our buildings, as good stewards, for future generations, in as safe, secure, efficient, and effective way as possible. We are thankful for our inheritance of the beautiful and functional buildings and grounds. With that inheritance comes responsibility. While your Vestry has oversight of the temporal affairs of the church, all of us have a part to play, based upon our abilities to do work and financial capabilities. Let us continue to be "good stewards" of all that God has entrusted to us for his Glory and the building up of the Kingdom of God. Thank you to all who have made a pledge already. I pray that, if you have not pledged yet, you will prayerfully consider this one time capital gift to St. Peter's to fortify our buildings for future generations. Yours in Christ, Fr. Don Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe. John 20:25 O Father, Help us to believe in order that we may understand. Never let the smallness of our minds keep us from the greatness of your truth. So may our doubts and fears be overcome in the wonder of knowing our Lord and our God. --The Most. Rev. Reginald Hollis Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Quoted in The Anglican Digest, Easter

7 PARISH NEWS Ellie Myers and Elizabeth Adler recently appeared in a local production of Aladdin. Great job to both of you! Danny LaRue recently crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. Congratulations to Danny and to his dad, Andrew, who was the Den leader. BAPTISMS Albert Kopsick, April 17, 2014 PARISH REGISTER Reagan Moyer, April 27, 2014, daughter of Jim and Meredith Moyer WEDDINGS None this month. MEMORIAL SERVICES Carol Patterson, March 9,

8 From the Christian Caring Center 8

9 Happy Easter from Redemption School, Gonaives, Haiti As of 3/28/14: Please return your Lenten Mite Boxes and Coin Folders on Easter Day or soon thereafter. The money we raise will go toward our support of Redemption School in Gonaives, Haiti. Income: $83, Expenses: $82, Difference

10 A big thank you! What are the MDGs? A big thank you to Danielle and John Colaianni for their continued hard work year after year to run such a successful rummage sale! The Millennium Development Goals Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Achieve universal primary education Promote gender equality and empower women Reduce child mortality Improve maternal Health Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases Ensure environmental sustainability Create a global partnership for development with targets for aid, debt relief, and trade Thank you to everyone who donated their treasures, helped to sort and set up for the sale, worked at the rummage sale, carted away the leftovers or came to shop! For more information on the MDGs, go to: 10

11 PARISH PHOTO ALBUM As usual, the youth and young adults in our parish (with leadership from Rich Montgomery) told the story of the Passion of Christ during the Live Stations of the Cross. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this. (photo courtesy of Laurel Smith) The youth group recently went on an outing to play miniature golf.. Looks like Brady is getting ready to really hammer the ball! (photos courtesy of Dave Lusk) 11

12 .. St. Peter s Episcopal Church One Hartford Road, Medford, NJ The Rev. Donald J. Muller, D. Min., Rector The Rev. Canon Ronald Albury, Associate Priest The Rev. Helen M. Orlando, Deacon Lisa Minerd, Parish Administrator Eleanor Meyer, Director of Music Sue Legnani, Director of Christian Formation Tel: Fax: office@stpetersmedford.org Newsletter stpetersnewsletter@stpetersmedford.org Saint Peter s Church is a blessed community of faith, grounded in the power of God s transforming love, where Jesus Christ welcomes all to abundant life. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we follow Him in prayer and praise, study and service. Service Schedule Saturday Eucharist... 5 p.m. Sunday Traditional Eucharist... 7:45 a.m. Family Eucharist... 10:15 a.m. Weekdays Wednesday, Healing Eucharist a.m. Morning Prayer (Monday-Friday)... 9 a.m. May 2014 Episcopal Emblem From Pulpit to Pew...2 Kids Corner Body & Soul Deacon s Bench Continuations.. 6 Parish News Christian Caring Center 8 Financial News..9 Financial Health..10 Photo Album.11 Return Service Requested Contains Dated Material Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #81 Vincentown, NJ