C H U R C H. notes. A publication of CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES. 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, RI USA. October 2017 volume 12 - No. 10

Transcription

1 C H U R C H notes A publication of CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, RI USA October 2017 volume 12 - No. 10

2 CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES Evangelical Anglican We are Christians who Worship in the Anglican Tradition. Our Mission is to Obey, Follow and Bear Witness to Jesus Christ. Church of The Apostles is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. 2

3 All Saints Day November 1st LET US NOW PRAISE famous men, and our fathers that begat us. The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times....these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for ever more. The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shew forth their praise. (Ecclesiasticus 44:1-2, 7, 10, KJV) The Collect for All Saints Day Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Common Prayer) 3

4 A Message from Pastor Steve... KEEP LOOKING UP. HE WON T LET YOU DOWN Sometimes it s hard to look up, isn t it? We face disappointment, loss, uncertainty, grief, fear, confusion, weakness, or pain. We have no idea how a situation will work out so we find ourselves worrying, even though we are people of faith. Are you with me? Perhaps you are facing uncertainties even now. I have had recent conversations with several people in various difficult circumstances. Some are afraid so their heads and hearts hang low. In such times people of faith in Jesus are faced with choices. We can choose to doubt and worry or we can accept the privilege God gives us to look to Him in faith. But our choice is not automatic, is it? You and I must choose to exercise faith, which is to look up and rest in Him. The Psalmist understood this and testified of his own faith decision to lift his eyes to the Lord, and he encourages us to do the same. Psalm 121:1-5 puts it this way: I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper. The Psalmist could not write this unless he experienced it. He shared his testimony to encourage others. Here I do the same. I recently faced some health challenges. I attempted to push through it, but I felt very tired. This led to medical appointments and tests which led to speculation that I could possibly have Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer). I have walked many times with others through similar challenges, but this was a first for me. As I awaited test results the weight of it seemed heavy to me, not only because of the potential consequence to my life, but more so because of potential impact on people I love, including Helen, our family and our church family. My Mom, who has learned much about leaning on the Lord in the face of life s challenges, repeated this wise counsel when I visited 4

5 her recently: Keep looking up son. He won t let you down. This is precisely what I did, and the Lord assured me, no matter the outcome I can fully trust Him. That assurance brought peace. I am very grateful to report that my test results were negative for cancer, and by God s grace I am now feeling better. The Lord was teaching me yet again to trust Him fully in every situation. Like the author of Psalm 121 I share this testimony to declare the Lord s faithfulness, and to invite you to join me in following my Mom s excellent counsel: Keep looking up. He won t let you down. Amen. Pastor Steve Pastor Steve and his mother Marjorie Gammon. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper. (Psalm 121:1-5) 5

6 Deacon s Corner... Make Room In Your Heart I am reading a book titled Blind Spots written by Bill McCartney who founded Promise Keepers way back in The subtitle of the book is What You Don t See May Be Keeping Your Church From Greatness. Chapter 3 in the book is titled Make Room In Your Heart. In this chapter, the author declares, No relationship can long endure, let alone thrive, if its members don t consciously and continually make room in their hearts for one another. Yes, we will be slighted. Yes, we will be disappointed. Yes, we will be misunderstood. But unless we develop the habit of making room in our hearts especially for those from cultures and backgrounds different from our own we have no chance of coming together as God wants us to. The author goes on to say What is required for God s sons and daughters to come together as one? What s the key component in making room in our hearts? In my view, it comes down to one thing: deep humility, expressed through a heart of lovingkindness. How do you get deep humility? You have to clothe yourself in it. You have to put it on. You have to wear it. Paul the Apostle writes in Colossians 3:12-13, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you. The fact that we have blind spots requires that we develop deep humility. So, how do we develop such humility? First, we remember that God says he chose us (John 15:16, 1 Peter 2:9), 6

7 not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9). Second, we need to honestly evaluate ourselves and our records. Honest self-assessment naturally leads to humility. We need to ask ourselves; where are my failures, my weaknesses? Where have I blown it? Third, when we see our sins and moral failures, God calls us to repent. Humility grows best in the soil of repentance. God calls us to repent wherever and whenever he helps us to see our shortcomings. As we repent of our failures and shortcomings, deep humility results. It s a blessing and a joy for me to be part of the Body of Christ here at Church of The Apostles. I have personally experienced and have observed close-up and from afar, your deep humility and your loving kindness toward me and toward each other. Making room in our hearts and wearing deep humility binds us together as one and pleases Our Lord. When we fall from Grace and we will God restores us because of His unending and immeasurable love. In Christ s Love, Deacon Bill Men s Chorus 7

8 Stewardship Sunday is coming November 19th! We never stay the same when we give our lives to Jesus! He changes us in ways we didn t think he could, or should! Over the next few weeks, there will be a gathering of our testimonies, written and oral, to share what the Lord has done in our lives. Please pray about what the Lord will have you share this year. Please Deacon Deb Adams - debadams25@yahoo.com for all submissions, written or oral. A Conversation With God How many times a day do I say, Why am I here? What here can stir my gifts to growth? What tasks of greatness awaits me that I have long neglected? Have I missed Your voice, O God? Here am I: send me! Please! I have prepared a place for you, says the Lord, that is for you, and only you, to fill. First of all, come to My table, and ask that you might serve, looking even for the lowest tasks. When the work of service is done, then you may look for your own place at table. But do not seek the most important place in case it is reserved for someone else. The place I have appointed is where you will be happiest. Above from Celtic Daily Prayer 8

9 Announcements... Together We Pray Thanks to all who participated on October 4th in our 24 hour day of prayer called Together We Pray, which is in partnership with other area churches through TOGETHER Advance the Gospel The aim is to facilitate continuous prayer by the Church in the greater RI area for the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Church of The Apostles participates in Together We Pray the first Wednesday of each month. Our next day of prayer is Wednesday November 1st. announcements are sent by the church office to our church family with instructions on signing up online for a particular time slot as we aim to cover the entire 24 hour period in prayer. Hard copy sign-up sheets will also be available in the narthex. Participants can pray wherever you wish. Prayer guides are provided to all participants listing specific prayer emphases. Please also join us for a monthly Evening Prayer service, at 7:00 p.m. on November 1st, as we gather to worship the Lord, share testimonies with one another of God s blessings in our Care Groups, and join our hearts together in prayer on the themes of Together We Pray. Care Groups Update God is blessing our Care Groups, as the people of God grow in faith and in relationship with God and each other. Care Groups are opportunities to meet regularly with a small group of Christians for friendship, fellowship, and prayer, sharing life on life with each other. Groups meet at various times and locations in homes. Meetings include physical and spiritual food, sharing with each other, and praying for each other. There is a place for you. For more information contact the Church Office or Pastor Steve (401) or pastorsteve@apostlesri.org. 9

10 Join us in Sunday School Sunday School is a special time of fellowship and learning. Classes are held for all ages, including adults. The Adult Class meets in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m. A study on Together in Christ which concludes October 15th, has focused on being Disciples Together, Family Together, Disciple-Making Together, and Praying Together. On October 22nd a new six week study begins on what it means to be in covenant with one another as Church Members. We will utilize a little book by Thomas Rainer called I Am a Church Member. Our format includes opportunity to share and learn and pray together. Please join us for a great time! Some of our teens: Gbassah, Emma, Ella & Kyleigh. Pastor Steve teaching the Adult Class. Our Followers Class: Nylah, Kamden & Nico with Miss Rebecca & Miss Scarlett. 10

11 Be Praying for Pastor Steve s Ministry in Argentina Pastor Steve and Helen request your prayers for their upcoming travel to Argentina for meetings sponsored by the World Evangelical Congregational Fellowship (WECF). They will depart November 6th and return November 15th. WECF is the international body of which the CCCC is a member, comprised of evangelical congregational associations of churches in various countries. At the Triennial meetings of the WECF held in the USA in February 2016 the Evangelical Congregational Churches of Argentina were formally welcomed in. At that time Pastor Steve was serving as Vice-President of WECF. When his term concluded he was subsequently elected WECF Treasurer, so continues serving on the Board. He was invited to Argentina to represent WECF as one of several speakers at a conference to be held November 8th to the 12th at the Congregational Seminary in Urdinarrain, Argentina. Attendees will include Pastors, Church leaders, and Seminarians. Pastor Steve and Helen expect to return to Buenos Aires on Monday, November 13th for two days of sightseeing before returning home on November 15th. Your prayers are appreciated for their health and safety, and for the Lord s anointing for Pastor Steve as he speaks at the conference and at a local church, and for rich blessing upon all who attend the meetings. 11

12 Announcements... Providence Rescue Mission 4th Annual Banquet October 19th - 6:00 p.m. Redemption Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick Silent Auction, food, testimonies and spreading hope to the community! $35 per ticket Contact megprm@gmail.com for information, tickets or to purchase a banquet Ad. Or visit - SERVING CHRIST...SERVING THE HOMELESS AND THE POOR OF OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1999 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month For a list of events in Rhode Island and to find out how you can help support the cause visit: 12

13 Be the Change is having a Free Store for Kids. This will be primarily for kids but there will be adult items also. They are taking donations of children's gently used or new coats, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, toys and winter clothes. Kids Free Store is on November 18th. If you have any of these items to donate they can be donated at 10 Brookside Ave. West Warwick any Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. or at the West Warwick senior center any Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you have any question please call Coreen St. Jean (401) We are happy to report that our free will offering Cookout raised over 1,100 dollars for Project Hand Up - Be the Change. We also collected many bags of toiletries for their store. Thank you to all who helped organize and run this event, and also to everyone who attended and donated. 13

14 An update from our friends Deb and Dave Kreyssig at Espere Kay, Haiti. For more information visit Young Adults learning practical lessons in Car Maintenance and Construction. Delivering French books to Loving Hands Orphanage. Ways You Can Pray for our friends at Espere Kay: Please pray for God s safety and protection over Espere Kay and all of Haiti. (prayer requests written while expecting Hurricane Irma). For a successful school year for all the young adults. For passing grades on Myrese s final exams so she can apply to University in the fall. God s continued provision, protection, wisdom and discernment for the ministry. More opportunities to witness to our local community as God directs, as the Holy Spirit leads. As always, we are so grateful for all of you who pray for and support Espere Kay. May God pour out His many blessings on you. In Christ, Deb and Dave 14

15 Elders praying with Deacon Kathy, Paulette and Cindy before Medical Mission trip to Haiti. Men s Breakfast Saturday, November 11th, 7:30 a.m. BRING A FRIEND! For further information contact Deacon Bill Sexton (401) Fishes and Loaves I would like to thank all those who have so generously helped prepare meals and delivered meals at times of need. Thank you for always accepting at a calls notice and never hesitating. Fishes and Loaves (or Milk and Honey) has been an on going ministry for many years and appreciated by us all. Again thank you for all your help. - Pat Swanson 15

16 The Common of Saints Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer) Memorials for All Saints Day: If you wish to have loved ones remembered on All Saints Sunday, November 5, 2017, please fill out the form below and return it to the Church Office by Wednesday, November 1st. ALL SAINTS SUNDAY November 5, 2017 On ALL SAINTS SUNDAY please remember the following persons who have departed this life: 16

17 Church Calendar... October Sunday, Oct 15 9:00 a.m. Flu Shot Clinic Sunday, Oct 15 Mixed Chorus Rehearsal (30 minutes after service) Tuesday, Oct 17 6:30 p.m. MTN Course Tuesday, Oct 17 Stewardship Articles Due Tuesday, Oct 17 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsals Thursday, Oct 19 7:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting Saturday, Oct 21 11:00 a.m. Handbell Rehearsals Tuesday, Oct 24 6:30 p.m. MTN Course Saturday, Oct 28 11:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsals Saturday, Oct 28 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study Sunday, Oct 29 12:30 p.m. Care Group Leaders Mtg. Tuesday, Oct 31 6:30 p.m. MTN Course Tuesday, Oct 31 Midnight Together We Pray 24 hour prayer begins November Wednesday, Nov 1 All Saints Day Wednesday, Nov 1 All Saints Memorials deadline Wednesday, Nov 1 7:00 p.m. Monthly Evening Prayer Wednesday, Nov 1 Midnight 24 hour prayer concludes Saturday, Nov 4 9 a.m.-2 p.m. WW Animal Shelter Bazaar Saturday, Nov 4 11:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsals Sunday, Nov 5 All Saints Sunday Sunday, Nov 5 Church Notes Deadline Tuesday, Nov 7 6:30 p.m. MTN Course Friday, Nov 10 Church Office Closed in observance of Veteran s Day Saturday, Nov 11 Veterans Day Saturday, Nov 11 7:30 a.m. Men s Breakfast Tuesday, Nov 14 6:30 p.m. MTN Course Saturday, Nov 18 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study Sunday, Nov 19 Stewardship Sunday Tuesday, Nov 21 6:30 p.m. MTN Course Wednesday, Nov 22 7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Service Thursday, Nov 23 Thanksgiving Day Friday, Nov 24 Church Office Closed Sunday, Nov 26 Feast of 17 Christ the King

18 Highlight of CoTA Ministries... Each month in Church Notes we are highlighting one or more of the ministries here at Church of The Apostles. Please see our website for a complete list of our ministries. If there is a way any of the ministries could help you or if you would like to participate in a particular ministry please contact the ministry leader. Intercessory Prayer Group There are many prayer warriors here at Church of The Apostles who pray for those names on our prayer list. Sometimes we may not know the person or their prayer needs but God does. God knows what their needs are and what they need for healing. There is an area on the prayer list sign up sheet if anyone feels a greeting card and note would be appreciated. Adding the name and address to that section of the sign up sheet will allow us to create a thoughtful card to help that person with their situation. There have been many people who have been touched by these special thoughtful notes. This ministry is an important part of our mission to pray for others and spread Gods word. If you would like to be a part of this ministry please contact Erin Mead (401) Kitchen Ministry The kitchen ministry offers volunteers an opportunity to prepare meals for large group celebrations for the church. Each year we typically serve five to six sit-down meals, buffet style, for 80 to 120 people, including the popular New Year s Eve celebration. Kitchen ministry members assist with food preparation at other gatherings, including lawn concerts and the monthly men s breakfast ministry. We need more people, men and women, to serve in this important ministry. No cooking experience is necessary, just a willingness to work collaboratively with a team, serve the church and serve Christ. If you are interested in this ministry please contact Charlie St. Martin at cstm@me.com. 18

19 CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES Evangelical Anglican 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Church Office: (401) Superintendent s Residence: (401) website: apostlesri.org office@apostlesri.org fax: (401) The Holy Eucharist Christian Education, Children & Teens Christian Education, Adults Evening Prayer Morning Prayer Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday 9:15 a.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. First Wednesday of each month 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. Superintendent Church Administrator Communications Officer Communications Assistant Director of Christian Education Organist and Music Director Assistant Organist Sacristy Minister Sexton Treasurer Clerk Church Staff The Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon Erin Mead Barbara Bickerstaff Kerri McMahon Linda Jones Marianne Salisbury Shyanne Slinko Paulette Donovan Mike Edwards Bob Bickerstaff Barbara Allegretti Board of Elders The Rev. Rob Geoffrey The Rev. Blessing Jacobs The Rev. Conrad Ruppert (Elder Emeritus) The Rev. Mark Galloway (Bishop-retired) Ecclesiastical Dignitaries Lady Linda Greco Lady Sue Pillsbury Board of Servants Archdeacon Bill Sexton Congregational Care Minister Deacon Kathy Kettle Outreach Minister Deacon Deb Adams Stewardship Minister Deacon Doug Stomberg Buildings and Grounds Minister Deacon Emerita Cathy Morgan 19

20 CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island Church Notes A publication of Church of The Apostles Reviewed by The Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon, Superintendent Edited by Kerri E. McMahon, Communications Assistant October 13, 2017 Volume 12, Number 10 20