OUR SIX-LEGGED CHURCH

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1 OUR SIX-LEGGED CHURCH JULY, 2008 In the Episcopal Church, faith is said to rest on a three-legged stool. Those three legs are Scripture, Tradition and Reason. When referring to our personal spiritual journey, we often think of three other legs Time, Talent, and Treasure. Last month s Wild Onion focused on our giving in the form of money, through pledging and monetary support for St. David s parish family and programs. Money s important for sure, and it seems to be more elusive as prices continue to climb. Many churches have a wealth of resources enough to hire a kitchen staff, employ 2 or 3 full-time maintenance workers, and even send out a newsletter with photos in COLOR! Obviously, I m not describing St. David s here; and to tell you the truth, I like us just the way we are. While it is important to be generous with our Treasure, the other two T s Time and Talent are also an important part of Christian giving. We are called by God to use our time to the best of our ability and to develop and nurture those talents bestowed upon each of us. Directing our time and talent toward the benefit of others makes us stewards of that which God has given us and witnesses of Christ s love. St. David s is full of people who give their time and talents unceasingly. The Altar Guild, the Flower Guild, the Choir, the Kitchen Committee to mention a few are all areas in which we dedicate our time and talent. (Imagine our church without them.)these volunteers give from the heart, without desire for reward. But just because reward is not expected does not mean that none is forthcoming. On the contrary! Many rewards for giving are mentioned in 2 Corinthians. Chapter 9, verse 8, states: You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God. We have all chosen St. David s as our place of worship. We share a special bond that is not political, social, or economic. We support each other through our attendance at Summer Nights events, through our committee work, and by our presence in the pew each Sunday. Just being around each other is a source of validation and renewal! As we continue on our spiritual journey, let us consider our time and talents and how we may best use them to serve St. David s and the world. Remember that there is no limit to the blessings we will receive in return! Judy Grace, Senior Warden 1

2 Treasurer's Report Annual 2008 Total Budget, Expenses: $293,307 76% (salaries, benefits, worship, music, grounds) 12.7% (electricity, gas, water, phone, alarm service) 11.3% for everything else (from the Diocesan and National Church pledges, office supplies, and building repairs to insurance) Annual 2008 Total Budget, Income: $294,823 YTD (Jan to May) Pledge Income Budget: $113,468 YTD (Jan to May) Pledge Income Received: $96,679 IN OUR PRAYERS We give thanks for the birth of Ashley Erin Sadlon, granddaughter of G anne Harmon on June 9 and for Andrew Colvin Spector born on June 18 to Jason and Stephanie Spector. O God, we give you thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family We welcome into the parish family by Letter of Transfer: Deborah Shelton, from St. Paul s Church in Franklin, TN. Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit Remember those for whom prayers have been requested: James Wright, Grace Seward, Jimmy Snapp, Jeremy Tillman, Sandra Starr, Jason and Stephanie Spector, Jane Sharpe, Brad Gibson, Billie Sims, James Truette, Donald Paine, Sarah Barnet, Marilyn Musto, Carole Somers, Shirley Kurtz, Elizabeth Bambalough, Nancy Walker, Robert and Darcy Ellis, Sheila Keeble, Bobbie Thomason, Suzie Shaw Drummond, and Dr. David B. Fox. Minister to them, O Lord, of your healing gifts We share in sorrow for those who have died: Allen Moore, friend of Charlotte Farrar, Joyce Campbell Baublitz, Dorothy Campbell s mother, The Rev. Rue Ingram Moore, Jr., first vicar of St. David s, Lloyd Eyrich, Joan Green s uncle, and Alexander Benson Spector, son of Jason and Stephanie Spector. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them JOIN US FOR COFFEE HOUR THIS SUMMER! Weather permitting (or not!) we will have coffee hour following the 10:30 service on the terrace. In the event of rain or extreme heat we will convene in the Henderson Room. If you can host this time of fellowship, please talk to Betty Lentz bettylentz@bellsouth.net. 2

3 ONION RINGS by Norman Gillis Bill Gish has retired from Hume Fogg with appreciation from the faculty and student body. He was voted Teacher of the Year, given a nice cash gift and a beautiful crystal apple. Sydney Gaspard and Jackie Little, along with their softball team, "The Freeze," came in second place in the Bellevue Sports Athletic Association Softball Tournament on June 7. They both received trophies for their excellent teamwork and participation on the team. Laura Duke and the kids had so much fun doing Sleeping Beauty that they are doing another play! Thumbelina will be at the Belcourt Theater on July 12, 19, and 26 at 10:00 am. This time Laura gets to play a bad guy: The Toad! Jack, Molly and Matthew join her as the Toad Family, later playing fish and fairies. Promises to be lots of fun for all ages! G'anne Harmon's daughter Emilie and husband Justin Sadlon have a new daughter, Ashley Erin, born June 9 th in Knoxville. Brothers Ryan and Dermot, along with sister Kirsten have made a place for her among their playthings and in their hearts. They are settled now in their Morristown home, a noisier and quadrupally blessed place! So long for now to Steve Cook, who will be teaching at Furman University in Greenville, SC. He is set to leave Nashville on July 31 or August 1, and will be teaching four Old Testament courses in the upcoming academic year. According to the school s website, it is the oldest, largest and most selective private institution in South Carolina. Father Rick (a.k.a. "Sabbatical Boy") writes the following from London: "Cheerio! We've conquered the bus system and have found our way to nearly every point of interest in London. We were hoping to join the Queen and the P.M. for a spot of tea at Buckingham, but Elizabeth II hasn't returned our call." Millions and munching on hot dogs, popcorn, and other goodies. Many thanks to the youth and their leaders! Remember the other Summer Nights events and RSVP early! Lezette Thomason and Annette White picked up a beautiful watercolor of St. David s of Wales while in London. They had it framed to give to our parish family. Thank you! Thank you to John Hamilton for donating an antique buffet for Sanders Hall. GARDENING/WATERING ASSISTANCE Please call Debbie McDougall at or sign up on the list in Sanders Hall if you can stop by to help this summer. LET THE SUMMER NIGHT GAMES BEGIN!!! WEDNESDAY, July 16, :30 o clock SHARP Sanders Hall FREE BINGO, with imaginative prizes!! Bring your best cake ever, and join in the Cake Walk A mere $1 will secure your chance to win one of these fabulous creations! For cake donations, call Betty Lentz or Mary Jo Murphy You will be supplied with cake round and carrier before the event Dessert will be served Childcare will be provided for children ages 1 4 years, must have a reservation Call or the church office and let us know if we will see you there. Our first Summer Nights event, Movie Night, hosted by the youth of the parish, was a rousing success. Sanders Hall was filled with about 30 parishioners of all ages watching July 3 July 6 JULY ANNIVERSARIES Ann & Tom Means Heather & Jody Sullivan 3

4 VESTRY APPOINTS FINANCE COMMITTEE by Rahn Huber In 2 Corinthians, chapter 8, Paul talks about the principle of equality or fairness in giving. He wants people to understand what it means to be part of a body of fellowship. Jesus spent his ministry caring for the "least of these" - the poor, the outcast, the marginalized, the sick. Paul asks us to focus our bounty on their needs rather than our own wants. He cites Exodus when God meets the needs of his people as they travel from Egypt to the Promised Land. We must use what God has given us to meet the needs of his people and to carry out his work in this world. The strong and active practice of giving and outreach from St. David s both locally and globally are an integral part of why I am an ember of this parish. To grow our outreach and discipleship within the parish, we must be the best stewards possible of the resources we have. As you saw in the last Wild Onion, the majority of our operating budget consists of salaries, benefits, and building costs. These are, of course, expenses that we lovingly support to maintain our church home. Yet the actual budget beyond these expenses is small indeed. To ensure that we are the best stewards of our financial resources while keeping focused on our internal and external mission and outreach needs, the Vestry has appointed a Finance Committee. Committee members are: Judy Grace, Senior Warden, Debbie McDougall, Junior Warden, Joe Brown and Bill Gish, Vestry members, and Rahn Huber, Treasurer. The Finance Committee has met and determined the following as initial priorities: Budget Creation, Allocation and Use of Funds, and Securing Our Future. If you have concerns or questions, please let us know as we walk this path. September 20 the internationally acclaimed Walk Through the Bible Seminar Learn the books of the Bible and the essential stories of salvation history. Instead of lectures, the seminar guides you by means of a creative and interactive learning adventure. You will have fun, but you ll also see changes on a deeper level. About three out of four people who attend the Walk Thru the Bible Seminar will commit to read the Bible and pray every day. St. George s Episcopal Church 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration and cost information will be announced in August To learn about the seminar go to or ask Andrea Herlong Sponsored by the Diocese of Tennessee Christian Education Committee MOSAIC WORKSHOP Call Judy Grace ( ) to participate in a workshop if you would like to learn the art of making mosaics. The group will meet at least 2 times, to be determined by the group, and participants will create items for our Second Annual Best-Ever Bazaar on November 22. There will be a $3 fee to cover expenses. 62 nd ANNUAL LAYMEN S CONFERENCE AUGUST 15-17, 2008 DuBOSE CONFERENCE CENTER MONTEAGLE, TENNESSEE Speakers include The Right Rev. Creighton L. Robertson, Roddy Gray, and Father Jerry Kramer. Applications are on the table outside the Sacristy and outside the church office. Questions? call: Roger Proctor at

5 think about all the blessings of your life, true gifts. Think about your time, talent and treasure, and pledge as thanksgiving. Episcopal Relief & Development is providing assistance to communities devastated by ongoing flooding in the Midwest. Working with the Episcopal Dioceses in the area, ERD is providing emergency assistance to people who have been displaced from their homes. Families will be given temporary shelter and provided with food, clothing, first aid and other basic necessities. To help people affected by flooding in the Midwest, you may make a donation to Episcopal Relief & Development s Disaster Response Fund online at or place a check in the offering plate made out to St. David s and noted for ERD Midwest Flooding. STEWARDSHIP AS THANKSGIVING All Things Come of Thee O Lord and of Thine Own have We Given Thee. (1 Chronicles, 29:14b) As a small child, I loved gifts. Christmas and birthdays were astonishing things. People gave me presents because they loved me. I did not have to do a thing, except say thank you. As I grew older, I would sit with my Mother on the day after Christmas or my birthday and write thank you notes. It was the gracious thing to do. As an adult, my gift focus expanded. I believe living in the United States of America is a true gift. I believe my family, friends and neighbors are gifts. I have health, a job, three meals a day, a roof over my head and a Church family who will stand by me through thick and thin. I have memory, reason and skill. All of these gifts come from God who loved me enough to send his only son to die on a cross for me and is raised from the dead so that I may have life everlasting. I am blessed beyond measure. Stewardship is a thank you note for all the blessings we have received throughout the year. As you pray about your gift to St. David s, Annette Pilcher 2008 Stewardship Chairman SUMMER NIGHTS MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR ANY OR ALL OF THESE WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY ACTIVITIES July 2 PATRIOTIC PICNIC & PARADE 6:30 p.m. hosted by the McElroy family $7.00 adult, $3.50 kids, $20 family max. Activities for all ages. Bring bikes, riding toys, dress in red, white, and blue! We will parade around the parking lot; prizes for best patriotic outfit and ride! Barbeque and non-alcoholic drinks provided; bring a side or dessert. July 16 CAKE WALK, BINGO, & GAMES 6:30 p.m. hosted by Mary Jo Murphy and Betty Lentz. Refreshments will be served. Bring a cake and $$ for the cake walk and games! Marvelous prizes will be awarded! Children may participate in all the games and a sitter will be provided for the very young. This promises to be a laugh a minute evening! July 23 LADIES NIGHT OUT 6:30 p.m. hosted by the Daughters of the King. Meal, $5.00, spa treatments extra. A light meal with wine will be followed by a choice of spa treatments. You may prefer just to sip your adult beverage while watching a friend have her nails done, relax with a massage, or learn new beauty secrets. Come chill out on a hot summer night and be pampered! Childcare provided. Payment is due at the event. Please call the church office for reservations for all the events. Reservations are very important for the two events providing childcare. 5

6 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Saturday, October 4, 2008 We will have a Blessing of the Animals service this fall. It will be a celebration of the feast day of St. Francis whose life focused on his care and love of creation, especially animals. Ann Walling will officiate at the liturgy which will take minutes. Further plans about the event are forthcoming. If you would like to help with this event, contact Rahn Huber at rahnhuber@mindspring.com. GETTING GREENER How many Episcopalians does it take to screw in a compact fluorescent bulb? One individual who cares about the earth! Many thanks to those who contributed ideas to help us become better stewards of our earth. Here are some that we have received: Besides using cloth bags at the market (and everywhere that you shop), save the plastic bags you tear off in the produce section. Stuff them in your cloth bags and reuse them the next time you re buying produce. Flatten, wash, and reuse aluminum foil. Refill plastic water bottles and take them everywhere you go so that you are not tempted to buy more bottled water. Plastic containers with lids (often used for takeout food and some store-bought pastry items) make wonderful plates for potted plants. St. David s is recycling too. After the service, leave your bulletins on the table in the narthex and the ushers will recycle them. There is a recycling bin in the kitchen also. July 1 July 2 July 3 July 7 July 8 July 13 July 19 July 23 July 24 July 26 July 27 July 28 JULY BIRTHDAYS Kate Dougherty Mathieu Agee, Linda Heft Martha Elliston, Joe Lentz, Austin Martin Dick Murphy, Dot Williams Logan Lechleiter Bob Napier Cathy Hinton Robert Garner John Maiberger John Kitch Raymond Leathers, Bob King Jackson Dougherty SECOND ANNUAL BEST EVER BAZAAR Talk about time and talent this is where you ll see both in abundance! Our S.A.B.E.B. will take place Saturday, November 22. Kathy Carlson, Mary Lou Pierce, Lezette Thomason, and Annette White have agreed to chair this event. Stay tuned for updates on workshops, committee work, and other areas in which you can participate. There will be hundredfolds of opportunities! TAI CHI CLASS Our Summer Tai Chi Class has been such fun we plan to add a new class this fall. If interested, call the church office for details. A five week introductory class will begin on August 19, followed by an optional series if agreed upon by teacher and class. Tuition for the 5 week class is $25. Optional "Tai Chi Friday mornings in the park" for all level beginners is available for an additional fee. CHILDREN S CONSIGNMENT SALE? With the rising cost of everything, children s consignment sales are becoming an increasingly popular way of saving money. For those who hold the sales, it is a source of revenue (not to mention a community service). Should St. David s get in on the act? If you are interested in holding such a sale, or participating in the planning (maybe in conjunction with the bazaar?), talk to Judy Grace or Debbie McDougall. 6

7 July 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 am 3 4 Independence 5 Hispanic Day Offices 1:00 pm Tai Chi Class Lunch Program Closed 6 Pentecost VIII 8:00 am Holy 10:30 am Choral 13 Pentecost IX 8:00 am Holy 10:30 am Choral 20 Pentecost X 8:00 am Holy 10:30 am Choral 7 7:00 pm DOK 8 1:00 pm Tai Chi Class 7:00 pm Vestry meeting :00 pm Tai Chi Class 22 6:30 pm Patriotic Picnic and Parade 9 11:30 am Hispanic Lunch Program 16 11:30 a.m. Hispanic Lunch Program 6:30 p.m. Cake Walk and Games Night 23 11:30 am Hispanic Lunch Program Pentecost XI 8:00 am Holy 10:30 am Choral 6:30 p.m. Ladies Night Out

8 July 6 Pentecost 8 JULY 2008 LAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE July 13 Pentecost 9 July 20 Pentecost 10 July 27 Pentecost 11 August 3 Pentecost 12 ACOLYTES 10:30a.m. Crucifer S. RAYHAB H. FOX T. SWIFT L. LECHLEITER L. RAYHAB USHERS - 10:30 a.m. J. HAMILTON T. HOWLAND L. KIRKPATRICK E. SANDERS J. HENDRICK S. JORDAN J. MAIBERGER G. WILLLIAMS C. BROOKS P. LECHLEITER FLOWER GUILD M. BROWN C. AVERY M. L. RAYHAB J. ERWIN M. HINTON (Saturday) D. ROGERS M. L. RAYHAB C. HINTON H. GASPARD K. DOUGAN ALTAR GUILD L. NEWSOM H. SULLIVAN D. ROGERS L. GUSTAVE tba (Saturday) C. HINTON M. HINTON J. LEATHERS M. ADAMS S. MOORE, B. LITTLE M. L. PIERCE L. McLEVAIN, L. CHRISTIANSEN D. RAYHAB COUNTERS-10:30a.m. D. AXFORD B. LENTZ S. COOK A. PILCHER D. AXFORD S. COOK J. LENTZ S. JORDAN D. WILKINSON S. COOK LECTORS 8:00 a.m. M. CAVER J. FERRELLI M. L. PIERCE B. BOWEN K. CARLSON, M. L. PIERCE 10:30 a.m. S. GOTTERER T. JONES P. HALPERIN V. BEASLEY B. LENTZ L.E.M. S - 10:30 a.m. S. JORDAN J. SWEENEY S. GRAY J. HAMILTON A. HERLONG A. HERLONG* N. GILLIS* A. PILCHER* S. COOK * G. HARMON* 8