THE TOWER FROM FATHER ROBERT

Transcription

1 Emmanuel Episcopal Church 498 Prince Avenue Athens GA (706) Fax (706) Volume 46, Issue 7 July, 2013 E M M A N U E L E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H THE TOWER FROM FATHER ROBERT Dear Sisters and Brothers, I believe without a doubt that the drought is over. I know it might well be the understatement of the year. Six plus inches in the first 14 days of June and over 30 inches since New Year s. I can t help but think of the rain because things are rather quiet around here. Of course, they re quiet because of the rain. For some, that s good, for others not so hot. I would really like to be hearing the music of bulldozers and hammers and drills. The sound of rain and the resulting quiet helps me to begin to think of lots of things like priorities, what we re in control of or not, where to focus our energy, making our energy positive. So, this is going to be a bit of a catch up column. There has been so much going on of late that I just want to share some of the results of things that have in fact been our priorities. We are absolutely not experiencing a slow down with school being out and people being away. New Associate As we ve announced and published, Chris Cole will soon be with us to share his own gifts and talents in helping the mission and ministry of Emmanuel to flourish. He finished at Holy Innocents last week, moved into his loft apartment on Baxter, and then went on vacation. He is quite happy and enthusiastic about Emmanuel and our future together! Catechesis training We were thrilled to have Anna Hurdle with us to lead training and formation for our returning and new catechists. Seasoned or younger and all in between receive so much from these week long sessions. I am so very grateful for all of their efforts and the seriousness in which they live out this particular ministry for us and our children. Many, many thanks to all of you. Formation is such an essential element of our existence. Something offered here (and please God in most churches) is something you don t receive in all of the other settings where we live our lives: our ability to learn to ask the right questions about God and our relationships with God; coming to an understanding of the great commission; nurturing the seeds of faith that have been sown; seeking truth and so much more. I believe that equipping ourselves with these things enables us to live full, generous, loving and grace filled lives. Hopefully we will see that our priority for formation at all levels will be seen in our new facility. I am grateful to all of you who participate by teaching, witnessing, being open, attending the many programs that take place here, and look forward to what is to (Continued on page 2)

2 VOLUME 46, ISSUE 46, ISSUE 7 7 PAGE 2 (Continued from page 1) come. A special word for parents in bringing your children for baptism, you have promised to let them come to know Jesus in their lives. Please do all that you can to make the spiritual formation of your children s lives as important as all of the other activities, events and priorities that you set for them. Show them as well that formation is important for you too. Lead by example, in all things. One more than interesting piece of formation is taking place as I write: VBS - KINGDOM ROCK!!! There must be 85 + kids (younger than 18) as well as assistants and moats and drawbridges and the like making Jesus real in a wonderful and unique way (check out the pictures in this issue). It is always more than impressive and a big WOW factor. This year concluded with a musical extravaganza called: Good Kings come in Small Packages. Georgia Collier pours out her energy and love for Emmanuel, our families, and especially our children in so many ways and has for so many years that simply being thankful is not quite enough Many of you have commented on how beautiful the new organ sounds. It offers a variety and wealth and richness of sound that we were not able to experience before. The repertoire that we will be able to offer will also be enhanced as you might have already picked up. It will be a wonderful asset for our own life of worship but hopefully to the community as well as we open our facilities for lectures, concerts and a celebration of the arts. I am aware that for a few the placement of the organ is different and not what they are accustomed to. That is well noted. For the time being, space in the chancel (remember that piece was built on as an add on after the original church - sans any organ!) and the choir s accessibility to see Sam as he conducts is the driving factor for its placement. At least in this configuration the choir is singing out to the congregation and the nave rather than to the opposite wall. All of these types of issues (and indeed there are many) will be looked at as we go forward. From my vantage point it s a mixed bag of tricks (and it usually is). Some hate it, some love it, most don t care one way or the other. We learn to go with the flow and love the Lord! Speaking of lectures and the arts, our dear friend and parishioner Horace Newcomb (and Sara) who initiated the Steeple and Sidewalk lecture series will be retiring and heading back to Texas for children and grandchildren! I would love for anyone (or two) to come forward to pick up that wonderful offering for the community. Please give me a call or come by the office. I ve written this over a couple of days and now the sun is out and it s pretty noisy outside. That will bring a smile for sure. Things are moving; the outward expression of our communal - inner reality is taking shape. Construction is interesting and complicated. Building anything is interesting and complicated. One of the other pieces that we are building and that has been the subject of so much conversation thus far concerns Emmanuel s Thrift House. Special thanks to Debra Harden, our senior warden, for leading this process. This transition is far greater than simply moving a store from one particular location to another. It is absolutely about doing something new, and it is about that particular piece of Emmanuel being a serious ministry of the parish. It s about new business models and creating a space for all to feel welcome. The parish is committing resources to the success of the Thrift House because we believe in the potential and value of its witness and mission. To raise funds in order to help the poor who are being served through other ministries and to help the legitimate poor who in fact come to our door are wonderful ways to fulfill the mandate of the gospel. Jesus comes to us in various disguises, and Emmanuel Episcopal Church is open to seeking and serving Jesus in those disguises. We are about experiencing the joy that comes through service. So many wonderful people over so many years in various locations have done just those things. We honor them we celebrate them and please God we all move forward to grow and experience the wonder of what is to come. All of this and would you believe we haven t even begun summer yet? Can t wait!!! In his love, Robert +

3 PAGE 3 THE TOWER MMANUEL IN PENTECOST THE BISHOP ON REST June 21, 2013 When I rest, I feel so good, such that I don't know why I don't rest more. Summertime, for many, brings a slowdown. I pray that you will use this slowdown to rest your minds, bodies and souls this summer. Rabbi Abraham Heschel reminds us, "Labor is a craft, but perfect rest is an art. Rest or sabbath is a palace in time we build. It's practice for eternity." Rest, he says, "is not an interlude but the climax of living. Humans are no beasts of burden." (pp , The Sabbath) Your life is too precious, your family too dear, your calling too essential, your creativity too necessary to be chronically diminished by exhaustion. Rest is one way to reject this world's commodification of humanity. This summer, go back to the places, the books, the embraces or the quiet that replenishes you. Or, find new ways to just rest! IN THIS ISSUE From Father Robert 1-2 From Bishop Wright 3 Vestry at Your Service 4, 12 Meet the Oldcomers 5 Emmanuelites Honored 6 July Calendar 7 July Birthdays 8 Brotherhood Picnic 9 VBS Photographs Director of Finance 13 Staff 13 Vestry 14 THE TOWER The purpose of The Tower is to inform Emmanuel s members of who we are and what we do as a faith community. Members are encouraged to submit material they feel will both enlighten and inform others about Emmanuel s ministries. Submissions go to Melissa Fulcher in the office or directly to Blue Wood at bluewood@earthlink.net Blue Wood, Editor August deadline is Monday, July 15

4 VOLUME 46, ISSUE 46, ISSUE 7 7 AROUND THE PARISH PAGE 4 What is it? people driving past on Prince Avenue have wondered. Cement blocks and ironwork are shaping the new 50-seat Chapel at the front corner of Emmanuel s construction. Prior to their May Vestry meeting Carol Bowles and Clara Herrin tour a still windowless top floor hallway that will connect three large Atrium rooms. VESTRY AT YOUR SERVICE: Construction Tour Provokes Enthusiasm, Reflection Prior to our May meeting the Vestry shared a casual meal of sandwiches and iced tea (thanks again, Bev!) following Fr. Robert s lengthy guided tour of our new building s construction site. For many of us it was a dawning revelation, something for which digital renderings and verbal descriptions hadn t prepared us. Our eyes were opened. Walking gingerly down unpainted hallways as overtime workers hustled to move dirt and materials from here to over there, we gazed out tall windows at Barber Street, framed by the towers of downtown Athens s rising skyline, to imagine 109 newly landscaped parking spaces filled Sundays with cars and program income from UGA football Saturdays. We could imagine the sun shining down on cozy garden pathways and a restful columbarium sheltered between the windows of the gathering room that we may or may not call a Brides Room and our sanctuary s elegant east wall of stained glass. We especially could appreciate how easily accessible the main floor and its copious bathrooms and sunlit front hallway would be for us and our visitors all strolling together into the sanctuary without a single set of steps blocking our way. At last! Our evening became casually filled with bonhomie and sky s-the-limit reflection: Maybe we should have an Open House for our neighbors from Chase, Boulevard, Pulaski and the rest of our Prince Avenue corridor. How best should we share our gratitude with our many donors? A meal? A musical extravaganza? Fireworks? What s next down the road, after we pay off any remaining indebtedness? (Continued on page 12)

5 PAGE 5 THE TOWER MEET THE OLDCOMERS: CULLEN LOVVORN I m a cradle Episcopalian, says Cullen Williams Lovvorn. My family came to Athens from Lexington, Georgia --we were members of All Saint s Church in Atlanta because there was no Episcopal church where we lived--when I was about four years old. That was 84 years ago. Emmanuel became a central part of all their lives, and Cullen was involved in many activities from 1929 to 1947 when she married Robert Lee Lovvorn and moved to Bremen, Winder and eventually Rome, Georgia. Approximately seven years ago she returned to be near her daughter and son-in-law, Lee and John Albright, and their children and grandchildren. She recalls that some things were different then from the way they are now, enumerating a few of them. The center of church life, outside the actual services in the sanctuary itself, was the Parish House, an octagonal structure behind the church. The rectory was situated between the two. Small children did not go to services because most families had help who took care of them at home while older members attended church. The young ones were not allowed in the church until they were old enough to behave! Three Cullens By the time they were between first and third grades, however, they came to the Parish House for the Sunday school that was taught for many years by Miss Elizabeth Williams and Miss Marion Bloomfield who used assorted props to make their points. They had a raised sandbox and employed it to illustrate Bible stories, and Cullen s father, James Williams, built a little raised altar that was used by the children who didn t go to the actual church until they were older. In fourth grade the children were separated by ages into male and female classes; Mrs. Harriet Erwin taught Cullen s class through high school. She was so good to us. She even gave me a shower when I got married, Cullen says. Clarke County Sheriff Jackson was in charge of the boys, and Jones Drewry played the piano. A very young Eileen Sisley was the church secretary. To make sure that all the children got to the group activities, Cullen continued, my grandfather gave my mother, Cullen Williams, a sevenpassenger Buick Roadmaster. She would gather up all up the children and drive them to their meetings in the Parish House. My mother and I sang in the choir. Since there was no air conditioning and the men and women members dressed in different rooms, we women took off our clothes under our white summer robes! My mother was the soloist until my father died after which she never sang in the choir again. She also arranged the flowers for the Sunday school altar every week, and she grew most of them in her yard. (Continued on page 6)

6 VOLUME 46, ISSUE 46, ISSUE 7 7 PAGE 6 (Continued from page 5) Many of the young people, including Cullen, continued their activities at Emmanuel when they became students at UGA. Our Sunday school had a juke box, and during World War II, as a patriotic gesture, Emmanuel had tea dances in the Parish House on Saturday afternoons for the service men who were stationed in Athens, she says. I attended these and that is where I met my future husband! We were married in Emmanuel. One of the rectors that Cullen remembers with great affection is the Rev. David Cady Wright: He was legendary. He would take some of us college choir members to Elberton to sing in the Episcopal church there because they had no choir of their own. And he was so generous that he would give all his pay away to the needy. So the treasurer gave Rev. Wright s salary to his wife stead. There was a joke about the Sunday school altar. One Sunday it had disappeared. Parishioners laughingly said the Rev. Wright had given it away in a fit of generosity, but actually he had lent it to the University Episcopal Center so they could copy it and make one of their own. Eventually it was returned. The Lovvorns were gone from Athens when a great change occurred at Emmanuel the omni-purpose Parish House burned in 1978, and old time members remember church events before the fire and after the fire. Cullen recalls, My mother, who was still in Athens, died the next morning after the fire, and I was always grateful that she did not live to see the damage. How does Cullen feel about her return to Athens? My family has had five generations at Emmanuel, and I am so happy to be back again after all those years. It had been my church home during my childhood and it is always good to go home again, she says with a happy smile. Clairelis Baxter EMMANUELITES HONORED Three parishoners have been recently honored for their contributions to the Athens community. Jay Shinn was elected president of the 1,100-member OLLI group-- The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at The University of Georgia. At the 44th Annual Historic Preservation Awards ceremony on June 3 Kim Ripps and Sara Baker received awards for work renovating Barrrow School and saving Legion Pool respectively. Jay Shinn Kim Ripps (4th from right) Sara and Todd Baker

7 JULY 2013 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY :00 Natural : Spirituality Prince Ave :30 Al-Anon 540 Prince Ave 5:30 Healing Service with Holy Eucharist :45 Daughters of the King Prayer Group \ 5:30 Holy Eucharist, 7 PENTECOST II 8:30 Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 Holy Eucharist, Lemonade on the Terrace 12:00 Natural Spirituality 540 Prince Avenue :00 Natural Spirituality 540 Prince Ave. 7:30 Al-Anon 540 Prince Ave 10 5:30 Healing Service with Holy Eucharist 11 6:30 Stephen Ministry 540 Prince Ave :30 Holy Eucharist, 14 PENTECOST III 8:30 Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 Holy Eucharist, Lemonade on the Terrace 12:00 Natural Spirituality 540 Prince Avenue :00 Natural Spirituality Deadline for 540 Prince Ave August Tower 7:30 Al-Anon 540 Prince Ave 17 5:30 Healing Service with Holy Eucharist 18 11:00 Eucharist at Lanier Gardens :45 DOK Prayer Group 5:30 Holy Eucharist, 21 PENTECOST IV 8:30 Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 Holy Eucharist, Lemonade on the Terrace 12:00 Natural Spirituality :00 Natural Spirituality 540 Prince Ave. 7:30 Al-Anon 540 Prince Ave 24 5:30 Healing Service with Holy Eucharist 25 6:30 Stephen Ministry 540 Prince Ave :30 Holy Eucharist, 28 PENTECOST V 8:30 Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 Holy Eucharist, Lemonade on the Terrace 12:00 Natural Spirituality 540 Prince Avenue :00 Natural Spirituality 540 Prince Ave. 7:30 Al-Anon 540 Prince Ave 31 5:30 Healing Service with Holy Eucharist.

8 JULY BIRTHDAYS 2 Anne Thompson 3 Jon Carlson Sandra Tuck-Poss Suresh Alexander Emma Neil 4 Mike Chalker Cody Knight 5 Ahmaud Templeton 6 James Reynolds Crysty Odom Tracie McGhee Allison Clements 7 McKay Brown Will Herrin 9 William Russell Judith Wettstaed Josh Thames 10 Gaby Keen Ryan Kleiber 11 Ellen Dolphus 12 Macy Kate Dicer 13 Stacy Mallet 14 Maresi Ann Berry-Stoelzle Tee Noland Amy Hoyt Clayton Dodson 15 Donald McAlister Al Clarke Oliver Woodruff William O'Steen 16 Michael Murray 17 Frances Doherty Melissa Ann Kinney 18 Carlos Ygartua Ann Scoggins John Albright Adelaide Ellis Walker Gray 19 Delia Whitley James Davis Ellisa Garrett Abigail Pylant 20 Christie Bettendorf Max Ruston 21 William McLanahan Owen Primm 22 Charles Bullock Cuppy Roberts Sam Polk 23 Randi Rogers Sarah Swann 24 Diane Miller 25 Emily Luken Jason Tiller 26 Chris Blount Amrey Harden 27 Lucas Donnelly 28 Katelyn Knight 30 Kathryn Crump 31 Jenny Ford Bill Fox Jamaica Miller

9 PAGE 9 THE TOWER ``BROTHERHOOD PICNIC Led by this year's director Duncan Krause, Emmanuel's Brotherhood of St Andrew chapter picnicked with spouses and friends June 9. The Brotherhood has done so at the Green Acres estate of Harry and JoAnn Yates annually since the mid-1970s. Spring rains chased us into Harry's barn workshop and porches. The Brotherhood chapter has been in existence for a very long time, according to 90-year-old member Jones Drewry's memories as a teenager. It is a "service ministry for the spread of Christ's Kingdom among men and youth in the Episcopal/Anglican Communion." John Albright Picture in back: Duncan and Robin Krause, Roger and Sondra Lange, Steve and Pat Hall, Lee Albright, Carol Bowles, Jeannette Bowles, JoAnn Yates, John Albright, Milton Lopes, Harry Yates. In front: Jones Drewry, America Abbott, Gail Lopes.

10 VOLUME 46, ISSUE 46, ISSUE 7 7 PAGE 10 Happy Memories of Kingdom Rock June 2013 Prayer By Lucy Rentz (above)

11 PAGE 11 THE TOWER Rhodes and Benton Kleiber And the prayer they wrote and read at the Fanfare Finale

12 VOLUME 46, ISSUE 7 PAGE 12 (Continued from page 4) Phase II probably should be restoring our church: sanctuary, chancel and nave. Pews, lighting, sound, and floors all very much need to be renewed. Its age is showing, no matter how much we pray that paint will hold water-damaged wainscoting together! Phase III might then involve the greater expense of redoing our kitchen, the Common Room, and connecting that level and the classroom areas above with our Phase I building. We know our Thrift House outreach is moving into the soon-to-be renovated 540 Prince Ave. building. The red brick building next to 540 will also be repurposed for any number of uses, including ways for us to host community groups and other Outreach ministries. Our new associate rector Fr. Chris Cole will be arriving in early July. Fr. Robert has long known him during his Hendersonville, NC days, and knows he will bring great enthusiasm to all of the parishioners of Emmanuel and a distinct creativity to the ministries that he will lead and guide. We will benefit as well from his love of God and the priesthood. And finally, talk about our future reminded us that the soon- to-depart class of vestry Debra Harden, Beverly Sligh, Rob Byrne and John Albright will help on a nominating committee to encourage others in Emmanuel to stand for election to replace them. Don t wait to be asked! You know who you are! Let us know if you re interested or would like to know more. DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION for the Vestry? Any suggestions or issues you d like us to explore? albright301@gmail.com. Thanks! John Albright, Vestry Communications Commission chair. Fanfare Finale at Vacation Bible School

13 PAGE 13 THE TOWER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE EMMANUEL CHURCH Analysis of Revenues & Expenses - Summary Month-to-date, through May, 2013 Accounts MTD Actual MTD Budget YTD Actual YTD Budget Annual Budget Revenues PLEDGES & CONTRIBUTIONS $ 54, $ 60, $ 309, $ 307, $ 738, RENTALS $ $ $ 20, $ 23, $ 27, OTHER INCOME $ 2, $ 5, $ 23, $ 27, $ 64, Total Revenues $ 57, $ 66, $ 354, $ 357, $ 830, Expenses SALARIES & WAGES $ 32, $ 41, $ 180, $ 209, $ 497, BEYOND THE PARISH $ 15, $ 12, $ 55, $ 62, $ 150, PARISH PROGRAMS $ 1, $ 5, $ 20, $ 29, $ 70, OPERATING EXPENSES $ 8, $ 14, $ 56, $ 71, $ 172, OTHER EXPENSES $ $ 1, $ 12, $ 6, $ 14, Total Expenses $ 58, $ 75, $ 325, $ 379, $ 905, Net Operating Total $ (1,155.95) $ (8,245.45) $ 28, $ (22,297.88) $ (75,015.43) Endowment Funds Used Williams Rhodes Music $ - $ $ 1, $ 1, $ 3, Dearing Funds $ - $ $ 5, $ 4, $ 10, Total Endowment Funds $ - $ 1, $ 7, $ 5, $ 14, Unrealized Pledges $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 26, Net Total Operating & Endowment $ (1,155.95) $ (7,053.77) $ 35, $ (16,339.48) $ (86,775.27) DIRECTORY: Clergy & Staff The Rev. Robert Salamone Rector rector@emmanuelathens.org Melissa Fulcher Director of Administration Karen Holland Director of Finance finance@emmanuelathens.org Sam Polk Director of Music music@emmanuelathens.org Georgia Collier Rector s Associate for Children s Formation and Family Life Amy Wraga Director of the Day School dayschool@emmanuelathens.org Denise Thomas Sexton

14 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATHENS, GA PERMIT NO. 231 TRANSITIONS To Emmanuel Hoyt and Sally Bonynge from Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Greensboro, Georgia Samuel Latimer James and Randi Rogers from The Catholic Center, Athens, Georgia Cecil and Pam Cooke from St. Johns Episcopal, Charlotte, North Carolina Thomas and Ann Wilkins from St. Stephens Anglican, Athens, Georgia Brian Freese from St. Gregory the Great, Athens, Georgia VESTRY John Albright, Communications Carol Bowles, Pastoral Care Rob Byrne, Stewardship Sarah Ehlers, Missions & Extended Ministries Debra Harden, SENIOR WARDEN & Thrift House Clara Herrin, Worship & Liturgy Kim Ripps, Vestry Administration & Emmanuel Day School Shooter Roberts, Faith Formation Beverly Sligh, JUNIOR WARDEN & Parish Life Jeff Stephens, Evangelization Allen Stovall, Facilities Erik Wells, Faith Formation