The Epistle. December 2018 Table of Contents. Becoming Beloved Community. Advent Workshop

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1 The Epistle Becoming Beloved Community A Message from the Rev. Phyllis Spiegel The Episcopal Church is taking to heart the Christian s responsibility for racial healing, reconciliation, and justice. This effort is called Becoming Beloved Community and our General Convention passed a resolution providing for a multi-year engagement for the national church, provinces, and dioceses. Our diocese has also embraced this work and our bishop is encouraging all parishes to spend time on the principles of Becoming Beloved Community. This concept is not original to The Episcopal Church but rather finds its roots in the vision the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had for the world. The King Center states: Dr. King s Beloved Community is a global vision in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. This is, of course, the vision Jesus brought to the world and which Paul writes of in his letter to the Galatians saying, There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:28) And yet we find ourselves, nearly two thousand years later, with ever increasing racial divisions, not only between black and white, but between all flesh, across all cultures. December 2018 Table of Contents Advent Study (page 2) Holiday Schedule (page 3) Epiphany Pageant (page 4) St. Nicholas Workshop (page 5) Annual Reports (page 6) Deadline for January Epistle January 21, 2019 We will use the light of the Advent Wreath to guide us into awareness of our own racial bias, spending each week on one of the four areas of focus Continued on Page 2 Advent Workshop Join us on Sunday, December 2nd, as we prepare our homes for the season of Advent. Supplies will stay up in in the Community Room until after the last coffee hour for you to make fresh Advent Wreaths and Advent Calendar countdown strings. This year the church will also provide an Advent Meditation Poster that can be used each day during the season of Advent and can be decorated according to one s artistic talents. Make sure to join us for this all-church annual event! 1

2 ...Continued from page 1 Becoming Beloved Community as provided by the national church: Telling the Truth About Our Churches and Race, Proclaiming the Dream of a Beloved Community, Practicing the Way of Love in the Pattern of Jesus, and Repairing the Breach in Society and Institutions. Our prayers and reflections during worship, will at best serve as a time for each of us to encounter some of our own bias and resistance. In addition to Sunday morning liturgy, St. Anne will participate in the Diocesan Big Read of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, which will begin in January. The Big Read this year is a part of the diocesan focus on Becoming Beloved Community. These two books written by St. Luke give heart and soul to what it means to be a disciple and the complexity of being a church. There will be multiple groups meeting to allow for different schedules; I hope you can find one that meets your availability. (Please see Patty Cargill or Suzanne Masterson for more detail.) There is no question that the years we have spent thinking of each Sunday of Advent as weeks of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace, are adjectives essential to the concepts of Beloved Community. But we all recognize how much easier it is to hear concepts in the abstract than in the struggles of our times. But faith without relevancy is mere entertainment for the soul. We seek deeper truths and conversion of our souls from this season of light and new birth. As emotions arise, know that there are many resources available to you: clergy, prayer ministers, Stephen Ministers, the Big Read Bible study groups, the Meditation gatherings on Mondays of Advent, and of course a fellow parishioner who can provide a listening ear. May God bless our steps as we walk toward the light of Becoming Beloved Community. Struggling with you every step of the way, Rev. Phyllis+ ***More information on the Big Read and on Becoming Beloved Community can be found on page on both our Diocesan Website, and the national Episcopal Church website, Advent Study Mondays, December 3, 10, and 17 our Meditation Fellowship will use the book Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Nave. Our study guide opens the writings of Thomas Merton in easily digestible pieces and eloquently pairs them with words of other great spiritual thinkers. Our forum will offer a group experience into contemplative dialogue and will be built around three compelling Advent themes: New Group: Walking in The Spirit! Interested in joining our new walking group? We would love to have you! The first.5 mile walk is in the books. Join us for our next walk on December 7th at 1 p.m. (at Liberty Center). Contact Ann Wilson for more details! First Week of Advent: Hope Second Week of Advent: Salvation Third Week of Advent: Compassion Make this Advent a journey toward spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life. Everyone is Welcomed. For more information contact Steve Copeland at stevethechaplain@gmail.com 2

3 Our Mosaic Cross To many, the mosaic cross that lived above the St. Anne altar for years has become a symbol of St. Anne. The original mosaic cross, made in the colors of the liturgical season, was lovingly made by Lois Erven and Eileen Moon. Over the years, the white background of the mosaic became gray, and what was originally meant to be a temporary cover to the organ pipes, began to look a little worn. In the summer of this year, the mosaic came down, and was replaced by our new screen, where we are able to display images that change along with the liturgy. Aware that many were going to miss the glorious mosaic, Lois Erven began to work on a new, smaller, version. A couple of weeks ago, this new version of the mosaic was hung in the narthex. Thank you, Lois Erven, for your beautiful (and quick) work on something that will continue to be meaningful to St. Anne for many, many, years. HOLIDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE The Longest Night Service Wednesday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services Holy Eucharist, 5:00 p.m. Carol Sing and Blessing of the Crèche, 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist, 10:30 p.m. (Incense will be present at late service) Christmas Day Services Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, 11:00 a.m. Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 30, 9:30 a.m. (Note: only 1 service, followed at 11:00 a.m. by a retirement celebration for Kathy Kramer) Join us on Sunday, December 30th, as we recognize and celebrate the incredible music ministry that Kathy Kramer has had at St. Anne. Kathy will be retiring after 30 years of service to our church. The celebration will begin with the Lessons and Carols service at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by a celebratory brunch in the Community Room at 11. While Kathy is retiring, she and Rick will continue to be St. Ann Parishioners, and after spending some time doing retiree activities, will be back to share worship with us! 3

4 Have you ever experienced a time in family life where everything gets so busy that the family gets disconnected? That can happen in a church family as well. It takes time together to develop ties and friendships, to really get to know one another so that we can support each other and grow together in our life with Christ. We hope you will make it a priority to spend time with your church family in worship, but also at any of our Whole Flock events. Aim to attend at least one non-worship event, such as the Advent Meditation Group, the St. Nicholas Workshop, Stepping Forward, or Movie Night. Come along, and spend some quality time with your church family. Table Talk: Where We Talk About Parish Life Lakota Gift Drive Thank you to Ann (and Dave!) Wilson for once again bringing the Reach Out Lakota Gift drive to Saint Anne. As has happened each and every year, all the tags have been taken! All (unwrapped ) gifts should be brought to Saint Anne no later than Sunday, December 2nd. Even though the gift tags have been taken, you can still make a donation to the effort by writing a check (Lakota Gift Drive in the memo). Thank you, Saint Anne, for your always generous hearts. Epiphany Pageant This year we will be doing an all-church Epiphany pageant for both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services. Epiphany is a time when we remember the various manifestations, or "epiphanies," of Jesus' divinity. The first Sunday in January (Jan. 6) celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the peoples of the earth with the coming of the Magi as they bring gifts to the Christ Child. One of our church member has adapted a brown bag pageant play that he and his family experienced while visiting in a church last year during the holiday season. He came back to St. Anne and said, we simply have to do this and so we are!! He took it upon himself to rewrite the script and we are delighted to incorporate it into our services for Epiphany Sunday. On this Sunday every member of the congregation will be participating in the pageant through simple costumes/props provided in brown bags. As the story is being told, members from the congregation become the live actors when they come forward with their prop/costume to accompany the storyline. The story/play will incorporate many familiar Christmas hymns and the sanctuary will come to life with color and excitement as we relive the Christmas story through the journey of The Magi. We are also in need of children and youth who would like to dress up and participate in a more formal cast role. Various cast roles are needed (Mary, Joseph, Magi, Shepherds, Animals, Angels). They will not be asked to memorize any speaking parts: simply to commit to dressing up in the costumes (which the church will provide) and be present for the worship service they signed up for. If your child/youth would like to participate, please register their name on the Epiphany Pageant sign-up board found in the Community Room by December 20 th. We will contact you later regarding what role they will play. Any questions may be addressed to Andrea King, our Parish Missioner. 4

5 Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the craziness that this time of the year brings? Looking for a good laugh? Ever thought about doing something daring at church?... Now that we have your attention, please mark December 14th on your calendar. It is going to be a great night of fun and celebration as we gather as a church family to watch the hilarious British film NATIVITY. This film will keep you in stitches as St. Bernadette s Catholic school in Coventry competes with a local Protestant private school in Oakmoor to see who can produce the best Nativity play. We also invite you to come creatively dressed in Ugly Christmas sweaters, jolly festive hats, or comfortable warm winter jammies. We will gather for games and fellowship at 6:30 p.m. and the movie will begin promptly at 7 p.m. All are welcome, so invite your friends and neighbors, and yes, popcorn will be served! Holiday Movie Night Contact Andrea King with any questions. Sign-up in the narthex for Christmas poinsettias in memory of or thanksgiving for your loved ones. The poinsettias will decorate our Christmas altar! We will print your loved one s names in the Christmas bulletins. To help offset the costs, we are suggesting a donation of $ Contact Frankie Croisant with any questions. Christmas Poinsettias Christmas Cookies!!! We are planning a time of fellowship after both Christmas Eve Services (5 and 10 p.m.). If you would like to, drop off a dozen Christmas Cookies (or other no-fork treats!) in the kitchen before the service you normally attend. Then, join us after the service for fellowship! St. Nicholas Outreach Workshop December 16th 12:30 2:30 p.m. We will once again be distributing outreach bags to those who find themselves working on Christmas Eve. These gift bags are filled with various small items, along with homemade cookies and a simple craft. We are asking that you bake a batch of cookies at home: place 2 cookies in a zip-lock bag. Bring them to church any time between now and Dec. 16. Place the zip-lock cookie bags in the freezer located in the kitchen. On Dec. 16 from 12:30-2:30pm we will gather for lunch (we will provide the lunch!) in the Community Room and work on the crafts and assembly of the gift bags. In addition to these activities, there will also be the opportunity for one lucky member to receive the acclaimed St. Nicholas traveling figure that he/she will get to keep for one year. Last year, our lucky winner was Christopher Wied! To help us with our preparations and how much food to order, please sign up on the sign-up sheet located in the Community Room. 5

6 Christmas Memorial Donations Looking for a place to make a memorial donation this Christmas Season? Consider one of the following: ECSF (Episcopal Community Services Foundation): The Episcopal Community Services Foundation supports congregations in their ministries and creates opportunities for Kingdom Work throughout the Diocese of Southern Ohio by encouraging all forms of philanthropy treasure, time, and talent and by providing grants. Learn more by going here. ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development): Episcopal Relief and Development is the Episcopal Church s compassionate response to human suffering in the world. They faithfully administer the funds they receive in times of disaster and by identifying the root causes of suffering. Learn more by going here. The Rector s Discretionary Fund: Did you know that our Rector has a fund that she uses to help people in our Community and congregation who are in need? This year she has helped people with rent, with gas, electric, and water bills, given out food gift cards, bought tires for a family, and much, much, more. A small amount is budgeted for this fund each year, but the majority of the funds come from donations. To find out more about this fund, how it is used, and how you can donate, contact Ruth Gattinella. Christmas Eve Offering: The Outreach Allocations Committee will be meeting in early December to determine which non-profit will be receiving our Christmas Eve Offering this year. Stay tuned for details! Vestry Candidate Still Needed We are still looking for a candidate to fill a 3-year vestry term. Could this be you? Vestry candidates must be adult communicants (over age 16 who have attended the majority of worship services in the past year, and taken communion) and financial contributors of record to St. Anne within the most recent fiscal year. You must be able to attend the vestry retreat the weekend of February 16th and 17th, Terms begin on January 1st, If interested, or if you would like to learn more about serving on vestry, contact any current vestry member: Scott Balmos, Kevin Conner, Kirk Ealy, Ben Li, Cheryl McKettrick, Brian Mickle, Aubrey Ramey, or Tom Williams. Please prayerfully consider how you might serve your church through vestry service. Reports Due! The end of the year is quickly approaching, and that means end-of-year reports are due! Reports are due by January 7th for inclusion in the annual report booklet. Please reports, including any pictures you would like to have included, to beth@saintanne-wc.org. The Annual Meeting of Saint Anne Episcopal Church will be Sunday, January 27th, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Upcoming Events December 1: Server Training December 2: Advent Activities December 14: Parish Movie Night December 16: St. Nicholas workshop December 19: Longest Night Svc. December 24/25: Holiday Services December 30: Lessons and Carols 6

7 December 2018 Hiking in Spirit Server Training Advent Activ. Outreach Alloc. Lunch Bunch Praise Rehearsal Pondering Child. Choir Reh. EFM Juggling Choir Rehearsal Bellenista Yoga Child. Choir Reh. Lunch Bunch Praise Rehearsal Pondering Movie Night Hiking in Spirit EFM Juggling Vestry Meeting Bellenista Choir Rehearsal Yoga Child. Choir Reh. Lunch Bunch Longest Night Pondering St. Nicholas Wk. EFM Choir Rehearsal Christmas Eve Services Christmas Day Service Lessons/Carols Service Unless otherwise noted, the St. Anne Sunday schedule is: December 25-December 30th (Secretary out of the office) January 1st Please note that the Parish Office will be closed on the following days: 7:30 a.m.-holy Eucharist Rite I 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Praise Band 10:00 a.m.-christian Education Classes 11:00 a.m.-holy Eucharist II with Choir Please note this calendar is a snapshot of the full calendar from the St. Anne website. For more detailed information, go the website and click on the item listed. To include your event on the calendar, contact the parish office. 7

8 Men s Book Group One of the great things about the St Anne Men s Book Club is the chance it provides to explore issues that really matter to us. Over the past months and years we have visited topics such as generational poverty in Appalachia (Hillbilly Elegy), the opiate epidemic (Dreamland), homosexuality and Christianity (God Believes in Love, by Gene Robinson), and many more. Our book selection for December turns to the timely topic of immigration and borders, and the people who are affected by them. Francisco Cantu is the grandson of an immigrant from Mexico who joins the Border Patrol after college in an attempt to understand our complex relationship with our southern border. His experiences in the service, and in the years afterward, provide the stories that he chronicles in The Line Becomes a River; Dispatches from the Border. Avoiding politics and political solutions as much as possible, Cantu attempts to paint an accurate picture of what is taking place along our border, and the price paid by those who attempt to cross it and by those who defend it. The December meeting will take place on Sunday, December 30th, at 6 p.m. in our usual room at the Rusty Bucket restaurant in Liberty Center. All men - all ages - who enjoy reading and conversation are invited. For more details please contact: Rob Turley, Baker Meyer, or Bill Pearce. About St. Anne Parish Office: info@saintanne-wc.org Website: Office Hours: Mon: 8:30 am- 2:30 pm The Epistle is a publication of St. Anne Episcopal Church of West Chester, Ohio Please feel free to contact us regarding any of the information in this publication. Call or us at info@saintanne-wc.org THE EPISTLE St. Anne Episcopal Church 6461 Tylersville Road West Chester, OH