THE GOOD NEWS April 2016

Transcription

1 The mission of St. Paul s is to be the Body of Christ and instruments of his love and grace committed to serve and nurture this church and community. THE GOOD NEWS April 2016 Inside this Issue Parish News & Notes Vestry highlights Upcoming Events EYC Happenings Church Calendar and Ministry Schedule Baptism is Dangerous from the Rector You know, water can be a dangerous thing. My first distinct memory of being around water is standing with my father on the banks of Greenville Creek. I ve heard it both ways around here, but in Ohio, we pronounced it, crick. As you ve heard me say before, my Dad was an avid fisherman. Family outings fishing from the bank were a fairly common part of even my earliest childhood. But we didn t have a boat, so this was the first time I was invited to go along fishing from my uncle s boat, a five-year-old big boy out on Greenville Crick. Water can hurt you, my Daddy said in the very serious tone that I always listened to. So you ve got to take it seriously. He went on to give me some rules to follow, things to do and things not to do, so that we would all be safe around the water. I don t remember what we were fishing for, or indeed if we caught anything at all that day, though my Dad would have. I doubt that I even cared, because I remember being absolutely thrilled. But I also remember holding pretty tightly to the gunwales of that boat, knowing full well that, for all the adventure, water can be dangerous, so you ve got to take it seriously. I remember another day on the banks of Greenville Crick. Back before we moved to Arizona, my Daddy was the pastor of Greenville United Missionary Church. Now, when it came time for baptism in that church, they didn t sprinkle folks. They didn t dip water from a font like we do around here. They didn t even dunk folks in an in-the-church pool like you might see in one of the Baptist churches down the street. No, when there was to be a baptism service at the Greenville United Missionary Church, everyone gathered at the river, or rather at Greenville Crick. The banks were always a little muddy. The Ohio summer usually made the air practically wringeable. The mosquitoes generally outnumbered the congregation at least twenty to one. But in spite of the heat and the mud and the bugs, everyone came out, and most everyone wore his or her Sunday best. My Daddy on the other hand, paired with a special pair of brown pants and his baptizing shoes that he only wore for baptisms because they would no longer take polish. For each of the candidates for baptism, the women of the church made a white robe just for the occasion. And on the particular day of my memory, I sat on the banks of the Crick with the other children in my own white shirt and the little blue shorts I wore at the time, drinking it all in. One by one, the candidates were led into the flowing water. Standing waist deep, they each testified to the faith they had in the Father and the love they had for Jesus. Then Dad would place a folded hankie over their mouth and nose and they were dunked three times in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. As each of the newly baptized came up out of the river, we all sang, the ladies who sat down front on the right when we were indoors, waved their hankies in the air with one hand while fanning themselves with funeral home paper fans with the other, and everyone, young and old, clapped their hands and shouted Halleluias. As we watched my Daddy dunking people beneath the water, Johnny Hicks, whose seven-year-old wisdom I generally accepted without question, observed, You know, someone could get hurt doin that. And you know, Johnny was right on the mark. The waters of baptism, can also be dangerous. Paul said it best when he said that we are buried with Christ by baptism, so that as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life. Baptism is a kind of death, destroying who we were, drowning the old self, burying that self in a watery grave, so that we might become the new creature we were always intended to be. For all the adventure, baptism can be dangerous, so we ve got to take it seriously. Peace and joy,

2 Upcoming Events Sundays 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite 1, 9 a.m. Choir Practice, 10 a.m. Choral Eucharist, Sunday School. Coffee Hour following the service. Mondays Office Closed, 6 p.m. EfM Tuesdays 6 p.m. Saints, Sinners and Cynics Rookies Sports Bar Wednesdays 12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Anointing for Healing Wednesday April 13 6 p.m. Potluck Supper and Program Sunday April 17 CCO Sunday Deodorant Youth to Tri-Fest Monday April 18 Noon St. Ann s Guild Tuesday April 19 5:30 p.m. Vestry Meeting Wednesday April 20 5 p.m. Confirmation Class Saturday April 23 6 a.m. Rummage Sale and Bake Sale Tuesday April 26 6 p.m. VBS Meeting Wednesday April 27 6 p.m. Potluck Supper and Program Saturday April a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry Parish News and Notes And the hunt is on! St. Paul s younger set dressed in Easter best head out to find their Easter eggs.

3 Update on the Journey from the Postulant According to the Acts of the Apostles, even the giants of Christian discipleship were uneducated and ordinary men. I think this short passage from the Acts underlines one of the major themes of the Bible: the power and promise of God to transform ordinary people into extraordinary servants of God. Take for example, the man who led the Israelites to freedom. Left as a baby in a basket in the Nile, when God called upon him, Moses tells God he is not eloquent and his speech is slow. Remember that Jonah actually fled from God, refusing to go and tell Nineveh to repent. Yet God sends Jonah despite his trying to leave and not do the will of God. God even called Esther and Mordecai to save Israel from Haman s plan to kill all the Jews. Then of course there is the disciples, who were simple fishermen and tax collectors who became the first followers of Jesus. God calls all Christians no matter what the situation may be. We don t necessarily need to be a scholar, or even have a college education for God to use any of us. We just need to realize God calls us to do his will and not what we want to do. I realized during my six month internship at Trinity Church in Owensboro, and through my four months of pastoral training at Methodist Hospital, that God confirms our calling by the work that he gives us to do. I believe strongly, because I have seen it in my own life over and over, that when God calls the unqualified, he qualifies the called. As Christians in today s world, God has called us to be his servants. We are to proclaim the Good News of the Bible, and we are to love and serve those who are sick, poor, or in great need. We are called to reach out with the love of Christ, to have the compassion to make a difference in their humbled lives. It is a total commitment I have found difficult at times, but graciously accept as a servant for God. As I ve said before, I believe our prayer life is the reason God touches our hearts with his calling. If prayer isn t that important, then why did Jesus teach the disciples how to pray the Lord s Prayer? Why did Jesus go off by himself often to pray if it wasn t necessary? Paul even writes to the Thessalonians to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks to God. Jesus constantly prayed for those he healed, and he prayed for his disciples. Jesus preached and prayed throughout Israel with the disciples, he dropped lots of hints about his true identity. Even when he talked honestly with the disciples in the upper room, and later that night in the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples still didn t understand what Jesus was trying to tell them, they still didn t understand the nature of their calling. As Christians living in a time after the resurrection, may we understand our calling and greet each day with joy and hope, so that when others encounter us, perhaps they ll see Jesus in us. Yes, even today he has risen to live in all of us! Lenten Luncheon a Hit Susan Sauls They took the time to come into the kitchen and tell us to never change the menu. They asked for the salad dressing and chicken vermicelli recipes. They told us our luncheon was the best one so far. Well don t you know how proud and filled with excitement we were? A hundred, fifty friends were in our church and then filled our parish hall to the brim for Wednesday's Lenten service and luncheon. Wow, we pulled off another successful event that we all pitched in to help. I dare not mention names for fear that I will forget someone. My sincere thanks and God s blessings to you if you moved furniture and tables and chairs; if you loaded and unloaded Presbyterian chairs and then loaded and unloaded them again; if you provided a casserole, dressing, tea, or cookies; set or decorated tables; iced glasses; served food; swept the kitchen floor; cleaned up; emptied trash; washed or dried dishes; welcomed visitors; prepared and led the service; donated cash; laughed with us; prayed with us; prayed for us; took pictures of us doing what we do so well; made sure our guests had everything they needed; attended the service and enjoyed the food and fellowship; supported us from afar; or did anything else to ensure we hosted yet another fabulous Lenten Luncheon. We are so very blessed at St. Paul s thank you, thank you, thank you! Close Shave With everything else going on, we just about totally forgot about our collection for Christian Community Outreach on Palm Sunday, but we regrouped Easter Sunday and the following for a good collection. This was our first time collecting individual disposable shaving razors, a non-dietary staple that most of us don t give much thought, but one which can divert considerable expense from the meager budgets of those who depend on CCO to make ends meet. Our next 3rd Sunday collection for CCO is Sunday, April 17 when, at Mary s request, we re looking for deodorant. Please bring the smaller, individual size sticks or cans.

4 Gathering Again at All Saints Leslie Newman St. Paul s was well represented at Spring Gathering the weekend of March at All Saints. Kayleigh Purdy attended for her first time and Alexis Purdy attended for her last time as a high school student. Alexis will return as a camp counselor this summer. She is a miracle worker with kids and will be an asset to All Saints, as will her brother Trae, Anna Hays and Caitlin Walker, who will be junior counselors in the midst of their other summer activities. Trae, Anna and Sophie, Caitlin, and her friend Haylie (another newbie) also attended Spring Gathering. Two other youth registered but at the last minute were unable to attend. From the reports we heard at the Dairy Queen in Leitchfield and on the ride home, a good time was had by all, and the kids are counting the days until they can be back at All Saints with their camp friends again. We are so fortunate to have this diocesan treasure to support our children s Christian formation. Thanks to Carol Noon, Fr. Rich, David Hays and Iris for providing transportation and the time to take the youth to and from camp. Brushing Up for Easter Spirit Leslie Newman The Presbyterian youth and their leader Becky Durham were our guests at St. Paul s on Palm Sunday for a creative Lenten activity. Both churches provided canvasses, acrylic paints and brushes, St. Paul s provided lunch, and our resident artists Iris Gentry and Greg Powell were on hand to teach and guide the aspiring artists to express their hope in anticipation of Easter. It is amazing to see what even painters who think they have no talent can produce, and all our parish family and visitors were treated to an exhibit of their beautiful results in the parish hall on Easter Sunday. Iris did a beautiful job of displaying our youth s art work. The youth will be taking their paintings home soon, so please be sure to see the exhibit this Sunday. Thanks to Iris and Greg for supporting our youth activities, and to Gisele for helping me with supporting their efforts. And thanks to the kids for helping clean, straighten and vacuum the parish hall before we departed. Preparing for the Big Day Leslie Newman We jumped the gun on Easter again on Good Friday, when EYC met after school and before the Stations of the Cross in the parish hall to stuff over 600 Easter eggs in preparation for the egg hunt on Easter Sunday. The kids had some salty snacks to counteract the sugar in the candy they dutifully sampled to be sure it was good. On Easter morning, our youth once again fell into their servant leader roles naturally. Trae and Mike France helped hide the eggs, and faster even than our resident/errant squirrel newly named Rocky could gather them. Zoe served as an usher with her father. Jacob Deep returned from the University of Louisville to serve as head acolyte. Caitlin and Hannah corraled the children to the start of the egg hunt, and all our youth helped the young children find eggs, made sure all children got some, and then helped empty them into take-home bags so we can recycle the plastic eggs next year. Quinton and Trae carried the flowered cross out to the corner of Center and Green to be displayed as St. Paul s symbol of our celebration of the Risen Christ. Thanks, too, to our St. Paul s children and youth who served with Larry during the Lenten weekly observance of the Stations of the Cross. Continued Service Leslie Newman All our youth will have the opportunity to prepare for what it is like to lead a kid s camp, as the first week of June, Monday-Thursday mornings, June 6-9, St. Paul s will host Vacation Bible School with our partner churches, the Presbyterian Church, First Christian Church and Community Baptist Church. Raiko Henderson graciously serves as the leader of our efforts, and you will be hearing more from her about what is needed in terms of time, talent and treasure. And don t forget that for those youth who help with VBS, Fr. Rich will host a reward day at Holiday World that Friday, June 10. The reward also extends to any friends that our youth recruit to help with VBS. You will also be hearing more from Raiko about continuing the summer feeding program she initiated at St. Paul s last summer. Coming Up Usually, EYC likes to get together on the Sunday ending Spring Break to commiserate their return for the home stretch, but this year, that plan will be overtaken by our youth day at Tri-Fest Sunday, April 17. After coffee hour, the Parish will kick in some added funds (kids might want to bring some of their own as well) and we ll walk the midway and ride the rides until 2. May Day this year falls on a Sunday and EYC will celebrate the rites of spring with a picnic to replace the one that got stormed out in April. Come to church dressed for outdoors and we ll find our way down to the River for lunch. Menu suggestions are welcome. And be on the look-out for an from Leslie about Youth Sunday on Mother s Day, May 8.

5 Vestry Notes At their meeting as part of the Planning Workshop on March 12, St. Paul s Vestry: Reviewed February financial reports showing income still slightly training expenses for the year. Walked through overall budget categories. Received a briefing investment accounts from Frank Lewis, our trust officer from F&M Bank. Engaged in a goal-setting exercise for the year ahead. Some highlights included: More people involved in the Prayers of the People. Trip to the National Cathedral. Programs with other churches. Parish canvass during operating fund campaign. Intergenerational mission trip. Labyrinth and prayer area for public. Expand building preservation. Partner with Habitat for Humanity. Glanced at the calendar for 2016 and even several years out. The next Vestry meeting will be Tuesday evening, April 19 in the Rector s study. Mission to South Dakota Leslie Newman This June, Trae Purdy will join the youth of the western Kentucky Presbytery for a trip to the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, the home of the Lakota Sioux. The youth will host a kid s camp and do minor home repairs, and they will see how the Indians live and they will make friends and have experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. You may recall a few years ago when Ellen Green embarked on a similar mission, and the stories she brought back to tell. At 6:00 Wednesday evening, May 4 the Presbyterian Church will host a supper at which Trae will join other participants to talk about their upcoming trip. They have invited our congregation to attend. There is no cost for the supper but a freewill offering will be taken in support of the group trip expenses. In addition, Trae is working to raise money on his own for his share of the cost. He is willing and available to help parishioners with their spring cleaning and yard work. Donations may be made payable to the Discretionary Fund. Confirmation Classes Underway Back when the Bishop was here, Fr. Rich said we would get to the training end of Confirmation after Easter. With some input from several parents and others that help with out young people, here's what the It s finally here! St. Paul s Rummage Sale If you haven t already, please bring your items by Sunday, April 17. And then come be part of the fun, Saturday, April 23 6am to 1pm Come for baked goods and lots of good stuff! schedule looks like: 5:00 Wednesday, April 20 How did the Church get started? 5:00 Wednesday, May 4 What makes the Episcopal Church different? 5:00 Wednesday, May 11 What s so special about OUR church? (Parish potluck follows at 6) Tuesday, May 31 - Thursday, June 2 Confirmation Retreat in Kuttawa on Lake Barkley (much more info as we get a little closer.) Fr. Rich needs at least one other adult for each session, and a couple of adults to join us on the retreat. While most of that need will likely be filled by parents of those attending, if you are available to lend a hand in the faith formation of our young people, give him a call to see how you can help. I guarantee it will be as rewarding for you, Fr. Rich is fond of saying, as it is for those you serve. Everyone is Welcome in the Atrium Michelle Green Our Sunday School is not like your grandma's was! The atrium teaching approach is founded on Margaret Mead's educational theory. The space is designed for children ages 3 and up to come and experience biblical stories as well as liturgical lessons. If you would like to volunteer in the Atrium, please let me know. Two Hearts Filled with Thanks Fr. Rich and Jenny We would like to thank you all for your kindness and support in these last days with Jenny s Daddy, John. We are humbled beyond words that so many of you sent cards, and sent food, and came all the way to Clarksville to visit with our family Friday evening, or to be part of John s service on Saturday. The outpouring from our friends here at St. Paul s led my mother-in-law, Pauline, to comment, Those folks in Kentucky sure do love you! Thank you! Financial Summary as of February 29, 2016 Pledged Amount to Date $32,018 Pledged Income received to Date $24,006 Other Operating Income to Date $8,882 Operating Expenses to Date $41.404

6 St. Paul s Episcopal Church Staff The Very Rev. Rich Martindale, Rector Leslie Newman, EYC Director Evalyn Champion, Organist/Choir Master Donna Mulcahy, Bookkeeper Judy Duncan, Parish Secretary Phone Service Times Sunday 8:00 Rite I 10:00 Rite II Wednesday 12:10 Rite II w/ anointing Vestry Members Sr. Warden Jr. Warden Clerk Budget and Finance Parish Life Building and Grounds Outreach Worship and Music Christian Formation and Youth Communications Treasurer Greg Powell Bill Gentry Susie Watkins Hugh Hennessy, Bill Gentry Marilyn Dixon, Greg Powell, Susan Sauls Greg Powell, Bill Gentry, Hugh Hennessy Kurt Wilson, Marilyn Dixon, Susan Sauls Jennifer Preston Jennifer Preston, Kurt Wilson Hugh Hennessy St. Paul s Episcopal Church 5 South Green Street Henderson, KY