Herald. Saint Alban s. In This Issue: February, St. Alban s Mission: Christ-Centered, Radically Embracing People and Creation

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1 A M O N T H L Y N EWS L E T T E R F O R T H E M E M B E R S A N D F R I E N D S O F S A I N T A L B A N S PA R I S H, S A L I S B U R Y, M A R Y L A N D February, 2019 Saint Alban s Herald St. Alban s Mission: Christ-Centered, Radically Embracing People and Creation In This Issue: Vestry News Senior Warden s letter Diocesan Convention AND MUCH MORE!

2 Saint Alban s Herald, February Saint Alban s Herald is published monthly in electronic and print styles by St. Alban s Episcopal Church, 302 St.Alban's Drive Salisbury, MD The Very Rev. Dr. Frieda L. Malcolm is Rector. Phone the parish office at , or e mail the parish office at stalbanssalisbury@gmail.com. The church Website is Submit ar cles and other informa on electronically to the parish office. Deadline is the 3rd Sunday of the month. There are two services each Sunday: Rite I at 8:00 a.m. with no music Rite II at 10:30 a.m. with music Both are Eucharist services. ALL ARE WELCOME! St. Alban's: Christ-Centered, Radically Embracing People and Creation This is our identity as a parish, which we articulated with these words. We endeavor to follow Christ in welcoming all sorts and conditions of [humanity]. We offer baptism and eucharist to all, and the pastoral offices of reconciliation, ministry to the sick, and Christian burial to those who ask. We do not discriminate with regard to gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation or identity, or mental capacity. With regard to marriage, our policy is to meet all couples desiring a Christian wedding. The legal requirements, both civil and church, must be met. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender. However, the clergy may decline to officiate for other reasons. Dear friends at St. Alban's, Mike and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous gift to welcome our baby, James, to the world and to the church family. The gift card will be very useful in keeping our nursery stocked in the coming months. We are happy to have found the community at St. Alban's and appreciate the amazing welcome that we have received as new members. With gratitude, Ani and Mike Mathers

3 3 Saint Alban s Herald, February, 2019 Frieda s Place Seasons Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, and Beyond For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 We are in the middle of the season after the Epiphany in the Church, and in the middle of winter in terms of weather. In academic circles, we are at the beginning of the second semester (in this hemisphere). The season of our lives depends on our age and family, but each of us is in a season of some kind. Most years, the February newsletter is introducing a Lenten theme, but because Easter is almost as late as possible, Lent doesn't begin until March 6. We have more time to consider how Jesus himself manifested God, and how we as His Body do, and how that manifestation might change from life to life and season to season. My inclination is to get overwhelmed with the possibilities presented to us in Jesus' interactions with people, and with the challenges and opportunities presented to us in our individual, congregational, and communal lives. Where do we focus? Where do we begin? We can't possibly do it all! And then, reflecting on the fallow garden, the bare leaves, the cycle of life and the cycle of seasons, I recall the words Ecclesiastes speaks to us there is a time. You and I aren't called to tackle everything at once. Nor are we called to tackle everything, period. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians that each of us is given gifts, but none of us is given all the gifts. Individuals, families, and congregations have their own vocations, which seldom remain static for all eternity. Babies are born, students graduate, parents mature, adults begin and often change careers, the elderly slow down. And so, relief sets in, at least a little. The challenge remains: who are we today, in this season? What are we called to be and do today, in this season? The particular matters; the urgency, the passion, and the commitment matter. For example, each of us reacts to snow depending on our personal circumstances. The skier heads for the slopes; the plower drives the snowplow, the person at risk for falls stays indoors and enjoys the view from the warmth. May we each be true to our own season and gifts, as we share the love of Christ with others this month and beyond.

4 Saint Alban s Herald, February, Vestry Assignments 2019 Senior Warden: Arlene White Junior Warden: Brian Raygor Communications: Vic Evans Fellowship: Sandy Grim Care of Neighbor/Pastoral Care: Kim O Grady Care of Creation/External Property: Brian Raygor Property: Howard Doak Worship: Virginia Jeffrey Finance: Chris Sabas Christian Formation: Jenny Buchanan

5 5 Saint Alban s Herald, February, 2019 The Commissioning of Officers and Vestry Pictures by Maggie O Grady Thanks from Salisbury Middle School Katherine West During the last two days of school before Christmas vacation, students at Salisbury Middle had an opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts for their families. Our student population has increased this year by over 150 students, and we were concerned we wouldn t have enough goods in the Holiday Shop. Once again, St. Alban s came through. Thanks to everyone at St. Alban s who donated items for the students, we filled up two truckloads of items for the Holiday Shop. For many of our students, items from the shop may be the only items their families receive at Christmas. It means so much to students to have the opportunity to give something to their families. Many thanks for all those donations - please know that they meant so much to so many students. I would also like to thank my wrapping angels - Arlene, Cristina, Audrey, Pat, Beth, and Becca. These ladies spent hours on their feet, expertly and beautifully wrapping gifts for over 700 students. Without their help, gift wrapping wouldn t have happened. FREE SERVICE: HELP WITH BRINGING PATIENT HOME FROM HOSPITAL

6 Saint Alban s Herald, February, Black History Month at SU Salisbury University celebrates African American History Month with a series of discussions and special events in February. Dr. Richard J.M. Blackett, Andrew Jackson Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, inaugurates this year s events with the presentation Taking Leave: How Fugitive Slaves Influenced the Debate Over the Future of Slavery 7 p.m. Thursday, February 7, in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri Student Union. University Dining Services annual Soul Food Dinner, featuring the Bernard Sweetney Quartet, is 4:30-7:30 p.m. Brett Friday, February 8, in the Commons. Cost is $14.20, $8.55 for children 6 and under. That evening, SU students and community members are invited to share their performances on the theme of African American History Month during a Spoken Word and Open Mic Night beginning 6 p.m. in the Wicomico Room. Dr. Martha S. Jones, Society of Black Alumni Presidential Professor at Johns Hopkins University, continues the series with the presentation Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America 7 p.m. Thursday, February 21, in Perdue Hall s Bennett Family Auditorium. Mark The series concludes with a screening of the documentarytalking Black in America 6 p.m. Thursday, February 28, in Fulton Hall Room 111. The film chronicles the impact of African American English on U.S. language and culture. An SU faculty panel discussion follows. SU s African American History Month celebration is sponsored by the Multicultural Student Services Office, Fulton Public Humanities Program, SU Honors College, History Department, Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, SU Libraries and University Dining Services. Admission to all events is free unless otherwise noted. For more information call or visit the SU website at

7 7 Saint Alban s Herald, February, 2019 Senior Warden s Letter Arlene White As we move into February and think about Valentine s Day, I am reminded of the verse above from Proverbs about another use of our hearts during this season. God asks a lot of us to trust Him, to believe completely that He will do what is best for us always AND to do that with ALL of our heart. What a wonderful challenge to take on this month and always! I consider myself an independent person, wanting to do most things on my own, under my own steam and on my own timetable. Departing from that, even a little, pushes me toward those moments when I need to trust that God knows better than me, that He knows me better than me and loves me ever so much that I must trust Him, listening for His voice, watching for the signs He sends, just being more attentive and trying to keep the outside world at bay. All of that is not an easy task and then, I must plunge ahead and do all that with all of my heart, mind, soul and body. Knowing that I have the caring family of believers here at St. Alban s at the ready to pray for me, talk and walk with me gives me the strength to carry on, to truly seek to know and do His will. May His loving arms find their way to hold you close on February 14 th and every day thereafter. FIVE WAYS TO COMFORT PEOPLE When hard times hit, we sometimes have no words. This is when simplicity and presence can be best. Here are some suggestions when you can't find the "right" words: 1. Simple words are best, such as Let me know how I can help. 2. Be present and say nothing. 3. Gestures, such as holding someone's hand, say so much. 4. Share God's word by listing comforting Bible verses for them. 5. Pray for them: God knows your heart even if you don't know exactly what to say. Adapted from an article by Michelle Cox on Guideposts.org

8 Saint Alban s Herald, February, PLEASE CHECK THE TABLE IN THE PARISH HALL FOR REGISTRATION FORMS FOR THE IGNITE THE WAY CONFERENCE

9 9 Saint Alban s Herald, February, 2019 The Empowerment of Social Media Chris Sabas We constantly read stories about how social media is used to hurt, malign and abuse others. I am sincerely thrilled to share a story that demonstrates how social media can be used to promote, uplift and foster discipleship. I recently posted on Facebook about a book I had previously read and was using at the time for a project for The School of Diaconal Formation of the Diocese of Easton. "Come Out, My People!"- God's Call out of Empire in the Bible and Beyond, by Wes Howard Brook, offers a compelling view of two competing religious visions--- one of "creation" and the other of "empire"---that run throughout the Bible. For anyone who cares about the interface of power and faith, with all the threats and seductions that go with it, this is the book for you. On Facebook, I referenced that I have discussion materials to go with the book, kindly given to me by a professor in Toronto, and I offered to facilitate a book discussion. The response was extraordinary. Frieda encouraged me to 'announce' the gathering, via The Herald. We'll gather once a month, starting Monday, February 4th, 5:30 p.m., St. Alban s. Bring a Bible and the book. We'll begin with the Introduction and Chapter 1. You can purchase the book on Amazon: Empire/dp/ Please do not let cost preclude your participation. Please contact me at persia.sabas91@gmail.com.

10 Saint Alban s Herald, February, Epiphany Images Nativity scenes with creches from the congregation. Picture courtesy of Todd Becker Chris Sabas and Trystian Ting Picture courtesy of Maggie O Grady Pat Hendrickson with rays of light streaming in. Picture courtesy of Todd Becker Dinner For Homeless Men at St. Peter s St. Alban's will be preparing dinner for the men's homeless shelter at St. Peter's on Wednesday, February 13. We will begin preparing dinner around 4:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. Please join us to help with this ministry. Contact Kim O'Grady or Pat Layton so they have an idea of how many helpers to expect.

11 11 Saint Alban s Herald, February, 2019 Diocesan 150 th Celebration Eucharist Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be joining us for the annual Diocesan Convention in The convention will wrap with the closing ceremonies to our 150th year: A Celebration Eucharist that welcomes all.. Bear witness to the Jesus Movement on the Eastern Shore and joins us at this once-in-a-lifetime service. Convention 2019 & Celebration Eucharist with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry March 1st-3rd, 2019: Convention March 3rd, 2019: Celebration Eucharist At the Hyatt, Cambridge MD Tickets are available for the Diocesan Celebration Eucharist on March 3rd at 12:00 noon at the Hyatt in Cambridge. Only those who are NOT registered for any part of Convention are asked to get tickets. Please see Frieda if you need tickets. New Vestry Member Vic Evans Here in mid-january at the start of the new year and new vestry term, I ve been asked to share some information about myself as your newest, first-time St. Alban s Vestry person. But before anything about me, I want to thank you for your confidence in electing me to a 3-year term. As so many of you who have served on vestry already know, the roles and responsibilities of the lay vestry in every Episcopal parish are important, significant and democratic by design. I am fortunate that the vestry leaders accepted my request to serve as the Communications Liaison with the congregation and beyond. We already have in place many crucial tools for internal communication, such as the weekly E-Pistle and monthly Herald, as well as numerous on-going chains focused on the many activities that regularly occur at St. Alban s. In terms of external communication, social media activity is increasing with some interesting content, including live-streaming Frieda s sermons. I thank everyone who is contributing to all these endeavors. And I welcome the important challenge to do more to share news and information among ourselves and with others. As for me, I m a native of Salisbury, as is my wife Susan. I ll be 70 in April and retired two years ago as an architect and school/college/university planning consultant, which was when we returned to our roots on the Eastern Shore after living in Severna Park near Annapolis and BWI airport for several decades. We have seven adult children in our blended family. The youngest, who has autism, lives with us for now, as do three dogs. The others have scattered to Wilmington DE, NYC, Chicago, Little Rock AR and Portland OR. I m a life-long Episcopalian but have never felt more connected to my Church because St. Alban s is such a welcoming, supportive, and loving spiritual community. The caring and inclusive dimension of St. Alban s, reflected on a personal level by so many, is the reason I look forward to going to church every week. Our congregation is filled with gifted, energetic and talented people who are humble and proactive in sharing their gifts. I am thankful to have found St. Alban s and hope to communicate more thoroughly and broadly who we are and what we do. Please share your ideas and strategies about how we can accomplish this goal together!

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