Trumpeter. The. November 2015

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Corey Tucker
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2016 Talking Turkey Music Notes What Happened at GC 2015 Trunks, Tricks & Treats & Much More.

Our Deep Waters program recalled the journey that Peter took when he moved from the safety of the shore into the deep waters of following Jesus.

1 The Trumpeter St. Christopher s Episcopal Church 8:00 & 10:15 AM Sunday Services 9:00 AM Sunday Christian Formation Coffee Hour following 10:15 Service November 2015 Inside this Issue Stewardship 2016 Talking Turkey Music Notes What Happened at GC 2015 Trunks, Tricks & Treats & Much More... Stewardship 2016 The Stewardship program this year used as its basis the passage from Luke 5:1-11, in which Jesus called the first disciples. Our Deep Waters program recalled the journey that Peter took when he moved from the safety of the shore into the deep waters of following Jesus. This journey also mirrors the path we take with our spiritual life and resources. We could stay on the shoreline and carry on for an entire lifetime, but by looking away from the shoreline we can think more concretely about how we live our lives and how we are called by God to give. In deep waters we give to run our ministry so that others will be able to worship and be transformed. Each Sunday during the October campaign we wrote prayers of thanksgiving, asked for blessings and put continued on next page...

Staff The Right Reverend Todd Ousley, Bishop of Eastern Michigan The Reverend Donald F. Davidson, Priest in Charge frdon@stchrisgrandblanc.

org Kirk Austin, Parish Administrator Kirk@stchrisgrandblanc.org Nada Radakovich, Director of Music nada@stchrisgrandblanc.

Those are still on display in Fellowship Hall. Following the October 25 service we enjoyed a very special luncheon arranged by Marilyn Brown and provided by The Laundry in Fenton.

2 Staff The Right Reverend Todd Ousley, Bishop of Eastern Michigan The Reverend Donald F. Davidson, Priest in Charge The Reverend Elizabeth Morris Downie, Associate Emerita Ashley Sweers, Associate for Formation & Family Ministries Kirk Austin, Parish Administrator Nada Radakovich, Director of Music other thoughts of our spiritual journey onto the fish cutouts which were displayed in the gathering space, and blessed during the Sunday October 25th service. Those are still on display in Fellowship Hall. Following the October 25 service we enjoyed a very special luncheon arranged by Marilyn Brown and provided by The Laundry in Fenton. This event served to bring our congregation together, thanked everyone who has turned in pledge cards and was, overall, a big success, with over 80 members attending. It's certainly something to think about repeating next year. The next step is to finalize our budget for next year; the results of our stewardship campaign will dictate how far forward we can go into our future here at St. Christopher's Church. The water is deep and challenging, but the journey will be exciting! Dr. Greg Hassold Parish Organist greg@stchrisgrandblanc.org Elizabeth Sauvie, Parish Secretary Elizabeth@stchrisgrandblanc.org Stephanie Finn, Sexton Stephanie@stchrisgrandblanc.org Your Vestry Christopher Sleath, Senior Warden seniorwarden@stchrisgrandblanc.org Rick Lutgens, Junior Warden juniorwarden@stchrisgrandblanc.org Heidi McAra, Clerk Grant Finn, Treasurer treasurer@stchrisgrandblanc.org Olanrewaju Aluko Karl Haiser Maxine Huber Charlie Safley Ron Shrank Linda Steibel Remembering Our Veterans Wednseday, November 11 is Veteran s Day. On Sunday, November 15, 2015 we will, therefore, take a moment to honor our Veterans. All of those who, at anytime during their life, have served as a member of the military including the US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force or the US Coast Guard will be asked to stand when their branch of the service is mentioned. St. Christopher s Episcopal Church commends those who are serving and who have served when called by our nation. We give all of our veterans our heartfelt thanks.

raised on turkey farms have everything brought to them.

3 Talking Turkey The pastor of our neighboring church (Kirkridge Presbyterian) devoted his column in their monthly newsletter to turkeys. The Reverend Glenn Grant noted that while the wild ones, who often are in the back yard of the church building, have to fend for themselves in fighting predators and looking for food, while those raised on turkey farms have everything brought to them. He goes on to express his concern, not that Christians may become turkeys but that we are very different in our expectations than Christians of years past, a bit like the farm raised gobblers. At no point was Glenn calling Godly Presbyterians fowl, but he had a good point; although he may well have ruffled a few feathers. We live in a very different time when people have expectations of their church but rebel when the church has expectations of them. The tithe is too much so we seldom discuss the concept as it is disturbing. Woe to the priest who mentions church attendance as more significant than a list of other Sunday morning options or that children should attend Sunday school. Through the years, many churches closed themselves off to the outside world intending to be more like Christ by not associating with an ever increasing list of sinful behavior practiced only by those "not like us." In addition to awkward Christian isolationism, some churches took upon themselves a righteous attitude of Biblical narcissism announcing that their understanding of scripture is the only correct understanding. Other churches declared their passive liberalism to the point where everything is fine, nothing is wrong. Somehow the Episcopal Church may need to remember their Latin "via media" or the middle way. Despite shouts to the contrary the church is not dead but I do think it may suffer from some unintentional loss of sight and hearing. Our baptismal covenant is very clear that we are all to seek and serve, and respect the dignity of every human being. We are to do all that we can to see that there is justice in our land and in the world. As we approach Thanksgiving and Advent let us all pray that our parish and our Episcopal Church, can be faithful to its heritage as a church in the "middle." That we may welcome all who we meet, and care for those in need. Let us also give thanks to God who made it possible for us to love and be loved. What did they do at GC 2015? The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church that meets every three years. The General Convention also includes Interim Bodies which meet between the triennial sessions to accomplish ongoing work and tasks set in the triennial sessions. The most recent session of the General Convention was in Salt Lake City, Utah in The next session of the General Convention will be in Austin, Texas, in Father Don at GC On Sunday, November 15, 2015 and on Sunday, November 22, Fr. Don will present the changes and information from the General Convention of the Episcopal Church The Adult Formation class is held in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 A.M.

Music Notes Welcome to Nada Radkovich, Our New Music Director Nada Radakovich has had the pleasure of singing all over the United States, Canada and Europe for the past 25 years.

Radakovich holds MM and BM degrees from the University of Michigan School of Music in Ann Arbor, and is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy.

More recently Nada has enjoyed being the musical director for the Comic Opera Guild in Ann Arbor, the Kearsley Park Players here in Flint, and, for the past 5 years, directing Menotti's magical one

4 Music Notes Welcome to Nada Radkovich, Our New Music Director Nada Radakovich has had the pleasure of singing all over the United States, Canada and Europe for the past 25 years. She was a professional soprano, and returned to Michigan to care for her father in his final years. Ms. Radakovich holds MM and BM degrees from the University of Michigan School of Music in Ann Arbor, and is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy. Nada had the distinction of being the only vocal student of Metropolitan Opera Star Judith Blegen for many years in NYC. In Europe, Ms. Radakovich worked with famed soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. More recently Nada has enjoyed being the musical director for the Comic Opera Guild in Ann Arbor, the Kearsley Park Players here in Flint, and, for the past 5 years, directing Menotti's magical one act opera, "Amahl and the Night Visitors" at the Flint Institute of Music. She is thrilled that she has been invited to be a part of 'all things musical' at St. Christopher's. Community Messiah Performance The Grand Blanc Arts Council s 28th Annual Community Messiah Performance will be presented at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 6494 S. Belsay Rd. (corner of Perry and Belsay Rds.) on November 22 at 4:30pm. This year s guest director is Dr. Matthew J. Packer, director of choral activities at Mott Community College and Mott Middle College. If you are a singer who would still like to participate: There is still one rehearsal remaining that you could attend on Sunday, November 15th, from 2-5 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Grand Blanc. Dr. Matt Packer will be conducting. Bring your own copy of the Messiah, a sharp pencil and a bottle of water! If you would like to be a part of the audience: The performance is open to all and there is no charge but a free-will donation will be gratefully accepted at the door. Our community chorus is comprised of volunteer singers - both adult and high school students from greater Genesee County area. Also accompanying this year s perforamnce is a six-member chamber orchestra, complete with harpsichord. Come, listen, and enjoy this spectacular event as you prepare for the upcoming holiday season!

What a spook-tacular time we had at the Halloween Party! Thank you to everyone who decorated their trunk and handed out treats!

We saw a variety of costumes and everyone looked so festive!

Formation Fun Trunks, Tricks & Treats... After trunk or treat we came inside, ate dinner, played games and participated in activities.

spooky sun catchers, decorated cookies, wrapped each other up like mummies, decorated trunk or treat bags and ate a lot of candy!

begin at 9 am each Sunday. Registration forms are available in the gathering space.

Forms are grade specific so please be aware of that when finding the form.

5 What a spook-tacular time we had at the Halloween Party! Thank you to everyone who decorated their trunk and handed out treats! I truly appreciate it (and so did the children)! We had an awesome turn out and everyone had so much fun! We saw a variety of costumes and everyone looked so festive! A HUGE thank you to Wojo s in Davison for donating 50 pumpkins for the party! Make sure you check out the pictures of the party! Formation Fun Trunks, Tricks & Treats... After trunk or treat we came inside, ate dinner, played games and participated in activities. We painted pumpkins, played a spider splat game, decorated witch hats, rolled a Jack-O-Lantern, played Halloween bingo, painted spooky sun catchers, decorated cookies, wrapped each other up like mummies, decorated trunk or treat bags and ate a lot of candy! Gabby & Emily s Cookies Vance s Cookie Lauren, Gary, Colleen, Mary Advent-ure Please remember Formation classes for all generations begin at 9 am each Sunday. Registration forms are available in the gathering space. Please make sure you fill out a form for each of your children. Forms are grade specific so please be aware of that when finding the form. November 29th is the first day of Advent and we will combine the adult class and the children s class. Please join us for an Advent-ure Sunday with stories and symbols of Advent! Then, during coffee hour, we will have an intergenerational Advent wreath and calendar making activity! Paper Towel & Toilet Paper Rolls Needed Please bring any donations to Ashley! We will be using the rolls for our Advent-ure Creations! Thank you!

Vestry Report Light at the end of the tunnel. It's been a long few months and a lot of hard work has been done by the staff and Vestry of St. Christopher's to bring us to where we are now.

6 Vestry Report Light at the end of the tunnel. It's been a long few months and a lot of hard work has been done by the staff and Vestry of St. Christopher's to bring us to where we are now. As I'm sure we all agree, one of the biggest tasks ahead of us is to increase our numbers and grow our congregation. Well, I'm pleased to report that in the last three weeks, there have been three very promising signs for the future. The first of these was our Stewardship Dinner which was very well supported. In fact, I did mention that we had more people there than we normally do at our Annual Meeting. Secondly, we had a wonderful "Truck or Treat" on Oct 30th. There must have been at least 70 people there and the kids had an amazing time. There were so many people, we even ran out of food. My sincerest thanks to the planners of both events. Lastly, on All Saints Sunday, there were over 100 people at our 10.15am service. This is more than we've had except for Easter and Christmas since I can remember. If this is a sign of things to come, bring it on. To see St. Christopher's flourish would be truly wonderful. We have a lot to give thanks for in the future. Speaking of which, a very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Chris Senior Warden Upcoming Events & Dates to Note Saturday, Nov 14th Parents Night Out 6-9 PM Advance registration is necessary for planning and staffing purposes. Please contact Ashley by calling the parish office at (810) or by at Ashley@stchrisgrandblanc.org. Tuesday, Nov 24th Community Thanksgiving Service 7 PM This year s service will be held at St. Christopher s. For more information, see the full page flyer. Thursday, Nov. 26th Thanksgiving Day Office will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving Thurs 11/26 and Fri 11/27. Sunday, Nov. 29th Advent-ure Adults and childrens 9 AM Formation classes will be combined. During coffee hour, we will also have Intergenerational Advent Wreath & Calendar Making. 8 AM & 10:15 AM services will occur as normal. Saturday, Dec 12th Parents Day Out Noon to 4pm Last minute Christmas shopping? Need to wrap presents? Need some quiet time at home? Need to run errands? Children are welcome to join us for a fun afternoon of games, activities, lunch and fun! Please Ashley to reserve your child(ren) s spot. She can be reached at ashley@stchrisgrandblanc.org. We look forward to all of the fun! All events are open to the community. Please invite your family & friends!

Join us for A Community Thanksgiving Service Tuesday, November 24 7:00pm St.

Christopher s Episcopal, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Kirkridge Presbyterian and First

There will be a community choir; an offering for FISH will be taken, and you are also welcome to

7 Join us for A Community Thanksgiving Service Tuesday, November 24 7:00pm St. Christopher s Episcopal Church (9020 S. Saginaw Rd., Grand Blanc) St. Christopher s Episcopal, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Kirkridge Presbyterian and First Congregational Church of Christ will be participating. There will be a community choir; an offering for FISH will be taken, and you are also welcome to bring/donate canned goods. Individuals are welcome to bring their favorite pie to share during fellowship after the service. Come Join Us for a Time of Thanksgiving! Childcare will be provided during this service!

.. Calendar of Events Photos Current and Past Trumpeters Up-To-Date News & Information So many ways to stay

For Text or Email Reminders: Text @stchris to 81010 or Email stchris@mail.remind.com www.stchrisgrandblanc.

volunteers to help staff the childcare room each Sunday.

online) and have a passion to work with children.

8 Check Out Our Website! New Features! Schedules for All Liturgical Leadership Readings Posted Online Make Online Contributions Plus... Calendar of Events Photos Current and Past Trumpeters Up-To-Date News & Information So many ways to stay up-to-date... Find the one that works best for you! For Text or Reminders: to or Like us on Facebook: St Christophers Episcopal Church Sunday Volunteers Needed We are still in need of volunteers to help staff the childcare room each Sunday. The only requirements are as follows: be at least 16 years old, complete Safeguarding training (this can be done online) and have a passion to work with children. You can make any commitment you are comfortable with (this is something we can discuss on an individual basis). Childcare is available during the 10:15 am service. If you are interested, please contact Ashley (ashley@stchrisgrandblanc.org). Happy Thanksgiving! St. Christopher s Episcopal Church 9020 S. Saginaw Rd. Grand Blanc, MI Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9am- 4pm (810) Office@stchrisgrandblanc.org

LOOK. The. March 2016 Trumpeter

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