Chronicle. Thanksgiving Prayer

Transcription

1 Chronicle Giving Thanks by Christopher D. Girata, Rector Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Thanksgiving is a day when there is no real commercialism or consumerism, just families gathered around tables sharing love and good food. When I was a child, we always celebrated Thanksgiving supper at my grandmother s house. But my grandmother had an adventurous streak in her. She would get very excited about a new recipe from Christopher D. Girata Southern Living or from her church cookbook, and she would place century-old silver trays next to new, odd pieces she collected in her travels. One of my favorite pieces of her collection was the giraffe- and zebra-handled salad tongs she got on a safari to Kenya. Occasionally, she would try to make cakes from scratch, too, but those never quite worked out. Thankfully, she gave up making cakes in order to embrace her true gift: pies. She was a brilliant pie maker, and I was always very appreciative, especially when she brought an apple or cherry pie out of the oven. On Thanksgiving, my grandmother loved to bring out the old serving dishes filled with food from long-held Thanksgiving Prayer Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us. For the beauty of your creation, For our our homes, our families, and our friends, For minds to think, hearts to love, and hands to serve, For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play, For the brave and courageous seekers after truth, and For the communion of saints, in all times and places, We thank you, Lord. Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. edited by the Rev. Christopher Girata family recipes. Silver trays that had been in my family for generations upon generations would brim with all the usual suspects like roast turkey and gravy, cornbread dressing, and potato casseroles. Her table would overflow with good eats. Now that I ve buttered you up with a lovely story about my sweet grandmother, I have a confession: I don t really like Thanksgiving food. I ve never liked turkey and I really don t like most of the heavy foods that typically fill a classic Thanksgiving table. My favorite dishes are the simplest, like sautéed green beans or made-from-scratch cranberry sauce. And if you ask my patient wife, she ll tell you about the time I tried to get away with preparing meatballs and sauce for Thanksgiving, a tragic event that has become one of those family stories that I hear retold every single year. Family stories can be the highlight of Thanksgiving, and although those stories typically poke fun at someone around the table, they are perhaps the most important of all the holiday traditions. Stories are the vehicles of tradition. Every family has great stories. Some are good, some are bad, but our stories become our traditions and our heritage. Telling and retelling stories is what makes a family irritating and lovable at the same time. I wouldn t trade the great stories of my family for anything in the world, and I give thanks for all the stories you and I are making at Calvary right now! THANKS, pg. 12 Inside this Chronicle Calvary s Newest Vestry Leaders Caring for Calvary Children and Youth Congratulations, Brayden Girata Dallas, New York, ISIS, and Us Diocesan Convention Meet Sarah Murray Quiet Morning Scarborough Fair Vestry Update

2 Calvary Episcopal Church making God s love visible in downtown Memphis 102 N. Second St. Memphis, TN (901) (901) , fax Parish Offices Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday Worship: 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on second Sundays clergy and staff with initial of first name followed by full last name@calvarymemphis.org Example: Chris Girata, cgirata@calvarymemphis.org CLERGY The Rev. Christopher D. Girata (x138) The Rev. Eyleen Farmer (x117) The Rev. Audrey Gonzalez Rector Assoc. Rector Deacon CLERGY IN OUR MIDST The Rev. Senter Crook The Venerable Mimsy Jones The Rev. Canon Bill Kolb VESTRY Warden s Committee: Hall Gardner, Sr. Warden (3) Leslie Atwood Smith, Jr. Warden (2) Allison Parker, At Large (2) Terre Sullivant, At Large (1) Peg Wahl, Treasurer Kathryn Jasper, Clerk Alison Boeving (2) James Dowd (2) Celeste Herburger (1) Nicky Hitching (1) Rose Johnston (3) David Leigh (1) Mike Nelson (2) Bob O Connor (3) Charles Shipp (3) Raymond Spence (1) Clay Woemmel (3) PARISH STAFF Kayla Bartosch (x103) Minister to Youth Issiah Carroll (x152) Kitchen Assistant Hilary Chipley (x105) Dir. of Youth & Children Lynda Gayle Deacon (x119) Music Admin & Event Coordinator Fred Goldsmith (x115) Information Officer Jason Kindel (x120) St. Cecilia Choir Director Kristin Lensch (x120) Organist-Choirmaster Robyn Mauldin (x108) Dir. of Communications Mary O Brien (x123) Parish Chef Katie Owen (x109) Parish Administrator Ebet Peeples (x138) Assistant to the Rector Harry Reyna Facilities Manager Cindy Yeager (x139) Financial Assistant Caring for Calvary by Christopher D. Girata, Rector Caring for Calvary s beautiful, historic property has never been easy, but recently, your leadership, both on the vestry and the Buildings & Grounds Committee, have accepted that challenge with great energy and renewed enthusiasm. Great strides in caring for our property have been taken over the past 18 months, resulting in a strategic process that is bringing the maintenance of our physical space in line with the excellence we take in the other areas of our common life. At the end of October, we welcomed our new facilities manager, Harry Reyna, to our Calvary staff. Helario Harry Reyna has been in Memphis since He is half Greek and half Native American from Taos Pueblo in Taos, NM. He also lived in South Korea from 1984 to 1989 where he fell in love with the country and food. Harry has owned three food businesses in the Memphis area since 1991, one of which was Kwick Chek #10 on Madison Ave., where he was the self-proclaimed, God- Father of Convenience Store Cuisine. He happily lives with his girlfriend, Renee, who has three rescued dogs. Harry also has one daughter who currently lives in Scotland. He is very excited to be part of a church that really cares for the whole community and helps promote Memphis as positive place where we work, live and pray. Harry has hit the ground running and his energy has been contagious. He joins the rest of our facilities staff, including Issiah Carroll and housekeepers Willie Williamson and Devin Veasley. Willie and Devin are contracted through ISS Facility Service of Memphis to keep our buildings clean. In partnership with contractors from around the city, Harry and his team will be making gains in bringing our physical plant back in line with where it should be. Over the course of the coming year, your gifts will help us continue to renovate and restore our property to the condition it deserves, an investment that honors those who have come before us and paves the way for those who will inherit our community in the future. The Chronicle deadline is the 10th of each month. 2

3 Meet Sarah Murray by Kristin Lensch, Organist-Choirmaster Sarah Murray is a 16- year old organ student of Oganist-Choirmaster Kristin Lensch. After many years of piano, Sarah decided she would like to try organ lessons, and has been studying organ for three years. Because of her diligence in practicing, Sarah has progressed quickly, Kristin Lensch and has been able to play for several 8 a.m. worship services at Calvary. She started by playing a piece for the prelude, and is now capable of accompanying all the hymns and preparing three pieces to be played during the service. It is a very little known fact, but learning the art of hymn playing takes time. It requires dividing the four voices up between two hands and two feet, a fluency in reading the music on the page and playing with a very steady rhythm. It also requires not listening to the congregation while they sing, but leading them. It can easily take up to a year to move from beginning to learn the method of hymn playing to leading a congregation in singing. If you don t believe me, sign up for organ lessons! Sarah played in April, in October, and will again play on November 16. It is a delight and privilege to share things I learned as a young organist with Sarah. From Sarah Murray: Taking piano lessons laid the foundation for my love of music. After studying for several years on piano, I had the chance to watch the organist at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio, play the services there. I loved the organ's beautiful sound, and this inspired me to take up the organ as a second instrument. One of the reasons why I enjoy studying organ is that it is a often used as a church instrument. I have always loved singing hymns and thought they were one of the most beautiful parts of church services. Later, I wanted to learn how to play the organ accompaniment, and by taking organ lessons I learned how to play a hymn. Music What a thrill that was for me! I have always loved music, and organ has let me continue to learn more and more. I am very grateful to have such a great teacher and to be able to play on the magnificent organ at Calvary. Kristin Lensch and Sarah Murray at the Memphis AGO Centennial banquet with Fred Swann, former President of the American Guild of Organists, and Organist Emeritus of the Crystal Cathedral Brayden Girata Congratulations to Brayden Girata! Brayden Girata is the most recent Boys and Girls Choir member to complete the White Level of the RSCM Voice for Life curriculum. The Voice for Life curriculum is as much about Christian education as it is about musical education. It reinforces healthy singing practices, teaches music theory, and supports many discussions about liturgy and biblical texts. As choristers absorb and demonstrate these concepts, they are rewarded with medals on different colored ribbons, ranging from white to light blue to dark blue to red to yellow. Regular rehearsing and Sunday service leading helps them to progress more quickly, and helps to instill leadership qualities. It also gives them an important role on Sunday mornings! Congratulate Brayden when you see his white Voice for Life pin on his white surplice. 3

4 Calvary s Newest Vestry Leaders by Christopher D. Girata, Rector On Sunday, October 26, Calvary gathered for our Annual Parish Meeting and Vestry Elections. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the slate of members nominated to serve on the vestry and congratulations to those elected. The new vestry-elect is a committed group of leaders who will continue to grow our church with new ideas and fresh energy. Please keep these new members in your prayers as they take up this new role. Julie Bethell (50) and her husband Clay began attending Calvary when they moved to Memphis in 1989, and Julie was confirmed here in They are the parents of Bailey (23), Grace (21), and Mack (14). Julie received a bachelor s degree from Vanderbilt in Secondary Education, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law. A former math teacher and lawyer, Julie is currently working at home as a private math tutor. In her 25 years at Calvary, Julie has coordinated Life Blood drives, the Emmanuel Meal and the Emmanuel Center birthday party, taught Godly Play, served on the children & youth council and altar guild, and participated in two Honduras mission trips. She is currently a pastoral care team member, Waffle Shop volunteer, and Rector s Wednesday Bible Study participant. As she sees it, Calvary s top priorities should be to strengthen its position as a beacon of God s love in downtown Memphis, to encourage member participation in services, programs, outreach, and the many other rich offerings of Calvary, and to continue to enhance and upgrade our historic building and grounds. As a vestry member, Julie will focus her energies on clergy support and encouragement, support of youth ministries, and on buildings and grounds. She also will bring her listening and analytical skills to help the vestry guide Calvary s future. Chad Cunningham (39) has a bachelor s degree in Political Science from Sewanee and an MBA in Finance from Vanderbilt. He received his CFA designation in 2006, works as the Chief Investment Officer at IronHorse Capital Management, and serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs. He and his wife Jennifer joined Calvary, along with their children Allie (9) and Cabell (7), in 2008 when they moved to Memphis from Nashville, where they were members of St. George s. In his six years at Calvary, Chad has served on stewardship campaigns and as an usher. Chad says, In light of all the new and exciting energy at Calvary, it is a true honor to give back and serve the Church and, by extension, the broader Memphis area. I have lived in several different areas around the US; I believe I can provide some unique perspectives as Calvary works to clarify its future mission in Memphis. To the vestry, Chad says he will bring his strong financial, analytical and written communication skills. He identifies a need for Calvary to attract young parishioners and families, develop additional programs to keep younger member engaged in the church, and broaden giving throughout the community in order to reduce our reliance on large donors. Chad adds, The church has made significant progress financially over the past year; I would like to help develop further plans to solidify our long-term financial future. Jan Lee Gwin (65) received a business administration degree from Mississippi State and has had a long career as a financial advisor with Morgan Keegan, now Raymond James. He has been a member of the parish for over 35 years, during which he has used his financial experience in service to the parish finance committee, and has served three terms on vestry, as treasurer, junior, and senior warden. Jan also has served as an usher and Waffle Shop volunteer. In the community, he has served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Touchdown Club of Memphis, and on the MSU Alumni board. Jan often worships at Calvary with his two grown children and their families, 4

5 daughter Katie Gwin Jenkins, granddaughter Campbell Jenkins, and son John Gwin and his wife Melissa. He wishes to serve on the vestry in order to share my experiences learned serving on previous vestry terms, and to support our church by volunteering my time and talents to further the works of the parish. Jan identifies the need for Calvary to minister to our own flock, to continue to enhance our worship experience through preaching, liturgy, and music, and to minister to the City with emphasis on potential growth areas such as downtown. Claudia S. Haltom (59) is an attorney, a retired Juvenile Court Judge, and currently serves as the CEO of A Step Ahead Foundation. She and her husband Bill were confirmed at Calvary over 30 years ago. They raised their three grown children, Will (29), Ken (26), and Margaret Grace (19), in the parish. In her many years at Calvary, Claudia has taught Sunday school, served as the president of the Episcopal Church Women, and worked as a member of the flower guild. In the community, she has served the boards of the Children s Foundation of Memphis, the Tennessee Bar Association, and the Association of Women Attorneys. To the vestry, Claudia will bring her past experience as a former vestry member and junior warden. She hopes Calvary will focus on attracting and engaging young families. Fred Piper (55) has been a member of Calvary for 30 years. He and his wife Jill are parents of two grown sons, Phillips (23) and Kenneth (19). A Rhodes College graduate, Fred went on to receive a DDS and MS in orthodontics and has been an orthodontic specialist for 28 years. He has served as a member and officer of various dental and orthodontic associations. For 10 years, Fred was a board member of Family Services of the MidSouth and was board chairman for two, ending in Fred has served as a Eucharistic minister for the past 10 years. Formerly, he participated in Stephen Ministry and the Disciples of Christ curriculum. As a vestry member from , he served as both junior and senior warden. He says, I want to help Calvary become an even more vibrant community of brothers and sisters learning, worshipping, and serving together. Chris has spoken most eloquently of his vision of our community, and I would like to help him achieve it. Fred says the vestry should continue to enrich our Calvary community so that we may serve, and in so doing, I think growth in numbers will occur. He likes working with fellow Calvarites, and he will be glad to focus on whatever is needed. Clerk Catie Thacker (29) is a life-long Episcopalian who grew up at Christ Church in Little Rock, an urban downtown church very similar to Calvary. After graduating with a degree in Finance from the University of Kansas, Catie moved to Memphis and joined Calvary, along with her husband DJ. She works at FTN Financial as an Asset Liability Management Analyst, helping banks manage risks while maintaining profitability. In her seven years at Calvary, Catie has been a member of the handbell choir, foyer groups, the young adult ministries, and a Eucharistic minister. Currently she serves on a stewardship calling team, on the worship & music committee, and is the Acolyte Master. In the community, Catie is a member of the Junior League of Memphis. Calvary gives thanks for the vestry members whose terms end at the end of 2014: Hall Gardner, Rose Johnston, Bob O Connor, Charles Shipp, and Clay Woemmel. 5

6 Calvary Middle School Lock-In by Kayla Bartosch, Minister to Youth Children and Youth sponsors to donate money based on how many pushups or situps they do in 10 minutes. The students will do their push-ups/situps during class on Sunday, November 9. We had a great time at the middle school lock-in October 4th-5th. The night was full of games and the participants donated five full bags of clothes to the Calvary Clothes Closet. The students were so enthusiastic and made cleaning and organizing the Clothes Closet a blast! Our guests at community breakfast the next morning were very thankful, too, as they received new clothing items. There were lots of laughs, smiles, and plenty of great memories made! We can't wait for the next lock-in. Thank you to all the students and parents for making this event so successful. And a big thank you to our awesome volunteer, Dewar Gleissner, for spending over 18 hours with the youth at Calvary! We could not have done this without everyone's support! The students will be given a sponsorship folder in class on Sunday, November 2. The students will decorate their folders and talk about how the folders will help them keep track of their sponsors. Also on November 2, the students will set a goal for how many pushups/ situps they think they can do in 10 minutes. This goal will also help the sponsors gauge how much they would like to donate. An example would be a student set a goal of 200 push-ups/situps. The sponsor would donate 5 cents a pushup/situp. This would equal a $10 donation. Contact me if you would like to sponsor a student! Time, Talent, and Treasure Service Project Opportunity by Hilary Chipley, Director of Children and Youth Ministries As we have all heard, the West Tennessee Diocesan Convention will be held at Calvary this month. It is an honor for Calvary to host the convention and many preparations are already happening for convention weekend. The children of Calvary will have the opportunity to play a roll in the behind-the-scenes part, too! Calvary Youth Push/Sit-Up-Athon by Kayla Bartosch, Minister to Youth In November, our youth will be asked to participate in a Push/Sit-Up-Athon to raise funds to support the Emmanuel Meal gift project. Students will find On Sunday, November 16, after formation classes, children and their families are invited to act as Calvary s pew crew and organize Calvary s pew backs in preparation for convention. We will meet for pizza in the Mural Room at 12:15 p.m., and then we will head up to the sanctuary to begin our work. This should not take more than an hour of volunteer time and will be a big help as Calvary prepares for convention. Please RSVP to , ext. 141 or hchipley@ calvarymemphis.org, so that I may order enough pizza! 6

7 Children and Youth Finding Joy by Robbie Phillips, Nursery Coordinator the Calvary family. Hello to those of you that already know me, and to those of you that I have yet to meet, I am Robbie Phillips, the nursery coordinator here at Calvary. I feel very blessed to be a part of It s such a joy to work with your children, that I do not consider this a job. Working with children is the talent God gave to me it s my ministry. I started working with children professionally in 1983 after I graduated from Shelby State with a degree in Early Childhood Education. In my lifetime I have tried other careers, but have always come back to what I love. Over the years, I have taken on many roles in childcare. While teaching has always been my life s work, I also have enjoyed being a nanny and a weekend and nighttime sitter. I considered it a joy to bring newborns home from the hospital and take care of them. Currently, I work for the Shelby County School system at Richland Elementary. I am a full-time, special education assistant in the Pre-K program. Working with children with special needs is the most rewarding experience that I have ever had. To help a child with no language speak his/ her first word is indescribable. Needless to say, children are my life s joy, not work. I have been married for 23 years. I have seven children, one biological, two adopted and four stepchildren. And, oh yes, there are grand children! Thank you for allowing me to add your children as my extended family. Jonah, Ella, Eli, Nonie, and Ella were all smiles during the bowling party for Bible 102 on Saturday, September 20. Emmanuel Meal Service Project Calvary s children will be collecting items to give as gifts to our Emmanuel Meal guests at the Emmanuel Meal on Monday, December 22. Collection boxes designed by the children will be at the Second Street entrance to the church, at the second floor landing by the elevator and at the Information Desk. Look for the boxes in November to donate the following items: hats gloves socks scarves travel-sized lotion tooth brushes tooth paste On Saturday, December 13, our children will gather at Calvary for a wrapping party where we will wrap the gifts in festive paper and ribbon. Every guest of the Emmanuel Meal will find a gift at their seat when they arrive. Thank you for helping to make this Christmas brighter for our Emmanuel Meal guests! 7

8 Scarborou Calvary Episcopal Church by Jill Piper One of my favorite television characters from the 60s was Mrs. Drysdale, the social-climbing banker s wife from The Beverly Hillbillies. When it comes to society, Mrs. Drysdale, Jed Clampett said, You re the first hog to the trough. When it comes to hosting my Calvary family, I m the first hog to the trough too. Any excuse to put on the dog for Mother Church, and you can count me in. Easter egg hunts, dinner clubs and Christmas fetes have come and gone, but rarely has anything captured my heart like Scarborough Fair, which fell on an incomparable Sunday afternoon last month. Calling ourselves Friends of Thistle Farms, the Rev. Eyleen Farmer and a merry band of helpers conceived of a fair built around herbs and honey as a way to introduce our newest ministry, support for women rebuilding their lives from prostitution, human trafficking and addiction. Since the spring, volunteers from Calvary Church and Church of the Annunciation in Cordova have been cultivating herbs and keeping bees in anticipation of our first yield, 31 jars of amber-colored honey. The purpose of our partnership is the development of a social enterprise to support the Community of Lisieux, a new residential program in Memphis for survivors of prostitution, trafficking and life on the street. Both projects Lisieux House and the gardens are modeled on the Magdalene Community and Thistle Farms, in Nashville, founded by Episcopal priest, Becca Stevens. On the day of the fair, the following thought struck me: as we fairgoers enjoyed the sunshine on our shoulders, the abundance of interesting and creative foods, the lilt of Barbara Christensen s harp, and companionship of our own choosing, there were women who spent this same afternoon working the streets so they could eat or sleep indoors that night. That The Episcopal Church recognizes and celebrates such paradoxes is one of the qualities that keeps me there. It seems I am not alone, because more than 100 friends dug deep to fill the beehive basket with donations, paint bee frames for the apiary, sample herbal skin polish or purchase a honey-based lip balm made by second graders from St. George s School. The Rev. John Burruss of Anunciation commended the heartfelt commitment of everyone who participated, whether they were beekeepers, bakers or browsers: I think that we are all hungry to respond to the brokenness of the world. We want to make a difference, and while we are willing to give money, I truly believe that people want to do more. We understand the value of sweat equity. And by inviting a whole bunch of people to Scarborough Fair, we are enabling our Friends of Thistle Farms to dream and shape a sustainable way of empowering and changing the lives of women in our community. 8 Best overall: Herb Rub for Chicken and Veggies, Dem Deacons, Calvary Episcopal Church Best presentation: Orange and Tarragon Simple Syrup, Annunciation Altar Guild, Church of the Annunciation Winn Best savory: Holy Guacamole, French Best sweet: Lavender Shortbread, Chor Church

9 ugh Fair ners: Finch, Holy Apostles ralis Herbalis, Calvary Episcopal Best beverage: Lavender Mint Lemonade, Reines des Abeilles, Holy Apostles Best skincare product: Scrub Me Tender, Reines des Abeilles, Holy Apostles Most original: Cough Syrup, Blues City Bees, Blues City Cultural Center 9

10 Dallas, New York, Isis and Us by Bill Kolb, Associate Clergy Self preservation is instinctive. It is born into those born with normal instincts. It is natural and necessary for the survival of our species to watch out for our personal safety. Most of us, when hearing about the injury or Bill Kolb death of another, will think about whether we are safe from the danger that confronted that person. This does not mean that we are selfish or uncaring. We can be sad and compassionate about what happens to others, while at the same time watching out for ourselves. It is this inherent caution that makes a person so very special, when they rise above personal risk to help another person. That kind of sacrifice requires that we ignore strong internal signals that tell us to be careful, to avoid risk. And so we watch the skies for dangerous storms (in these modern times we listen to weather forecasts). We watch or listen to or read the news for many reasons, but one of them is to stay informed about events, people or situations that might bring harm to us. On 9/11/2001, during and after the extremists' attacks resulting in so many deaths, millions of us experienced what I'll call a "double struggle." It is what happens when we have something going on within us or right around us (e.g., worry about a debt or a marital problem), and at the same time, we have worry or great sadness or compassion or fear about something far off (like 9/11). I thought about that "double struggle" idea on 9/11 itself, when the people of Calvary Episcopal Church were wrestling with internal tensions at their parish AND suffering with the rest of America (and much of the world) over the enemy attacks. Much the same thing, I think, is going on today. Most of us have something within us or right around us that causes sadness or tension. Perfectly normal. Life happens. But today many of us are also struggling with two situations, both far from Memphis, but which pose potential threats to us here at home. Those situations can trigger our instinctive need to exercise self preservation. And here's my point: we can react to those potential threats with fear, or we can respond with courage. A little fear can be a good thing. It can even be wise and necessary. But too much of it can keep us from being courageous when courage is needed. The two situations are Ebola in Dallas and New York City, and the Middle East. Ebola and Isis. It is my perception that we are not often faced with such dramatic potential threats to our safety, in addition to the everyday stresses in our lives. Dallas and New York, and the Ebola scare in those cities, suggest that as long as Ebola is raging out of control in West African countries, it can be transported anywhere. When we read about mistakes that have been made in dealing with this crisis, both in Dallas and West Africa, and perhaps in New York, it can raise some fears. The new barbarians of Isis are a long ways away, but we've read just enough about their goals and their own seeming lack of fear; when we see just how extremely vicious and zealous they are, that situation can raise some fears within us. I want to take you back, for a moment, to December of Let's say around the 10th or 15th. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a great shock and fearful threat to our corporate and individual safety. In the days following, Americans read with dismay of Japanese victories as they bombed and invaded the Philippines, Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong. Throughout most of 1942 the war in the Pacific (and in the European theater), victories were scarce and losing the war was a true possibility. Think what scary visions must have tempted fear in many Americans, with the real chance of being occupied by enemy forces. Add to that, the fact that early in the war the depression had not ended for many. Add to that, whatever individual worries haunted the everyday lives of individuals: about marriage or one's children or parents, or guilt or illness or grief. Ordinary life pressures. And yet we prevailed. Hope and courage overcame fear in millions and millions of Americans' hearts. And that 10

11 made a huge difference for life on the home front and to some extent, in the outcome of the war itself. In the recent Ken Burns PBS series about the Roosevelts, Eleanor Roosevelt was quoted about some of her thoughts on fear and courage. In her personal life, she went from being a shy, private person who had never spoken to a group, to being a world leader and inspiration to millions, even to this day. Growth like that does not happen automatically, easily, or overnight. Her remarks about going into the heart of her fears to find courage clearly reflect what she went through. And it may be similar to what the people of this country went through during World War II to become the high-functioning, brave citizens that most of them turned out to be. I want to suggest that the way our country can be the strongest and most productive during these times of threats to self-preservation at home and abroad, is to find our courage and never submit to fear. Fear can do more than just keep us from being courageous, strong, and productive. Fear can sow chaos. It can bring out selfishness, hostility, and even violence towards others. Franklin D. Roosevelt said it well when he said that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." I don't know if he personally wrote that line, but it was a great thought, and I understand it better now than I ever have. Some say that Americans today are not as tough and strong as those who went through the Second World War. I believe that we are, in fact, perfectly as capable as they were, under similar pressures, to find courage within us to meet the tests of our time, the challenges of our day. Mike Nelson Vestry Update by Mike Nelson Some months ago, the vestry created an ad-hoc committee on governance to see if we could fine-tune our practices and procedures for vestry elections and leadership. I chaired the committee, which consisted of Alison Boeving, Allison Cates, the Rev. Chris Girata, and Bob O Connor. No sense of crisis spurred the creation or work of the committee. Instead, at a time when Calvary and its vestry seem more united and optimistic than in many years, the idea was to take a best-practices approach. Thus, in doing our work, we surveyed other churches to learn what had worked for them. Our recommendations to the vestry were unanimously approved and have gone into effect. The first was to reconstitute the nominating committee for vestry elections to consist of the rector and most recent senior wardens, rather than the outgoing class of vestry members, who in the past have sometimes been uncomfortable performing this role. A second change was to fix the annual number of nominees which in the past has varied wildly at eight, of whom five will be elected by the entire parish. This does not preclude nominations from the floor that practice remains in place. In order that every member of the parish may choose from the full slate of nominees, such nominations must now be made in time for attendees of the 8 a.m. worship service to cast their ballots. A third change was to abolish the position of first-year member of the Wardens Committee and instead to strongly encourage every vestry member to attend at least two Wardens Committee meetings per year. The Wardens Committee meets monthly to help shape the agenda for the following week s vestry meeting. Every vestry member now has a voice in these meetings, which in turn helps those on the Wardens Committee, who benefit from hearing these new voices. Your vestry continues to work hard and is always willing to listen. You can find the complete listing of vestry members at calvarymemphis.org/vestryleadership. Vestry minutes are held the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in Crook Auditorium. All are welcome to attend. Vestry minutes are posted online at calvarymemphis. org/vestryminutes. 11

12 con t from THANKS, pg. 1 Giving thanks for our blessings is part of our great Christian story. This year, hundreds of people in our Calvary family are learning and relearning the greatest story ever told, the story of the Bible. The characters from our biblical story are coming alive and connecting with us in new ways, and it is through those stories that we can learn about those who have come before us and be inspired to live differently in the future. As we learn the small stories inside the big story of the Bible, we can see how our own small stories connect with our larger Christian story, especially with those who have gone before us at Calvary. On the first day of November, churches around the world celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Over the years, All Saints Day has taken on different meanings, but one thread has remained the same we acknowledge and honor the link between those who have passed away and those of us who remain. We know that we live and we die, but we believe that in death, life is changed, not ended. We begin this special month by giving thanks for those who built the world in which we live. We give thanks for family and friends who built traditions and taught us to be who we are. And we give thanks for our Calvary family who built our great church and who have given the church into our care. One of my favorite scripture passages is the very last verse in the very last Psalm: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6). After all the stories and all the poetry, all the ecstatic highs and the dramatic lows, the Psalms end with the simplest sentiments of all: praise and thanksgiving. There is such a profound simplicity in those words. Those words can begin the month as we remember those who we love and see no longer, and then end the month celebrating the love we share with our family and friends all around us. Being thankful is a natural human response to good experiences, but we run into trouble with thankfulness when we hit hard times. I certainly know how it feels to experience pain and heartbreak and being thankful for those experiences is just about the last thing I want to 12 Perhaps it s simple gratitude for the gift of life that is the core of our journey, our walk with God. be. But being thankful is not about what we want; it s not even about an action. Being thankful is a state of mind. Too often, we respond to what we experience in life, rather than living through those moments. Rather than responding to the day-to-day, we share a tradition that encourages us to change our perspective, to transform the way we see the world through the love of God. In that transformative process, we begin to live through our lives, not simply bounce from one moment to the next. Being transformed by love, a love that is deeply true and unchanged by the whims of life, gives us a solid foundation so that we begin to live with gratitude for life itself, not for the infinite little moments life brings our way. Perhaps it s simple gratitude for the gift of life that is the core of our journey, our walk with God. Unconditional, truly unchanging gratitude for everything we have and everything we are is what God hopes and dreams for us. It s the foundation of a life well lived in this world and the hopefulness of our life to come. That is the great arc, the great story of this month, and I want to invite you to live into that story in a new way this year. As we celebrate and honor those we have loved and lost at the beginning of November, think of the profound hopefulness on display in our All Saints celebration. Consider how much hope and love it takes for all of us to gather together in the beauty of holiness and profess our faith that death is not the end of life, but the moment when our life is transformed in a profound way through God in Christ. Imagine living our lives now, every day, with that kind of sacred hopefulness at the center. Then, as we approach the end of the month and our national Thanksgiving Day, we are given the opportunity to live into that new sense of gratitude with those we love most in the world, a gratefulness for all we have and for all we are. Perhaps this year, Thanksgiving Day can be transformed in light of the celebration of All Saints Day. We can be changed, indeed transformed by the gratitude we hold for this simple, profound gift of life.

13 Diocesan Convention at Calvary November How can you help? Vendor Liaison Greeters Drivers Assist with setup on Thursday and Friday and take-down on Saturday Welcome people to Calvary and give directions Transport people in an emergency or run errands Registration Prepare convention packets and assist during registration Signage Put up and take down signs inside and outside the church General Gofer Assist diocesan staff: must be able to lift, carry and smile a lot! Contact Lynda Gayle Deacon to volunteer: Daughters of the King QUIET MORNING complimentary potluck breakfast curl up in a quiet corner to knit or read reflect on holiday traditions build your holiday card list SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 8:30 A.M. - NOON 13

14 Calvary Prayer List Kinzie Bird John Blaylock Michael Boyer Margaret Brown Kathleen Chandler Paul Craft, Jr. Michele Crump Mimi Dann Tommy Dennis Terry Fox Laura Garretson Holly Potter Gilbey Donald Howdeshell In your prayers at home, please remember those on the Calvary prayer list. Jim Johnson Jo Potter Sue Johnson Jane Propson Sally Jones Lucy Sands Gail Kirkland Tommie Saxon Nancy Livermore Nino Shipp Gerri Logan Beecher Smith Neely Mallory, III Craig Smith Al McCraw Wally Smith Andrew P. McLeod Jo Speak Evelyn Mills Maureen Stoneman Sissy Nickels Philip Strubing David Ousset David Sullivan Jim Peebles The Tigrett family Jean Vandiver Julia Velasco Sam Viar Joshua Wallace Eileen Watson Katherine Wellford Elizabeth Whitlock Trisha Wood Gene Woods Brenda Diane Great Expectations Melissa & John Gwin Kathryn & Jake Jasper New Life Brendan Ritter, grandson of Laurence Ritter Eleanor Grace Parker, great-granddaughter of Mary Baird WEDDING BELLS Megan Clingman & Ben Smith, Sept. 27 Audrey Lemmon & Jeremy Grammer, Oct. 4 Destiny Doty & Dominic Ferrari, Oct. 25 Saints Departed Louise Wilbourn Collier, mother of Weezie Calandruccio and Katy Creech Paul Craft, Jr., brother of Beau Snowden Curtis Henderson, father of Mark Henderson Donald Howdeshell, father of Jamey Howdeshell Nancy W. Livermore, grandmother of Ross Herrin Linda Woodruff, wife of the Rev. Deacon Drew Woodruff To have a loved one or yourself added to any of the Calvary Prayer Lists, please contact Ebet Peeples, ext. 138 or epeeples@calvarymemphis.org. Calvary Cycle of Prayer We give thanks for the many blessings of the gifts and talents of our parishioners. November 9: Doug Deaver Al & Nancy Harvey Owen & Sue Johnson Jeff Kitterman and sons Barrett & Sam Heather Lawson John & Connie Marshall and sons Jacey & Bruce Mary Nease & Kathy Williams Michael Nelson Linda Spiese Mary Jane Viar & Debbie Kinard November 16: Jim & Sharon Bailey and children Claire & Spence Barbara Christensen Jay & Kim Coggin and daughter Lilly Arthur Fulmer Mary Royer Hays and children Jackson & Madeleine Todd & Susan Love and sons Stewart & Mason Cap & Cristina Pinkham Joan Ray Alex & Amanda Waddell and daughter Miriam Neil & Susanna Weston and daughter Ellis 14 November 23: Fred Bowyer Reggie & Sharon Burch and daughters Elise & Caroline Hal & Lucia Crenshaw and daughter Molly Andy Estes Arthur & Michelle Fulmer and children Phoebe & Hill Bob O Connor & Doralina Anghelescu Tommy & Allison Parker and daughters Katherine, Annie & Ellen Louis Polatty John Pruett & Katie Dann Diane Spears November 30: Curtis Burkett Brittain Coleman Bill & Margaret Craddock Dan Kee Jen Krouse Clayton & Ebet Peeples and children Ella & Jack Les & Leslie Smith and children Elizabeth & Benjamin Van & Julie Spear Calvin & Louise Turley and daughter Lyda

15 Calendar of Events THIS MONTH November 8 Saturday Annual DOK Quiet Morning Calvary s JOY Chapter of the Daughters of the King will host its annual fall Quiet Morning, open to all women, on Saturday, November 8, from 8:30 - noon. November 9 Sunday Soup Sunday Enjoy Roasted Carrot Ginger Bisque and Gayle s Sausage Chowder for $5/pint and $10/quart at the Information Desk on the first floor. All money raised from the sale of soup supports Calvary s Community Breakfast, an outreach ministry that serves a hot breakfast to our homeless brothers and sisters every Sunday. Soup will be prepared during two shifts in the Calvary kitchen on Saturday, November 8. Contact Merrill Ann Cole to sign up, merrill.ann1@gmail. com or November 9 Sunday Pushup/Situp-athon Youth will participate in a Push/ Sit-Up-Athon to raise funds to support the Emmanuel Meal gift project. Learn more on p. 6. November 14 Friday Bishop s Bash Spend a weekend with Bishop Johnson, the DYC, and young people from across the diocese, enjoying fun, prayer, and fellowship! Contact Kayla Bartosch or Hilary Chipley for more details and a registration form. November 16 Saturday Children s Service Event This event will be held after formation classes. We will have pizza in the Mural Room and then head up to the church where we will restock and organize the pew backs to get ready for the Diocesan Convention. Learn more on p. 6. November 20 Thursday Diocesan Convention Calvary will host this year s diocesan convention. To learn how you can get involved, see p. 13 November 26 No Koinonia Wednesday November 27 Thursday Happy Thanksgiving! Calvary offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28. November 30 Sunday Advent Wreath Making Calvary s first annual Advent Wreath Festival will be held during the formation hour in the Mural Room. Come make your very own Advent wreath. Every supply imaginable needed to make your Advent wreath will be available for use. Cost for your wreath and all materials is $5. COMING UP December 3 Wednesday St. Nicholas Festival Dinner will be served from 5:30-6:20 p.m. Evening worship and a visit from St. Nick will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Nave. After the worship service, arts and crafts and fellowship will be held in the Great Hall. Premie and newborn clothing and blankets will be collected to be donated to the Med for families in need. December 13 Saturday Children s Service Project Beginning at 9 a.m., we will pack and wrap gifts to be distributed to our Emmanuel Meal guests on Monday, December 22. Bring your wrapping paper, bows, and tape and get ready to wrap! Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Christmas pageant rehearsal will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. This event follows the morning Emmanuel Meal service project. Pizza and lemonade will be served between events from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Mural Room for $5 per person. December 19 Friday Beale Canto Christmas Come to Calvary at 7:30 p.m. as Dr. William Skoog, director, leads the professional men s chamber ensemble in singing music of the holiday season. December 20 Saturday Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Christmas pageant rehearsal will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Altar flowers given to the glory of God November 2 The Altar Flowers In loving memory of Buster & Frances Spence and Jean & Lloyd Partridge by Gayle & Raymond Spence In loving memory of Jeanne Walker Craddock & William S. Craddock, Sr., and Jane Matthews Day & Robert Clark Day by Margaret & Bill Craddock November 9 The Altar Flowers In loving memory of Elizabeth & Frank Fitzhugh Taylor, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Taylor, Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Street, Mrs. Pearl Street Mattice and Mrs. Dorothy Street Sherman by Robert McQueen Taylor The Aumbry Candle In honor of the birthday of Jacob Martin by his loving parents, Kendra & Jim Martin November 16 The Altar Flowers In loving memory of Charles Philip Percer, W.C. & Ethel Percer, Bill Percer, Letha & Alva Neff and Mickey Neff by Dana Sue, Ann, David, John and John Philip Percer In honor of the marriage of Robyn Diane Mauldin and William Dean Banks II November 23 The Altar Flowers In loving memory of Ellen & Fred Muller, Jr. by Cristina & Cap Pinkham and Ginny & Philip Strubing November 30 The Altar Flowers In loving memory of Philip Ross Lewis by Owene Moore Lewis 15

16 Chronicle Calvary Episcopal Church 102 N. Second St. Memphis, TN (901) Fax (901) The Calvary Church Chronicle (USPS ) is published every month except July by Calvary Episcopal Church, 102 N. Second St., Memphis, TN Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Calvary Church Chronicle, 102 N. Second St., Memphis, TN 38103, (901) , org. Robyn Mauldin, Editor Calvary Episcopal Church DATED MATERIAL DELIVERED TO POST OFFICE ON: November 3, 2014 Calvary Episcopal Church Making God s love visible in downtown Memphis Phoebe Kathryn, daugter of Katie & John Owen, was baptized on Sunday, October 5. Calvary bid a fond farewell to the Rev. Ben G. Roberton IV, pictured with Bob & Neta Ford, on Sunday, October 12. Scott Norman brings his furry friend to the Rev. Christopher D. Girata for a blessing during the Pet Blessing at Overton Park on Saturday, October 4. The Smith family and friends pose with their winning trunk at Calvary s annual trunk-or-treat event on Wednesday, October 28.