Herald. Saint Alban s. December, Inside. St. Alban s Mission: Christ-Centered, Radically Embracing People and Creation. Christmas Schedule

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1 St. Alban s Mission: Christ-Centered, Radically Embracing People and Creation Saint Alban s December, 2016 Herald 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 Christmas Schedule Frieda s Place Inside Auction Wrap-Up Organ, Part II Salisbury Middle Holiday Shop And much more!

2 2 Saint Alban s Herald, December 2016 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. Saint Alban s Heraldis published monthly in electronic St. Alban's: Christ-centered, radically embracing people and creation This is our identity as a parish, which we articulated with these words last year. 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. Christmas Schedule THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22: 5:30 p.m. Greening of the church SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, Christmas Eve: 4:30 p.m. Eucharist Service 10:30 p.m. Choral Eucharist SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, Christmas Day: 9:30 a.m. Eucharist Service Worship Schedule There are two services each Sunday. Rite I at 8:00 a.m., no music Rite II at 10:30 a.m., with music Both services are Eucharist services and ALL ARE WELCOME. MONDAY, DECEMBER 26: OFFICE CLOSED SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017, First Sunday of Christmas: 8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 4:30 p.m. Evensong MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2017: OFFICE CLOSED

3 Saint Alban s Herald, December Frieda s Place Preparing and Celebrating God-with-us The church year begins with Advent, a time of preparation for the observation of the Incarnation, the coming of God in the infant Jesus. Our culture encourages us to celebrate with the giving of gifts, and is often seems that the more, the merrier. Many of these gifts end up being distractions from, rather than reminders of, God-with-us (Emmanuel). We forget that God is creator of all things, that both the earth and its creatures are valuable, that the human Jesus lived in relationship to people and to the environment. This year, in the wake of another almost evenly divided election at the presidential level, we are tempted to make distinctions, and to judge others as 'less than' when we disagree with them or when they are strangers to us. We also are tempted to act out of fear rather than love, out of self-interest rather than the common good. We may despair in or ignore the effects of climate change, and give up working toward a sustainable lifestyle. Yet God in Jesus calls us to focus on our identity statement: to be Christ-centered, not selfcentered; to radically embrace all people, not put up walls that exclude some; and to radically care for the environment, not to pollute and exploit the resources of the earth. Perhaps our Advent might include reaching out to a person or family very different from us, and looking for and responding to Christ in them. Or perhaps we might consider investing in creation-friendly practices in our gift-giving and celebrations. Whatever action you choose, make it a concrete action, something that makes visible to you and others your understanding of God-made-flesh (incarnation), God-with-us (Emmanuel), Jesus the human baby who becomes Jesus the crucified man. My prayer for each of us is that in our preparation and in our celebration, we discover that God's love is indeed manifest in the world, in little ways and in big miracles. May you find peace, hope, joy, and love this Advent and Christmas!

4 4 Saint Alban s Herald, December 2016 St. Alban s Auction Wrap-Up Fall Auction2016 Auction Party Fun Facts (courtesy of Shelly Madsen) Over $10,000 was raised We had 17 parties this year (all sold out) vs 21 last year (not all sold out) 106 people attended last year and 101 people attended this year, 35 who were non-church members 4 non-church members will attend parties this year. 40 nonparty items were purchased by nonchurch members All but one gift card sold, of those that sold, all but one sold at face value or higher All live auction items sold Spring cleaning by the Matthews was the most highly bid service $25 Panera gift card was the most highly bid gift card going for $39 after 13 bids Stained glass wreath and brass cross both had 7 bids in the artisan market Once again, we probably had 99% participation from parishioners through item donations, cash donations and volunteering before, during and after. The auction would not happen without all of you. And special thanks to all the auction committee chairs for providing leadership, the choir for another wonderful performance, our young volunteers who helped with many different tasks through the night and all the volunteers who spend some time (or all their time) working the auction. My last thank you is to God for providing us with the opportunity to work together and have a beautiful night of fellowship surrounded by his presence. Till next year, Cristina In the near future, don t forget to check out the bulletin board for more pictures of the Auction (courtesy of Leighann Yackel) Check out the auction pictures on pages 8 and 14 of this issue!

5 Saint Alban s Herald, December By Donna Parks Soup for the Soul Soup for the Soul Christmas Pot Luck luncheon will be held Wednesday, December 21st, at 12:00 p.m., in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome. Take a break from shopping and have lunch with us! It promises to be a delectable feast.

6 6 Saint Alban s Herald,December 2016 One More Word on the Costa Rica Trip I d like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for supporting Ariana and me in our Mission Trip to Costa Rica. Your financial support, but also your prayers and good wishes, made it possible. It was a challenging physical trip but the fellowship within the group and the families of Costa Rica made it all worthwhile. Being able to go with my daughter and share that experience -that was priceless! I have no doubt that the spiritual impact of this trip has fostered her sense of community and desire to help others. For me, I continue to be grateful for the things we usually take for granted: clean water, availability of resources and medical care. If you have not had an opportunity to watch the video that was made of our trip, here is your chance: It is my hope that St. Alban s continues this tradition of participating in mission trips and that new missioners rise to the challenge in the future. Que Dios Os Bendiga a Todos May God Bless You All, Cristina Machin FREE SERVICE: HELP WITH BRINGING PATIENT HOME FROM HOSPITAL

7 Saint Alban s Herald, December Salisbury Middle School Holiday Shop By Katherine West If you re cleaning out your closets before Christmas, please consider donating new or gently used items to Salisbury Middle School s annual holiday shop. Students buy gifts for their families using "Eagle Bucks" - token dollars earned for good behavior and academics. The holiday shop will be on Dec. 14, 15, and 16. Ideas for items include Christmas decorations, men's ties, belts, wallets, etc., children's toys, costume jewelry, household items, but please, no clothes. We also need wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags, and gift cards. I can pick up your items at church, or I am happy to come to your home to pick up items. We also need gift wrappers during the week of December 12 from 11:10-1:30 (you don't need to come the whole time). If you have an hour or two available on any of these days, please let me know. Thanks! kwest@wcboe.org Arlene White skillfully wraps a student s gifts Cindy Hartigan puts the finishing touch on a present. 2015

8 8 Saint Alban s Herald, December 2016 Auction Pictures

9 Saint Alban s Herald, December Episcopal Basics Anyone interested in learning more about The Episcopal Church and basic Christianity, or wanting a refresher, is invited to attend 'Episcopal Basics' on Sundays at 12:15 p.m. Advent Sundays and the last four Sundays in January. Those over 16 who would like to be confirmed or received (if confirmed in Lutheran or Roman Catholic Churches) by Bishop Santosh Marray on February 5, 2017, should plan on attending all sessions. Confirmation or reception is required to serve on the vestry and to be a Eucharistic Minister (helps with the distribution of communion). If you missed the first class, you are welcome to join the class on December 4. End of Year Giving We are very grateful for your generous support of the ministry and mission of St. Alban's. If you would like to complete your pledge, or make a year's-end gift, and have it documented for your 2016 taxes, please make it by December 30. If you will be making a donation of appreciated securities, please contact Greg Glass or Linda Torbert for the Edward Jones brokerage account information and to designate the applicable use for these assets (such as operating, endowment, or organ fund).

10 10 Saint Alban s Herald, December 2016 St. Alban s Organ, Part II Veronica Tomanek A few months ago you read about St. Alban's organ and the need to update or replace it. Here is some information about options, and a little more detail about the workings and limitations of our particular instrument. First, here are some details about the St. Alban's 1967 Tellers organ. This pipe organ has only three basic colors (about 7 ranks of pipes), which are very functional for congregational accompanying of hymns and are fine for a lot of simple solo musical numbers. However, the volume can only be changed by adding or taking away stops, so there is no gradual change possible, which makes it difficult to accompany a choir or solo. Having such limited sounds proves to be quite limiting in terms of choice of repertoire and creativity. Most versatile organs have at least 5 basic colors - diapasons, flutes, reeds, strings, and other solo sounds - and have the capability to make the volume of sound change gradually without having to add or take away stops. These types of organs are what we think of when we hear the term "king of instruments." It's like having an orchestra at your fingertips and feet! To continue the orchestral comparison, imagine that our organ is like a string quartet, and a versatile organ is like a full orchestra with all the families of instruments available. If you recall from the previous article, this current organ console (which is the heart of the instrument) is nearing the end of its life expectancy. The actual pipes and blower (which provides the air that goes through the pipes to make the sounds) seem to be in fine shape, and the pipes themselves should last at least another years, if not longer. What, then, are our options if we want to maintain the quality of good music here at St. Alban's? Here we go! Option 1: We could dismantle the organ and not replace it, and be left with only an aging digital keyboard or acoustic upright piano. This option does not support the growing music program at the church, nor does it fulfill the Episcopalian edict to maintain "good music" in the church. The choice and style of repertoire would be severely limited. Would you really want to get married or have a special liturgy without the sound of an organ? And weekly hymns with only piano? Option 2: Replace the pipe organ with an all-digital instrument, which would have lots of bells and whistles (nobody uses those, by the way) and would provide versatility, but can cost anywhere from about $70,000 for a really small and cheap, electronic sounding instrument, to upwards of $500,000 CONTINUED PAGE 11 For your Real Estate needs - Call the FAMILY TEAM

11 Saint Alban s Herald, December for a large, really fine sounding instrument with top notch digital sampling of real pipes, without the live ambience of actual vibrations from air (which is what we get from a real pipe organ). So a budget-friendly instrument would not be terribly satisfying, and an instrument that would sound great is prohibitively expensive. This option would include a brand new console. Option 3: Replace the pipe organ with a brand new pipe organ, which would necessitate some re-design of the sanctuary space in order to accommodate additional pipes and mechanicals. Some of the existing pipes could be re-used, since they have really great sound and are quite functional, but to make the investment in a new instrument in a way that makes sense, it would need to be expanded with additional sounds (more pipes). At a rough cost of $18-25,000 PER RANK (a rank is one set of pipes for one particular sound), that's a lot of expense. That cost is only for the instrument, and not for the carpentry and other costs associated with redesigning the space. Option 4: Enhance and reuse the existing pipes with additional digital sounds, and either replace the console with a new one, or reuse the existing one and refurbish the finish and give it new guts (new keyboards, pedalboards, buttons, etc). This option does not change the existing footprint of the organ (which will not alter the sanctuary space), allows for continued use of really good sounding pipes, and adds the versatility of additional colors as well as the ability to adjust volumes. It's a very cost-effective compromise between the organic characteristic of a real pipe organ and well-sampled digital sounds. There are companies that provide customized instruments, and companies that provide off-the-shelf instruments. Price range for this type of arrangement for our space is anywhere from about $100,000-$350,000, depending on the company and the final choices of color and mechanical design. So, the organ committee explored three major companies - Rodgers, Allen, and Walker Technical. Both Rodgers and Allen offered off-the-shelf instruments, which would be adjusted (theoretically) to our space. Walker Technical offered a custom designed option, which would also be adjusted to our space (that's called "voicing"). Interestingly enough, the company whose instruments produce the best sounds is the company that provides all custom designs, and they are also the best option for the budget. The organ committee made the recommendation to the vestry to pursue a contract with Walker Technical - a small company in Pennsylvania that has installed instruments at the Naval Academy and many other public venues, large and small. They seem to have mastered the blending of the pipe and digital sounds, and are very sensitive to the unique needs and desires of each space where they work. So there you have it! St. Alban's is a community that loves good music, and with a "new" organ, that tradition of good music will continue to grow! There have been many "organ donors" so far; will you be one, too?!?

12 12 Saint Alban s Herald, December 2016 Annual Meeting Results The annual meeting was well-attended this year, with members who attend both services. The election results are: Troy Channell, Howard Doak, and Virginia Jeffrey will join the vestry; Alisha King and Nancy Linck will be Alternate Delegates to Diocesan Convention in February Reese Rickards made a good presentation about why we are upgrading our organ, and Joan Demko presented the preliminary budget for Advent Adult Formation- Living Compass We will be using the Living Compass Advent booklet again this year for the 9:15 a.m. Sunday class. The topic is Practicing Simplicity With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. Hard copies will be available; a Kindle version is available for $0.99 from Amazon.

13 Saint Alban s Herald, December Tree Planting at St. Alban s

14 14 Saint Alban s Herald, December 2016 More Auction Pictures Camp Wright Julia Connelly Zahn is the interim director of Camp Wright. Registration for next summer should be open at the beginning of January.

15 Saint Alban s Herald, December (k) Rollovers Brett Long Term Care Estate Planning Charitable Mark For more information please call Brett M. Sause, LUTCF, LTCP, CLTC, RFC Brett M.Sause,Registered Representative offering securities through NYLI FE Securities LLC,Member FINRA/SIPC,a Licensed InsuranceAgency 1954 Greenspring Drive,Suite 700,Timonium,MD 21093, Brett M.Sause is an agent licensed to sell insurance through NewYork for working, doing, and inspiring. PNC supports those who are serving the community. Stop by any PNC Bank pnc.com 2014 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

16 Saint Alban s Herald 302 Saint Alban s Drive Salisbury, MD 21804