The Epistle of St. Thomas

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St. Thomas Episcopal Church The Rev. Jeff Douglas The Epistle of St. Thomas May 2008 Parson s Corner: Where is Heaven? Diocese of East Carolina The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, 3rd The creed says Jesus ascended into Heaven.

1 St. Thomas Episcopal Church The Rev. Jeff Douglas The Epistle of St. Thomas May 2008 Parson s Corner: Where is Heaven? Diocese of East Carolina The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, 3rd The creed says Jesus ascended into Heaven. The book of Acts depicts this mountain top scene with Jesus being lifted into the sky. But where is heaven? In one of my favorite movies, Field of Dreams, the ghost of John Kinsella comes back to his estranged son, Ray s, Iowa farm to play baseball under a clear blue summer sky with the ghosts of many famous baseball players from the early 20 th century, including Shoeless Joe Jackson. After filling a perfect sunny summer afternoon with the sights, sounds and smells of America s traditional pastime, it is time for the players to retreat to the magical cornfield out of which they come every day to play. As the sun sets, Ray and his father meet on the first baseline and John Kinsella says, I just want to thank you folks for building this field. Then he asks, Is this heaven? Ray responds, It s Iowa! John then questions, Iowa? I could have sworn this was heaven. Is there a heaven? asks Ray. John, his eyes wide in awe says, Oh yeah. It's the place where dreams come true. To which Ray, giving a small nod of acknowledgment says, Maybe this is heaven. Could heaven be a baseball field in the middle of an Iowa cornfield? Heaven is most often portrayed as among the clouds. This was where we thought the gods and angels lived. Mountain tops where important places of worship because they were closest to heaven. And yet, few airline pilots have reported encounters with angels or running into the heavenly throne room. And similarly, modern physics tells us that if Jesus ascended up at the speed of light, he still would be within the confines of the Milky Way galaxy today. In fact, the nearest known galaxy to us, the Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy, is some 25,000 light years away from our solar system and 42,000 light years away from the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. This is very close in astrophysical terms. This little galaxy is so close, in fact, that it is being ripped apart by the gravitational field of our galaxy. But still, if Jesus where ascending to heaven at the speed of light, he would still be 23,000 years short of passing our closest galactic neighbor. So where is heaven? First, this is the wrong question. If heaven (or hell for that fact) is a place, then we will ultimately be able to reach it through technology. Someday, we will build a spaceship fast enough to get there. But I don t think that heaven is a place in the conventional sense. Before the Big Bang, all matter, energy and space-time were condensed into a single point with infinite density. If this is true, then where was this infinitely dense point? Where did it rest? Nowhere, because space- 1

time did not exist before the Big Bang! So, if there is a dimension beyond space & time, perhaps, this is where God and heaven are?

Spring-flowered alpine meadows, a clear sky with a bright sun over azure blue water, sunrises and sunsets and the twinkling glow of the starry heavens on a crystal night are all described as heavenly.

We have nothing urging, tugging or pulling at our conscience. There are no needs or desires to be filled. We are very awake, very alive, but simply at rest. Our soul feels no urge to move.

2 time did not exist before the Big Bang! So, if there is a dimension beyond space & time, perhaps, this is where God and heaven are? Perhaps but to my mind heaven is less a place or a dimension than an experience of beauty, peace, and unity. Heavenly is an analogy we use for beauty. Spring-flowered alpine meadows, a clear sky with a bright sun over azure blue water, sunrises and sunsets and the twinkling glow of the starry heavens on a crystal night are all described as heavenly. Being at peace is another state which we describe as heavenly. Not merely a state of non-violence, this is an inner state of where no anxiety exists for us. We have nothing urging, tugging or pulling at our conscience. There are no needs or desires to be filled. We are very awake, very alive, but simply at rest. Our soul feels no urge to move. This is also heavenly. Finally, heaven is where there is a sense of oneness. We sense heaven s presence when we feel a sense of connectedness with all human beings and even the universe itself. In that sense of unity with all things, there is awe and wonder and deep humility. There is awe at the elegance and beauty of creation. There is wonder at the vastness of the universe s beauty and dimensions. And there is deep humility in the realization, that as small and insignificant as we are, we are also rare, precious jewels that are highly prized. So, where is heaven? Heaven is where the true nature of reality is revealed in dimensions of beauty, peace and unity. Heaven is here and now, if we have the eyes to see it. The more we live into heaven now, the more permanent a reality heaven will be. The path is simple: equality, fraternity, and peace. See you there. Peace Jeff What Have You Witnessed at St. Thomas Lately? St. Thomas is truly blessed to be composed of individuals dedicated to the well-being of the overall parish. With each person making his or her own contribution, the life of the parish is enhanced. Some of these persons and their actions are fairly well known, but many persons and their actions are almost anonymous. The front office would like to express a special Thank You to all the members of St. Thomas who offer valuable assistance in keeping the front office running smoothly. Martie Tayloe, Bill Blanchard and sons, Ernie Carter, Mike Steczak, Anne Tucker, Lois Sawyer, Sarah Davis, and Jim Shotwell deserve special mention for giving their time and attention to St. Thomas. Whenever you see someone doing something for the good of the whole, take the opportunity to thank that person by including an item in the newsletter. 2

3 Debra Farrington Episcopal Church Women 120 th Annual Meeting Episcopal Church Women Diocese of East Carolina The Annual Meeting of the Diocesan ECW, to be held Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at St. James Episcopal Church, Wilmington, will feature author Debra Farrington as speaker at the 11:00 am program. The author of eight books on Christian spirituality, including Led by the Spirit: Discerning God s Will for Our Lives (Jossey-Bass, 2003) and All God s Creatures: The Blessing of Animal Companions (Paraclete Press, 2006), Farrington also writes for a variety of newspapers and magazines and travels around the country as a retreat leader. She makes her home in Pennsylvania. ECW Book Guild: Carolyn Peele will discuss The Gathering, by Anne Enright, during the May Book Guild meeting scheduled for Monday, May 12 th. Upcoming Events Reminders Choir practice has been changed to Wednesday s. Same time, same place! Daughters of the King will not meet in May. They will meet June 2 at home of Lois Sawyer for Spring Retreat. This is last meeting until September. May 3 rd - PAWS of Hertford County, Inc., will conduct the "Microchip Your Pet" in Murfreesboro, from 9-11:30 a.m., at the Murfreesboro Volunteer Fire Department and in Ahoskie, from 1-3:30 p.m., at the Ahoskie Rural Fire Department. Micro-chipping assists pet owners in finding their lost pet. Cost is $ May 5 th - Men s breakfast 7:00 am. Mother s Day May 11 th Did you know Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia began the campaign that brought about the official observance of Mother's Day in the United States? After her mother died, Anna wanted a day for all mothers to be remembered. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the orders that made Mother's Day a national holiday and the white carnation its official symbol. Please remember all Mom s this May 11 th. May 11 th Rogation Services The 8:00 a.m. Sunday Holy Eucharist service will be held at St. Thomas and the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist service will be held at the home of Colin and Patsy Jones. Rogation Services will be combined with the St. Mary s parishioners of Gatesville and following the services, we will enjoy a potluck lunch. Please bring a lawn chair and covered dish. If you have any questions, please call the front office at May 13 th Rector Advisory Committee meeting May 20 th Vestry meeting 3

May 31 st PAWS, along with many others, will sponsor the 2nd Annual "RUN FOR THEIR LIVES" 5K Run-Walk-Tennis Tournament, in Ahoskie. 5K Run-1 Mile Fun Run or Walk starts at 8 a.m. and the Tennis Tournament at 9 a.

4 May 31 st PAWS, along with many others, will sponsor the 2nd Annual "RUN FOR THEIR LIVES" 5K Run-Walk-Tennis Tournament, in Ahoskie. 5K Run-1 Mile Fun Run or Walk starts at 8 a.m. and the Tennis Tournament at 9 a.m. June 1 CPC Sunday August 3 7 Vacation Bible School Jerusalem Marketplace Sunday through Wednesday evenings 6 to 8:30 pm Thursday evening 6 to 9 pm A very exciting and unique, multi-generational Vacation Bible School is coming up this summer and will be held right here at St. Thomas Parish! The five downtown Ahoskie churches (Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Roman Catholic & Episcopal) will again combine their resources to create a spiritual learning and doing experience for our community s children. Building on last year s theme, Jerusalem Marketplace, we will bring to life the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Jerusalem of Jesus time. Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday will be the central points for what the children will be learning. Key volunteers are needed for preparation and to assist during the actual week of Bible School. Every person who participates will be captivated by the experience, and will smile and grin and laugh during much of the time they spend with this project! Father Jeff and Martie Tayloe represent St. Thomas on the VBS Planning Team. Volunteers are needed from our parish for the following: 1. Tent set-up 2. Several minor building projects 3. Acquiring a few animals (llama, goats, chickens, a donkey or burrow, horse) 4. Cooking & serving supper one night for participants 5. Assistants for crafting 6. Assistants for music & dance 7. Creating a shop and acting as the shopkeeper (many varying trades or skills of the day) 8. Creating & manning a shop which serves food of the region, for children to sample 9. Persons to dress in costume as a Roman Soldier, as chief priests, and perhaps other characters August 17 th For the 125th Anniversary Celebration there will be a festival Eucharist at the Waterside Theatre at the Lost Colony in Manteo as a commemoration of the baptisms of Manteo and Virginia Dare in Please reserve this date on your calendar! This will be the largest 125th Anniversary event of the year. As part of the Albemarle Deanery, we will be asked to supply some food for the reception following the service. Details are still being worked out. 4

5 Birthdays and Anniversary s 2 nd Lee Fitzwater 25 th Jim and Glenna Sullins 3 rd Buddy Jones 6 th Cheryl Steczak 6 th Brenda Brooks 7 th John Southgate Vaughan III 9 th Jim Johnson 9 th Tom Newbern 13 th Betty Suiter 21 st Nancy Cowan 22 nd Briley Johnson 22 nd Laura Brown 23 rd Zach Rowe 31 st Jenny Jenkins Happy Birthday to You First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Prayer List Please pray for the following Parishioners, their family and friends, those who are serving in our military, and for the families of those who have died. Ann MacMillan Jim Johnson Ralph Clark Anyshia Beverly Julia Credle Robert Gatling Benjie Brown Kathy Douglas Rod Hill Betty Harden Lanny Cowan Russell Jones Betty White Larry Wynns Sammy Brinkley Braxton Britt Lauren Ponder Sarah Brown Brian Jones Lee Britt William Miller Bob Burke Leecle Jones Bobby Henson Lola Simmons Chip Filer Louise Guttu Debbie Harrell Marianne Wheeler Elizabeth Gillam Mary W. Jenkins Emily Jenkins Mary Sessoms Family of Jimmy Mitchell Mollie Burgwyn Gladys Weiland Nancy Cowan Hazel Herbert Paul Poston Hinton Meyer Rachel Pittman 5

An Eye on You From the desk of Betsy Overton Wedding Bells will be ringing on December 27, 2008 when Larry and Betsy Overton s son, Shields Overton, will marry Maria Sengebusch.

The generous gift from my church family and the kind words spoken as I concluded my years of service were most appreciated. Effective May 1, my Winston-Salem address is 712-A, N. Avalon Rd., 27104.

This coming summer I will work at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and assist with the Summer Institute. When in town, I am singing in the St.

6 An Eye on You From the desk of Betsy Overton Wedding Bells will be ringing on December 27, 2008 when Larry and Betsy Overton s son, Shields Overton, will marry Maria Sengebusch. Shields and Maria will be wed at All Saints Episcopal Church in Southern Shores, NC. Also from Betsy I send warmest greetings to my friends at St. Thomas. The generous gift from my church family and the kind words spoken as I concluded my years of service were most appreciated. Effective May 1, my Winston-Salem address is 712-A, N. Avalon Rd., I have just been appointed chair of the History Department at Salem Academy and will continue teaching European and non-western History. This coming summer I will work at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and assist with the Summer Institute. When in town, I am singing in the St. Paul's choir and arranging flowers at church, Old Salem, and the Academy. Larry and I have managed to be together every single weekend thus far!! Look Who Went to Paris! Hertford County High School celebrated their prom, with the theme A Night in Paris on April 25, Two special attendees, Beth and Jeff Douglas, were allowed to relive all those wonderful memories, this time with each other! Beth wore a stunning burgundy satin floor length gown with a cap sleeved bolero jacket and glittering jeweled clasp from the glamorous and glitzy Chez Tayloe and Jeff wore a striking midnight black tuxedo from the swanky House of Carter. Blessed Nuptials Margaret (Meg) Marshall Andrews and Jason Lee Schwartz were united in marriage on April 26th at The Chapel at Princeton University. The Right Reverend Clifton Daniel, 3 rd officiated. The ceremony was followed by a reception at Prospect House. Meg is the daughter of Elizabeth Jernigan Andrews and Richard Andrews and the granddaughter of Linda Jernigan. Meg graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia and Princeton University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Classical Archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania. Jason graduated from Saint Joseph s Preparatory School in Philadelphia and Princeton University. He has earned a Master s degree in Bioethics and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in History and Sociology of Science at the University of Pennsylvania. They will reside in Philadelphia. 6

Graduates Graduating from school, whether it is high school or college, is a very special and significant time of year for both student and parents alike. St.

Stephen Shields Congratulations to Stephen for being accepted to University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Stephen is the son of Julie and David Shields.

7 Graduates Graduating from school, whether it is high school or college, is a very special and significant time of year for both student and parents alike. St. Thomas is proud to have several young adults reach this noteworthy milestone and we congratulate you. You have reached an accomplishment that your parents, family, and friends applaud. Stephen Shields Congratulations to Stephen for being accepted to University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Stephen is the son of Julie and David Shields. Loftin Lea Johnson Loftin Lea Johnson will graduate from Saint Mary s School in Raleigh on May 18 th. She is the daughter of Becky and Jamie Johnson and the granddaughter of Jim and Gene Johnson. Loftin excelled academically and was active in many areas. During her junior year, she was the President of the Junior Class, President of the SMS Spirit Club, and the Vice-President of the Key Club. In her senior year, she was in the National Honor Society, on the honor roll, President of the Senior Class, Member of the Executive Student Government Association, President of the SMS Spirit Club, and the President of the Key Club. Loftin also excelled with her athletics while at Saint Mary s School. Loftin was named Most Outstanding Athlete in both her sophomore and junior class. She played Varsity Tennis and Varsity Basketball for three years, holding the position of Capitan of both sports in her junior and senior years. She was named Honorable Mention All Conference in her junior year for Tennis and her senior year for Basketball. She received the Coach s Award in her junior year for demonstrating outstanding leadership, spirit, and sportsmanship for Tennis and Basketball. She was also awarded the Saint s Award whereas she was chosen by her teammates for outstanding leadership, spirit and sportsmanship in her senior year for both Tennis and Basketball. She was named All Conference her senior year in Tennis and finished as runner-up to the State Champion. Her Tennis team was undefeated in Conference Play both junior and senior years and were titled Conference Champs. Loftin also played Varsity Soccer for three years and was named to the all region team both her junior and senior year. This year s team clinched the Conference Title for the first time in ten years is currently preparing for the State playoffs to begin shortly before graduation. Her team is undefeated in Conference play. Loftin will be attending the University of Georgia in Athens in the fall. Laura Brown In May Laura will graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Exercise and Sport Science. During her four years at Carolina she has been an active member of her sorority and a participant of the UNC Public Service Scholars program. In August Laura will begin graduate school in the UNC Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Laura is the daughter of Benjie and Amy Brown. 7

Miles Newbern Miles will attend the College of Charleston in the fall. He is interested in history and archaeology. Miles is the son of Thomas and Margaret Newbern.

She captained the soccer and tennis teams and made All Conference in soccer. She will graduate near the top of her class at Hertford County High School.

8 Miles Newbern Miles will attend the College of Charleston in the fall. He is interested in history and archaeology. Miles is the son of Thomas and Margaret Newbern. Cecelia Jones After graduation, Cecelia will attend Clemson University. Cecelia played soccer and tennis and has run track this year. She captained the soccer and tennis teams and made All Conference in soccer. She will graduate near the top of her class at Hertford County High School. She was the North Carolina High School Rodeo Queen her junior year and competed in the National Competition in Springfield, Illinois. She was the State High School Cutting Champion last year, and is competing for that title again. Cecelia is the daughter of Buddy Jones and Mari Mileur. Henry Jones After graduation, Henry will attend Hampden-Sydney College, where he has accepted a Presidential Award, a partial scholarship. Henry played football, baseball, and lacrosse while at Christchurch School. He captained the football team his senior year. Henry also served as a prefect. He holds the title of Student Body President. Henry is the son of Buddy Jones and Mari Mileur. Mac Griffin Sigma Fraternity. Mac will graduate from Elon University on May 24 th, receiving a Business Degree with a concentration in Management. After graduation, he plans to move to Wilmington,NC and begin a job search. Mac is also a member of the Kappa Yea, Mac. We are extremely proud of you! say proud parents Johnny and Claudia Griffin. Meredith Joyner Meredith Joyner graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Mass Communication. During her time at Meredith she was a member of the Communication Club where she served as Social Chair and was President of the College Republicans for one term. Because of her major, Meredith had many wonderful opportunities. She assisted the producers and weatherman Dave Price of the CBS Early Show during two live broadcasts from downtown Raleigh. She also had to complete an internship and was lucky enough to be a summer intern with a local morning radio show on 96rock. During her internship, Meredith had many wonderful opportunities, but particularly remembers one incident when she was hit in the head with a softball during a game and the whole city of Raleigh heard about it the next morning! 8

9 Other than that, Meredith loved her internship and especially wants to thank her mom and dad, Larry Susan Joyner, who would wake up early in the morning, sit outside in their car and listen to her while she was on-air. Currently, Meredith is job-searching and was recently in the Gallery Theatre production of The Odd Couple. Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Ralph Waldo Emerson Vestry Notes The regular monthly meeting of the Vestry and Rector was held Tuesday, April 15. Treasurer s Report: The Treasurer s report revealed that expenditures currently exceed income by approximately $1, Parish Retreat: The Parish Retreat for 2008 was cancelled. Rooms reserved for 2009 and 2010 have been reduced and may be further reduced. The 2009 retreat is currently scheduled for April With a consensus that earlier dates more conveniently fit schedules, the Rector will attempt to arrange an earlier time for the 2009 retreat. Bazemore House: The open forum for discussion was held on Sunday, April 13. Surveys should be mailed April 16 and returned by April 26. The Bazemore Committee will tally the results, and the vestry, considering the information from the open forum and the surveys, will make a decision regarding the Bazemore House and Property at the May vestry meeting. Committees: Parish Life: Larry Overton, Jim Shotwell, Bea Vaughan, Ann Hughes, Lois Sawyer, Bubba Peele, and Dawn Carter. This committee is exploring methods to publicize St. Thomas activities. Christian Education: Claudia Griffin, Sue Liverman, Martie Tayloe, Carolyn Peele, Linda Shotwell, and Beth Douglas. Community Vacation Bible School is scheduled for August 3-7 at St. Thomas with the Jerusalem Market Place as the theme. Sunday School Kick-off for fall will be Sunday, September 7. Stewardship:Bill Blanchard, Benjie Brown, Buddy Jones, and David Simons. The committee is considering ways to streamline the fall stewardship campaign. Worship/Pastoral Care: Sarah Davis, Clyde Hughes, Martie Tayloe, Charles Sawyer, and Julie Shields. The committee is considering ways to combine the comfort of the familiar with the invigoration of innovation in liturgy. Rogation Sunday is tentatively set for May 11 with St. Mary s, Gatesville, hosting. The Rector reported 14 visits, 9 hospital visits, and 3 communions. Junior Warden s Report: Previously needed repair work has been completed on the roof. Estimates should be forthcoming for repairing the vandalized window. Kitchen Committee: Eighty-one soup bowls are currently missing. Before replacements are ordered, every effort will be made to ensure the return of as many of the missing bowls as possible. 9

10 St. Thomas Episcopal Church 10

11 Ahoskie, North Carolina May 2008 LAY READERS--10:30 AM LAY READERS--8 AM May 4 Colin Jones 11 Vicki Blanchard Scott Benson 18 Overton Suiter 25 Larry Overton Jun 1 Jim Shotwell 8 John Davis ACOLYTES May 4 Nelle Burgess, Josh Boyd, and Stan Jenkins 11 Larry Overton, Miles Newbern, and Hinton Carter 18 Charles Sawyer, Hanes Joyner, and Alexis Urquhart 25 Jerrie Taylor, Ben Newbern, and Bill Blanchard Jun 1 Nelle Burgess, Josh Boyd, and Stan Jenkins 8 Larry Overton, Miles Newbern, and Hinton Carter FLOWERS May 4 Ms. Briley Hedrick 11 Open Date 18 Mr. and Mrs. Mike Steczak 25 Open Date Jun 1 Dr. and Mrs. Julian Taylor 8 Mrs. Robert C. Jenkins FOOD PANTRY May 7 Dicky Hoggard 14 Peggy Vann 21 Jim Shotwell 28 Patsy Jones Jun 4 Dicky Hoggard 11 Bubba Peele ***YARD SCHEDULE May 4 Ernie Carter* and Benjie Brown 11 Colin Jones*, Julie Shields and David Shields 18 Colin Jones*, Julie Shields and David Shields 25 Bubba Peele* and Clyde Hughes Jun 1 Bubba Peele* and Clyde Hughes 8 Julian Taylor* and Larry Overton USHER TEAM May Jim Shotwell and Buddy Jones Jun Dicky Hoggard and John Davis ALTAR GUILD May Linda Shotwell and Gretchen Simons Jun Nelle Burgess and Jerrie Taylor Attention Yard Crew: PLEASE MOW GRASS IN BAZEMORE YARD AND CHURCH YARD. IT IS ALL CHURCH PROPERTY. Yard debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs should be bagged up and put on Main St. (or Church St.). Larger branches, of no more than four feet long, should be put on the street no later than Tues. night for pick up by the city on Wed. DO NOT put yard debris of any kind in the large roll out containers because the Waste Disposal Company will not pick them up. The large containers are for normal garbage pick up and are to be placed on Main St. each Tues. for pick up on Wed. AM. 11

THE EPISTLE OF ST. THOMAS

THE EPISTLE OF ST. THOMAS St. Thomas Episcopal Church The Rev. Jeff Douglas FEBRUARY 2015 Diocese of East Carolina The Rt. Rev. Robert Skirving Letting Your Light Shine Jesus said, I am the light of the