St. Paul s Episcopal Church The Epistle April, 2017 Love God. Love others. Help others love God. We welcome you to join us on our journey as we strive to share the love of Jesus through worship, Christian education, fellowship and service to each other and the community beyond our walls. From Your Rector The sign outside the Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City states: Your faith can move mountains and your doubt can create them. SPOILER ALERT: if you have not seen the movie or read the book, The Shack you might want to skip this for now until you do either one. The movie was true to the book as well as I have ever seen. Mack learned that it is all about a relationship with the Trinity. Because of our humanness, it is we who block the relationship with God. We want to be the judge and at times like Adam and Eve, we want to assume the role of God. God promises always to be there, never to leave, always waiting for us to renew, refresh and come back to our relationship with God. Easter is about beginning fresh, by walking out of that tomb for we begin again, anew. By walking out of that tomb we acknowledge and confess that we are a new creation with new life. We have been fed at the table, we stood at the foot of the cross and now we walk from darkness into light and life. Like Thomas we doubt, like Thomas we question and wonder and want to see with our own eyes and touch with our hands. The Gospel doesn t tell us if Thomas ever touched but he came to a deep confession of faith and proclaimed that Jesus is risen. Thomas went from doubt to faith; he no longer created obstacles but came to move those mountains so that he could deepen his relationship with his Lord and Savior. Easter is a time to make the mountains fall and hills turn to dust and allow the love of the Lord to sustain our life. Thomas did and we can as well if we allow ourselves to enter deeper into the relationship our God wants us to have with him. Faith is like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds yet the birds of the air come and nest in the bush it becomes. Faith is the ability to believe in a power greater than we, for we believers that is the God of the Trinity. The God who was raised from the dead and now lives and reigns forever. May we not build mountains but build a lasting relationship with a God who loves us unconditionally. During the 50 days of Easter let us focus on moving mountains. Fr. John+
Thank you to Lynda Helmer for creating the slideshow we aired during the bishop s visitation. Thank you to all those who helped with the Meatloaf dinner from preparation to cooks to bakers to clean-up people. A BIG thank you to all who made the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper evening possible. Thanks to Eunice Barton for organizing, Sue Jones for shopping, Eunice, Lorraine Jones, Alaina Browning and Barb Dailey for set up. Thank you to our kitchen crew of Bruce and Barb Dailey, Meghan Walton, Kristin Walton, Mark Browning, Aiden Browning, Susette Walton and Zach Manchester. Thanks to the clean-up team which included the kitchen crew plus Alaina Browning, Scott Manchester, Jack Westermann and Dick Schwab. As you can see, St Paul s had a lot of help as we prepared for the Lenten Season. Thank you to Lynne and Bill Freeman, Jane Parker, and Sue Jones for helping prepare the Movin On Lunch for the month of March. Dear People of St. Paul s, What a blessing it was to spend time with you in February! Your generous hospitality was a joy and I especially appreciated the privilege of taking part in your meatloaf dinner. Many thanks to all who made it possible. Also, thank you to Jennifer and Lynda for putting together the video. What an inspiring tapestry of people, love and ministry. As we continue our journey together, I look forward to God s continued work in our midst. Blessings of peace and hope, +Bishop DeDe
Stewardship Thought This month we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We will sing wonderful hymns that speak of our praise, adoration, and joy! But in reality, every Sunday in the Christian Church is an Easter Sunday because we remember Christ s resurrection each week. I thank you for your generous weekly offerings, your stewardship of time, your ability and your prayers. They make it possible for St. Paul s to be able to preach the Easter message every day. Fr. John+ Rector s Forum for April During the month of April the Rector s Forum will cover a variety of topics led by a variety of people. The Forum dates will be: April 2-10 Questions April 9 Palm Sunday No Forum April 16 Easter Sunday No Forum April 23 10 Questions April 30 10 Questions Vestry Meeting Rescheduled Tuesday, April 4 th, 7:00 PM The Vestry Meeting that was planned for March 14 th has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 4 th, at 7:00 PM. This will be a combined March and April meeting. Palm Crosses Thursday, April 6 th, 4:00 p.m. On Thursday, April 6 th at 4:00 p.m. please join us as we turn palm fronds into crosses for our Palm Sunday celebration. All help is welcomed and appreciated!
Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Chrism Oil Tuesday, April 11 th at 7 PM In the Episcopal Church, we raise up our leaders in community; it is therefore appropriate to renew our vows in community. I invite you and your community to participate in one of three planned Holy Week services throughout the diocese. The local service will take place on Tuesday, April 11 th, 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark s Church, 728 River Road, Chenango Bridge. We have planned three services, in part so there will be less of a demand on your time during Holy Week, but also with the hope that more people will participate. Each service will be identical with a celebration of Holy Eucharist, our renewal of vows, and the blessing of chrism oil, so please attend this service. I look forward to gathering with you for this time of worship and spiritual renewal during Holy Week. +Bishop DeDe Easter Flowers If you wish to honor a loved one with an Easter lily on Easter Sunday, there are Easter Flower Offering envelopes in a basket on the table in the back of the church. The suggested amount is: $20.00. Any contribution will be appreciated. In order to assist the counters, please indicate on your check or envelope Altar Guild and place in the envelope provided. Orders must be placed by April 2 for publication. Please note, if you need more space for names, please use the Easter Flowers Memorial form found next to the basket and include it in your envelope. Thank you. Flower Memorials Note: Due to the penitential nature of Lent, simple greens will adorn our altar during the this season. The Easter lilies will enhace our celebration of the risen Lord on Easter Sunday. Lectio Divina 7:00 P.M. Please note new time: Lectio Divina will meet on Mondays, April 3 rd and April 17 th at 7:00 PM in the Gould Chapel at St. Paul s. Lectio Divina is a meditative way of looking at Scripture. No reservations or notification needed; just come! Speak with Fr. John if you have any questions.
4/23 available 4/30 available Flower Memorials Sanctuary Candle Memorials 4/2 The Sanctuary Candle burns this week in loving memory of Stark Roberts, husband of Pat Roberts. 4/9 The Sanctuary Candle burns this week in loving memory of Ethel Kidder, mother of Ken Kidder, Jr. The Sanctuary Candle burns this week in loving memory of Jean Russell, mother of Sandy Schwab. 4/16 The Sanctuary Candle burns this week in loving memory of Barbara Schwab, mother of Dick Schwab. 4/23 The Sanctuary Candle burns this week in loving memory of Barbara Frey, grandmother of Dick Schwab. 4/30 available Note: Please call the office (748-8118) any time during the month if you would like to designate the altar flowers or candles in memory of a loved one, to recognize a special event or simply in thanksgiving for God s many blessings. Forms are in the back of the church. Dates may be shared. Prayers for Our Ministries Each week a different ministry area of St. Paul s is featured in the bulletin to highlight, encourage involvement and give thanks for the people who make it happen. During the month of April we pray for the following ministries: April 4/2 Trinity Canteen 4/23 Vestry 4/9 Ushers 4/30 Vocal Choir 4/16 United Thank Offering
Sundays in Lent April 2 nd and Palm Sunday April 9 th All services will begin with the Penitential Order and the reading of the Decalogue (Ten Commandments). Wednesdays in Lent April 5 th and 12 th 9:30 AM Holy Eucharist and Healing (Gould Chapel) 5:00 PM Holy Eucharist (Gould Chapel) 5:30 PM Simple Supper 6:15 PM Program Holy Week Monday, April 10 th 5:00 PM Holy Eucharist (Gould Chapel) Tuesday, April 11 th 5:00 PM Holy Eucharist (Gould Chapel) Wednesday, April 12 th 9:30 AM Healing Service/HE (Gould Chapel) 5:00 PM Holy Eucharist (Gould Chapel) 5:30 PM Simple Supper 6:15 PM Program Maundy Thursday, April 13 th 5:30 PM Dish to pass Supper Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar (Church) Good Friday, April 14 th 12:00 Noon Good Friday Liturgy (Church) 7:00 PM Good Friday Liturgy (Church) EASTER DAY, April 16 th 8:00 AM Choral Holy Eucharist (Church) 10:00 AM Choral Holy Eucharist (Church) Prayer Requests If you know someone who might benefit from our prayers, please use the form in the basket on the table in the back of the church. You may place the form in the collection plate or drop it in the office.
The Gethsemane Watch Thursday, April 13, 8:00 11:00 P.M. Immediately following the Maundy Thursday Service, members of the community will take part in a continuous watch in the chapel at the Altar of Repose, much as Jesus disciples remained with him in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest and trial by the Roman and Jewish authorities. You are invited to take part in this profound meditative time as part of your own Lenten Observance. To be on a vigil is to be wakeful for a purpose. The Gethsemane Watch presents us with a superb opportunity to teach faithfulness in prayer and discipleship. Could you not keep awake one hour? were the words of Jesus in reproach to his hapless followers in the first Gethsemane. Ever since, his disciples of subsequent generations have attempted to do better, and in some small way to make up what was lacking in the first bunch. This year s watch will take place from 8 PM until 11:00 PM in the chapel. Anyone interested in sitting watch over the Sacrament during these hours is encouraged to sign up on the sheet in the back of the church. Please be mindful of those before and after you and ring the doorbell when you arrive for your time of prayer. Readers Needed Readers are needed for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at Noon and 7 PM as well as the 8 AM and 10 AM Palm Sunday services. There are sign-up sheets in the back of the church. The readings can be found under the sign-up sheet. All are welcome and encouraged!
Lenten Series Our Lenten Series continues on Wednesday, April 5 th and Wednesday, April 12 th with the service starting at 5 PM in the Gould Chapel. Dinner will be at 5:30. Our guest speakers will begin at 6:15 PM. April 5 th - Muslim Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has 74 chapters in USA and its mosque for the local chapter is in Vestal on Route 26. It is a progressive Muslim community promoting patriotism, coexistence, religious tolerance, human rights, women rights and secularism. The community is in 200 countries of the world and its international leader is Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who resides in London. The speaker will be Zia H Shah MD, a Pulmonologist and Sleep Disorder Specialist. He has been in practice in the area for 20 years and is the Medical Director of the Lourdes Hospital Sleep Lab. April 12 th - Jewish (Rescheduled from March 15 th ) Rabbi Barbara Goldman-Wartell is in her ninth year serving as the Rabbi of Temple Concord in Binghamton, New York. She has served other congregations in PA, VA and CA and worked for Jewish Federations and Jewish Community Centers in Jewish family education, Jewish education, Holocaust education and awareness, and community relations. She was also an educational director at a Reform congregation for two years and was the Jewish family educator for two Conservative congregations for several years. In addition, she is the chair of the Children of Abraham of the Southern Tier Planning Group, has served on the Board of the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding at Muhlenberg College and has continued her work locally, working to build coalitions and foster understanding and joint endeavors. Rabbi Barbara was born in Aurora, Illinois, one of four sisters. She was involved in Jewish summer camps and youth groups growing up. She raised her family in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Her son works for Camp Chi, the Chicago JCC s Camp in Wisconsin. Her daughter is the nurse manager of the emergency department at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. Rabbi Barbara attended the University of Illinois and University of Maryland, Baltimore Hebrew College and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion where she earned her B.S.W., M.S.W., 2 other master s degrees and rabbinic ordination. She has also done specialized training in hospital chaplaincy and interim ministry work.
Come Support Boy Scout Troop 202 Saturday, April 1 st, 4:30 to 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 202, Endicott, will be holding a Spaghetti Supper from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 st at the First Baptist Church, corner of Grant and Monroe Streets in Endicott. Adults are $7, Children ages 5-12 are $4, children under 5 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the door and take-outs are available. Come support this worthwhile cause! Lynne Jones Movin On Luncheon Monday, April 10 th, Noon The Movin On Lunch will be held on the 2 nd Monday of April. The menu for the day will be meatloaf. All widows and widowers are invited to share in this time of food and fellowship at noon in Fellowship Hall. United Thank Offering Sunday, April 30 The Spring Ingathering of the UTO will be Sunday, April 30th. Please convert the change in your UTO Blue Box into bills or check, and place it in the envelope provided in the bulletin or from the table in the back of the church. Help support the UTO as it ministers to the world. Remember to Utter Thanks Often. Lorraine Jones, UTO Chair Trinity Canteen Sunday, April 30 th St. Paul s Church has once again committed to supporting the Trinity Canteen, at Trinity Church in Binghamton, by taking on each 5 th Sunday of the month. We, as a church: purchase, prepare, serve and clean up for the Trinity Canteen on each of those Sundays. Your donation of brownies, bananas and salad ingredients will be appreciated. Our next Canteen will be on April 30. A sign-up sheet is located in the back of the church. Dick Schwab will be coordinating this month s Canteen. Meet at 10:00 AM on Sunday to carpool to Trinity.
Cottage Visits If you can remember back to 2011 when I first arrived at St. Paul s we held cottage visits for you and me to get to know each other better. The vestry and I feel that it is time once again to arrange cottage visits. These are small group gatherings held at parishioners homes consisting of coffee or tea, dessert and conversation with me. Every member of the parish will receive an invitation to attend one of these gatherings. The vestry and members of the congregation will be our hosts for these visits. These meetings will be held in people s homes and at church. Everyone is invited and you will receive an invitation from your host. You will be assigned to your host by geography in a random order. It will be a great time to renew friendships, meet some new people and have conversations about our life and ministry together. The gatherings are informal and will begin with prayer, then conversation and we will share some food. Our topic of conversation will be based on our mutual ministry together, what is working, what are our challenges and where can we improve upon our ministry together. It is always good to examine our life together and look towards the future and in what direction we plan to move in on our journey of faith. Please note: We would like to include anyone interested in St. Paul s so please allow us to add you to our guest list by signing the guest book as you enter or exit the church. Or, you may speak with me or either of the wardens, Jennifer Westermann or Bruce Dailey. Fr. John + Women of the Church Update We are mastering our skills at creating sleeping bags with another added to our supply. We now have the names of organizations that will accept the bags and we will continue making them and plan to distribute at the end of summer as cold weather approaches again. Our next sleeping bag workshop will take place on Thursday, April 13 th at 1:00 p.m. If anyone in the parish has old blankets, quilts or bedspreads they no longer use, please consider donating them to our endeavor. We met late in March to review the volunteers signed up to assist with our spring rummage sale and have determined we can go forward with the sale. Thank you to all who stepped forward to help. We are still seeking additional volunteers to help with the heavier work of setting up tables on April 29 th and carrying heavy packed bags upstairs following the rummage sale on May 6 th. Please see Eunice Barton with any questions or to add your name to the list. A few changes have been made to our rummage sale process. The sale will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., which is one hour shorter. A bag sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We have decided to offer the opportunity to area churches and non-profits that have clothing closets to take any clothing they wish from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Watch for future emails or the Sunday bulletin regarding our April meeting, which may possibly include a speaker. Sandy Schwab, Chair
APRIL 4/4 Nathan Rhodes 4/21 Ken Kidder 4/5 Elizabeth Hall Suzette Walton 4/7 Ray Besemer 4/22 Luther Chergosky 4/10 Ted Snyder 4/26 Lorraine Jones Steele Moffett Jim Garceau 4/12 Roger Doolittle 4/29 Bill Dieffenbacher 4/18 Mark Browning Matthew Moon APRIL 4/3 Don & Ida Williams 4/16 Carl & Sue Kinne Are you an April birthday or anniversary but you don t see your name here? Please let the office know so we can update our records! We don t want to miss anyone!
Consecration Party Saturday, April 29 th at 11 AM Many of you remember Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows who was here at St. Paul s a while ago. She is being consecrated a Bishop on Saturday, April 29 th at 11 AM. Anyone wishing may come to St. Paul s on that Saturday and we will live stream the ordination. We will have snacks, but you can also bring your favorite snack to share. Any questions see Eunice or Father John. Father John+ Meals on Wheels Are you or someone you know in need of meals? Call Meals on Wheels of Western Broome at 754-7856 for more information. Ask for Sue or Maria. Our volunteers deliver more than a meal they bring a friendly smile and a daily check-in to ensure that you and/or your loved one can remain healthy and independent. If you are interested in becoming one of our amazing volunteers, ask to speak to Jackie. All you need is the desire to serve! Medicare Insurance Counseling Do you or a loved one need help with your Medicare Insurance coverage? Action for Older Persons offers free unbiased insurance counseling and assistance with financial savings programs. Call Action for Older Persons at (607) 722-1251 for more information on how they can help you select the best plan and save money. Mothers Day Plant Sale May 10 th, Noon to 6PM Mom s House is having a Mothers Day Plant sale. The deadline to order is April 26 th. Plants can be picked up at Mom s House on May 10 th from noon to 6 p.m. Forms can be downloaded from their website at: http://www.momshouseny.org/news_publications/mothers-day-plantsale.html.
April Liturgical Ministers Schedule April 2 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Jack Westermann Sue Jones 1 st Reading Youth 1 2 nd Reading Jackie Reece Youth 2 Chalice Chip Kinne Eunice Barton Readings Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 April 9 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Debbie Dieffenbacher Jim Garceau 1 st Reading Barb Dailey 2 nd Reading Bill Dieffenbacher Judy Shannon Chalice Jack Westermann Karen Cahill Readings Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 April 16 Easter Sunday 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Mary Cermak Jim Buffum 1 st Reading Sue Pettit 2 nd Reading Dolly Chergosky Judy Shannon Chalice Luther Chergosky Barb Dailey Readings Acts 10:34-43 Colossians 3:1-4 April 23 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Jennifer Westermann Steve Koerts 1 st Reading Georgia Wilber 2 nd Reading Garvin Alexander Bob Pettit Chalice Chip Kinne Sue Jones Readings Acts 2:14a, 22-32 1 Peter 1:3-9 April 30 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Lay Assistant Jane Parker Ruthie Koerts 1 st Reading Zach Manchester 2 nd Reading Jackie Reece Kelly Parker-Seeley Chalice Richard Parker Steve Koerts Readings Acts 2:14a, 36-41 1 Peter 1:17-23 Note: If you are unable to serve on a given week, please try to find a substitute. Luther Chergosky is available as a substitute Lay Assistant for 8:00 services. If you need a phone number, please call the office at 748-8118. Copies of our church directory are available as well for your convenience.
St. Paul s Episcopal Church Vestry Minutes, February 14, 2017 To love God, Love others, Help Others to love God Rector: Fr. John R. Martinichio Wardens: Bruce Dailey, Jennifer S. Westermann Vestry: Eunice Barton Lynda Helmer (A) Ruthie Koerts (A) Karen Cahill Marge Johns Robert Pettit Duncan Finlayson (A) Chip Kinne Richard Schwab Treasurer: Jack Westermann Fr. John opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with a prayer by Robert McCracken from An American Prayer Book. He welcomed Marge and Chip. January Minutes - In the financial report, suggestion made to clarify the property insurance bill Fr. John noted as being $341.00 more than budgeted. This is the Pinnacle policy. Motion made by Richard with second from Eunice to accept the January minutes with the clarification as noted. Financial Reports Bob Pettit: Gould Report the Gould fund balance as of January 31 stood at $4,494,998, an increase of 67,812 for the month. The monthly draw of $14,250 as budgeted left a balance of $4,480,748 as of January 31, 2017. Income pledges are being honored Expenses expenses for the month were roughly double what was budgeted as some bills are paid quarterly or annually (Fr. John s HSA is a one-time payment due in January). A somewhat unexpected expense was $1,300 for our previous secretary s unemployment charge. This was our final payment for it. We actually expected that total to be higher but did not know the state s billing timeline. Over all we are about $11K over budget for January but expect that to level out. Jack: CHAP/CHOW financials this money is kept in the checking account as it has to be readily available which is why monthly reports are generated for them. CHOW/ CHAP handouts report is attached. CHAP is in pretty decent shape but CHOW may need additional funding as the year goes on. Flower/Candle memorials report attached. Fr. John noted that people wishing to have loved ones noted in these memorials down but not sure why. Treasurer s report nothing outrageous Stewardship Report: 73 pledge cards have been returned as of February 12, 2017 for a total of $138,828. Reminder letters went out. Motion made by Karen Cahill with second from Eunice Barton to accept the financial reports as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Consent Agenda Parochial Report for 2016: attached Numbers of note Membership 11 increases and 11 decreases so still 316 communicants in good standing. Note: there are 56 identified people who regularly worship with us but are not members as they have not secured letters of transfer. Average Sunday Attendance was 123. Motion made by Chip Kinne with second from Karen Cahill to accept report. Motion carried unanimously. Gould Allocations: Motion made by Bob with second from Bruce to approve the Gould grant as presented. (see attached application). Motion carried unanimously. Assistant Treasurer: - We have not had an assistant treasurer since Janet Kriswalus passed away. Nancy Boyd-Goff has agreed to become Assistant Treasurer. Motion made by Marge Johns with second from Eunice Barton to appoint Nancy Assistant Treasurer with privileges as a signatory on church accounts. Motion carried unanimously. Items for Discussion Rector s Report Annual Meeting: Fr. John was pleasantly surprised that of the 70 people in church 58 stayed for the meeting as the weather was horrendous. A lot of people clearly had read the report before the meeting which was gratifying. Bishop s Visitation: Bishop DeDe will be at St. Paul s on Sunday, February. 26. There will be a coffee hour after 8:00 a.m. service for informal conversation. She will preside at both services and will lead Forum after the 10:00 a.m. service which will be in the lounge. A parish-wide meatloaf dinner will begin at 12:30 PM. Cottage Meetings: Vestry members will host. A notice about them will go in the March Epistle. John and Jennifer will divide the directory up geographically. Social Committee: - Fr. John will set a date to meet with this committee. Wardens Report Bruce Dailey shared thank you notes from the Samaritan Counseling Center and BCCC for our annually budgeted donations and from the Jewish Federation for a Gould Grant. Committee Reports Christian Education: Classes are going well. Older class is now meeting in the undercroft which seems to be working out well. Women of the Church: Successful Trinity Canteen in January; the sleeping bag project will be the 2 nd Thursday of each month; luncheon at the Blue Dolphin on Feb. 15. Sandy will address the congregation on Sunday, February 19 about the need for help at the rummage sales. Other Items Trinity Canteen: In order to spread out the workload a different person should be in charge of each one instead of the current practice of one person trying to coordinate the four or five Sundays/year we host the Canteen. The remaining dates for 2017 are: April 30, July 30, October 29 and December 31. Richard Schwab will ask Sandy if they could
do April and Westermanns will do October. Volunteers are still needed for the July and December dates. Pancake Supper: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be on Feb. 28. Bruce has rounded up our youth to cook and serve. Ash Wednesday services (March 1) will be held at 7:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Lenten Series will begin on Wednesday, March 7 and will consist of s Eucharist service in the chapel followed by a simple supper then a guest speaker. The speakers will be from the faith communities of Buddhism, Muslim, Jewish and possibly from the Sikh community. Maundy Thursday will be a bit different with a dish to pass, simple Eucharist and stripping of the Altar. Next Meeting - Tuesday, April 4, 2017, 7:00 p.m. (rescheduled) Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM with the Lord s Prayer. Minutes submitted by Jennifer S. Westermann, Vestry Clerk