Church Notes News, Events, and Notes of Interest for the week ending May 6, 2011 Church of The Apostles 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
Church of The Apostles Evangelical Anglican The Truth Shall Make You Free (John 8:32) We are Christians proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ who worship in the Anglican tradition. Church of The Apostles is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
United In Faith 2011 In God We Trust and Obey September 3, 2011 Tickets are now available for... Progressive Dinner on Fairview Saturday, May 14th 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Travel Fairview Avenue for an evening of food, fellowship and music. Appetizers: 5:30 p.m. Phenix Baptist Church Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Church of The Apostles Dessert & Music: 7:30 p.m. Quidnick Baptist Church (Riverpoint Advent Christian Church will assist Phenix Baptist Church with the Appetizers. The dinner menu includes Meatballs and Pasta. Dessert will be provided by Still Water Christian Fellowship, and music will be hosted by Pastor Joe Campbell.) Tickets: $10.00 per person or $25.00 per family Tickets are available from Deacon Cathy Morgan, Deacon Harry Sacchetti and Barbara Bickerstaff. All ticket sales benefit United In Faith 2011. For further information contact Cathy Morgan at 499-3918 or 781-8577.
A Change in Perspective And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) Hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused and thrown into prison. By all accounts, Joseph did not have an easy life, and yet, for those who are familiar with the Biblical account we know that ultimately all of the terrible things Joseph suffered were used by the Lord as the means by which he would save an entire people from famine and death. Likewise David, witnessing the crumbling of his world, hated, chased and nearly killed by Saul, was ultimately an instrument of God s Divine Plan as the eventual progenitor of the Messiah. Throughout the whole of Scripture we read example after example of God turning every circumstance, no matter how dire, into the long-range good of those who love him. Though he was put in prison, the Apostle Paul did not waver in his faith and continued to carry out the mission that God had called him to carryout. Why? Because his trust was placed not on earthly things but on a God whom he knew had his back. His eternal security secured through a steadfast faith in Christ, no earthly calamity could possibly cause his faith or his dedication to his mission to waver. This thought is comforting for us as Christians, is it not? Our Redeemer Lives, and he is going to bat for us even when we think he isn t. We may not have the unshakeable faith of Paul, but even now God is working within us to give us new hearts and a new perspective in regards to his plans and purposes for us as individuals and for his people, his Church. I don t know about you, but for me this has been a difficult concept to grasp. God has a plan; a plan for me, a plan for you, a plan for each and every person here at Church of The Apostles, 2
young and old. And as much as we would like to think otherwise, his plan is not always (or even usually) our plan. We see this evidenced every day and yet for many, myself included, setting our own plans aside and trusting in God s grand design is not an easy task, to say the least. With this in mind it is with great sadness that I announce to you my plans to step down as your Minister of Christian Education at the close of this Sunday School season. I would like to say my plan is to be a full time elementary school teacher in a Christian school but I know (or rather, am learning) that ultimately my future is not now nor has it ever been in my own hands. Suffice to say that God has placed on my heart a desire to teach his word and his Truths to the next generation. Where that will take me I honestly have no idea, but what I do know for sure is that it is time for me to begin a new chapter; to take the next step in what has been thus far an amazing journey. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate what I said in my very first Church Notes article a little less than a year ago, and thank you all for your unwavering support. To say that it has been a pleasure getting to know you all is an understatement. If I do end up leaving Rhode Island at the end of the summer to take a teaching position elsewhere, I will greatly miss the family here. You all continue to be in my prayers, and I appreciate your continued prayers as I begin this next chapter. Yours in Christ, Chris Lloyd Minister of Christian Education For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) 3
Healthy Eating: Questions & Answers What are chronic diseases? Chronic disease is a term for any illness that causes major limitations in a person s daily life. Symptoms such as pain or exhaustion can prevent people from doing the things they want to do. The most common chronic diseases include heart disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis and diabetes. Why is it important to prevent chronic diseases? Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Each year 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans are from chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are the most prevalent, costly and preventable of all health problems. How do I know if I am at risk for chronic disease? You may be at risk for developing a chronic disease if you: Are overweight or obese. Eat a diet high in salt, fats and sugars. Infrequently exercise. What is a healthy diet? A healthy diet includes a wide variety of nutritious foods and a balance between calories eaten and burned off. Choosing to eat healthy is not a quick fix or fad diet. It needs to become a lifestyle change. Staying in control of your weight contributes to good health now and as you age. Take control of your health with these tips! KEEP TRACK OF CALORIES To maintain your body weight, the calories consumed must be equal to the calories used. The more active you are, the more you can eat while maintaining that balance. One pound is worth approximately 3,500 calories. So, in order to lose 1-2 pounds per week you must reduce your normal calorie intake by 500-1000 calories a day. FOODS TO INCREASE Whole grains. 4
Fruit and vegetables. Low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products Lean meats: chicken or turkey breast, tuna, cod Other protein sources: beans, soy, nuts FOODS TO REDUCE Refined grains Salt (sodium) Fats (saturated, trans, cholesterol) Sugars (sucrose, high-fructose, corn syrup) Alcohol, soft drinks, fruit juice READ LABELS! Read nutrition labels before you buy The ingredients listed first are the ones most heavily used in the food. How do I keep the weight off? HEALTHY EATING HABITS Eat slowly Limit your portion size Eat when hungry Eat while sitting at a table Skip dessert Eat three meals a day GET ACTIVE Evidence shows the only way to maintain weight loss is to be engaged in regular exercise. Even modest weight loss can produce big benefits in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugars. Gradually increase your movement every week. What kind of exercise is right for me? Exercise includes everyday activities such as walking and gardening. Get active in a way that works for you and your family. Try biking, swimming, hiking, yoga or rollerblading. Bring your friends and family along for support. If that doesn t work try something else like an aerobics class. Just don t stop moving! 5
Should I take any precautions before becoming more active? People who already have chronic diseases such as such as a heart condition, arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure, should talk to their doctor about what types and amounts of physical activity are appropriate. Elise Kusche (Rhode Island College, Nursing Student) Sharon Galloway, Health and Wellness Minister Health and Wellness Notes... Annual Walk for Life Thursday, May 12, 2011 Goddard Park Carousel Registration 6:00 PM Walk begins 6:30 PM (2 mi.) www.walk.carenetri.org to register online Celebrate Life The Health and Wellness Ministry invites you to join us for the Walk for Life fundraiser to benefit CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center of Rhode Island. We will be meeting at the carousel at Goddard Park at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2011. This is a wonderful opportunity to get some exercise and support a worthwhile cause. Please contact Sharon Galloway (524-5971) or Kathy Kettle (573-0773) for more information or if you need transportation. Race Across America The final count is in Team Moses 5096 miles and Team St. Paul 5085. Participants on both teams will be receiving a water bottle with our church name on it. The Health and Wellness Ministry thanks all who participated! See you at the Walk for Life!! 6
BLOOD DRIVE Where? When? Church of The Apostles Fellowship Hall Sunday, June 5th 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Blood Donors provide hope Please join us! First come/first served! Refreshments for donors! Did you know that 60% of the population is eligible to donate but only 5% do? Won t you consider donating? 1 pint of blood saves up to 3 lives!! BE SURE TO HAVE BREAKFAST THAT MORNING! We have a goal of 15 pints with your donation, we can meet or exceed that! Those who gave during the January Drive are eligible to give now! Any questions, please contact Joan Clarke [826-0784]. 7
The Crossroads Family Center Flower pots and 100 cupcakes, what a combination! But on Friday, April 29th, they came together at the Crossroads Family Center. A group of adults and teenagers from Church of The Apostles entertained 20 children and 15 adults for an evening full of fun and fellowship. The pictures tell it all. Please join with us next month, Friday, May 27th, as we visit once again bringing hope, joy and love to our brothers and sisters at the shelter. And the King will answer and say to them, Truly I say to you to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me (Matthew 25:40). If you are interested in visiting Crossroads at a future date, you may speak with Cathy Morgan (499-3918) or Erin Swanson (523-5009). There will be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex as the time nears. 8
From the Outreach Minister... Brothers and Sisters, I read recently an introduction to the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. The introduction was written by Christian singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin. He said, in Acts 11, at the end it says, The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. What I find interesting is the simple thought that the Christians didn t name themselves. But rather, they were called Christians by those watching their lives. United In Faith provides us, as modern day Christians, the opportunity for non-believers to watch our lives. That is why it is so important for churches and organizations from so many denominations to gather, showing God s love to one another. Others will see it as with the new Christians in Acts 2:44: And all those who believed were together, and had all things in common; and in Acts 2:47: And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. It was the community of God s people working and fellowshipping together that attracted new believers through the Holy Spirit. The United In Faith 2011, In God We Trust and Obey schedule includes: The Progressive Dinner on Fairview Avenue: Saturday, May 14th Tickets are available from Cathy Morgan, Harry Sacchetti or Barbara Bickerstaff for $10 for individuals or $25 per family. The dinner begins with appetizers at Phenix Baptist Church at 5:30, continues on to Church of The Apostles at 6:30 for a macaroni and meatball supper, culminating at Quidnick Baptist Church for dessert and a good ole fashioned sing-along of hymns and Christian songs. The Outdoor Concert on the Lawn Benefit Series Friday, July 15th, the youth band Kingdom, a praise band of five college students from Christ Church, East Greenwich, will play at the first benefit concert. By the grace of God, these five singers are meeting together to share God s message with us. 9
Friday, August 5th, The New Life Assembly Praise Band from Wakefield, Rhode Island will lead us in praise and worship. Hamburgers and hotdogs are available starting at 6:00 p.m. Music begins at 7:00 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. The Outdoor Festival of The Word and Christian Music: Saturday, September 3rd, from 11:30 am 7:30 p.m. As you can see, brothers and sisters, there is a full schedule ahead. We pray that you will fully engage this year and become part of the United In Faith experience as we celebrate and rejoice in God s great love for ALL God s people! (See John 3:16) Let us accept the Great Commission to Go therefore and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). As we gather in communion with our God and with each other, let us be as the people in the words of the great Christian folk song We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord And they ll know we are Christians by our love... Yours in Christ, Deacon Cathy Morgan And on a more Personal Note... Thank you all for the encouragement on my new hair. Making such a drastic change wasn t easy, but you all made it a wonderful experience for me. I d like to share with you three things that I learned: 1. It is now easier to understand how some people did not recognize Christ when he returned after the resurrection. 2. Silver hair is like the light of Christ. In the end, the light always overcomes the darkness. 3. You are never more beautiful than when you are exactly the way God made you. Thou didst weave me in my mother s womb; I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13). Halleluiah! Amen! 10
Mark Tellier named Elder-in-training At the March meeting of the Church Council Superintendent Galloway made the announcement that it was his intention (effective May 1st) to name Mark Tellier as our Congregation s first Elder-intraining. The Superintendent came to this decision after several months of consultation with (and unanimous approval of) the Board of Elders. The Bylaws of the Church of The Apostles (ARTICLE IX.1) state that the Superintendent (Bishop), the episkopos ( overseer ) of the Congregation (1 Timothy 3:1), is the ordained apostolic Presbyter (1 Peter 5:1) who normally has the public authority given unto (him) in the Congregation, to call and send Ministers into the Lord s vineyard (Article XXIII, Thirty-nine Articles). Superintendent Galloway and Mr. Tellier have been discussing his possible vocation to the ordained ministry for the past few years. At the Superintendent s suggestion Mark has taken some preliminary on-line course work through Trinity School for Ministry, an Evangelical Anglican and biblically orthodox seminary in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, a school that Superintendent Galloway believes is fully dedicated to forming Christian leaders for mission. Mr. Tellier, 34, will now embark on an intentional (approximately two-year) program of study that will include both in-house and on-line course work and which shall be tailored and designed to best help prepare Mark for the rigors of the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12). The Superintendent shall oversee and monitor this formation process and make recommendations and adjustments to the program as he deems necessary. Superintendent Galloway is convinced that Mr. Tellier not only possesses but has already displayed the necessary acumen and talents, moral and spiritual qualifications (Titus 1:5-9), and desire that is required of a man who believes he is called to serve in the future as an ordained Presbyter of the Congregation. In the months to come, as an Elder-in-training, Mark will become more and more visible to the members of the Church of The Apostles as he incrementally takes on the various responsibilities assigned to him by the Superintendent and which shall reflect the nature of his new title and calling. Superintendent Galloway and the entire Church Council asks that each member of our Congregation be diligent in lifting up in prayer Mark and his wife Jessica and their children Marcus and Adara during this exciting and challenging time in their Christian lives. We are a church that is blessed to have such outstanding young men and women who are willing to represent Christ to the world. 11
Ministry Spotlight: Altar Guild Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that we may handle holy things with reverence and godly fear, and perform our work with such faithfulness and devotion that it may rise with acceptance before thee and obtain thy blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. What: Altar Guild Cares for the items used at our church services, and prepares the holy Table. When: Weekly, on Saturday mornings, and after the services on Saturday evening and Sunday morning; in preparation for baptisms, weddings, funerals and other special services, as necessary. Why: Who: How: The Scriptures tell us of the glory of God and the beauty of holiness. The altar is to be a small reflection of God s glory, to point us to the mystery and beauty of God. The preparations each week serve to bless each altar guild member, and also our church family. Any woman who would like to volunteer to serve the Lord and our church family in a mainly behind-thescenes ministry, that is satisfying on both a natural and spiritual level. The altar guild is comprised of four teams, who do the preparations on Saturday morning for the services each weekend. Beginning in June, we will have a separate schedule of teams who will clean up and reset, if necessary, after each service. So, if you attend any of the three services each weekend, you could be on the altar guild! If you are interested in serving the church in this ministry, you may contact JoAnn Ruppert (826-8623) for more information. If you are not sure you d like to join the altar guild without some more information, you could shadow an altar guild member and see exactly what is entailed in serving the Lord and the church in this ministry. 12
Mark your Calendar May Monday, May 9 7:00 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal Wednesday, May 11 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Meeting Saturday, May 14 7:30 a.m. Men s Breakfast Saturday, May 14 5:30 p.m. UIF Progressive Dinner Wednesday, May 18 5:15 p.m. Shepherd s Table Wednesday, May 18 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Meeting Thursday, May 19 7:00 p.m. Church Council Saturday, May 21 7:00 p.m. Joyful Women Saturday, May 21 6:30 p.m. Holy Couples Monday, May 23 7:00 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal Wednesday, May 25 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Meeting Friday, May 27 7:00 p.m. Crossroads Ministry Saturday, May 28 12 noon Sister Chicks Flower Swap Sunday, May 29 10:30 a.m. Holy Baptism Monday, May 30 Memorial Day: Office Closed June Wednesday, Jun 1 6:30 p.m. Lay Visitation Ministry Wednesday, Jun 1 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Meeting Sunday, Jun 5 9:00 a.m. Blood Drive Wednesday, Jun 8 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Meeting Sunday, Jun 12 Pentecost: Membership Sunday Sunday, Jun 12 6:00 p.m. Marc Dobson Concert Wednesday, Jun 15 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Meeting July Wednesday, Jul 15 7:00 p.m. Summer Lawn Concert I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. (John 10:14) 13
Notices... Come with one Leave with many Sister Chicks is hosting a Flower Swap on Saturday, May 28th, at the home of Tammy Faiola, 30 Audubon Lane, Coventry. Bring a flat (approximately 36-48 individual plants) of your favorite variety of annual and leave with an assorted flat of plants. We will start at 12 noon with a potluck lunch. If you are not a gardener but would like to join for lunch and fellowship, please do! For further information, please speak with Roberta Tvenstrup (385-9958). A Men s Fellowship Breakfast will be offered on Saturday, May 14th, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Please join with your brothers in Christ to share food, fellowship and the Word of God. Bring a friend! For further information, please speak with Diaconal Minister Bill Sexton (726-4549). The grass is growing! It s time to mow the lawn! If you would like to volunteer to be on the lawn mowing schedule, to use either the riding tractor or the push mower, there is a sign up sheet on the table in the Narthex. Volunteers are scheduled about once per month. For further information, please speak with Bob Bickerstaff (828-7216) or Harry Sacchetti (374-4273). The Church Directory, with the names and addresses of members of our Church Family, has been updated and copies are available in the rack outside the Church Office. Please note that the Pictorial Directory has not yet been updated. The Day of Pentecost, June 12, 2011, is Membership Sunday at Church of The Apostles. 14
In the mail... Mrs. Joan Galloway, Superintendent Mark, Shawna, Sharon and the entire Galloway family extend their appreciation and thanks to everyone who reached out and supported them with offerings of prayer, food, calls, cards, visits, and kindness during the recent illness and death of Donald Galloway. Your overwhelming expressions of love and friendship were such a blessing to their family. Thank you! Dear Folks at Church of The Apostles, We miss you all, and wish for you a Blessed Easter (and warmer weather!). How quickly this year is going by! Our family is doing better (sickness wise), thanks be to God! It has been a tough three months, but we have come through okay. We have a mourning dove that has made a nest in a large wreath in our entry way to the front door. There are two young birds that have hatched! This is the first time this has happened to us! God must be smiling on us. We recommend for reading: Heaven Is for Real a book about a four year old boy who dies and goes to heaven. He related his experience when he comes back to life. Very interesting. We thank you all so much for your prayers for us. We know they help, and we are very appreciative for them. Thank you also for the mail you send to us. It s nice to hear the news from home. May God bless you all, and he continue to guide you according to his plan for you. With Much Love, The Reverend David and Connie Ryan 15
Please join us in welcoming Marc Dobson in Concert at Church of The Apostles Sunday, June 12th 6:00 p.m. The Reverend Marc Dobson, a gifted, preacher, teacher and musician, will feature original music from his latest recording Take the Land. This new CD represents a spiritual journey that he has traveled over the past five years. Through this music you can follow Marc through the failures and disappointments of life and then stand with him as he chooses to follow Christ in spite of his brokenness. The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) Church Register Burials Mary Elizabeth Munslow April 7, 2011 Connie Jacques April 8, 2011 Confirmations April 23, 2011 Christina-Lee Hazel Galloway Alison Roseann Geoffrey Nicholas Carl Hoyer 16
Church of The Apostles Evangelical Anglican 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Church Office: (401) 821-7609 Superintendent s Residence: (401) 397-3652 Website: apostlesri.org E-mail: office@apostlesri.org The Holy Eucharist Christian Education Sunday Brunch Evening Prayer Meeting Morning Prayer Superintendent Church Administrator Communications Officer Christian Education Minister Pastoral Assistant (MSW, LICSW) Youth Minister Health and Wellness Minister Organist and Music Director Sacristy Minister Property Maintenance Technician Sexton Treasurer Saturday 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sunday 9:15 a.m. Sunday 11:45 a.m. Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. Church Staff Board of Elders The Reverend Mark R. Galloway Barbara Battey Barbara Bickerstaff Chris Lloyd Roberta Tvenstrup Roger Hall Sharon Galloway, RN Marianne Salisbury JoAnn Ruppert Jim Quinn Michael Edwards Bob Bickerstaff Elder Chad Tvenstrup 385-9958 Elder Nina Deuel 789-3837 Elder Rob Geoffrey 943-4661 Elder Emeritus Conrad Ruppert Board of Servants Archdeacon Tom Bourn Servant Evangelism Minister 294-4186 Deacon Bill Sexton Congregational Care Minister 726-4549 Deacon Cathy Morgan Outreach Minister 781-8577 Deacon Kathy Kettle Stewardship Minister 822-2460 Deacon Harry Sacchetti Buildings & Grounds Minister 374-4273
Church of The Apostles 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816 Church Notes A publication of Church of The Apostles. Reviewed by The Reverend Mark R. Galloway, Superintendent. Edited by Barbara A. Bickerstaff, Communications Officer. May 6, 2011 Volume 6, Number 5