CHURCH NOTES News, Events, and Notes of Interest for the week ending September 25, 2015 CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES Evangelical Anglican We are Christians who Worship in the Anglican Tradition. Our Mission is to Obey, Follow and Bear Witness to Jesus Christ. Church of The Apostles is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
Walking to Bethlehem! Save the Date! Saturday, October 24th at 5:30 p.m. Turkey Dinner and Kickoff of a Walking/Activity Program Sponsored by The Health & Wellness Ministry Learn about an incredible journey we can undertake as God s people to prepare for the birth of our Savior. If not interested in the walking initiative, come anyway and enjoy good food and fellowship! Watch for a sign up sheet in the Narthex.
The Deacons Corner... Stewardship Sunday is coming November 15th! Our Stewardship Booklet is in the making. Does anyone feel called by the Holy Spirit to speak about your Faith in Jesus Christ and how it has impacted your stewardship; how, through Him, you have offered your soul and body to be a living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1)? Each year we hear our people s testimony on how their Faith in the Lord has impacted their lives. Perhaps you are that person this year who would like to share your story. If sharing your story by the written word is more suitable for you, then please consider sharing it in the Stewardship Booklet. Please see Deacon Deb Adams. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) Annual CareNet Banquet The Bible tells us in The Book of Genesis, Chapter 1, that God made man in his own image (v. 27). In Psalm 139 the Psalmist tells us that you created my innermost being; you knit me together in my mother s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (v. 13, 14). When God calls the prophet Jeremiah he tells him, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (1:5). In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1, we learn that when Mary visited Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist, When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb (v. 42). Consistently throughout the Bible we are reminded how precious we are to our Creator and that life begins in God s mind even before our conception. Consistently through our news cycles, our government and most of the world, the enemy bombards us 2
with messages and with situations that tell us differently. The Carenet Pregnancy Center of Rhode Island is a Biblically based pregnancy center located in the heart of South Providence, fighting that enemy tooth and nail to get God s message out about the sanctity of life from conception until final breath. Their goal: To put Planned Parenthood out of business, and to rid the state of Rhode Island of abortion altogether. The Church, God s body under Christ its Head, is responsible for fighting that same enemy and the same battle, getting the same message out, and ending abortion altogether. To that end, the Carenet ministry calls upon churches each year to walk along side and join them in fighting this fierce battle. On Thursday, November 12, 2015, the Pregnancy Center will be hosting its annual banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick). There is no cost for attending, however an opportunity for making a financial contribution is offered. Our support is not only needed, but imperative, and can be offered in time, talent and/or treasure. Spend some time in prayer over the above Bible scriptures. If you feel so called to attend the banquet or to learn more about this ministry, please speak to Deacon Emerita Cathy Morgan or Deacon Deb Adams. Paradigm: The Lord Sets the Paradigm a model or pattern for something that may be copied a theory or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made, or thought about (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) Some twenty years ago or so, Brown and Sharpe hired a motivational speaker to work with its employees in an effort to turn business around. The gentleman was very good. His name was Carl Henry and his slogan was, Carl Henry takes the stress out of continuous education. His program focused on the 3
acronym P.E.O.P.L.E. (come talk to me about that!); colored buttons for different personalities; and the word paradigm. I was fascinated with his use of the word paradigm and his insistence that paradigms had to be broken in order to succeed. The basis of his argument was that the worn out methods of Tribal Knowledge could not compete with Thinking out of the Box. He used an example of a bicycle seat manufacturer that redesigned a bike seat from a pear shape to sleek banana shape. Why does the seat need to be shaped like a pear? I like new ideas. New ideas are good. Peanut-butter with chocolate is good. Refrigeration is cool. And the internet rates up there with the flat screen TV. However, some ideas were better left in the round file: like selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees, a bad idea; the AMC Pacer, not a good idea; a new Coke formula, not so good. But in the grand scheme of things, these ideas, good or bad, are trivial. There are the tried and true ideas; the ideas which keep order in our lives and give glory to God. They are the model for success. These are the rules which God has set down; God s Paradigm. For us who search for righteousness, the Ten Commandments are the no brainer. For example, building a golden calf was not a good idea, looking back at Sodom, not so good either. And David s affair with Bathsheba did not go over so well. Then consider this; Jesus was sent by the Father not to change the paradigm, but to add to it. He tells us: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31). All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20). 4
The group of ideas or Commandments can be done with ease from the confines of our homes. However, Jesus Great Commission tells us to leave the comfort zone and seek out the lost, to make disciples. This is the real challenge. This is the paradigm for success. Unlike a business, success in discipleship is not measured by a bottom line. So how do we measure the true level of success? Is it the number of pews filled on Sunday or simply the number of people saved? It is the people who come to know the peace that is Jesus Christ, the people we love, the family members we care about, our friends and coworkers. They are the ones we are called to save. If I only save one soul, is there success? Yes! For the peace in that one will manifest to his or her family and friends and so on. For what it s worth, ten would have been a success for Abraham. May the peace of the Lord be with you, Doug Stomberg Abraham Intercedes for Sodom The LORD said, Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know....then Abraham said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there. He answered, For the sake of ten I will not destroy it. And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham. (Genesis 18:20-21, 32-33) 5
God of Creation, All Powerful God of creation, all powerful, all wise, Lord of the universe rich with surprise, Maker, Sustainer, and Ruler of all, We are Your children You hear when we call. God of the ages, through time s troubled years You are the One in whom history coheres; Nations and empires your purpose fulfill; Moving in freedom, yet working Your will. God of redemption, who wrought our rebirth, Called out Your Church from the ends of the earth, Still You are Savior put darkness to flight; Overcome sin by salvation s pure light! God of Your people, Your Word still stands fast Do for us now as You ve done in the past! Yours is the Kingdom Your triumph we claim, Challenging evil in Jesus strong name. God of our now, all our trust is in You, Covenant God, ever faithful and true; Sovereign Creator, Redeemer and Lord, Now and forever Your name be adored! Edith Margaret Clarkson (1915-2008) 6
Health & Wellness Ministry Protecting yourself, family, and the Congregation by getting the flu vaccine! Health and wellness means taking care of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. But due to busy schedules we may put our own well-being last. The Health & Wellness Ministry once again would like to make it easier for you and your loved ones to put your well-being first, by making vaccination more convenient. Save the Date!! FLU SHOT CLINIC Sunday, October 18th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Please bring your insurance card, if you have one.) What is influenza (also called flu)? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Signs and symptoms of flu People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: Fever* or feeling feverish/chills Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue (very tired) Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. *It s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. 7
How flu spreads Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose. Complications of flu Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. When to get vaccinated against seasonal flu Yearly flu vaccination should begin soon after flu vaccine is available, and ideally by October. However, getting vaccinated even later can be protective, as long as flu viruses are circulating. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community. (The above information was compiled from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov.) 8
A STUDENT S PRAYER FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR Dear Jesus, as we begin this new school year, please walk beside us and keep your loving hand upon us that we might learn and grow as you want us to. We don t know yet what this year will bring, but we ask you please to show us how to love and respect our new teachers and classmates. Open our minds and hearts to all that we will learn from them. Help us to make good friends and to be good friends to those who need us. Most of all, please help us to be open to all the new knowledge that this year of learning holds for us. Help us to be the best students we can be and in this way to give you praise and thanks and glory. Amen. 9
Prison Ministry In the twelfth chapter of Saint Paul s first letter to the Corinthians, he speaks of the gifts of the Holy Spirit or the Fruit of the Spirit. It states: There are different kinds of gifts. But they are all given to believers by the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve. But they all come from the same Lord. There are different ways the Spirit works. But the same God is working in all these ways and in all people (v. 4-6). I believe that these verses tell it all. They are called gifts from the Spirit but they are also ways to serve the one true God. I know that I heard the first part, the part about getting gifts of the Spirit but I didn t hear the rest of the message, that all the gifts are ways to serve. When I was asked by a dear friend how did I get into the prison ministry at the ACI, I found that I really could not answer her question. When I thought back to the day that I called the warden of the prison I cannot tell you what prompted me to make that call. But I can tell you that it was on that day that my relationship with the Holy Spirit began to soar. Through my first year of this work I tried so hard to conduct myself just like the other two facilitators with whom I worked and it was a feat of futility. In my head I was saying what do you think you re doing, you re no good at this, you re a wreck when it comes to be your turn to lead the group, your stress builds as Tuesday nights get closer and closer. When I was just about to quit, I let go. It was like I was trying to do this on my own strength. Oh, I would pray and ask the Lord to give me the ability to serve Him. And then I suddenly got it: this is not me who is doing the doing. I can t save anyone! There is only one Savior, Jesus Christ. It was at that moment that I let go and allowed the Holy Spirit to use me, speak through me. A gift is something you are given. You don t have to do anything. You just need to say here I am Lord, do with me as you will. I cannot tell you the incredible joy I am experiencing in the prison with the women who come and go through these classes. We 10
have Christian workbooks covering many subjects that we go by. It s hard to even explain how it feels to watch the Holy Spirit move and flow, weaving a most beautiful happening that always, I mean always, brings glory to the Father. When we speak of gifts of the Holy Spirit there are no words that could ever encapsulate the enormity of the true gift that we are given by a Holy, Holy, Holy Father who loves us and only wants good for us. And when God uses the word good, it s not just good, it is phenomenal! People say that I have a gift but the truth is that I have been given the greatest gift ever and I sing praises to my Lord God every Tuesday night as I drive home after these classes where I have just been sitting in the presence of Almighty God. Cheryl Lewis God has taught us that we cannot love without giving and that giving includes our time, talent, and treasure. If we give ourselves to God and let the Lord Jesus use our talents to serve others, we will be amazed by the results. Not only will our lives be changed but so will the lives of others. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) 11
Saint Michael and All Angels September 29th Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short! (Revelation 12:7-12) The Collect for Saint Michael and All Angels Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 12
Mark Your Calendar... September Monday, Sept 28 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal Tuesday, Sept 29 6:30 p.m. Truth Project Wednesday, Sept 30 12 noon Wednesday Eucharist Wednesday, Sept 30 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer October Saturday, Oct 3 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study Monday, Oct 5 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal Tuesday, Oct 6 6:30 p.m. Truth Project Wednesday, Oct 7 12 noon Wednesday Eucharist Wednesday, Oct 7 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Saturday, Oct 10 7:30 a.m. Men s Breakfast Monday, Oct 12 Office Closed: Columbus Day Monday, Oct 12 Church Notes deadline Tuesday, Oct 13 6:30 p.m. Truth Project Wednesday, Oct 14 12 noon Wednesday Eucharist Wednesday, Oct 14 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Saturday, Oct 17 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study Sunday, Oct 18 9:00 a.m. Flu Clinic Tuesday, Oct 20 6:30 p.m. Truth Project Wednesday, Oct 21 12 noon Wednesday Eucharist Wednesday, Oct 21 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Saturday, Oct 24 5:30 p.m. Turkey Dinner Monday, Oct 26 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal November Sunday, Nov 1 Sunday, Nov 15 Sunday, Nov 22 All Saints Day Stewardship Sunday The Feast of Christ the King We thank you, Lord, for minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve. 13
Notices... Sunday Brunch is served each week following the 10:30 a.m. Service. This Sunday tradition is a potluck mid-day meal that provides an opportunity for Congregants to gather and catch-up on the lives and events of other members of our church family. There is no signup or schedule for the food. Just bring a dish to share. If you would like to volunteer to help with brunch (about once a month), there is a signup sheet on the bulletin board outside the kitchen. For further information please speak with Barbara Bickerstaff. Joyful Women Bible Study meets the first and third Saturdays of the month at 8:00 a.m. Each study is self contained and all women are welcome! For further information, please speak with Barbara Bickerstaff (828-7216). The Men s Fellowship Breakfast and Bible Study is offered on the second Saturday of the month 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. The next breakfast is scheduled for October 10th. For further information, please speak with Deacon Bill Sexton (726-4549). The deadline for information for the next edition of Church Notes is Monday, October 12th. Church Register Burials July 11, 2015 Charlotte F. Luther August 28, 2015 James F. Doyle 14
In the mail... Dear Sisters and Brothers, Thank you for the wonderful celebration of ministry on August 30th. It was a glorious day! Thank you, too, for the many cards, gifts and personal sentiments that my family and I received. As I wrote to you last month, I will repeat again: I feel I am called to carry every one of you in prayer, as gifts given to me from God s grace, where I recall every conversation, every meeting, every visit, every sharing in Word and Sacrament. I gather all of you in prayerful recollection, in order to give glory to the Father: so that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10). With all my affection, The Reverend Mark R. Galloway Bishop-retired Dear Friends, Thank you for all the prayers, cards, care and concern that you offered for me, and by extension to my family, during the final months of my mother s life on this side of Glory. Thank you also for joining with us at her funeral services. Your support was beyond measure! A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; [s]he that has found one has found a treasure (Ecclesiasticus 6:14). With love, Barbara Bickerstaff As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:10) 15
Francis of Assisi Friar, 1226 October 4th A Prayer attributed to St. Francis Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. The Collect for Francis of Assisi Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 16
The Holy Eucharist Sunday Brunch Evening Prayer Morning Prayer Church Administrator Communications Officer Director of Christian Education Youth Mentoring Coordinator Health and Wellness Minister Organist and Music Director Assistant Organist Sacristy Minister Sexton Treasurer Clerk 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 website: apostlesri.org email: office@apostlesri.org Church Staff Board of Elders Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 12:00 noon Sunday 12 noon Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. Erin Mead Barbara Bickerstaff Linda Jones Rebecca Galloway Sharon Galloway, RN Marianne Salisbury Shyanne Slinko Barbara Battey Mike Edwards Bob Bickerstaff Joan Clarke The Rev. Rob Geoffrey 943-4661 The Rev. Mark Tellier 580-6199 The Rev. Blessing Jacobs 588-0006 The Rev. Chad W. Tvenstrup (Licensed Presbyter) The Rev. Conrad Ruppert (Elder Emeritus) The Rev. Mark Galloway (Bishop-retired) Ecclesiastical Dignitaries Lady Linda Greco 228-3060 Lady Sue Pillsbury 884-2947 Board of Servants Archdeacon Bill Sexton Congregational Care Minister 726-4549 Deacon Tom Bourn Servant Evangelism Minister 294-4186 Deacon Kathy Kettle Outreach Minister 573-0773 Deacon Deb Adams Stewardship Minister 828-7998 Deacon Doug Stomberg Buildings and Grounds Minister 397-5508 Deacon Emerita Cathy Morgan
CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816 Church Notes A publication of Church of The Apostles. Edited by Barbara A. Bickerstaff, Communications Officer. September 25, 2015 Volume 10, Number 8