Just to remind everyone, our services this week will be as follows:
Christmas Eve:
5:30 pm, Family Holy Communion, followed by the Birthday Party for Jesus so all the little ones know the "reason for our season" is the birth of the Christ Child;
9:30 pm, Choral Holy Communion. We begin with 30 minutes of music to welcome the Baby as we sing joyously all the carols we love. We then hold our "High Church" Eucharistic service, complete with "smells and bells."
Christmas Day:
10 am, Holy Communion with Carols. A quieter service with a simpler style, but designed to offer thanks for the gift of Jesus.
Sunday, Dec. 28:
8 am, Holy Communion
10:30 Holy Communion
Wednesday, Dec. 31:
4 pm, Community Dinner. Free to all, but please let us know how many will attend.
We hope to see you soon. May God bless us all.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
I Corinthians, The Contemporary Christmas Version
I received this email from several correspondents recently, and offer it for you to ponder. It may not be strictly by the Book, but it reflects true life:
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point. Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.
Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point. Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.
Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!
Are You Having a "Blue Christmas?"
Not everyone finds joy in the Christmas season. Sometimes feels of sorrow can cause isolation when you see the happiness of others during December. There is no need to feel alone during this month, though.
A service which addresses the spiritual needs of people who find the Christmas season depressing will be held on Sunday, 21 December at 5 pm in All Saints Church in Lakewood. People may feel blue for many reasons: job loss, poor health, financial worries, or the death of a loved one. The "Blue Christmas" service acknowledges such sadness and concern while trying to help people learn they are not alone with such feelings. The service helps those who mourn and struggle to know that God is present-and God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Join us in All Saints' Church, Second Street and Route 9, Lakewood, NJ. For further information, please call All Saints' Church office at 732-367-0933.
A service which addresses the spiritual needs of people who find the Christmas season depressing will be held on Sunday, 21 December at 5 pm in All Saints Church in Lakewood. People may feel blue for many reasons: job loss, poor health, financial worries, or the death of a loved one. The "Blue Christmas" service acknowledges such sadness and concern while trying to help people learn they are not alone with such feelings. The service helps those who mourn and struggle to know that God is present-and God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Join us in All Saints' Church, Second Street and Route 9, Lakewood, NJ. For further information, please call All Saints' Church office at 732-367-0933.
Christian Food for Thought About Stewardship by Anne Magierski
“The most obvious lesson in Christ's teaching is that there is no happiness in having or getting anything, but only in giving." -Henry Drummond, 1851-1897, Scottish evangelist, scientist, and theological writer
Stewardship is choosing what we will do with the gifts God has given us. The key to its success is the premise that as the years pass, each of us will gradually come to a new understanding of the word stewardship: the proper use of all we have received from God. During this time of Advent, we have been asked, as good stewards, to consider making a pledge...a commitment, a promise of how much each of us can give of our time, talent and treasure, enabling our vestry to put together a budget and plans for the coming year.
Years ago, I lived alone and had a steady income as a hospital employee. I pledged to my church each year and the amount was carefully determined after I had made up a monthly budget to see how much I could afford to give. A dear friend hinted that by so doing, I was “giving from what was left”, rather than giving “off the top,” “skimming off the cream”. The idea had never occurred to me to give to God first, and then budget what I had left! It worked! God really does love a cheerful giver. With every increase I received, I upped my pledge until I was able to tithe...10% of my take home pay.
Many things influence the amount of what we can give back to God out of what He has given us. When I made the decision to tithe, I was alone. My children were grown and had families of their own. With a very modest income, I was responsible for only myself. Many things change over the years that influence our giving habits. Financial and physical limitations often determine our decisions, and instead of looking for what we can do with our gifts of time, talent and treasure, we're more inclined to focus on what seems the impossibility of doing anymore than we are right now.
But Christianity MEANS giving. God gave us His creation, He gave us life, He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus gave food for body and soul, He gave healing to the sick, and He gave His life on the cross for our sins, our unrighteousness, so that we might have God's reward of eternal life with Him. By pledging, we are demonstrating a desire to do the will of God, to be righteous followers of His Son and to participate more actively in the life of Holy Spirit Church.
“Freely, freely, you have received, Freely, freely, give: Go in my name, and because you believe, Others will know that I live."
Stewardship is choosing what we will do with the gifts God has given us. The key to its success is the premise that as the years pass, each of us will gradually come to a new understanding of the word stewardship: the proper use of all we have received from God. During this time of Advent, we have been asked, as good stewards, to consider making a pledge...a commitment, a promise of how much each of us can give of our time, talent and treasure, enabling our vestry to put together a budget and plans for the coming year.
Years ago, I lived alone and had a steady income as a hospital employee. I pledged to my church each year and the amount was carefully determined after I had made up a monthly budget to see how much I could afford to give. A dear friend hinted that by so doing, I was “giving from what was left”, rather than giving “off the top,” “skimming off the cream”. The idea had never occurred to me to give to God first, and then budget what I had left! It worked! God really does love a cheerful giver. With every increase I received, I upped my pledge until I was able to tithe...10% of my take home pay.
Many things influence the amount of what we can give back to God out of what He has given us. When I made the decision to tithe, I was alone. My children were grown and had families of their own. With a very modest income, I was responsible for only myself. Many things change over the years that influence our giving habits. Financial and physical limitations often determine our decisions, and instead of looking for what we can do with our gifts of time, talent and treasure, we're more inclined to focus on what seems the impossibility of doing anymore than we are right now.
But Christianity MEANS giving. God gave us His creation, He gave us life, He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus gave food for body and soul, He gave healing to the sick, and He gave His life on the cross for our sins, our unrighteousness, so that we might have God's reward of eternal life with Him. By pledging, we are demonstrating a desire to do the will of God, to be righteous followers of His Son and to participate more actively in the life of Holy Spirit Church.
“Freely, freely, you have received, Freely, freely, give: Go in my name, and because you believe, Others will know that I live."
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
A Pledge is a Prayer
Good Morning! Hi, everyone!
For those who don’t know me, my name is Ed Nuttall. My only claim to fame is that I serve as your Finance Chairman on the Vestry Committee. I am also a member of the Stewardship Committee, and I am a reader, an usher and coffee maker at the 8 o’clock services….. You know, all my life I’ve prayed asking God if he would someday make me into a real somebody….Well, I can see now that I should have been more specific!!
Anyhow, the reason I am up here talking to you this morning is that this is the time of our church’s annual pledge drive. My objective is to encourage each and every one of you to fill out and return the pledge form that you received in the mail. Speaking of mail, that reminds me of a little story (you probably heard this one but it sure does fit nicely into this talk!):
Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and then said, "Now, if you'll come to the Baptist Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven." The young boy thought about it and then replied, "Well sir, I don't think I'll be there... I mean how can you tell me how to get to heaven when you don't even know your way to the post office?"
Well, I know that all of you know how to get to the post office to mail your pledge forms or that you can simply put your pledge form in the plate on Sunday, and I am not promising you that sending in your pledge will get you into heaven………….. however, I do know that it sure can’t hurt! Pledges have a purpose for our church that is far more than many of us realize: Pledges tell the Diocese how strong, solid and enduring we of Holy Spirit are as a church body and the number of pledges tell them if we are growing and at what rate. Altogether that information helps the Diocese determine what priority to give to Holy Spirit regarding future Diocesan expenditures of time, effort and resources, both physical and monetary. Pledges are also invaluable to our vestry committee in preparing the yearly budget, the annual report and assessing the skills and talents Holy Spirit Church has available not only for accomplishing tasks but also for advice and information. And of course, funding expenses.
One’s attitude toward filling out and sending in the pledge form usually depends on what we think the act of pledging really means. Some think of it primarily as a mandatory responsibility, some as a promise, some a voluntary bill, some a hope or wish, some a charitable gift and some consider pledging as an income tax deduction. Pledging can of course mean all of those things or none of those things. It is all relative to how pledging fits into the life of each person as we are all unique in some way. I would like to offer you another way to look at your pledge, a way in which we all are equal and the same. That is: I would like you to consider looking at your pledge as really being a form of prayer…..a written prayer. I think of it as being similar to the written prayers that the Jews in Israel place into the Wailing Wall. In the same way we are placing our written pledge prayers into the Church of The Holy Spirit. We all know that God answers prayer: sometimes sooner, sometimes later, sometimes yes and sometimes no. But the important thing is that we pray and leave the answer to God. Please don’t worry whether or not you will make your pledge amount. To me, having faith means…….not worrying. Just believe and know that with everyone pledging, the pledge amount total for everyone together will always average out to the right amount. None of us can know the future. Only God can. If your pledge is short one year, the next year you will be over. Presenting your written pledge would be a wonderful way to give a Christmas gift to our Holy Spirit Church. It isn't the size of the gift that matters, what matters is the size of the heart that gives it. Believe it or not even I myself, an esteemed Vestry member, have had a year or two when my pledge has been short. But then, in other years I was over. So, my way of figuring, is that I can always catch up later, if I live long enough. And I plan on living forever. Guess what: so far, so good!! For any person coming short in a given year, yet another person will be over. It all averages out. So, do not be afraid of tomorrow, for God is already there. The more people we have pledging, the more accurate the pledge amount total for the year will be. So this year, please make a special written prayer and place it into the walls of our Church of the Holy Spirit…..that special prayer called a pledge.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Nuttall - 7 December, 2008
For those who don’t know me, my name is Ed Nuttall. My only claim to fame is that I serve as your Finance Chairman on the Vestry Committee. I am also a member of the Stewardship Committee, and I am a reader, an usher and coffee maker at the 8 o’clock services….. You know, all my life I’ve prayed asking God if he would someday make me into a real somebody….Well, I can see now that I should have been more specific!!
Anyhow, the reason I am up here talking to you this morning is that this is the time of our church’s annual pledge drive. My objective is to encourage each and every one of you to fill out and return the pledge form that you received in the mail. Speaking of mail, that reminds me of a little story (you probably heard this one but it sure does fit nicely into this talk!):
Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and then said, "Now, if you'll come to the Baptist Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven." The young boy thought about it and then replied, "Well sir, I don't think I'll be there... I mean how can you tell me how to get to heaven when you don't even know your way to the post office?"
Well, I know that all of you know how to get to the post office to mail your pledge forms or that you can simply put your pledge form in the plate on Sunday, and I am not promising you that sending in your pledge will get you into heaven………….. however, I do know that it sure can’t hurt! Pledges have a purpose for our church that is far more than many of us realize: Pledges tell the Diocese how strong, solid and enduring we of Holy Spirit are as a church body and the number of pledges tell them if we are growing and at what rate. Altogether that information helps the Diocese determine what priority to give to Holy Spirit regarding future Diocesan expenditures of time, effort and resources, both physical and monetary. Pledges are also invaluable to our vestry committee in preparing the yearly budget, the annual report and assessing the skills and talents Holy Spirit Church has available not only for accomplishing tasks but also for advice and information. And of course, funding expenses.
One’s attitude toward filling out and sending in the pledge form usually depends on what we think the act of pledging really means. Some think of it primarily as a mandatory responsibility, some as a promise, some a voluntary bill, some a hope or wish, some a charitable gift and some consider pledging as an income tax deduction. Pledging can of course mean all of those things or none of those things. It is all relative to how pledging fits into the life of each person as we are all unique in some way. I would like to offer you another way to look at your pledge, a way in which we all are equal and the same. That is: I would like you to consider looking at your pledge as really being a form of prayer…..a written prayer. I think of it as being similar to the written prayers that the Jews in Israel place into the Wailing Wall. In the same way we are placing our written pledge prayers into the Church of The Holy Spirit. We all know that God answers prayer: sometimes sooner, sometimes later, sometimes yes and sometimes no. But the important thing is that we pray and leave the answer to God. Please don’t worry whether or not you will make your pledge amount. To me, having faith means…….not worrying. Just believe and know that with everyone pledging, the pledge amount total for everyone together will always average out to the right amount. None of us can know the future. Only God can. If your pledge is short one year, the next year you will be over. Presenting your written pledge would be a wonderful way to give a Christmas gift to our Holy Spirit Church. It isn't the size of the gift that matters, what matters is the size of the heart that gives it. Believe it or not even I myself, an esteemed Vestry member, have had a year or two when my pledge has been short. But then, in other years I was over. So, my way of figuring, is that I can always catch up later, if I live long enough. And I plan on living forever. Guess what: so far, so good!! For any person coming short in a given year, yet another person will be over. It all averages out. So, do not be afraid of tomorrow, for God is already there. The more people we have pledging, the more accurate the pledge amount total for the year will be. So this year, please make a special written prayer and place it into the walls of our Church of the Holy Spirit…..that special prayer called a pledge.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Nuttall - 7 December, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
Christian Food for Thought for December 2008 from Anne Magierski
Step 11 - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. - 12 Step Recovery Program of AA
Those words came to mind on the first Sunday of Advent, as I recalled my association years ago with Al-Anon, one of the self-help programs that grew out of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was through this particular step that I was drawn back to the Christian faith of my childhood. I am a "cradle-Episcopalian" and I remember vividly a phone conversation I had at age 5 after my tonsillectomy. To prove I was O.K., I sang "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so". I never doubted for a moment that He had been with me every minute of the surgery. Years later, I asked myself, "What happened? Where is God? Why is my world so topsy-turvy? What am I doing wrong?" The answers came as I gradually worked through the 12 steps. I returned to the Episcopal church. It was a new beginning. Step 12 refers to this as a spiritual awakening, i.e. an epiphany. The program had been, in a sense, my Advent season...the time spent preparing to meet God...again. Advent is a season for Christians, intentionally, to remember their need for God to come again into their lives. It is a time for calm and thoughtfulness before the hustle and bustle of preparation for Christmas. It is a marvelous opportunity for spiritual growth and is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. When we take time to shut down the "busyness" and distractions of everyday living and working, even for a few minutes, quiet prayer and meditation help us recall what living should be about...praying for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out. A friend once described her mental state during the month before Christmas as not unlike a tree filled with jabbering monkeys, swinging from limb to limb. This had been an apt description of my own Advent seasons for too many years. While continuing to attend services each Sunday, Advent had become a time for gift shopping, Christmas decorations, card writing, cookie baking and entertaining friends. Once I retired, remarried and moved to the shore, everything began to fall into place. I believe that being here, in this place, at this time, and doing what I am doing, is what God had in mind for me all along. Thank you Jesus!
Those words came to mind on the first Sunday of Advent, as I recalled my association years ago with Al-Anon, one of the self-help programs that grew out of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was through this particular step that I was drawn back to the Christian faith of my childhood. I am a "cradle-Episcopalian" and I remember vividly a phone conversation I had at age 5 after my tonsillectomy. To prove I was O.K., I sang "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so". I never doubted for a moment that He had been with me every minute of the surgery. Years later, I asked myself, "What happened? Where is God? Why is my world so topsy-turvy? What am I doing wrong?" The answers came as I gradually worked through the 12 steps. I returned to the Episcopal church. It was a new beginning. Step 12 refers to this as a spiritual awakening, i.e. an epiphany. The program had been, in a sense, my Advent season...the time spent preparing to meet God...again. Advent is a season for Christians, intentionally, to remember their need for God to come again into their lives. It is a time for calm and thoughtfulness before the hustle and bustle of preparation for Christmas. It is a marvelous opportunity for spiritual growth and is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. When we take time to shut down the "busyness" and distractions of everyday living and working, even for a few minutes, quiet prayer and meditation help us recall what living should be about...praying for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out. A friend once described her mental state during the month before Christmas as not unlike a tree filled with jabbering monkeys, swinging from limb to limb. This had been an apt description of my own Advent seasons for too many years. While continuing to attend services each Sunday, Advent had become a time for gift shopping, Christmas decorations, card writing, cookie baking and entertaining friends. Once I retired, remarried and moved to the shore, everything began to fall into place. I believe that being here, in this place, at this time, and doing what I am doing, is what God had in mind for me all along. Thank you Jesus!
Holiday Concert News from the Diocese of New Jersey
The American Boychoir Christmas Concert At Trinity Church, Asbury Park, Dec. 6, 7 pm.
The American Boychoir is regarded as the United States’ premier concert boys’ choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world. It continues to dazzle audiences with its unique blend of musical sophistication,effervescent spirit and ensemble virtuosity. Its members - boys from grades 4 through 8, reflecting the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of our nation - come from eight states and four foreign countries to pursue a rigorous musical and academic curriculum at The American Boychoir School,the only non-sectarian boys’ choir school in the nation. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1937, The American Boychoir has been located in Princeton, New Jersey, since 1950. In addition to maintaining an active national and international touring schedule, the ensemble performs and records regularly with such world-class artists and ensembles as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, soprano Jessye Norman, pop diva Beyoncé, and jazz vocalist and conductor Bobby McFerrin. They will make a holiday appearance at Trinity Church in Asbury Park this Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets will be on sale after church or via the parish office (http://us.mc635.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=office@TrinityNJ.com or 732-775-5084). Call for more information.
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church, New Brunswick sings MESSIAH: A SACRED ORATORIO by George Frederic Handel
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church will perform Handel's Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, beginning at 8 pm. The orchestra is conducted by Mark Trautman, and features the voices of Diana Whitener, soprano; Giulia Utz, alto; Jack Zamboni, tenor; and John-Andrew Fernandez, bass. The concert will be held at the NJ State Theatre, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. Go to the website http://www.statetheatrenj.org/ for more info.
Trinity Church in Rocky Hill Offers Christmas Concert Dec. 7, 2008 at 5 pm
The choir, parishioners, and friends of Trinity Church in Rocky Hill (in the Trenton Convocation) will present their annual "Christmas Concert" at 5:00 pm, Sunday December 7. All are invited to join the Trinity family for a program of music and fellowship, led by Choirmaster and Organist, Michael Rider. The concert will be followed by a potluck supper (provided by parishioners). Please join us in our historic church, consecrated in 1864. For directions or additional information please call (609) 921-8971 or visit our website at http://www.trinityrockyhill.org/. Email us at TrinityRockyHill@Comcast.net
Music at Trinity Church, Moorestown: Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm
The Trinity, Coventry, Canterbury and Carillon Choirs, with Vernon Williams, director and Joanne Owen, organist. Music will include: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People ~ Claude Goudimel; Carol of Prophecy ~ Shirley W. McRae; Rejoice in the Lord Always ~ Anonymous; Magnificat ~ George Dyson; There Is No Rose ~ Pat Messick; Ave Maria ~ Franz Biebl; We Wait for Thy Loving Kindness ~ William McKie
Please join us on Sunday afternoon for a service of Advent Lessons and Carols in the beautiful setting of Trinity Church. The service will be similar in structure to the familiar Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas as sung at King's College in Cambridge, in which readings, hymns,and choir anthems are interwoven to tell the story of Christmas. In our service, of course, the readings and music will focus on Advent, the season of joyful preparation for and anticipation of the coming of our Lord. Three vocal choirs and the handbell choir will join forces to present a variety of music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Our guest organist, Joanne Koerber Owen began studying organ with Richard Wegner in Baltimore. She continued her studies with Paul Bunjes, Carl Halter and Richard Heschke at Concordia University, Chicago and received a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester where she was a student of Russell Saunders and David Craighead. Joanne has held positions as church musician in Chicago; Rochester; Wilmington, Delaware and Woodstown, New Jersey. From 1990-2002 she was Minister of Music and Arts at St. John's Episcopal Church in Salem, NJ, serving as organist, choir director, handbell choir director and director of the church's music and arts series. The concert is made possible by the Friends of Trinity Music, Trinity Episcopal Church, 207 West Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057. Phone 857.235.0811 The Rev. Philip W. Stowell, Rector
BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS Saturday December 6, 2008, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 142 Sand Hill Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ
You are invited to come to our free St. Nicholas Day celebration! Bring visitors, neighbors, friends and family! Enjoy fellowship and a hot breakfast! Sing Christmas carols and listen to stories about Advent and the legend of St. Nicholas. Afterwards, the children will be invited to sit on his lap and share with him what they want for Christmas. Enjoy making Christmas and Advent crafts. Help us fill St. Nicholas's sack! Everyone is invited to bring a gift of new mittens, warm hat or scarf for St. Nicholas to take to children in an area shelter for the homeless, or bring in items* for him to deliver to the Seaman's Church Institute (SCI),which serves thousands of sailors located in Ports Elizabeth and Newark. Please RSVP to the church office at 732-297-4607 or office@stbarnabas-sbnj.org *items SCI has requested are: unscented hypoallergenic hand lotion (2-4 oz. bottles); unscented, colorless lip balm; sealed packages of holiday sweets; books or activities like Sudoku, word searches and playing cards; microwave popcorn and sugarless gum.
The American Boychoir is regarded as the United States’ premier concert boys’ choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world. It continues to dazzle audiences with its unique blend of musical sophistication,effervescent spirit and ensemble virtuosity. Its members - boys from grades 4 through 8, reflecting the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of our nation - come from eight states and four foreign countries to pursue a rigorous musical and academic curriculum at The American Boychoir School,the only non-sectarian boys’ choir school in the nation. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1937, The American Boychoir has been located in Princeton, New Jersey, since 1950. In addition to maintaining an active national and international touring schedule, the ensemble performs and records regularly with such world-class artists and ensembles as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, soprano Jessye Norman, pop diva Beyoncé, and jazz vocalist and conductor Bobby McFerrin. They will make a holiday appearance at Trinity Church in Asbury Park this Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets will be on sale after church or via the parish office (http://us.mc635.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=office@TrinityNJ.com or 732-775-5084). Call for more information.
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church, New Brunswick sings MESSIAH: A SACRED ORATORIO by George Frederic Handel
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church will perform Handel's Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, beginning at 8 pm. The orchestra is conducted by Mark Trautman, and features the voices of Diana Whitener, soprano; Giulia Utz, alto; Jack Zamboni, tenor; and John-Andrew Fernandez, bass. The concert will be held at the NJ State Theatre, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. Go to the website http://www.statetheatrenj.org/ for more info.
Trinity Church in Rocky Hill Offers Christmas Concert Dec. 7, 2008 at 5 pm
The choir, parishioners, and friends of Trinity Church in Rocky Hill (in the Trenton Convocation) will present their annual "Christmas Concert" at 5:00 pm, Sunday December 7. All are invited to join the Trinity family for a program of music and fellowship, led by Choirmaster and Organist, Michael Rider. The concert will be followed by a potluck supper (provided by parishioners). Please join us in our historic church, consecrated in 1864. For directions or additional information please call (609) 921-8971 or visit our website at http://www.trinityrockyhill.org/. Email us at TrinityRockyHill@Comcast.net
Music at Trinity Church, Moorestown: Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm
The Trinity, Coventry, Canterbury and Carillon Choirs, with Vernon Williams, director and Joanne Owen, organist. Music will include: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People ~ Claude Goudimel; Carol of Prophecy ~ Shirley W. McRae; Rejoice in the Lord Always ~ Anonymous; Magnificat ~ George Dyson; There Is No Rose ~ Pat Messick; Ave Maria ~ Franz Biebl; We Wait for Thy Loving Kindness ~ William McKie
Please join us on Sunday afternoon for a service of Advent Lessons and Carols in the beautiful setting of Trinity Church. The service will be similar in structure to the familiar Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas as sung at King's College in Cambridge, in which readings, hymns,and choir anthems are interwoven to tell the story of Christmas. In our service, of course, the readings and music will focus on Advent, the season of joyful preparation for and anticipation of the coming of our Lord. Three vocal choirs and the handbell choir will join forces to present a variety of music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Our guest organist, Joanne Koerber Owen began studying organ with Richard Wegner in Baltimore. She continued her studies with Paul Bunjes, Carl Halter and Richard Heschke at Concordia University, Chicago and received a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester where she was a student of Russell Saunders and David Craighead. Joanne has held positions as church musician in Chicago; Rochester; Wilmington, Delaware and Woodstown, New Jersey. From 1990-2002 she was Minister of Music and Arts at St. John's Episcopal Church in Salem, NJ, serving as organist, choir director, handbell choir director and director of the church's music and arts series. The concert is made possible by the Friends of Trinity Music, Trinity Episcopal Church, 207 West Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057. Phone 857.235.0811 The Rev. Philip W. Stowell, Rector
BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS Saturday December 6, 2008, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 142 Sand Hill Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ
You are invited to come to our free St. Nicholas Day celebration! Bring visitors, neighbors, friends and family! Enjoy fellowship and a hot breakfast! Sing Christmas carols and listen to stories about Advent and the legend of St. Nicholas. Afterwards, the children will be invited to sit on his lap and share with him what they want for Christmas. Enjoy making Christmas and Advent crafts. Help us fill St. Nicholas's sack! Everyone is invited to bring a gift of new mittens, warm hat or scarf for St. Nicholas to take to children in an area shelter for the homeless, or bring in items* for him to deliver to the Seaman's Church Institute (SCI),which serves thousands of sailors located in Ports Elizabeth and Newark. Please RSVP to the church office at 732-297-4607 or office@stbarnabas-sbnj.org *items SCI has requested are: unscented hypoallergenic hand lotion (2-4 oz. bottles); unscented, colorless lip balm; sealed packages of holiday sweets; books or activities like Sudoku, word searches and playing cards; microwave popcorn and sugarless gum.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Where We Were
We were treated this past Sunday to a talk on the growth that Holy Spirit has undergone in the past forty years. Long-time member Marlene Johnson spoke of her history with our church, and the importance of stewardship in our growth. But does "Stewardship" mean only money? Let's listen:
Thank you for the privilege of speaking with you today on stewardship. For those of you who may not know me, I am Marlene Johnson, a past Senior Warden , a member of the church's Audit Committee, and at the 10:30 service you will see me serving as Eucharistic minister, a lay reader and also a member singing in the choir.
When I first moved to Tuckerton in the very early 60's, being what they refer to as a "cradle Episcopalian" (baptized and confirmed in the faith), I looked in the telephone book for an Episcopal church in our area. Much to my dismay, the only one listed on the mainland at that time was in Waretown (I found out later that Holy Spirit could not afford the yellow book advertisement). Now I know that it's not really that far away, but with the time it took in the morning to get the four little ones ready, it seemed a forever trip. So, we attended only sporadically. One day the vicar of St. Stephen's, Father Paul, said to me, "You know, there is - and has been - a church in Parkertown, the Church of the Holy Spirit."
Now at this point in time, I was living in Parkertown, and never saw a church there. So, with address in hand, searching a side street, I found it: a house with a cross on the outside wall, with the worship area in what had been the living room. This area could seat about 36 people, and on Holidays, we had standing room only in the hallway. It was not a place that could be easily found, nor looked inviting from the outside. It took a few weeks of soul searching to make the decision where we should worship, and here I am, 40 plus years later.
We were so excited in 1979 when we made the move to Green Street here in Tuckerton. Once again, the windowless building was not what people expected to find as a church. Some people never even realized that the Episcopal church was next to the firehouse. But, you know, we were ever so grateful and happy to be there!
God had another, far bigger plan for all of us, one that would have been just a dream 10 years ago. In 2006 we made the big move from Green Street to where you're now sitting. Looking around, can you imagine how small we were in Parkertown? Six short pews, holding 3 persons each, and two longer ones.We are so blessed to be in a facility that is easily recognizable, housing not only our worship services and social events, but large enough to serve the greater Tuckerton community.
How did all of this happen over the years? Nobody waved a magic wand. It happened because of all of you, through your stewardship- the three T's: your time, your talents and your treasure. Christian stewardship involves all of us and all that we have. How we live our lives affects our relationship with God. Thinking of stewardship in terms of time, talents and treasures helps us to focus and to apply the concept of stewardship to our lives.
How we use our time for God's service, for work, for the care of others, for the care of ourselves, being part of vestry or any of the various committees of our church, is all a matter of stewardship.
How we use our talents for God's service, whether driving, cooking the community dinners, teaching someone how to crochet, building a home, or just making a call to check in with someone, is all a matter of stewardship.
And finally, there is treasure. We are invited to come into a relationship with God, the Owner and generous Giver of all that we have through our financial giving. Being intentional in our giving, and recognizing that we are giving back to God, consciously making choices on how we "spend" what has been given to us: they're all matters of stewardship. How we use our treasure to support and enhance the church is a matter of stewardship.
You might remember that in Luke 19, Jesus told of a wealthy man who was going away on a trip. He told his stewards, or servants, "Look, I'm going away. You take over. You take my place; do what you think I would do. " He didn't tell them what to do or how to do it. He just told them to do it.
I love my church, and I know all of you feel the same way too.
Let us pray that we will do what He would do.
Thank you. God bless.
Thank you for the privilege of speaking with you today on stewardship. For those of you who may not know me, I am Marlene Johnson, a past Senior Warden , a member of the church's Audit Committee, and at the 10:30 service you will see me serving as Eucharistic minister, a lay reader and also a member singing in the choir.
When I first moved to Tuckerton in the very early 60's, being what they refer to as a "cradle Episcopalian" (baptized and confirmed in the faith), I looked in the telephone book for an Episcopal church in our area. Much to my dismay, the only one listed on the mainland at that time was in Waretown (I found out later that Holy Spirit could not afford the yellow book advertisement). Now I know that it's not really that far away, but with the time it took in the morning to get the four little ones ready, it seemed a forever trip. So, we attended only sporadically. One day the vicar of St. Stephen's, Father Paul, said to me, "You know, there is - and has been - a church in Parkertown, the Church of the Holy Spirit."
Now at this point in time, I was living in Parkertown, and never saw a church there. So, with address in hand, searching a side street, I found it: a house with a cross on the outside wall, with the worship area in what had been the living room. This area could seat about 36 people, and on Holidays, we had standing room only in the hallway. It was not a place that could be easily found, nor looked inviting from the outside. It took a few weeks of soul searching to make the decision where we should worship, and here I am, 40 plus years later.
We were so excited in 1979 when we made the move to Green Street here in Tuckerton. Once again, the windowless building was not what people expected to find as a church. Some people never even realized that the Episcopal church was next to the firehouse. But, you know, we were ever so grateful and happy to be there!
God had another, far bigger plan for all of us, one that would have been just a dream 10 years ago. In 2006 we made the big move from Green Street to where you're now sitting. Looking around, can you imagine how small we were in Parkertown? Six short pews, holding 3 persons each, and two longer ones.We are so blessed to be in a facility that is easily recognizable, housing not only our worship services and social events, but large enough to serve the greater Tuckerton community.
How did all of this happen over the years? Nobody waved a magic wand. It happened because of all of you, through your stewardship- the three T's: your time, your talents and your treasure. Christian stewardship involves all of us and all that we have. How we live our lives affects our relationship with God. Thinking of stewardship in terms of time, talents and treasures helps us to focus and to apply the concept of stewardship to our lives.
How we use our time for God's service, for work, for the care of others, for the care of ourselves, being part of vestry or any of the various committees of our church, is all a matter of stewardship.
How we use our talents for God's service, whether driving, cooking the community dinners, teaching someone how to crochet, building a home, or just making a call to check in with someone, is all a matter of stewardship.
And finally, there is treasure. We are invited to come into a relationship with God, the Owner and generous Giver of all that we have through our financial giving. Being intentional in our giving, and recognizing that we are giving back to God, consciously making choices on how we "spend" what has been given to us: they're all matters of stewardship. How we use our treasure to support and enhance the church is a matter of stewardship.
You might remember that in Luke 19, Jesus told of a wealthy man who was going away on a trip. He told his stewards, or servants, "Look, I'm going away. You take over. You take my place; do what you think I would do. " He didn't tell them what to do or how to do it. He just told them to do it.
I love my church, and I know all of you feel the same way too.
Let us pray that we will do what He would do.
Thank you. God bless.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Christian Food for Thought from Anne Magierski
"Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." James 1:22
Familiar words, but how many of us have deluded ourselves by hearing only and not doing? Let me tell you about one young lady, Kirsten Brydum, age 25, who took these words to heart and devoted her life to helping others. She was a prolific activist in San Francisco who inspired and empowered countless people through her work with The Really Really Free Market, the All Access Cafe, and as co-founder of Collective Autonomy.
The Really Really Free Market (http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/) was set up as an exchange of free goods and services designed, in Kirsten's words, "to move us from competition to cooperation, from selling to giving, and from expecting the government to care for us to doing it ourselves." The Collective Autonomy Network "refers to a strategy: collectivizing our energy and resources in order to approach autonomy from forces of oppression. It is self-sufficiency achieved through cooperation."
She was visiting New Orleans as part of a cross-country tour promoting this very purpose, but on September 27, 2008, Kirsten was murdered, shot multiple times in the head. She was a tireless and selfless community activist. Close friends remarked that "to know her was to be awed and inspired by her wisdom and generosity." "Kirsten dedicated herself to fighting the very social ills of poverty, racism, and systemic violence which helped cause her death," said her friend, Tyson Ayers. "She was not naive, she was streetwise and aware. Don't fault her for refusing to be paralyzed by fear, which only reinforces the gross idea that violence against women is an immutable risk in society, and therefore the woman's responsibility to avoid it instead of society's responsibility to counteract it."
In an open letter posted on the family's memorial site (http://kirstenbrydum.virtualmemorials.com/), Kirsten's partner John Viola called upon her death to help him find a line between "righteous anger" and hatred. "There should be no room left in this world for hatred," he wrote. "That is what took you from us and it will not bring you back. Now more than ever I know that we need to put more love into the world and that you cannot fight hatred with hatred."
Her death leaves an entire community in mourning and her loss will be deeply felt for a long time to come. A memorial Mass was held at St. Bernadine Catholic Church, Woodland Hills, CA on October 4.
This poem was posted on her memorial website by Rabbi Jack Reimer, and all should read it:
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end war;
For we know that You have made the world in a way
That man must find his own path to peace,
Within himself and with his neighbor.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation;
For You have already given us the resources
With which to feed the entire world,
If we would only use them wisely.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to root out prejudice;
For You have already given us eyes
With which to see the good in all men,
If we would only use them rightly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end despair;
For You have already given us the power
To clear away slums and to give hope,
If we would only use our power justly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease;
For You have already given us great minds with which
To search out cures and healing,
If we would only use them constructively.
Therefore, we pray to You instead, O God,
For strength, determination, and willpower,
To do instead of just to pray,
To become instead of merely to wish.
Familiar words, but how many of us have deluded ourselves by hearing only and not doing? Let me tell you about one young lady, Kirsten Brydum, age 25, who took these words to heart and devoted her life to helping others. She was a prolific activist in San Francisco who inspired and empowered countless people through her work with The Really Really Free Market, the All Access Cafe, and as co-founder of Collective Autonomy.
The Really Really Free Market (http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/) was set up as an exchange of free goods and services designed, in Kirsten's words, "to move us from competition to cooperation, from selling to giving, and from expecting the government to care for us to doing it ourselves." The Collective Autonomy Network "refers to a strategy: collectivizing our energy and resources in order to approach autonomy from forces of oppression. It is self-sufficiency achieved through cooperation."
She was visiting New Orleans as part of a cross-country tour promoting this very purpose, but on September 27, 2008, Kirsten was murdered, shot multiple times in the head. She was a tireless and selfless community activist. Close friends remarked that "to know her was to be awed and inspired by her wisdom and generosity." "Kirsten dedicated herself to fighting the very social ills of poverty, racism, and systemic violence which helped cause her death," said her friend, Tyson Ayers. "She was not naive, she was streetwise and aware. Don't fault her for refusing to be paralyzed by fear, which only reinforces the gross idea that violence against women is an immutable risk in society, and therefore the woman's responsibility to avoid it instead of society's responsibility to counteract it."
In an open letter posted on the family's memorial site (http://kirstenbrydum.virtualmemorials.com/), Kirsten's partner John Viola called upon her death to help him find a line between "righteous anger" and hatred. "There should be no room left in this world for hatred," he wrote. "That is what took you from us and it will not bring you back. Now more than ever I know that we need to put more love into the world and that you cannot fight hatred with hatred."
Her death leaves an entire community in mourning and her loss will be deeply felt for a long time to come. A memorial Mass was held at St. Bernadine Catholic Church, Woodland Hills, CA on October 4.
This poem was posted on her memorial website by Rabbi Jack Reimer, and all should read it:
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end war;
For we know that You have made the world in a way
That man must find his own path to peace,
Within himself and with his neighbor.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation;
For You have already given us the resources
With which to feed the entire world,
If we would only use them wisely.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to root out prejudice;
For You have already given us eyes
With which to see the good in all men,
If we would only use them rightly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end despair;
For You have already given us the power
To clear away slums and to give hope,
If we would only use our power justly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease;
For You have already given us great minds with which
To search out cures and healing,
If we would only use them constructively.
Therefore, we pray to You instead, O God,
For strength, determination, and willpower,
To do instead of just to pray,
To become instead of merely to wish.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
A Time for Prayerful Mediatation
As we prepare for Tuesday's presidential election, it becomes very important to approach the voting booth with prayers for God to guide our choice. Join with Father Hartt and other members of our Holy Spirit family as we open our chapel downstairs at 7 pm Monday for prayer and meditation.
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in
Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
All Saints and All Souls Remembered
We all know of Hallowe'een, celebrated on October 31. The name comes from the phrase, "All Hallow's Eve." It is the day before we celebrate the lives of All Saints, November 1. In the Episcopal Church, we celebrate the passage of our loved ones and all others into the presence of the Lord on November 2, All Souls Day. Here in Holy Spirit, Father Walter Hartt led us in a commemoration service that combined both of our services into one at 9 am. We read the names of our loved ones and prayed for them by name, led by Tom Paul, Jean Rhoads, Barbara Elstone, Eileen Minett, Mary Lou Malone, and Jim Robbins. It was very moving and, although it lengthened the ceremony, it helped to focus our attention on the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. What a wonderful tradition to begin!
Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in Your eternal and everlasting glory, and with all Your saints, to receive the crown of life which You promise to all who share in the victory of Your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Time is Growing Short to Help the Meadowview Nursing Home Christmas Party
Once again this year, our fabulous ladies of the Episcopal Church Women are asking for your help to provide the residents of Meadowview, the Nursing Home of Atlantic County, with a happy Christmas. Each Sunday from now until December 14, 2008, we will have a donation bottle out on our Coffee Hour table in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to collect at least $400 so we may be certain that each patient gets 2 small Christmas gifts, as well as to provide the party food. We are also collecting handmade shawls to warm the hearts of those who are easily chilled. Please give until it feels good! Thank you.
Good Food and Fun Coming Soon
Our First Friday Potluck Supper will have something new added for November 2008: we'll follow our delicious meal with Crazy Bingo! It's a lot of fun. Bring a dish to share (plan on enough for six people so all can taste your culinary expertise) and three $1 gifts (just get them at the dollar store- nothing expensive, just fun treats). Dinner begins at 6 pm on November 7th downstairs in the Undercroft. After the food, the fun begins. Be there or be sorry!
I Think I Hear Some Sleigh Bells in the Distance.......
Can you believe how quickly the year is passing? It's almost here... mark your calendar now and plan to join us on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 for our annual Christmas Bazaar. We'll be here from 9 am until 2 pm. You will be able to have lunch and begin your Christmas shopping, because we'll have so much to choose from on our many tables. Select home-made baked goods, handmade afghans and other gifts, jams, crafts, jewelry, prayer aids and a Kids' Korner. New this year: The Advent Shoppe, with Advent calendars, Christmas stories, and gifts emblazoned with the Episcopal shield. Talk about one of a kind items! We will also have a raffle table (12 prizes to win!), and it's your last opportunity to buy a chance on our patriotic quilted wallhanging. Come support your church and have a great day.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Vestry Committee Goals, 2008
Stewardship - Buildings and Grounds (Ernie Tews)
Stewardship - Fund Raising (Grace O’Connor)
Stewardship - Finance (Ed Nuttal)
Worship (Elaine Paul)
Evangelism (Mary Lou Malone)
Christian Education (Mary DeJohn)
Pastoral Care (Evie Brown)
Service (Linda Aho)
Congregational Development (Jim Robbins)
Vicar (The Rev. Terry Martin)
- Address safety issues.
- Repair stucco inside vestibules
- Outdoor/Indoor painting
Stewardship - Fund Raising (Grace O’Connor)
- More involvement by members.
- More support through attendance.
- Suggestion box.
Stewardship - Finance (Ed Nuttal)
- Keep congregation informed of expenses and income.
- Inform congregation of work of Committee.
- Develop and implement fall Stewardship Drive.
Worship (Elaine Paul)
- Move choir rehearsals out of church.
- Continue to experiment with music.
- Raise money to move pipe organ and choir to loft.
Evangelism (Mary Lou Malone)
- Re-evaluate advertising and signage.
- Name Tags for Vestry, ushers and greeters.
- New resident's outreach.
- Develop ushers and greeters ministry.
Christian Education (Mary DeJohn)
- Bible study (church and home).
- Raise money for Youth programs (community outreach).
- Vacation bible school.
Pastoral Care (Evie Brown)
- Continue existing ministry.
- Update congregation.
- Tape sermons for homebound.
Service (Linda Aho)
- Interfaith Health and Services.
- Community dinner / Angel Food Ministries (hunger issues).
- Family Promise - Atlantic City Shelter (homelessness issues).
Congregational Development (Jim Robbins)
- Pictorial Directory.
- Revitalize men's group.
- Encourage more expansive peace passing and invite all baptized to communion.
- Information boards by entrances.
Vicar (The Rev. Terry Martin)
- Home Groups.
- Home Visits - Five (5) per week.
- Web Site.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Notes from the ECW by Eileen Minett
As you know, we held our May meeting at Calloway’s in Eagleswood. We enjoyed a friendly luncheon beforehand – and didn’t need to cook or wash dishes!
We had a good turn-out. Fourteen ladies came, and I chaired the meeting in the absence of President Rita Lanorith (feel better soon, Jack. Our prayers are with you).
Our June meeting will be an evening one on Wednesday the 11th, with a potluck supper followed by “Crazy Bingo.” We start at 6 pm, and ask you to bring a dish to share with 6 others. We have a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall. We also need each person to bring three $1.00 gifts for use as prizes. We’ll have fun and make lots of noise. Remember, the sun stays up much later in June, so take advantage of it!
Our June card party will be Thursday, June 26 from noon until 4 pm. Sweets and fun: deal me in!
We had a good turn-out. Fourteen ladies came, and I chaired the meeting in the absence of President Rita Lanorith (feel better soon, Jack. Our prayers are with you).
Our June meeting will be an evening one on Wednesday the 11th, with a potluck supper followed by “Crazy Bingo.” We start at 6 pm, and ask you to bring a dish to share with 6 others. We have a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall. We also need each person to bring three $1.00 gifts for use as prizes. We’ll have fun and make lots of noise. Remember, the sun stays up much later in June, so take advantage of it!
Our June card party will be Thursday, June 26 from noon until 4 pm. Sweets and fun: deal me in!
Fundraiser for Coach Vic Moore
A friend of mine, Ann Corso, asked me to please pass along the following message. If you are unable to attend or contribute, please keep Vic and his family in your prayers:
“I’m a representative of the Friends of Coach Vic Moore Committee. He is an extremely dedicated man who has donated an untold amount of time to the children of LEHT for the past 25 years. He is suffering from inoperable pancreatic cancer. We are having a spaghetti and meatball dinner on June 8th at the LEH Community Center, 317 W. Calabreeze Way, from 3 to 9 pm. We are in need of support from the community with attendance at the dinner, donations of money, prizes for a Chinese auction, and sponsors. Tickets may be purchased for $20 adults, $10 children 12 & under, 5 & under free. Call Tina@ 713-1754 or Pat @ 296-8126. You can also buy tickets at the Pinelands Athletic Department or the St. Theresa’s Church Office. Tickets at the door are $25 and $15. Thank you.”
The Magnetic Church, Part 1
You heard us announce it from the altar. You read about it here. Now you can begin to share in the knowledge that we gained during our trips to Trenton last month.
A dedicated group of us – Vicar’s Secretary Eileen Minett, Vestry members Jim Robbins, Evie Brown, Ed Nuttall and myself, in addition to Father Terry – traveled up Rt. 539 to the cathedral, some of us both Friday and Saturday, in an effort to learn how to make our church more visitor friendly and welcoming to everyone. We listened as Andrew Weeks discussed steps that we can take to help the unchurched discover a home with Christ, and then with us. We examined our communications such as this newsletter, for instance, and learned how to be more inclusive and accessible. Some points should have been obvious but weren’t, for we took them for granted. Other points needed to be brought to our attention.
I plan to run this as a continuing feature, because it is important for everyone to be aware of the reason behind any changes we consider. We need your help and feedback to be effective.
For instance, at our last Vestry meeting we spoke about our Sunday fellowship. An observation was made that we frequently gravitate to sit with friends exclusively and virtually ignore visitors. We decided to implement a suggestion to reduce the number of tables available after the services with the intention of encouraging a flow of people and conversations with new faces. The experiment resulted in a return to our original configuration as a result of popular opinion.
Now, the compromise is this: with the tables back, we need everyone to be responsible for speaking to at least one new face every week, someone with whom you don’t normally converse. Try a new seat. You may get a new view in more ways than one!
A dedicated group of us – Vicar’s Secretary Eileen Minett, Vestry members Jim Robbins, Evie Brown, Ed Nuttall and myself, in addition to Father Terry – traveled up Rt. 539 to the cathedral, some of us both Friday and Saturday, in an effort to learn how to make our church more visitor friendly and welcoming to everyone. We listened as Andrew Weeks discussed steps that we can take to help the unchurched discover a home with Christ, and then with us. We examined our communications such as this newsletter, for instance, and learned how to be more inclusive and accessible. Some points should have been obvious but weren’t, for we took them for granted. Other points needed to be brought to our attention.
I plan to run this as a continuing feature, because it is important for everyone to be aware of the reason behind any changes we consider. We need your help and feedback to be effective.
For instance, at our last Vestry meeting we spoke about our Sunday fellowship. An observation was made that we frequently gravitate to sit with friends exclusively and virtually ignore visitors. We decided to implement a suggestion to reduce the number of tables available after the services with the intention of encouraging a flow of people and conversations with new faces. The experiment resulted in a return to our original configuration as a result of popular opinion.
Now, the compromise is this: with the tables back, we need everyone to be responsible for speaking to at least one new face every week, someone with whom you don’t normally converse. Try a new seat. You may get a new view in more ways than one!
SUR-vey SAYS!
Did you ever watch the game show “Family Feud?” It pits two “family” groups of five people against each other as they try to guess answers to questions posed to them by the friendly host. Actually, they attempt to read the minds of a surveyed group of people. They gain points based on knowing the answers that a majority of people give. In the version I best remember, Richard Dawson pats the hands of the struggling contestants, calls them all “darling,’” encourages them to chance a guess, and makes faces with us as they offer a bizarre suggestion.
Now imagine that your vestry is one group of contestants. We know the questions on the survey. But how can we guess the correct answers– or those that most people choose– unless you answered your survey?
You know that you got it in the mail. Did you fill it out and send it back to us? Did you put it aside to complete later? Stop reading right now. Find it. Fill it out. Be (cont’d on pg. 2) honest. Answer all the questions. If you need more room, use another page. Get your spouse to give some input. Mail it right away (we gave you the stamped envelope!). Or bring it with you to church on Sunday and drop it into the box at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall.
We truly want to know what you think. We need to have your responses by June 8, because your vestry will meet for a full day on June 14. This will give us time to compile the answers before we discuss them.
Our annual vestry retreat gives us an opportunity to review our accomplishments during the past year. We plan our targets for the remainder of the year and beyond. Our long-range goals may extend past our individual terms of service. Thus we have a great responsibility.
So tell us what you think. Be truthful. Be specific. Offer suggestions for new classes or fundraisers or hymns. Tell us if you like something we do. Let us know if you dislike something. Tell us what you look for on the website, or if you’ve never been on it. Tell me what you want to read in this newsletter. Tell us what you want your church to be.
We promise to read your answers. We may not be able to incorporate every idea or change. We may take a long-range view and delay implementing it, even if we agree, because something else has a higher priority, or a more pressing need. We have that obligation as your leaders. But share your wisdom with us.
Give our “family unit” a chance to earn some points. That means we can all win. Just let us know, as avuncular Richard Dawson cries, what “SUR-vey SAYS!!”
Now imagine that your vestry is one group of contestants. We know the questions on the survey. But how can we guess the correct answers– or those that most people choose– unless you answered your survey?
You know that you got it in the mail. Did you fill it out and send it back to us? Did you put it aside to complete later? Stop reading right now. Find it. Fill it out. Be (cont’d on pg. 2) honest. Answer all the questions. If you need more room, use another page. Get your spouse to give some input. Mail it right away (we gave you the stamped envelope!). Or bring it with you to church on Sunday and drop it into the box at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall.
We truly want to know what you think. We need to have your responses by June 8, because your vestry will meet for a full day on June 14. This will give us time to compile the answers before we discuss them.
Our annual vestry retreat gives us an opportunity to review our accomplishments during the past year. We plan our targets for the remainder of the year and beyond. Our long-range goals may extend past our individual terms of service. Thus we have a great responsibility.
So tell us what you think. Be truthful. Be specific. Offer suggestions for new classes or fundraisers or hymns. Tell us if you like something we do. Let us know if you dislike something. Tell us what you look for on the website, or if you’ve never been on it. Tell me what you want to read in this newsletter. Tell us what you want your church to be.
We promise to read your answers. We may not be able to incorporate every idea or change. We may take a long-range view and delay implementing it, even if we agree, because something else has a higher priority, or a more pressing need. We have that obligation as your leaders. But share your wisdom with us.
Give our “family unit” a chance to earn some points. That means we can all win. Just let us know, as avuncular Richard Dawson cries, what “SUR-vey SAYS!!”
An International Treat Comes to Tuckerton by Penny Hughes
ESCAPE!! If only for an evening. Come to International Night and savor the dishes of the Mediterranean and the Continent. Experience a culinary adventure, camaraderie and entertainment as the Holy Spirit Undercroft transforms into a European bistro on Saturday, June 21st. Tickets are on sale now! Invite all your friends and family, or just come solo. We’ll seat you family-style with some new friends!
For only $17, enjoy an inexpensive mini-vacation. Our menu explores the Mediterranean for hors d’ouevres: stuffed grape leaves; spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie); Moroccan olives; hummus and pita. We travel to the Continent for entrees: boeuf Bourguignon and Chicken Marengo. Desserts include international sweets such as Peach Melba, made with raspberry sauce, peaches and ice cream. Embrace your beverage selection of iced tea, coffee, hot tea, or fruit-infused water. Yum-O, as Rachel Ray would say!
The evening will feature postcard photos for the guests to take home (and post on your fridge?), art work, fun and games. Listen for the bistro-style music. Can you identify Edith Piaf? Can you recognize the costumed servers? Have fun! Bon appétit!
Do you have a favorite cookie recipe from the homeland? Would you like to share it? Please see Penny Hughes, Ernie or Anna Tews. We would love to showcase your creations on our international sweets table!
Look for Elizabeth Hill or Carol Lofton after Sunday services to purchase your passports to excitement. If you have any questions or want to volunteer for kitchen help, setting up, serving, or cleaning up, contact me (296-4221) or the Tews (296-2603). Remember, all tickets must be purchased by June15. Now, wouldn’t a gift of two tickets for a special dinner make a great Father’s Day present– better than another tie!
For only $17, enjoy an inexpensive mini-vacation. Our menu explores the Mediterranean for hors d’ouevres: stuffed grape leaves; spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie); Moroccan olives; hummus and pita. We travel to the Continent for entrees: boeuf Bourguignon and Chicken Marengo. Desserts include international sweets such as Peach Melba, made with raspberry sauce, peaches and ice cream. Embrace your beverage selection of iced tea, coffee, hot tea, or fruit-infused water. Yum-O, as Rachel Ray would say!
The evening will feature postcard photos for the guests to take home (and post on your fridge?), art work, fun and games. Listen for the bistro-style music. Can you identify Edith Piaf? Can you recognize the costumed servers? Have fun! Bon appétit!
Do you have a favorite cookie recipe from the homeland? Would you like to share it? Please see Penny Hughes, Ernie or Anna Tews. We would love to showcase your creations on our international sweets table!
Look for Elizabeth Hill or Carol Lofton after Sunday services to purchase your passports to excitement. If you have any questions or want to volunteer for kitchen help, setting up, serving, or cleaning up, contact me (296-4221) or the Tews (296-2603). Remember, all tickets must be purchased by June15. Now, wouldn’t a gift of two tickets for a special dinner make a great Father’s Day present– better than another tie!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
More Free Food!
Here’s some fabulous news! Our community dinners provide a gathering place for approximately 65 people a month! Whether they come for the free meal or they come for the socializing, we succeed in fulfilling one of our stated mission goals. We are “building community.” Not only that, but we inspire others in our community to reach out also. First Presbyterian Church, our neighbor on Main Street, holds its inaugural free community dinner on the second Wednesday of this month, May 14, at 6 pm. Call them at 296-8894 for more information.
Meanwhile, back at our ranch, we continue to showcase some wonderfully creative cuisine cooked up by our own chefs. Scheduled at the stove:
Show off your skills soon! Call!!
Meanwhile, back at our ranch, we continue to showcase some wonderfully creative cuisine cooked up by our own chefs. Scheduled at the stove:
May– Joyce Ott, spaghetti & meatballs;
June– The Tews, an indoor picnic;
July– Marlene Johnson, lasagna.
Show off your skills soon! Call!!
Pentecost and Mary White
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4
Try to put yourself in with the apostles. It has been fifty days since Jesus rose from the dead, ten days since “he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts1:9. They still must be reeling from so many strange happenings, so far from everyday life, beyond anything they could imagine. They remain men wanted by the authorities, and one of their own “family” had turned in their leader– for money, for principle, it hardly mattered which. How confused they must feel! How cut adrift from all they know!
And yet they stay hopeful. They select potential replacements for Judas, narrowing down the field until 2 equally strong candidates remain. They “cast lots” to resolve the deadlock, and thus Matthias becomes an apostle.
But still they gather together behind closed doors, on the second floor of a building that tradition says is the same one that they shared their last meal with their friend, mourning their loss and deciding what their next step should be. About 120 followers of Jesus are there, gathered for the Jewish festival of Shavuot, commemorating the day Moses received the Torah, or written law, from God while he was on Mt. Sinai. Pilgrims from around the known world visit Jerusalem for the feast also, so hearing the foreign languages could be expected. But not expected is hearing their friends speak so the out-of-town guests could understand them! Equipped with such a tool, they fan out to all corners of the world to spread the news of these miracles!
Centuries later, in a country on a continent not dreamed of when the apostles spread their news, a widow decided to share that Good News with others in her community. Growing up in Philadelphia, she had access to beautiful, historical Episcopal churches. For example, St. Peter’s at 3rd and Pine was built in 1761, and the nation’s founders worshipped there. Mary White was unable to provide such a setting as the elegant churches of her hometown, but she opened the doors of her home at 127 Wood Street. The first Episcopal church service in Tuckerton was celebrated in her front parlor in 1947. Some current members of our church attended services in her home. Holy Innocents Church in Beach Haven loaned us a priest, The Rev. Russell Clapp, and he officiated at the services until November 1952.
Tragically, Mary White’s home caught fire on December 2, 1952. Burned extensively, she died that day in Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood. Neighbors buried Mrs. White in Tuckerton. Mary White was survived by a brother, but we know of no other family members.
Evie Brown told The Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero the story of our roots during his visit in October. He remarked that Mrs. White should be honored somewhere in our church. And so a quest began.
Join us on Sunday May 11 as we dedicate our library in her honor. We will rename it “The Mary White Library.” Evie will lead us after the service to the cemetery where Mrs. White is buried. There we can say some private prayers to honor the woman who brought us together.
New Support Group Meeting at Holy Spirit
Are you a grandparent? Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren? As we mentioned last month, The Center for Healing and Wholeness, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Tuckerton, will offer a support group facilitated by our own Anna Tews in our own Mary White Library beginning on June 3.
The brochure explains:
Anna tells us that she is excited to start this new service project. Holding the meetings in our Library, with our nursery across the hall, is a major help for the attendees even though babysitting is not provided.
Ernie Tews says that he’s just glad she will get the chance to use her degree in psychology!
The brochure explains:
Many grandparents are still struggling with the parenting role, whether with their children, grandchildren, or both. Keeping with that, our group will discuss some common issues. The meeting will offer each of us the chance to share our knowledge, hopes and strengths. Together, we will decide what areas of concern we would like to explore. We will have guest speakers and activities. Please join us as we focus on such topics as:
- when marriages fail
- sense of loss due to the inability to visit your grandchild
- changes in your social life due to raising a grandchild
- long-distance grandparenting
- step-grandparenting
- care and wellbeing of the grandparent as parent
- real issues in raising grandchildren
- tensions between parent and grandparent
The purpose of this support group is to provide a safe environment where individuals receive support, guidance, and validation.
This support group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, starting June 3, 2008, from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. To register, please call (609)296-8300. Walk-ins are welcome!
The support group is free of charge. Donations are always appreciated to assist with the cost of materials.
Anna tells us that she is excited to start this new service project. Holding the meetings in our Library, with our nursery across the hall, is a major help for the attendees even though babysitting is not provided.
Ernie Tews says that he’s just glad she will get the chance to use her degree in psychology!
Get Away From Everyday by Penny Hughes
ESCAPE!! If only for an evening. Come to International Night and savor the dishes of the Mediterranean and the Continent. Experience a culinary adventure, camaraderie and entertainment as the Holy Spirit undercroft transforms into a European bistro on Saturday, June 21st. Tickets go on sale soon!
Invite all your friends and family, or just come solo. We’ll seat you family-style with some new friends! The tickets are only $17. Bon appétit!
Do you have a favorite cookie recipe from the homeland? Please see Penny Hughes, Ernie or Anna Tews. We would love to showcase your creations!
Invite all your friends and family, or just come solo. We’ll seat you family-style with some new friends! The tickets are only $17. Bon appétit!
Do you have a favorite cookie recipe from the homeland? Please see Penny Hughes, Ernie or Anna Tews. We would love to showcase your creations!
We’ll Have a Hot Time in the Old Town in June
Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home, or near your kitchen? Do you know how to use it? Have you ever practiced using it?
Have you ever seen the extinguishers in our church? We have ten, five on each floor. Can you find them? Can you use them?
Ernie Tews and our expert Building & Grounds Committee, in conjunction with the Tuckerton Fire department, are setting up a Training Saturday in June that could save your life. The free session will be held in our parking lot and teach you how to use the devices, in our church and especially in our kitchen( and yours!). Many of the other churches in the Tuckerton area will participate with us in this effort. More details about the training session will follow in the next newsletter. Meanwhile, look for the extinguishers in our church!!
Have you ever seen the extinguishers in our church? We have ten, five on each floor. Can you find them? Can you use them?
Ernie Tews and our expert Building & Grounds Committee, in conjunction with the Tuckerton Fire department, are setting up a Training Saturday in June that could save your life. The free session will be held in our parking lot and teach you how to use the devices, in our church and especially in our kitchen( and yours!). Many of the other churches in the Tuckerton area will participate with us in this effort. More details about the training session will follow in the next newsletter. Meanwhile, look for the extinguishers in our church!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Russian Treasure Found in Tuckerton!
Ask Maria Doukhnai what the big difference is between her native Russia and the United States, and she’ll tell you, “The language.” The people are the same, with the same concerns of raising a family, paying bills, jobs and so on. It’s just the location and the way they speak that differs.
The beautiful city of St. Petersburg in Russia was Maria’s birthplace and her home for her childhood. Founded on May 27, 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, the city grew into a capital following western-styled ideas. The Russian Revolution changed its importance (and later its name to Leningrad), moving the capital back to Moscow. Saint Petersburg remained the second largest city in Russia, and the fourth largest in Europe.
Surrounded by palaces, cathedrals, and magnificent buildings, Maria grew up surrounded by history and culture. She chose to honor her God-given talent and become a musician. She earned her degree from the St. Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Human Services with a concentration in Choral Conducting. Shortly after her graduation, she moved to Moscow. She began her career as a teacher of music and voice, working in a semi-professional theater. She also taught successively in a preschool, a kindergarten, an elementary, a middle and what we call a high school, teaching music and musical theory to children. She moved back to Saint Petersburg and continued her performing career by working as an accompanist and choir director for the Theater of Culture and Arts.
In 1997, she needed to earn more money to support herself, her mother and her young son. The economy was tight in the Soviet Union, and it was difficult to buy food to feed everyone. She recalled at least three times that she needed to feed her son Yuri ice cream for dinner because nothing else was in the stores. Although a dream dinner for most children (and my dad), as a mother she was concerned for his health– not enough vitamins can be supplied in a meal that is not balanced.
Maria embarked on a new career as a travel agent to earn more money. She did well, and enjoyed the perks such as free travel. She saved her time off, and after awhile she decided to visit a friend in the Philadelphia area. She arrived on March 18, in time to attend an engagement party for her friend. She sat at a table in the Chestnut Hill restaurant, unable to speak English, but comfortable because her friend was a member of the Russian expatriate community in that area. A few seats away was a man who also had grown up in Saint Petersburg. They spoke in their native tongue, and by the end of the evening Maria wanted to know the man better.
Before her three week vacation was over, Maria knew that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Alex Doukhnai. She couldn’t return to Russia, because it would take far too many years to reunite. Her son was safely in the care of her mother back in Russia, so Maria and Alex married.
Now financial problems began to surface. In 1998, economic problems following the collapse of the Soviet Union forced more privations on Russian citizens. Older people found that their pension was not enough, but after age 55, it was hard to find a job. The Doukhnais needed to send money back to support both their families. Maria was in a quandary. She had never in her wildest dreams imagined moving to the United States. She did not even speak English. How could she possibly help? What type of job could she get?
Alex combed the classified ads. There it was, an answer to their prayers: a small church in Tuckerton needed an organist. They came to the interview. Maria told me, “Ask Grace or Evie. I sat here, and Alex sat right next to me, translating their questions and my answers. I couldn’t make myself understood. But they took the chance!” Her first service was on August 1, 1998 in the little church on Green Street.
Ten years later, Maria credits her Holy Spirit “family” for helping to teach her to speak English. Her son Yuri graduated from Rutgers University last December with a degree in cartography. He lives in Tampa and works for The Mosaic Company, an international corporation, mapping deposits of phosphate for mining, destined for use in fertilizer. Mosaic is the leading producer of phosphate and potash, and they pride themselves on their role in providing nutrition for the world.
Maria and Alex also have two beautiful daughters, Kassia (8 years old) and Lada (6 1/2 years old). They are very active girls. They study gymnastics, ballet, ice skating, art, and piano (of course!). They are Girl Scouts in addition to everything else. They keep their parents hopping!
Maria’s mom also has joined her daughter on this side of the world. She lives among the Russian community in Boston, and finds everyone truly friendly.
Maria passed the Praxis exam two years ago, and recently began a full time position at Mainland High School in Linwood. She advises the Choir Club as they prepare to compete for the South Jersey Chorus/All-State Chorus. Her club performs 2 formal evening concerts a year, as well as benefits and traveling shows for local schools.
Maria also teaches piano and voice to 28 private students each week. She organizes two recitals a year: one in June and one at Christmas. Maria proudly points to her membership in the National Federation of Music Clubs, and is privileged to be a certified judge of the competitions. She feels that the competitions are valuable learning tools for the students, because they compete against themselves, not each other. She spent 14 hours one Saturday last month evaluating a competition. Sixteen of her students were among the competitors. Afterwards, each student received an individualized assessment of his/her performance, designed to help each one to improve and encouraging each to do better.
Maria has seen huge changes in Moscow since she left the country. “The people live much better. The value of an education, ruined under Gorbachev, is returning. The transitional time was very bad, but now under Putin people feel much better. I remember standing in line to buy food, but now the markets are clean and well stocked. It may have only been a period of 1 1/2 years, but still it was devastating. Old churches are reopening and being restored to their former glory, where possible. (Some of they were razed and others converted to other uses such as museums.) People are happier.” And we couldn’t be happier that a concert-trained professional musician found her way to live with us and share her wonderful gifts! How much poorer we would be without her in our lives- and our church!
The beautiful city of St. Petersburg in Russia was Maria’s birthplace and her home for her childhood. Founded on May 27, 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, the city grew into a capital following western-styled ideas. The Russian Revolution changed its importance (and later its name to Leningrad), moving the capital back to Moscow. Saint Petersburg remained the second largest city in Russia, and the fourth largest in Europe.
Surrounded by palaces, cathedrals, and magnificent buildings, Maria grew up surrounded by history and culture. She chose to honor her God-given talent and become a musician. She earned her degree from the St. Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Human Services with a concentration in Choral Conducting. Shortly after her graduation, she moved to Moscow. She began her career as a teacher of music and voice, working in a semi-professional theater. She also taught successively in a preschool, a kindergarten, an elementary, a middle and what we call a high school, teaching music and musical theory to children. She moved back to Saint Petersburg and continued her performing career by working as an accompanist and choir director for the Theater of Culture and Arts.
In 1997, she needed to earn more money to support herself, her mother and her young son. The economy was tight in the Soviet Union, and it was difficult to buy food to feed everyone. She recalled at least three times that she needed to feed her son Yuri ice cream for dinner because nothing else was in the stores. Although a dream dinner for most children (and my dad), as a mother she was concerned for his health– not enough vitamins can be supplied in a meal that is not balanced.
Maria embarked on a new career as a travel agent to earn more money. She did well, and enjoyed the perks such as free travel. She saved her time off, and after awhile she decided to visit a friend in the Philadelphia area. She arrived on March 18, in time to attend an engagement party for her friend. She sat at a table in the Chestnut Hill restaurant, unable to speak English, but comfortable because her friend was a member of the Russian expatriate community in that area. A few seats away was a man who also had grown up in Saint Petersburg. They spoke in their native tongue, and by the end of the evening Maria wanted to know the man better.
Before her three week vacation was over, Maria knew that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Alex Doukhnai. She couldn’t return to Russia, because it would take far too many years to reunite. Her son was safely in the care of her mother back in Russia, so Maria and Alex married.
Now financial problems began to surface. In 1998, economic problems following the collapse of the Soviet Union forced more privations on Russian citizens. Older people found that their pension was not enough, but after age 55, it was hard to find a job. The Doukhnais needed to send money back to support both their families. Maria was in a quandary. She had never in her wildest dreams imagined moving to the United States. She did not even speak English. How could she possibly help? What type of job could she get?
Alex combed the classified ads. There it was, an answer to their prayers: a small church in Tuckerton needed an organist. They came to the interview. Maria told me, “Ask Grace or Evie. I sat here, and Alex sat right next to me, translating their questions and my answers. I couldn’t make myself understood. But they took the chance!” Her first service was on August 1, 1998 in the little church on Green Street.
Ten years later, Maria credits her Holy Spirit “family” for helping to teach her to speak English. Her son Yuri graduated from Rutgers University last December with a degree in cartography. He lives in Tampa and works for The Mosaic Company, an international corporation, mapping deposits of phosphate for mining, destined for use in fertilizer. Mosaic is the leading producer of phosphate and potash, and they pride themselves on their role in providing nutrition for the world.
Maria and Alex also have two beautiful daughters, Kassia (8 years old) and Lada (6 1/2 years old). They are very active girls. They study gymnastics, ballet, ice skating, art, and piano (of course!). They are Girl Scouts in addition to everything else. They keep their parents hopping!
Maria’s mom also has joined her daughter on this side of the world. She lives among the Russian community in Boston, and finds everyone truly friendly.
Maria passed the Praxis exam two years ago, and recently began a full time position at Mainland High School in Linwood. She advises the Choir Club as they prepare to compete for the South Jersey Chorus/All-State Chorus. Her club performs 2 formal evening concerts a year, as well as benefits and traveling shows for local schools.
Maria also teaches piano and voice to 28 private students each week. She organizes two recitals a year: one in June and one at Christmas. Maria proudly points to her membership in the National Federation of Music Clubs, and is privileged to be a certified judge of the competitions. She feels that the competitions are valuable learning tools for the students, because they compete against themselves, not each other. She spent 14 hours one Saturday last month evaluating a competition. Sixteen of her students were among the competitors. Afterwards, each student received an individualized assessment of his/her performance, designed to help each one to improve and encouraging each to do better.
Maria has seen huge changes in Moscow since she left the country. “The people live much better. The value of an education, ruined under Gorbachev, is returning. The transitional time was very bad, but now under Putin people feel much better. I remember standing in line to buy food, but now the markets are clean and well stocked. It may have only been a period of 1 1/2 years, but still it was devastating. Old churches are reopening and being restored to their former glory, where possible. (Some of they were razed and others converted to other uses such as museums.) People are happier.” And we couldn’t be happier that a concert-trained professional musician found her way to live with us and share her wonderful gifts! How much poorer we would be without her in our lives- and our church!
Shhh! Be Vewy Quiet! We’re Hunting Bearberries!
One grey, chilly, damp Saturday morning in March, three intrepid explorers set out from Little Egg Harbor. Junior Warden Ernie Tews, Senior Warden Mary Lou Malone and Joyce Ott were on a hunt for the perfect plants to line the walkway leading from East Main Street to the main entrance of Holy Spirit. They armed themselves with a tank of gas and directions from MapQuest, then headed west on Route 539 to Jackson NJ to find Rare Find Nursery.
They traveled through the Pine Barrens areas burned last spring in the wildfire, and the areas burned this year in a controlled fashion by the NJ Forest Service. They spoke of the delicate balance between the native plants found in our area and the availability of water in the sandy soil surrounding us. The further they rode, the brighter the sky became, until the sun finally came out and blessed their mission. The three travelers encountered few difficulties with their trip until they came close to the nursery. Here the Internet directions became a little confusing: West Commodore Drive intersected West Commodore, and Patterson Road showed itself to be a dirt path. But their final arrival at the nursery was the reward.
Prior to the journey, Ernie, as Junior Warden charged with the care of our Building and Grounds, organized a committee of interested parishioners to lay the groundwork for our long-term landscaping design. Members included Frank Lofton, a certified master gardener, and experienced hobbyists. They considered factors such as the frequency of drought conditions in our region and the lack of a ready source of water for plants in our gardens. The committee concentrated first on the walkway. They recommended a combination of a low-growing, sturdy native evergreen groundcover named red bearberry and a slightly taller evergreen shrub called sand myrtle.
Both plants are native to our region. They stay green all year and require little water after the first few years. Once established, they drop their roots deeply enough into the soil to find water if drought conditions arise. Since water is not readily available so far away from the building, this is a major consideration.
Bearberry grows 6 to 12 inches high and branches trail up to 10 feet away. Flowers appear from March to July, small pinkish temple bells clustered near the ends of the branches. Red berries appear in the fall, providing food for birds and -you guessed it!- bears. Humans can eat them, but we’d find them tasteless. The plants therefore are child-safe. The branches are woody, but they are not brittle. If accidentally stepped on, they should survive.
The travelers saw these plants and literally thousands of others once they arrived. Jay Schoss, resident specialist in plants of the Pine Barrens, showed them bearberry and sand myrtle, then led them on a tour of the greenhouses. They piled onto a golf cart for a complete tour of the acres of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, Japanese maples, hollies and other trees and shrubs growing among the pines. A planned bog garden simulating areas in the Pine Barrens showed more plants, such as the carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, grown for sale and available in a variety of unusual color combinations.
Jay confided in our representatives that all of the plants are grown from seed or cuttings. None are dug up from the wild. And, he told us that he knew of a stand of native bearberry bushes growing partway up the entrance road to Warren Grove Bombing Range. Not anxious to be arrested as terrorist spies, our travelers opted to believe him without taking a side trip to verify his claim. They returned home with catalogues and ample information to agree that the plant choices would accomplish the goal.
Ernie and his committee plan a Spring Dig-up and Clean-up Day once they have arrived. The committee has scheduled it for May 3. Join us, honoring both Earth Day (Apr. 22) and Arbor Day (Apr. 27), and plant some bearberry bushes!
They traveled through the Pine Barrens areas burned last spring in the wildfire, and the areas burned this year in a controlled fashion by the NJ Forest Service. They spoke of the delicate balance between the native plants found in our area and the availability of water in the sandy soil surrounding us. The further they rode, the brighter the sky became, until the sun finally came out and blessed their mission. The three travelers encountered few difficulties with their trip until they came close to the nursery. Here the Internet directions became a little confusing: West Commodore Drive intersected West Commodore, and Patterson Road showed itself to be a dirt path. But their final arrival at the nursery was the reward.
Prior to the journey, Ernie, as Junior Warden charged with the care of our Building and Grounds, organized a committee of interested parishioners to lay the groundwork for our long-term landscaping design. Members included Frank Lofton, a certified master gardener, and experienced hobbyists. They considered factors such as the frequency of drought conditions in our region and the lack of a ready source of water for plants in our gardens. The committee concentrated first on the walkway. They recommended a combination of a low-growing, sturdy native evergreen groundcover named red bearberry and a slightly taller evergreen shrub called sand myrtle.
Both plants are native to our region. They stay green all year and require little water after the first few years. Once established, they drop their roots deeply enough into the soil to find water if drought conditions arise. Since water is not readily available so far away from the building, this is a major consideration.
Bearberry grows 6 to 12 inches high and branches trail up to 10 feet away. Flowers appear from March to July, small pinkish temple bells clustered near the ends of the branches. Red berries appear in the fall, providing food for birds and -you guessed it!- bears. Humans can eat them, but we’d find them tasteless. The plants therefore are child-safe. The branches are woody, but they are not brittle. If accidentally stepped on, they should survive.
The travelers saw these plants and literally thousands of others once they arrived. Jay Schoss, resident specialist in plants of the Pine Barrens, showed them bearberry and sand myrtle, then led them on a tour of the greenhouses. They piled onto a golf cart for a complete tour of the acres of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, Japanese maples, hollies and other trees and shrubs growing among the pines. A planned bog garden simulating areas in the Pine Barrens showed more plants, such as the carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, grown for sale and available in a variety of unusual color combinations.
Jay confided in our representatives that all of the plants are grown from seed or cuttings. None are dug up from the wild. And, he told us that he knew of a stand of native bearberry bushes growing partway up the entrance road to Warren Grove Bombing Range. Not anxious to be arrested as terrorist spies, our travelers opted to believe him without taking a side trip to verify his claim. They returned home with catalogues and ample information to agree that the plant choices would accomplish the goal.
Ernie and his committee plan a Spring Dig-up and Clean-up Day once they have arrived. The committee has scheduled it for May 3. Join us, honoring both Earth Day (Apr. 22) and Arbor Day (Apr. 27), and plant some bearberry bushes!
Can You Be A Magnet For Our Church?
I remember visiting my grandparents as a child and playing with a set of black and white Scottie dog magnets. If you pushed them one way, they chased each other around the table and never caught up. If you turned them another way, they snapped together and were difficult to separate. When one was hidden by a simple piece of paper between them, the unseen one below could move the visible one without the need to touch it. Surely magic was at work!
I had another toy to play with there. It was a small plastic box decorated with the face of a clean-shaven bald man. I used a red metal stick, touching it to the picture and lifting it up, moving iron filings and giving the man hair and a beard. Magnet magic again!
My science teacher later taught me to make my own magnets. Using a bar magnet, I slid a small flat piece of iron across it repeatedly in the same direction, and I “aligned the atoms,” allowing me to pick up nails and paper clips. I made an electromagnet by coiling wire around another nail. When touched to a small square battery, the resulting powerful magnet could pick up items far heavier than the nail. The strength of the magnetic field depended on the number of coils and the diameter of the wire.
Apply this lesson to our church. Magnets are powerful tools to attract people, but if turned the wrong way, they will chase people away. You don’t need to see the magnet for its power to move you. Lastly, the more people who join together into the circle around the core of faith in God, the more powerful the attraction, and the harder it is to break.
Wow! What an idea! How can we use it?
Come to the Magnetic Church Conference led by Andrew Weeks and find out! To quote from the catalogue of the Ministry Institute: “The Magnetic Church Conference is non-confrontational, practical evangelism to help our churches attract and retain new members. The Diocesan Congregational Development Committee is pleased that noted evangelist Andrew Weeks will be presenting this event. To learn more about his ministry, see www.magnetic-church.com. This event is co-sponsored by the Diocesan Congregational Development Committee and the Right Onward Visioning Committee.”
The two-day conference is scheduled for Friday, May 2 from 7 to 10 pm and Saturday, May 3 from 9 am to 4 pm in Trinity Cathedral, Trenton.
To quote Andrew Weeks:
Quoting our catalogue once again: “Andrew Weeks is a cradle Anglican who was born in Canada and moved to the US to work for Arthur Anderson, Walter Kidde, and other corporate entities. He was an executive who became a management consultant for operations. He began his work as an evangelist helping churches to change their ways to reach out to church visitors after encountering obstacles in his own search for a new church community, including attitudes that it was ‘all up to the visitor to figure things out’ and ‘if visitors were really interested, they would figure it out!’”
Join us! Carpool with us! Learn with us! Become a coil in our powerful magnet! Help to change the “faces” of those around you!
I had another toy to play with there. It was a small plastic box decorated with the face of a clean-shaven bald man. I used a red metal stick, touching it to the picture and lifting it up, moving iron filings and giving the man hair and a beard. Magnet magic again!
My science teacher later taught me to make my own magnets. Using a bar magnet, I slid a small flat piece of iron across it repeatedly in the same direction, and I “aligned the atoms,” allowing me to pick up nails and paper clips. I made an electromagnet by coiling wire around another nail. When touched to a small square battery, the resulting powerful magnet could pick up items far heavier than the nail. The strength of the magnetic field depended on the number of coils and the diameter of the wire.
Apply this lesson to our church. Magnets are powerful tools to attract people, but if turned the wrong way, they will chase people away. You don’t need to see the magnet for its power to move you. Lastly, the more people who join together into the circle around the core of faith in God, the more powerful the attraction, and the harder it is to break.
Wow! What an idea! How can we use it?
Come to the Magnetic Church Conference led by Andrew Weeks and find out! To quote from the catalogue of the Ministry Institute: “The Magnetic Church Conference is non-confrontational, practical evangelism to help our churches attract and retain new members. The Diocesan Congregational Development Committee is pleased that noted evangelist Andrew Weeks will be presenting this event. To learn more about his ministry, see www.magnetic-church.com. This event is co-sponsored by the Diocesan Congregational Development Committee and the Right Onward Visioning Committee.”
The two-day conference is scheduled for Friday, May 2 from 7 to 10 pm and Saturday, May 3 from 9 am to 4 pm in Trinity Cathedral, Trenton.
To quote Andrew Weeks:
“ Why Bother to Attend? Come for yourself!
Wondering what God’s next call for you might be? If it were your choice, would evangelism be last on your list because your images of evangelism are of weepy, cash-grubbing orators on TV or loud street-corner demagogues? Then come and learn about models of evangelism appropriate for you! Along the way, you may discover your gifts as author, editor, planter, greeter or shepherd, and reap some of the amazing joy of being God’s instrument in changing other people’s lives.
Come for your community!
A staggering percentage of Americans (nationally, 40%) do not attend church. That means so many of the children in your own community are not learning the Lord’s Prayer or any of the stories of Jesus. That means all those adults are stuck with being able to believe only in themselves. You can share with them the life-saving gift of knowing the security of being able to rely on God.
Come for your own church!
You want to become more involved in the mission and ministry of your own church but you’re not sure where to begin, what to do, or how to apply your own unique gifts and personal talents? Begin by coming to this event to learn a whole lot about practical evangelism.
And along the way… You may discover new ways to apply your talents and skills by helping your property team to make all of your signs, buildings and grounds more attractive and inviting. Perhaps you will author or help redesign or edit your church newsletter, Sunday bulletins/inserts or web pages, and assist in transforming them from old, maintenance member-oriented organs to new, evangelism-oriented tools. The possibilities are endless!”
Quoting our catalogue once again: “Andrew Weeks is a cradle Anglican who was born in Canada and moved to the US to work for Arthur Anderson, Walter Kidde, and other corporate entities. He was an executive who became a management consultant for operations. He began his work as an evangelist helping churches to change their ways to reach out to church visitors after encountering obstacles in his own search for a new church community, including attitudes that it was ‘all up to the visitor to figure things out’ and ‘if visitors were really interested, they would figure it out!’”
Join us! Carpool with us! Learn with us! Become a coil in our powerful magnet! Help to change the “faces” of those around you!
Holy Spirit Has A New Association!
Have you heard about the Center for Healing and Wholeness? Headquartered in the First United Methodist Church on Green Street, the Center brings together people in our community with trained staff who help support them during difficult times. The Center’s mission statement says it “is an interfaith and interdisciplinary center dedicated to serving the community.” Support groups meet once or twice a month for 1-1/2 hours each session. Counselors and facilitators guide the members. The groups do ask for donations to defray costs, purchase literature and provide light refreshments.
Currently these groups are meeting each month in FUMC:
Here’s the exciting news: beginning in June, our own Anna Tews will facilitate a support group for Grandparents (especially grandparents raising grandchildren) which will meet the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays from 10 am to 11:30 am here in HS. She’ll be in our library, with the nursery across the hall available for the children to play. Other groups under discussion include Achieving Economic Goals and Families of Deployed Military Personnel. Call their office at 296-8300 to sign up.
Currently these groups are meeting each month in FUMC:
- Chronic Pain, 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 pm- 8:30 pm
- Living Beyond Grief, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 pm– 8:30 pm
- Parenting, 1st Tuesday, 7 pm– 8:30 pm
Here’s the exciting news: beginning in June, our own Anna Tews will facilitate a support group for Grandparents (especially grandparents raising grandchildren) which will meet the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays from 10 am to 11:30 am here in HS. She’ll be in our library, with the nursery across the hall available for the children to play. Other groups under discussion include Achieving Economic Goals and Families of Deployed Military Personnel. Call their office at 296-8300 to sign up.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Egg Hunt Today!
Bring your children and join us after the 10:30 AM service today for the Easter Egg Hunt!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Holy Saturday
Matthew 27:57-61
1. Silence
2. Read and listen for a word.
3. Meditate.
4. Read and listen for revelation.
5. Read and listen for praxis.
6. Silence.
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
1. Silence
2. Read and listen for a word.
3. Meditate.
4. Read and listen for revelation.
5. Read and listen for praxis.
6. Silence.
Good Friday
John 19:25b-27
1. Be still.
2. Read and listen for your word.
3. Meditate
4. Read and listen. What is God revealing to you?
5. Read and listen. What is God calling you to do?
6. Be still, resting in God's presence.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
1. Be still.
2. Read and listen for your word.
3. Meditate
4. Read and listen. What is God revealing to you?
5. Read and listen. What is God calling you to do?
6. Be still, resting in God's presence.
Maunday Thursday
John 13:12-15
1. Be still.
2. Read and listen for your word.
3. Meditate
4. Read and listen. What is God revealing to you?
5. Read and listen. What is God calling you to do?
6. Be still, resting in God's presence.
After Jesus had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord--and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."
1. Be still.
2. Read and listen for your word.
3. Meditate
4. Read and listen. What is God revealing to you?
5. Read and listen. What is God calling you to do?
6. Be still, resting in God's presence.
Wednesday in Holy Week
John 13:33-35
1. Sit in silence.
2. Read the text, listening for your word or phrase.
3. Return to the silence, meditating on your word or phrase.
4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be revealing to you.
5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do.
6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
Jesus said, "Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going, you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
1. Sit in silence.
2. Read the text, listening for your word or phrase.
3. Return to the silence, meditating on your word or phrase.
4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be revealing to you.
5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do.
6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
Tuesday in Holy Week
John 12:44-47
1. Enter the silence, quieting your mind and your heart.
2. Engage the text, listening for your word or phrase.
3. Return to the silence, meditating on your word or phrase.
4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing you.
5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do.
6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."
1. Enter the silence, quieting your mind and your heart.
2. Engage the text, listening for your word or phrase.
3. Return to the silence, meditating on your word or phrase.
4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing you.
5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do.
6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
Monday in Holy Week
John 12:3-8:
1. Begin in silence, quieting your mind and your heart, becoming silent, empty, and open to God.
2. Engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to yourself, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to you at this moment.
3. Return to the silence, meditating on the word or phrase you have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.
4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing you in this passage. Listen with your heart, not your head. How does this passage touch your daily life?
5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.
6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."
1. Begin in silence, quieting your mind and your heart, becoming silent, empty, and open to God.
2. Engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to yourself, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to you at this moment.
3. Return to the silence, meditating on the word or phrase you have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.
4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing you in this passage. Listen with your heart, not your head. How does this passage touch your daily life?
5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.
6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Matthew 26:69-75:
1. We begin in silence, quieting our minds and our hearts, becoming silent, empty, and open to God.
2. We engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to ourselves, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to us at that moment.
3. We return the silence, meditating on the word or phrase we have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.
4. We read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing us in this passage. We listen with our hearts. How does this passage touch your daily life?
5. We read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling us to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.
6. We return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before all of them, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about." When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, "I do not know the man!" At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.
1. We begin in silence, quieting our minds and our hearts, becoming silent, empty, and open to God.
2. We engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to ourselves, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to us at that moment.
3. We return the silence, meditating on the word or phrase we have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.
4. We read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing us in this passage. We listen with our hearts. How does this passage touch your daily life?
5. We read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling us to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.
6. We return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
Preparing for Holy Week
This will be a variation of the tradition of Lectio Divina. The variation is very similar to the African/Lambeth Bible Study; I'll introduce a new passage from scripture each day.
We will begin in silence, quieting our minds and our hearts, using centering prayer methods, breathing exercises, the Jesus Prayer, or whatever else helps us become silent, empty, and open to God.
We'll then engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to ourselves, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to us at that moment.
We then re-enter the silence, meditating on the word or phrase we have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.
We read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing us in this passage. This is not a time for intellectual pondering, but listening with the heart. How does this passage touch your daily life?
We read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling us to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.
And finally, we return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
I realize that this kind of thing is not for everyone. But even if it seems a bit too "touchy feely" for you, I encourage you to use this as an opportunity to "be still and know that I am God."
Those of you who will be participating are encouraged to share your thoughts and reflections, what you "heard," in the comments.
The Rev. Terry Martin,
Vicar
We will begin in silence, quieting our minds and our hearts, using centering prayer methods, breathing exercises, the Jesus Prayer, or whatever else helps us become silent, empty, and open to God.
We'll then engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to ourselves, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to us at that moment.
We then re-enter the silence, meditating on the word or phrase we have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.
We read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing us in this passage. This is not a time for intellectual pondering, but listening with the heart. How does this passage touch your daily life?
We read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling us to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.
And finally, we return to the silence, resting in God's presence.
I realize that this kind of thing is not for everyone. But even if it seems a bit too "touchy feely" for you, I encourage you to use this as an opportunity to "be still and know that I am God."
Those of you who will be participating are encouraged to share your thoughts and reflections, what you "heard," in the comments.
The Rev. Terry Martin,
Vicar
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Episcopal Church Women at Holy Spirit
We convened our first meeting of the year on January 15 at 1:30 pm. We covered many items with our agenda:
We held our first Card & Game Party of the year on Jan. 22, and had a great, noisy time. Our next scheduled Card & Game Parties are planned for Feb. 21 and Mar. 13, both Thursdays. We start at noon in the Undercroft. Bring a dish to share for lunch and your favorite games. Plan now to join us.
All women from our parish are invited to attend the Atlantic District Meeting on Feb. 12, 2008. It will be held at St. Mark’s & All Saints in Galloway beginning at 10:30 am. I am unable to go due to a conflicting board meeting at Interfaith, and need to have our church represented. If you are interested, please contact me.
Our menu for the Invite A Friend Sunday was to be simple and filling: bagels & spreads, fruit salads, veggies & dips, pies, brownies, and other sweets for a Continental breakfast.
We hope to have a luncheon meeting at Calloway’s in Eagleswood in May. More details will follow.
Meadowview was immensely pleased with our generous gifts and party to celebrate Christmas. As I stood in the hall speaking with one of the nurses, the elevator doors opened and we saw one of the dears in her wheelchair, with one lap robe over her legs and another around her shoulders. That inspires us to alter our projects for this year. We will make bags to hang on the walkers; shawls with ties to keep them on;
small traveling pillows, both knit and made of fabric; and at Christmas– small stockings that hold plastic cutlery: knife, fork, spoon and a napkin. Some material has been purchased, but we can use more. Also, please keep your eyes open for bags of stuffing to use for the pillows. They sometimes go on sale at the local craft stores. You could also use the discount coupon and subtract it from the regular price of the bag. We were very successful this year and provided gifts for 187 residents. We would like to duplicate that success this year. People can do projects at home in their leisure hours, or join us Wednesdays from 10 am until 3 pm. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages will be provided.
Once again our ECW will offer the Hulsizer Scholarship to a graduating senior at Pinelands High School. We would also like to offer an award, which is a smaller amount of money, but still valuable for a student attending college.
Many more topics will be covered in the months to come. Please plan to join us Feb. 19 and enjoy our company!
We held our first Card & Game Party of the year on Jan. 22, and had a great, noisy time. Our next scheduled Card & Game Parties are planned for Feb. 21 and Mar. 13, both Thursdays. We start at noon in the Undercroft. Bring a dish to share for lunch and your favorite games. Plan now to join us.
All women from our parish are invited to attend the Atlantic District Meeting on Feb. 12, 2008. It will be held at St. Mark’s & All Saints in Galloway beginning at 10:30 am. I am unable to go due to a conflicting board meeting at Interfaith, and need to have our church represented. If you are interested, please contact me.
Our menu for the Invite A Friend Sunday was to be simple and filling: bagels & spreads, fruit salads, veggies & dips, pies, brownies, and other sweets for a Continental breakfast.
We hope to have a luncheon meeting at Calloway’s in Eagleswood in May. More details will follow.
Meadowview was immensely pleased with our generous gifts and party to celebrate Christmas. As I stood in the hall speaking with one of the nurses, the elevator doors opened and we saw one of the dears in her wheelchair, with one lap robe over her legs and another around her shoulders. That inspires us to alter our projects for this year. We will make bags to hang on the walkers; shawls with ties to keep them on;
small traveling pillows, both knit and made of fabric; and at Christmas– small stockings that hold plastic cutlery: knife, fork, spoon and a napkin. Some material has been purchased, but we can use more. Also, please keep your eyes open for bags of stuffing to use for the pillows. They sometimes go on sale at the local craft stores. You could also use the discount coupon and subtract it from the regular price of the bag. We were very successful this year and provided gifts for 187 residents. We would like to duplicate that success this year. People can do projects at home in their leisure hours, or join us Wednesdays from 10 am until 3 pm. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages will be provided.
Once again our ECW will offer the Hulsizer Scholarship to a graduating senior at Pinelands High School. We would also like to offer an award, which is a smaller amount of money, but still valuable for a student attending college.
Many more topics will be covered in the months to come. Please plan to join us Feb. 19 and enjoy our company!
Whatever Happened to Saint Valentine?
When we were little, February 14 was called Saint Valentine’s Day. Whatever happened to him?
Well, it turns out that Valentine was a very popular name in ancient Rome, and the Roman Catholic Church dropped the celebration from the list of saints in 1969 because they could not identify one person who could have been the namesake! It could be for a bishop of Terni beheaded during the reign of Claudius II, or a simple priest who was thrown into jail for helping persecuted Christians and beheaded on February 14. Or is it named for someone who secretly married lovers in the Christian fashion when it was forbidden, or wrote letters to his jailer’s daughter, or was a missionary in Africa?
Whoever the inspiration, the concept of expressing your love to someone close to you should not be relegated only to one day in February. Tell people often, and show them. Love one another!
Well, it turns out that Valentine was a very popular name in ancient Rome, and the Roman Catholic Church dropped the celebration from the list of saints in 1969 because they could not identify one person who could have been the namesake! It could be for a bishop of Terni beheaded during the reign of Claudius II, or a simple priest who was thrown into jail for helping persecuted Christians and beheaded on February 14. Or is it named for someone who secretly married lovers in the Christian fashion when it was forbidden, or wrote letters to his jailer’s daughter, or was a missionary in Africa?
Whoever the inspiration, the concept of expressing your love to someone close to you should not be relegated only to one day in February. Tell people often, and show them. Love one another!
Are You Too Busy for God?
Are you too busy for God? Sounds sacrilegious, doesn’t it? But that’s how many of us feel. We’re running from doctors’ appointments to sports practice to games to work to shopping to….. We don’t mean to leave Him out of the schedule, but it happens. What can we do to fight it?
During this year’s Lenten Program, we will discuss video presentations by authors Susan and Gregory Jones, who will help us to examine our busy lives and learn to be present with ourselves, with each other, and with God. Topics will include:
During this year’s Lenten Program, we will discuss video presentations by authors Susan and Gregory Jones, who will help us to examine our busy lives and learn to be present with ourselves, with each other, and with God. Topics will include:
- Listening to the right voices;
- Keeping time;
- Self-awareness;
- Listening alone, and listening together.
5:45 pm: Evening PrayerPlease join us as we enjoy some delicious soups and breads, watch some thought-provoking videos, and explore God’s presence among us.
6:00 pm: Simple Meal (soup and bread)
6:15 pm: Program- “Attentiveness: Being Present.”
Monday, February 04, 2008
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist will be held this Wednesday, February 6 at 7 am, 12 noon and 7 pm. Please join us; be marked as Christ’s own with ashes.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
A Major Milestone Arrives for Holy Spirit
Have you marked your calendar yet? Are you planning to attend? It’s that time of year… when our church plans for the future. You are an important part of that future.
Here’s your chance to have a voice in our decision-making process by attending our annual meeting on January 20, 2008. We present reports on the activities of all of our committees during the previous year, and elect the new members of our Vestry
(technically our Mission Committee, but that’s a longer name!), as well as our convention and convocation delegates. This is one difference between the Episcopal Church and many others: we trust– and expect!- our lay members to participate equally in the leadership of our church.
This is a vital time in the life of our congregation. We need to have a firm foundation as we continue the transition from a small church to our current home.
We will vote to fill two three-year seats on our Mission Committee and the position of Senior Warden. In addition, we need to replace 2 MC members who vacated their seats and have 2 years remaining of their terms and formalize the appointment of another member. This election will change the personality of our leadership significantly, since half of the members may change.
Our By-Laws are specific about the nomination process for the candidates. According to the By-Laws of the Church of the Holy Spirit:
Article IV: Committees
4.a) A Nominating Committee shall be comprised of two (2) Mission Committee members and two (2) members of the congregation who are not members of the Mission Committee. Said Nominating Committee shall convene at least forty-five (45) days prior to the annual meeting. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Nominating Committee shall be published and the Committee members shall receive recommendations for elective mission officers from any member of the congregation entitled to vote at the annual meeting who in turn shall ascertain from those recommended whether or not they will serve and thereafter make nominations for said elective officers from those recommended at the next annual meeting of the congregation.
b) The Vicar may attend the first meeting to offer suggestions to the Nominating Committee.
c) The recommendations of the Nominating Committee will be made known collectively at the annual meeting when nominations are opened. After which nominations may be received from the floor by a motion and a second by voting members of the congregation.
Our Nominating Committee, comprised of Evie Brown, Mary Malone, and Bill Chapman, all of them reaching the end of their elected terms, as well as Marlene Johnson, feel they were guided by God as they selected a slate of candidates You have the opportunity to submit your name, or that of others, during the election for our new leaders. Candidates for elected office must be eligible voters, and meet the following requirements, according to the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in New Jersey:
Canon 49, Section 2: The voters shall be baptized, at least sixteen (16) years of age, domiciled in the Parish or adjacent thereto, of good moral character, adhering to this Church and no other religious body, regular attendants at the services of the Church in the said Parish, meaning thereby those who are more frequently present than absent unless for a good cause prevented and regular contributors to the current expenses of the Parish for six months next before the said annual meeting in the manner proscribed by the Vestry of said Parish. Any members not baptized or confirmed in the Parish must have been enrolled as members of the Parish in accordance with the provisions of the Canons, or must be baptized persons who have been received on their written request to the Rector or to one of the Wardens if there be no Rector; and said Rector or Wardens shall keep a list of all who have been received as voters, which list shall be open to inspection by the members of the Parish. No one shall be permitted to vote or be eligible to office in more than one Parish in this Diocese.
Or, if you prefer:
A ”communicant in good standing” is a baptized person who has received Holy Communion in this church at least three times in the preceding year and who has been faithful in corporate worship and in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom.
If you wish to nominate someone, please confirm their eligibility with Father Terry prior to the meeting.
You also have an opportunity to examine the 2008 budget approved by your Vestry and Father Terry. We make a bold statement this year with this document: we choose not to ask the Diocesan Board of Missions for a grant this year. This represents a leap of faith that God will continue to guide us in the direction He wishes us to travel.
This decision is not made lightly, but with the knowledge that the Diocese itself must be a cautious steward of its funds. We have received hundreds of thousands of dollars during the last 2 years as we purchased our new home and the property across the street. We must allow other churches the opportunity to share in the limited resources Trenton makes available to all qualifying missions.
This is part of the challenge awaiting our new Mission Committee (or Vestry) members. Yet another challenge will be the expansion of our church membership. Our current membership needs help shouldering the burdens (and physical demands!) of all of our on-going programs and fellowship events. As the old saying goes, “Many hands makes the work light.”
Please join us Jan. 20. Make an informed choice, and make a difference in the future of Holy Spirit.
Here’s your chance to have a voice in our decision-making process by attending our annual meeting on January 20, 2008. We present reports on the activities of all of our committees during the previous year, and elect the new members of our Vestry
(technically our Mission Committee, but that’s a longer name!), as well as our convention and convocation delegates. This is one difference between the Episcopal Church and many others: we trust– and expect!- our lay members to participate equally in the leadership of our church.
This is a vital time in the life of our congregation. We need to have a firm foundation as we continue the transition from a small church to our current home.
We will vote to fill two three-year seats on our Mission Committee and the position of Senior Warden. In addition, we need to replace 2 MC members who vacated their seats and have 2 years remaining of their terms and formalize the appointment of another member. This election will change the personality of our leadership significantly, since half of the members may change.
Our By-Laws are specific about the nomination process for the candidates. According to the By-Laws of the Church of the Holy Spirit:
Article IV: Committees
4.a) A Nominating Committee shall be comprised of two (2) Mission Committee members and two (2) members of the congregation who are not members of the Mission Committee. Said Nominating Committee shall convene at least forty-five (45) days prior to the annual meeting. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Nominating Committee shall be published and the Committee members shall receive recommendations for elective mission officers from any member of the congregation entitled to vote at the annual meeting who in turn shall ascertain from those recommended whether or not they will serve and thereafter make nominations for said elective officers from those recommended at the next annual meeting of the congregation.
b) The Vicar may attend the first meeting to offer suggestions to the Nominating Committee.
c) The recommendations of the Nominating Committee will be made known collectively at the annual meeting when nominations are opened. After which nominations may be received from the floor by a motion and a second by voting members of the congregation.
Our Nominating Committee, comprised of Evie Brown, Mary Malone, and Bill Chapman, all of them reaching the end of their elected terms, as well as Marlene Johnson, feel they were guided by God as they selected a slate of candidates You have the opportunity to submit your name, or that of others, during the election for our new leaders. Candidates for elected office must be eligible voters, and meet the following requirements, according to the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in New Jersey:
Canon 49, Section 2: The voters shall be baptized, at least sixteen (16) years of age, domiciled in the Parish or adjacent thereto, of good moral character, adhering to this Church and no other religious body, regular attendants at the services of the Church in the said Parish, meaning thereby those who are more frequently present than absent unless for a good cause prevented and regular contributors to the current expenses of the Parish for six months next before the said annual meeting in the manner proscribed by the Vestry of said Parish. Any members not baptized or confirmed in the Parish must have been enrolled as members of the Parish in accordance with the provisions of the Canons, or must be baptized persons who have been received on their written request to the Rector or to one of the Wardens if there be no Rector; and said Rector or Wardens shall keep a list of all who have been received as voters, which list shall be open to inspection by the members of the Parish. No one shall be permitted to vote or be eligible to office in more than one Parish in this Diocese.
Or, if you prefer:
A ”communicant in good standing” is a baptized person who has received Holy Communion in this church at least three times in the preceding year and who has been faithful in corporate worship and in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom.
If you wish to nominate someone, please confirm their eligibility with Father Terry prior to the meeting.
You also have an opportunity to examine the 2008 budget approved by your Vestry and Father Terry. We make a bold statement this year with this document: we choose not to ask the Diocesan Board of Missions for a grant this year. This represents a leap of faith that God will continue to guide us in the direction He wishes us to travel.
This decision is not made lightly, but with the knowledge that the Diocese itself must be a cautious steward of its funds. We have received hundreds of thousands of dollars during the last 2 years as we purchased our new home and the property across the street. We must allow other churches the opportunity to share in the limited resources Trenton makes available to all qualifying missions.
This is part of the challenge awaiting our new Mission Committee (or Vestry) members. Yet another challenge will be the expansion of our church membership. Our current membership needs help shouldering the burdens (and physical demands!) of all of our on-going programs and fellowship events. As the old saying goes, “Many hands makes the work light.”
Please join us Jan. 20. Make an informed choice, and make a difference in the future of Holy Spirit.
Free Community Dinner, January 30, 6 to 7 pm
Free Community Dinner in the Undercroft! Every month we host a free dinner for the community. Holy Spirit pays for the food and supplies. You provide the labor. Are you tempted to try to host, but aren’t sure if your cooking skills are up to the task? Don’t worry– plenty of people are willing to co-chair! Or just help to set up or clean up. Call the parish office for more information.
Boston Coffee Cake Sale, January 6
Here’s your chance to place orders for the delicious Boston Coffee Cakes which will be delivered for Palm Sunday. Ordering continues only through February 17, so get your info and place your request now. Great-tasting cakes and supporting our church: two good things in one!
How to Make A Difference to Holy Spirit
January 1 means that many people make new resolutions to become better people during the next year. Often these resolutions fall by the wayside because they are overly ambitious and become burdensome. Here are a few suggestions to help you make a difference without causing you a lot of pain or expense:
1. Buy gift cards to use in Acme, ShopRite, or Shop’N Bag. Yes, you heard correctly. Every Sunday, after each service, members of our fund-raising committee sell gift cards to use in any one of these 3 food stores. Holy Spirit earns a 5% rebate on each card, and you get the full value of the card when you go to the food store. You don’t have any restrictions on when to use them, and you do not need to purchase particular products. You can still receive double coupons or any other promotional offer from the stores. It costs you nothing, so it does not impact your budget. Yet, last year Holy Spirit made over $2,700 to help pay our expenses. Do you spend $200 a month on food? You can donate $10 to Holy Spirit, or another $120 a year, without paying an additional cent. Start now, and start small. Cards are available in denominations of $5, $10, and $25. Just like any other gift card, you don’t need to use the entire card at one time. Unlike other gift cards, there is no penalty for not using it quickly. Buy one to keep in your wallet for times that you stop at the store on your way home from work for milk or bread. But who doesn’t need to buy food? You can always be sure that you have those extra dollars for necessities this way.
2. Host one coffee hour after the Sunday service of your choice. Father Terry calls the fellowship after Holy Communion “the eighth sacrament.” Admit it: you enjoy it too. Why not become a part of the fun? It need not be costly. Just bring milk for the coffee and a snack to share. If you like to bake, you can take this opportunity to show off without needing to keep it all yourself, tempting you to stray from your diet. If you don’t bake, use those gift cards mentioned in #1 to buy coffee cakes or assorted doughnuts at the store. You set up the coffee and tea pots, and stay to clean up afterwards. Let’s see: 52 weeks a year, 2 services, some weeks with special events like the annual meeting, means about 100 coffee hours… yeah, we can all do one week a year.
Look! You made a difference !
1. Buy gift cards to use in Acme, ShopRite, or Shop’N Bag. Yes, you heard correctly. Every Sunday, after each service, members of our fund-raising committee sell gift cards to use in any one of these 3 food stores. Holy Spirit earns a 5% rebate on each card, and you get the full value of the card when you go to the food store. You don’t have any restrictions on when to use them, and you do not need to purchase particular products. You can still receive double coupons or any other promotional offer from the stores. It costs you nothing, so it does not impact your budget. Yet, last year Holy Spirit made over $2,700 to help pay our expenses. Do you spend $200 a month on food? You can donate $10 to Holy Spirit, or another $120 a year, without paying an additional cent. Start now, and start small. Cards are available in denominations of $5, $10, and $25. Just like any other gift card, you don’t need to use the entire card at one time. Unlike other gift cards, there is no penalty for not using it quickly. Buy one to keep in your wallet for times that you stop at the store on your way home from work for milk or bread. But who doesn’t need to buy food? You can always be sure that you have those extra dollars for necessities this way.
2. Host one coffee hour after the Sunday service of your choice. Father Terry calls the fellowship after Holy Communion “the eighth sacrament.” Admit it: you enjoy it too. Why not become a part of the fun? It need not be costly. Just bring milk for the coffee and a snack to share. If you like to bake, you can take this opportunity to show off without needing to keep it all yourself, tempting you to stray from your diet. If you don’t bake, use those gift cards mentioned in #1 to buy coffee cakes or assorted doughnuts at the store. You set up the coffee and tea pots, and stay to clean up afterwards. Let’s see: 52 weeks a year, 2 services, some weeks with special events like the annual meeting, means about 100 coffee hours… yeah, we can all do one week a year.
Look! You made a difference !
It's Mardi Gras Time Again!
Are you ready? We have an early Easter this year (March 23), so Ash Wednesday falls on February 6– the day after the Presidential primary here in New Jersey! That means the Saturday before Ash Wednesday is February 2– Groundhog Day. How scrambled up is that?
It also means that you better scramble to buy your tickets to our second annual Mardi Gras celebration dinner. Holy Spirit’s answer to Emeril, Anna and Ernie Tews, have whipped up a fabulous menu to be served family-style beginning at 6 pm. This year’s dinner will still only cost $17.00 per person, but here’s what you’ll get: salad/appetizer; your choice of seafood or chicken gumbo; and chicken & sausage etouffee for the main course. Dessert will be New Orleans bread pudding served with bourbon sauce and whipped cream, along with King cake.
Purchase your tickets after each Sunday service. Elizabeth Hill will help you after the 8 am service, and Carol Lofton after the 10:30 am. Last date of sale will be January 27, if any still remain, and no tickets will be sold at the door. Once again, seating is by reservation, but we can accommodate group if you notify us in advance. Just tell us how many will join you, and we’ll block off your seats.
If you need more info, or want to join in the fun, please call the parish office. We still need help decorating, setting up, cooking and serving. Oh– did I mention the 50/50 raffle?
Mardi Gras is the end of Carnival, which always begins on Twelfth Night (Epiphany, January 6) and ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras celebrations are held throughout the world, but surely you will have no more fun anywhere else than with us in HS!
It also means that you better scramble to buy your tickets to our second annual Mardi Gras celebration dinner. Holy Spirit’s answer to Emeril, Anna and Ernie Tews, have whipped up a fabulous menu to be served family-style beginning at 6 pm. This year’s dinner will still only cost $17.00 per person, but here’s what you’ll get: salad/appetizer; your choice of seafood or chicken gumbo; and chicken & sausage etouffee for the main course. Dessert will be New Orleans bread pudding served with bourbon sauce and whipped cream, along with King cake.
Purchase your tickets after each Sunday service. Elizabeth Hill will help you after the 8 am service, and Carol Lofton after the 10:30 am. Last date of sale will be January 27, if any still remain, and no tickets will be sold at the door. Once again, seating is by reservation, but we can accommodate group if you notify us in advance. Just tell us how many will join you, and we’ll block off your seats.
If you need more info, or want to join in the fun, please call the parish office. We still need help decorating, setting up, cooking and serving. Oh– did I mention the 50/50 raffle?
Mardi Gras is the end of Carnival, which always begins on Twelfth Night (Epiphany, January 6) and ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras celebrations are held throughout the world, but surely you will have no more fun anywhere else than with us in HS!
A Gift From a Friend: Priceless
Have you ever had a friend give you a gift that you were not expecting to receive? How did you feel? Were you embarrassed? Did you want to give your friend something back in return? How could you do that graciously, especially if the gift meant something special to your friend or had a great value attached?
Well, Someone has given you a great gift. He gave His life for your salvation. Jesus is that friend, of course. We have an idea for something that you can give Him back in return. At the same time, you can give a friend here on earth a gift even MasterCard would call “priceless”: the gift of eternal life.
January 27, 2008 will be the first Invite A Friend Sunday in the Diocese of New Jersey. The entire Diocese– all 160 parishes! - will participate in this great event to help the “unchurched” (meaning the 80% of the American population who are not associated with any organized religious groups) feel comfortable enough to try to attend one of our services. You will play a major part because you can be a “bridge to God” for a friend who no longer attends church, or never did in the first place.
Think about it. You probably have regular contact with six or seven people who have only been to church for a wedding or a funeral during the past 6 months, if they’ve been at all. These are the people who would never think to attend a Christmas church service, much less an annual meeting!
We call them your “circle of contacts.” These are the people that become your circle for sharing the good news of everlasting life through Jesus. We can suggest at least eight categories: Neighbors; hobby and recreation friends, like your fishing buddies or quilting ladies; co-workers (be careful here not to stop on corporate toes, but let people know how happy you are in your church, and make them feel comfortable asking you questions); personal friends; contacts in clubs and organizations, like the Red Hatters; relatives; newcomers to our community; and families with new babies. You may not know someone in each category, or you may know more than one person in a particular category. That’s okay. These are just general guidelines. Pray for your contacts daily, and ask God to send the Holy Spirit to you. As you pray for your friend, ask God to reveal a need in his/her life which may give you the opportunity to tell your friend how your faith sustains you.
Rely on the Holy Spirit for help. Don’t think that you need to do this alone. Remember how God sent the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost to help His disciples? Ask Him to help you now.
Be prepared to answer some hard questions. Start by asking yourself some, such as: what prompted me to visit this congregation when I was looking for a new church home? Was it just because it was Episcopal? Why did I become a member of Holy Spirit? What is special and unique about our congregation that would appeal to guests? What would someone new to our congregation receive by becoming one of us? What would our congregation gain by inviting friends to visit with us for worship and other activities? Do I really want new people in our congregation (be honest with yourself. Why or why not?)? Would new people be welcomed in our congregation?
I would answer the last question with an unqualified “yes.” We have learned to greet strange faces and welcome them to coffee hour, or to the altar rail. We must continue to seek them out at the “Sign of the Peace.”
We have a lot to do in the next few weeks leading up to Invite A Friend Sunday. You will receive lots more info as the weeks pass. Please begin now to consider who might benefit from an invitation issued personally by you. As Episcopalians, we will definitely “step out of our comfort zone” when we begin to speak about our faith. But if you begin to prepare now, and drop a few hints occasionally that you are willing to discuss your faith if anyone has questions, you may open the door for others to reach out to God through you.
Now that’s “paying it forward” in a big way! What a great gift to give your friend– at no charge to you! Truly a “Priceless” gift!
Well, Someone has given you a great gift. He gave His life for your salvation. Jesus is that friend, of course. We have an idea for something that you can give Him back in return. At the same time, you can give a friend here on earth a gift even MasterCard would call “priceless”: the gift of eternal life.
January 27, 2008 will be the first Invite A Friend Sunday in the Diocese of New Jersey. The entire Diocese– all 160 parishes! - will participate in this great event to help the “unchurched” (meaning the 80% of the American population who are not associated with any organized religious groups) feel comfortable enough to try to attend one of our services. You will play a major part because you can be a “bridge to God” for a friend who no longer attends church, or never did in the first place.
Think about it. You probably have regular contact with six or seven people who have only been to church for a wedding or a funeral during the past 6 months, if they’ve been at all. These are the people who would never think to attend a Christmas church service, much less an annual meeting!
We call them your “circle of contacts.” These are the people that become your circle for sharing the good news of everlasting life through Jesus. We can suggest at least eight categories: Neighbors; hobby and recreation friends, like your fishing buddies or quilting ladies; co-workers (be careful here not to stop on corporate toes, but let people know how happy you are in your church, and make them feel comfortable asking you questions); personal friends; contacts in clubs and organizations, like the Red Hatters; relatives; newcomers to our community; and families with new babies. You may not know someone in each category, or you may know more than one person in a particular category. That’s okay. These are just general guidelines. Pray for your contacts daily, and ask God to send the Holy Spirit to you. As you pray for your friend, ask God to reveal a need in his/her life which may give you the opportunity to tell your friend how your faith sustains you.
Rely on the Holy Spirit for help. Don’t think that you need to do this alone. Remember how God sent the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost to help His disciples? Ask Him to help you now.
Be prepared to answer some hard questions. Start by asking yourself some, such as: what prompted me to visit this congregation when I was looking for a new church home? Was it just because it was Episcopal? Why did I become a member of Holy Spirit? What is special and unique about our congregation that would appeal to guests? What would someone new to our congregation receive by becoming one of us? What would our congregation gain by inviting friends to visit with us for worship and other activities? Do I really want new people in our congregation (be honest with yourself. Why or why not?)? Would new people be welcomed in our congregation?
I would answer the last question with an unqualified “yes.” We have learned to greet strange faces and welcome them to coffee hour, or to the altar rail. We must continue to seek them out at the “Sign of the Peace.”
We have a lot to do in the next few weeks leading up to Invite A Friend Sunday. You will receive lots more info as the weeks pass. Please begin now to consider who might benefit from an invitation issued personally by you. As Episcopalians, we will definitely “step out of our comfort zone” when we begin to speak about our faith. But if you begin to prepare now, and drop a few hints occasionally that you are willing to discuss your faith if anyone has questions, you may open the door for others to reach out to God through you.
Now that’s “paying it forward” in a big way! What a great gift to give your friend– at no charge to you! Truly a “Priceless” gift!
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