Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Join Us for International Sunday, February 8, at St. Barnabas, South Brunswick
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will have its annual “International Sunday” celebration on Sunday, February 8, with services at 8:30 and 10:30 am. The liturgy will be drawn from Anglican Prayer Books from around the world, the music will be especially diverse, and the coffee hour following the 10:30 service will include appetizers and desserts brought in by members of the church, which includes people who were born in 24 countries on five continents. All are welcome to attend. We will have our African Praise Worship Chorus included in the music for the day and parishioners are invited to bring displays for the Fellowship Room during coffee hour with fun facts about their country of origin/heritage (whether people came to America last week or their ancestors did 100+ years ago). St. Barnabas is located at 142 Sand Hill Road, one mile from Rte. 27 and ½ mile from Rte. 1. Ample parking is available. For more information, please call 732-297-4607 or log onto www.stbarnabas-sbnj.org <http://www.stbarnabas-sbnj.org/> .
A Celebration for Black History Month
A message from the Diocese:
Dear Members and Friends of St. Augustine's,
You are cordially invited to attend, and to bring a friend, our Annual Black History Program. This is a presentation to the community, by the community, for the community, to celebrate "Black History Month" and to showcase our talents in vocal, dance, and visual arts. We hope and pray that you will enjoy this presentation as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. See you on Sunday, February 8, at 4:00 pm at St. Augustine's Church, Prospect and Atlantic Aves. in Asbury Park. Thanks again. See you there!!
Dear Members and Friends of St. Augustine's,
You are cordially invited to attend, and to bring a friend, our Annual Black History Program. This is a presentation to the community, by the community, for the community, to celebrate "Black History Month" and to showcase our talents in vocal, dance, and visual arts. We hope and pray that you will enjoy this presentation as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. See you on Sunday, February 8, at 4:00 pm at St. Augustine's Church, Prospect and Atlantic Aves. in Asbury Park. Thanks again. See you there!!
More News About Vespers at the Cathedral
Have you seen the Diocese decked out in full regalia lately? It's quite a sight! Here's your chance to see them all represented on Saturday in Trenton when you go to the Vespers service at the Cathedral. Be there at 3 pm. Here's the memo inviting everyone to show off:
Dear Friends,
It's been a while since the clergy processed in full choir vestments: Cassock, Surplice, Academic Hood, Tippet. You've now got ten days to go the dry cleaners! Preaching tabs are only for our guest, Bishop Sutton, of course. The Evensong will express our prayers through a diverse and delightful mix of musical idioms from various communities of faith around our Diocese. Please plan on gathering in the Chapel. Parish Banners (with banner bearer - non- vested) are also asked to be brought for the procession. Thanks! Right Onward PCJ Philip@churchholyspirit.org
Dear Friends,
It's been a while since the clergy processed in full choir vestments: Cassock, Surplice, Academic Hood, Tippet. You've now got ten days to go the dry cleaners! Preaching tabs are only for our guest, Bishop Sutton, of course. The Evensong will express our prayers through a diverse and delightful mix of musical idioms from various communities of faith around our Diocese. Please plan on gathering in the Chapel. Parish Banners (with banner bearer - non- vested) are also asked to be brought for the procession. Thanks! Right Onward PCJ Philip@churchholyspirit.org
A Message from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors
The Formation Committee of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Eastern Region (NY, NJ), in conjunction with the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City, presents Jill L. McNish, PhD., pastoral theologian, Episcopal priest, attorney, author of Transforming Shame - A Pastoral Response (Howarth Press, 2004) on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine Cathedral House, Second Floor, Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street, New York, NY10 AM-3 PM (Lunch is available for purchase). ADMISSION IS FREE (sponsored by Eastern Region AAPC).
Dr. McNish will be presenting her book's analysis of the transformative power of shame. As Dr. Donald Capps (Princeton Seminary) states in his reflections on this book, "McNish brings clarity and depth of understanding to a dimension of our human experience whose very ubiquity tends to impede such illumination and insight. Our formal religious rites and practices provide resources for the guilty to confess and experience forgiveness, but leave the shamed stranded, bereft of comfort and lost in their own self-condemnation. Instead she testifies to the various ways ministers may 'make space' through informal acts of attention to care for those whose shame has become an unbearable burden. "This book is also an amazing compendium of interdisciplinary research enlisting the insights of Freud, Jung, Horney, Miller, Kohut, Rank, and Erickson. It constructs a portrait of the shame of Jesus as a father lesson in first century Palestine, employing insights of social-scientific studies on honor and shame systems in first century Mediterranean culture.Please come and enjoy a day of learning, insight, and reflection. This gathering is also a chance for those engaged in doing Pastoral Counseling and/or Psychotherapy or those interested in its study to partake of a thoughtful analysis of an important aspect of this work.For purposes of planning food and seating needs, please RSVP at http://us.mc635.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=hlavengood@aol.com or call 609-744-4204. Hope to see you on Feb.21st!
Hennie Brandt Lavengood D.Min., Chair, AAPC Eastern Region Formation Committee.
Dr. McNish will be presenting her book's analysis of the transformative power of shame. As Dr. Donald Capps (Princeton Seminary) states in his reflections on this book, "McNish brings clarity and depth of understanding to a dimension of our human experience whose very ubiquity tends to impede such illumination and insight. Our formal religious rites and practices provide resources for the guilty to confess and experience forgiveness, but leave the shamed stranded, bereft of comfort and lost in their own self-condemnation. Instead she testifies to the various ways ministers may 'make space' through informal acts of attention to care for those whose shame has become an unbearable burden. "This book is also an amazing compendium of interdisciplinary research enlisting the insights of Freud, Jung, Horney, Miller, Kohut, Rank, and Erickson. It constructs a portrait of the shame of Jesus as a father lesson in first century Palestine, employing insights of social-scientific studies on honor and shame systems in first century Mediterranean culture.Please come and enjoy a day of learning, insight, and reflection. This gathering is also a chance for those engaged in doing Pastoral Counseling and/or Psychotherapy or those interested in its study to partake of a thoughtful analysis of an important aspect of this work.For purposes of planning food and seating needs, please RSVP at http://us.mc635.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=hlavengood@aol.com or call 609-744-4204. Hope to see you on Feb.21st!
Hennie Brandt Lavengood D.Min., Chair, AAPC Eastern Region Formation Committee.
Friday, January 23, 2009
An Invitation from Bishop Councell
We received this email from the Diocese today:
Dear Friends in Christ,
I would love to see you at Vespers at the Cathedral next Saturday, January31st, at 3:00 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, Bishop of Maryland will be our preacher at this diocesan gathering. Our purpose is "to praise, to proclaim, to celebrate and to claim the Vision which is ours by the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the victory of Christ and by the will of God." Please see the more detailed information below. For all rectors, vicars, and clergy in charge of congregations, I ask that you make an announcement of this gathering at all services this Sunday.Please take note of the challenge for each congregation to send at least a tithe of its average Sunday attendance. Let's rally and let's rock the walls and raise the roof with our prayers and praises so that we may go Right Onward. May our Lord continue to bless and uphold you in His service. Faithfully yours,
The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell
We are inviting you to a Right Onward Worship dedicated for 31 January 2009 at 3 pm and being offered at Trinity Cathedral. Our preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Eugene T. Sutton who was elected the 14th Bishop of Maryland on 29 March 2008 and also served as assistant to the bishop in the Diocese of New Jersey among his many endeavors.We are entering a second year of our Right Onward experience. For the previous twelve months, we have shared ideas and experiences of welcoming and including ministries. We are applying these experiences and insights as we move forward to celebrating a common vision as citizens of the Kingdom of God.One of the primary items learned from a two-year listening process was a yearning for common worship-gatherings of the whole Body of our Diocese. Diocesan Convention liturgies are always a blessing even within the context of annual meeting format. This service is something other. Our purpose is to praise, to proclaim, to celebrate, and this year, to claim the Vision which is ours by the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the victory of Christ and by the will of God.We offer an occasion of worship with an expectation and essential enthusiasm that God is working His purpose out in our midst. Bring those who, when inspired, can pass that enthusiasm on to your local community of faith.We believe this will be of such blessing that we will be calling round to invite each church's clergy, wardens, musicians and others. Spread the word with us.
Yours in Christ, The Right Onward Committee
1 January 2009
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am writing to you on my first day back from a sabbatical leave. In my time away I have enjoyed physical exercise and adventure travel; time for prayer and study, for reflection and renewal; and a Christmas holiday season spent with family but without church responsibilities-the only one in 33 years of ordained ministry. I am enormously grateful to the Diocese of New Jersey for this extraordinary gift and privilege. I thank God for Bishop Romero and the diocesan staff and for all of the diocesan leaders who labored while I rested. I am blessed.The great blessing of this time, however, is to feel again the joy and delight of being a bishop here and now in the Diocese of New Jersey. As grateful as I am for a sabbatical, I am all the more grateful to be your bishop and to feel ready and eager to engage our "Right Onward!" vision together even (especially) in the face of many daunting challenges. I love Jesus and I love Jersey and I love the work that lies before us. In a word that I learned while growing up among surfers near the beaches of Southern California, I am stoked. According to my dictionary, the word stoked means, "to stir up and feed amply." It seems clear enough that our beloved Church and all our people need to be stirred up and amply fed in order to be revived for our mission in the world. So, it strikes me as an amazing grace that, upon my return to this ministry, the first diocesan event is a rally where we may be stirred and stoked and strengthened for the living of our vision. On Saturday, January 31st, at 3:00 pm at Trinity Cathedral, 801 West State Street in Trenton our Diocese will gather in a celebration of that vision. Our preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Eugene T. Sutton-the 14th Bishop of Maryland and a son of this Diocese. In a setting of beauty, with creative and imaginative liturgy well suited to the theme of mission we shall rally for Jesus and be stoked for His mission. Here, in the "bleak, mid-winter," come and be warmed in the fire of the Holy Spirit. I appeal to you, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that every one of our 158 congregations send a deputation to attend this service. As a goal, let each church send at least a tithe of its average Sunday attendance. That is a challenge, but mission is challenging. We need a strong, empowering, joyous and uplifting rally so that we may be lifted up and encouraged. Come, let us rejoice and give thanks for the gift and challenge of doing mission together. We need the Spirit and we need each other. I will hope to see our Cathedral filled on the 31st. In the name of Christ, let us go forth in peace and stoked with the fire of the Spirit. Right Onward!
The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell
XI Bishop of New Jersey
Here is a link from our website where you can download a flyer about this event: <http://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdf%3Ehttp://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdfhttp://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdf
Please prayerfully consider making this pilgrimage to Trenton on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009. We can carpool for even more fun! See you then.
Dear Friends in Christ,
I would love to see you at Vespers at the Cathedral next Saturday, January31st, at 3:00 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, Bishop of Maryland will be our preacher at this diocesan gathering. Our purpose is "to praise, to proclaim, to celebrate and to claim the Vision which is ours by the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the victory of Christ and by the will of God." Please see the more detailed information below. For all rectors, vicars, and clergy in charge of congregations, I ask that you make an announcement of this gathering at all services this Sunday.Please take note of the challenge for each congregation to send at least a tithe of its average Sunday attendance. Let's rally and let's rock the walls and raise the roof with our prayers and praises so that we may go Right Onward. May our Lord continue to bless and uphold you in His service. Faithfully yours,
The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell
We are inviting you to a Right Onward Worship dedicated for 31 January 2009 at 3 pm and being offered at Trinity Cathedral. Our preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Eugene T. Sutton who was elected the 14th Bishop of Maryland on 29 March 2008 and also served as assistant to the bishop in the Diocese of New Jersey among his many endeavors.We are entering a second year of our Right Onward experience. For the previous twelve months, we have shared ideas and experiences of welcoming and including ministries. We are applying these experiences and insights as we move forward to celebrating a common vision as citizens of the Kingdom of God.One of the primary items learned from a two-year listening process was a yearning for common worship-gatherings of the whole Body of our Diocese. Diocesan Convention liturgies are always a blessing even within the context of annual meeting format. This service is something other. Our purpose is to praise, to proclaim, to celebrate, and this year, to claim the Vision which is ours by the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the victory of Christ and by the will of God.We offer an occasion of worship with an expectation and essential enthusiasm that God is working His purpose out in our midst. Bring those who, when inspired, can pass that enthusiasm on to your local community of faith.We believe this will be of such blessing that we will be calling round to invite each church's clergy, wardens, musicians and others. Spread the word with us.
Yours in Christ, The Right Onward Committee
1 January 2009
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am writing to you on my first day back from a sabbatical leave. In my time away I have enjoyed physical exercise and adventure travel; time for prayer and study, for reflection and renewal; and a Christmas holiday season spent with family but without church responsibilities-the only one in 33 years of ordained ministry. I am enormously grateful to the Diocese of New Jersey for this extraordinary gift and privilege. I thank God for Bishop Romero and the diocesan staff and for all of the diocesan leaders who labored while I rested. I am blessed.The great blessing of this time, however, is to feel again the joy and delight of being a bishop here and now in the Diocese of New Jersey. As grateful as I am for a sabbatical, I am all the more grateful to be your bishop and to feel ready and eager to engage our "Right Onward!" vision together even (especially) in the face of many daunting challenges. I love Jesus and I love Jersey and I love the work that lies before us. In a word that I learned while growing up among surfers near the beaches of Southern California, I am stoked. According to my dictionary, the word stoked means, "to stir up and feed amply." It seems clear enough that our beloved Church and all our people need to be stirred up and amply fed in order to be revived for our mission in the world. So, it strikes me as an amazing grace that, upon my return to this ministry, the first diocesan event is a rally where we may be stirred and stoked and strengthened for the living of our vision. On Saturday, January 31st, at 3:00 pm at Trinity Cathedral, 801 West State Street in Trenton our Diocese will gather in a celebration of that vision. Our preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Eugene T. Sutton-the 14th Bishop of Maryland and a son of this Diocese. In a setting of beauty, with creative and imaginative liturgy well suited to the theme of mission we shall rally for Jesus and be stoked for His mission. Here, in the "bleak, mid-winter," come and be warmed in the fire of the Holy Spirit. I appeal to you, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that every one of our 158 congregations send a deputation to attend this service. As a goal, let each church send at least a tithe of its average Sunday attendance. That is a challenge, but mission is challenging. We need a strong, empowering, joyous and uplifting rally so that we may be lifted up and encouraged. Come, let us rejoice and give thanks for the gift and challenge of doing mission together. We need the Spirit and we need each other. I will hope to see our Cathedral filled on the 31st. In the name of Christ, let us go forth in peace and stoked with the fire of the Spirit. Right Onward!
The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell
XI Bishop of New Jersey
Here is a link from our website where you can download a flyer about this event: <http://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdf%3Ehttp://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdfhttp://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdf
Please prayerfully consider making this pilgrimage to Trenton on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009. We can carpool for even more fun! See you then.
Christian Food for Thought from Anne Magierski for the Inauguration Celebration
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose,but mosquitoes come close.- Anonymous
Going from the ridiculous to the sublime, let's look at the word “purpose” for a moment. I received a book as a Christmas gift entitled, The Purpose of Christmas. I had never read anything by Rick Warren before, and I was surprised at what an easy read it was and how he came right to the point. This was no religious treatise. He never minced words, and spoke to the average person's concept of Christmas...what, why, and when. It was directed to all persons, those of faith and those of no faith. As I read it, I found myself re-examining my own journey as a Christian, a baptised believer, who practices her faith in the Episcopalian tradition. I believe that any book that can stir the soul and conscience of an individual, as this did, and promote self-examination is worthy of discussion here. Mr. Warren has been invited to deliver the inaugural invocation on January 20. Some of his views are controversial in the Christian world, so I will be listening intently to the words of his prayer to Almighty God on behalf of the President-Elect and the United States as a whole. Today's mail brought another book by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, which I purchased on the suggestion of a friend who told me it had changed his life. He and three of his co-workers met once a week at lunch for discussions. This man is an educated, successful Christian businessman who appeared to “have it all”, so I was intrigued by his statement. The Purpose Driven Life begins with, “This is more than a book; it is a guide to a 40-day spiritual journey that will enable you to discover the answer to life's most important question: “What on earth am I here for?” Intriguing, yes! Pastor Warren calls it a journey with purpose and strongly urges the reader to get one or more friends to join together in reading the book. “A journey is always better when it is shared.” I agree. I plan to read the 40 chapters, not day by day, but rather week by week. It took my friend and his group 40 weeks- almost a year! At the end of each chapter is a section called, “Thinking about My Purpose”. There you will find: a point to ponder, a verse to remember, a question to consider and discussion questions to share with your partner or a small group of friends. To quote Mr. Warren once more: “Real spiritual growth is never an isolated, individualistic pursuit. Maturity is produced through relationships and community.”
So now the journey begins. Chapter One: It all begins with God!
Going from the ridiculous to the sublime, let's look at the word “purpose” for a moment. I received a book as a Christmas gift entitled, The Purpose of Christmas. I had never read anything by Rick Warren before, and I was surprised at what an easy read it was and how he came right to the point. This was no religious treatise. He never minced words, and spoke to the average person's concept of Christmas...what, why, and when. It was directed to all persons, those of faith and those of no faith. As I read it, I found myself re-examining my own journey as a Christian, a baptised believer, who practices her faith in the Episcopalian tradition. I believe that any book that can stir the soul and conscience of an individual, as this did, and promote self-examination is worthy of discussion here. Mr. Warren has been invited to deliver the inaugural invocation on January 20. Some of his views are controversial in the Christian world, so I will be listening intently to the words of his prayer to Almighty God on behalf of the President-Elect and the United States as a whole. Today's mail brought another book by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, which I purchased on the suggestion of a friend who told me it had changed his life. He and three of his co-workers met once a week at lunch for discussions. This man is an educated, successful Christian businessman who appeared to “have it all”, so I was intrigued by his statement. The Purpose Driven Life begins with, “This is more than a book; it is a guide to a 40-day spiritual journey that will enable you to discover the answer to life's most important question: “What on earth am I here for?” Intriguing, yes! Pastor Warren calls it a journey with purpose and strongly urges the reader to get one or more friends to join together in reading the book. “A journey is always better when it is shared.” I agree. I plan to read the 40 chapters, not day by day, but rather week by week. It took my friend and his group 40 weeks- almost a year! At the end of each chapter is a section called, “Thinking about My Purpose”. There you will find: a point to ponder, a verse to remember, a question to consider and discussion questions to share with your partner or a small group of friends. To quote Mr. Warren once more: “Real spiritual growth is never an isolated, individualistic pursuit. Maturity is produced through relationships and community.”
So now the journey begins. Chapter One: It all begins with God!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas Services
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.
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.
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.
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