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!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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.
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