Just to remind everyone, our services this week will be as follows:
Christmas Eve:
5:30 pm, Family Holy Communion, followed by the Birthday Party for Jesus so all the little ones know the "reason for our season" is the birth of the Christ Child;
9:30 pm, Choral Holy Communion. We begin with 30 minutes of music to welcome the Baby as we sing joyously all the carols we love. We then hold our "High Church" Eucharistic service, complete with "smells and bells."
Christmas Day:
10 am, Holy Communion with Carols. A quieter service with a simpler style, but designed to offer thanks for the gift of Jesus.
Sunday, Dec. 28:
8 am, Holy Communion
10:30 Holy Communion
Wednesday, Dec. 31:
4 pm, Community Dinner. Free to all, but please let us know how many will attend.
We hope to see you soon. May God bless us all.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
I Corinthians, The Contemporary Christmas Version
I received this email from several correspondents recently, and offer it for you to ponder. It may not be strictly by the Book, but it reflects true life:
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point. Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.
Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point. Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.
Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!
Are You Having a "Blue Christmas?"
Not everyone finds joy in the Christmas season. Sometimes feels of sorrow can cause isolation when you see the happiness of others during December. There is no need to feel alone during this month, though.
A service which addresses the spiritual needs of people who find the Christmas season depressing will be held on Sunday, 21 December at 5 pm in All Saints Church in Lakewood. People may feel blue for many reasons: job loss, poor health, financial worries, or the death of a loved one. The "Blue Christmas" service acknowledges such sadness and concern while trying to help people learn they are not alone with such feelings. The service helps those who mourn and struggle to know that God is present-and God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Join us in All Saints' Church, Second Street and Route 9, Lakewood, NJ. For further information, please call All Saints' Church office at 732-367-0933.
A service which addresses the spiritual needs of people who find the Christmas season depressing will be held on Sunday, 21 December at 5 pm in All Saints Church in Lakewood. People may feel blue for many reasons: job loss, poor health, financial worries, or the death of a loved one. The "Blue Christmas" service acknowledges such sadness and concern while trying to help people learn they are not alone with such feelings. The service helps those who mourn and struggle to know that God is present-and God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Join us in All Saints' Church, Second Street and Route 9, Lakewood, NJ. For further information, please call All Saints' Church office at 732-367-0933.
Christian Food for Thought About Stewardship by Anne Magierski
“The most obvious lesson in Christ's teaching is that there is no happiness in having or getting anything, but only in giving." -Henry Drummond, 1851-1897, Scottish evangelist, scientist, and theological writer
Stewardship is choosing what we will do with the gifts God has given us. The key to its success is the premise that as the years pass, each of us will gradually come to a new understanding of the word stewardship: the proper use of all we have received from God. During this time of Advent, we have been asked, as good stewards, to consider making a pledge...a commitment, a promise of how much each of us can give of our time, talent and treasure, enabling our vestry to put together a budget and plans for the coming year.
Years ago, I lived alone and had a steady income as a hospital employee. I pledged to my church each year and the amount was carefully determined after I had made up a monthly budget to see how much I could afford to give. A dear friend hinted that by so doing, I was “giving from what was left”, rather than giving “off the top,” “skimming off the cream”. The idea had never occurred to me to give to God first, and then budget what I had left! It worked! God really does love a cheerful giver. With every increase I received, I upped my pledge until I was able to tithe...10% of my take home pay.
Many things influence the amount of what we can give back to God out of what He has given us. When I made the decision to tithe, I was alone. My children were grown and had families of their own. With a very modest income, I was responsible for only myself. Many things change over the years that influence our giving habits. Financial and physical limitations often determine our decisions, and instead of looking for what we can do with our gifts of time, talent and treasure, we're more inclined to focus on what seems the impossibility of doing anymore than we are right now.
But Christianity MEANS giving. God gave us His creation, He gave us life, He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus gave food for body and soul, He gave healing to the sick, and He gave His life on the cross for our sins, our unrighteousness, so that we might have God's reward of eternal life with Him. By pledging, we are demonstrating a desire to do the will of God, to be righteous followers of His Son and to participate more actively in the life of Holy Spirit Church.
“Freely, freely, you have received, Freely, freely, give: Go in my name, and because you believe, Others will know that I live."
Stewardship is choosing what we will do with the gifts God has given us. The key to its success is the premise that as the years pass, each of us will gradually come to a new understanding of the word stewardship: the proper use of all we have received from God. During this time of Advent, we have been asked, as good stewards, to consider making a pledge...a commitment, a promise of how much each of us can give of our time, talent and treasure, enabling our vestry to put together a budget and plans for the coming year.
Years ago, I lived alone and had a steady income as a hospital employee. I pledged to my church each year and the amount was carefully determined after I had made up a monthly budget to see how much I could afford to give. A dear friend hinted that by so doing, I was “giving from what was left”, rather than giving “off the top,” “skimming off the cream”. The idea had never occurred to me to give to God first, and then budget what I had left! It worked! God really does love a cheerful giver. With every increase I received, I upped my pledge until I was able to tithe...10% of my take home pay.
Many things influence the amount of what we can give back to God out of what He has given us. When I made the decision to tithe, I was alone. My children were grown and had families of their own. With a very modest income, I was responsible for only myself. Many things change over the years that influence our giving habits. Financial and physical limitations often determine our decisions, and instead of looking for what we can do with our gifts of time, talent and treasure, we're more inclined to focus on what seems the impossibility of doing anymore than we are right now.
But Christianity MEANS giving. God gave us His creation, He gave us life, He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus gave food for body and soul, He gave healing to the sick, and He gave His life on the cross for our sins, our unrighteousness, so that we might have God's reward of eternal life with Him. By pledging, we are demonstrating a desire to do the will of God, to be righteous followers of His Son and to participate more actively in the life of Holy Spirit Church.
“Freely, freely, you have received, Freely, freely, give: Go in my name, and because you believe, Others will know that I live."
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
A Pledge is a Prayer
Good Morning! Hi, everyone!
For those who don’t know me, my name is Ed Nuttall. My only claim to fame is that I serve as your Finance Chairman on the Vestry Committee. I am also a member of the Stewardship Committee, and I am a reader, an usher and coffee maker at the 8 o’clock services….. You know, all my life I’ve prayed asking God if he would someday make me into a real somebody….Well, I can see now that I should have been more specific!!
Anyhow, the reason I am up here talking to you this morning is that this is the time of our church’s annual pledge drive. My objective is to encourage each and every one of you to fill out and return the pledge form that you received in the mail. Speaking of mail, that reminds me of a little story (you probably heard this one but it sure does fit nicely into this talk!):
Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and then said, "Now, if you'll come to the Baptist Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven." The young boy thought about it and then replied, "Well sir, I don't think I'll be there... I mean how can you tell me how to get to heaven when you don't even know your way to the post office?"
Well, I know that all of you know how to get to the post office to mail your pledge forms or that you can simply put your pledge form in the plate on Sunday, and I am not promising you that sending in your pledge will get you into heaven………….. however, I do know that it sure can’t hurt! Pledges have a purpose for our church that is far more than many of us realize: Pledges tell the Diocese how strong, solid and enduring we of Holy Spirit are as a church body and the number of pledges tell them if we are growing and at what rate. Altogether that information helps the Diocese determine what priority to give to Holy Spirit regarding future Diocesan expenditures of time, effort and resources, both physical and monetary. Pledges are also invaluable to our vestry committee in preparing the yearly budget, the annual report and assessing the skills and talents Holy Spirit Church has available not only for accomplishing tasks but also for advice and information. And of course, funding expenses.
One’s attitude toward filling out and sending in the pledge form usually depends on what we think the act of pledging really means. Some think of it primarily as a mandatory responsibility, some as a promise, some a voluntary bill, some a hope or wish, some a charitable gift and some consider pledging as an income tax deduction. Pledging can of course mean all of those things or none of those things. It is all relative to how pledging fits into the life of each person as we are all unique in some way. I would like to offer you another way to look at your pledge, a way in which we all are equal and the same. That is: I would like you to consider looking at your pledge as really being a form of prayer…..a written prayer. I think of it as being similar to the written prayers that the Jews in Israel place into the Wailing Wall. In the same way we are placing our written pledge prayers into the Church of The Holy Spirit. We all know that God answers prayer: sometimes sooner, sometimes later, sometimes yes and sometimes no. But the important thing is that we pray and leave the answer to God. Please don’t worry whether or not you will make your pledge amount. To me, having faith means…….not worrying. Just believe and know that with everyone pledging, the pledge amount total for everyone together will always average out to the right amount. None of us can know the future. Only God can. If your pledge is short one year, the next year you will be over. Presenting your written pledge would be a wonderful way to give a Christmas gift to our Holy Spirit Church. It isn't the size of the gift that matters, what matters is the size of the heart that gives it. Believe it or not even I myself, an esteemed Vestry member, have had a year or two when my pledge has been short. But then, in other years I was over. So, my way of figuring, is that I can always catch up later, if I live long enough. And I plan on living forever. Guess what: so far, so good!! For any person coming short in a given year, yet another person will be over. It all averages out. So, do not be afraid of tomorrow, for God is already there. The more people we have pledging, the more accurate the pledge amount total for the year will be. So this year, please make a special written prayer and place it into the walls of our Church of the Holy Spirit…..that special prayer called a pledge.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Nuttall - 7 December, 2008
For those who don’t know me, my name is Ed Nuttall. My only claim to fame is that I serve as your Finance Chairman on the Vestry Committee. I am also a member of the Stewardship Committee, and I am a reader, an usher and coffee maker at the 8 o’clock services….. You know, all my life I’ve prayed asking God if he would someday make me into a real somebody….Well, I can see now that I should have been more specific!!
Anyhow, the reason I am up here talking to you this morning is that this is the time of our church’s annual pledge drive. My objective is to encourage each and every one of you to fill out and return the pledge form that you received in the mail. Speaking of mail, that reminds me of a little story (you probably heard this one but it sure does fit nicely into this talk!):
Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and then said, "Now, if you'll come to the Baptist Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven." The young boy thought about it and then replied, "Well sir, I don't think I'll be there... I mean how can you tell me how to get to heaven when you don't even know your way to the post office?"
Well, I know that all of you know how to get to the post office to mail your pledge forms or that you can simply put your pledge form in the plate on Sunday, and I am not promising you that sending in your pledge will get you into heaven………….. however, I do know that it sure can’t hurt! Pledges have a purpose for our church that is far more than many of us realize: Pledges tell the Diocese how strong, solid and enduring we of Holy Spirit are as a church body and the number of pledges tell them if we are growing and at what rate. Altogether that information helps the Diocese determine what priority to give to Holy Spirit regarding future Diocesan expenditures of time, effort and resources, both physical and monetary. Pledges are also invaluable to our vestry committee in preparing the yearly budget, the annual report and assessing the skills and talents Holy Spirit Church has available not only for accomplishing tasks but also for advice and information. And of course, funding expenses.
One’s attitude toward filling out and sending in the pledge form usually depends on what we think the act of pledging really means. Some think of it primarily as a mandatory responsibility, some as a promise, some a voluntary bill, some a hope or wish, some a charitable gift and some consider pledging as an income tax deduction. Pledging can of course mean all of those things or none of those things. It is all relative to how pledging fits into the life of each person as we are all unique in some way. I would like to offer you another way to look at your pledge, a way in which we all are equal and the same. That is: I would like you to consider looking at your pledge as really being a form of prayer…..a written prayer. I think of it as being similar to the written prayers that the Jews in Israel place into the Wailing Wall. In the same way we are placing our written pledge prayers into the Church of The Holy Spirit. We all know that God answers prayer: sometimes sooner, sometimes later, sometimes yes and sometimes no. But the important thing is that we pray and leave the answer to God. Please don’t worry whether or not you will make your pledge amount. To me, having faith means…….not worrying. Just believe and know that with everyone pledging, the pledge amount total for everyone together will always average out to the right amount. None of us can know the future. Only God can. If your pledge is short one year, the next year you will be over. Presenting your written pledge would be a wonderful way to give a Christmas gift to our Holy Spirit Church. It isn't the size of the gift that matters, what matters is the size of the heart that gives it. Believe it or not even I myself, an esteemed Vestry member, have had a year or two when my pledge has been short. But then, in other years I was over. So, my way of figuring, is that I can always catch up later, if I live long enough. And I plan on living forever. Guess what: so far, so good!! For any person coming short in a given year, yet another person will be over. It all averages out. So, do not be afraid of tomorrow, for God is already there. The more people we have pledging, the more accurate the pledge amount total for the year will be. So this year, please make a special written prayer and place it into the walls of our Church of the Holy Spirit…..that special prayer called a pledge.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Nuttall - 7 December, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
Christian Food for Thought for December 2008 from Anne Magierski
Step 11 - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. - 12 Step Recovery Program of AA
Those words came to mind on the first Sunday of Advent, as I recalled my association years ago with Al-Anon, one of the self-help programs that grew out of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was through this particular step that I was drawn back to the Christian faith of my childhood. I am a "cradle-Episcopalian" and I remember vividly a phone conversation I had at age 5 after my tonsillectomy. To prove I was O.K., I sang "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so". I never doubted for a moment that He had been with me every minute of the surgery. Years later, I asked myself, "What happened? Where is God? Why is my world so topsy-turvy? What am I doing wrong?" The answers came as I gradually worked through the 12 steps. I returned to the Episcopal church. It was a new beginning. Step 12 refers to this as a spiritual awakening, i.e. an epiphany. The program had been, in a sense, my Advent season...the time spent preparing to meet God...again. Advent is a season for Christians, intentionally, to remember their need for God to come again into their lives. It is a time for calm and thoughtfulness before the hustle and bustle of preparation for Christmas. It is a marvelous opportunity for spiritual growth and is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. When we take time to shut down the "busyness" and distractions of everyday living and working, even for a few minutes, quiet prayer and meditation help us recall what living should be about...praying for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out. A friend once described her mental state during the month before Christmas as not unlike a tree filled with jabbering monkeys, swinging from limb to limb. This had been an apt description of my own Advent seasons for too many years. While continuing to attend services each Sunday, Advent had become a time for gift shopping, Christmas decorations, card writing, cookie baking and entertaining friends. Once I retired, remarried and moved to the shore, everything began to fall into place. I believe that being here, in this place, at this time, and doing what I am doing, is what God had in mind for me all along. Thank you Jesus!
Those words came to mind on the first Sunday of Advent, as I recalled my association years ago with Al-Anon, one of the self-help programs that grew out of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was through this particular step that I was drawn back to the Christian faith of my childhood. I am a "cradle-Episcopalian" and I remember vividly a phone conversation I had at age 5 after my tonsillectomy. To prove I was O.K., I sang "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so". I never doubted for a moment that He had been with me every minute of the surgery. Years later, I asked myself, "What happened? Where is God? Why is my world so topsy-turvy? What am I doing wrong?" The answers came as I gradually worked through the 12 steps. I returned to the Episcopal church. It was a new beginning. Step 12 refers to this as a spiritual awakening, i.e. an epiphany. The program had been, in a sense, my Advent season...the time spent preparing to meet God...again. Advent is a season for Christians, intentionally, to remember their need for God to come again into their lives. It is a time for calm and thoughtfulness before the hustle and bustle of preparation for Christmas. It is a marvelous opportunity for spiritual growth and is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. When we take time to shut down the "busyness" and distractions of everyday living and working, even for a few minutes, quiet prayer and meditation help us recall what living should be about...praying for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out. A friend once described her mental state during the month before Christmas as not unlike a tree filled with jabbering monkeys, swinging from limb to limb. This had been an apt description of my own Advent seasons for too many years. While continuing to attend services each Sunday, Advent had become a time for gift shopping, Christmas decorations, card writing, cookie baking and entertaining friends. Once I retired, remarried and moved to the shore, everything began to fall into place. I believe that being here, in this place, at this time, and doing what I am doing, is what God had in mind for me all along. Thank you Jesus!
Holiday Concert News from the Diocese of New Jersey
The American Boychoir Christmas Concert At Trinity Church, Asbury Park, Dec. 6, 7 pm.
The American Boychoir is regarded as the United States’ premier concert boys’ choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world. It continues to dazzle audiences with its unique blend of musical sophistication,effervescent spirit and ensemble virtuosity. Its members - boys from grades 4 through 8, reflecting the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of our nation - come from eight states and four foreign countries to pursue a rigorous musical and academic curriculum at The American Boychoir School,the only non-sectarian boys’ choir school in the nation. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1937, The American Boychoir has been located in Princeton, New Jersey, since 1950. In addition to maintaining an active national and international touring schedule, the ensemble performs and records regularly with such world-class artists and ensembles as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, soprano Jessye Norman, pop diva Beyoncé, and jazz vocalist and conductor Bobby McFerrin. They will make a holiday appearance at Trinity Church in Asbury Park this Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets will be on sale after church or via the parish office (http://us.mc635.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=office@TrinityNJ.com or 732-775-5084). Call for more information.
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church, New Brunswick sings MESSIAH: A SACRED ORATORIO by George Frederic Handel
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church will perform Handel's Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, beginning at 8 pm. The orchestra is conducted by Mark Trautman, and features the voices of Diana Whitener, soprano; Giulia Utz, alto; Jack Zamboni, tenor; and John-Andrew Fernandez, bass. The concert will be held at the NJ State Theatre, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. Go to the website http://www.statetheatrenj.org/ for more info.
Trinity Church in Rocky Hill Offers Christmas Concert Dec. 7, 2008 at 5 pm
The choir, parishioners, and friends of Trinity Church in Rocky Hill (in the Trenton Convocation) will present their annual "Christmas Concert" at 5:00 pm, Sunday December 7. All are invited to join the Trinity family for a program of music and fellowship, led by Choirmaster and Organist, Michael Rider. The concert will be followed by a potluck supper (provided by parishioners). Please join us in our historic church, consecrated in 1864. For directions or additional information please call (609) 921-8971 or visit our website at http://www.trinityrockyhill.org/. Email us at TrinityRockyHill@Comcast.net
Music at Trinity Church, Moorestown: Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm
The Trinity, Coventry, Canterbury and Carillon Choirs, with Vernon Williams, director and Joanne Owen, organist. Music will include: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People ~ Claude Goudimel; Carol of Prophecy ~ Shirley W. McRae; Rejoice in the Lord Always ~ Anonymous; Magnificat ~ George Dyson; There Is No Rose ~ Pat Messick; Ave Maria ~ Franz Biebl; We Wait for Thy Loving Kindness ~ William McKie
Please join us on Sunday afternoon for a service of Advent Lessons and Carols in the beautiful setting of Trinity Church. The service will be similar in structure to the familiar Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas as sung at King's College in Cambridge, in which readings, hymns,and choir anthems are interwoven to tell the story of Christmas. In our service, of course, the readings and music will focus on Advent, the season of joyful preparation for and anticipation of the coming of our Lord. Three vocal choirs and the handbell choir will join forces to present a variety of music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Our guest organist, Joanne Koerber Owen began studying organ with Richard Wegner in Baltimore. She continued her studies with Paul Bunjes, Carl Halter and Richard Heschke at Concordia University, Chicago and received a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester where she was a student of Russell Saunders and David Craighead. Joanne has held positions as church musician in Chicago; Rochester; Wilmington, Delaware and Woodstown, New Jersey. From 1990-2002 she was Minister of Music and Arts at St. John's Episcopal Church in Salem, NJ, serving as organist, choir director, handbell choir director and director of the church's music and arts series. The concert is made possible by the Friends of Trinity Music, Trinity Episcopal Church, 207 West Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057. Phone 857.235.0811 The Rev. Philip W. Stowell, Rector
BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS Saturday December 6, 2008, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 142 Sand Hill Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ
You are invited to come to our free St. Nicholas Day celebration! Bring visitors, neighbors, friends and family! Enjoy fellowship and a hot breakfast! Sing Christmas carols and listen to stories about Advent and the legend of St. Nicholas. Afterwards, the children will be invited to sit on his lap and share with him what they want for Christmas. Enjoy making Christmas and Advent crafts. Help us fill St. Nicholas's sack! Everyone is invited to bring a gift of new mittens, warm hat or scarf for St. Nicholas to take to children in an area shelter for the homeless, or bring in items* for him to deliver to the Seaman's Church Institute (SCI),which serves thousands of sailors located in Ports Elizabeth and Newark. Please RSVP to the church office at 732-297-4607 or office@stbarnabas-sbnj.org *items SCI has requested are: unscented hypoallergenic hand lotion (2-4 oz. bottles); unscented, colorless lip balm; sealed packages of holiday sweets; books or activities like Sudoku, word searches and playing cards; microwave popcorn and sugarless gum.
The American Boychoir is regarded as the United States’ premier concert boys’ choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world. It continues to dazzle audiences with its unique blend of musical sophistication,effervescent spirit and ensemble virtuosity. Its members - boys from grades 4 through 8, reflecting the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of our nation - come from eight states and four foreign countries to pursue a rigorous musical and academic curriculum at The American Boychoir School,the only non-sectarian boys’ choir school in the nation. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1937, The American Boychoir has been located in Princeton, New Jersey, since 1950. In addition to maintaining an active national and international touring schedule, the ensemble performs and records regularly with such world-class artists and ensembles as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, soprano Jessye Norman, pop diva Beyoncé, and jazz vocalist and conductor Bobby McFerrin. They will make a holiday appearance at Trinity Church in Asbury Park this Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets will be on sale after church or via the parish office (http://us.mc635.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=office@TrinityNJ.com or 732-775-5084). Call for more information.
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church, New Brunswick sings MESSIAH: A SACRED ORATORIO by George Frederic Handel
The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church will perform Handel's Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, beginning at 8 pm. The orchestra is conducted by Mark Trautman, and features the voices of Diana Whitener, soprano; Giulia Utz, alto; Jack Zamboni, tenor; and John-Andrew Fernandez, bass. The concert will be held at the NJ State Theatre, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. Go to the website http://www.statetheatrenj.org/ for more info.
Trinity Church in Rocky Hill Offers Christmas Concert Dec. 7, 2008 at 5 pm
The choir, parishioners, and friends of Trinity Church in Rocky Hill (in the Trenton Convocation) will present their annual "Christmas Concert" at 5:00 pm, Sunday December 7. All are invited to join the Trinity family for a program of music and fellowship, led by Choirmaster and Organist, Michael Rider. The concert will be followed by a potluck supper (provided by parishioners). Please join us in our historic church, consecrated in 1864. For directions or additional information please call (609) 921-8971 or visit our website at http://www.trinityrockyhill.org/. Email us at TrinityRockyHill@Comcast.net
Music at Trinity Church, Moorestown: Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm
The Trinity, Coventry, Canterbury and Carillon Choirs, with Vernon Williams, director and Joanne Owen, organist. Music will include: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People ~ Claude Goudimel; Carol of Prophecy ~ Shirley W. McRae; Rejoice in the Lord Always ~ Anonymous; Magnificat ~ George Dyson; There Is No Rose ~ Pat Messick; Ave Maria ~ Franz Biebl; We Wait for Thy Loving Kindness ~ William McKie
Please join us on Sunday afternoon for a service of Advent Lessons and Carols in the beautiful setting of Trinity Church. The service will be similar in structure to the familiar Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas as sung at King's College in Cambridge, in which readings, hymns,and choir anthems are interwoven to tell the story of Christmas. In our service, of course, the readings and music will focus on Advent, the season of joyful preparation for and anticipation of the coming of our Lord. Three vocal choirs and the handbell choir will join forces to present a variety of music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Our guest organist, Joanne Koerber Owen began studying organ with Richard Wegner in Baltimore. She continued her studies with Paul Bunjes, Carl Halter and Richard Heschke at Concordia University, Chicago and received a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester where she was a student of Russell Saunders and David Craighead. Joanne has held positions as church musician in Chicago; Rochester; Wilmington, Delaware and Woodstown, New Jersey. From 1990-2002 she was Minister of Music and Arts at St. John's Episcopal Church in Salem, NJ, serving as organist, choir director, handbell choir director and director of the church's music and arts series. The concert is made possible by the Friends of Trinity Music, Trinity Episcopal Church, 207 West Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057. Phone 857.235.0811 The Rev. Philip W. Stowell, Rector
BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS Saturday December 6, 2008, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 142 Sand Hill Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ
You are invited to come to our free St. Nicholas Day celebration! Bring visitors, neighbors, friends and family! Enjoy fellowship and a hot breakfast! Sing Christmas carols and listen to stories about Advent and the legend of St. Nicholas. Afterwards, the children will be invited to sit on his lap and share with him what they want for Christmas. Enjoy making Christmas and Advent crafts. Help us fill St. Nicholas's sack! Everyone is invited to bring a gift of new mittens, warm hat or scarf for St. Nicholas to take to children in an area shelter for the homeless, or bring in items* for him to deliver to the Seaman's Church Institute (SCI),which serves thousands of sailors located in Ports Elizabeth and Newark. Please RSVP to the church office at 732-297-4607 or office@stbarnabas-sbnj.org *items SCI has requested are: unscented hypoallergenic hand lotion (2-4 oz. bottles); unscented, colorless lip balm; sealed packages of holiday sweets; books or activities like Sudoku, word searches and playing cards; microwave popcorn and sugarless gum.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Where We Were
We were treated this past Sunday to a talk on the growth that Holy Spirit has undergone in the past forty years. Long-time member Marlene Johnson spoke of her history with our church, and the importance of stewardship in our growth. But does "Stewardship" mean only money? Let's listen:
Thank you for the privilege of speaking with you today on stewardship. For those of you who may not know me, I am Marlene Johnson, a past Senior Warden , a member of the church's Audit Committee, and at the 10:30 service you will see me serving as Eucharistic minister, a lay reader and also a member singing in the choir.
When I first moved to Tuckerton in the very early 60's, being what they refer to as a "cradle Episcopalian" (baptized and confirmed in the faith), I looked in the telephone book for an Episcopal church in our area. Much to my dismay, the only one listed on the mainland at that time was in Waretown (I found out later that Holy Spirit could not afford the yellow book advertisement). Now I know that it's not really that far away, but with the time it took in the morning to get the four little ones ready, it seemed a forever trip. So, we attended only sporadically. One day the vicar of St. Stephen's, Father Paul, said to me, "You know, there is - and has been - a church in Parkertown, the Church of the Holy Spirit."
Now at this point in time, I was living in Parkertown, and never saw a church there. So, with address in hand, searching a side street, I found it: a house with a cross on the outside wall, with the worship area in what had been the living room. This area could seat about 36 people, and on Holidays, we had standing room only in the hallway. It was not a place that could be easily found, nor looked inviting from the outside. It took a few weeks of soul searching to make the decision where we should worship, and here I am, 40 plus years later.
We were so excited in 1979 when we made the move to Green Street here in Tuckerton. Once again, the windowless building was not what people expected to find as a church. Some people never even realized that the Episcopal church was next to the firehouse. But, you know, we were ever so grateful and happy to be there!
God had another, far bigger plan for all of us, one that would have been just a dream 10 years ago. In 2006 we made the big move from Green Street to where you're now sitting. Looking around, can you imagine how small we were in Parkertown? Six short pews, holding 3 persons each, and two longer ones.We are so blessed to be in a facility that is easily recognizable, housing not only our worship services and social events, but large enough to serve the greater Tuckerton community.
How did all of this happen over the years? Nobody waved a magic wand. It happened because of all of you, through your stewardship- the three T's: your time, your talents and your treasure. Christian stewardship involves all of us and all that we have. How we live our lives affects our relationship with God. Thinking of stewardship in terms of time, talents and treasures helps us to focus and to apply the concept of stewardship to our lives.
How we use our time for God's service, for work, for the care of others, for the care of ourselves, being part of vestry or any of the various committees of our church, is all a matter of stewardship.
How we use our talents for God's service, whether driving, cooking the community dinners, teaching someone how to crochet, building a home, or just making a call to check in with someone, is all a matter of stewardship.
And finally, there is treasure. We are invited to come into a relationship with God, the Owner and generous Giver of all that we have through our financial giving. Being intentional in our giving, and recognizing that we are giving back to God, consciously making choices on how we "spend" what has been given to us: they're all matters of stewardship. How we use our treasure to support and enhance the church is a matter of stewardship.
You might remember that in Luke 19, Jesus told of a wealthy man who was going away on a trip. He told his stewards, or servants, "Look, I'm going away. You take over. You take my place; do what you think I would do. " He didn't tell them what to do or how to do it. He just told them to do it.
I love my church, and I know all of you feel the same way too.
Let us pray that we will do what He would do.
Thank you. God bless.
Thank you for the privilege of speaking with you today on stewardship. For those of you who may not know me, I am Marlene Johnson, a past Senior Warden , a member of the church's Audit Committee, and at the 10:30 service you will see me serving as Eucharistic minister, a lay reader and also a member singing in the choir.
When I first moved to Tuckerton in the very early 60's, being what they refer to as a "cradle Episcopalian" (baptized and confirmed in the faith), I looked in the telephone book for an Episcopal church in our area. Much to my dismay, the only one listed on the mainland at that time was in Waretown (I found out later that Holy Spirit could not afford the yellow book advertisement). Now I know that it's not really that far away, but with the time it took in the morning to get the four little ones ready, it seemed a forever trip. So, we attended only sporadically. One day the vicar of St. Stephen's, Father Paul, said to me, "You know, there is - and has been - a church in Parkertown, the Church of the Holy Spirit."
Now at this point in time, I was living in Parkertown, and never saw a church there. So, with address in hand, searching a side street, I found it: a house with a cross on the outside wall, with the worship area in what had been the living room. This area could seat about 36 people, and on Holidays, we had standing room only in the hallway. It was not a place that could be easily found, nor looked inviting from the outside. It took a few weeks of soul searching to make the decision where we should worship, and here I am, 40 plus years later.
We were so excited in 1979 when we made the move to Green Street here in Tuckerton. Once again, the windowless building was not what people expected to find as a church. Some people never even realized that the Episcopal church was next to the firehouse. But, you know, we were ever so grateful and happy to be there!
God had another, far bigger plan for all of us, one that would have been just a dream 10 years ago. In 2006 we made the big move from Green Street to where you're now sitting. Looking around, can you imagine how small we were in Parkertown? Six short pews, holding 3 persons each, and two longer ones.We are so blessed to be in a facility that is easily recognizable, housing not only our worship services and social events, but large enough to serve the greater Tuckerton community.
How did all of this happen over the years? Nobody waved a magic wand. It happened because of all of you, through your stewardship- the three T's: your time, your talents and your treasure. Christian stewardship involves all of us and all that we have. How we live our lives affects our relationship with God. Thinking of stewardship in terms of time, talents and treasures helps us to focus and to apply the concept of stewardship to our lives.
How we use our time for God's service, for work, for the care of others, for the care of ourselves, being part of vestry or any of the various committees of our church, is all a matter of stewardship.
How we use our talents for God's service, whether driving, cooking the community dinners, teaching someone how to crochet, building a home, or just making a call to check in with someone, is all a matter of stewardship.
And finally, there is treasure. We are invited to come into a relationship with God, the Owner and generous Giver of all that we have through our financial giving. Being intentional in our giving, and recognizing that we are giving back to God, consciously making choices on how we "spend" what has been given to us: they're all matters of stewardship. How we use our treasure to support and enhance the church is a matter of stewardship.
You might remember that in Luke 19, Jesus told of a wealthy man who was going away on a trip. He told his stewards, or servants, "Look, I'm going away. You take over. You take my place; do what you think I would do. " He didn't tell them what to do or how to do it. He just told them to do it.
I love my church, and I know all of you feel the same way too.
Let us pray that we will do what He would do.
Thank you. God bless.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Christian Food for Thought from Anne Magierski
"Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." James 1:22
Familiar words, but how many of us have deluded ourselves by hearing only and not doing? Let me tell you about one young lady, Kirsten Brydum, age 25, who took these words to heart and devoted her life to helping others. She was a prolific activist in San Francisco who inspired and empowered countless people through her work with The Really Really Free Market, the All Access Cafe, and as co-founder of Collective Autonomy.
The Really Really Free Market (http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/) was set up as an exchange of free goods and services designed, in Kirsten's words, "to move us from competition to cooperation, from selling to giving, and from expecting the government to care for us to doing it ourselves." The Collective Autonomy Network "refers to a strategy: collectivizing our energy and resources in order to approach autonomy from forces of oppression. It is self-sufficiency achieved through cooperation."
She was visiting New Orleans as part of a cross-country tour promoting this very purpose, but on September 27, 2008, Kirsten was murdered, shot multiple times in the head. She was a tireless and selfless community activist. Close friends remarked that "to know her was to be awed and inspired by her wisdom and generosity." "Kirsten dedicated herself to fighting the very social ills of poverty, racism, and systemic violence which helped cause her death," said her friend, Tyson Ayers. "She was not naive, she was streetwise and aware. Don't fault her for refusing to be paralyzed by fear, which only reinforces the gross idea that violence against women is an immutable risk in society, and therefore the woman's responsibility to avoid it instead of society's responsibility to counteract it."
In an open letter posted on the family's memorial site (http://kirstenbrydum.virtualmemorials.com/), Kirsten's partner John Viola called upon her death to help him find a line between "righteous anger" and hatred. "There should be no room left in this world for hatred," he wrote. "That is what took you from us and it will not bring you back. Now more than ever I know that we need to put more love into the world and that you cannot fight hatred with hatred."
Her death leaves an entire community in mourning and her loss will be deeply felt for a long time to come. A memorial Mass was held at St. Bernadine Catholic Church, Woodland Hills, CA on October 4.
This poem was posted on her memorial website by Rabbi Jack Reimer, and all should read it:
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end war;
For we know that You have made the world in a way
That man must find his own path to peace,
Within himself and with his neighbor.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation;
For You have already given us the resources
With which to feed the entire world,
If we would only use them wisely.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to root out prejudice;
For You have already given us eyes
With which to see the good in all men,
If we would only use them rightly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end despair;
For You have already given us the power
To clear away slums and to give hope,
If we would only use our power justly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease;
For You have already given us great minds with which
To search out cures and healing,
If we would only use them constructively.
Therefore, we pray to You instead, O God,
For strength, determination, and willpower,
To do instead of just to pray,
To become instead of merely to wish.
Familiar words, but how many of us have deluded ourselves by hearing only and not doing? Let me tell you about one young lady, Kirsten Brydum, age 25, who took these words to heart and devoted her life to helping others. She was a prolific activist in San Francisco who inspired and empowered countless people through her work with The Really Really Free Market, the All Access Cafe, and as co-founder of Collective Autonomy.
The Really Really Free Market (http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/) was set up as an exchange of free goods and services designed, in Kirsten's words, "to move us from competition to cooperation, from selling to giving, and from expecting the government to care for us to doing it ourselves." The Collective Autonomy Network "refers to a strategy: collectivizing our energy and resources in order to approach autonomy from forces of oppression. It is self-sufficiency achieved through cooperation."
She was visiting New Orleans as part of a cross-country tour promoting this very purpose, but on September 27, 2008, Kirsten was murdered, shot multiple times in the head. She was a tireless and selfless community activist. Close friends remarked that "to know her was to be awed and inspired by her wisdom and generosity." "Kirsten dedicated herself to fighting the very social ills of poverty, racism, and systemic violence which helped cause her death," said her friend, Tyson Ayers. "She was not naive, she was streetwise and aware. Don't fault her for refusing to be paralyzed by fear, which only reinforces the gross idea that violence against women is an immutable risk in society, and therefore the woman's responsibility to avoid it instead of society's responsibility to counteract it."
In an open letter posted on the family's memorial site (http://kirstenbrydum.virtualmemorials.com/), Kirsten's partner John Viola called upon her death to help him find a line between "righteous anger" and hatred. "There should be no room left in this world for hatred," he wrote. "That is what took you from us and it will not bring you back. Now more than ever I know that we need to put more love into the world and that you cannot fight hatred with hatred."
Her death leaves an entire community in mourning and her loss will be deeply felt for a long time to come. A memorial Mass was held at St. Bernadine Catholic Church, Woodland Hills, CA on October 4.
This poem was posted on her memorial website by Rabbi Jack Reimer, and all should read it:
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end war;
For we know that You have made the world in a way
That man must find his own path to peace,
Within himself and with his neighbor.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation;
For You have already given us the resources
With which to feed the entire world,
If we would only use them wisely.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to root out prejudice;
For You have already given us eyes
With which to see the good in all men,
If we would only use them rightly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end despair;
For You have already given us the power
To clear away slums and to give hope,
If we would only use our power justly.
We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease;
For You have already given us great minds with which
To search out cures and healing,
If we would only use them constructively.
Therefore, we pray to You instead, O God,
For strength, determination, and willpower,
To do instead of just to pray,
To become instead of merely to wish.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
A Time for Prayerful Mediatation
As we prepare for Tuesday's presidential election, it becomes very important to approach the voting booth with prayers for God to guide our choice. Join with Father Hartt and other members of our Holy Spirit family as we open our chapel downstairs at 7 pm Monday for prayer and meditation.
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in
Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
All Saints and All Souls Remembered
We all know of Hallowe'een, celebrated on October 31. The name comes from the phrase, "All Hallow's Eve." It is the day before we celebrate the lives of All Saints, November 1. In the Episcopal Church, we celebrate the passage of our loved ones and all others into the presence of the Lord on November 2, All Souls Day. Here in Holy Spirit, Father Walter Hartt led us in a commemoration service that combined both of our services into one at 9 am. We read the names of our loved ones and prayed for them by name, led by Tom Paul, Jean Rhoads, Barbara Elstone, Eileen Minett, Mary Lou Malone, and Jim Robbins. It was very moving and, although it lengthened the ceremony, it helped to focus our attention on the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. What a wonderful tradition to begin!
Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in Your eternal and everlasting glory, and with all Your saints, to receive the crown of life which You promise to all who share in the victory of Your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Time is Growing Short to Help the Meadowview Nursing Home Christmas Party
Once again this year, our fabulous ladies of the Episcopal Church Women are asking for your help to provide the residents of Meadowview, the Nursing Home of Atlantic County, with a happy Christmas. Each Sunday from now until December 14, 2008, we will have a donation bottle out on our Coffee Hour table in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to collect at least $400 so we may be certain that each patient gets 2 small Christmas gifts, as well as to provide the party food. We are also collecting handmade shawls to warm the hearts of those who are easily chilled. Please give until it feels good! Thank you.
Good Food and Fun Coming Soon
Our First Friday Potluck Supper will have something new added for November 2008: we'll follow our delicious meal with Crazy Bingo! It's a lot of fun. Bring a dish to share (plan on enough for six people so all can taste your culinary expertise) and three $1 gifts (just get them at the dollar store- nothing expensive, just fun treats). Dinner begins at 6 pm on November 7th downstairs in the Undercroft. After the food, the fun begins. Be there or be sorry!
I Think I Hear Some Sleigh Bells in the Distance.......
Can you believe how quickly the year is passing? It's almost here... mark your calendar now and plan to join us on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 for our annual Christmas Bazaar. We'll be here from 9 am until 2 pm. You will be able to have lunch and begin your Christmas shopping, because we'll have so much to choose from on our many tables. Select home-made baked goods, handmade afghans and other gifts, jams, crafts, jewelry, prayer aids and a Kids' Korner. New this year: The Advent Shoppe, with Advent calendars, Christmas stories, and gifts emblazoned with the Episcopal shield. Talk about one of a kind items! We will also have a raffle table (12 prizes to win!), and it's your last opportunity to buy a chance on our patriotic quilted wallhanging. Come support your church and have a great day.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Vestry Committee Goals, 2008
Stewardship - Buildings and Grounds (Ernie Tews)
Stewardship - Fund Raising (Grace O’Connor)
Stewardship - Finance (Ed Nuttal)
Worship (Elaine Paul)
Evangelism (Mary Lou Malone)
Christian Education (Mary DeJohn)
Pastoral Care (Evie Brown)
Service (Linda Aho)
Congregational Development (Jim Robbins)
Vicar (The Rev. Terry Martin)
- Address safety issues.
- Repair stucco inside vestibules
- Outdoor/Indoor painting
Stewardship - Fund Raising (Grace O’Connor)
- More involvement by members.
- More support through attendance.
- Suggestion box.
Stewardship - Finance (Ed Nuttal)
- Keep congregation informed of expenses and income.
- Inform congregation of work of Committee.
- Develop and implement fall Stewardship Drive.
Worship (Elaine Paul)
- Move choir rehearsals out of church.
- Continue to experiment with music.
- Raise money to move pipe organ and choir to loft.
Evangelism (Mary Lou Malone)
- Re-evaluate advertising and signage.
- Name Tags for Vestry, ushers and greeters.
- New resident's outreach.
- Develop ushers and greeters ministry.
Christian Education (Mary DeJohn)
- Bible study (church and home).
- Raise money for Youth programs (community outreach).
- Vacation bible school.
Pastoral Care (Evie Brown)
- Continue existing ministry.
- Update congregation.
- Tape sermons for homebound.
Service (Linda Aho)
- Interfaith Health and Services.
- Community dinner / Angel Food Ministries (hunger issues).
- Family Promise - Atlantic City Shelter (homelessness issues).
Congregational Development (Jim Robbins)
- Pictorial Directory.
- Revitalize men's group.
- Encourage more expansive peace passing and invite all baptized to communion.
- Information boards by entrances.
Vicar (The Rev. Terry Martin)
- Home Groups.
- Home Visits - Five (5) per week.
- Web Site.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Notes from the ECW by Eileen Minett
As you know, we held our May meeting at Calloway’s in Eagleswood. We enjoyed a friendly luncheon beforehand – and didn’t need to cook or wash dishes!
We had a good turn-out. Fourteen ladies came, and I chaired the meeting in the absence of President Rita Lanorith (feel better soon, Jack. Our prayers are with you).
Our June meeting will be an evening one on Wednesday the 11th, with a potluck supper followed by “Crazy Bingo.” We start at 6 pm, and ask you to bring a dish to share with 6 others. We have a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall. We also need each person to bring three $1.00 gifts for use as prizes. We’ll have fun and make lots of noise. Remember, the sun stays up much later in June, so take advantage of it!
Our June card party will be Thursday, June 26 from noon until 4 pm. Sweets and fun: deal me in!
We had a good turn-out. Fourteen ladies came, and I chaired the meeting in the absence of President Rita Lanorith (feel better soon, Jack. Our prayers are with you).
Our June meeting will be an evening one on Wednesday the 11th, with a potluck supper followed by “Crazy Bingo.” We start at 6 pm, and ask you to bring a dish to share with 6 others. We have a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall. We also need each person to bring three $1.00 gifts for use as prizes. We’ll have fun and make lots of noise. Remember, the sun stays up much later in June, so take advantage of it!
Our June card party will be Thursday, June 26 from noon until 4 pm. Sweets and fun: deal me in!
Fundraiser for Coach Vic Moore
A friend of mine, Ann Corso, asked me to please pass along the following message. If you are unable to attend or contribute, please keep Vic and his family in your prayers:
“I’m a representative of the Friends of Coach Vic Moore Committee. He is an extremely dedicated man who has donated an untold amount of time to the children of LEHT for the past 25 years. He is suffering from inoperable pancreatic cancer. We are having a spaghetti and meatball dinner on June 8th at the LEH Community Center, 317 W. Calabreeze Way, from 3 to 9 pm. We are in need of support from the community with attendance at the dinner, donations of money, prizes for a Chinese auction, and sponsors. Tickets may be purchased for $20 adults, $10 children 12 & under, 5 & under free. Call Tina@ 713-1754 or Pat @ 296-8126. You can also buy tickets at the Pinelands Athletic Department or the St. Theresa’s Church Office. Tickets at the door are $25 and $15. Thank you.”
The Magnetic Church, Part 1
You heard us announce it from the altar. You read about it here. Now you can begin to share in the knowledge that we gained during our trips to Trenton last month.
A dedicated group of us – Vicar’s Secretary Eileen Minett, Vestry members Jim Robbins, Evie Brown, Ed Nuttall and myself, in addition to Father Terry – traveled up Rt. 539 to the cathedral, some of us both Friday and Saturday, in an effort to learn how to make our church more visitor friendly and welcoming to everyone. We listened as Andrew Weeks discussed steps that we can take to help the unchurched discover a home with Christ, and then with us. We examined our communications such as this newsletter, for instance, and learned how to be more inclusive and accessible. Some points should have been obvious but weren’t, for we took them for granted. Other points needed to be brought to our attention.
I plan to run this as a continuing feature, because it is important for everyone to be aware of the reason behind any changes we consider. We need your help and feedback to be effective.
For instance, at our last Vestry meeting we spoke about our Sunday fellowship. An observation was made that we frequently gravitate to sit with friends exclusively and virtually ignore visitors. We decided to implement a suggestion to reduce the number of tables available after the services with the intention of encouraging a flow of people and conversations with new faces. The experiment resulted in a return to our original configuration as a result of popular opinion.
Now, the compromise is this: with the tables back, we need everyone to be responsible for speaking to at least one new face every week, someone with whom you don’t normally converse. Try a new seat. You may get a new view in more ways than one!
A dedicated group of us – Vicar’s Secretary Eileen Minett, Vestry members Jim Robbins, Evie Brown, Ed Nuttall and myself, in addition to Father Terry – traveled up Rt. 539 to the cathedral, some of us both Friday and Saturday, in an effort to learn how to make our church more visitor friendly and welcoming to everyone. We listened as Andrew Weeks discussed steps that we can take to help the unchurched discover a home with Christ, and then with us. We examined our communications such as this newsletter, for instance, and learned how to be more inclusive and accessible. Some points should have been obvious but weren’t, for we took them for granted. Other points needed to be brought to our attention.
I plan to run this as a continuing feature, because it is important for everyone to be aware of the reason behind any changes we consider. We need your help and feedback to be effective.
For instance, at our last Vestry meeting we spoke about our Sunday fellowship. An observation was made that we frequently gravitate to sit with friends exclusively and virtually ignore visitors. We decided to implement a suggestion to reduce the number of tables available after the services with the intention of encouraging a flow of people and conversations with new faces. The experiment resulted in a return to our original configuration as a result of popular opinion.
Now, the compromise is this: with the tables back, we need everyone to be responsible for speaking to at least one new face every week, someone with whom you don’t normally converse. Try a new seat. You may get a new view in more ways than one!
SUR-vey SAYS!
Did you ever watch the game show “Family Feud?” It pits two “family” groups of five people against each other as they try to guess answers to questions posed to them by the friendly host. Actually, they attempt to read the minds of a surveyed group of people. They gain points based on knowing the answers that a majority of people give. In the version I best remember, Richard Dawson pats the hands of the struggling contestants, calls them all “darling,’” encourages them to chance a guess, and makes faces with us as they offer a bizarre suggestion.
Now imagine that your vestry is one group of contestants. We know the questions on the survey. But how can we guess the correct answers– or those that most people choose– unless you answered your survey?
You know that you got it in the mail. Did you fill it out and send it back to us? Did you put it aside to complete later? Stop reading right now. Find it. Fill it out. Be (cont’d on pg. 2) honest. Answer all the questions. If you need more room, use another page. Get your spouse to give some input. Mail it right away (we gave you the stamped envelope!). Or bring it with you to church on Sunday and drop it into the box at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall.
We truly want to know what you think. We need to have your responses by June 8, because your vestry will meet for a full day on June 14. This will give us time to compile the answers before we discuss them.
Our annual vestry retreat gives us an opportunity to review our accomplishments during the past year. We plan our targets for the remainder of the year and beyond. Our long-range goals may extend past our individual terms of service. Thus we have a great responsibility.
So tell us what you think. Be truthful. Be specific. Offer suggestions for new classes or fundraisers or hymns. Tell us if you like something we do. Let us know if you dislike something. Tell us what you look for on the website, or if you’ve never been on it. Tell me what you want to read in this newsletter. Tell us what you want your church to be.
We promise to read your answers. We may not be able to incorporate every idea or change. We may take a long-range view and delay implementing it, even if we agree, because something else has a higher priority, or a more pressing need. We have that obligation as your leaders. But share your wisdom with us.
Give our “family unit” a chance to earn some points. That means we can all win. Just let us know, as avuncular Richard Dawson cries, what “SUR-vey SAYS!!”
Now imagine that your vestry is one group of contestants. We know the questions on the survey. But how can we guess the correct answers– or those that most people choose– unless you answered your survey?
You know that you got it in the mail. Did you fill it out and send it back to us? Did you put it aside to complete later? Stop reading right now. Find it. Fill it out. Be (cont’d on pg. 2) honest. Answer all the questions. If you need more room, use another page. Get your spouse to give some input. Mail it right away (we gave you the stamped envelope!). Or bring it with you to church on Sunday and drop it into the box at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall.
We truly want to know what you think. We need to have your responses by June 8, because your vestry will meet for a full day on June 14. This will give us time to compile the answers before we discuss them.
Our annual vestry retreat gives us an opportunity to review our accomplishments during the past year. We plan our targets for the remainder of the year and beyond. Our long-range goals may extend past our individual terms of service. Thus we have a great responsibility.
So tell us what you think. Be truthful. Be specific. Offer suggestions for new classes or fundraisers or hymns. Tell us if you like something we do. Let us know if you dislike something. Tell us what you look for on the website, or if you’ve never been on it. Tell me what you want to read in this newsletter. Tell us what you want your church to be.
We promise to read your answers. We may not be able to incorporate every idea or change. We may take a long-range view and delay implementing it, even if we agree, because something else has a higher priority, or a more pressing need. We have that obligation as your leaders. But share your wisdom with us.
Give our “family unit” a chance to earn some points. That means we can all win. Just let us know, as avuncular Richard Dawson cries, what “SUR-vey SAYS!!”
An International Treat Comes to Tuckerton by Penny Hughes
ESCAPE!! If only for an evening. Come to International Night and savor the dishes of the Mediterranean and the Continent. Experience a culinary adventure, camaraderie and entertainment as the Holy Spirit Undercroft transforms into a European bistro on Saturday, June 21st. Tickets are on sale now! Invite all your friends and family, or just come solo. We’ll seat you family-style with some new friends!
For only $17, enjoy an inexpensive mini-vacation. Our menu explores the Mediterranean for hors d’ouevres: stuffed grape leaves; spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie); Moroccan olives; hummus and pita. We travel to the Continent for entrees: boeuf Bourguignon and Chicken Marengo. Desserts include international sweets such as Peach Melba, made with raspberry sauce, peaches and ice cream. Embrace your beverage selection of iced tea, coffee, hot tea, or fruit-infused water. Yum-O, as Rachel Ray would say!
The evening will feature postcard photos for the guests to take home (and post on your fridge?), art work, fun and games. Listen for the bistro-style music. Can you identify Edith Piaf? Can you recognize the costumed servers? Have fun! Bon appétit!
Do you have a favorite cookie recipe from the homeland? Would you like to share it? Please see Penny Hughes, Ernie or Anna Tews. We would love to showcase your creations on our international sweets table!
Look for Elizabeth Hill or Carol Lofton after Sunday services to purchase your passports to excitement. If you have any questions or want to volunteer for kitchen help, setting up, serving, or cleaning up, contact me (296-4221) or the Tews (296-2603). Remember, all tickets must be purchased by June15. Now, wouldn’t a gift of two tickets for a special dinner make a great Father’s Day present– better than another tie!
For only $17, enjoy an inexpensive mini-vacation. Our menu explores the Mediterranean for hors d’ouevres: stuffed grape leaves; spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie); Moroccan olives; hummus and pita. We travel to the Continent for entrees: boeuf Bourguignon and Chicken Marengo. Desserts include international sweets such as Peach Melba, made with raspberry sauce, peaches and ice cream. Embrace your beverage selection of iced tea, coffee, hot tea, or fruit-infused water. Yum-O, as Rachel Ray would say!
The evening will feature postcard photos for the guests to take home (and post on your fridge?), art work, fun and games. Listen for the bistro-style music. Can you identify Edith Piaf? Can you recognize the costumed servers? Have fun! Bon appétit!
Do you have a favorite cookie recipe from the homeland? Would you like to share it? Please see Penny Hughes, Ernie or Anna Tews. We would love to showcase your creations on our international sweets table!
Look for Elizabeth Hill or Carol Lofton after Sunday services to purchase your passports to excitement. If you have any questions or want to volunteer for kitchen help, setting up, serving, or cleaning up, contact me (296-4221) or the Tews (296-2603). Remember, all tickets must be purchased by June15. Now, wouldn’t a gift of two tickets for a special dinner make a great Father’s Day present– better than another tie!
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