A monthly publication of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Greenwood, Virginia June
2014
Our Mission Partner: Camp Holiday Trails Camp Holiday Trails, a mission partner of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, is celebrating “40 years Of Camp Magic” empowering, encouraging and educating children with chronic illnesses, their families and healthcare professionals through camp programs aimed at personal growth. A traditional rustic camp at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central VA, Camp Holiday Trails (CHT) incorporated as a nonprofit in 1973 and since that time has provided over 10,000 kids with special health needs the opportunity to experience a positive camp experience. Our Campers, age 5-17, are welcomed from throughout the United States with the majority coming from the Mid-Atlantic region. In the mid-1960, three successful pediatricians, Dr. Peter Houck, Dr. Elsa Paulsen and Dr. Robert Selden, all from the University of Virginia, had a vision: a camp for children with special health needs that provided exposure to the outdoor environment with the safety of round the clock medical supervision. Originally, each physician operated their own camp, and early facilities included local schools, churches and the backyard of a hospital. In 1973, with considerable community support and
75 acres of land donated by local property owner, David Goodwin, Holiday Trails, Inc. was founded. The first buildings were built by volunteer hands and by 1974 Camp Holiday Trails became one of the first camps in the region welcoming children with many diverse medical diagnoses -camping in cabins, fishing with real worms and learning camp songs – the focus no longer on the illness, but on the child. Camp Holiday Trails is located at 400 Holiday Trails Lane, Charlottesville, VA 22903. They invite us to: Volunteer your time and talent - with our kids, in our office, or by performing general maintenance (…the possibilities are endless!) Mention us to those you know who would be great campers, counselors, or donors Be a Counselor or teen volunteer help us recruit them email:
[email protected] Sponsor a Camper’s CHT experience Ask your civic group or organization to hold a special fundraiser for the benefit of our Campership Fund or create a day of service at camp Rent our facility for your birthday, family reunion, church gathering, wedding or company party Check out our Wish List it’s on our website! Join a CHT committee
Happy faces say it all at Camp Holiday Trails.
The Rev. Christopher M. Garcia Rector
Our baptismal liturgy begins with these lines from Ephesians: “There is one Body and one Spirit; There is one hope in God’s call to us; One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; One God and Father of all.” (BCP, p. 299; paraphrasing Ephesians 4:4-6a.) I have been thinking a lot about baptisms recently, about the promises we make when we present a child for baptism, and about the promises that all members of the congregation make when we are present at any baptism. Paul’s letter to the early church in Ephesus reminds his readers (and reminds us) that in baptism we become one: one people, part of one family, united together in one mission, part of one body. Paul would argue that there is no such thing as a solo Christian. What I do affects you, and what you do affects me. I love the way that our Emmanuel family lives out this unity, welcomes newcomers, and values the gifts, contributions, and participation of parishioners of all ages. We grieve together and we celebrate together, sharing each other’s joys and burdens. Our recent adult forum series, Equipping the Saints, has explored one corollary that comes from Paul’s reminder of our unity in Jesus Christ: if we all, together, make up one body, then each of us has an important role to play in that body. God gives each of us is gifts, talents, and abilities, and these are given not for our individual
2 benefit, but for the good of the entire body of Christ. I am not a priest for myself; I was ordained to serve in a larger setting. (I think it’s meaningful that in the Anglican tradition, a priest never celebrates Holy Communion alone: a priest only celebrates the Eucharist when at least one other person is present to participate.) Sunday School teachers exercise their teaching gifts for the benefit not only of the children in their class, but for the entire parish: when children are loved and nurtured in the faith, the rest of their families benefit, and the church is refreshed for another generation. When a family hosts coffee hour, there’s no telling who will be touched by their generosity and caring. I am amazed, humbled, and grateful at the wide range of volunteers who serve both within the parish and in our outreach ministries. Many have served faithfully for years, giving time and talent and treasure, adding beauty and dignity to our worship, maintaining our buildings and grounds, teaching our children, serving publicly or behind the scenes, in big jobs and little jobs. Thank you! What is your gift? What piece of the puzzle do you hold? How are you contributing to the body of Christ at Emmanuel Church? Everyone, young and old, newcomers and long-time members, women and men, has something to offer. Emmanuel Church cannot be all that God wants Emmanuel Church to be without the support and active participation of all of our gifts and talents and abilities. Over the next few months, we’ll be talking about this more and more, and asking each other these questions in many ways. How would you like to get involved? What ministry would you like to try out? Is there something that you have been involved with for a long time that is getting to be a burden? Perhaps it’s time to let that ministry go and try something new. What makes your heart sing? Who would you like to work with? Who would you like to serve? How would you like to reach out? How can we equip you, support you, in these endeavors? On Sunday, 1 June, we’ll have a chance to ask questions and sign up
for many existing ministries. Watch programs, and creating a structure in here in The Emmanuel Way and in which other programs can be our new weekly e-mail newsletter integrated. (This Week @ Emmanuel) for more As in my container garden, we options and opportunities. Stop by my must first determine the capacity we study in Marton-LaRue House to chat have. This involves asking or call me and let’s set up a time to parishioners about what programs meet for coffee or lunch. I would love would feed them, which we will be to hear your ideas, your dreams, and systematically doing over the next few your inspirations. months. We are also responsibly Yours in Christ, considering what we can do with the human and fiscal resources available to us. Fr. Christopher, Cathy, and I are conscientiously consulting with parishioners who are currently involved with Formation programs to gather information about current offerings. Supporting existing programs and helping them be as vibrant as possible is our primary goal for this coming year. This doesn’t mean nothing will change, but it does mean that we are being careful to not change something just for the sake of change. Much like my climbing hydrangeas need their trellis, formation programs need a structure that will support them and help them grow. Our first step in creating this structure at Emmanuel will be the creation of a Christian Formation Committee that will be made up of four ministry teams focused on children, youth, adults, and intergenerational programs. We are also beginning work on a 2014-2015 The Rev. Stacy Williams-Duncan program year calendar that will help Last spring I made the decision us plan holistically and spread out our that living in a rental house was not programs through the year. going to stop me from planting On May 17th, a group of perennials. I was tired of replanting parishioners gathered with the staff to everything each year, and I wanted the begin a process of considering these joy of watching plants that had been questions and how we can build dormant over the winter come back to formation programs to support lifelife. After doing research about what long discipleship. If you are interested perennials would grow in containers, I in being part of any of these planted hydrangeas, blue salvia, and a initiatives, please be in touch with few others that I hope to have for Cathy or me. We are looking for years to come. Except for one casualty people who want to celebrate what is of the harsh winter, they have come already great about Formation at back and I can’t wait for the buds that Emmanuel, discern how we might are just now evident to burst forth. want to tweak things, and consider This process of watching these what new programs we need to add to plants grow has become a metaphor best serve this parish. for me of what we are doing in regard Faithfully, to Christian Formation at Emmanuel. Stacy We are identifying our capacity, focusing on our foundational
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By Doug Connell Who Are We? Who Are Our Neighbors? What is God Calling Us to Do? What a special land we live in. Kat and I spent 10 days in central Europe last month, enjoying the architecture and natural beauty of countries there, but also learning about faith experiences in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Years of life behind the iron curtain erased opportunities for worship, and perhaps more importantly, denied many citizens the opportunity to care for one another. Our worship experience here is unconstrained by government policy, and energized by the beauty of our liturgy and the spectacular setting along the Blue Ridge. It’s a joy to worship together in this historic place. I’ve come to appreciate, however, that just as many joyful experiences come our way from participation in the mission of the church, of sharing the work and wonder that comes from caring for our neighbors in need. June is an important time in the Emmanuel calendar. It’s the time when we put our heads together, synchronize heartbeats, inventory talent, and build a program for the parish year beginning in September. There is much work we can do as individuals, but much more potential to serve our Lord in collective effort. Our Ministry Fair on June 1st provides one way to explore opportunities to find rewarding opportunities for Christian service. Another way is to explore the SERVE section of our website. Yet another is in conversation with your vestry, each member of which has a leadership role in the Worship, Fellowship and Pastoral Care, Building and Grounds, Outreach and Mission, Christian Formation, Strategic Planning and Finance ministries. We’re eager to help connect you with your ministry
interests. The opportunities are many, support that Emmanuel Church the rewards beyond imagination. provides, there is even greater support Offer thanks for all the freedom needed. That need is to have many of we have to love and serve the Lord us in the Emmanuel family step here. The year ahead will be exciting. forward and offer our time and talent … let us help find a way you can be a as volunteers. part of it! Father Christopher has asked me Many blessings, to serve as the point person for Doug Emmanuel’s mission and outreach. I will be doing this along with Kathy Stone and Keith Davis as the vestry liaison as well as Cathy Boyd and Janice from the staff. We welcome those of you who are interested in the administration of this outreach effort join our group. Presently, I am meeting with each of our mission partners to learn not only more about their work, but how the people of Emmanuel can participate with them by servicing the needy of our community. There are volunteer opportunities for many, many of us at Emmanuel to become involved. There places for our older members, our younger families, men, women and our youth either individually or in groups. There is truly something for everybody. And there is work in a wide range of tasks and services. We will continue to share the stories of these mission partners in future issues of The Emmanuel Way. Shortly there will begin a series of articles published in the email The Rev. Deacon Donald Cady communication, This Week at Dear Friends in Christ, Emmanuel, as well as on the Recently my homily focused on Emmanuel website, which will outline mission and outreach. Specifically, I the specific needs and opportunities of talked in terms of service outreach to our partners and how to become a Emmanuel’s mission partners, many volunteer. of whom are currently supported I am here to answer questions, as through grants from the Emmanuel are the members of the outreach Endowment Fund. mission group, on how you can As I mentioned at the time, these become involved. I hope you will step local partners include Meals on forward and share this important work Wheels, Hospice of the Piedmont, The Jesus calls us all to support. Haven, Habitat for Humanity, the Faithfully, Senior Center, AHIP, Camp Holiday Don+ Trails, plus many others. Each serves a particular population in our By Amanda Poor community whose needs are great. Planning ahead, we are These needs include chronically ill scheduled to serve breakfast on these children, the elderly, the homeless, Saturdays; July 19, September 20 and those in need of housing or housing November 15. We are scheduled to repair and the dying. serve lunch on these Mondays: June While each of these mission 16, August 18, October 20, and partners, along with our other partners, December 15. Children aged 10 and greatly appreciate the financial
Disciples Kitchen
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4 older are welcome to come and help. Recipes for the Saturday casserole and Monday chili are on the Disciples Kitchen page of the Emmanuel website.
Christian Education News By Cathy Boyd Director of Christian Education PSALM 100 IS A PSALM FOR SHOUTING GRATEFUL PRAISE... June has come. Like seeds being sown, we will soon be scattered to the fertile opportunities that summer brings...camps, hikes, music festivals, pools, vacations, trips, sports, summer jobs, summer school, yard work, and many other exciting endeavors. Before all that happens, I want to pause to thank everyone who made Christian Formation ministries possible this year, helping us learn how to “live in Christ and do his work from this place.” But I do not just want to thank them. I want to SHOUT FOR JOY TO THE LORD ALL THE EARTH like Psalm 100 says. You know that ALL CAPS means. ME SHOUTING! THANK YOU TO ALL OUR LOYAL NURSERY ATTENDANTS! THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS! THANK YOU TO ALL OUR YOUTH GROUP LEADERS AND PARTICIPANTS! THANK YOU TO ALL OUR ADULT FORUM LEADERS AND ATTENDEES! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO LED AND ATTENDED F.I.R.E. EVERY MONTH! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PRAYED FOR THOSE WHO DID ALL OF THE ABOVE! THANK YOU TO ALL! Everyone will have the chance to SHOUT THANK YOU to all of these people on Sunday, June 8th. It’s our second Hat’s Off Sunday and Sunday School Picnic, when we shout THANK YOU! MY HAT’S OFF TO
YOU to all these WONDERFUL From Kathleen Haden: PEOPLE. Please wear a hat to the Parishioner’s interested in global 10am (combined 9am and 11am health causes, please join Kathleen service). We will ceremoniously show Haden and Dr. Peyton Taylor for a our EXTREME GRATITUDE by benefit cocktail reception for FAME giving THANKS to them and (Foundation for African Medicine & PRAISING THEIR NAMES! Then Education) www.fameafrica.org on we will CELEBRATE them at the June 5, 2014, 5:30-7:30 at Miller PICNIC! School of Albemarle, Old Main, foyer Thank you. for a presentation by Dr. Frank Artress BLESSINGS, and Susan Gustafson. Please RSVP Cathy by June 1st to
[email protected] Please come and hear their story. Dr. Taylor and Kathleen both have spent time at their clinic in Tanzania. Our EEC Endowment Board assisted in this amazing work.
Our graduates include Alex Kirchner - George Mason University, Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sustainability, and Meagan Kirchner- George Mason University School of Law- Juris Doctorate. Thanks, Cindy Kirchner, for the report. Four Emmanuel youth were inducted into the Henley Middle School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at a ceremony held the evening of May 20, 2014. Simon Rader, Emma Sherman, Madison Stone and Will Wallace were all found to excel in the four tenets of the NJHS: character, scholarship, leadership and service. Keep up the good work! "THANK YOU! – The CONNECTIONS team wishes to thank those who participated in the survey earlier this month. We are working to put together your requests and ideas for this new ministry. Our goal is to have everything in place to begin our services on July 1. Soon we will distribute a booklet explaining all the details for your participation. Jim and Patsy Crosby graduated from the Albemarle County Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy on May 9. They, along with a dozen others, were awarded their certificates of completion at a breakfast at the Double Tree. The course was 9 weeks and over 40 hours. 4
Published on or before the first day of each month, with the single exception of the month of July, The deadline is the 20th of the month preceding the month of issue.
7599 Rockfish Gap Turnpike Post Office Box 38 Greenwood, Virginia 22943 Email:
[email protected] Website: emmanuelgreenwood.org Phone: 540-456-6334 James E. Crosby………….. Editor Email:
[email protected]
Editorial Comment What a great pleasure it is to work with such wonderful contributors who get their input in on time. This issue has been one of the best for meeting the deadline and taking some of the stress off of those involved in the editing and production. Everyone who contributes to the content contributes to the success of our monthly newsletter. Please don’t forget to share your stories of upcoming activities, your family news you are willing to share with your Emmanuel Family and don’t forget pictures. Pictures contribute a great deal to the readership and enjoyment. My last thought is to remind you that those who receive the newsletter electronically by email or access it via our website can enjoy the full color of our pictures and even save them to your own computer to print and share with others.
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Vocare School coming this fall By Edward G. Keithly Vocation Officer The Diocese of Virginia Vocare is a school for vocational discernment geared towards those who don’t necessarily feel a call to ordained ministry. Discernment for lay vocation is something that we want to play a bigger part in this diocese and in the Church. The school is based in Richmond but I think, considering the manageable scope of the time commitment, it’d be reasonable for someone to travel from anywhere in the Diocese to attend. We are looking for anyone who might benefit -- young and young-atheart adults, parishioners, spiritual directees, those looking to deepen their faith (so pretty much everyone). We still welcome those who might not feel a call to ordained ministry to engage in the diocesan discernment process. Vocare offers another model that may better meet a
seeker’s needs. A Vocare's flier and a We are putting together a group poster has been placed in the parish of folks right now to help with the hall. The cost of the program is $600 weekend - please consider joining our ($60 a month for 10 months). committee if you would be able to If you have questions, email assist in the planning
[email protected]. and/or prep for the event. We need people to assist with fundraising, to plan activities, to share ideas and to generally support our Shrine Mont weekend! We would love your ideas and energy whether you have been to the program every year or have never been at all. If you are interested in helping, please send an email to Anne and Donovan Dagner at Mark your calendars now and
[email protected]. Or give a plan to spend the weekend of August call to the church office and leave 29-31 in the beautiful mountains of your name. western Virginia! Our annual parish You will find an application on weekend at Shrine Mont will start the next page of this newsletter. Save Friday evening with supper and wrap it and complete it with your check and up Sunday after the traditional fried drop it off to one of the committee chicken lunch. In between we will members or the church office. laugh and play and sit and talk and worship and bike and walk and… well, you fill in the blank! All ages are welcome! Families and singles; kids, youth and adults; hipsters, youngsters and oldsters… there is something for everyone!
Emmanuel at Shrine Mont August 29-31, 2014
Fr. Christopher met with members of the Altar Guild recently to offer them assistance and guidance in Emmanuel atfor the Holy Eucharist. The meeting was attended by over a dozen members of setting the Lord’s table the Altar Guild and offered a great opportunity to get questions answered and hear our rector’s approach to setting up and Shrine Mont – serving communion. Membership in the Altar Guild is open to any member of the church and is one way to serve in an important ministry of your church. and an application is posted in 5
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Emmanuel Episcopal Church
2014 Shrine Mont Registration
All parishioners are invited to join our annual parish weekend retreat at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, VA from August 29-31, 2014. The weekend begins with dinner at 5:30pm on Friday night and ends after lunch at 12:30pm on Sunday. Shrine Mont has increased the rates slightly from last year but we do not want finances to be an impediment to anyone! Full and partial scholarships are available by contacting Father Christopher at
[email protected] or 540-4566334 or speaking to the Dagners. There is a $450 maximum fee per family subsidized by fundraising at Emmanuel. While we welcome friends and guests, we regret that we can not include them in the family maximum. If you are planning to bring friends, please add the appropriate per person rate. Rates for the weekend are per person and include two nights lodging and six meals, plus access to the pool, trails and all on site activities (** zip line at Bryce for the youth group will be an extra fee). one adult, single room $190 one child, age 8-12 $85 one adult, shared room $165 one child, age 4-7 $60 one teen, age 13-17 $130 one child, age 0-3 free
Names of participants: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________
Sharing a room? ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
Age (if < 18): _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________
Fee: ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Total cost ($450 max/family):
_____
Add more participants on the back if needed
Please inform us of any special rooming requests such as disabilities, cots etc: ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________
I would like to add a contribution to the scholarship fund: Total amount:
______ ______
Please return your completed registration form with a check payable to Emmanuel Episcopal Church (memo line: Shrine Mont). Mail to: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 38, Greenwood, VA 22943 Please provide your email address: ______________________________________________ and your preferred contact phone number: _________________________________________ You will receive an email acknowledgement when your form is received. Please see www.shrinemont.org for more information about the camp facilities and packing suggestions. As August nears we will post driving directions, schedule of activities and other fascinating information. Cancellations must be received by August 11, 2014. No refunds can be made after that date. We are looking forward to another great weekend of Emmanuel fellowship in the mountains! Anne and Donovan Dagner, 2014 Parish Weekend Chairs
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