June 2012 Emmanuel Way


June 2012 Emmanuel Way - Rackcdn.com3aeb93606db191aa6eb8-e18715aa5137102103abab6b7c06e410.r32.cf2.rackcdn.com/...

2 downloads 144 Views 1MB Size

The Emmanuel Way

Rector’s Reflections

A monthly publication of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Greenwood, Virginia June

2012

Bishop Susan Goff to visit The Rev. Charles F. Mullaly, Jr.

Three Little Words

The Very Rev. Susan Goff Suffragan Bishop, Susan Ellyn Goff, of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia is scheduled to visit Emmanuel on July 29, the very next day after her ordination. Our new Suffragan Bishop will make her first visit after her ordination to Emmanuel, Sunday July 29. If you would be interested in being received into the church at that time, please let Chuck know. Chuck said, “We are very honored to have Bishop Goff visit us the day after her consecretion! We will be the first parish in the Diocese of Virginia to welcome our new Suffragan Bishop.”

I would like to share the profound ideas of a friend of mine, The Rev. David Rose. God spoke three little words that have so much power that they can change the entire world. Human beings had trouble understanding and accepting these three little words so God sent the words to us in human form. These words are spoken to all of us. They are spoken to men and women, black and white, gay and straight. They are spoken to liars and cheats. They are spoken to parents who yell at their children. They are spoken to people who cheat on their taxes. They are spoken to people who harbor resentment against others. They are spoken to corporate executives who are driven by greed. They are spoken to adulterers. They are spoken to angry people, to sad people to broken people. They are spoken to the unwilling sinner and the willing one. They are spoken to the human heart. In the first chapter of Genesis, in the creation story, these three little words were “It was good”. Over every thing that God created, He saw that it was good. From the moment of creation, nothing and no one was excluded. In Jesus, these three little words changed and became very personal.

The “it” of creation became a human being and the three little words took on a very real flesh and blood personal nature. The “It was good” of creation became the “I love you” of the Incarnation. Our human status as a beloved child of God is a gift, freely bestowed upon each and every one of us. It is not earned, it is given. We can not acquire it by our own efforts. We can only gratefully recognize it. God’s three little words to us in Christ are an unconditional “I love you.” This is very different than the world around us where success and achievement are too often the measuring rod of whether we are loveable or not. I want you to stop right now. Stay very still and accept this love from God for you – just as you are in this moment. Don’t move until you feel this overwhelming love! Nothing can separate you from God’s powerful, omnipotent love. Now, my beloved Emmanuel Family, give it away. Give away this gift which costs you nothing. Give away this love the judges no one. Give away this love that gives you life. Continue to reach out to others, giving away this gift from God. A beloved parishioner told me recently that two years ago she was a stranger without acquaintances or friends and today she feels completely engulfed by the love of her Emmanuel family. This is the gift that God and you have given to her, to me, and to so many. As we all come to realize the more we give away this love, the experience of love is not diminished in us but rather it is greatly enhanced. Love grows as a gift because the One from whom this love originated is both Giver and the Gift. May you know this love today and always. Chuck

“Summertime and the living is easy &…”(Porgy & Bess) = Skipping Church? By the Rev. Charles F. Mullaly, Jr. As we start our summer vacations, I hope that you will not skip

2 out on attending church. I honestly hope that you will keep up your church attendance, even on vacation. Going to church elsewhere reminds us all that we a part of a larger church than just Emmanuel. Many of you have shared wonderful new ideas, programs, and bulletins from your summer travels. Going to church in a different setting also can be a wonderful way to more fully experience the area you are visiting. Stay in touch with your home church via our website which keeps you in touch with all of us. And, don’t forget your financial pledge during the summer because the bills and needs do not take a vacation and keep coming. May your summer months be filled with real rest (the Sabbath kind) and real recreation (the re-creating kind).

The Emmanuel Way children will be needing community service time, this is a great opportunity. We will also serve breakfast on Saturday, July 21 at Basic United Methodist Church. Send an email to Amanda Poor, [email protected], to get on the list for reminders as the dates approach.

Peter’s Message

Ascension Day Evensong On Thursday, May 17, Emmanuel’s choir joined with the choirs of Christ Church, Charlottesville, and St. Paul’s, Ivy to present a choral Evensong. There were 50 singers, 2 organists, and 160 people in attendance! The Rev. Eric Liles, the new rector at St. Paul’s, Ivy, chanted the service. The music included works by Thomas Tallis, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Friedrich Zachau and was simply glorious! Afterwards we gathered in the Parish Hall for a reception featuring a large variety of pies. If you missed it this year, do plan on attending next year. Evensong is a lovely way to celebrate Ascension.

Disciples Kitchen Report By Amanda Poor Disciples Kitchen Schedule for the Summer includes lunch at 2nd Presbyterian on Monday, June 18 and Monday, August 20. We'll serve our signature chili, corn bread, and watermelon to 80 or more each time so we'll need lots of help. If your

The Rev. Peter M. Carey

“The Bishop’s Bible Challenge” On the 2nd Sunday of Advent, we pray the following Collect at the beginning of the Eucharist: BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. As Christians, we are called to “hear, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest” the Holy Scriptures. However, in these times of information bombarding us on all sides, and in this time of rapid change and busy schedules, many people are challenged to find the space and time to read the Scriptures. Is this true for you? 2

June, 2012 At the recent Bishops’ Conference for Clergy, Bishop Johnston issued the “Bible Challenge,” to the people of the Diocese of Virginia. This “Bible Challenge,” is an international movement to read the entire Bible in one year, and it involves people from across the Anglican Communion from all theological and cultural perspectives. Will you accept Bishop Johnston’s challenge? I plan to step up and take on this challenge and hope many of you will as well. In a fragmented world in which our differences and disagreements seem to dominate more than our similarities and our commonalities, I believe that taking on a project of delving into Holy Scriptures may, in fact, offer points of connection, and communion even between people who may appear to be in radically different parts of Christ’s Body. For us at Emmanuel, as we enter into a time of transition and change, I believe that the “Bible Challenge” will center us in God as we chart our way forward. I hope you might take up the challenge! There is a daily schedule of Bible reading, about 3 chapters of the Old Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and about 1 chapter of the New Testament each day. The Diocese of Virginia has information about the challenge on its website, as well as a printable schedule of readings. Bishop Johnston’s challenge to the Diocese of Virginia is to begin the project on Pentecost Sunday, May 27th, 2012 and I hope that many of you will step up to this challenge. Blessings, Peter+

Vestry Report By Beth Colmery Senior Warden May brings an end to another school year and this time is filled with activities and celebrations that seem to keep us busy every day and night. Both the Youth Group and the Sunday school recently hosted farewell festivities for Chuck and Leith and I

3 know that everyone enjoyed these times together. Many of our Emmanuel programs and activities are finished for the year and the months of June, July and August will bring, we hope, a decrease in our pace of life and a time to enjoy the simple pleasures of summer life. The Vestry asks that we continue to wear our nametags so that getting to know each other can be made a bit easier. Wearing the nametags will be particularly helpful this summer as we greet each other at one combined service instead of two. In addition, there are plans to have photos of each vestry member posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. This should be accomplished by mid-June and we hope that this initiative will encourage members of the congregation to reach out to individual vestry members with questions and concerns they have in coming months. Typically, vestry meetings are not held during the months of July and August. However, with the immediate task at hand to call an Interim Rector I doubt very much that the summer will be meeting -free. In addition to this search we are also developing plans for communications, database and website improvements. This is all very exciting and we look forward to the results of these projects. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or other vestry members as we move through the summer months with questions or concerns you have. I ask you all to keep this wonderful place and its people in your prayers. Beth

Shrine Mont Committee The Shrine Mont Committee will be offering a dinner for six in a silent auction as a fundraiser. Bids can be placed in an envelope in the kitchen. The first dinner will be provided by Kathleen and Jess Haden in their home.

The Emmanuel Way

June, 2012

Sunday School teachers needed for next year

The Greenwood Grapevine reports

Associate Rector Peter Carey has announced, “We are still looking for a few good women and men who are willing to teach Sunday School to our wonderful children. We are blessed with many good teachers, and each class is run by a team of teachers so that we can have fun and teach and learn together. This also means that when someone needs to miss a Sunday, it is an easy one to cover.” He said, “Please consider teaching, and be in touch with me if you are interested with an email to [email protected] . We hope to fill all our needs for teachers in May. Next year will be a great one for Sunday School at Emmanuel!”

Charley Jefferson advises that his son, Marshall E. Jefferson, graduated from High Point University with a degree in Communications on May 5. Kate and Theo Kelderman are moving to Palm Beach, Florida, where Kate has been called as Associate Rector of Bethesda by the Sea. Kate was sponsored for the priesthood by Emmanuel Church and since her graduation from VTS in 2003, she has served in Minneapolis and presently as rector of Prince of Peace in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Theo was a longtime member of the Emmanuel Choir. The Keldermans have two children: Keene who is a Sophomore at St. Mary’s College in Maryland and Sjoerd who will be a junior in high school. New York University has a summer program for high school students. Jake Farrell has been accepted to the filmmakers program they sponsor in Dublin, Ireland. He’ll be there in July before returning for his senior year at Renaissance School. Chris Lehmbeck advises, “our older son, Ben, is graduating from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He will begin work with the Shirley Contracting Company in Northern Virginia in June.”

The Emmanuel Way Mission Statement The Emmanuel Way, the official newsletter of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Greenwood Parish, will strive to communicate with, enlighten, and entertain the members of the parish in strict compliance with the official word of church doctrine as set forth by the rector utilizing the Style Sheet of the Diocese of Virginia. The newsletter shall be published monthly on or before the 1st day of the month of issue. The publication shall not be published during the month of July. The deadline for submissions shall be the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. The primary role of the publication shall be to promote upcoming activities, report past activities and accomplishments of the church and its members, and carry an official church calendar of the month, as well as, become a recorded history of the church by the archival of all past issues.

The Emmanuel Way 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 Julia Shields . . . . . Editor Emeritus

3

Confirmation Classes set to begin this fall Emmanuel will begin a new Confirmation class this fall which will run into the spring, culminating in one of our bishops confirming our young people sometime in the spring of 2013. The class is for those who are in 8th grade and older (in 2012-2013), and we hope to have a wonderful class next year. Please contact Associate Rector Peter Carey if you are interested with an email to [email protected].

4

The Emmanuel Way

June, 2012

A new look for the Emmanuel Sacristy “During the month of June, our sacristy will be stripped of all of it’s existing cabinetry and the walls, ceiling and floors will be refinished and made ready for the installation of new cabinetry by The Closet Factory,” announced Patsy Crosby, our Altar Guild President. We are all very excited over the prospects of having new cabinetry that has been designed to specifically serve our needs. It will be more efficiently laid out and offer

better protection of our paraments, linens and accoutrements. Cabinet closures will be tighter to keep out dust and critters, and closets will have cedar backing panels. Each cabinet and drawer has been designed to accommodate the specific items to be stored therein. The long paraments for the main altar will be hung in such a way as to allow them to fall straight away without folds or resulting wrinkles. 4

The Closet Factory provided the cabinets in our vestments room as a first step. It was our satisfaction with their work there that encouraged us to bring them back to refurbish our sacristy. All elements used in Holy Communion have been moved to the kitchen in the parish hall where the Altar Guild will work to set up and clean up for each service.

5

The Emmanuel Way

June, 2012

John Marshall Bragaw presented Chuck with a “Shepherd” Flamingo as part of the Sunday School Classes gifts to Chuck and Leith on Youth Sunday. Our Youth honored Chuck and Leith on Sunday, May 19, following the 9 am service at 10 in the Emmanuel Parish Hall. The assembly enjoyed cake, fellowship, gifts, and time with Chuck and Leith between our services!

5

The Emmanuel Way

6

June, 2012

Emmanuel’s Summer Schedule of one combined service at 10 am begins on Sunday, June 3rd.

Emmanuel Way

First Class Postage

Post Office Box 38 Greenwood, Virginia 22943

6

Please check the Sunday bulletin for changes and additions. If you would like to schedule an event, please call the office at 540540-456456-6334.

Key HE—Holy Eucharist MP—Morning Prayer MLR—Marston/LaRue House PH—Parish Hall LH—Ledford House HC—Holy Cross, Batesville AA—Alcoholics Anonymous RCL—Revised Coffee Lectionary WBS—Women’s Bible Study MBS—Men’s Bible Study

Sunday Schedule 10:00 HE & Children’s Worship

June 2012

11 AA Meeting, 8 pm, PH

18 Disciples Kitchen Lunch, noon, 2nd Presbyterian, Waynesboro AA Meeting, 8 pm, PH 25 AA Meeting, 8 pm, PH

10 See Sunday

Schedule

17 Fathers Day See Sunday Schedule

24

See Sunday Schedule

4 AA Meeting, 8 pm, PH

MON

3 Trinity Sunday See Sunday Schedule

SUN

26 Mountainside Tea Party, 3 pm

19

12 Mountainside Tea Party , 3 pm Vestry Meeting, 7 pm, PH

5

TUES

27

20

13

6 Bread Fund Packing, 10 am, HC

WED

7

Contemplative Prayer, 5:30 pm, church

28 WBS, 10:30 am, PH

Contemplative Prayer, 5:30 pm, church

21

14 WBS, 10:30 am, PH Contemplative Prayer, 5:30 pm, church

Contemplative Prayer, 5:30 pm, church

THURS

9

2 Bread Fund Distribution, 8 am, Holy Cross

SAT

29 AA Meeting, 8 PM, PH

22 AA Meeting, 8 PM, PH

30

23

15 16 Wedding rehearsal Austin/Robinson AA Meeting, 8 wedding, 4 pm PM, MLR

8 AA Meeting, 8 PM, PH

AA Meeting, 8 PM, PH

1

FRI