The Sunrise ...at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection Starkville, Mississippi March, 2003   Dear Resurrection community, If you have taken a gander at our Church grounds, especially the columbarium construction area, you may have noticed that Lent began early this year. That is to say, the digging is well underway and dust (or mud) is everywhere! And, how appropriate that the digging on our church property is being done so that we may welcome the dust of saints and souls and so that we may remember and be informed and nourished by the joy and wisdom of the past. And, so, we dig. With the imminent approach of Lent, the time is coming for us to take up our shovels to engage the Lenten process of interior excavation. For it is in Lent that we, as individuals and as a community, are called to dig deep, deep within - through the dust of Ash Wednesday, past the cobwebs of forgotten hopes and dreams, beneath the clutter of worn out habits and hyperactive lives, into the core of our minds, bodies and souls. And as we dig, we search to discover the gems, the abundant treasures, the beauty of who God is creating us to be, the kingdom of God that dwells within. But as with any serious excavation, we must be mindful of the process and approach our digging with careful regard for our surroundings, ever aware of the precious and potentially fragile nature what may be unearthed. Rather than crashing into our interior lives like a Tazmanian devil, we are encouraged to take our time and to be gentle as we use of the tools provided for us. Some of those tools for digging include the disciplines of prayer and remembrance, which may be observed through contemplative reflection as we delve into our Lenten study; through intimate, communal worship at home communions and weekday service, and by paralleling our journey with Christ's journey through the Stations of the Cross. Other tools might include sorting through personal habits, defenses and attitudes, discerning their value, and making an effort to discard those characteristics and behaviors that serve as barriers to the Holy or to nurture those qualities and activities that shed light on the Holy and enhance life. What is vitally important is that we develop a posture of attentiveness as we allow the process of interior excavation to flow over us like a warm breeze or a cool stream of water gently eroding and washing away the sediment and debris and exposing gems and fragments of our individual and communal lives. Then, as stones and artifacts are uncovered, tenderly brush away the dust, roll them around in your palm, hold them up to the light, sit with them in silence, and allow them to speak to your heart, to reveal glimpses of God's grace and blessing - even in the chips of remembrance, even in those relics that are difficult and painful to extract, even in the ordinary found objects and deeds. But, lest we forget the intention of this process of Lenten digging, lest we get bogged down in the muck and mire of the dig, as we proceed with care and thoughtfulness, and perhaps some fear, let us remember that whatever emerges may be offered to God - the One who restores weary bones and exhausted souls, the One who reconciles fearful people and broken relationships, the One who resurrects life from ashes and dust and leads us into new and abundant life. Alleluia, alleluia! And, so, as we take up our tools and disciplines and assume prayerful postures of attentiveness, remembrance and hope, let us dig deep, deep within… Shalom, SUNRISE NEWS & EVENTS March, 2003 Newsletter WORSHIP SCHEDULE: SUNDAY: 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I (Nursery) 9:15 a.m. Sunday School & Inquirer's classes 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I (Nursery) WEDNESDAY: 12:05 p.m. Lenten Liturgies at MSU 7:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Dinner at 6 p.m.) THURSDAY: 12:05 p.m. Healing & Holy Eucharist followed by "Dutch treat" lunch at Oby's LENTEN SCHEDULE: Everyone is encouraged to invite a friend to participate in some aspect of our Lenten discipline at Resurrection. Ash Wednesday, March 5: 12:05 p.m. - Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes - MSU Chapel of Memories 5:30 p.m. - Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes - Parish Church Tuesday: 7:00 p.m. - Home Communions Wednesday: 12:05 p.m. - Stations of the Cross - MSU 5:30 p.m. - Lenten Study -Student Center 6:15 p.m. - Simple soup & bread with Canterbury 7:00 p.m. - Lenten Eucharist Thursday: 12:05 p.m. - Holy Eucharist and Healing followed by soup and bread luncheon Friday: 5:30 p.m. - Stations of the Cross VESTRY/LEADERSHIP RETREAT - At our first vestry/leadership retreat on February 14-15 approximately 25 of our leaders, lay and ordained, brainstormed and dreamt about all of the "possibilities" for Resurrection. We discovered that we deeply value certain qualities at Resurrection: acceptance, genuineness, openness, warmth, respect, inclusivity, intellectual freedom, as well as the freedom to walk our spiritual paths deeply and authentically. We realized that we truly want to "grow" our church; as our artwork attested, we envision a church brimming over with people of many colors and cultures. And in order to bring this vision to life, we need a more intentional and aggressive approach to outreach -- not only to reach out to those in need but to attract and invite individuals and families into our parish family. And to do so we embarked on establishing a Cargivers Committee which would incorporate outreach and inreach efforts. Another awareness was a desire to broaden and deepen our liturgical experience through increased diversity of music and services while retaining what we value about our liturgical heritage. Most importantly, as we dared to voice our hopes and dreams for the church, we were reminded of how blessed we are at Resurrection, how much we value our sense of community and appreciate our rich legacy. Through the process of appreciative inquiry under the guidance of Liz Workman and by engaging as a community in what we value and envision, we realized afresh how much we have to offer our local community; and we resolved to reach out to one another and others with confidence, authenticity and hope. NURSERY - We hired a nursery worker, Jamie Murphey, to provide nursery care every Sunday from 7:45 a.m. until noon! Spread the news to parents and come greet Jamie. Many thanks to all who helped keep the nursery open since Stella retired! CAMP BRATTON GREEN applications for campers and staff are available in the church office. We are excited to have many familiar directors, including Elizabeth Wheatley at a Junior High session and David Johnson at a 3rd-4th grade session. Camps fill up quickly. So, mail apps. on March 1st (not before)! Scholarship info is available. BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY - On the first Sunday of each month, beginning March 2, all persons who will celebrate a birthday or an anniversary that month will be invited to come forward after the opening Collect at which time a blessing and prayer of thanksgiving will be offered. Parents of children in the nursery are invited to bring their "birthday" children for the blessing and prayer and then may take the child to the nursery. The Children's Christian Education will provide a bank to collect funds which will go to the Episcopal Relief and Development. Those celebrating a birthday/anniversary may wish to offer a token (1¢, 5¢, $1) of thanksgiving for the blessings of life. This offering is strictly optional. GUEST CLERGY - In recognition of World Mission Sunday on March 2nd, the Rev. Diane Livingston, our Diocesan Coordinator for the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, will preach at both services. And on March 9th, because Bill will be serving as a spiritual director at Cursillo #100 and Elizabeth will be serving as a spiritual director at Vocare #30, the Rev. Lynn K. Barker will serve as preacher and celebrant. ST. MARTHA'S GUILD will meet Monday, March 3rd for fellowship and a brown bag lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Center. Guests are always welcome. FAT TUESDAY FESTIVITIES! Join in the celebration of Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday/Shrove Tuesday on March 4th. Our annual Red Beans & Rice dinner (traditional and vegetarian), prepared by "Chef" Michael Fazio, will take place in the Parish Hall from 5:30-7:00 p.m. To provide some down home southern flavor, beginning at 6:15 we will welcome a small group of MSU's "Black Voices", as well as enjoy the melifluous voice of Anita George and join in singing some of the "Gospel" selections from our Episcopal hymnals. The cost for dinner will be $5.00 per person. Please reserve a spot by signing the list in the Narthex or call Nelda, and indicate if you prefer veggie. ASH WEDNESDAY- The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. The Holy Eucharist with imposition of ashes will be celebrated at 12:05 pm at the MSU Chapel of Memories and at 5:30 pm at Resurrection. SECOND SUNDAY SHARING is March 9th. Please remember those less fortunate and buy doubles of non- perishable food items for the Community food pantry. EYC NEWS -EYC is continuing to have a wonderful and exciting semester. Intriguing discussions, creating Valentine's for our friends staying in our local nursing homes, and playing in Aberdeen have been among our activities. Keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming youth events, especially the Lenten Golden Triangle Lock-In here at Resurrection. Remember we will not be having EYC March 9, due to spring break holidays. Call Jessica Callahan if you have any questions. THANK YOU to those who have served meals this semester: Rachel McCann & David Lewis, Karen Koch & Tom Cathcart, Kathy & Steven Brandon, and Robert & Linda Cox! LENTEN STUDY- From 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., the Wednesdays of Lent (March 12 - April 9), Fr. Bill will lead meditations, "praying with scripture." This is not Bible study or teaching but learning how to allow Scripture to speak to our heart. As a guide, we will read Martin Smith's The Word Is Very Near You.If you would like a book ordered ($10), please sign up on the Narthex Bulletin board or call the parish office by March 2. LENTEN HOME COMMUNIONS - As Christianity began, early believers did not worship in grand cathedrals nor ornately decorated naves, but in the homes of fellow believers. They gathered this way because they could not worship in public places, because there numbers were few, and because that was where the people were -- in their neighborhoods. Part of this year's Lenten offering will include home communions. These home communions will be held on Tuesdays during Lent at 7:00 p.m. in the homes of parishioners: March 11 - Linda & Robert Cox, 200 Honeysuckle Lane March 18 - Babs & Happy Deas , 616 S. Wedgewood Drive March 25 - David Lewis & Rachel McCann, 304 S. Jackson Street April 1 - Tom Cathcart & Karen Koch, 10 Tally Ho Drive April 8 - Sherri & David Van Landingham, 104 Tanglewood Drive These communion gatherings will be very informal and brief (not longer than an hour with 30-40 minutes for the service and 20 minutes of social gathering) and are excellent services for families and to include children of all ages. Since they are being hosted in different parts of Starkville, those who are interested are invited to attend all of them. But we hope everyone will attend the home communion nearest their home and take this excellent opportunity to invite neighbors (especially those who do not attend church) to experience the Episcopal liturgy. NEWSLETTER DEADLINE is March 16th. NAME TAG SUNDAY is March 16th. Please wear a NAME TAG as a means of welcoming guests! ALTAR GUILD ALERT- There will be an Altar Guild meeting on March 22nd at 10:30 a.m. in the nave for all prospective new members and present members. It is important that all present members attend so that we may all learn what changes Fr. Bill may want to make. SPECIAL PERFORMANCE - On Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the nave at Resurrection, John Maxwell will perform his one-man play: Fishtale. Best known for his one-man play Oh, Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write?, which has toured around the world, John has developed a ministry of proclaiming the Gospel through drama. In Fishtale, first performed at New Stage Theater in Jackson and toured in various parts of the U.S., Maxwell portrays Peter, an illiterate, blue-collar fisherman who loves to talk. In this highly entertaining, moving two-act monologue, Peter tells stories about his friend, Jesus, and his journey to the cross. The performance will be open to the public. Because we expect a full crowd, seating will be limited to those with tickets. Please watch for more details about purchasing tickets and let David Lewis know if you can help with publicity and ticket sales. CANTERBURY LODGE - Thanks to many strong arms, especially Carey Price, Chris Price, Leonard Brandon, James McCormick, Jessica Callahan, and John Yarbrough and his flooring crew the Scales House is one major step closer to becoming the Canterbury Lodge! In addition to a few projects to complete - trim, cabinets, and cleaning - we will be collecting items for the house - donated, purchased, or made - to complete the furnishings: stove, microwave, kitchenware, computer gear, furniture, window treatments, bathroom items, and area rugs. Then, we'll be ready to bless the space by its use! NEW MEMBER MINISTRY NOTES from Lynn Phillips: Here is a good rule of thumb for making sure all our members and newcomers feel at home at Resurrection, the "Three Pew Rule": If you offer the peace to anyone sitting in your pew, the pew in front of you, or the pew behind you, make it a point to introduce yourself to them after church. Instead of asking if they are new (because they may be a church member), just say "I don't believe we have met." If they are a newcomer, and you don't feel you are imposing, please introduce them to another parishioner and to Elizabeth and Bill! If you are interested in serving as a greeter, contact Lynn Phillips at lynn@pfai.com. TIME AND TALENT - We are developing a "new and improved" time and talent list and are compiling a list of ways parishioners might help at Resurrection. If you have any ideas, from handling spreadsheets, to setting up chairs, or doing plumbing or landscaping, please contact Lynn Phillips at lynn@pfai.com. Many hands make light work! MISSISSIPPI DAY - Approximately 200 people from the Diocese plan to attend the Mississippi Day at the Washington Cathedral, April 27th. The deadline to register for tours, including a less expensive bus tour from Tupelo, has been extended. See bulletin board for information. SILENT RETREAT - Lenten Meditation with the Rev. Kyle Bennett and the Kinder Melody Musicians, April 4-6, at Gray Center. See Bulletin Board for more details. CONGRATULATIONS to Donna Barnes on the birth of her grandson, Joseph Alexander Barnes, son of Jeff and Elaine Barnes. CONGRATULATIONS to Anita George who continues to serve as chair of the Diocesan Racial Reconciliation Committee, to Fr. Bill who was elected to the Executive Committee, and to Elizabeth who has been appointed Diocesan Spiritual Director for Vocare. YOUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR....Susan Cook who has been hospitalized with pneumonia, Slick Ables who is recovering from surgery, LaVora Williams and Lorenzo Crowell as they undergo treatment, Rae Brandon as she recuperates from a broken leg, Susie Owings as she recuperates at home and Carolyn Crowder as she recovers from a broken arm. CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is extended to Dwayne Myers and his family on the death of his mother, JoAnne Myers and to Kathy Brandon on the death of her father, Walter Van Skiver. "Rest eternal grant them, O Father, and let light perpetual shine upon them." Pray for all who mourn. MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1 Nina Chatham 2 Jean Little 3 Jan Rhodes 4 Gracie Cox 5 Slick Ables 5 Steve Wilkerson 6 Douglas Crawford 12 Keith Baca 13 Tracy Stebbins 13 Mary Carolyn King 15 Young Kerby 22 Reed Green 24 Caroline Brandon 24 Jonathan Wray 26 Marsha Williams 27 Honey Johnston 28 Mary Lynn Peyton 28 Gretchen Simmons 29 Susie Owings 30 Mary Switzer LOOKING AHEAD... April 12 - Guild of the Palm Cross April 13 - Palm Sunday, Bishop's visit and Confirmation April 14-19 - Holy Week April 14-15 - Labyrinth at MSU in YMCA Auditorium April 19 - Great Easter Vigil April 20 - Easter Sunday April 27 - Mississippi Day, National Cathedral in D.C.