The Sunrise ...at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection Starkville, Mississippi December, 2004 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ…. As you read this entry, we are somewhere between Thanksgiving and the early days of Advent. Calendars typically get overly crowded and activities increase as we all enter the "holiday season." There are plans to make and preparations to carry out as we work on gift lists, Christmas card lists, family plans, travel plans, extra choir rehearsals and extra events at church, school and office, etc., etc. As we do all of these things, some things will not change at all in our world. The world will still have a population of millions who have not quite enough to live and millions more who have more than enough. Reconciling the starvation and death of those Jesus commended to our attention in Matthew 25:31-46 (the sick, the hungry, the thirsty, the prisoners, the naked, the oppressed) and the prosperity even in what we describe as a "down economy" is a critical aspect of the Christian life. These words appeared at the start of a publication entitled "Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?" that is filled with ideas and encouragement about simplifying our holidays and about alternative Christmas gifts. Though many of you have heard me plug Episcopal Relief and Development "Gifts of Life" catalog as a way to give gifts in honor of someone that truly give life to others whether the gifts be clean water, mosquito nets, animals for improved income and nourishment, agricultural training among many other choices, I am pleased to see more and more opportunities in today's world for giving that work to share our abundance with the needs of the world. Why is this worth stressing again? Some statistics may help. UNICEF estimates 29,600 children die each day, mostly from circumstances resulting from extreme poverty, more than 10 million annually. Approximately 31,000 of these die in the United States. Thousands of adults also die daily from hunger, diseases (malaria and HIV/AIDS especially), unclean water and the absence of medical care we would call routine. 12 million people die each year from lack of water, including 3 million children from waterborne disease: 1.1 billion lack access to clean water; 2.4 billion live without decent sanitation; and 4 billion without wastewater disposal. In developing countries, 91 children out of 1,000 die before their fifth birthday. In the USA 8 children in 1,000 will die before turning five years old. If we don't make a conscious effort to do otherwise, the ways of the culture will suck us into a rhythm of over consumption, debt, and misplaced priorities. Look for opportunities to model and teach simplicity and the tenets of our Christian faith to our children and grandchildren and be alert to the messages we send to our friends and siblings by what we honor them with. Remember to use rituals that help us to maintain our spiritual focus and enable us to live at a healthy and balanced pace. Lighting an Advent wreath in our homes is an excellent way to start or end each day during this period of time. When we light the appropriate candles and read the scripture for the day, it is a wonderful way to focus our lives on the real celebration - the coming of Emmanuel - God with us, God in us and God for us. Keep daily prayer times and Sunday church attendance as a way to regulate our schedules. Consider what traditions are important to keep in our lives. Maintain ones that bring us peace and help us to make this season truly a time to prepare for the birth of Jesus; discard ones that lead us to keep up with others, over spend, over indulge, or focus only on the secular ways of the season. Best wishes for a joyful, generous Advent and Christmas! Christ's Peace,   NEWS & EVENTS December, 2004   Music Notes Adults' Choir Congratulations to adult choir member Brook Herman on winning first place in her category in the regional competition of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Brook competed in the regional held at Monroe, Louisiana. Lessons & Carols A service of Lessons and Carols is December 5 at 5:00 p.m. The service is followed by a festive reception in the Student Center. At this service, the readings move us from the story of creation, through the prophecies of Isaiah, to the birth of Jesus. After each reading, an anthem or hymn will be sung by the choirs or congregation. Joining us this year is Dr. Lana Johns on flute and Dr. Bob Damm on timpani and bells. Caroling Adult choir will sponsor Caroling for those who are homebound or in nursing homes on Thursday, December 16. If you are interested in joining us, meet us at the Student Center by 5:30 p.m. If you are able to join us for the informal supper after caroling at the home of Mary Lee and John Beal (Michael Fazio, cook), please let Leanne know at leannefazio@nctv.com before December 14.   Canterbury Attention All Canterbury Students! Canterbury Fellowship continues through Exam Week this semester! December 1, we will gather as usual at the Canterbury Lodge at 6:00 p.m. for food, fellowship and fun. On December 8, please drop in at Brian's house (301-B S. Jackson St.) for a study break with food anytime between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. For directions or more information, please contact Brian. Canterbury's regular schedule will resume when MSU begins the spring semester on January 10. Lodge Open for Exam Week Drop by the Lodge anytime during exam week!! Canterbury students are welcome to use the Lodge as a place to study at anytime, but especially during exams!! There will be plenty of goodies for you to snack on throughout the week, so make yourselves at home … just leave the Lodge like you found it when you're done! Any parishioners interested in supplying snacks are encouraged to contact Brian in the church office. Council Registration Canterbury hopes to send a delegation to Annual Council in Natchez on January 28-30. Please remember that to qualify for the discounted rate, you must register by January 10. This means that your registration form and check should be received in the Parish Office by January 3. Please get your forms in as soon as possible! If you have questions, please call Brian. HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY BREAK!!   EYC: Winter Solstice Winter Solstice applications are available in the church office. Winter Solstice 2004 will take place December 27 through January 1 at Camp Bratton-Green and is a camp experience for those in ninth through twelfth grades. Cost is $275, and some assistance is available. Questions? Need an application?? Call Brian in the church office.   Thanks to all who have graciously provided meals for Canterbury recently--Margaret & Joe Tom Mosely, Susan & Bill Hill, Jeanne & Tommy Wakeman and Jean & James Newman. What a treat!! We really appreciate it! Anyone interested in providing meals for the spring semester are encouraged to sign up on the bright yellow list in the Narthex! Thanks again.   Servant Ministry World Hunger Sunday Thanks to so many who remembered to bring an item of food with something folded on top for World Hunger Sunday! Our "Can You Top This?" Drive brought in almost $400 which will be given to help reduce local and world hunger; the food items as usual went to the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Martin Noah Martin Noah, our MSU student from Sudan, shared with a large crowd during the Christian Education time on World Hunger Sunday about his country and his life as a refugee. We are thrilled that he is among us now as a college student and worshiping regularly at Church of the Resurrection. Some asked if Martin had specific needs and when he identified health insurance, several indicated that they would like to help with this. We are pursuing getting student insurance for Martin and if any would like to contribute to this venture, please make your check out to Resurrection and earmark it for "insurance for Martin." Children's Project The children of our parish are saving their money in small water bottles to help provide clean water and proper sanitation for a community. Their funds will be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development to help a community dig a well. They have talked about how we often take our easy supply of water for granted and how getting plenty of safe water is a constant and difficult job in many places in the world. Many people's water is not clean and it is often children who become sick and even die when they consume unclean water. Please support them in their efforts by dropping your offerings of coins, dollars and checks into the large plastic water jug in the narthex (make your checks payable to Resurrection earmarked for clean water). On December 12, our Second Sunday Sharing, these offerings will be brought to the altar with our other gifts. Safe Haven Beginning in December we will reactivate a former practice of focusing on Safe Haven Shelter which serves women and children who are fleeing abusive situations. On the Third Sunday of each month we ask that the congregation bring hygiene items like toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (items from motels like soaps, shampoos, lotions are always welcome) and any household item that could help establish a home. If items are large, please call Alice Jones (324-5756) and the Servant Ministry Committee will try to assist with pickup.   December Birthdays 4 Bob Anderson 4 Tom Cathcart 7 Sherrie VanLandingham 10 Anita George 11 Melanie Hollister 13 Jack Hollister 16 Dolton McAlpin 17 Jonathon Brandon 17 Brian Ponder 18 Ann McVey 21 LaVora Williams 22 Mal Moore 23 Jeri Mangum 24 Idabelle Ables 24 Leanne Fazio 26 Will Christiansen 27 Susan Hill 27 Elizabeth Smith 27 Mike Vance 29 Bettye Hillen 29 Diane Livingston 29 Kelsey Damms 31 David VanLandingham Remember to visit the church web page to catch up on news. Some have discovered our church through this vehicle and have come to worship, etc. with us. Sermons are posted each week and can be read if you have been absent or just want to think further about what was said. Families of those baptized recently may like to print out the sermon of that day and keep it for their child to read in future years or on the anniversary of their baptism. Many thanks to Rick Noffsinger for his tireless efforts to keep it current.   2005 Diocesan Council The 2005 Council meeting will be in Natchez, January 28 - 30. Delegates and alternates are requested to send their registrations to the Parish Office as soon as possible. Others who would like to attend as guests may request registration forms from the Parish Office. The registration fee is $75 ($40 for those under 30 and $90 after January 10). A block of rooms have been reserved at the Isle of Capri. When you send in your registration, please indicate whether you would like one of these rooms. Please let us know as soon as possible so that we can release any unused rooms.   Vestry Reorganization As noted in the November Vestry summary, the Vestry has approved an organizational structure for parish planning and coordination. The Church of the Resurrection, with an average attendance of around 150 falls into what is known as a transition size parish - meaning it is too large to be coordinated by the rector but lacks the staff of larger program size parishes. For a transition size parish to serve the formation, worship and pastoral needs of its members, maintain the building and grounds and day-to-day operation, be a resource in meeting community needs, and invite, welcome and incorporate others, a system of strong and effective lay leadership is needed. Resurrection first identified itself as a transition parish approximately 5 - 6 years ago and began planning to organize such a system of lay leadership. However, these efforts were interrupted by David Johnson's departure, the resulting vacancy, and Bill Livingston's arrival. With Bill's arrival, it became evident that the initial structure presented limitations: no clearly identified method for selecting those to oversee the various areas of ministry; an inequitable distribution of responsibility and tasks in the organizational structure; a substantial increase in required meeting for the structure to operate. During much of 2004, the Vestry has considered approaches that will enhance our capability to best serve our current membership, bring in new members, and maintain the parish operation. In the approved structure, the responsibility for the planning and coordination of the parish is divided among the rector, chaplain, deacon, senior warden, junior warden, and the six vestry members. The scope of the Vestry is far beyond that of merely approving parish expenditures and overseeing the maintenance. Instead, the Vestry is committed to a vision of best serving our members, creating an environment of transformation for the parish and for its members and inviting and incorporating new members. At the November meeting, the current Vestry members identified the areas of ministry for which each member wished to assume the leadership and identified the two areas for which leaders are sought in the 2005 Vestry elections. The two areas are Children and Youth Formation and Adult Formation. Therefore, at the January 23 Annual Parish Meeting, we will be electing the following persons: Senior Warden (Mary Lee Beal is not eligible for reelection), Junior Warden (Michael Fazio is eligible for reelection), Vestry Person for Christian and Youth Formation and Vestry Person for Adult Formation. Vestry members with strong interest and passion in these specific ministries are desired. Therefore, all members are asked to prayerfully consider if they have interest in these areas or can identify parishioners who do. If you have an interest in one of these areas, please express your interest to Fr. Bill or to a current vestry member. If you would like to nominate someone for Vestry member, please use a "Vestry Nomination Form,." - requesting his/her permission to be nominated. Nomination forms are available in the Narthex (parking lot entry way) or the parish office. A copy of the organizational chart is attached. A copy of the approved organization structure report - including more detailed description, general roles of all vestry members and role of vestry members as ministry coordinators - is available in the Narthex. --See organizational chart   Silent Auction: A Success! The 2004 Silent Auction was a big success! Thank you to all who participated in the Silent Auction: those who gave items, those who attended and participated in the fun that evening, those who set up and cleaned up! A special thank you goes to Beth Batson and David McMillen for coordinating the event and to the many local and regional artists who were so generous in offering their works - a true gift of time and talents!   From the Vestry The regular monthly meeting for the Vestry was held on Monday, November 15, 2004. For our opening devotion Bill read from the 23rd Chapter of Jeremiah. Our mission is to serve people and make God known to all. Is Resurrection doing what needs to be done or is not doing what ought to done in order to fulfill our mission? The minutes for the October 18 meeting were approved and the October Financial Statement was accepted. Bill gave a Stewardship report. For the pledges received, the average pledge has increased approximately 16%. However, at this point, we are below this year's pledged income because there are still 16 individuals who normally pledge who have not turned in a pledge nor indicated that they will not be doing so. Dolton submitted the 2003 Audit Report which was accepted. Many thanks go to Ann McVey, Babs Deas and Sandra Sistrunk for keeping us legal. Michael Fazio reported that we would soon be seeing our new signs on church property. Brian gave a brief report on Canterbury activities. The planned camp-out was not able to take place but is on schedule for the spring term. The last Wednesday meeting for this term will be December 8. The first meeting for the spring semester will be Wednesday, January 10, 2005. His Ordination to the priesthood has been scheduled for Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 11:00 am. The Vestry approved continuing our voluntary proportional giving to the Diocese at 15%. Bill was awarded a $2,000 Mid-South grant for continuing education and the Vestry approved his accepting this grant. Bill will use the grant to apply toward the $6,000 cost of attending the Congregational Development Institute: 2 weeks of study in both the summers of 2005 and 2006 . Also approved were the diocese application for license renewal of Lay Eucharistic Ministers for our parish. A review and discussion were held on the Bishop's presentation "Where Have All the People Gone" and the Roy Oswald "Transitional Church" seminar. Many challenges lie ahead for our parish. A review was held on the proposed Organizational Structure which Bill presented last month. After much discussion, the new structure was adopted. The two Wardens and six Vestry members will have specific areas of responsibility. By doing this, the Vestry is planning for more lay people becoming involved with the activities of our parish. Before adjourning, our Annual Parish Meeting was scheduled for January 23, 2005. Due to the late date of the third Monday of December, our meeting was rescheduled for Monday, December 13, 2004. We will meet at the Livingston's at 6:30 pm for our quarterly social prior to our 7:00 meeting. We adjourned with the Lord's Prayer.   St. Joseph's Guild Gets Ready for Fall Saint Joseph's Guild has been going about its fall duties. On two Saturday workdays, Glenn Cook, Lois Connington, Clarissa Balbalian, David Lewis, Tom Coleman, Bill Batson, and Michael Fazio finished clearing the area south of the entry drive. Douglas Crawford had already brought in his chain saw to get things ready. Douglas also repaired the leaking toilet in Canterbury Lodge and painted the men's restroom off the breezeway at the Parish Hall. John Beal repaired the water heater in the Canterbury Lodge as well. David Lewis has finished laying tile for and grouting the labyrinth, with assistance from James McCormick and Bill Hardin. Buddy Gentry of Gentry Signs is working on a coordinated program of signage for the church property, perhaps to be in place by the end of the year. Eric Watland has joined the lawn mowing crew, and he, Peyton Passons, Bill Cooke, and Michael Fazio are now mowing grass and mulching leaves.   Other Coming Events & Important Dates DECEMBER 3-5 Signs of Endings, Big House 5 Lessons & Carols, 5:00 p.m. 10 VPG $ estimate due to diocesan office 13 Finance Committee meeting 15 Pre-filed resolutions & nominations due to the Secretary of Council 16 Christmas Caroling 19 Los Posadas, St. Andrew's Cathedral 20 Executive Committee Meeting 24 Christmas Eve Services, 5:30 & 11:00 24-27 Allin House closed for Christmas 27-1 Winter Solstice, Gray Center JANUARY 10 Registration deadline for Annual Council 18 Registration deadline for Youth Council 22 Brian Ponder's Ordination (11:00 a.m.) 23 Annual Parish Meeting 28-30 The 178th ANNUAL COUNCIL, NATCHEZ, and the 7th Annual Youth Council FEBRUARY 5-12 Honduras Medical Mission 17-20 Cursillo #106, Gray Center 25-27 Total Immersion Spanish Weekend, Gray Center MARCH 3-5 Happening #60, St. Philip's, Jackson 11-13 New Beginnings, Camp Bratton Green APRIL 1-2 Wardens' Conference, Gray Center 1-3 SR High DOY Weekend, Camp Bratton Green 15-16 ECW Spring Conference, Gray Center 29-1 JR High DOY, Camp Bratton Green Resurrection events are bolded; important budget & council dates & deadlines are italicized.   Your prayers are asked for…... those with child, especially Maribel, Emily, Wendy VanLandingham, Julia Silverman, Laura Livingston, Holly Potts, Casey Cole….…those who suffer in mind, body or spirit, especially A.C., Margie, LaVora, Jeanne, Melanie, Lorenzo, Dee, Edna, Don, Nora, Oma Lee, Ophelia, Nel, Bill Boyd, Becky Seago Simrall, Michelle, Donald Mosley, Larry Heath, Judy Kirkpatrick, Susie Owings, Melinda Gwin, Jim LeBatard, Bill Kennington, Charlie Hicks, Roy, Jason, Robert, Gwen Cahoon, Donna Smith, Mike Stanton, Tom Lindsay, Chris Sears, Katy, Marion Gwinner, Chad Green, Mary Sears, Mike Ballard, Adam Stewart…....those who serve in the military, especially Steve, David, Chris, Justin, Fran, Bob, Banks, Richard, Andy Hyde, Steve Carmichael, Keith Harris, Adam Pastor, T. J. …….and those in harm's way.   Servant Ministry: Christmas Projects Angel Tree On Sunday, December 5 the annual Angel Tree will be up in the Student Center with people in our community who have needs and wants this Christmas who are eager to be adopted. The persons range from very, very young to very elderly with wants and wishes ranging from clothing, household items, toys to groceries. Please stop by at any time to select an angel and then return your item as soon as possible but no later than December 19. Thanks for your help on this hands- on, all-age participatory project! Kettle Day: December 14 Church of the Resurrection will supply bell ringers for the Salvation Army Kettle at FoodMax on Tuesday, December 14. Hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We need 2 people to sign up for each hour, since there will be one collection point at each entrance. A sign-up sheet has been posted in the narthex if you can help with this project. If you have questions, please contact Tom Cathcart at 323-6734 (home) or 325-7349 (work) or by email at tc@abe.msstate.edu.   December Adult Christian Ed Christian Education for Adults will meet in the Student Center on Sunday, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at 9:15 a.m. and resume our discussion of John Maxwell's DVDs. The final one for this semester is The Woman at the Well. All are welcome whether you have attended previously or not; no preparation is necessary.   Welcome to those who were baptized on All Saints' Sunday: Claire Caprio Keith Caprio Magdalen Dobson Madelyn Easterling June Glenney Lanae Watland   Don't forget Lessons & Carols December 5, at 5:00 p.m. followed by a festive reception in the Student Center. There is no 7:00 p.m. service on Sunday, December 5.   Christian Sympathy is extended to Col. Steve Wilkerson and family on the death of Patsy Wilkerson on November 21, 2004.   The Feast of the Epiphany An Order of Worship for the Evening and the Holy Eucharist; Thursday, January 6 at 5:30 p.m.