The Sunrise ...at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection Starkville, Mississippi June, 2004 Dear Brothers and Sisters, As I enter my second summer as your rector, I gain a better understanding of our annual rhythm as a parish: a dramatic decline in our Sunday attendance as we enter summer. Actually, this is part of the summer pattern for all parishes. However, here it is accentuated by the absence of MSU students and the number of parishioners who travel during the summer ˆ and then of course, there are those who simply take a vacation from church during the summer. While not encouraging you to skip church for the summer, I do encourage you to use the slower pace of the summer to assess what you most value. As 21st century American culture has developed a mentality that believes more and bigger is always better, we can lose sight of the fact that which is most important to us and gives us the greatest pleasure and sense of worth has no monetary value. The book, Four Arguments Against Television, best described our culture as follows: We are a people who, if we came upon a deserted island and found a people spending their days fishing, enjoying time with family and friends and sleeping in hammocks, we would convince these people to establish a monetary system so that they could work most of their lives in jobs they did not enjoy and save their earnings so that as they got older, they could retire and spend their time fishing, enjoying time with family and friends and sleeping in hammocks. I fear this assessment may be more realistic than we'd like to admit. Therefore, I encourage you to use the summer's slower pace to experience God's breathing (Hebrew for spirit is wind or breath) day by day and moment by moment in the ordinary of your life. Discover how prayer can cease to be a recitation of wishes you want God to fulfill and become what you do naturally, instinctively, without special intention, as natural as your own breathing. It is there that we begin to discover the place to which God calls us, the place Frederick Buechner describes as where our deep gladness meets the world's deep hungers. However, our culture resists answering God's call by convincing us that achievement and acquisition are the principles of our lives; being busy to the point of exhaustion exhibits a productive life; career takes priority over relationships; money determines everything's value; prosperity equates to successful living; having more can reduce all disappointments; rather than members of a community or a vessel of God's breath, we are consumers and those around us are commodities for our use. When we are in the midst of this lifestyle, we cannot step back and have this awareness. However, the slower pace of summer may provide us chances to shake off some of this cultural influence and to seek to discern God's call. Jay McDaniel in Living from the Center: Spirituality in an Age of Consumerism suggests these processes discerning God's call: Practice an intuitive listening to God's Breathing as an inner guide. Be open to the divine presence in people, places, and things around you. Accept the spiritual energy which comes when mental and physical energies are depleted; let go of your "false gods" or attachments to things, beliefs, or relationships which distract us from God's Breathing. Trust that God's grace may come from the least likely sources. Practice regular inner silence. Face tragedy with courage, without hiding, even when nothing can be done to "fix" the situation. Avail yourself to and actualize God's creative healing, wholeness, and beauty in the world. Share in the joys and suffering of others on their own terms and for their own sakes, promoting their happiness rather than your own. Of course, worshiping with your parish family won't hurt! Have a safe and blessed summer. Christ's Peace, NEWS & EVENTS June, 2004 Newsletter Music Notes Children's Choir The end-of-the-year picnic at Robinson Lake was a big hit. Children's Choir takes the summer off and starts their fall season with a Pool Party on Sunday, August 15. All children entering grades 1-6 are welcome. Choir Appreciation Dinner On May 26, the first Choir Appreciation Dinner was in the Parish Hall. The choir was formally thanked for its tireless and inspired contribution to the liturgy by Fr. Bill and the Senior Warden, Mary Lee Beal. We Will Miss You Several faithful members of the choir are leaving us. Michael Bestor, who has graduated from M.S.U., is moving to begin graduate school at the University of Alabama. Linda and Gracie Cox are moving to Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, where Linda will be head of the Counseling Center at the University of Illinois. The choir honored Michael, Linda, and Gracie each with E.L.V.I.S. (Episcopal Liturgical Vocal Inspirational Society) certificates, which James McCormick wittily prepared. Summer Choir On Sundays when you can, join us in the Parish Hall at 10:00 a.m. sharp to sing through hymns and summer music. No training or prior experience is necessary. Families, individuals - all are invited! Fall Plans for Adult Choir Adult Choir will begin after a summer hiatus on Wednesday, August 18, with a fish fry. All adults - anyone entering high school grade 9 or older -are welcome. A choir retreat, scheduled for September 24-26, is in the planning stages.   Youth News & Events Additional information about the following important upcoming events is posted on the Student Center Bulletin Board: PYE 2004 - The Provincial Youth Event (PYE) is a triennial event for Senior High Youth and the adults who work with them. Youth from all over the south share 5 days of mission work, laughter, prayer, singing, worship, and much, much more. PYE 2004 is July 20-25 in Berea, KY. Contacts: Kim Smith, 404-601-5354, ksmith@episcopalatlanta.org; Nat Duncan, 601-906-2703, nacnudnat@chapelofthecrossms.com. MS Extra - This group will raft on the Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN on July 27. Dates are July 26-28. Contacts: same as PYE 2004. Happening #58 - Happening is an opportunity for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to experience spiritual renewal through a variety of experiences. Happening #58 is August 13-15 at Chapel of the Cross in Madison. Contacts: Jason Woodcock, 601-713-2151 or jwoodcock2@aol.com; The Rev. Chuck Culpepper, 601-948-5954. Kculpep343@aol.com. Happening Reunion - This offers former Happeners a chance to share in the Happening experience and serve new Happeners behind the scenes. The group is limited to 25 participants. Contacts: Gray and Babs, 601-506-3533.   Adults Who Work With Youth is a conference designed for anyone--newest volunteer to most seasoned veteran--who works with young people. This weekend of training, networking, music, and fun will inspire and enlighten you. Included is the sexual misconduct awareness training required by the diocese. At Gray Center, August 27-29, the full weekend costs $130; some financial assistance is available. For information, contact Chuck Culpepper at 601-948-5954 or kculpep343@aol.com.   Christian Education After five years as Christian Education Committee Chair, David Lewis is passing on the mantle to James McCormick. Our thanks go to David Lewis and Rachel McCann for their leadership with Christian Education. James McCormick, David Lewis, and Bill and Diane Livingston will be meeting to discuss the plans for Christian Education for this fall. If you have suggestions for improvement, can recommend a curriculum or can assist in anyway teaching (for an academic year, for one month, as a substitute), assistant teacher, bringing the Christian Education snacks, please let one of these folks know.   Pool Time The swimming pool has been open since Sunday, May 9, and members of the parish are already enjoying fun in the sun! On May 30 (the Sunday of Pentecost) we will have a parish picnic after church incorporating a pool party. A red swimsuit is appropriate! The pool is open to all members of the parish and their guests. Operating a heavily used swimming pool is a costly undertaking, requiring vigilance about cleanliness and continuous monitoring of water chemistry, so the pool must be financially self-sustaining. Pool fees are not membership dues - they are needed for maintenance. The fee is negotiable; however, suggested pool fees are Family - $75; Single - $40. If you need to discuss the fee, contact Dolton McAlpin. Please register to use the pool and pay the fee in the church office as soon as possible. Copies of the pool rules are available in the church office and will be posted by the pool. For any questions or comments concerning the pool, please contact Dolton McAlpin (h) 323-7206; (w) 323-9743. Let's have a great summer at the pool!   Vestry Summary May, 2004 Vestry met Monday, May 17 at the home of Mary Lee Beal for the tri-monthly social prior to our meeting. Vestry was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with our opening prayer and devotional. Bill read a scripture from John and then asked how were we (Resurrection) living into God's word. The consensus of the group was that in some areas mission was successful but in other areas, there was certainly room for improvement. The format of our meetings has changed so the Minutes of the April 19 meeting were approved and the April Financial Report was accepted. The Parochial Report was also approved and signed. Announcement: Bill announced an anonymous $10,000 donation to the Building Fund. The Vestry greatly appreciates this gift and hopes others might follow to further reduce our Building Fund note. Parish Opportunity Day was announced for September. Once again, the Parish is struggling for Nursery Workers. Ginny Powell is covering the nursery through June. Thanks, Ginny! David McMillen reported on the progress or our Plan for Handicapped Accessibility. James McCormick reported on the upcoming summer Bible School with Trinity, and Dolton gave a swimming pool report. James will also be taking over Children's Christian Education, following the retiring David and Rachel Lewis. Many, many thanks go to David and Rachel for all of their dedicated work. Decisions: Approval was given for the purchase of the Bishop's Blend Coffee to be used during our coffee hour. It is more expensive but our local Parish outreach and the Episcopal Development and Relief Fund will benefit. Because of the increased costs, parishioners will be asked to make donations to cover our expenses. James and Juawice McCormick have been supplying the coffee for quite some time. We owe them a great big thank-you! With the guidelines given by the Vestry, Dolton McAlpin will prepare written policy for alcohol use at Parish functions. Bill and Michael Fazio will meet with our cleaning service to see about an improved performance. Vision/Mission: There was a continuation of our discussion about our February Vestry Retreat. Bill reported on efforts to expand our welcoming to more than the initial greeting. Bob Collins and Lynn Phillips will meet to develop further recommendations. Bill also stressed the importance of Vestry members and other lay members fulfilling the tasks they agree to perform and to communicate important information to the whole parish via the newsletter and other means. We were dismissed until our June 21 meeting which will be held at the Student Center. April, 2004 The Vestry met on Monday, April 19. Our meeting opened with a discussion concerning a reading from the Gospel of John. How can Resurrection be what it should be in carrying out our mission? Old business consisted of updating the group on several ongoing projects. The nursery and swimming pool were discussed. The preparations have begun for our Summer Vacation Bible School. Again this summer, Resurrection and Trinity Presbyterian are going to have a combined Bible School. It will meet on June 23 & 30 and July 7 & 14. The first and fourth meetings will be at Resurrection while the second and third will meet at Trinity. While it will be fined tuned, the theme will be "God is still working on us!‰ Diane reported on the Graduation Reception. Diane gave a Chaplain's Report. Canterbury has had a great spring. Bill announced Bishop Gray has appointed Brian Ponder as the new Canterbury Chaplain and provided some biographical information about him. Diane indicated there will be a small group here during the summer which should be very helpful when Brian comes on board July 1. The Vestry continued its discussion concerning our February Planning Retreat. The March minutes were approved and the April Financial Report was accepted. Bill dismissed us with prayer. Our next meeting will be at the Beal Residence at 6:30 p.m. We will have our quarterly social prior to beginning our meeting at 7:00 p.m.   Bishop's Blend Coffee The vestry has decided to order Bishop's Blend Coffee in bulk size to serve at the Sunday morning coffee hours beginning June 6. As has been publicized often at Resurrection, each purchase of this Fair Trade, organic, and shade grown coffee helps change lives around the world by contributing a portion of the revenue from sales to Episcopal Relief and Development. Episcopal Relief and Development's two main objectives for work overseas are food security and primary health. The rational is that people cannot get an education, start a business, or support their families if they are hungry or ill. Episcopal Relief and Development responds to disasters/emergencies both in the United States and overseas. There will be a small basket on the coffee table each week if you would like to help support buying and serving this coffee. By all means, come by after worship and drink a cup of coffee. The 12 oz. bags in bean or ground (in regular, decaf and cinnamon spice) are still available to order by filling out a form from the basket in the narthex. They are great gifts ideas for your coffee-drinking friends.   St. Joseph's Guild Update As spring arrived, the Saint Joseph's Guild once again began work. We hope that everyone has noticed that the exterior of the church building has been painted and that the bed outside the nursery has been planted. David Lewis is carrying on with the completion of the labyrinth, with accompanying ramps and walks, and Pam Collins continues to make the front bank look beautiful. We owe them both a hearty thanks. There will have been three Saturday work parties by the time this piece appears. Workers have included Bill Hardin, James McCormick, Clarissa Balbalian, Glenn Cook, Bill Batson, Tom Coleman, and Robert Cox, who completed painting the red doors, and Bob Collins, who installed a new hose bib at the front of the property. These folks have trimmed shrubs, spread mulch, done edging, cut back bamboo, pulled weeds, done pressure washing, and modified the irrigation system. It has been hard work, but to much good effect, and always followed by lunch together. Please take the time to tell them how good things look. The lawn maintenance teams of Bill and Anne Cooke and Payton Passons and of Michael Fazio and Tom Cathcart are also back at work mowing, edging, and leaf blowing. Over the summer anticipate new signage across the property and the painting of the exterior of the Canterbury Lodge.   A Wonderful Time to Make A Memorial Gift! An anonymous donor has offered the parish a $10,000 gift to help reduce the debt on our Capitol Improvement Loan. The gift has been offered as a "seed" donation with the intent that others will give funds to be used to match this gift. The donor's goal is reducing the loan debt, particularly reducing our interest payments. Our current interest expense is approximately $725 per month. If you are considering making a memorial gift in someone's name or have considered making a gift to Resurrection above and beyond your annual pledge, this will be an excellent time to make such a gift. If you elected to give toward Resurrection's Capitol Improvement Loan rather than make a pledge to the Parish, this is also an excellent time to offer your gift to the Capitol Improvement Loan. Please express your intent to make such a gift to Fr. Bill, Ann McVey or Sandra Sistrunk, or note it on your check when you offer the gift. Interested in joining Altar Guild? Contact Marsha Williams at 323-2936 for information. Other Important Dates August 13-17 - Camp Caritas, Gray Center 23-25 - De Colores VBS at Grace, Canton July 7 - Vacation Bible School, Trinity 14 - Vacation Bible School, Resurrection 18-24 - PYE, Berea College, Kentucky 22-25 - Cursillo #104, Gray Center August 15 - Children's Choir Pool Party 20-21 - Special Stewardship Events in conjunction with Diocesan Training Day, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson, 21 - Diocesan Training Day, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson. For more information, contact Margaret McLarty, 601-321-5001, mclartymp@aol.com 27-29 - AWWY (Adults Working with Youth) Conference, Gray Center   Brian Ponder's Ordination Brian Ponder's ordination to the transitional Diaconate will be at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Jackson, MS. The service is at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 18. Brian graduated from General Theological Seminary in New York City in May. He will be moving into his home in Starkville in June so that he will be ready to start at Church of the Resurrection on July 1 as Canterbury Chaplain and Assistant Rector. Please keep him in your prayers during these times of transitions. Also, try to attend the ordination and be part of the congregation as we say that it is our will that Brian be ordained a deacon and that we will uphold him in this ministry (BCP). If you need directions to St. Philip's, there are maps available in our parish office. If you are unable to attend, cards may be sent to Brian in care of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 5400 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211.   June Birthdays Jim Jones June 4 Rachel McCann June 4 Marianne Crowell June 9 Ethan Baca June 10 Gordon Johnson June 18 Stan Wiginton June 18 Betsy Stark June 19 Julia Cathcart June 20 Glenn Cook June 20 Margaret Mosley June 21 Debbie Nettles June 22 Emmy Schuster June 23 Ren Crowell June 24 LaDonna Bullman June 27 Beath Lane June 27 Hellen Polk June 27 Robert Cox June 29 Alex Lewis June 30