|
The Sunrise |
...at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
Starkville, Mississippi
July, 2004
Dear Parish of the Church of the Resurrection,
In early June I attended the 2004 Network Meeting in Houston for all of the Diocesan Coordinators of the Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). There is much going on through this compassionate arm of the Episcopal Church. The efforts and the efficiency of the Episcopal Relief and Development to reach and help people in need around the world, including the United States, after disasters is among the best. Even if you only occasionally hear the world news, you know that currently there is a situation in Sudan that is one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world today. People there desperately need emergency food, basic medicines, clean water, blankets and plastic sheeting for shelter because they have been displaced from their homes and villages by violent militias. ERD is in close contact with the Archbishop of Sudan and has already dispatched an ERD-funded relief team who is concentrating on providing life-saving food supplies including sorghum, groundnuts, beans, vegetable oil, okra, onions, eating utensils, wash basins and soap. Crises can happen without warning in any country and victims of disasters depend on others to help them.
Six million dollars of aid was distributed last year through the Episcopal Relief and Development. Lives ARE improving because of efforts through the Episcopal Church. In Uganda 76 people have received 2 oxen and now are able to farm 6 acres of land versus 2 acres which was all people could manage with hand-held plows. Now they have steady income and better housing. In Zambia there is an ERD funded preschool program that serves orphaned children whose parents have died from Aids. They receive one balanced meal per day. The examples go on and on.
When there are inserts in our Sunday bulletins from the Episcopal Relief and Development, please know that the response of persons who will give, even a small amount, determine just how much ERD can help. Usually these inserts are communicating a real need and merit your prayers and your financial response, if possible. There are ways that some of you in the parish are helping ERD: when you buy Bishops Blend coffee to drink or to give as gifts, some of your money (15%) is going to ERD. Plus $3 - $4 per bag is staying here at Resurrection for outreach efforts that the parish determines. Many of you collected money during the season of Lent in the ERD hope chest/mite boxes that the parish mailed in after Easter. This parish has sent ERD $968 in the past year. I will keep you informed of other ways to respond to ERD.
Gracious God, we pray for an awareness in our lives of those who live without hope. Help us to open our arms and embrace people in the world who are hungry and sick in body and spirit. Help us to recognize and understand that we are all parts of each other. Our wholeness is intertwined with others‚ hurt. Give us the strength and courage to see and feel the suffering of others and to stand alongside them. Gifts to Episcopal Relief and Development are welcomed at any time as are your prayers for the people in need and for those who work in various countries firsthand to assist those in need.
Christ's Peace,
NEWS & EVENTS
July, 2004
All Saint's School
Applications are now being accepted for the 2004-05 school year. Call 601-636-5266 for an information package!!! Visit www.allsaintsweb.com.
Music Notes
- Summer Choir
Singers needed! Join us at 10:00 on Sunday mornings in the Parish Hall to sing through hymns and the service music.
Not needed: Previous choir experience, ability to read music, commitment for more than one Sunday!
- Real Artistry
Real artistry does not come from what we learn in books; it comes from what we learn from love - love of nature, of music, of man. For only what is learned in that way is truly understood.
-Pablo Casals, classical cellist
Happening #58 (August 13-15)
Can Christianity penetrate the reality of an adolescent's world? Can today's youth turn on to Christ's love instead of drugs or violence or apathy? The Happening movement thinks so. It proposes no new type of spirituality, but does provide a method through which ones spirituality may be developed, lived, and shared in fellowship with Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God in an ongoing manner.
Happening #58 is August 13-15 at Chapel of the Cross in Madison. Any high school student in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade can attend Happening, which is put on by other teenagers. The few adults present serve as cooks, advisors, or Spiritual Directors.
The cost of the weekend is $40 payable with your application. A priest must sign the application as well as a parent or guardian. Additional information is posted on the bulletin board in the Student Center. Applications and additional information are also available at www.happeninginmississippi.org.
If you have questions, please contact Jason Woodcock, 601-713-2151, jwoodcock2@aol.com or The Rev. Chuck Culpepper, 601-948-5954, Kculpep343@aol.com.
& Happening Reunion
Although a Happener is a Happener only once in a lifetime, Happening Reunion offers former Happeners an opportunity for to gather together in a more relaxed atmosphere, to share in the Happening experience and to further develop their Christian life. Happening Reunion also gives them a chance to discover and share their talents as they serve new Happeners behind the scenes.
If you have attended Happening - no matter what your age - you can attend the Happening Reunion at Grace Cross, Canton, Mississippi. The group is limited to 25 participants to maintain a workable size in support of Happening. If interested, you can be considered for staff positions.
Cost for the weekend is $35 and is payable with application. Confirmations will be mailed 3-4 weeks before the reunion.
Additional information is posted on the bulletin board in the Student Center. Applications and additional information are also available at www.happeninginmississippi.org.
If you have questions, please call Gray or Babs at 601-506-3533.
Parish Opportunities Day - September 12
Sunday, September 12th is Parish Opportunities Day. From 9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m., you can enjoy refreshments and learn more about the various ministries we offer and how you can take advantage of them and how you can offer your gifts and talents.
Did you know our Church has 24 separate ministries? Can you name them? There are opportunities and needs, no matter what your gifts and talents.
The 24 ministries are Acolytes, Altar Guild, Canterbury, Children's Choir, Choir, Christian Education, Columbarium, Daughters of the King, ECW, EYC, Eucharist to the Home Bound, Greeters, Guild of the Christ Child, Labyrinth, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Nursery, Outreach, Parish Social Events, Pastoral Care and Meals, Pool Committee, St. Joseph's Guild, Sunday Refreshments, and Ushers.
Vacation
Bible School:
God isn't finished with me yet...Holy Spirit. Human
Spirit
There are 3 more evenings of fun at Vacation Bible School: Wednesdays, June 30 and July 7 at Trinity Presbyterian and Wednesday, July 14, at Church of the Resurrection. This year's theme is God isn't finished with me yet. Holy Spirit . Human Spirit.
Children will have a great time with games, crafts, music, and swimming - all the things that make VBS so much fun and so memorable. Supper and snacks are provided, too.
All evening activities are 5:30-7:30. For more information, to register, or to volunteer, please contact James McCormick at 324-3863, Elizabeth Williams at 320-4480, or Cecelia Crowson at 323-9017.
July Birthdays
Adults Who Work With Youth
is a conference designed for anyone - newest volunteer to most seasoned veteran - who works with young people. 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. July 27 through August 1 - Our 29th Season !
The
Mississippi Conference on Church Music & Liturgy
Theme: Spirits, Saints, and Sinners: A Lesser
Tridum.
Conference convenes at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 29 and concludes after Lunch on Sunday, August 1. Hosted by All Saints‚ School Vicksburg. Visit www.mississippiconference.org for details on faculty and registration or contact conference director via email, elenj95@bellsouth.net. Closing service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 1, at St. Andrew's Cathedral.
Vestry Summary - June Meeting
The Vestry met on Monday June 21, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Student Center. After our opening prayer, Bill announced that our devotional would take place through out our entire meeting. What does our "Mission Statement" say and are we using this statement in the decisions made by this group.
The minutes for the May 17 meeting were accepted and the May Financial Report was approved. The Vestry also approved the financial package (set by the diocese) for Brian Ponder who will begin serving as Chaplain on July 1. The application from Lynn Phillips for "Lay Reader License" was approved.
During our Announcements, James McCormick announced that Vacation Bible was sitting on ready and would begin on Wednesday, June 23. Sharing in the theme "God's Still Working on Me" will be Trinity Presbyterian Church. Concerning Christian Education, James reported that preliminary work had begun. He will be looking for teachers, helpers, etc. The Vestry hopes you will help in any way that you can, when James contacts you. You don't have to wait for his call - you may call him!
At this point, the swimming pool is operating in the black and everything is going well according to Dolton. David McMillen presented a bid for paving several handicapped parking spaces. At the moment money is not available but David and Michael Fazio are going to work together to see if this can not be accomplished soon. All are in agreement this is very needed, particularly if we are going to live into our mission. Michael gave a general report on the building and grounds and the ongoing projects around our parish.
Diane gave an exciting report concerning Canterbury's activities for the summer. It is great to have a large and active group present this summer. The group is not only meeting but working in and around the Canterbury Lodge. With Diane's help and her wonderful enthusiasm, Brian Ponder should be coming in to a great situation. Thanks Diane for everything you did as Interim Chaplain.
Bill made several general announcements about our cleaning service, July social activity, nursery worker and Stewardship. Resurrection will also be one of the hosts for the Bishop's trip around the diocese for his "Where Have All The People Gone." Meetings will take place on the evening of October 26 and morning of October 27.
The Vestry also adopted an official Alcohol Policy which is in agreement with the Diocesan Policy.
During our "Mission" time the group once again discussed the mission of our Parish and how we can best live into this mission, with discussion of the Vestry election process being reviewed to assure we elect members interested in leading the ministries of the parish.
We were dismissed with the Lord's Prayer. The Vestry does not meet in July so our next meeting will be August 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Student Center.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to seek Christ and to make him known in a dynamic place of corporate worship and to create a loving and supportive community that shares spiritual and physical help with others.
Let's Cookout!
A parish cookout is planned by the pool for Friday, August 6. We'll fire up the grill and gather together. To keep it simple, everyone will be asked to bring their own lawn chair, beverage and meat to cook on the grill and a dish to share. Watch for details later in the summer.
If you can help with this event, please contact Kathy Brandon.
2004 Silent Auction
Planning is underway for the 2004 Silent Auction & Stewardship Evening. It promises to be an evening of fun, fellowship, and delicious food plus an opportunity to bid on and buy some outstanding items not available anywhere else! Last year's auction featured special getaways, fabulous food and drink, an incredible array of personal services, antiques and collectibles, and lots more.
Make plans to attend the auction, and also start thinking about what donations - goods and services or time and talents - you can make to the Silent Auction. Contact David McMillen or Beth Batson for additional information.
From Episcopal Relief and Development
Dear Friends in Christ:
Thank you for Church of the Resurrection's recent gift of $109.71, which we received on Friday, April 30, 2004. Your gift will be designated for our General Fund.
Your generosity enabled us to reach people in need around the world. Through your gift, we help children and families after a disaster. We also give hope and ongoing support to communities so people can build better lives.
After disasters devastated communities in Brazil, Sudan, Madagascar, and Haiti, we provided food, water, medicines, and other critical needs to vulnerable people such as children, women, and the elderly. We are rebuilding four communities in El Salvador and building homes, providing health care, and creating opportunities for families to earn a steady income. Our long-term programs in countries such as Uganda, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Argentina are providing tools and training for people to feed their families.
In West Ankole, Uganda, Margaret is creating income for herself and her family.
Margaret lives in a community affected by poverty and disease. To earn extra money and supplement her husband's income, she grew passion fruit and pineapple. So far, she's earned enough money to buy medicine and other supplies for herself and her family. She also spent some of the money to purchase three feet of gutters for the side of the house. The gutters drain off rain water so her family now has clean drinking water.
Thanks to you, we can immediately respond in times of crisis and help communities break out of poverty. We remain most committed to assisting people who are suffering. Your compassion delivers hope to families who need it most.
Thank you for caring so very much!
Sincerely,
Sandra Swan, President
The Rt. Reverend Harry B. Bainbridge, III, Chairman, Board
of Directors
Thanks for the donation,
Dear Clergy and members of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection,
On behalf of the Honduras Medical Mission, I write to thank for your generous donation.
There are so many reasons this mission is worthy of your support. In partnership with the Diocese of Honduras, the mission team has helped to make slow and steady improvement in the quality of life for the people of the Santa Barbara region of Honduras visited by the mission each year. Your gift will help us sustain the improvements.
Faithfully,
Claudia Hamilton, for the Honduras Medical
Mission
Other Coming Events & Important Dates
JULY
- 6-9 DeColores VBS at Holy Trinity, Crystal Springs
- 7 VBS, Trinity (see p. 2)
- 14 VBS, Resurrection (see p.2)
- 14-15 DeColores VBS at St. Mary's, Lexington
- 18-24 PYE, Berea College, Kentucky
- 19-22 DeColores VBS at St. Paul's, Picayune
- 22-25 Cursillo #104, Gray Center
- 27-30 DeColores VBS at St. Paul's, Corinth
AUGUST
- 6 Resurrection Parish Cookout
- 15 Resurrection Children's Choir Pool Party
- 20-21 Special Stewardship Events in conjunction with Diocesan Training Day, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson, and
- 21 Diocesan Training Day, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson. For more information, contact Margaret McLarty, mclartymp@aol.com or 601-321-5001
- 27-29 AWWY (Adults Working with Youth) Conference, Gray Center
SEPTEMBER
- 12 Resurrection Parish Opportunity Day
- 18 Day on the Diaconate, Gray Center
- 24-26 Resurrection Choir Retreat
- 24-26 Senior DOY, grades 9-12, Camp Bratton-Green
OCTOBER
- 4-7 Presbyters‚ Conference
- 28-31 Cursillo #105, Gray Center and Men's Kairos #11, CMCF, Pearl
- 29-31 Junior DOY, grades 6-8, Camp Bratton-Green
NOVEMBER
- 5-7 New Beginnings #10, Camp Bratton-Green
- 12-13 ECW Fall Conference and Annual Meeting
- 12-14 Vocare #33 and Deacons‚ Winter Retreat
- 28-31 Cursillo #105, Gray Center and Men's Kairos #11, CMCF, Pearl
- 29-31 Junior DOY, grades 6-8, Camp Bratton-Green
DECEMBER
- 1 Deadline for all committee reports to be printed in the Council Edition of The Mississippi Episcopalian
- 15 Deadline for all nominations for Diocesan Elected Positions to be received in the diocesan office
Your prayers are asked for...
...those with child, especially Rachel, Colton, and Meloney ...those who suffer in mind, body or spirit, especially A. C., Margie, LaVora, Jeanne, Melanie, Lorenzo, Dee, Edna, Don, Nora, Jan, Oma Lee, Ophelia, Rae, Nel, Bill Boyd, Becky Seago Simrall, Allison Russell, Tommy Greer, John Luttrel, Virginia, Laura, Kate Hummell, Olivia Wampler, Patty Stewart, Carol, Tyler Thurston, Austin Williams, Michelle, Donald Mosley, Charlie Jackson, Diane Stewart, and Roy Povall...those who serve in the military, especially Steve, David, Chris, Justin, Fran, Bob, Banks, Richard, Andrew and Andy Hyde...and those in harm's way.
Cursillo News
July 22-25 2004, Gray Center will be hosting Cursillo #104. For an application, contact your local priest or go to ttp://www.jxnsaints.com/epcursillo.htm. Also August 7th, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. at Crossgates Methodist Church in Brandon, MS, the Mississippi Episcopal Cursillo, the Mississippi Methodist Cursillo and the South Mississippi Methodist Cursillo will host a Joint Songfest and Celebration to honor what God has done ˆ and continues to do ˆ through Cursillo and all of the related Fourth Day movements. You are joyfully invited to attend even if you have not been to Cursillo!! Make a friend...Be a friend...Bring a friend to Christ !!!
Diocesan Training Day 2004
Special Stewardship Events led by TERRY PARSONS will be offered in conjunction with DIOCESAN TRAINING DAY 2004 - Saturday, August 21, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Jackson...A VERITABLE CORNUCOPIA of WORKSHOPS & INFORMATION guaranteed to fit your parish or missions needs, plus the fun of a large diocesan gathering.
Terry Parsons will offer a session entitled Seven Secrets to AMAZING Stewardship on Friday night at the Cathedral. Terry's four Saturday sessions, to be offered within the Training Day Schedule, will include topics like Maslow Meets Jesus and Will our Children be Stewards?‰ Registration is not required to attend the Friday evening session, but registration is required for all sessions being offered on Saturday. To register, or for information, contact Margaret McLarty, 601-321-5001, mclartymp@aol.com; or the Rev. Canon Chuck Culpepper, 601-948-5954, kculpep343@aol.com. Cost is $15.00 per person with advance registration; $20 day of event...lunch included.
Day on the Diaconate...
...September 18 at Gray Center. For more information, contact the Rev. Carol Stewart, 601-948-5954 x106 or email cbstew@bellsouth.net.
Cathechesis Training
Churches wishing to start a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd are invited to attend training at St. James, Jackson. The 75-hour Level I training program will take place on 23 Thursday mornings, from 8:30-Noon, beginning September 9th and concluding May 12th. The 60-hour Level II training program will meet all-day Saturday, one Saturday per month, beginning on August 28th and ending May 14th. For more information, contact Mary Nell Prichard by telephone 601-982-4880 or email at mprichard@st-james.org by July 30.