| The Sunrise |
...at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
Starkville, Mississippi
December, 2005
Dear Friends in Christ,
With the end of the University’s fall semester fast approaching, in the midst of shortened daylight hours and with the bustle and busy-ness of the holiday season sneaking upon us, I should think that many, if not all, of us have been thrust into a mode of preparation for what’s ahead—exams, shopping for and wrapping gifts, hosting family and friends in the coming weeks, traveling to familiar or exotic locations, doing a lot of cooking to stock up for the winter or to share with loved ones. The list goes on. This is an “on the go” season with engagements, rehearsals, cramming and canning—you name it—all in the midst of our usual schedules and busy lives. But does it have to be?
With the passing of the Thanksgiving holiday, we now enter into Advent, the beginning of the Church=s year and that time when we await once again the unfolding of the story of the coming Christ—Emmanuel, God with us. We wait with expectant hearts for that day when Christ again dwells with us, when we, too, shall see God. It calls for great preparation, but are we ready? Can we ever really be ready?
The past several years and especially the months of this fall have proven to so many that we as a nation are not ready in many ways for the unknown: not prepared in the blink of an eye with the possibility of losing all; not prepared for the ways in which we have been thrown into our responses to those in harm's way and in the midst of their loss, pain, confusion and frustration; not prepared to instantly resolve issues concerning displacement and relocation and the ways in which we fully empathize with those in their shock, sadness and grief. We were not ready, but the astounding ways in which so many have responded in the midst of chaos and havoc have offered blessing upon blessing both for victims and those offering assistance and speak to a kind of preparation and readiness that no maneuvers or drills could hone. The ways in which God has moved within and amongst so many, the ways the Spirit has been mobilized, have rekindled hope and gratefulness--true thanksgiving--even if we are years away from normalcy.
In many ways we couldn’t be prepared ... for Katrina ... not for the worst. We had simply never seen anything like it. Perhaps we have not yet even seen the worst. It would seem this puts the necessity for true "preparedness" and many of the expectations associated with it into a new arena. It seems to shed some kind of new light on the idea of preparation and raises the bar, so to speak, in how we (re)act from this time forward as God's heart and hands and feet in this world of fourscore just in response to tragedy and disaster, but everyday, proactively readying ourselves by "putting on the armor of light" as the collect for the First Sunday of Advent suggests we do.
We Christians have received a call towards a new standard, a new way of being through the new light which shone forth in the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. By this light, we have been called to a new way of being. We are called into a new preparedness, one that carries with it great responsibility and not only waits in expectation but acts and moves through the lives we live to hasten the day of God's return, to bring about the Kingdom here on earth in our own day.
Advent was never meant to be a quaint, nostalgic time for the Church to simply retell the story of our faith, to simply think on things past nor to get stuck on the part about God's coming among us. It's a big part of the story, but certainly not all of it. The Christmas story means nothing after all without Good Friday and Easter. Advent and Christmas offer us a time to claim the story as our own, to live it and to realize our part in it all. In so doing, we realize that, yes, we can be ready! We claim the story as our own, and we make it real in our own day.
My hope is that during this season of Advent, we take time for ourselves and one another, that in the midst of those things that begin to stretch us we can focus on those things that are really important, those things that really mean something, those things that ground us. My hope is that this is a “slow down” Advent and holiday season for us—a time full of moments to really prepare ourselves for the story of salvation that again unfolds in our very midst, within our hearts and is to be repeated on our lips.
May this season of Advent be a holy time for you and yours. May the blessings of the (again-) coming Christ be manifest in all our hearts. Happy holidays.
December, 2005 Newsletter
Advent Open House
Who…….All women in the parish
What……Advent Open House
When……Friday, December 2nd , 10 AM til 1 PM
Where….Walt and Ellen Newsom’s home (113 Grandridge (Timbercove)
Why……... Relax, visit, and see Ellen’s crèche
(nativity) collection
Bring a friend! Questions? Contact Ellen at 323-9278 or wnewsom9@bellsouth.net
Advent Reading
There are several new Advent titles from Forward Movement in the tract rack in the narthex. Please stop by and pick up copies for your Advent reading!
Lessons & Carols
Mark your calendars now. The service of Lessons and Carols will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2005, at 5:00 p.m., followed by a festive reception in the Student Center.
The choir has been working hard on the music, but your help is needed to make the reception a success. If you have a specialty (sweet or savory) that you would like to contribute, or you would like to help with set up, serving, or clean up, please contact Lois Connington at 324-2594, 325-8010, or lconnington@yahoo.com.
Salvation Army Kettle: December 6
The Red Kettle campaign, first started in San Francisco in 1891, has traditionally been The Salvation Army’s most prominent fund-raiser. In 2004, the campaign raised over $100 million in communities nationwide, with the nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars all remaining in the towns where the money was deposited into the kettles. The funds raised help support many of the 37 million people in poverty who turn to the Army for food and toys at Christmas, utility and homeless assistance, senior and child care, drug abuse treatment and many other social service needs.
Church of the Resurrection is participating again this year in Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. To be one of our bell ringers on Tuesday, December 6, at Wal-Mart, sign up using the sheet posted in the narthex. For more information, please see Tom Cathcart.
Y.A.Y.F.C.: Playgroup-Cookie Decoration!
Susan Cook has offered to host a cookie decoration for our December playgroup! This will be a lot of fun for our little ones and a great activity to do inside as the weather is getting colder. Remember, December 17th at 9:00 a.m.
If you need directions to Susan's house, please call Emily Easterling (662-418-5421) or Susan (662-324-9783). We hope to see you there!
We would love some input from all you Moms and Dads. We welcome any ideas for playgroup activities for the Winter. Please be in touch!
We hope your holidays are filled with peace and joy!
Christmas Day & New Year’s Day Schedule
On these two days, we will have only one worship service: 9:30 a.m. The services will be abbreviated, with lots of Christmas hymns. On Christmas Day, all children are invited to bring one Christmas gift to have it blessed.
Winter Solstice 2005
Attention HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH! It’s not too late to register for Winter Solstice 2005 at Camp Bratton-Green. This winter camp session is open to all in grades 9-12 and will be held December 27-January 1.
Since the summer schedule cannot accommodate a senior high session, Winter Solstice affords folks a chance to "live it up" over the holiday season. There’s always lots of fun and a great program! The Coffee House Talent Show forever ROCKS, and there’s always a formal dinner and dance on New Year's Eve.
Cost includes all programming, meals, lodging, t-shirt and photo. Applications should be available soon at www.graycenter.com/camp_area.html.
The Feast of the Epiphany: January 6th
The Feast of the Three Kings, the Visitation of the Magi (Wise Guys), the Manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles …
The Feast of Epiphany is a major feast of the Church year and officially marks the ending of the Christmas season. It celebrates Emmanuel, God’s dwelling among us and all people, not only as the expected Messiah for the Jewish people. Join us for Eucharist with music on January 6 at 5:30 p.m. when the wise ones visit Resurrection.
A reception with kings’ cakes and hot cider will follow.
January Baptismal Date
The next baptismal date is set for January 8, 2006, the first Sunday after the Epiphany: the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ. If you or your child would like to be baptized on this day, please contact Fr. Bill or Fr. Brian in the parish office as soon as possible.
Confirmation Classes
Our Confirmation Classes will meet from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. beginning January 15 and will meet most Sundays until mid-May. These classes will involve video presentations and group discussions.
They are for anyone who would like to learn more about our Christian faith and Episcopal tradition (many long-time Episcopalians have found them informative and enjoyable). Participation is required for those wishing to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church.
Participation does not commit one to being confirmed and is an excellent way of learning more about the Episcopal Church to decide about confirmation.
Music Notes
Lessons & Carols
Thanks to the many who make this a joyful and beautiful event each year: Children’s Choir, the Adult Choir, the Readers, Bob Anderson who works with the Readers, the Clergy, and those who organize and prepare food for the Reception.
Christmas Caroling
Meet on Thursday, December 15, in the Student Center to join in caroling from 5:30-7:30. If you are interested in joining the choir for this event, let Leanne Fazio know at leannefazio@hotmail.com. A casual supper will follow the singing.
Christmas Eve Choir
All are welcome! If you or any visiting friends or relatives would enjoy singing in the choir on Christmas Eve, join us for rehearsals on Wednesday, December 21, from 7:30-8:30 in the choir loft, and on Saturday evening, December 24 at 9:30 before the pre-service music which begins at 10:30.
Singing the Creed
We sang the Creed on November 20, Christ the King Sunday, and will sing it again on Christmas Eve at the 10:30 Eucharist. The next feast day for singing the Creed will be Easter Sunday.
A New Hymnal
The Adult Choir and the Congregation will be singing out of newly purchased hymnals during Advent and Christmas. Voices Found: Women in the Church’s Song, was published for use in the Episcopal Church in 2004. A rich collection of hymns and spiritual songs by, for, and about women. The goals listed in the preface to this volume are
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to affirm women’s quest for spiritual and social justice,
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to broaden the repertoire of music available, and
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for the church to continue a tradition of excellence in congregational singing.
Book Signings (PLURAL!) at St. Andrew’s
Tuesday, December 6 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., St. Andrew’s Bookstore will host a number of authors and artists signing recent works. If you are unable to attend but would like to have books signed, call the bookstore at 601.353.2021, or email at books305@standrewscathedral.org. If you specify, they’ll even be glad to gift wrap the books! Authors, artists and their works include: Helen DeFrance and Leslie Carpenter, at home café; Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays, Being Dead is No Excuse—The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral; Cynthia Profilet, Maggie’s Golden Moment (a children’s book); Robert St. John, A Southern Palate and My South; Wyatt Waters, Dixie Christmas and Oxford Sketch Book; and Darden North, M.D., House Call. St. Andrew’s Bookstore is located inside St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 305 E. Capitol Street in downtown Jackson.
Other Coming Events & Important Dates
December
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2 Advent Open House, Parish Women
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2 Canterbury Open House (see p. 6)
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2-4 Signs of Endings #4
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4 Angel Tree
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4 Lessons & Carols, 5:00 p.m.
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6 Salvation Army Kettle, WalMart
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7 Deacons Council
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11-17 Work Group to CampCoastCare
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17 YAYFC: Playgroup-Cookie Decoration
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18 Servant Ministry Committee, noon (see p.7)
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24 Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
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25 Christmas Day
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25 Christmas Day Service (one service only), 9:30 a.m.
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27-1/1 Winter Solstice
January
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1 New Year’s Day
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1 New Year’s Day Service (one service only), 9:30 a.m.
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6 Feast of the Epiphany (see p. 3)
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8 First Sunday after Epiphany: Baptism Date (see p. 3)
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15 Confirmation classes begin
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13 Deadline for Registration for 179th Annual Council
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16 Martin Luther King Day
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27-29 Total Immersion Spanish Language Weekend
February
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3-5 179th Annual Council of the Diocese of Mississippi & 8th Annual Youth Council
Your prayers are asked for…...those with child, especially Caroline Brady, Kristen, Jennifer Beal Duncan...those who suffer in mind, body or spirit, especially Margie, Jeanne, Lorenzo, Dee, Edna, Don, Oma Lee, Ophelia, Nel, Donald Mosley, Charles Finane, Madeline, Melinda Jones, Tom Bell, Larry Ivey, Frances Finane, Libber Ewing, Jim Little, Jimmy Lorimer, Janet Mason, Jonathon Sobley, Tommy Prince, Brooke Schnitman, Wesley Bryan, Mona Terry, Myra West, Rachel Bullman, H. French Brown, Jr., Lorene Martin, Chad Green, Ying Saisuphaluck, Grace Jones, Mary Eleanor Anderson....those who serve in the military, especially Steve, David, Chris, Fran, Tim McKay, Justin, John Burdan....and those in harm’s way.
Our Columbarium Garden
We have received several donations towards the completion of our Columbarium planting design. Please help us make this dream come true by buying a bush or two or maybe a tree.
Plantings needed: 12 Winter Gem Boxwoods at $20 each; 2 Bloodgood Japanese Maples at $225 (1 received!); 5 winter jasmine at $35 each; 2 Japanese Cleyera at $50 each; 2 Royal Star Magnolia at $60 each (received!); and 13 nandinas at $35 each.
We have received the following memorial donations: 1 bronze Celtic cross to stand in the garden, $2,000 (received!); 1 bronze cross to be attached to Columbarium wall $1,600 (received!); 2 granite garden benches at $900 each (received!).
We have also received an anonymous gift for use in the Columbarium Garden.
Please mail your donations or contributions – note Columbarium Garden on the memo line of the check – to the church office at P.O. Box 1566, Starkville, MS 39760 or drop them in any Sunday’s offering.
Position Available
The Society of St. Andrew, a project for developing church and civic group volunteers to assist in gathering excess area produce to assist in feeding area needy, is recruiting a regional coordinator (located in Mathiston) with a salary of $25,000 plus benefits. Anyone interested can obtain information from the parish office.
Canterbury OPEN HOUSE
All Canterbury Students are cordially invited to an Advent Open House at Brian’s house (301-B S. Jackson St.) on Friday, December 2, beginning at 7:00 p.m. There will be plenty of food (including Cajun Mistakes!), fun and fellowship. Bring an appetite!
Please RSVP by November 30 to msu_canterbury@bellsouth.net if you plan to attend.
Canterbury/Young Adult Opportunity
THE BISHOP WANTS YOU!!! At the Tent Meeting the Bishop announced the formation of the Bishop's Mission Corps. The Corps will provide an opportunity for people in their 20s to prepare themselves theologically and spiritually for life in the emerging, mission-oriented church.
From June 4th to July 14th, 2006, up to a dozen inaugural members of the Bishop's Mission Corps will spend 40 days living in community at the Gray Center, adopting a Benedictine pattern of life of worship, study, training and work. If you are interested in learning more about being involved in this exciting new venture, contact the Rev. Alston Johnson at the Chapel of the Cross, Madison (601.856.2593), or the Rev. Tim Jones at St. Paul's, Corinth (662.286.2922).
Canterbury Hurricane Relief
A number of Canterbury students have spent time on the Coast recently to assist in hurricane relief efforts. Becca Horton, Laura Hughes, Watson Lamb and Ginny Powell spent a weekend in October/November at Camp Coast Care, based at Coast Episcopal School, working on-site and in the community.
In addition, through its outreach and servant ministry budgeting, Canterbury has shipped a large number of medical supplies and goods to stock Klub Katrina Clinic, a relief medical site also based at Coast Episcopal, as well as sending prayer cards for those who staff and volunteer at the clinic.
Chaplain Headed to the Coast
Brian will be spending a number of days on the Coast in December and January, assisting in relief efforts at/through Camp Coast Care. He’ll be in Long Beach December 8-14, December 28-January 1 and January 9-13. Canterbury students and parishioners alike are encouraged to come spend some time on the Coast!
EYC Continues ...
… through December 11 from 4-6:00 p.m. on Sundays. There will be no EYC gatherings including and between December 18 through January 7, 2006 (winter holidays). See you in 2006!
Canterbury Resumes …
… in the New Year, beginning on Wednesday, January 18. Have a great Winter Break! Happy Holidays!
Our Servant Ministry
Angel Tree: December 4
The Angel Tree will be ready with the wishes of our adopted families on December 4 in the Student Center. Please stop by and select an angel or two and return your purchases no later than Sunday, December 18.
As we did last year, please meet at the church on Monday, December 19 at 10 a.m. to help deliver the gifts. For December we will not list items to bring for the pantry and the shelter so that we can shop for our adopted families.
Thank You!
Many thanks to so many who bought wood pieces to give the Wichi Indians in northern Argentina a fair living wage AND to help support our parish's efforts to raise money for our mission trip to El Salvador in May through ERD. Also, thanks to many in the parish who have gone to the coast to volunteer in relief efforts there. When you hear the enthusiasm of those who have been, please respond by gathering some friends and scheduling a few days there for yourself. It is an experience you don't want to miss.
Adopted Family Thanksgivings
Three of our adopted families received wonderful Thanksgiving remembrances so that they could feast. Thanks to Sherrie and David Van Landingham, Tom Cathcart and Diane Livingston for helping shop and deliver.
Committee meets January 18
In January the Servant Ministry Committee will resume its meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at noon in the Student Center. Please join us Wednesday, January 18 if you would like to be actively involved in Servant Ministry. All are welcome!
Camp Coast Care
Can’t go on the mission trip to El Salvador, Honduras or Panama? There is a mission trip available closer to home…in Mississippi!
I have just returned from 4 amazing days at Camp Coast Care in Long Beach. Slept on a cot in the gym with 149 other folks, met wonderful people from all over the country who came on a mission trip to Mississippi to help, and did basically the same ministries we did in Honduras. I parked cars, worked in the reception area, clothing room and medical clinic and listened to people’s stories. Others also went on “work crews” to clear yards and homes of debris.
With the weather turning cooler, warm clothing is needed. Bring clean, warm clothes or new underwear and socks to the church, marked with size, and leave it on the window seat in the Student Center. Then, the next person going to Camp Coast Care can deliver it.
Another need is WalMart and Walgreen gift cards. These cards enable us to help make people independent again by letting them purchase their own items rather than getting handouts.
Our own Diane Livingston coordinates all the groups going down, and Leanne Fazio is our local liaison. As part of the Bishop’s Radical Hospitality program, Leanne is trying to arrange work groups of 5 for December 11-17 (we currently have a group of 2) and another work group of 5 for a week in early 2006. Call Leanne if you want to sign up for either of those groups. If you can’t go then or can only go for a shorter time, call anyway - there are always ‘fill-in’ jobs!
If you have questions, call me at 323-9278 or check out www.campcoastcare.com.
-Ellen Newsom
C.S. Lewis: Beyond Narnia
A docudrama, exploring the spiritual quest of Anglican theologian and author, C.S. Lewis entitled, “C.S. Lewis: Beyond Narnia”, will air on the Hallmark Channel, Friday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m.
The one-hour program was filmed in many of the actual locations in England where Lewis lived, worked and imagined and offers a fascinating account of his life while exploring the inspiration and spiritual quest behind “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
This will surely be of interest to those anticipating the release of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” in theaters on the same day.
Your financial assistance is requested:
Recently the Student Center air conditioning system burned out. This system was 25 years old, had become inefficient and could not be repaired. Because we have been diligent making much needed building and grounds improvements and repairs, the funds budgeted for 2005 for building and grounds have been depleted, leaving no source of funds for the $3,700+ replacement cost. However, we had no choice but to replace this system. Please consider making a financial contribution (in addition to your annual pledge) to cover the cost of this expense.
Office help needed:
Because we have lost some volunteer support and our budget limits funds for parish support staff, Sandra’s duties include all the secretarial and receptionist duties formerly performed by Nelda, the bookkeeping duties formerly done by Babs Deas, and publishing the monthly newsletter formerly done by Ellen Newsom, plus numerous tasks added due to Sandra’s organizational and administrative skills (and her willingness to always say, "yes"). All this after we reduced the position from 40 to 30 hours per week. Some things even super heroes wouldn’t be able to do. Therefore, we need office volunteers. Duties will include answering the telephone, making copies, applying mailing labels and other routine tasks. We need volunteers for either 2 or 3 hour periods per week. Volunteers need to be able to commit to the weekly time period for which they volunteer. Our highest need is for Monday mornings but any time Monday through Thursday will be helpful and appreciated.
Church Publishing SALE Announced!!
Church Publishing, Inc. the national publishing house for the Episcopal Church, is having a gigantic Advent sale! They are offering 25% off a large number of their titles, and all orders of $25 or more receive free shipping. Sale runs through December 15, and you MUST refer to/enter code GIFTS4U when calling or placing an order online to receive the discount. Church Publishing’s phone number is 1.800.242.1918, or visit them online at www.churchpublishing.org. Selection ranges from The Book of Common Prayer, to hymnals, daily office readings and a host of other spirituality, healing, theology, reference and prayer titles. Check out the above web site for all sale titles.
December Birthdays
| 4
Bob Anderson |
23
Jeri Mangum |