|
The Sunrise |
...at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
Starkville, Mississippi
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:1-4, NRSV)
During May, we conclude our 50-day observance of the empty tomb of Easter as we celebrate another significant day of our Church Year: Pentecost, the birthday of the church, the day of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Easter Day, Jesus cracked open the darkness of the tomb and let in the light of the Resurrection. Death and life were transformed. On Pentecost, we invite that transformation to continue, to have it transform us as a church and to transform us as those who have been given the charge to tell the Resurrection Story.
Perhaps more than other times, we need this transformation; we need the Holy Spirit to unite those who claim to be People of the Resurrection. As a nation polarized as red states and blue states, deeply divided along partisan lines, making exclusive claims as "keepers of the faith", we need the Spirit to unite us to a common cause of justice and mercy. As the Church teeters on schism, with exclusive claims to orthodoxy and accusations of heresy, we need the Spirit to unite the Church into an agent of reconciliation to a splintered and hurting world, to empower the Church to fulfill its commission of being a light to the nations. Still, the Pentecost story tells us that despite our differences, the Holy Spirit can unite us. It tells us even in our imperfections and our broken lives, the Holy Spirit can break through.
Leonard Cohen's song, "Anthem" includes the following refrain:
Ring the bells that still can ring,
Forget your perfect offering,
There is a crack in everything,
That's how the light gets in.
On the first Easter Day some 2000 years ago, through the crack in a tomb hewn in a stone wall, the light of God burst in and the light of Christ burst out into the world. On Pentecost Day some 2000 years ago, through the crack in lives still reeling from the crucifixion and the empty tomb, the light of the Holy Spirit united and empowered them despite their differences. Thus, Peter proclaimed the fulfillment the prophesy of Joel: I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and their young men see visions, and you old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17, NRSV)
My prayers for Resurrection and my prayers for each of us are that as we approach Pentecost Day 2005, we will relinquish our claims of perfection and exclusivity, let go of what divides and splinters us, be moved by the Holy Spirit, acknowledge our broken lives - both individual and corporate - that we will be able to ring the bells that still can ring, forget our perfect offering, knowing there is a crack in everything through which the light of Christ gets in.
Christ's Peace,
May, 2005 Newsletter
Music Notes
The children have been active, faithful, joyful participants and leaders in the services of Holy Eucharist this winter and spring. We are fortunate to have children and their parents committed to this ministry!
Barbara and Leanne are delighted with the progress the children are making in finding their singing voices, in learning service music, and in learning to read music.
The children's last rehearsal was April 27. Rehearsals resume in August. If you have children entering grades 1-6 at that time, please join us!
On May 11, the choir will be treated to a dinner to thank them. What a year they've had - full, rich, busy!
Thanks to members of the choir and the congregation for their support of this project. We have ordered 22 of these hand-made, solid oak chairs, which should arrive in about 4 months.
Contributions can be made to 'The Choir Chair Project'.
The Adult Choir will attend the Bishop's Tent Meeting, a state-wide Episcopal tent meeting scheduled for August 20 at Gray Center. Horace Boyer, church musician, teacher, and editor of the Lift Every Voice and Sing II (LEVAS) hymnal, and Fran McKendree, the nationally known church musician who visited us here at Resurrection in February, will be leading music at the event. We are going to get ideas for worship for this congregation.
Summer Choir Begins May 21
Help to keep the congregational singing vibrant this summer. Join the summer choir!
No vesting. No mid-week rehearsing. No obligations….this is a choir formed anew each week.
Summer choir starts May 21. Come to the Parish Hall at 10:00 a.m. on the Sunday morning you want to sing for a brief warm-up of the hymns and service music for that day.
How can I keep from singing?
My life flows on in endless song, above earth's lamentation.I hear the real though far off hymn that hails a new creation.
Above the turmoil and the strife, I hear its music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?
- Anne Warner
Those confirmed during Bishop Gray's visit on Sunday, April 10 were Shane Sanders, Larry Oldham, Emily Easterling, Clarissa Balbalian (Bishop Gray) Shelby Wiedrich, Lois Connington, Eric Watland, Claire Crawford, and Arleen Clapp.
Servant Ministry
The items that the parish will collect during May for area food pantries and for Safe Haven Domestic Violence Shelter are CEREAL (hot and cold varieties) and LOTION. A huge thanks to so many who are remembering to include these items when you shop. As you stand in the check-out line, count your blessings that you have the means to share with others and ask God's blessing on those who will receive the items. Sure beats getting stressed about waiting in line!
Habitat for Humanity is making good progress on two houses in our area. They have requested all area churches to continue to give to allow these houses to be completed. If you desire to help finish the houses, please send Habitat your gift of money or route it through the church designated for that purpose.
Please continue to keep our adopted families in your prayers: Mellie, Ora and her 3 children, Grace and her granddaughter, and Lataraisha and her 2 sons.
Thanks to all of the Servant Ministry Committee who did a great job preparing for and hosting a luncheon in April to honor all area social workers who commit through their vocation to honor all people and to treat all with dignity and respect. Often they truly are the front line workers in helping those in need.
Camp Caritas - June 18-23
The second annual Camp Caritas is June 18-23 at Gray Center. Please support the diocesan Prison Ministry Committee and the ecumenical partners who work so hard to make the camp successful by making a donation towards the $200 cost for each of the 24 participants.
For more information, contact Gay Yerger, 601-856-1776 or email her at byerger@jam.rr.com. - Camp Caritas, Gray Center.
May Birthdays
David
Callahan 2 Brenda
Jackson 17
James McCormick 3
Gretchen Passons 5
Nancy Christiansen 7
Mark Bullman 9
Rebecca Beattie 12
Tom Coleman 14
Nina Tipton 15
Elaine Brown 19
Guy Hargrove 19
Craig Piper 19
Rowena Kelley 20
Alice Jones 24
Mary Sears 27
Luke Maxwell Silverman was born Sunday, April 3. He is the son of Ed and Julia Silverman and the brother of Jonah.
Canterbury Notes
Don't forget that Canterbury Fellowship meets during the summer months. More information will follow concerning scheduling, times, etc. If you'll be in town over the summer, please contact Brian so that we'll be sure to keep you current with e-mail and other announcements. Also, if you're finishing up your time in Starkville, please make us aware of that fact. We'd love to know what adventures are ahead for you! BEST OF LUCK ON UPCOMING EXAMS!
to everyone who made the Annual Thank-You Dinner such a wonderful success! ALSO … a BIG THANK-YOU to Michael Fazio who has sealed off the openings leading underneath the Canterbury Lodge. THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!
Four folks from Canterbury traveled to Mobile on April 16 to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit: Jessica Callahan, Watson Lamb, Ginny Powell and Brian Ponder. The exhibit, located at the Exploreum museum, was comprised of a sampling of both secular and sacred writings from the many scrolls found at Qumran in the mid-20th century.
The Diocese of Mississippi is sponsoring a Young Adult Spanish Immersion Trip to Panama in August for persons aged 18-25. Applications are available in the church office. Space is limited to 15 persons total, and the initial deposit is due SOON! Cost: $150 deposit due on June 1; additional deposit of $500 due June 30; and balance of $650 due July 20. The trip will offer plenty of time for immersion in the Spanish language and Panamanian culture, as well as offering opportunities for involvement with local churches and ministries.
In support of Bishop Gray's effort to introduce a new vision for the Diocese of Mississippi, Canterbury is planning a trip to Gray Center in Canton for the Tent Meeting in August. Please mark your calendars now!
We'll plan to travel on August 19 for a concert with musicians Fran McKendree and Dr. Horace Boyer as the headliners. Both are prominent musicians in their own right and have visited this diocese on previous occasions. In addition to international and national venues, McKendree has performed on numerous occasions in and around this diocese and was at Resurrection back in February. Dr. Boyer, editor of the Episcopal Church's hymnal Lift Every Voice & Sing II has also visited within the diocese and was a clinician to the annual clergy conference last fall. There will be lots of time the following day, August 20, for activities, fellowship and worship during our time together with Episcopalians from around the diocese.
For more information, please feel free to contact Brian. Total cost for the event will be $15.00, and some scholarships may be available to defray costs.
Canterbury Rummage Sale Set For June 4
Canterbury will be having a rummage sale Saturday June 4th. Plan to visit that day and see what bargains are to be had - maybe that hidden gem that you can take to the next Antiques Roadshow?
We will be collecting items in saleable condition starting May 16th. If you need assistance in moving items, please let us know and we can arrange for pick up.
For more information, contact Ginny Powell at the parish office.
From the Vestry
The vestry of the Church of the Resurrection met at 7:00 PM on April 18th. The meeting began with a Bible Study and discussion and a very small birthday party for our wonderful clerk, Rae Wilkinson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved and the financial report was accepted. A letter from the Diocese of Mississippi was handed out concerning the suspension of a diocesan priest. Since none of the present members were on the vestry at the time of his arrival, Fr. Livingston handed out copies of the letter of agreement between him and Resurrection for the vestry members to look over.
Senior Warden, Babs Deas reported on the Warden's Conference held at Gray Center on April 1st and 2nd. She reported the conference was very well done with a lot of practical and useful advice and fun.
Due to low attendance at the 7:00 PM Sunday night service, it was announced that the clergy and members involved are discussing changes in and the future of this service.
Discussion concerned moving the 2006 vestry retreat off-site, if the funds were available and moving the May vestry meeting to the 9th due to the Rector's absence.
Fr. Livingston thanked Guy Hargrove for his good work and that of others involved with the Easter Egg Hunt.
Each vestry member reported as coordinator for their specific areas of ministry. Guy Hargrove, coordinator for Children and Youth Formation, reported on plans for Vacation Bible School and Sunday school. Rachel McCann, coordinator for Adult Formation, has devised a questionnaire to survey parishioner interest in adult Christian education. Tom Coleman, coordinator for Pastoral Care, reported Martha McAlpin has agreed to chair the Caregivers committee. Beth Batson, Coordinator for Parish Life, has enlisted Tom and Sue Bell to chair a committee to assure we maintain contact with all church members. Peyton Passons, Coordinator for Evangelism, reported the Evangelism Committee to be up and enthusiastically running. Those on the committee are Dolton McAlpin (Publicity), David VanLandingham (New Members Committee), Emily Easterling (Young Adults, assisted by Brian Ponder), and Peyton Passons (Greeters).
- Babs Deas, Senior Warden
St. Joseph's Guild: Grounds Get Fresh Look for Spring
I hope that everyone has noticed the new signage on the church property and likes the way that it looks. It is part of the vestry's effort to reach out to the community, especially to visitors unfamiliar with Resurrection.
Buddy Gentry of Gentry Signs made the signs, and Mike Parker made the frames. They both did a superb job.
The parishioners who put them in place were John Beal, David Lewis, Happy Deas, Clarissa Balbalian, and James McCormick. It was a lot of work and needed to be done well, and it was. Our thanks to all of them. Happy Deas also earlier took care of much needed edging around our sidewalks.
I also want to mention Glenn Cook, who repaired the potholes in the parking lot and helped move the mountain of trash that had accumulated adjacent to it, and Douglas Crawford, who removed all of the defunct lighting standards from around the swimming pool.
We have begun mowing again, and our teams once more are Peyton Passons and Bill Cooke and Michael Fazio and Eric Watland.
On April 23, James McCormick will direct the cleaning and refilling of the swimming pool in preparation for the summer.
- Michael Fazio, Senior Warden
Vestry Pastoral Care Committee Meets
The Pastoral Care Committee, a result of the recent organization of the Vestry, met on Tuesday afternoon, April 12, to discuss current needs of the parish and future activities of these ministries. Attending were Jean Little, Meals Coordinator; Diane Livingston, coordinator of Lay Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound; Martha McAlpin, coordinator of Care Givers, Ellen Newsom, coordinator of the Lazarus Guild, Holly Potts, coordinator of Guild of the Christ Child; our Rector Bill Livingston; and Vestry member Tom Coleman attended.
All who may be curious about any of these ministries are encouraged to inquire of their respective coordinators about their possible personal participation.
Martha McAlpin is the new coordinator of the Care Givers Ministry for our church. She fills a vacancy created last year when Susie Owings, who had served in this capacity, moved to Brandon. Martha is renewing the various facets of this important ministry, and she would welcome expressions of interest from parishioners who may want to participate in the Care Givers Ministry.
-Tom Coleman, Vestry Person for Pastoral Care
Windsor Report Orientation and Discussion
Beginning Sunday, May 8, from 9:15 - 10:10, Fr. Bill will offer a series of presentations and discussions on the Windsor Report and developments in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Topics will include:
"General Convention 2003: what really happened? How is it that we are having this conversation?""The Anglican Communion: What in our heritage and structure makes this conversation possible?"
"Yes, what happens at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, New Zealand and at the Church of the Resurrection, in Starkville, MS, USA, are connected."
"The Windsor Report: What it says. What it means. What are its implications?"
"Homosexuality: How deeply committed, biblically grounded Christians can come to different conclusions. How Anglicanism makes the dialog possible and why this is important."
"Where do we go from here?"
The Vestry established attending these discussions as a prerequisite for those serving as 2006 Diocese Council Delegates and Alternates.
Bishop's Blend Coffee
BISHOP'S BLEND COFFEE will be ordered May 16. Please let Diane know if you want coffee for your household or for gifts. Order forms and information are also available in the narthex .
$10 per bag helps Episcopal Relief and Development AND local outreach AND gives a fair living wage to coffee growers.
Thank You for All You Do!!!
Thank you, Jennifer Damms, for coordinating the palm cross workshop before Palm Sunday. Your work - and the workshop attendees' work - add so much to the Palm Sunday service.
Thank you to Jeanne and Tommy Wakeman and those that assisted them with the celebration following the Easter Vigil. And thank you to Martha and Dolton McAlpin and all their assistants for the reception for Bishop Grey. Both events provided great fellowship and outstanding refreshments.
Thanks to donors Bill Hardin, Arleen Clapp, Russell Gaines, Jerry Williams, Jessica Hester, Larry Oldham, Rae Wilkinson, Amber Adsit, Jessica Callahan, Paul Martin, Mary Lee Beal, and Brian Arnett, the Resurrection Parish family is covered for blood needs for another 6 months. A special thank you to Jean Little, who made cookies - which is why the United Blood Services workers like to come here!
Congratulations to our own….
...Beatrice Tatem, on her promotion to Director of Student Counseling and Testing Services at Mississippi State University. A staff psychologist at the center for the past two years, she begins her new duties May 2.
...Alex Lewis, who will be going to Italy for a year as a Rotary Exchange student - quite an honor! He has also been accepted to the University of Hawaii upon his return from Italy.
...Martin Noah, recipient of an Okolona Scholarship through the Diocese of Mississippi. We are very proud of Martin for applying and for being selected. We will miss Martin this summer while he is back in Jackson with many of his friends from Sudan. He will be working and plans to return to MSU in August for the fall semester. God's Speed to Martin!
Want to be more involved?
More Lay Eucharistic Ministers to the homebound are needed. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry which is involved with visiting those who are homebound or in the hospital and taking them the eucharist from the Sunday service, please contact Diane (615-0956).
Looking for an opportunity to get involved at the church but don't think you have time for one more commitment? The Lazarus Guild may be right for you, and it serves an essential purpose in the church.
The Lazarus guild (aka Funeral guild) exists to help the rector and families with funeral and visitation plans, freeing the rector to concentrate on pastoral care and the service itself. We make the space ready, line up service participants…acolytes, readers, ushers, and so on... prepare the space, and generally act as hosts for the church.
Craig Piper, David Evans, Jerry Williams, Martha McAlpin, Sue Bell, Arlene Clapp, Tom Coleman, Mary Frances Brady, and Melinda Myers are some of the many people who helped in the last month by parking cars, making coffee, serving as greeters at the funerals and visitations.
If you would like to help with the Lazarus Guild, contact Ellen Newsom at 323-9278.
Other Important Events & Important Dates
May
- 1 Graduation Sunday
- 5 National Day of Prayer. Theme: "God Shed his Grace on Thee". For more information on local events, contact Joan Simpson, state co- ordinator, at 228-875-5701 or email joan@stpaulos.org.
- 15 Pentecost Sunday / Pentecost Picnic
- 21 Summer Choir Begins
- 30
Memorial Day
Diocesan and Resurrection's Office closed in observance of Memorial Day
June
- 4 Canterbury Garage Sale
- 4 Tent Meeting Water Bearers, Gray Center
- 7-8 Province IV House of Bishops
- 8-10 Province IV Synod
- 18-23 Camp Caritas, Gray Center. For more infor- mation on this extraordinary ministry to chil- dren with a parent or with both parents in prison, contact Gay Yerger, 601-856-1776 or email byerger@jam.rr.com.
July
- 21-24 Cursillo #107, Gray Center
August
- 20 BISHOP'S TENT EVENT, Gray Center
- 26-28 Fifth Annual AWWY Conference, Gray Center
September
- 17 Annual Day on the Diaconate
October
- 5-9 Women's Kairos
- 10-13 Annual Presbyter Conference, Gray Center
- 20-23 Cursillo #108, Gray Center
- 27-30 Men's Kairos
Your prayers are asked for…...
those with child, especially Laura Livingston, Holly Potts, Casey Cole, Kathleen Thomas, Claire van Ogtrop, Meg Hargrove Miller….…those who suffer in mind, body or spirit, especially Margie, Jeanne, Melanie, Lorenzo, Dee, Edna, Don, Oma Lee, Ophelia, Nel, Becky Seago Simrall, Donald Mosley, Jim Little, Charles Finane, Madeline, Wendy & Steve VanLandingham and Brett & Brody VanLandingham, Jack Moore, Roy, Billy Godman, Larry Ivey, Warnie Kennington, Melinda Jones, Tom Bell...those who serve in the military, especially Steve, David, Chris, Justin, Fran, Bob, Banks, Richard, Keith Harris, T. J. , Eric Kennington, Tim McKay…….and those in harm's way.
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is extended to Hellen Polk on the death of her mother, Lillian Hicks, on April 18, 2005. "Rest eternal grant her O Father, and let light perpetual shine upon her."
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is extended to the family of Matt Bouchard, who died April 2, 2005. "Rest eternal grant him O Father, and let light perpetual shine upon him."
Our Annual Pentecost Picnic
Our annual Pentecost Picnic immediately follows the 10:30 service on Sunday, May 15th. Dress for that day is casual - red, of course! This year, we will again have games and activities and laughter and relaxation. Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided. Plan to bring a dish to share and the necessary serving utensil, and pack your lawn chair or a picnic blanket.
Mary Eleanor Anderson is coordinating this year's event, with many parishioners helping, including Jessica Callahan and the EYC, Arleen Clapp, Lois Connington, Joshua and Emily Easterling, Michael Fazio, Alyson Hardin, Rowena Kelley, Kyle Touchstone and Glenn Cook. James McCormick and his "good helpers" will have the pool ready.
One of them may be calling on you to help by bringing food, facilitating games, or assisting with set up and/or clean up activities. If you have questions, comments, or wish to volunteer please call Mary Eleanor at 323-3259.
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David McMillen, Vestry
Person for Special Events