| The Sunrise |
...at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
Starkville, Mississippi
June - July , 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
With a deep sense of sadness, I write this entry knowing it will be the last I write to you. That sadness comes from the awareness that our paths are about to embark in different directions as we each go down separate paths to serve God and to be Christ’s representatives in today’s world and that this forking of our paths means we will no longer have the intimate working relationships we have shared. The sadness can be tolerated only because of the joy for the time we have shared.
As he was leaving church recently, a parishioner whose travel plans result in his not being back at Resurrection until after Diane’s and my departure bid his farewell by saying, “Thanks for the journey.” Thanks for the journey – what a wonderful way to describe the time we have shared. It has been a journey. It has been a journey in which we have taken turns sitting in the driver’s seat, and, at times, we have actually allowed Christ to drive for a while. Along the way, we have pointed out to one other the wonderful sights we might have missed otherwise. We have shared our knowledge and perceptions about the terrain, the climate, the geography, the culture. We have each brought food and refreshments to nurture one another and shared what we had. When the journey seemed too strenuous for some, we have helped the one struggling and, when necessary, even carried them on our backs.
Yes, thanks for the journey. We have taken a journey in which, as a parish, the Vestry is now continually looking down the path to avoid potential hazards and to discern routes that lead to majestic views; a journey in which many celebrate their relationship with God and the blessings bestowed on them by God by giving back to God proportionately in the form of their parish pledge; a journey in which many have come to see our brothers and sisters in Christ as not only as those within our church walls but to include a child growing up in poverty in our community, a peasant family in El Salvador, a tsunami victim in Indonesia or a family left homeless by Katrina; a journey in which some have looked out over the majestic expanse or at a beautiful tiny blossom hidden in a crevice and become acutely aware of the spiritual depth the journey has offered. It has been a journey which has resulted in many improvements in our parish buildings and grounds, reflecting our pride in and love for this place; in which many new programs have offered spiritual insights of the journey; in which you warmly and enthusiastically welcome strangers into our midst, inviting them to join the journey with us.
We have shared a journey that has been directed by the breath or wind of God. However, as Jesus said in the Gospel of John text for Trinity Sunday, “The wind blows where it chooses.” Thus, we have come to that point where the wind blows us on journeys going down different paths.
When the wind blew us together for our shared journey, you welcomed Diane and me with cards, notes and letters. As we arrived, you greeted us with a “pounding,” with open arms and warm hearts. As we shared the journey, you have loved, supported and prayed for us, and not only tolerated but, at times, appreciated some of my idiosyncrasies. Now, as the wind of God blows us down different paths in our journeys, Diane and I take our different path grieving we will no longer walk the path with you as closely as we have but celebrating the joy of the path we have shared with you. We do so with the assurance that the wind that has blown us together will also blow us down paths of equally great joy and wonder as we embark on our ministries on the Coast and you embark on calling and receiving your next rector and continue your journey.
Yes, thanks for the journey!
Christ’s Peace,
Upcoming Events and Dates
June
- 19-24 Vacation Bible School
- 24-30 Camp Caritas, Gray Center
- 25 Leave-Taking for Fr. Bill & Diane 5:30 p.m. (see p. 4)
July
- 3-4 Resurrection & Allin House closed in observance of Independence Day
- 5 Clergy Day, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and Gray Center Executive Committee, Gray Center
- 24 Rosary Workshop (see p. 4)
- 27-28 Deacons’ POC, Gray Center
- 28 Deacons’ Council, Gray Center
August
- 4 Deacons’ Council, Gray Center
- 4-5 Deacons’ Summer Conference, Gray Center
- 5 Gray Center Board, Allin House
- 9-11 Transition Conference, Gray Center
- 9-12 Commission on Ministry, Gray Ctr
- 17 Cooking Divas (see p. 4)
- 17 Finance Committee, St. Andrew’s and General Convention Conversations, St.Andrew’s, Jackson, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
- 18-20 Annual AWWY Conference, CBG
- 24 General Convention Conversations, St. Peter’s, Oxford, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- 27 Observations of Katrina in the churches of the diocese
- 31 General Convention Conversations, St. Mark’s, Gulfport, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
We
Congratulate Our Recent EFM Graduates:
Martha McAlpin, Rachael Sykes
We
Share in Joy for the Birth of:
Orion James VanLandingham, grandson of David & Sherrie VanLandingham,
on June 17
We
Share in Joy for Those Married:
Claire Jackson and Michael Addison on May 28 at Resurrection
Stephanie Pearson and Jerome Nettles on April 22 in West Point
Your
Prayers Are Asked for...
those with child, especially Alice Bennett, Stephanie Nettles....those
who suffer in mind, body or spirit, especially Jeanne, Lorenzo, Edna,
Don, Oma Lee, Ophelia, Donald Mosley, Madeline, Jim Little, Brooke Schnitman,
Grace Jones, Bridget Burdan, Hunter Maye, Lisa Dickey, Frances Finane,
Chad Green, Marianne, Chris Pearce, Johnny Hennessey, Walt Hillen, George
Hester, Richard Christiansen, Melinda Jones, Warnie Kennington, Rhonda
Bond, Joan Hill, Dorothy Anderson, Beth Hester, Louise, Murray Bullock,
Betty Woods, Lori Sneed, Cecelia Robson, Jan Handy....those who serve
in the military, especially Steve, David, Chris, Fran, Tim McKay, Justin,
John Burdan, Rob Kennington.... and those in harm’s way.
Our Servant Ministry
Off to Camp Bratton-Green
Many, many thanks to all who helped support getting the campers ready whom we are sending to Camp Bratton-Green this summer by selecting an item from the palm tree in the Student Center. The 2 campers and their families are excited about their going to camp (this is part of our diocesan vision of sending more children of color to Bratton-Green). Church members will transport the children to camp and help them get settled in. Their fees and all of the items they need are being provided by the church. Along with Servant Ministry, the EYC and Canterbury have raised and given money to pay their camp fees.
Apostles’ House Has a New Family!
Theresa Bradford and her 3 children have moved into the Apostles’ House through Habitat for Humanity and send their thanks for all of the special housewarming items that you gave them as they settle in. They now live at 201 McKinley Street (near Second Baptist Church).
Thinking Ahead: Back to School
The Servant Ministry Committee will help the children in our adopted families get their school supplies this year in August.
Saying Goodbye
Thanks to all of those who have served on the Servant Ministry Committee with me. I am grateful for your willingness to actively facilitate activities in the parish that have helped us to help others in our community and in the world and to always keep before us those who have needs.
Christ's
Peace,
Diane Livingston, Deacon and Chair of Servant Ministry
VBS: Fun for All!
Vacation Bible School with a "Discover the Bible" theme was enjoyed by lots of children in our parish and in the community. A huge thanks to many adults and youth who made it all possible. Jennifer Damms, Kathy Brandon, Meredith Roberson, Caroline Brandon and Rachel Damms coordinated and led the crafts each evening. Emily Schuster, Martha McAlpin, Jamie Perry, Marie Cayson, and Marianne Crowell led the teaching.
The Bible characters or stories that were presented each evening were Abraham (James McCormick), Moses (Bill Livingston), Ruth (Marsha Williams), and the Nativity of Jesus told by the Angel (Diane Livingston).
Snack suppers were served each evening thanks to Babs Deas, Jean Little, Melinda Myers, and Gretchen Passons. Ellen Newsom located and purchased all of the supplies needed for the projects each evening, and Hannah McCormick officially lifeguarded at the pool on the final night.
Thanks to all parents who faithfully brought their children and their friends!
For all that has been, THANKS; for all that will be, YES!
Diane
Livingston,
VBS Coordinator
ECW Announces Fall Activities
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the ECW get together at Sherrie VanLandingham’s home. She and Babs Deas did a wonderful job hosting the event. We had a wonderful time and came up with a number of projects and activities for the ECW.
Upcoming events are described below, and other events planned include a pledge coffee, an Advent tea, and a special fund-raiser by the newly formed Cooking Divas.
Anglican Rosary Workshop
On Monday, July 24, Father Greg Proctor, rector at St. Paul’s in Meridian, will teach us about the Anglican rosary and how it is used. He will have some of the rosaries he has made available for sale.
Participation is limited to 15 for this event. To reserve a space or for more information, please contact Melinda Myers or Kim Noffsinger.
This event is jointly sponsored by the ECW and the Daughters of the King.
Prayer Shawls
Prayer shawls are shawls or lap blankets made by ECW members and given to church members who have suffered a particularly difficult loss or illness or who are experiencing any really trying period in their lives. They are delivered with a wonderful poem which alludes to the “love and prayers” the recipient can wrap themselves in via the Prayer Shawl. Beth Batson will be holding an initial class for those who would like to learn to knit these lovely gifts. A definite date has not been announced, but we are looking at the later part of June or first part of July.
Cooking Divas
The first gathering of this group will be held Thursday, August 17. This will be an opportunity for interested church women to get together and make casseroles to freeze for giving within our church family. Melinda Myers has graciously agreed to host the first event at her home.
Need Transportation to an Event?
Transportation is available if you cannot or prefer not to drive in the evening. Please contact Kim Noffsinger (312-7763) or Melinda Myers (323-6678) to arrange transportation.
Children and Youth Sunday School Plans are underway
Plans are well underway for Sunday school classes this fall! We had a fantastic response to the pleas that went out for Sunday school teachers, and we are getting well poised for a great year of Christian formation, especially for our children and youth. Sunday School will be held on Sunday mornings, beginning at 9:15 sharp. Important dates for the fall semester will be outlined in the August newsletter.
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered for service as a Christian educator. We have identified a number of “lead” teachers, supported by teams of assistants. In June, it is our hope to finalize curricula selection, several having already been identified as strong “hopefuls” for use in 2006-07. Curricula will be age-appropriate, will involve Sunday lections and/or liturgical and seasonal components, and most will comprise some form of tactile craft or hands-on “response” to the lesson.
It is our sincere hope that FAMILIES will be involved in Sunday school—emphasizing its importance to our children and youth, making a commitment to get our parish children to church for Sunday school and on time, talking about what was learned at Sunday school both following weekly worship services and over the course of the week (perhaps asking how what has been learned on Sunday applies to the life our kids live throughout the week), and having adults participate in adult formation classes as well. Indeed, individual, family and parish family involvement—all three—are needed to make for a successful children and youth Christian Education program. Further, we should find ourselves in this model, focused on Christian FORMATION—not just education—and be concerned with the laying of a foundation for a lifetime of learning. This is why the involvement of our programs must not be seen as simply a Sunday opportunity/offering. It’s something we must “bring home,” literally and figuratively—listen to, learn from and wrestle with in our daily living. LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
The accompanying list outlines those who have been identified as teachers. Those marked with an asterisk have volunteered as “lead” teachers. All will be contacted shortly concerning grade-grouping meetings and to confirm continued interest. If your name inadvertently does not appear below and you volunteered, or if you have not yet volunteered and would like to do so, please contact Brian Ponder in the church office as soon as possible to let him know of your interest. It is our hope that we have not overlooked any of our volunteers, and we certainly appreciate your commitment to our children and youth. Should you have any questions concerning Sunday school for the fall, please do not hesitate contacting Brian at 662.323.3483 ext. 102 or Guy Hargrove, vestry contact person for Children and Youth Formation, at 662.323.6941. THANKS AGAIN!
Pre-K & Kindergarten
Crowell,
Marianne *
Boswell,
Lacey
Brandon,
Emily
Hester,
Sally
Lane,
Beath
McAlpin,
Martha
First
through Third Grades
Perry,
Jamie *
Bullman,
Katie
Hollister,
Jack
Potts,
Holly
Roberson,
Meredith
Fourth
through Sixth Grades
Christiansen,
David & Nancy *
Brandon,
Steven
Clapp,
Arleen
Hansford,
Joey
Junior & Senior
High
Dooley,
Kathy *
Arnett,
Brian
Fitzwater,
Jennifer
Jackson,
Brenda
Passons,
Gretchen
* Lead teacher
Canterbury Continues
Canterbury Fellowship continues to meet over the summer months and anytime MSU is in session. For more information, or to receive summer emails, please contact Brian Ponder at 662.323.3483 ext. 102 or email him at msu_canterbury@bellsouth.net.
Bishop's Mission Corps Participant
Canterbury has one student participant in the inaugural Bishop’s Mission Corps (BMC) underway this summer at Gray Center. Watson Lamb and five other young adults from around the diocese were selected to take part in the BMC, a Benedictine immersion experience for those who are at least a junior in college and no older than 26 years old.
The 40-day summer opportunity will afford each the chance to go deeper into theological reflection and study, focus on vocational discernment (not necessarily ordination), perform servant ministry work and outreach, do daily chores for the good of the created community and the conference center, as well as worshipping, sharing meals and living with others in Christian community.
If you’d like to drop Watson a note offering your prayers and support, please do so before July 14 at: Watson Lamb, Bishop’s Mission Corps, c/o Gray Conference Center, 1530 Way Road, Canton, MS 39046.
A
Record Blood Drive !
Thanks to our blood donors, we had a record blood drive. Double
donors helped! Our donors were:
Jerry
Williams
Mary
Lee Beal
Betty
Rawlings
Russell
Gaines (double)
Debbie
Nettles
Bill
Hardin
Carlton
Polk (double)
Glenn
Cook
Tom
Coleman
Arlene
Clapp
Charles
Hester (double)
Dolton
McAlpin (double)
Lois
Connington
Jessica
Hester (double)
Ronald
Polen
Thomas
Britt (double)
Eric
Linder
Thank you all for helping cover our parish family’s blood needs for another six months!
Music Notes
Thanks to the Choirs!
The choirs were the focus of a celebration of thanks for their ministries at the annual end-of-the-year picnic in May. Thanks to Babs Deas and Michael Fazio who helped Leanne pull off the festive event.
Bell Ringing
The doors of the church are thrown open wide and the church bell in the tower is rung for two minutes before the 10:30 service, inviting all to join us. After the service, the bell is rung again for an extended time. The hands that are ringing the bell have been those of the CHILDREN’S CHOIR. If you have a child, first grade or older, who would like to participate in this ministry, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex.
Summer Choir
Love to sing? Want to be in the choir but can’t fit this into the school year schedule? Summer choir is perfect for you! It continues until mid-August, and you can sing as many (or as few) Sundays as you want during the summer. Come to the Parish Hall at 10:00 on the Sundays you sing to go over music. Questions? Contact Leanne by phone at 312-1481 or 323-3451 or by email at leannefazio@hotmail.com.
Hymn Lottery
Have a favorite hymn that you want to sing this summer? Enter the hymn lottery! Drop your completed form into the fishbowl in the Narthex. Each Sunday, the congregation will sing a hymn drawn from the fishbowl as a prelude.
Help Wanted: Acolytes
Acolytes are needed for this fall! No experience necessary. Training and uniforms will be provided. If you are in the 4th grade or older and interested in serving as an acolyte, please contact John Beal (323-8748, jabeal1@ bellsouth.net).
Pool News
Have you found yourself eyeing the pool on Sundays thinking it looks like a great way to cool off from the heat?It is! Sign up now!
-
Guests are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a member.
-
There is a grill for your grilling enjoyment . . .
-
The pool area can be reserved for parties if arranged through the church office in advance.
Suggested Donations for Maintenance:
Family - $100; Single - $50; Students - $20.
Note: Fees can be negotiated. If you need to discuss the fee, please contact Dolton McAlpin. Registration and donations can be made at the church office.
EFM: New Class begins This Fall
Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EFM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work.
Over 60,000 students have participated in the program, and in the United States more than 20,000 students have completed the full four years. The 2002/2003 USA enrollment reached nearly 9,500.
If you are interested in participating in this fall’s class, please contact Bob Collins at 323-0828 or rcollins@saffairs.msstate.edu.
A
Service for Leave-Taking
for Fr. Bill & Diane
Sunday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Reception follows, Nursery is available
Many thanks to Clarissa Balbalian and all those who helped make the Pentecost Picnic such fun !
Birthdays
June Jim Jones
4 |
July Callie
Hester 5 |