Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ...

When Nancy and I moved to Starkville I used to go to coffee time at People's Bank, now Cadence Bank. It was located where Sullivan's Office Supply is now. It was a good time, slower, more languid, and much less formal. When Miss Meg was one and Guy was four I would talk affectionately of my two children while at the bank, daily recounting this or that about their wondrous deeds. One day a wise older man said to me, "Guy, enjoy every minute of this marvelous time with your children because, in the blink of an eye, it's over and they will be gone." It happened just that way! Before I knew it they were gone. Guy is 38 with three of our grandchildren and Miss Meg is 35 with two of our grandchildren. I have loved every period of my life, and this period is no different. Lordy, how I love those grandchildren. And I have imparted those same words to my children: "Enjoy every moment." Even now, though, I look back and wonder about what more I could have done for them. Perhaps I could have taught them more, given them greater opportunities to expand, played with them more, shared more knowledge, loved them even more. This is in the natural course of parental thought.

And so, dear Parents, I come to you. You have another real opportunity to show your love for your children. We are about to enter a new year of Christian Formation. These are the good years, formative years, years when things learned will remain with your children for the rest of their lives. How many of us have asked ourselves whether we truly are well grounded in our faith? If you are in the same boat as most Episcopalians, the answer is "no." Don't you wish that you knew more about God, about Jesus, and about the enthralling stories of the deeds of those prophets and saints who sought and fought for the faith which has been brought forward for us to share? Don't you want your children to know?

This is your opportunity, Parents, to "Enjoy every moment." This is the time for you to give to your children the opportunity to learn more of their God, their Christ, and to allow them to marvel at the deeds of those who strove against all odds to keep our faith and bring it forward to us.

Most of our children cannot come to church alone. They need to be transported. This means that you, as their parents, must take on the responsibility of bringing them to church, where they can learn those things which will aid in forming their faith forever. It's so easy to be nonchalant about this. "I was up late last night. I don't want to go to church." "Let's just take it easy, go get some Shipley's, and not go to church." "Wanna go to the lake this morning?" "The priest is out of town, its Morning Prayer, and I don't want to hear Guy rattle on. Let's skip it this morning." Meanwhile, the education of your children languishes once again and the opportunity to learn something vital about their faith and their God is lost, perhaps forever. In the years to come don't look back and say, "I wish!"

What I am about to suggest, Parents, is not a way out of having to come to church every Sunday. Although this letter is concerned mostly about the children, that doesn't mean that we don't want you at Church School. We do! But since this epistle is concerned mainly with the children, I offer a suggestion which allows the children to be at Church School EVERY Sunday. Carpooling! If for some reason you or your spouse cannot attend church some Sunday (you could be on call, or out of town, or have a migraine, whatever), there could be an easy solution to getting your children to church. Neighborhood carpooling. Begin now to contact your friends and neighbors about getting your children to church. Just make certain that they get to Church School.

So there, Parents, you have the message. The church is there, the teaching is there, the children are more than ready to receive. All they need is the opportunity. If they can get there they will receive a lasting and formative education, a gift of knowledge that will stand them in good stead in this life and the next. Don't let them down. Remember, they will be gone "in the blink of an eye."

Guy Hargrove, vestryperson
Children & Youth Formation

P.O.D.

Sunday, September 10, we kick off our fall programs with our annual Parish Opportunity Day (POD). This is your chance to learn about our more than 25 ministries.

Committee chairs are encouraged to use this time to recruit more participants to volunteer their gifts and talents. Parish members and new members should use this time to identify the ministries that we offer that may serve them or in which they can offer their gifts and talents to serve others.

Please mark your calendars. The time for POD will be 8:45-10:15 and 11:30-11:45.

THE RAMP, THE MULCH, AND ST. JOSEPH’S GUILD

The aesthetic improvements to the handicap ramp are courtesy of Douglas Crawford’s hard work. He finished the sanding begun by Michael Fazio, Leanne Fazio, and Clarissa Balbalian, then primed and painted the deck himself. Thanks to Douglas, we have an attractive entrance while we investigate alternatives that require less maintenance.

The latest landscaping additions to the area around the labyrinth required many hands. On August 19th, Babs Deas and Bill Batson assisted in dressing the brick patio pavers with sand, and Paul Martin and Bill helped spread gravel around the building’s foundation. On Mulch Day, August 26, David VanLandingham, Bob Brzuzsek, Paul, Martin Noah, James McCormick, Bill, and Pam Collins spread 8 yards of mulch. Pam, who is supervising the installation of her design and who has spent many hours working in this area, says she absolutely could not have gotten the job done without all this excellent help.

St. Joseph’s Guild hosted a successful indoor/outdoor workday on August 19. Beth Batson, Babs, and Leanne cleaned and polished the interior of the church. James and Collum McCormick repaired a broken step at the entrance to the narthex and also weeded around the pool and Canterbury Lodge. The labyrinth project is advancing. David Lewis made progress on laying the stones around the labyrinth. Pam Collins, Bill Batson and Paul Martin hauled lots of river rock and began integrating it into the landscaping around the labyrinth. Happy Deas repaired the broken screen door on the vesting room. Michael mowed grass with the help of Wayne Wilkerson and cooked a grand lunch for the work crew.

Many thanks to all who have volunteered their time!

Clarissa Balbalian
Junior Warden

DOK: MEDICAL MISSION SUPPLY DRIVE

The Daughters of the King are collecting supplies for the Honduras Medical Mission and need your help! Donations of hand and bath soap (travel or regular sizes), toothbrushes in original wrappings, unsharpened pencils, other school supplies such as crayons, markers, pads of paper and small pencil sharpeners are now being accepted.

Please bring your items to the church and deposit them in the marked boxes located in the Student Center. Thank you for your support of and participation in this worthwhile diocesan project of the DOK.

MORE on the MEDICAL MISSION … In addition to the local efforts of the DOK, monetary donations to help fund the 2007 Honduras Medical Mission are also being accepted. If you would like to give to support the mission, please send your contributions to: Honduras Medical Mission, Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, P.O. Box 16051, Hattiesburg, MS 39404-6052. Any and all amounts are needed and appreciated.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: LESM RESOURCE AVAILABLE

Following last year’s unprecedented Hurricane Katrina, Lutheran-Episcopal Disaster Response, an office of Lutheran-Episcopal Services in Mississippi, has made available a resource for parishes and families/individuals to use as a means to be prepared for future natural disasters and other emergencies. A Hurricane Guidance Plan can be downloaded and printed from http://lesm.org/links.htm and includes great information, including: an Emergency Supplies List, a Family Disaster Supply List and much more. The information translates for other emergencies as well, even this far inland.

Check it out! Be prepared!

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY BEGINS

Prayer shawls, comfort shawls, peace shawls….these are some of the names for shawls made with prayers and blessings and given with the hope of providing comfort and warmth.

On Saturday, September 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the Student Center, ECW will have a prayer shawl workshop where you can learn about Prayer Shawl Ministry. Patterns, yarn and instruction on how to knit will be available, as well as prayers to use while knitting the shawls. Previous knitting experience is helpful but not necessary!

ECW members Rae Brandon and Beth Batson have made several prayer shawls, had them blessed, and taken them to folks who are hurting or may need a special blessing. Either Rae or Beth will be glad to help with any questions you might have about the ministry.

For more information, contact Kim Noffisinger.

OUR SERVANT MINISTRY

CAREGIVER COMMITTEE: DRIVERS WANTED!
Some children in our parish have no way to get to Christian education classes on Sundays. The Caregiver Committee is seeking volunteers to pick up children for Christian Education and take them home after church. There are also members of our parish who need an occasional ride to a doctor's appointment or to some necessary meeting.

If you can help with transportation, please call Martha McAlpin at 323-7206.

SERVANT MINISTRY
The children whom the parish sent to Camp Bratton-Green this summer were overjoyed at receiving the items contributed by members of the parish and which helped make their experience at camp memorable.

We have kept in contact with and have assisted our adopted families during the course of this year, and the Committee is preparing to provide them with Thanksgiving meals. Then the cycle will begin again with the selection of new families and putting up the Angel Tree during Advent.

The Servant Ministry Committee meet every third Wednesday (the next meeting is September 20) at noon in the Student Center. Anyone interested in this outreach program is invited to join us.

For more information about the work of the Servant Ministry Committee call Martha or Dolton McAlpin at 323-7206.

MEN’S STEWARDSHIP WEEEKEND

Men of the diocese are invited to attend a weekend of fixin’, fellowship, and fun at Bratton-Green. During the weekend, the men will be doing some much needed repairs and cleanup at the camp and conference center, worship, and fellowship with each other.

Televised or radio broadcasts of the State and Ole Miss games will be available, so you won’t miss a play. (Both teams are traveling.)

Participants are asked to volunteer $100 per person to defray the cost of materials. Any additional donations will be much appreciated. The Center will provide whatever food can’t be brought. The participants will do the cooking.

Feel free to attend all or part of the weekend, from Friday supper through Sunday’s ‘Bountiful Breakfast’.

For more information, contact Corey Scneider by phone at 601.366.4030, by cell at 601.906.5173, or by email at yerocme@hotmail.com.

EAT OUT FOR HABITAT

McAlister’s Deli, 500 Russell Street, now donates 15% of their receipts on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. to Habitat for Humanity. Enjoy dinner at McAlister’s and help raise funds to build a Habitat for Humanity home. Receipts must be dropped in the designated container, and all donated monies go toward building a Starkville Habitat home.

EYC NEWS

EYC resumes September 10 at 4:00 p.m. in the Canterbury Lodge and is open to all 7th through 12th graders.

ALSO, Tuesday morning breakfasts have NOW resumed. These are open to all EYCers and their siblings/carpools. Stop by the Canterbury Lodge Tuesday mornings between 6:45 and 7:15 for good food and great company. Cost is $3 per person per week.

MUSIC NOTES

The Summer Choir

Thanks to all who supported congregational song in the Choir Loft this summer.

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir regular rehearsals have begun on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 in the Choir Loft. On Sunday mornings, the choir vests then begins rehearsal at 9:45 in the Parish Hall. If you are interested in participating in or finding out more about this ministry, please call Leanne at 312-1481 or at the church office, 323-3483.

Children’s Choir

Rehearsals begin on Wednesday September 13, 4:30-5:30, for children in grades one through six.

The Hymn Lottery

The fishbowl is no longer in the narthex...watch for its return next summer.

FROM THE VESTRY

The vestry of the Church of the Resurrection met at 7:00 PM on August 21, 2006. The Rev. Brian Ponder led the group in a Bible Study and discussion. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, and the financial report was accepted.

Leigh Jensen Crawford, Search Committee Chairman, attended the meeting to update vestry members on the search process and to discuss financial arrangements for the search.

It was announced that Steven Brandon has agreed to head up the Stewardship Campaign this fall. We are fortunate to have someone so qualified to lead this vital ministry, and the hope is that everyone will help when called upon. The nominating committee (Peyton Passons and David McMillen) for vestry nominees reported that progress has been made, and Jim Jones reported on plans for Parish Opportunity Days (POD) which will be held in the Student Center on September 10th. This is a special time for people to sign up for ministries in which they are interested. Plan to participate! Instituting a once a month church dinner was discussed. Rachel McCann and Guy Hargrove presented plans for Christian Education. Teachers have been lined up, and now all we need are children and adults to attend.

The meeting adjourned with prayer.

Babs Deas
Senior Warden

CANTERBURY PROGRAMS: FALL 2006

CANTERBURY FELLOWSHIP
Canterbury will resume regular Wednesday night programming August 30 and invites any and all college-aged students to participate. Canterbury offers a time for food, fun, fellowship and worship, beginning each week at 5:30 p.m. in the Canterbury Lodge at Resurrection. Other special programs are offered throughout the year.

Canterbury hopes to offer a spiritual home for those in college as we worship, pray and journey together through study, reflection and fellowship. Check us out sometime! Parishioners are always welcome anytime we gather.

For more information on Canterbury, visit our Web sites: www.resurrectionchurch.com/canterbury and www.msstate.edu/org/canterbury.

PEWS, VIEWS & BREWS:
An Offering for 20- & 30- Somethings
This fall, Canterbury offers Pews, Views & Brews, an opportunity for biblical or theological reflection for young adults associated with Canterbury AND the parish! We’ll begin at the Lodge and continue discussion at a local pub.

The gathering is open to all, but the 21 rule apples! PV&B begins Tuesday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m. and meets on the first Tuesdays of the month. Nursery care can be provided upon request and with advanced notice.

DINNER & a MOVIE & COMPLINE, TOO!
Beginning, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. and on second Sundays of each month, Canterbury will gather for Dinner & a Movie & Compline, TOO! This is a time for students to come together to cook and share a meal in community, watch a great flick with theological significance and discuss it, and then wrap up the evening with the Office of Compline! See you at the movies!

CONGRATULATIONS, MSU STUDENTS!

Congratulations to 2006-07 recipients of diocesan scholarship monies go to Martin Noah (Raspberry Scholar); Merry Barnes (Warren Trust Scholar); Frances Luke (Capers Scholar); and Teresa Patrick (Warren Trust Scholar)! Way to go! Martin and Merry are continuing at State this year, and Frances and Teresa are entering freshman students.

Diocesan scholarship applications are due in February of each year and are available through the parish and diocesan offices. Awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, merit, Church involvement and other criteria. For more information, please contact Brian at msu_canterbury@bellsouth.net.

CANTERBURY MEAL HELP NEEDED

Canterbury will once again offer FREE home-cooked meals as part of its regular programming on Wednesday evenings throughout the academic year, and we need the help of parishioners and others to keep us well fed!

Please consider cooking and serving a meal for Canterbury this year. This is a GREAT way to get to know those in the Canterbury Fellowship and vice versa!

If you are interested and willing, please call Merry Barnes, Canterbury assistant, at 601.506.1021 or email her at merrizzle@yahoo.com. You may also drop Brian a note, letting him know of your interest: msu_canterbury@bellsouth.net. Merry will help coordinate scheduling and will be in touch concerning expected numbers, serving times and other details. THANKS IN ADVANCE for your participation!!

ST. FRANCIS DAY CELEBRATION & BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: OCTOBER 8

The annual St. Francis Day Celebration with Blessing of the Animals will take place Sunday, October 8, at 4:30 p.m. in the church parking lot. Whether your pet be hoofed or winged, pawed, clawed or even bipedal, join us for this yearly celebration of God's creation and those who bring our lives so much joy. Those with pet allergies are encouraged to bring a favorite stuffed animal for blessing. Treats for humans and their owners will be served!

As is customary for the St. Francis Day Celebration, donations will be accepted for the Oktibbeha Co. Humane Society. Items needed daily at the Humane Society include: bleach*; Pine-Sol*; paper towels*; disposable Latex gloves*; Purina Dog Chow*; Purina Puppy Chow*; Purina Cat Chow*; Purina Kitten Chow*; non-clumping kitty litter*; fabric softener dryer sheets; laundry detergent (prefer liquid); automatic dishwasher detergent; dish detergent; dog chews and chewy treats; assorted size dog collars; leashes; Quality Flea and Tick Spray; and Germ-X hand sanitizer. Long term needs include: otoscope; postage stamps; and general office supplies. Check the OHS website for up-to-date donation needs: http://www.msstate.edu/org/humane.

* indicates most needed items

GOLF & TENNIS

The Northern Convocation has a golf and tennis tournament at Tunica National on Monday, September 11, to benefit the six Episcopal churches on the Mississippi Coast that were devastated by Katrina.

If you are interested in participating, please call the parish office at 323-3483 for more information or call the Church of the Epiphany in Tunica at 662-363-2393.

We Need COFFEE Help!

When Diane left we not only lost our Deacon, our Outreach Chairman and the Servant Ministry Leader, we also lost our coffee maker. A cup of coffee and Juawice's wonderful treats are a lovely way to spend a minute with a friend after church and/or welcome a newcomer to our little community of faith.

This is a vital ministry and if it is something in which you might be interested in helping, please call Babs Deas at 324-5155 or the church office.

TENTATIVE WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Sundays – 8:00 a.m. (Rite I) & 10:30 a.m. (Rite II)

Thursdays, 12:05 p.m.

NOTE: Special worship opportunities in 2006-07 may be found online at: www.resurrectionchurch.com/schedules.

Other Coming Events and Important Dates

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NEW ADDRESSES FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY:

Bill & Alyson Hardin
P. O. Box 267895
Weston, FL 33326

Joshua & Emily Easterling
1020 North Gloster St., # 211
Tupelo, MS 38804

Dorothy Anderson
Kingsley Place
6250 South Stonebridge Rd.
McKinney, TX 75070

WE SHARE IN JOY FOR THE MARRIAGE OF:
Jessica Callahan and Chris Nichols on September 2

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:
Grace Strahan Piper on the death of her father Joe Strahan in July
Teresa Kennard, on the death of her uncle, Oscar Boyd, in August
Eve McKee, on the death of her brother, Charlie McKee, in August
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon them.

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, Brooke Schnitman, Bridget Burdan, Hunter Maye, Lisa Dickey, Frances Finane, Chad Green, Marianne, Chris Pearce, Walt Hillen, George Hester, Richard Christiansen, Warnie Kennington, Rhonda Bond, Joan Hill, Dorothy Anderson, Beth Hester, Louise, Murray Bullock, Betty Woods, Lori Sneed, Cecelia Robson, Jan Handy, David Cook, Larry Heath, Melinda Jones, Mary Sears, Faye Jordan, Susie Jordan, Kathryn Buckley, Marion Kennair, Mollye Callahan, Ernie Russell...those who serve in the military, especially Steve, David, Chris, Fran, Tim McKay, Justin, John Burdan, Rob Kennington, David McCaffree.... and those in harm’s way.

AN UPDATE ON THE SEARCH PROCESS NOMINATIONS

The Search Committee and Vestry met with the search consultant, The Rev. Canon David Johnson for a Friday evening and Saturday retreat where we worked to discern who we are as a church community and what ministry skills and knowledge best fits our needs. It was a great experience for all who attended.

Nominations

There are three ways that we will begin receiving names of individuals to consider for our new rector.

(1) We submit information to the national database from the Clergy Deployment Office and receive names that match our criteria;

(2) the Bishop submits names for us to consider;

(3) nominations from individuals are accepted.

If you know someone that you think might be a good rector for Church of the Resurrection, please fill out a nomination form as soon as possible. Forms are available in the church office and in the Narthex.

To nominate someone, please submit a nomination form to the chair of the Search Committee, Leigh Jensen Crawford. Names should be submitted beginning September 3rd and ending September 24th. Forms may be returned to the church office or mailed to the church to the attention of the Search Committee.

September Birthdays