Search Committee Continues Work

It has been a year since the Rev.’s Bill and Diane Livingston accepted calls to work on the coast. Since that time, the Search Committee has worked diligently to find “that person whom God is forming for us.” We have formed the committee, worked with a consultant, developed and completed a parish survey, the Parish Profile, and Parish CDO Profile (all of which are available on our website). We have met on a regular basis, screened applications and nominees, traveled for interviews, and met with several candidates. We will continue in this process until we discern God’s call to us and the candidate receives God’s call for this ministry. Thank you to so many of you who have supported us in numerous ways.

Please remember to keep the Search Committee in your prayers. “Assure us that, even now, you are calling for your service a faithful pastor and a prophetic witness, who will care for your people and equip us to more fully become your disciples.”

Leigh Jensen Crawford
Chair, Search Committee

St. Joseph’s Guild Notes

Contractors should complete repairs to brick in various trouble spots and the bell tower cap should be in place this month. Also, beginning in mid-July, look for repairs and improvements in the Columbarium courtyard area.

We have a couple of volunteers to help paint the courtyard area, but we are always looking for more. If you are interested please contact Clarissa Balbalian at 615-1291 or cbalbali@ext.msstate.edu.

An indoor workday will be scheduled possibly in late July or early August. Announcements will be made when a date is confirmed.

Thanks to Peyton and Gretchen Passons who have volunteered to try to keep the weeds at bay in the Columbarium courtyard this summer.

Clarissa Balbalian
Junior Warden

Servant Ministry

Servant Ministry did not meet in June, as has been our custom. We will meet again starting in July on third Wednesdays at noon in the Student Center.

We still need anyone who can help with transportation of our folks from time to time for errands, doctor visits, and such. One parishioner ‘s transportation to church remains a pressing concern; he needs not just transportation but also assistance with his wheelchair. Dolton and Martha McAlpin have been able to get him some this summer but need back-up. Please give Martha a call at 323-7206 if you can serve as a driver or help with Sunday transport.

ECW News

The ECW Spring Luncheon was held April 25, 2007. Kim Stevens welcomed the members, and the meeting opened with a prayer. The members enjoyed the salad luncheon and then had a short business meeting.

Two fall activities were planned: a pledge Wine and Cheese Gathering and the Nativity Pledge Gathering at Ellen Newsom’s. The executive committee will set dates and times later.

Beth Batson reported on the progress made on the remodeling of the women’s bathroom. Also being discussed is the remodeling of the men’s bathroom and the nursery.

Kim Stevens
President

Confirmation at St. Andrew’s

Several of us traveled to Jackson on May 18th to St. Andrew’s Cathedral for the confirmation of Jo Bright and Lori Mitchell. It was a wonderful moment, and the people at St. Andrew’s could not have been nicer. They provided a reception afterwards that was not only delicious but beautiful in its presentation.

There had been some grumbling at the onset that confirmation should always take place in the local parish. On the way to Jackson at 8:00 a.m. in the morning on a Saturday, I began to have some reservations myself, but once we got there and the service began those doubts faded away. Bishop Gray has said in the past that he would like to hold all confirmations at the Cathedral eventually. Being there and seeing people from six different parishes confirmed was truly an inspiring moment. Anyone coming from a different denomination could not help but feel included in a larger community. This was not just about one church but about a family united to celebrate with these new Episcopalians. If you have the chance, take advantage of the opportunity to attend one of these services. You will not be disappointed.

Babs Deas
Senior Warden

Music Notes: Summer Choir

-Thanks to all who have sat in the choir loft to serve as the Summer Choir.
-Thanks to Rachel McCann for her inspiring our singing with her guitar.

Remember, we are ALL the choir as we fully participate in the liturgy.

As a full participant, sing from the choir loft or from the pews---

Anyone and everyone is welcome to sit in the choir loft this summer --

Bring and sit with your entire family!

Leanne Fazio
Organist/Choirmaster

Acolyte Training

New acolytes will be trained in August or September. Those interested ~ rising 4th graders and older ~ should contact either the parish office (323-3483) or John Beal (323-8748). Trained acolytes who will not be available to serve this coming academic year should also notify either the parish office or John.

New Benches Installed in Columbarium Garden

The two marble benches have arrived and have been installed in the Columbarium Garden. These benches were donated by Jerry Williams in memory of his wife, Lavora.

The next and last item to be completed is a fence to go around the air conditioner. This will be installed in the not- too-distant future.

Thanks to everyone who has helped to make this very extraordinary Columbarium, Labyrinth and Garden a reality for our church!

Eat delicious barbeque!

Dance and "get down" with rockin' live music! Children can romp and race and fish and play! And all can "dunk" a "Duncan" in our wet ‘n wild "Duncan Booth" , not to mention the awesome "Live" auction!

Coming Events & Important Dates

July

• 1-8 CBG, Regular IV (gr. 5-6)
• 2-5 Office is closed for staff vacations and observance of 4th of July
• 4 Independence Day
• 10-16 CBG, Special Session II
• 18-22 Cursillo
• 18-26 Fr. Brian at CBG
• 19 Noonday Prayer (instead of Healing Service)
• 20-26 CBG, Regular V (jr. high)
• 22 Morning Prayer (instead of Holy Eucharist)
• 26 Visiting Clergy: The Rev. Jeff Reich
• 28 CBG, Regular VI (gr. 3-4)
• 29 Visiting Clergy: The Rev. Gene Asbury
• 31 Music & Liturgy Conference

August

• 2 CBG, Regular VI (gr. 3-4)
• 5 Music & Liturgy Conference
• 3-5 CBG, First Camp
• 11 Bishop’s Barbecue
• 20 MSU Classes Begin

Pentecost Picnic & Pool Party

Just about everyone wore red, and everyone had a great time!

Thanks to Lori Mitchell for coordinating the event, and to all those who helped make it fun for everyone.

Martha McAlpin, Rachael Damms, Leanne Fazio, & Fr. Brian Ponder, all dressed in red!	Dudley, Belmont, Kate, & Kelli Phelps picnic before pool time.
Cate & Colin Scanes visit with Nancy & David Christiansen.	Larry Oldham, Charlie Perkins, Ann McVey, Babs Deas, & Rae
Nels Long, a friend of Nels’, Adrian Lewis, Marie Baran, and Ruth Schorling enjoy a bit of shade.	Curt Alford, Adele Crudden, Sue Bell, Tom Bell, David Lewis, James McCormick, David McMillen, Jo Bright, and Lori Mitchell share a table.

August Birthdays

We share in joy for the birth of:

Elaina LaRue, daughter of Whitney Hilton and Randall McMillen, granddaughter of David and Dixie McMillen and Cam McMillen
Cia Harper, the daughter of Bronson and Kacey Strickland and sister of Sadie

OUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR... those with child, especially Laura Vollor, Kathleen Thomas, Leslie Zacharias, Jessica Harris, Suzanna Easley.... those who suffer in mind, body or spirit, especially Jeanne, Lorenzo, Edna, Don, Ophelia, Donald Mosley, Bridget Burdan, Hunter Maye, Chad Green, Marian, Richard Christiansen, Rhonda Bond, Murray Bullock, Gene Phillips, Hattie Shelley, Liam Livingston, Tonya Cruta, Rozella, Jane Polk, Teresa Phillips, Marguerite McKell, Jerry Brashier, Russ McReynolds, Horace Boyer, Myrlene Wilkerson, Mary Jean Wiltse, Bill and Jeannie Daiss and family, Bob Stevenson, Paul Logan Cotton, Donnie Prisock, Prince Hollingshed, Robert Pilgrim, Andrea, Malcom Broome....those who serve in the military, especially Steve, David, Chris, Fran, John Burdan, Rob Kennington, David McCaffree, Leslie Esher....and those in harm’s way.

From the Vestry

The vestry of the Church of the Resurrection met on May 21, 2007 and on June 18, 2007. Each meeting was called to order with prayer or devotional, the minutes from the previous meeting were approved, and the financial report was accepted.

During the May meeting, held in the Student Center, Brian and Sandra’s summer schedule was discussed, and it was also reported that we had collected over $750.00 for Gray Center on “Gray Center Sunday”.

A discussion on the church’s summer schedule that had been tabled from the last meeting was discussed further. The vestry concluded not to take any action at this time.

Holly Potts asked to explore the possibility of swimming lessons for little ones at the pool this summer. She also reported that Lori Mitchell had agreed to coordinate the Pentecost Pool Party.

Rachel McCann, Adult Formation, reported that the Sunday 6:00 p.m. service would be silent meditation, and she is already formulating plans for the fall.

Guy Hargrove, Youth Formation, reported he had met with Sunday school teachers.

The June meeting was held in the home of Les and Holly Potts, where the vestry enjoyed a few moments of social time before getting down to business. The schedules for nominations for the vestry and stewardship campaign were announced.

The audit report was discussed in great detail, and several monetary issues were resolved.

Holly reported it was too late this summer to offer swimming lessons at the pool but she would start sooner next year.

Martha McAlpin, Pastoral Care, asked for more drivers to help get people to church.

Clarissa Balbalian was unable to attend the meeting but sent a written report from the Junior Warden. Several items having to do with the church building were included in the report , including: the cap on the bell tower, which should be replaced this month, and brick work to be done on the archway in front of the office door, which will be done as soon as the brick mason has time. Getting small jobs done has turned out to be a bit of a problem. Clarissa’s call for volunteers seems to have netted great results, and parishioners have offered to donate furniture for the Student Center.

Both meetings concluded with the prayer for the search.

Babs Deas
Senior Warden