NEWS from
NEWS
from
The Episcopal Parish of the Church of The Mediator
and
the Church of Our Redeemer May 2013 An Ebenezer One of my favorite hymns is "Come thou fount of every blessing." Interestingly, there was a major change in the lyrics of the Episcopal version at some point. We changed the second verse from "Here I raise mine Ebenezer" to "Here I find my greatest treasure." This is, quite literally, the only time that I prefer a Methodist version of a hymn to the Episcopal one. The idea of an Ebenezer, as established in the Old Testament, was that of a touch stone- of something that would guide you, and call you, back home. There are certain times in our lives when peace descends over us and the world seems to slow down. When an unbelievable sense of calm seems to wash over our schedules and we are able to have everything in hand. Summer, however, is rarely one of these times. Instead, it is a time when the hustle and bustle of our workaday lives seems to always etch up one more notch. On top of our normal routines we add vacations and visits. And locally as the weather changes we all seem to crave one another's company more, to find more and more reasons to gather together. In short, summer makes us busy. And in that business, we can sometimes find ourselves getting lost. It is not a tricky thing at all, in this modern world of our, to find oneself lost in an entirely new landscape. In a world that is simultaneously expanding and growing smaller, we find ourselves encountering new worlds almost every day. And in our reaching and traveling outward, it is worthwhile that we remember something to ground us, something to root us in who exactly we are and where exactly we come from. I propose to you, brothers and sisters, that this can be one of the Church's roles in your life. The Church can serve as that Ebenezer, that place of center, somewhere that you can always call home and head to when you need shelter. The Church is not static, it certainly is prone to change, sometimes even from Sunday to Sunday, and yet there is a quality of it that remains unchanged, especially here at Mediator-Redeemer. The Church is welcoming to all who journey here. And so, as you journey from place to place, as we all take our vacations and plan our visits, I encourage you to remember our Church together this summer as a place to once again come home to yourself, finding a shelter from the sometimes all too wild storm of life raging in the world outside. I promise you: You will be welcome! Peace, Chris
Our Mission Statement: Seeking God through worship and service.
Financial News Dear Church Family, We had a fantastic March! The church brought in $17,006.97 in pledges and plate offerings. Our expenses were $11,146.99, leaving us with an income of $5,859.98. I believe this is the best month we’ve had so far. After the hard month we had in February, this is truly a blessing. Someone just asked me how we were making this budget this year — and it’s more than last year. My quick response was that Chris had us coming to church everyday for a whole week for Easter! When I got home, I really started thinking about it and these were some of my thoughts: first of all, I feel that Chris is a big reason. He has been such an asset to our church. If you have missed hearing one of his sermons, then you are missing something! Second is the positive feeling that is here at this Parish. It is spreading and everyone wants to be on board of a church that is successful and moving forward. Third is faith, and this is the hard one—the belief that God will help us do his will. We are stepping out on faith that God has plans for us and we are making it happen. I know that we will have months that are hard for us. I also know and have faith that we will make it happen. God is Good! Cindy
FOR YOUR PRAYERS: Ann Brock Brunson, Kaitlyn Smith, Peggie Martin, Larue Byrd, Candace Moesta, Wayne Pigott, Joyce O’Neal, Cindy Brumfield, Courtney Rushing, Louis Holmes, Ethel Moak, Kathy Jones, Jane Fischer, Adina Breckinridge, Eileen Price, Jessie Coker, the family of Alma Reeves, Griffin Brown and Sherrie Brown.
PRIVATE PRAYER CHAIN In addition to the public prayer list, a small group of people are committed to praying every day for those on our private list. We do not talk publicly about those on our list. We believe strongly in the power of prayer for healing, as we have seen the power of God in answered prayers over the years. If you have anyone you wish to put on this list call Carolyn Stephens at 601-684-3408 or 601-248-9144. If you would like to join this group of dedicated prayer warriors, call Carolyn. We ask that if you put someone on the list that you keep us updated, otherwise we find ourselves praying for someone who no longer needs our prayers, and the list can get quite lengthy.
Congratulations & Best Wishes! Two of the Parish’s own are graduating from high school this month! Anna Martin, daughter of Nancy Martin and Ervin Martin, is graduating from Providence Christian Academy on Friday, May 17. Hampton Murry, Jr., graduates from South Pike High School on Saturday, May 25. Hampton is the son of Hampton Murray, Sr., and Jennifer Campbell. Anna and Hampton will be honored at the Parish Picnic Sunday, May 19, at the Raddon Garden in McComb. Please be sure to congratulate these young people on their hard work and keep them in your prayers as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Those Who Serve in May May 5 6 Easter
May 12 7 Easter
May 19 Day of Pentecost
May 26 1 Pentecost Trinity Sunday
Our Redeemer – Magnolia
The Mediator - McComb
Server: Jack Seale Lectors: Jack Seale & Sally Johnson Usher: George Goza Greeter: George Goza Altar: Virginia Goza Server: Judy Johnson Lectors: Jerry Padgett & Elizabeth Woodall Usher: Chip Leggett Greeter: Jack Seale Altar: Sharon Ray & Gina Spalitta
Server: Kathy Holmes Lectors: Ronnie DeHabermann & Norman Gillis, Jr. Ushers: Frederick Stephens & Mike Faust Greeter: Tom Assaf Altar: Virginia Pope & Brenda Teague Server: Tommy McKenzie Lectors: Kathy Holmes & JoAnn Sawyer Ushers: Tom Assaf & Norman Gillis, Jr. Greeter: Norman Gillis, Jr. Altar: Noriko Faust
Annual Parish Picnic Combined Service—10:30 am, Harry Raddon Memorial Garden Church of the Mediator, McComb Server: Jack Seale Lectors: George Goza & Judy Johnson Ushers: Wallace Pope & Tommy McKenzie Greeter: Ronnie DeHabermann Altar: Angie & Bonnie Rae Dorman Server: Curt Lamar Lectors: Sally Johnson & Curt Lamar Usher: George Goza Greeter: Jack Seale Altar: Judy Johnson
Server: Kathy Holmes Lectors: Larry Stewart & Jack Seale Ushers: Frederick Stephens & Mike Faust Greeter: Tom Assaf Altar: Carolyn Stephens
Wednesday Altars: Dana Lamar
Blessings The Right Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III, Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi, blessed and dedicated the new Harry Raddon Memorial Garden at the Church of the Mediator in McComb on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
During the worship service that morning, five baptisms and five confirmations were celebrated. Baptized were Bill Moore, Alisha Murray, Allisson Murray, Anthony Murray, and Ashley Murray. Confirmed were Doris Ciuffi, Jack McKenzie, Brenda Murray, Raymond Murray, and Jessica Troutman.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
A Day Apart: A Time for Rest and Prayer—Friday, May 3, 9 am—2pm. At Gray Center.
Mass in B Minor with the St. Philip’s Episcopal Parish Choir, Jackson. Part of the St. Philip’s 50th anniversary celebration. Sat., May 18, 3 p.m. and Sun., May 19, 7 p.m.
2013 Bishop’s Barbeque—May 24-26 at Gray Center. Food, games, Hog Jog, contests of all kinds. Info at www.bbq.dioms.org, and on the bulletin boards.
Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Summit—5:00 pm Friday, June 21—1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Gray Center. Bishop Greg Rickel of the Diocese of Olympia will be the speaker. The theme is “Living into Our Abundance: Stewards of the Gifts of God”. Details at www.dioms.org.
First-ever Diocese Family Camp for 5 days beginning June 29. Stay in Gray Center with events there and at Camp Bratton-Green. Info at www.graycenter.org.
187th Annual Council date has been changed to January 31-February 2, 2014, hosted by Trinity Church, Natchez. Please make a note of this change!
Please Note! Mother’s Morning Out will take its summer break at the end of May. Watch this space for details on when it will resume.
Birthdays
Anniversaries
4—Jimmy Harris 8—Payton Domanick 11—Larry Stewart 12—Bonnie Dorman 13—Cassie Anderson 13—Galen Stephens 13—Truett McKenzie 14—George Rummel 16—Ashton Scott Hughes 18—Sean Thomas Magee 19—Deb Ainsworth 21—Rev. Chris Robinson 22—Jerry Padgett 25—Sarah Palmer 26—Anna Martin 28—Dustin Sawyer 28—Gail Ott 29—Chuck Moesta 29—Ron Bankston
14—Clayton & B. J. Quin 16—Ben & Courtney Thompson 18—Clyde & Shirley Johnson 19—Eddie & Vickie Conn 25—Ronnie & Lynne DeHabermann 25—Janet Moak & Mary Hubbard 25—David & Page Anderson 28—Chad & Melissa Leggett 28—Curt & Barbara Hayes
HOW TO REACH US Church of the Mediator 215 N. Broadway McComb, MS 39648
Church of Our Redeemer 101 Magnolia Street Magnolia, MS 39652
Mailing address: P O Box 1001, McComb, MS 39649 Parish Office: 304 Clark Ave., McComb Phone: 601-684-5682 ♦♦♦ Fax: call first Office Email: [email protected] Rev. Chris Robinson – [email protected], 601-810-8434 Jack Seale, Sr. Warden — [email protected], 601-810-0080 Ronnie DeHabermann, Jr. Warden – [email protected], 601-996-9281
SCHEDULE OF REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES Sunday: 8:00 AM – Magnolia, Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer 10:30 AM – McComb, Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer (Nursery is provided in McComb) 9:30 AM - Adult Christian Formation, McComb, Solomon Building Wednesdays: 12:05 PM – McComb, Holy Eucharist or Noonday Prayer 5th Sunday of each month services are combined at McComb church with potluck lunch following.
from
The Episcopal Parish of the Church of The Mediator
and
the Church of Our Redeemer May 2013 An Ebenezer One of my favorite hymns is "Come thou fount of every blessing." Interestingly, there was a major change in the lyrics of the Episcopal version at some point. We changed the second verse from "Here I raise mine Ebenezer" to "Here I find my greatest treasure." This is, quite literally, the only time that I prefer a Methodist version of a hymn to the Episcopal one. The idea of an Ebenezer, as established in the Old Testament, was that of a touch stone- of something that would guide you, and call you, back home. There are certain times in our lives when peace descends over us and the world seems to slow down. When an unbelievable sense of calm seems to wash over our schedules and we are able to have everything in hand. Summer, however, is rarely one of these times. Instead, it is a time when the hustle and bustle of our workaday lives seems to always etch up one more notch. On top of our normal routines we add vacations and visits. And locally as the weather changes we all seem to crave one another's company more, to find more and more reasons to gather together. In short, summer makes us busy. And in that business, we can sometimes find ourselves getting lost. It is not a tricky thing at all, in this modern world of our, to find oneself lost in an entirely new landscape. In a world that is simultaneously expanding and growing smaller, we find ourselves encountering new worlds almost every day. And in our reaching and traveling outward, it is worthwhile that we remember something to ground us, something to root us in who exactly we are and where exactly we come from. I propose to you, brothers and sisters, that this can be one of the Church's roles in your life. The Church can serve as that Ebenezer, that place of center, somewhere that you can always call home and head to when you need shelter. The Church is not static, it certainly is prone to change, sometimes even from Sunday to Sunday, and yet there is a quality of it that remains unchanged, especially here at Mediator-Redeemer. The Church is welcoming to all who journey here. And so, as you journey from place to place, as we all take our vacations and plan our visits, I encourage you to remember our Church together this summer as a place to once again come home to yourself, finding a shelter from the sometimes all too wild storm of life raging in the world outside. I promise you: You will be welcome! Peace, Chris
Our Mission Statement: Seeking God through worship and service.
Financial News Dear Church Family, We had a fantastic March! The church brought in $17,006.97 in pledges and plate offerings. Our expenses were $11,146.99, leaving us with an income of $5,859.98. I believe this is the best month we’ve had so far. After the hard month we had in February, this is truly a blessing. Someone just asked me how we were making this budget this year — and it’s more than last year. My quick response was that Chris had us coming to church everyday for a whole week for Easter! When I got home, I really started thinking about it and these were some of my thoughts: first of all, I feel that Chris is a big reason. He has been such an asset to our church. If you have missed hearing one of his sermons, then you are missing something! Second is the positive feeling that is here at this Parish. It is spreading and everyone wants to be on board of a church that is successful and moving forward. Third is faith, and this is the hard one—the belief that God will help us do his will. We are stepping out on faith that God has plans for us and we are making it happen. I know that we will have months that are hard for us. I also know and have faith that we will make it happen. God is Good! Cindy
FOR YOUR PRAYERS: Ann Brock Brunson, Kaitlyn Smith, Peggie Martin, Larue Byrd, Candace Moesta, Wayne Pigott, Joyce O’Neal, Cindy Brumfield, Courtney Rushing, Louis Holmes, Ethel Moak, Kathy Jones, Jane Fischer, Adina Breckinridge, Eileen Price, Jessie Coker, the family of Alma Reeves, Griffin Brown and Sherrie Brown.
PRIVATE PRAYER CHAIN In addition to the public prayer list, a small group of people are committed to praying every day for those on our private list. We do not talk publicly about those on our list. We believe strongly in the power of prayer for healing, as we have seen the power of God in answered prayers over the years. If you have anyone you wish to put on this list call Carolyn Stephens at 601-684-3408 or 601-248-9144. If you would like to join this group of dedicated prayer warriors, call Carolyn. We ask that if you put someone on the list that you keep us updated, otherwise we find ourselves praying for someone who no longer needs our prayers, and the list can get quite lengthy.
Congratulations & Best Wishes! Two of the Parish’s own are graduating from high school this month! Anna Martin, daughter of Nancy Martin and Ervin Martin, is graduating from Providence Christian Academy on Friday, May 17. Hampton Murry, Jr., graduates from South Pike High School on Saturday, May 25. Hampton is the son of Hampton Murray, Sr., and Jennifer Campbell. Anna and Hampton will be honored at the Parish Picnic Sunday, May 19, at the Raddon Garden in McComb. Please be sure to congratulate these young people on their hard work and keep them in your prayers as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Those Who Serve in May May 5 6 Easter
May 12 7 Easter
May 19 Day of Pentecost
May 26 1 Pentecost Trinity Sunday
Our Redeemer – Magnolia
The Mediator - McComb
Server: Jack Seale Lectors: Jack Seale & Sally Johnson Usher: George Goza Greeter: George Goza Altar: Virginia Goza Server: Judy Johnson Lectors: Jerry Padgett & Elizabeth Woodall Usher: Chip Leggett Greeter: Jack Seale Altar: Sharon Ray & Gina Spalitta
Server: Kathy Holmes Lectors: Ronnie DeHabermann & Norman Gillis, Jr. Ushers: Frederick Stephens & Mike Faust Greeter: Tom Assaf Altar: Virginia Pope & Brenda Teague Server: Tommy McKenzie Lectors: Kathy Holmes & JoAnn Sawyer Ushers: Tom Assaf & Norman Gillis, Jr. Greeter: Norman Gillis, Jr. Altar: Noriko Faust
Annual Parish Picnic Combined Service—10:30 am, Harry Raddon Memorial Garden Church of the Mediator, McComb Server: Jack Seale Lectors: George Goza & Judy Johnson Ushers: Wallace Pope & Tommy McKenzie Greeter: Ronnie DeHabermann Altar: Angie & Bonnie Rae Dorman Server: Curt Lamar Lectors: Sally Johnson & Curt Lamar Usher: George Goza Greeter: Jack Seale Altar: Judy Johnson
Server: Kathy Holmes Lectors: Larry Stewart & Jack Seale Ushers: Frederick Stephens & Mike Faust Greeter: Tom Assaf Altar: Carolyn Stephens
Wednesday Altars: Dana Lamar
Blessings The Right Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III, Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi, blessed and dedicated the new Harry Raddon Memorial Garden at the Church of the Mediator in McComb on Sunday, April 28, 2013.
During the worship service that morning, five baptisms and five confirmations were celebrated. Baptized were Bill Moore, Alisha Murray, Allisson Murray, Anthony Murray, and Ashley Murray. Confirmed were Doris Ciuffi, Jack McKenzie, Brenda Murray, Raymond Murray, and Jessica Troutman.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
A Day Apart: A Time for Rest and Prayer—Friday, May 3, 9 am—2pm. At Gray Center.
Mass in B Minor with the St. Philip’s Episcopal Parish Choir, Jackson. Part of the St. Philip’s 50th anniversary celebration. Sat., May 18, 3 p.m. and Sun., May 19, 7 p.m.
2013 Bishop’s Barbeque—May 24-26 at Gray Center. Food, games, Hog Jog, contests of all kinds. Info at www.bbq.dioms.org, and on the bulletin boards.
Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Summit—5:00 pm Friday, June 21—1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Gray Center. Bishop Greg Rickel of the Diocese of Olympia will be the speaker. The theme is “Living into Our Abundance: Stewards of the Gifts of God”. Details at www.dioms.org.
First-ever Diocese Family Camp for 5 days beginning June 29. Stay in Gray Center with events there and at Camp Bratton-Green. Info at www.graycenter.org.
187th Annual Council date has been changed to January 31-February 2, 2014, hosted by Trinity Church, Natchez. Please make a note of this change!
Please Note! Mother’s Morning Out will take its summer break at the end of May. Watch this space for details on when it will resume.
Birthdays
Anniversaries
4—Jimmy Harris 8—Payton Domanick 11—Larry Stewart 12—Bonnie Dorman 13—Cassie Anderson 13—Galen Stephens 13—Truett McKenzie 14—George Rummel 16—Ashton Scott Hughes 18—Sean Thomas Magee 19—Deb Ainsworth 21—Rev. Chris Robinson 22—Jerry Padgett 25—Sarah Palmer 26—Anna Martin 28—Dustin Sawyer 28—Gail Ott 29—Chuck Moesta 29—Ron Bankston
14—Clayton & B. J. Quin 16—Ben & Courtney Thompson 18—Clyde & Shirley Johnson 19—Eddie & Vickie Conn 25—Ronnie & Lynne DeHabermann 25—Janet Moak & Mary Hubbard 25—David & Page Anderson 28—Chad & Melissa Leggett 28—Curt & Barbara Hayes
HOW TO REACH US Church of the Mediator 215 N. Broadway McComb, MS 39648
Church of Our Redeemer 101 Magnolia Street Magnolia, MS 39652
Mailing address: P O Box 1001, McComb, MS 39649 Parish Office: 304 Clark Ave., McComb Phone: 601-684-5682 ♦♦♦ Fax: call first Office Email: [email protected] Rev. Chris Robinson – [email protected], 601-810-8434 Jack Seale, Sr. Warden — [email protected], 601-810-0080 Ronnie DeHabermann, Jr. Warden – [email protected], 601-996-9281
SCHEDULE OF REGULAR CHURCH SERVICES Sunday: 8:00 AM – Magnolia, Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer 10:30 AM – McComb, Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer (Nursery is provided in McComb) 9:30 AM - Adult Christian Formation, McComb, Solomon Building Wednesdays: 12:05 PM – McComb, Holy Eucharist or Noonday Prayer 5th Sunday of each month services are combined at McComb church with potluck lunch following.
