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Facebook page St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Altavista VA
Volume 2 + Issue #7
October 2012
One Nun “from the bus” On Tuesday evening of this week, Eunice Andrews, Jan and Don Parry and I travelled to St. Mark’s in Clifford to hear the message of Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, Daughter of Charity, speak about Justice and health issues. Sister Mary Ellen begins with the premise that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. She shared a story of sacrificial giving. She spoke of charity and justice in terms of rights, ability, charitable acts, and privilege. Sister Mary Ellen gained a measure of both fame and notoriety in June, when she joined with four other "Nuns on the Bus" to make a tour of nine states in June, 2012, advocating for universal healthcare. Sister Mary Ellen is a Lobbyist for Network, an organization that describes itself as "A catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace which educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation." Sr. Mary Ellen's work focuses primarily on immigration, healthcare, and nutrition and Gulf Coast Restoration issues.
Justice has to do with fairness. Charity has to do with good will (because we are able to offer it). A right, which is guaranteed by the constitution that the government stays out of. She asked if we though health care was a justice issue or charity? She suggests that we have a moral obligation. “I care for you because you are part of my society.” Based on ! Corinthians 12:26-29 “We are one body.” We need to care for the whole body.
Sister Mary Ellen with Karen+ and Eunice Andrews
(Story continued on page 3) 1
Rector’s Corner Feeling like the rich young man The first time I heard about the Iona Community that has its roots on that beautiful holy ground off the coast of Scotland, but whose ministry echoes around the world, I distanced myself from its Rule of Life. At first blush I thought, I can join this group as it follows a rule of prayer, worship, study, evangelization, good works, and the tithe, just like many other orders. But then, I heard about the “other 90%”. You know, the 90% of your income that is not promised to the church, but that part with which we live and move and have our being. “Oh my,” I thought, “that’s way beyond my comfort level.” And then I visited the island to come away with a new sense of community and what justice looks like in the broader vision. I began to think about the 90% … that other part … and how I live my life in that 90%. Do I use my spending power responsibly? Am I able to purchase that only which I need or am I more in the “wants” column? What kind of carbon footprint am I leaving? How am I leaving into the kind of Christian that Sister Mary Ellen has called us to be in her presentation?
Pet Blessing on October 7th and meet Valor, a foster dog Meet Valor, a 2 year old Chesapeake Bay retriever. When Daniel Rodriguez came home from Afghanistan as a decorated vet, he got Valor to help him recover from the Iraq and Afghanistan war effort. Now Daniel is enrolled at Clemson and starting on their football team, so Valor needed another home where she could get plenty of attention and exercise. “When we found out about her, we offered. We consider it an honor and a privilege to care for Daniel’s dog”, said Jan Parry. Valor and her older sister, Molly, will both be receiving God’s blessing on Sunday, October 7, 12:30 p.m. after the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist at St. Peter’s. Bring your pets … and maybe something to share with the Campbell County Animal Shelter!
I now have a new meaning, perhaps back to the beginning “With whom we live and move and have our being.” In my heart, I know it all ties together. And from my soul I know what it is that I need to not only practice, but live into. It won’t happen all at once … just one step at a time … but, with God’s help, I will. Will you join me? Blessings, Karen+
Jan and Don Parry with Valor (left) and Molly (right)
2
Altavista Yard Sale Saturday, October 27th We have the opportunity to use a very nice spot at the Altavista Community Yard Sale on October 27th for St. Peter's! This is a re-scheduling of the activity planned for September 1. If you are interested in donating items for sale, please feel free to bring your donations to the Church when convenient and we'll transport them early on sale day. Please bring the donations already priced and ready to go. The sale will run from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. You may recall that we had a pretty successful one a few years go. Fun, too, so please consider volunteering a couple of hours! (Continued from page 1) Therefore, a faith-based coalition believes that: 1. Health care is a ministry. 2. Every human being has inherent dignity. 3. Individuals ↔Common goals need to be balanced. 4. Demand for social justice focuses us on the most vulnerable (Just like Christ). 5. Responsible stewardship means providing health care. 6. Societal implications a. Unhealthy people don’t work b. Everyone then is weak c. Preventive health care expands life
d. When people have no health insurance they wait until they are sicker and that becomes more expensive e. There are humanitarian considerations and rights, such as the rights of a person with Downs Syndrome. f. No one deserves to die without health care. How can we respond? 1. Pray 2. Do responsible, responsive acts of charity 3. Participate in personal advocacy (love/help your neighbor) 4. Political Advocacy (help change “the system” 5. Learn and practice sacrifice (Look at the whole thing as a whole.) 6. Lobby a. Financial contributions b. Person to person c. Person to person and take constituents with you d. Write letters e. Take a community leader with you f. Email g. h. Lobbyists are less important than voters i. Join an organization that supports justice j. Prepare talking points; research statistics k. Letters to the Editor And, most of all, Sister Mary Ellen tells us, “Don’t give up!”
3
Altavista Area Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build in October!
Prayer for Election of New Bishop Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for St. Peter’s Gracious God, from whom all good things come to us, we, the members of St. Peter’s, ask for your guidance as we seek to reorganize ourselves for the future. We ask that you send forth the Holy Spirit to help us in our deliberations and to send to us a faithful pastor to guide our future efforts. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mark your calendars … and see either Al Albiston or Ben Whittier regarding your interest in helping with the next Blitz Build scheduled for this coming October 20 and 21. You can check out the good work being done on their website www.altavista.habitat.org Or, if you cannot help … please consider a financial contribution.
New Back Door Keys for Church Attention all who need a key for access to St. Peter’s. Please contact Aubrey Rosser. The lock on the back door is being changed. St. Peter’s.Net Please send your news items to The Rev Karen Joy Kelly, Editor [email protected] (434)237-7158 www.stpeteraltavista.dioswva.org Facebook: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Altavista VA
4
Facebook page St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Altavista VA
Volume 2 + Issue #7
October 2012
One Nun “from the bus” On Tuesday evening of this week, Eunice Andrews, Jan and Don Parry and I travelled to St. Mark’s in Clifford to hear the message of Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, Daughter of Charity, speak about Justice and health issues. Sister Mary Ellen begins with the premise that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. She shared a story of sacrificial giving. She spoke of charity and justice in terms of rights, ability, charitable acts, and privilege. Sister Mary Ellen gained a measure of both fame and notoriety in June, when she joined with four other "Nuns on the Bus" to make a tour of nine states in June, 2012, advocating for universal healthcare. Sister Mary Ellen is a Lobbyist for Network, an organization that describes itself as "A catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace which educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation." Sr. Mary Ellen's work focuses primarily on immigration, healthcare, and nutrition and Gulf Coast Restoration issues.
Justice has to do with fairness. Charity has to do with good will (because we are able to offer it). A right, which is guaranteed by the constitution that the government stays out of. She asked if we though health care was a justice issue or charity? She suggests that we have a moral obligation. “I care for you because you are part of my society.” Based on ! Corinthians 12:26-29 “We are one body.” We need to care for the whole body.
Sister Mary Ellen with Karen+ and Eunice Andrews
(Story continued on page 3) 1
Rector’s Corner Feeling like the rich young man The first time I heard about the Iona Community that has its roots on that beautiful holy ground off the coast of Scotland, but whose ministry echoes around the world, I distanced myself from its Rule of Life. At first blush I thought, I can join this group as it follows a rule of prayer, worship, study, evangelization, good works, and the tithe, just like many other orders. But then, I heard about the “other 90%”. You know, the 90% of your income that is not promised to the church, but that part with which we live and move and have our being. “Oh my,” I thought, “that’s way beyond my comfort level.” And then I visited the island to come away with a new sense of community and what justice looks like in the broader vision. I began to think about the 90% … that other part … and how I live my life in that 90%. Do I use my spending power responsibly? Am I able to purchase that only which I need or am I more in the “wants” column? What kind of carbon footprint am I leaving? How am I leaving into the kind of Christian that Sister Mary Ellen has called us to be in her presentation?
Pet Blessing on October 7th and meet Valor, a foster dog Meet Valor, a 2 year old Chesapeake Bay retriever. When Daniel Rodriguez came home from Afghanistan as a decorated vet, he got Valor to help him recover from the Iraq and Afghanistan war effort. Now Daniel is enrolled at Clemson and starting on their football team, so Valor needed another home where she could get plenty of attention and exercise. “When we found out about her, we offered. We consider it an honor and a privilege to care for Daniel’s dog”, said Jan Parry. Valor and her older sister, Molly, will both be receiving God’s blessing on Sunday, October 7, 12:30 p.m. after the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist at St. Peter’s. Bring your pets … and maybe something to share with the Campbell County Animal Shelter!
I now have a new meaning, perhaps back to the beginning “With whom we live and move and have our being.” In my heart, I know it all ties together. And from my soul I know what it is that I need to not only practice, but live into. It won’t happen all at once … just one step at a time … but, with God’s help, I will. Will you join me? Blessings, Karen+
Jan and Don Parry with Valor (left) and Molly (right)
2
Altavista Yard Sale Saturday, October 27th We have the opportunity to use a very nice spot at the Altavista Community Yard Sale on October 27th for St. Peter's! This is a re-scheduling of the activity planned for September 1. If you are interested in donating items for sale, please feel free to bring your donations to the Church when convenient and we'll transport them early on sale day. Please bring the donations already priced and ready to go. The sale will run from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. You may recall that we had a pretty successful one a few years go. Fun, too, so please consider volunteering a couple of hours! (Continued from page 1) Therefore, a faith-based coalition believes that: 1. Health care is a ministry. 2. Every human being has inherent dignity. 3. Individuals ↔Common goals need to be balanced. 4. Demand for social justice focuses us on the most vulnerable (Just like Christ). 5. Responsible stewardship means providing health care. 6. Societal implications a. Unhealthy people don’t work b. Everyone then is weak c. Preventive health care expands life
d. When people have no health insurance they wait until they are sicker and that becomes more expensive e. There are humanitarian considerations and rights, such as the rights of a person with Downs Syndrome. f. No one deserves to die without health care. How can we respond? 1. Pray 2. Do responsible, responsive acts of charity 3. Participate in personal advocacy (love/help your neighbor) 4. Political Advocacy (help change “the system” 5. Learn and practice sacrifice (Look at the whole thing as a whole.) 6. Lobby a. Financial contributions b. Person to person c. Person to person and take constituents with you d. Write letters e. Take a community leader with you f. Email g. h. Lobbyists are less important than voters i. Join an organization that supports justice j. Prepare talking points; research statistics k. Letters to the Editor And, most of all, Sister Mary Ellen tells us, “Don’t give up!”
3
Altavista Area Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build in October!
Prayer for Election of New Bishop Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for St. Peter’s Gracious God, from whom all good things come to us, we, the members of St. Peter’s, ask for your guidance as we seek to reorganize ourselves for the future. We ask that you send forth the Holy Spirit to help us in our deliberations and to send to us a faithful pastor to guide our future efforts. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mark your calendars … and see either Al Albiston or Ben Whittier regarding your interest in helping with the next Blitz Build scheduled for this coming October 20 and 21. You can check out the good work being done on their website www.altavista.habitat.org Or, if you cannot help … please consider a financial contribution.
New Back Door Keys for Church Attention all who need a key for access to St. Peter’s. Please contact Aubrey Rosser. The lock on the back door is being changed. St. Peter’s.Net Please send your news items to The Rev Karen Joy Kelly, Editor [email protected] (434)237-7158 www.stpeteraltavista.dioswva.org Facebook: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Altavista VA
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