Parish Newsletter—November 2014
Page
P.O. Box 177 Glendale Springs, NC 28629
October 2014
(336) 982-3076
Worship Service for November Holy Trinity, Glendale Springs, 10 AM Coffee Hour Following the Service in the Mission House
SACRED SPACE
As their understanding matured regarding whom that Presence is and what their relationship with such a “Person” might be, they realized that the power behind Don Long, 30 JUN 2007 all phenomena is One. God is not confined within the walls of a house, the territory of a tribe or the borders of I live in a casual age, so used to my laid-back a nation. God could break through at any time, be enstyle that I don’t like to think of some people or things as more noble or more deserving of respect than others. countered anywhere. Still they went to holy ground. I am culturally opposed to kings and palaces, ritual and They put themselves in sacred space where they felt God to be present in a special way. formality. One of the risks of my casual style is that I can lose the sense of sacred space. What makes a place holy? God does, by doing My ancient ancestors had experiences: a mighty something dramatic there. We do, by making an offerflash of lightning, a pregnant stillness in the deep forest, ing, a gift, a sacrifice to God. Mount Sinai is holy ground; Golgotha is holy ground; the Kaaba is holy the crash of a wave upon the shore, the mysterious growth of a plant from a seed. The essence, the breath, ground. Any building dedicated to God is holy ground. the life-force of the event which inspired awe was called We still gather in these places to bring our offerings, tell “holy.” Something was present greater than they. Their the story, praise the Presence and seek the blessings. response was worship. Today, our secular culture pushes the aweinspiring into the background or denies it altogether. My They uttered a word for the experience, made an image to embody the word, built a house for the im- son, returning from Europe, says that cathedral sacristans labor in vain to quell the incessant chattering and age and stood in awe before the embodied recollection of their awe-inspiring experience. In the beginning was camera flashing of tourists who have come to see architecture and decoration, but rarely to approach on bendthe word. In the end, a special place to encounter the ed knee. experience that brought forth the word. Because it was the house of holiness and holiness “lived there,” they prepared themselves to come into the presence. They fasted and cleansed their hearts before coming. They took off their shoes and washed before entering. They approached the seat of the holy on bended knee, bringing gifts and coming no closer than was respectful. They recited the story of the original experience and praised the power behind the experience. They asked and expected the blessings appropriate to the power whom was present. Leaving, they dared not turn their backs to the Presence, but backed toward the door, bowing all the way.
Closer home, it is hard for me to think of encountering a power that might make demands of me or change me. It is easier to see the church building as a clubhouse where I go to meet people comfortably like myself. If I heard a voice at the door telling me, “Take off your shoes, for the ground whereon you stand is holy,” I might be offended. Yet I can still put myself deliberately in a place where God can transform me. God is waiting, ready to bring me out of the empty desert and stagnant marshes of my Egyptian slavery, to lead me into the riches of his promised land. (Continued on Page 3)
Parish Newsletter—November 2014
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Remember in Your Prayers
Dwight Weekley
Bob Redden
Katie Boyer
Jane Maddocks
Amris Bedford
Gary Roath
Billie Cox
Kitty Parmalee
The Walker Family
Jane Johnson
Sadie Presnell
Edna Lawrence
Janet Hoyle Zeller
Mary Woods
Matthew Long
Robin Brown Bill Cook Jamie Grabe
Carmine DiSapio
William Pendergraft
Ashley and Chris
Luke Williamson
Michael and Isabelle
Michael and Betty
The Roland Family
George Knight
Doug Hale Makayla Houck Tiffany Jones Phyllis Myers Bobby Pennington
Ethan Jordan
Danny Medley
Melissa Reickert
Charlotte Lewis
Mike Jaskiel
Shirley Carrie
Montanna Honc
Helen Newport
Kimberly Seaver
Jeannifer Sobojian
Linda Weekley
Paxton Phelps
Robin Trippe
Lois Crewdson
Emily
Carol and Tony
Zola
Muriel
Robert Cooper
Jim Henson
Julia Moore
Adam Barlow
Virginia Warren
Tammy Hayes
Anna Dailey
Dennis O’Neill
Robin Richardson
Linda Cooper
Lindsay Bennett
Jennifer Treski
Lowell
The Moser Family
Sherry Perry Nathan Sawyer Blanche Sechrist Oscar Stacy Kelsey Wilson Sarah Gabarde Gail Martin Jean Temple Tiffany
Duncan
Kallichi
Cox
Vivian Pinion Forrest Richards
Dennis O’Neill
The Kettmans Tarese
The Weaver Family
Please review the Prayer Request list. If you know anyone’s name to add (or whose name can be removed) from the list, let Jane Johnson (877-8090) know. Thanks!
Highlights of the October 2014 Vestry Meeting Don Day reported that the Finance Committee is working on the preliminary budget for 2015 and that it will be very “tight” due to uncertainties as to the expense for a new Rector. Christine Franklin reported that the Tee shirt sales resulted in a slight profit as was expected and that there is still inventory that can be sold. She also reported that the purchase of additional prayer and song books has been delayed as our supplier is waiting to replenish stock. Michael Bell, owner of Greenhouse Crafts, has agreed to pay the parish $400 a year for the license to print and sell postcards and pictures of the frescoes. It was suggested that Anne Reintges (ECW), and George Hayworth (Men’s Group) form a committee to come up with a plan for the 2015 Fall Festival and numerous other work projects in our parish each year that creates “burn out” among ourselves with many parishioners indicating that they cannot continue the same level of commitment. Jane Erickson presented a written report for the DC committee. She reported that the search process is progressing and that the DC has nine approved candidates from the diocese and they are proceeding with their evaluation. Treasurer Don Day presented the treasurer’s report noting that though pledges are lagging, it is normal at this time of the year and that we should meet budget.
Parish Newsletter—November 2014
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(From Page 1) . He is ready for the old me to die so he can raise me from the dead and make all things new. He is ready for me to turn transparent so his spirit can shine through; ready for me to be his image, not just in his
Docent Ministry News "The White Thing" The question most asked of docents by visitors viewing the Fresco of the Last Supper is "What is that white thing in the top of the fresco"? The answer is that we don't know what it is since Ben Long never gave a clue when asked. It is interesting, however, to hear what people say what they think it might be. Here are a few of these comments:
The guess most often given is that it must represent the Holy Spirit. A child said it must be God watching over us. It could be the sheet that brought the animals from heaven to Peter (Acts 11:4), as it is above Peter. It represents the curtain being torn asunder at the crucifixion. The upper left corner resembles a fish with long jaws open - hence the symbol for Chris tians. A Jewish person said that it could be an extension of a Jewish custom. If a person gets up from the table while eating a meal to get something and plans to resume eating, the napkin is left crumpled by the plate. If the person gets up and does not plan to return to the table, the napkin is neatly folded. Since the "white thing" looks crumpled, it means that the work of Jesus is not done and that he will return. Many believe that it represents some kind of a tribute to Ben Long's father. This will be explored in more detail next month. Watch for it! Thanks to those who helped get us through the "October Visitor Rush!” Doug and Walt, for the Docent Outreach Ministry Committee
We had 64 hot dogs and buns left over. We should have a hot dog social, post-Festival celebration, while they are still good. I noticed today there are hot dogs from last year in the down stairs refrigerator/freezer. Let's not accumulate hot dogs. I want to thank everyone for their hard work, commitment and the resulting success of our efforts. Working and serving the public in the rain is demanding, but all of you pulled it off without a hitch. We received many compliments and only one concern, which was taken care of very expeditiously with a change out of the entree. The person was very appreciative and gracious for the manner in which our guys responded. In the corporate world, we gained a customer as opposed to losing one.
Subject to final numbers, we accumulated $1,866 in raffle ticket sales and $842 net on food sales. It appears that our revenues were down about $300 from last year and expenses where up about $300. Don will present the final numbers at the November 6 monthly meeting. Again, thanks to everyone. George
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Happy Birthday to… November 2 Jayne Burton November 9
Emily Wetzel
November 10 Paula Riggs, Julia Bishop
ays d h le t edu ●Bir h c S lyte o c ●A our H e ffe ●Co
November 11 Don Long November 12 Bonnie Supin November 19 Faye Martin, Anne Reintges November 21 Justin Roath November 22 Sue Briggs November 30 Bill Bishop
Server Schedule Chalicer
Crucifer
November 2
Paula
Faye
November 9
Don
Midge
Coffee Hour Hosts November 2
Emily & Fred Lamphere
November 9
Don & George Hot Dog Lunch
November 16 Jane
Barbara November 16
November 23 Jane
Anne
November 30 Paul
Don
Correction…. Your humble editor, in his mad rush to get last month’s newsletter out, wrongly assumed this was a festival project…. Not. These parishioners are making ornaments for the Christmas tree to be displayed at St. Mary’s during Christmas season.
Bonnie Supin
November 23
Open
November 30
Open
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Reflection on Saints By The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor October 29, 2014
Although Saturday, November 1, is All Saints Day, most of us will celebrate this feast on Sunday. Our contemporary worldview often has a hard time dealing with saints. In part this is from our societal fear of death and in part because our technological lens for the world has a hard time with mystery. In addition, our Protestant heritage still lingers and makes us skittish about anything too “Roman.” However, we discount the saints at our own peril. Frederick Buechner calls them “life-givers.” They inspire us; they encourage us; and they show us the Way. I know I have learned to rely on God from St. Francis of Assisi and to have courage and perseverance from St. Teresa of Avila. Then there are the saints in my own life: members of my family, professors, spiritual directors, friends. They helped me be more of the person God created me to be and thus gave me life. The saints are living examples of what it means to live holy lives; they give us a template for how to live ours. But saints are deeper than examples; they are doorways into the holy. The great Jewish theologian Abraham Heschl, said, "Eternity is not perpetual future but perpetual presence. God has planted in us the seed of eternal life. The world to come is not only a hereafter but also a herenow." Saints help us taste heaven. They are the wardrobe that leads to Narnia. We talk about the Incarnation, but we act as if it’s over and done. The Word becomes flesh in this world--in the saints. Holy people give us life because they are doorways to heaven here and now. That’s why we give thanks for them and honor them and venerate them. Wendy Wright says, “The Saints are here to give flesh to God.” Of course, we can’t stop there. We are not called merely to remember them, but to follow them by being saints ourselves. As the hymn goes--They lived not only in ages past; there are hundreds of thousands still. The world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus' will. You can meet them in school, or in lanes or at sea, in church, or in trains or in shops or at tea, for the saints of God are just folk like me, and I mean to be one too. +Porter
Parish Newsletter—November 2014
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Scenes from the 2015 Edition of the Festival of the Frescoes (Pre-deluge-:)
Parish Newsletter—November 2014
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PARISH OF THE HOLY COMMUNION FINANCIAL REPORT Year to Date as of October 27, 2014 (Rounded to Nearest $- Unaudited) Actual
Actual
Budgeted
Actual vs.
Total
Current Month
Year to
Year to
Budgeted
Annual
Date
Date
Year to Date
Budgeted
Category RECEIPTS
$14,067
$143,243
$131,598
$11,645
$159,157
EXPENSES
$9,277
$93,918
$128,045
-$34,127
$158,223
+/-
$4,790
$49,325
$3,553
$45,772
$934
Treasurer's Notes: (1) Our excess of receipts over expenditures is considerably ahead of budget plan primarily due to not having a permanent priest. This should be viewed as a temporary surplus. (2) Please bring your pledge offerings up to date. Actual pledge contributions are running some $5,353 below pledged amounts budgeted for the year.
Discernment Committee Update
interviews will be conducted before the next step, which is to visit the various candidates at their respective places of worship to observe them as they preach and conduct worship. Realizing that the holidays are fast approaching, the committee feels The Discernment Committee met on Monday, Octoa sense of urgency to complete the interviews as ber 27, with Jim Banks, our consultant, to review quickly as possible. As usual, we ask that everyone the pool of candidates and begin the process of setkeeps us in their prayers as we go about our work. ting up remote interviews through Skype. These
Episcopal Church Women
Martha, Ann, Edie Newell, Judy and Sandy Mitchell were there. I also want to thank especially the men of the Parish for their hard work in hauling and setting up tents and tables and taking them down again. Pictures of the Festival taken by Hank Reintges can be viewed here:
https:// I would like to thank everyone in the Parish who worked so hard to www.flickr.com/photos/97674255@N07/ make the Festival of the Frescoes a success. I especially would like sets/72157648734710342/ to thank the Festival chairmen for their hard work, before and during the fair. Paula Riggs, Sadie Presnell and Faye Martin made the The weather worked against us on Festival day but in spite of that Mission House grounds look very fun and festive. Christine Frankwe did better than I had thought we would. Here is the breakdown lin took over publicity and did a wonderful job. Jane Erickson so far: Children's Booth, $3.00; Ham Biscuits, $106.00; Silent Aucbaked and put together all the ham biscuits and the hot drinks that tion, $730; Baked Goods, $1109.90; Granny's Attic, $4441.65; Towere much appreciated first thing in the morning. Even though tal, $6390.55 there were not too many children around, Jane Maddocks was there There are still payments coming in from Silent Auction and the to keep them entertained. Jane and Don Johnson headed up the Silent Auction booth and continued working after the fair, deliver- Artisans and Crafters booth have not paid our share of their sales so the final figure should be over $7000.00. ing items to those who won. Carol Day and her bakery ladies worked so hard before and at the Festival, despite the rain. I particularly want to mention those who have worked so hard to make Granny's Attic so successful. Martha Hayworth and Ann Simmons Anne Reintges, ECW President went above and beyond the line of duty, as did their committee. Every time I went to the Mission House in the past month or more,
Parish Newsletter—November 2014
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Parish of the Holy Communion The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor, Bishop of the Diocese of Western NC The Rev. Charles Supin, Interim Rector Linda Bennett,
Choirmaster
Vestry Members Pete Brandt, Senior Warden
336-877-3321
Alma Richardson, Junior Warden
336-982-2891
Jane Erickson
828-243-1903
Scott Broughton
336-877-5990
Susan Roath
336-677-5066
Steve Robertson
336-877-1927
Christine Franklin
336-877-3607
Don Day, Treasurer
336-982-9538
Newsletter Editor Paul Wetzel
336-982-8797
Sub Wardens
Doug Worsham
336-982-9538
November 2014
Parish of the Holy Communion PO Box 177 Glendale Springs, NC 28629
Holy Trinity and the Mission House
Address Service Requested
St. Mary’s