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September, 2008 Pews News (9/3/08)
PASTOR CLAIRES CORNER
Dear Friends in Christ,
Before writing this article, I read the ones contributed by your Senior Warden and other congregation members as your Vestry Goal Champions. As the new kid on the block, I want to share that I continue to be amazed by you, both as individuals and as a parish of the body of Christ. Whether you have recognized it or not, it is evident to me what a people of grace you truly are. It is evidenced by your care for each other both in times of need and of celebration, the great enjoyment you have of each others company and willingness to share of yourselves, your care for those outside the parish through such efforts as the upcoming Ramps-R-Us, the monthly funds you contribute to the Discretionary Fund and the ongoing Pennies collection, and the kitchen donations along with your regular giving, the ongoing support of a multitude of hands for the many internal functions of both Emmanuel and Fox Chapel.
In a way, I feel like the man in one of Jesus? parables concerning what heaven is like, for I do feel that I have found that pearl in the midst of a field. The size of a church is truly not measured by the number of parishioners on the roles or in the pews. Rather it is measured by the spirit and heart of those people, their willingness to live into what they are discerning as God?s vision for them. There is many a church, both large and small, who contain little life. You the people of Emmanuel and Fox Chapel are blessedly alive.
This is evident to not only myself, but others outside of this church. I have found you being celebrated by members of the surrounding community, by clergy who have served you as supply and for longer terms, and by members of the Diocesan offices. No, I am not saying you are perfect, for a church is not called to be perfect. But, I am saying that you are a pearl of great value, in the midst of the fields. This is a gift, a gift to be celebrated. So mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11
th
at 4pm. This is your advanced notice, in the midst of this hectic time. Come celebrate as we bless the kitchen and the new oil candlesticks. Come, celebrate who
you are as we celebrate.
Pastor Claire
Fall Outreach Schedule
Sun., Sept. 21:
Arrival of guests with free time
Mon., Sept. 22: AM:
breakfast hosted by ECW; job assignments given
PM:
Beach Party
Tue., Sept.23:
PM:
Free Time
Wed., Sept. 24: PM:
Crab feast with Evening Worship
Thu., Sept 25:
finish up projects
What is "Fresh Start"?
A man of many words...
Our summer services at Fox Chapel ended Labor Day weekend. Without checking, I believe that this was one of our best years for attendance. For over 25 years this has been one of the most successful outreach programs for Emmanuel. A special thank you goes out to Cathy Bakely and all who assisted her in this ministry.
On August 26 th we held our annual parish picnic, only this year it was held at Assateague beach. What a fun evening for all in attendance, despite some windy cool conditions. A special thanks to Carolle Aldinger, and all who assisted her in making this evening another joyful time of fellowship. And also to Michael Murphy "Grill Cook Extraordinaire".
September begins with the three-day Labor Day weekend for most of us. It also signals the beginning of our fall Christian Education program. David Spangler and Carolle Aldinger have planned another great year for the adult class. Pastor Claire will begin the youth class on September 14. I hope more of you will join us this year, and take part in these rewarding programs. Remember to be here early this year as we have moved the time to 9:15 for Christian Formation.
On September 14
th
our annual ice cream social will be held. This is another event that you do not want to miss. See Glenn Warner if you would like to help, but above all, join us for a good time. The next day we will be attending the Walk About at Northampton High School to meet and hear the candidates for Bishop of our Diocese. I encourage you to attend and provide me with your thoughts both pro and con on each candidate. On September 27
th
the election will be held, and I as your voting lay delegate need your thoughts and prayers.
Our annual outreach program takes place September 21-25. Emmanuel is now well known for the outstanding work done in past years. Ramps R Us as we are now known will be building more ramps this year plus some additional work. Come out and help us if you can, but above all join us for the fellowship activities and the closing service.
I hope you have been by the Church to see the ongoing construction in the parish hall. The kitchen renovation is well underway. A special thank you to all who assisted us in getting this effort off the ground, especially Bev Fletcher. At the moment we have received over $7,000 towards this over $60,000 project. As you can see, we have a long way to go. The goal is to have it fully paid for in five years, so please help us out by making a pledge towards this goal. Our hope is to have the remodeling completed in early October in time for Pastor Claire?s Celebration of New Ministry on October 11
th
and the fall pancake supper on the 19th. Please stay tuned for announcements regarding a clean up day prior to these important events.
There are lots of exciting events ahead for Emmanuel. In addition to those mentioned above, we are looking forward to the Ordination of Cathy Bakely by Bishop Buchanan on November 16
th
. If you would like to help with any of these upcoming events, please contact a Vestry member or Pastor Claire. We welcome your participation, and I know you will be spiritually rewarded. See you in Church!
Peace
Eric
Smile...and say "Cheese"
We are starting an all-out campaign to update our church directory. Therefore, an effort will be underway during the month of September to make the necessary changes. If your address, phone number(s), e-mail or family photo need to be updated, please see Paul Clifford after church any Sunday in September. Glenn Aldinger has graciously agreed to take pictures.
If you are unable to attend September services, you could send a photo in .jpg format to the church e-mail address at emmanuel@intercom.net. You may also forward any other update information via e-mail as well.
Are you a Michelangelo, DaVinci, or Picasso in the rough? Do you really like to paint? or maybe you?d like a few hours away from home?...We are seeking volunteers to help paint the inside of the office at the
church. If you?re a willing, able body, please contact Pastor Claire.
W A N T E D
CARPENTERS, HELPERS AND MORAL SUPPORTERS
(No experience required)
On September 21, our friends from St. Mathias will join us for our annual Fall Outreach Program. Our primary goal is to
build a handicapped ramp for a peninsula resident who does not have the physical or financial ability to go it alone. We hope to see our former ?groupies? as well as some new faces this year.
We will have a light breakfast on Monday morning prior to departing for the job site. The rest of the schedule has changed from years past and is highlighted at the bottom of the first page of this newsletter. The Beach Party will be on Monday evening and on Wednesday evening we will have the closing service followed by the Crab Feast. Obviously workers, but also parishioners as welcome to attend these events. This gives us another opportunity to fellowship with our friends from St. Mathias as well as our friends from home too! You will be certain to hear some wild tales of ?hits & misses?.
As well as helping others, the Outreach week is a social highlight of the year. More details will follow as the dates draw closer.
Peter Pulman, Outreach Goal Champion
Ramps 'r us
Annual Council News from Bishop Buchanan
The deadline for nominations for positions for February 2009 Annual Council is Friday, October 17, 2008. I hope that you will publicize the following information widely in your churches.
Candidates are being sought for:
One lay and one cleric for Standing Committee (Article XV)
Two lay and two clerics for Ecclesiastical Court (Canon XXII)
One lay as Deputy to Provincial Synod (Diocesan Canon X)
To aid you in nominating people you will find attached: ( Copies of these forms are in the Parish Hall)
·
?Nomination Form for 2009? Duplication of this form is permitted, or additional copies may be obtained from Leah Sicignano at the Diocesan Office in Norfolk (contact info at bottom of letter)
·
?Nominee Information ? 2009? Duplication of this form is permitted, or additional copies may be obtained from Leah Sicignano
(contact info at bottom of letter)
·
Position descriptions for the positions being elected
Be sure to get authorization from the person you wish to nominate. To be a qualified as a clergy nominee, the individual must be canonically resident and in good standing in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. To be qualified as a lay nominee, the individual must be an adult confirmed communicant in good standing in his/her congregation in the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 17, 2008. If you have questions please contact the Dean of your Convocation or Ven. Fred Poteet at 757-213-3378 or Leah Sicignano at the number listed below.
Yours in Christ,
+ John C. Buchanan
John C. Buchanan
Contact info: Leah Sicignano at the Diocesan Office in Norfolk
Direct Phone 757-213-3381, toll free 1-800-582-8292, or e-mail:
lporter@diosova.org
ECW Dates to Remember
October 23:
Annual fall meeting, Emmanuel Church, Va. Beach including the Ingathering for the Belize Project ?With These Hands?
November 7 - 8:
Time for Reflection: Sister Kristina Frances, St. Margaret?s Boston, will lead both sessions. The location for the 11/7 session has not been determined. The 11/8
session is at Christ and Grace Church in Petersburg
February 13, 2009:
Diocesan ECW Winter Board Meeting, Williamsburg Lodge inWilliamsburg
FALL UTO INGATHERING IS NOVEMBER 2ND!
The United Thank Offering, A vital part of Episcopal Church outreach since 1889, gives us a chance to show the connection between giving thanks and giving money. Money given out of
our thankfulness for God's blessings is used by the UTO Committee
of the Episcopal Church to support grants for ministries at home and overseas. A blue UTO envelope will be included in the October newsletter for your convenience. Please earmark your contributions "UTO" and bring them to church or mail them to:
Robin Miles, UTO
8385 Courthouse Hill Rd.
Pocomoke City, MD 21851
We're getting rid of everything...even the
kitchen sink!
With the remodeling of the kitchen, the old stainless steel sink, hot water heater, and refrigerator are available to any member of the congregation prior to offering them to the public. Please contact Eric Redifer if you are interested in these items.
Lay ministry
& altar guild schedules for September, 2008
(If you are unable to serve on your scheduled Sunday, please contact a replacement and let Karen know in the office prior to Thursday of that week.)
Many thanks to Nancy Kupar-Page, Cathy Bakely & Judy Redifer for their tireless efforts on these schedules!
September 7, 2008: Rite II, Rev. Susan Norris
Chalicer:
Rock Hilmoe
Lay Reader:
Gabz LeVecque
Lay Healer:
David Page
Acolyte:
Sara Beebe
Greeter:
Nancy & David Page
Altar Guild:
Ruth Fletcher & Lou Marshall
September 14, 2008: Rite II, Rev. Claire Hunkins
Chalicer:
George Glovier
Lay Reader:
Eric Redifer
Lay Healer:
Cathy Bakely
Acolyte:
Ike Hilmoe
Greeter:
Christine & Michael Murphy
Altar Guild:
Lisa White & Mary Brad Kelley
September 21, 2008: Rite II, Rev. Claire Hunkins
Chalicer:
David Page
Lay Reader:
Steve Miles
Lay Healer:
Nancy Kupar-Page
Acolyte:
Glenn Warner
Greeter:
Mary Brad Kelley
Altar Guild:
Judy Redifer & Marianne Elebash
September 28, 2008: Rite II, Rev. Claire Hunkins
Chalicer:
Nancy Kupar-Page
Lay Reader:
Lisa White
Lay Healer:
David Page
Acolyte:
Sara Beebe
Greeter:
Lisa White
Altar Guild:
Norma Miles & Sarah Katherine Bingman
Prayers of the People
Ongoing Prayer List:
Sandy Aldinger - Glenn Aldinger's sister-in-law
Bettye Bloxom
Alice
Brenny - Lou Marshall's sister
Barbara
Clifford
Meade
Clifford
Barbara
Custis, Shirley & Benny Mason's friend
Ladonna Darnell, Carolle Aldinger's friend
Dwayne Deininger
Gene
Deininger
Ashley
Dempsey, McHenry's neighbor
David
Derrickson - Christine & Mike's neighbor - awaiting heart transplant
Roy
Duhon, Eric's friend
John Farrant - friend of Marti Wedner
Kristin
Fehrer, Norma Miles' friend
Gary Ford, the Spangler's friend
Charlotte
Gladding, Norma Miles' friend
Jimmy
Hammond, Christine's friend
Carmen Hoffman - wife of Rev. Bill Hoffman, a
supply priest in our diocese