The Grapevine, February 2016

Joy and Inspiration A Message From Rev. Dr. Wilberforce Mundia

Dear Friends: Greetings in the name of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I thank God for the continuing wonderful ministries and the spirit of being a worshiping, learning, and serving community. And now, we have arrived in the season of Lent. Each year, as Lent approaches, many Christians find themselves asking what they should “give up for Lent.” Though it is not mandatory for a Protestant believer to do so, it has become a tradition in many denominations to fast or abstain from something (food, vices, or other daily enjoyments).

Some congregants have asked where this idea came from. There’s a popular theory that because Christ gave up His life that we, too, should give something up. Another notion is that because Lent is often a time for reflective prayer and meditation that fasting should naturally take place. But truly, where did this idea come from?

We can turn to the Old Testament and see an example in Daniel:

“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” –Daniel 9:3

In ancient times, it was common to fast following the death of a loved one; Jesus said that fasting would be appropriate for believers once he died. In the verse above, we see Daniel fasting out of concern for Judah and, later on, after receiving a mysterious vision.

Spiritual fasting involves denying ourselves the natural desires we have (for food, for vice, for other daily enjoyments as stated earlier) so that we turn to God to fulfill our needs: God meets our hunger, satisfies our cravings, and becomes what we long for.

Here’s what Jesus had to say about fasting:

A monthly newsletter of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church

204 W. Salisbury St., Pittsboro NC 27312

Phone: 919-542-5679 E-mail:

office@saint-barts.org

Church Office Hours Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri.

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Rev. Dr. Wilberforce O. Mundia, Rector

rector@saint-barts.org Office Hours:

Wed., Fri. 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m., Sat 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Ms. Karen Ladd

Lay Pastoral Leader 919-542-4341

temenos@hotmail.com Office Hours:

Tues. 9 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Sarah June Card Deacon

Dora Owens

Parish Administrator

Skip London Senior Warden

Andy Bailey, Kevin Noel, &

Mary Scholle Jr. Wardens

Laura Williams

Bookkeeper

Dora Owens Grapevine Editor

office@saint-barts.org

“…so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”—Matthew 6:18

If you choose to fast in any form or facet, it should be between you and the Lord, not on parade to show “how spiritual you are.” I ask that you prayerfully consider your intentions during this sacred period of preparation and choose the path that leads you closest to our Lord. If you have any questions about fasting, partial fasting, or fasting during Lent in particular, feel free to get in touch with me with these or any other questions or concerns that you may have.

Be well and be blessed,

Yours in Christ,

Wilberforce Mundia

Postcard From the Pews A Message From Karen Ladd, Lay Pastoral Leader

Dear St. Bartholomew: I’d like to tell you a little about the book we will be using for the Lenten Soup Suppers beginning Wednesday, Feb. 17 and going through Wednesday, Mar. 16. If The Church Were Christian, by Quaker minister Philip Gully is an easy read, but filled with what might be challenging ideas for us to discuss. Here are the comments on Gulley’s book from the back cover:

• “Why are thousands of ministers not saying what Gulley says so well? His vision is grounded, gripping, and filled with uncommon sense.” -- Richard Rohr

• “The chapter titles are worth the price of the book. Whether you pray them by yourself or discuss them with others, they chart the distance between two very different ways of receiving God’s good news.” -- Barbara Brown Taylor

• “Gulley calls the Jesus message into a new vision – one that has both power and integrity.” -- John Shelby Spong

• “If the church were as Philip Gulley envisions here, people would be knocking down the doors to experience God’s love.” -- Diana Butler Bass

There are ten chapters in the book, with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Here are the chapter titles:

1. If the Church Were Christian, Jesus Would be a Model for Living Rather Than an Object of Worship 2. If the Church Were Christian, Affirming Our Potential Would be More Important Than Condemning Our

Brokenness 3. If the Church Were Christian, Reconciliation Would be Valued Over Judgment 4. If the Church Were Christian, Gracious Behavior Would be More Important Than Right Belief 5. If the Church Were Christian, Inviting Questions Would be Valued More Than Supplying Answers 6. If the Church Were Christian, Exploring Personal Exploration Would be More Important Than Communal

Conformity 7. If the Church Were Christian, Meeting Needs Would be More Important than Maintaining Institutions 8. If the Church Were Christian, Peace Would be More Important Than Power 9. If the Church Were Christian, it Would Care More About Love and Less About Sex 10. If the Church Were Christian, This Life Would be More Important than the Afterlife

You are cordially invited to join your brothers and sisters in Christ as we gather to, prayerfully and with His love, engage in reflection and discussion.

Books will be available through the parish office. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m., with the discussions starting around 6:45 p.m. Everyone has “a piece of the Truth” as former rector, Ida Louise, said often. Even if you do not read the book, please join us and share your wisdom.

May your Holy Lent be blessed,

k.l.

Deacon’s Corner A Message From Deacon Sarah June Card

Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It has been joyous for me to share with you in Inquirers’ Classes these past few Sundays. So much of our understanding of our faith comes out of these sessions. In this time of questioning and concern for our world, our lives, and our faith, it gives me hope and I notice it seems to do so for many of you as well. It refreshes my thinking and it helps me pray more deeply, more personally, and more caringly.

I hope you continue and finish these classes. They will help lead us into our Lenten series based on the book “If the Church Were Christian” by Philip Gulley. I look forward to our soup suppers and discussions on this subject.

There is an ever-present need to reach out to one another. Perhaps that is why Jesus only gave us two commandments – “Love God” and “Love one another.”

Your Deacon,

Sarah June

Diocesan Bishop to Visit St. Bart's on Palm Sunday On March 20, we will welcome our Diocesan Bishop to St. Bartholomew's to sing "All Glory Laud and Honor" with us as we walk with Jesus around the neighborhood, carrying palms. There will be one service that day, time to be determined. Please join us and meet Diocesan Bishop Ann Hodges-Copple.

CORA Food Pantry Collection on Feb. 28 CORA Food Pantry collection will occur at both services on Sunday, Feb. 28. Monetary contributions are welcome and needed. $1 is the equivalent of one pound of food. CORA is able to purchase non-perishable food items in bulk at very nominal prices. Please give generously to this worthy cause. Thank you!

Family Violence and Rape Crisis Supply Drive The Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center is seeking donations of some household items for the shelter (the Garden Place). Below is a list of desired items. Donations can be brought by the shelter; first, contact Kat via email at info@fvrc.org or by telephone at 919-542-0224 to schedule a time. There is always someone on staff at that number, but you may need to inform them who you are and that you are calling about bringing some donations for the shelter.

Needed Household items: 1. Light bulbs (standard size 2. Paper towels 3. Paper plates + plastic forks/spoons 4. Laundry detergent 5. Bleach, floor cleaner, window cleaner, toilet cleaner, surface cleaner 6. Dish soap, hand soap, detergent for dish washing machine 7. Soap-infused Steel Wool cleaning pads 8. Foil/plastic wrap 9. Toiletries (shampoo, dental hygiene, razors, etc.)

"Bishop Search" Website Now Online The Communications folks at the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina have created a dedicated website for the search effort to find Bishop Michael Curry's replacement. Visit http://bishopsearch.dionc.org/ to keep up with the search committee's progress.

Volunteers, Donations Needed for New Flower Guild At the November meeting, the vestry approved the establishment of a Flower Guild for St. Bartholomew's. The goal of the group is to provide fresh flowers for the altar throughout the year. Parishioners will be asked to consider contributing flowers in honor or memory of loved ones as well as special celebrations in their lives. A sign-up chart is posted in the parish hall where parishioners may sign up for dates throughout the year. A $25 contribution is suggested to the Flower Guild and will be used to purchase and arrange the flowers. Flower donations will be noted in the weekly bulletin.

If you are interested in joining the Flower Guild or have questions, please contact: Cheryl Harris, Lyn Sims, or Jennifer Platt.

Free Legal Advice Offered to Public on Feb. 6 A free legal advice clinic will be provided by the Young Lawyers Division of the NC Bar Association on February 6. This is a free, in-person legal program that will be held in 10 different locations across the state on Saturday, Feb. 6. This is open to any North Carolina citizen of any age. Pittsboro-area locations include:

x “The Cookery”, 1101 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. x “Town of Chapel Hill Public Library”, 100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill from10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Grapevine Deadline: February 24 The deadline for submissions to the March edition of the Grapevine is February 24. Send your submissions to Dora Owens at office@saint-barts.org.

News From Our Committees Communications Committee We are delighted to announce that Administrative Assistant Dora Owens in the church office will take over as editor of St. Bart’s monthly newsletter, The Grapevine. The print version of the newsletter will be emailed this month instead of the designed mailchimp.com version. Please bear with us. Soon, Dora’s training will be complete and she will be able to create the designed email version using mailchimp.com and the print version. Robin Rodes Communications Committee chair communications@saint-barts.org Daughters of the King

The Mary and Martha of Bethany Order of the Daughters of the King met on January 28 in the parish hall. Plans were made for the Mary Scholle to be inducted for membership in The Order of the Daughters of the King on Sunday, February 7 at the 10:30 a.m. Communion Service followed by a reception in the parish hall. Plans for the April retreat in Montreat, North Carolina were completed. For further information about The Mary and Martha of Bethany Order of the Daughters of the King, contact Cheryl Harris.

Carolyn ‘CR’ Townsend crtownsend@embarqmail.com Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

The Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese of North Carolina are dedicated to sharing the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ by engaging in worship, prayer, study, service and fellowship.

Episcopal Church Women – ECW -- historically organized as Women’s Missionary Society or Women’s Auxiliary has been the backbone of the church. The 21st century brings parishioners new opportunities: Intergenerational groups, Care Teams, Community and Environment Teams of both men and women and youth. ECW has multiple opportunities to join with other groups of their parish, with local ecumenical groups and in the wider community.

Episcopal Church Women across the Diocese continue to serve vital roles in their parishes.

St. Bartholomew’s ECW meets on the first Tuesday of the month at noon in the parlor of the church. Any woman who is a member of the Episcopal Church automatically belongs to ECW. That's it. There are no special criteria or tests or initiations required. The extent to which a woman is involved in organized ECW activity is up to her.

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Women are members of the Durham Convocation of regional branches (Durham Convocation: Chapel Hill, Durham, Henderson, Hillsborough, Oxford, Pittsboro, Roxboro). ECW groups learn what other branches/parishes are doing in the community to support spiritual growth and recognize members of the parish/community. Women of the church ministering together support church growth by participating in parish committees, serve on the vestry, altar guild, volunteer for the daily or weekly meal program – preparing sandwiches for bag lunches, or serving full meals prepared in the parish kitchen -- all the while evangelizing in quiet ways in service to our Lord Jesus. Carolyn 'CR' Townsend crtownsend@embarqmail.com

Featured Events

Adult Inquirers' Classes Sundays at 9:20 a.m., through March 13

Adult Inquirers' Classes are for people wishing to inquire about matters of faith and to learn more about the Episcopal Church. Everyone (aged 12 and up) is welcome to come, whether long-term member or new inquirer. By attending you are not making a commitment to join the church.

The classes are very informal and designed to answer the specific questions and concerns of class members around the topics of worship & prayer book, history & culture, beliefs & practices, and structure & organization.

The classes will be held Sundays in the parish hall from 9:20 a.m.-10:20 a.m. and will take the place of Adult Bible Study.

We use the book Welcome to the Episcopal Church by Christopher Webber as a template for our discussions.

Tentative Topic Schedule Jan. 31 – History: Sam Williamson Feb. 7 – Spirituality: Paul Volk and Sarah June Card Feb 14 – The Bible in the Episcopal Church: Lea Powell Feb. 21 – The Church's Teachings: Alistair Nevius Feb. 28 – Worship: the Rev. Cathie Caimano March 6 – The Church's Ministry and Organization: Wilber Mundia March 13 – The Church's Mission: the Rev. William Joyner (Archdeacon, Diocese of North Carolina)

If you have any questions, please contact Karen Ladd at temenos@hotmail.com.

"Money Monday" at Bella Donna Monday, Feb. 8

On the second Monday of each month, Bella Donna Italian Restaurant in Pittsboro will donate 10 percent of the day’s total sales to The Community Lunch. Come out to enjoy tasty Italian cuisine and also support a worthy cause!

Bella Donna is open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday. The restaurant sponsors “Money Mondays” throughout the month to benefit various charitable organizations. Every second Monday of the month benefits The Community Lunch.

Understanding Poverty Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. through Feb. 16

Please join our friends at Pittsboro Presbyterian Church for an illuminating series on “Understanding Poverty.” Dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. (Contributions are welcome). The program begins at 7:00 p.m. and is part of a six week series.

What do Jesus’ words about poverty mean for us as a congregation in the heart of a community where many people live in poverty? What is it like living in poverty? How do people move out of poverty? Joelle Brummit-Yale leads an interactive six-session series on understanding poverty.

Come learn about the faces of poverty and what you can do to help. For more information, contact Joelle Brummit-Yale, Director of Christian Education, via email at joelle@pittsboropres.org or call her at 919-542-4706.

Please mark your calendar for this interesting series: • Feb. 2: Christ and Poverty • Feb. 9: Children and Poverty • Feb. 16: Poverty in Chatham County

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Please join us for pancakes and sausage on Shrove Tuesday for St. Bart's traditional family pancake supper. This wonderful annual event, organized by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), is one of our most popular events. Donations will be accepted... $5 donation is suggested for adults, $10 donation is suggested for a family.

During the pancake supper, you will have the chance to learn about the history of Shrove Tuesday and participate in the burning of palms of 2015 preparing for Ash Wednesday. Want to help with this fun event?

• Join our team of volunteers. • Cook sausage patties at home • Decorate on Monday Feb. 8 • Set-up on Tuesday, Feb. 9 • Cook pancakes in St. Bart's parish hall kitchen • Act as roving wait staff • Act as clean-up crew after supper and have a fun time.

The sign-up list is posted in the parish hall. For more information, please contact Carolyn 'CR' Townsend (crtownsend@embarqmail.com) or 919-542-5422.

Seeing the Face of God in Each Other: An Anti-Racism Training Wednesday, Feb. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

As people of faith, we have the ability and responsibility to serve as models for inclusion and justice making, to commit ourselves to being multi-culturally competent persons resisting racism. “Seeing the Face of God in Each Other” is a day-long anti-racism seminar offered by The Bishop's Committee for Racial Justice & Reconciliation of the Episcopal Diocese of NC. According to one participant, “the Diocesan seminar is a wonderful foundational course aimed at awakening us to the realities of racism in our culture today. It kindles a fire that needs to be fed with more insight and training.” Led by Martha Waters, the seminar provides an opportunity for honest and open communication, an opportunity for personal growth, understanding, and healing. The course is being co-hosted by St. Luke’s and Chapel of the Cross but is open to everyone. The details: Saturday, Feb. 27 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All parishioners are encouraged to attend, especially leaders of committees and ministries. Register online at: http://www.dionc.org/digital_faith/events/3168270 ($15.00) or contact Eileen Morgan at St. Luke’s for registration assistance (ejtjmorgan46@gmail.com). Wednesday Lenten Soup Suppers Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., from Feb. 17 to Mar. 16 Wednesday Lenten Soup Suppers begin on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at St. Bartholomew's. We will convene at 6:00 p.m. for a simple supper and then go into discussion at about 6:45 p.m. Sign-up sheets for vegetarian and meat based soups, plus bread & butter, will be posted in the parish hall this coming Sunday. Our study book this year is "If the Church Were Christian" by Philip Gulley, who is a Quaker pastor.

Dora Owens in the church office has ordered 20 copies of the book. The books cost $15 each. They are also available on Amazon.com. The church's copies will be made available for purchase before the first class so folks can begin to read. We ask that folks pay what they can, if possible, to cover costs, and put "Christian Formation" in the memo line of checks. The suppers will continue through Wednesday, March 16.

For more information or to claim a copy of the book, please contact Dora Owens (office@saint-barts.org).

Divorce Care Seminar Sundays at 6:00 p.m., beginning Feb. 21

Pittsboro United Methodist Church and Chatham Community Church are jointly offering Divorce Care in Pittsboro. If you are separated or divorced and would like to be a part of a seminar/support group to help you heal from the hurt of separation and divorce, we welcome you to join us! The group offers a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. You’ll learn practical information that will help you deal with the challenges of divorce. Best of all, you will gain hope for the future! Divorce Care is a 13 week non-denominational Christian-based program that covers multiple topics. Please contact Pam at pamy5796@gmail.com or 919-444-9374 for more information or to register. Cost is $20. Childcare and scholarships are available. The next session starts Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 6 pm at Pittsboro United Methodist Church, Room 107. The group will meet each Sunday night for 13 weeks at 6 pm. For more information on Divorce Care, visit the website at http://www.divorcecare.org

Events to Remember Tuesday, Feb. 2 Episcopal Church Women meeting 12:00 p.m. in the parlor Wednesday, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 Contemplative Prayer Service 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary Thursday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 28 The Community Lunch 12:00 p.m. in parish hall Sunday, Feb. 7 Christian Formation Meeting 12:30 p.m. in the parish hall Tuesday, Feb. 9 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5:00 p.m. in the parish hall Wednesday, Feb 10 12:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service Wednesday, Feb 10 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service Mt. Sinai AME Church 176 Chatham St., Pittsboro, NC 27312 Tuesday, Feb. 16 Building Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall * All are welcome

Wednesdays, Feb. 17, 24 Lenten Soup & Bread Supper, followed by Discussion series 6:00 p.m. in the parish hall Thursday, Feb. 18 Daughters of the King meeting 7:00 p.m. in parlor Sunday, Feb. 21 Worship Committee meeting 12:15 p.m. in the parish hall Tuesday, Feb 23 7:00 p.m. Vestry Meeting in parish hall * All are welcome Friday, Feb. 26 Seeker’s Circle 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb 27 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM "Seeing the Face of God in Each Other" Seminar St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1737 Hillandale Rd, Durham, NC 27705 Sunday, Feb. 28 Evangelism Team meeting 12:00 p.m.in the parlor

This Month We Hold In Prayer

Our Members Debbie Badalamenti i Waybelle Baldwin i Earl Barber i Mathew Boone i

Anna Deese i Aleacia Fisher i Andrea Glover i Abraham Harman & Katie Mallard i Nancy & Harvey Harman i Carol Lauria i

Ronnie Lynton i Kevin Noel i Judy Perretti i Jackie Sanders i Valerie Scotton i Nancy Simons i Lyn Sims i James Smith i Sonia Smith i Debra Taylor i

Bonnie Vargo i Paul Volk iLibby Walls i Sarah Weil i Irene Wells

Our Family and Friends Laura Allen i Andrew i Deacon Tally Bandy i Kelly Bayringer i Gregory Blaine i Johnny Blair i Beth, Lena, & Sarah Brown i Terri Buchanan i Mario Burgess i

Anthony Bynum i Jack Card i Suzanne Carothers i June Dixon i Dee Cole i Bob Coyne i Bishop Michael Curry i Darien i Francesco Dionella i

Rusty Eichles i Elaine Elliott i Chris Farley i Mary Fennell i Thomas Field i Michael Fitzgerald i Clifford Foltz i Kathy Fowler i Susanne Gomolski i Andy Gorill i Doug Gregorie i Irene Gregorie i Ben & Hannah Harman i

Annie & Evermore Harman i Eli Harman i Martha Henderson i Micky Hester i Anna Holder i David Holder i Sam Holt i Rob Koontz i Chris Langley i Zach Lee i Ashley Lochner i Jon Lochner i Joe Lockavitch i Pat Lord i

Tony Loris i Oueideng Kaye Mady i Magdalena i Richard Martin i Rose Martin i Andy McKeon i Eva Metzgar i Michael i Sabina Miller i Megan Nelson i

Candice Nickerson i Kenyon Noel i Bud & Mary Palmer i the family of Bernice Perry i Gaby Raines i

St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Sanford) i Billie Venable Sessoms i Lauren Sloan i Jennifer Smith i Claudia Soholt i Lars Soholt i Brice Spinarski i

Emily Stephenson i Suzanne i Trish Swayze i Chuck Thomas i Scott T. i Joy Townsend i James van Leeuwen i Debbie Vick i Vicki i Walls Family i Tess Ward i Leo Weil i Rick Whitt i Cheri Wichman i the Wiggs family i

Lucille Wilkinson i Matt Wimsatt i Axl Yount

Military and All in Harm’s Way Lee Huddleston i Daniel Tysor i Adam Walters i Gabrielle Fitzgerald i

Keith Soria i Spencer Rocho

February Birthdays 02/02 Isaac Mundia 02/02 Alyssa Ugurlu 02/03 Micky Gonzales 02/03 Charis Hill 02/05 Andrew Wilson 02/07 Lynn Dohner 02/08 Daniel Brown 02/09 Sierra Mathewson 02/10 Janet Edwards 02/14 Jodi Betts 02/16 Charlotte Cox 02/19 Rachel London 02/19 Aja Sutton 02/23 Oscar Pulliam 02/25 Joan Mylek 02/26 Mike Millard 02/27 Sarah June Card 02/28 Moleta Waddell