July 2015 Guide - Amazon S3 · 13 6:30 pm Vestry 6:45pm AA Study Group 7:00pm Finan- cial Planning...
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Volume 71, Issue 7 Sacred Story Each year the stories read at or around the Easter Vigil remind me of the power of story. The scriptures are replete with examples of ordinary persons who lived lives filled with acts of heroism, courage, and above all, faith. Before we begin to think that these people are simply those who lived long ago, I would remind you that the sacred stories of modern-day martyrs and saints are just as impressive. In fact, more people were martyred for the faith in the 20 th century than in all previous centuries combined. Interestingly, there were also more people evangelized in the 20 th century than ever before. Each era poses challenges to the people of God, but along with those challenges comes certain blessings as well. Sacred story is found not only in the pages of scripture or the lives of the saints, but also in the everyday people of our lives. It is sometimes in our own personal journey that we encounter some of the most sacred moments in our lives. These moments become things that should be shared with our families, and passed down for posterity. Each of our families has these sacred stories. These are stories of determinism in the face of hardship and working out faith, even when wrestling with incredible doubt. In my own life, I treasure all of the stories I heard about my grandfather’s family (he was one of ten). My grandmother’s family made a trek each year from Pittsfield, Maine to St. Petersburg, Florida and back again while traveling at 20 miles per hour. I take great comfort in knowing the ways in which my forebears met adversity head on and persevered. When I was a child, my grandmother often brought me with her to visit her clients. She was an interior designer and I often would get to hear stories about incredible things: wars, hardship, even the aftermath of a horrific hurricane. These stories are etched into my brain like snapshots and I remember these people with fondness and admiration. Often, I would find that those special people even willed me some memento of our time together. These things are some of my greatest treasures. Occasionally, these persons, whom time will quickly forget, will even become the stuff of sermons and their story lives on. Congregations often have a key person called the “Storyteller”. Sometimes it is an archivist. Sometimes this person is a local historian. It is this person (or persons) who are the ones who remind us in times of great anxiety and trial, that the church has faced these moments before, and likely will face them again. The storyteller reminds us of who we are, simply by calling to mind where we have been. They are quick to rise to their feet during a difficult time (usually at an annual meeting) and say, “Do you remember when we faced….., (continued on page 2) Inside this issue 2 From the Rector’s Warden – keeping the congregation in the know about coming events 7 From the Archives – Take a trip down memory lane in the life of St. Stephen’s The Guide July 2015 A Newsletter of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Transcript of July 2015 Guide - Amazon S3 · 13 6:30 pm Vestry 6:45pm AA Study Group 7:00pm Finan- cial Planning...
Volume 71, Issue 7
Sacred Story
1
Each year the stories read at or around the Easter Vigil remind me of the power of story. The scriptures are replete with examples of ordinary persons who lived lives filled with acts of heroism, courage, and above all, faith. Before we begin to think that these people are simply those who lived long ago, I would remind you that the sacred stories of modern-day martyrs and saints are just as impressive.
In fact, more people were martyred for the faith in the 20th century than in all previous centuries combined. Interestingly, there were also more people evangelized in the 20th century than ever before. Each era poses challenges to the people of God, but along with those challenges comes certain blessings as well.
Sacred story is found not only in the pages of scripture or the lives of the saints, but also in the everyday people of our lives. It is sometimes in our own personal journey that we encounter
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some of the most sacred moments in our lives. These moments become things that should be shared with our families, and passed down for posterity.
Each of our families has these sacred stories. These are stories of determinism in the face of hardship and working out faith, even when wrestling with incredible doubt. In my own life, I treasure all of the stories I heard about my grandfather’s family (he was one of ten). My grandmother’s family made a trek each year from Pittsfield, Maine to St. Petersburg, Florida and back again while traveling at 20 miles per hour. I take great comfort in knowing the ways in which my forebears met adversity head on and persevered.
When I was a child, my grandmother often brought me with her to visit her clients. She was an interior designer and I often would get to hear stories about incredible things: wars, hardship, even the aftermath of a horrific hurricane. These stories are
3
etched into my brain like snapshots and I remember these people with fondness and admiration. Often, I would find that those special people even willed me some memento of our time together. These things are some of my greatest treasures. Occasionally, these persons, whom time will quickly forget, will even become the stuff of sermons and their story lives on.
Congregations often have a key person called the “Storyteller”. Sometimes it is an archivist. Sometimes this person is a local historian. It is this person (or persons) who are the ones who remind us in times of great anxiety and trial, that the church has faced these moments before, and likely will face them again. The storyteller reminds us of who we are, simply by calling to mind where we have been. They are quick to rise to their feet during a difficult time (usually at an annual meeting) and say, “Do you remember when we faced….., (continued on page 2)
Inside this issue
2 From the Rector’s Warden – keeping the congregation in the know about coming events
7 From the Archives – Take a trip down memory lane in the life of St. Stephen’s
The Guide July 2015
A Newsletter of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Lorem Ipsum
From the Rector’s Warden –
Byron Moore
One of the findings of our survey last year was that the congregation felt communication from your Vestry needed improvement. Your Vestry is working to correct this by taking several actions. You may have noticed a little different format for Vestry Minutes which are posted on the bulletin board near the entrance to the Parish Hall. A summary of action taken will be added to the top of the minutes for easy review. Also a member of the Vestry will make the announcements at the end of each service. In addition to the regular announcements, a summary of Vestry actions and concerns will be discussed. This is a time for you to ask any questions you may have. In the coming weeks you will hear more about our discussions concerning mission development and our youth ministry.
As we welcome the more relaxed days of the summer months don’t forget to keep your pledge current (or even consider paying your pledge ahead!). Our church has traditionally struggled meeting our financial commitments during the summer months because of a shortfall of contributions. As you leave for vacation remember that our bills keep coming. Thanks for your attention to this matter.
We are still waiting for the contractor to begin tearing down the former community building. The water, gas, and sewer services have been disconnected. Because of the wet spring weather our contractor is behind schedule. We now anticipate action starting in the next few weeks. In the meantime, permission has been given for the Grand Island Police department to conduct drills in the building. Don’t be alarmed if you see
some hymns. They are written in times of immense trial, natural or national disaster, personal failure, or ecstatic vision. Hymns tell multiple layers of spiritual history, some current, some ancient.
I remember the old Nat King Cole song, “The Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer.” I often think that summer has a great deal of “dead time” which can lead to a spiritual listlessness. I recommend one of two practices for each of you this summer:
1) 1) Read biographies or the stories of music– There is much sacred story to be found in the pages of books. It is the perfect companion on rainy Nebraska evenings and a fabulous way to wind down after a stressful day.
2) 3) 2) Ask a relative or friend to
tell their sacred story – what was it like growing up? What were their favorite childhood memories? Listen well to those stories and let them soak in. You may find you have a very different appreciation for them after knowing their story.
4) Sacred Story is a summertime gift. It helps us to remember what truly is important and what is truly important – people. Spend some time is sacred story. You will be very glad you did.
Faithfully,
Fr. Robert
Sacred Story continued from pg. 1
The Guide
some police “action” in this area.
I also would like to congratulate the Reverend Doctor Robert Lewis on receiving his Doctorate of Ministry from Nashotah House Seminary. We are fortunate to have a priest with these academic credentials. Thanks to everyone who contributed in some way to the reception for the Lewis Family on Sunday, May 31.
we got through that and we will get through this too!”
I recently finished Fern Nilson’s book, My Life of the Prairie. It is always interesting to read the sacred stories of people you know. (Fern is Ed Nilson’s mother and she lives in Aurora). The pages are filled with stories of the great blizzard of 1949 and personal challenges that her family faced. While reading it, I came to understand Ed a bit better based on his family’s sacred story.
As part of my summer reading, I picked up a copy of Bishop Michael Curry’s (North Carolina) work, Songs my Grandma Sang. Bishop Curry tells his tale of the power of songs rich in theology. Our hymnals are filled with sacred story. I have often marveled at the circumstances of the writing of
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Habitat for Humanity
is collecting the following items for a family as they move into their new Habitat home. If you can provide one or more of them, please mark off those item on the master list in the narthex and leave them in the church office. We’ll be collecting them throughout the summer. Many thanks!
* Priority Items
fertilizer spreader fire extinguisher
* Basic Tools screwdriver sets hammer toolbox stud finder utility knife putty knife paint brushes snow shovel shovel pliers torpedo level 25’ tape measure flashlight scraper blade caulking gun paint rollers, covers & tray spade garden rake
* Possible additions to tools saw (hand and/or hack) battery operated drill edger/trimmer socket set picture hanging kit
* Other items extension cord (exterior and interior) outdoor/garage broom regular broom and dust pan underbed storage bins regular plastic storage totes surge protector cutting board door mat
Share your Time, talents, and treasure
Hope Harbor
is in need of the following
towels diapers (mostly sizes 4, 5, & 6) cleaning supplies pill packs for medication kitchen gloves
Food and personal hygiene products are not in as great as need at this time.
Please take these items either directly to Hope Harbor during business hours or bring them with you to church and we will deliver them. Thanks for remembering those who are less fortunate when you plan your spending.
Healthy Helpings
Home meals are being scheduled for two of our church families going through tough times because of medical issues. If you could provide a meal (our goal is one per week), sign up on the clip board in the narthex or www.takethemameal.com Call the office and we’ll give you the passwords for the site. Thank you!
Habit of Helping
Thank you to those who share their gifts on Sunday mornings. If you do not volunteer regularly, consider all the ways to serve – host coffee hour, give flowers, usher worshipers, read the morning’s lessons, lead the congregation in prayer, acolyte, prepare for Holy Communion, and more. During the summer your help is especially appreciated. Talk with Father Robert to find out more.
Lorem Ipsum The Guide
July 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Deadline to register for camp is July 3rd. Register today! Scholarships available –
call the office for details.
1 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
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3 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
4 Happy
Birthday, USA
5 9:30am Holy Eucharist 2 followed by coffee hour 1:00pm Arabic Worship 2:00pm Holy Eucharist at Riverside Ldg
6 6:30pm Disaster Preparedness Meeting 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
7 9:00am Holy Eucharist 2 in Chapel 10:00am Office Staff Meeting
8 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
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10 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
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12 9:30am Holy Eucharist 2 followed by coffee hour 1:00pm Arabic Worship
13 6:30 pm Vestry 6:45pm AA Study Group 7:00pm Finan- cial Planning 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
14 9:00am Holy Eucharist 2 in Chapel 10:00am Office Staff Meeting
15 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
16 9
17 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
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19 9:30am Holy Eucharist 2 followed by coffee hour 1:00pm Arabic Worship
20 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
21 9:00am Holy Eucharist 2 in Chapel 10:00am Office Staff Meeting
22 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
23
24 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
25 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist 2 at Christ Church Central City
26 9:30am Morn- ing Prayer with Communion & coffee hour 1:00pm Arabic Worship
27 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
28 9:00am Holy Eucharist 2 in Chapel 10:00am Office Staff Meeting
29 10:00am Holy Eucharist 2 at Geer Sterne 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
30
31 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
Celebrate your Freedom in Christ
and in our Great Nation “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” - John 8:36
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Worship Assistants for July
July 5th
6th Sunday after Pentecost
July 12
7th Sunday after Pentecost
July 19
8th Sunday after Pentecost
July 26
9th Sunday after Pentecost
August 2
10th Sunday after Pentecost
At the Keyboard Sue Clement Sue Clement None Needed
Verger Rich Webb Dave Jepson Rich Webb Dave Jepson Rich Webb
Acolytes Rich Webb & Mbilia Asabit
Edwin Lewis & Ryan Jepson
Collin Jepson & Raegen Hillman
Rhonda Hillman & Ryan Hillman
Susan Cameron & Mbilia Asabit
Altar Guild Christy Jepson Karen Borgheiinck & Susan Briseno Roxie Webb Ronna Kutlas Cris McElroy
Lector Jim Lewis Tracy Babcock Susan Cameron Terry Babcock Volunteer Needed
Prayers of the People Susan Cameron Leslie Lewis Liz Baxter Sue Clement Volunteer
Needed
Subdeacon Rod Clement Don Young Rich Webb Sue Clement Susan Cameron
Ushers Mike Timmerman & Bob Allison
Raynette Martin & Kathy Patton
Mary Kvetensky & Bob Allison
Jim & Pat Kirschbaum
Mike Timmerman & Byron Moore
Counters Sam & Joan Barton
Dennis & Terry Bjorkman
Rod & Sue Clement
Raynette Martin & Jerre Mallory
Sam & Joan Barton
Vestry Member of the Day Kathy Stoddard Dennis Bjorkman Byron Moore Christy Jepson To be
Determined
Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Altar Flowers Sue Regier & Susan Cameron
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Lorem Ipsum The Guide
In Our Thoughts and Prayers This Month
Make a Call, Send a Card, Say a Prayer If you or a loved one needs prayer, please submit that information to the church office at 308-382-4961 or to
[email protected] Prayers run in the weekly bulletin as well as month in The Guide. Prayer Chain requests can be sent to Mark Kvetensky at 308-382-4090 or to Donna Weaver-Smith at [email protected]
If you would like to add a name to the birthday or anniversary list, please call the church office at 308-382-4961 or e-mail them at [email protected]
Remember in Prayer
FOR HEALING AND OTHER CONCERNS
Bill, Bryan, Buddy, Cora, Corinne, Devon, Doris, Hannah, Harrison, Jason, Michelle, Pete, and Steffanie
FOR STRENGTH AND PROTECTION FOR THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY Kecia, Scott, Sean, Seth, and Tim
Happy July
Birthdays Mary Kvetensky July 2 Jay Ellston July 4 Lucas Van Wie July 11 Kathy Stoddard July 14 Sara Beth Bosselman July 14 Sonya Wooden July 14 Isabelle Hatfield July 16 Cris McElroy July 17 Madison Wieland July 20 Bill Martin July 22 Tricia Camplin July 23 Jim Kirschbaum July 23 Peg Templin July 24 Lucy Ghaifan July 27 Carson Reisinger July 28 Dave Beck July 31 Pam Hirschkorn July 31
Celebrating Wedding
Anniversaries Robert & Ellen Lewis July 7 Shoukri & Sumia Asabit July 8 Jim & Tracy Goodman July 19 Tom & Susan Briseno July 23
There are those who will say that the liberation of humanity, the freedom of man and mind is nothing but a dream. They are right.
It is the American Dream. Archibald Macleish
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From the Archives
Submitted by Sue Clement From the Platte Valley Independent, July 4, 1874: “Rev. R. Doherty, of the Diocese of Ontario, Canada, will enter upon his labors at St. Stephen’s Church, in this city, on Sabbath the 12th. The lay services have been held every Sabbath and have been well-attended.” From the GI Independent, July 7, 1891: “Yesterday the young ladies of St. Stephens Church under the direction of the Rector Rev. F.W. Adams, formed a permanent organization for church service to be named St. Agnes Altar Guild. . . . to reverently care for the Altar and its appointments.” From the GI Independent, July 23, 1884: “The Jordan corner lot diagonally across the street from the Episcopal church was recently purchased by the Lutheran congregation for church purposes; $1000 was the consideration." ed. note: this is now the site of the former TraveLodge Motel. From the Guide, July 8, 1960: “SUMMER ATTIRE FOR MEN AND BOYS—There is no need for coats and ties during the warm, humid summer months when attending Services of the Church. Feel quite free to wear sport shirts.”
Just Another Rich Man: A Biblical Reflection on Proper 21-C, Luke 16:19-31
OK, this one is troubling... It’s the story of a rich man and Lazarus, the poor man just outside the rich man’s gate. (Lk. 16:19-31) The rich man “was dressed in purple and fine linen and . . . feasted sumptuously every day.” On the other hand, there was Lazarus, “covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table.” It is quite the contrast. Lazarus died. The rich man also died and was buried. Only in his torment in Hades does the rich man realize the chasm between him and God. He asks Abraham to have Lazarus bring him water. Abraham refuses. “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things.” Then he asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers so that they would not meet a similar fate. Again, Abraham refuses. “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” The rich man’s torment in Hades is not what is meant to catch our attention or even scare us. What ought to scare us is the detail in the parable that the poor man has a name, Lazarus, and the rich man does not. Something about the rich man’s life leaves him nameless. It is not, I think, that the rich man was bad. We certainly have no reason from the parable to think so. It is not, I think, that the rich man had great wealth. I see no reason to think from the parable that the rich man is punished for his wealth. It is not, I think, that the rich man’s gain was ill-gotten. Again, the parable gives us no reason to think so. The point is that names are superfluous unless we are in relationship with one another. I do not need to know the name of someone with whom I have no contact. I do not need to know the name of someone who does not affect my life. I do need to know the name of those I love. And without love, I myself might as well have no name at all. It seems to me that the rich man’s failure is that he bypassed the opportunity to love Lazarus because there can be no love without sharing. His failure to share the scraps from his sumptuous table is startling given the picture of the man just outside his gate, covered with sores, starving, and fighting off the dogs. Sharing is what gives us a name. It is what makes us who we are. Otherwise, we’re just another rich man unknown to anyone who cares.
The Rt. Rev. Stacy F. Sauls serves as Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Presiding Bishop, The Episcopal Church reprinted from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship, http://www.tens.org/resources/newsletter/newsletter-blog/just-another-rich-man-a-biblical-reflection-
on-proper-21-c-luke
The Guide Volume 71, Issue 7
Welcoming…ALL People Serving…Those in Need Worshiping…God www.ststephengi.org (308) 382-4961 Like us on Facebook
How can YOU connect with St. Stephen’s?
Worship Services Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 9:30 am and Tuesdays at 9:00 am
Real Presence Contemporary Eucharist on Sundays at 5:30 pm (Sept – April) First Sunday of month at Riverside Lodge at 2:00 pm
Last Wednesday of the month at Geer Sterne All Faiths Chapel at 10:00 am (East of the hospital in the Golden Age Village – 801 Stoeger Drive)
Solemn Evensong & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament – Quarterly as Announced
Christian Education (Sept – April) Midweek Programs every Wednesday beginning at 6:00 pm Supper, Instruction and activities for kids, study for adults
Contact Information: Phone: (308) 382-4961
e-mail: FrRobert @ststephengi.org Mail: P. O. Box 2317, Grand Island, NE 68802
Website: www.ststephengi.org Like us on Facebook – St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Grand Island
Church Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
St. Stephen’s Leadership and Staff
Rector The Rev’d Dr. Robert Lewis [email protected]
2015 Rector’s Warden
Byron Moore [email protected]
2015 People’s Warden
Kathy Stoddard [email protected]
2016 Vestry Bob Allison
Dennis Bjorkman [email protected]
Kevin Hillman
2017 Vestry Christy Jepson
Don Young [email protected]
2018 Vestry
Vacant
Music Ministry Dan Korensky
Financial Secretary Leslie Lewis
Custodian Henry Mayer
Office Manager
Lynne Nuss [email protected]
The Guide St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church P. O. Box 2317 Grand Island, NE 68802-2317 Address Service Requested
