LUMINARY - adventepiscopalaz.org · Advent Luminary Page 2 March 2015 A word from your Vestry If...
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LUMINARY A monthly publication featuring news and events at the Advent Episcopal April 2015 The Rev. Dr. Gabriel A. Sinisi, Rector The Rev. Emilie Finn, Associate Rector 13150 Spanish Garden Dr. Sun City West, AZ 85375 Dear Friends, Happy Easter! We have been together through the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, and now it is again time to discover anew how to live more fully into his resurrection. It is time to ask ourselves once again what it means to live a truly Christian life. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples, “Just as the branch cannot bear fruit unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:4-5). The life of the vine is the life of the branches. Without it—if the branches are cut off from the vine—they whither and die. But the life of the vine doesn't just go into the branches and sit there, Jesus tells us. It flows through the branches and blossoms out into leaves and flowers, and, finally, fruit. So what does it mean to abide in Christ as branches abide in a vine? What is the fruit that Christ produces in us when we do? Jesus tells his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love” (John 15:9-10). To abide in Christ is to abide in love. Notice, though, that abiding in love is not abstract or theoretical. Jesus is very specific about what abiding in his love looks like. “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. … This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Because God loves us so much that in Jesus Christ God lived and died for us, we should love and live—and, yes, even die if necessary—for one another. We abide in Christ's love by loving each other. “No one has greater love than this,” Jesus tells his disciples, “to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends” (John 15:13-14). Participating fully in the love of God that gives us life, then, seems to also involve dying. How can this be? How can abiding in the love that gives us life mean that we have to die? The night before my ordination, I remembered a story told by concert pianist Madeline Bruser. She said that the night before her first performance at Carnegie Hall she had terri- ble stage fright. “I called my wisest friend,” she remembered, “and told her I felt I was going to die.” “You probably are,” her friend responded. “You won't be the same person after tomorrow night.” I think there are two kinds of death in the gospels. The first kind is the death we die when we cut ourselves off from the vine of God's love; when we refuse to love God and each other. The second is what happens naturally when a blossom blooms and then fades and falls off the branch so that fruit can grow, and it's this kind of death that Madeline Bruser experienced. As she performed that evening at Carnegie Hall, the woman who had never played on that stage died to make way for the woman who had. I, too, experienced this kind of death at my ordination. The woman who was not a priest died to make way for the woman who is. It is this kind of death that we as Christians experience every time we choose to act with love toward one another. Every time we make this choice, some part of us that was not compatible with that choice dies to make room for the love. This can be a painful process. It can feel like our whole self is dying. And it can be frightening, because we can't ever be sure, when the blossom falls away, what kind of fruit—or even if any kind of fruit—will take its place. Abiding in the love of God is not always an easy thing. In fact, it's probably the most difficult thing any of us will ever do. But it's also the most worthwhile.
Transcript of LUMINARY - adventepiscopalaz.org · Advent Luminary Page 2 March 2015 A word from your Vestry If...
LUMINARY
A monthly publication featuring news and events at the Advent Episcopal
April 2015 The Rev. Dr. Gabriel A. Sinisi, Rector
The Rev. Emilie Finn, Associate Rector
13150 Spanish Garden Dr. Sun City West, AZ 85375
Dear Friends,
Happy Easter! We have been together through the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, and now it is again time to discover anew how to live more fully into his
resurrection. It is time to ask ourselves once again what it means to live a truly Christian life.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples, “Just as the branch cannot bear fruit unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:4-5). The life of the vine is the life of the branches. Without it—if the branches are cut off from the vine—they whither and die. But the life of the vine doesn't just go into the branches and sit there, Jesus tells us. It flows through the branches and blossoms out into leaves and flowers, and, finally, fruit.
So what does it mean to abide in Christ as branches abide in a vine? What is the fruit that Christ produces in us when we do? Jesus tells his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love” (John 15:9-10). To abide in Christ is to abide in love. Notice, though, that abiding in love is not abstract or theoretical. Jesus is very specific about what abiding in his love looks like. “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. … This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Because God loves us so much that in Jesus Christ God lived and died for us, we should love and live—and, yes, even die if necessary—for one another. We abide in Christ's love by loving each other. “No one has greater love than this,” Jesus tells his disciples, “to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends” (John 15:13-14).
Participating fully in the love of God that gives us life, then, seems to also involve dying. How can this be? How can abiding in the love that gives us life mean that we have to die?
The night before my ordination, I remembered a story told by concert pianist Madeline Bruser. She said that the night before her first performance at Carnegie Hall she had terri-ble stage fright. “I called my wisest friend,” she remembered, “and told her I felt I was
going to die.” “You probably are,” her friend responded. “You won't be the same person after tomorrow night.”
I think there are two kinds of death in the gospels. The first kind is the death we die when we cut ourselves off from the vine of God's love; when we refuse to love God and each other. The second is what happens naturally when a blossom blooms and then fades and falls off the branch so that fruit can grow, and it's this kind of death that Madeline Bruser experienced. As she performed that evening at Carnegie Hall, the woman who had never played on that stage died to make way for the woman who had. I, too, experienced this kind of death at my ordination. The woman who was not a priest died to make way for the woman who is.
It is this kind of death that we as Christians experience every time we choose to act with love toward one another. Every time we make this choice, some part of us that was not compatible with that choice dies to make room for the love. This can be a painful process. It can feel like our whole self is dying. And it can be frightening, because we can't ever be sure, when the blossom falls away, what kind of fruit—or even if any kind of fruit—will take its place. Abiding in the love of God is not always an easy thing. In fact, it's probably the most difficult thing any of us will ever do. But it's also the most worthwhile.
Advent Luminary Page 2 March 2015
A word from your Vestry
If you feel like you're going to die, you probably are. If you choose to abide in love, you will never be the same again. But you will be more fully alive, and more completely yourself, than you ever would have been otherwise. This is what it means to die in order to live. It doesn't mean killing off or sacrificing what is most important to you in the name of God. It means discovering the life and love that is the source and substance of who you are, and choosing to abide more and more deeply in that love, and slowly giving up whatever is not that love, whenever it becomes an
impediment to the love. Just as even the most beautiful flower must drop off a branch before the fruit can grow and ripen.
So this Easter season, as we come through the death of Christ and live more and more fully into his resurrection, ask yourself this question: Where is it that you want to abide, more than anything in the world? And then think about actions. Where are you abiding? Is it there?
Love in Christ,
Emilie+
Advent Luminary Page 3 March 2015
CURSILLO WEEKEND SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 30-MAY 3,2015
A Cursillo Weekend is an excellent way to continue your spiritual growth. The weekend is filled with talks and group discussions on many aspects of our Christian Faith; and there will also be times for meditation,
prayer, and singing, as well as good food and fellowship.
General info about Cursillo is available at this website: www.nationalepiscopalcursillo.org
The April 30 thru May 3 Cursillo Weekend will be held at the Windemere Conference Center located in
Mesa, AZ (Website: www.WindemereHotelMesa.com); and it will be open to both singles and couples. If you are interested in attending, please contact Herb & Sue Norton as soon as possible (preferably via email and preferably by Feb. 15), so that the necessary application forms can be processed:
email [email protected] (or phone 623-975-6896). Please note that if you decide to apply for the weekend, a $50.00 non-refundable Application Fee will be required.
Clare of Assisi Chapter
Are you Called?
We find The Order of the Daughters of the King to be a safe place in a busy world where
we can be together and support each other in Christ’s love as we impact the world
through prayer and service.
Our next meeting is April 12th after the Advent History and Preservation coffee, for a short session in the
choir room.
I am looking into why the timers in the kitchen, east and north hall stay on for a period of four hours before shutting off. We are wasting electricity and increasing our usage on our APS bill.
The AC units have been worked on to make them more efficient and cost effective. New
thermostats and duct work have been installed in Paine Hall to help circulate the airflow
better. A thermostat has been installed in the kitchen to help cool it down when in use. That thermostat also controls the temperature in the north hall as well as a part of Paine Hall. The thermostats are all preset for peak hours of operation so that after a certain time period, they will go back to the original setting, which will also help reduce our energy bill.
The alarm has gone off a couple of times, but fortunately nothing serious.
A new hot water unit was replaced under the sink in the Sacristy.
Thank you all for being so cooperative during all the changes that have taken place. We are all stewards of our church home, and we all must take care of it.
Flavia Nomicos
Jr. Warden
Jr. Warden’s Corner
Advent Luminary Page 4 March 2015
February 2015 Financial Report
It still seems strange to me to be writing about February for an article to be read in April. Oh, well here goes. The light intro goes with the actual results for February.
As in January, the Operating Receipts for February exceeded Operating Expenses and left a $123.00
Operating Surplus. Good news for sure, Pledge receipts and plate receipts together were above forecast
levels and exceeded the 2014 receipts by $23,000.
Expenses are still under control and the Jan-Feb numbers are at a level consistent with the annual plan.
These results indicate that everyone realizes that meeting Advent’s operating expenses with pledge gifts is critical to the church’s continued successful operation. On behalf of the Clergy and your Vestry, we all truly appreciate the response to the reality of Advent’s operating cost.
However, I am not ready to go out and celebrate just yet. Our winter Parishioners will be leaving in a couple of months and since most of our operating expenses are fixed with minimal adjustment possible, we do have to be prepared for some potential deficits during the summer months. We are currently looking at potential expense reductions during the summer and will listen to any thoughts you may have in this area of planning.
At any rate let us all feel good about the first two months and think about what we can do to keep Advent in the black all year.
Jim Fry, Treasurer
RECTOR ACTIVITY REPORT
FROM 2-22-2015 to 3-29-2015
THE RECTOR IS ON CALL FOR EMERGENCIES 24/7.
BESIDES PREPARATION FOR REGULAR PARISH WORSHIP SERVICES, ON SUNDAY MORNINGS
AND WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, INCLUDING SCHEDULED SERMONS ETC., AND EfM MEETINGS,
THE RECTOR WAS PERSONALLY INVOLVED WITH:
25 PASTORAL CALLS
2 BAPTISM MEETINGS
10 PARISH RELATED MEETINGS
2 PARISH RELATED SOCIAL EVENTS
3 DAY PRESBYTER’S RETREAT AT CHAPEL ROCK
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Gabe Sinisi +
Advent Luminary Page 5 March 2015
Episcopal Church Women
E C W
The success of our Rummage Sale will enable both ECW and the Advent Men’s Club to support
outreach toward needs in our community. The net profit of $8,180 was split equally between
both the men’s and woman’s organizations. ECW will approve the budget for outreach at their
April meeting.
The April Tea and installation of new officers will be held on April 16. Grace Roumell will
serve a second year as president, Ann Fletcher will be vice-president, Sharon Navratil will be
secretary and Karen Andrews will be treasurer with Bev DiCicco as assistant treasurer. We
hope you will plan to attend our last luncheon-meeting of this year. As always tickets for the
luncheon will be available before and after Sunday services on April 5th and 12th.
This will be our last planned activity for the year. Some of you will be leaving soon for cooler
climates during the summer months and we will miss you. However, we are already setting
dates and recruiting chairpersons for our various committees and activities for next year. If
you are interested in becoming more active in any Advent ECW activities, please give me a call.
We welcome your participation and input.
Grace Roumell, ECW President 360-581-1243.
MEN'S CLUB APRIL 7TH....8 AM..PAINE HALL PRAYER MEETING AND BREAKFAST....SPEAKER WILL BE BUD SCHULTZ... FORMER MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYER WITH GREAT STORIES AND CASTLE ROCK EPISCOPAL CHURCH ADULT SUMMER CAMP.
APRIL 12TH...NOON TO 1 PM RAY JOSEPH [MD RETIRED] WILL HOLD A SEMINAR ON A NEW BOOKLET 'KISS...KEEP IT SENIOR
SIMPLE'...THIS IS YOUR GUIDE TO THE COMPLICATED WORLD OF HEALTH CARE AND FREE TO ATTENDEES.
APRIL 19TH....CHURCH PICNIC...11:15 AM AT PAINE HALL WITH ALL THE FIXINGS OF SUMMER.....HOT DOGS …
CHICKEN...SALADS....WATERMELON AND ICE CREAM BAR...$7.00...BRING A POTENTIAL CHURCH MEMBER.
APRIL 21ST...SOCIAL BREAKFAST AT TIVOLI GARDENS ON BELL AT 9 AM
THANK YOU
TOM DORAN PRES.
Advent Luminary Page 6 March 2015
A NEW MINISTRY: ADVENT HISTORY AND PRESERVATION MINISTRY
A new ministry was formed at our church in August, 2014. It is the Advent
History and Preservation Ministry. Connie Forrest and Corinne Fry are co-chairs of this
ministry. Other members are Nancy Bell, Jean Carlson, Dotty Eubank, Sally Eyler, Susan
Garard, Sharon Gullickson, and Nita Martin. Our Rector, Father Gabe Sinisi, is the ministry
advisor.
Members of the AHPM have designated two goals. The first is to gather,
store, and preserve all Advent historical material in one secure location.
The second is to use this information to publish a book. The book will be a history of our
church from the first service in a home in 1979, to the celebration of our 35th
anniversary.
Dotty Eubank
Book Lovers! Please take the time to go to the Sun City West Library for a meet the author day on
April 14, 2015. Cindy Brown, the daughter of parishioners Jerry and Grace Overton will be there
signing her very first published book, “Macdeath”. Cindy has been a theater geek (musician, actor,
director, producer and
playwright) since her first professional gig at age 14. She and her husband now live in Portland,
Oregon, but she made her home in Phoenix AZ for more than 25 years. “Macdeath” is the first in a
series of Ivy Meadows mysteries and it is funny as well as suspenseful. It is also a book you can let
your children read or give to your Mom and let her have a good laugh.
Guest Book
I’m looking for people to handle the Guest Book at the 8 a.m. service – actually, also the 10 a.m. if anyone is interested!!! It’s very simple and you’re through before the service begins. If you are interested, please call Paula Bachman at 623=476-8989 or email at [email protected]. Thanks in advance!!
Paula Bachman
Ushers and Greeters
This is a reminder that if you haven’t completed a CPR class, you need to do so. There are several available at no cost. If you have done so, please let me know so I can check you off the list. Those that
recently did the class at Advent are already noted. Once you have been certified, you place a red heart on your name tag! Thanks and thanks for your service!!
Paula Bachman
Advent Luminary Page 7 March 2015
Our sincere condolences
to the families of
Claudia Sherrill
Frank Amichetti
Alba Stamm
Fred Jones
John Pipis & Evelyn Meyer April 1
John & Lynn Long April 4
Rev. Janet & Bob Gooltz April 6
George & Chris Winandy April 8
Martin & Dollie Reinerth April 14
Ken & Betti Hendrickson April 16
Walter & Shirley Knecht April 18
Jack & Kay Pridell April 18
Dave & Betsy Somerville April 18
Richard & Arlene Arnold April 20
Shirley & Bob Rosenstiehl April 27
Kent & Phyllis Olson April 29
Melvine Dagg April 2
Jo Ann Deiner April 2
Walter Knecht April 2
John Vadnais April 4
Lloyd Findlay April 8
Danny Pierce April 8
Robert Gooltz April 9
Sadie Mauri April 9
Geraldine Jacobson April 10
Jody Johnson April 10
Patricia Failla April 12
Sophia Krise April 15
Clinton Ostrom April 16
William Rozon April 17
Cliff Sowle April 17
Kimon Ayan April 18
Margaret Dibbs April 18
Kathryn Flaherty April 18
David Pettit April 18
Elizabeth Pettit April 18
Stella Wegner April 18
John Quigley April 19
Jack Williams April 20
Janet Gooltz April 21
Sharon Mather April 21
Sally Williamson April 21
Joseph Marquis April 22
Shirley McCabe April 23
Tom Heinbaugh April 24
Joy Schaeffer April 24
John Stroefer April 24
Craig Shaw April 28
Rita Smith April 28
Alberta Brown April 30
Patty Deutsch April 30
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Advent Luminary Page 9 March 2015
Advent Vestry
Officers
Nita Martin, Senior Warden 398-4843
Mike Giel, Junior Warden 546-1392
Claus Beneker, Treasurer 218-6026
Nancy Bell, Clerk 251-4042
Members
Margaret Cwieka 1-774-238-1310
Dotty Eubank 546-8740
Jeffrey Hyatt 480-200-0760
Ray Joseph 214-9530
Emily Peterson 214-7393
Sue Stroefer 238-5667
Earl Thomas 398-7765
Directory information address 13150 Spanish Garden Dr., Sun City West, AZ 85375
Phone (623) 584 0350 FAX (623) 584-2131 Website www.adventepiscopalaz.org
Return address
Advent Episcopal Church
13150 Spanish Garden Drive
Advent Vestry Officers
Ray Joseph, Senior Warden 214-9530
Flavia Nomicos, Junior Warden 322-3247
James Fry, Treasurer 623-535-5155
Paula Bachman, Clerk 476-8989
Members
Dotty Eubank 546-8740
Jeffrey Hyatt 480-200-0760
Barb Wolfe 374-2519
Dianne Diaz 623-544-7559
John Long 928-252-6438
Bob Fletcher 925-997-9814
Pat Stewart 623-764-4001
Church Leadership
The Rt. Rev. Kirk S. Smith, Bishop of Arizona
The Rev. Dr. Gabriel A. Sinisi, Rector
The Rev. Emilie Finn, Associate Rector
The Rev. Canon Geoff Dibbs, Pastoral Care Associate
The Rev. Janet Gooltz, Assisting Priest
The Rev. Meg Lewis, Deacon
Sharon Mather, Licensed Lay Pastoral Care Minister
Karin Williams, Licensed Lay Pastoral Care Minister
Support Personnel
JeNiene Dimond, Parish Administrator (623) 584-0350
Jill Tabata, Organist/Music Director
Carrie Macon, Luminary Editor [email protected]
