Bruton Parish Episcopal Church www.brutonparish.org January 2013

CHRONICLEThe

A New Year, A New MissionBy Rev’d Bob Gay

The New Year brings a fresh start.We make resolutions to change our goalsand our behaviors. It seems we have achance to start over, to be different thanwe were. The new year is also a good timeto stop and think about the wonderful andpowerful presence of the Holy Spirit in thechurch. God constantly works to renew thechurch. The world changes, our communitychanges, and thus the needs of God'schildren, all his children, are alwayschanging. How we, as the people of God,react to this dynamic situation and yetremain faithful to the Gospel call to carefor one another is both a never-endingchallenge and a never-ending opportunity.

As we start a new year, we at BrutonParish have been called to respond in a newway. The greater Williamsburg area has atlast started a shelter program, the firstsuch organized, community-wide programin our community. This program is an effortof a group of churches and is called theCommunity of Faith Mission. Somechurches will host the shelter for one weekat a time. Other churches will assist byproviding volunteers. At Bruton, we will bea host site for one week starting onFebruary 9th and will welcome up totwenty-five guests each night. We willprovide dinner, a place to sleep, andbreakfast in the morning. King of GloryLutheran Church will be our partner in thiseffort. Look for the article in this issue of

The Chronicle that explains how you canbe part of this important effort. InJanuary, we will have the opportunityduring the adult forum time on Sundaymornings to discuss and learn about thischance to serve.

Bruton will provide sorely neededhelp to our guests during this week. Ourguests will provide us, as individuals andas a community, the chance to live outthe Gospel. If we are to change the worldwe live in, if we are to overcome the fear,the violence, the hatred that assaults ourcommunity, our country, and our worldevery day, then we must startsomewhere, somehow, to say "No" tohunger, homelessness, and fear. If we aretorn apart by the anguish that followsevents such as the shooting at Newtown,Connecticut, then we have to start bysaying that love is what really matters.This new mission in a new year gives usa chance to stand up and say that wecare, that we will make a differencebecause we reflect the love of God forevery individual no matter who they are,no matter how different they seem.

Please take part in this effort.Pray. Every one of us can pray for thehomeless in our area. Volunteer. It willtake just a few hours of your time. WithGod's help, this effort can change youand it can change our parish. Happy NewYear!

WinterShelter

ProgramPlease see inside

for details onhow you can

volunteer!

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Fellowship & FormationBruton Singles

(see page 3 for events)

Christmas Parlor Items @ 50%Beginning Wednesday, December 26

New Year’s Eve VespersMonday, December 31 @ 4:00 p.m.

Year-End ContributionsReceived in Parish Office by 5:00 p.m.

or postmarked by Monday, December 31

Dinner 4 Eight Epiphany PartyFriday, January 4 @ 6:00 p.m.

January Men’s Fellowship BreakfastSaturday, January 5, at 8:00 a.m.Williamsburg Presbyterian Church

The Magi Arrive!Sunday, January 6 @ 9:15 a.m.

Newcomers’ CornerSunday, January 6 @ 10:30 a.m.

Youth Group Epiphany PartySunday, January 6 @ 5:30 p.m.

PORT Mission @ First Baptist ChurchTuesday & Wednesday, January 8 & 9

Vestry InstallationSunday, January 13 @ 9:15 a.m.

Adult ForumsWinter Shelter ProgramSundays, January 20 & 27@ 10:30 a.m. in the church

WFIA OrientationsTuesday & Wednesday, January 29 & 31

Coffee ConnectionsCoffee & refreshments at the

Custis House between the 9:15& 11:15 a.m. services.

Worship ScheduleSunday, January 6

Holy Eucharist @ 7:30 a.m.9:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

Evening Prayer @ 5:30 p.m.__________

Sunday, January 13

Holy Eucharist @ 7:30 a.m.,9:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

Children’s Church @ 9:15 a.m. *

Evening Prayer @ 5:30 p.m.__________

Sunday, January 20

Holy Eucharist @ 7:30 a.m.,9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m.

Children’s Church @ 9:15 a.m. *

Choral Evensong @ 5:30 p.m.__________

Sunday, January 27

Holy Eucharist @ 7:30 a.m.,9:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

Children’s Church @ 9:15 a.m. *

Holy Eucharist @ 5:30 p.m.

* * *

Noonday Prayer @ ChurchMonday - Saturday

Holy Eucharist - St. Mary’s ChapelTuesdays @ 7:30 a.m.

Holy Eucharist with Healing PrayersWednesdays @ 11:00 a.m. (Church)

Canterbury Holy EucharistTuesdays @ 5:30 p.m. in Wren Chapel

when college is in session

* Held in St. Mary’s Chapel in the Parish House.

Inside ...D48 Epiphany Party

January Men’sBreakfast

Vestry Installation

Newcomers’ Corner

Coffee Connections

Bruton Singles

Canterbury Fundraisera Great Success!

Canterbury Gala

2013 Calendar& Cards Recycling

Volunteer duringAnnual Council

From theDeacon’s Desk

Letters to Me:Conversations with

a Younger Self

Hungry, and You FedMe: Homilies &

Reflections for Cycle C

Parish Calendar

ECW Christmas Tea

Books Abound inthe Parish Shop

Christmas ParlorMerchandise on Sale

Leaving the Cityof Regrets

Williamsburg Faithin Action

Our WorldwideCongregation

Children’s & YouthMinistries

Inter-generationalFormational Fun

January Birthdays

Membership Update

Candlelight Concerts

Life, Liberty andthe Pursuit of

the Keyboard:A Good Calling

Winter ShelterProgram: Ready for

Volunteers!

PORT coming up inNewport News

Thanks, You AreSuch Angels

Manna Bags

Eastern State HospitalChristmas Party

The Sanctity of Nature

Make a Differencein 2013

Contributions Dueby Year-Endby Dudley Hoyle, Comptroller

Due to the current climate of uncertainty inWashington regarding the tax-deductible natureof charitable contributions going forward, manyparishioners have inquired about paying futureyears pledges in the 2012 tax year. We are happyto do this. Remember, Internal Revenue Serviceregulations require that the contribution bephysically in the Parish House OR envelopesto be postmarked no later than Monday,December 31, in order to count as a 2012 gifton your tax return. Please make sure to notewhich year's pledge you are paying in the memosection of the check. If you have any questions,please contact me (757-229-2891 or emaildhoyle@brutonparish.org).

New Year’s Eve Vespersby Anne Conkling

Please join us for the annual interfaith New Year’sEve service in the church at 4:00 p.m. onMonday, December 31. This service is offeredby the Williamsburg Clergy Fellowship, whereseveral denominations will be represented. TheRev’d Tom Mainor from Williamsburg PresbyterianChurch will preach "A Time to Build Up" and Dr.H. Edwin Godshall, Jr. will play the organ. All arewelcome, so bring along your house guests andneighbors. This is a wonderful way to end theold year and prepare for the New Year ... incommunity worship of God!

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Dinner 4 EightEpiphany PartyBy Les & Michele Hoffman

The mid-season Dinner 4 Eight Epiphany Partywill be held Friday, January 4, at 6:00 p.m. inLewis Hall. Surprise us with your pot-luck choice,but please send an RSVP email toDinner4Eight@brutonparish.org or call one of theco-chairs: Les and MicheleHoffman (757-253-9877) orMike and Jeanne Millin (757-258-4724). That way we willknow how many tables toset up. If you are not a current D48 participant,please come anyway to find out more about thiswarm and wonderful fellowship ministry!

January Men’s FellowshipBreakfastBy Jim Morford

The Presbyterian Men's Fellowshipcontinues our breakfast series in January.The speaker will be Judge Samuel T. Powell, III.Judge Powell served on the Virginia 9th

Judicial Circuit, JamesCity County/Williams-burg, before he retiredin January 2012.Praising Powell's fair-ness and creativity,C o m m o n w e a l t hAttorney Nate Greensaid: "He's one of themore creative judgesaround. Sometimesthat was frustrating for

me, sometimes for the defense attorneys. Iguess if someone wasn't frustrated, then thejudge wasn't doing his job."

We will meet at 8:00 am on Saturday,January 5, in Stevenson Hall ($5 donation willbe collected). Please make your reservation byWednesday, January 2, by calling 757-229-4235directly, so that they can prepare enough home-cooked breakfast for all.

Vestry InstallationBy Marty Easton, Register

Installation of the 2013 Vestry will takeplace during the 9:15 a.m. service onSunday, January 13. Members being installedare Carol Beers, Rebecca Bresee, Judy Collard,Charlie Clapper, Marty Easton, Janet Estes, AlLouer, Bob Magnusson, Bringier McConnell,Vernon Randle, Todd Skinner, and Anne Willis.Special thanks go to four retiring vestry members:Peter Blankman, Joe Dellinger, Joan O'Brien, andSenior Warden Ron Hurst, and to the outgoingTreasurer, Jean Van Tol.

D48

Bruton SinglesBy Heidi Elam, Clai Bachmann,Ruth Mullaney & Kathy Harper

Saturday, January 5Dinner & Cinema in New TownJoin us at 5:00 p.m. for dinner at Center StreetGrill in New Town (5101 Center Street).Afterwards, we will pick a movie at New TownCinemas (ticket + meal). Call Heidi (757-897-5012).

Saturday, January 12"Chihuly: Breathe Art into Life" at VMFAWe will leave the Parish House at 10:00 a.m.to carpool to the Virginia Museum of Fine Artsin Richmond for "Chihuly: Breathe Art intoLife." We will break for lunch at the museum'sBest Café and thenresume. We plan toleave for Williams-burg around 3:00p.m. Call Heidi (757-897-5012).

Saturday, January 19"I Never Sangfor My Father"at WilliamsburgPlayersWe will meet at2:00 p.m. for theWilliamsburg Players'matinee theatre per-formance of this family drama. Afterwards,we will meet for dinner at Second Street Grill,an American Bistro ($18/ticket + meal). CallRuth (757-229-6961).

Week of January 25Dinner & A MovieJoin us for a movie at the Kimball Theater inMerchants Square (title, date & time TBA).Afterwards, we will have dinner at Food forThought, a popular local restaurant (1647Richmond Road). Watch for details!

Seated from left:Herb Deppe,Ruth Mullaney,Eda Martin,Heidi Elam,Neil Hanlon,Renate Cords

Standing from left:Bert Schweigaard-Olsen,Kathy Harper,Paula Hunter

Newcomers’ CornerOn the first Sunday of each month, new membersof Bruton Parish are invited to join clergy, vestryand Newcomers Committee members for coffeein the Custis House at 10:30 a.m. This is awonderful opportunity to become moreacquainted with the parish and learn of the manyministries to be a part of at Bruton. Please joinus Sunday, January 6.

Coffee ConnectionsVolunteer today! We’re still looking for committeesor groups of individuals who are willing to sponsora coffee connections Sunday at the Custis House.Please email cbritton@brutonparish.org or call757-229-2891 if you would like to help out duringthis time of fellowship.

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Canterbury Fundraiser A Great SuccessBy The Rev’d John Kerr

Excited visitors in huge numbers streaminto Will iamsburg every year for GrandIllumination, and part of the annual celebrationfor many is Canterbury’s Concessions. Theremust be something about those cheerful energeticCanterburians (and their cheerful, energeticfriends from Bruton Parish) serving delicious,

freshly-made food that bringsmore visitors back. Yes, the price is right and

the quality high: the ham biscuits,the corndogs and cookies, hotchocolate, coffee and hot ciderreally hit the spot on a chilly earlyDecember afternoon. But whatwe hear is that they really wantto support our William and Marystudents in their mission andoutreach to Holy Cross School inBelize. That’s the school we pray

for in the Prayers of the People every Sunday.That’s the school we went to in 2011, and we’llbe going back this spring.

The experience of really making adifference in the lives of desperately needychildren has forever changed the lives of everyonewho worked at Holy Cross. That’s why so manyCanterburians worked on Saturday, December 2,to prepare the food and spent their Sunday justbefore exams serving the crowds of visitors.That’s why, when the young woman directingCanterbury Concessions said, “We have enoughCanterburians here now; we can cope and someof you can go now,” the reply was, “No thanks.We’ll stick around and help!”

Next comes the Gala on February 2,2013, and we hope Brutonians will support thisfundraiser to support the construction of anoutdoor classroom for the children of San Mateo,

Belize. Our profits this year were greater thanever: $6,800, which goes towards our SpringBreak Mission & Service Trip to Belize in 2013.God bless us all!

2013 Calendars &Holiday RecyclingBy Stephanie King

A very special thank you to allwho generously recycled your 2013calendars! This is the fourth year of ajoint project between Bruton and St.Martin's. That first year, we collected130, one for each resident's room atEnvoy. The grand total this year is over1,000 calendars of all sizes, which weredistributed to Avalon, Envoy ofWilliamsburg, Erase the Need, GroveChristian Outreach and Olde TownMedical. Christine Britton took 100 tothe Saunders Nursing Home inGloucester.

To all who brought in all thewonderful new Christmas cards andcards for all occasions, please know theywere happily received at Avalon, GroveChristian Outreach and Erase the Need.

Please continue to bring in notepads and pens, world maps, tote bags,and even Indian dream catchers; Erasethe Need and Grove Christian Outreachcan use them throughout the year.Thank you and happy 2013 to all!

VolunteerduringAnnualCouncil

By TJ Cardwell &The Rev’d Bob Gay

This year we have twoways to support the

important work of ourDiocesan Council! If you

would like to volunteerto serve

as a hostess during thecouncil at the

Williamsburg Lodgeon February 15-16,

please contact TJCardwell directly (757-

220-4868 orcouncil@brutonparish.org).

If you would like toserve as a teller, whocount the ballots and

floor votes at thecouncil, please contact

the Rev’d Bob Gay(rgay@brutonparish.org

or 757-345-2257).

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From the Deacon’s DeskBy Rev’d Bob Gay

This month we continue our discussionof the four types of deacons the Episcopal Churchhas seen. The first type, which we covered lastmonth, was the missionary or indigenous deacon.The second type is the deaconess, which is afascinating story that has its roots in earlynineteenth century Germany.

Germany at that time, like all of Europe,was suffering both the effects of the industrialrevolution and the Napoleonic wars. Poverty,especially in large cities, was a growing crisis.Christian social reformers from both the Oxfordand the evangelical movements pointed to theneed to see social care as a real concern forchurches. In 1831, the Lutheran churchestablished a training facility at Kaiserswerthfor deaconesses. This title of "deaconess" wasspecifically chosen, based on the New Testamentidea of diakonia to emphasis the care of theneedy. The deaconesses were consecrated towork in Lutheran parishes, but this consecrationwas not considered to be a form of ordination.Interestingly, Florence Nightingale was trained atKaiserswerth in 1851 and then returned toEngland to start her school for nurses.

Both the Church of England and theEpiscopal Church responded to the work that wasgoing on at Kaiserswerth. In America, asisterhood based on the German model wasformed in 1845 in New York City. While themembers of this sisterhood were not calleddeaconesses, the idea of servant ministry wastheir model. In late 1864, in response to thedevastation of the Civil War, the bishop ofAlabama, Richard Hooker Wilmer, instituted threedeaconesses who formed a sisterhood model afterKaiserswerth. By 1885, Wilmer had changed hisapproach in regard to the deaconesses. In thatyear, he imposed hands and ordained the firsttwo deaconesses, Mary Johnson and MaryCaroline Friggell. They were the first ordainedwomen (ordained as deaconesses) in theEpiscopal Church.

In 1889, the General Convention of theEpiscopal Church passed Canon 10 fordeaconesses, which remained in effect until 1970.Deaconesses were required to be eitherunmarried or widows. This requirement stayedin effect until 1964. Canon 10 listed the dutiesof the deaconess. These duties were "to care forthe sick, the afflicted and the poor," to instructpeople in the faith, to prepare candidates forbaptism and confirmation, "to work amongwomen and children," "to organize and carry onsocial work," to assist at baptism, to read thedaily offices and litany "in the absence of theMinister," and, when licensed by the bishop, to"deliver addresses at such services."

From 1885 to 1970, almost five-hundredwomen were ordained as a deaconess. The lastone, Mary Hetler, was active into the 1990's inthe diocese of Nevada. As times changed andthe view of the role of women in the churchchanged, there were fewer and fewer ordinationsas a deaconess. The last ordination was in 1970.During the many years deaconesses served theEpiscopal Church, they worked with the poor and

in remote areas both in this country and abroad,as well as in large cities. They were faithfulwitnesses to the love of Jesus Christ and modeledthe requirement we all have to be servantministers. They also paved the way for the roleof women in ordained ministry. The story of thedeaconesses is a proud part of our church'shistory.

Letters to Me:Conversations witha Younger SelfA broken heart, a new job, an unexpectedpregnancy, a confrontation, a win, a setback —not uncommon experiences when you're between18 and 30. But what if you could talkto yourself just when that washappening, in the light of everythingsince: what would you say? WithLETTERS TO ME, you can listen in asartists, teachers, poets, consultants,bloggers, activists, and pastors(including Brian McLaren and ourown Penny Nash) from a wide rangeof backgrounds recall a significantevent— and then speak to a youngerversion of themselves with com-passion and wisdom about what itmeans, and how it mattered.

This short but insightfulbook, while aimed at young adults,has received accolades for its powerto touch and its gentle wisdom and is availablefor sale in the Bruton Parish Shop — all proceedsbenefit Bruton Parish's mission and outreachprograms.

Hungry, and You FedMe: Homilies &Reflectionsfor Cycle C"Hungry, And You Fed Me:Homilies and Reflections for CycleC" is a brand new book edited byDeacon Jim Knipper, and includeshomilies and reflections fromsome of today's finest homilists,including Richard Rohr and JamesMartin. This includes work by ourown Rev'd Penny Nash. Thebook's writers and preachers havegenerously donated their materialso that proceeds from the bookcan be given to charity. Copiesmay be purchased in the ParishShop ($20).

Winter Shelter Programat Bruton: Ready forVolunteers!By Lynn Blankman & The Rev’d Bob Gay

We are busily — and excitedly — planningfor Bruton’s turn at hosting Williamsburg’s newwinter shelter program. Our week is February 9-16, beginning with dinner on Saturday, February

9. We will be joined some days byvolunteers from King of Glory LutheranChurch, as members of faith groupsacross our community join hands tohelp those who need a hot meal anda warm shelter on a cold winternight. King of Glory will provide the

volunteers on the evenings/morningsof February 11-12 and February 13-14.

Here’s how you can help! We needvolunteer teams:

to set up and check in our guests inthe evening;

to cook and serve dinner;

to spend the night as a host;

to cook and serve breakfast,

to spend the night;

to check out guests the followingmorning and tidy up the Parish Hall.

You can volunteer for the team thatis best for you. We’ll have three shifts. The set-up and check-in team and the dinner team willwork from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The overnighthost team will work from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.The breakfast and check-out teams will work from5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Many people want to join us! Dinner onthe night of Tuesday, February 12, will be providedto the whole parish by Bruton’s youth group, asthey fix pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. On Sundaynight, February 10, the Canterburians, whousually cook dinner for themselves that night,want to provide dinner for our guests as well.

A sign-up board for volunteers will beposted in the reception area of the Parish Houseafter Christmas and in the CustisHouse during coffee hours in January.You can also sign up via email atshelter@brutonparish.org. OnJanuary 20th and 27th, theshelter will be the subject of theAdult Forum in the churchfollowing the 9:15 a.m. service.Please join us in helping us to be “thehands and feet” of Christ and tomake a real difference in ourcommunity.

If you have questions, please contactLynn Blankman or the Rev’d Bob Gay, co-chairsof the shelter working group. We look forward tohearing from you!

PORT coming upin Newport NewsIf you haven't signed up to help with PORT inJanuary, there's still time! The Mission Committeeseeks volunteers to help feed and shelter thehomeless on January 8 at First Baptist Church inNewport News. We need people to cook ahead(January 7 & 8), serve dinner, check in guests,spend the night (January 8), and serve breakfastand check out guests (January 9). We also needdonations of fruit cups and juices.

If you can volunteer to help withthis rewarding ministry, please contact BarbaraGaffield (757-564-0658 or emailPORT@brutonparish.org).

Thanks, You AreSuch Angels!By the Mission Committee

Because of our generous parishioners,100 bags full of toys and clothes were deliveredto the Salvation Army early this month as part ofthe Angel Tree program— meaning that 100more children will havewoken up to a happierChristmas morning.According to Capt.Karen Hasty, theSalvation Army distri-buted 1,000 Angel Treetags, which is 200more than last year'sfigure.

Special thanks go to Mike Wanless andRonnie Cotman, who loaded the church van andhauled the bags to the Salvation Army for us,and to Christine Britton, who cheerfully sharedher office with the growing mound of bags andhelped inventory them for distribution.

Manna BagsThe weather is getting colder, the nightslonger, and the need greater. Please do not

forget to get a couple of mannabags to keep in your car. It isanother way to show caring foreach other, loving everyone justbecause God loves them is whatreally matters. It is a small,small step, but a step,nonetheless, to say "No" to theviolence, pain and need thatgrab so much of our attentionnowadays. Manna bags are

available at the reception desk at the ParishHouse. Any donation to help with the costof the manna bags would be appreciated.

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The Sanctity of NatureBy Mike Millin

Last spring at a course offered by the Christopher WrenAssociation of William and Mary, the Rev’d John Kerr introduced theclass to the idea of looking with awe at the continuum of creation andGod’s love of it. This semester, as part of a new Christopher Wrencourse, “The Sanctity of Nature,” he developed the case by lookingfurther at nature, its inherent sanctity because of Who created it, ourplace within it and the sacramental nature of that relationship. Thecourse was a peek into the work he is doing with scientists, theologiansand academics from the liberal arts community. Their work is examiningthe breath and awe of creation as a tool to add to its understandingand celebration.

Many members of our parish community participateformally or informally in environmental stewardshipactivities. Rev’d Kerr argues that these activities generallylocate man in a place between God and nature and oftendoes not consider God’s presence in humankind as part ofnature and creation. In this course, we were asked toconsider that because we are part of nature and not separatefrom it, we should think of ourselves as priests or discipleswho are charged with celebrating with it.

If part of an education is to ask you to think aboutthings differently than you might have in the past, thenthis course more than fulfilled its part. In addition toconsidering looking at ourselves as priests and not just asstewards, John asked us to consider that our presence increation is sacramental as well. Many of us were broughtup in a tradition where sacrament involved ritual and properexecution of that ritual. We participate in rituals regularlywhen we celebrate the Eucharist and attend wedding andfunerals. We sometimes have to be reminded that the ritualsare signs of the sacraments, and the grace we receive is

not solely at the moment of ritual but continues through our dailylives. We exist within creation and receive grace though it, just as wedo within the formal sacraments with which we are familiar. This coursecertainly gave me food for thought.

As a final note, Rev’d Kerr indicated that the work he is doingis a work-in-progress; a good reminder that we, as part of creation,are the same. I look forward to the next course.

From the Ministry of Gift Planning:

Make a Difference in 2013By Stephanie King

Here are some suggested 2013 resolutions thatare ways to truly make a difference:

Give thanks for all of God's many blessings andthe gifts he has given each one of us!

Support the Living Church! As stewards we havea responsibility to give of our time, talent andtreasure.

Reflect on God's Ultimate Gift. "For God so lovedthe world that He gave His only begotten Son, sothat whoever believes in Him should not perish,but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Refer to page 445 of the BCP“... the duty of Christian parents to make prudentprovision for the well-being of their families, andof all persons to make wills, while they are inhealth, arranging for the disposal of their temporalgoods, not neglecting, if they are able to leavebequests for religious and charitable uses."

Eastern State HospitalChristmas PartyBy Judy Collard

On Sunday, December 16, sixteen BrutonParish members gathered at Eastern StateHospital's Hancock Geriatric Center to celebratethe Christmas season with the residents.

With the assistance of the new HospitalChaplain, Jeffrey Trimble, we were asked to adoptthe 30 patients on Pod A. Parishioners donateda new sweatshirt for each resident. Lightrefreshments of pudding cups and soft drinksalong with eggnog were shared with the residents.

When we arrived, we were asked to holdour Eucharist service on the Pod instead of theChapel to allow all the residents to attend. Manyare not able to leave the Pod, and this was thefirst time arrangements had been made for thepatients and staff to attend and participate asthey were able. Staff and patients were sograteful.

During our Eucharist service it wasmoving to hear the patients, many of whom couldno longer read or concentrate, join with us inpraying the Psalm 23 and the Our Father. Christwas among us.

Ann Porter brought her musical skills toall. Hymns and carols were sung. Again somepatients were able to join us in song —remembering the songs from days past withoutthe aid of written word. Ann directed theBrutonians in our own "12 Days of Christmas"where each one of us was a "gift".

A special thank you goes out to everyonewho attended and to those who donated. Each ofyou are a gift and helped us to share God's loveand care.

The informationcontained herein isintended for generalinformation purposesonly, does notconstitute legal advice,and is not guaranteedor promised to beaccurate, current orcomplete. You shouldnot rely or act on thisinformation withoutfirst seeking qualifiedlegal counsel.

Front Row: Barbara Gaffield, Rosemary Travers,Lynn Blankman, Pat Gallagher, Joan Lovelace,Patti Magnusson, David Schlatter, Judy Collard

Back Row: Judy Lovegren, Ann Porter, DonnaDodenhoff, Bill Porter, Joan O’Brien, BobMagnusson, Louis Rossiter (Joe Spruill notpictured)

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ECW Christmas TeaBy Jeanette Cureton

Nearly 125 Bruton women, theirdaughters and granddaughters, and four of ourclergy gathered in the Parish Hall on Tuesday,December 4, for ECW's Christmas Tea. A muchheralded annual event, the Tea with its associated

traditions did not disappoint. Sixteenfestively decorated tables, more than 30silver and porcelain pots of hot Lady Greytea, 240 scones baked by dedicatedvolunteers, and hundreds of homemadecookies — all resulted in a melding ofculinary delights, close friendships, andsocial merriment. The agile fingers of ourown B.J. Costa tripped lightly over thepiano keys, bringing us holiday musicthat enhanced the conviviality. Perhapsthe highlight of our time together wasthe impromptu singing of someChristmas favorites by two of ouryoungest guests, Nell Epperson andRiley Krohn. To Marion Renne, who chaired theTea, and a large cast of volunteers who

worked tirelessly for weeks to plan, prepare,bake, staff the kitchen, set and decorate tables,

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Christmas ParlorMerchandise on SaleBy Ted Pierce

Save 50% on remaining Christmasmerchandise beginning December 26!Stock up for next year with assorted treeornaments, decorations for your home, andseasonal note cards. Don't delay — shop now forthe best selection and savings.

Remember to shop Bruton first in theNew Year for gifts for birthdays, anniversaries,christenings, or to cheer someone on to goodhealth. Add to a collection of Willow Tree figures

or Jerry Draper hand-crafted crosses. And ourgreeting card selectionis the best buy inWilliamsburg — mostunder $1! Purchaseyour Bruton 2013calendar for $4. Netproceeds from Shop

sales benefit Bruton's outreach and missionprograms each year.

The Shop and Christmas Parlor were openfor Grand Illumination weekend again this year.Saturday, Sunday, and Monday sales totalednearly $14,000 and got December off to a roaringstart to match the fireworks!

The dedicated staff and almost 200volunteers in the Shop and Parlor appreciate yoursupport this year, and we hope to see you oftenin 2013. Better yet, introduce a friend or visitorto our Shop! Our best wishes to all for a healthy,happy New Year!

serve as hostesses, clean up, and tend to myriadother tasks, we owe a huge debt of gratitude.

ECW's next event will be the LentenSoup Luncheon on Wednesday, February 27,at noon in the Parish Hall. Please mark yourcalendars for this special silent Lenten meal,followed by a devotional program led by theRev’d Penny Nash.

Books Aboundin the Parish ShopBy Hilary Cooley

In the cold of winter, David Ballcontinues to sign A MARKED HEART infront of the Bruton Parish Shop. Hismemoir describes how he gave MartinLuther King, Jr. a party to celebrate his30th birthday. The cover of the bookfeatures a photograph of David helpingDr. King cut a birthday cake at Yale onJanuary 15, 1959.

The encounter changed thecourse of David's life, and when hegraduated from Yale, he vowed totry to help make the world a betterplace like Martin Luther King. Hefound his calling as AssistantSecretary of Labor under PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush, when hechampioned the road map thatopened up 401(k) plans for workerswith no pensions. David always regretted thathe never saw Dr. King again.However, he recently received an

opportunity to reconnect. Dr. King'sdaughter, Bernice King, the chiefexecutive of the King Center in Atlanta,has invited David to give a tribute toher father at Ebenezer Baptist Churchin Atlanta on January 21st at acommemorative service to celebrateDr. King's 84th birthday.

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Leaving the Cityof RegretsBy Larry Harp, Heartwarmers4U

I had not really planned on taking a tripthis time of year, and yet I found myself packingrather hurriedly. This trip was going to beunpleasant, and I knew in advance that no realgood would come of it. I'm talking about myannual Guilt Trip.

I got tickets to fly there on Wish I Hadairlines. It was an extremely short flight. I gotmy baggage, which I could not check. I chose tocarry it myself all the way. It was weighted downwith a thousand memories of what might havebeen. No one greeted me as I entered theterminal to the Regret City International Airport.I say international because people from all overthe world come to this dismal town.

As I checked into the Last Resort Hotel,I noticed that they would be hosting the year'smost important event, the Annual Pity Party. Iwasn't going to miss that great social occasion.Many of the town’s leading citizens would bethere.

First, there would be the Done family —you know, Should Have, Would Have and CouldHave. Then came the I Had family. You probablyknow ol' Wish and his clan. Of course, theOpportunities would be present, Missed and Lost.The biggest family would be the Yesterdays. Thereare far too many of them to count, but each onewould have a very sad story to share.

Then Shattered Dreams would surelymake an appearance. And It's Their Fault wouldregale us with stories (excuses) about how thingshad failed in his life, and each story would beloudly applauded by Don't Blame Me and ICouldn't Help It.

Well, to make a long story short, I wentto this depressing party knowing that there wouldbe no real benefit in doing so. And, as usual, Ibecame very depressed. But as I thought aboutall of the stories of failures brought back fromthe past, it occurred to me that all of this tripand subsequent "pity party" could be canceledby ME! I started to truly realize that I did nothave to be there. I didn't have to be depressed.One thing kept going through my mind, I CAN'TCHANGE YESTERDAY, BUT I DO HAVE THE POWERTO MAKE TODAY A WONDERFUL DAY. I can behappy, joyous, fulfilled, encouraged, as well asencouraging. Knowing this, I left the City of Regretimmediately and left no forwarding address. AmI sorry for mistakes I've made in the past? YES!But there is no physical way to undo them.

So, if you're planning a trip back to theCity of Regret, please cancel all your reservationsnow. Instead, take a trip to a place called StartingAgain. I liked it so much that I have now takenup permanent residence there. My neighbors, theI Forgive Myselfs and the New Starts, are so veryhelpful. By the way, you don't have to carryaround heavy baggage, because the load islifted from your shoulders upon arrival. God blessyou in finding this great town. If you can find it— it's in your own heart — please look me up.I live on I Can Do It Street. A

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Williamsburg AreaFaith in ActionBy Marty Easton

To help seniors and adults with achronic illness or physical disabilityremain independent in their homes.

If you love seniors and have agiving heart, make a resolution to considerjoining the Williamsburg Area Faith in Actionteam of volunteers. Staff members JeaneMoore and Patti Watts specialize in flexiblescheduling: let them know when you areavailable and they will match you with aone-time or occasional assignment.

Most care receivers are folks whono longer drive and need transportation tomedical appointments, the market, orother places of business. Volunteers alsoprovide respite care, reassurance calls,

and light housekeeping.Caring relationshipsoften come about,which counter feelingsof isolation anyone canfeel in the wintermonths.

V o l u n t e e rorientation sessionstake place in the officeat 354 McLaws Circle

and last about two hours. They provide anoverview of the program. In January, theorientation dates are the 29th and31st, at 1:00 p.m.

Check out their newly-designedwebsite which is full of information atwww.wfia.org or call 757-258-5890.

Our WorldwideCongregationBy Jim Morford, Chair

The Friends of Bruton outreach program,designed to build continuing relationships withour unique church for those who live distant fromWilliamsburg, continues to grow. We now have480 Friends of Bruton and 25 Charter Members.With Friends from 39 states and countries suchas England, Germany, Argentina, Canada, CostaRica, and the Ukraine, we are indeed creating aworldwide congregation.

During the coming months, the Friendsof Bruton Committee will be planning a specialFriends weekend to be held April 19-21, 2013,during Religion in Williamsburg Month. This willbe an all-congregation event that we hope manyof our out-of-town Friends will be able to attend.

Encourage your friends and family to“virtually visit” Bruton by going to our website,clicking on Friends of Bruton, check out the newwelcome video by our rector, and learn moreabout this exciting program.

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Children’s MinistriesSunday, January 6:No Children’s Church - come and see the arrivalof the Magi at the 9:15 a.m. service.

Sunday, January 13:Children’s Church resumes from 9:15 - 9:45 inSt Mary’s Chapel for children K - 5th grade.Drop off is at 9:00 and the children will jointheir parents in church at the Peace.

Sunday, January 20 & 27:Sunday School for all children will be held at10:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall these two Sundays.Activities will be announced via the bulletins,Bruton Bytes, and Thursday emails to families.

Sunday, February 3:The Winter Term of Sunday School begins!

Youth FormationSunday, January 6:Youth Group will have an Epiphany Partybeginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m. complete witha King’s Cake.

Tuesday, January 8:Help serve dinner at PORT in Newport News.

Sunday, January 13: Youth Group at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 20:No Youth Group (Martin Luther King weekend)

Sunday, January 27: Youth Group at 5:30

February 8-10: Ski TripRemember the Ski Trip at Wintergreen! Makesure you’ve gotten your deposits in. We haveroom for more skiiers, so let the Rev’d PennyNash know asap if you want to join us.

Confirmation Classes will begin in February andBishop Holly will be here to confirm any highschool youth who wish to be confirmed onSunday, June 9. Details about confirmationclasses are forthcoming.

Inter-generationalFormational Fun!

The weeks of December were prettybusy in the Parish Hall! Many families took part

in the Advent wreath and cookie-making on the 2nd, followed byholiday craft-making on the 9th, andstorytelling on the 16th.

From glue guns to wreath forms,from small hands to large hands,baking and sprinkles, and faces withcrinkles — candles of purple placed‘round the wreath — these were a fewof our Advent-y treats!

Thank you to Caitlyn Darnell,who took some wonderful pictures ofall the fun!

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Happy Birthday to our folk whose birthdaysare in January1 Gloria Burns

Brenda Corwin

2 Jennifer Hamilton

3 Diana MacDonnellJohn HaskellKai Credle

4 Lucy Statler

5 Walter DeGreeNed RucknerCynthia MasekGeorge Floyd

6 Patricia Rathke

7 Charles DonlanJill Hester

8 Betty CrenshawTom WeirichLes HoffmanLawrence Ring

9 Scottie BoydJulian PittmanPhoebe Hill

10 Jim DixonMerlin Renne

11 Janet WilsonMargaret BirneyNancy MillerNancy WeaverJeff McKinneyKristine Magnusson

12 Babette PrinceJoan WilliamsKathryn SmithFitzie WallaceMartha TaylorSue HillGere’ BrownSusan AllenWilliam Wilson

13 Joann MaslinKarl PolifkaGreg DavyGreg KlineAlexis Verlandria

14 Paul CordleAidan BishopVicki SmithJared Bondesson

15 Dottie DiesingJimmy Edwards

16 Claire GroppBarry FoxCharlsey DeLorenzo

17 Claudia RossPat Potter

18 James HaiglerMosey LeckieTodd Skinner III

19 Ron HoidalPaul MiyamasuLee EdgertonJohn Millar

20 Nan Strader

21 Robert CoxElizabeth FinleyElizabeth LukeEmily RossiterCarl Tack

22 Carol BrightTimothy DubeGarry Sloan

23 Jack WhitlaScott SpenceKen Campanelli

24 Sherry Welter

25 Russell SheldonDanielle Andrews

26 Marion RobinsonWilliam MettlerBob ToddDiane HowellKristi Clayton

27 Hugh Van BrimerDavid OlsenJohn DiehlB.J. CostaTerry Robinson

28 Micou Glazener

29 Carol Warner

30 Janie CochranBetty CuttsFaye Harbrant

31 Jean GrahamJeannie SaxonBetty Williams

23 Cate WestenbergerAbby Larson

26 Marshall Clyde Flagg

27 Adam Davy

30 Rob LarsonClare SpoonerReid Clayton

MembershipUpdateJoin us in welcoming newmembers to the parish ...

Jeffrey E. Sessa, Certificateof Baptism

Marian R. Canedy transferredfrom St. John's Episcopal Church,Hampton, VA

Freja Gethin Mahrs, Baptized

Alejo Perley John Rose, Baptized

Alexander Lazaris Haws, Baptized

... and please keep in yourprayers those who are no longerwith us:

Patricia Lindgren transferredto St. David's, Wayne, PA

William (Bill) Jackman Bull, deceased

Jean Honeyman, deceased

Mary Tobacoff, deceased

If you are amember ornewcomer,and your birthdayis never listedhere, contactMembershipat 345-2256.

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDWilliamsburg, VA

Permit No. 13

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 3520, Williamsburg, VA 23187-3520 (757) 229-2891 Fax: (757) 221-0290

Article submissions are due the 10th of each month and may be edited for length and content.

The Most Revd Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop & Primate (pboffice@episcopalchurch.org)

The Rt. Revd Herman Hollerith IV, Bishop - Diocese of Southern Virginia (757-213-3381; bishop@diosova.org)

The Revd Christopher L. Epperson, Rector (757-345-2251; cepperson@brutonparish.org)

The Revd Charles A. RobinsonVicarcrobinson@brutonparish.org

The Revd Penny A. NashAssociate RectorYouth, Children & Familiespnash@brutonparish.org

The Revd John Maxwell KerrCollege Chaplainjkerr@brutonparish.org

The Revd Daniel T. AveryAssisting Priestdavery@brutonparish.org

The Revd Robert G. GayDeaconrgay@brutonparish.org

Meghan BrewerChildren’s Formation Coordinatormbrewer@brutonparish.org

Rebecca DavyMusic Director & Organistbdavy@brutonparish.org

Dr. JanEl B. WillOrganist & Choir Directorjwill@brutonparish.org

James DarlingChoirmaster-Organist Emeritus

Caitlyn DarnellCanterbury Interncdarnell@brutonparish.org

Hilary CooleyCommunications DirectorChronicle Editor/Publicationshcooley@brutonparish.org

Christine BrittonAdministrative Assistantcbritton@brutonparish.org

Dudley HoyleComptrollerdhoyle@brutonparish.org

Alan MacDonaldFinancial Assistantamacdonald@brutonparish.org

Mike WanlessFacilities Managermwanless@brutonparish.org

Ronald Cotman, Sexton

Roy St. Amour, Church Sexton

Joe Worst, Weekend Sexton

Carol Weaver, Shop Managerbpcshop@brutonparish.org

Laura Paolicelli, Shop Assistant

Nancy NelsonShop Financial Assistantnnelson@brutonparish.org

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY

Pastoral Care CoordinatorsMonday through Friday, 10am-2pmPCM@brutonparish.org(757) 645-2050---------------------------------------Stephen MinistryJean Jackson, Referrals Coordinatorstephenministry@brutonparish.org(757) 220-2087 confidential---------------------------------------Parish NurseSylvia Sabaparishnurse@brutonparish.org(757) 258-4503---------------------------------------Pastoral Emergencies

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pmCall (757) 345-2250 directlyor call the church office at(757) 229-2891

After 5pm, call the church officeand choose Option 6. If necessary,please leave your name, telephonenumber and brief message, and theclergy-on-call will return your call as soonas possible.

Enjoy These Offerings through Our MusicMinistry to the Parish and the Community

Saturday, January 5Organ Recital - Rebecca DavyOrganist at Bruton Parish

Saturday, January 12Organ Recital - Dr. JanEl WillOrganist at Bruton Parish

Saturday, January 19Boys’ Choir Concert - Maryland StateBoychoir from Baltimore, MarylandStephen Holmes, Director

Saturday, January 26Organ Recital - Stephen Pruitt, Organistfrom Ascension Lutheran Church inLittleton, Colorado

Historical OrganRecitalsThe College of William and Mary’s

Wren Chapel

Saturdays @ 10:00 a.m.

January 5 & 26Rebecca Davy, Organist

January 12 & 19Thomas Marshall, Organist

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit ofthe Keyboard: A Good CallingBy Larry Holmes

Music, the divine pursuit, the thread of life, the soul of love, the longing of theheart, the dissonance of desire, the gift of passion, the source of joy, the recourseof sadness, the healing gladness, the melody of memory, the counterpoint ofhistory, the inspiration of mankind, the divine pursuit.

Candlelight Concerts are held in the church at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted(doors open at 7:30 p.m.). Parking is permitted on the Duke of GloucesterStreet in front of the church during the recitals.