St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 203 Dennison St Colonial Beach ...€¦ · Anglican Frontier...
Transcript of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 203 Dennison St Colonial Beach ...€¦ · Anglican Frontier...
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, Virginia
The MessengerVolume 38, Issue 3 MAY 2016
Interim RectorThe Rev.
Thomas R. Hughes, Jr.
Deacon
The Rev. Deacon
Edward W. Jones
MusicDirector: Bonnie Trahan
Organist: James Edwards
Vestry & Commissions
Mary C. Parker - Sr. Warden
Erin Bartley - Jr. Warden
Mary Barber
Donna Derry
Lewis Ray
Mary Coombes
Gladys Johnson
Janet Markwith
Jack Gaines
Treasurer; Register
Julie Irving Chuhta
Assistant Treasurer
ECW Officers
President: Ella Johnson
Vice President: Mary Barber
Secretary:
Donna Derry
Treasurer: Mickey Moore;
Bonnie Trahan
Altar Guild
Karna Sparks
Sunday School
Point of Contact
Ann Swope
Newsletter Editor
Barbara Anthony
Webmaster
Mickey Beard
From the Rector’s Desk
Pentecost
Maundy Thursday, March 24, found parishioners
and Mary Barber’s granddaughter, Cali, praying the
prayers of a Seder, learning of the connection of the
Jewish Feast and Christian tradition and enjoying
camaraderie and delicious food as prepared by our
resident chef, Bill Hall.
On April 10, congregants gathered to grab their
partners and learn some steps to circle right, and
circle left at St. Mary’s second annual square dance.
After the dancing, participants stayed put in the
Parish Hall to partake of the baked potato bar.
Although the attendance was small, the fun was
large.
Prayer, Learning and Fellowship
At one time or another, most all sincere Christians ask the "What can I do?"
question. Usually what we have in mind is some unrevealed purpose or
direction for life the knowing of which would give a meaning and fulfillment
which I feel I now lack. It is good to seek after that which is God's will for my personal
existence, but the starting point lies somewhere beneath the surface of what we might do
and has more to do with what we might be.
As the spiritual consciousness of the disciples increased, so did the power of their
words in the ears of others. Not their (or our) ordinary words about the weather or politics,
but the living Word of God which resides in the human heart. It is the enlightened spirit and
mind of others which changes us and raises all consciousness, i.e., self-awareness. Not
actions as such, but actions which proceed from our own spiritual center. So, if it is the
doing of meaningful life that we seek, the finding of it begins with our own spiritual growth.
It is the living Word inside of us which animates the world around us.
Want to do more for Christ, for others, for the world? Don't begin with a certain objective
or goal or manifestation in mind, but by seeking your own spiritual becoming through Bible
study, prayer, reflection, and silence with God. As the living Word comes out into the world
through you, both you and the world around you begin to change. So within, so without.
This is what we each can do and it is our highest calling.
Blessed Pentecost,
Tom+
So, What Can I Do?
St. Mary’s parishioners
‘circling left’
Mary Barber is joined by her granddaughter
at the Seder dinner on Maundy Thursday
The MessengerPAGE 2203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
The Messenger is issued
approximately seven times during the church
calendar year.
Jan-Feb (Epiphany-Lent)
Mar-April (Holy Week & Easter)
May-June (Pentecost)
Jul-Aug (Mid-Pentecost)
Sep and Oct (More Pentecost)
Nov (Thanksgiving-Advent)
Dec (Christmas-New Year)
The MessengerSt. Mary’s Episcopal Church
203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(804) 224-7186 / Fax-(804)224-4059
Email: [email protected]
or visit us on the web:
http://stmaryscolonialbeach.org
Also click the “Like”
button
to follow us on
http://www.facebook.com/stmaryscbva
We welcome submissions concerning
family, community and church news.
The Vestry is excited to start the new year. Junior Warden, Erin Bartley, is leading the discussion on forming our 2016
goals. Members have selected their point of ministry contact: Christian Formation, Janet Markwith; Church and Worship,
Mary Parker; Outreach, Gladys Clark Johnson; Pastoral Care, Mary Barber and Mary Coombes; Fellowship, Erin Bartley
and Donna Derry; Stewardship, Lewis Ray. One goal of the Vestry is to identify parishioners who can step up not only as
volunteers but also as leaders. Vestry member, Mary Barber, put this aspiration into practice. She recognized the talent
and willingness of parishioner Sue Coulson and commissioned her as lead of the prayer shawl ministry. Sue accepted and
has already designed and ordered labels that can be affixed to the shawls informing all recipients that the shawls were
prayerfully made by St. Mary’s parishioners. Thank you, Sue.
Speaking of lay leadership, we are grateful to Kathy Waltermire for sharing her knowledge of and love for the Episcopal
Church with the many participants ready to be confirmed, received or reaffirmed.
Our lay led Christian book club has demonstrated great value as the number of those participating has increased from
session one to session two. A new book will be announced in June for the next start-up in July.
Because of the Confirmation classes, we have postponed our Ministry Fair until the fall. At that time, we hope to pique the
interest of parishioners to become members of the worship team as greeters, readers, acolytes, LEMs, LEVs, and altar
guild experts.
I recently had lunch with our eldest parishioner, Alberta Parkinson. We were laughing about the over eighty clique. Alberta
reminded me that St. Mary’s might not have the youngest membership directory, but we still get a lot of things
accomplished. Amen to that.
Whatever our background or training, and whatever our position in life—God has gifted us and called
us to use our gifts as servants. If we’re willing to serve, He can use us in a mighty way.
Sincerely,
Mary C. Parker
Senior Warden
From the Senior Warden
The Episcopal shield and the corresponding flag were officially adopted by General Convention
in 1940. The shield is usually presented in red, white, and blue. The red cross on a white field is
an ancient Christian symbol, white representing the purity of Jesus and red representing his sacrifice
on the cross and the blood of Christian martyrs. The red cross is known as the cross of St. George,
patron saint of England, and indicates the Episcopal Church’s descent from the Church of England.
The blue field in the upper left is the color traditionally associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary and is symbolic of Jesus’
human nature, which he received from his mother. The X-shaped cross is the cross of St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland,
and recalls the Episcopal Church’s indebtedness to Scottish bishops for the consecration of the first American bishop, Samuel
Seabury, in 1784. The St. Andrew’s cross is made up of nine smaller cross-crosslets that stand for the representatives of the
Church in the nine states (Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina,
Virginia, and Delaware) who met in Philadelphia in 1789 to adopt the constitution of the Episcopal Church.
The Episcopal Handbook
The Episcopal Church Shield
324 Beth Peed25
PAGE 3203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443 The Messenger
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
St. Mary’s Church Mission
We at St. Mary’s are called to be a visible sign of Christ’s presence in our community. We are a family of God’s people committed
to nurturing spiritual growth in ourselves, our families, this community and the world in which we live and serve.
JULY
Please Note: There is a list of birthdays
and anniversaries in the church. Check
to make sure your special day is on the
list and make corrections as necessary.
Story Telling
Our Story Telling will take on a different look on June 12 at 9:15am. Val
Bowman will be a guest of St. Mary’s and share her experiences among the
unreached of eastern Turkey. With all the tragic headlines, do you wonder what
is on God’s heart? How is our amazing God making himself known in the midst of
such crisis in the world? Anglican Frontier Missions’ heart is near to God’s heart
as they reach out to the unreached nations. Come hear how many are coming to
faith in Jesus Christ as the persecuted church emerges strong.
Erin Bartley will share some of her story on the second Sunday in July. She
was raised in Colonial Beach and baptized, confirmed and married at St. Mary’s.
She has a deep love for her church and is quite a believer in the benefits of
Vacation Bible School. Erin has a profound relationship with the Lord, but it is a
bond that has not been smooth sailing.
The artistic work of parishioners Kathy Waltermire and Doris Barbee will be
displayed at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts studio. Stop by to view, enjoy and support their
work on May 13th through June 5th, 2016.
Beginning May 5 and lasting until late September, the grounds of St. Mary’s will
be host to a Farmer’s Market. The hours of operation are 4:00pm through 7:00pm.
Various produce and other goods will be available.
ladys Clark Johnson was the story
teller on April 10, 2016. As a young
black woman in the early 50s, she left
her small Pennsylvania town to embark
on higher education at Howard
University. She began first as a Special
Education teacher before moving on to
administration. It was under Gladys’
leadership that a Mobile Diagnostic
Team was developed in order to reach
more Special Education students in the
District of Columbia’s Public Schools.
She has traveled extensively and had
the good fortune of being a part of the
March on Washington, an experience
that Gladys remembers as a day filled
with excitement about and hope for
equal rights among all people.
Gn May 15, between services, we will
hear from our oldest parishioner,
Alberta Parkinson. She was baptized,
confirmed and married at Our Savior
Episcopal Church in Washington, DC.
Almost immediately after moving to
Colonial Beach, she became the
custodian of the Beach House and
preparer of snow cones and frozen
custard. That job followed by being
named First Mate on her husband’s
boat, a story to behold since she
never fished before.
Farmer’s Market on St. Mary’s Grounds
Paints and Pastels
2 Mary Coombes
3 Dee & Gary Seeber (A)
7 Martha Okrasinski
8 Ella Johnson
9 Susan and Bryon (Tree) Mack (A)
10 Becky Hunt
11 Debbie & Robert Harrison (A)
Dianne McKee
13 Michael Camlin
Kristine Guido
15 Vicki Roberson
21 Beth & Joe Powell (A)
22 June Gaines
Robin Menefee
25 Erin & Glen Bartley (A)
Alice Hopkins
26 Janet & Chris Markwith (A)
27 Lynn & Bill Speight (A)
28 Sherri Allwine
29 Mary & John Barber (A)
30 Kathy & P.D. Greenlaw (A)
Janet Markwith
JUNE
O
1 Ann Flaim
Edward Menefee
3 Frances Cook
4 Claudette Okrasinski
6 Tommy Robinette
7 Linda Bolton
Gloria Isaksen
Mary Jeter
11 Cindy & Donny Law (A)
12 Frances & Ralph Cook (A)
Natalie Kelly
Father Ron Okrasinski
James Peed
13 Skip Harris
16 Kendra McDougal
17 Emily Camlin
Frank Coates
21 Laura Jo Darcy
24 Clyde Hunt
Norman Trivett
25 Joseph Powell
28 Nick Danfora
30 Bert Craun
31 Natalie & Joe Kelly (A)
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PAGE 4203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443The Messenger
Announcements Parish Hall Use - Remember to schedule your event for the
Parish Hall by calling the church office at 224-7186
Centering Prayer – Every Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., Hart Hall
Adult Sunday School – 9:15, Parish Hall
Aerobics every Monday and Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Parish
Hall
Wednesday Eucharist at 10:30 am
Alcoholic Anonymous meets every Tuesday and Saturday –
8 p.m., Parish Hall
Food Pantry – Monday, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon; Thursday
evening, 6:00-7:00 pm, 1st Saturday, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Parish Hall
Mark Your Calendar
Food Pantry
Would you like to receive a copy of our newsletter,
The Messenger, via email instead of snail mail?
Alternately, is your reaction: “Heck no,” because you
enjoy receiving a hard copy in your mailbox? St. Mary’s
vestry is offering you an option of preference. Please
take a minute to complete the enclosed postcard and
send it back to the church office. You will receive the
July issue as a result of your choice.
Have you noticed shingles strewing the lawn rather
than protecting the roofs of our church and parish hall?
The Vestry did and consequently applied to the Diocese
for the Bishop Peter Lee Grant in the amount of $21,000.
Each year the Diocese awards to parishes half of the
amount requested with the understanding that the church
will match the funds. This year, due to an overflow of
requests, St. Mary’s only received one-fourth of the money
applied for rather than the anticipated half. However, the
roofs still need to be replaced. Just recently, it was
observed that the wooden boards between the church and
the roof are no longer preventing rain water from entering
between the shingles. Because we are still without a full
time rector, this task can be accomplished but not without
sacrifice. If anyone would like to give something extra
towards the completion of this project, please remit your
contribution to the church marked “roofs.”
3 Community lunch in the Parish Hall from 12:00pm to
2:00pm
On behalf of the parishioners and the children whose
lives were touched; the Vestry would like to extend a hearty
thank you to Ann Swope. Her dedication to the Sunday
school children went beyond the call of simply volunteering.
It required so much of her time. It was not unusual for Ann
and Steve to drive down to Blacksburg for a VA Tech
game, only to turn around to be back in time for Sunday
school. Even when numbers declined or disappeared
completely, and it appeared a fruitless endeavor, Ann
remained committed to the ideal of imparting knowledge of
God and instilling a desire for a personal relationship with
Him.
Ann is taking a break from this ministry. We are all so
appreciative of all she has contributed through the years.
She has made an invaluable difference in the lives of so
many of our children, both members and visitors alike. She
is a notable parishioner!
Notable Parishioner Email Newsletter or
Roofs’ Replacement Required
MAY
JUNE
JULY
15 Story telling in the Parish Hall at 9:15am
28 Yard Sale at 7:30am through 12:30pm
4 Community lunch in the Parish Hall from 12:00pm to
2:00pm.
12 Guest Speaker in the Parish Hall at 9:15am
13 ECW meeting in the Parish Hall at 10:30am
21 Vestry meeting in Hart Hall at 6:15pm
August Art WalkSt. Mary’s participated in the town’s February
art walk. The Parish Hall was aglow with candles,
the art of high-school students, and music performed
by Christian guitarist David Croson. Father Tom and
the Vestry would like to repeat something similar for the August
12th art walk and would love to feature the artists of St. Mary’s be
it with drawings, paintings, photography, woodworking, knitting
etc.. Please call Mary Parker at 804-224-8055 by the end of
May if you are interested in sharing your gift with your fellow
parishioners and the town. We will follow up with information
regarding the format, display and procedures. Nothing elaborate
is expected of you. We want only to share the talents of St.
Mary’s in-church artists. And, we are proud to do so.
324 Beth Peed25
PAGE 5203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443 The Messenger
On May 28, at 7:30 am, St. Mary’s will host a yard sale
but on a smaller scale than in previous years. The St. Mary’s
section will display its wares along with area residents who
are interested in hosting their own yard sale but lack the
room to do so. For a set price, interested townsfolk will rent a
space and/or tables from St. Mary’s and sell their wares
using our property. If you would like to rent an area and use
this opportunity to sell your own goods, please contact Erin
Bartley at 540-850-3166 ([email protected]). If you
have items to donate to the St. Mary's tables, please call the
church office at 804-224-7186 or drop the items off at the
office. A sign-up sheet is available on the piano for
parishioners interested in preparing baked goods to be sold
and to help with set up and take down. In case of rain, the
yard sale will be postponed to a later date.
The Disco Fever Fundraiser for St. Mary’s Community
Lunch was a huge success. Disco queens in go go boots
and guys with a swagger hit the dance floor with tunes
spun by DJ, Dr. [email protected],
sipped libations and ate delicious food prepared
by Bill Hall. A real community effort showed
with those who volunteered time, money, and
ideas in order to help our church continue its
mission to provide free lunch to the community
on the first Saturday of the month. Special appreciation is
expressed to Gitie’s and the Colonial Beach Car Club for their
generous donations, which provides this month’s lunch. If you
haven’t yet attended one of these community lunch events,
please consider doing so. Bring a friend or meet a friend.
Community Lunch Fundraiser
When we gathered at our annual meeting in February, Bonnie Trahan, Chairperson of the Search Committee, shared that
we were looking at a strong candidate. That person and the Search Committee mutually agreed that the fit was not perceptible.
Since then, the Search Committee reworked our profile and placed it anew on the national website immediately after Easter, the
time that appears best for priests looking for new positions. As a result, we anticipate hearing from new candidates and already
have two prospects.
The Search Committee has been diligently and prayerfully looking to call our new rector. At first glance, one might wonder,
“Why the delay? What’s the drawback?’’
There are two things at work in the search. First, are the facts. Ordinations to the priesthood have fallen by 31 percent and
permanent deacons now make up 30 percent of all ordinations. Retirements are outpacing ordinations by 43 percent. When
clergy change parishes, they tend to find employment in areas that are relatively close to their previous cure. Fully 20 percent of
clergy moves are within 16 miles of a cleric’s previous job; 40 percent of moves are within 53 miles.
Second, could possibly be the hand of God. Has it been the Lord guiding us all along? As a parish, we needed the time,
although we did not know that at first. We have spent this time in waiting, sometimes in disappointment that a promising
candidate did not work out as we had hoped, or in uncertainty about the Lord’s will for us, but we were always growing. St.
Mary’s has been in its own Advent: a time of expectant preparation and waiting for our new rector. During this time, our spir it is
being revitalized, and the parish has been empowered to own the responsibility of St. Mary’s mission. We are now ready to share
our church with the person that the Lord is calling to St. Mary’s.
Please continue to keep the Search Committee in your prayers. One might think that the Committee is tired and frustrated.
Quite the contrary, we are ready to continue the search and to do so with vigor and trust that the candidate who will lead our
parish in faith, collaboration, fellowship and charity is ours to call.
I am happy to report that the Spring Fling was a success.
We tried some new things this year. The continental
breakfast and the selling of bedding plants seemed to be very
popular. I want to thank everyone who helped to make this
event a success.
We had a repast for the family and friends of Donald
Markwith. The family was very grateful and extends
appreciation to everyone who helped.
The ECW takes a vacation during the months of July and
August, but we will have our regularly scheduled June
meeting on the 13th. We will return in September to make the
next year a success.
Thanks to everyone and may Our Lord bestow His
blessings on each and everyone.
Yours in Christ,
Ella Johnson, President
Search Committee Update
Yard Sale
From the Desk of the ECW
Susan and Tree
After Funeral ReceptionsSt. Mary’s parishioners are always generous with their
time, if and when they are asked to step up to the plate. Such
is the case with this request. However, nothing will be asked of
you until the need arises. The ECW has as one of its key
ministries, preparing a reception following a funeral. In order
not to rely on the same small group of ‘go-to’ people, the ECW
would like to expand its list of volunteers who would be willing
to make finger sandwiches, dessert, salad and others items as
needed. This demonstration of kindness for grieving families
and friends is possible whether you are working or retired. In
addition to the sign-up sheet that will be located on the piano,
you may also call the church office, 804-224-7186 to leave your
name with the church secretary. Thank you in advance for
your help with this compilation of parishioners who are willing to
share in this ECW ministry.
If you are unable to participate as assigned, please attempt to find a substitute. If you are unsuccessful, please call the church office (224-7186) without delay. Thank you for your service to St. Mary’s and your contribution to this ministry.
PAGE 6203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443The Messenger
May 15 May 22 May 29 June 5 June 12
L.E.M.
8:00 Tim Burgess Mary Barber Deacon Jones Tim Burgess Deacon Jones
10:30 Bill Hall Jack Gaines Beth Peed Deacon Jones Deacon Jones
Greeter
8:00 Mickey Moore Ella Johnson Kathy Greenlaw Phyllis Gallahan J. & N. Kelly
10:30 Karna Sparks C. Birmingham Barbara Megee Karna Sparks C. Birmingham
Gifts Greeters Choose Volunteers Before the Service
Crucifier Graham Darcy Graham Darcy Graham Darcy Graham Darcy Graham Darcy
Lector
8:00 Tim Burgess Mary Barber Kathy Greenlaw Erin Bartley Natalie Kelly
10:30 Kristine Guido Bill Hall Kyle Allwine Kathy Waltermire John L Johnson
Intercessions
8:00 Mickey Moore Ella Johnson Lynn Speight Mary Barber Mary Parker
10:30 Peggy Johnston C. Birmingham Barbara Megee Mary Jeter Gladys Johnson
Coffee Hour Trahans Rays Parkers
Altar Flowers Ella Johnson Pat FitzGerald Peggy Johnston Peeds Macks
Altar Guild Mary Barber Lynn Speight Mary Parker Pat FitzGerald
June 19 June 26 July 3 July 10 July 17
L.E.M.
8:00 Mary Barber Deacon Jones Tim Burgess Deacon Jones Mary Barber
10:30 Deacon Jones Bill Hall Deacon Jones Kristine Guido Deacon Jones
Greeter
8:00 Mickey Moore Mary Barber Phyllis Gallahan Ella Johnson Kathy Greenlaw
10:30 Barbara Megee Steve Cannady Karna Sparks C. Birmingham Barbara Megee
Gifts Greeters Choose Volunteers Before the Service
Crucifier Graham Darcy Graham Darcy Graham Darcy Graham Darcy Graham Darcy
Lector
8:00 Mary Barber Erin Bartley Tim Burgess Mary Parker Kathy Greenlaw
10:30 James Peed Jack Gaines Heather Trivett Beth Peed Bill Hall
Intercessions
8:00 Mickey Moore Lynn Speight Mary Barber Ella Johnson Erin Bartley
10:30 Bonnie Trahan Steve Cannady Ann Flaim June Gaines James Peed
Coffee Hour Father’s Day
Social
Trahans
Altar Flowers Karna Sparks Lynn Speight Ann Flaim Phyllis Gallahan Kris Guido
Altar Guild Mary Barber Mary Barber Lynn Speight
If you are unable to participate as assigned, please attempt to find a substitute. If you are
unsuccessful, please call the church office (224-7186) without delay. Thank you for your service to
St. Mary’s and your contribution to this ministry.
Schedule of Servers, May 15 through July 17