of

St. Paul's Episcopal ChurchPiney Parish

Waldorf,. Maryland

March2011

F1-C#-- tk.

Rector·Dear Friends,

My best thinking, praying, and decision­making are often done in the shower.Early in the morning, standing under thespray of hot water, everything seems freshand possible and holy. In a way it almostfeels like being re-baptized: there is acleanliness, a sense of God's presence,and a preparation for going forth into theworld.

Recently I was in the shower thinkingabout how much energy there is at 8t.Paul's. I was basking in the glow of avestry meeting that I wish could have beentelevised to churches everywhere. It was amodel of the very best a vestry can be. Iwas blessed to watch a group of dedicatedand gifted people as they made plans towork together for the good of the church,for the good of the community, and for thegood of the world. Not a word ofdisagreement, not a hint of power struggle,no negative comments, just faith,fellowship, and a determination to followas disciples of Jesus...for the more than sixhours of retreat time.

I saw up close and personal the benefitof choosing people for vestry positionswho have a passion for ministry in aparticular area, a giftedness for thatministry, and an enthusiasm that is like amagnet attracting others to serve on their"boats." I heard them praise recent vestrymembers who had served as role modelsand speak of how much they had benefited

and learned from them. And I thought,"This is just how God would want us tobe."

I also was also thanking God thatmorning for the enthusiasm and energythat is building around our new (active)adult ministry position. All kinds ofsuggestions for activities took place theday of the retreat by people who wereentranced by the idea of such a ministry -­and those suggestions and that enthusiasm- continued the next day after the CCNRCservice. I was also thinking of theunusually large number of people whoturned out for the emergency food pantrymeeting and the energy that is building uparound that endeavor and the fact thata relatively new member of the church,Barry Gebler, has offered to head it up.I worry that we will be overwhelmed withpeople who need food - Barry is worriedthat enough people who need food won'tknow about the pantry.

I think Jesus would be on his sidechiding me and saying, "Joy, Joy, you areworried about many things...only one isimportant." And that one is that youall, as a church, have created a ministry todo what Jesus calls us to do. You haveaccepted the charge to, "Feed my sheep."Through our emergency food pantry wewill be able to feed the neediest, thepoorest, and the most marginalized in thecommunity. And even though we doAngel's watch, I think to myself, "Isuppose a hot meal program will benext..." and I can feel God smiling as Ithink that...and promising, "I will sendsomeone to lead that also."

Pondering how blessed and how busywe are doing the work God has called us

to do; I realized that even though we are avery small church - at least we look verysmall from the street - we are a church thathas an amazingly big heart. In fact itseemed to me that morning that throughthe steam I heard God call us "the littlechurch with the big heart. "

Ministry is about passion, a dream, aheart, and calling to serve. If you have aparticular passion or gift and that God iscalling you to serve; I invite you to comeand see me and we will talk about ways tomake your dream a reality.

Blessings,

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LOOKING FORWARDTO ASH WEDNESDAY

Although this seems like an unlikelyjuxtaposition of words to use as the title ofa newsletter article - since - who looks

forward to being reminded that "dust thouart and to dust thou shalt return"?Nonetheless, Lent, with its focus on thesomber and more serious aspects of lifeand death, is a true reflection of the cycleof life. We often find in our own lives thatperiods of great joy and peace arefollowed by periods of great sorrow andunrest only to be followed again byrenewed periods of joy and peace.

We are trying to reflect this cycle oflife in our preparation for the six somberSundays of Lent by holding a "Mardi-GrasSunday Celebration" on Sunday, March6th, before Shrove Tuesday and AshWednesday. The services will be quitedifferent from what we usually experience.Stephen Hunt, our choir director andorganist, is planning on something totallypraise and gospel music. It will begin witha procession led by Chip Keech and histrumpet playing "When the Saints GoMarching In," and it will include childrenand others handing out the gaily coloredbeads of Mardi-Gras to members of thecongregation.

This promises to be an especiallylively and enthusiastic worship time. Inthe best tradition of "fishing for disciples"we encourage you to invite friends, co­workers, and neighbors to join us for theseservices. We are giving you notice extraearly so you will be able to "talk it up" tothose you know who might be interested inseeing St. Paul's or in learning more aboutour worship services and having theopportunity to meet the people who makeup this parish.

Special Mardi-Gras cake and dessertswill be available at coffee hour. Hope tosee you there!

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PLEASE REMOVE FROM THE

CEMETERY BY MARCH i~ ANY

GRAVE DECORATIONS THAT YOU

WISH TO KEEP. THANK YOU!

We are soon to enter a very special .time of the liturgical year - Lent.Bookmarked on one end by AshWednesday and on the other by HolyWeek and Easter, Lent is a season of thechurch year that is usually marked in somespecial way. Often we think of Lent as asolemn and sober time - no candy, notreats, and no flowers on the altar. Manychurches mark the six weeks of Lent withspecial mid-week meals and Bible studyprograms... and we have done that.

This year, Stephen, our choir director,has suggested that we do things a bitdifferently and mark Lent by using musicin combination with services we haven'tuse~ in a while. On two Thursdays ofLent, March 24th and April 7th, we willoffer Evensong at 7pm in the church.Evensong is a traditional Episcopal!Anglican thanksgiving to God for the day .just past and asks His protection duringthe coming night. The form and liturgy ofthe service are adaptations of older Latinrituals that go back in time to the earlycenturies of the church... and to ritualsused by Jesus and his followers. InAmerica, this beloved service survived the ~separation of the Colonial Church from theChurch of England ... and in time thisstaple of the Anglican Church became astaple of the Episcopal Church. It is oneway we are able to bind the present to ourancient past.

Evensong is a quiet, reflective set ofprayers, songs and psalms, asking theworshiper to be still and centered in spirit.

Evensong was part of the litur~ createdby Thomas Cranmer in the 16 century

KEEPING LENTSHROVE TUESDAYPANCAKE SUPPER

Tuesday, March 8,2011 5-7 P.M.

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The Youth Group will be sponsoringthe pancake supper this year. We are inneed of more help this year in cooking andserving, if you can assist please contactJohn Sackman at 301-392-9367 ori2klmsack@aol.com.

Pancakes are associated with the daypreceding Lent because they were a way touse up rich foodstuffs such as eggs, milk,and sugar, before the fasting season of the40 days of Lent. The liturgical fastingemphasized eating plainer food andrefraining from food that would givepleasure: In many cultures, this means nomeat, dairy, or eggs.

So as we begin the season of Lent andthinking about our sacrifice to God, let useat well. The menu will include pancakes,scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash.browns and juice and coffee.

Tickets will be on sale Sundays,February 27th and March 6th duringcoffee hours. Cost will be:

Adults $8.00; Active older adults$6.00; Students (age 5-12) $5.00;Children under 5 free.

As always you can also buy tickets at thedoor.

and is still used widely in Episcopal, aswell as Lutheran and Methodist churchestoday.

On two Wednesdays of Lent, March16th and 30th, we will offer MorningPrayer with Eucharist and music at 7amin the church. This is an opportunity tobegin the day with quiet reflection andthankfulness to God for the blessings thatlie ahead and to share in communion. Weinvite you to join us as you are able. Bothservices are beautiful and meaningful toworshipers... and Stephen has hinted thathe just might write some special music forthese services. Come and see!

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LADIES' NIGHT OUT ••••••

.... .in March will be at 6 pm onWednesday, March 16 at Captain's Tablein Waldorf (106 St. Patrick's Drive). Wehope you can join us for an evening ofgreat fellowship.

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GETAWAY WEEKEND

Spring will soon be upon us and theflowers and trees will bloom in all theirglory. We will get the "itch" to be outsideto enjoy God's beautiful gifts. What betterplace to enjoy the beauty of nature than inthe mountains of Virginia. Our GetawayWeekend is planned for May 13-15 in thelittle to\vn of Orkney Springs at theEpiscopal Center called Shrine Mont. Ifyou've never been to Shrine Mont andwould like to know more about thiswonderful place, visit their website at

www.shrinemont.com. On March 6th, lookfor the Getaway Weekend information andsign-up display in the parish hall. Foradditional information, contact LorraineBerry or Linda Hurd.

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PARISH LIFE FUNDRAISER

Do you hate paying the price to havemaintenance done on your vehicles? KenDixon Automotive offered us a specialfundraising opportunity. We have $20 giftcards which can be purchased for $5 andSt. Paul's keeps the $5. The net result forthe purchaser is saving $15 on eachtransaction with Ken Dixon Automotive.If you would like to purchase gift cards foryourself or would like to sell some tofriends, family and co-workers, see JaneFruh at coffee hour or emai1 her atibfruh@gmai1.com. Thank you forsupporting this effort to support St. Paul'sprograms.

Jane**********************************

NEW CARE NOTES BROCHURES .••

... are available in the rack in the foyer.Please take any that may be helpful to you.**********************************

To My Piney Family and Friends,HALLELUJAH, I think I'm on the

Road to Recovery. Sincere thanks for yourprayers, cards, thoughts, and any acts ofkindness and remembrance.

Peace and Love,

Yludiey:Jfagens

ST. PAUL'S EMERGENCY FOODPANTRY OPENS FOR BUSINESS!

Starting March 12t\ 2011 andcontinuing every 1st and 3rd Wednesdayand every 2nd and 4th Saturday the PineyPantry will be open and ready to servethose in need. The pantry is designed toserve those families or individuals whohave had an emergency occur, or whosefood stamps do not last the whole monthor some other unexpected event has madefeeding the family difficult. The foodpantry at St. Paul's is intended to provide abag containing 2-3 days worth of food forhouseholds facing those kinds of crisis andwho live in Waldorf, White Plains, orBryantown. Clients may come once amonth and must have a picture LD andproof of address.

At a planning meeting on WednesdayFebruary 9th, 20 enthusiastic peopleattended, made suggestions, signed up tohelp run the pantry, purchase food, and to

.prepare and pass out the emergency bagsof food during the hours when the pantryis open. Each family will receive oneemergency food bag containing: cannedmeat, soup, pasta, canned pasta sauce,peanut butter, jelly, crackers, juice boxes,cereal, canned vegetables, and macaroniand cheese... all good, solid, substantial

food. The food needs no refrigeration andmuch of it doesn't need to be cooked.(Some families are homeless and live intheir cars or in the woods and cannotcook.)

If you are interested in donating timeto work at the food pantry please see BarryGebler. If you would like to help supportthis outreach program by donating foodplease see Barry about what food to buyand in what sizes. If you would like tosupport this outreach program by donatingmoney so we can purchase food in bulk ata greater savings, please put your donationin an envelope clearly marked FoodPantry and put it in the collection plate.Through God's grace we will expand ourability to feed the needy in thiscommunity."Do you love me?" "Yes Lord, you knowthat 1 love you." "Then feed my sheep. "[In.21:17]

For theHUNGRY

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ST. PAUL'S FOOD PANTRY

Hours of operations during handoutdays?

We will be open from lOam to 12noon on both the Wednesdays andSaturdays.

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SERVICE/OUTREACH MINISTRY:

St. Paul's Food Pantry: There was agreat turnout for the planning meeting heldon Wednesday, February 9! We are allenthusiastic about this new service

endeavor! Please pray for its success.

and boxes of macaroni and cheese. We

are trying to keep the cost of eachemergency bag of food at $10 as weexpect to hand out 20 or 25 bags per week.We would like for each bag to contain thesame items in the same quantity. If the S1.Paul's Pantry believes a donated item doesnot fit well with our objectives, it will beforwarded to Peace Lutheran.

Responsibilities during handout days?At this time we are not completely

sure what will be required of thevolunteers, but do not expect any backbreaking labor or overly complicatedprocedures. We expect that for each teamof two workers, one person will fill out the"intake" card - person's name, addressand phone - as well as check photo illandnote date of visit and the other person willhand over a bag of food items. It isplanned that an instruction manual will becreated and maintained. It would be

available at the pantry each time and also Christmas Connection: Piney Parishmight be e-mailed to all the volunteers. donated 103 filled Christmas stockings to

the Children's Aid Society ChristmasDonations of non-perishable goods? Connection in December. We also

Members of the. congregation. h~ve collected 145 mittens, gloves, hats andbeen very generous m the past donatmg scarves to the Christmas Connection!

non-pe~ishable goods to Peace Lutheran Thank you to all who contributed and afor theI~ food bank and we encourage you special thank you to Lois Keech forto contmue to do so. So that our pantry coordinating the stockings and delivery ofcan be stocked to meet its objectives as an everything.Emergency Food Pantry, we will beprimarily encouraging monetary Angel's Watch Shelter Dinner:donations ... because that allows us to buy Margaret Leman coordinated the Februaryin bulk at a better price. However, we will dinner that was delivered to the residents

gladly accept donations of non-perishable _ at the women's shelter. There was (asgoods. We ask that the items be part of always) a wonderful response of monetaryour standard list and of appropriate size. contributions and food. Thank you!Currently we are asking for peanut butter(8-16 oz), jelly; cans of tuna fish (5-6 oz), Robert Fuller Men's Shelter: Thank youcans of meat (Spam, Vienna Sausages, and for ~e re~ponse to our req~est for warm10-14 oz cans of hash chili beef stew clothmg Items for the reSIdents at the

" , , hi'etc.) cereal - not more than 8 oz boxes, men sse ter.saltine crackers, soup (either canned orpackaged noodle soup like ramennoodles), canned fruit or fruit rolls, cannedvegetables, Spaghetti O's and meatballs,or ravioli - 16 oz or smaller, box of pasta,can of prepared spaghetti sauce (not jars)

The following is taken from The ParishPaver Ideas and Insights for ActiveCongregations

Financial Stewardship:Myths & Principles (Part 3)

Seven Financial Stewardship Myths

Church leaders in low-per-capita-givingcongregations frequently share with oneanother the following inaccuratestatements that they believe to be true:

6. "Our church should use methodsthat work well in civic organizationsand philanthropic causes."

Wrong.! We sometimes hear, "Myclub does ... and raises tons of

money! Why doesn't our church trythat?" Fund raising for nonprofitorganizations ip the c~mmunity..is asdifferent from Christian stewardshipas a bicycle is from an eighteen­wheeler. Both are valid forms of

transportation, but they are notinterchangeable. High-per -capita­giving congregations approach anydiscussion of financial stewardshipfrom a spiritual direction and usespiritual methods to accomplish it,not fund-raising methods.

7. "Our members will give generouslywithout us teaching the biblicalprinciple that giving money is anessential part of spiritual growth."

Wrong.!Failure to repeatedly teachbiblically based financialstewardship keeps churches in thepoverty category. Generous givingpatterns do not happen without themarriage of effective annual

stewardship programs and biblicaltheology regarding the connectionbetween giving money andgrowing rich toward God.

This series will continue over the nextfewmonths. Watch for Part 4 in the AprilEpistle.

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THE ONCE AND FUTURE CHURCH

There once was a world where the

church functioned as a center point of thesociety and the culture. In turn, the culturecarried the traditions, symbols and ritualsof the Christian faith. One could say that agathering storm - a series of factors - has

bumped the church off its dominant perchon the societal ladder.

There once was a world that was eagerto support Christian churches andsupported "blue laws," soccerlessSundays, eating fish rather than meat onFriday, public prayer in schools, andsaying "Merry Christmas" to one anotherat the holiday. Now suddenly, with thesteep changes happening in our society,congregations have to ask themselveswhether they are responding to a worldthat no longer exists.

The loss of members, influence, and asense of mission - the church's misfortune

of the moment - resembles the experienceof Israel's exile. The era of Christendomis gone. It will not return. Culture nolonger subsidizes and supports the church.

Today's rapidly changing world ispressing the church to respond to a shift ofparadigms. It can be done. Sometimes itis done slowly and sometimes it is done

Parish Office:FAX:Emai/:

Web Page:

Office Hours:

Cemetery Director: Phil Hamilton, 301-645-5327Facilities Coordinator:

Donna Ferguson, 301-934-3127

The Rev. Dr. Joy Rose, TSSFPhone: 301-934-8001Email: reviovrose@aol.com

The Right Rev. John Bryson ChaneThe Bishop of Washington

II r.~

COFFEE-tcl .. ~i

& CONVERSATION

Thank you to those who hosted CoffeeHour in February:

Jan and Jim WatersCheryl WilliamsSusan ParodyCarol LordGail SavoyWendy VanHoozierKay LaughtonEd and Laurie JaffeAlvaro and Jeannie Paz HichoLynn and Sallie LyonsJoyce and G.O. LyonJoan and Fred RitterSewell and Paula Truitte

Rector:

301-645-5000301-638-5894

PinevParish@aol.comwww.PinevParish.ora

Tuesday - Friday,9:30 am - 2:30 pm

Senior Warden: Kristin Sackman, 301-392-9367Junior Warden: Don Gamer, 301-934-5275

imaginatively. More than once, much ofwhat people have thought and doneconcerning the church, has had to bereworked to be relevant to a changingworld.

Faced with a strange new world, thechurch is challenged to be true to itspurpose and attuned to its context.Churches today are often mere shadows oftheir past. There are a shortage of youngfamilies and a shortage of hope.Considering ways to change offers theopportunity to be reborn and to becomethe church of the future ... a church that isrelevant and meaningful to anothergeneration.

To this end the Bishop has asked for ameeting with all the clergy in Region 6Southern Maryland on March 19th here atSt. Paul's. He has encouraged each rectorto invite five past and future lay leadersfrom their churches to join him in adiscussion about options, possibilities, andpotential changes necessary to ensure thefuture health of the Episcopal church inSouthern Maryland.

This will be an opportunity to sharewith one another new paradigms, newways of ministry, and explore new ways ofbeing church. It also provides anopportunity to discuss openly theproblems our churches currently face andis a first step in helping congregationsdiscQver how to respond positively to achanging world. The Bishop hopes it willresult in self-confidence, growth, andviability for all churches. You will bekept informed about the results of thismeeting and any other meetings to follow.(adapted from A Door Set Open: GroundingChange in Mission and Hope by Peter Steinke.)

FORA GREAT SILENT AUCTION

I would like to thank everyone in theparish and especially the Silent AuctionCommittee for all of their help and supportwith the 2011 Silent Auction. The eveningcouldn't have been better. Among theitems up for bid included a number of veryexciting vacation packages, several golfoutings, antiques, and collectibles, originalworks of art and hand crafted items. The

food was once again outstanding(especially the chicken salad sandwichesand ham biscuits) and the wine this yearwas fantastic. Best of all, however, wasthe wonderful crowd of people whoattended. Every year we have a marvelousmix of new attendees and people whowould not think of missing the event.Thanks to the many wonderful items upfor auction, the outstanding attendance andthe generosity of our parish members,friends and family, we earned a total of$16,183.11.

I would also like to take this time to

recognize the many businesses whogenerously donated items and giftcertificates. Those listed below graciouslysupported our efforts. It is important toremember that as our community grows,the requests for donations from thesebusinesses also grows and it behooves usall to say thank you to them by supportingthem in return.

American Service Center

Andrews, Bongar, Starkey and Clagett, PAApplebee's Neighborhood Grill and BarBest Western Hotel in La PlataBlue Crabs Baseball StadiumCameron Hills Golf Course

Capital ClubhouseCarrabba's Italian GrillClarion Hotel

Classic Art Photography StudioColonial LiquorsCountry FloristDigits Nail SalonEverything AmishFoster's Grille

Hugh C. Gardiner, Inc.Judy's HallmarkKen Dixon Automotive

Lakes and Company, LLC"Love My Dentist" Dr. GargMarie's Diner

Mary Kay CosmeticsMimi's Cafe

Myers Auto ServiceNancy's Beauty SalonOutback Steakhouse

Port Tobacco Players TheaterPotomac Ridge Golf CoursePrime Street Grille Restaurant

SafewaySilver Skewers RestaurantSouthern Tire & Auto Centers of La PlataSouthern Tire & Auto Centers of Waldorf

St. Mary's Landing RestaurantSwan Point Golf Course

The Royal Tea RoomWentworth NurseryWhite Plains Golf CourseWicomico Shores Golf Course

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------~~_.~~- --~--~--.6.t:'!::.!::..6.!;!;!::.

~~DDDD~D BIRTHDAYS &ANNIV€RSARI€SOO

IN MARCH

1 - Mary Burkett4 - Linda and Michael Hurd5 - Kristie Brown

8 - Trevor Brown

9 - Tom May10 - Clarence St. John

13 - Jeff and Amy Gardiner14 - Amanda Hamilton

Phillip Hamilton III

15 - Elsie Richarqs

16 - Chip Keech

Beverley Ragsdale18 - Susan Fritz

Stacy HunttDavid Miles

21 - Alvaro Paz Hicho

22 - Alice Ciaccio

25 - Carol Worsham

26 - Caroline Richards

27 - Sarah Goddard

29 - Ron Crittenden

31 - Leanne Berry

If you have a birthday or anniversary inMarch and are not listed above, pleasenotify the office so that you can beincluded next time. Thankyou!

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MINISTRIES FOR MARCH

March 6March 13March 20March 27

ALTAR GUILD

Joyce ScofieldJeannie Paz HichoVirginia RolandJudy HamiltonSusan Parody

Alvaro Paz HichoLaraine TuttleLaura Shanklin

COUNTERS

Karen TruittVirginia R01andBecky HackleyFred CavanaughDuke Burroughs

Kay Laug~\tonJoyce ScofieldLinda Hurd

8 O'CLOCKLEM(S) and LECTORS

Fern BrownJoan CrittendenSteve SeelyRon Crittenden2nd LESSON READERS

Cecelia Savoy-ChaseRon CrittendenRon CrittendenGregory Reeves

ACOLYTES USHER(S)

Skip RolandDick & Margaret Leman[)on & Betty WilsonNancy SextonAnn Robey

GREETER(S)

Dora BuntingPhil & Judy HamiltonLois Keech,

COFFEE HOURDarlene GuyJan & Jim WatersFreddie JewellMargaret Leman

Darlene Gardner10:15 A.M.

LECTORS

John Sackman, Sr.Charles GaumondClarence St. JohnSusan Fritz2nd LESSON READERS

Doug WhiteNicete MoodieNicete MoodieBen Kettner

LEMS

John Sackman, Sr.Charles GaumondClarence St. JohnSusqn FritzKristin Sackman

Ruth GaumondSusan FritzSusan Parody

ACOLYTES

USHER(S)

Greg & Donna FergusonThe Truitt FamilyThe Sackman FamilyLorraine BerryWesley Hamilton

GREETER(S)

Mike & Susan FritzSusan ParodyLynn LyonsFred & LindaCavanauQh

NURSERY

Nicole BurroughsRachel GardinerNicole BurroughsRachel GardinerRachel Gardiner

Linda EppNicole Burroughs

COFFEE HOUR:

Greg & Donna FergusonJohn & Kristin SackmanBob & Barbara FergusonGeorge AndrewsTom & Meredith May

Bill & Margaret FraserCathy LavenderJanet SargentSteve Milone

MarchSunday MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday

1

2345Each Sunday Mother Joy attends

9:30 am8am

H.E. Region VI ClericusPrayer Shawl Ministry9 am Adult Choir 9:30 am

5.S.10:15 am

H.E. 7pmBible Study 6pmHandchimes7pm

Adult Choir6

789 Ash Wednesday101112Mardi-Gras

8:30am

SundayPiney Men's Group

12 noon and 7 pm10-12 am5·7 pm

Holy EucharistFood Pantry OpenShrove Tuesday

w/Ashes6pmHandchimes

Pancake Supper

7pmAdult Choir

13 1 Lent

1415161718197am

Eucharist9:30 am12:15 pm

10amEucharistEPISTLE Prayer Shawl Ministry9am-1 pmVestry Meetingat CCNRCDEADLINEI10-12 am

Region VI MeetingFood Pantry Open with Bishop Chane6pm

at St. Paul's

Ladies' Night Out at6pm

Handchimes7pm

Bible StudyCaptain's Table,7pm

Adult ChoirWaldorf

20 2 Lent212223242526

9:30am

10·12 am

Staff Meeting

Food Pantry Open

6pm

Handchimes7pm

Bible Study 7pmEvensong27 3 Lent

282930317am

Eucharist

6pm

Handchimes7pm

Bible Study 7pmAdult Choir