St Thomas Times Page
July/Aug, 2014
St. Thomas Times St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 124 East Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210 www.stthomasabingdon.dioswva.org (276) 628-3606
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Plans for Festival Luncheons Under Way 1
Family Movie Party Set for August 10 1
Thoughts for August 2
Tower Repairs Completed 3
Wednesday Bible Study Examines Jewish Traditions 3
“Summertime Jesus” Joins Parishioners 4
Boys’ Home Outreach a Success 5
St Thomas Helps Grace House Volunteers Help Others 6
Burt Bassham Bid a Fond Farewell 7
Episcopalians Celebrate Ordination Anniversary 7
Kids Page 8
Convocation Canoe Trips Available This Summer 9
For Your Information . . . 9
Back-to-School Family Movie Party Set for August 10
Kids of all ages are invited to gather in the Parish Hall to watch the
brilliant animated film, Totoro, by the legendary director and animator
Hayao Miyazaki (Howl's Moving Castle). This touching story follows
two young girls as they befriend the magical Totoro creatures. The
king of the Totoros, O Totoro, leads them on an adventure and also
teaches them about the realities of life. Join us at 3:00 for fellowship
and popcorn to kick off the school year!
Plans for the Virginia Highlands
Festival Luncheons Under Way
Just a reminder that the sign-up sheets have
been posted on the parish hall bulletin board for
volunteers to help with the Aug 6 and Aug 9
Highlands Festival Luncheons at St Thomas.
Festival luncheons, a long-standing tradition in
our parish, are a major “mission” for St Thomas,
and an eagerly awaited aspect of the Virginia
Highlands Festival for many in Abingdon. For a
Please see Festival Luncheons on Page 4
St Thomas Times Page 2
Thoughts for August:
From The Rev. Hilary Streever, Priest-in-Charge
Turn to God for Reconciliation; Pray to God for Peace
If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:
everything old has passed away; see, everything
has become new! All this is from God, who rec-
onciled us to himself through Christ, and has giv-
en us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthi-
ans 5:17-18)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Recently, the Church celebrated and remembered
the life and ministry of the first apostle, Mary
Magdalene, her holy day in the calendar being
July 22. One of the readings from her day includ-
ed the passage from 2 Corinthians above.
This is a beautiful passage of scripture that often
rings like a clear bell in my heart; perhaps it does
for you too. Jesus healed Mary Magdalene, we are
told in Luke 8:1-2, by driving out seven demons
from her. Mary Magdalene subsequently became
one of Christ’s most devoted disciples, following
him all over Galilee and into Jerusalem, where she
wept at the foot of his cross and at the opening
to the empty tomb. It was to Mary Magdalene that
Christ, resurrected, first appeared, and thus she
is considered the first apostle, sent to spread the
Good News.
Already in saints like Mary Magdalene, we see
Christ beginning the work of the Kingdom --
making all things new, including each of us. But
to be made new, our hearts must be turned to-
wards God, in Christ. The Greek word for repent-
ance is metanoia, which literally means, to turn.
In turning towards God, we become reconciled
with God.
But it doesn’t stop there: spiritual work has an
incarnate manifestation in this world. Being rec-
onciled with God, we become part of God’s vi-
sion and are given a charge: to be bearers of
God’s mission for reconciliation. To allow God’s
vision of reconciliation to be manifest in us and
among us.
There is much work to be done in the fields, Je-
sus tells us. Indeed, there is much reconciliation
to be done: many relationships torn in our fami-
lies, communities and churches, not to mention
many fights, battles and wars in our world. There
is no shortage of the need for healing and rec-
onciliation.
Before we can be instruments of true reconcilia-
tion, we must seek reconciliation ourselves, both
with God and each other. I encourage you this
month to search your heart in your prayers. How
do you need to be reconciled to God? To some-
one else? What do you need to humbly repent
for, or ask forgiveness for?
Ask God to speak to you in your heart and guide
you towards healing and reconciliation. Let us
flood God with prayers for peace: Let us flood
God with prayers for peace: peace in our fami-
lies, parishes, and communities, our nation, and
the world. As Mary Magdalene first realized, in
Christ’s death and resurrection lies our hope of
death to old ways and resurrection to newness of
life in Christ.
Grace and peace to you in Christ,
Hilary+
St Thomas Times Page 3
Tower Repairs Completed
With paint buckets over the front door
sconces, plywood over windows, and tar-
paulins draped over the front steps, St
Thomas’ tower repairs provided a bizarre
welcome to passers-by and worshipers in
mid-July.
Jack Barrow, Junior Warden, has been in-
volved with the repair work since it began
in the Spring of 2013. As Junior Warden,
Jack oversees the property and its repair.
“The outside tower work is completed,” Jack submitted, “however there is some work to be done
inside the tower that involves carpentry [to complete repair of] leaks that have been fixed by the
outside masonry work.” Jack added that “the most concern was the fact that when the masons got
to the top of the tower [they] realized that the stones were very loose and had to be taken down
and reset with fresh mortar.” The work on the tower cost approximately $28,000. The vestry voted
on July 19 to pay this bill in full out of the surplus monies we had in the General Fund
What is the next big facilities project for the church? “Hopefully not soon” Jack emphasized “but at
some time in the future will be the repair/replacement of the slate roof.”
By Rhonda Kindig
The Wednesday morning Bible Study class con-
tinues to grow, and we would love to have you
join us for coffee and conversation from 10:15
am to 11:15
am weekly.
Be g inn in g
in August,
we will cov-
er a short
study “In
R e m e m -
brance of
Me” that
e x p l o r e s
the Jewish
roots of the Eucharist. You will find this a fas-
cinating look at Jewish traditions, including the
Passover meal, manna in the wilderness, and
the mysterious Bread of the Presence. We will
also examine the Last Supper of Jesus very
closely, to find point-by-point matches for the
Passover seder…and figure out why some as-
pects are missing! Rhonda Kindig and Rev Hil-
ary Streever will lead this class.
At the conclusion of “In Remembrance of Me”,
the WBS will launch into an in-depth study of
the book of Genesis. This would be an ideal
time to begin our class, as we consider all our
foundational stories, chapter by chapter. “In
the Beginning” will also be led by Rhonda and
Rev Hilary.
Wednesday Bible Study Begins Examination of Jewish Traditions
St Thomas Times Page 4
reasonable cost of $8 for an adult/$5 for a
child, there is an amazing salad bar, a selection
of quiches (recipes from the legendary St
Thomas “Keeping the Feast” cookbook), a bev-
erage, and a choice of dessert from a myriad of
options. The proceeds support a variety of
outreach programs locally.
Sign-up sheets have been posted on the parish
hall bulletin board for volunteers to help in a
number of ways. A project this massive relies
upon every St Thomas family member to par-
ticipate in some way—from taking posters to
the community, to setting up, to collecting
money at the doors, to providing the variety of
foods needed, to serving, to cleaning up. And,
two important jobs have lost their volun-
Festival Luncheons from Page 1
teers: Joyce Bassham was a “quiche-wrangler”
of renown, and Burt Bassham could always be
relied upon to collect money at the door.
Zazzy’s will take paid orders for quiche, and
have them ready for both Wednesday and Sat-
urday luncheons.
In conjunction with the Festival Luncheons,
guided tours will be held at 10:00 of the 21
icons found in the sanctuary.
“Summertime Jesus” Joins Parishioners in Everyday and Special Hours
If you have not yet checked out the bulletin board in the parish hall of our “Summertime Jesus” ad-
ventures, do so! What fun to see what everyone is up to this summer, and to recognize that Jesus
is right there with us. It is not too late to pick up a figure to color
and have tag along with you this summer—even if it is just to
your own backyard, we’d love to see you. Email your digital
photos to the church: [email protected]
St Thomas Times Page 5
Boys’ Home Outreach a Success
NOTE: Below are excerpts from an open letter, written by
Beth Smith, after returning from Boys’ Home. Pictures
are courtesy of Gail and Buzz Butler.
Saturday, the 28th of June was one of my favorite days for
a long time! I went with Hillary, Rebecca Kelly, Buzz, and
Gail Butler to Covington to visit Boys Home. Throughout
my childhood, I made trips to Boys Home with Girl Scouts
and church youth groups. I didn’t remember much about
the campus layout or even the beautiful mountains sur-
rounding the home. As an adult I have felt drawn to
make small contributions when I get flyers in the mail. My
good friend Jim Smith serves on the board and has kept
me up on the workings and on his workings with individ-
ual boys, the staff, the
new attempts at reju-
venation of diocesan
involvement with Boys
Home, one of our most
successful missions.
It wasn’t until I made
the trip on Saturday
that I felt in my heart
how special this place
is. I wasn’t ready for
such impact as a girl scout or an M.Y.F. member. But
seeing each of our St. Thomas crew enter into work de-
tails (raking, planting, cooking, and hauling water), and
seeing how willing and excited the boys were to assist us,
and how happy they were to have us visit, boosted my
ability to feel what it is to do the work God has for us all
to do. What a special time we had!
Becca, Hillary, and I wanted to see the chapel. It has a
large open window that looks out onto the peaceful quad
and the cottages. In
front of it was the
altar. A woman had
made a gift of a
beautiful quilt ban-
ner for Boys Home.
The boys carry it at
Council and carried
it for the Bishop’s
consecration. It was
simply gorgeous
and incorporated
many of the elements of the mountains round and the
Boys Home specialties. The chaplain told us the story of
one new little boy who decided to leave Boys Home in the
middle of the night. He got as far as the chapel as it was
in the dead of winter. She said she leaves pillows and
blankets for the boys to have if they want to come there
and “hang out.” She found him asleep the next morning,
curled up warm and cozy.
I have the best godchildren in the world. It was lovely to
spend the day with Rebecca, my youngest. She loved
talking to the boys and spending time with the ones who
were about her age.
One was from Nigeria.
They played basketball
on the Boys Home
team. They were so
happy to have her to
visit with them. I also
have the very best
priest in the world!
She’s amazing! Check
her out some time by
going on one of these
little excursions she
cooks up. I’ve attended the Channels trip and this one to
Boys Home. Hilary was even game for driving into a re-
mote part of Clifton Forge to see the face of Jesus in a
rock that slid down the mountain on a mud slide years
ago and dropped into place where all who drive by or
come to the still clear spring for water can see it.
Gail’s dogs entertained the younger boys all day long.
They loved them. They were a real hit! Great day! Can’t
say enough about it! You probably think I’ve said too
much! Thanks be to God for all our blessings!
St Thomas Times Page 6
St Thomas Helps Grace House Volunteers Help Others
At Grace House, out-
side St Paul, VA, while
youth from Rich-
mond’s All Saints
Episcopal Church un-
packed in preparation
for a week of service
work to local families
in need, St Thomas
clergy and parishion-
ers prepared a hearty
spaghetti supper for the stomach, and an evening
worship service for the soul.
Grace House—in one form or another—has been
serving coalfields communities for over a century by
providing a link between local residents and young
people with a desire to help. Students come to vol-
unteer from as
close as St.
John’s Episcopal
Church in Roa-
noke and as far
away as Albion
University, in
Michigan.
Grace House offers lodging in two bunkhouses which
will sleep up to 38 people. The dining area in the
main building has a large kitchen and a commons
room for worship and group activities. There are
trails on the 11
acre campus, one
leading to an out-
door chapel in the
woods. In addition,
groups can partici-
pate in sight-
seeing and visits
to local museums,
or have guest
speakers come to
Grace House.
Anita Boyd, Director
of Grace House
sums up their work
as follows: “It says
a lot about the de-
votion and care of
these individuals
who take time out
of their lives, come
to the mountains,
and do so for the
sole purpose of helping others. We feel truly
blessed to be a part of this great mission. For those
who do not get to come in person, please pray for
the mission of Grace House and all the individuals
who come to work.”
St Thomas Times Page 7
Burt Bassham Bid a Fond Farewell
Following the untimely death of Joyce, Burt
Bassham is beginning a new page in his life by
moving closer to his family in Texas. His ab-
sence is already being felt—as is Joyce’s—by
those accustomed to his volunteer work with the
Highlands Festival luncheons.
On his final Sunday at St Thomas, he was hon-
ored with a reception following the church ser-
vice.
Episcopalians Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Women's Ordination
Saturday, July 26, 2014, leaders and ordained
women from around the Episcopal Church
gathered in Philadelphia to celebrate the ordi-
nation of the "Philadelphia Eleven," the first
eleven women ordained in the Episcopal
Church forty years ago. Go tohttp://
www.episcopalcafe . com/ lead/wome n/
watch_video_of_service_celebra.html to watch
t h e s e r v i c e , a n d t o h t t p : / /
w w w . e p i s c o p a l c a f e . c o m / l e a d /
clergy/40_years_as_priests_where_are.html to
learn more about the "Philadelphia Eleven."
In an article in the National Catholic Reporter,
Bishop Jefferts Schori said she believes women
have brought "collegial ways of exercising
ministry and collaborative leadership" that
wasn't as fully developed when the priesthood
was exclusively male. "I think women as well
have brought a sense of what it's like to live on
the margins, not to be the norm in the larger
culture, and that's a gift in that it opens our
eyes to seeing the poor and children, immi-
grants, people who do not live in the center."
From left, the Revs. Alison Cheek, Carter Hey-ward and Jeannette Piccard celebrate a eucha-ristic service at Riverside Church in New York on Oct. 27, 1974. (RNS/Chris Sheridan)
St Thomas Times Page 8
St Thomas Times Page 9
Convocation Canoe Trips
Available This Summer
The River Adventure Program of our diocese will hold a
trip on August 16 on the New River, starting at Eggleston
and ending at Ripplemead.
This 7-8 mile stretch of the New River has class-one rap-
ids and a beautiful float through the Palisades, suitable for
beginners. The trip begins at 9:30 and will finish around
4:00. For information, call Laura Harden at 540-493-
4572. There is also a flyer posted on the parish hall bul-
letin board.
New in 2014! The River Adventure Pedal and Paddle on
September 26-28 will include biking on the Virginia
Creeper Trail near Damascus, camping riverside, and ca-
noeing on the New River in Fries!
This trip includes two overnights and the cost includes
meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch, bike
rental and shuttle, boats, tents, and equipment (bring
your own sleeping bag). Join us for this joint youth and all
family event (this fall’s Mass on the Mountain).
Options for the whole event, bringing your own bike, or
splitting into sections, make this a great way to enjoy
God’s creation and meet new friends! Registration for
Convocation Canoe Trips an be found online at:
www.youth.dioswva.org or call the registrar, Laura Hard-
en, at 540-493-4572.
For Your Information . . .
Golfers, there are actually TWO opportunities very
soon to enjoy your sport while supporting local out-
reach programs. There are registration forms and
additional information in the parish hall on the table
beneath the bulletin board: Saturday, August 2, 8:00
am, Greenway Creek Golf Course, Glade Spring, VA,
there will be an 18-hole tournament (Four Man Cap-
tain’s Choice Flights). The cost is $40 per per-
son. All proceeds will go to the Washington County
Habitat for Humanity projects.
Sunday, August 10, 2:00 pm, Clear Creek Golf Club,
Bristol, VA, there will be a tournament and din-
ner. The net proceeds will go to Faith in Ac-
tion ministries.
August 17 will be the date that Bishop Mark Bourla-
kas is scheduled to visit St Thomas. We also will have
a baptism and confirmations that day, followed by
a potluck luncheon.
Sunday, September 14, our outdoor worship service
and picnic is scheduled—to be held at the 4H Center.
Adult Forum is set to resume after a summer hiatus.
Beginning on Sunday, September 21, Dick Austin will
lead Adult Forum sessions on “Jesus in Jerusalem,”
continuing through November 23. More information
will appear in the September issue of the St Thomas
Times.
Change of address:
Nancy & Jerry Bates
367 Villa View Point
Johnson City, TN 36704
Postcard Drive: St. Thomas is initiating an outreach to the local
prison ministry at the Abingdon Regional Jail. The Chaplain,
Danny Thompson, has requested blank, stamped postcards of
any variety to supply the inmates with a means of writing home.
We are designating the last Sunday of August, the 31st, as the
collection date for the post cards. The loose plate offering from
that Sunday will also go to help the prison ministry. Please bring
postcards—the more personal the better, but any will do—on the
31st, and help share Christ’s Love.
St Thomas Times Page 10
St. Thomas Episcopal Church 276-628-3606 [email protected] On the Web: www.stthomasabingdon.dioswva.org
The Rev. Hilary Streever 276-451-8809 [email protected]
The Rev. Ellie Scofield 276-258-1640 [email protected]
Office Hours: Tuesday 9am – 3pm Wednesday 9am – 3pm
Sunday Worship: 9:30 am Children’s Chapel offered Sept-May Nursery available all year Adult Forum follows worship Sept-May
Wednesday Eucharist & Healing Service: 9:30 am
Wednesday Bible Study: 10:15 am
Marlene Buckles, St. Thomas Times editor
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
124 East Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210
Episcopal Church Addresses
World Crises
This past month the world has seen crises emerge in
different corners. As Presiding Bishop Katharine Jef-
ferts Schori has written, please flood heaven with pray-
ers for peace. If you're interested in learning more
about how you can help, please see the following links:
Learn how Episcopal Relief and Development, various
Episcopal dioceses, and Episcopal Migration Ministries
are helping the children at our border who are fleeing
violence in Central America at http://
www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/faith_and_politics/
helping_kids_who_cross_the_bor.html
The Anglican hospital in Gaza faces depleted supplies,
and according to a report they sent July 21, many have
fled to the hospital because they feel it will be safer.
To donate, go to the American Friends of the Episcopal
Diocese in Jerusalem website at https://
secure.qgiv.com/for/?key=friendsedj.
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