June 2016 - St. George`s church
Transcription
June 2016 - St. George`s church
The angelus A Newsletter of St. George’s Church, Newburgh In this issue: Hark! And mark your calendars for these upcoming events: This Month: 6/ 1 6/4-19 6/5 6/5 6/8 6/8 6/10 6/11 6/13 6/26 Re-Scheduled Licensed Eucharistic Visitor Training, 7pm Fr. Dustin on vacation Second Chance Acolyte Training (following 10am Eucharist) Newburgh Symphonic Chorale Concert at St. George’s, 4pm (p. 11) Sr. Girls’ Friendly Society Luncheon 1:15pm at River Grill (p. 8) EfM-style Theological Reflection Evening, 7pm Girl Power Zumbathon Fundraiser, 6pm Cemetery Work Session, 3:30-5pm (p. 5) St. George’s Cemetery Committee Meeting, 7:30pm End of Sunday School Celebration and Recognition, Vomero Renewal of Marriage Vows, and SGF Basket Drawing Coming Up: 7/3 Summer Worship Schedule Begins (9am Holy Eucharist) From the Rector Brothers and Sisters in Christ, June 2016 Birthdays & Anniversaries 2 Episcobuild 2 Choir 2 Food Pantry 3 EV Training 3 Sr. Girls Friendly 4 Cemetery 5 Warden’s Word 6 Conference 7 Welcome 8 RenewalWorks 8 RenewalWorks Survey 910 Chorale Concert 11 Newsletter Numbers 12 In these monthly newsletters, we look towards all the life, ministry, service, and spiritual growth that soon awaits us at St. George’s Church. Through the month of June, as we are wrapping up yet another full year of programming, I ask that we all pause and give some thought to where we have been. You will see in the pages of this newsletter a chance for all members to fill out a very brief survey of participation and experience in our congregational development and vitality activities offered in 2015-2016. Please do fill out this survey. Your input will be invaluable for making plans through 2016-2017, to make St. George’s into a spiritual home for all the congregation of today. I also have a special request of you. In the John Brown Room, you may have seen a large poster fixed to the wall. This Community Project is a Timeline of Significant Events in St. George’s History. Already included are many events that have been published in histories, celebrations, news articles, and various media outlets. What is needed of you is your own individual input. What is missing from the list? What are the high points and the low points of St. George’s that you experienced or are aware of? What were the triumphs? What were the failures? What are you proud and not- so-proud of? Where are the beginnings? Where are the endings? What are the “ages” at St. George’s? Golden Ages? Turmoil Ages? Ages of Growth? Ages of Decline? As I am working on a study of our congregation throughout the course of this year, your input will be crucial for an accurate picture of how St. George’s today tells its own story. For your time spent on these reflections of the past, I thank you deeply and look forward to another year walking forward on The Way with you again! Yours in Christ, 1 Upcoming Birthdays 6/1 Chandler Scott 6/6 Charmaine Thomas 6/7 Donald Dell 6/7 Gloria Lentini 6/9 Lorraine Herring 6/9 Verna Tragis 6/10 Brandon Rice-Thompson 6/11 Donna Gaul 6/17 Deirdre Glenn 6/19 Chloe Boyle-DeGroodt 6/21 June Agostino 6/21 Ellen Joy Finnegan 6/21 Lindon Thomas 6/22 Anne Thomas 6/23 Madison Khani 6/24 Ariana Sukhai 6/29 Michael Ward THANKS TO ST. GEORGE’S CHOIR S t. George’s Choir will sing at the 10 a.m. Sunday Eucharist through June 12. The group rehearses every Thursday evening and again every Sunday at 9:15 a.m., to lead the service music and prepare a great variety of anthems that illuminate the liturgical season and weekly lessons. It was a joy to welcome several new members from inside and outside the parish, but sadly we also lost several singers. Upcoming Anniversaries 6/8 Matthew & Ann Roberts 6/30 Guy & Keffion Mensah Musical Notes Walkers for EpiscoBuild raised $3,948 at the April 17 Habitat “Walk for Housing.” M any Thanks to our St. George’s walkers: Barbara Laddick, Leslie Hoffman, Tia Bennett and Fr. Wayne Schmidt who was one of two clergy carrying the EpiscoBuild banner. Our regular choir for the whole season has been Ralph Arce, Mary Barber, Anthony Cinelli, Jonathan Dobin, Alleyne Fraser, Carl Linich, Kyunghee Kim, Kayla Pryce, Michelle Roach, Wayne Schmidt, and Anika Sukhai. Jennifer Ponzoni sang until Christmas and resigned due to illness; Maria Bedo has taken her place. It was wonderful that Kennedy Barber-Fraser returned to sing at Christmas time and after completing her first year at Smith College. Trinity Barber Fraser and Naomi Roach sang for part of the year. The following have sung as substitutes on occasional Sundays: Suzanne Clune, Sara Heaton, Benedikt Kellner, Pam Morrill, Peter Sipple. Many people comment on how much the music means to them. It would be great if all of them would make even a token contribution to the Music Fund as a sign of their appreciation. A few people contribute significantly, but evidence of wider support is needed. Simply write “Music Fund” in the memo portion of your check. Chris King, Music Director cmking_92@yahoo.com 508-559-4868 cell Beginning in the Fall, a new house on Ann St. will be going up thanks to a $75,000 EpiscoBuild gift from a member of St. Mary’s, Tuxedo Park. Stay tuned for information about “work parties.” Margaret Sipple, EpiscoBuild 2 NEWS T he Food Bank of the Hudson Valley invited us to their annual reception. It is there way of showing appreciation to food pantries and soup kitchens for helping people in need. The program started with a speech by Mark Quandt who is the executive director of the Regional Food Bank of NENY. This is where most of the food we serve comes from. He gave statistics on how much food is given out in the 23 counties involved. He mentioned the grant applications and said many who applied expressed the importance of dignity when serving clients. The Caplan Bensley Foundation which has awarded us grant money for dogs asked that we display their banner. They also gave us a bust and picture of Jazzy who was the dog honored. Being an animal and especially dog lover I took this to heart. The following is a quote from the Foundation. “Providing free dog food to people may not sound like much, but when you see the relief in the eyes of people as they pick up the food then you realize the pain and worry of being in a situation where you are struggling to provide your pet with food. We want to take this weight off people’s shoulders, let them know that they can come to Jazzy’s Place to get dog food, and that they will not have to surrender their dog to a shelter or let it go hungry for lack of resources. I am really proud of what we are doing, we are showing people someone truly cares about what they are going through and understands the love they have for their pets, and we are making sure those pets stay safe by their owner’s side.” give clients. We have expanded this by ordering salvage cat food also. Our new freezer was delivered which will enable us to freeze more meats and vegetables. It will also be used to freeze bread. As we usually do a weekly run to the food bank for bread this will help cut down the amount of times needed. In the past we had to limit the amount ordered because of space. We couldn’t always take advantage of salvage meat allotted us but now can. The freezer will also help us cut down on the amount of times we have to pay a company to pick up food for us and thus save money. Students from Horizon on the Hudson visited our pantry with bags of food. Headed by Concetta Cracolici these gifted children come three to four times a year with donations from teachers and parents. Get Fresh Orange County events for the year will start this month. The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley will drop off up to 12 pallets of healthy food (including fresh produce and dairy) for pick up. This is a free event open to Food Bank members. It will be the third Wednesday of every month. It’s a good way to receive free produce and dairy. Wishing everyone a safe and good Memorial Day. Al Nucifore, Food Pantry Chair Re-Scheduled Eucharistic Visitors Training and Informational Program T We order forty pound bags of dry dog food and consolidate to make about 10 four pound bags to here will be a Eucharistic Visitors Training and Informational Program On Wednesday June 1, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. We’ll be meeting in the John Brown Room following Evening Prayer. The Eucharistic Visitors Training and Informational Program is open to everyone seeking more information about this very special ministry. Please let Deacon Vonnie or Margaret Steidle know if you want to attend. 3 Senior Girls’ Friendly Society News N ow that June has arrived and summer is on its way to our Hudson Valley region, we, like you, are anticipating good weather, good times, and such fun! And, if, indeed, you are in the market for a bushelful of summertime joy, the Senior Girls’ Friendly has the ticket for you!!!! Sorry, we can’t do anything about the weather, but our Hudson Valley Themed basket, valued at over $500, which will be raffled off on Sunday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the John Brown room, can provide you with good times and fun, originating here in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Our tickets, designed by Andre Scott, (thanks, Andre) are selling at $5 each, 3 for $10 and 7 for $20, and may be obtained from any member of the SGF and in the parish office, as well as on Sundays at the fellowship hour. The winning ticket holder need not be present to win. Among the items the lucky winner will find in the basket prepared by Gail Ahearn, with selections procured by the membership are the following: River Rose Tours and Cruises, Two gift certificates (4 tickets) Downing Film Center (4 tickets) Commodore Chocolatier gift certificate ($25) Henry’s at the Farm (restaurant) in Milton gift certificate ($100) Adams Fairacre Farms gift certificate ($25) Jones Farm gift certificate ($40) Subscription to the “Mid- Times” newspaper Subscription to “Hudson Valley Magazine”, “Hudson River School of Artists” landscape Art Book “Power on the Hudson”, by Robert Lifset “The Hudson River” photo book “Newburgh: the Heart of the City” by Patricia Favata “Eat Well”- St. George’s cookbook “Jones Farm Country Kitchen” cookbook “Orange County Bounty” cookbook Maple Syrup from Rhinebeck Honey from Pine Bush Bottle of Chardonnay, Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery Bottle of Red Trail wine, Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery Bottle of Pinot Noir, Brotherhood Winery Champagne with flutes, Brotherhood Winery Candleholder/bowl, Hudson Beach Glass Jewelry Box, Gillender Glass Christmas Ornament, National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Coffee mug, National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Cross Pen from Merrill’s Business Supplies Note Cards produced by Father Dustin, with a recent view of St. George’s Church Hudson Valley scenic photo note cards by local artist and photographer Carol Demicco, Finally, there is a paperweight of St. George’s Church which features a scene from 1910.Ticket buyers, if only you could obtain the paperweight before the drawing, for I am certain it would come in handy to keep in order and in place all the tickets you will be purchasing before the drawing. The SGF appreciates any support you can show by buying tickets and telling your friends about this great opportunity to win so many great, fun, useful, and beautiful items evocative of our Hudson Valley home which is a wonderful place to call home in every season. Our members had a happy time getting together the items and we were delighted and our hearts warmed by the generosity of so many of the businesses we approached in regard to our Hudson River Valley basket! On Wednesday, June 8, we will again have a blessed time together; first, sharing in the Eucharistic meal in the chapel and then going to The River Grill to lunch together and enjoy the beauty of good food, friendship, and the wondrous Hudson River which inspires us all and which gave rise to the basket. With the proceeds from the basket we hope to accomplish something good for our church and to reach outside the doors and walls of our dear church and help with ongoing ministries in the community. So, if you would like to be a part of all that, do we have the ticket for you! Catherine Costello, President 4 Cemetery LIFE A blessed June to one and all from the cemetery committee. Within the month of June is one of Richard Simms' favorite holidays: "Fathers' Day Eve". So, Rich, we wish you a very special Fathers" Day Eve and Fathers' Day with your son, grandson and daughter-in-law in South Carolina. It was great to see Rich recently as he was called north for work. Not only did his company work draw him here, but also Rich was drawn to work at St. George's Cemetery during his brief visit "home" at the work session held on May 21st. The cemetery is one of Rich's old haunts and a place he cares about deeply. So, thank you, Rich, for your love for our cemetery and for your help for readying it for Memorial Day and for your new ideas to aid in our maintenance, restoration, and preservation efforts. looks beautiful, as is fitting and good. Thank you to Bill Rose and crew, and his teenage sons Ryan and Matthew, who, in advance of Memorial Day, placed American flags (supplied by David McTamaney) at the graves of veterans buried in St. George's Cemetery. One of the tombstones at which they put a flag was that of Daniel Osborn, who died at age 16 in 1864 in the Battle of the Wilderness in the American Civil War. "Rest eternal grant to Daniel, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him. May Daniel's soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.” We also pray for all our fathers, those who have died and all who are living, and ask the heavenly Father that they may inherit the kingdom prepared for them in God's time. To prepare the grounds of our cemetery for Fathers' Day, there will be a work session on Saturday, June 1l, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. (rain date of June 18--same timeframe). It is hoped that parishioners will come, with gloves and loppers, just as good old dad would have done to help out the cause. The cemetery committee will meet on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the John Brown room. Interesting news will be revealed and plans will be made accordingly. You are welcome to attend to hear the news there and then. On another front, news that I can not keep from you any longer is that the special cemetery collection on May 22, brought in $1326.00 from the parish for the cemetery. The committee is grateful for your generosity and support for St. George's Cemetery. Thank you !!! We wish all the dads a happy Fathers' Day and a happy Fathers' Day Eve, as well and a happy beginning of summer to all. Catherine Costello, Cemetery Committee Chair Thanks to the Rev. Wayne Schmidt who mulched the flower bed which decorates the entrance monument, remembering the sailors, soldiers, and marines of all wars who gave their lives in service. Thanks for the labor and for purchasing the mulch. The area 5 Warden’s Word: When I was six years old, my uncle died suddenly. He was 31. He was not only my favorite uncle, he was really the only person in my extended family with whom I had a close relationship. I wouldn’t know until years later that he died by suicide, and even then I would find out indirectly, by putting together clues. All I knew when it happened was that he was gone, and that my mother was very sad. For years after my uncle’s death no one could say his name without her breaking into tears and saying “Oh, my dear brother — my dear, dear brother!” My mother’s grief was obvious, palpable, and perfectly understandable. She lost her little brother, her only brother, her sweet, funny, intelligent, handsome young brother. My grief never got named. After all, I was only a little kid. What could I have even understood about death, about my uncle, about what his loss meant? For the next year or two, my mother and I lit a candle for Uncle Greg every time we were in church. We sometimes went into a church just for that purpose. Years after that as a young adult, I continued the practice whenever I was traveling — I lit candles in churches for my uncle in many cities around the US and a few in Europe. Sometimes I would mentally calculate how old he would have been by that time, and I would think about what I would like to tell him to update him about my life. I was carrying him with me, but I was still not sure what to make of the whole thing. Did I even really remember him? Why was I lighting candles anyway? I had not forgotten him, but I was minimizing my own part in the story. I was just six. I was just his niece. It was just so long ago. He could not have been that special to me, and I could not have been that special to him. Many of us build up these hard shells to cover ourselves over, to minimize our hurts, to stifle our tears. My uncle’s death is maybe one of the earliest events that started me working on my own personal layers of protection. Some of that shell started breaking off last year, during Lent and Easter, around the anniversary of my uncle’s death. I started waking early in the morning with memories of him, my chest aching with waves of grief. I began tearing up at odd times and for no clear reason. I was waking up, not just to the fact of my uncle’s loss but to the physical feeling of that loss. I called my mother and asked her to send me photos of my uncle and me. I put his name on the Memorial Day prayer list. I talked with Alleyne and a close friend about what was happening. And now I am telling you. Can we really heal from what is hurting us without sharing our pain, our wounds, with others? As I am writing this, I am recovering from surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. Uncharacteristically for me, I didn’t keep news of my surgery from my co-workers and friends. I let my name be put on the church prayer list. I allowed other people to do things for me — to drive me around, to cook for me. I tried to resist urges to say, “No, I don’t need anything,” “It’s really nothing,” or to otherwise push people away when they asked how I was doing or offered support. And it has been such a gift, this time of slowing down, of letting myself feel cared for and a little special. It has definitely helped my healing to not have tried to soldier on, pretending to myself and others that it was really not that serious. It has given me an opportunity to get closer to people I care about, by letting them know what I was feeling and allowing them to be present with me. Why did my feelings of grief over my uncle’s death come crashing around me a year ago? Was it part of the spiritual growth I’m experiencing? Was it because I knew Kennedy would soon go away to college? Was I just having a midlife crisis? I really don’t know. And although after going through that period last year l feel lighter and more resolved about my uncle, I can’t say that I am “over” his death, or that feelings of mourning and loss about him will never come back again. But one thing I can say is that as painful as the experience was — physically painful, even — it was a really good thing. That crusty shell of denial, that cast that I had covered myself with, opened up just enough for me to be able to face new losses in a different way. In this past year, Kennedy left home and went off to college. I totaled my beloved prayer-mobile. And now I have lost a part of my body. None of these events is that unusual or particularly devastating in the big scheme of things. But they are not nothing. Each loss whether big or not-so-big deserves a little reflection, a little mourning, a little healing time. And a little sharing with others and accepting support. So I thank you, my church friends, for letting me tell you what is going on, and for your calls, visits, emails, and prayers. With God’s help I am growing closer to you, and with your help I am growing closer to God. Mary Barber, Warden 6 Warden’s Word: church is so high functioning. Our church has embraced the spirit of cooperation and unselfishness that other larger churches seem to have forgotten. It was a wonderful day and I was pleased to be a part of it. Sue Preece, Warden I had the honor of representing St. Georges church at the annual Wardens Conference on May 7th at Christ Church in Bronxville NY. After a warm welcome by Bishop Dietsche, Bishop Mary Glasspool was introduced and gave the keynote address. She spoke of transformation, the transforming of people transforming the world. As an example she spoke of Brenda Frese, a women’s college basketball coach who transformed a losing team to champions in six short years. She was criticized for having too many freshman players in her starting lineup. Her response was “age is just a number”. When they were behind she would call a time out to calm the players and remind them “ we only have to win the next four minutes”. Whenever the opportunity arose she would remind them “overtime is our time”. This last part really spoke to me as I often feel like I am in the “overtime “ of my life. I was fortunate enough to retire early and hope to have a very long overtime. She then went on to remind us of the many gifts the Episcopal Church has to offer the world. Most importantly the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Christ. The use of the Via Media, the Middle Road. She gave the example of “high” church and “low” church. She spoke of our beautiful Liturgy and our Celtic heritage and roots. And of our responsibility as Christians to embrace diversity and to be inclusive. After regaling us with many stories, some with a touch of humor, the Bishop gave us all a gift. An “Inukshuk”. Inukshuks are statues made of large stacked stones that served as markers in the Canadian Arctic. They were built by the Inuit People and used for directions or to mark food sources and camps. They were built in the spirit of cooperation, unselfishness and balance, all lessons we can continue to learn from today. After a wonderful Liturgy and lunch we began the afternoon with an update on strategic planning. There was talk of incentives for paying Diocesan Assessments on time (Kudos to St. George, we are up to date) and also of realistic penalties for those that don’t. There were also talks of putting together guidelines to help at risk congregations. We were asked to break into small groups and discuss these matters and asked for our feedback. Here comes the diversity part. Here I was, a retired prison guard, talking to a Dr. from South Sudan who works for the United Nations, and we were all there for the same purpose. Our small group contained 2 doctors, 1 CFO from a corporation, a home health aide and the retired prison guard. I felt so blessed to know that our St Georges 7 A I would like to take this opportunity to give my thanks and admiration for Deacon Vonnie. The 4th Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepherd's Sunday or in some denominations “Vocational Sunday.” On April 17,of this year (Good Shepherds Sunday) we heard Fr. Dustin speak to the many ways we as followers of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Ordained or Lay ministers can make a difference in the lives of others. Deacon Vonnie did precisely this for me. In early June of last year, I was looking for another parish for worship and hopefully become a member of that community. While attending a farewell service and luncheon for the Vicar of St Luke' Episcopal Church in Beacon, I noticed Deacon Vonnie speaking with a few people during the luncheon and being my usual self, I decided to introduce myself. I thought she was the new Deacon of St. Luke's. Deacon Vonnie and I hit if off immediately and that's when I learned she was the Deacon of Saint Georges. Or as I like to now call her, my Spiritual Sheppard. Following a heartfelt conversation about my dilemma in finding another parish where I felt comfortable, she handed me her card and said: " You might want to check Saint George’s out". She further stated that Fr. Dustin was on vacation and would not be back for two Sundays from that date. I decided to attend Worship services the following Sunday and immediately fell in love not only with Fr. Wayne (Rector Emeritus) and his wife Ann but also the people of Saint George's. Everyone was very friendly, warm and welcoming during in the exchange of Peace and coffee hour, that I decided to attend Services the following week and hear Fr. Dustin preach. That Sunday, I attended Services and I immediately knew that I had found my new spiritual home. In closing, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Three Shepherds (think about that for a moment ), of Saint George's Episcopal Church. I have found my New Parish. Amen, Ralph J. Arce little over a year ago, the Diocese invited St. George’s to serve as one of the pilot parishes for a new spiritual growth initiative called Renewal Works. Both Fr. Dustin and the Vestry gave their support to the idea, and a team of ten served on the Renewal Works Team and to attend several Diocesan workshops to learn more about the program. Fortyfour parishioners participated in the initial Parish Survey which guided the Team as it met last spring to design a plan for St. George’s. If you’ve noticed more references to the Bible in our life together, if you’ve attended a workshop on Spiritual Gifts, if you’ve to taken a deeper look at The Book of Common Prayer or if you taken part in the parish-wide reading of The Story, then you’ve taken part in some aspect of Renewal Works. It is now time for us to reflect on how things went in our first Renewal W orks year and to put together a plan for the coming year. In order to create opportunities that are as meaningful and effective as possible, we have designed a one-page, (two-sided) "June Survey" which we earnestly hope all our fellow parishioners will fill out. The survey can be quickly completed with check marks, although there is also space for comments - which we will welcome whether or not you were able to participate in any of the first year Renewal W orks programs. The first side of the survey seeks feedback on Year One, and the second side seeks your feedback on possibilities for Year Two. Please check only those programs you personally would like to participate in. Print copies will be available on the back table in the Church and in the John Brown Room or you can tear out the survey on next page of your newsletter. The link will also be available in the Friday Email blasts. Please return your completed survey to the marked box in the John Brown Room. The results, which will be collated by Mary Barber and Andrea Chester during the month of July, will form the basis of a Renewal W orks Team planning meeting in August. Help us help St. George’s to become the spiritually-vital community of faith God wants us to be! With many thanks, from your Renewal Works Team: Mary Barber, Andrea Chester, Catherine Costello, Alleyne Fraser, Donna Gaul, Deacon Vonnie Hubbard, Glen Macken, Barbara Shelley, Margaret Sipple and Fr. Dustin Trowbridge. 8 PLEASE TEAR OUT, FILL OUT, AND DROP OFF THIS SURVEY AT ST. GEORGE’S! 9 10 11 a look at the numbers: H ere, below, is your monthly update from our church records about Sunday worship attendance and offerings for the month of May. Our average attendance was 67, down from last year’s 72 Figures for the last week of May will be included in next month’s newsletter. 1-May 2-May 3-May 4-May 8am Attendance 12 16 12 12 10am Attendance 54 40 73 48 $2,489 $2,120 $2,769 $1,590 8am Attendance 12 15 11 8 10am Attendance 42 66 62 72 $3,636 $2,730 $1,367 $1,682 THIS YEAR (2016) Pledge & Plate Offerings LAST YEAR (2015) Pledge & Plate Offerings Belong at St. George’s Church Sunday Worship Wednesday Worship 8am Holy Euchar ist Rite I (Spoken) 12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist (in the Chapel) 6:30pm Evening Prayer (in the Chapel) Sunday School: 9:45am (all ages) 10am Holy Eucharist Rite II (with Music) Contact Us St. George’s Church 105 Grand Street Newburgh, NY 12550 Office hours: Tues.-Fri. 9-1 phone: 845.561.5355 fax: 845.561.2443 stgeo105@verizon.net www.stgeorgesch.com The Angelus The Angelus is the monthly newsletter of St. George’s Church, Newburgh, New York. Submissions of articles, parish announcements, and photographs are welcomed. Please email your submissions by the 24th of the month to: stgeo105@verizon.net. 12
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