February 2007 Evangel - St. Paul`s Episcopal Church

The mission of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is to worship God and
to bring all into a loving relationship with Jesus Christ
WISE RETIREMENT DINNER
It is hard to know where to begin! The
evening at MTSU’s Tennessee Room on Jan. 29th
was lovely, with some 320 guests on hand, both
from St. Paul’s and the Diocese, punctuated by
the magical music of our own Elizabeth Gassler,
Tyler Loucky and Jillian Smith during the social
hour (with an open bar graciously provided by
several St. Paul’s couples) and a splendid dinner
arranged by Collier Smith. Exquisite floral table
arrangements along with a huge floral decoration
gracing the podium were courtesy of our talented
Flower Guild
Chairmen Juanita Williams
and her team
(with a few
pointers picked
up during her
recent training
at the National Cathedral). Tracey Ring and her
committee ably assisted at registration (with superb preliminary organization from Church Administrator Susan Greenall), and in directing
guests to the bars and to sign the matted invitation, which will be framed and presented to
Gene and Janelee for posterity!
David Rowe prepared an artistically designed program for each guest, and the tribute
portion of the dinner was emceed by a member
of the Screen
Actors’ Guild
– or no, was it
our own Diocese’s Randy
Dunnavant,
who gave Letterman a run
for his
money! The program struck just the right note of
humor, thanksgiving and love for the ministries
of Father Wise and Janelee during their fifteen
years in our midst. Bishop Bertram Herlong and
his wife Vickie, Cathedral Dean the Very Rev.
SPECIAL LENTEN SERIES
WITH DISTINGUISHED
AUTHOR ROBERT BENSON
Your parish leadership is extremely excited about this year’s Lenten program. We have
arranged for a very special guest to lead our
Wednesday evening series, Robert Benson.
Robert is a well-known author and speaker on
spirituality. His books have received tremendous
critical acclaim and are treasured by thoughtful
readers. As a speaker, Robert is very highly
sought-after for retreats and lecture series. He
travels extensively, speaking and teaching, and
has developed a large following of loyal readers
and listeners.
If you ask him,
Robert will tell you that
he writes books devoted to
paying attention—to God’s
presence in the day to day
events of life. Although
the overt subjects of his
books differ, each one
speaks to a different experience of paying attention. Over the years, he’s become impressed by
the way we tend to dismiss the little things God
does, the little ways he speaks to or communicates with us. We miss the opportunities we have
each day to experience communion with God.
Robert will lead us in a series entitled
Living Prayer, and each week we will focus on a
particular part of prayer practice that is a part of
our tradition. Our time together will most certainly be an opportunity for each of us to experience terrific growth and a renewed awareness of
God’s presence in our lives.
Please join us for this very important
event in the life of St. Paul’s. We’ll begin with
Eucharist at 5:30, followed by a delicious soup
supper together. After our meal, Robert will
speak to us. Please come prepared to experience
this essential opportunity for spiritual nourishment and challenge.
(Continued on page 2)
February 2007
BEGINNING OF LENT
www.stpaulsmboro.org
a monthly newsletter
published by
St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church,
Murfreesboro, TN
A Word From the Wise
February 2007
Dear Friends in Christ,
A friend of mine in Southeast Florida was, by his definition, a West Virginia
cracker. When he and his wife were planning the reception for their daughter’s wedding,
he referred to the reception as “a goat roping.” I thought that was an interesting way to
describe a reception, and I asked why he had chosen that term. He told me it was because
it was used to describe the absolute best parties he attended in West Virginia.
Well, if that is an accurate term, then you have just given Janelee and me one great
“goat roping” for our ministry celebration. By our standards, everything was perfect. The
music was beautiful, we had wonderful participation with an awesome group of Christians,
the food and beverage were excellent, and the “spirit” of the gathering was glorious and
graceful.
Those speaking were pastoral and generous in their reflections – we were deeply
touched. Your presentations and gifts were beyond belief. This congregation has always
been generous, but this was overwhelming – thank you, thank you, thank you.
Our ministry here has been enhanced and even shaped by your love, friendship and support. We have held in
common the love of Jesus and our passion for our Parish. I cherish the bestowed title “Rector Emeritus” because it gives me a
permanent relationship with the Parish we love so much.
You will always be in our prayers and in our hearts.
Much love and God’s Blessings,
Gene & Janelee Wise
Wise Retirement Dinner
(Continued from page 1)
Kenneth Swanson, and
Randy Dunnavant all
expressed their gratitude
both personally and on
behalf of the Diocese
Gene served in so many ways while he was our Rector at St.
Paul’s. Our congregation, represented by outgoing Senior
Warden Newton Molloy (who bestowed upon Gene the title
of Rector Emeritus) and brand new Senior Warden Chuck
Phillips, reflected on what Gene’s ministry has meant to us
all during this time, and I had the honor of representing all
the senior wardens who worked with Gene and presented
the Wises with a beautiful watercolor painting of their home
on Cherry Lane, done by Arlene Schoemaker.
ning ended with remarks from Gene and Janelee. It was a
most touching and altogether fitting way to salute the vital
contributions of our
rector and his wife for
their years of service and
for their individual and
joint contributions to
the tremendous spiritual and physical growth
of St. Paul’s Murfreesboro from 1991-2007.
Thanks to everyone named above. Thanks to Betty Davis for
getting us connected with all the right folks at MTSU, and
to Collier's committee of Jeannie Roberts, Fant Smith, Kristi
Hay, and Joe Ennamorato, who designed the wonderful caricature for the invitation! And thanks to all those unnamed
who also had a hand in this awesome event, for a job superbly done!!
A musical tribute from choir director Angela Tipps
and husband saluted the couple with a vocal rendition of
“Our Love Is Here to Stay.” Ken Halliburton and Mike
Becker made the presentation from the whole congregation
of a most generous monetary gift for the Wises, and the eve-
Marcie Richmond, Event Chair
2
Senior Warden’s Letter
Chuck Phillips
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
Recently Father Greathouse preached a sermon about the miracle of the wine at the wedding feast. The point that I
took away was that in times of uncertainty we should be watchful and perhaps expectant of the good things God is doing—even
miracles! This certainly struck a chord with me concerning our parish this coming year. We are all aware of the uncertainty
involved as we begin searching for a new Rector. Speaking for myself I know that this has been at least a “little unsettling.”
But here is the great news! St. Paul’s is in great shape and is well positioned for this important time. We have wonderful and vibrant ministries. We have a very talented and committed staff and clergy. We have a deep pool of talented lay leaders.
Most importantly, we share a strong faith in God and a desire to serve through St.Paul’s ministries. All of these things woven
together give us a strong sense of community and family that truly enables us to share God’s love.
The health and vitality of St. Paul’s was so obvious that the consultant that worked with our vestry late last summer
told us that St. Paul’s should expect to attract the “best and brightest” because of the opportunity we have to offer a parish
priest.
In light of all the above and an awesome vestry for 2007, I believe we should expect only the very best of futures as we
move forward. Surely there will be “opportunities”, but I believe these will give us the chance to grow and involve an even
broader cross section of our membership.
In the words of Father Wise, “it’ll be okay.” If we stay focused on our mission and discerning God’s will, I know that it
will be more than okay, it will be great!
God’s Peace,
Chuck
A REFLECTION ON THE ANNUAL MEETING
Mason Smith
I grew up Presbyterian. And not the fun kind of
Presbyterian, either. No, this was the hard-core, frozenchosen, predestined-to-sit-and-have-the-Word-wash-over-you
kind of Presbyterian. Each year, that church had an annual
meeting. It consisted of tacking an extra fifteen minutes
onto an already lousy service and voting on leaders. Congregants hastily submitted their ballots and scurried out the
door, bemoaning the fact the Methodists would have beaten
them to lunch at Bucky’s Broasted Chicken.
We don’t have this problem at St. Paul’s. In fact,
parishioners actually enjoy going to the annual meeting.
One hundred twenty of us would not have appeared if we
did not enjoy it. Not to say the cookies and finger sandwiches after the proceedings were not fine enticement, the
people who came and took their programs on that cool January night actually had a warm spark in their eyes.
Who wouldn’t want to join this event? Though
there is a salute to Robert’s Rules of Order and some procedural activity that the rules dictate, the annual meeting gives
us a chance to look back at previous year and a time to see
where we are according to the diocese, the bank, and the
community.
As a corporation, it is necessary for the Treasurer to
make an annual presentation to the stockholders, if you will.
New Treasurers Bill and Kathy Jones prepared a report that
really demonstrates fiscal responsibility. Space and a slight
case of numerophobia will keep explicit discussion of the
figures from this article, but if you’re thirsting for a number
fix, they were printed in the program and are available for
the asking.
The other functional necessity of the annual meeting is the election of four new Vestry members. This year’s
slate was a dandy, heavy with experienced church leaders.
Careful scrutiny revealed nary a bad apple on the list. In a
stroke of parliamentary magic, the parish elected four new
members in one vote. This saved Chancellor John Green
the onerous task of explaining further balloting procedures.
With the election done, we were able to thank Ed Arning,
David Kirkham, Newt Molloy, and Terri Sterling for their
service over the past three years and welcome Barry Huber,
Jeff James, Robin Newell, and Marcie Richmond to the next
three years of service. The others who stood for election
have also been encouraged to attend Vestry meetings and
take an active part in leading the parish.
With Senior Warden Chuck Phillips and the 2007
Vestry in place with solid finances and parishioners who
seek the best in all things, we are set for a fabulous year.
Sure there will be anxious times, but we’ll have good times,
too. And we’ll always know, thanks to the annual meeting,
that it’s gonna’ be all right.
3
INTERIM PRIEST-ON-STAFF SEARCH PROCESS IS WELL UNDERWAY;
SUPPLY PRIESTS TO ASSIST ST. PAUL’S IN MEANTIME
Search Committee for the Permanent Rector Search Process to be Named by 2007 Vestry in Coming Weeks
In addition to making personal contacts throughout
the Diocese of Tennessee and the region, we are running ads
in The Living Church and Episcopal Life, two national publications published by the Episcopal Church.
We are seeking a trained interim priest to serve with
us for a period of time. Training for interim priests is offered through a variety of recognized organizations; we are
requiring this type of training because interim work is very
different from serving as a permanent priest, and we want
the right fit for St. Paul’s.
We will be interviewing candidates in the coming
weeks, and we will keep you posted as soon as plans become
more definite.
Supply Priest Progress
The search for an Interim Priest-on-Staff for St.
Paul’s, to assist our church until a new permanent Rector is
found, is well underway.
Last fall, the Vestry named a committee comprised
of Newton Molloy, Joyce Adkins, Kathleen Herzog, Fran
Lovell, David Rowe, Terri Sterling, Fr. Matt Greathouse,
and Father Gene Wise to begin planning and work on finding an interim priest after the Rev. Gene Wise’s retirement.
The Reverend Randy Dunnavant, Rector at Church of the
Good Shepherd in Brentwood, was retained to serve as a
consultant to the committee for the search process. Fr. Dunnavant has extensive experience in working with other parishes in this capacity and once served as a church deployment officer as well. Chuck Phillips, Senior Warden for the
2007 Vestry, also has joined our committee and is serving
with us.
The group has been meeting and working to put
plans in place to provide assistance to our current staff in
the form of supply priests and an Interim Priest-on-Staff,
who will serve with us until our permanent Rector is found.
Interim Priest-on-Staff Progress
In the meantime, following Father Wise’s retirement effective February 1, we have in place a network of
supply priests who will be with us on Sundays and possibly
on other days during the week. Because our church is a
large church with many needs, programs, and plans, we need
some ordained assistance not only on Sundays, but at other
times during the week.
We feel that our plans are progressing well, and we
will have the support we need to assist Fr. Greathouse,
Logan Hurst, Angela Tipps, and Susan Greenall, our church
staff.
Currently, our plans and work are aiming at having
the Interim Priest-on-Staff with us as early as April 1, if the
right person can be found by that time.
THIS SPRING IN
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASSES
It’s that time again. If you’ve got questions about faith,
Christian tradition, or the Episcopal Church, please join
Logan and Fr. Matt for five lively Monday night discussions—beginning on Monday, February 26 from 6:45 to
7:45 in the Student Ministries Center.
We have some exciting offerings planned for Adult
Christian Education this Spring. Currently, David Rowe is
leading a study titled “Called to Wander: Exodus”. This
study explores the story of the Exodus and how the Israelites’ time in the wilderness tested them, taught them to depend on God, and prepared them to enter the promised
land.
Beginning Sunday, March 4, Don Clayton will lead
an eight-week “Invitation to the New Testament,” which
will be very similar to the Old Testament course that Ron
Messier led in the Fall. There is a study guide available for
the course for a cost of $8.00. Please see the sign-up for a
book . This offering will focus on the Hebrew Scriptures
that shaped the world into which Jesus came, and formed
the context for his life and ministry.
Both of these offerings will take place at 9:55 a.m. in
the Parish Hall. We hope to see you there!
MEETING REMINDERS
The Men’s Club meets the first Thursday of each month. The
February meeting was held on February 1st, at 6:00 p.m. Ladies
Night Out met the same evening, February 1st, at 6:00 p.m. at the
home of Libby Willis. Please come out for the March meetings of
these groups.
The Daughters of the King meet the third Thursday of
each month. The next meeting will be on
February 15th, at 6:30 p.m.
The Vestry meets on the second
Tuesday of each month. The next regular,
monthly meeting will be on February 13th,
at 6:00 p.m.
4
DIOCESAN CONVENTION — A GREAT DAY FOR ST. PAUL’S
As our Rector retires, he can take with him a real sense of harvest from the work of the Diocesan Convention just completed. While chairing the Convention was among the last things in the world he would have wanted, being in that position,
as President of the Standing Committee at a time when there was no sitting diocesan bishop, was itself a sign of the confidence
and respect he had earned throughout the diocese.
Additional affirmation of his ministry came in the election of two St. Paul’s members to key positions in diocesan leadership. Ed Arning led the balloting for Bishop and Council, an administrative and planning committee that, among other
things, devises the annual budget. David Rowe was elected to the Standing Committee, a seven-member body of advisors to
the Bishop who serve as the direct liaison and voice of the diocese to our chief pastor. When asked what gifts the nominees
would bring to their positions if elected, Ed Arning talked about the lessons he had learned from St. Paul’s and Fr. Wise in
stewarding gifts wisely and reaching out to encourage the ministry of others. David Rowe cited the leadership St. Paul’s and Fr.
Wise had shown in being people of conviction and yet loving, living, and ministering with people whose convictions might
differ from our own.
May we all continue to grow into the gifts we have received from our special congregational life and leadership.
FILL THE ARK
Make plans now to join us for the Wednesday
evening Lenten Soup Suppers, beginning March 7th and
running through March 28th. Our worship service will
begin at 5:30 each week, followed by the soup supper.
Our speaker—
noted author,
Robert Benson—will begin
his program at
6:30. Watch
for sign-up
sheets in the
Parish Hall.
We'll need
soups, breads,
and cheeses
each week. If
you are interested in helping, please call Susan Greenall at St. Paul's
(893-3780) or e-mail (stpaul@bellsouth.net). We are excited about our best-ever program for this important
Lenten season. Childcare will be provided each week.
Please join us.
th
On the first Sunday in Lent the Parents’ Group will
distribute Arks and Activity Calendars to families who are
interested in participating in the Fill the Ark fundraiser for
Heifer International. As
you and your family fill
your ark-shaped bank with
coins, you’ll meet the animals in Heifer’s Ark: alpaca, bee, camel, chicken,
cow, donkey, duck, fish,
goose, guinea pig, horse,
llama, pig, rabbit, sheep,
water buffalo, and the
wonderful yak. Together,
you’ll learn how these animals help families through wool,
honey, milk, and in dozens of other ways. You’ll also learn
more about the environmental benefits of using animals
wisely on a small farm. We will collect the Arks on Sunday,
March 25th, to be presented as part of the offertory at the 8:45
service. The Arks can be picked up in the Narthex or at the
Parents’ Group Forum on February 25th.
FR. WISE RECOGNIZED AT CONVENTION
The 175 Diocesan Convention recently meeting at Christ Church Cathedral adopted a resolution celebrating Fr.
Wise “for his devoted service” and gave “praise to God for calling in to leadership in our midst.” The resolution of appreciation cited his twenty-two year career as priest and rector “leading souls to Christ and offering the hope, comfort, and empowerment of the Lord through Jesus Christ” and mentioned particularly the following services he has rendered to the Diocese:
–Spiritual Director of Tennessee Episcopal Cursillo
–Member of the Standing Committee and President “as it served as the chief juridical authority in the Diocese”
–Host of the Diocesan Convention.
In all this, said the Convention, he has “earned the love and respect of the Episcopal Church throughout the Diocese for gracefully exercising his gifts of hospitality, evangelism, and humor.” In recognizing his past achievements it also prayed “that the
Lord may equally grace his continuing ministry in the years to come.” Among those sponsoring the resolution were “all those
in the Diocese who have so richly benefitted from his labors.”
5
YEARNING TO
WORK WITH
YARN
ST. PAUL’S 11th ANNUAL
WOMEN’S RETREAT
APRIL 20—22, 2007
Do you knit? Crochet?
Want to learn? There seems
to be a growing
interest among
the young ladies
of all ages at St. Paul’s in getting together to
stitch, pray and create with yarn. We would like
to invite you to join us on Tuesday, February
20th, at 6:30 in the Student Ministry Center for
an organizational meeting and yarn swap. Yarn
crafters of all ages and abilities are welcome to
join us—bring your own needles or hooks and
yarn if you have them, and there will be extras
available to share if you’re just getting started.
Our purpose is to enjoy the fellowship of
working together to produce hats, scarves,
shawls, and baby blankets for people in need of
such items. Our prayer is that time spent in
service together will build up each of us
individually and all of us together into that life
giving Body of which Christ is the Head. Our
expectation is that we will have fun! Call Suzanne Cate for
more information.
Nurturing Friendships with Women in the Church
FRIENDSHIP
is a powerful word. It’s
something many people
take for granted. Friendship can be powerful and
positive. What a glorious
relationship it proves to
be, where trust, honesty,
faithfulness, loyalty, being
a good listener, and love
are what count. Friends
can be a source of selfesteem, affection and
good times. Friends offer
hope.
Developing and
sustaining friendships
takes effort and commitment. At the Retreat, you will learn how to move beyond
your comfort zone to find potential enriching friendships.
Registration forms will be available in the Parish
Hall in February.
Please contact Liz Huber 890-5259 or Robin Newell
895-8374 if you have any questions
GIRLS NIGHT IN
For all women of the church - please join us the first Thursday of each month for Girls Night In, 6:00 p.m. at the
home of Libby Willis (730 E. Burton Street). No agenda, no
requirements, just stop by to visit; bring friends! If you're
not totally wiped out by your day, bring your favorite beverage and/or snack. If you are, just drag yourself along and
enjoy some well deserved relaxation and good company.
Just a couple of
weekends ago,
the Episcopal
Campus Ministry retreated to
the Smoky
Mountain National Park in
ECM WINTER RETREAT Gatlinburg,
TN for a time
of spiritual reflection and adventures in one of the
most beautiful places in the country. Throughout the
weekend of games and hiking, the group bonded and
nurtured one another spiritually. It was nice to take a
break from the books and enjoy one final relaxing
weekend before school really takes off for the semester.
ECM wishes to thank all of St. Paul's for its continual
support and wonderful home-cooked meals! Here's to
another great semester!
SOUPER BOWL
It's Super Bowl "season" with the tremendous build
up and build down before and after the NFL Big Game.
Let's remember the hungry in our community and replenish
the shelves at the Rutherford County Emergency Food Bank
that were depleted during the Christmas season.
Please bring a plastic bag of canned goods—soup,
vegetables, fruit, and beans—to church on February 11 and
18 and place in the large baskets in
the Narthex outside the sanctuary. We will deliver those food
items to our Food Bank and help
those less fortunate, in the name of
Jesus Christ, in our community. For
more information, contact Terri
Sterling at 848-6852. Thanks!
6
MARDI GRAS LUNCH, FEBRUARY 18
Beginning at 7 a.m.. Sunday, February 18, and continuing
through the lunch hour following the late church service, a great
Mardi Gras lunch, silent auction, and live auction will be held in
the Parish Hall to benefit our St. Paul’s Youth.
The purpose of the fifth annual Youth Program fundYOUTH MISSION STATEMENT
raiser, the only Youth fundraiser St. Paul’s does every year, is to
Worshiping God
raise money to defray cost for the mission trip our junior high
and bringing Youth into a loving relationship with Christ.
and senior high youth will take this summer.
Back by popular demand, Kathleen Herzog and Mac McCord are the “ragin’ Cajuns” who will prepare the authentic
Louisiana luncheon for the entire congregation. They and their cooking team will serve sausage and chicken jambalaya, Sensation Salad, French bread, and bread pudding with whiskey sauce. The youth will serve the expected large crowd, and lunch tickets will be presold for two Sundays before the Feb. 18 lunch and auction. Please buy your tickets early so we can know how
much food to plan!
The auction committee is led this year by Melissa Warren, who is still looking for “a few good men and women” to help
make this the most exciting and profitable auction yet!! If you have an auction item or willingness to help, please call Melissa
Warren at 556-1968. We will also have a table set up Sunday, Feb. 11, in the Narthex after each service to take your auction
item commitments (you don’t have to bring the item then---just give us the information!).
Starting in the wee hour of 7 a.m. Feb. 18, you can view and bid on silent auction items of all price ranges on display in
St. Andrews Chapel. The silent auction will end at 11:15 a.m.
We will set aside a good number of great auction items for the live auction that will begin at 12:45 p.m. in the Parish
Hall. Volunteer auctioneers Tim Seneker and Joyce Adkins will “call” the items before the crowd---it’s always a lot of laughs and
great fun!
Mark your calendar and participate in this fun and important Parish-wide event Sunday, Feb. 18!
MEN’S RETREAT COMING
March 16-18, 2007
Popcorn Theater explores what it’s like
When Life Catches Up to You,
using the 1991 movie
“The Doctor”
A movie about a surgeon who thinks he’s got the world
wrapped around his little finger . . . until he is diagnosed with
cancer and becomes a patient himself. His story is a lot like
mine, and maybe like yours.
What does it really mean to be strong?
What does it really mean to be a success?
What does it really mean to be in control?
What is life really all about?
MEN’S CLUB MOVIE NIGHT
In addition to our normal dinner gathering
on the first Thursday of the month, we have
started an informal “Men’s Club Movie
Night” on the third Thursday of each
month. We will typically meet for dinner at
a local restaurant at 5:30, then see a movie
chosen by our own “panel of experts” (who
will never, ever select a “chick flick”!) If you
are interested in participating in this activity,
please e-mail Don Clayton
(donclayton@bellsouth.net).
Registration forms for this weekend retreat will
be available soon on the Men’s Club bulletin
board in the Parish Hall.
• Plan to come.
• Plan to bring a friend.
• Be prepared for outstanding fellowship
and talk about the things that really matter.
7
ELIZABETH VON TRAPP
MENTORING FAMILIES
NEEDED FOR
“FAMILY FRIENDS”
PROGRAM
BENEFIT CONCERT
FOR
THE INVISIBLE
The Welcoming Team on the Vestry has developed
a new program, called Family Friends, to help welcome and
orient newcomers to St. Paul’s. Headed up by Ted Esker,
this program pairs newcomers with existing families of similar characteristics. The objective is for the newcomer family
to have a “mentor” family of sorts, for an instant connection
(and, who
knows, a possible
lifelong friendship!).
The
mentor families
will communicate with the
new family several times during
a three-month to
six-month period
of time, make
sure the newcomers are connected to programs and information they want and need,
and perhaps accompany them to an event or two.
The program is flexible; we have a “tip sheet” ready
for mentor families and friends; and we will make the initial
contact to set things up. If you’d like to be a mentor family
or help with this important ministry for St. Paul’s, please
contact Ted Esker at 615-319-1094 or 615-893-8971, or at
tdeskr@bellsouth.net.
CHILDREN OF
UGANDA
The Diocese of Tennessee
will host a benefit concert for the
Invisible Children of Uganda. Elisabeth Von Trapp will
perform at St. George’s Sunday March 18, at 4:00 p.m.
Following the concert, the Daughters of the King will host a
reception, at which time Elisabeth will sell and sign her
CD’s. 10% of the proceeds of the sales will also be donated
to the Uganda Project.
Tickets for the concert are $15 each and may be
purchased directly from the Diocesan office. Send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope to the Diocese of Tennessee
with your order enclosed, and your tickets will be mailed to
you.
Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee
50 Vantage Way, Ste. 107
Nashville, TN 37228
Attn: Concert Tickets
The deadline to purchase tickets in advance is Sunday, March 4. After this time, tickets will be sold at the door
for $20. 100% of the proceeds from the concert will benefit
children in Uganda, through sending school materials and
school supplies, building schools, providing scholarships,
and helping the child mothers to provide for their children.
Ticket order forms and information brochures
available in the parish hall.
Between the Dreaming and the Coming True: The Road Home to God
Robert Benson
WHAT ARE YOU READING?
If this book is any indication, those who plan to attend the Lenten study series with Robert Benson are in for an
amazing treat. In a style that is as comfortable as a pair of favorite shoes, Benson leads us on a trail through his
own stories of drowning in despair, laboring at the daily grind, and building tricycles for kids. For these challenges and joys, he shows that time can indeed be our friend, almost as good a friend as that voice of God we can
hear if we allow ourselves to pay attention.
Jerusalem 1913: The Origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Amy Dockser Marcus
(Available April 2007)
Tackling a subject like the origins of the troubles in modern Israel is big, even for a Pulitzer Prize winning author
like Marcus. In just under two hundred pages, she does manage to give a readable overview of the events in and
around the City of David in 1913, the last year people seemed to get along there. Palestine was a different place
before World War I, mainly due to the iron fisted rule of the Ottoman Empire. As the Turks were thrown out
and the British given a mandate to rule, the anger that is in our news every day saw its first conflagration.
8
THE RIGHT REVEREND JOHN C. BAUERSCHMIDT
11th BISHOP, DIOCESE OF TENNESSEE
David L. Rowe
When the newly-consecrated Bishop Bauerschmidt donned his cassock and miter
and stood before us holding his crozier, the diocese’s hard work of the last two years in
finding and electing him finally came to fruition. He has already impressed people with
his warmth, wisdom, and humor. His first statement as Bishop was to make amends for
something that, for a Southerner, was unforgivable. During his speech at the celebration
dinner the night before he had recognized the family and friends who had come to be with
him, but in focusing on proper delivery he had “forgotten my mother!” After introducing
her and his father to the congregation he ran over to give, and get, a big hug. It was a delightfully human moment.
Which comes naturally to him. He is, as he said, a Southerner, born in Portsmouth, Virginia, reared in Columbia,
South Carolina, and, after graduating from General Seminary and being ordained a deacon and then priest in 1984-1985, returning to lead congregations in Albemarle, North Carolina and then at Christ Church Convington, Louisiana.
(www.christchurchcovington.com), a large and active congregation that hosts a private Episcopal school. The many people here
who asked Louisiana friends about him received the same reply: We have elected an outstanding Bishop.
Quiet and somewhat self-effacing, he will also be among the best and brightest minds in the House of Bishops. In
1987 he undertook graduate studies in theology at Pusey House, Oxford University, Cambridge. Administrative gifts, honed as
rector of large and successful congregations, will stand him in good stead as he provides practical leadership to us.
Bishop Bauerschmidt is a traditionalist but not wedded to dogma. He listens to all points of view and shepherds the
whole flock. Already he has visited and worshiped at St. Ann’s and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Churches in Nashville. One to
break molds, he and the family will be living in the historic area of East Nashville. His preacher at the consecration, the Rev.
Pamela Snare from his former diocese, offered an inspirational, heartfelt, and forthright guide to both the new Bishop and his
flock on how to live faithfully together as Christians in this time and place.
He will also be one of the youngest members of the House of Bishops. At age forty-nine, his episcopate promises not
only to be fruitful but long. May the spirit of joy and celebration that has marked the beginning of his ministry with us grow
into years of partnership as, together with him, we all engage in the joyous work of growing the Kingdom in our midst.
ST. PAUL’S WHOLE FOOD BUYING CLUB
St. Paul's has formed a Whole Foods Buying Group.
Taking part in it is a great way to save money and to eat more
healthfully! We already have sixteen families signed up and
we're hoping to welcome more of you into
this month's buying cycle.
We purchase our foods through
Morningside Buying Club, which has
been operating from Liberty, Tennessee,
for about twenty years.
(www.morningsidefarm.com). Barb
Joyner, who runs Morningside, has a
wealth of information about healthy
eating and is committed to education and
making healthy food affordable. We make
our individual orders on the Morningside website during a
short, four-day, specified time period and the food is
delivered to the church on a Tuesday afternoon each month.
A small example of foods available (and it's an
amazingly extensive list!) are organic Muir Glen tomato
products, organic fruit juices, organic crackers and cookies,
whole grains (rice, quinoa, barley, oats, wheats, pastas,
cereals), a huge variety of vitamins, bath and beauty
products, local honey, olive oil, milk and
cheeses, etc. etc. We can buy in bulk by
cases or in smaller quantities.
Barb Joyner will cheerfully answer
any questions you have about the foods or
the ordering process if you e-mail her
through the Morningside website listed
above.
Pidge Cash has volunteered to be
coordinator. She and Matt Greathouse
are planning a "how-to" meeting watch the Sunday morning announcements for the date and
time for the meeting.
If you have any questions, please contact Pidge or
Fr. Matt (mlgreat@bellsouth.net). We hope to have you join
us!
9
20
6:00 pm Vestry Meeting
13
Tue
NO ECM
7:00 am & 5:30 pm
Imposition of Ashes and
Holy Eucharist
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
ASH WEDNESDAY
7:00 am & 5:30 pm
Holy Eucharist
6:00 Soup Supper
7:00 Lenten Series
w/ Robert Benson
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
7:30, 8:45 & 11:00 am
Holy Eucharist
8:45 am Children’s Church
4:00 pm Jr. High
6:00 pm St. High
6:00 Pilgrimage
6:45 Confirmation Class
5:30 Men’s Club
Movie Night
15
Thu
16
Fri
17
Sat
6:30 pm
Daughters of the King
21 LENT 22 LENT 23 LENT 24 LENT
6:00 pm ECM Dinner
6:30 pm Jars of Clay
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am Lectionary Study
7:00 am & 5:30 pm
Holy Eucharist
14
Wed
25 LENT 26 LENT 27 LENT 28 LENT
8:45 am Children’s Church
4:00 pm Jr. High
6:00 pm St. High
6:00 Pilgrimage
19
18
7:30, 8:45 & 11:00 am
Holy Eucharist
6:00 Pilgrimage
12
Mon
8:45 am Children’s Church
4:00 pm Jr. High
6:00 pm St. High
7:30, 8:45 & 11:00 am
Holy Eucharist
11
Sun
FEBRUARY 2007
MEMBERSHIP RECORDS UPDATE
If you have moved, changed your home or cell phone
numbers, or have had a change in your e-mail address,
please contact the church office to update your records.
Sarah Canada , 2/1
Shaun Cassidy , 2/1
Sally Gaither , 2/1
JeanMarie Martin , 2/1
Nicole Phipps , 2/1
Matthew Warren , 2/1
Joe Ennamorato , 2/3
Enid Wiborg , 2/3
Alison Jones , 2/4
Nancy Harris , 2/5
Leigh Foster , 2/7
Shannon Gannon , 2/7
Briana Luchtefeld , 2/7
Sidney Roberts , 2/7
Anne Curtze , 2/8
Joyce Tillotson , 2/9
David Palmer , 2/11
Ca'tricia Robinson , 2/11
Doris Demos , 2/12
Julia Harris , 2/12
Ralph Smith , 2/13
Gabriel Martin , 2/14
Christopher Sterling , 2/14
George Williams , 2/16
Janelee Wise , 2/16
Elizabeth Anderson , 2/17
Cyndy Barnett , 2/17
Bill Cox , 2/18
Jeff James , 2/18
Jon Byron Kirkham , 2/18
Matt Clayton , 2/20
Chuck Phillips , 2/20
Betsy Slaney , 2/20
Zachary Ring , 2/20
Liz Huber , 2/22
Paul Long , 2/23
Kent Sterling , 2/24
William Tocco , 2/24
Susannah Brown , 2/25
Rob Foster , 2/25
Sally Reese , 2/26
Logan Sargent , 2/26
Nora Smith , 2/26
Katie Lou McCusker , 2/28
PUBLICATION DEADLINES
The deadline for announcements in the Sunday
bulletin are due in the church office by Thursday,
12:00 noon, each week. Articles for the monthly
Evangel newsletter are due in the church office by the
third Monday of each month. The deadline for the
March Evangel is Monday, March 19, 2007. Please email all information to stpaul@bellsouth.net
PARISH STAFF
Chuck Phillips, Senior Warden
Fr. Matt Greathouse, Associate Rector
Dr. David L. Rowe, Assistant to the Rector
Ralph Smith, Assistant to the Rector
Angela Tipps, Minister of Music
Logan Hurst, Minister of Youth
Michael Hurst, Minister of Youth
Susan Greenall, Office Administrator
Tiffany Spilker, Director of Nursery
Kathy & Bill Jones, Co-Treasurers
Joyce Adkins, Junior Warden
Jeff James Junior Warden
Bill Williams, Facilities Manager
Fr. Gene Wise, Rector Emeritus
VESTRY
Rodney George, Kathleen Herzog, Alex Hollis,
Barry Huber, Fran Lovell, Robin Newell,
Marcie Richmond, Tim Seneker, Fant Smith
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
315 E Main Street
P. O. Box 261
Murfreesboro, TN 37133
Church Office
615.893.3780
Office Fax
615.893.2892
Office E-mail
Website
11
stpaul@bellsouth.net
www.stpaulsmboro.org
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 261
315 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37133
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage
PAID
PERMIT 189
Murfreesboro, TN
Return Service Requested
Ash Wednesday Services
Special Lenten Series with distinguished author, ROBERT
BENSON, begin February 28
February, 2007
by
Hank Haines
Life is a slow moving train.
---The Dixie Hummingbirds
In the 1960s meetings like it were common in many towns North and South. There they sat—civic and church
leaders of the black and white communities—trying to loosen those tense knots, attempting to solve problems that divided
their community into two camps. They were at an impasse. A black man of some age broke the silence. “I don’t know
what’s going to happen here, but I know we’re all going to the same place . . . eventually.”
As 2006 drew to a close three men of considerable prominence died. They scarcely could have been more
dissimilar. Saddam Hussein, James Brown and Gerald Ford, all God’s children. The impossible Saddam? The Bible tells us
that, yes, he’s one of the Master’s too.
However sweet or sad our earthly song, one day we must sing it before the inevitable throne--football player,
soldier, banker, homeless wretch, movie star, child, criminal, for all the ground will be level at the moment of judgment.
The hard part is realizing this as we occupy our brief moment on this tiny planet.
Jesus has love for all people—those you like and those you don’t like.
Fr. Wise 1/28/07