To grow in Christ, sharing his love

 April 2016
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 408 South Main S treet Horseheads, NY 14845 607-­‐739-­‐5226 www.stmatthews.steepleconnect.com The Rev. Wanda Copeland Guest Musician: Carrie Hooper Parish Administrator: Carol Drake Sexton: Bill Game Find us on Facebook To grow in Christ, sharing his love From the Pastor’s Desk Page 2 House of Bishops meeting on Racial Injustice Page 3
1 Spring Art & Craft Fair Page 6
elephants, butterflies, whales, lady bugs; and make much of the earth uninhabitable. I realize so often this is about benign neglect. We aren’t malicious in our ‘work’ or our play, but we do severe, often irreparable, harm anyway. Yesterday, I spent several hours at the Pacific shore in Oregon. I was quite impressed by all the erosion caused by this winter’s storms. Clearly, some of the ferocity of these storms is part of a natural cycle. But scientists from many different disciplines tell us that the sum of changes in our world and its climate cannot be explained by “natural” cycles. (I don’t know if you have carried several gallons of water at once, but with each gallon weighing 8.3 pounds, you get tired pretty fast. Imagine the pressure on our planet when all of us, weighing far more than a few gallons of water, are “weighing down” on this earth.) Humans are playing a substantial role in fouling air and water, resource depletion, and shifting the topography of our planet. It ‘wonders’ me that when we are small children and learning about the world, how life’s lessons are predominately taught through illustrations related to God and God’s creation. We learn to count using 1 apple, 2 giraffes, 3 ponies, 4 carrots, and so on. We learn colors by looking at the blue of ocean, the golden sun, and other living things. We talk about sounds, like the rush of the wind, the honk of a goose, the bark of a dog, etc. Overall, it seems we make sense of our world by…well…making sense of our world. In doing so, we place ourselves squarely in—
or immerse ourselves in—the context of being one of God’s creatures, just another part of all that is. Yet, as we grow (and get more sophisticated?) we learn differently. We talk about humans as different, as the only sentient beings of creation (those able to perceive beyond self). We emphasize physics, calculus and geometry, and literary skills of reading and writing. And while all those things also have a basis in humankind’s awareness of our place in creation, we often use them as a crowbar to push ourselves away from the interconnectedness of life we learned and affirmed in our youngest days, and celebrating that we are just ‘lower than the angels.’ There are so many things we can do and not do as our part of making this world a better place to live. One of them is to remind ourselves as Christians and people of faith that we are uniquely positioned to name and claim this issue. We believe in a benevolent God who created all things (go back and read Genesis 1-­‐‑3 again). Our care for our earth should not be a laundry list of shouldn’t and cannot. Rather, our stewardship of creation is a reminder that God made all things holy and sacred. God’s very being is instilled in our world. It is a privilege to help God mind the store of creation—taking very little for our needs, and using our wisdom to learn ways to walk more lightly on the earth. I believe you know by now that I have a deep passion for our care of creation. My childhood was shaped by days and nights spent in nature, perhaps as yours was. I have continued to honor the natural world as an adult, not shying away from being known as a tree-­‐‑hugger. I believe that we must do more to raise awareness, not of the fragility of life, but of the sacredness of life. I believe the strength of life is equal to a spider’s web, or a silkworm’s gooey strand. It is, rather, the ability of creation to continue to be hospitable to humans that I see as a pre-­‐‑eminent, urgent issue. When we talk about “this fragile earth, our island home” (from Rite II, Eucharistic Prayer C of The Book of Common Prayer, 1979), I think we misspeak of the root of the danger. The earth will continue to turn unless we do something really cataclysmic. We are much more likely to destroy our own ability to live on this planet, and in doing so, take with us so many plants and animals we love—
This season of Easter, at the 5:30 and 10:15 services, we will be praying a ‘creation’ liturgy. It is one more way to remind ourselves that all is a gift from God, and it is our sacred honor and duty to love the creation in God’s name. I hope you will enjoy the prayers, and hymns, and that you will let me know what you think of the liturgy. As always, if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, I am always happy to listen. Blessed Eastertide to you all. Wanda+ 2 Easter Altar Flowers Given
In Loving Memory of
Leaders call on Episcopalians to heal ‘pain of racial injustice, division’ Our departed loved ones by Richard and Jean Coon José Medina, Robert Klaus, Dorothy Paci by Nick and Diana Medina Mitchell and Julia Kozyra, Ralph and Marjorie Maack by Arlene and David Maack Carl A. McGlaughlin by Allena McGlaughlin Dorothy Clark by The Plaskie Family Molly Slator, John H. Slator by Ruth and Virginia Slator Elizabeth Rodewald, Marion Galusha by Brigid and Neal Galusha Our Grandparents and Albert’s Dad by Albert and Kelly Comfort In Great Thanksgiving for Our Family by Terry and Gary Fox The Resurrection of our Savior by Wanda Copeland Jessica and Cari by Mary Vasey Mady, Tony, Joe and Kayla Medina by Nick and Diana Medina Flowers from Zeigler’s Florist The leaders of the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops and House of Deputies March 12 issued a letter “to welcome sisters and brothers in both Houses and ultimately all Episcopalians to join us” in the ministry of racial justice and reconciliation, as called for last summer by General Convention in Resolution C019. “The pain of racial injustice and division has wracked our church and the many communities where we both proclaim and embody the gospel of Jesus Christ,” they wrote. “Our collective prayer and action can begin to heal what is broken and nurture the Beloved Community that is God’s dream for all.” Please visit the Diocese website to read the letter in its entirety. We pray for Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, our presiding bishop; Skip, our bishop and shepherd; Wanda, our rector; Barack our President, those running for President, Andrew our Governor, and the leaders of nations, that they may turn from seeking their own power and serve all people with honesty and diligence. We pray for healing and protection for Nancy, Kathleen, David, Gabby, Dori, Fr. Tracy and Susan, Linda, Carol, Maddy, Marylou, Fran, Charlie, Steve, Jack, Shirley, Peggie, Tammy, Jim, Joyce, Emma, Bill, Gabriella and for all our shut-­‐‑ins. Lent Madness, the annual bracketed 'competition' between saints continues until the final two who compete for the Golden Halo. Stay tuned for our winner! 2016 EASTER FLOWERS 3 APRIL ANNIVERSARIES PRAYER CHAIN St. Matthew’s Prayer Chain is online. This group prays for anyone in need of prayer for illness, disease, disaster, emotional problems, physical problems or needs, whatever we can pray about. We pray for the person and/or their situation for 2 weeks. If the need is ongoing or has changed, we renew the request through updates. It is a joyous time when we can change to thanksgiving prayers for something that’s better. If you have a request for prayer, contact any member of the prayer chain: John and Janet Wilson, Barb and Dave Talbot, Bill Game family, Bill and Barb Statham, Brigid Galusha, Jan and Charlie Clemens, Jan and Don Temple, Ethel Massey, Peggie Diello and Kitty Rolfe. Contact Kitty Rolfe if you would like to join the prayer chain. 739-­‐‑7151 or 742-­‐‑4771; email kjmr41@aol.com 5 7 12 13 19 22 24 25 26 9 11 David & Geraldine Lapp John & Janet Wilson Ordination Anniversary April 10, 1984 – The Rev. Nancy Lane April 2/3 April 9/10 April 16/17 April 23/24 April 30, May 1 Prayers for the Troops Wednesday, April 6th 6:00 p.m. Wisner Park All are welcome. Call 739-­‐‑4027 for more information. APRIL 1 Carol Packard, Barb Talbot Terry Fox, M. Clark-­‐‑Plaskie Dori Fulk, Jan Clemens Carol Packard, Kristin Eames Bill Game, M. Clark-­‐‑Plaskie READERS and CHALICE BEARERS, April 2/3 5:30 pm 8:00 am 10:15 am April 9/10 5:30 pm 8:00 am 10:15 am April 16/17 5:30 pm 8:00 am 10:15 am April 23/24 5:30 pm 8:00 am 10:15 am Barb Talbot Christopher Baynes Judy Peters Rev. Wanda Copeland Kristin Eames Michele Micallef Dick Zeigler Barbara Zeigler Tom Plaskie David Oldfield Steve Samchisen Margaret Clark-­‐‑Plaskie Tom D’Angelo Deborah Kelly Diana Medina 4 Holy Eucharist Rev. Laura Daly, Guest Celebrant Mark Armstrong Janet Wilson Tony Medina, Stephanie Lewis P. Diello (B. Talbot), Chalice Evening Prayer/Holy Eucharist Judy Peters Marie Roller Mady Medina, Mary Vasey M. Vasey (K. Eames), Chalice Holy Eucharist Mark Armstrong Dori Fulk, Bill Game, Chalice Charlie Clemens, Jan Clemens/ C. Clemens (J. Clemens) Chalice Holy Eucharist Gary Packard Marie Roller Grant Crossley, Bill Statham/ M. Vasey (B. Statham), Chalice April 30/May 1 5:30 pm 8:00 am 10:15 am SUNDAY SCHOOL Holy Eucharist Judy Peters Janet Wilson Joy Overacker, Tony Medina/ J. Overacker (K. Eames), Chalice All Children are welcome at 9:00 am to attend Sunday School ADULT FORUM 9:00 am The St. Mathews Adult Education Class meets Sundays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am in the parish library. We explore topics, both contemporary and historical, by examining them through the lens of religion. Politics, literature, scripture, and culture are all fair game. Adult Education Schedule for April: 2/3 9/10 16/17 23/24 APRIL FLOWERS Aldythe & Ron by Wanda Copeland Open Doug Mace by Jean Mace Open April 3: Parts Three and Four “Have a Little Faith” April 10: Peter and Paul April 17: Peter and Paul Respectfully submitted, Mark Armstrong Through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Sloan Audrey Tremper, daughter of Thomas and Amber Tremper, was made a member of Christ’s Body, the Church and an Inheritor of the Kingdom of God on Saturday March 26, 2106. HAPPENING #65 For teens in grades 9-­‐‑12 The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York presents Happening #65. Come enjoy a weekend filled with fun, fellowship, and faith. This weekend is for teens in grades 9 – 12 WEDNESDAY MORNINGS Spring weekend: April 15-­‐‑17, 2016 The Wednesday morning Bible study meets from 9:45 am—11:30 am. In the past year, we have branched out from the traditional look just at the Bible to explore related topics, which get at more of the ‘why’ behind our religious beliefs. Bible Study will not meet April 6th or April 13th , as Mother Wanda will be out of town. Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, April 20th. Vanderkamp Retreat Center 337 Martin Rd. Cleveland, NY 13042 For more information contact either Dan or Judi Brayer at 607-­‐‑259-­‐‑7633 or visit the Diocese website. 5 30 HOUR FAST EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN ECW is sponsoring a craft fair on April 16 with lunch and bake sale, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. What can you do to help? Bring baked goods to the parish hall on Friday, April 15. Help prepare and or serve lunch. Come buy things at the fair. Volunteer to sell baked goods. Bring all your friends and anyone you meet in your travels. Tell your Facebook friends. Contact Marie Roller or Allena McGlaughlin. Thanks. St. Matthew’s Youth Group will participate in the 30 Hour Fast on May 13 & 14. For more information, please contact Barb Talbot. 2016 Hunger Free Manifest He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. (Psalm 146:7, NIV) This will not be easy. 30 hours is only the beginning. Still, we are relentlessly working to end global hunger. Our faith in God guides each of us. It empowers us to stand strong in the face of challenges. It drives us forward toward the goal of a Hunger Free world. God tells us in Psalm 146:5-­‐‑7, to put our hope and trust in Him. Through Him, great things can happen, but we must be faithful. It is up to us now to hear those words and act. To fast. To be transformed and to transform the lives of others. Go hungry with us for 30 hours. Stay hungry for justice with us for a lifetime. Together, we can end this epidemic. Respectfully submitted, Kitty Rolfe, ECW Respectfully submitted, Kitty Rolfe Spring Art & Craft Fair PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Prayer Shawl has delivered 2 prayer shawls this month-­‐‑one to Kathleen Beardsley for healing and one to Sloan Tremper for her baptism. So there is space in the Prayer Shawl bin for more. Keep your needles moving and creating. Handmade prayer-­‐‑over shawls are very meaningful to the people who receive them. Saturday, April 16, 2016 9:00 am – 3:00 pm No admission fee We will meet on Wednesday. April 6 and Wednesday, May 4 at 6:30 in the parish library. Hope to see you there. Bake Sale! & Lunch (available for purchase) 6 BROWSE & BUY CHILDREN’S CLOTHING CLOSET The Clothing Closet is a ministry of St. Matthew’s and Trinity Church in Elmira. We are open the first four Wednesdays of the month from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Volunteers from both churches give clothing to families in need of clothes for their children. Donations of gently used clothing should be placed in the bin designated Children’s Clothing Closet across the hall from the kitchen. Thanks for last month’s donations. Please contact Kitty if you have questions. We called, you answered. Thank you so much for all your generous donations over the past two weeks. We certainly appreciate your support! This is an exciting time at Browse and Buy, as our customers are gearing up for spring and they are excited with all the spring items that Browse and Buy has to offer. Our drop off days for April are Thursday, April 7th and Thursday, April 21st from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm. Please use the side door. Thank you again for all your donations, keep them coming! God Bless, Barb Statham Kitty Rolfe, Chair UNITED THANK OFFERING How thankful are we that the bitter winter weather is gone? How happy are we to see leaves appearing on trees again! Daffodils! New growth everywhere! I, for one, am very thankful. And I can show that by adding some more coins to my blue UTO box. Add the coins in my box to the coins in the rest of St. Matthew’s boxes and add that to the national total and it will really take care of many problems around the world. New UTO boxes and envelopes are in the Narthex. We will be gathering in our UTO boxes on May 1. So make your box heavier between now and then. The world thanks you. Thank you to this month's volunteers: Melody Chilson, Shirley Fitzpatrick, Frieda Newell and Pat Stewart. The food requests for the month of April are canned peas, pasta and rice side dishes, sloppy joe mix and personal care items are greatly appreciated. If you would like to volunteer, please contact me at 607-­‐‑846-­‐‑2617. Respectfully submitted, Arlene Maack Respectfully submitted, Kitty Rolfe HORSEHEADS FOOD PANTRY 7 Good Luck! Christopher Eames JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL I am very excited to share that I have been given the opportunity to attend an intensive training wrestling camp at the University of Minnesota for the month of July. My hope is that this camp will increase my skill level and better my chances of being offered a college scholarship. I am trying to raise some money to help pay for this camp. So, if anyone has any work that they would like me to do, I would appreciate the opportunity to earn some extra money towards the cost. Furniture moving, Spring cleanup yard work, babysitting, etc. I'm also collecting bottles/cans for return deposits. Once again Congregation Koi Ami, located at 1008 West Water Street in Elmira, will be hosting its annual Jewish Food Festival on Sunday, April 10th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, which will include $3 in food tickets. Children under 13 admitted free with an adult. Come take a trip back in time to the gastronomical delights of the Lower East Side of New York City. Let MY muscles work for YOU. Call me if you need me, 739-­‐‑6198 Christopher Eames JOIN US for a SPAGHETTI DINNER Saturday, April 9th 4:30pm – 6:30pm New Beginnings United Methodist Church 300 East Miller Street Elmira, NY 14904 607-­‐‑734-­‐‑2293 $4.00 for Children under 12 years $6.00 for Seniors
$7.00 for Adults The Wounded Healers’ Bereavement Support will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, April 12, 2016. 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm St. Mary Our Mother School 811 Westlake Street, Horseheads, NY 14845 For more information call: 607-­‐‑796-­‐‑2795 8 SAFE CHURCH TRAINING St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Horseheads will conduct a Safe Church Training on Sunday, May 22nd, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Lunch will be provided. SPRING CELEBRATION LABYRINTH WALK The Diocese of Central New York will provide the materials and resources needed to assist the parishes to become safe havens against harassment and sexual exploitation. We recommend and encourage all people, paid staff, parishioners and volunteers to be trained. There are three aspects of the Safe Church Ministry: training; promotion of good standards, policies and procedures; and response to incidents that occur. Training is valid for five years at which time certification should be renewed. Trinity Episcopal Church, Elmira Friday, April 15th 7:00 pm Spring is a time of awakening, new life, new beginnings, fresh starts and more. Join with others in welcoming the long-­‐‑awaited gift of Spring. Come plant seeds with us as we symbolically plant the seeds of dreams, hopes, plans, and all we want to grow and bring forth in this new season of unlimited possibilities. We will walk the labyrinth in joyful celebration, prayer, and contemplation of Spring’s arrival. Please plan on attending this Safe Church training if you are a member of the Vestry, a leader in our church, or a volunteer within the Diocese. Please call the Parish Office to RSVP so St. Matthew’s can plan accordingly for lunch. WORLD LABYRINTH DAY “The World Walks as One”
DONATE ONLINE Mark your calendars now for Saturday, May 7th. The World Labyrinth Day walk that will begin at 1:00 pm across the world (in their own time zone). Local labyrinth walkers are invited to join together at the Our Lady of Lourdes Labyrinth, 1100 West Church Street, Elmira. You can donate online to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Go to http://stmatthews.steepleconnect.org, click on the Donate tab at the top of the screen and chose a one-­‐‑time donation, 12 monthly donations, or 52 weekly donations. You can change the name of the fund you want to donate to for a single donation option to anything you want. For example: Altar flowers for Aug 10th or pledge payment for July 27th. You only need a credit card to use the one time option. The other two options monthly and weekly do require a PayPal account. Be sure when you do go to the site to make a donation that you see: Payment Verification Key (PVK): 7082-­‐‑E30D-­‐‑
DEC6-­‐‑53E4 at the bottom of that page so that you know you are on the secure site. Website: http://stmatthews.steepleconnect.com. If you can offer treats and would like to serve for coffee hour following Sunday 10:15 am service, a sign-­‐‑up sheet is posted in the narthex and also in the kitchen. Please consider volunteering your time and treats! 9 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PRAYER Dearest Lord, We thank you that for over one hundred and fifty years you have graced and blessed your servants at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church with the opportunity to reach out and make a difference in our community and in the world, to share your light, love, and word. As we strive to become the people you call us to be, we ask for the continued blessing and wisdom of your Holy Spirit. May every decision made in this new calling to repair your house, grow the generations, and build your mission be in line with your will for this church and for your servants. May we continue to walk with you as children of light, drawing others to worship and to serve you, in the blessed Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. LOST AND FOUND Alex & Ani Bracelet Swimming Suit and Flip Flops Gray Winter Coat & Scarf Please call the parish office to retrieve your lost items May 2016 Acts & Facts Deadline: Please submit articles to the office by Monday, April 18, 2016. Thank you! 10 APRIL 2016
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Office Closed
3 4 5 The Second Sunday of
Easter
8:00 am Holy Eucharist
9:00 am Education
Classes
10:15 am Holy Eucharist
11:30 am Coffee Hour
6 No Bible Study
6:30 pm Prayer Shawl
7:00 pm AA meeting 2
1 7 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Browse & Buy Shop
Open
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist
Rev. Laura Daly, Guest
Celebrant
8
Office Closed
10:00 am-1: 30 pm
Browse and Buy
Donations Drop Off
9 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Browse & Buy Shop
Open
4:30-6:30pm Spaghetti
Dinner, New Beginnings
UMC, Elmira
5:30 pm Evening Prayer
Rev. Laura Daly, Guest
Celebrant
10 11 The Third Sunday of
Easter
8:00 am Holy Eucharist
9:00 am Education
Classes
10:15 am Holy Eucharist
11:30 am Coffee Hour
12 13 14 15
Office Closed
No Bible Study
6:30 pm Vestry
Meeting
7:00 pm AA meeting 7:00 pm Labyrinth,
Trinity, Elmira
Happening #65
16 Browse & Buy Shop
Open 10:00 am – 2:00
pm
Craft Fair & Lunch
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Happening #65
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist
17 18 19 The Fourth Sunday of
Easter
8:00 am Holy Eucharist
9:00 am Education
Classes
10:15 am Holy Eucharist
11:15 am Coffee Hour
25 26 27 9:45 am-11:30 am
Bible Study
7:00 pm AA meeting 21 Office Closed
10:00 am-1: 30 pm
Browse and Buy
Donations Drop Off
10:00 am-2:00 pm
Browse & Buy Shop
closed
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist
24 The Fifth Sunday of
Easter
8:00 am Holy Eucharist
9:00 am Education
Classes
10:15 am Holy Eucharist
11:15 am Coffee Hour
20 9:45 am-11:30 am
Bible Study
7:00 pm AA meeting 22
23 11 28 29
30
St Matthew’s Episcopal Church 408 S. Main Street Horseheads, NY 14845 WORSHIP SERVICES Saturday 5:30 pm Holy Eucharist Sunday 8:00 am & 10:15 am Holy Eucharist 9:00 am Education Classes 11:30 am Coffee Hour BIBLE STUDY 9:45 am Wednesday CLERGY AND STAFF The Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. Adams III The Rev. Wanda Copeland, Rector Carol Drake, Parish Administrator Carrie Hooper, Guest Musician William Game, Sexton 12