The Sword of The Spirit Crocker Hall Dedication November 2, 2014

The Sword of The Spirit
November 2014
Saint Paul’s Church
www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
Crocker Hall Dedication
November 2, 2014
Transforming
Lives
Through
Jesus
(203) 775-9587
Reculer Pour Mieux Sauter
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; prosper
the work of our hands.
(Psalm 90:17)
Vol. LXI-No. 11
The Sword of the
Spirit was started
in 1954 by the Rev.
A. Pierce Middleton
Dear Friends,
We have to know where we have been in order to know where we are
going. As we journey into our 230th year as a parish, it is time for a
celebratory pause. In a few days, we will joyfully take a backward glance
along with a forward look, all centered around a recognition of God's
timeless blessings and never-ending faithfulness. The French have a saying
related to moments like these: "reculer
pour mieux sauter," literally meaning,
"Taking a step backward in order to
leap farther forward."
This All Saints’ weekend, we will
dedicate Crocker Hall,
commemorating all those who have
gone before us making this present
moment possible. Simultaneously, we
will renew our vision toward a
glorious future, poised in strength and
ready to reach out toward generations
to come.
Please note the two events
surrounding our festivities: Saturday from 4 to 6 pm, where we will gather
to rejoice in our completed parish hall; and Sunday at 9:45 am, where we
will formally dedicate Crocker Hall with a new plaque through a special
service. We have composed a special liturgy just for this moment, and may
it reflect who we are, where we have been and where we are going.
Everyone has a part, so please make every effort to be present.
God has prospered the work of our hands, and with God's favor, there are no
limits on how we may touch the world in Christ's power. How blessed we
are to share God's love together as a spiritual family in such a wonderful
church. Thank you, each and every
one of you, for all that you are to God's
St. Paul’s Church
174 Whisconier Road
glory.
Faithfully your Rector,
Brookfield, Connecticut 06804
(203) 775-9587
www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
The Rev. Joseph Shepley, Rector
Beth Miller, Parish Office Coordinator
2
The Saints of Saint Paul’s
(for all the deceased members of Saint Paul’s who influenced us in our spiritual journey)
G
race be unto you and peace:
Knowing that our gratitude will never cease.
You were our nurturers, exemplars, teachers, and friends.
Our spiritual guides, our means to an end.
You started us off on our journey to God,
Through ups and downs, you helped us trod –
To follow in your footsteps and make our way,
To devote and commit, and be willing to stay –
To build Saint Paul’s strong, come what may.
W
e admired your work and followed your guidance.
We listened and watched when you took a stance,
To embrace Saint Paul’s mission, to transform and to pray,
To envision our growth and never stray.
You gave of your time, talents, and treasures.
Your faithful commitment to our Lord gave you pleasure.
You taught us always to persevere –
To live our faith which we hold dear,
As we continue to build communion with our peers.
N
ow, it is our turn to Jesus lead others:
Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers –
To guide them on along their way
Just as you did for us in your day.
May we be as loving, diligent, and kind
In teaching the love of God in heart, soul and mind.
May you always be there by our side
To help us spread God’s word both far and wide.
And never, ever, stop being our guide.
By Wrey Synder Trompeter
3
† This Week at St. Paul’s
Thu, Oct 30
Sat, Nov 1
Sun, Nov 2
Mon, Nov 3
Tue, Nov 4
Wed, Nov 5
Thu, Nov 6
Sat, Nov 8
Sun, Nov 9
4
- 7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary
- 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall
10:00 am - PraiseMoves, Crocker Hall
11:00 am - House of Prayer, Sanctuary
4:00 pm - Crocker Hall Celebration, Crocker Hall
All Saints’ Sunday
8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist
9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study, Class Room
9:45 am - Crocker Hall Dedication, Crocker Hall
10:30 am - Sunday School
10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist
2:30 pm - Youth Group Juniors
4:00 pm - Youth Group
All Soul’s Day
5:30 pm - Christian Caring, Tuck Room
7:00 pm - Stephen Ministry, Guild Room
- 9:15 am - Ladies Bible Study, Guild Room
7:00 pm - Boy Scouts Troop #5, Parish Hall
- 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I & Healing
- 7:30 pm - Mission Committee, Guild Room
7:30 pm - Property Committee, Classroom
7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary
- 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Crocker Hall
10:00 am - PraiseMoves, Crocker Hall
11:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Crocker Hall
11:00 am - House of Prayer, Sanctuary
Twenty
Twenty--Second Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist
9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study, Class Room
9:30 am - Rector’s Forum, Guild Room
10:30 am - Sunday School
10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist
4:00 pm - Youth Group
C
Attention Parents and Parishioners!
ome check out our new Sunday School Central bulletin board in the Sunday School
hallway. This week we have added index cards to our Wish List, labeled with items and
gift cards that the Sunday School can use to better meet the needs of our students each Sunday. If
you would like to donate an item, simply remove the top index card with the item name (to remind
yourself!) and record your name and email address on the card below (to let us know!). You can
bring the item in at your earliest
Thank You from the Nursery!
convenience and give it to Heather,
he nursery continues to look better and better - thanks to many Nicole or leave it labeled in the
generous donors! Thank you so much to Mary Allen for
church office. Thank you so much in
donating many wonderful books to the nursery library. The nursery
advance for your support. .
will continue to accept donations of any kind for this age group,
T
including any cute push, pull or walking toys!
The Hearts to Hands Ministry and the Christian Caring Committee
strive to meet the physical needs of Saint Paul's parishioners. We meet
these needs by coordinating assistance from other parishioners who
want to help. If you are currently struggling with a housing,
transportation or financial challenge, please contact Nicole O'Connors
(860) 788-2995 or Gail Winkley (203) 775-3343 for assistance.
Donations Needed For Hearts to Hands Ministry!
We recently helped one of our parishioners to find permanent,
affordable housing and they will be transitioning into their own apartment
soon. They are in great need of a few basic household items and some furniture pieces to get
started. If you can donate any of the following items, in like-new condition, please contact
Dot Crocker (860) 355-5672 or Nicole
O'Connors at nmoconnors@gmail.com.
hand mixer
towels, hand towels, washcloths
kitchen towels
Walmart or Target gift cards for cleaning
supplies
round kitchen table, 4 chairs
***This parishioner will also be without a
mattress to sleep on in their new apartment. We
would like to accept financial donations to put
towards the purchase of a new mattress and
box-spring set as well. Thank you so much for
your consideration!
5
† #TBT
T
he two teachers have been identified as Kay Burke on the left and Trish Floyd in the
center.
Anyone know who any of the children are? They are probably out of college by now! If
you know anyone here, contact us at StPaulsSword
Points@Gmail.com.
September, 1970
Brookfield Journal
The Rev. George
Crocker
A
s we dedicate our
renovated parish
hall to Fr. Crocker, let’s
reflect on the ministry of
George to the life of St.
Paul’s.
George Crocker was
called to St. Paul’s in
September 1970 and
remained for 32 years,
serving longer than any
other rector. Through his
personal love for our Lord
and his baptism in the
Holy Spirit, he shaped the
mission of our church for
years to come.
As a young man
George served for eight
years as a navigator in the
Air Force. Encouraged by
the chaplain where he was
serving at the US base in
Goose Bay, Labrador, he
left the service to begin his
preparation for the
Episcopal priesthood. He
received his bachelor’s
degree in 1964, and in
1967 was graduated from
Berkeley Divinity School
at Yale. (Later degrees
from other institutions
included a Masters in
counseling and a Doctor of
Ministry.) In his first
calling he served as an
assistant at Christ Church
6
and vicar of Immanuel
Church, both in Ansonia,
CT.
It was on September
21, 1974, just four years
after coming to St. Paul’s,
that George had a personal
experience of baptism in
the Holy Spirit. The
leader of a retreat invited
the participants, a group of
male prisoners from the
FCI in Danbury, to the
altar rail, and George (just
the host, not the leader)
was moved to join them.
Surprised by his own tears,
he prayed the sinner’s
prayer which changed his
life and began to change
the life of the
congregation. Just two
weeks later many others
were awakened to a new
sense of the Spirit’s calling
at the first Faith Alive
weekend held at St. Paul’s.
(Continued on page 7)
The mid-70s were lifechanging years for George in
The impact on the
addition to the dramatic
congregation of these
encounter with the Holy
changed lives was not
Spirit, he was raising his twin
without drama. A large
sons by himself after his first
group of parishioners
wife divorced him, and he
presented a petition to the
met and married Barbara.
Vestry to “remove
Barbara had recently been
evangelical references” from divorced from a Lutheran
sermons and other church
clergyman, and her three
teachings. Asked what
children were grown and had
evangelical meant, they gave left home. As George tells
the dictionary definition “of the story it was Barbara who
or pertaining to the Gospel.” asked him out for a cup of
To this Warden Al Tuck
coffee when they met at the
responded, “If you don’t
local gas station.
have a gospel, you don’t
Encouraged by St. Paul’s
have a church!” This
parishioners, George and
silenced the dissenters for the Barbara were married in
moment, and many of them
1976.
later came to their own
Barbara soon became
appreciation of a Spirit-filled endeared to the church
worship experience.
family. She served on the
Father George later had
Altar Guild and had a special
interviews to consider
interest in preparing the
moving to larger and more
children for first communion.
prestigious churches, but the She was known and loved in
fit never seemed quite right. the Brookfield community
At one interview, when the
through her activities in
calling committee seemed
quilting, gardening, and
afraid of the renewal
reading clubs. A retired
movement and George’s
dental hygienist died of
experience with it, he told
cancer on All Saints Day,
them, “Don’t worry, I’d
2010. At her funeral
rather sell ladies’ shoes than someone counted 155 cars in
try to give spiritual direction our parking lot and there
to this church!”
were nearly 300 people
(Continued from page 6)
Barbara & George at a church function in
January, 1981.
overflowing the church.
Barbara’s ashes were interred
in the Memorial Garden
which had been built and
dedicated during George’s
long tenure at St. Paul’s.
George Crocker’s
interests also have extended
beyond the walls of the
church. He has had a
lifelong interest in sports cars
and for years his Porsche
911SC was garaged in the
church’s barn (also built
during his tenure here). He
became a driving instructor
at the Lime Rock track in
northern Connecticut and
drove there and at tracks at
Bridgehampton and Watkins
Glen. He was also an
accomplished woodworker.
George and Barbara spent
many summer weeks
enjoying the cottage on the
Maine coast which they
owned together with
Barbara’s daughter.
After retiring from St.
Paul’s George has worked to
renovate the Brookfield
rectory he bought from the
church. Starting in 2005 he
served as priest-in-charge at
the smaller but active Christ
Church at Quaker Farms,
Oxford, CT for several years,
before retiring for good.
- Harlan Jessup
7
Trunk or Treat 2014!
We had a great time last weekend at our Trunk or Treat. We had over 60 kids
from the church and community come through and visit about 20 cars in our
parking lot. The youth group did a great job running our craft, game, messy,
and face painting station!
The youth voted on the best dressed cars in three categories. The winners
were:
The Yurcisin family with the Phantom
Pet-snatcher in the Most Outrageous
category.
This week at OWN we’ll be kicking
off our study on God’s Glory – and
announcing both the Winter Retreat and Summer Mission Trip –
see you at 4:00 on Sunday!
Dave & Ann Allen with The
Wizard of Oz
in the most
creative
category.
The Chaleski
family with
Cars in the
Best Overall
(Youth Group
Favorite)
category.
Saint Paul’s Own Juniors meets
this Sunday at 2:30. Bring your
best bubble gum sculpture ideas!
8
Trunk or Treat 2014!
9
Rising Light
A weekly column
by Sarah Shepley
T
hrough the course of life we will discover ourselves in new or
unfamiliar situations. Sometimes in these situations we find ourselves
feeling lonely and without companionship. Often it is difficult to create a
personal connection with someone especially when we are the ones new to a
scene that other
people are
already
accustomed to.
However, we do
not need to
worry about solitude because
we are never alone since we
have Jesus. He is our one true
friend and will remain steadfast
in our lives. Whenever we feel
lonely, all we need to do to feel
his companionship is to talk to
him; this is not limited to
formal praying. Jesus also
enjoys when we have normal
conversations with him. Jesus
is always available to us, and
once we start treating him as our friend as well as our God, we will open ourselves up to a
whole new relationship with a loyal, trustworthy friend.
John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing;
but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known
to you.
James 2:23
And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to
him as righteousness” - and he was called a friend of God.
† What’s Your Spiritual Gift?
Click on the following link to assess your God given gifts:
http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/tests
Each week we’ll define a different spiritual gift.
Missionary
The gift of missionary is the special ability that
God gives to certain members of the Body of
Christ to minister whatever other spiritual gifts
they have in a second culture.
Acts 8:4 * Acts 13:2-3 * Acts 22:21
Romans 10:15 * 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
10
† Choir Practice for Sword Points Readers
(click on the red links below to begin your personal practice)
Opening Hymn
Gradual Hymn
Offertory Hymn
Communion Hymn
Communion Hymn
Closing Hymn
For All the Saints
I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
My Life Flows on in Endless Song
Let Saints on Earth in Concert Sing
Jerusalem, My Happy Home
Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service
Bishop
Rowthorn has
requested several
hymns for this
week, two which
we have not
sung before.
So practice!
My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)
by C. Michael Hawn
Though the origins of this poignant song are somewhat in doubt, its message is clear.
"How Can I Keep From Singing?" is a song of one who has weathered persecution and
struggle, but maintains a focus on the Rock, giving thanks for all in song. Many
hymnals ascribe authorship to Robert Lowry (1826-1899) since the song appears in
Want to listen in to what we’ll
his famous collection, Bright Jewels for the Sunday School (1869).
be
singing on Sunday at 10:30?
Lowry was known as a gifted Baptist preacher, educator and composer of gospel
songs on the East Coast of the US. Among his most famous gospel compositions are
Or do you want to listen to a
"Nothing but the Blood of Jesus," "Shall We Gather at the River" and "Up from the
song from last week once more?
Grave He Arose."
A common practice, especially in 19th-century U.S., was to ascribe authorship for
You can listen on Spotify by clicking
songs that appeared in a collection to the compiler of the volume, or for the compiler
here:
St. Paul's 10:30 Service
to assume authorship. To say the least, authorship could be ambiguous during this
time, especially for compositions with a folksong quality such as this one.
This week’s worship music includes: :
Another compelling theory attributes the source of the hymn melody to the
Blessed Be
Quakers. The theme of persecution appears in a stanza that is omitted from many
hymnals. The Quakers or Society of Friends certainly experienced persecution due to Your Name,
their nonconformist style of worship and pacifist stance toward war and violence. It
We Fall
is easy to imagine that this hymn would offer deep solace for the Quaker community. Down, We
Regardless of the source of the text, the melody is hauntingly beautiful. It flows
Give You
up and down throughout an octave range several times. This tune -- inherently
singable and memorable -- is the perfect vehicle for a text whose primary metaphor is Thanks, &
Call Me
that of music and singing. The lyrical quality of the melody conveys effectively the
singer's oneness with Christ and resolve in the face of oppression, as well as the spirit Home
of the haunting rhetorical question that unifies the entire hymn, "How can I keep from
singing?"
† Transforming Stewardship
“Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will
abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and
he watches over his holy ones.”
- Wisdom of Solomon 3:9
H
ere’s the ironic thing about people who are generous. Those
that give freely and cheerfully do not do it to be rewarded.
They do it to show their love for God and their neighbors. Yet, because
of their generosity, they typically are given more than they gave away!
A
s part of our outreach, St. Paul’s donates gift cards and
non-perishable items to six area food pantries. The
non-perishable items are provided by our generous
congregation and are truly appreciated. Donations for the
food pantry can be left in the basket at the back of the church.
Delivery is made to one food pantry each month. Thank you.
11
† Thanksgiving Baskets
F
or the November food baskets, please bring items
you would enjoy at Thanksgiving. We will make
up baskets for the same families who will be receiving
the gifts from our Christmas Giving Tree. We will
need two family-sized turkeys to be donated. While
you shop, if you could please choose any items from the
following list:
Gravy/Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie Mix, Bread, Cranberry
Sauce, Fruit Pie Fillings, Juices, Canned Vegetables, Pie
Crust, Potatoes, Fresh Sweet Potatoes, Cake Mix, Soup,
Paper Products/Decorations, Brownie Mix, Nuts.
All food donations are due by Sunday, November
23rd. Once the food donations have
come in, we will need volunteers to
divide the food into the baskets for the
families. Please speak with Barbara
DeAnzeris, 203-775-3722.
12
† This Day on the Church Calendar
November 1st
All Saints’ Day
I
t is believed by many scholars that the commemoration of all the saints
on November first originated in Ireland, spread from there to England,
and then to the continent of Europe. That it had reached Rome and had been
adopted there early in the ninth century is attested by a letter of Pope Gregory
IV, who reigned from 828 to 844, to Emperor Louis “the Pious,” urging that
such a festival be observed throughout the Holy Roman Empire.
However, the desire of Christian people to express the intercommunion of the
living and the dead in the Body of Christ by a commemoration of those who, having
professed faith in the living Christ in days past, had entered into the nearer presence
of their Lord, and especially of those who had crowned their profession with heroic
deaths, was far older than the early Middle Ages. Gregory Thaumaturgus (the “Wonder
Worker”), writing before the year 270, refers to the observance of a festival of all martyrs,
though he does not date it. A hundred years later, Ephrem the Deacon mentions such an
observance in Edessa on May 13; and the patriarch John Chrysostom, who died in 407, says
that a festival of All Saints was observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost in
Constantinople at the time of his episcopate. The contemporary lectionary of the East
Syrians set a commemoration of all the saints on Friday in Easter week. On May 13, in the
year 610, the Pantheon in Rome - originally a pagan temple dedicated to “all the gods” was dedicated as the Church of St. Mary and All Martyrs.
All Saints’ Day is classed, in the Prayer Book of 1979, as a Principal Feast, taking
precedence of any other day or observance. Among the seven so classified, All Saints’ Day
alone may be observed on the following Sunday, in addition to its observance on its fixed
date. It is one of the four days recommended in the Prayer Book (page 312) for the
administration of Holy Baptism.
The
Sacristans for November are
Carol Gurski and Jean Stauffer,
with Barbara DeAnzeris and Gail
Winkley decorating for the
Harvest Home on
November 23rd.
† Save the Date
St. Paul's
Women's Retreat
with all new
Women of the
Bible with Anita
Gutschick and
Joanne Hagemeyer
is coming June 5-6,
2015
13
† Transforming Saints of God
October 30th
John Wyclif
Priest and Prophetic Witness, 1384
ohn Wyclif is remembered as a forerunner of the Protestant Reformation.
Born in Yorkshire, England, around 1330, Wyclif was educated at Oxford. Although
he served as a parish priest, he spent most of his vocation teaching
theology and philosophy at Oxford and was celebrated for his academic
achievements.
In 1374, Wyclif defended the position of the Crown during a dispute
with the papacy over finances. Because of this newfound notoriety,
Wyclif gathered around him a group of powerful patrons who were able
to provide a reasonable level of safe haven and security for him. This
meant that Wyclif could begin to test some of his theological views that
were at odds with and critical of the positions of the medieval church.
Without the support of such powerful allies, Wyclif, a priest and
university professor, could never have withstood the discipline that
would have come his way.
A number of Wyclif’s radical ideas got worked out in the centuries that followed as the
movement toward reformation gained momentum. Wyclif believed that believers could
have a direct, unmediated relationship with God, not requiring the intervention of the church
or its priesthood. He held that a national church could be fully and completely the church
and not have to tolerate the interference and abuse of international, i.e. papal, authority.
Believing that the Scriptures should be available to all who could read them, and not
mediated through the instruction of the church, Wyclif translated the Vulgate - the Latin
edition of the Bible - into English.
The tables turned dramatically when Wyclif questioned the Eucharistic doctrine of
transubstantiation. He believed that the underlying philosophy was problematic and that the
popular piety flowing from it led inevitable to superstitious behaviors. He was condemned
for his eucharistic views in 1381. Although Wyclif had nothing to do with inciting the
Peasants’ Revolt of the same year, he was an easy target for blame. He retired, left Oxford,
and died three years later in Leicestershire.
Later reformers, John Hus (July 6) and Martin Luther (February 18) acknowledged their
debt to Wyclif.
J
Trick-or-Treat
D
id you know that the origins of trick-or-treat have to do with prayer? The poor
(often poor children) would travel from house to house offering to pray for the
souls of the dead belonging to each family in return for small treats. This year, in the midst
of the onslaught of candy, caramel apples and popcorn balls, take time to pray for the poor
… especially poor children.
WOMEN OF FAITH - HARTFORD, November 7 & 8 at the XL CENTER…Transform
your soul, awaken your spirit, and revive your faith at our 2014 event: SURVIVAL TO
REVIVAL. At this all-new event you’ll receive powerful Biblical
teaching, be inspired by uplifting music, enter into authentic
worship, and much more. Gather your group, call your friends,
and spread the news - it’s time to plan for the most memorable
weekend of your fall season. Tickets are normally priced at
$101.00, but are now on sale for $81.00. To find out more
information, please visit www.womenoffaith.com and to register your
group please contact Casey Perez @
860.992.3133 or
hartfordwomenoffaith@gmail.com.
14
† Easy Apple Cake
Directions:
Prepare a 10" tube pan.
Prepare cake according
to package directions.
Stir in cinnamon and
vanilla. Fold in apples.
Pour into tube pan.
Bake 40 minutes or
until toothpick test
comes clean. Cool and dust with confectioners sugar.
Ingredients:
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 T. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Granny Smith apples,
peeled, cored and finely diced
Confectioners sugar
Thanks Polly!
Click here to submit your favorite recipe.
T
he Jericho Food Pantry in Danbury has
given St. Paul’s the 2nd Saturday of
every month to staff their food pantry.
Our next volunteer date is November
8th from 10 am - 11:30am.
If you are interested in volunteering on
the 11/8 or future dates please contact
Laurie DoBosh at ldobosh@tcco.com or
203-610-9731.
† Sermon on the Mount, detail
approximately 1860
Olrik, Henrik, 1830-1890
H
enrik Olrik, born in Copenhagen,
graduated from the Royal Danish
Academy of Fine Arts. Among his numerous
works was a
massive altar
piece for St.
Matthew’s
Church in
Copenhagen.
15
† Socks & Toiletries for the Homeless
H
omeless people are on their feet all day, and the only pair of
socks they own are very likely to be threadbare. This year we
are collecting socks and toiletries for the men’s homeless shelter
throughout the winter months. Place donations in the bins in the back
of the church or Crocker Hall.
16
W
hen life caves in, you do not need reasons – you need comfort. You do not need
some answers – you need someone. And Jesus does not come to us with an
explanation – He comes to us with His presence.
~ Bob Benson
† Happy Birthday to You!
R
iver Cofone celebrates today! Friday is the big day for
George Franklin, Jacqueline Burr, Jayne Arcamone
& Lynne Donnelly. Ruth O’Hara will be blowing
out candles on Saturday. Kaitlin Conte will be another
year older and wiser on Sunday. Ken Perry will be
opening presents on Tuesday. Nicole Keating celebrates
on Wednesday. Have a blessed day everyone!
Women’s Evening Ministry
Children of the Day by Beth Moore
Remaining sessions are:
Nov 4 & 18, Dec 2 & 16, and Jan 6 & 20,
2015
Meeting time 7:00 - 8:45 pm in the Guild
Room
An in-depth Bible study of 1 and 2
Thessalonians by Beth Moore
Is family life a challenge? Is work driving you crazy? Do you know God has a
purpose for your life, but can't figure out
what it is? Know that your circumstances
are not coincidental. And God's timing is
impeccable. Join Beth Moore on the Thessalonian shores as she walks you through
the truth of each verse of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. In this study, you'll face crises, afflictions, relationships, doubts, concerns,
and fears. Find encouragement for living
the Christian life now and hope for when
Christ returns.
17
† Scholarly Speaking
How Does Salvation Work? - I
O
ver the centuries Christians have developed a number of varying views as to how
Salvation and Justification actually work. Although closely related these terms
have distinct meanings in theology. Justification refers to
the divine act of making a sinner righteous, while salvation
refers to the achievement of that relationship with God
which we often call ‘going to heaven.’ * Virtually all
Christians agree that these are derived from the incarnation
and the cross, and that these events are the culmination of a
divine plan to undo the effects of the Fall. There is a
general understanding that Christ, having become man, and
being himself without sin, was able to pay the penalty for
human sin when he died on the cross. However, beyond
this agreement there are a number of distinct theories as to
how these effects happen.
Most of these fall along
denominational lines, but (not
surprisingly in light of our
history) most of them can be
found somewhere within the
Allegory of Salvation by
Anglican tradition.
We can start with a look
Antonius Heusler (ca. 1555),
National Museum in Warsaw. at the main Pre-Reformation
views as found in the Roman
Catholic and the Eastern Churches.† Both groups consider
Justification, the declaration that a sinner’s guilt is removed
and he can be declared righteous, to be a process which begins
with Baptism, or even with the desire to be baptized, but is
then maintained and strengthened by the continued use of the
sacraments and by Godly living. It is given by grace, but also
draws on free will to cooperate with that grace. The Eastern
Baptism of St. Augustine
Churches differ from the Roman in that they think more in
by St. Ambrose
terms of Sanctification (growing into union with God) than of
Justification (being declared righteous). Both groups agree
that Salvation is part of the same process. In contrast to this, many of the Reformers,
although they held various views, seemed to agree that Justification is a necessary
prerequisite for the separate state of Salvation.‡
We’ll continue next time with a look at the major Reformation theories.
- Fr. Bill Loring, Scholar in Residence
*
†
‡
There is a good discussion in Wikipedia, sv. Salvation; and sv. Justification.
There are several groups of Eastern Churches that, although not formally in communion with each other, have
taken on a friendlier and more cooperatve relationship in recent years. These are the Eastern Orthodox (Greek,
Russian, Rumanian &c.), the Oriental Orthodox, traditionally based in Egypt and in Mesopotamia, the
Assyrian and Chaldean churches (now largely
surviving in exile in Europe and North America), and
the Armenian church. Although they differ in many
areas of teaching they seem to share their essential
views on this subject.
Wikipedia, loci cit.
D
o you have a question you
would like answered by our
Scholar-in-Residence? Send your
ecclesiastical, liturgical, doctrinal,
historical or other inquiries to:
Stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com.
18
† Dorothy Day Hospitality House
O
n Monday, September 22nd the annual meeting of
Dorothy Day was held at the First Congregational Church
in Danbury. This summary is provided to thank all of the
volunteers who make it possible for us to help those in need in our
community day after day.
The annual meeting began with a prayer and a roll call of
guests and volunteers who have died since the last annual meeting.
This year, twelve names were read and added to the remembrance
panel above the bread shelves on Spring Street. Since its early
days, some 32 years ago, the panel has been solemnly maintained
and now lists over 221 names. It is like a sacred relic and in some
cases may be the only remembrance for those who have come to enjoy our hospitality.
Some are poor, some are homeless and some
† Dorothy Day Ministry are strangers passing through. As Hebrews:
very second Thursday of the
Chapter 13 tells us “Do not neglect
month, it’s St. Paul’s turn to
hospitality, for through it some have
unknowingly entertained angels.”
cook and serve meals at the Dorothy
Day Hospitality House in Danbury.
Last year Dorothy Day provided 32,386 hot
Please consider helping out in this vital meals, 15,057 second helpings and
ministry. Contact Barbara DeAnzeris handed out 19,307 bag lunches with no
paid staff and no taxpayer funding. The
or Don Winkley for more info.
kitchen is open 363 days a year, closing
only for Thanksgiving and Christmas when local churches provide the meal.
There are over 300 kitchen volunteers from religious groups, civic organizations
and businesses in the greater Danbury area. The 16 bed shelter, which is behind the
kitchen, has six coordinators and 35 overnight volunteers. This year the shelter
provided 5,015 bed nights for homeless men and women seeking refuge from the street.
In addition, the Morning Glory program, run by Catholic Charities, served 5,899
breakfasts in the kitchen. The Evening Out of the Cold program provided a safe, warm
refuge every evening from November through April. With no paid staff, the soup
kitchen and shelter open each day to serve people in need and have been doing this
successfully for more than thirty years. It is an amazing community effort that should
be commended.
E
A
fter having his selfie in Sword Points last week, Sir Arthur, our Therapy Dogin Training (right), has gone camera shy on, hiding from the camera as his
sister, Papillion, smiles for the camera.
19
How do you slice it?
Click to find out.
20
Greeters Needed
Greeting people in a warm way makes them feel good about
their presence in church.
At St. Paul’s, we are always looking for people who feel
called to serve in this important ministry.
If you are interested in becoming a greeter, please contact
Pam Szen (prszen@gmail.com)
or David Szen
Jericho – Volunteers Needed
Front Desk Staff
Gain administrative skills by greeting
clients coming in to Jericho, answering the
phones, managing mail and hospitality room.
Bi/Tri-lingual; English, Spanish, Portuguese
very helpful, but NOT required.
If interested, contact Crystal at
volunteer@jerichopartnership.org
A all the Saints…”
favorite hymn, often used at All Saints’ Day celebrations is #287, “For
Who are the saints now on the “Godward” side of
your life who encourage you to give thanks, not only for their lives by your
examples of loving discipleship, but also by your willingness to be ever grateful
for all they know (and you know) God has given you? This is our particular day
to remember all the blessed saints - especially those who have gone before us
here, have served God faithfully in this parish. They were good and diligent
stewards - quietly and continually supporting His work in many ways while living
lives of integrity and courage. May it be yet another of God’s gifts for us to join
them at the banquet when our days here are done. Let light perpetual shine
upon them.
A Christian
Alternative
to Yoga
TRANSFORM YOUR WORKO
WORKOUTS
UTS INTO
WORSHIP WITH PRAISEM
PRAISEMOVES
OVES -THE CHRISTIAN ALTERN
ALTERNATIVE
ATIVE TO YOGA
Classes held in Crocker Hall
Saturday’s , 10:00 a.m. with
Mary Perry, Certified PraiseMoves
Instructor
Email Mary to sign up at
maryperry2@me.com
Deep Stretching, Gentle Movement,
and Strong Scripture
combine for flexibility and strength.
21
St. Paul’s Mission Committee
Annual Request for Budget Line Items for Year 2015
“If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and if one of you
says to them, go in peace, be warmed and be filled, and yet do not give them what is
necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being
by itself.” James 2:15-17
S
aint Paul’s Mission Committee serves the entire parish as a focal point for our
mission work. We prepare an annual budget for vestry approval. Items in this
budget come from you, the parishioners! This is your opportunity
to enhance your personal or family missions with the prayer,
physical and financial support of the entire parish!
As a sponsor of your Christian based organization, you are
asked to complete the form at the end of this article. Additionally,
you are expected to submit a “Sword Points” article. This is your
opportunity to “put a face” on what we as a parish are supporting.
We invite your active participation in this budgeting process as
well as your involvement with St. Paul’s Mission Committee. We
meet first Thursday, monthly 7:30 in the Guild Room.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please
contact a member of the mission committee: Barbara DeAnzeris,
Lois Hunt, Bill Schrull, Joyce Sarver, Ron Switzer, Bonnie Wanzer & Don Winkley.
Mission Organization:_____________________
Persons requesting prayer, physical or financial support ____________________________
Our task is to sponsor those missions that are:
 Christ Centered
 Meet the basic needs of our neighbors
 Have a strong base of existing personal support by more than one St. Paul’s Parish
members.
Briefly describe the purpose or scope of the mission or organization:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Is it Christian based, to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
To what extent do you recommend St Paul’s should offer support?
Prayer Needs: ____________________
Financial Support: $_______________
Physical Assistance: ______________
Any other pertinent information for committee consideration.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Kindly return this form to the Mission Committee by November 5, 2014.
22
† This Sunday’s Readings
Cloud of Witnesses
Revelation 7:9-17
his lesson presents a vision of those who have survived great tribulation and now
worship before the throne of God and the Lamb. These myriad saints come from all
over the world and have been purified through their own sufferings in association with the
sacrifice of the Lamb. But now the Lamb (which is a figure for Jesus) will be their
shepherd, and they will suffer no longer. Such a vision would be a great consolation to
those undergoing persecution.
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
Matthew 5: 1-12
A hymn of blessing and praise to the Lord for deliverance.
1 John 3:1-3
Those we honour as saints
In this lesson we learn that through God’s love, disciples are now
children of God; their destiny is to be like Christ. Those who did not
have never been ALL good,
recognize Jesus will not recognize his disciples wither. Though the
ALL the time. But
mystery of what those disciples are to become has not been fully
revealed, Christians know that a dramatic change has taken place in
thankfully, those who followed
their lives; an earnest of the transformation underway. Those who
Jesus, at some time, have had
stand in this hope will purify themselves as Christ is pure.
Matthew 5:1-12
some inkling of hearing these
The gospel is the opening sayings of the Sermon on the Mount,
words and practicing them.
words of both comfort and challenge. The values of the kingdom are
quite different from worldly standards. Those who are to find blessing
Their lives inspire us to do
will know want and thirst, if not because of their own circumstances,
the same.
then for the sake of others. Those who hunger for righteousness will
find fulfillment, but first they must suffer persecution.
T
† Pick Up Your Copy Today!
Synthesis CE Study Guides for each weeks readings will
be available at the back of the church.
† Sermon Shorts
W
hat are we about anyway? Restoration, renewal and hope:
this is the mission of God centered upon Christ's forgiveness
of our sins. To replay all our sermons, audio and videos follow this
link for The Sunday Sermons. Check out our sermon archives as well.
23
24
I
† Your Prayers Are Requested For…
t is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and
such a privilege. The people that we lift up to The Lord are part of our hearts for all
time. Please pray for…
…..Dot Blake and other parishioners convalescing in extended care
facilities.
…..Holy Spirit, West Haven; St. Paul’s, Westbrook; Emmanuel,
Weston.
…..Peace in Israel, Jerusalem, and the Middle East.
…..Revival at St. Paul’s and the greater Danbury area.
…..Diocesan Episcopal Church Women, Diocesan Altar Guild; local
ECW chapters and parish altar guilds; Anglican and Episcopal women's
mission groups.
.….Barbara Kast, Brenda Darling, Ginny Beck, Jean Stauffer, Gary Stein, Lee Rybos,
Sue Balla, Betty Gardner, Ed Licence, Jay Trott, John Mainhart & Leontine Rybos,
continued healing.
…..the people of Georgia; the people of the
Republic of Nicaragua; and our sister and
brother members of the Syriac Orthodox
Church.
…..Christians in Iraq and Syria facing
persecution at the hands of advancing ISIS
forces. Pray also for radical Muslims there
(and in other nations) to come to know Jesus
Christ.
…..Michael for protection with the UN
peacekeeping service.
…..Sudan, for the courageous Christians that
choose to remain and build the church.
…..Fr. George Hall, healing from cancer and
his recent surgery.
…..Patricia Brought, who is undergoing
treatment for cancer.
2014 Diocesan Convention
ast Friday and Saturday, Joe Shepley, George Crocker, Bill Loring, Carolyn
L
Legg, Cathy Schrull and David Szen represented St. Paul’s at the Diocesan
Convention in Waterbury.
Check out the links below to
see the resolutions that† This & That & Links
(Click on pictures or red links for more info)
passed, links to videos used
in
presentations, and the
Links We Like
diocesan magazine.
Things That Make You Think
Friday Convention Roundup
Saturday Convention Roundup
Diocesan Magazine CRUX Back Issues of Sword Points
As a retirement gift in
The Parachute
honor of Bishop Curry's
If you were told that you had to jump out of a plane and were handed a parachute,
ministry, donors contributed a
would you take the parachute? Click on the video to the left to find out.
total of $10,000 to the
Click on the picture above to watch the Bishop’s address
Hartford organization, Mothers
United Against Violence.
During our convention Eucharist, $2,200 was collected and will be given to the
Ebola Crisis Response Fund at Episcopal Relief & Development
Next year’s convention will be held in Cromwell.
25
This table is free to anyone who could use it, courtesy of the Building
Committee, by contacting the parish office.
26
November Lay Schedule
Lectors and Intercessors, please remember to check in before the
service in the Vesting Room. Thank You!
November 2, 2014
8:00 AM
Welcoming: Mike Kirner
Acolyte: John Tuthill
Lector: Revelation 7:9-17 Phyllis Baskett
Intercessor: Dorothy Crocker
Lay Reader: Harlan Jessup
Lay Reader: Dave Baskett
Psalm 34:1-8
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Pam Szen / Christine Domareck
Acolyte: Stephanie Bernardo
Lector: Revelation 7:9-17 Sandy Chaleski
Intercessor: Lisa Richardson
Lay Reader: Joe Bernardo
Lay Reader: Jim Castronova
Psalm 34:1-8
November 9, 2014
8:00 AM
Welcoming: Mike Kirner
Acolyte: Audrey Powell
Lector: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 John Tuthill
Intercessor: Phyllis Baskett
Lay Reader: Dave Baskett
Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings
Psalm 78:1-7 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Dave & Connie Williams
Acolyte: Nick Janofsky
Lector: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Rose Barrett
Intercessor: Betty Gardner
Lay Reader: Mike Chengeri
Lay Reader: Joe Bernardo
Psalm 78:1-7 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
November 16, 2014
8:00 AM
Welcoming: Pam Szen
Acolyte: John Tuthill
Lector: Judges 4:1-7 Sandy Chaleski
Intercessor: Mary Perry
Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings
Lay Reader: Mike Kirner
Psalm 123 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
November 16, 2014
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Denise McCormack / Vito Barbieri
Acolyte: Nick Janofsky
Lector: Judges 4:1-7 Betty Gardner
Intercessor: Lisa Richardson
Lay Reader: Harlan Jessup
Lay Reader: Mike Chengeri
Psalm 123 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
November 23, 2014
Healing Sunday
8:00 AM
Welcoming: Pam Szen
Acolyte: Erinn O’Hara
Lector: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Mary Perry
Intercessor: Phyllis Baskett
Lay Reader: Dave Baskett
Lay Reader: Don Winkley
Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Denise McCormack / Vito Barbieri
Acolyte: Ryan Sampson
Lector: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Sandy Chaleski
Intercessor: Dorothy Crocker
Lay Reader: Ray Ferro
Lay Reader: Harlan Jessup
Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23
November 30, 2014
8:00 AM
Welcoming: John & Joyce Sarver
Acolyte: John Tuthill
Lector: Isaiah 64:1-9 Ingrid Pruss
Intercessor: Linda Pendergast
Lay Reader: Don Winkley
Lay Reader: Mike Kirner
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Denise McCormack /
Christine Domareck
Acolyte: Ryan Sampson
Lector: Isaiah 64:1-9 Lisa Richardson
Intercessor: Betty Gardner
Lay Readers: Jim Castronova / Ray Ferro
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
27
November 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
10:00 AM PraiseMoves
11:00 AM House of
Prayer
4:00 PM Crocker Hall
Celebration
2
All Saints
3
4
5
6
8:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:15 AM Young Adult Bible
Study
9:45 AM Crocker Hall
Dedication
10:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
2:30 PM Youth Group Jrs.
4:00 PM Youth Group
5:30 PM Christian
Caring
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
10:00 AM Holy
Eucharist I & Healing
7:30 PM Mission
Committee
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
7:00 PM Stephen
Ministry
7:00 PM Women’s
Evening Ministry
7:30 PM Property
Committee
10:00 AM PraiseMoves
7:30 PM Music Night
11:00 AM House of
Prayer
9
10
22 Pentecost
8:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:15 AM Young Adult Bible
Study
9::30 AM Rector’s Forum
10:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
4:00 PM Youth Group
16 23 Pentecost
Covenant Sunday
8:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:15 AM Young Adult Bible
Study
9::30 AM Rector’s Forum
10:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
4:00 PM Youth Group
23 Last Pentecost
Healing Sunday
8:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:15 AM Young Adult Bible
Study
9::30 AM Rector’s Forum
10:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
4:00 PM Youth Group
30 1 Advent
8:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:15 AM Young Adult Bible
Study
9::30 AM Rector’s Forum
10:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
4:00 PM Youth Group
28
7
11
12
13
Parish Office Closed
10:00 AM Holy
Eucharist I & Healing
1:00 PM Dorothy Day
Ministry
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
7:00 PM Staff Meeting
5:30 pm Clericus
10:00 AM PraiseMoves
7:30 PM Vestry Meeting
7:30 PM Music Night
11:00 AM St. Paul’s
Quilters
Veterans’ Day
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
14
8
Meeting
15
11:00 AM House of
Prayer
17
18
7:00 PM Stephen
Ministry
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
19
10:00 AM Holy
Eucharist II & Healing
20
21
7:30 PM Music Night
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
7:00 PM Women’s
Evening Ministry
24
22
10:00 AM PraiseMoves
11:00 AM House of
Prayer
25
26
27
28
29
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
10:00 AM Holy
Eucharist II & Healing
Thanksgiving Day
Parish Office Closed
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
7:30 PM Ecumenical
Thanksgiving Service
Parish Office Closed
10:00 AM Holy
Eucharist
10:00 AM PraiseMoves
11:00 AM House of
Prayer
Just For Fun !
(And Christian Fellowship)
The Footsteps of Paul & John
Selfie with the Father
Save the dates. Plans are
being finalized for another
spectacular Biblical pilgrimage
& cruise on October 16-31, 2015.
Fr. Joe plans on joining us.
Istanbul, ancient Troy, Ephesus,
Patmos, Santorini, Athens,
Thessalonica, Philippi…..
More info soon.
† It Takes An Editorial Board
Which witch was spotted at our recent
Trunk-or-Treat?
Contributors to this Weeks
Sword Points:
C
hris Barrett, Sandy Chaleski,
Dot Crocker, Barbara
DeAnzeris, Laurie DoBosh, Lynne
Donnelly, Caroline Legg, Heather
Melody, Dori McManus, Beth Miller,
Nicole O’Connors, Patrick O’Connors,
Ken Perry, Mary Perry, Kirsten
Peterson, Debi Pomeroy, Joe Shepley,
Sarah Shepley,
Tara Shepley,
David Szen,
Pam Szen,
Don
Winkley &
Gail Winkley.
29