St. Paul's Communicator
THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH
Crownsville, Maryland
March-April 2007
A WORD FROM THE RECTOR
At this critical time of our church growth, I would like to address the issue of leadership in this Church. Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" He followed it with an even more important question, "But who do you say that I am?"
Our annual meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 15. There are 3 open positions for the vestry and voting to fill these positions will be held at that time. Our leadership in this Church needs to send a crystal clear message that Christ is our leader and we, who speak for Him, are both truthful and loyal. And so, we need to address this issue. "Are we who and what we say we are?" As leaders, what we say and what we do, as vitally important as they are, will only go so far and impact so many unless they truly represent the reality in our lives.
Our call to commitment, integrity, dedication, and sacrifice will never be honored unless we are committed, honest, dedicated, and willing to sacrifice. For us to be effective and enduring, our leadership calls for both precept and example. Enduring leadership, the kind that makes a positive, long-range difference, is always characterized by compassion. We care about people, both as individuals and as a group. As compassionate leaders, we simultaneously seek the greatest good for the individual, the group, and the mission. Not an easy task. What may seem good for an individual may not be good for the group or the mission. We must exercise compassion in a thoughtful, prayerful way.
Compassionate leaders care deeply about the feelings of individuals affected by their decisions, and they seek to deliver painful decisions in the most humane and caring manner. However, the greatest good for the group and the mission must be considered. We must seek in our spiritual growth to let the mind that was in Christ Jesus, be also in us. We need the ability to evaluate a situation on the spot, to sense what is taking place, and to make the situation work for good. This can only come through spiritual growth. The gift of discernment is part of the process.
There is no infallible way to be sure that spiritual growth is occurring. Not everyone who begins to pray daily or study the Bible regularly will come and tell the Rector about it. A deeper awareness of the ethical significance of business decisions, a greater patience with one's children can take place very quietly and without measurable impact on the parish. The fruit of the spirit may be hidden or ripen slowly or have delayed consequences. But where spiritual growth is occurring, the measurable things will happen as well. The vestry can establish goals and objectives in this area - and should - or else it will be too easy to concentrate energy elsewhere to the detriment of the parish life.
Everything that happens in the parish has its impact on Church growth. If we have a Church we care about then we will evangelize and spread the "Good News!" We can contribute to the evangelistic work of the Church even if our contribution is welcoming new people, planning Christian education, working on Stewardship, covered-dish suppers, teaching Bible study, Sunday school or involvement in the financial matters of the church. We are on the move and we need to participate as a team. Jesus was the greatest and boldest of all leaders. His followers, particularly those in positions of leadership today, need to view boldness as the norm, not as an elusive, extraordinary leadership style. Boldness is not rashness or cockiness. Bold leadership - the kind Jesus practiced - dares great things with great faith to accomplish great good. Read our Vision and our Mission statement which we boldly state on the front of our bulletin each Sunday.
Faithfully, +Bob
PASSING THE TORCH
It is with great sadness that, Bill Maslin, the Editor of our St. Paul's Communicator has had to resign. Bill began this newsletter over six years ago and has faithfully put out issue after issue with help from his wife, his reporters, his processors - who labeled, stamped and stickered, Bishop Bob and Emily Loiselle. He agonized over every issue and kept us informed of our parish events. This tool is one of the reasons we have grown as a church family and we thank Bill for all his dedication and hard work. Mark Hanchett has bravely offered to take up the torch and continue Bill's work. Mark has a hard act to follow, but we know he is up to the task.
MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN
By Betty Royer
We're all counting our blessings as we see our new church building being built. Who would have thought 3 years ago that we would be this close to making our vision a reality? Our enlarged church facility will allow us to better serve the Lord and our community. And guess what, that means each of you has a greater responsibility to do your share. The scriptures tell us, and at our retreat last fall we were reminded, that we all have talents and we should use them. Each of our St. Paul's Vestry members chairs a committee that could use your help. In the notice of our annual meeting letter you will find a list of our committees; please take time to read and sign up for one of them. We especially will be needing teachers for our new Sunday school. Think about job sharing one of these positions. You will benefit spiritually and personally while making our church stronger. Don't forget Vestry elections will be held at our annual meeting on Sunday, April 15th.
My own experience as a Vestry member and Sr. Warden has been the best of my life. As of this April, my term expires; has it really been 6 years since I attended my first Vestry meeting with Bishop Peter and Marilyn Langenstein presiding? I have enjoyed serving at St. Paul's and have made many dear friends while uncovering some management/organizational skills that I didn't even know I had. What skill do you have that is just waiting for the chance to be exercised. I have loved working with Bishop Bob whose spiritual guidance and inspirational sermons have made me a better Christian. We have so many people in our Church who love serving the Lord; you are shining examples and I thank each of you. I look forward to the future as we continue to serve St. Paul's.
God's blessings, Betty
"God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."
MESSAGE FROM THE JUNIOR WARDEN
By Bob Carruthers
Research for a new Church sign continues. Two proposals have been received and are being evalutated.
We have scheduled a Spring clean-up of the Church in preparation for the Palm Sunday and Easter services at for 9:00 a.m., Saturday. March 31. We are "looking for a few good men" to assist in shining up the Chapel.
Next will be a spring sprucing up of the garden as construction allows.
VESTRY NOMINATIONS:
TO DATE:
John Blaisdell
Al Cover
Donna Donaldson
Jerry Egolf
Jeanne Lopez (running for a 2°a term)
John Welch
We will also be accepting nominations from the floor during our Annual Meeting.
ALTAR GUILD
By Missy Carroll
The Altar Guild will be making palm crosses on Saturday, March 31 at 9:30 a.m. at church in preparation for Palm Sunday. If you have never made them, don't let that stop you from joining us. We can teach you! We will also be preparing the altar for the services on Sunday.
There will be a sign up sheet posted in the rectory for those who would like to contribute toward our Easter flowers either in memory of loved ones or in thanksgiving for God's many blessings. Please place your donation in the Sunday collection with a notation on your check that it is for Easter flowers.
The Altar Guild welcomes our most recent member, Bettie Woodruff. We have 13 members now and as we anticipate moving into our new church we hope to sign up many more.
One of the traditions of the Lenten season falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent known as "Mothering Sunday". It was the custom for children to return home on this Sunday and visit their parents. It was also the occasion for visiting the mother church where they were reared. At the end of the service each person received a piece of simnel cake, symbolic of the richness of God's love. The 4th Sunday is also known as Refreshment, or Rose, Sunday. We will have simnel cake after the 9:15 and 11:00 services that day.
ST. PAUL'S NUTS
By Kelli Welch
Thank you to everyone who supported our Valentine's Day candy sale. We made nearly $60, all of which was donated to the new building's memorial fund.
Our upcoming meetings will be Friday, March 9 & 23rd, and Tuesday, April 3rd. Please check the weekly church bulletin for specific activity information.
The SP NUTs are looking for a soldier to adopt. If you know of a deployed serviceman/woman who is in need of a little TLC in the form of letters and care packages, please contact Kelli Welch at KMLWelch@gmail.com.
ST. PAUL'S TINTINNABULATORS
By Cathy Gates
2007 has begun as an exciting year for the hand bell choir. First, we've expanded the bell choir to a three-octave choir instead of the two-octave choir we've had in the past. This means several members have changed bell assignments and we've added three new ringers to accommodate the additional bells. Just wait until you hear the rich, deep tones of the lower octave bells and the exiting clarity of the new high octave bells. In addition to new ringers and more bells, we're learning new techniques to enhance the music even more. We're learning music that will lift your hearts and sing God's praises (and show off our new capabilities)!
COLORS OF GRACE – LESSONS FOR LENT
By Andrea Linnell
We will begin rehearsing for our Cantata the first Saturday in March at 10:00 am and will continue until the performance on the evening of Maundy Thursday. "From Thursday evening's Passover meal through Friday's dark hours on the cross, the light of Christ continued to illuminate the Truth. With intense clarity, the Teacher was showing us by example the greatest lessons of his ministry: service, obedience, humility, and forgiveness. Through Christ, the full spectrum of God's grace is reflected in beautiful hues upon our lives. In the suffering of this Holy Week, find joy. In its darkness, see Light. For Light still shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This is the power of Christ's grace and the source of great joy." The Cantata moves through several pieces to tell the story: Take My Yoke Upon You; A Servant's Song; Lesson 1: Service; A Shadow Fell On Sharon's Rose (a favorite from last year); Lesson 2: Obedience; O Gentle Jesus. Lesson 3: Humility; Come to the Cross; Lesson 4: Forgiveness. There is Narration between the songs underscored by beautiful music. All are welcome to join us in this presentation during Holy Week. Come and sing with us to make the experience of Lent and Holy Week more poignant.
ST. PAUL'S RED HAT ANGELS
By Libby Butts
The Red Hat Angels will be going to the Washington National Cathedral on Saturday, March 24. We will leave from the Church at 12:00 and carpool. It is located at the intersection of Massachusetts and Wisconsin Ave. in Northwest Washington. We will take a guided tour which is about 30 minutes or an Audio Tour which is an hour long. The tours are on an ongoing basis from 12:45 to 2:30 with no reservations taken. They ask for a donation of $3 per person. The Audio Tour is $5 per person. We will visit the bookstore in the basement, which is very interesting, and then get something to eat on our way out of town. There is a sign-up sheet in the office, along with some general information. As always, these events are open to any ladies who would like to participate with or without a Red Hat.
2007 DEUS SYNOD
Our 2007 DEUS (Diocese of the Eastern United States) Anglican Province of America Synod will be held in Charlotte, NC this year on July 11-13. We will need two delegates to attend and participate and two alternates is possible, but anyone is encouraged to attend just for the experience.
CAMP
The priorities of the Synod will be: 1) worship; 2) fellowship; 3) In-Service Training; 4) and last, but important, Diocesan Business. Worship is something we usually do well. Fellowship is something we had done well and we believe we can renew this with the structure of the Synod and the availability of the Hospitality Room.
We are very excited about our In-Service Training. This will be accomplished for Laity and Clergy in Break-out Sessions. There is a list of topics on the registration form and you may choose two to attend.
All the information for the Synod is available on the APA website which you may link to from our website http://www.stpaulscrownsvillemd.org. If you would like to attend (financial help is offered), please see Bishop Bob or our Senior Warden.
ANGLICAN LIFE ADVENTURE CAMP
Every summer, the APA conducts the Anglican Adventure Camp for ages 8 to 15. This year the camp will again be at Elk Shoals in the mountains of North Carolina. The dates for the camp are June 17 to June 23 at a cost of $250.00.
Activities include tubing the river, making crafts, singing around campfires, hiking through the woods and playing outdoor sports. All of this is done in an Anglican spiritual environment which includes Bible study, church services and Christian standards.
Bishop Bob and the Vestry will have scholarships available for any of our youth who would like to attend. In addition, we will offer scholarships to someone from the families we are aiding through Alpha Phi Alpha. Please encourage your young people to participate in this great Christian opportunity. We will also provide travel to and from the camp if needed.
OUTREACH
By Phyllis Brian
PACKAGES FROM ST. PAUL'S CHURCH TO MILITARY PERSONNEL
Thank you everyone! On Monday, February 5, 2007, seven large packages filled with valentines, cookies, candies, love and prayers were mailed to military personnel whose addresses were supplied by Church members. Packages were sent to:
Sgt. Michael Hodge
Sgt. Patrick Hurley
Lt. Glenn Switts
PFC Michael Helgesen
1 st Lt. Brian Sinkule
LTC Clifford Hopkins
Maj. Jeremy Orr
and included over 300 Valentines and over 100 pounds of cookies. Each package contained plenty to share! Please see the letters of thanks on the bulletin board in the office.
For our Easter outreach, we will once again be working with Alpha Phi Alpha in helping families with a single father and his children. More details to follow in our weekly bulletin.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Palm Sunday, April 1
8:00 am Holy Communion
9:15 am Holy Communion & Sunday School
1100 am Holy Communion
Maundy Thursday, April 5
7:00 pm Cantata & Holy Communion with Stripping of the Altar
Good Friday, April 6
12-3:00 pm The Seven Last Words Easter Sunday Holy Communion
Easter Sunday
8:00 am Holy Communion
9:15 am Holy Communion
Easter Egg Hunt
Holy Communion
NEW INQUIRER'S CLASS
Dwight Gates and Bishop Bob have designed a Power Point presentation for an Inquirer's Class. This wonderful tool helps to explain our Anglican Faith and history of our church to both old members and new. Starting on Thursdays on April 12th at 7:00 pm, this class will run for four weeks and is open to all inquirers of all ages. A new Thursday Evening Bible study will begin on May 10th.
PRAYERS
Prayer Remembrances: Parishioners - Jo Mafera, Rod Sorkin, George Harrison, Nancy Fairhurst, Marjorie Peterson.
Friends:- Little Riley Mitchell, Milt Beard, Harry Linnell, Anna Curry, Carole Snyder, Reinhold Langenstein, Spencer Langenstein, Elizabeth deGuzman, Maureen Walsh, Janell Ammann, Ursula Kieley, Nola Calhoun, Sally Dickey, Tedd Torgesen, Doris Wenger, Howard Coffelt, Heather Barna, Gene Kurowski, Jay Carruthers, James Mincher, Tom Ruark, Corey Feagle, Jim Weber, Pamela, Jim Van Blarcom, Susan Glantz, Harper Jay Davis, Candee Doneiko, Anna Ingel, Mary Gibson, all the residents of Hope House and their families and the residents of Chrysalis House.
Prayers for Those in the Armed Forces: LCDR Billy Franklin, Sgt. Patrick Hurley, Capt. Corey Shackelton, Lt. Shelle Shackelton, Lt. John Baker, Airman Wendy McCoubrey, LCPL Brian Pittaway, PFC Clinton Carr, Marine Dominick Grossi, Capt. Betsy Niemyer, Capt. Pete Vickerman, Lt. Angela Edwards, LCDR Steve Fuller, LCDR Brent Blackmer, Lt. J. G. George Degannaro, CDR Shan Byrne, Ens. Andreas Langenstein, Lt. M. Steve Naff, Navy Seal Chad Clark, LTC Clifford Hopkins, Sgt. Michael Hodge, Will Jones (Navy), PFC Trevor Helmly and Lt. Brian Sinkule. "Almighty God, we commend them and their families to your gracious care and keeping."
St. Paul's Annual Meeting Sunday, April 15th Immediately following the 11:00 Service