|
|
SAINTS Alive! THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PARISH All Saints’ Church Chelmsford, MA October 2008
|
|
|
SAINTS Alive! THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PARISH All Saints’ Church Chelmsford, MA October 2008
|
Psalm 37 1-17:
Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make your vindication shine like the light,
and the justice of your cause like the noonday.
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
over those who carry out evil devices.
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For the wicked shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.
But the meek shall inherit the land,
and delight themselves in abundant prosperity. The wicked plot against the righteous,
and gnash their teeth at them;
but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he sees that their day is coming.
The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
to bring down the poor and needy,
to kill those who walk uprightly;
their sword shall enter their own heart,
and their bows shall be broken.
Better is a little that the righteous person has
than the abundance of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the Lord upholds the righteous.
Rector’s Thoughts:
It has been a disturbing September. Lehman Brothers, Washington Mutual Bank, Wachovia Bank have all gone bankrupt. Merrill Lynch has been gobbled up by Bank of America. AIG was bailed out by the taxpayers at a cost of $85 billion. The $700 billion bailout might or might not be passed. The news is full of stories about greedy companies, lax regulations and the promises of politicians to fix everything. My thoughts go to the individuals, the “Masters of the Universe” who have made so much money over the past few years. I have some satisfaction that they have been brought back to human status, but I suspect that they will walk away with millions in their pockets. Meanwhile, the middle and lower level employees are left with no jobs and evaporated savings. Those who have put their retirement into the hands of these companies are left with nothing. I am feeling angry and helpless, a victim in an unjust and depraved world.
As I was talking with Amy Hunter about these times, she quietly reminded me that our faith has something to say about inequity, corruption and greed.
Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not be envious of wrongdoers,
for they will soon fade like the grass,
and wither like the green herb. Psalm 37:1
The Psalm goes on to remind us that these are not unique times, nor are our feelings of outrage. And to allow the wicked to define our reality is to give them way too much power.
Better is a little that the righteous person has than the abundance of many wicked. Psalm 37:16
Our gathering as Church, to worship, pray and support each other is a powerful antidote to the brokenness of the world. We are called by Jesus to be “the light of the world, a city built on a hill.” Matthew 5:14
We offer an alternative to what we hear on the news. This not an easy stand, nor is it very popular these days, but as we can declare our hope in the living God, strive for justice and live in peace and charity with our neighbors, we can also be a source of comfort and meaning in a very confused world.
Peace,
Tom
We would like to invite each and every member of our parish family to join us for the celebration of our name day on November 1! This very special evening begins with a family potluck at 5:30p.m., and is followed at 6:30p.m. with a Festival Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Gayle Harris!
In addition to celebrating the lives of the saints who have gone before us, we will be celebrating the life we have as the community of saints at All Saints’. Not only are we blessed to have Bishop Harris with us as preacher and celebrant, but the evening also will include music by all four choirs – Handbell, Children’s, Junior, and Senior. If that’s not exciting enough for you, the evening will also mark the debut of our fifth choir – our Brass Ensemble.
On display in both the parish hall and later in the sanctuary will be the shrines created on October 18, and the individuals honored in the shrines will also be remembered during the service itself. If you are unable to attend the Wake the Dead workshop (see info elsewhere in newsletter) but have a photo of someone you wish to have acknowledged, please bring this photo in to also be displayed during the service.
We are aware that All Saints’ Day is also Day after Halloween, which can be a spooky thought for families with young children. Since our name day fell on a Saturday this year, we decided to forge ahead with these plans and to start the evening early.
Please save the date and help us to fill the pews with our saints from All Saints’!
Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15 & 22
Cranberry Room, 7:30 to 9:00 PM
A series of classes during which we will look at the ways in we do church here at All Saints’ as we try to better understand the challenges of being Christians in the 21st century. We will explore:
· What is our purpose and how is it going?
· What are the adaptive challenges we are facing?
· What is the role of worship in our Christian lives?
· How are fellowship, groups and mission tied to our sense of community?
· What are the challenges and opportunities to serve as leaders in the Church today?
This class is especially designed for those who are in leadership positions in the church as well as those who wonder about what the church might become in the future.
We wanted to thank you for your quick action in providing sheets and other necessities for the children of Mustard Seed Communities. They are recovering from the trauma of Hurricane Gustav and are grateful for your kind support. Please leave items you wish to donate in the designated box in the Narthex. Please contact Edith Parekh if you have any questions or would like to learn more about Mustard Seed Communities.
Bless.
The Parekh Family (tel 617-304-2455) on behalf of
the children of Mustard Seed Communities.
As you have heard over the past year or so, our Parish Partnership Committee is planning to send a group of people to our Parish Partners in Maseno, Kenya within the next year. We are in the early stages of getting this project going. To that end, on Sunday, October 26th we are showing a video made by a group from St. Christopher's Parish in Chatham.
This film offers excellent insight into daily life at Maseno. It also shows what amazing work is being done by the Hardisons at both St. Philip's School and the hospital. We urge you to take the opportunity to see this video and learn more about how God is inviting us to work as partners with the people of Kenya. Our rector, Tom will narrate and provide additional insight into what we see on the screen. This is a rare chance to see brothers and sisters in Christ on the other side of the world and to gain understanding of their lives.
We also have the chance to see in many ways just how alike we all are. Please mark your calendar for Sunday, October 26th right after the 10AM service. Gather in the Meeting Room with the Parish Partnership Group for this wonderful glimpse of the people of Maseno with whom we are partnered in God's work here on earth. Refreshments will be provided.
Carl Clark
With the last rays of summer and the beginning of a new school year comes the start of a new mission season at All Saints’. This is a transitional year for the Mission/Outreach Team as we lose the services of two stalwart members. Pamela Landi has left Chelmsford to attend UMass, Amherst. Liz Marshall, after many years of dedicated service, will be scaling back her involvement over time since her move to Summer Place.
We are at an exciting point where we are considering involvement in international mission opportunities as well as renewing our hands-on involvement with Habitat for Humanity. We do not lack for ideas or people that need our help. What we lack, at the moment, are parishioners willing to join us to help All Saints’ do God’s work in the world. Take a look at some of the programs listed below that we are trying to get off the ground. Ask yourself whether God is calling you to make a difference by participating in one of them. Please contact the church office or Dave Kuzara at 978-256-5484 if you want to help with any of these programs or would like to join the Mission/Outreach Team.
|
Mission trip to Nyahela Sub-parish in Kenya |
|
Relief for the Mustard Seed Orphanage in Jamaica |
|
Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity |
|
Refugee Immigration Ministry |
Also note that we will be celebrating environmental stewardship on Sunday, Oct. 5 which is Creation Sunday. The service will include special music and prayers celebrating God’s creation and our role as stewards of that creation. The Mission/Outreach Team will be handing out information on living in a more environmentally friendly manner. Please join us in celebrating God’s wonderful creation.
Dave Kuzara
for the Mission/Outreach Team
For those who are wondering about the impact of the gathering of the Anglican Bishops this past summer for the Lambeth Conference, here are a few resources:
http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/welcome/?lambeth This links you to the Lambeth Daily Video Journals which were shown at the 2008 Lambeth Conference to introduce participants to the day's theme
http://www.lambethconference.org/reflections/document.cfm Reflections about the Indaba process which the bishops used in small groups discussions
http://www.episcopal-life.org/97360_ENG_HTM.htm Episcopal news resource.
Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed thy flock: Give grace, we beseech thee, that they may diligently preach thy Word, and duly administer the godly discipline thereof, and grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the same; that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Bell Choir is in need
of one or two more ringers for this season. Please contact Ellen Jewart if
you'd like to join us on Thursday evenings at 6:30 in the sanctuary!
erjewart@hotmail.com or
978-449-9650.
The Bell Choir is also in need of substitute ringers to put on a list. To be a sub, send your name, email address, and daytime phone number to Ellen Jewart at erjewart@hotmail.com. Subs stand in for ringers who can't be there on a Sunday we are scheduled to play. You will be notified by the director of when you will needed. In general, a sub should expect to attend one or two rehearsals, plus a Sunday run-through and play during the service. If you enjoy ringing occasionally but can't commit to rehearsal weekly for the year, this would be an ideal situation for you.
Gospel: Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Elsewhere in this issue, Amy Hunter has described ways that people might qualify as saints. One definition is in the prayer book, another in Lesser Feasts and Fasts. In the week before October is a reminder of “another country”, heaven, from whose inhabitants the Church has chosen to name as a “saint”, the archangel Michael.
It is at this time that I have been reading (in the Boston Globe) of the Pope’s plans to declare a new saint: Joseph de Veuster, who as the ordained Father Damien, worked among the lepers exiled the Kalaupapa peninsula of Hawaii’s Molokai Island, where a leper colony had been created in 1866. Fr. Damien worked with the people for 12 years before contracting leprosy himself, and he died four years later in 1889.
What a range, from a heavenly general to a missionary at an outcasts’ leper village. And that doesn’t even include the people that you and I know, some of whom are still living!
So, as the feasts of Francis, Ignatius, Luke, James, Simon and Jude and others come and go in October, we should remember how vast and varied that “other country” is, and rejoice in all the saints, as their stories become known to us.
Patrick Blumeris, Editor.
Upcoming Formation Dates and Events
|
Oct 1 |
Beginning of study of Transforming Congregational Culture |
Blue Room 7:30–9:00 pm |
|
Oct 5 |
Creation Sunday |
|
|
Oct 8 |
Study of Transforming Congregational Culture |
Blue Room 7:00-9:00pm |
|
Oct 15 |
Study of Transforming Congregational Culture |
Blue Room 7:00-9:00pm |
|
Oct 18 |
Wake the Dead workshop Sign-up required |
10:00- 3:00 Parish Hall |
|
Oct 22 |
Study of Transforming Congregational Culture |
Blue Room 7:00-9:00pm |
|
Oct 25 |
Deanery Workshops |
Christ Church Andover |
|
Nov 1 |
Festive Celebration of ALL SAINTS our parish’s “name feast’ |
5:30 potluck 6:30 service |
|
Nov 2 |
Annual Pledge Drive begins |
|
|
Nov 7-8 |
Diocesan Convention |
|
From the Associate:
If you do one thing at All Saints’ this month… well, I hope that that would be participating in worship on Sunday morning! But if you do just one other thing, then I urge you to participate in the study of being church in these changing times and culture on Wednesday evenings, beginning on October 1 and running though October 22. Tom has written elsewhere about how inspiring he has found Anthony Robinson’s book Transforming Congregational Culture to be, how he hopes parishioners will also read Robinson’s book, and how he invites parishioners, especially those with a concern for the life and presence of this parish, to join him for this important study and discussion. I add my encouragement to Tom’s. It is an exciting and encouraging thing for us to stop and look at the gifts God has given us and at God’s call to us to use and live out those gifts.
Tom and I had the privilege of hearing Tony Robinson speak at a clergy gathering in September. I came away reminded of all the changes and struggles that the people of God have faced throughout human history. Robinson challenged me to think of the present changes in our culture as an opportunity to let go of how I wish things were and to see what God is up to now. The Connect? program last winter reminded us that our faith tradition believes that God is always up to something.
So I urge your prayers for this parish and its leadership as the vestry takes time this fall to look at how things are going at All Saints’ and as we get ready for our pledge drive in November. And put your prayers into action through worship and by joining the important conversation Wednesday evenings in October about how All Saints’ might be both a culture transformed and a transforming culture.
In peace,
Amy Hunter
Associate for Adult Christian Formation and Education
October 23: Feast of St. James, Brother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and Martyr in about 62.
“If you subscribe to THAT belief, well, that’s just beyond belief!” In the weeks leading up to a presidential election, this sentiment will be repeated in many ways. It is a BIG part of what we term negative campaigning, but is not restricted to those who seek our vote. We can say this in different ways to those with whom we regularly rub shoulders. Jesus pointed out that we need to hear and do God’s word in order to be counted as Jesus’ family (Luke 8:19-21). He said this at an instant when Mary and her sons were waiting to see Him. Clearly, Jesus’ earthly family had a deeper understanding of Who He was, for one of them later wrote to “my brothers and sisters” that, just as a tiny rudder directed great ships, “in the same way, the tongue is a small member, yet it utters great things. With it we bless God the Father and yet with it, we curse men, who are made in His likeness.” (from James 3.)
Let’s try to remember this thought during the election season when commonsensical to me seems nonsensical to you: those we scorn are made in God’s likeness.
On Saturday, October 18, Melissa Flewelling and Maggie Marshall will be offering a workshop called Wake the Dead (more about that wonderful event elsewhere in this newsletter) and on Saturday, November 1, this parish will do a gala celebration of the Feast of All Saints, our “Name Feast.” Both of these events invite us to honor those who are saints for us—an activity that seems to me to be wholly appropriate for the people of All Saints”!
What is a saint, anyway? I suggest three definitions.
First, The Lesser Feasts and Fasts is the official calendar of saints’ days for the Episcopal Church and lays out the requirements for inclusion of a person in that calendar. Saints in the church calendar are baptized Christians who have died whose lives were exemplary witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (pp. 491- 492)
The Lesser Feasts and Fasts recognizes as well that identifying those that the whole church recognizes as such witnesses begins small, with those recognized first on a local level. This year at All Saints’ at the Wake the Dead workshop on October 18 and our All Saints festival on November 1, we invite parishioners to think on that smaller scale, even on a personal level. Who are saints for you? Your imagination may go naturally to relatives who have died and whose presence and witness has personally influenced you. That is a great starting place. And I encourage you to look at those figures and to look as well at anyone, present, in history, dead, living who been a light for you on your Christian journey.
My second definition, then, comes from Madeline L’Engle’s book, A Wrinkle in Time. Three children, Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin have been swept into a mission to save their father and are learning about the cosmic struggle between good and evil from the mysterious Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which.
“…maybe it won’t seem strange to you that some of our very best fighters have come right from your own planet, and it’s a little planet, dears, out on the edge of a little galaxy. You can be proud that it’s done so well.”
“Who have our fighters been?” Calvin asked.
“Oh, you must know them, dear,” Mrs. Whatsit said.
Mrs. Who’s spectacles shone out at them triumphantly, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
“Jesus!” Charles Wallace said. “Why of course, Jesus!”
“Of course!” Mrs. Whatsit said. “Go on, Charles, love. There were others. All your great artists. They’ve been lights for us to see by.”
“Leonardo da Vinci?” Calvin suggested tentatively. “And Michelangelo?”
“And Shakespeare, “Charles Wallace called out, “and Bach! And Pasteur and Madame Curie and Einstein!”
Now Calvin’s voice rang with confidence. “And Schweitzer and Gandhi and Buddha and Beethoven and Rembrandt and St. Francis!”
“Now you, Meg,” Mrs. Whatsit ordered.
“Oh, Euclid, I suppose.” Meg was in such an agony of impatience that her voice grated irritably. “And Copernicus.”
Using that definition, Madeline L’Engle most certainly is one of my personal saints.
Finally, I want to remind you that St Paul addressed his letters “to the saints.” We are the saints, the people of God gathered as the Body of Christ. Sainthood is not about super-piety or amazing moral accomplishment, but about being persons in whom and through whom the light of Christ shines.
Who are your saints?
Amy Hunter
Associate for Adult Christian Formation and Education
A little burn will hurt
A little sting will smart
And little unkind words
Will grieve a little heart.
Old Rhyme
Saturday, October 18, 10:00- 3:00
in the Parish Hall
Help prepare our parish and your self for this year’s festive celebration of the Feast of All Saints by participating in the October 18th Wake the Dead workshop. Melissa Flewelling and Maggie Marshall will facilitate participants’ making of shrines—which may be dedicated to a beloved person, animal, an event, an inner transition or a connection that is dear to you.
Join us on October 18th. A variety of materials will be provided for you to choose from to make your meaningful and personal creation. NO ART EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. There is no right or wrong way to work. The process of making can be playful and at the same time deep.
Choose a subject that is meaningful to you. Bring yourself, your imagination and a willingness to be open to the process of playing with materials and an idea. We will provide the bulk of the materials, but we encourage you to bring along anything significant that you would like to incorporate into your shrine. Suggestions for such additional materials are remembrances, photos, tiny things, beads, boxes and ribbons. If you have the following items and are willing to share, we welcome scissors, glue and glue guns. There will be a suggested fee of $5 to help us defray expenses for the workshop.
Please bring your own bag lunch. Coffee, tea and water will be provided.
The workshop is limited to 20 participants, who need to be adults or of high school age. We ask that you sign up, either on the sign-up in the narthex or by emailing Melissa Flewelling at m.flewelling@comcast.net
In the Sunday Bulletin under the section on “those in our parish in need of healing,” we list those with more acute needs. Saints Alive carries a list of more “on-going” concerns to bring to God in prayer.
We will keep the description you provide as general or specific as you indicate. Please let us know what you would like included. We also encourage you to clip out these names and keep them in your prayers.
If you would like your name to be added or removed from any of the prayer lists, please contact Darlene in the Church Office.
· Gladys Stephens, Palm Manor Nursing Home
· Eleanor Ferreira at home
· Millie Adams at home
· Mary Buote at home
· Bea Iams at home
· Grace Wardell, Sunny Acres Nursing and Rehab Center
· Dora Smith, Betsy Eisenmann’s mother
· Priscilla Smith at home
· Doug Grant at home, chronic back pain
· Chaz Freeman, Lois Freeman’s son
· Debbie Anderton, Dora Carr’s daughter
· Dorothy Eaton, Willow Manor
Ministering at Nyahela Sub-Parish in Kenya:
Rev. Paul Onyoyo, Dorcus Esilaba, Shem Bwonya, Elizabeth Osiolo.
Nyahela sub-parish currently receives SaintsAlive. If you would like to write directly to them, please note their address:
ACK: Anglican Church of Kenya
ACK NYAHELA PARISH
P.O. BOX 201
LUANDA - KENYA
CODE : 50307
For Jonah, the call was to Nineveh. Moses turned from the family of his youth to his true kin, and led them out of Egypt. Samuel, God’s own from before his birth, distinctly heard God calling him one night, and went to the priest Eli several times, thinking the old man was calling. Nathan found his calling as the conscience of King David. Isaiah “saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty” while he was praying, and at the question “Whom shall we send?” was moved to offer: “Here am I; send me!” They all had their share of serious duties to perform, after their “calling” moments.
St. James noted: “If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?…” (see James 2:15).
Collect for the October 23 Feast of St. James:
Grant, O God, that following the example of your servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Relishing that mustard?…
The Kingdom of God is “like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” Luke 13:19
The impish question that comes to mind is: what kinds of nests (homes) can the people of the world make for themselves in the branchwork that we are making of the Kingdom of God (Church)?
Editor
Vestry Members
Vestry Members
Carl Clark Diane Coles Deb Dutton
Tom Decker Derick Gates Liz Landers
Harry Taplin Edith Parekh
Lois Freeman, Senior Warden
David Cahill, Junior Warden
Melanie Hickcox, Treasurer
Scott Bempkins, Clerk
Church Office............................. 978-256-5673
Senior Warden....... Lois Freeman
Junior Warden........ Dave Cahill
Treasurer............... Melanie Hickcox
Clerk..................... Scott Bempkins
Acolyte Director.... Clem Cole
Adult Education...... Amy Hunter
Altar Guild............. Liz Landers
Buildings and…….. Deb Dutton
Grounds
Christian School..... Laura Marshall
Michelle Thomas
Elizabeth Danieli
Coffee Hour.......... Matt Hickcox
Endowment ........... to be filled
Environmental Stewardship
Committee............. to be filled
Fellowship.............. to be filled
Finance.................. Mike Brodeur
Handbell Choir……Ellen Jewart
Music Minister....... Maggie Marshall
Outreach............... Dave Kuzara
Pastoral Care......... Joy Chadwick
Saints Alive............ Patrick Blumeris
SaintsAlive e-mail:.. ........ saintsalive@yahoo.com
Stewardship........... to be filled
Thrift Shop............. Carol Cannistraro
Youth Group.......... Nancy March
Webmaster............ Richard Coles
Web site................ www.allsaintschelmsford.org
… for the November 2008 Saints Alive! is
October 19th, 2008
Please leave your articles in the Saints Alive! mailbox in the church office, or send them via email to SaintsAlive@yahoo.com. Thanks.
