The monthly newsletter of St. John's Episcopal Church - Fayetteville, NC
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THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH STJOHNSNC.ORG 302 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 910.483.7405 CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL TWO-PHASE STRATEGY PAGE 2 RECTOR'S CORNER: PARTS OF THE WHOLE; CONFIRMATION PAGE 3 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES WITH ST. JOHN'S PAGE 4 WARDEN'S NOTES: HAIL THEE FESTIVAL DAY PAGE 5 VOL. IV, SEPTEMBER 2014 The church program-year officialy begins Sept. 7. To celebrate and mark the occasion, we'd love for you to join us during kick-off week! Here's what's happening. Children's Sunday School 8:45 a.m. Sep 7 Parents and children are invited to a Waffle & Pancake kick-off orientation in Hauser Hall! Enjoy waffles and pancakes with toppings galore, meet the teachers and assistants, and visit the classrooms! All children attending Sunday school must be registered! Forms are online at stjohnsnc.org/children or in the parish office. Return forms to the parish or email to [email protected]. Forum for Parents 9:20 a.m. Sep 7 After waffles and pancakes, join preschool director, Donnie Winston, who will lead a forum for parents and others who are interested in strengthening our 3 and 4-year-olds class and our nursery. Bible Adventures Ice Cream Party 5 p.m. Sep 10 We're excited to welcome back our young Bible adventurers and choir members! Children's Wednesday programs kick off with an ice cream party and fun activities on Sept. 10! Join us in the preschool! Bible Adventures and Children's Choir will officially begin on Sept. 17. Kick-off Fish Fry 6 p.m. Sep 10 Welcome back! Don't miss our big kick-off cookout at 6 p.m. Sept.10. Master of BBQ ceremonies Jim MacRae will be on hand to cook the fish, but we ask that parishioners bring a covered dish or dessert. Bring the whole family; invite your friends; let's celebrate a new beginning! Confirmation and Inquirers Classes Sep 14 & Sep 17 In September, we will begin youth and adult classes to prepare participants for confirmation, presided by newly consecrated Bishop Skirving, on Jan. 25, 2015. Youth will meet Sunday mornings beginning Sept. 14 and adults will meet on Wednesday nights beginning Sept. 17. If you'd like to participate, sign up on the gift shop bulletin board.
Transcript
THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
STJOHNSNC.ORG302 Green StreetFayetteville, NC 28301910.483.7405
CHILDREN'S SUNDAYSCHOOL TWO-PHASESTRATEGYPAGE 2
RECTOR'S CORNER:PARTS OF THE WHOLE;CONFIRMATIONPAGE 3
VOLUNTEEROPPORTUNITES WITHST. JOHN'SPAGE 4
WARDEN'S NOTES:HAIL THEE FESTIVALDAYPAGE 5
VOL. IV, SEPTEMBER 2014
The church program-year officialybegins Sept. 7. To celebrate and mark theoccasion, we'd love for you to join usduring kick-off week! Here's what'shappening.Children's Sunday School8:45 a.m. Sep 7Parents and children are invited to aWaffle & Pancake kick-offorientation in Hauser Hall! Enjoywaffles and pancakes with toppingsgalore, meet the teachers andassistants, and visit the classrooms!All children attending Sunday schoolmust be registered! Forms are onlineat stjohnsnc.org/children or in theparish office. Return forms to theparish or email [email protected].
Forum for Parents 9:20 a.m. Sep 7After waffles and pancakes, joinpreschool director, Donnie Winston,who will lead a forum for parentsand others who are interested instrengthening our 3 and 4-year-oldsclass and our nursery.Bible Adventures Ice Cream Party5 p.m. Sep 10We're excited to welcome back ouryoung Bible adventurers and choirmembers! Children's Wednesdayprograms kick off with an ice creamparty and fun activities on Sept. 10!Join us in the preschool! BibleAdventures and Children's Choirwill officially begin on Sept. 17.Kick-off Fish Fry 6 p.m. Sep 10Welcome back! Don't miss our bigkick-off cookout at 6 p.m. Sept.10.
Master of BBQ ceremonies JimMacRae will be on hand to cook thefish, but we ask that parishionersbring a covered dish or dessert.Bring the whole family; invite yourfriends; let's celebrate a newbeginning!Confirmation and Inquirers ClassesSep 14 & Sep 17In September, we will begin youthand adult classes to prepareparticipants for confirmation,presided by newly consecratedBishop Skirving, on Jan. 25, 2015.Youth will meet Sunday morningsbeginning Sept. 14 and adults willmeet on Wednesday nightsbeginning Sept. 17. If you'd like toparticipate, sign up on the gift shopbulletin board.
ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH302 Green StreetFayetteville, North Carolina 28301Founded in 1817 in Fayetteville, NC and todaya worshipping community of more than 700parishioners.
2 THE EPISTLE
Submissions and DeadlinesWe rely on our parishioners for newslettercontent. If you have news or events relevant toparish life, please contact the appropriate Vestryrepresentative or the parish office. Thesubmission deadline for the October edition ofThe Epistle is September 15.
Clergy, Staff, & OfficersRector The Rev. Robert M. AlvesSr. Warden John HolmesJr. Warden Drew YoungClerk of Vestry Lenora ChandlerTreasurer Dohn Broadwell JrChoirmaster Patrick M. O'BriantAdministrator Brant BrockCommunications Anthony RamosBookkeeper Sue StricklandPreschool Director Donnie WinstonParish Cook Bob JenkinsSexton Donnell SimmonsSexton Lonnie PipkinSexton James HendersonThe VestryJeff Baker • John Holmes • Judy Klinck • PatsyPolitowicz • Glenn Chandler • Ricky Evans •Jean Moore • Drew Young • Dick Kells •Deborah Greene • Christel Haworth • RobinKelly
Over the past 5 months, Coffee andConversation events with parentshave brought to our attentionseveral reoccurring themes. So webegin the 2014-2015 Sunday schoolyear by implementing changes toaddress these thoughts. By no meanshave we finished this process, butwe are making a start.The HighlightsIncreased nursery support. We areincreasing our paid group ofprofessionals in the nursery andplan to have up to 3 nurserypersonnel each Sunday from 9 a.m.until noon during September and forother Sundays if parents takeadvantage of our nursery offering.
More efficient Sunday schoolschedule. Beginning Sept. 14, allchildren will meet together inHauser Hall from 9:15-9:30 a.m.before going to their Sunday schoolclassrooms. So the actual start ofSunday school is a little later and alittle shorter in time. Changing thebeginning time to coincide with the
10:30 a.m. service time has been arecurring thought. That is still on thetable, but will require a lot moreplanning because it impacts otherSunday morning events. So wecontinue to work on that idea withthe understanding that children willalways join their families during thetime we celebrate the Holy Eucharistas they now do after attendingChildren’s Chapel.
A new class just for 3 and 4-year-olds. Among our members,there are at least 17 children in thisage group, so we are creating aseparate classroom with theguidance from our preschooldirector, Donnie Winston, who willbe meeting with volunteers to helpcreate a nurturing 3 and 4-year-oldsclassroom setting.
Added support for busy familyschedules. Some of the opportunitiesdiscussed above are directed to thisgoal. But there are a few additional“perks” such as• reducing adult volunteer time inthe Sunday School to one semester
Sunday Schoold e b o r a h g r e e n estrategy
See Strategy, page 6
RECTOR'S CORNER
THE EPISTLE 3
In his sermon "Meditation 17," JohnDonne, the Anglican Divine anddean of St. Paul’s Cathedral inLondon, wrote, "No man is an islandentire of itself; every man is a pieceof the continent, a part of the main… never send to know for whom thebell tolls; it tolls for thee.” In the timeof John Donne, the early 17thcentury, the town bell would toll toannounce that there had been adeath. Donne makes the profoundand universal point that we areinterconnected and that when onedies, all are diminished.
When I heard the news of thetragic and untimely death of RobinWilliams, the news hit me with thepower of John Donne’s profoundwords. Even if Williams had notbeen a fellow Episcopalian, I wouldhave felt diminished. RobinWilliams’ humor cut to the quick asit helped us engage the humancondition and challengingcircumstances alike. And he movedus to laughter that cleansed the souland freed the spirit.
At its best, the rich liturgy of theEpiscopal Church has the power tocleanse the soul and free the spirit.And our history and traditionprovide the grounding that helps usto stay engaged in our spiritual livesand in the world around us. It is ourcommitment to the discipline of
wrestling with deep theologicalquestions in our current culturalcontext that enriches and challengeseach generation of Episcopalians. Weare diverse, and we find unity inChrist.
Robin Williams left a legacy tohis church in the form of his "Top 10Reasons to be an Episcopalian." Thereasons range from “No snakehandling” to “Pew aerobics.” Theyalso include two reasons that remindus of our call to do the challengingand transformative work ofengaging our faith with reason whilebringing questions that arise fromour life experience. Williams saysthat in the Episcopal Church, “Youdon’t have to check your brain at thedoor.” And he concludes, “Nomatter what you believe, there’sbound to be at least one otherEpiscopalian who agrees with you.”
Would you like to learn moreabout the Episcopal Church? If so,there are two opportunities to do sothis fall. The youth confirmationclass is designed to prepare ouryoung adults for their adultaffirmation of faith when BishopSkirving visits St. John’s on Jan. 25,2015. It is my pleasure to help leadthis class which begins at 9:15 a.m.Sunday, Sept. 14. Our young peopleare encouraged to bring friends whowant to explore the Christian faith.
The adult inquirers class isdesigned for long-time Episcopaliansand newcomers alike. Participantsare encouraged to bring questions aswe explore the traditions of theEpiscopal Church. Participants arealso encouraged to bring friends! Theclass will include an orientation tothe life and ministry of St. John’s. Allparticipants will have theopportunity to be confirmed or toreaffirm their confirmation whenBishop Skirving visits in January.The first class will meet at 6:45 p.m.Wednesday, Sept. 17 .
Please take time to review all ofthe information in the newsletter.While no one person can be involvedin every aspect of our life andministry at St. John’s, our lives andministries are interconnected. JohnDonne would argue that all of us are,in some way, connected to all thatwe do. Our combined offerings oftime, talent and treasure embody theministry of Christ in this place.
The Rev. Robert M. Alvesm i n i s t r y i n s i g h t f r o m J o h n D o n n e a n d R o b i n W i l l i a m s
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4 THE EPISTLE
VOLUNTEER
Children's Sunday SchoolTeachers and Assistants
Stop Hunger Now ships dehydratedmeal packets to hungry nations all overthe world. On Sept. 20 at St. John's, wewill pack 10,000 meals! All ages arewelcome! All deanery churches andother friends are invited, too!
We also need contributions to payfor the $2900 in supplies that comprisethe10,000 packages. According to math,that's just 29 cents per meal. Pleasemake your donation check to St. John'swith SHN on the memo line. For moreinformation, contact David [email protected] or JudyKlinck [email protected].
We need lead teachers and assistants tobe a part of the Sunday school dreamteam of volunteers! It's a minimalcommitment of 8-9 Sundays a semester.All curriculum is prepared and providedfor you! Sign up on the gift shop bulletinboard or contact Deborah [email protected]
Youth Acolytes NeededCrucifer, Flagbearer, TorchbearerWe are looking for young people whowish to be a part of the worship service.Being an acolyte provides children andteenagers with the unique opportunity tomore fully participate in the worshipservice. As acolytes, youth learn tocultivate leadership and responsibilitywithin the church.
If your child would like to be anAcolyte or if you would like furtherinformation on this ministry, pleasecontact Glenn [email protected]. You may alsocall the church office at phone number910-483-7405 for more information.
If you would like to help with Children'sChapel, please contact Claire [email protected]. It is aminimal, yet very important andrewarding, commitment! Volunteerswill need to arrive no later than 10:15a.m. and teach the pre-planned lesson.No preparation required at all! Just asmiling face! Volunteers are usuallyneeded 3-4 times during the school year.
Love Lunch11:30 a.m. Sep 15Join our Love Lunch team this monthand help our local Salvation Army (220East Russell St.) provide hot meals toover 100 homeless citizens.
Join the St. John's team at OperationInasmuch and serve breakfast to ourhomeless neighbors. We serve from 7-9a.m., but feel free to jump in for anyamount of time that you can help.
Inasmuch Breakfast7-9 a.m. Sep 4
It's your time. Make it count. Volunteerwith us in our community. Here'swhat's coming up on the calendar.
Stop Hunger Now9 a.m. Sep 20
Children's ChapelVolunteer Leaders
THE EPISTLE 5
WARDEN'S NOTES
c o n s e c r a t i o n o f b i s h o p r o b s k i r v i n g
Thanks to everyone for yourgenerous response to “The Bishop’sNew Clothes.” St. John’s memberscontributed more than $1,000 for thiscause, allowing us to fund thepurchase of the Bishop’s CoronationChasuble with money left over to puttoward some of the other vestments.We all can take pride in knowingthat St. John’s will be well-represented in this effort with theoutward and visible sign of theelegant Coronation Chasuble.
The consecration of BishopRobert Skirving, VIII Bishop of theDiocese of East Carolina, will takeplace at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 inGreenville, N.C. Our own Bill Orr ison the Transition Committee and isresponsible for organizingtransportation for all those wishing
to attend. Bill needs to know how biga bus to secure for folks from ourarea wanting to attend. If you wouldlike to attend, please place yourname on the sign-up sheet on the giftshop bulletin board or call the churchoffice at 483-7405. This is a chance towitness a historic occasion in the lifeof our diocese and enjoy a truefestival day with fellow parishioners.
Those who will be taking theirown transportation should contactBill for directions and parkinginstructions.
If you are unable to attendBishop Skirving’s consecration onNov. 8, be sure to join us for ourVeteran’s Day service on Nov. 12:Bishop Skirving will be with us tohelp celebrate. He will also be withus on Jan. 25, 2015 for confirmation.
September is always an excitingtime in the life of the parish. We kickoff our program year with recordpreschool enrollment, new Sundayschool classes, the parish fish fry,Parish Family Life dinners, and lotsof other great activities. Please taketime to review the calendar and allthe events that are being offered, andtry to attend as many as you can.
Stewardship of time, talent, andresources is a year-round ministrythat culminates with the EveryMember Canvass in the fall. You willbe hearing more about this year’sstewardship campaign from FinanceCommittee Chairman Dick Kells inthe next Epistle.
Happy fall!
theehail
festival
J o h n H o l m e s , S e n i o r W a r d e n
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September
CELEBRATIONS
1 Tony Rand • Philip Haigh III • Parks Helms Jr2 Ben Hatcher3 Karen Rand • Noah Dold • Jack Keefe • Judah Dahlman4 Ryan Davidson5 Carolyn Lancaster • Sarah Moorman • Tiffany &Timothy Dahlman6 Faye Huggins7 Mary Coit Tillinghast • Robert Alves • Katie Stewart •Erika Winspear8 Susan Williams • Dottie Lowell • Sarah O'Hanlon •Carole Anderson • Chris Morgan • Marion & StanleySandler9 Jeanne & Richard Player III10 Barbara Holmes • Kemp Lindsay • Carolyn Dawson
• Emma Walker11 Carmen I. Guzman • Alex Sutherland Jr12 Gary Luck III • Haylee Mullen13 Robert Bloodworth • Gloria Williams14 Richard Fox II15 Audrey Lehmkuhl • Vann Stephens • EdwardDawson16 Hannah Dawson • Ashton Edge17 Sue Bandy • Denise Varela • Anne & Bobby Nimocks18 Martha Duell • James Morgan19 Mary Blue dePrater • Frank Winspear20 Marilyn Ellerbe • Debbie Williams • Dolores Metz •Clifton Cameron21 Marion Sandler • Margaret Dickson22 Joyce & George Chandler23 Stuart Dixon • Jane & David Stewart24 Frank Horton • Jim Phillips • Trey Edge III • Barbara& Jim Mullen25 Deborah Greene • Pawley Shields26 Jim Mullen27 Ashley Moore • Jennifer & Ken Creasey28 Laura Mulkey29 Sherri & Dohn Broadwell
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birthdays anniversaries
• adding some reserved parking for our nursery and pre-school families• providing clearer directions navigating the hallways toour nursery and children’s classrooms• continuing open dialogue with St. John’s parents• creating a “2nd cup of coffee” opportunity on Sundaymornings for parents to fellowship with other parentswhile children are in Sunday School and before going tothe 10:30 a.m. serviceImplementing Phase TwoNow it's time to make the plan a reality! For that, we needto put together a dream team of volunteers. It's a minimalcommitment of 8-9 Sundays a semester. That's just 16hours out of 5 months. We have need of lead teachers andassistants. Choose the classroom you'd like to help inspire:3 and 4-year-olds, K-3rd graders, or 4th-5th graders. All ofthe curriculum is prepared and provided for you.
We've put together a blueprint for a phenomenalSunday school program this year! Now let's set it inmotion! Contact Deborah Greene if you're ready to getinvolved or want to know more: [email protected]. Orsign up on the gift shop bulletin board at the parish.
save the date
The youth of St. John’s will help Fr. Alves lead theBlessing of the Animals at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 in theOutdoor Chapel. Please plan to attend and bring yourpets and friends. We'll provide additional information inTuesday Headlines and the Sunday bulletin.Episcopal Church Women 10:30 a.m. Oct 6All women are invited to ECW's first meeting of the yearin Hauser Hall. Refreshments served. Come and bring afriend and your ideas for the year!
