Opening Sentences Dear Parish Family, Every year each parish in the Episcopal Church is required to fill out their Parochial Report. This document details the finances, membership, and participation of each diocese for which the national church uses to tabulate its statistical standing. The treasurer reports on the numbers pertaining to the funding of the church, while the priest adds numbers referring to the people involved in our mission and ministry. I felt like 2018 was a big year for St. Luke’s. So, when I went to tabulate the attendance numbers, I was pretty sure they were going to reflect that sense of increased participation and energy. But — “Surprise!” They were the same as last year. Same number of members, same average attendance, same everything. So, what was the difference? Turns out, there’s no page in the Parochial Report to register the power of the Holy Spirit! I don’t know about you, but I found myself leaving St. Luke’s most Sundays feeling spiritually revived. It’s not just that I felt “better,” but that I drove away somehow more stirringly connected to God, to each one of you, and to the meaning and purpose of my life. I guess that’s just what you and I can do when you and I open our hearts to the transforming Jesus stands ready to deliver every time we gather in God’s name. There’s no statistic reflecting “hearts open to God,” but if there were, I don’t believe any of us would simply say, “Same as last year.” Somehow the spiritual light, which I’ve seen so clearly here ever since I arrived, seems to glow ever more brightly as time goes by. Although there’s blessedly no way to measure it, I firmly believe that something about Sundays with each other here at St. Luke’s keeps opening our hearts ever wider to the love and hope and joy of Almighty God. Anyway, that’s my UN-official “Parochial Report” to you, which the national church may not count; thanks be to God, we are able to Count On from each other. God’s Peace be With You, The Rev. Philip H. Kasey THE GOOD NEWS Newsletter of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Winter 2019 Happy Valentine’s Day on Keuka Lake! Courtesy Cheryl Pierce
Transcript
Opening Sentences
Dear Parish Family,
Every year each parish in the Episcopal Church is required to fill out their Parochial Report. This document details the finances, membership, and participation of each diocese for which the national church uses to tabulate its statistical standing. The treasurer reports on the numbers pertaining to the funding of the church, while the priest adds numbers referring to the people involved in our mission and ministry.
I felt like 2018 was a big year for St. Luke’s. So, when I went to tabulate the attendance numbers, I was pretty sure they were going to reflect that sense of increased participation and energy. But — “Surprise!” They were the same as last year. Same number of members, same average attendance, same everything. So, what was the difference?
Turns out, there’s no page in the Parochial Report to register the power of the Holy Spirit! I don’t know about you, but I found myself leaving St. Luke’s most Sundays feeling spiritually revived. It’s not just that I felt “better,” but that I drove away somehow more stirringly connected to God, to each one of you, and to the meaning and purpose of my life. I guess that’s just what you and I can do when you and I open our hearts to the transforming Jesus stands ready to deliver every time we gather in God’s name. There’s no statistic reflecting “hearts open to God,” but if there were, I don’t believe any of us would simply say, “Same as last year.” Somehow the spiritual light, which I’ve seen so clearly here ever since I arrived, seems to glow ever more brightly as time goes by. Although there’s blessedly no way to measure it, I firmly believe that something about Sundays with each other here at St. Luke’s keeps opening our hearts ever wider to the love and hope and joy of Almighty God.
Anyway, that’s my UN-official “Parochial Report” to you, which the national church may not count; thanks be to God, we are able to Count On from each other. God’s Peace be With You,
The Rev. Philip H. Kasey
THE GOOD NEWS Newsletter of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Winter 2019
Happy Valentine’s Day on Keuka Lake!Courtesy Cheryl Pierce
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THE GOOD NEWS Winter 2019
Star Shine 2018
On Wednesday, November 28, we (the baking and frosting crew) descended upon Bev Gordon’s house for this year’s Christmas Cookie extravaganza. If you haven’t had a chance to participate you should – it’s a blast (lots of work) but a lot of fun. This year’s crew, Bev, Chris Hunt, Joan Barrett, Al Bryne, Janet Micnerski (church Secretary), Janet Hallahan, Jan Williams, Cheryl Pierce, Adel Lincourt (supreme cookie dough maker) and I, started at 9am and by 3pm we had over 50 lbs of Christmas cookies rolled, cut, baked, cooled and frosted. We had cookies resting all over Bev’s house. This year’s frosting awards go to Al, Joan and Cheryl. A couple of days later, a second crew consisting of Bev, Gene Hunt, John Wilder, Jan Williams, Barbara Miller, Cheryl Pierce and I came for the boxing, weighing and ribbon tying. Thanks to several great bakers (parishioners) who made butter pressed cookies of many great shapes, colors and flavors, we packed a variety of treats to offer. This day wasn’t as long as the first day — many hands make light work — and by noon we had all the cookies packed, racked, and stuffed in Bev’s SUV for delivery to Star Shine on Saturday. Star Shine set-up and sales crew, Bev, Kathy Horton, Matt Janson (Markie and Dave Watson’s grandson), Mel and Nancy Davis, and Louie and I had the canopy up and lights on by 4pm on Main Street in Penn Yan. It was about 40 degrees with a little breeze, nothing a cup of hot chocolate or coffee couldn’t stave off, and we were lucky enough to get real close to selling out before the rain came at around 6:30pm. So we packed it up and called it a success. A huge thank you goes to Adel Lincourt for measuring and mixing all the cookie dough ahead of time, to Bev for letting us get flour and sprinkles all over her house and for making the best soup ever for lunch on baking day, and to everyone who baked pressed cookies. It all added up to a record $653. Thanks be to God!
Donna Gridley
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church �2
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THE GOOD NEWS Winter 2019
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols
This year we celebrated Christmas Eve in a traditionally British way, with Lessons and Carols. Every year at this time, churches across Great Britain celebrate Nine Lessons and Carols, modeled after the first service of this kind held in 1918 at King’s College, Cambridge “to bring a more imaginative approach to worship.”
We started our service just as they do across-the-pond, by singing Once in Royal David’s City, a beautifully, melodic hymn that although unfamiliar to many of us, was sung with spirit. Andrew Landers started off the lessons with Isaiah 40:1-11, reminding us of God’s love and His ability to comfort us. Hark the Herald Angels rang from the pews as we joyously celebrated the power of heaven. Janet Hallahan provided us with words from Isaiah 7, presenting us with God’s plan to send Jesus to Earth, a sign of His love for us. The First Noel was up next, lifting us even higher with joy and anticipation. I took the podium next, reading a lesson from Luke 1, imagining what Mary must have been feeling when Gabriel visited her with his astonishing news of an impending baby. We were again transported to another place and time as we sang It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, the glorious sound of all! Ryan Smith recited from Luke 1 and rejoiced when Mary’s baby leapt in her womb, extraordinary! Oh Little Town of Bethlehem set the scene for the lesson given by Polly Kasey, unveiling the manger scene into our minds’ eye with a lesson from Luke 2. We finished our special series with a comforting hymn, While Shephards Watched Their Flocks by Night.
The five lessons and the seasonal hymns that Father Phil had chosen elevated our spirits; we were ready to receive Holy Communion. As in St. Luke’s tradition, we closed the service with Silent Night sung by candlelight, a very Holy Night it was!
But our celebration was not yet over. We had a bit of a surprise as Rick led us through a fun and up-beat Dismissal tune, We Wish You a Merry Christmas! I suspect we were all hoping to receive that figgy pudding we whole-heartedly demanded that evening.
Respectfully,
Nicole Landers
Find out more about the King’s College service at http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church �3
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THE GOOD NEWS Winter 2019
Melanie’s Farewell
Melanie’s one year internship with us sadly came to an end at the end of December. We shared a special goodbye with her during our potluck that month. Father Phil and Bev Gordon said a few words, reiterating what we’ve been saying during the entire last year - how lucky we have been to have such a learned scholar and compassionate leader amongst us to assist in our worship every Sunday. Ryan Smith presented Melanie with a very special gift of two beautifully crafted stoles, one of rainbow and the other of purple wave designs. Melanie was truly moved as she addressed us and thanked us for our role in her journey to priesthood. We will miss her presence and look forward to celebrating with her at her Ordination as Deacon on February 23 at Trinity Church in Greece, NY. Keep your eye out for an announcement of her Ordination into the Priesthood in about six months time. Best wishes to Melanie!
The true meaning of Lenten fasting…is less giving up the things and more giving up of resentment, anger, and disease. God enables this. Lent is more than a time of fasting; it is a joyous season of feasting. Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others. Lent is a season when we should:
Fast from the judging of others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all in Christ.Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.Fast from words that wound; feast on phrases that heal.Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.Fast from anger; feast on patience.Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.Fast from worry; feast on God’s providence.Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.Fast from suspicion; feast on openness.Fast from self concern; feast on compassion for others.Fast from personal anxiety; feast on trust in God.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church �4
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THE GOOD NEWS Winter 2019
Report on ConventionAs a delegate from St. Luke's, I attended the 87th Diocesan Convention along with Bev
Gordon, Chris Hunt, Melanie Duguid-May and Father Kasey, held on October 27, 2018 at the Islamic Center of Rochester, NY. I also want to thank our parishioners who so generously contributed to UTO and the SE District project, "Shoes That Grow." Your UTO contributions go towards the efforts of the UTO Committee which makes the grant awards to churches in the U.S. as well as other Anglican Diocese and Provinces around the world that address a compelling human need. A UTO grant was applied for and received to rebuild a school that had been destroyed by fire in Carta, Costa Rica. The government had refused to rebuild and 67 children would have been left without a school or future.
A great, awesome prelude to Convention was attending a dinner on Friday, Oct 26 at Double Tree Inn to honor Prince’s 10 years as our Bishop. Many inspiring stories were told in honor of Prince's work as well as the wonderful support from Roja. Rt Rev Mark Lattime, the Episcopal Bishop of Alaska, later delivered the Homily before the Eucharist.
Music (Swing Low Sweet Chariot), prayer and scripture readings opened the Convention. We had opportunities to discuss scripture readings at our table throughout the meeting. We learned of an interesting practice called ‘dwelling’ where a scripture is presented, questions asked for reflection, then we listened deeply to each other as we shared experiences with others.
Dr. Mooney, from the Islamic Center, warmly welcomed us and said in his introduction, “we also consider Bishop Singh as our Bishop; we welcome our Christian neighbors.” It is a loving, diverse community. The Center is very large - modern structure. On Friday Services there are over 1,000 people in attendance. I also believe the center supports a school. Special guests from the Center were introduced. A recitation from the Qur’an was sung and later translated.
Many groups shared detailed results of their missions. CEO, Loren Walenta, from the Senior Life Communities provided an update. Senior Life Communities are in six neighborhoods working to provide affordable housing for seniors. The group celebrated its 150 year birthday with the original mission of caring for those often forgotten. Walenta predicted 3 or more sites will come about in the next few years. Communication Specialist Stephan Richards presented 33 Ministry Videos highlighting Leadership, Stewardship and Relationships highlighting programs within our Diocesan community of food pantries, Saturday lunches and helping seniors age with dignity.
The Bishop addressed the audience, noting the ‘Beloved Community’ has grown, workshop numbers have increased, generosity has increased, and leadership is more diverse. A presentation on Racial Reconciliation Healing was given by Melanie, introducing members of her task force and describing the mission through youth testimonies on ‘Becoming a Beloved Community.’ They were inspiring and powerful. Father Obe John's daughter from Church of Good Shepard, Savona, relayed her story of being called a terrorist at school and the healing steps that took place. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mission that comes out of RIT had several students speak on how their community interplayed of school/church made their lives so compete and meaningful.
More information on the 87th Convention can be found on the Diocesan website www. episcopalrochester.org.
Janet Hallahan
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church �5
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THE GOOD NEWS Winter 2019
Buildings and Grounds
Last fall repairs were made to the Carillon speakers wiring in the tower by Ken Micnerski and me. As they are now operational, Gene Hunt, with some assistance from Fr. Phil, has been programming the music in the main unit for different seasons and time of year. Gene has also reprogrammed the time of day it plays and hopefully soon it will be sounding normal again. Thank you to everyone for their time on this fix!
Talks have begun at vestry meetings about the possibility of an air conditioner for the church. Marky Watson and Gene Hunt have interviewed and researched potential units and contractors regarding installation costs. No decision has been made yet, so if you have any thoughts about air conditioners please talk with Gene or Marky or a vestry member or wardens.
Another major project planned is a new roof for the parish house. A price for shingles and also steel roofing have been received. The steel is more expensive but lasts longer and I believe doesn’t allow moss and mildew to grow on it. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on this.
The hinges on the front door at church are in need of repair. The door settles from time to time when the wood screws start to give out and the big heavy door then starts to stick. Rob Ringer has graciously volunteered to replace the old hinges and rehang the door. Andrew Landers and I plan to help Rob with this project when the weather warms.
The septic holding tanks at the church and parish were both pumped and inspected last October 24th , they passed! We change the filters on the furnaces and placed new batteries in all the fire alarms. We also changed all the light bulbs in the church to LED bulbs. The two main light fixtures (that hold 12 bulbs each) and the eight wall lights were all replaced. We believe the light is much better and a HUGE thank you to Bill Pinckney at the Hardware for donating the bulbs. We should see a little change in the electrical bill as well.
Lou Gridley
Church Bloopers
Here are some actual sentences found in other church bulletins and newsletters:
- Don’t let worry kill you. Let the Church help.- Thursday night potluck-supper. Prayer and medication to follow.- Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.- For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church �6
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THE GOOD NEWS Winter 2019
Treasurer’s Report
This is my first Parish financial report so bear with me. Thank you Donna for your years as treasurer. 2018 was sound for St Luke’s, as we finished with a surplus, compared to a budgeted loss. Revenues were up comparable to 2017, up except for memorials and loose offerings. The drop in memorials was actually good news as we had no deaths in 2018. Loose offerings became pledges so our pledge income was well up. Miscellaneous income was down but that reflects the completion of our Church masonry refurbishment so we didn't need to take money from our endowment nor did we receive a generous gift that helped that effort. Personnel Expenses were down; we saved on supply priests as Melanie was able to fill in on some Sundays in Father Phil's absence. We increased the salaries for our organists. We also increased our secretary's pay as she took on many of Donna's treasurer duties. The reconciliation expense represents several years of direct charges that had not been recorded in our Parish books.
Rodge Williams
Jan - Dec 18 2018 Budget Jan - Dec 17
Income Loose Offering 10,170.75 3,000.00 4,078.25
Pledges 35,460.00 33,830.00 31,252.00
Total Income 45,630.75 36,830.00 35,330.25
Bake Sale 1,638.50 1,000.00 1,215.00
Other Misc income 6,182.01 1,700.00 31,870.06
Total Special Services Income 7,820.51 2,700.00 33,085.06
Total Donations 56,161.26 39,530.00 78,011.21
Expense Total Buildings & Grounds 1,425.96 1,000.00 23,386.46
Total Church Expense 1,834.38 300.00 851.34
Insurance Expense 1,363.50 2,500.00 3,492.50
Total Mission 4,172.00 4,790.00 5,001.00
Total Office Expense 1,092.55 1,000.00 2,081.39
Outreach 810.00 0.00
Total Personnel Expenses 30,636.58 31,844.00 29,935.51
Reconciliation Discrepancies 4,671.45 0.00
Total Utilities 1,079.13 1,700.00 2,029.62
Total Expense 47,085.55 43,134.00 66,777.82
Net Surplus 9,075.71 -3,604.00 11,233.39
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church �7
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THE GOOD NEWS Winter 2019
Stewardship
We would like to thank this year’s speakers, John Wilder, Nancy Davis and Nicole Landers, who shared their reasons of why they love and support St. Luke’s. John’s historical recount of his family, Nancy’s recollection of her missionary work in Honduras and Nicole’s birthday memories were inspirational. We finished our campaign with a special Stewardship Sunday musical trio, our own Chris and Gene’s son, Phillip Hunt and his wife, Lindsey and angelic vocalist, Amanda Weikel.
This year we exceeded our goal - cause for celebration! We’ve had a budget deficit for the last few years, so this turnaround is very welcomed. We look forward to a year of abundance and generosity as the Holy Spirit continues to live on at St. Luke’s, as Father Phil so aptly observed in his Opening Sentences. Sadly, this will be the last year that our Janet Hallahan will be chairing this committee. She will be making a move south, not quite as far as Florida, but to Horseheads! We will find it extremely difficult — if not impossible — to replace the wit and charm of her heart-felt introductions she made each Sunday during Stewardship month.
Respectfully,
The Stewardship Committee
Janet Hallahan, Bev Gordon, Donna Gridley, and Nicole Landers
A Special Birthday Surprise
Joan Barrett sent us a fantastic email just before Al Byrne’s 70th birthday relaying a story that’s like something out of Reader’s Digest or the Hallmark Channel. Al had been delving into family geneology, as many of us do, and came across the fact that he has a sister whom he had not yet met, named Teresa. He reached out, they corresponded and spoke on the phone, and discovered they really have a lot in common. One of Teresa’s dogs is a Havanese, just like Aggie! And one of her daughters is an Episcopal priest. Joan sneakily got to work and flew Teresa in from Santa Fe, NM. Making up some story of a long-ago friend visiting the area, Joan set off for the airport and sent Al and her brother to wait for them at a restaurant they frequent on a Tuesday night. Extending his hand to Joan’s “friend,” Al said to her, “you look an awful lot like my sister,” to which she replied, ”Al, I am your sister!” What a gift to receive for your 70th birthday! They look forward to having Teresa and her family visit this summer.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church �8
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THE GOOD NEWS Winter 2019
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church �9
Barb & Ray StonerMel DavisDick GalushaRalph LaneLinda BoudrauWarren ColeMary Ann WaltonTom RosettieYvonne SchuttCathy HanRich BlockSteve BurrellJoe Monago
February 13 Brendan PinckneyMarch 2 Desi Egburtson13 Kathy Horton29 Bill Pinckney30 Kaley DavisApril 8 Jan Williams9 Donna Gridley Jim Cook13 Joan Barrett14 Marky Watson17 Anella Tillman20 Mel Davis21 Sarah Conley23 Katy Wheeler30 Steve YuschakMay 4 April Sutherland6 Angel Conley15 Gwen Martin
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
February 10 Donna and Louie GridleyMay 26 Revs. Phil and Polly Kasey
February 14 Valentine’s Day18 President’s DayMarch9 Shrove Tuesday17 St. Patrick’s Day31 Daylight Savings StartsApril 14 Palm Sunday18 Maundy Thursday19 Good Friday21 Easter SundayMay 12 Mother’s Day27 Memorial Day
Leon “Buddy JensenZachary Edwards
Nick EdwardsJosh Anken
SERVICE PERSONNEL ON ACTIVE DUTY
If anyone has a pastoral emergency, contact:Fr. Phil Kasey at 315-585-1019 or email at [email protected]
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
We commend to your gracious care and keeping, all the men and women of our armed forces.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Give them courage and hope in their trouble, and bring them the joy of Your salvation.
