St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 203 Dennison St. Colonial Beach, Virginia The Messenger Volume 39, Issue 4 august 2017 Interim Rector The Rev. Thomas R. Hughes, Jr. Music Music Minister: James Edwards Choir Director: Bonnie Trahan Vestry & Commissions Mary C. Parker - Sr. Warden Erin Bartley - Jr. Warden Mary Coombes Bobby Harrison Gladys Clark Johnson Janet Markwith Lewis Ray Donna Shelar Jack Gaines Treasurer; Register Julie Irving Assistant Treasurer Office Assistant Helen Martinez ECW Officers President: Cordelia Ray Vice President: Ella Johnson Secretary: Sue Coulson Treasurer: Donna Derry, Bonnie Trahan Altar Guild Karna Sparks Newsletter Editor Barbara Anthony Mid-Pentecost Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a genius in mathematics, but when his heart turned to Christ, he wrote with passion and spiritual insight. For him it seemed to be about choices. When you and I look inside ourselves, what do we find are the things which separate us from God? Some say things like "the busyness of life", or the inability to "get past a haunting disbelief", or, as someone said to me recently, "well, life is complicated enough without having God to worry about". Wow, how can faith speak to hearts so blinded by the world that they cannot see the spiritual truth right in front of or, more accurately, right inside of them? Pascal wrote that there are only two basic maladies: human pride which withdraws us from God and material possessions which bind us to the earth. Really now, when placed against the promise of eternity, are we making sane choices? This is not about "blind faith". God will show us exactly who and where we are. Self-help books and philosophy cannot do this, only humbly coming to Christ. Our Lord appears openly to those who seek Him with all their heart, but He is hidden from those who shun Him - it is that simple. Or, as Pascal put it, there is plenty of light for those who wish to see, and enough darkness for those who choose not to. If you would like to speak about your life choices, I am here. Love in Christ, Tom+ Life's Choices “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms" as stated in 1 Peter 4:10. Are you interested in donating your time and talents to St. Mary's? Not sure where to begin? Join us at our annual ministry fair on Sunday September 17th between the services (9:00 to 10:15). We will have information available as well as representative from each ministry area. You'll be able to ask questions, take a peek at operations, and even sign up to volunteer! This is an event that you want to be sure not to miss! Sunday Oct 22 - “Bring a Friend to Church Day.” – St. Mary’s parishioners are encouraged to bring their friends to worship with us at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. We’ll focus on “what a friend we have in Jesus” and give thanks for the friends in our lives. We ask parishioners to wear red so that we’re easy to spot by our guests. Our guests will receive a welcome gift for visiting St. Mary’s and there will be refreshments after each service. If you’d like to help with this event, please contact Kris Guido at 703-304-5274. An Opportunity to Serve Invite a Friend to Worship
Transcript
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, Virginia
The MessengerVolume 39, Issue 4 august 2017
Interim Rector
The Rev.
Thomas R. Hughes, Jr.
MusicMusic Minister: James Edwards
Choir Director: Bonnie Trahan
Vestry & Commissions
Mary C. Parker - Sr. Warden
Erin Bartley - Jr. Warden
Mary Coombes
Bobby Harrison
Gladys Clark Johnson
Janet Markwith
Lewis Ray
Donna Shelar
Jack Gaines
Treasurer; Register
Julie Irving
Assistant Treasurer
Office Assistant
Helen Martinez
ECW Officers
President: Cordelia Ray
Vice President: Ella Johnson
Secretary:
Sue Coulson
Treasurer:
Donna Derry, Bonnie Trahan
Altar Guild
Karna Sparks
Newsletter Editor
Barbara Anthony
Mid-Pentecost
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a genius in mathematics,
but when his heart turned to Christ, he wrote with passion and
spiritual insight. For him it seemed to be about choices.
When you and I look inside ourselves, what do we find are the things
which separate us from God? Some say things like "the busyness of life",
or the inability to "get past a haunting disbelief", or, as someone said to me recently,
"well, life is complicated enough without having God to worry about". Wow, how can
faith speak to hearts so blinded by the world that they cannot see the spiritual truth
right in front of or, more accurately, right inside of them? Pascal wrote that there are
only two basic maladies: human pride which withdraws us from God and material
possessions which bind us to the earth. Really now, when placed against the
promise of eternity, are we making sane choices?
This is not about "blind faith". God will show us exactly who and where we are.
Self-help books and philosophy cannot do this, only humbly coming to Christ. Our
Lord appears openly to those who seek Him with all their heart, but He is hidden
from those who shun Him - it is that simple. Or, as Pascal put it, there
is plenty of light for those who wish to see, and enough darkness for
those who choose not to.
If you would like to speak about your life choices, I am here.
Love in Christ,
Tom+
Life's Choices
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully
administering God’s grace in its various forms" as stated in 1 Peter 4:10. Are you
interested in donating your time and talents to St. Mary's? Not sure where to begin?
Join us at our annual ministry fair on Sunday September 17th between the services
(9:00 to 10:15). We will have information available as well as
representative from each ministry area. You'll be able to ask
questions, take a peek at operations, and even sign up to
volunteer! This is an event that you want to be sure not to
miss!
Sunday Oct 22 - “Bring a Friend to Church Day.” – St. Mary’s
parishioners are encouraged to bring their friends to worship with us at the 8:00 a.m.
and 10:30 a.m. services. We’ll focus on “what a friend we have in Jesus” and give
thanks for the friends in our lives. We ask parishioners to wear red so that we’re easy
to spot by our guests. Our guests will receive a welcome gift for visiting St. Mary’s and
there will be refreshments after each service. If you’d like to help with this event, please
From the Senior WardenThe Vestry created a Ministry Framework, which is a consolidated and organized view of the work of our church in
areas ranging from Outreach, Pastoral Care, Buildings and Grounds, Church and Worship, Christian Formation,
Stewardship, to Fellowship. This Framework gets examined regularly. We assess every commitment. What works
well? In what areas is improvement required? Is pruning necessary? The Vestry consistently engages in discussions
on pruning because pruning is difficult. After all change is difficult and traditions are valued. Which leads me to share
some details about our 2017 Vacation Bible School.
Years ago, our weekly Vacation Bible School, under the direction of our now Junior Warden, Erin Bartley, had large
groups of participating town youngsters. It was not uncommon to have twenty plus area children enjoying bible lessons,
singing songs, making crafts, playing games… Over the years; the number of participants has greatly dwindled. After
engaging in a discussion, vestry members felt comfortable in letting VBS go, at least for now. That was until we heard
from vestry member, Janet Markwith.
Janet’s spiritual formation was shaped by vacation bible school. Although she saw the trend in fewer and fewer
participants, she argued that she wanted a chance to try a different approach to attract area kids to meet the Lord as she
did when she was a child. That’s when the discussion of pruning gets difficult – mixing the spiritual with the practical.
The Vestry gave her its blessing and from there Janet created a vision to reach the unchurched children while
providing parents a day to themselves. With the help of numerous volunteers, Janet provided a fun, spiritually-filled and
creatively-inspired agenda on Saturday June 17. Only four children attended. Despite the readiness of volunteers to
share knowledge about the miracles of Jesus on the second VBS opportunity, July 15, there were no participants and
the August date was canceled.
Yet, who can determine the effect of that one day in the life of the four children who attended? Did story telling by
Vivien Markwith, or reenacting Jesus’ birth under the direction of Heather Trivett, or singing songs with Erin Bartley, or
learning bible lessons with Mary Barber, or participating in a scavenger hunt with Ann Swope, strike a chord in the heart
of all or any of these young boys in ways that will influence their relationship with the Lord forever? Certainly, we hope
so.
Thank you, Janet, for not including impossible as part of your vocabulary and for concluding that the two hardest
tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what
we encounter. Let us express gratitude for the VBS of the past, for all those involved in it, and the impact it had on the
life of the church.
And as we move forward with what is next in our church about the life and future of VBS, let us respond honestly.
"Although we don’t know for sure, we have confidence that God will direct our discussion and move the Vestry to decide
accordingly.”
God bless you and yours,
Mary C. Parker
The 2017 Potomac River Regional Art Show has announced its winners. From among submissions that included
fine art, photography and 3D, our own parishioner, Kathy Waltermire, won the Best in Show with her pastel entry titled “Yellow
Toucan.” Take some time to visit the Town Hall and enjoy the display that will be available until the end of August.
Parishioner Tim Burgess found himself on the cover of @ Your Library. The issue features upcoming events in honor of
Veteran’s Day. Tim served in our armed forces in the Pacific and is proud for having done so.
Sue Coulson couldn’t just sit by and do nothing when she learned that monarch butterflies are suffering a catastrophic loss.
In her effort to be a good steward of our land, she arranged for an article about the selling of milkweed plants to appear in the
May 7 edition of The Free Lance-Star. This effort on Sue’s part resulted in the selling of all the seedlings.
Have you noticed that the falling apart, and dilapidated bench in front of the church has been transformed into a sturdy and
attractive seat? That’s because John Barber used his workmanship skills to create art from junk.
We offer congratulations and appreciation to everyone!
Kudos to Some Parishioners
324 Beth Peed25
PAGE 3203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443 The Messenger
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
St. Mary’s Church MissionSt. Mary’s is a family of God’s people called to love the Lord, serve others,
and be a beacon of hope in our community and the world.
Please Note: There is a list of birthdays and
anniversaries in the church. Check to make
sure your special day is on the list and make
corrections as necessary.
OCTOBER
St. Mary’s parishioners honored the
Feast of Saint Mary, mother of Our Lord,
August 13, with a lovely liturgy and a catered
lunch. The Right Reverend Susan Goff
presided at the 10:30am service. Congregants
and guests witnessed Hazel Wood’s
confirmation and Bob Powell’s reception into
the Episcopal Church. Attendees enjoyed
perfect weather, worshiped, dined, visited,
conversed and generally had a wonderful time celebrating Mary’s Day.
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all
creation.” Mark 16:15
It is not too early to start preparing for the 2017 Operation Christmas
Child Shoe Box outreach. Last year, 7,955 gifts were contributed by
organizations and churches in the surrounding areas. This year the goal
is 10,000, with the hope that even more opportunities to spread the gospel
message can be accomplished. Although the shoe boxes will not be
available until September, St. Mary’s ECW and church congregants can
participate in this missionary endeavor by starting now to prepare for later.
Think creatively and generously. What will fit within a standard shoe box?
What will a toddler, tween or teen enjoy? No toothpaste, candy or any toy
reflecting war or violence will be accepted.
Many thanks to each person who has participated in this work of
evangelizing. When the shoe boxes are completed and picked up in mid-
November, I know that St. Mary’s will be among the most
generous of all the churches participating.
In Christ,
Peggy Johnston
20 – Candice Coates
21 – Rose MacDonald
22 – Pat FitzGerald
25 – Debbie Harrison
28 – Nathaniel Dazy
1 – Steve Cannady
2 – Gary Anthony
Owen Darcy
5 – Ann Swope
6 - Sherri & Kenneth Allwine (A)
9 – Logan Okrasinski
Gladys & John L. Johnson (A)
11 – Erin Bartley
12 – Donna Shelar
15 – Tucker Duke
17 – Kenneth Allwine
John Lozinyak
21 – John Barber
22 – Steve Swope
24 – Margaret & Richard Racine(A)
27 – Desiree Ingels
Martha Okrasinski
Margaret Racine
29 – Mary & William Norton (A)
28 – Joe King
Jack Shelar
2 – Bryon (Tree) Mack
4 – Madeline Okrasinski
Melissa & Jeremy Okrasinski (A)
5 – Bill Hall
7 – Donna & Jack Shelar (A)
9 – Deacon Jones (A)
16 – Barbara & Gary Anthony (A)
17 – Marianne Moore
19 – John L. Johnson
24 – Jeremy Okrasinski
26 – Peggy Johnston
26 – Carol & Bill Birmingham (A)
29 – Bonnie & Bill Trahan (A)
After a year’s reprieve, St. Mary’s is once again hosting a
dinner and silent auction. Reserve September 29, 2017 for an evening of
delicious food, splendid items and lots of fun. Festivities will be held in
the Parish Hall and begin at 4:30pm and conclude at 7:00pm. The menu
will include rockfish, ham, veggie buffet and an assortment of homemade
desserts. Stop by or call the church office (804-224-7186) to purchase
your advance tickets at $14.00 for adults and $8.00 for children ten and
under. The cost will be $16.00 and $10.00 if purchased on the night of
the event. Tickets will also be available after both church services
throughout August and September. Support our biggest fundraiser while
enjoying an event worth attending. You’ll be
glad you did!
Samaritan’s Purse
Remembering our Matron Saint
A Return by Popular Demand
St. Mary’s Day cake was
a big hit!
If you are unable to participate as assigned, please attempt to find a substitute. If you are unsuccessful, please call the church office (224-7186) without delay. Thank you for your service to St. Mary’s and your contribution to this ministry. AU
PAGE 4203 Dennison St.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443The Messenger
Announcements
✓ Parish Hall Use - Remember to schedule your event for
the Parish Hall by calling the church office at 224-7186
✓ Eucharist - Every Tuesday at 11:00am (Home of Ethel
Jenkyns or Mary Jeter)
✓ Centering Prayer – Every Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., Hart
Hall
✓ Bible Study every Tuesday at 12 noon (Hart Hall)
✓ Adult Sunday School – 9:15, Parish Hall
✓ Aerobics every Monday & Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Parish
Hall
✓ Alcoholic Anonymous meets every Tuesday and Saturday
– 8 p.m., Parish Hall
✓ Food Pantry – Every other week beginning January 9,
2017. Monday, 10:00 – 12:00 noon, and Thursday
evening 6:00 to 7:00pm.
Upcoming Events
Search Committee Update
SEPTEMBER
Calling all ladies of St. Mary's! Mark your calendar
for our first women's retreat! We are privileged and
excited that the Rev. Dorothy White will be leading us on
Saturday October 28th. Many of you may remember
Rev. White who acted as our supply priest on Mother's
day. The retreat will take place at St. Peter's parish Hall
in Port Royal. The setting is lovely and will provide a
great place for prayer and reflection. The event will kick
off with optional light breakfast fare for participants at
8:30 a.m. The retreat will kick off promptly with prayer at
9:00 a.m. We will break for a hearty lunch of make your
own sandwiches and our day will conclude at approx.
3:00 p.m. Spaces for this exciting and enriching event
are limited to 25 participants.
The cost is $25.00 per
participant, which includes
breakfast and lunch. Please
RSVP to the church office
by 10/21.
Do you know any students pursuing a degree in, or
closely related to, Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics disciplines? If so, it’s time for them to
apply for a DoD Science, Mathematics, and Research
for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. The deadline
for scholarship applications is December 1, at 4:00 p.m.,
CST.
SMART scholars have the opportunity to participate
in summer internships and future career opportunities at
MDA or other DoD activities! They can also receive
tuition, stipends, health insurance allowance, and
more! Click the links to learn more.
Eligibility and benefits: https://mko.mda.mil/7d9326e1
Frequently Asked
Questions: https://smart.asee.org/faq
Apply for a SMART
Scholarship: https://smart.asee.org/apply
SMART Scholarship site: https://smart.asee.org/
The Search Committee has returned to work after a
brief hiatus in July. It seemed everyone was scattered
all over the globe. Please keep us in your prayers as
we continue our mission. -Ann Flaim, Chair
Women’s Retreat in October
Scholarship Opportunity
2 Community Lunch from 12:00 through 2:00pm in
Parish Hall
3 Memorial Service for Annaliese Anthony at 1:00pm in
Church
5 Book Club at 6:15am in Parish Hall
11 ECW meeting at 10:30 in Parish Hall
12 Book Club at 6:15am in Parish Hall
17 Ministry Fair at 9:15am in Parish Hall
19 Vestry meeting at 6:15pm in Hart Hall
22 Red Cross Blood Drive at 3:00pm through 7:00pm in
Parish Hall
24 Wellness Check at 9:00am in Parish Hall
26 Book Club at 6:15am in Parish Hall
29 Rockfish Dinner and Silent Auction at 4:30pm through
