ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Sanctuary in the heart of Lewes November 2014 Volume 9, Issue 11 ST. PETER’S KEYS The newsletter of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church LETTER FROM OUR RECTOR Dear People of St. Peter’s, Over the last few years, it seems that in one way or another, marriage has been in the headlines. As a society, we are living through a time of transition. The time has finally come in which people can live their lives more openly, honestly and authentically with the person they love. We are also examining how we understand this interpersonally with family and friends, as well as theologically with our communities of faith. These changes are happening organically, at different paces in different parts of the nation and the world. While people of goodwill do not have all the answers yet, or always agree, we as a community have agreed to live into this time together, reflecting God’s love into each other’s lives. As a congregation, we pursued a process of discernment in the midst of our common life. A decade ago, just before I came to serve you, Saint Peter’s completed a self-study and decided to support same-gendered unions, if the new Rector concurred. After I arrived, a couple asked to have their relationship blessed and I was privileged to do so. Since that time, many couples have come forward, holy unions have been recognized by the State of Delaware, followed a year later by full marriage equality. As I write this article for our newsletter, 30 of our 50 states (plus DC), have reached this point as well, one way or another. This has had an effect on the dioceses of the Episcopal Church as well and different liturgies have been developed to meet the needs for celebrating same-gender relationships. Our General Convention (the top legislative body of the Episcopal Church) has endorsed a trial liturgy for use, as has a group of Episcopal theologians called the Chicago Consultation. Our Bishop has authorized both for use by clergy willing to serve and support same gendered couples in a committed monogamous relationship. It is tempting to think that the human understanding of marriage has been fixed since time immemorial, but that is just not the case. In the Bible, we see examples of polygamy, forced marriage, slavery and the like. Saint Paul was, at best, lukewarm on the subject, preferring the followers of Jesus to seek celibacy if at all possible. The liturgies of the Church have offered differing purposes for marriage, such as sin reduction and procreation. Indeed, the more romantic attitudes towards marriage are a relatively modern innovation. In the last hundred years or so, the experience of divorce for some, have prompted continued conversation on the nature of marriage in the midst of human brokenness. Different denominations and communities have come to different conclusions about the implications for remarriage and restoration to Christian community. As Episcopalians, we have sought to examine all of these experiences and events within the context of the witness of Holy Scripture, our traditions of faith and with our God-given gifts of reason. Balancing all of these is not always easy, but it is the best way we have found to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit. This past spring, I was elected as one of four clergy to represent our Diocese as a deputy to General Convention. At the last convention in 2012, all dioceses were asked to facilitate a Rector’s Letter 1-2 Vestry Minutes 3-5 ECW, Misc Info 5 Parish Life Day, Chef’s Corner 6 ECW, Soup Luncheon 7 From the Pew, Men’s Breakfast 8 Youth & Family 9 Music Ministry 10 God’s World 11 Calendar 12 Worship Ministry 13 Events Around Town 14 Prayer List, Soldiers, Birthdays & Anniversaries 15 If you would like to submit an article or announcement for the St. Peter’s Keys, please do so by the 15th of each month. INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Transcript
ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
Sanctuary in the heart of Lewes
November 2014 Volume 9, Issue 11
ST. PETER’S KEYS The newsletter of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
LETTER FROM OUR RECTOR
Dear People of St. Peter’s, Over the last few years, it seems that in one way or another, marriage has been in the headlines. As a society, we are living through a time of transition. The time has finally come in which people can live their lives more openly, honestly and authentically with the person they love. We are also examining how we understand this interpersonally with family and friends, as well as theologically with our communities of faith. These changes are happening organically, at different paces in different parts of the nation and the world. While people of goodwill do not have all the answers yet, or always agree, we as a community have agreed to live into this time together, reflecting God’s love into each other’s lives. As a congregation, we pursued a process of discernment in the midst of our common life. A decade ago, just before I came to serve you, Saint Peter’s completed a self-study and decided to support same-gendered unions, if the new Rector concurred. After I arrived, a couple asked to have their relationship blessed and I was privileged to do so. Since that time, many couples have come forward, holy unions have been recognized by the State of Delaware, followed a year later by full marriage equality. As I write this article for our newsletter, 30 of our 50 states (plus DC), have reached this point as well, one way or another. This has had an effect on the dioceses of the Episcopal Church as well and different liturgies have been developed to meet the needs for celebrating same-gender relationships. Our General Convention (the top legislative body of the Episcopal Church) has endorsed a trial liturgy for use, as has a group of Episcopal theologians called the Chicago Consultation. Our Bishop has authorized both for use by clergy willing to serve and support same gendered couples in a committed monogamous relationship. It is tempting to think that the human understanding of marriage has been fixed since time immemorial, but that is just not the case. In the Bible, we see examples of polygamy, forced marriage, slavery and the like. Saint Paul was, at best, lukewarm on the subject, preferring the followers of Jesus to seek celibacy if at all possible. The liturgies of the Church have offered differing purposes for marriage, such as sin reduction and procreation. Indeed, the more romantic attitudes towards marriage are a relatively modern innovation. In the last hundred years or so, the experience of divorce for some, have prompted continued conversation on the nature of marriage in the midst of human brokenness. Different denominations and communities have come to different conclusions about the implications for remarriage and restoration to Christian community. As Episcopalians, we have sought to examine all of these experiences and events within the context of the witness of Holy Scripture, our traditions of faith and with our God-given gifts of reason. Balancing all of these is not always easy, but it is the best way we have found to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit. This past spring, I was elected as one of four clergy to represent our Diocese as a deputy to General Convention. At the last convention in 2012, all dioceses were asked to facilitate a
Rector’s Letter 1-2
Vestry Minutes 3-5
ECW, Misc Info 5
Parish Life Day, Chef’s Corner
6
ECW, Soup Luncheon 7
From the Pew, Men’s Breakfast
8
Youth & Family 9
Music Ministry 10
God’s World 11
Calendar 12
Worship Ministry 13
Events Around Town 14
Prayer List, Soldiers, Birthdays & Anniversaries
15
If you would like to submit an article or announcement
for the St. Peter’s Keys, please do so by the
15th of each month.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Volume 9, Issue 11 RECTOR’S CORNER Page 2
conversation about the history of marriage, the biblical and theological dimensions of marriage and the trends and changing norms of marriage. A task force was appointed and they have developed a resource for engaging as many people as possible in a conversation about the subject of marriage. At least two congregations, Christ Church Christiana Hundred in the North, and St. Peter’s, have been chosen as the site for the South. We will be holding a 90 minute session on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 7pm in the Parish Hall. We will be inviting our sister Episcopal Churches in Kent and Sussex County to join us. I would be very pleased if you could join us in the conversation about this important subject. Please RSVP to the Church office and join us for a conversation about the history, biblical, and theological dimensions and changing norms of marriage. We will endeavor to create a safe space for conversation and contemplation, using clear standards to foster Christian conversation. I hope you can join us! I believe St. Peter’s has much to share from our experience of these last ten years. Please keep me in your prayers and know that you are daily in mine. Faithfully, Jeffrey
HOLY SCRIPTURE WEEKEND
Our second annual Holy Scripture weekend will feature the Reverend Marek Zabriskie, Rector of St. Thomas Whitemarsh and author of Doing the Bible Better.
Marek has founded the Center for Biblical Studies in the Congregation which has gathered together Bible study practices that really work from around the world including the Bible Challenge. Marek has traveled the world learning from others and sharing what he has gleaned to help make the Bible more relevant. He will be with on Saturday, November 15 for a morning workshop 9am to 1pm and then will be our guest preacher on Sunday, November 16th. More details soon but you won't want to miss this!
ONE TO WATCH The British sit-com REV. offers a humorous look at the life of an Anglican clergyperson serving a dying congregation in the inner city. Even in the midst of the challenges of post-modernity and church politics, somehow the Holy Spirit still works in the midst of human weakness. Season 3 has just been released here in the states via imdb.com. Check it out, and look out for famous British actors showing up in some interesting roles!
ST. PETER’S ROUND ROBIN BRIDGE GROUP We are now organizing this group for it’s third season and we’re in need of couples (spouses, partners or other friends) who enjoy playing contract bridge. Play will begin soon. This entertaining parish life activity consists of playing seven times over the next seven months and can be played in your home or that of the other couple. You set the time and place. If you’d like to be included in this year’s round robin or have questions about call Jack Emery at 827-2547 or email at [email protected]
Hope to see you at the bridge table!
WHAT THE RECTOR IS READING Religion and Doctor Who: Time and Relative Dimension of Faith. Ok, I am big fan of Sci-Fi and a friend has recommend this book to me. It examines the TV episodes of one of my favorite characters and offers a theological reflection on the themes and implications for a person of faith.
VESTRY MINUTES - OCTOBER 7, 2014 Practical Approaches to Cross-cultural Transformation: Jo Kline and Carole Somers presented a brief summary of the work they, along with Valarie Meisel, have been doing with the Diocese. They have attended 4 workshops to develop programs and opportunities for study and enrichment that help the people and institutions in our diocese be culturally respectful and welcoming to all.
Natalie made a motion to proceed with this program and to recruit others from the Parish to join them. Shelly seconded and all present agreed.
Pilottown Cemetery Curbing has been repaired, but will wait until spring to grade and re-
stone the driveway.
Senior Warden’s Report Health insurance for 2015 was discussed. The health plan offered by St. Peter’s for 2015 will be EPO80. This is a change from the EPO90 we currently have. Staff can still choose the EPO90 but will be responsible for the difference—it will be deducted from your paycheck before taxes. Parish Hall Rules and Requirements were discussed. Shelly made a motion to keep as revised February 6, 2014. Tom seconded and all present agreed. Garden Committee and changes along the front sidewalk were discussed. Annual Meeting is November 2nd following the 10am service.
Junior Warden’s Report Sacristy exterior side door and frame should be completed by the end of this week. Front doors and frame will be left until the spring of 2015. Should have a report on the structural integrity of the Church from Paynter Ingram soon. Will proceed with deGrunchy Masonry from there on how to proceed. New patio doors to the parish hall have been installed as well as the renovations to the Sunday school area. Waiting for ARBC to report on Church roof/shingle repairs. Working with Austin Ross on Labyrinth replacement.
Disaster Preparedness Discussion followed on the installation of 2 Fire Lite Pull Stations for a total cost of $1,635. One would be installed by the front door of the Church and the other by patio door of the parish hall. Tom made a motion to have the two pulls installed and to take funds from the Barnes Fund to cover costs.
Stewardship We have decided to move the pledge campaign—with the theme of “More Than Enough”— to an earlier time this year. Jeff will preach on the campaign on October 12 followed by a joint letter from Lowell and Tom with the proposed budget and our annual appeal for pledges. As part of the “More Than Enough” campaign, we will use the image of the loaves and fishes---$5 or $2 a week. One of my points in the letter will be asking that folks not only increase their existing pledges by those amounts, but if they don’t pledge, to PLEDGE. PLEDGING = ability to PLAN.
Worship and Music Wonderful choral Evensong with the Chester County Choir and well attended. Robert Nicholls will be our Anglican Musician in Residence October 23rd through 26th. “The Phantom of the Opera” silent movie with organ accompaniment Friday, October 24th at 7pm. Crystal Foundation has received our grant information.
Pastoral Care and Stephen Ministry Stephen Ministry classes will begin in the spring.
Volume 9, Issue 11 VESTRY MINUTES Page 4
SAINT PETER’S LEGACY SOCIETY Whatever you leave to your church in your will is deductible for federal estate tax purposes. Did you know that you can make a gift to St. Peter’s Legacy Society that will cost you nothing during your lifetime, nor jeopardize your current financial security? For more info, please contact the office at 645.8479.
Newcomers and Parish Life Great cruise on Sunday night enjoyed by all. Foyers Group have been assigned and will be going out this week.
Mission and Outreach (as reported by Rob Morgan) Casa San Francisco Margaret Isaminger reports donations valued at $696 were taken in September. Episcopal Church Women (please see ECW article in addition to information below) Episcopal Relief and Development Liaison Ingrid Miller reports on ERD’s fight against the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone and Liberia: A five-member Core Development Program team for the Episcopal Church of Liberia will distribute food packages made up of cooking oil, rice, fortified protein biscuits, and cans of meat and fish. They will lead an effort to hand-deliver hygiene stations that include hand-washing buckets, soap, and bleach to quarantined communities. Along with these buckets they will hand out posters with messages about the causes and prevention of Ebola for families to hang on the walls of their homes. Green Team — See Diane’s article Kairos Alex Thomson tells us that the Advisory Council (AC) for the Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI) is hosting Kairos’ 5th Inside weekend Oct 30—Nov 2. Mary Thomson (396-7469) and Molly Rudgers (827-4654) are providing breakfast for the inside team and a few of the outside support team at the Rolling Meadows Clubhouse on Friday October 31st at 6am. If anyone wants to contribute to the breakfast, please contact Mary or Molly. About 32 people will be served. Prayer Shawl Ministry Thank you to all knitters an crocheters! It is always amazing the amount of items made by our parishioners when it comes time to send them to third world children, Mariners @ Port of Wilmington, and our own family and friends. All ar welcome to join. Patters and yarn area available. San Pablo; Centro Infantil San Pablo Susan Robinson says that Bishop William will officially be installed as pastor the Sunday after Thanksgiving and Father Jeff Ross will represent St. Peter's. A new "Care" committee has been formed at St. Paul's . As to CISP, Patty Soffronoff is writing an article for the Delaware Communion Magazine about the school and our companion relationship with it.
Christian Formation (See Mende’s Report, page 9) CONCERNS: Help is desperately needed. We currently have three Godly Play storytellers when we need six. We have one Spy Explorer teacher when we need two. We have six Godly Play greeters when we need twelve. All of these volunteers are doing double or triple duty. We cannot continue to expand our programming without more help. I ask that you continue to pray about this concern and talk to those people you know that may be persuaded to try us out for a year. Art Show Committee will start on the 2015 Art Show in January. Rector’s Report Lightening up on things in the Sunday Bulletins, but will go back to full inclusion of Liturgy in the summer. Holy Scripture Weekend will be held November 15th and 16th. The Rev. Marek Zabriskie will be fascinator for
Volume 9, Issue 11 VESTRY MINUTES Page 5
Saturday class and will preach at Sunday Services. Lewes/Rehoboth Association of Churches has had a leadership change at their Thrift Shop. Will be attending the installation of the new Rector at St. Paul’s in San Miguel, Mexico November 28th through December 1st. Mixed concerns about the Music at Saturday Services. Vestry liaison changes starting in December. Vestry Retreat will be in March. More details to come. Will be converting from ACS to QuickBooks for our financial accounting. Have purchased a new computer for Adele to handle this software. Discernment committee has had their first meeting. Iona Trip full at this time (23 people). EfM started 2 weeks ago. Christ Church in Media gave us a safe for the Sacristy to store silver. We have joined the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Churches and hop to send at least 5 people to their annual conference in Georgia February 25-28. Have resigned as member of the board at the General Seminary. Annual Meeting is held following the 10am on November 2nd. The next meeting of the Vestry will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 7pm.
KAPS FOR KIDS The preschool children of Centro Infantil in San Miguel, Mexico and Primeros Pasos in Georgetown are facing another cold winter. Let’s
see if we can knit or buy enough caps and mittens to keep them warm again this year! Bring cozy caps and mittens or donations to the church office by January 5, 2015.
On Friday, November 14, Primeros Pasos (First Steps) is hosting a major fundraiser to benefit the capital campaign for the program’s much needed new facility. Join us for “Beef and Brew” with entertainment by The Funsters Band. The evening begins at 6 and continues until 10 at the Cheer Center in Georgetown. Tickets are $50/person ($36 of that is tax deductible). Tickets are available from Tom Sturgis, Carole Palmer, and Barb Tenney.
ST. PETER’S to Be A Partner Site for Trinity Institute’s 44th National Theological Conference January 22-24, 2015 ~ Creating Common Good: A Practical Conference on Economic Equality
St. Peter’s will host the broadcast of a diverse group of scholars, faith leaders and economists at Trinity Institute’s 44th National Theological Conference. As a partner site, we will offer all aspects of the conference in real time, via webcast—where participants can submit questions for speakers via email during the live Q&A—or via video at a later time. Onsite reflection groups are coordinated using materials prepared and provided by Trinity Institute. For more information and schedule see St. Peter’s – Trinity Institute page on our web site.
NOVEMBER 2, 2014 Following the 10:00 am Service
Please join us for a cover-dish fellowship gathering to learn more about the new Vestry Members, 2014 Year-in-Review, 2015 Financial Budget, Ministry Opportunities available, and more!
Please bring a dish to share with the congregation.
SAINT PETER’S READERS St. Peter’s Readers usually meet the 3rd Sunday of each month at 4pm in the Conference Room. The date and book for this month is:
NOVEMBER 16 — The Buddha in the Attic and When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka DECEMBER 21 — Christmas Stories
CHEF’S CORNER Monthly recipes shared by parishioners (if space allows). If you have any fabulous recipes, please feel free to send them to [email protected]. Happy Cooking!
Apple Filled Pull Apart Loaf
DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350°F.
Cut rolls in half. Combine apples, sugar, nuts and cinna-mon. Flatten each roll half into a 2-3-inch circle. Place 1 teaspoon apple mixture in center of each dough circle. Pinch edges together to seal, forming a ball.
Place filled balls in a sprayed 9”x5” loaf pan. Spoon re-maining apple mixture evenly over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until double.
Remove wrap and bake at 350°F 45-50 minutes. Cover with foil last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over brown-ing. Cool for 10 minutes.
Remove from pan and place on wire rack to cool. Com-bine icing ingredients and drizzle over loaf.
16 Dinner Rolls, thawed 2 Med-size Granny Smith apples 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Icing: 1 cup powered sugar 3-4 tsp water 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp almond flavoring
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN The Episcopal Church Women, a spiritually supportive and social organization for the women of St. Peter's, supports the church’s mission of outreach by sponsoring two
major fund-raising events annually: December Soup Luncheon and Art Show Luncheon/Raffle. All women of St. Peter's are encouraged to take part in ECW activities and programs. To receive news updates and event reminders, as well as minutes from business meetings, send an email to Teri Munz, at [email protected].
Business Meeting will be Wednesday, November 12, 10am in the Conference Room followed by lunch at the Rose & Crown. Agenda items include the Holiday Soup Luncheon and Raffle and donation requests. All women of St. Peter’s are welcome.
Women On Our Own is a monthly lunch group for women who are widowed, divorced, or living independently. For the location and date of the November luncheon, contact Judy Cousins, 231-8788, or Nancy Ruscoe, 856-2770.
It’s not too late to sign up for “Secret Sisters,” a new program in which interested members will receive the name of another member for whom they will buy a small Christmas gift (to be given at our Dec 11 Ladies’ Night Out) as well as birthday cards and other “thinking of you” items throughout the year. Register at the Nov 13 Ladies’ Night Out or contact Delores Wardwell, 644-4234.
Fall ECW Focus is Home of the Brave in Milford, which supports homeless female veterans. In addition to items listed in the October Keys, we will be donating winter coats to women and children living at the home: for the
women, we need two XL coats and one L coat; for two teenagers, we need one adult S for the boy and one adult S for the girl. Contact Delores Wardwell, 644-4234, for more info.
Ladies' Nights Out provide a fun time to catch up with long-time friends and make new ones. Friends and visiting relatives are always welcome; bring a beverage or a sweet or savory snack to share. Contact Delores Wardwell at 644-4234, if you need transportation. Hostesses for upcoming Ladies’ Nights Out will be: Thurs, Nov 13, 6–8 pm, Tracy Mulveny, 9 Rehoboth Ave. December (date tba), Diane Wilson, 10 Delaware Ave. January Afternoon Tea (date tba), Roberta Lindsay, 31329 Edgewood Dr.
December 6 Holiday Soup Luncheon & Raffle: Raffle Coordinator needed. Please call Delores Wardwell, 644-4234, if you can help.
United Thank Offering will be at services on Sat, Nov 8, and Sun, Nov 9. All of the coins placed in the blue UTO boxes add up to hundreds of dollars to support outreach programs of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. and around the world. Note: UTO Coordinator Molly Rudgers would like to train another person to take over next year. Contact Molly, 827-4654 or [email protected], if you can help.
Diocese Parish Life Day is Sat, Nov 22, 8:30 am–3:30 pm, at St. Anne’s School in Middletown. This year’s theme is “Go & Do Likewise,” focusing on community service. For a schedule, visit www.dioceseofdelaware.net/parish-life-day/activities. Contact Delores Wardwell, 644-4234, for info on carpooling.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON — DECEMBER 6 The St. Peter’s Annual Christmas Luncheon is Saturday, December 6 — the same day as the Lewes
Historical Society’s Christmas House Tour and we are listed in their program. The luncheon has been a tradition for many years and is the ECW’s winter outreach fundraiser.
SOUP MAKING Several years ago, we expanded our menu to serve two soups: vegetarian vegetable and vegetable beef. We
make both soups at the Parish Hall kitchen. If you like making soup, please consider joining the soup makers on Thursday, Dec 4 or Friday, Dec 5.
RAFFLE We will continue our very popular tradition with wonderful holiday items created by members of the parish. The raffle will also include a gourmet gift basket. Look for more information in the Sunday bulletin. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIES In November, after each service and
at the Annual Meeting we will be asking for donations to defray the costs of the luncheon, signing up soup chefs and set up crew for Thursday Dec 4 and Friday Dec 5, as well as dining room and kitchen volunteers for the luncheon (soup, beverage, busing).
The luncheon is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship for both new and “old” members of the parish. If you have questions, please call Delores Wardwell 644-4234, Chrissy Miller Marcin after 2 pm 448-0191
Volume 9, Issue 11 FROM THE PEW — RIDDLE — MEN’S BREAKFAST Page 8
MEN’S GROUP BREAKFAST — NOVEMBER 1, 2014
St Peter’s Men’s Breakfast Hosts Councilwoman Joan Deaver
The Saturday, November 1st St. Peter’s Men’s Breakfast will host Sussex County Council Woman Joan Deaver. Joan will address current issues concerning residents of Sussex County. This will cover past and future activities that impact on Sussex County and the City of Lewes. Our breakfasts continue at our new location, the Ocean Grill in Five Points Plaza. Breakfast orders are taken on or before our 8:30 AM start time and you may order off their regular menu and pay for your breakfast and gratuity on
individual checks. (We would also appreciate a dollar in cash discretely given to the host of the meeting to cover our guest’s meal and any incidental expenses). Please remember to call the church office no later than Wednesday, October 29th to reserve a seat at what we anticipate will be a very well attended meeting. This enables the Ocean Grill to set the room properly and staff the breakfast in advance. The church number is 645-8479. If you need transportation or have any questions please c a l l B o b W a r d w e l l a t 6 4 4 - 42 3 4 o r [email protected].
FROM THE REAR PEW — OBSERVATIONS FROM PERREN (The Reverend E. Perren Hayes) Canon Winfred Douglas (1867-1944) did many things for which we are very grateful today. He placed music (melody line only) in the Hymnal provided for the Episcopal congregations. He made an American version of the world of Francis Burgess (in England) to provide Plainchant for use in choirs and congregations—and alternate to Anglican Chant. During the 17th and 18th centuries Plainchant had virtually died in the Roman Church, and had been forgotten with the Reformed theologies that seeped in the Church of England after the Glorious Revolution (1688), William and Mary, and the Kings George. The Solesmes Monks re-discovered Plainchant for the Roman Church in the early 19th century. Plainchant has been used in the Church of England until the Liturgy was translated into English in 1549. John Merbecke was directed to produce Plainchant for use in English Liturgy. After all, the church’s Liturgy MUST be sing, no matter what the language! (Spoke Liturgy came into customary use in the darkest of dark ages.) The 1916 Hymnal was prepared by Canon Douglas, and provided service music in a manner that indicated how the Prayer Book could be revised. In fact, the 1928 Prayer Book started a process that nearly divided the Episcopal Church. Dom Gregory Dix (Anglican Benedictine) published The Shape of the Liturgy in 1945—and forever change all denominational concepts of Liturgy and worship. The American Prayer Book of 1979 is very strongly based on this study—as were Romans, Lutherans and most other formal liturgical denominations (in western Christianity). Please plan to come, and let me know by using my personal email: [email protected].
Bible Study Group meets every Tuesday at 10:00am in the conference room. Everyone
is welcome, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Our knit/crochet group meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 10:30am in the
Conference Room. For more information, contact Carole Somers 645.1906 or Mary Shea 644.2516.
We have 35 children registered and attending our Sunday morning offerings for ages 3 through 5th grades. Currently this consists of two Godly Play Centers and Spy Explorers (4th and 5th grades).
Starting in January 2015, we will add a third Godly Play Center in the lower level of the Parish House created especially for our 3 and 4 year olds. My office will move up to the space previously occupied by Seekers.
The growth we are experiencing is fantastic but with such growth comes the need for additional volunteers willing to devote consistent time to worship with our children on Sunday mornings. I use the word “worship” because that is what it is. While, of course, there is a fair share of classroom management, art, crafts and games there is also not a Sunday that goes by that God’s presence is not felt among us. Sometimes He is in the form of our story or can be found in a child’s response, or in a picture drawn or a hug graciously bestowed.
When I think back over my childhood years at St. James Episcopal Church in Newport, I do not remember with
particularity any of the lessons taught. What I do remember, however, are the best hiding places in the parish house, the way the classrooms were furnished, the smell of the leather chairs in the rector’s office and most especially the relationships made with the adults that took the time to enter into relationship with me. Being in the sanctuary, being in the parish house, running around the cemetery was all second nature to me. Now as I watch Drew and Jason run amuck around the cemetery and the parish house, I know that it is just that type of familiarity and comfort that is key to lifelong commitment.
I went on in my early adulthood to serve on vestry with the very parishioners who knew me as a five year old and who took the time to minister to me. Imagine serving on vestry here at St. Peters in 15 or 20 years with Jack Biddle or Mitch DiSabatino. What a hoot that would be!
Well you are probably wondering what is the point of this trip down memory lane. The point is to
emphasize what helps to raise a child of faith. (1) Regular and consistent church
attendance is paramount and this is a commitment that is the responsibility of parents; and
(2) Entering into relationship with our children is equally as important and this is a commitment that needs to be made by all parishioners.
It is really quite simple: Regular attendance by children Adults willing to take the time to
enter into relationship with children.
Thirty-five children on a Sunday morning. Wow!
Join me in nurturing these children. Volunteer to teach twice a month. Let them know who you are and learn who they are. Enter into a relationship with them. Let them look back in 50 years and remember you like I remember the special parishioners who touched my life at St. James.
God is most assuredly in our classrooms on Sunday mornings. Please think about being there too.
UPCOMING EVENTS Godly Play classes meet from 9:30 until the Peace, at which time children will join parents in the sanctuary. If you
wish for your child to go into the nursery after Godly Play class has concluded, please let us know and we are happy to accommodate your needs. Godly Play class is for any child who is 3 before August 31 and up to 3rd grade.
Spy Explorers – 4th and 5th grades
Spy Middle – 6th, 7th and 8th grades — November Meeting Dates are Sunday, 2 and 16
Spy Middle is planning to attend Nightwatch in New York City on November 21 for their overnight program.
Spy High – November meeting dates are Sunday, 2 and 9.
Spy Middle and Spy High work day with Habitat on November 8, 2014. Let Mende know if you are planning on attending at [email protected].
OFFICE HOURS & HOLIDAYS Monday—Friday 8:30am to 3:00pm ~ The Office will be closed in observance of holidays on the
following dates: November 11 November 27-28 December 25
ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS Sunday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m. “O come, O come, Emmanuel” is among the most well known and best loved Advent carols, comprised of the great “O antiphons” the text of this carol will serve as the focus for this year’s service of Advent Lessons & Carols. The following is a description of the liturgy from The Advent
Sequence, a Royal School of Church Music resource from which our service is adapted.
In the Middle Ages, the Church kept Advent as a season of great solemnity - a time in which to meditate upon the ultimate issues of death, judgement, hell and heaven.
Advent, though, was also a time of great rejoicing. For Christ would come, not only as Judge, but also as Saviour, and would usher in the Kingdom of God. Advent, therefore, provided a vivid preparation for Christmas. Processions from west to east, and the use of lights, spoke of the Church's hope in the coming of Christ - the Light of
the world - to banish sin and darkness. Antiphons were sung, calling upon God to deliver his people, and readings from the Old Testament were seen as pointing to the fulfilment of God's purposes in Jesus.
This Service aims to recapture something of that Advent longing and hope. It begins in darkness with the Advent Responsory, in which Christ's coming is announced ‘from afar’. The Blessing of Light follows, and, as the Service unfolds, the Light is carried to other parts of the Church as the Procession moves from west to east.
The remainder of the Service is structured around the great Advent Antiphons, known as the Great ‘Os’. These were sung originally as Antiphons to the Magnificat at the Evening Office from 17th to 23rd December, and have provided a rich source of devotional imagery in Advent. The readings and music serve to complement the Antiphons, and help us reflect on the theme of the Christ who comes to judge and save his people. The Antiphons are gathered together in the final hymn, O come, O come, Emmanuel, which is sung as the procession withdraws. The Service ends in quietness, but in confident hope in the One who is to come. Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Adult Choir Thursday @ 7:00 PM Choristers Sunday @ 11:45 AM Jubilate Deo Bell Choir Wednesday @ 5:30 PM Te Deum Bell Choir Wednesday @ 6:30 PM Contemporary Choir Saturday, November 15 @ 3:00 PM
DO YOU KNOW A CHILD WHO LOVES TO SING? St. Peter’s Choristers
The music program at St. Peter’s has earned a reputation of excellence in sacred choral music, participants labor diligently to create beautiful music for the glory of God and the edification of the worshipping community. St. Peter’s Choristers is a key component of our music program providing children the opportunity to sing the best music of our Anglican choral heritage while simultaneously learning to lead liturgical worship.
Choristers join with the Adult Choir to lead the 10am Eucharist approximately once/month singing a repertoire of sacred choral music spanning several centuries and styles. Choristers are also involved in special liturgies, such as Advent Lessons and Carols and Choral Evensong, throughout the year.
During rehearsal, choristers learn much more than the art of choral singing. Choristers receive a well-balanced musical education including basic music theory, vocal techniques, and sight singing. They are guided through a graded approach to music education resulting in the formation of life long singers with the skills to be contributing members in any musical community.
Rehearsals take place every Sunday from 11:45am to 1pm. Children are typically ready to become choristers when they enter 2nd grade, all choristers must be able to read. Children and families who are not members of the parish are most welcome in the chorister choir. For further information about this exciting and FREE musical opportunity for your child, please contact T.J. Thomas, Minister of Music: 645-8479 or [email protected].
SUNG COMPLINE There will be no Sung Compline on Thursday,
December 4 due to an alternate choir rehearsal schedule that evening. Regular
services will resume on January 1.
New members are warmly welcomed to join any choir. Contact T.J. Thomas for further information.
DID YOU KNOW? Even though plastic is one of the most easily recycled materials, not everything made of plastic is accepted in Delaware’s single stream recycling program. “Why?” you may ask. “Plastic is plastic, isn’t it?” Well, yes, all plastic begins as petroleum, but
depending upon what other ingredients are mixed with it will determine what type of plastic is created and what products can be made from it. “Okay, but why can’t we put all the plastic stuff we don’t want or can’t use into our recycle bins?” Because, at this time, the company operating Delaware’s MRF (Material Recovery Facility) doesn’t contain the equipment necessary to capture and recycle some types of plastic that come into our homes, especially what is “attached” to containers that can be recycled. I’m referring specifically to the rigid plastic caps found on most bottles .. water, soda, laundry detergent, food items, etc. And while the bottles themselves can be recycled, their caps are not welcome in our recycling bins. “Oh…so that’s why we’ve been collecting rigid plastic caps the past four years for the Aveda “Caps for the Environment” program?” Exactly! But that program is no longer available to us due to a change in the Aveda program. (Aveda does, however, continue to use recycled materials to make bottles and containers for their products which eliminates the need to produce “virgin” plastic.) “So…what are we going to do now to keep all those plastic caps out of our landfill?” Good question; I’m so glad you asked. It’s the same question The Green Team has been wrestling with for the past several months. We’ve searched the web and learned that some Whole Foods stores collect caps for recycling, but not the ones some of our parishioners from Maryland live near. We found several companies on the east coast that would be happy to have our collected caps .. all we have to do is send ‘em to them. We’ve checked with local shipping businesses to determine how much it would cost to transport our collected caps to the nearest recycling facility that accepts them. We’ve contacted our local Aveda salon to see if they might be willing to cover a portion of the shipping cost. We’ve even had several parishioners offer to contribute to a “shipping fund” as an act of stewardship for our earth, which is greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, we have no permanent solution to this problem. For the time being, though, we will gladly accept donations for a shipping fund and find the most economical method of sending the caps to a facility that can prepare the plastic to be “repurposed” for a variety of products. (Some of those products include vinyl siding, park benches, playground equipment, building materials, containers for food, health and beauty product, to name only a few.) According to Mr. Steve Alexander, executive director of the APR (Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers), there is a huge profit to be made by companies who expand their recycling programs to include rigid caps. I can’t imagine that the MRF operator for Delaware (ReCommunity) isn’t interested in increasing their profit margin, can you? I’m sure we’ve all heard the old adage: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Perhaps now is the time for us to be willing and creative enough to convince ReCommunity that Delaware deserves to have less plastic in their landfill; and, the upside of this for them is more money in their coffers. We know this might be an ambitious task, but we also know that the people of St. Peter’s are a dedicated and determined bunch who have accomplished great things when challenged to make a difference. Let’s do it again!
Volume 9, Issue 11 OUR LITTLE CORNER OF GOD’S WORLD Page 11
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Looking for something to do? This column is your insight into what is happening around town – including concerts, markets, holiday events, theater performances, fundraisers, etc.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR Nov 1 8a-1p. An-nual event at the Lewes Senior Cen-ter. Crafts, baked goods, and more. For more info or to reserve a table, please visit Holiday Bazaar . (www.leweschamber.com)
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE & BOOK FAIR Nov 15, 9a-3p. Crafts, baked goods, t-shirts, and books for sale. For more info or to make used book donations, please visit Boutique & Book
Fair. (www.lewesdhamber.com)
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING Nov 26, 2-6p. Free-willing offering Thanksgiv-ing Dinner for the public at Conley’s Chapel U.M.C. For more info, please visit Community Thanksgiving Dinner. (www.leweschamber.com)
FARMER’S MARKET Every Saturday, 9a-12p. Fresh produce and other edibles from local farmers taking place on the grounds of Shields Ele-mentary School. For more info, please visit Farmers Market. (www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org)
BIRD WALK Nov 4 & 11, 8-10a. Ex-plore Cape Henlopen State Park’s hot bird spots with Park staff. Bring binoculars or borrow ours. This is a free event! For more information, or to register, please visit Bird Walk. (www.leweschamber.com)
FINE CRAFT SHOW Nov 1, 10a-4p. 30th Annual Holiday Fine Craft Show at the Rehoboth Art League. Over 30 artisans displaying and sell-ing their artwork. For more info, please visit H o l i da y S h o w. (www.rehobothartleague.org)
ANNUAL BEEBE BALL Nov 1, 6p. An Evening Aboard the Orient Express. 28th Annual event to raise funds for breast cancer technology. For more info or to purchase tickets, please v i s i t O r i e n t E x p r e s s B a l l .
(www.beebehealthcare.org)
INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Nov 5-9. 17th Annual event featuring some of the best independent films, semi-nars, meet-and-greet with celebrity guests, and special events. For more info, visit Film Festival. (www.rehobothfilm.com)
COCOA CRAWL Nov 7. 4th Annual Wine, Dine & Shop in downtown Rehoboth. Deals, drinks & desserts along with art and more for only $10! Proceeds to benefit local chari-ties. For more information, please v i s i t C o c o a C r a w l . (www.downtownrehoboth.com)
TREE LIGHTING & SING-A-LONG Nov 28. It’s a hometown tradition. Come help us ring in the holiday spirit with our annual tree lighting and caroling in downtown Rehoboth. For more info, please visit Tree Lighting. (www.downtownrehoboth.com)
ST. NICHOLAS TEA Nov 7-8. 9th An-nual event offering a 3-course tea luncheon, gift baskets, and more to kick off the holiday season. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit St. Nicholas Tea. (www.rehobotbeachvia.org)
COASTAL CONCERTS strives to enhance live classical music in Southern Delaware and surround-ing areas. To view upcoming c o n c e r t s , p l e a s e v i s i t www.coastalconcerts.org.
REHOBOTH CHILDREN’S THEATER will be hosting weekly performances for audiences of all ages. For more info, visit www.rehobothchildrenstheatre.org
POSSUM POINT PLAYERS brings the experience of live theater alike to the Sussex Country area. To view upcoming performances, please visit www.possumpointplayers.org
SOUTHERN DELAWARE CHORAL SOCI-
ETY brings quality choral music to southern Delaware. For more info or to view upcoming events, visit www.southerndelawarechoralsociety.org
CLEAR SPACE THEATER is a leader in the vibrant performing arts com-munity of southern Delaware, in-spiring audiences through high quality performances. To view their event calendar, please visit www.clearspacetheater.org.
LEWES
REHOBOTH / DEWEY BEACH MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS
This list of Events Around Town is not meant to be exhaustive — it is merely a list of events chosen by Vera within the local area that she suggests might be of interest to you and your family. While we are more than willing to advertise an event you are supportive of, we also maintain the discretion to withhold from printing due to space limitations, etc. If you belong to, or enjoy, an organization with upcoming events, and would like to see it mentioned in the ‘Events Around Town’ page of the newsletter, please contact [email protected].
The following people request your prayers for healing and support. If you would like to add or remove a name on the list, please notify the church office at 645.8479, or email [email protected].
Please pray for the safety of your armed forces, especially: Patrick B, Phillip B, Taylor D, Amelia K, Justin N, Dr. Mark R, Zachary S, Andrew T, Buddy S, Pierson R, Christopher W, Daniel P, John L, Ian M, Rob, and Tyler B, and their families.
PARISH REGISTER NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
SAINT PETER’S PRAYER LIST
Volume 9, Issue 11 PRAYERS AND CELEBRATIONS Page 15
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
1 Phil & Carol Kless 2 Nancy Ruscoe 6 Tom & Donna Ledbetter John & Donna Beecher 13 Jack & Hunter Goins Alec & Mary Thomson 14 Harry & Veronica Faust 18 Jon & Carole Woodyard 25 Stephen & Mariann Shirk Ron & Dot Barlow 26 John & Susan Symons
Marriages: Jeffry Davis & Yvette Kottman Carol Lazzara Baptisms: Jake Phillip Corrozi Michael Calvin Faloney
2 Lily Mallon Evan Mallon 3 Kenneth Sunnergren 5 Judy Cousins Richard Simms Jennifer Biddle Kendrick Alumno 6 Martine Downing Alan George 8 Gordon Lewis Andy Krytzer Clint Phillips 10 Jeff Ross 11 Jack Emery Carlyle Gill 13 Patty Warden Don Wiedmann Michael Faust 14 Domenic Thompson Deanna Reuben Keith Harpster Melanie Reinhart 15 Jean Basore Thomas Reale 16 Richard Scalenghe Georgette Regnault 17 Jo Klinge Jen Mason
18 Marsha Davis 19 Joseph Reilly Arlene Lookup 20 Marie Berry Patricia Toniello Mya DiSabatino 21 Bob Wardwell Scott Aijo 22 Peter Grant Doug Craig 24 Kathy Edwards Nancy Grasing Bill Cowan 25 Nathalie Willard Kate Malecdan 26 Kelley Mallon Alexandra Myers 27 Cindy Dec Roberta Wheeler Tom Sturgis 28 Susan Trone Jay Rooney Brenda Burns Patricia Morgan Riki Burton 30 Red Moulinier
Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.
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