a publication of st. philip’s episcopal...
TRANSCRIPT
The Philippian A publication of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church * East Moore & Dry Streets * P.O. Box 10476 * Southport, NC 28461
http://www.stphilipschurch.org * E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: (910) 457-5643 * Fax: (910) 457-6991 *
Vol. 11, No. 10 October 2014
From the Rector
Dear Ones,
I love change! Perhaps that is one of the reasons that being an intentional interim has
been a good fit for me. And now we have seen another change. As summer has transitioned
into fall, I have enjoyed another chapter of changes: cooler weather; the new fall fashion-
colors worn by the trees that line our streets; and a re-entry into our program year. In some
important ways, we are seeing some transformations happen before our very eyes both inside
and outside the walls of St. Philip’s.
We had such a wonderful service on September 7 as we welcomed so many new
members info our fold. There is an excitement around St. Philip’s that is almost palpable.
So many new people, new opportunities for service, the search for a new rector, continuing
talks about the possibility of building on to our campus, and the list goes on. I know,
however, that with change does come more than excitement. Sometimes the mere mention of
change can bring on feelings of uncertainty or anxiety. It has been my experience that the
way to dispel those feelings is to get involved.
When I joined the Episcopal Church through confirmation at St. Mary’s on the Hill in
Anchorage, Alaska my life was changed forever. And that change was the kind of
transformational grace that our church continues to offer through the extension of the love of
Jesus Christ. My own experience of being transformed informs my continual calls for you to
invite your friends and neighbors to church. I have heard, and believe from my experience
that between 80 and 90 percent of folks first attend a particular church as the result of an
invitation. That’s huge! As a people of faith, as Christians, and as Episcopalians we have
something to offer those who may not yet know what it is like to be part of a faith
community. We have something to offer to those who are seeking spiritual growth, spiritual
healing, and spiritual connection. We have a story to tell, transformations to witness.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 2
I wonder how you have experienced transformation in your lives. I wonder how you
tell your faith story. Or perhaps the question should be I wonder how others know who you
are by how you live. I wonder if our faith story can be read through our actions, through our
love, through our acts of charity. It is difficult sometimes to put words to our faith. It is
perhaps much easier to put our faith into action.
I have asked a time or two what folks would think of the Good News of the Gospel if
YOU were the only Bible they ever read. That is a powerful question because the answer
relies on little more than how we live into the Great Commands to love the Lord your God
with all that you are and love your neighbor as yourself. How does that look for you? How
do we show the face of our faith through our daily words, work and action? I wonder. I
would suggest that we are teaching the Gospel when we invite others to share in our worship
services. I would suggest that we are living the Gospel when we tend to the needs of the sick
or the hungry; when we tend to the prayer needs of our members; and when we are being
intentional about practicing random acts of kindness as we journey through the everyday of
our every day. In all these ways – and more – we are being faithful witnesses to the One who
breathed us into being; faithful witnesses to the love offered through the sacrifice of Jesus the
Christ. May your faithful “preaching” continue to shine light to those who seek.
I hope to see you in church. It just isn’t the same without YOU!
Grace and Peace,
Mother Betty+
Congratulations to the Newly Married
We send our best wishes and congratulations to
Joan (Forrester) and Michael Lenahan!
Mother Betty officiated at their marriage in the St.
James Chapel on Friday, September 12. May God
bless them richly in their marriage!
Just a reminder -- Please prayerfully consider whether this might be the time for you to
submit your name for consideration for serving on the St. Philip's vestry! You may contact
Ruth Smith, or another vestry member, to let us know you're willing to serve in this way, and
stand for election!
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 3
Dear Friends,
After much prayer and thought, a decision has been made not to hire an
assistant rector at this time. There are many reasons for this. After conducting
two searches within a twelve-month period, there was only one candidate left to
consider, but then she also withdrew her name. This person had good
qualifications and has decided she would like to put her name in consideration as
our settled rector. In talking with Mother Betty about this matter, she feels that
she would rather leave the hiring of an assistant rector to our new rector, once we
issue a call.
We have continued to put aside money that will be available to hire/pay an
assistant rector – and we add to that fund each month. Given the dedication of
our parishioners to providing the resources necessary to hire an assistant rector,
there should be no question of being able to offer this decision to our new rector.
I am hopeful that most of you will be glad that this decision has been made.
The assistant rector, once hired, will work under the direction of the rector. As
you are aware, it is under the purview of the rector (whether settled or interim) to
make final decisions regarding all personnel matters.
If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to call me. We do
think that this is the very best solution for our church at this time. We can now
put all of our energies toward finding the very best person to lead St. Philip’s in
this most exciting time in our church’s history.
Ruth D. Smith, Senior Warden
Mother Betty, Interim Rector
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 4
FROM YOUR JR. WARDEN
As some of you may have heard, our Chapel of the Cross has been looked at by several
movie/TV shows over the past month. No news yet, but let’s hope. During one of these
walk-through’s an assistant director pointed out to me that several windows had glass broken
in them. Well it just so happened that we found out about grant money from the Diocese that
might be available for capital repairs. After quickly obtaining cost estimates, we were able to
apply just in time for this possible grant. We have not heard the results yet, but whatever the
outcome, it is worth the effort. I want to thank David Forsyth for giving up a Labor Day
weekend to write up the grant request and have it submitted on time. I will keep you up-to-
date on this matter.
Several of the contractors for window and trim repairs to the sanctuary have finished their
proposals and my committee will be meeting with them over the course of the next several
weeks.
Have you noticed the doors to the sanctuary are now clean and brighter? Thanks to Frank
Darzano for cleaning and painting them.
Rick Pearce
Jr. Warden
The Men's Club of St. Philip's will host its 5th annual
golf outing on November 1 at noon at the Founders’ Club,
St. James. The cost is $60 which includes golf, cart fee,
dinner and prizes. The format will be captain’s choice
which allows golfers of all abilities to enjoy. This is our
5th annual outing and we invite all St. Philip's men, their
friends and neighbors to join in the fellowship. To sign
up, please email or phone:
Ross Irwin [email protected] (363-4201)
George Myers [email protected] (253-9126)
Peter Miller [email protected] (253-9140)
Ed Thompson [email protected] (524-6218)
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 5
Social Fellowship Committee
Lorraine and I thank all who have volunteered their services for our various receptions
throughout the year. Your donations of food and helpful hands were most appreciated. We
couldn’t have done it without you.
We have two upcoming events in December:
December 7 Annual Parish meeting in the Community Center with a pot luck lunch.
December 14 St. Philip’s first visit of the newly elected Bishop with a lunch to follow at
the Community Center.
We are still in need of a Funeral Coordinator whose responsibilities would include organizing
setup, donations of food and cleanup for receptions. We already have a list of volunteers
who have offered to help with this valuable ministry. We just need someone to make phone
calls and oversee the process. Those who attend these receptions are so grateful to St.
Philip’s for providing this service.
Lorraine Beamer/Bobbie Fuchs
Campus Security
We continue to find that doors to all of our buildings are being left unlocked. We
want to do all that we can to protect our campus and our buildings. PLEASE, if
you are the last one out the door, check to ensure that the doors are locked. If you
are unable to get the doors locked, please call Mother Betty. She will respond and
make sure that we are all secure.
Episcopal Word(s) of the Month
Mitre: The “hat” the Bishop wears when vested for a worship service.
Crozier: The pastoral staff that the Bishop carries when in procession into (or out of)
worship service. It symbolizes that the Bishop is the pastor for the people of the Diocese.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 6
Have you heard about the Women’s Group Raffle??
The women of St. Philip's are offering many exciting raffle items at their
fall festival on October 4. Items include stained glass, framed pictures from
local artists, and baskets of goods from local merchants. Ticket sales started in
September. Be sure to buy your tickets early and often.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Sunday, October 5th - 4:00 PM (St. Philip's Lawn)
Have your pet blessed as we celebrate the life and ministry of St.
Francis of Assisi. We will gather to enjoy a brief liturgy and
blessing of the pets. Please have your pet crated or on a leash.
THE BISHOP IS COMING, THE BISHOP IS COMING!
It is customary for a Diocesan Bishop to visit a parish every 12 to18 months.
Our time has come, and our new Bishop, the Rt. Rev Rob Skirving, will make his first
official visit to St. Philip’s on Sunday, December 14!
We will have just one service that day, and will be talking about it much more as
the time draws nearer. But for now SAVE THE DATE, won’t you? We will have a
combined service on December 14 at 10:30am, followed by a reception in the
Community Building afterward.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 7
Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation
Speaking of the Bishop’s visit, one of the important aspects of
the visitation of a Bishop is the opportunity to have the Bishop confirm
or receive members into the Episcopal tradition or to recognize in a
formal way those persons who wish to reaffirm their Baptismal vows.
We are going to offer a class this fall to prepare candidates for
confirmation, reception or reaffirmation. If you are interested in this
process, please call the office so that we can let you know the details as
they are finalized.
If you received this instruction in the last class, but have not yet been confirmed or
received, please call the office so we can get you on the list for December.
“Come All Ye faithful”
Special event for CHRISTMAS An overnight stay at
Beach Cove Resort - Myrtle Beach (Check in time is 3:00 PM)
The Alabama Theater Christmas Show A complete dinner at the Flying Fish Restaurant (Myrtle Beach)
A full breakfast the next morning $92 per person double occupancy $123 single occupancy
December 10, 2014 Dinner at 5 pm ShowTime 7:30 pm
We are taking reservations now. Deadline is October 25 Please call Ellen Engelhardt at 253-7424.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 8
Outreach Activities – Something for Everyone
St. Philip’s leaped into fall with a full menu of activities. Please check information in the
narthex, weekly bulletins and The Philippian to see what’s right for you. We need donations
of school supplies and diapers, volunteers, cash contributions or simply your joyful
participation. There are many ways to offer support, so perhaps something will strike your
fancy.
Stop Hunger Now goal is to raise $2,500 for the Meal Packaging Program on Sunday,
October 19 after the 10:30 a.m. service. There will be only one service. We gather at the
Community Center to enjoy the assembly-line efficiency of packing meals to eradicate
hunger. Jars in the narthexes are available for donations. Make checks payable to St.
Philip’s with “Stop Hunger Now” on the memo line.
Fellowship Walk -- Whether you walk, make a donation, or simply gather for the fellowship,
please support the Interchurch Fellowship Walk. For those who do not have t-shirts, they are
available for $8.00 each (XXL, $9). Order slips are in the main narthex. Orders and money
are due Sunday, October 19.
Pack the Suitcases -- Please help support The Holy Cross Anglican Primary School in
Belize by placing school supplies in the suitcases in the narthexes. Shirley Desnoyers and
George Ball will take the supplies to Belize in early November. Thank you!
Applauses for St. Philip’s successes – Thank you to Lorraine Richardson for her expert
coordination of the school supplies drive that benefited elementary schools in Bolivia,
Southport, Supply and Virginia Williamson Elementary. Many helped this drive exceed its
goal by donating pencils (2,120); pencil boxes, cases and pouches (118); erasers (133); eraser
caps (1,280); crayons (185 boxes); glue sticks (291); highlighters (174); colored pencils (122
packages); scissors (130); notebook paper (119 packages); serial notebooks (215); 2-pocket
folders (257).
The Diaper Ministry is soaring thanks to 25 volunteers, seven distribution sites, and
superb leadership from St. Philip’s. Approximately 10,000 diapers have been distributed
since May 2014. The ministry always needs donations to give babies in need a “drier and
happier bottom” and is now low on newborn diapers. Contact Frank and/or Maryann
Darzano, 253-4313. Thank you to the Darzanos!
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 9
Quiet Day - November 1, 2014 St. Philip’s Chapel of the Cross
The Sara Smith Chapter of Daughters of the King
cordially invites you to join us for our Chapter
sponsored Quiet Day at St. Philip’s Chapel of the
Cross on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Quiet Day is
for us all – men and women alike – seeking a closer
connection with God. For our St. Philip’s Quiet Day, different meditations will be given on
Jesus’ invitation in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 6, verse 31, when Jesus says to the disciples,
“Come with me, by yourselves, to some quiet place where you can rest awhile.” Our speaker
will be Mother Betty Glover. We will begin at 10:00 a.m. and close with Eucharist at 12:15
p.m. Lunch, provided by members of our Sara Smith Chapter of DOK, will follow in the
parish hall.
For more information or to make reservations, please contact Jane Mitchell at 910-338-
0330 or by email at [email protected], or Maryann Darzano at 910-253-4313 or
by email at [email protected]. To help us with the headcount and make this year’s Quiet
Day truly special for you, please try to make your reservations by October 27.
You are invited
RESOURCE FAIR
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
5269 Dosher Cutoff
Tuesday, October 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Representatives from 24 organizations will provide information and materials on
employment/job training, food, shelter, health care, health insurance/Medicare,
rent and utility payments, housing, home repairs, immigration issues.
New Hope Clinic will provide free flu shots from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon;
Walgreens will provide free flu shots from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A light lunch and
refreshments will be served. For more information call (910) 457-6173.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 10
Thank you, Thank You, and THANK
YOU to…
The New Members Committee for their help in
preparing for our wonderful Welcoming Liturgy on
September 7
The Men's Group for the delicious brunch they prepared for our combined service on
September 7. They had to make some last minute changes because of the weather and did it
cheerfully.
Doug Stone and Rick Pearce for their work in moving things around in Mother Betty's
office. She now has (and is so grateful for) a wonderful sitting area in her study.
Frank Darzano for his annual painting of the red doors. They look beautiful!
Natasha Tatum for her gracious and kind attitude when greeting visitors in the office,
carrying out her very complex duties, and making it all look so simple.
TWO SPECIAL THANK YOU’s
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 11
Mother Betty Wants to Know
If you or a loved one enters the hospital, or has another need for a visit, please let Mother
Betty know. She wants to visit members who are ill, but must rely on you to notify her of the
need. HIPAA laws no longer allow for medical facilities to contact a patient's place of
worship, without explicit request. Please let us know, also, if you would like to have your
name added to our prayer list.
On a related note, Mother Betty would ask that if someone in your family dies, that you call
the church. We can send a note out to the parish to let folks know, and we can add your loved
one's name to our prayer list for Sunday.
CELEBRATE OUR LOCAL AUTHORS MEET AND GREET LUNCHEON
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
St. James Community Center
Featuring Local Authors
Tommy Harrelson (Southport’s Art Newton)
Frans Kuipers, aka F.J. Harmon (For What is Sacred)
Paul Murphy (The 13th Apostle, Angel Assignment: The White House)
Flora Solomon (A Pledge of Silence)
Ken Campbell, aka R. Kenneth Campbell (Cameron Scott Suspense Series)
$25 Per Person Includes Meet & Greet, luncheon, Panel Discussion, Book Signing & Sale
(A Silent Auction will also be held)
For tickets and information, contact Rose Tiani (724-809-3839) or Bonnie Thomas (457-
9076)
Proceeds of the event to benefit local charities.
Sponsored by The Southport Woman’s Club, a 501 (c) (3) organization
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 12
This is the day which the Lord hath made, let us
rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118: 24
Rejoice is not a word that finds its way into everyday speech
these days but it is a word that brings images to my mind. One image that immediately
appears in my mind’s eye is one of Snoopy dancing on the top of his dog house,
another is of the nuns in the movie Sister Act singing My God.
The thesaurus lists the following as synonyms: be joyful, be happy, be pleased, be
glad, be delighted, be elated, be ecstatic, be euphoric, be overjoyed, be as pleased as
punch, be jubilant, be in raptures, be beside oneself with joy, be delirious, be thrilled,
be on cloud nine, be in seventh heaven, celebrate, make merry. Rejoice is a verb, an action word in basic sentence construction. Action words generally denote a physical
or emotional response that can be observed by others.
Psalm 118: 24 is on my mind today as it was the text of a song that we sang and moved to in the opening of Sunday school. I want the children to think of church as a joyous
place to be and singing is a way to express joy with others simultaneously. We don’t
have many opportunities in our culture for rejoicing as a “unified body.” Our rejoicing
is often not evidenced and shared by a large group but rather by a close circle of
intimates. How do we put the action into rejoicing? How do we celebrate?
Our liturgy affords the “unified body” wonderful opportunities to rejoice. We have the
opportunity to stand and sing, to offer spoken responses, to kneel or stand and offer
petitions, to acknowledge the readings from God’s word with “Thanks be to God,” to
own our shortcomings by praying the words of the General Confession, to share the
body and blood at the Lord’s table with our fellow worshipers, to pass the peace, to smile, to hug, and to leave God’s house with a song of praise on our lips and in our
hearts. We are blessed to be able to put the “action” back into rejoicing each and every
time we participate fully in the liturgy. Our joy should abound each time we respond to
“Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit,” with a thunderous,
“Thanks be to God.”
Mark your calendars! On Sunday, November 2nd
, at 6:30 PM the chancel choir will
offer the service of Evensong. Evensong is a centuries’ old service that meditatively
closes the day, incorporating evening hymns, intoned prayers, choral anthems, and a
choral benediction. Evensong will be followed by a wine and cheese gathering in the
parish hall. Please join us.
Debbie Skillman
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 13
‘For Everything there is a Season…’
We at St. Philip’s are in an exciting season. We are experiencing growth in our
membership. We have begun another year of worship together packed full of Christian
Formation opportunities for children and adults, including an Episcopal 101 course that
will prepare some of our members for being confirmed, received, or reaffirming their baptismal vows when the new Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina visits us on
December 14.
The Search Committee for the new Rector is moving forward with its charge to
discern the best candidate to help lead St. Philip’s into the next chapter of our history,
and we are sprucing up our website, our Facebook page and our campus in anticipation
of the Vestry issuing a call to the new rector when it is time. And we are entering our
stewardship campaign as you receive this edition of The Philippian. Good things are
happening in this good place! You will probably have received a letter and a pledge card for 2015 in the mail
by the time you read this article. We are excited to receive your pledge of time, talent
and treasure and will use the information you provide to plan for the coming year. On
Loyalty Sunday October 19 we will have an ingathering of pledge cards.
Included with the pledge letter and cards this year is a proportional giving chart.
As we consider the Biblical notion of tithing, we realize that it is a difficult goal to
reach all at once. But what if we discerned a call to increase our pledge by 2 or 3 percent per year until we reached that goal? Just something to consider as we look at
how we are stewards of all that God has given us and how we give back to the church
and to the world.
The Stewardship Commission looked at the four basic principles of stewardship.
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, has said, “Every faculty you have, your power of
thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given to you by God. If
you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to his service, you could not give Him anything that was not His own already.”
1) The Principles of Ownership.
This is the fundamental principle of biblical stewardship. God owns everything. We
are simply managers or administrators acting in His behalf.
2) The Principles of Responsibilities
We are called as God’s stewards to manage that which belongs to God. While God has
graciously entrusted us with the care, development and enjoyment of everything he
owns, as his stewards we are responsible to manage his holdings well and according to
His desires and purpose.
3) The Principles of Accountability
Like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, we will be called to give an account of
how we have administered everything we have been given, including our time, money,
abilities, information, wisdom, relationships, and authority.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 14
4) The Principle of Reward
As Christians in the 21st century, we need to embrace this larger biblical view of
stewardship, which goes beyond church budgets and building projects, ALTHOUGH
IMPORTANT; it connects everything we do with what God is doing in the world. We
need to be faithful stewards of all God has given us within the opportunities presented
through His providence to glorify Him, serve the common good and further His
Kingdom. Hugh Whelchel, November, 26, 2012
Join with us as we celebrate all that we are as a worshiping community, and all that
we dream to be in the coming years. Come grow with us… ‘For everything there is a
Season’… Peace, Peter del Sol and Norm Wheeler
BACK TO DEACON SCHOOL!
Dear Friends,
It has been a while since my last update, for which I apologize. I hope to catch
you all up to date, and continue reporting on a regular basis. First of all, you may be
glad to know that I am still in diaconate school. I finished up the semester in May in
good time and with passing grades. I’m not brave enough to ask for a letter grade at my age, but have gone “pass/fail.” I had two very interesting courses: Christian Ethics
and the History of the Episcopal Church, both of which I enjoyed.
This semester began in September, and the entire focus for me this year is on
pastoral care, both through coursework and clinical pastoral education. This was a bit
of a surprise to me back in August, as it was to have been an entirely different course
of study this year. However, you may remember that there are three other women in
this process one year ahead of me, all of whom have now moved to the next stage as “candidates” and hopefully will be ordained next June. The committee thought it
might be good for me to stay with them work-wise this year, rather than be on my own
on another track. Hence, pastoral care. I will still have my weekends at Trinity Center
with a facilitator from the diocese who is a full-time hospital chaplain.
My focus is still very much on reaching my goal. With God’s help, and your
continued support, I am hoping to be ordained in June of 2016. I will have to leave St.
Philip’s for most of the 2015-2016 school year for an internship in another church, probably in Wilmington, but we’ll tackle that when we have to.
As always, thank you so very much for your love and support. God’s blessings
on you all.
Love,
Pam Hayes, DIT (Deacon in Training)
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 15
STEPHEN MINISTRY MINUTE
A MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
(Philippians 2:4)
The old and new testaments emphasize community; the spiritual strength derived from
association with other believers in our loving God. Christ demonstrated to us, by example
and through his ministry, the importance of Christians turning their faith into action by being
present for one another through all the joys and trials of life. The apostle Paul advised the
young Church to share God's love with one another and to support one another through times
of trial. Stephen Ministry is one effort of our church to make these teachings part of our
lives.
“Interruptions. They come in all sizes and shapes. All colors and shades. Good and bad.
Though we wish to avoid them, every season of life seems to include a few – sometimes on
either end of the same day. As we are coming up for air from the devastation of one, a fresh
and exciting interruption takes our breath away, challenging us with new responsibilities,
leaving us feeling inadequate or outmatched.” (Priscilla Shirer) Stephen Ministry is a
ministry of presence, especially during times of interruption. Whatever the circumstances, in
such times we need a tangible reminder that, whatever has happened, whatever we have
done, or whatever we have experienced, God loves us and is present in our lives, as are
caring, fellow Christians. The theological and historic function of the Church, the Christian
Community, is to be that presence. Stephen Ministry brings a special dimension to that role
by offering persons who have been specially trained to help people, on a confidential basis,
through those times of interruption. A Stephen Minister offers support not as a professional
counselor or therapist, but simply as a caring Christian.
God never intended for us to tackle life’s twists and turns and challenges alone. The next
time life throws you a curve ball, or an interruption of any kind, consider asking a Stephen
Minister to accompany you on your walk. Remember, we are here for you.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 16
Christian Formation for All Ages
The first Sunday in October will be a conversation with the Master Planning Committee. At
the end of October we will begin a book study. Jimbo Smith will facilitate a discussion of
Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan. You can buy the book
through Amazon or other outlets. It would be helpful to have read the book before this
class begins.
Seekers resumes on the first Monday of October. Thereafter it will be held on the second
Monday of each month from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. It will be facilitated by
Nan Bush. Even if you've not attended before, please consider joining us!
The Wednesday Bible Study, also facilitated by Nan Bush, continues each week in the Parish
Hall from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Newcomers are welcome!!!
Episcopal 101/confirmation classes will begin on October 1. You will be able to sign up for
either the Wednesday evening class (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) or the Saturday afternoon class (2:00 -
3:00 p.m.), whichever best fits your schedule. Please call the church office to sign up for the
class.
October 5th
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 19
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
October 12th
Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
October 19th
Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 99
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
October 26th
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 17
Are You, or Someone You Know, Being Called to Serve on St. Philip’s Vestry?
St. Philip’s Vestry has started the process for elections to the Vestry at the Annual
Meeting on Sunday, December 7, 2014. If you, or someone you know, are interested in
being considered as a candidate for the 2015 Vestry, please notify any member of the Vestry
no later than Monday, October 6th
.
Here’s a little primer on the Vestry and its responsibilities for those who might have
forgotten.
Vestries
Every person chosen as a member of a Vestry of a parish or mission of this Diocese
shall qualify by subscribing to the following declaration and promise:
“I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of
God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation: and I do consent to be governed by the
doctrine, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of
America; and I promise that I will faithfully execute the office of member of the Vestry of St.
Philip’s Parish in Southport, according to the best of my ability.”
Vestry members must be “confirmed communicants in good standing.” A confirmed
communicant in good standing is an adult member, 16 years of age or older, who, for the
previous year has been faithful in corporate worship and has been faithful in working,
praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God.
What is the Vestry?
The authoritative body within the congregation that, with the clergy, leads the parish in
discerning the vision to which God calls the community of the faithful. The vestry, again in
cooperation with the clergy, articulates and communicates the vision, organizes the parish to
achieve the realization of that vision and keeps before the congregation the mission of the
church as a clear and present reality.
St. Philip’s has 12 vestry members, each serving 3-year terms, with the terms expiring
for 4 members each year. Replacements are elected by the congregation at its annual
meeting, although the vestry appoints replacements for mid-term vacancies which may occur.
Members regularly attend monthly and occasional special vestry meetings, as well as a
workshop in December and an annual retreat (usually the first or second weekend in
January). Their specific tasks are to work with the committees and ministries which interact
with their specific areas of responsibility.
The vestry is organized under a commission system, which includes: Stewardship,
Worship, Evangelism and Outreach, Education, Pastoral Care and Social Fellowship.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 18
What does the Vestry do?
The vestry supports the rector by providing regular feedback on performance,
encouraging attention to clergy wellness issues and by facilitating meaningful
communication among and between the congregation, vestry and rector. More specifically,
the vestry participates in an annual review with the rector relative to the accomplishment of
established goals. The vestry is also charged with setting the rector’s compensation.
With the rector, the vestry articulates the congregation’s mission by identifying its
goals, describing the geography and areas served by the church, and by indicating how goals
are to be accomplished and the manner in which our progress will be assessed.
The vestry engages in short and long term planning, both directly and through
committees established by the vestry. They review, on at least a monthly basis, the mission,
current programs and health of the staff and facilities. The vestry also develops strategic
plans, establishes and monitors programs and services, and ensures the church’s
communication with the wider community.
The vestry provides for adequate resources and effective stewardship. The vestry leads
the congregation by example in the giving of their time, talent and treasure. With the rector,
the vestry establishes an annual spending plan and manages the congregations resources, both
material and personnel. While the rector is responsible for hiring and firing staff, the vestry
provides advice in such matters and is responsible for approving appropriate staff
compensation.
VESTRY NOMINATION CARD
Nominee: (please print)
Phone/email:
Deadline for submitting nomination cards to the Parish Office is October 6th.
The nominee has reviewed the paper, "The Role of the Vestry and Nominating Procedures"
and agrees to serve if elected for up to a three-year term.
Signature of Nominee:
Name of Sponsor*
(if applicable)
Signature of Sponsor*
(if applicable)
*(You may nominate yourself, or sponsor the nomination of a member of St. Philip's-in
either case the nominee signs the card.)
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church October 2014
Page 19
1st Fallon Pearce
John Dahill
2nd Ginger Munroe
4th Bobbie Acker
5th Elizabeth Pollock
6th Ardith Luke
Bonnie Kerr
John Titrington
7th Richard Trask
Deborah Jordan
Matt Gould
13th Mary C. Kostainschek
14th Kay Goodan
Linda Eberle
15th Marv Adkins
Tom Lippard
16th Gordon Davis
Ed Baldiga
18th Bob Hey
Yvonne Moody
19th Gladys Tyson
Ellen Green
20th Marie Ray
21st Blakley Huntley
22nd Harold Hooper
24th Beth Strickland
26th Peter del Sol
Kathy Rebeck
27th Deborah Gross
28th Holly Meiners
Dave Dzuricky
29th Jimbo Smith
Karen Audette
Kathy Dzubak
Harold Gross
30th Bertie Belvin
Wayne John
31st Monica Kooger
Special Note: The Rector's Discretionary Fund is low. If you would like to contribute to this
fund so that Mother Betty can address matters that come to her attention, please write a check
with the note on it that is intended for the "Rector's Discretionary Fund."
Thanks, David B. Forsyth, Treasurer
Church Organization
Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina: The Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee
Interim Rector: The Rev. Betty Glover Sexton: George Ball
Parish Administrator: Natasha Tatum Episcopal Relief & Development
Organist/Choirmaster: Debbie Skillman Representative - Jacob Pfohl
Stephen Leaders: Martha & Gene Myers
Bill Wheeler
Vestry
Senior Warden: Ruth Smith Clerk: Don Hill
Junior Warden: Rick Pearce Treasurer: David Forsyth
2012-2014: Peter del Sol, Bobbie Fuchs, Ruth Smith, Marty Younts
2013-2015: Jane Edwards, Blakley Huntley, Rick Pearce, Norm Wheeler
2014-2016: Ricky Evans, Lorraine Beamer, Mo Beers, Sharon Sands
Philippian
Mary Christine Kostainschek
Email: [email protected]
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
East Moore & Dry Streets
PO Box 10476
Southport, NC 28461
Return Service Requested
Southport NC 28461
US Postage Paid
Permit #10
NON-PROFIT