AUGUST, 2019

A FEW WORDS FROM FATHER TED

DISCERNMENT AND CONSENSUS If you read the Vestry Minutes included with this issue of The Courier, you will note that the Vestry has undertaken an in-depth discussion of the issues surrounding the approval of same-sex marriage by both the Episcopal Church and the secular government. Such rites are now both permissible by both canon and state law. After a year or so of deep thought following his consecration, Bishop Douglas Sparks issue a pastoral letter in which he gave permission for the celebration of marriage and blessing for same gender couples within the Dioceses of Northern Indiana. This permission was given with three provisos. In the first instance, any priest of the diocese would be free to officiate at such services held in facilities other than the parish church building. As with any marriage, the canonical requirements must be met specifically “a) that both parties have the right to marry according to the laws of the State and consent to do so freely, without fraud, coercion, mistake as to the identity of either, or mental reservation; and b) that at least one of the parties is baptized; and c) that both parties have been instructed in the nature, purpose, and meaning, as well as the rights, duties and responsibilities of marriage. Furthermore, if one or both of members of the couple have been married before, an application for remarriage must be submitted to the Diocesan Bishop. In the case, that the couple requests to be married in the church, the priest is to take the request to the Wardens and Vestry. The priest will facilitate a process of discernment and reflection, utilizing the material prepared by the Episcopal Church. This process may (or may not) lead to the adoption of Congregational Guidelines for Marriage. This time of discernment and reflection should include conversations and forums in which all active members of the Faith Community (Congregation) are encouraged to participate.” (Pastoral Letter, December 2016) It is my conviction that it is appropriate to have such discernment even in the absence of a specific request for a blessing or marriage ceremony. Having guidelines for marriage is useful in all circumstances and it makes sense that these also address the issue of same gender marriage. Doing this when there is not a specific request allows time for thorough and thoughtful consideration. The Wardens, Vestry and I will continue our discussions over the coming months. As Bishop Sparks has requested, there will also be times set aside when all members of the parish can participate in the conversations and the goal will be a decision of the Wardens and Vestry reached through consensus. Consensus does not mean unanimity but that, “everyone has participated in the process of frank and respectful dialogue and can thus take responsibility for the decision.” (Consensus Formation on a Vestry by Epiphany Consulting) The adoption of guidelines is a Vestry responsibility, but I hope and will strive see

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The CourierChrist the King Episcopal Church

1224 North Jefferson Street

Huntington, Indiana 46750

that there will be consensus within the whole parish for whatever is the outcome of this time of discernment. I will be glad to further discuss the content of this article with anyone who might wish to.

Fr. Ted+

AN UNEXPECTED BLESSING During the announcements on a recent Sunday, it was shared that like many structures in the Huntington area Christ the King’s roof had sustained significant damage in last spring’s hail storm. After some negotiation, our insurer has agreed to pay for the replacement of the entire roof. In a way this is a blessing because we were aware the roof would need redone in the next couple of years. The Vestry has been setting aside money for this purpose but was still far short of the fifty thousand dollars needed for such a project. Now that we will not need to pay for this replacement, it is possible to consider another dream that seemed far off. Junior Warden John Jepsen is gathering quotes for the possible paving of our parking lot. The current gravel lot is not visually appealing, is hard to maintain especially during inclement weather, and presents some danger because of its unevenness. It also sees significant use throughout the week because of Little Blessings. It appears that this project might be feasible, but it would nearly deplete our reserves for building maintenance. If anyone feels they might be able to contribute towards the cost of paving, please speak with Treasure Mark Parker, John Jepsen or myself.

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

3 Erv Ebersole15 Zachary Daugherty21 Emma Daugherty21 Molly Daugherty25 Samuel Daugherty31 Carmen Oswalt

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

16 Edwin & Jennifer Woodruff Tait

Remember to send updates to Sue Jepsen at (sljepsen@yahoo.com). Thank you!

WHAT’S YOUR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?Friends, I need your help. As some of you may know, I am currently enrolled in a three-year practicum to become a spiritual director. I’ll be entering my third year in

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the fall. Part of the course requirement is to take on several “directees” so that we students can gain practical experience in “tending the holy.” A spiritual director acts as a companion with whom to walk your faith journey. Its classic definition was coined by William Barry, SJ, and William Connelly, SJ, two gurus of the practice: “….help given by one Christian to another which enables that person to pay attention to God’s personal communication to him or her, to respond to this personally communicating God, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship.” Three participate in each direction session, the directee, the director, and the Holy Spirit, who is the true spiritual director. In Brother Thomas Merton’s words: Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to see and obey the real Director—the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul.” For more on spiritual direction, check out the website of Spiritual Directors International, sdiworld.org.

There is no charge for this of course, and sessions generally last an hour once a month. All discussions will be strictly confidential. If you are interested in more information, please corner me at church or drop me an email, meg@megmoss.com. Thanks in advance! -- Meg Moss

The Adult Choir will be singing on August 25.  We will probably resume our "school" schedule of Children's Choir rehearsals after church and Adult Choir rehearsals at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 8.

Mark September 22 on your calendars now!  Windsong, a flute ensemble, will be joining us for special music and our service that day.

Sue Nunemaker

We’re NUTS Again!

We guess the Nut Sale is on -- by popular demand! Every year we say it is the last year, and every year we are asked to do it one more time. So please start thinking about nuts!Judy will get with the company and prepare the items and $$ numbers. We will have the order forms ready by August 25th,

orders will be due on September 22, 2019 and then the nuts will be delivered to the church on October 11th for packaging.

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Start thinking NUTS! Judy Frischman and Carmen Oswalt

LITTLE BLESSINGS NEWS

On Sunday, July 28, Shallie Brown, Director of Little Blessings, attended our morning service. We presented her with a framed Commendation that lists her many accomplishments at the daycare and also with a new bench for the caregivers to use when supervising the children outside. A plaque on the bench notes our appreciation for her dedication.

The new appliances for which Little Blessings received a grant arrived this week and are in service now. We exchanged one of their old refrigerators for the one we had in the sacristy that had some serious condensation problems. All of the older appliances were donated to the Habitat ReStore.

MANY THANKS FROM THE OSWALTSFollowing Ian Yaste and Kaylin Yon’s

beautiful wedding on July 27, Bill Oswalt sent these notes of thanks:

Special thanks to Diann Parker and Beth Ebersole for putting on the wedding shower. Special thanks to Fr. Ted and Sue Nunemaker for the preparation, the wedding ceremony and the beautiful music.Special thanks to Dixie Harrold for serving the wedding. Special thanks to George and Rose Holtrey for working outside to clean the flowers up, and to anyone we may have overlooked.

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And from Ian and Kaylin: Thank you to Rose Holtrey and Grandma Carmen Oswalt for preparing and serving the meal following the rehearsal. 

What a special day! It was awesome. Bill & Carmen

RUMMAGE, ANYONE?

The Frischmans’ pole barn is open for any fall housecleaning treasures! We may have a “neighborhood” sale, but be assured that any church items already there will be marked for Christ the King proceeds. Please be sure to turn off the lights. For those who really like to plan ahead, our church rummage sale will be June 4, 5 and 6, 2020.

BOOK CLUBBook club members will discuss The Last Cruise by Kate Christensen in September, following our usual summer hiatus. Marguerite Wire will lead the discussion and the meeting will be held at Linda Beatty’s. Watch for the exact date in the September Courier.

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CHRIST THE KING AUGUST, 2019

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 5:30 p.m.EveningPrayer

2 3

4 9:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist

5 67:30 p.m. AA

77:30 p.m.Al-Anon

8 5:30 p.m.EveningPrayer

9 10

11 9:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist

12 137:30 p.m. AA

147:30 p.m.Al-Anon

15 5:30 p.m.Evening Prayer followed by Vestry Meeting

16 17

18 9:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist

19 207:30 p.m. AA

217:30 p.m.Al-Anon

22 5:30 p.m.EveningPrayer6:00 p.m. LB Board Meeting

23 24

25 9:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist

26 277:30 p.m. AA

287:30 p.m.Al-Anon

29 5:30 p.m. EveningPrayer

30 31

Thursday, September 19, 5:30 p.m.: Evening Prayer

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UPCOMING

EVENTS

followed by Vestry MeetingSunday, Sept. 22: Nut orders due

Thursday, September 26, 6 p.m.: Little Blessings Board

SERVICE ROSTERAUGUST, 2019

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4-Aug 11-Aug 18-Aug 25-AugLove, INC

IngatheringLittle Blessings Ingathering

1st Reader Bill Oswalt Dick Wire Meg Moss Linda Beatty

2nd Reader Marguerite Wire Mark Parker Sue J epsen Caleb Harlow

Chalice Pail Wilson J eff Roberts Paul Wilson Carmen Oswalt

Server

Intercessor Bill Oswalt Liz Snively J udy Frischman Liz Snively

Crucifer Paul Wilson J eff Roberts Paul Wilson

Counters Sue J epsen Alex Klausing Meg Moss Linda Beatty

Oblations Boxell/Daugherty Boxell/Daugherty Boxell/Daugherty Boxell/Daugherty

Greeters Marlene Schleiffer Marlene Schleiffer Marlene Schleiffer Marlene Schleiffer

Altar Guild Carmen Oswalt Sue J epsen Alex Klausing Linda Beatty

Coffee Hour Wire Snively J epsen Heasley

remember to sign up for next month !

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Christ the King Episcopal Church1224 North Jefferson StreetHuntington IN 46750AUGUST, 2019

PHONE NUMBERS

Church:

260-356- 3570

Sr. Warden:

260-356-2998

Little Blessings Childcare:

260-359-1161

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SERVICES at CHRIST the KING

Sundays: 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer

5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer

WEB PAGE:

www.episcopalchurch-huntington.org

EMAILS :

Treasurer: markpa@klinescpa.com

Newsletter: sljepsen@yahoo.com

OFFICE HOURS:

Fr. Ted, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursdays

PERSONNEL

Priest in Charge:

Fr. Theodore Neidlinger

Bishop/Rector:

The Rt. Rev. Douglas Sparks

Sr. Warden: Sue Jepsen

Jr. Warden: John Jepsen

Treasurer: Mark Parker

VESTRY

Alex Klausing

Meg Moss

Nancy Heasley

Jeff Roberts

Gary Beatty

Liz Snively

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