from father robert towerimages.acswebnetworks.com/1/2509/april_20144.pdf · at emmanuel at 5:00 pm...

Volume 47, Issue 4

April, 2014

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

498 Prince Avenue

Athens GA 30601

(706) 543-1294 Fax (706) 208-3790

www.emmanuelathens.org TH

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FROM FATHER ROBERT

I have always said that I was not the editor of The Tower, but the Publisher. I

only write this sentence because I am hoping that the editor does not edit my

next few sentences.

I am so deeply grateful to Blue Wood who for the past many editions over

many years has put this wonderful publication together. It comes to be each

month through care, concern, insight, great language skills and a drive to

produce a work month after month worthy of the readers who comprise

Emmanuel parish and so many neighbors. I write asking you for prayers as

Blue has knee replacement surgery and goes through the arduous task of

recovery, physical therapy and everything else needed to be free from pain

(and restored to our service!).

Even though we are walking through the season of Lent I want to speak to joy

for a moment. From the moment of the bishop’s visit through today, I am so

happy to see and hear parishioners overwhelming happiness and amazement

over the new addition. It works too! The layout and the spaces are in fact

serving the needs for which they were built and they are bright, comfortable

and conducive to prayer and spiritual growth. From the youngest among us to

those who have completed the physical part of their life journey there is a place

where we can be and become. It’s just amazing.

It’s a wee bit interesting though to see that in the midst of true harmony and

beauty, some peoples’ anxieties have ratcheted up a notch or two. Not quite

sure why. The reality of the unfamiliar? The possibility of change and more

change to come? Who knows. I do know though that when we are challenged to

see things in a new light, there may well be a sense of inspiration, but there is

also a sense of dislocation, a need to adjust and accommodate to something

new. Granted that could be scary but we have to face the fear and accept it as a

challenge to grow into a wider and deeper reality. Don’t be too scared folks,

God has wonderful things in store for us and we already see them coming to

(Continued on page 2)

VOLUME 47, ISSUE 4 VOLUME 47, ISSUE 4

life. The process of dying to and with something is natural.

The authentic religious life is a matter of becoming who we already are and all that we truly are.

Most saints describe that path as a process more of unlearning than of learning. It is a whole

journey of letting go and developing an ongoing practice of letting go and turning around one

more time, until it becomes a way of life. As the old Shakers use to sing and dance “…turn, turn/

will be our delight,/ till by turning / we come round right.” To be authentically human is to change

and to be a whole human is to change many times – away from my smallness and toward an

Unspeakable Greatness…

It’s the story of Easter isn’t it? May we take the time this Lent to truly see where we each need to

turn – either from or towards something. Let’s see during this season what we might empty so that

we may become full.

It was a wonderful dedication ceremony that we had with Bishop Rob, wasn’t it? To join together

welcoming new members, confirming and reaffirming our baptismal covenants in a spirit of unity

was really wonderful. I was so happy to see former members of vestries and the planning

committee recognized. So many worked so hard for a long period of time and they all deserve our

thanks. All of those who cooked and cleaned and made ready outdid themselves, and for that I am

grateful.

May the gift of Easter free you to become free.

In His love,

Robert +

(Continued from page 1)

THE TOWER

LLELUIA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I thank God for the witness of the clergy and people of The Episcopal Church as the faith we share expands

hope through the various ministries of our parishes and institutions. As you read this I hope you take to heart

how important your role is in the bringing God’s hope and peace to those whose lives you touch.

You may be aware that the theme of our recent House of Bishops meeting in September was Transforming

Loss into New Possibilities; it continues to shape my prayers and thoughts of our ministry. The Church and

the world are wrestling with many losses in terms of trust, hope, and opportunity as the world continues to

polarize along economic, political, and religious lines. It is one thing to be comfortable at home musing over

theoretical notions of transforming loss into new possibilities. It is quite something else to stand in solidarity

with people who know loss at the deepest levels and who embrace that pain and loss yet do not descend into

the abyss of hatred and resentment.

I continue to be inspired by the Christians who are a small fraction of the population of most of the nations

throughout the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. This past May I had the privilege of participating

in a conference held in Beirut, Lebanon, sponsored by the WCC and the Middle East Council of Churches,

which focused on the serious challenges facing indigenous Christians throughout that region.

Time and again in quiet conversation with Christian leaders and in public statements and presentations I

witnessed the pain of loss expressed with passion and grief by so many on account of political and social

pressures and the cycles of violence that continue in Syria, Israel/Palestine, and Egypt. While there was great

sorrow expressed about loss, there was also great hope and expectation that peace and prosperity are possible.

Is it possible? In human terms, some doubt and wonder. In divine terms, I join our sisters and brothers of the

Christian churches in the Middle East and say, “Yes, not only possible, but inevitable because it is God who

has the last word.”

I encourage you and your congregation to join in supporting our sister and brother Anglicans throughout the

Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. Good Friday Offering materials

will soon be available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and French:

www.episcopalchurch.org/goodfridayoffering.

I am deeply grateful for your solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Province of Jerusalem and the

Middle East. Your support of the Good Friday Offering in your diocese helps transform what is loss today into

tomorrow’s possibility.

I remain

Your servant in Christ,

Commended to us by Father Robert, a letter from Presiding Bishop Katharine

Jefferts Schori concerning the Good Friday Offering

VOLUME 47, ISSUE 4 VOLUME 47, ISSUE 4

AROUND THE PARISH FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

In the midst of the building dedication, moving the choir room, and learning our way around the new

facility, the Emmanuel Choir has been diligently rehearsing John Rutter’s Requiem which will be presented

at Emmanuel at 5:00 pm on Palm Sunday, April 13. Inspired by the success of last year’s Palm Sunday

collaboration with First Baptist for Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ, both choirs and congregations

were eager for another joint service. It is our delight to host this year’s event at Emmanuel.

The combined choirs will be conducted by Dr. Randy Brittain, Minister of Music at First Baptist and

accompanied by Rutter’s full orchestra version of the score. Rutter’s work calls for a soprano soloist which

will be sung by Mary Martha Clark who has been active in Emmanuel’s music and youth programs

throughout her undergraduate years at UGA.

Rutter's Requiem, his first composition written without being commissioned, was written in memory of his

father and is a convincing affirmation of Christian doctrine pertaining to death and eternal life. It is also a

substantial and sincere work that strives to be widely appealing while preserving a spiritual context centered

around themes of light and consolation. The work was composed in 1985 and received its first performance

in Dallas, TX under the baton of the composer.

Unlike the dramatic, large-scale Requiems of Berlioz and Verdi, Rutter’s setting belongs in the smaller-

scale, more devotional tradition of Fauré and Duruflé. The choral forces do not need to be large, there is

only one soloist, the instrumentation is restrained, and the duration is less than forty minutes. As with Fauré

and Duruflé, the Latin text of the Mass for the Dead is not set in its entirety, the chosen portions being those

which underline a theme of light and consolation emerging out of darkness and despair. English texts are

interwoven with the traditional Latin. Rutter uses two psalms associated with the rite of burial, the somber

Psalm 130 and the serenely confident Psalm 23. He assigns an important role to a solo instrument in each

psalm, cello and oboe respectively. In addition, movements 5 and 7 incorporate sentences from the

Anglican Burial Service in the magnificent English of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

The complete seven-movement work forms an arch-like structure: the first and last movements are prayers

to God the Father, movements 2 and 6 are psalms, 3 and 5 are prayers to Christ the Son, and the Sanctus of

movement 4 is an affirmation of divine glory.

The occasion of a Requiem is one for reflection and looking back and Rutter pays homage to his predeces-

sors. He uses Gregorian chant at two key points in the work and the influence of Fauré, Mahler, Howells,

and even Gershwin can be detected. Out of these disparate elements a synthesis emerges which has been

widely recognized as the composer’s own.

This is a momentous occasion in the spiritual and musical life of Emmanuel and I hope that each of you will

join us at 5:00 pm on April 13.

Soli Deo Gloria

Sam

THE TOWER

YOUTH STATIONS OF THE CROSS

High School EYC'ers, join us Sunday, March 16 and Sunday, April 6 from 12pm until 3pm as we begin

exploring perhaps the most traveled road in the world, the Via Dolorosa. Come and walk the road with us

that millions of Christians have walked. This will be a 3 part series that will come to an end with students

leading the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

Fr. Chris

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

Join us in sharing the blessings of Emmanuel with our neighbors in need during this season of Lent as we

host guest families from the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) March 16-23. IHN is a ministry provid-

ing shelter and guidance to families with children who are homeless due to the impact of misfortune on

their lives. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities and ways to support this ministry, most of which

require only a heart to serve and small commitments of time. For more information, contact Matt

Humphrey at 706-255-0828 or [email protected]

MISSION MARKET

As you begin thinking about Spring Cleaning, please be mindful of your Mission Team from Emmanuel

going to Haiti this summer. On Saturday, May 3 they will be facilitating a massive yard sale to help defer

costs of the trip. Your donation of the following household items would be greatly appreciated: appliances,

children's clothes, books, furniture, toys, DVD's, and electronics. We will begin collecting items for the

sale on Saturday, April 26 and for the week leading up to the community event. If you have any question

please feel free to inquire at [email protected] or [email protected]

Easter Offerings

During the Easter season, it is

encouraging to see both new and

familiar faces at our worship services.

Throughout the year, many of you

already support the congregation with

your time, talent and financial contribu-

tions but greater participation is always

welcome. We encourage you to look

into our electronic giving program. It

takes just a few minutes to setup a

recurring giving plan. Visit the church

website, www.emmanuelathens.org, and

locate the online giving link under

Social Ministries or complete a paper

authorization form.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

1 Sandy Jarrett

Gene Harrison

Heather Alley

Grace Eliza Nimely

2 Lily Marshall

Nick Nickerson

3 America Abbott

Margaret Strahl

Valerie Oxford

Rob Clements

4 Bekki Wagner

5 Steve Hall

Lili Ouzts

6 Jessica McGhee

7 Kim Ripps

Matt Humphrey

8 Kyle Osborn

Davis McLanahan

9 Allen Stovall

John Amos

Katherine Byrne

William White

Emmeline Niolon

11 William Cobb

Abby Green

Zackary Green

12 Pat Hall

Don Smith

Pete Brown

13 Jane Bowen

14 Donald Schmidt

Ryan Williams

15 Sheila Snead

Christina Pritchett

McKey Terrell

Blake Tiller

17 Charlotte Waters

Clay Alliston

Benjamin Taylor

18 Katie Lloyd

19 Joyce Crowe

Cathy Cofer

Sarah Doherty

20 Mitch McGhee

21 Valerie Beard

Sharon Reid

22 Ginny Denson

23 Linda Backelant

24 Vince Howard

George Slate

25 Andy Simmonds

Paula Arscott

26 Adelaide Probst

Leila Hobbs

27 Norma Pylant

Trey Harden

Rich Connelly

28 Curt Collier

Carter Seward

Alyssa Rowell

Thomas Brown

APRIL 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 10:00 Natural Spirituality 540 Prince Ave

6:30 20’s—30s

Common Room

7:30 Al-Anon

540 Prince Ave.

2

5:30 Healing Service

with Holy Eucharist

6:00 Lenten Soup

Supper--Common Room

7:15 Choir Rehearsal

3

4

4:00 Yoga

Large Meeting

Room

downstairs

5

5:30

Holy Eucharist,

Rite II

6 LENT VI

8:30 Holy Eucharist, I

9:30 Faith Formation

10:30 Holy Eucharist, II

12:00 Stations of the Cross

in EYC Studies Natural Spirituality (740)

7

10:00

Bible Study

Small Meeting

Room

downstairs

8

10:00 Natural Spirituality

540 Prince Ave.

6:30 20’s/30’s

Common Room

7:30 Al-Anon

9


with Holy Eucharist

6:00 Lenten Soup

Supper--Common Room


10

.

11

11:30 Day

School Musical

for 3’s

Common Room

4:00 Yoga

Large Meeting

Room

downstairs

12

4:45 Daughters

of the King

5:30

Holy Eucharist,

Rite II

13 HOLY WEEK:

PALM SUNDAY


9:30 Faith Formation 10:15 Blessing of Palms



(540 Prince)

1:00 Club 456 Common R.

1:30 Prayer Shawls (540)

5:00 Requiem of John

Rutter by choirs of First

Methodist and Emmanuel

here at Emmanuel.

14

10:00

Bible Study

Small Meeting

Room

downstairs

12:00 noon

Eucharist

15

10:00 Natural Spirituality 540 Prince Ave

12:00 noon

Eucharist

6:30 20’s/30’s

Common Room

7:30 Al-Anon

540 Prince Ave

16

12: 00 noon Eucharist


with Holy Eucharist

6:00 Lenten Soup

Supper--Common Room


17 MAUNDY

THURSDAY

7:00 Holy Eucharist

8:00—12:00

Watch begins

18 GOOD

FRIDAY

12:00 noon

Church Office

Closes.

Liturgy of the

Lord’s Passion

6:00 Stations

of the Cross

led by EYC

19 HOLY

SATURDAY

8:00 Great

Vigil of Easter

(with incense)

20 EASTER SUNDAY



10:00 Children’s Egg Hunt


with incense

21

Church Office

is

closed.

22 10:00 Natural Spirituality

540 Prince Ave.

7:30 Al-Anon

540 Prince Ave.

23


with Holy Eucharist Emmanuel Day School

Celebration

7:00 Vestry Meeting

24

25

6:00 Blessed

Rest Lock-in

(Youth)

26

4:30 Daughters

of the King

5:30

Holy Eucharist,

Rite II

27 EASTER II 8:30 Holy Eucharist, I

9:30 Faith Formation


with Holy Baptism 12:00 Natural Spirituality

5:00 Daughters of the King

28

10:00

Bible Study

Small Meeting

Room

downstairs

29


540 Prince Ave.

7:30 Al-Anon

540 Prince Ave.

30


with Holy Eucharist

VOLUME 47, ISSUE 4

PAGE 8

FOR THE CHILDREN...

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a method of Christian faith

formation for children ages 3 through 12 in which they experience and

form an authentic, faithful relationship with God. The program is

grounded in scriptural and liturgical study framed by Montessori

principles of education. The children explore the gospel through the use

of sensorially rich materials. The children work with materials that

represent essential proclamations of the Christian message.

The adult prepares the sacred space for the children, called the atrium, so

that they are invited to respond to a relationship with Jesus, the Good

Shepherd. The atrium is a place of community and worship rather than a

classroom for academic study. It is a place to be with God, enjoy God,

listen to Holy Scripture, and to pray.

The Children's Faith Formation program at Emmanuel is in need of

more adults to gently guide children in growing closer to God. If you have considered giving to this

ministry, we would love the opportunity to speak with you and answer your questions. Please join

us during one of the following times:

Sunday, April 6: 9:15 or 11:45 in the Atrium on the third floor

Wednesday, April 9: 6:15 in the Common Room

Sunday, May 4: 5:00pm at Georgia's home (Join our current formation leaders for supper and end-

of-year celebration!)

We will be prepared to offer a general outline of the program, discuss our volunteer needs and how

we can best use your time and talents, and we will give an overview of what you may expect if you

choose to participate in the summer training. If childcare is needed, just give Georgia advance

notice.

Additional dates to place on your calendar for this summer's training are below. Emmanuel supports

our children's programs generously by bringing a certified Catechesis trainer to our campus. Please

consider participating in the training. It is a wonderful opportunity for your own personal spiritual

formation.

(Continued on page 9)

FROM GEORGIA COLLIER

THE TOWER PAGE 9

Parish-wide Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Orientation: July 6, 1:00 - 5:00 pm

This afternoon is for everyone! Let's all take a vested interest in the spiritual development of

Emmanuel's children by understanding more about our foundational program.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training for Adults: July 7 - 12, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

The children need loving adults to mentor them during their Formation hour. This training provides

adults with the skills and tools to share their love of God and church with the youngest members of

our parish.

'Catechesis Camp' for the children of parents in training: July 7 - 12

Childcare, and FUN, is provided for the children, grandchildren or those in the care of adults

participating in the Catechesis training.

Any of our current leaders would love to talk with you about the program and answer your ques-

tions. Please reach out to Georgia Collier at 706.540.8237 or [email protected]. You

may also talk with Father Robert, Peg Wood, Ellen Dolphus, Sara Baldwin, Kerry Hogan, Brooke

Stortz, Descygna Templeton, Ralph Stephens, Janet Robertson, Erika Greene, Cindy Sullivan,

Tiffany Greene or Mary Eberhard.

“In your presence there is fullness of joy..." Psalm 16:11

Peace and blessings,

Georgia

We’re counting down to the most fun week in the universe…

Emmanuel’s Vacation Bible School!

We will launch kids on a mission of God’s love.

Kids, unscramble the words below and bring your

completed work to Ms. Georgia for a special Blast Off

surprise!

tbals f!of nuje 9 - 13

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

simcoc nfu unhalc taryp

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

uto-fo-hist-olrdw

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

mtras nhcul trmas disk

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

uneesrlvto rea rtsas

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

VOLUME 47, ISSUE 4

THE TOWER

DIRECTORY: Clergy & Staff

Melissa Fulcher Director of Administration

administration @emmanuelathens.org

Karen Holland Director of Finance

[email protected]

Sam Polk Director of Music

[email protected]

Georgia Collier Rector’s Associate for Children’s Formation and Family Life

[email protected]

Amy Wraga

Director of the Day School [email protected]

Denise Thomas Sexton

The Rev. Robert Salamone Rector

[email protected]

The Rev. Christopher A. Cole

Associate Rector associaterector

@emmanuelathens.org

A PRAYER FOR EASTERTIDE

O Christ who died yet lives

and who is among us as one who has returned to God,

your words speak to us from the centre of our hearts,

you address us from the garden of our souls.

Call us by name that we may recognize you within us and among us,

Show us your wounds that in the brokenness of life

we may glimpse your resurrection presence.

J. Philip Newell

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ATHENS, GA

PERMIT NO. 231

Shooter Roberts,

Senior Warden

Sarah Ehlers, Junior Warden

Tracy Bartlett, Outreach &

Emmanuel’s representative for

Episcopal Relief & Development

Phil Bettendorf, Finances

Carol Bowles,

Vestry Administration

Clara Herrin, Spiritual Life

Weyman Johnson, Stewardship

Naomi Norman, Communications

Kim Ripps, Formation &

the Day School

Allen Stovall, Facilities

Diane Wahlers, Pastoral Care

Erik Wells, Formation

Vestry

from father robert towerimages.acswebnetworks.com/1/2509/april_20144.pdf · at emmanuel at 5:00 pm...

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