st. peter’s episcopal church keynotes february, 2019saintpetersnc.org/docs/keynotes february...
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St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Keynotes February, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
When do you feel close to God? Is it when you’re outside experiencing the beauty and glory of nature? Is it when you are with family or friends feeling loved and connected to others? For some it happens during a particular worship service when the sermon is spot on, the music inspiring and fellowship with others reminds them they are part of God’s family.
On the other hand, people often feel a disconnect with God during times of illness, loneliness and loss. It’s not uncommon to wonder where God is when we can’t find the words to pray, or, life leaves us feeling empty and lost. A friend of mine found himself going through a very difficult divorce. It was draining him financially and emotionally. He couldn’t see resolution forthcoming. One day he told me, “I feel numb. There is no end to this. Where is God? It just isn’t fair!”
The circumstances of our lives may influence how we feel about God. However, scripture tells us that God’s relationship to us is based on love. So perhaps if we struggle to perceive God in our lives when the landscape around us becomes difficult and obstructive, learning to understand it, might help us to discover God’s presence and love in new ways.
The theme for our Lenten series this year is: “Finding God in Unexpected Places”. We’ll take time together to consider the first four gospel readings of Lent. Each gospel presents opportunities for us to discover grace and love in some dark and broken places of life. Hopefully, we will discover what living in a desert, being threatened and intimidated by enemies, our own sin, and a dysfunctional family can teach us about God, others, and ourselves.
We will be meeting for four consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning on March 13th and ending on April 3rd. Dinner begins at 6:00pm in All Saints’ Hall followed by programs for everyone. We will conclude our evening together at 7:30pm. (Look for details concerning meals and children’s program in this issue of Keynotes). I look forward to sharing this time with you!
“What, finally, have I learned in this prolonged desert sojourn? That it’s only in the empty place, in the place where everything appears to die‐there in the place of the Lion, that any of us are ever loved…and set free to love as well.” The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Dessert and Mountain Spirituality. By Belden C. Lane
Faithfully, Fr. Jim
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Help us keep in touch with you!
Please make sure and contact the church office if you have moved, changed
your phone number or have a new email address.
Send updated information to [email protected] or call 946‐8151.
Join us Every Sunday for Breakfast!
Yes, EVERY Sunday at 9a.m. we will serve
breakfast in All Saints’ Hall. We hope that this
will serve as a time of fellowship between our
two services. This is a great opportunity to visit
with friends, meet parishioners you
may not already know, invite a friend
to come to church or ask a stranger on the street to
come and join us. See you Sunday morning!
The Cursillo reunion group will meet Sunday Feburary 17th at 11:30am for lunch at Ribeye’s Restaurant on the waterfront.
Dear Friends, My Field Site Internship is ending at the end of February, but I am happy to say that I will still be here for a while! I will continue to serve as I have been doing by preaching, serving at the Eucharistic table and in Christian Formation. Deep thanks for the numerous ways you have supported me here on my spiritual journey. I will never forget all of your love and encouragement! I look forward to our collaborative ministries going forward, as we serve Christ at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. —Nanette
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Saint Peter’s Clergy & Staff
The Reverend Jim Reed, Rector
946‐8151
The Reverend Deacon Katherine Mitchell 617‐721‐6614 [email protected] Ms. Nanette Woodworth, Candidate for Holy Orders
252‐565‐6282
The Rev. Fred Clarkson, Priest Spanish Congregation
252‐940‐1623
fclarkson@diocese‐eastcarolina.org
Doug Cutler Organist/Choirmaster
Vincent Holliday Sexton
Lex Mann Treasurer
Jennifer Spivey Parish Administrator
Whit Stroud Christian Education Susie Taylor Day School Director
Vestry Organization
Sarah Ninan‐Senior Warden
Picott Harrington‐Junior Warden
Bonita Arvizu‐Clerk
Michael Behar‐Stewardship
Ken Hadley‐Outreach
Julie Howdy‐Pastoral Care
Val Johnson‐Visionary Commission
Rachael Miller‐Education
Catherine Pfeiffer‐Parish Life
Katherine Tate‐Parish Life
Office Hours
Mon‐Thurs 8am‐12:30pm & 1pm‐3pm, Fri 8am‐12pm
Giving to Saint Peter’s has never been easier! *Automatic Bank Drafts *Automatic Credit/Debit Card Payments *Gifts of Securities *If you are over 70 1/2, consider directing all or a portion of your RMD from your IRA to the church. Please check with your tax advisor to see if you would benefit from using any of these options. If interested in any of these options, email or call Jennifer Spivey at the church office. (946‐8151, [email protected]) Also, anytime you feel called to give for any reason you can do so from our website via the online giving link. Visit www.saintpetersnc.org.
OurFinancialAssistanceCommitteeacceptsrequestsfromthoseinneedofassistancewithutilitiesandrenteachMonday.DonationstotheRector’sDiscretionaryFundsupporttheseneedsandarealwayswelcome.CheckscanbemadepayabletoSt.Peter’swith“DiscretionaryFund”inthememoline.Youcanalsodonateonlineviathewebsiteatwww.saintpetersnc.org.
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Please Pray For:
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life
and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or
pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer.
Please Pray for: David Barillaro‐friend of Kathie Kriss, Fred Beachler–nephew of Michael Beachler, Jock Beachler–brother of Michael Beachler, Sue Beck‐friend of Jay & Bernice Marle, Marie Benitez–friend of St. Peter’s, Shannon Bowen‐friend of the Harringtons, Nancy Chaffee‐member, Betty Cochran‐member, Riffe Culpepper–friend of Roy & Cathy Whichard, Tasha Daniels‐our Nursery Attendant, Pat DeVivo‐friend of Kathie Kriss, Pappy Fowle‐cousin of Dr. Josh Tayloe & Athy Cooper, Camden Green–friend of Janet Bradbury, Billy Hill–friend of Ed & Pam Hodges, Pat Holscher‐member, John Keais Hoyt–friend of Saint Peter’s, Dawn Johnston‐daughter‐in‐law of Sharon Johnston, Coly McCauley‐son of Nancy Hamblin, Bill McFeely‐friend of the Mitchells, Denise McKenzie–friend of Patrick & Carol Nash, Craig McPherson–son‐in‐law of Seb & Nadine Barrett, Jimi Paderick–Executive Assistant to Bishop Skirving, Ann Peters–member, Sarah Purvis‐friend of Peggy Hudson, David Roy‐brother of Julie Howdy, Acra Samuels‐daughter of Hodges & Marsha Hackney, Pam Savage‐friend of the Marles, Owen Shiflet‐friend of Marcus & Lilly Jones, Carol Sime‐cousin of Sandy Mitchell, Alice Stallings‐member, Paul Stevenson‐grandson of Dill Lynch, John Stowell –brother of Aynn Hadley, Linda Strader‐mother of Stacey Lynch, Frances Tankard‐friend of Kay Sharpe, Stephanie Teal‐niece of Michael Beachler, Nena Tyndall–member, Don Vosburgh‐friend of Taylor Whichard, Sara Waidi, Martha Wall‐member, Jeff Williams‐nephew of Michael Beachler.
The Lay Eucharistic Ministers remind the parish that if a member is unable to attend services, the gift of communion can be brought to them. To request this ministry, please call the church office. A reminder, also, that if you or a loved one is entering the hospital or nursing home, please let the church office know. Too often it is assumed someone else has called, and the clergy are late to learn of the situation. Too many calls are better than none at all!
ECW Meeting in the Music Room March 6, 2019 at 9:30am
We are very fortunate at Saint Peter’s to have ECW members
who are very accomplished speakers. Our March 6th speaker is
one of these ladies. Barbara Walker continues our series about
renowned Episcopal females who are Saints of the Church.
Please join us on March 6th.
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ALTAR FLOWERS FOR FEBRUARY
February3:Today’saltar lowersaregiventothegloryofGodandinmemoryofourlovedonesbytheBradburyFamily.February10:Today’saltar lowersaregiventotheGloryof
GodandinlovingmemoryofErin&DaveTayloebythefamily.February17:Today’saltar lowersaregiventotheGloryofGodandinlovingmemoryofPatrickHarrisCochranbyhisfamily.February24:Today’saltar lowersaregiventotheGloryofGodandinlovingmemoryofDr.Josh&MaryAnnTayloeandLeonard&BettyCraverbyDr.Josh&CarolTayloe.
Prayer Team
Contact Person: Julie Howdy‐‐‐Please call (252)944‐6321, 24/7
Day or Night for emergency and crisis situations or any serious or
pressing problems. We are here for you when you need support
and the power of prayer immediately. New members are always
welcome.
Saint Peter’s Visitation Ministry For those who are in a nursing home, hospital or unable to leave home, a visit from a member of the church family brings a bit of sunshine to their day. We are looking for volunteers to visit members and families
in need of cheer. If you would like to learn more about the visitation ministry, please contact Laura Bliley at 252-495-3008. If you know someone that may be in need of this ministry, contact the church office or Laura Bliley.
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POLARCHALLENGESUCCESS! Thankyou! Wewereabletoraisejustover$2,800forRiseAgainstHunger.Ifyou’dstill liketodonate,makeyourcheckpayableto Saint Peter’s with “Rise Against Hunger” in thememoline.Paymentscanbesubmittedtothechurchof iceorplacedintheofferingplateonSunday.Giftsmay also be made online atwww.saintpetersnc.org.
Announcements
Teachers are needed for Children’s Chapel! This is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on the faith life of the youth of St. Peter’s. There is a signup sheet outside of my office with dates until the summer break. Please contact me if you have any questions!
EYC is going strong with a game night February the 16th. With an
overnight trip in the making’s for the month of May and a trip to a working ranch in March or April!
Children’s Lenten programs will be offered alongside the adult
Lenten program. Children’s Choir will begin at 6:30 followed by a lesson with Whit which will conclude simultaneously with the adult program.
Sincerely, Whit Stroud (252-717-0428)
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New Art in Gardner Hall
A watercolor painting of Saint Peter’s Easter Flower Cross has been donated to ECW by local artist, Jane McCotter. It is hanging in the hallway of Gardner Hall for everyone to enjoy. ECW is selling notecards of the painting. They can be purchased for $10 for a package of 6. A joyous reminder of a new beginning can be shared with those you want to remember with a personal note.
Food for Funerals
The ECW has always supported our parish family and community at large. One of the many ways we show our love and concern for our church family is through the Funeral Foods Ministry. We are always looking for women and men who would be willing to join one of the 4 teams who provide a meal or refreshments at the time of losing a loved one. We have fabulous team leaders who can always use more help! If you would like to join this rewarding ministry please contact me at [email protected] or 943‐4464. I look forward to hearing from you! Pam Hodges
Just a quick note to remind each of you What "Back Pack Buddies" continues to do. Our church takes food to young, needy ones Who simply are hungry and don’t have the funds, A kind gift of money, or a quick grocery run, Are easy to do and can be right much fun! The parents, the teachers, but especially the tots Are so very grateful and say “THANKS A LOT!" Checks to “BPB" may be given to Jen, Or food may be placed in the Gardner Hall bin. Thank you for helping with our little buddies In filling their tummies and helping them study. Questions, comments or suggestions call 252-943-1687, Catherine
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Just a brief reminder if you should arrive at the church during regular weekly office hours and find the doors locked, do not be discouraged. Please use the intercom beside the red doors under the covered walkway to let staff inside know you are here and would like to come in. It is quite simple to use, just press and release the button and someone will answer your call as quickly as possible.
In this day and time, we cannot be too careful. We are simply practicing good safety measures. Many thanks for your patience and understanding. Your Staff
(Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-12:30pm & 1pm-3pm, Fri 8am-12pm)
Open Door Community Center, a shelter for homeless women and their children, opened its doors to receive clients on January 22, 2019. Two days later, during very cold weather, a woman and her children were admitted. This sweet little family eating around the table, quietly playing games around the table, and finally sleeping down the hall makes us ever so thankful for all the support the community has given to prepare this home to meet this family’s critical need.
If you are interested in volunteering, the current need is for volunteers to stay from 9PM until 9AM as night managers. Night managers responsibilities include such things as: confirming lights are out as scheduled, the clients are awake in the morning and ready to leave on schedule, setting and unsetting the alarm. In the office is a twin bed where the night manager may sleep. The office can be locked and has a half bath available. More detailed information is available for those interested in volunteering, and the Executive Director is availa‐ble to stay the first night with new volunteers.
Another way to help is by providing meals. You can sign up easily through Meal Train via the following link: https://mealtrain.com/5yd4ry. Please call the day before to find out many are expected for the meal. 252‐833‐8514.
On February 22, the community will be invited to an on‐site open house at 1240 Cowell Farm Road. This will be an opportunity for ODCC to thank the community for its tremendous support, offer tours of the center, and answer questions. The open house will begin at 12:00 for specially invited guests and continue at 1:00 for the general public.
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church’s strong support of ODCC has helped to provide a warm, safe place for those in dire need and is greatly appreciated.
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136thConventionoftheDioceseofEastCarolina
Thank you to our delegates: Ed Hodges, Sarah Ninan, Catherine Pfeiffer and Hank
Van Dorp. Also in attendance were Fr. Jim Reed, Deacon Katherine Mitchell, Whit
Stroud and Nanette Woodworth.
March 6th 7 am & Noon
7 pm (Bi‐lingual)
All services will be held
in the Chapel.
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“Love Heals” During the 136th Convention of the Diocese of East Carolina, attendees were presented several opportunities to hear the Rev’d Becca Stevens preach and share the good news of her ministry at Thistle Farms. Becca is the author of multiple books, a dynamic speaker, an Episcopal priest, a committed justice seeker, as well as the founder and president of Thistle Farms (Nashville, TN), a community of women survivors of prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. A vibrant speaker and preacher, the most important take away pervading her presentations was the concept that Love Heals. She emphatically believes that all the broken places and wounds of this world can be healed through love. Becca is a captivating person and if you want to learn more about her, Thistle Farms and its global ministry, check her out on Google. Becca has taken this simple concept of Love Heals to new heights by changing literally hundreds of women’s lives.
In thinking about the work we do as committee members of Saint Peter’s Financial Assistance Program, I discovered that we too are using this concept of Love Heals in our own ministry here. Who would have guessed we are on the “cutting edge”? Every person walking through our doors each Monday morning is hoping that we can assist them with some financial need they have, however, it is our intent to offer something more and that something more is “love”. That love is expressed not only by referrals to other community resources such as our Beaufort County Community College, NC Works, Legal Aid, shelters, and food banks, but perhaps most importantly spiritual support, care, encouragement, and hope. That love comes back to us a hundredfold. If you want to know more, continue reading to see what committee member Sarah Ninan has to say about a recent experience.
On Monday, as Roy Whichard was putting up the "come back next week sign " a large middle age man and his wife came to the door stating clearly that they "wanted to address the committee." Roy nicely explained that we were basically all filled for the day and unable to accept any additional people. I came out and reiterated in my bossy voice that we were filled and trying to serve the others who had been waiting. The gentleman explained that he and his wife would wait. After we saw everyone who had signed in, we invited the gentleman and his wife into the library to address our group. I had a concern that he had either a big problem or a serious complaint.
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The gentleman eloquently explained that he and his wife wanted to pay back the money which the Financial Assistance Program had given him several months earlier but did not want his name attached and did not want any "pat on the back." He explained that he believed that this is what God wanted him to do. It turns out that he presented us with a cashier’s check that was twofold what we had given him last year to keep his utilities from being cut off. It also turns out that Saint Peter's had befriended him while he was homeless and living at Zion Shelter some years ago. Jennifer remembered him! He is now married and doing well enough although he did not provide details. His wife has back surgery plans and requested our prayers for healing. I found that our new friend and his wife demonstrated a deep faith which I have not often encountered. I do believe that he gathered his cash and obtained the cashier’s check possibly not knowing how future bills would be paid. Bottom line is that they were living their lives by their beliefs and faith. As for me and my bossy voice, I don't know what to say. I seem to have to continuously relearn the "thou shalt not judge” lesson. Oh yes, I also need to include the “patience” lesson, as well as “good things come to those who wait” lesson. I was definitely trying to manage both time and a situation where I was not the one in charge. It is even possible that my hope was to finish in time to have lunch before my 1:00 appointment. Apparently, I have many lessons to go before I catch on. I wish everyone involved in our church family could have been there. For me, it was one of those special moments in the rich life of Saint Peter's.
Many thanks to the congregation of Saint Peter’s and the Financial Assistance Program Committee members for everyone’s gifts of treasure, dedication, and spiritual support to this endeavor. While grateful to each and every one of you, your ongoing commitment is essential if we are to continue this work that the Lord has given us to. This is one program that is truly a blessing for Saint Peter’s and those we serve. This is just another example of how “love heals” and usually in the most unexpected way. Thanks be to God! Deacon Katherine
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Lenten Suppers & Programs
Wednesdays in All Saints’ Hall
March 13th-April 3rd beginning at 6pm
“Finding God in Unexpected Places”
led by Fr. Jim Reed
Music & Program for Children
led by Doug Cutler and Whit Stroud
Save the Date
March 5th
Saint Peter’s Has Talent!
Make plans to attend supper at 6pm on
Shrove Tuesday. Supper will be followed by a
Talent Show featuring members of the church. If
you would like to take part in the Talent Show,
please contact Doug Cutler at the church.
(946‐8151 or [email protected])