Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Keyser, WV

Sermon for July 27, 2008

2008-07-29T18:48:00.000-04:00

A sermon preached by Bishop Townsend on July 27th, 2008
The text is Matthew 13:31-33,44-49a

In the name of God, whom we name Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Amen.

The people who set up our lectionary and decide what we will read from week to week have wrought great mischief on us in the Gospel readings for last Sunday and today. Since I was not here last week, preaching on the text from Matthew, I will take last Sunday’s and today’s readings together. Our editors have somewhat scrambled and edited the text of the 13th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, and I think we have lost something in the process.

What Matthew intended in this chapter is to throw a rapid cascade of word pictures at us all about the kingdom of heaven, like a swirl of confetti as the bride and groom emerge into the summer sun.

But instead, what we had last Sunday was just the frame of the stories - the fairly obvious parable of the weeds among the wheat which Jesus then interprets, detail for detail. There’s hardly any work left for the preacher to do. The rest of this flurry of images about mustard seeds and yeast and hidden treasure are what we heard this morning.

And edited out entirely from the readings is the gem which in my bible is titled, “The Use of the Parables.”
34 Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. 35 This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet:
“I will open my mouth to speak in parables;
I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.”

When speaking of God and holy things, Jesus always speaks in parables and metaphors because that’s the kind of language that seems to fit for such deep truths.

Over the years and especially at times of confirmation, I have heard people speak of their experience of coming into the Episcopal Church. After a while of exploration in other traditions and finally arriving at an Episcopal Church, a man told me, “It feels like coming home.”
- A woman one time told me of her new rediscovery of a long dormant childhood faith – “It's like falling in love.”

We tend to talk of our experience of holiness in terms not of what it is, but of what it is like. And such comparisons allow us to be a little poetic about things that matter to us. We might describe someone we admire as having eyes as blue as the petals on a corn flower. While the color description might be more accurate, we are less likely to say she has eyes the color of a plastic re-cycling container.

There is good precedent for this way of speaking about the holy. In the Gospels, Jesus does not speak of God and heaven in absolute terms but by simile and metaphor. God is a loving father or a good shepherd or the host at a banquet. And sinners are like lost sheep. The word of God is like seed sown on different kinds of soil, the kingdom of heaven is like a wedding feast, God is like the owner of a vineyard.

Jesus did this all the time, teaching by making comparisons and telling indirect stories.

In last week’s and this morning's gospel Jesus delivers a rapid-fire volley of images. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a good seed sown into a field; it is like a mustard seed, like yeast, he says. Like buried treasure, like a fine pearl, and like a net cast into the sea. We have no time to reflect on all that. Jesus just tosses them to us and it's rather like trying to catch six basketballs all at once. These are not like the grand canvases of stories like the prodigal son and the good Samaritan. These are more like snap-shots in an old family album.

It's a lot to digest in one or two sittings, but there is a thread that holds these particular images together. They are all hidden. The wheat is hidden amidst the weeds. The mustard seed hidden in the ground, the yeast in the dough. The treasure is hidden in the ground and the pearl is something discovered. The net is hidden in the depths of the sea as it does its work of catching fish. Jesus seems to be saying that the K of G is not obvious but concealed. It is something for which we must search. The heartbeat of God is pervasive, but subtle. Yet what Jesus is saying in these five snap shot images is that the kingdom is hidden in what is in plain view.

If we would speak of heavenly things, Jesus seems to say, then we must begin by speaking of things we know and understand. So he spoke of farmers planting their harvest, of women searching for a lost coin, of meals together and of going fishing. The kingdom is like these things. The kingdom is even concealed within these things, waiting to be brought to light.

It is in the ordinariness of our day to day lives that the Kingdom of God is held and revealed, so I will tell you a parable from my own experience while on vacation last week.

I know that when you are in North Carolina, then you had better eat barbecue. My son-in-law Chris and I had asked a local where to get the best barbecue near to us in Kitty Hawk. “Saul’s” he replied without hesitation. “It’s 4 miles onto the mainland past the bridge on 158.” “What about ‘High Cotton?’” we asked, naming a barbecue place closer to our cottage. “That’s OK, but if you want the real thing, go to Saul’s.”

So we called Saul’s to check on directions and to order food to be ready when we got there. “Don’t worry about that. It’ll only take a couple of minutes to put your order together,” the girl said. “Be there in 15 minutes,” Chris said, and we set out.

When we got there, the place looked deserted. We opened the door and there were a couple of families at tables. We spoke to a woman at the reception counter and said we wanted take-out. “Oh we closed 20 minutes ago,” she told us. We were puzzled and a little annoyed. Why hadn’t they told us that they were closing when we called? Why on earth would they close at 7:30 any way? People are on vacation don’t necessarily want to eat early. They still had food in the kitchen, but they weren’t offering any of it to us.

We left significantly put off by there attitude of non-helpfulness to their would-be customers. We headed back across the bridge and went to High Cotton. A cheery girl took our order, which was fairly big. She chatted as we waited. In a couple of minutes our order was brought out in two large bags. The girl explained, “We ran out of french fries so the cook gave you an extra rack of ribs and a container of mashed. Will that be OK?” It was OK. And it was pleasantly courteous. A couple of nights later when we wanted barbecue again, we didn’t bother going to Saul’s, even though we had the time. We went to High Cotton, where we had been treated well. We never got to compare the actual product of the two restaurants.

I say to you that the Kingdom of Heaven - yes and even the Church at her best - is not like Saul’s but is rather like High Cotton, treating people as individuals and as of great value.

And how do we measure up? Is Emmanuel Church like Saul’s or High Cotton? Do we expect strangers to fall in line with the way we do things? Or do we go out of our way to make people feel welcome and appreciated? When we cannot provide exactly what they are seeking, do we say, “tough” or do we give them something of greater value? Ribs instead of french fries. The Kingdom of Heaven is hidden in such small details of our daily lives.

That is where our gardens are to be planted. That is where we are to dig and search. Our lives are where the seeds of the kingdom are sown and where priceless treasure is buried. Seek and you shall find.
In Name of Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Vine Newsletter (July 2008)

2008-07-01T01:11:00.000-04:00

July 2008
CROSS ROADS:

The last weekend of June was gloriously festive for many of us. On Saturday I went to the National Cathedral in Washington for the Ordination and Consecration of Eugene Sutton as the 14th Bishop of Maryland. The music and pageantry were majestic, the preaching uplifting. The new bishop is already cherished within the diocese, and the mixture of races and cultures in the congregation was a great witness to the wideness of God’s love. When the cathedral is packed with over 3,000 enthusiastic worshipers, the singing can ring the rafters. The presence of our Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts-Schori brings luster to any occasion. It was exciting to be a part of that service.

On Sunday, for Emmanuel the day started out with our 8 o’clock celebration of the Eucharist. I always appreciate the quiet spirit of that service. We had cancelled our 10 o’clock service so that parishioners could join the people of St. James’, Westernport for the festive service that they were having. Again the Presiding Bishop was the celebrant as she ordained Garrett Carskadon and Thomas Hudson, OP, as priests. For our neighbors especially, it was a great day.

Such high profile celebrations, however, are not the usual fare for our spirits and I think that is a good thing. My sense of well-being is usually influenced by smaller things. A smile when I meet someone when I had expected a frown; an offer of a few hours from my son to help with some gardening project; a shared laugh at some irony; the bank of daylilies by my fish pond. I think that for most of us it doesn’t take a rise in the stock market or a new car. If the timing is right, it takes very little to make a so-so day into a truly happy one.

Our lives are, I think, more affected by the small acts of generosity or unkindness that we experience, than by the stories that make headlines. That means that the quality of life of those around me is affected by how I treat them. Huh.

I often envy Jesus for not having had instant access to news from around the world and for not having had a cell phone. All the gospel accounts show him ministering in completely personal situations. Even his confrontations with Pharisees and Roman authority were always in encounters with real flesh-and-blood people. He never dealt in abstract propositions. He told stories that had to do with familiar things like lost coins and hunger, wedding feasts and broken relationships. When he taught, he sat on a hillside and talked with whoever showed up. He gathered a small group of friends to carry on the kind of caring for people that he showed in his life.

For a while, the first followers of Jesus kept things simple. The wealthier members of the community opened their homes so that the people could gather to break bread and give thanks together. They told the stories that Jesus told and even touched people lives with a healing touch, just as Jesus had done. They rejected power plays to get their way, often choosing instead to be martyred. That didn’t last for more than a few generations. Once the Emperor Constantine recognized (in AD 314) that this Christian movement could be used as a good political tool to unite the empire, the importance of little things took a back seat. The Church was now a political power itself. It became something that kings feared. Church rulers wielded their power always under the cloak of righteousness and truth and for the furtherance of God’s reign. But to the citizenry, the demands of the Church could not have felt very different from the demands of the emperor.

As our own political season gears up, it might be good for us to remember that we are inheritors of the legacy of Jesus as well as of the Church. In both church and secular politics, appeals will be made to authorities, particularly scripture, by both sides of many arguments. Power is already being exerted to oust The Episcopal Church from the worldwide Anglican Communion. Sadly, that is the way of the Church after it received imperial approval and lost touch with down-to-earth things. It plainly is not the way of Jesus who welcomed all sorts and conditions of people into his fellowship. Jesus dealt with simpler realities like caring for people’s health, feeding the hungry, and helping followers to see the presence of God in their lives.

For all the pomp and splendor of last weekend’s ordination services in Washington and Westernport, they were not about power or self-aggrandizement. They were about serving the world through the community of faith. Especially when tempted by power and distracted by the grandeur of a great cathedral, we need constantly to look to the earliest Christians. They certainly stumbled in their attempts but they sought always to serve the world in Jesus’ name, not as power-brokers but as the welcoming arms of Jesus himself. May we follow in their foot-steps.

In God’s Peace,

+Martin

VISIT OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP:

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts-Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, visited St. James Church in Westernport, MD, on Sunday, June 29th for an Ordination Liturgy. Deacons Garrett Carskadon and Thomas Hudson, OP, were ordained to the Holy Priesthood. This was also the occasion for installing the new ministry team of St. James Church as the collective “rector” of the parish, which is both a new trend throughout the Episcopal Church (especially in rural and other small parishes) and is a very ancient concept going back to the very beginning of Christianity.

Because the Presiding Bishop’s travels don’t ordinarily bring her this close to Keyser, and because we wished to show our support for the new priests from our area, it was decided that the congregation for the 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist at Emmanuel Church would attend this special event. There was actually a good representation of our members from both the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM congregations present, along with visitors from the other Episcopal parishes in the area, so it was almost like an Episcopalian family reunion.

Unfortunately due to the crowd and frustrating technical difficulties, I was only able to take a couple of photos of members of Emmanuel Church with the Presiding Bishop (sorry, Kim Pifer, but your photo died on my BlackBerry), but here the survivors. If you happen to have your own photos of the event, please feel free to send them to me.

Let us remember the newly ordained priests, the parish of St. James, and our Presiding Bishop in our prayers, that their labors in the fields of Jesus Christ will bring forth abundant fruits of the Spirit.

SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION SCHEDULE:

Bishop Martin’s special series for adults and high school students.

July 6, 13, 20th BREAK

July 27th Why I Love the Episcopal Church
- balance in an out-of-kilter world

August 3rd Questions that You’ve Always Had About the Episcopal Church
- but were afraid to ask

August 10th BREAK

August 17th Report from The Lambeth Conference*
- see the brief description below

August 24th Questions that Have Arisen During the Summer
- no taboo topics

*The Lambeth Conference

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - Monday, August 04, 2008
Location: Canterbury, England

The Lambeth Conference, one of the gathering points (technically called an “Instrument of Communion”) for the global Anglican Communion, will be held July 16-August 4 in Canterbury, England. It is convened every 10 years at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and is an opportunity for the Anglican Communion's bishops to meet for worship, study and conversation. Archbishops, bishops, assistant and suffragan bishops within the Communion are invited. Also invited to attend are bishops from other churches 'in communion' with the Anglican Communion, bishops from United Churches, along with a number of ecumenical guests. (I attended the last Lambeth Conference in 1998 – MGT)

In addition to the more than 800 bishops who attend, their spouses are invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury's wife to a parallel gathering: the Spouses Conference.
For further information visit: http://www.lambethconference.org

COMIN’ ROUND THE MOUNTAIN:

[Editor’s Note: This is a new monthly feature for The Vine that I’m especially thrilled about, and it comes from none other than Thelma Stewart. When I took over the editorial duties of The Vine a couple of months ago, I kept thinking that she should definitely have a part in our little newsletter, and I am grateful that Thelma was so gracious to accept my invitation to be a regular contributor. No matter how far she may live away from Emmanuel Church, Thelma will always be a member of our family – plus she’s painted into the beautiful mural at the back of the church, so we get to see her standing over the entrance.]

From 68 to 220
From 400 (Willey) to 301 (Mineral)
From West to East
From home to really HOME…Emmanuel

I was so emotionally and spiritually filled to be sitting in MY pew with MY niece at MY Emmanuel Memorial Day weekend. Being with my “family” for those few hours continues to feel me with much joy.

Shortly after that visit, “Shakjula” (Michael), contacted me and asked if I would consider..uh..Writing, uh..Or sharing some thoughts in The Vine. Whaat!! He must be nuts. I didn’t even respond. Then he revisited the request and asked that I pray about it.

Well, pray I did, and kept right on thinking…NO WAY. Now let me tell you how the Lord works. This morning around 3:30a.m., something or someone awakened me and by 5:30a.m. I was still counting sheep and anything else. So, I got up and, (believe it or not I speak the truth), walked a direct path to the computer; sat down, and said…”okay Lord, Here I am.”

It was a pleasure meeting Bishop Martin Townsend, and his wife and son. I sincerely believe Emmanuel, once again, has been truly blessed.

I submit this as an introduction to my “contribution” to The Vine. To Michael, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to continue to be a part of Emmanuel. Pray that the Lord will keep the thoughts coming to me so that I can continue to share them with you.

“What matters is not your competence, but your character.

What matters are not how many people you know, but how many you remember?

Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance, but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.”

Author: Michael Josephson

INDEPENDENCE DAY:

L
ord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [Book of Common Prayer, Page 242.]

HELPING HANDS BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT:

Sharon Floyd, Chairperson of the Outreach Committee, has requested that members of Emmanuel Church consider donating for advertising space for the upcoming Helping Hands Golf Tournament. The advertisements cost $25.00, and the money will go for a wonderful local charity. If you are interested in assisting the tournament, please contact Sharon at your earliest convenience.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

Bishop Martin has recommended a couple of books to the 9:10 AM Adult Education Group, on the subject of better understanding the Holy Bible. We thought that this would be good information to share with all those who are unable to attend the classes.

The New Oxford Annotated Study Bible (NRSV): The New Revised Version of the Bible is what is used for all the liturgical readings at Emmanuel Church (and one of the official translations approved by the Episcopal Church nationwide), and it is a very clear, accurate translation of the Judeo-Christian scriptures. This translation follows in the same tradition as the King James Version (or Authorized Translation) and the Revised Standard Version, and the introductions and notes contained within the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible have been presented by a team of ecumenical biblical scholars, so there’s a wealth of valuable information for anyone who is serious about studying the Word of God. It is also available with the Revised Standard Version translation for those who prefer that version (I have both versions, and they’re excellent). The New Oxford Annotated Study Bible comes in a variety of bindings, from paperback to Morocco leather editions; if you’re planning on using a study bible quite a bit, I would recommend that you opt for either a hardcover or leather-bound edition since the paperback versions really won’t hold up that well.

The Oxford Bible Commentary: Well, if you’re going to purchase the Oxford Study Bible, you might as well get a copy of the commentary. It is the fruit of the labors of 70 biblical scholars from the spectrum of Christian traditions, so it’s a very balanced commentary on all the books of the Bible (including the Apocrypha which the Anglican Church uses in the Liturgy). Thus far the Oxford Bible Commentary is available only in hardcover format, so it’s going to be on the pricy side of things.

Both the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible and the Oxford Bible Commentary are available at Amazon.com, Oxford University Press, and the Episcopal Bookstore – all of which are on the Internet. If you’re not all that computer-savvy, feel free to contact Michael Summers at your convenience, and he’ll get you access to catalogues or help you with the ordering process.

A FAMILIAR STRANGER:

I saw a stranger today.
I put food for him
in the eating-place
And drink
in the drinking-place
And music
in the listening-place.
In the Holy name
of the Trinity
He blessed myself
and my family.
And the lark said in her warble
Often, often, often
Goes Christ
in the stranger's guise.
O, oft and oft and oft,
Goes Christ
in the stranger's guise.

Celtic Rune of Hospitality

THE NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBER:

Congratulations to our very own Sonny Rhodes, who was elected to serve on the Keyser City Council during the local elections in June. According to the Cumberland Times-News, he gained the largest number of votes. We wish you the best of luck as you embark on your new political career, Sonny!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU:

[Editor’s Note: This is a new monthly feature that was announced in the June edition of The Vine, and I’m looking forward to interviewing all of you out there in the months to come. For this month the “Guinea pig” is none other than Andrew Rankin. Since he doesn’t say too much, I felt it was only fair that he be the one to get a major introduction to Emmanuel Church. And I am really grateful that Andrew decided to be so cooperative with my schemes.]

#1. How long have you been at Emmanuel Church and what things are you involved in here?

I have been at Emmanuel practically all my life, my dad says I have been here since I was a few months old. So almost 20 years. My first involvement with the church was when I started acolyting at the age of 6, and I have been doing that to this day, I have participated in the youth group events, played music during services, I have been on the vestry for about a year in a half, still with no end in sight, and most recently was nominated for a position on Emmanuel's Rector Search Committee.

#2. What do you enjoy most about the church?

There is so much I love about Emmanuel, but I think the one thing that binds all of them
together is the fellowship and welcoming spirit with the members of the church.

#3. Please tell us a little more about yourself (hobbies, future plans, trivia that we don't know about you).

Well one of the most important things to me in my life is music, I enjoy a wide variety of music
from extreme metal to jazz. I love playing, listening, attempting to write, and just being involved with it in some way or another. Aside from music I do have a life, I am a full time student at Potomac State College, and will finish up my degree in Business Technology this fall semester, and begin working on my Associates in Business Administration.

DIOCESAN FAMILY ADVENTURE:

Family Adventure!
“And God saw that it was good.”
August 5-7, 2008

Throughout the first chapter of Genesis, we hear over and over again God’s pleasure in His creation. Join us August 5-7 for a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful parts of God’s creation: wild and wonderful West Virginia. Ace Adventure Resort is a 1,400-acre facility specializing in outdoor adventure. Complete with hiking and biking trails, lakes for fishing and swimming, white-water rafting, and accommodations ranging from rustic to deluxe, Ace is the perfect setting for our Family Adventure!

Family Adventure is an event for all ages and abilities. With miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing, swimming, white water rafting, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the mountain, there will be something for everyone! Enjoy a ‘rustic’ stay at the campground, or make arrangements to stay in one of the many cabins (complete with a large deck and hot tub). Join us in the community room for games, music, worship and fellowship!

Visit Ace Adventure Resort online to see what is in store at www.aceraft.com! Please contact Jason Beschinski at the diocesan office if you have any questions or concerns. (304) 344-3597 or jbeschinski@wvdiocese.org

Registration:
We need a separate registration form for each person or family member attending the event. We need a medical form only for middle school and high school students that are attending without a parent or guardian: Registration is due back to the diocesan office July 1, 2008.

The registration fee is $30 per person, children 2 and under are free. This includes breakfast and dinner on Wednesday and breakfast on Thursday and all evening programs. You may also add on a white-water rafting package. See below for cost and details.

Lodging:

Bring your own tents and camping gear and stay in the campground at no additional cost. Families may also make their own arrangements to stay in one of the many cabins and chalets by contacting Ace Adventure Resort (1-800-223-2641) or online at www.aceraft.com. It is recommended that you make cabin/chalet reservations as early as possible. Note: youth being chaperoned by EYF will need to stay in the campground with our group.

Evening Program:

We will gather each evening for music, games, fellowship, and worship. Musical guest Fran McKendree will be joining us, providing music for worship and doing a concert Wednesday evening. Fran is a professional musician and retreat leader, and has been involved with events at Peterkin and several parishes in the Diocese of West Virginia.

Optional Packages:

Swimming (4 hour pass for $5): The Adventure Play Park is the place to go for water trampolines, slides, and many other beachfront activities. These passes may be purchased at Ace after you arrive.

Upper New Rafting ($89 for adults, $49 for youth ages 6-17): Playful waves and beginner-friendly rapids make an ideal setting for rafting on the lighter side!

Lower New Rafting ($102 for adults, $89 for youth ages 14-17): Over 20 legendary big-water rapids await you on this rafting trip for the more adventurous!

RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Orzo Salad

This delicious Greek salad (known as Salata Meh Kritharaki) is perfect for summer – nice and cool.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
2 (6 ounce) cans marinated artichoke hearts
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 red onion, chopped (or a Vidalia onion for a touch of sweetness)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (if feta is too pungent, use crumbled mozzarella)
1 (2 ounce) can black olives, drained (try Kalamata for authenticity)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup extra-virgin olive or sesame oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (or more if you like)
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method:
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Drain artichoke hearts.
2. In large bowl combine pasta, artichoke hearts, tomato, cucumber, onion, feta or mozzarella, olives, parsley, lemon juice, oil, basil and pepper. Toss and chill for at least 1 hour in refrigerator. Toss salad before serving.

Visit of the Presiding Bishop

2008-06-23T05:19:00.000-04:00

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts-Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will be visiting St. James Church in Westernport, MD, on Sunday, June 29th for an Ordination Liturgy. Deacons Garrett Carskadon and Thomas Hudson will be ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

Because the Presiding Bishop doesn't ordinarily come this close to Keyser, and because we wish to show our support for the new priests from our area, it was decided that the congregation for the 10 o'clock Holy Eucharist at Emmanuel Church will attend this special event.

Accordingly there will *NOT* be 9 o'clock Sunday School or the 10 o'clock Holy Eucharist at Emmanuel Church on June 29th. The 8 o'clock Holy Eucharist will be celebrated as usual.

Those who wish to attend the Ordination Liturgy, which will begin at 10 o'clock in the morning, are asked to arrive early at St. James Church in order to be seated.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Sermon for June 22, 2008

2008-06-22T15:00:00.003-04:00

Genesis 21:8-21 June 22, 2008
Matthew 10:24-39 Pentecost 6

Matt 10:24-39

‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! ‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. ‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;  and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.’

I speak to you in the name of him who says of himself that he brings not peace, but a sword, even Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

This morning’s readings from Genesis and Matthew have a very dark mood to them. In the first reading the Matriarch Sarah insists that her rival Hagar be ousted from Abraham’s camp and that she take her son with her. She is banished to the desert with nothing more than a loaf of bread and a skin of water to sustain herself and her son.
And then, even more ominously in the Gospel reading, Jesus warns, ‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.’

This does not sound like good news to me. I am not completely sure of what we are to make of this teaching, so let’s keep it on a back burner for a while and look at the context of this week.

It began well enough with Tiger Woods winning the US Open in double overtime while using a 9 iron as a crutch, protecting a broken leg. There has been the usual flow of news from Iraq and Afghanistan. The presidential campaign is clearly gearing up.
For me personally, it has been a wonderful week. My younger brother flew in from Vancouver and my older brother came down from Philadelphia. The three of us have not had several days together, especially with no crowds around, for many years. It was a gracious time to relearn our love for one another.

The chances are that for most of us, the week had a familiar rhythm. Those who have work got up and went to their jobs on Monday and probably had the same job on Friday. Some did not, victims of a faltering economy. Children, the lucky ones, might be eagerly looking forward to summer camp. Families were talking about vacations. Everyone wonders about the price of gasoline. Some pursued political interests. Most church doors were locked throughout the week, but they are now open on Sunday for a few bright hours of worship and affectionate conversation.

In many lands, all days were the same as men, women, and children, bearing lethal weapons, some wearing the uniforms of state, others carrying nothing but the will to kill each other did so, often in the name of religion.

Also this week, the State of California has seen hundreds of visitors, couples of men and couples of women taking the opportunity to celebrate their relationships as marriages under the new California law. As soon as the law was enacted, a counter-force initiated a move for a state constitutional amendment forbidding such marriages.

And speaking of counter-forces, this weekend, about 1,000 splinter group Anglicans, mostly from Africa and the Pacific Rim, some from the US, all opposed to what they consider liberal leadership within the Anglican Communion, will gather in Jerusalem for an eight-day meeting that likely will solidify the deep alienations, particularly over homosexuality, that have divided the church. The Bishop of Jerusalem, Zuhail Dahwani, pleaded with the organizers of the conference not to use his diocese that way. They ignored his plea.

In the mean time, about 800 bishops from around the world, including our own Bishop Klusmeyer, are packing their bags and reading white papers, getting ready to travel to England for The Lambeth Conference to be held in Canterbury next month.

The Lambeth Conference is a gathering of Anglican bishops from throughout the world, invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury every ten years, to meet for discussion and for the development of opportunities to work together for the furtherance of God’s rule on earth. It is a surprise to many Episcopalians to learn that The Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is a part, is the third largest Christian group in the world, having 77,000,000 members in over 160 countries.

In 1998 Barbara and I had the huge privilege of being a part of the last Lambeth. Then, we spent most of our time in small group bible study and in hearing reports on world issues like hunger and disease and Third World debt. It was not all sweetness and light, but bonds of affection were made and strengthened. This year the conversations will be dominated by matters of sexuality.

The two gatherings - the splinter group in Jerusalem and the main group in Canterbury, mostly of bishops, will talk about little but sexuality. They will talk as if warfare, environmental destruction, tribal hatreds, inequalities and repression among people, the fragility of hope, joblessness - as if God cared nothing about such things and is now concerned only with who makes love with whom.

In the Gospels, Jesus devotes two thirds of his teaching to wealth and power and the distribution of resources. He does challenge the standard interpretations of scripture of his day. He says not a word about sexuality.

And now, in Jerusalem and soon in Canterbury, Anglican bishops will seem to have probed the mind of God and come up with the perfect formulation of truth on matters of sexuality and the authority of scripture. With little sense of irony, they will promulgate Christian teachings in areas that Jesus never trod. As much as prayers for grace and humility will be offered, I fear that formal statements from each of those conferences will serve more to divide than to reconcile.

Perhaps all of this is what Jesus is talking about when he says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. ... And one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.”

That’s the Gospel truth that is always simmering on some back burner of our lives, so let’s stir that pot for a few minutes. The discernment of truth is not easy. It usually takes several different points of view to get close to the kind of truth that enables people to live lives with integrity and generosity. We too often settle for some partisan prejudice that masquerades as truth, but usually makes someone else a victim. Such is not truth as God would have it. Yet lynchings happened in the light of a burning cross and roadside bombs are detonated in the name of Allah. It is only a short few years since Protestants and Catholics were doing such things to each other in Ireland. Ethnic and gender bias are hardly dead in our own culture and time. God must weep at such mockery of everything that the Good News of Jesus Christ stands for.

“Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me,” Jesus said. “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

If we find the value of our lives in the pious and often biased opinions we hold, then our lives will crumble to dust, Jesus seems to be saying. The invitation here is to take up some worthy challenge that helps another. To bear another’s cross. The call is to let go of some prejudice that you hold but which makes somebody else a little less than human. The collateral promise in this is that in giving up something that seemed so dear, you in fact lose nothing at all. In truth, you gain a larger circle of friends and a more loving outlook on life, and a deeper peace than mere prejudice can ever give you.

I pray that people on both sides of the conversations in Jerusalem and Canterbury will discern truths deeper than their already held convictions. And I pray further that they all will remember that those with whom the strife is sparked are also beloved friends of Jesus.

As we just sang in Hymn #661, “The peace of God, it is no peace, but stride closed in the sod. Yet let us pray for but one thing - the marvelous peace of God.” Amen.

Sermon for June 15, 2008

2008-06-15T13:05:00.001-04:00

Exodus 19:2-8a

They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. 3 Then Moses went up to God; the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: 4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, 6 but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. 8 The people all answered as one: “Everything that the LORD has spoken we will do.”

In the Name of the God of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and of Jacob, Rachel and Leah. Amen.

Last week I talked about Abraham and the promise that God made to the great grandfather of the children of Israel.
- Abraham was a giant of a man, remembered as they told stories around the camp fire on nights when the moon was barely a wink coming from the night sky.

Today we meet the other superhero of all the Hebrew scriptures, Moses himself.

Moses is another of those biblical characters who does not break down easily into the morsels we usually serve up as readings on Sunday mornings.
- Even more than Abraham, Moses strides across the stage, never sitting still for a complete portrait. The heart of Hebrew scripture is called the Books of Moses. What governs the people from this time forward is called the Law of Moses.

It was by artful deception and some God given fortune that Moses even survived his own birth in Egypt. At the time Pharaoh had ordered that all male infants be killed.
- Moses’ mother hid him for a few months then floated him in a basket on the Nile where she knew that Pharaoh’s daughter would find him. Which she did - and adopted him and raised him as an Egyptian prince.

But Moses always knew of his own roots as a child of Israel. He showed that when he murdered an Egyptian overseer who was flogging an Israelite slave. Word of it reached Pharaoh so Moses fled again from Pharaoh’s wrath, this time into the Sinai desert.

It was during this time of his life that Moses first heard the voice of the living God. “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

Then the LORD said, “I have watched the misery of my people who are in Egypt… and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey... And you are just the guy to make it happen,” God said.

Moses whined some, trying to get off this particular hook. He made a lot of excuses and finally came up with the perfect challenge:
- “OK. Suppose I do go to the leaders of Israel and tell them what you have in mind. Who shall I say sent me?”

The new name that God revealed to Moses is actually very difficult to translate from the Hebrew. It is a form of the verb “to be.” It could mean, “I am who I am becoming,” or “I am who I am,” or simply “I AM.” One translation has it, “I will be there with you.” However you translate it, one thing is clear. God is a verb, not a noun or an adjective. God’s self description is not static, but active. He likes people who are on the move, not stuck in the mud.

“I AM WHO I AM. Tell the people that I AM has sent you to them.”
- And that pretty much shut Moses up. From that point on, at least for a while, he listened and followed orders.

He went back to Egypt and told Pharaoh, “Let my people go.” And he ordered up ten plagues to prove that he really meant it.

Finally Pharaoh’s advisors convinced their boss that Moses and all the other Israelites should leave Egypt before anything worse happened.
- So Moses and all the rest packed their bags and camping gear and headed towards Sinai.
- They got to a marshy patch of the Nile delta that English translators mistook to be the Red Sea, when actually it was the reed sea.

It was just three months after that that this morning’s reading takes place.
- In seven short verses Moses moves from being the great liberator to being the great lawgiver. He made several trips up and down the mountain before his conversation with I AM was over. Each time he brought some new word to the camp on the plain below Mount Sinai.

Imagine how it might have been - a summer storm crackling out of the sky, lightning drawn to this high point, thunder deafening.
- “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians,” God says in this morning’s reading. “and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples.”

Wow! A treasured possession. Of God’s. Nice.
- It is too bad that that promise stands in the shadow of the phrase just before it: “if you obey my voice and keep my commandments.”

Well…. Does that mean that God’s love is conditional? That if we don’t follow all the rules, then God will NOT love us?
- That is what we are taught from our earliest memories, isn’t it? “If you don’t do as I say you’ll regret it when your father gets home.” “You can come for a beer after work if you fit in.”

Is that the kind of deal that God is offering here? Must we perfectly obey the law to earn the promise?

That is what it sounds like, but that can’t be quite right because Moses himself was a murderer, bringing us the commandment not to kill.
- More import, though, is that Scripture is nothing if not the record of God’s constant reaching across the gulf that we seek to put between God and ourselves.
- Reaching out to Abraham and his wildly dysfunctional family; reaching out here to Moses, forging a new bond with a rag tag troop of escaped slaves.
- In the reign of King David God watched over Jerusalem and the temple, giving a Golden Age of peace to which future generations would look back as they dreamed of a new Messiah - though David was a murderer as well, and an adulterer.
- Through the reluctant and imperfect prophets, God sought to reestablish the constantly re-broken covenant. That seems to be the major theme of all scripture.

When Moses came down from the mountain for the last time with the tablets of the law in his arms, he saw the whole camp dancing around a golden calf that his own brother Aaron had fashioned.
- Moses threw the tablets on the ground, breaking them into pieces. It’s as if he knew that these commandments would never be properly kept.

If the relationship with God were really dependent on obeying the law, then that would have been the end of it right there.
- The whole deal would have been off, wrecked before it was even delivered.
- But that was not it. Moses continued to lead the people towards the promised land because that part of God’s promise to Abraham had not yet been fully realized.

The Promised Land was elusive. They thought they had it for a while, but while Abraham was still alive, famine drove them to Egypt where eventually they would become slaves.
- It was from this status that Moses led the people towards the Promised Land.

Understand that Moses’ band was not lost in the desert. They knew perfectly well that to get from Egypt to Canaan you head northeast up along the coast. But Moses led them southeast into the wilderness.

Somehow he knew that they needed some serious time of rebuilding if they were truly to come together as a nation.
- Having just come through an excruciating period of slavery and abuse, they needed an extended retreat before leaping forward into an uncertain future.
- They needed to reclaim their identity as children of God before they could forge themselves into a united people. That was Moses’ job with them in the desert. He is the archetypal priest-in-charge.

So Moses led them by stages to the Promised Land.
- They broke some of the rules along the way. They discovered that being on the outs with God made them anxious and even miserable.

A rabbi colleague once told me that the Hebrew word “Torah,” which we translate as “law” does mean law in the sense that we usually understand. It would be better translated as “teaching.”
- Starting even with St. Paul, Christians made Torah sound rigid – what we do mean by law - so that the grace of Jesus would be all the more apparent.
- But how might Torah have made sense at the time?

To help themselves stay closer to God, the Hebrews did recall how God had led them out of bondage, and they tried to stay away from idols, things they had thought up themselves as if they could make them happy and content.

In their better moments they understood that actually knowing the name of God, I AM, was a sign that they had a relationship with God that should not be treated casually. They tried to treat God’s name with respect.

They discovered other things: taking a real day off each week reminded them that they were more than their job descriptions.
- they learned that treating their parents well protected their own place in the procession of time.
- they somehow knew that killing each other was a bad idea. Life, while abundant, is still a limited resource.

Some even learned that messing around with marriage vows was a bad plan. It seemed that sticking with one person, working through conflicts and hard times, was the best chance they had for actually growing up.

Stealing and making false promises caused painful fractures in the community.
- And they did sense that being jealous of what others had simply drew them into a morass of self-pity and resentment.

They only needed these ten fairly comprehensive but terse rules to make it all work.

It turned out that the Covenant that Moses brought down from the mountain was not a bunch of arbitrary rules designed to make life hard.
- It was a gift that made life more gracious.

They discovered that the “IF” of God’s promise was not God being stingy. It was just a reminder of what to look out for.
- Both as community and as individuals, they functioned better when they paid attention to the teachings that Moses had received from God.

So hear God’s promise, first to Abraham, reaffirmed through Moses, echoing down the ages so that it is now addressed directly to us: “Out of all the peoples of the earth, you are my treasured possession.”

And that’s both Torah and the Gospel truth. AMEN.

Sermon for June 8, 2008

2008-06-12T13:54:00.001-04:00

Genesis 12:1-9 June 8th 2008

12 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
4 So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the LORD appeared to Abram, and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and invoked the name of the LORD. 9 And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb.

In the Name of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel. Amen.

The problem with the way most of us hear scripture is that we hear it in little excerpts of just a few verses. On Sunday mornings we are given no context. This morning’s introduction of Abraham and Sarah is a case in point.
- The saga of these people is too great and too important to be heard in snippets, nine verses at a time. Abraham was a huge character who deserves a bigger stage, whose story needs to be told in a bigger sweep than any one lesson can contain.... so we’ll look beyond this morning’s text to reach a fuller understanding... I am grateful to my colleague Barbara Taylor for the way she tells a tale.

The people at the center of this story we know best as Abraham and Sarah, but as the story opens they are Abram and Sarai. We’ll get to how their names were changed in a few minutes.

In the story we just heard about Abram, this is the first time the old patriarch had actually heard the voice of God. Abram was 75 years old and he had traipsed up from Babylon into Syria with his father’s clan and with his own wife Sarai.

Then we are told that the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

And when they got to Canaan, God added, “To your offspring I will give this land.”

Now on the face of it - as we might casually hear it - that’s pretty neat. Abram’s kids are going to inherit quite an estate.
- The problem is that all we know about Abram and Sarai as this story opens is that Sarai is barren. No children. And that was about the worst thing that could happen to a couple in those days. To make matters worse, Abram was 75 while Sarai was 66. The prospects weren’t good; nonetheless, Abram built an altar in thanksgiving for the promise. And he began to hope.

Taking the story of Abram and Sarai beyond this morning’s reading, God popped up every few years and reiterated the promise. “To your descendants I will give this land.”
- But there was the same problem: no descendants.

Then there was a famine in the land so Abram’s household moved to Egypt which always had plenty of grain.

In Egypt, Abram didn’t show the best of his character. The Genesis writer tells us that Sarai was very beautiful and Abram was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him in order to claim Sarai, even though she was in her 70s. So Abram said she was his sister, at which point Pharaoh claimed her as a concubine. In return, Abram got status and servants and became rich. There is an unflattering term for men who do what Abram did.

Somehow when Pharaoh learned that he had been tricked he just kicked Abram and Sarai out when he really had just cause to kill Abram. But that would have spoiled the plot.

So Abram and his household returned to Canaan with his nephew Lot and his tribe. After arguments broke out between Abram’s herders and Lot’s herders, in order to avoid a blood feud they agreed to part company. Lot took his family into the land East of the Jordan River while Abram stayed in the hills to the West.

But still there was no child. They were 87 and 78 yet still there was no clear sign that God was going to keep the promise. So Sarai convinced Abram that he should hedge his bets. “Have a child with my servant Hagar,” Sarai suggested. So he did and the result was a son named Ishmael.

This is the first instance in the bible of a blended family, and it didn’t work too well. Sarai was jealous and Hagar was kind of smug. The years rolled by and it must have been difficult for everybody. Hagar feeling that she was not getting the respect she deserved, Sarai feeling like a failure.
Ishmael as an adolescent knowing he is viewed as second best, even though he is the heir apparent. And there was Abram. Abram who would go out into the sky bright night hoping to hear that voice again. Hoping to hear some detail of how things would unfold.

“What’s up?” Sarai would ask. “Nothing,” he’d reply, as he chewed on a stem of sage grass.

And then when Abram was 99 while Sarai was a spring chicken of only 90, the voice came again.

“I am God Almighty,” God said, though what he actually said was in Hebrew: “I am El Shaddai.”
- That was rather important. God had told Abram his name, El Shaddai. A few hundred years later he’d use a different name when he introduces himself to Moses. Then the name will be Yahweh. But for Abram it was El Shaddai. And El Shaddai said to Abram something that might sound like a small thing to us but it was a big deal to the patriarch. “You shall no longer be called Abram” God said. “Instead you will be called Abraham,” which means “father of a multitude.”

Throughout scripture people are given new names and it always signifies a changed relationship. God seems to be moving into a higher gear.
- “And your wife will no longer be Sarai but will be Sarah,” God adds. Than means “princess.”

That was a bit of a puzzle still, because Sarah was still childless, even with the new name.
- The puzzle seems just to be extended when three messengers come, apparently from God, and inform the couple that they are going to have a son. Abraham seems to have laughed in renewed hope while Sarah laughed in derision. She was, after all, as scripture tells us, “past the age of child bearing.”
- But it’s still all promise and no action. Sarah is yet to wake up sick one morning and realize that she has something important to tell her husband.

As you might understand, the mood in the camp was not always easy. Hagar apparently became rather snippy and refused to address “Princess” by her new name. Abraham's name of “Father of a Multitude” seemed like a cruel joke to everybody who loved him and like crazy arrogance to everybody else.

There are a few more memorable stories in the Abraham saga, like the departure of Hagar and Ishmael and when the patriarch almost killed the son he had only waited a century to get. And there was the incident at Sodom and Gomorra. But they will hold for other sermons.

Starting with this morning’s reading and extending for twenty-four years, all that Abraham and Sarah had to go on was a series of promises the realization of which only seemed to get less and less likely.
- But still they lived with hope.

That must have been really hard. It maybe feel a bit dumb to allow yourself to be that gullible.

What this whole story tells us is that it’s a hard thing to live by a promise - live by it day in and month out, year by year to be reminded of it by the night sky and by the murmur of your lover by your side and even by your own name that was given to you in a special moment.

It is hard to believe in a promise that you cannot make come true. You simply cannot wrap up this particular train set on behalf of Santa Claus.

Everything is future tense. Whenever God speaks, all the blessings are yet to come. You will receive the land; you will have a son; the world will be blessed through you. So what is there to live on right now we might ask.

Well, where might we look for such food for the spirit? What better way is there to live than to be shaped by a promise, and a divine one at that?
- This story is telling us that that’s a pretty good way to begin a day - wondering what foretaste of the promise might be waiting nearby.
- And so, we latter day Abrahams and Sarahs do not live with wistful backward glances, nor are we to complain about any present dysfunction. God calls us to look forward with hope.
- That is what we are called to here at Emmanuel Church. Whatever we know of old disappointments and present disagreements pails next to the promise that we are bound for glory.
- A couple of weeks ago Michael Summers joked about a plot he was hatching to make Emmanuel Parish, Keyser into the flagship parish of a revitalized Anglican Communion. That might be a little over the top, but it’s the right direction.
- Our task, it seems to me, is to set a course and then let God set the timetable.
- A life lived with such a focus could relax into appreciating every day as it passes. Every encounter, each moment, is a seed that can be nurtured to bear fruit - and it is all promise. The world itself is the voice of God, inviting us to live with hope, to be awake to the possibilities and to know that everything echoes the heartbeat of God, that everything is holy.

That is what Abraham and Sarah learned. For twenty-four years they lived with a hope that hung precariously from a promise from God. For a quarter of a century they tended their flocks, moved through famine and wealth, deception and mercy, family alienation and the sweet gentleness of old age, always with an awareness of God’s promise leading them forward. And apparently they enjoyed each other as husband and wife.

Then one spring morning as Abraham neared his 100th birthday and Sarah was 90, she awoke to a new queeziness in her belly. Her husband who had come in the previous night from gazing up into the countless stars as he often did, was sleeping softly beside her.
- She shook him gently. “Abraham,” she said. “I have something to tell you.”

Blessing of the New Votive Stand...

2008-06-08T16:46:00.002-04:00

Bishop Martin Townsend, Priest-in-Charge of Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Keyser, blesses the new Votive Stand. The Votive Stand was custom-designed and crafted by Mr. Kenneth Dolechek, a local woodworker who lives in Keyser.

The Vine Newsletter (June 2008)

2008-06-08T16:40:00.000-04:00

REMEMBERING JERRY SHAVER:

I met Jerry about 7 years ago. He was a tall, good looking man with an easy smile and wink. He had piercing eyes that I was convinced could see the inside of your soul. He had the ability to sense when life was not as you wanted it or when life was bubbling over in joy. For either of those times he was there and wanted to be a part of both. Jerry was a man to whom you could tell your inner thoughts and did not question or judge you, nor did I ever have a fear that these things would be shared with anyone else. He guarded his friendships. He respected his friends.

What did I learn from Jerry? Important lessons I hope to carry forth in my life and hopefully pass on to others. One day I was so upset with the world (ok, maybe more with myself than the world) and I am shaking my finger at him, not even realizing I was doing it. He gently held my hand and closed the shaking finger and looked into my eyes – we both began laughing over my anger. The lesson learned was a way of teaching through gentle guiding and kindness -- a way to quiet the soul rather than stir the anger. A lesson I will never forget.

Jerry had a wealth of knowledge, from religion to how to how to fix anything that I could break. Jerry and I served as joint Junior Wardens. Junior Wardens in the Episcopal Church take care of all maintenance of the church. When we took this job I don’t think either of us knew how much maintenance Emmanuel required! Even when Jerry was out of town, I would track him down and say, “Jerry, WE have a problem.” His reply was “Well, kid…” And we would go from there.

Jerry and I discussed religion quite a bit together. He loved the Episcopal Church and all it stood for. His faith was strong. Answers that he needed he looked for. He asked questions, he studied and read He knew when to search and when to quietly wait for the answers to come from above. He was a man comfortable with his God. There is no doubt that our Jerry is now surrounded by his family, friends and Lord and he is looking down on us with a smile and wink...saying “I am here, I am fine and I will see you when it is your time. Until then ... smile, laugh, and lend a helping hand. Fight for your causes, help those that come in your path. For each is sent to us for a purpose and a journey.”

Well, my dear friend, I love you and I treasure all my memories and what I have gained through our time together.

In loving memory,

Kim Pifer
June 03, 2008

CROSS ROADS:

It was about eight years ago that Barbara and I decided to make Mineral County our permanent home. Back then we anticipated that I would be retired by 2005 or so. We had been building our vacation home near Fort Ashby for many years, but it now needed some upgrading for year-round occupation.

In 1973 we built a vacation home that was cozy for us and our two children. But then we had a third child and the place got just a little cozier. By 1982 our family enjoyed going there so much that we decided to make a major addition. I had a sabbatical, so for five months Barbara and I worked from dawn until dust, six days a week, building a massive stone addition. The stone part was not really attached to the original house, but was rather very close, connected by a passageway. Our children all worked along side of us. At the end of that time, from moving about 120 tons of stone and mixing about 100 tons of concrete, we all were as lean and muscular as we have ever been.

Over the years memories had been made and additions and refinements had been added in a somewhat higgledy-piggledy fashion. We have used Shepherd’s Croft for our own vacations but also for church retreats and staff planning sessions. It is a peaceful place where people have often been deeply aware of God’s presence. Several years ago when we decided that we would retire there, we knew some special work would be required. Better insulation and a heating system. Major renovation of existing space and creation of new areas for traffic flow and all season living.

So we did something we’d never done before. We hired an architect to help us figure out what we wanted and how best to help it happen. We were no longer just playing on our vacations but actually planning for our long-term future. We looked at the way we lived and how we anticipated living in the next stage of our life. We had a ball just doing the dreaming and planning. We were dealing not only with the intangibles of our future hopes but also with the stone and mortar realities of two very different buildings that we now wanted to harmonize and expand. The architect understood our hopes and although we ended up not using his plans, he helped us dream big as we developed our own plans.

Then we had to put the project out to bid. One contractor scratched and shook his head in disbelief. One didn’t even return our phone call. And one, Dan, said he’d do it but he couldn’t give us a price. It would have to be time and materials, otherwise, he explained, he’d have to charge us way too much to cover his own risks. Dan wore a cap that had “JESUS” emblazoned on the front. The front of his truck proclaims, “Thanks be to God.” He was pleased that I am a preacher. So after some discussion we shook hands on the deal, having only an impression and high hopes about how much work we could actually get done on our budget.

Since I was working full-time in Cincinnati, Barbara was the overseer of construction. Rather than being in the thick of all the decisions that had to be made – where to bury the propane tank, at what height should a window be placed – I had to be satisfied with telephone reports and occasional visits. Happily, a Godly spirit seemed to guide us through all the changes. Dan and his crew were not only fair, but were hard working and imaginative too, with never a bad word or cross look on the work site.

The project was completed nearly on time and almost within budget. We were delighted with the way our vacation cabin had been transformed into a home we continue to love. Since that major renovation, we have added a garage with a guest apartment above it. Three Amish carpenters built us a beautiful gazebo. We continue to work on our home right up to the present moment with me, this week, building a new deck off our dining room. We anticipate that this is a life-long project that will continue to invite our creativity and energy.

I am sure there is a parable in all of this for our parish life. Planning for the future, hiring the right consultants and contractors, having to trust what is happening even when we cannot see the tangible results, getting occasional bulletins that help us believe that there really is a future out there somewhere. That seems to be the likely story that will unfold for Emmanuel in the coming couple of years. My hope is that I will be with you throughout this transition and beyond. I will pray for our deepened awareness of God’s presence.

For the summer, we have some plans that are described in the article Sunday Mornings in this edition of The Vine. I look forward to knowing the parish community better.

In Christ,

+Martin Townsend

SUNDAY MORNINGS:

After some hospital and nursing home visits, several meetings, and only two Sundays with you, the people of Emmanuel Church, I am forming some tentative impressions. Most apparent to me is that this is a community that has “welcome” as a guiding principal. I love the presence of so many young people who obviously feel at home here. And thank you all for the kind way in which you have invited Barbara and me into your lives. I am greatly looking forward to our time together.

In some of the meetings that I have had with Vestry and others, it is apparent that the parish leadership has been working very hard during the interim time with Mother Joyce since Fr. Joe Mackov left seventeen months ago. (Fr. Joe and I were friends with each other years ago when we were both young priests in the Diocese of Washington.) There is a consensus that the leadership people need a break, so we can relax a little during the summer and not crank up a whole lot of programming. We will restart the midweek Eucharist and a daytime Bible Study in September.

In the mean time, we do have a Sunday morning schedule that invites education in the 9 o’clock hour. Sharon Floyd, ever faithful, will continue to have Sunday School for the very young throughout the summer. Below is what I plan to do from 9:10 until 9:45 a.m. for adults, including high school students, in the parish hall.

June 8th How Does Scripture Mean?
- the difference between fact and truth

June 15th The Hebrew Scriptures
- the early history of God

June 22nd The New Testament
- remember that God is human too

June 29th The Early Church
- Jesus gets institutionalized

July 6, 13, 20th BREAK

July 27th Why I Love the Episcopal Church
- balance in an out-of-kilter world

August 3rd Questions that You’ve Always Had About the Episcopal Church
- but were afraid to ask

August 10th BREAK

August 17th Report from The Lambeth Conference*
- see the brief description below

August 24th Questions that Have Arisen During the Summer
- no taboo topics

Each of these sessions is designed to stand alone, so please come if you can only make a few of them. I suggest that we gather for coffee around 9 o’clock and be seated for the program by 9:10. My style of lecturing encourages questions and discussion.

Also during the summer I hope to get to know the parish. If you would like me to visit you in your home, please let me know by calling the Parish Office. If you are unable to come to church, I’d be happy to bring you communion. Our parish secretary, June, will be in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. My regular days in the office and making calls will be Tuesday and Wednesday.

Blessings on your summer.

+Martin Townsend

*The Lambeth Conference

Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - Monday, August 04, 2008
Location: Canterbury, England

The Lambeth Conference, one of the gathering points (technically called an “Instrument of Communion”) for the global Anglican Communion, will be held July 16-August 4 in Canterbury, England. It is convened every 10 years at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and is an opportunity for the Anglican Communion's bishops to meet for worship, study and conversation. Archbishops, bishops, assistant and suffragan bishops within the Communion are invited. Also invited to attend are bishops from other churches 'in communion' with the Anglican Communion, bishops from United Churches, along with a number of ecumenical guests. (I attended the last Lambeth Conference in 1998 – MGT)

In addition to the more than 800 bishops who attend, their spouses are invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury's wife to a parallel gathering: the Spouses Conference.
For further information visit: http://www.lambethconference.org

“THE WAR DEPARTMENT”:

By David Rankin, Music Director

A choral director of my acquaintance once referred to her church choir as "the war department."
Musical preferences seem to evoke strong emotions. During the past couple of decades, a great deal of ink has been spilled over the so-called "worship wars," pitting proponents of "traditional" against those of "contemporary" worship and music. There's no point in taking sides, since both make valid points, and both labor under false assumptions as well. If you really want to get inside the topic, check out Trouble at the Table: Gathering the Tribes for Worship, by Carol Doran and Thomas Troeger, and Reaching Out without Dumbing Down by Marva Dawn. I have both books, and will gladly loan them out.
Traditional and contemporary styles in Christian worship have always been blended. The Apostles themselves continued to worship in synagogue and temple, singing the "traditional" songs from the book of Psalms and other Hebrew scripture. Indeed, some of the tunes Jesus might have sung are in our Hymnal! The plainchant setting of the Lord's Prayer (S119), for instance, is supposed to be derived from the synagogue cantillation for the book of Zechariah, and every good Jewish boy (as presumably our Lord was) would have learnt it and sung it in synagogue occasionally. Very soon, though, Christians began composing their own "contemporary" hymns, some of which are dispersed through the New Testament (Ephesians 5:14 and I Timothy: 3-16, for instance, and throughout the book of Revelation).
It is an intentional choice to continue this practice at Emmanuel Church, for several reasons:
o The "meat and potatoes" (or should that be "fruit and vegetables") of our musical diet, from the Hymnal 1982, represent the fruit of centuries of culling and pruning, and provide strong spiritual sustenance;
o Our congregation is incredibly diverse in experience, despite outward appearance. We have former enthusiastic Pentecostals, Baptists, Methodists, dour Calvinists, Atheists, Roman Catholics, eccentric Orthodox, the occasional cradle Anglican, and only our Lord knows who else, who all know different songs, and who each have an expectation that Church will "sound" a certain way;
o We are blessed by the presence of children and young adults, who need music to channel their energy and nourish their souls, and who are incredibly open, not locked into any one style of music as their elders might think (nor as their elders are!), but willing to learn chant, Baroque anthems, Peterkin songs, and Christian rock with equal enthusiasm;
o Most importantly, we all need the chance to listen to and sing each others' songs. It isn't always the easiest. It takes courage. It takes patience. Honoring each other in this way is part and parcel of how our Lord wants us to be together.
The two paragraphs below appear on our church website. I thought it would be good to share them with the readers of this newsletter as well:
"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3.14-17
On any Sunday, you may find the ten o'clock congregation singing great hymns of the faith from the Hymnal 1982, gospel songs from Lift Every Voice and Sing II, simple refrains from Taizé, South African freedom songs, and unaccompanied plainsong. Harmony for us means blending our traditions, honoring each others' preferences, and sharing the abundant diversity of Anglican worship and song in a spirit of unity and gratitude to God our Father.
Music is a place where mind and heart meet in intimate harmony. It is a place, where, because it integrates mind and heart, healing can begin.

QUESTIONS (A POEM):

[Editor’s Note: This poem was written composed by John D’Elisa, whom we deeply miss. It originally appeared in the Spring 2006 edition of The Vine, but I felt it was appropriate to run it again in memory of a truly wonderful man and a friend to us all. I doubt any of us can forget his vivacity and his profound relationship with Jesus Christ.]

How know we Lord, from where to go?
How know we that our lives might grow
a glimmer, yea a spark, of the true love
which preachers do extol amidst the Sunday show?
How is it that I fear my very self; the nature in me that is quick to err?
May not I cast away that which is loath in me and keep that only which is fair?
Where may I seek to fill this void in me?
How can I find some peace; what is my lot?
How may I be a better person, helping others?
Can I yet change my life to be what I am not?
I may not know the answers to these questions.
But I need not fear the future; nor know what horrors or what pleasures I may see.
I only know, through faith, that I must walk this path of life, and hearken to Him who bids us, “Follow me.”
~John D’Elisa, 2006

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:

Hopefully you've noticed that The Vine Newsletter has a far more professional appearance this time around, especially with the beautiful logo on the front page and the information at the bottom of each page. These elements were specially designed for Emmanuel Church by a very dear friend of mine, a brilliantly skilled graphic artist named Erin Coslett-McBride. Erin lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and young daughter (who, by the way, just celebrated her first birthday). She was also responsible for creating the exceptional line drawing of Emmanuel Church (that includes the new Parish Hall) that greets all visitors to our official website. In case you haven't seen this, here it is:

I'd also like to take this opportunity to extend my great appreciation to Nancy Marshall as well, since she has brought incredible beauty to our church with her peerless stained glass designs; she also performs the important task of maintaining the beauty of the church by cleaning it. That can't be an easy job yet she does so very thoroughly and with a great smile.

Once again I'll make my plea (which is quickly becoming a mantra) to you for more material to keep our little newsletter going. Please consider contributing some articles, recipes, poems, book reviews, photographs -- anything that would make The Vine more interesting -- because Bishop Martin, Kim Pifer, David Rankin and I can only do just so much. You may submit materials to June Cooper (the kindly Parish Secretary), or if you're technologically inclined, feel free to send them directly to me via email. My email address is shakjula@mindspring.com.

And there's a bit of semi-exciting news! We've created a special "blog" (short for "web log", which is essentially an on-line journal in case you were wondering) for all of the sermons, newsletters, press releases, and other things that come from Emmanuel Church. It is connected to our main website, but it's much easier and faster to update. If you'd like to view these items (especially to re-read Bishop Martin's sermons) without going through the main site, the direct address is http://emmanuelepiscopalchurchwv.blogspot.com/.

In the months to come, I'm hoping to bring more information into The Vine about our most important resource -- YOU. I'll be contacting individuals so that we can work on a "Getting To Know You" section, where the readers of this newsletter can learn more about the various personalities who make Emmanuel Church the beautiful, loving community it is.

At the end of The Vine, you'll notice that there's a coloring page for people to color/paint/decorate in an extravagant manner. It's included for the children of our parish, but frankly there's nothing preventing those of us with the inclination to whip out the crayons for a bit of fun.

DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LAMBETH CONFERENCE:

In a letter to the Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has called for a day of prayer for the Lambeth Conference.
June 4, 2008
To the people of The Episcopal Church:
As we move toward a great gathering of bishops from across the Anglican Communion, I call this whole Church to a Day of Prayer on 22 June. The Lambeth Conference represents one important way of building connections and relationships between churches in vastly different contexts, and reminding us of the varied nature of the Body of Christ. I would bid your prayers for openness of spirit, vulnerability of heart, and eagerness of mind, that we might all learn to see the Spirit at work in the other. I bid your prayers for a peaceful spirit, a lessening of tension, and a real willingness to work together for the good of God’s whole creation.
As many of you know, the Anglican Communion is one of the largest networks of human connection in the world. Churches are to be found beyond the ends of paved or dirt roads, ministering to and with people in isolated and difficult situations. That far-flung network is the result, in part, of seeds planted by a colonial missionary history. The fruit that has resulted is diverse and local, and indeed, unpalatable to some in other parts of the world. Our task at the Lambeth Conference is to engage that diverse harvest, discover its blessings and challenges, and commit ourselves to the future of this network. We must begin to examine the fruit of our colonial history, in a transparent way and with great humility, if we are ever going to heal the wounds of the past, which continue into the present. With God’s help, that is possible. I ask your prayers. I can think of no better starting place than the prayer for the Church (BCP p 515):

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

I remain
Your servant in Christ,
+Katharine Jefferts Schori

WISDOM FROM THE FATHERS OF THE CHURCH:

From St. Cyril of Jerusalem's Lectures on the Christian Sacraments:

Therefore with fullest assurance let us partake as of the Body and Blood of Christ: for in the figure of Bread is given to thee His Body, and in the figure of Wine His Blood; that thou by partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, mightest be made of the same body and the same blood with Him. For thus we come to bear Christ in us, because His Body and Blood are diffused through our members; thus it is that, according to the blessed Peter, we become partakers of the divine nature. [2 Peter 1:4]

RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Beef Stew

This recipe came from Al and Sarah Crall, and it has been enjoyed by many of us at the Sunday Brunch following the 10 o'clock Holy Eucharist.

Preparation time:

20 minutes (ready in 10 hours, 20 minutes). Yield: 5 (1 1/2 cup) servings. I have not tried this crock pot recipe yet but modified it for the stove top version served at Coffee Hour.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 3/4 inch pieces (I will use chuck or cheaper)
4 medium carrots cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 medium red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cups vegetable juice cocktail
3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
3 teaspoons beef flavor instant bouillon
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Method:

1. In 3 1/2 to 4-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients; mix well.

2. Cover; cook on low setting for 9 to 10 hours.

Kitchen Tip: For food safety reasons, recipes made in a slow cooker need to reach a safe cooking temperature (140 degrees F.) within 3 hours. That's why it isn't a good idea to assemble ingredients and refrigerate them or use frozen ingredients. It's also hard for the cooker to regain its temperature when you remove the lid, so avoid peeking until the cooking time is nearly over. No stirring is necessary while this stew cooks.

Notes:

I adapted the recipe for the stovetop preparation in the following ways:

1. I omitted the tapioca and instead used corn starch (mixed with small amounts of cold water) at the end of the cooking.

2. I browned the beef and onions. (I will probably brown the beef when I use the crock pot because it seals in the juices and prevents the formation of granules in the juices.

3. I quadrupled the recipe.

4. I thoroughly scrubbed the potatoes and removed all eyes and any bad spots and I peeled the carrots.

5. I used sirloin.

Recipe adapted from Pillsbury Doughboy Family Pleasing Recipes. Clarkson Potter. New York, 2001. Page 74.

NEW NATIONAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN:

David Rankin brought this new initiative to our attention, and it really does capture a bit of the Episcopal Church we have all experienced. Here's the sample advertisement that will appear in newspapers across the United States:

There is also an accompanying television advertisement, which you may view by visiting www.putyourfaithtowork.org.

Impromptu Jam Session...

2008-06-08T12:58:00.001-04:00

It's after the Sunday Brunch and it's 98 degrees outside the church, so what are you gonna do? Whip out the guitars and sing, of course! Pictured are Andrew Rankin, Carla Miller, Codi Gourlay, and Mike Miller.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Sermon for Pentecost/Mother's Day (May 11, 2008)

2008-05-14T18:15:00.000-04:00

Acts 2:1-11 May 11th, 2008
John 7:37-39 Pentecost/Mother’s Day

In the Name of God, who is Spirit and who is Holy. Amen

Pentecost is an excellent day on which to begin a new chapter in a parish’s unfolding story. And when you add Mother’s Day to the mix, then we are triple blessed. For the next few minutes I will try to keep those three realities of mother, church, and new beginning in focus.

A while back, Barbara, my wife, was in Williamsburg helping her mother move from her apartment into an assisted living unit. Mom has not been very happy with the new arrangement. She was reluctant to give up some of the trinkets she has gathered over the years, reluctant to acknowledge the necessary changes in her life, but new circumstances required some letting go of old memorabilia. So Barbara returned to Fort Ashby with some things of her mother’s. We have hung in our home a Bavarian cuckoo clock that has hung in Mom’s dining room for as long as I can remember.

Mom’s name is Agnes and she is 95 years old, the last surviving of Barbara’s and my parents. For the past 44 years she has been a great mother-in-law and I love her dearly. Even though she grumbles at times, she can be funny and even a bit flirtatious, as she has always liked to be. When Barbara and I last visited, we took Mom out to lunch. She told us where she’d like to eat. She studied the menu with care. A gin and tonic, she thought, was in order. We had a good time together.

Over the past couple of years Mom has taken some falls that knock the stuffing out of her for a while. Her emotions are frayed and she is lonely, even though she has a lot of company, and she is fearful but does not know of what.

If it is a painful thing to see our parents as they struggle with changing life circumstances. I can only suppose that it is much worse to be on the inside of that struggle, trying to make sense of changes that don’t seem fair or necessary. Mom has adapted to using a walker, but she is rebelling against the other changes going on in her life. She does not like the sense that the boundaries of her life are shrinking. She does not like this new feeling that the world is somehow alien, perhaps even hostile. When she says she wants to go home, that means where she lived until fifteen years ago.

She did not used to be like that. As a young mother of three daughters – Barbara being the middle child – Agnes would push her girls out into the world to explore and to meet new people. Barbara tells stories from her childhood about forts built by the creek behind her home, and about playing with friends, unsupervised for hours. By contrast, our two grandchildren in Colorado hardly ever have an unsupervised moment. When Barbara was called home it was not because the world was dangerous but because supper was ready. Barbara remembers once when a man came to their house. It was the late 1940s, employment was scarce in upstate New York, and the man was looking for a meal. In those days they were called hobos. Mom made him a sandwich and talked with him as he ate it on the porch. It was simple hospitality.

Throughout her life, Mom has loved to play music. When Barbara and I were dating, as we walked up the pathway to her home we could hear Mom playing her Wurlitzer organ. She rarely played for any audience other than herself.

Above all, from her mother Barbara knew with complete conviction that she was loved. Her mother told her that regularly. No comparisons were made nor were conditions laid down. Barbara and her sisters were loved, and not much was feared.

Mom was widowed ten years ago. We, her family, all worried that she’d miss her husband so much that she’d shrink inside herself. Though she still misses Gerry, she did anything but shrink. She continued to make new friends in the retirement community to which they had moved a few years earlier. It is in the nature of retirement communities that the population turns over with some regularity. It is important to make new friends. In the years of her being a widow she has seemed even more unapologetically herself. She became a bit more connected to her faith. In her better moments she has had a sense of moving onward.

But moving onward doesn't always mean a cheerful journey. The death of someone we love is a burden to carry. Onward for my mother-in-law meant making a new life after 60 years of a partnership in which she had become a mother and grandmother and great-grandmother. Onward for Barbara and her sisters means feeling less grounded, less able to relax while Mom carries on. And Mom does carry on, often irascible, sometimes charming, and occasionally confounding. She loved Bill Clinton and would have kept on voting for him; and now she loves George W. Bush just as much. Loves ‘em both. Go figure.

And in all of that, Agnes might not be a bad image for how the church is called to be. Today is the Feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. And it’s a day when my life is joining with yours, so it’s a new birth for all of us.

One of the medieval images used to describe the Church is “Mother.” It does seem to me that Mother Church is a lot like my beloved mother-in-law. She is in danger of becoming brittle in her old age. We are irascible and contentious about things that either do not matter or that Jesus would resolve simply by opening his arms a little wider, welcoming a few more people into the family. We are often pretty good at feeding people who are hungry – but too often we do it through the safe distance of an anonymous check.

I fear that the church is no longer the young mother who sends her children out to meet new people and to explore, unsupervised for hours. The church has become old, pre-occupied with fear, caught up in worldly conflicts and forgetting that her Lord makes all things new, young again. How might it be if we, as church, decided that the most important thing was to make sure that we each are loved – without comparison and without condition. Loved.
- How might it be if we sat down with someone who is eating a needed sandwich and we talked with them for a while? Not trying to straighten them out, but just being a kind ear.
- How might it be if we loved equally people on both sides of a political divide?
- How might it be if we made music and danced for the pure delight of it?
- How might it be if we were all encouraged to explore the world in which we live – explore it without fear of being so closely supervised that we are nervous about our own thoughts and questionings.

This morning’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the puzzling and happy chaos of the earliest disciples of Jesus as they felt a new Spirit move amongst them.
This was an adventurous spirit that embraced people across every imaginable line of division. This spirit was one that made all things new and propelled the early believers out into the world as ambassadors of God’s love for all people. The promise of that spirit is what embraces Emmanuel Church in Keyser, WV, as we gather today.

We live in a fearful and backward-looking age, in which the church sometimes seems trapped in nostalgia, convinced of its own rightness and resentful of new ideas, trapped in a religiosity that is more interested in being safe than in being either adventurous or generous.

We forget that we come from adventurers like Abraham and Moses and Paul and most particularly Jesus. They were guided only by promise and hope. Those whose faith we claim never knew what was around the next bend. They only trusted that God was with them. And we all know that that is what “Emmanuel” means – God with us. Both personally and institutionally, as we try to protect what we have earned, created or horded, we forget that Jesus promised a new creation, more in the tradition of Moses the adventurer than of the Pharisees who had transformed faith from a lively relationship with God into a set of rules.

We are called to better than that. We are called to love one another and to love strangers. We are called to love people at all points of any political spectrum. We are called to a lively relationship with God, not to an obligation to maintain the political balance of an ancient institution.

Do not forget for a moment that we are called to serve the hungry, not to argue about doctrine. We are called to welcome the stranger amongst us, not check credentials and vie for status.

So on this Feast of Pentecost I give thanks for my mother-in-law Agnes. I give thanks for the way she pushed her daughters out into the world to be adventurous. And I give thanks for all mothers who have taught their children that the world is an exciting place to explore, that the hungry should be fed, and that they- both the children and the hungry - are loved without comparison and without condition.

As we all begin together this new Pentecost for Emmanuel, may Mother Church grow in such an understanding of what it means to be church.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

Sermon by Bishop Martin Townsend, D.D., Priest-in-Charge

The Vine Newsletter (May 2008)

2008-05-01T20:39:00.000-04:00

CROSS ROADS:

Dear People of Emmanuel Church,

The past few weeks seem to have been a gracious time of hopes and opportunities coming together. Bishop Klusmeyer had talked with me about Emmanuel Church, asking if I might be interested in working with the church community in Keyser. He spoke of you with affection and understanding. I talked with Kim Pifer and sent her my resume. She arranged for me to meet with the Vestry. After an energized two hours, we had formed a shared hope for the opportunities ahead. Shortly, on behalf of the Vestry, your Senior Warden called me to ask if I could come to Emmanuel as your priest and pastor. Both humbled and excited, I have accepted the Vestry’s invitation to become your Priest-in-Charge.

That is what has happened recently. Let me go back to when he groundwork for our meeting was laid. In 1972 I was the rector of a parish in the Maryland suburbs of Washington. Barbara, my wife, had grown up in a small town as had I. We needed an escape from the beltway, so we bought some land in the hills just east of Fort Ashby. The next year, with the help of lots of friends, we built a vacation home on the land. Ever since, we have been adding to that house, growing it in stages and calling it Shepherd’s Croft. (I was a shepherd of sorts and Barbara was an actual sheep breeder and shepherd.) Most of the work on our home we have done with our own hands, learning how to be carpenters, plumbers (not very good ones), stone masons, painters, and all the other things you have to be as a home builder. We have so loved being here and have enjoyed our neighbors so that Mineral County has become home.

Over the years I have served as Rector of St. Christopher’s Church in New Carrollton, MD, Trinity Church in St. Mary’s City, MD, Christ Church in Blacksburg, VA, and Bishop of The Diocese of Easton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. After retiring from Easton I served for two years as the Interim Rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Cincinnati, OH, Assisting Bishop in Newark, NJ, and then for two years as the Interim Rector at Trinity Church, Upperville, VA.

Thank you for inviting me into your lives, allowing Barbara’s and my path to join with yours. It continues to amaze and delight me that after being a deacon, priest, and bishop for forty years, I still get excited as God guides me into new stages of my life.

Your wardens and Vestry described something of the challenges that you have recently faced and what some of your dreams and strengths are. I liked what I heard and I greatly look forward to knowing all of you. My first Sunday at Emmanuel will be May 11th, which is the Feast of Pentecost, also Mother’s Day. It is an auspicious day for giving thanks and for new beginnings. Winter and late frosts are past. Red bud and dogwood are bright bursts of color on our back ridge. It is a time for planting our gardens with a confidence that they will yield fruit. As one of my favorite Easter hymns declares, “Now the green blade riseth… Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.”

May God bless the joining together of our journeys.

See you on May 11th.

In Christ,

+Martin G. Townsend

THE SENIOR WARDEN’S REPORT:

Hello Friends!

There seems to be a few of us that like to sit towards the back of the church. I am not sure why we do this but it seems to be a practice that many of us have acquired. While sitting in the back you may have noticed the cold coming through the old wooden church doors. Not only do we get cold sitting back there but if the door doesn’t latch we have to get up and close it to keep the traffic noise from interfering with our worship. Well, this will be coming to an end. The vestry has approved two new metallic outside entrance doors. These doors will match the color of our Parish Hall doors, and will a sign of welcome to all those who come to visit us.

We are still correcting money for inner sanctuary doors. We are approximately halfway there! Last spring, when we installed the new carpet the old swinging doors would no longer swing. They had given their all throughout the decades. The vestry looked at several options and decided upon two wooden closing doors that will be walnut finished (the design matches our inner parish hall door), with a glass cross in the upper half of each of the doors. Above these doors will be a stained glass window designed by the talented Nancy Marshall, the local artist who created the gorgeous windows in the Parish Hall. This should fill our worship area with beauty, light as well as enhance the reverent quietness. If you would like to help with this project, please send a check to Emmanuel Church with a memo for Inner Door Fund marked on your check.

How wonderful to think of all that will enter through these doors to hear the word of God and receive His Sacraments!

Thanks be to God.

Kim Pifer
Senior Warden

THE FEAST OF PENTECOST:

O
God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [Book of Common Prayer, page 227]

“ALLELUIA AEROBICS” MAKES A COMEBACK…
Thanks to the volunteering spirit of the indomitable Ginny Poland, we’re pleased to announce that the “Alleluia Aerobics” classes for women will once again be offered at Emmanuel Church.

The classes will be held on Monday nights each week, from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the church, and there will be a nominal fee of $1.00 per class. All the women of the parish and the community are invited to come to work on physical fitness in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

For additional information about “Alleluia Aerobics”, please contact Ginny Poland or Marcy D’Elisa.

FUND-RAISER FOR BARBARA HOTT:

Emmanuel Church and St. James Episcopal Church of Westernport are planning a fund raiser for Barb in the upcoming months. If anyone would like to make a monetary contribution to the Barb Hott Fund, please place in offering plate or mail with a memo on your check. This money will go to Barb with your get-well wishes to help her during her chemo treatments or towards our fund raiser, please note what you desire. Emmanuel is asking all of our parishioners to help in any way possible during Barb's chemo treatments. Please keep Barb, Tori and Family in your prayers. For more information or input on plans, please contact Kim Pifer at (304)790-1814 or (304) 788-6253.

PRIEST-CELEBRANTS FOR MAY:

o May 4 -The Rev. Donald Vinson
o May 11 - The Rt. Rev. Martin Townsend
o May 18 - The Rev. John Valentine

REACHING OUT TO OUR PARISH FAMILY…

We have many people at Emmanuel Church who have illnesses and other concerns in their lives, and they need not only our prayers but more tangible signs of our love and support. So we’re asking for volunteers to do one (or more) of the following:

1. Get together and send out “get well” or “thinking of you” cards to those who have been ill and/or haven’t been at church in a while;

2. Give a telephone call to sick and shut-in members to see how they’re doing and if they should need anything.

3. Visit members who are in the hospital or nursing homes to see how they’re doing.

4. Volunteering your time (and automobile) to help people get to medical appointments.

Please pray about serving as the hands, feet and heart of Jesus Christ to our fellow believers who are in need. If you’d like to help in this important ministry, or if you’d like to get more information, please see Kim Pifer, the Senior Warden of our parish.

DIOCESAN WOMEN’S CONFERENCE:

The Practice of Prayer

With Guest Speaker
Rev. Margaret Guenther

May 16-18, 2008 at Peterkin Camp Conference Center in Romney, WV

Additional information, including a registration form, is available on our website: http://www.wvdiocese.org/pages/pdfs/WomensConf2008.pdf

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN TRAINING SESSIONS:

Editor’s Note: All persons at Emmanuel Church who work with children should attend this special training. Kim Pifer, the Senior Warden, will be attending on June 20th and is willing to take whomever needs to go.

Safeguarding God’s Children: A Program of Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training provides participants with information they need to protect the children they know and care for in their personal and professional lives. The training sessions includes two parts; the morning portion is based on the Church Pension Fund’s program and focuses on child abuse prevention and awareness, and the second portion addresses issues of sexual harassment and abuse prevention, both in adult and youth populations.

Training is required for all clergy, paid lay employees, and volunteers working closely with youth or shut-in and/or disabled persons. This includes youth choir directors, directors of Christian education, and youth group advisors. Clergy who have not had training in the last five years are expected to attend to renew their awareness.

Sessions currently scheduled are:

o April 19: Lawrencefield Parish, Wheeling
o April 26: Trinity, Martinsburg
o June 20: Peterkin, Romney

Additional sessions will be added later this year and information will be made available when they are confirmed.

A brochure with registration form can be found on our website at http://www.wvdiocese.org/pages/pdfs/sexbrochure.pdf or contact Mollie in the Diocesan Office: 304-344-3597 or mbailey@wvdiocese.org.

PETERKIN SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE:

There’s still time to save money and register for Peterkin Summer Camps! The deadline to receive a registration fee discount for all of the camps has been extended until May 15, 2008.
Senior Camp: June 22-28, 2008
(Youth entering grades 10-12 and recent High School graduates)
This camp provides guidance into adulthood through personal growth, team work, and spiritual direction. Programs provide time for campers to ask and reflect on questions related to social, moral, personal and religious concerns.
June 29-July 3: ½ week camps (New themes/programs for 2008)

Family Camp: July 6-12, 2008
(Families and Adults)
A week of family renewal in a caring Christian community, Family Camp brings together families of all kinds in a fun and relaxing atmosphere away from the daily demands of life at home. This camp offers discussion groups for all ages, as well as a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities.

Junior Camp: July 13-19, 2008
(Youth entering grades 4-6)
Campers at Junior Camp are introduced to a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. This camp offers instructional themes, worship, music, and a wide range of activities that allow campers to explore their relationship with Christ and each other.

Intermediate Camp: July 20-26, 2008
(Youth entering grades 7-9)
This camp is designed to help young people grow as individuals and as members of the body of Christ. Many fun and engaging activities are offered to encourage campers to renew old relationships and form new and lasting friendships as they move closer to adulthood.

Creative Arts/Hallelujah Hike: July 27-August 2, 2008
(Creative Arts Camp – Youth entering grades 4-7; Hallelujah Hike – 13-18 years old)
Creative Arts Camp allows young people to explore and celebrate their gifts and talents. Music, writing, the visual arts, and crafts are some of the talents that are nourished and expanded during this camp.

Hallelujah Hike is for those with an adventurous spirit! The Hike is designed to promote Christian identity and growth through community living in a rustic outdoor setting. Hikers have a chance to discover their connection to nature through tent camping, outdoor cooking, hiking, backpacking, adventure trails, plants and wildlife.
Registration material can be found on our website at http://www.peterkin.org/pages/camps.html.

WISDOM FROM THE FATHERS OF THE CHURCH:

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-395)

Great indeed is the Baptism which is offered you. It is a ransom to captives; the remission of offences; the death of sin; the regeneration of the soul; the garment of light; the holy seal indissoluble; the chariot to heaven; the luxury of paradise; a procuring of the kingdom; the gift of adoption. But a serpent by the wayside is watching the passengers; beware lest he bit thee with unbelief; he sees so many receiving salvation, and seeks to devour some of them. Thou art going to the Father of Spirits, but thou art going past that serpent; how then must thou pass him? Have thy feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15); that even if he bite, he may hot hurt thee. Have faith indwelling, strong hope, a sandal of power, wherewith to pass the enemy, and enter the presence of thy Lord. Prepare thine own heart to receive doctrine, to have fellowship in holy mysteries. Pray more often, that God may make thee worthy of the heavenly and immortal mysteries. Let neither day be without its work, nor night, but when sleep fails thine eyes, at once abandon thy thoughts to prayer. [Lectures on the Christian Sacraments: the Procatechesis]

RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Gazpacho

This is a cold soup from Spain that’s perfect for the summer months that are approaching very soon. It can be eaten from a bowl or sipped from a cup – if you choose the cup/glass method, you’ll probably want to use your blender or food processor to make it smooth. It looks better that way.

Ingredients:

3 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes, drained
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped cucumber
½ cup chopped green pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 cups tomato juice or vegetable juice cocktail (such as V-8)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic Croutons (recipe below)

Method:

Combine first 8 ingredients in container of an electric blender; top with cover, and process 1 minute or until finely chopped. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Stir in tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce; cover and chill (about 2 hours). Stir in vinegar and olive oil just before serving. Garnish with garlic croutons. Serves 8.

Garlic Croutons:

6 slices white bread
2 large cloves garlic, minced
½ cup clarified butter or olive oil

Trim crust from bread. Cut bread into ½ inch cubes. Sauté garlic in butter/oil in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add bread cubes; sauté until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Recipe taken from America’s Best Recipes (1988)

BOOK REVIEW:

Celebrating Common Worship & Hour By Hour –Simplified Versions of the Divine Office

The Divine Office doesn’t mean the place where the Supreme Being does His paperwork or meets with staff. In traditional Christian spirituality and liturgics it refers to a set series of prayers (consisting primarily of psalms and readings from the Sacred Scriptures specially appointed) that monks and nuns gathered to pray throughout the day. Originally these services were based upon the old Jewish synagogue services that existed at the beginning of Christian history, and were later augmented and developed by the Desert Fathers and Mothers in Egypt and other early monastic communities. The intent behind the practice of the Divine Office is the sanctification of time, or perhaps marking out specific periods to remember the presence of God. In Benedictine spirituality, which is the basis for much of the spiritual tradition of the Anglican Communion, praying the Divine Office is known as the Opus Dei – the Work of God.

Over the years the Christian laity became attracted to the practice of habitual, structured prayer as a means of deepening one’s spirituality, and since the invention of the moveable type printing press and vernacular texts, along with more simplified versions of the Divine Office, an increasing number of Christians from mainline churches are adopting the practice.

If you’re interested in incorporating this time-honored, Bible-based and beautiful practice into your spiritual life – and you don’t want to drag around a rather hefty volume that seems overly complex to use around with you – here are two options you may wish to consider.

Celebrating Common Worship: In the 1980s the Church of England created a number of alternatives to its standard 1662 Book of Common Prayer, and Celebrating Common Worship is the official substitute to the old Daily Office in the BCP. It’s a nice one-volume edition that is meant to be easily carried, and to be honest the English is probably more refined than in the American version of the Office (which would only make sense, after all). The brilliance of Celebrating Common Worship is that it arranges all of the various liturgical seasons of the Church in such a way that everything fits into one book that provides considerable variety and flexibility.

Hour By Hour: I highly recommend this little Office Book for those who wish to begin the practice of sanctifying time throughout the day, and especially for people who are very active. Hour By Hour is very abbreviated and only contains Morning Prayer, Daytime Prayer, Evening Prayer, Vespers and Compline for a one-week cycle according to the format of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer Office; however, this is a wonderful way to develop the habit of daily prayer (there’s no need for you to overwhelm yourself). Plus, it has a very durable leather cover and its price won’t break the bank.

Both of these books are available at the Episcopal Bookstore of Seattle, WA (http://www.episcopalbookstore.com/) or Amazon.com. They are priced at under $25 dollars, as opposed to the $116.00 price tag for the complete Contemporary Office Book of the Episcopal Church.

There is, of course, a completely free method for praying the Divine Office for those of you who are friendly with the Internet, and I can highly recommend two sites:

Oremus (http://www.oremus.org/): This ministry gives you the option of subscribing to the daily Divine Office according to the format found in Celebrating Common Worship, which you would receive on a daily basis via email.

The Mission of St. Clare (http://www.missionstclare.com/): Through this site you can actually download the full text of the Divine Office (Morning or Evening Prayer) according to the Contemporary Office Book of the Episcopal Church. In this way you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to purchase the actual book, nor will you be required to learn how to navigate through the rubrics. Everything is clearly laid out for you.

Submitted by Michael Summers

WE NEED STUFF!

Once again the beleaguered editor of The Vine makes his plea for your help in making our little newsletter a success.

I know that everyone at Emmanuel Church has something to contribute toward the content of The Vine, and it would be wonderful if you were able to share with us. Please think about submitting some of the following:

o Inspirational quotes and poetry
o Your favorite recipes
o Reviews of Christian books you’ve read
o Photos and recollections from the past of Emmanuel Church
o Photos from your vacation
o Cute photos of your children, grandchildren, pets
o Anything you feel would edify the people of our parish

Depending upon space considerations, I’ll do everything I can to publish your materials in future editions of The Vine.

I’m hoping to be bombarded with your stuff in the very near future!

Bishop Townsend Appointed Priest-in-Charge at Emmanuel Church

2008-04-27T19:20:00.000-04:00

Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Keyser, West Virginia, is pleased to announce that the Right Reverend Martin G. Townsend, D.D., has accepted the call to become the new Priest-in-Charge of the parish. His first Sunday Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on May 11, 2008, at 8:00 and 10:00 in the morning.

Bishop Townsend, the retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton, Maryland, was born in England and immigrated to the United States in 1957. He was graduated from Notre Dame High School in Elmira, New York, and received his bachelor’s degree from Hobart College in 1965. In 1968 he received his Masters of Divinity Degree from the Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), which is located in Alexandria, Virginia, and in 1993 and 2000 he earned the Doctor of Divinity and Doctorate in Ministry degrees from the seminary. Bishop Townsend also served as a professor at VTS for several years. He has taught at Virginia Tech and St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he lectured in English literature and philosophy.

He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood for the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York in 1969, and from that time he served the people of the Episcopal Church as Rector in several parishes. In 1992 he was consecrated as the Bishop of the Diocese of Easton (ECUSA), a ministry he exercised until his retirement in 2001. After his retirement from the active ministry of the episcopate, Bishop Townsend served the Church as being the Interim Rector for a number of parishes in Ohio, Virginia and Maryland until permanent Rectors had been called. He remains a participating member of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church.

In a statement to the people of Emmanuel Church, Bishop Townsend said, “Thank you for inviting me into your lives, allowing Barbara’s [my wife] and my path to join with yours. It continues to amaze and delight me that after being a deacon, priest, and bishop for forty years, I still get excited as God guides me into new stages of my life.”

He and his wife Barbara reside in Fort Ashby, West Virginia, where they have been steadily working on building their retirement home known as “Shepherd’s Croft,” a name that was decided upon because Bishop Townsend is “a shepherd of sorts” and Barbara was an actual sheep-breeder and shepherd. Barbara Townsend heads up the restoration of the Ashby’s Fort 1755 Museum, which is one of the forts established during the French and Indian War on the orders of the future General George Washington.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church was established in 1910 by the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, and is located on 301 South Mineral Street, Keyser. The parish website is www.emmanuelepiscopalchurchwv.org. Following Bishop Townsend’s first Holy Eucharist at the parish, there will be a special luncheon held at the Parish Hall for the congregation and guests of the church.

The Vine Newsletter (April 2008)

2008-04-01T20:34:00.000-04:00

A Message from Our New Priest-in-Charge:

The Right Reverend Martin Townsend, retired Bishop of Easton, Maryland. Courtesy of Dr. Lewis Crew’s “Unofficial Anglican Pages”.

Editor’s Note: My apologies to Bishop Martin for the woefully inadequate photo, since that was the only one I could find on Google at such a late hour approaching the publishing deadline.

Dear People of Emmanuel Church,

The past week seems to have been a gracious time of hopes and opportunities coming together. Bishop Klusmeyer had talked with me about Emmanuel Church, asking if I might be interested in working with the church community in Keyser. He spoke of you with affection and understanding. I talked with Kim Pifer and sent her my resume. She arranged for me to meet with the Vestry on Saturday, April 5th. After an energized two hours, we had formed a shared hope for the opportunities ahead. Shortly, on behalf of the Vestry, your Senior Warden called me to ask if I could come to Emmanuel as your priest and pastor. Both humbled and excited, I have accepted the Vestry’s invitation to become your Priest in Charge.
That is what has happened recently. Let me go back to when he groundwork for our meeting was laid. In 1972 I was the rector of a parish in the Maryland suburbs of Washington. Barbara, my wife, had grown up in a small town as had I. We needed an escape from the beltway, so we bought some land in the hills just east of Fort Ashby. The next year, with the help of lots of friends, we built a vacation home on the land. Ever since, we have been adding to that house, growing it in stages and calling it Shepherd’s Croft. Most of the work we have done with our own hands, learning how to be carpenters, plumbers (not very good ones), stone masons, painters, and all the other things you have to be as a home builder. We have so loved being here and have enjoyed our neighbors that Mineral County has become home.

Over the years I have served as Rector of St. Christopher’s Church in New Carrollton, MD, Trinity Church in St. Mary’s City, MD, Christ Church in Blacksburg, VA, and Bishop of The Diocese of Easton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. After retiring from Easton I served for two years as the Interim Rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Cincinnati, OH, Assisting Bishop in Newark, NJ, and then for two years as the Interim Rector at Trinity Church, Upperville, VA.

Thank you for inviting me into your lives, allowing Barbara’s and my path to join with yours. I believe the Holy Spirit is at work in this coming together. It continues to amaze and delight me that after being a deacon, priest, and bishop, I still get excited as God guides me into new stages of my life.

Your wardens and Vestry described something of the challenges that you have recently faced and what some of your dreams and strengths are. I liked what I heard and I greatly look forward to knowing all of you. My first Sunday at Emmanuel will be May 11th, which is the Feast of Pentecost, also Mother’s Day. It is an auspicious day for giving thanks and for new beginnings. Winter and late frosts are past. It is a time for planting our gardens with a confidence that they will yield fruit. “Now the green blade riseth… Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.”

You have bid farewell to The Rev’d Joyce Wilkinson, and elsewhere in this newsletter she bids you peace in her own farewell. May God bless our partings and our meetings.

See you on May 11th.

In Christ,

+Martin G. Townsend

A Note From Joyce
From a reflection on the gospel of the 2nd Sunday of Easter, John 20:19-31:
"Whenever we're afraid and hiding out, all locked up,
God comes to us in the midst of our fear
and says, 'Peace be with you.'
Whatever doubts churn in our minds,
whatever sins trouble our consciences,
whatever pain and worry bind us up,
whatever walls we have put up or doors we have locked securely,
God comes to us and says, 'Peace be with you.'"
[But it doesn't stop there. - my note]
"Whatever hunger and need we feel deep in our souls,
God calls us to the table, feeds us well,
and sends us out into the world to be justice and peace,
salt and light, hope for the world.
We can do it, if we keep our eyes open, our minds limber,
and our hearts soft and willing to love.
As God sent Jesus, God sends us, this day." (from ucc.org)

Dear People of Emmanuel,

I enjoyed being with you, and I pray Christ's peace be with you on your journey.

Joyce

THE EASTER SERMON OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
If any man be devout and loveth God,
Let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast!
If any man be a wise servant,
Let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord.
If any have laboured long in fasting,
Let him how receive his recompense.
If any have wrought from the first hour,
Let him today receive his just reward.
If any have come at the third hour,
Let him with thankfulness keep the feast.
If any have arrived at the sixth hour,
Let him have no misgivings;
Because he shall in nowise be deprived therefore.
If any have delayed until the ninth hour,
Let him draw near, fearing nothing.
And if any have tarried even until the eleventh hour,
Let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness.

For the Lord, who is jealous of his honour,
Will accept the last even as the first.
He giveth rest unto him who cometh at the eleventh hour,
Even as unto him who hath wrought from the first hour.
And He showeth mercy upon the last,
And careth for the first;
And to the one He giveth,
And upon the other He bestoweth gifts.
And He both accepteth the deeds,
And welcometh the intention,
And honoureth the acts and praises the offering.
Wherefore, enter ye all into the joy of your Lord;
Receive your reward,
Both the first, and likewise the second.
You rich and poor together, hold high festival!
You sober and you heedless, honour the day!
Rejoice today, both you who have fasted
And you who have disregarded the fast.
The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously.
The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.
Enjoy ye all the feast of faith:
Receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness.
Let no one bewail his poverty,
For the universal Kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one weep for his iniquities,
For pardon has shown forth from the grave.
Let no one fear death,
For the Saviour's death has set us free.
He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it.

By descending into Hell, He made Hell captive.
He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh.
And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry:
Hell, said he, was embittered
When it encountered Thee in the lower regions.
It was embittered, for it was abolished.
It was embittered, for it was mocked.
It was embittered, for it was slain.
It was embittered, for it was overthrown.
It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains.
It took a body, and met God face to face.
It took earth, and encountered Heaven.
It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.
O Death, where is thy sting?
O Hell, where is thy victory?

Christ is risen, and thou art overthrown!
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is risen, and life reigns!
Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave.
For Christ, being risen from the dead,
Is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion
Unto ages of ages.
Amen.

“Alleluia Aerobics” Makes a Comeback…
Thanks to the volunteering spirit of the indomitable Ginny Poland, we’re pleased to announce that the “Alleluia Aerobics” classes for women will once again be offered at Emmanuel Church.
The classes will be held on Monday nights each week, from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the church, and there will be a nominal fee of $1.00 per class. All the women of the parish and the community are invited to come to work on physical fitness in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
For additional information about “Alleluia Aerobics”, please contact Ginny Poland or Marcy D’Elisa.

Thank you!
Special thanks to Beverly Davis and Anita Johnson for the beautiful wreaths on the doors. If anyone would like to decorate the doors for a special holiday or occasion, you are welcome to do so. Please contact Kim Pifer for more information.

Reaching Out to Our Parish Family…

We have many people at Emmanuel Church who have illnesses and other concerns in their lives, and they need not only our prayers but more tangible signs of our love and support. So we’re asking for volunteers to do one (or more) of the following:

1. Get together and send out “get well” or “thinking of you” cards to those who have been ill and/or haven’t been at church in a while;

2. Give a telephone call to sick and shut-in members to see how they’re doing and if they should need anything.

3. Visit members who are in the hospital or nursing homes to see how they’re doing.

4. Volunteering your time (and automobile) to help people get to medical appointments.

Please pray about serving as the hands, feet and heart of Jesus Christ to our fellow believers who are in need. If you’d like to help in this important ministry, or if you’d like to get more information, please see Kim Pifer, the Senior Warden of our parish.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN:

The birth of spring is upon us and Keyser is starting to bud with a renewal of life. We have just celebrated the mysteries of Christ and the Resurrection. I feel Emmanuel is very much a part of this rebirth. I see growing pains, anxiety of the unknown and excitement for what is to come. We give thanks for Rev. Joyce’s time with us. We became stronger during her time with us and seek to continue our growth in Christ. During our next growing spurt, the Rev. Canon Donald Vinson will be working with the vestry and congregation to strengthen the life of Emmanuel Church. How will this be done?

Rev. Vinson will be meeting and sharing with us two segments that are quite different from one another. The first is a Fresh Start module called "Transition." It is based on the idea that change and transition are two different things. Change is inevitable, and it happens whether we respond to it or not. It is just part of life. But transition is adapting and responding to that change. We will have discussion about how these things impact on us and on our church. Second, we will do an assessment of the congregation in terms of where it is in its life cycle. Also, determine what this congregation's gifts are, what the church does well, and discuss how we can do even better.

This will be a time to begin conversation and a time for reflection. Where have we been? Where do we want to go? Most importantly, how do we intend to grow spiritual in ourselves and with the congregation? Rev. Vinson will help get us started with giving us the tools to expand our minds. He will give us some time to try them out and then will return with other topics for us to explore.

With spring upon us and the beginning of the growing season it is a perfect time for Emmanuel to dig in our hands and minds and get busy with new growth. I thank each one of you. We, as the vestry, continue to ask you to help with this process and make this the best year that Emmanuel has seen. Will keep you posted!

God’s Blessings to each of you.
Kim Pifer, Senior Warden

Pricket Stand from National Cathedral

Praying with Light…

In the not-too-distant future you’ll notice that a rather compact piece of furniture has been added to Emmanuel Church, and its sole purpose is to assist us in remembering in prayer our family and friends (those living and departed) as well as our own personal prayer concerns according to a tradition that reaches back to the very beginning of Christianity. The furniture in question is a votive candle stand, which in the Anglican/Episcopalian tradition is known as a “Pricket Stand,” and the members of the Vestry – during the special Vestry Retreat in January and after the advice of Rev. Canon Donald Vinson – voted to have a pricket stand constructed for Emmanuel Church by a local woodworker (to match the wooden furnishings in the parish), and several members of the Vestry contributed their personal funds for its creation (no money from the church was used for this purpose).

The practice of lighting candles for prayer remembrance has been a common element throughout the history of Christianity, and is most likely based upon the ancient Jewish practice of lighting special lamps or candles (called Yahrzeit) in order to remember deceased family members and friends. In Christianity, this practice was adopted and expanded to include all prayer needs one might have, and one can read accounts of how the persecuted Early Christians would light candles before Altars and the tombs of the martyrs as a symbol of their prayer intentions. This practice has been maintained in the Anglican/Episcopal, Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches through the centuries, and because of the “Emerging Church” movement, you can see that numerous Protestant churches are adopting it as well.
In case you’re not familiar with the practice of lighting candles in prayer, here are some helpful ideas:
1. The lit candle reminds us of our Baptism, and the way that we share in the life of Christ by sharing in the life of the Church. The light also symbolizes the Light of Jesus Christ in our midst, and that He dispels the darkest times of our lives.
When we go, leaving the burning candle behind, we are reminded that our souls never leave the presence of God, in company with His Saints.
2. Prayer is not self-centered, it is God centered, and an important element is prayer for other people and causes. When lighting your candle, it is a very good idea to light a candle for those others you want to pray for. One can even light a candle as a sign of thanksgiving and praise to God for the blessings that have been received.
The candle will not be a substitute for the prayer of your heart, but an accompaniment. It is traditional to give small offering for the candle which, in and giving glory to God, speaks both from the heart and to the heart. All the offerings given will be collected to assist those in need in our community.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ give a greater sense of peace and an increased sense of His Presence in our midst as you use this little spiritual tool for grace and comfort.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR…

Because I'm a perennial glutton for punishment, the Vestry of Emmanuel Church has appointed me as the new editor of The Vine newsletter. I look forward to keeping this important ministry of our parish moving into the future.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Rev. Joyce Wilkinson for turning The Vine into a monthly publication that has become a vital tool for keeping our church family and friends informed about all of the many things going on at Emmanuel, along with providing the weekly schedules for those who have volunteered to assist during the Holy Eucharist and during our fellowship brunches. Of course I cannot possibly forget to thank the person who started the tradition of The Vine in the first place -- Sue Riley. Sue created the very first edition of the newsletter, and so she's kind of the "mother" of this entire venture.

The Vine newsletter is YOUR newsletter, a publication of the people of Emmanuel Church. I want to encourage everyone to submit poetry, inspirational articles, old photos from the church's past, recipes, and so forth to me. We have such wonderful personalities and diversity at our church, and I believe that it would be great to show everyone who receives a copy what we're about.

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless us, and may you and your families experience His love and transforming power especially during this Easter Season.

In Christ,

Michael Summers, Editor

Wisdom from the Rule of St. Benedict
This, then is the beginning of my advice: make prayer the first step in anything worthwhile that you attempt. Persevere and do not weaken in that prayer. Pray with confidence, because God, in his love and forgiveness, has counted us as his own sons and daughters. Surely we should not by our evil acts heartlessly reject that love. At every moment of our lives, as we use the good things he has given us, we can respond to His love only by seeking to obey His will for us. [Prologue to the Rule of St. Benedict]

The Vine Newsletter (March 2008)

2008-03-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

H o l y W e e k
Palm Sunday, March 16, through the Sunday of the Resurrection, Easter, March 23
Join us and bring friends or family members to commemorate the last week of Jesus’ earthly life.
Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, March 16, 8 and10:00 AM
8, 10 AM Procession of Palms, Passion of Jesus, Holy Eucharist
9, 11:30 AM Make Palm Crosses in Patchett Hall

Maundy Thursday, March 20, 7:00 PM
7 PM Celebration of the Last Supper and institution of the first Holy Eucharist
Agape meal of breads, cheeses, olives, and fruits with the reading
of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples.
Stripping of the altar by the Altar Guild
8:30 PM -12 Watch by the people in the church. (Come and go.)*
Good Friday, March 21
Noon Stations of the Cross: Walk the Passion of Jesus, Patchett Hall
7 PM Good Friday Liturgy
Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter, March 23, 8 and10:00 AM
8, 10 AM Festive Eucharist of Christ’s Resurrection
Resurrect "Alleluia", bring bells to celebrate the joy
11:30 AM Easter Pot Luck luncheon and egg hunt

*As the disciples stayed with Jesus in the garden before his arrest, we spend time in
quiet. The church will be open for you to reflect, pray, read, meditate.
Good Friday Offering is for the Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East [See page 2.]
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered by appointment throughout the year.
*****************
Prayers for Peace marking the 5th Anniversary of the War in Iraq
Palm Sunday, March 16, 5 PM

Pray for peace on Palm Sunday evening as we recall the triumphal entry 2,000 years ago of the Prince of Peace into the holy city of Jerusalem and the beginning of the war in Iraq nearly five years ago. Karen and Ed McDonald will be joining us again for this special time of prayer for peace and for the peoples and families affected by the violence.
You may bring a candle.
Good Friday Offering
For over 150 years, the Anglican Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East has helped maintain the Christian witness in the Holy Land serving all of God's people there in a variety of ministries, proclaiming the gospel and promoting justice, peace, and love, thereby serving us all.
Since 1992, Episcopalians here have supported the ministries of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East through the Good Friday Offering. It is vital that we continue to share in this burden, and not let our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem carry the cross alone. If you will not be present on Good Friday, write Good Friday Offering on the memo line of a check and place it in the alms basin on Palm Sunday.
Thank you to
 Tamela Rankin for leading the adult Lenten formation time at 9.
 Sonny Rhodes for taking on the responsibility of junior warden this year.
 Kim Pifer for being senior warden again this year. God bless and give her strength!
Jottings by Joyce
Spring and Easter fit well together as both are times of new beginnings. Trees and flowers will be bursting out with new growth and vibrant blooms after a time of bare limbs and dormancy underground. Like the barrenness of the winter landscape, we enter into the agony of Jesus’ suffering during Holy Week. Journeying with Jesus through the events of his last week help us to more fully appreciate the glorious joy of Easter, the most remarkable springtime new beginning – Christ’s resurrection. Join us on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Day. Wave palms, institute Eucharist, walk the stations, pray before the cross, and sing “Alleluia, Christ is risen indeed!”
May the glory of the Risen Christ fill you with deep peace and radiant joy, Joyce
    
May you be at peace.
May your heart remain open,
May you awaken to the light of your own true nature,
May you be healed.
May you be a source of healing for all beings.
May there be peace on Earth,
May the hearts of all people be open to themselves and to each other,
May all people awaken to the light of their own true nature,
May all creation be blessed and be a blessing to All That Is. by Joan Borysenko

The Vine Newsletter (February 2008)

2008-02-01T21:11:00.000-05:00

Keeping a Holy Lent
The forty days of Lent are in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. They culminate in Holy Week during which Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph, celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples and friends, was crucified, died and was risen to new life. Join us as we prepare ourselves by the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer and study, fasting and almsgiving.
Soup dinners with a reflection Wednesday nights, Feb. 20, 27, March 5, 12
Song and Prayer in the style of Taizé Wednesdays 7PM, February 20, 27, March 5, 12

Our first dinner with a reflection was Feb. 13. We invite you to share with us in this fellowship meal at 6:15 PM, an opportunity to grow closer to God and to each other. Reflections are from Pilgrim Road: A Benedictine Journey through Lent by Albert Holtz, O.S.B.
Let us know if you will provide food (reimbursement available) or help clean up.

Taizé prayer consists of music, scripture, prayers and silence for mediation.
Taizé songs are simple and repeated again and again so they become prayerful and meditative for worship of God and to quiet our busy selves.
Taizé is an ecumenical French monastic community founded after World War II which draws thousands of pilgrims from around the world, and is the inspiration for these special services.
Lenten study Sunday mornings at 9

Tamela Rankin facilitates a Sunday morning at 9 series, the City of God. Make a Lenten sacrifice to be present at 9! Who knows what you may learn and how your life will be enriched.

Holy Week Worship Schedule
These will be explained in more detail next month.
Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, March 16
8, 10:00 Procession of Palms, Passion of Jesus, Eucharist
9, 11:45 Make Palm Crosses in Patchett Hall
Maundy Thursday, March 20
7:00 PM Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist
Agape meal* and stripping of the altar follows
9 - Midnight Watch by the people in the church. Come and go.
Good Friday, March 21
Noon Stations of the Cross: Walk the Passion of Jesus; Patchett Hall
7:00 PM Good Friday Liturgy
Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter, March 23
8, 10:00 Festival Eucharist of Christ’s Resurrection
Resurrect "Alleluia"; bring bells to celebrate the joy
11:15 Pot Luck luncheon and Easter egg hunt
*Maundy Thursday celebration of the Last Supper will be followed by an Agape meal
of breads, cheeses, olives, and fruits with the reading of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples.
KAMA Unity Meal, Friday, March 7, 6 PM, Keyser High School

On March 7 in honor of World Day of Prayer Keyser Area Ministerial Association is sponsoring an evening of food, fellowship, scripture study and prayer at Keyser High School with dinner beginning at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria. Area churches are providing meats, vegetables, fruits, salads, desserts, drink, and tableware. Everyone is welcome, bring a friend, your Bible, and a favorite food to share if you like.
Emmanuel is providing vegetables. Tell us you will help with them.

Prayers for Peace Sunday, March 16, 5 PM, for the 5th Anniversary of the Iraq war
Pray for peace on Palm Sunday evening as we recall the triumphal entry 2,000 years ago of the Prince of Peace into the holy city of Jerusalem and the entry into Baghdad nearly five years ago. Karen and Ed McDonald will be joining us again for this special time of prayer.

Helping Hands Fundraisers

Local residents in need of temporary assistance with utility bills, rent and medications are supported by Helping Hands. Since there is always more need for assistance than available funds, the group has planned a series of fundraisers for this important ministry.
In March there will be a hoagie sale. Hoagies (ham, turkey or roast beef) are $3.75 each; orders and money should be turned in by Wed., Feb. 26. Order forms are located on the “announcement table” in Patchett Hall, or order from Francine Shannahan. Hoagies will be distributed on Thurs., March 6 by noon. Order pick up begins at 9:30 AM in the Keyser Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
April 10 is the annual banquet. This year it will be at the First United Methodist Church. There is usually entertainment and a choice of entrée. Details will follow next month.
In June the group will sponsor an auction. Donations of any household, personal, or gift items that ticket-holders may choose to own will be displayed at the event. Ticket-holders mark their selections and a drawing determines the winner for each item. So, as you clean closets this spring, keep in mind that we need that old crock, holiday decoration, piece of jewelry, or umbrella stand in order to have a really attractive array of choices for those in attendance.
July 26 is the date for the annual Helping Hands Golf Tournament held at the Polish Pines Golf Course. This fundraiser, sponsored in part by Nationwide Ins. and chaired by Sharon Floyd is a popular event, attended and supported by many area businesses and golfers.
Please mark these dates on your calendar and participate as you can to help those in our community whose need is great.

The Time Capsule will be sealed this week and placed under the altar to be opened in 50 years.

Thank you to
 Sonny and Donna Rhodes and their family for the delicious pancake dinner.
 All of you who took time to talk with Bishop Mike last month.

Regular Coffee Hour returning to breakfast foods; Easter to be Pot Luck luncheon

Coffee hour now has seven groups/individuals preparing food. Several have asked that the fare return to breakfast foods, so that change is being implemented. At the end of the cycle will be a Pot Luck luncheon with a fuller meal, unless a
special event causes a change in the schedule as the Easter Pot Luck luncheon.
Thank you for participating.
(Breakfast food can be pastries, egg casseroles, cold pizza or whatever your palate desires.)

Contact Michael Summers, Evangelism chair, for more information. Brochures are in the vestibule and parish hall to register. The brochure is also at http://www.wvdiocese.org/pages/pdfs/MagneticChurch.pdf
The church will pay for your attendance. Deadline to register is March 15. Hotel reservations are made separately from conference reservations. Rooms are also available at the Mineral Wells Amerihost Inn, 304-489-3111, for $67.19 per night. Attendees are asked to bring newsletters, bulletins, welcome brochure/visitor forms to the conference.

Jottings by Joyce

As I write this looking out the office window, snow is falling and the big, brown mountain is obscured. With a more vigorous and long-lasting snowfall, the large structure would be blanketed in white and blend into the gray sky and view-obstructing snow. How could something so large be hidden?
Now you know this is Lent, so I must relate this to the condition of our souls. Even though we may try to hide or pretend our bad habits, ugly attitudes and resentments don't exist, God knows they are present, as sure as the mountain of hard rock and trees. In Lent we are asked to name our faults, to bring them into full view, and to work on changing the bad into good.
Join us on Wednesdays for soup, a reflection, and Taizé song and prayer and on Sunday mornings at 9 to journey together purifying our souls, growing closer to each other, and honoring God. Lenten blessings be with you, Joyc
A prayer for Lent

Beyond the steady noise,
lead us to a dry, desert place –
a place for listening.
Beyond the jostle of chaos,
lead us to a place of open horizons –
a place for clarity.
Beyond our rigid falsehoods,
lead us to a place of ancient light –
a place for transformation.
Beyond the unyielding demands,
lead us to a place of dancing winds –
a place for freedom.
Beyond the endless distractions,
Lead us to a place of fiery mystery –
A place for encountering you alone.

by Keri Wehlander

Would you like to visit Ireland this summer?
The Companion Diocese Committee is hoping to plan a trip to Tuam this summer.
We would leave on Saturday, July 5th, and arrive in Shannon, Ireland, on July 6th.
Our group would spend 5-8 days exploring the Diocese of Tuam, located in the beautiful West of Ireland.
Hospitality is offered by the Diocese of Tuam.
We would like to have a group of 20-25 people for the trip. If enough interest is shown, we will proceed with plans and publish details as soon as they are confirmed. Please get your passport NOW!
If you want to join us on this trip to our Companion Diocese, please contact the Rev. Lisa Davis-Heller, chair of the Companion Diocese Committee, at ladh@frontiernet.net.

The Vine Newsletter (January 2008)

2008-01-01T21:13:00.000-05:00

Annual meeting to be Sunday, January 20 at 9 AM
The annual meeting is to hear about the year past and the year to come, and to elect new vestry members and a diocesan convention delegate. Many thanks to committee heads who have turned in 2007 reports.

A short Epiphany season = an early Lent, and how we find the date of Easter
Ash Wednesday is February 6, and Easter is March 23 this year.

The season of Epiphany began on January 6, the 12th day of Christmas when we celebrated the Magi following the star and giving gifts to the child Jesus, and continues through February 5 as we read about and seek manifestations or revelations of God through the person of Jesus. The disciples heeded Jesus’ invitation to follow into the unknown. Jesus calls us also, and we can open ourselves to possibilities that may lie ahead.
Mardi Gras – Feast before Fast. Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday,” and the season begins on January 6, the Epiphany, and continues until Carnival, Shrove or Fat Tuesday, traditionally the last day for Christians to indulge before Ash Wednesday begins the weeks of Lenten fasting. "Shrove" is from the word "shrive" or confess. “Carnival” is from “taking away of flesh.” Lenten fasting involved both a decrease in the amount eaten and no meat, no dairy products, and no eggs in a symbolic renunciation of the world and giving up pleasures while turning to God. Thus pancakes were made on Shrove Tuesday to use all the butter, milk and eggs. Join us for pancakes on February 5 from 4:30 - 7:30 PM in Patchett Hall sponsored by the Men’s Fellowship.
The Ash Wednesday liturgy invites us “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination
and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word” (BCP, 265). Take some extra time to be with God during the forty days of Lent and consider the magnitude of God’s love for us manifest in the life of Jesus. The Ash Wednesday liturgy will be celebrated at 10:30 AM and 7 PM on February 6.
During Lent our worship will take on a simpler and more penitential nature with the use of the Penitential order (The Great Litany on Lent 1), Eucharistic Prayer A, no hymn of praise, no alleluias, a pottery chalice and paten, no flowers, and a prayer over the people in place of a seasonal blessing.
See article on page 2 for Lenten activities to enhance our relationship with God and each other.
Rules for Finding the Date of Easter Day: (BCP, page 880) Easter Day is always the Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox on March 21, a date which is fixed in accordance with an ancient ecclesiastical computation, and which does not always correspond to the astronomical equinox. This full moon may happen on any date between March 21 and April 18 inclusive. If the full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter Day is the Sunday following. But Easter Day cannot be earlier than March 22 or later than April 25.

The Elevator is coming!

Good News! The Emmanuel Elevator is on its way! Progressive Elevators hope the elevator will arrive at Emmanuel around January 9th. Installation should take place around the 14th of January. This will truly help Linda, our cleaning lady and all of our parishioners that can no longer manage the stairs. We give thanks to God for this blessing.
Lenten preparation
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner will be on February 5th

The Men’s Fellowship at Emmanuel will sponsor the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner. Preparing this pre-Lenten feast are Sonny & Donna Rhodes and Donna’s sister, Dottie. Come celebrate with us and enjoy the fellowship between 4:30 - 7:30 pm in Patchett Hall with delicious pancakes, sausage and sausage gravy following with a dessert. (Free will Offering)

We need your support for soup dinners on the 5 Wednesday nights after Ash Wed.

We'd like to have soup, a reflection, and Taizé song and prayer on five Wednesdays of Lent, but not if one person has to prepare food each week and clean up, even though it's only to be a simple meal. The church will contribute some money for food purchase. Let us know that you are interested in participating, in food preparation or clean up for this fellowship meal, an opportunity to grow closer to God and to each other. Dinner would be at 6:15 PM with Taizé at 7 on Wednesdays, February 13, 20, 27, and March 5, 12.

Lenten study to be offered on Sunday mornings at 9

Tamela Rankin will facilitate a Sunday morning at 9 series, the topic undecided at this time. [Gads, Lent is almost here already, and the Christmas tree needles are still green!] If there is a subject that you particularly would like explored, please let her or the office know. Her Lenten sacrifice will be to get here at 9! Join her in making the effort to be present. Who knows what you may learn and how your life will be enriched.

Daily Lenten devotional booklet, "Seeking to Serve” to be available
The Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) 2008 daily Lenten devotional booklet, "Seeking to Serve: A Lenten Exploration of the Millennium Development Goals" invites us to reflect on the role of God's grace in our lives and how we may act as instruments of God's healing in a hurting world.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori declared February 10 as ERD Sunday for almsgiving.
Diocesan Silent Retreat, February 21-24, Huttonsville
The eighth annual Diocesan Silent Retreat will be held at Bishop Hodges’ Pastoral Center in Huttonsville with “Benedictine Hospitality and Everyday Living" the theme. The retreat sponsored by the Diocesan Commission on Spirituality will be Thursday evening, February 21, through Sunday noon, February 24th with the Rev. Michael McKay, OSB, of Wheeling, the retreat leader. Brochures with a registration form are available at the church or http://www.wvdiocese.org/pages/pdfs/SilentRetreat2008.pdf. Registration deadline is February 10. Cost is $185 per person.
Time Capsule being prepared

Brian Smith has donated a time capsule for Emmanuel Church. Sonny Rhodes and Bev Davis are gathering the past of our church and are asking the congregation for pictures, church memories, or special events that have taken place. An example of a touching treasure to be found in our time capsule will be Sandy Wolfe’s confirmation bracelet given to her by Emmanuel. Another idea would be written information on those on our mural. This would be a wonderful tribute for future generations and make our mural come alive. The capsule will be sealed with instructions to be opened in 50 years. This way, the congregation can better understand the past of our church and also have the opportunity to include their stories. Please turn in information to Sonny or Bev. Many thanks to the both of them.

New trial 10:00 scheduling:
One person will read the 1st and 2nd lessons.
One person will lead the psalm and Prayers of the People.
Many thanks to
 the Men's Fellowship for the pine wreaths for the outside doors in memory of:
Don Bantz, Dave Brown, the Rev. William Davis, Bernard Dawson, John D'Elisa, Zeb Hepburn, Wayne Stewart, and Howard Tettenburn
 Arlene Keplinger for pine wreaths in the memory of her husband Russell and the Fazenbaker family
 Marcy and the late John D'Elisa for the youth Christmas tree purchased a year ago
We at Emmanuel give many thanks for the memories of fellow friends.
 Kim Pifer, Sonny Rhodes, and Rev. Joyce for decorating the church and parish hall for Christmas
 the many youth and adults who participated in the Christmas pageant on December 30
 Bill Pryor and family for donations of cabinets and counter tops for the lower level parish hall
 Sheila Dyche, last mentioned, but certainly not least, for the never-ending work as treasurer

We rejoice as we anticipate the baptism of Jasmine Marie Carlyle on January 13, the feast of the baptism of Jesus. Jasmine is the daughter of Michael and Christine and sister of Catherine.

Jottings by Joyce

As we begin our second year together, I express my gratitude to you for your ministry over the past year and the dedication and compassion shown by many of you. Much time and energy is needed to “be a church,” to offer ways to connect and grow in our faith. The last year also saw loss of participation through death, declining personal health or that of family members. Not all is negative as we did welcome new members and returning members, and we are grateful for their presence enriching our lives together.
Over the year I commented several times about the mountain across the street from my house as the foliage changed from the drab-looking brown
of last winter to the bright greens of spring and deep green of summer to the brilliant colors of autumn. This year as I look upon the seemingly barren mountain, I know its vibrancy is latent, as I trust new energy and life to be just beyond the horizon of our sight.
In this new year and Epiphany season we can ask ourselves where is God at work in our midst, and we can reflect on our lives and how we might better reflect the light, life and values of Jesus in our daily world.
Blessings of the New Year and of the Epiphany season, Joyce

Dates to Remember
Sunday, January 20 Annual meeting, 9 AM, to hear about the year past and the year to come, and to elect new vestry members and a diocesan convention delegate.
Saturday, January 26 Vestry retreat, 9-3, led by the Rev. Donald Vinson, Canon for Congregational Development, at Trinity Lutheran Church on Davis St.
Sunday, February 10 Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) Sunday, almsgiving for ERD
April 4, Friday evening – Magnetic Church Conference: practical evangelism to attract,
Saturday, April 5 welcome and retain new members. More information soon or see www.magnetic-church.com.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is between the Confession of Peter to the Conversion of Paul, January 18-25. The Week of Prayer began a century ago with an inspiration by two Anglican-Episcopal clergymen, and is observed by Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant churches throughout the world.
World Mission Sunday, the last Sunday after the Epiphany in which the Gospel is the story of the Transfiguration, is February 3.

Presiding Bishop declares February 10 Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) Sunday

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said that ERD gives Episcopalians "the special opportunity to partner with the worldwide Church and people around the world who are addressing challenging issues in their communities." "This work is worthy of the support of all Episcopalians, and the beginning of Lent is an ideal time for us to renew our collective commitment to it." "Almsgiving is one of the traditional disciplines of the season and one of the ways in which we participate with Christ in walking to the foot of the Cross and into the light of Resurrection."
Jefferts Schori asked Episcopal congregations and members to dedicate a special Lenten offering and prayer February 10 for the work of ERD, noting that all money received will be designated for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Inspiration Fund. The fund focuses on fighting deadly diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS and providing basic health care, specifically achieving MDGs # 4, 5, and 6.
She added, “I urge you also to deepen your advocacy efforts for robust financial commitments from the U.S. government toward achievement of the MDGs. Faith-based institutions like Episcopal Relief and Development are proving that poverty can be eradicated if the proper resources and strategies are brought to bear. However, private action alone will not be enough -- collective action as a nation is necessary, and our voices are what will inspire our government to act. To get involved, visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ONE.
"It is a tangible way to live out Jesus' desire that we serve 'the least of these'," Robert Radtke, president of ERD added.
    

The Millennium Development Goals are
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV and AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability, and
8. Create a global partnership for development with a focus on debt, aid, and trade.

LEAD US INTO YOUR PEACE
Lord we pray that you will lead us into your Love. You sent Jesus as a token of that love.
Lord we pray that you will lead us into your Justice. You sent the Prophets and gave us The Law to show us your justice.
Lord we pray that you will lead us into your Reconciliation. You showed us how to forgive and reconcile.
Lord we pray that you will lead us into your Peace, your Love and Justice and your way of Reconciliation. Amen
(by Bishop William Davidson, past chair of Episcopal Peace Fellowship)

If you have not returned you Time/Talent and pledge forms, please do so soon.
Thank you to all who have returned them.

Sunday, January 27, West Virginia state day at Washington National Cathedral

More than 300 visitors from the Mountain State including invited clergy, elected leaders and parishioners are expected at Washington National Cathedral, which honors each state with a major observance once every four years. The state flag will be placed on the chancel steps in the Cathedral for the following week to further mark West Virginia State Day. The Right Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, will preside at the service. Rick Warren, senior pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest CA, which grew over 25 years to become the largest Christian church in the state, will preach at the service and also will be spotlighted in the Cathedral’s Sunday Forum program leading up to the worship. He also has written books including the best-selling ‘Purpose Driven Life.’
After worship, Cathedral guides will lead a special tour of the cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world, highlighting its ties to West Virginia. The state flag hangs in the cavernous nave, and the West Virginia state seal has a prominent location in the Narthex floor on the West End of the Cathedral and is represented on a needlepoint wall hanging in the War Memorial Chapel. Additionally, the Blenko Glass Company of Milton made the hand-blown glass in the Cathedral’s South Rose Window.

Cathedral Prayer for West Virginia
Shine, O Lord, upon the homely mosaic of West Virginia’s land: Upon her steep-hewn hills and angled draws, her maple-strewn valleys and ridges clad in mountain rhododendron.
Shine, Lord, upon her citizens, armed only with freedom, scrappers all for such measure of dignity as fearlessness and faith may win.
Shine, O God, into those deep recesses where Thou hast hidden abundant riches, that those who dig in the earth, and those who watch for their return, may know the radiance of Thy light and the safety of Thy love.
Bright be the cleansing fire of Thy truth in the hearts of the people, and in the public weal of their common life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre, Dean Emeritus, Washington National Cathedral

Petition For An Annual Commemorative National Miner’s Day For The USA
Sign the petition at http://www.rallycongress.com/minersdaymemorialassociationofwestvirginia/951/

A petition to the Honorable Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia and the Senate of the United States of America.
Around the clock, second by second, miners risk life and limb during their labors.
The foundations and trappings of civilization are constructed from, and sustained with, the materials procured with their sweat and blood.
Without these selfless and dedicated miners human society could never have progressed, nor continue to function.
And the miners of the United States have labored long and hard over the 231 years of our great country's existence.
They have achieved, provided, and sacrificed much in those two centuries.
On December 6, 2007, for the second time since its creation by the West Virginia State Legislature in 2006, Miner's Day was observed in West Virginia.
December 6, was chosen because of the great mining tragedy at Monongah, West Virginia, in 1907.
2007 is the centennial year of that dire event.
The tragic loss of hundreds of men and boys changed the course of mining in the United States forever.
From the Miners’ Day Memorial Association.

The Vine Newsletter (December 2007)

2007-12-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

We are in the middle of the season of Advent anticipating and preparing for the bold proclamation “A Savior has been born.”
A story – A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two children.
She felt what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of year: overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping g list, make sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of responding to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two children in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."
From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. (Story is from an unknown source.)
As we hustle around readying our homes for company or thinking about what to pack in our suitcases and buying gifts to please, what are we
doing to ready ourselves to receive the perfect Gift, to please the Spirit of love asking for a
warm and welcoming reception? Spend some time preparing your heart and your spirit to welcome anew the real Spirit of Christmas, the Spirit of love, the Spirit of Jesus.
Keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. Think of how different this whole world would be if we all did that.

On Christmas Eve beginning at 11 PM we will receive and celebrate the extraordinary Gift from God, Jesus incarnate in our lives. What gift can we give the Christ Child? The gift of ourselves offered humbly and lovingly is pleasing to God. As we enter these final weeks of Advent, we anticipate this amazing exchange of gifts and prepare our hearts, minds and spirit to welcome again the presence of Christ within.

I give you, the people of Emmanuel, a large “Thank you” for your time and energy given to God and to the church this past year and for your fellowship and kindnesses to me. In thanksgiving I am giving donations in your honor to our local Helping Hands and Faith in Action food pantry and to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) for their work throughout the world for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals to eliminate extreme poverty and preventable diseases that kill.
I will be in Texas Dec. 25 – Jan. 2 and have arranged clergy coverage for emergencies. Please contact Kim Pifer if there is a need.
May you have a blessed Christmas and abide in the peace, love and joy of Christ,
Joyce

If you would like to designate Christmas poinsettias in memory of, in thanksgiving for, or
in honor of someone,
please turn those in [printed] by Sunday, December 16.

Sunday, December 23 –Pot luck lunch and “greening” of the church
Advent Wednesday noon lunches continue at Emmanuel – December 12 and 19
KAMA sponsors the lunches with a message from Rejoicing in Hope by James A. Harnish continuing on December 12 and 19 at Emmanuel. Food and program are provided by other KAMA churches
Take a few moments for refreshment of both body and spirit during this busy, even hectic season.
Pass the word, especially to those who may be losing hope in this season.

Advent prayer study continues with Keyser Presbyterian Church
Advent is an opportunity to reconnect with what is holy, and since the pre-Christmas days tend
to be hectic, a time of quietness is especially appropriate during this season.
The four-part Advent study on the discipline of prayer sponsored by Keyser Presbyterian and Emmanuel continues:
 Tuesday, December 11th at 6 PM at Emmanuel: learn about prayer beads through the centuries,
create prayer beads and participate in a Taizé music and prayer service.
 Thursday, December 13th at 6 PM at Keyser Presbyterian: ways to approach prayer using
contemporary methods as well as the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to boldly pray.
Previous sessions included an introduction to the labyrinth and a labyrinth walk, breath prayers,
centering prayers, and the ancient practice of Lectio Divina.

Alternative gifts – Birthday Gifts for Jesus
On birthdays we honor the one whose birth we are celebrating. To give to Jesus, we find him in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the imprisoned (Matthew 25: 31-46). We can help in our own community or aid people far away. You may give a donation in honor of family members and friends as a Christmas gift and for any gift-giving occasion.
Local and international organizations: Helping Hands, Faith in Action food pantry, the crisis shelter, Episcopal Relief and Development, Heifer International, and others will be represented to accept your gift for people in need on Sunday, December 9, and you may donate afterward also.

Dates to Remember
Sunday, December 16 Names for poinsettias due; vestry meeting at noon
Sunday, December 23 Greening of the church after pot luck lunch
Monday, December 24 Candlelight festive Nativity of our Lord Holy Eucharist, 11 PM
Sunday, December 30 Morning Prayer, 8 AM; Lessons, carols and pageant, 10 AM
Sunday, January 6 Epiphany; committee reports due for annual meeting
Sunday, January 20 Annual meeting, 9 AM
Saturday, January 26 Vestry retreat
Wednesday, February 6 Ash Wednesday

Christmas pageant of a different sort on Sunday, December 30 at 10 AM
There were these four angels … young people, although they had been around in Old Testament times … and the thing they most wanted to do was to sing in the heavenly choir. But they had bumbled around with all their angel-school homework and seemed to be stuck on this side of the clouds. And then came their really big assignment, location Bethlehem! Their story is the subject of a short skit which will be paired with scripture and congregational singing of beloved Christmas carols on Sunday Dec 30 at the ten o’clock service. Sharon Floyd cast the skit from Emmanuel Episcopal Characters Inc.
Come early for a good seat!

From your Senior Warden
Merry Christmas Friends! This year has been a challenging and enlightening time, yet much remains to be done. Our vestry will be losing two members, Phyllis Bruce and Andrew Rankin. Andrew has the opportunity to serve a regular three year term since he has only served a one year replacement. We appreciate the hard work this young man has done for Emmanuel and know he is only beginning his service to the Lord.
May we continue to pray for those suffering illnesses, loss of loved ones and times of loneliness and confinement. This year we ask each of you to help our church grow with love and support for each other and for those who lead us in our search for a closer relationship with Christ. I give many thanks to you for helping me with my duties as senior warden. I wish each of you a joyous Christmas and a healthy, loving New Year.
I received these holiday thoughts below in a Christmas card from loved ones. To me, they are a new look at an old theme, that of gratitude for the many mundane things that constitute our everyday lives.
God’s Love to you.
Kim Pifer

On Being Thankful
I love the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
I love the taxes I pay because it means that I’m employed.
I love the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
I love a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need
fixing because it means I have a home.
I love all the complaining I hear about our government because
it means we have freedom of speech.
I love a spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.
I love my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.
I love the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby,
and we have clothing to wear.
I love weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means that I have been productive.
And I love all the many cards I have to write over the holidays, because it means
I have friends and family that I care about deeply!

Triangulate or talk with the one involved?
In Family Systems Theory, triangulation is when one person has a problem with another, or two people have a problem with each other, and one or both "triangle in" a third member. This is not helpful; neither is it biblical. Matthew tells us that one talks with the other directly. For healthy communication, if you have a concern, complaint, recommendation, question, or compliment, please take those directly to the person involved, especially if it is the rector.

The Rector Search Committee Update

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
To the People of Emmanuel Church:

You have most likely been reading the monthly updates in The Vine Newsletter from the Rector Search Committee of Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Keyser regarding the process of searching for and calling the fourth permanent rector of our parish. Since many of you are anxiously awaiting the conclusion of this process, we felt that we should present our sisters and brothers in Christ with a more formal report.
The process has been a long and sometimes difficult venture for all involved, but it was entirely necessary since we wish to find the priest best qualified for our needs as a community of faith. We have read and analyzed numerous profiles and resumes of priests who are available, and all of us have been working together in a prayerful manner to find ordained men and women who exhibit the personal and pastoral characteristics crucial to sustain Emmanuel Church now and for growth in the future. Tough questions have been asked and even tougher decisions have been made.
We are pleased to announce to you that there are three highly qualified priests who have engaged in mutual discernment with Emmanuel Church, and we have been quite impressed with the evidence of their education, personalities, pastoral skills, compassion, outreach ministries, work with children and youth, and an abiding love for Jesus Christ and His Church. The telephone interviews that the members of the Rector Search Committee have conducted with both the priest-candidates and their ministerial references were very moving, spiritually uplifting experiences for all involved; we are confident that any of these individuals would be an asset to our congregation. Therefore, the Rector Search Committee has voted to end the consideration of any new candidates by December 15, 2007 so that we can focus upon the next steps in the endeavor.
During the months of December 2007 and January 2008 the Committee will observe the priest-candidate celebrating a Sunday Holy Eucharist in his/her own parish, complete with a sermon. Once these observations have been completed, the next step will be to prepare a final list of candidates from which the Vestry of Emmanuel Church will conduct the actual personal interviews here in Keyser. Then the priest-candidate who is deemed to be best suited for our parish will be called and installed as rector. It is our intention to conclude the liturgical/homiletic observations no later than mid-January, and we have committed ourselves to completing this very important venture by no later than Easter of 2008.
We want to thank you for your continued prayers and your patience in our work for Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Please be assured of our diligence in finding the next permanent rector for our church, and that we can now see the “finish line” in the days ahead. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless and strengthen Emmanuel Church as we strive to do His work in the lives of others.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
THE RECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE:
Ken Dyche (Chairman)
Sue Riley (Recording Secretary)
Michael Summers (Corresponding Secretary)
Beverly Davis, Spring Fertig, Andrew Rankin,
Francine Shanahan, Ralph Smith
        
If you have not returned you Time/Talent and pledge forms, please do so soon.
Thank you to all who have returned them.

Thanks – to Emmanuel from KAMA for sharing your Patchett parish hall with the Keyser community during
the KAMA Advent lunches [see top of this page]. (I’ve received many compliments on the hall from
people experiencing it for the first time. - Joyce)
- to Francine Shanahan, Marcy D’Elisa, Kim Pifer, and Ginny Poland for set-up assistance at the
KAMA lunches.
- to Kim Pifer, Karen Naylor and Francine Shanahan for leading Sunday adult formation
- to Sue Riley, David and Tamela Rankin, and Michael Miller for ministry with the youth
- to Sharon Floyd and Kim Miller for children’s formation and church school.
- to Karen Naylor for assistance at the labyrinth walk
- to the Ken Dyche, chair, and the rector search committee (page 4) for their time and discernment
- to Beverly Davis for the ECW presentations and Sonny Rhodes for the Men's Breakfasts
- to Michael Summers for the extensive website, leading the Guild of Sts. Peter and Paul, and newspaper
contributions
- to David Rankin and the choir for the fine music enriching our worship
- to the altar guild, coffee hour hosts, counters, and the many faithful Emmanuel parishioners who give of
themselves in innumerable ways and hours
- a special Thanks to Kim Pifer, senior warden who gives countless hours and energy to parishioners
and to the church buildings and grounds
- to June Cooper, parish secretary, for her work in the office

Christmas is for Healing
by Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr

Loving you, of course
I am not at all interested in how much money
you are spending on Christmas gifts this year
but rather, in how much blood, sweat, and tears
you are shedding
to make Christ a vital part of your life
for you and I will never be able to erase
the fact that he came:
to touch lives – to break bread
to heal hurt – to forgive sins
to wash feet – to calm seas
to walk on water – to give us the Spirit
and to care immensely

Yes, to care enough
to be born in our Bethlehem
to live in our land, and weep over our cities
and die and rise again.

So now it’s Christmas
and I am not sure what part of you is crippled
or where you need to feel God’s saving power
but with everything in me
I believe that Christmas is for healing
And he came to heal.

So if you can trust Jesus enough to
walk out on the waters of getting involved,
of washing feet and anointing people,
of breaking bread and working miracles,
I am almost sure his saving presence
will touch those blind and crippled parts of your life
and Christmas will come to you.

More than anything else
I want to give you Christmas this year
It’s a gift, an offer
You can take it if you like
but I can’t really give it to you
like a wrapped up package.
It is deeper than that,
It is warmer, brighter, holier,
It is more personal.
Christmas is more challenging
than a wrapped up package.

It is an offer
It is a mystery
It is birth
It is hope.
It is Christmas and
God can never be born enough…

    
Sunday, January 6, committee reports are due for the annual meeting on January 20.

“O Antiphons" featured in 10 AM Advent Prayers of the People
and “O come, O come, Emmanuel”
An antiphon is a response, often chanted to a psalm or some other part of a religious service.
The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons for the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23, with Dec. 24 being the Christmas Vigil. In the Church of England they have traditionally been used as antiphons to the Magnificat (the Song of Mary, Luke 1:46-55) at Evening Prayer during this period. Today the O Antiphons are most familiar to us in the hymn "O come, O come Emmanuel" with each verse of the hymn paralleling one of the antiphons.
The origin of the “O Antiphons” is not known, but they were mentioned around 500. Each one highlights a title for the Messiah from scripture (mainly from Isaiah) with praise, a petition and a call for him to come. They are in Latin: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord, Ruler of the House of Israel), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Morning Star or Rising Dawn), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel (O Emmanuel, God-with-us).
The Benedictine monks arranged the antiphons so that the first letter of each taken backward form a Latin acrostic, ero cras, meaning, “Tomorrow I will come,” giving a joyful conclusion to our Advent preparation on Christmas Eve.

Sharing the bounty – Bring your clean jars and plastic containers: pint, quart, half-gallon to the kitchen so we can share leftovers.

The Vine Newsletter (November 2007)

2007-11-01T20:56:00.000-04:00

as Advent approaches

Advent, the beginning of the church year and the four week time of spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus, begins December 2. We will offer several opportunities to prepare our hearts for new life in Christ within, time for calm and thoughtfulness before and during the hustle and bustle of preparation for Christmas.

“Advent” Wednesday noon lunches at Emmanuel, November 28 – December 19

Keyser Area Ministerial Association (KAMA) is sponsoring four “Advent” lunches with the theme “Rejoicing in hope” on Wednesdays November 28, December 5, 12, and 19 at Emmanuel. Food and program will be provided by other KAMA churches. We welcome participation and your help in preparing sufficient coffee and tea for the attendees, set-up and basic cleaning afterward. Please let us know when and how you will assist.

Labyrinth and Advent prayer study with Keyser Presbyterian Church
Because Advent is an opportunity to reconnect with what is deep and holy and because the pre-Christmas season is so hectic, a time of quietness is especially appropriate during this season.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church in cooperation with Keyser Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce a four-part Advent study on the discipline of prayer.
 Thursday, November 29th at 6 PM at Emmanuel: an introduction to the Labyrinth, Breath Prayers, and Centering Prayers.
 Saturday, Dec. 1st, 10 AM to 3 PM and Sunday, Dec 2nd, Noon to 5 PM, at Keyser Presbyterian: a Labyrinth will be available for your pilgrimage
 Thursday, December 6th at 6 PM at Keyser Presbyterian: investigate the ancient practice of Lectio Divina.
 Tuesday, December 11th at 6 PM at Emmanuel: learn about prayer beads through the centuries, create prayer beads and participate in a Taizé music and prayer service.
 Thursday, December 13th at 6 PM at Keyser Presbyterian: conclude with ways to approach prayer using contemporary methods as well as the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to boldly pray.
Emmanuel is borrowing an 11-circuit labyrinth from St. John’s, Frostburg. Since it is too large for our facilities, it will be placed in the parish hall at Keyser Presbyterian across the street.

Advent Event – Sunday, Dec. 2: Wreath-making, alternative gift market, make cards
On the 1st Sunday of Advent, we will light the Advent wreath during worship. During the 9-10 Christian formation time and during and after coffee hour, you may make an Advent wreath.
Alternative gift market –December 2 – Birthday Gifts for Jesus
How will we celebrate Jesus' birth this year? To give to Jesus, we find him in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the imprisoned. You will have the opportunity to give a donation in honor of family members and friends as a Christmas gift instead of [or in addition to] another sweater, DVD, or dust-collector for a shelf. See page 2 for continuation.
Give “alternative” gifts year round; alternative gift market on Sunday, Dec. 2

Most of us have far more sweaters, ties, videos, CDs, and “dust catchers” on shelves, than we need. Instead of accumulating more, give alternative gifts for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, any gift giving occasion or just to give thanks from our abundance. If you must, give a small ‘real’ gift and also a contribution to help better the world. This is the time of year to stack up contributions for income tax deductions. Whatever motivation causes you to act! We can give a donation in honor of Uncle Ned or sister Joan. Some families discuss and decide on a recipient each year. If they like the outdoors, give to protect the mountains, to plant trees or to help the homeless. Is your family sports minded? Give to an organization for boys and girls locally or for AIDS orphans in Africa or for clean water to drink. Suggestions are virtually endless. Give to Habitat for Humanity for decent housing around the world. Give to Heifer International so people can have animals for food and a livelihood. As they become self-sufficient, they pass on the gift, an animal offspring, to another person, and the joyful story begins again. Give to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) to help people in need from natural disasters, war, poverty, diseases as AIDS, for education, and more.
Local and international organizations: Helping Hands, Faith in Action food pantry, Energy Express, Episcopal Relief and Development, Heifer International, and others will be represented to accept your gift for people in need.

Our prayers go out to the families of Ralph Smith on the death of his wife for 57 years, Leona, and
Patty Redman and Thelma Stewart in the death of Susan Mitchell, respectfully mother and sister.

Thank you, Emmanuel, for $205 in support of the Rev. Joyce walking for Helping Hands. Total for Helping Hands Walk was around $2500.

Faith in Action food pantry needs for foods for Thanksgiving baskets and for every day. Thanksgiving foods include dressing mix, desserts as cake mix and icing, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables.

Angel Tree is gathering names. We hope to provide for some families this year. Details to follow.

Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) to begin the First Sunday of Advent
as mandated by General Convention 2006 and our bishop.
A Lectionary is a table of readings from Scripture appointed to be read at public worship. The association of particular texts with specific days began in the 4th century. The Revised Common Lectionary provides these new features: the option of semi-continuous reading of the great Old Testament narratives on the Sundays after Pentecost and the inclusion of women and their role in salvation history. The Revised Common Lectionary preserves around 90% of the Gospel readings in the Lectionary of The Book of Common Prayer 1979.
Why is the Revised Common Lectionary of value to the Episcopal Church?
• It is an ecumenical lectionary shared by most Protestant denominations and widely used throughout the Anglican Communion.
• It provides new opportunities for ecumenical Bible study and shared resources for teaching and preaching.
• It has improved the choice of appropriate texts for Sundays and Festivals.
• It incorporates most of the readings with which the church is familiar.
• Most new resources for preaching, teaching and the planning of worship are already being developed to support the Revised Common Lectionary.
[From the Episcopal Church Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music.] The lectionary is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/RCL_pages_for_BCP-cropped.pdf and other sites.]
A brochure about the RCL will be available at the church and will be sent to our yahoogroups site.
Christmas Eve time[s] of service
We’ve had requests to consider the Christmas Eve worship time. Some of the young and the older and the in between say 11 PM is too difficult. So we are polling our readership.
Do you want one worship service or two: early only, late only, or one of each, realizing attendance would be split between two, if offered.
Return this form to 301 S. Mineral Street, Keyser 26726, or call the office [304-788-4475], or email us [withus@verizon.net] with your vote by Wednesday, November 21.

One service (select 1 time) Two services (select 2 times)
___ 5 PM ___ 5 PM
___ 6 PM ___ 6 PM
___ 7 PM ___ 7 PM
___ 8 PM ___ 8 PM
___ 9 PM ___ 9 PM
___ 10 PM ___ 10 PM
___ 11 PM ___ 11 PM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Saints’ Sunday, November 4

In commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) on November 1 and 2, we welcomed James Scotty Hicks as a new saint of God through baptism and Sandy and Dennie Wolfe as new members by transfer. We also welcomed several long time attendees who were not entered in the parish register previously. A table of remembrance for living saints and saints who have died held pictures of our beloved, including a sonogram of a future grandson. During the Prayers of the People we remembered family members and friends who have died.

**********************************

As we remember the saints who have died, we also are reminded of our own deaths some day in the future. A funeral arrangements guidelines and workbook is available for preplanning.
The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses. Book of Common Prayer, page 445.

The Blessing of the Animals was held on the back parking lot with lots of life in attendance: 46 people, 26 cats, 14 live dogs + 1 large stuffed dog, 2 goats, and numerous pet pictures. The Humane Society and the group wanting a cat shelter were present. Pet lovers brought cat and dog food and donations for the Humane Society and for Mineral County Animal Control for bedding.    

Register for West Virginia Major State Day at Washington National Cathedral: January 27, 2008.
Go to the National Cathedral Website , and under programs, find Major state day info and registration. www.nationalcathedral.org OR http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/programs/stateday.shtml.
Our WV chair for this event is Hollie Mitchell, WMitch8315@aol.com, 304-776-8315.
World AIDS Day is December 1. 39.5 million people are living with HIV, including 2.3 million children.
Episcopal Youth Fellowship on the move

Episcopal Youth Fellowship continues to happen’! Our youth gather in the loft at 9:00 AM on Sunday mornings for Christian Formation and again every other week after school for “Manic Mondays!” Recently, the group has also enjoyed two trips out of town and has planned a third.
Six of our acolytes and four sponsors traveled to Washington National Cathedral last month for our church’s first-ever participation in the National Acolyte Festival: Codi and Shawnee Gourlay, Andrew and Ian Rankin, Alyssa Williams, Chalet Roy (acolyte-in-training), Kim Pifer, David Rankin, Sue Riley, and Joyce Wilkinson. Upon an early arrival, one of our youth, when looking up at the spires still shrouded in morning mist, said it must look like the school Harry Potter attended! Over a thousand robed young acolytes processed down the center aisle of the great cathedral while carrying church banners, candles & high-flying streamers from home; the colorful procession took an hour! The stained-glass window with the moon rock was not far from our seats and also drew our attention. As the morning worship drew to a close, we claimed our spot on the cathedral grounds to fuel up (tasty bag lunch) for afternoon workshops. Our kids elected to see how the celebratory processional streamers operated; they come with really long poles! And then off to a slide show and remarks about the famous gargoyles of the cathedral. Darth Vader? Who knew he’d be there?
Most of our teens had only read about the Lincoln Memorial, Viet Nam Wall, Washington Monument, the White House, and the Capitol. They never imagined they’d actually get to see them! But see them we did; just ask our feet! The weather was gorgeous and prayers from at least one of our parishioners back home helped us find not one, but two parking spaces downtown! “I didn’t really want to go, my mom made me go, but I never thought I would have this much fun”. That sums it up. We “did good” for our youth on that one!
So who wants to sign up to be scared half to death? Some of us did; some said “no” at the outset. The brave ones left for Cumberland’s CiCi’s Pizza and then off to Cumberland’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church for their youth-sponsored fund raiser in which the tunnels beneath the church were transformed into a haunted house for Halloween. “Three dollars a victim.” Some of our kids turned back at the chain saw!! (Seems like a good idea.) Participating were Alyssa, Ian and Andrew, Chalet, Codi and Shawnee, David Rankin, Michael and Carla Miller, and David Gourlay.
Coming up, some of us will stay overnight at the Cumberland YMCA. This event is sponsored by the Potomac Highlands Mission Community. Activities scheduled include swimming, basketball, playing on the indoor soccer field, devotions, climbing wall (that must be for the adults!) and pizza. Hanging out overnight with 75 youth! Imagine!
Thanks to volunteers who have helped our youth staff or plan to help our EYF. Sandy and Sheila will help Tamela with our “MMon!” meals. Carla was thrilled to accompany the brave souls in the tunnels. Thanks to all of you for keeping us in your prayers. – by Sue Riley

Jottings by Joyce

Originally, in the Eastern Church, Advent focused on the Annunciation when the angels told Mary that she would bear a child; but in the West it came to concern the first coming at the nativity, the future coming at the end of time, and the present coming, through grace, to our hearts. Thus the themes of the coming judgment and of joyful expectation.
From Growing together: spiritual exercises for church committees by Rochelle Melander and Harold Eppley: Emmanuel, God with us, we rejoice in the opportunity to grow closer to you and to one another. Dwell with us as we meet, unite us as we work, and awaken us to your presence. Amen.
Questions from the book I invite us to consider: * What does it mean to grow spiritually?
* In what ways have you been spiritually nurtured by the Christian community?
* What can we do, both inside and outside the church, to help each other grow spiritually?
One Advent hymn begins “Sleepers, wake!” May we awaken to new opportunities to live as followers of Jesus.
Joyce

The Rector Search Committee Update

October has been a very busy month for the Rector Search Committee of Emmanuel Church. Thus far we’ve sent out 29 introductory packages to prospective candidates from the Church Deployment Office database, and as of this writing we now have three priests who have submitted their resumes and other documentation for our consideration. Believe me; it’s totally exciting to see the many months of our labors showing fruit! We will continue to send out information packages to CDO matches and other priests who express an interest in possibly submitting their resumes so they can be in the running as well.
Archdeacon Faith Perrizo came in October to instruct the Committee members how to conduct telephone interviews with the priest-candidates and the reference contacts they’ve submitted. The primary goal for November will be to review the resumes we’ve received thus far (and in the days to come), and then begin the process of conducting initial telephone interviews with priests we feel would be well-suited for our parish.
The telephone interviews are crucial because they will provide the Committee with greater insights into the personality and ministry of the candidates, not only from the candidates themselves but also from the personal references that have been provided. Each candidate must submit at least three names, addresses and telephone numbers of individuals who are current or past members of the candidate’s congregation, or who have participated in the candidate’s pastoral/ministerial endeavors. The Committee has prepared very specific questions for both priest-candidates and their reference contacts that are directed to the needs and goals of Emmanuel Church; of course, the members of the telephone interview teams will be able to ask questions of their own in order to clarify matters.
Teams of two to three Committee members will be assigned to conduct the interviews with the reference individuals, with each team handling only one reference. In this way all of the references can be contacted with greater efficiency. Detailed notes of the conversations will be prepared and submitted to the full Committee for review.
While the references are being interviewed, another team of at least three members (but may include the entire Committee membership) will meet at Emmanuel Church to conduct the telephone interview of the candidate via speakerphone. Again, the Committee members may ask questions that aren’t on the official interview question form, and the candidate will be encouraged to ask questions of the Committee.
Once the telephone interviews have been completed, the Committee will then meet together to discuss the results and determine whether a particular candidate is suitable for our parish. If it is the case that the Committee finds that the qualifications and ministry style of the candidate aren’t a good match with Emmanuel Church, we will notify the individual of our decision; otherwise we’ll continue the dialogue with candidates who have “made the cut.”
The next step following the telephone interviews would be to send representatives of the Rector Search Committee to visit the parishes of those candidates who are still being considered so that we can see the priest in action, as well as speak with the Vestry leadership of the parish for additional information. It is anticipated that the on-site visitations will not be scheduled until after January 2008. After the on-site visits the field of candidates will be narrowed, and those priests seriously recommended by the Rector Search Committee will then be invited to Emmanuel Church for interviews with the full Vestry.
The Diocese’s established procedures for selecting and calling the next Rector of Emmanuel Church may sound complicated and arduous – and they definitely are. However, when you consider that we are seeking out the next priest who will lead our parish into the future, bringing fresh insights and vision so that we can make the most of our great potential for the growth and expansion of our ministry, it is necessary for us to take such pains. The search process is designed to be a very thorough and prayerful time of discernment, and in the end Emmanuel Church will benefit from it.
The Rector Search Committee once again asks for the prayers of the people of Emmanuel Church during our work, that the Holy Spirit will direct and guide us in seeking the right priest for our community, and that the Spirit will inspire the right person to be attracted to us. Additionally, please remember that you may submit the names and contact information to the Committee of priests in good standing who you believe would be good matches for our parish – but make sure that you get their permission first. – by Michael Summers

We give thanks to God for all the blessings in our lives.
A Litany of Thanksgiving (Book of Common Prayer, page 837) – suitable for Thanksgiving Dinner
Let us give thanks to God our Father for all God’s gifts so freely bestowed upon us.
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.
We thank you, Lord.
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.
For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,
We thank you, Lord.
For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
We thank you, Lord.
For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,
We thank you, Lord.
For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice,
We thank you, Lord.
For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
For stewardship of creation (Book of Common Prayer, page 259)

O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Vine Newsletter (October 2007)

2007-10-01T20:51:00.000-04:00

Blessing of the Animals to be Saturday, October 20, 10 AM

The Blessing of the Animals will provide an opportunity to support local animal care facilities. Mineral County Animal Control is in need of bedding, linens and rugs, to provide warmth and softness for its concrete floor enclosures. The Humane Society requests canned dog and cat food for animals requiring a special diet. Monetary donations also will be accepted. Animals for adoption will be present.
Bring your animals on a leash or in a carrier for a blessing. For animals unable to attend, those who are lost or who have died, a photograph may be brought. Stuffed animals are welcome also.
Refreshments for animals and their human friends will be available.
(If you'd like to bring treats, please contact the church office, 304-788-4475. Thanks.)
The Blessing of the Animals reminds us of the sacredness of all life and to celebrate the animals who share our lives. The blessing is in honor of Francis of Assisi (c.1181-1226), whose feast day is October 4, and who is known for his delight in God’s creation, his preaching, poverty and gentleness. Tradition holds that animals responded to his kindness by listening to his sermons. The son of a wealthy Italian cloth merchant, Francis publicly renounced his wealth and future inheritance in order to devote himself to serving the poor.
Francis saw all creation—humanity, fauna, flora, the environment, stars, planets, water, air, all the Earth—as good, as brothers and sisters revealing God. Recent blessing services honoring Francis have considered not only animals but environmental and ecological justice also. Scripture calls for humankind to exercise dominion over creation, to practice stewardship. Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines "stewardship" as "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care."
God’s care extends beyond the human family to the whole family of creation, as we are all creatures of God. Blessing of the Animals recalls both the goodness of God’s creation and invites fuller participation as partners with God in stewarding creation.

All Saints’ Sunday, November 4, baptismal and remembrance day

If you know of someone who desires to be baptized or who would like to become a member of Emmanuel on All Saints’ Sunday, please contact the Rev. Joyce so any instruction and forms can be completed. During worship we will read your names of saints who have died and will recall saints on the church calendar from every period of time. On Sunday mornings we will collect your names to be remembered, or call the church office, 304-788-4475.
In addition, in the parish hall we will have two tables of remembrance: for living saints and saints who have died, in commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) on November 1 and 2. You are invited to bring pictures and/or mementos. We celebrate all Christian people as saints, made holy as the people of God.

Daylight Saving Time ends 2 AM Sunday, Nov. 4 – fall back!
Manic Mondays begin manically
Editors’s note: Both Sue and David were asked to contribute an article about “Manic Mondays,” and they both did! Thanks. Your participation is welcome and desired for these events.
“Manic Mondays” blasted off after school on October 1st. Two of our church’s youth from the middle school, three from the high school, one from Potomac State College and one short person from Keyser Primary showed up for wind-down-from-school time, help with homework, pizza, youth group meeting and choir practice. The youth seemed to have a fine time; the only improvement heard so far in the lineup of activities was a suggestion to end the evening with a dish of ice cream. Better then than before we sing!
The adults who showed up to chaperone are identifiable in church as the ones equipped with GPS (where are we and where did we go wrong?) and crutches; seriously, only one of us was limping and he arrived that way. We plan to meet every other Monday. Come visit if you’re feeling adventuresome. And pray for rich blessings of the Holy Spirit!!! - Sue Riley
Our first "Manic Monday" certainly lived up to its name! The idea was to combine several activities on one evening, beginning with a meal and homework help, and concluding with a youth group session and choir practice. It all happened for the first time on October 1st. I'd like to say it went off without a hitch, but let's just say there's a learning curve!
Manic Monday will be repeated every other week, so the dates for October will be the 15th, 22nd, and 29th. The evening begins with supper at about 5:00, followed by a youth meeting around 6:00, and choir practice at 7:00. Events for other age groups could be scheduled for this evening as well, so there would be simultaneous activities. It promises to be lots of fun; anyone who would like to participate in any way is welcome. As always, volunteers to assist with organizing and with feeding people are especially encouraged! - David Rankin

Emmanuel has 2-sided “business cards” for you to give to friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances, to leave on your restaurant table, to distribute to local businesses, to get the word out about your faith community. One is attached. More are available for you to spread around town.

United Thank Offering (UTO) offering
Thank you for your offerings of thanksgiving to help people in need, approximately $365.

Episcopal Mental Illness Network: Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 7-13

The Episcopal Mental Illness Network (EMIN) reminds us that the first week of October every year is Mental Illness Awareness Week. During this week take the time to learn more about brain disorders and pray for those with mental illnesses and those who love them. One person in every four in our congregations either has or loves someone with a major brain disorder. Help EMIN ensure that our churches are places of welcome and inclusion. For more information, see EMIN’s Web site at www.eminnews.org and the web site of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org. You can also contact EMIN coordinator, The Rev. Bean Murray at beanmurray@swbell.net

October is Domestic Violence prevention month and breast cancer awareness month.

November – early December Upcoming events and opportunities at Emmanuel
Alternative gift market – Advent 1, December 2

Birthday Gifts for Jesus
On birthdays we honor the one whose birth we are celebrating. How will we celebrate Jesus' birth this year? To give to Jesus, we find him in the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the imprisoned.
We can help in our own community or provide a goat for a farmer in Honduras, anti-malarial bed nets for a family in Africa, a decent home for a family in rural Mississippi, or food for those who are victims of war. You can give Jesus a birthday gift he really wants.
On the first Sunday of Advent you will have the opportunity to give a donation in honor of family members and friends as a Christmas gift instead of another sweater, DVD, or dust-collector for a shelf. Local and international organizations: Helping Hands, Faith in Action food pantry, the crisis shelter, Episcopal Relief and Development, Heifer International, and others will be represented to accept your gift for people in need.
For other ideas about celebrating Christmas, see Alternatives for Simple living, www.simpleliving.org

Labyrinth walk – Saturday and Sunday, December 1 & 2
Emmanuel is borrowing an 11-circuit labyrinth from St. John’s, Frostburg. Since it is too large for our facilities, it will be placed in the parish hall at First Presbyterian across the street. We don’t know the hours yet; more information will be available in November.
A labyrinth is a walking meditation. They have been known for over 4,000 years; the oldest known form is a seven-circuit labyrinth from Crete. A labyrinth is one path in and out and is not a maze, no dead ends or tricks.
Christianity embraced the labyrinth during the Middle Ages when they were incorporated in numerous Gothic cathedrals. Pilgrims who were unable to make the long, arduous journey to the Holy Land could walk these symbolic paths instead.

“Advent” Wednesday noon lunches at Emmanuel, November 28 – December 19
KAMA is scheduling these lunches with a message for November 28, December 5, 12, and 19 at Emmanuel. Food and program will be provided by other KAMA churches. We’ll need your help in preparing sufficient coffees and teas for the participants.

Jottings by Joyce

We are excited about the National Acolyte Festival on October 6 at Washington National Cathedral in DC. Six acolytes are anticipating the grand procession with vested acolytes and their processional crosses and church banners for a Eucharist with rededication of their acolyte ministry and a festival medal. Then there's lunch and workshops and a tour available. Some of the girls live down country roads, which you know means windy, narrow, hilly travel. So instead of someone driving at 5:30 AM to pick them up, they're having a sleep over at Sue's house with Francine’s assistance. Stars in their crowns for that! I'm exempt since I'll be a driver and need to sleep! Sounds like a good excuse to me. Read the accounts in the next newsletter. Thanks also to David Rankin, the second driver, and Kim Pifer.
Across my street I notice that in these fall mornings the sun takes longer to climb over the mountain and wake us. I am looking forward to the blazing tree colors reaching halfway up the sky.
We have many activities planned these next few months, and we need your assistance to be able to do them. We also would appreciate assistance in the Sunday morning 9-10 time with children to adults.
As the days grow shorter, we can remember to let our Christian light shine brighter.
Blessed autumn, Joyce

The Rector Search Committee Update

Now that the intensive preparation work has been completed by the Rector Search Committee of Emmanuel Church, we’re beginning to see some significant progress in the process of calling our new rector.
First of all, the electronic profile for the Church Deployment Office (CDO) database has been completed and uploaded to the system at Church Center in New York City by Archdeacon Faith Perizzo. The text and design for the hardcopy church profile booklet that will be sent to all prospective candidate priests has also been approved and is ready to be published and distributed. It was determined there is so much information and photographs about Emmanuel Church, elements which are necessary to give candidates a solid view of what we are about, that instead of using a standard brochure format, we should create a small booklet.
Secondly, and perhaps the most exciting news of all, the Committee has received a rather large stack of profiles from priests who matched our criteria in the CDO database, and it has been reviewing them. Each profile is reviewed by the Committee, and those priests who match our needs closely will be sent an “introductory packet”, including the profile booklet, newsletters and brochures, and a letter expressing the Committee’s interest in learning more about them. The first mass-mailing will be done during the first full week of October, with many more to follow. It is interesting to think that we’re possibly handling the profile of the next rector of Emmanuel Church!
It is important to note that the profiles the Committee has received thus far are only of those individuals whose qualifications match the criteria established by Emmanuel Church – they are not priests who have specifically shown interest in being considered for the position of rector. We will be receiving the names and addresses of priests seriously inquiring about the position from Archdeacon Faith by the next meeting of the Committee.
There is a very important resource in this calling process that we need to address: YOU. Not only do we need your prayers each day that we will be directed by the Holy Spirit in selecting the priest who will lead our congregation, but we could also use your help in attracting that priest. You can help by contacting priests you know and inviting them to submit their names for consideration by the Rector Search Committee. You can also provide the names and addresses of priests you would recommend directly to the Committee, but it is asked that you inform the priest(s) before you make such a submission; we don’t want to surprise anyone with an unexpected package. Please have interested priests contact Michael Summers via email at Shakjula@mindspring.com, or send a letter of interest to him, care of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
It is also important that the members of Emmanuel Church recognize that the process of calling our new rector to serve in our community is very exacting and intensive. While it is the goal of the Rector Search Committee to select the final candidates for the position here by the beginning of 2008, and we are doing everything we can to expedite the undertaking, it would be imprudent for us to move so quickly that we wind up calling an individual who would not be right for Emmanuel Church. That is precisely why the Diocese of West Virginia has established very rigid directives in the way a parish goes about seeking a new rector, and we ask for your patience and understanding while we fulfill this responsibility. – Michael Summers

A LIVE WEBCAST with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on Oct. 16 at 3 PM with her responses to questions asked by telephone and email. Access via the websites of the Episcopal Church
(http://www.episcopalchurch.org) and Trinity Wall Street (http://www.trinitywallstreet.org).

Diocesan Convention Report…by Emmanuel delegate Michael Summers

The Rev. Joyce, Tammy Rankin and I attended the 130th Convention of the Diocese of West Virginia, which was held on September 27, 2007 through September 29th at the Flatwoods Convention Center in Braxton County, West Virginia. The location was significant because Braxton County is actually the geographic center of the state – and this fact was made quite apparent because of the enormous sign located not too far from the hotel off Route 79.
The theme for the Convention was “This Little Light of Mine,” with the emphasis being upon encouraging the maximum participation of children and youth, as well as increasing an awareness of the needs for outreach to this group. Special seminars and discussion groups were held where noteworthy authors (both lay and ordained) gave the participants innovative ideas on how to minister to children. One of the authors, the Rev. Anne Kitch, spoke at one of the evening banquets on the Sacrament of Baptism and parenting, encouraging the audience to develop parish ministry for children around the special promises we made during the Baptismal Covenant. Another author presented ideas for story-telling, which involves an innovative and creative approach to children’s ministries. I highly encourage everyone to obtain a copy of Mother Anne’s book, which is entitled Taking the Plunge: Baptism and Parenting; it is available through Morehouse Publishing, and it contains great food for thought. Mother Anne was particularly generous to me. While she was autographing a couple of her books, she found out that I was involved with parish evangelism and decided to give me one of her out-of-print works that teach children how to reach out to other children, and it’s a great little item.
An underlying theme for the Convention was the participation of the National Church and the Diocese of West Virginia in the Millennium Development Goals, and during the first session Joyce and other members of her commission for Global Reconciliation presented information concerning what the Church can do to eliminate extreme poverty throughout the world. In fact, during the actual legislative session of the Convention, the Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to assisting with the United Nation’s eight Millennium Development Goals, and also committed itself to assisting the needy in the Gulf Coast areas that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina, along with the Church in Mississippi.
There’s an interesting side-note about our Church’s great desire to assist those in need. Someone had left a relatively new leather Bible in the lobby of the Conference Center proper, and Bishop Mike asked all of the participants if any of us had misplaced a Bible. No one claimed it, so he mentioned that he would just keep it. Then one of the delegates raised his hand and said, “I’ll bid $10 for the Bible.” At that point, Bishop Mike decided to become an auctioneer and announced to the room that any funds raised by the impromptu auction would be sent to assist in purchasing anti-malaria nets in support of the Millennium Development Goals. He ended up raising $110 for the Bible, which was totally amusing for me.
The actual legislative session, which was held on Friday, went very smoothly. There were two resolutions in particular which were somewhat contentious, but the Resolutions Committee hammered out the details and managed to come up with recommendations that satisfied the majority of the Convention. The other resolutions weren’t problematic in the least, and so were passed without too much effort.
On a very positive note, a new parish – St. Christopher – was established by the Convention; the parish was formed out of three smaller, struggling parishes in the Charleston area, and according to all reports the new consolidated parish is doing very well. I am pleased to report that the Diocese as a whole is doing very well, and judging from the energy and Christ-centered attitudes exhibited by the numerous priests and delegates, I feel it is safe to say that God is going to continue performing a great work in our Church.
At the closing Holy Eucharist we renewed our baptismal vows, the clergy of the Diocese renewed their ordination vows, and Bishop Mike consecrated the Holy Chrism to be used for anointing in all of the churches. Tammy Rankin also went forward to present our United Thank Offering with the other representatives from parishes throughout the state. I have to say that the liturgy was wonderfully Spirit-filled and was the perfect ending to what is perhaps the biggest family reunion in West Virginia.

St. Francis of Assisi's vocation prayer:
Most High, Glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of our minds.
Give us a right faith,
a firm hope and a perfect charity,
so that we may always and in all things act according to your holy will. Amen.

Meditation Prayer of Francis of Assisi:
My God and My All!
Two greetings of Francis of Assisi:
Good Morning, Good People!
Peace and all Good!

The Vine Newsletter (September 2007)

2007-09-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

Do you want to receive the newsletter via your computer??
To conserve paper and toner and to lessen postal expense,
we ask if we may send you the newsletter by email and/or by visiting the church website,
www.emmanuelepiscopalchurchwv.org. If you’d like to receive future newsletters electronically, please email the church office, withus@verizon.net. Thanks, and trees thank you too.

Talent and Hobby Showcase – Sunday, September 9, 3 PM
What talent or hobby will you share with us? A favorite story or joke?
You all have varieties of artistic ability, musical talent, craftsmanship, storytelling; who knows what else!
Let’s have some fun, be a little silly, and enjoy being together.
If able, please bring a snack and/or drink to share.

Join us at Acolyte Festival 2007 at Washington National Cathedral
Saturday, October 6

The 28th Annual National Acolyte Festival includes a Festival Holy Eucharist with a procession and rededication of Acolytes at 10 AM, followed by lunch and workshops and tours. They will receive a festival acolyte medal too! Please let the office know if you would like to attend, and we will gather sufficient transportation. Scholarships are available for acolytes. Registration with lunch, no Acolyte Festival Medal is $23. Lunch includes a choice of turkey, cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
Workshops include: Holy Smoke: The Work of the Thurifer; IM-ing w/God [prayer]; Dressing Up and Marching Around [learn about church gear]; Gargoyles of the Cathedral with a self-guided tour; Brief History of Everything Interesting to Know about Acolytes [and learn about the role of the server]. For additional information, call the office, 304-788-4475.
We need to know if you want to go and to have registration fees by Monday, September 17.

Know anyone desiring baptism or who wants to become a member of Emmanuel?
The next baptismal day of the church is All Saints’ Sunday, November 4. If you know of anyone who would like to be baptized or to become a member of the church, please contact the Rev. Joyce or the church office so arrangements or instruction can be made.

The Episcopal Church 101: Sundays at 9:00, September 23 and every other week

Originally scheduled for June during the Christian education/formation time, we will talk about the Bible, the Episcopal Church, its beginnings and history, the liturgical year, the sacraments, Anglican ethos, the Book of Common Prayer, being part of a community of faith, and other topics. This may serve as a refresher or preparation for baptism, confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church. Please invite anyone who may be interested. This will be every other week [Sept. 23, Oct. 7, 21, etc.] with the regular formation topics on alternate weeks.

Also September 23 – an Instructed Eucharist at 8 and 10 telling us the whats and whys of our liturgy.
UTO In-gathering September 2, 9, 16

During the first three Sundays in September we will be holding our UTO in-gathering. Our offering will be sent to convention September 27th - 28th. The diocese of West Virginia has often been the recipient of UTO grants in the past. Envelopes are available on the small table as you enter the church. Contact Tamela Rankin or the church office if you need additional supplies.
Theology of the Offering

The Mission of the United Thank Offering is
to invite people to offer daily prayers of thanksgiving to God and outward and visible signs of those prayers which will benefit others. God calls each of us to grow in awareness of God, our own relationship with God, and our relationship in community with all whom God has created. As habits of daily thankful prayer mature, our personal relationship with God grows. Daily prayers of thanksgiving strengthen our being and doing. The blue box can be a reminder of our many blessings. Uniting our own gifts of thanks with those of others keeps us in thankful relationship them and with all of creation. In sharing our thank offerings with those throughout the Communion who seek to address compelling human need and extend the mission of the Church, we deepen our sense of participation in the lives of others. The shared prayer and money offerings help others to respond to God's call and to grow in their own deepened sense of living within the greater Christian community. Through our shared stories, God calls us to continue to grow into the fullness of the Kingdom.
The 2007 United Thank Offering grants responded to the call to “feed my sheep”, both physically and spiritually. The two largest grants will build a hospital in Pakistan and a church in Homer, Alaska. Other grants will help rebuild the Grace Day Care Center in New Orleans, severely damaged in Katrina; purchase a mini bus for St. George’s, in Baghdad, Iraq, enabling children to safely attend school now being held at the church because of the war damage; and purchase a former convenience store for use as a food pantry in a rural area of West Texas. The smallest grant provides a small parish in Mississippi with Sunday school materials and patterns to make children’s altar furnishings. Each spring UTO Committee members review and research each grant from their respective province. Calls to the applicants help committee members understand the area, the ministry, and particularly the compelling human need the grant, if awarded, will address. Of the 202 applications, UTO was able to fund 104 grants of $2,439,342.46. Episcopal dioceses in the United States received 48 percent; overseas and regional grants received 52 percent. UTO is a spiritual and financial partner in the mission work of The Episcopal Church, encouraging daily thankful prayer and offerings. UTO grants focus on addressing compelling human needs and expanding the mission and ministry of the church. – Tamela Rankin, UTO chair

Get well prayers are extended to Al Crall, and Leona Smith, who are recovering from surgery.
Special thanks go to
Sheila Dyche for endless work as treasurer, paying the bills and keeping the finances in order.
David Rankin for sharing his talent with us as music director and for taking our newspapers for recycling
Michael Summers for making over 200 Anglican prayer beads, rosaries. He can put one together in ten minutes; what a one person factory!
Thanks also to the congregation for donating school supplies, items for the food pantry, and for supporting the Potomac State College student information fair.
Faith in Action Food Pantry needs: macaroni & cheese, pancake mix (water) and syrup, noodles, soup, chili, crackers, cereals, oatmeal, canned vegetables and fruit, tuna, tuna helper, rice, pasta and sauce.

Dawn and Fred Downey, Emmanuel
members who work at PSC, and Sue Riley PSC Student Information Fair a Success!

For the very first time Emmanuel Episcopal Church made its presence known amongst the students at Potomac State College during the Student Information Fair, which was held on Tuesday, August 28th on the main quadrangle. We brought boxes of Episcopal literature, Anglican Rosaries, pretzels, lemonade, and used our church banner as the backdrop for our display table; even though parking was a nightmare and we had to trudge up the hill with our materials, the time and effort were totally worth it.
We distributed well over 100 Anglican Rosaries (that’s 3,300 beads, for the record) to students, faculty and staff of PSC, and they were amazingly popular with everyone. All who received a rosary also received the special brochure that contained information about Emmanuel’s church family and schedule of services, and there quite a few individuals who expressed interest in coming to worship with us. In fact, we became acquainted with an Episcopal student from Massachusetts who wasn’t aware of our existence. There were 16 students who signed up to join Emmanuel’s Yahoo news group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EmmanuelEpiscopalChurch/), and we were able to have some serious conversations about the love of Jesus Christ and His Church with many. Because of this success, the Evangelism Committee plans to attend the Student Information Fair next year.
Emmanuel Church was well-represented by the Rev. Joyce Wilkinson, Kim Pifer, Michael Summers, Sue Riley, Dawn and Fred Downey, and Mike Miller, and all of this was made possible by the generosity of several members of the parish who contributed funds for the event. The Evangelism Committee expresses its gratitude for all who assisted in this project to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the youth of our area, for we were able to plant the seeds of faith into the hearts of all who came to visit our table. – Michael Summers, evangelism chair

Rector Search Committee Update…

The Rector Search Committee anticipates seeing the initial match-results for prospective candidates through the Church Deployment Office (CDO) database system by the next meeting, which will be held in early September.
The Search Committee did approve the text for the hard-copy profile of Emmanuel Church that will be mailed out to those priests inquiring about our opening for a rector. The text itself is based in part upon that which is found in the new brochure that will be given to visitors to our parish, but with more detailed information concerning the history of Emmanuel Church, facts about the Mineral County region, expectations we have for our rector, and the compensation package. Once the vestry approves of the parish profile, it’ll be duplicated and will be disseminated to all candidates.
So now the very difficult part of the work of the Search Committee will begin, and we ask that everyone make daily use of the “Prayers for a New Rector” cards that you have received. Please pray that we will be guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit, and that the priest Jesus Christ desires for us to lead us will be attracted to our special family. - Michael Summers

The enclosed page of rector search prayers is blank on the back for you to write your own prayer.
Upcoming dates to remember Recycle our newspapers!!
September 9, Sunday 3 PM, talent and hobby showcase Bring your newspapers to the
September 14, Saturday, Helping Hands bowling parish hall for recycling.
September 17 Monday, RSVP due for Acolyte Festival on 10/6 David Rankin will take them to
September 23, Sunday, Instructed Eucharist at 8 and 10 Cumberland for their animal shelter.
September 23, Sunday, Episcopal Church 101 at 9
October 4, Thursday, United Way Day of Caring
October 6, Saturday, National Acolyte Festival; RSVP by 9/17
October 7, Sunday, Episcopal Church 101 at 9
October 20, Saturday 10:00, Blessing of the Animals
October 21, Sunday, Episcopal Church 101 at 9; Helping Hands Walk
November 4, All Saints’ Sunday, a baptismal day of the church

“This Little Light of Mine” is theme for 130th Diocesan Convention

The diocesan convention will be September 27-29 in Flatwoods. The focus is the youth and children of our diocese. For additional information see the forms on the bulletin board, in the office or see the diocesan website, http://www.wvdiocese.org/diocesanconvention. Registration is due by September 14. Michael Summers is our delegate with Tamela Rankin as alternate.

Jottings by Joyce

I grew up five blocks from the intercoastal canal on the upper Texas coast and would sit on the levy and watch the oil tankers and tugs with barges. When I moved to Charleston, WV, my house fronted on River St., and I watched coal-carrying barges traveling on the Kanawha River. The first time I visited Keyser, Sharon Floyd gave me a tour. We drove a long way on a street paralleling water. I was intrigued by that street, being drawn to the water, and had to locate it on my city map. [Yes, Keyser does have a city map!] Happily I now live on Water Street and see the changes in the creek water level due to rain, snow melt, and evaporation. Last month portions of the creek were almost dry showing the rocky bottom and causing the ducks to move to a wetter area. No more babbling water sound.
We can be like that creek, becoming almost dry in our spiritual lives. We also need to be renewed, need regular replenishment like the rain gives the creek. We can connect with God daily and weekly in worship and fellowship with our church community. This replenishment is life-giving, both for ourselves and, by extension, for others we connect with and support in our daily lives, like the water is for the ducks.
We also can recall the life-giving waters of baptism. And as we enter the last third of the long “green” season of Pentecost, we continue to learn how to live in the life-giving ways of Jesus.
I invite your participation in the upcoming fall activities and events for renewal, refreshment, replenishment.
Blessings and peace, Joyce

With the beginning of the school year, A prayer for protection for all of us:

Lord, guard us, your children, wherever we wander,
Release us from pressures we cannot withstand,
Lift us high when we falter or founder,
Place our feet on rocks and not on sand.
Give us your hand as we walk through the darkness,
Strengthen our souls with bright hope from above,
Keep joy in our hearts against all the world’s starkness,
And fill all our emptinesses with your love.
Amen. –Ms. Miranda K. Smith, p. 50, Women’s Uncommon Prayers

These are the rector search prayers we are asked to pray often.
The space below is for you to write the prayer of your heart for Emmanuel.

PRAYER FOR THE SEARCH
FOR A NEW RECTOR AT EMMANUEL CHURCH

Dear Lord, we are seeking a Rector for Emmanuel.
We ask for a priest who will lead us in teaching, preaching, prayers and duties.
May the priest not only show love for You but compassion for our parishioners.
We pray that this priest will seek Your guidance in all that is undertaken.
We also pray that You will send one who is interested in the community
and will participate to spread Your Word in our town.
We ask for a Rector who has a deep faith and a relationship with You,
who walks daily with You and will teach us the right pathway
to build up Emmanuel with an eye to the future.
May we find one with whom we can work so that we may do Your will. Amen.
Prayer by Beverly White-Davis

PRAYER FOR THE SEARCH
FOR A NEW RECTOR AT EMMANUEL CHURCH

Lord, for your tender mercy's sake
we pray for guidance in our search for the future Rector of Emmanuel Church.
We pray that we may be open to your leading;
that when the time comes we may hear that still, small voice of wisdom.
We pray also that you will send the right person to lead this flock.
And we pray especially, that during this time of renewal
we may renew our lives in Jesus Christ who died for us,
that our joy may be complete; and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen.
Prayer by John D’Elisa
(1942-2007)

You are invited to write your own prayer for Emmanuel here.

The Vine Newsletter (August 2007)

2007-08-01T20:48:00.000-04:00

Emmanuel Church at Potomac State College… Tuesday, August 28, 11-2

The Evangelism Committee of Emmanuel Church is sponsoring a special display booth at the Student Info Fair at PSC on Tuesday, August 28th from 11-2. We will provide New Testaments, church literature, Anglican rosaries, snacks and drinks for the students, faculty and staff who visit us. This event is the first step in making Emmanuel Church more visible at the college, and the possibilities arising from it are exciting!
We are asking for your help in funding this special evangelism event to cover the cost of the food, drink and supplies. To contribute to this effort to reach out to Potomac State College, please contact Rev. Joyce, Kim Pifer, Michael Summers, or Sue Riley. Thank you very much!
In the spotlight  YOU: Join the Showcase highlighting a repertoire of talent
Sounds like a good way to spend a September Sunday afternoon!

From the young to the not so young: Lots of diverse kinds of talent can be found among the people of Emmanuel, and we want to showcase its many forms. You all have varieties of artistic ability, musical talent, craftsmanship, storytelling; who knows what else!
We want to spend a few hours having a Talent Showcase on a Sunday afternoon. What talent you will share with us? Tell the Rev. Joyce, Kim, or call the church office so we can put you on the list.

Celebration of Ministry in Daily Life, Sunday, September 2 at 8 and 10

Bring a symbol of your daily life with you to worship

Remembering Labor Day, we will celebrate ministry in our daily lives and in our workplaces. We will connect our "occupations", those things we do which occupy our days – home, family, school, community, leisure, job/profession/business, political/citizen involvements – and how we as the Baptized, regardless of our age or station, live our lives as ministry in the world. During worship we will have a special liturgy for vocation in daily life, based on the baptismal covenant of showing God’s love in our daily lives and work.
Every person is asked to bring something representative of their daily life (for example, a notebook or iPod for a student, a stethoscope for a medical person, a toy for a child, a shovel for a gardener, yarn for a knitter, etc.). Someone said the couch doesn’t fit in his car, but the remote control does. You decide. These will be placed it at the baptismal font after the prayers.
You can help – School supplies and food pantry
School supplies: It's almost time for school to begin, and you can help kids be equipped. Please bring notebook paper and single subject notebooks [both wide and college ruled], pens, pencils, crayons
[8 & 16], scissors, folders, colored pencils, and lots of glue sticks by Aug 19.
Food Pantry needs: macaroni & cheese, pancake mix (water) and syrup, noodles, soup, chili, crackers, cereals, oatmeal, canned vegetables and fruit, tuna, tuna helper, rice, pasta and sauce.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Marcy and Dawn D’Elisa at the death of spirited and Spirit-filled John, husband and father, on July 5. He is dearly missed by his Emmanuel family.
A note from Marcy
To the Emmanuel Episcopal Family,
I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.
You all provided so many acts of caring and support during John's illness through his final days; and this
continues on even now.
The memorial you organized in his honor touched us all. I can't begin to express enough appreciation for
the hospitality extended to friends and family, many who came from afar, but were made to feel at home.
The prayers, praises, stories and kind words were a great comfort and honor bestowed upon us in this
most difficult time of our lives.
The Emmanuel Episcopal family is truly the friendliest and most compassionate church in the world.
With Sincerest Thanks,
Marcy D'Elisa
Get well prayers are extended to Jerry Shaver who is recovering from surgery.
Jerry appreciates the cards and caring words extended him.
Special thanks goes to Kim Pifer, senior warden extraordinaire, for her tireless energy.
Her contributions of time and care for members and facilities are invaluable.
Jottings by Joyce

Recently I saw that a newsletter named “The Vine” was begun in years past. So this issue takes up the original name, which recalls the “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5) mural in the church.
The evangelism committee is preparing a church brochure for the table at the Potomac State student information fair and to have at the church for visitors. They also are preparing “business cards” with church information that we can carry to give people and to distribute around town. This can include leaving a card on your table in a restaurant to including one in an envelope with a local bill.
I am looking forward to the talent showcase. We are interested in talents of all sorts, the more varied they are, the more interesting the time will be. So don’t be bashful, kazoos, mimes, artisans are welcome!
I also am looking forward to the Celebration of Ministry in Daily Life on the Sunday of the Labor Day weekend. I always enjoy seeing what people bring to represent their lives. So, again, don’t be bashful. I expect everyone, the youngest to the oldest, to bring a symbol, or picture of one, to represent their days.
As we begin the second third of the long Pentecost season, we are changing to Eucharistic Prayer A, Prayers of the People, Form III, and the second postcommunion prayer.
Blessings and peace as we finish the summer, Joyce
Helping Hands – News and Upcoming
Bowling tournament – Saturday, September 15
Walk for Helping Hands – Sunday, October 21, 2:30, begin at Heartland for the 6 mile walk
Be on a work team; contact Helping Hands to help with construction and repair work on houses.
A big Thank You to Sharon Floyd for chairing the recent golf tournament which raised around $4,000.

Dining In for the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) – July 8 netted $238! Thank you for your contributions to help eliminate extreme poverty. The money will be divided between Five Talents for microcredit programs and the Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) program Nets for Life to prevent malaria.

The Rector Search Continues…

The Committee established to search for the next rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church met once again with Archdeacon Faith Perrizo on Tuesday, July 24, 2007, and the lengthy meeting was dedicated to assembling all of the necessary information for the creation of the special electronic profile to be submitted to the Church Deployment Office (CDO) in New York City. This electronic profile will be used to match the qualifications of priests in the Church Deployment database to the needs and goals of Emmanuel Church.
Venerable Faith provided the Search Committee with a standard database input form called a Parish/Institution Search Request; the information submitted on this form will be entered into the CDO database. First a brief formal Description of the Parish was created by the Search Committee, which will provide prospective clergy with an idea of what Emmanuel Church is about and what we are looking for. Then four Goals of the Parish were established, along with Position Responsibilities with Related Skills, items which will specifically outline what qualifications and background our parish expects of candidates. The Parish Life Orientation Form, which will express Emmanuel Church’s understanding of itself and where it wants to be in the future (based upon the Church Assessment Tool), will be completed and submitted by the beginning of August.
Once the data has been collected by the Search Committee, the Vestry will look over the documentation and make approvals or changes so that everything can be uploaded to the CDO database by the end of August. At that point, profiles of priests from all over the United States who closely match the needs and vision of Emmanuel Church will be submitted for the consideration of the Search Committee.
The Search Committee’s next step before the electronic profile is submitted to the CDO will be to create a hardcopy profile that will be sent to all priests who express an interest in being considered for the rector position. This profile or brochure will be used in conjunction with Emmanuel Church’s official website to provide prospective clergy with a solid idea of what we are all about.
In addition to the intricate paperwork responsibilities, the Search Committee approved the use of two special prayers by the members and friends of Emmanuel Church, seeking God’s blessing upon us as we seek out our new rector. We ask that everyone uses these prayers as frequently as possible so that the Holy Spirit will direct and inspire our actions and decisions. The prayers were composed by Beverly Davis and our departed brother John D’Elisa, and they are as follows:
Dear Lord, we are seeking a Rector for Emmanuel. We ask for a priest who will lead us in teaching, preaching, prayers and duties. May the priest not only show love for You but compassion for our parishioners. We pray that this priest will seek Your guidance in all that is undertaken. We also pray that You will send one who is interested in the community and will participate to spread Your Word in our town. We ask for a Rector who has a deep faith and a relationship with You, who walks daily with You and will teach us the right pathway to build up Emmanuel with an eye to the future. May we find one with whom we can work so that we may do Your will. Amen. Prayer by Beverly White-Davis
Lord, for your tender mercy's sake we pray for guidance in our search for the future Rector of Emmanuel Church. We pray that we may be open to your leading; that when the time comes we may hear that still, small voice of wisdom. We pray also that you will send the right person to lead this flock. And we pray especially, that during this time of renewal we may renew our lives in Jesus Christ who died for us, that our joy may be complete; and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen. Prayer by John D’Elisa (1942-2007)
submitted by Michael Summers

Emmanuel had lots of Peterkin campers

The first campers were Katie Rankin and Codi Gourlay at senior camp June 17-23. The Crall family attended family camp in early July. Intermediate Camp July 22-28 had Ian Rankin, Shawnee Gourlay, Alyssa Williams, and Chalet Roy.
Things I liked about camp from Shawnee, Alyssa and Chalet: everyone was friendly, participating in all the activities, swimming, singing, taco day, dancing, meeting new people, the "Peterkin Peeper".
From Ian: I went to Peterkin Camp before. It was actually a lot of fun. The food was pretty good along with the talent show we had Wednesday night. It started out with us getting signed in and everything, then we went to the lodges to unpack our stuff, in that time you could go to the pool and try your swimming test, or just hang out with the people in the lodge.
Afterwards we went to the dining hall and had dinner. They have so many things at that camp to make you feel welcome. I also realize that some people didn’t want to go to Peterkin, but on the last day when they were packing up everything they didn’t want to leave. So they do a good job there as you can see.
The counselors are also very friendly as long as you don’t get on their nerves. Sometimes they even let you stay up late so you can hang out with people in different rooms for a little while. They have electives, which is when you get to pick two kinds of activities to do for the evening, so you won’t get bored. Then they have free time after the activities. You can go around camp and hang out with your friends for a while, play 4 square, or play Ping-Pong in the Arts and crafts room or down in the pavilion.
And something that gets everyone awake is the closing campfire. These are a few things you can
do at Peterkin Camp. I would really suggest going to this camp.

From Al: The families of Al and Sarah Crall, their daughters, Debbie Crall and Sarah Reiser and Sarah's children, Matthew, Benjamin, Jacquie, and Gregory, all attended the week-long Family Camp at Peterkin Conference center during the week of July 1-7. The highlights of the week:
1. The daily morning Eucharist followed by adult lessons and discussions and child-friendly activities.
2. The Fourth of July celebrations that included a decorated bike parade and fireworks. Benjamin's wheel chair was decorated with red, white and blue crepe paper and two American Flags.
3. The swimming pool, which was the one place where Ben could move naturally and freely.
4. The Peterkin American Flag was in dreadful shape after having served faithfully for many, many years. It was retired at the last campfire in a respectful and at times moving ceremony. It was replaced with a brand new flag.
5. Father Bennet prayed and laid hands on Ben and anointed him with Holy Oil after the last Eucharist of the week.
6. The children would disappear for long periods of time with their friends. Adults would take it easy.
7. We enjoyed meeting friends made last year and making some new ones.
All in all, it was a wonderful and unforgettable week and we wish to thank all who were responsible for making it possible.
From Matthew: I think the message that God was trying to convey to me during camp was that He will provide for His people, and prioritizes things better than we do. He may not always answer our prayers in the way that we intended, but He still listens. At camp, I thoroughly enjoyed the sense of fellowship that accompanied the beautiful rural surroundings. Peterkin had some of the most well qualified camp counselors ever, and I loved being around other Christians and being able to be true to myself.

Accessibility is church's goal, must become 'the norm' from the Episcopal News Service (ENS)

Note: Included below are parts of a recent article from the Episcopal News Service. In our own church I mention four recent instances of distress caused by lack of accessibility on all levels. At the Lenten Quiet Day an elderly man with a cane who parked in the back was quite winded after climbing the stairs. Some did not join us downstairs for the Liturgy of the Palms prior to the procession on Palm Sunday. A member’s grandson with a broken leg was limited in his mobility. A woman with a walker parked in the back for the memorial service and had to walk the long way around outside with steps to enter the church because she could not climb the flight of stairs. The elevator for people with disabilities has been ordered. - Joyce
Accessibility is church's goal, must become 'the norm', July 24, 2007, by Mary Frances Schjonberg, edited
It has been 25 years since the Episcopal Church first urged its members to make their buildings and services accessible to those with disabilities and that goal has not yet been fully achieved.
In 1982, the 67th General Convention established (Resolution D120) a task force to consider how the church could become more accessible and how to ensure that people with disabilities would be given equal standing in the church.
In 1985, the 68th General Convention (Resolution A087) re-iterated the call for the church to be accessible at all levels and in all programs to persons with disabilities.
In the hope of putting the issue "more in the front seat at least in terms of consciousness," according to Canon Victoria Garvey, the Executive Council meeting in June passed a resolution again calling the church to be accessible to all.
The Council's resolution "completes" Resolution D070 brought to the 75th General Convention in June 2006. The Council's resolution (CIM005), offered by the Standing Committee on Congregations in Ministry, urges:
• dioceses to convene committees on disability concerns to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure access for persons with disabilities to all church properties,
• congregations to designate a person or persons to be particularly responsible for disability concerns, and
• all congregations, affiliated organizations, and institutions of the Episcopal Church to use only facilities which are accessible to all persons.
Garvey told ENS that when one considers the signs that point people to Episcopal Church congregations – the ones that say "The Episcopal Church welcomes you" – calling for the church to be accessible to all is a "no-brainer." The accessibility is possible in some parts of the church, Garvey said, but it must become the norm "all across the board."

Remembering the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 62nd Anniversary, August 6 and 9
At 8:15 in the morning of August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped from a USA B-29 bomber on Hiroshima, Japan. More than 170,000 people died instantly or within hours. Few were soldiers.
The Transfiguration of Jesus is celebrated on August 6 (Matthew 17:1-6; Mark 9:1-8; Luke 9:28-36).
Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain where he was transfigured before them with a dazzling brightness emanating from his body.
Supplemental Collect for the Transfiguration and the Anniversary of the Bombing of Hiroshima:
Ineffable God, who speaks to us through clouds and in high places:
Give us the grace to hear your voice speaking to us today, not only in the clouds of incense,
Not only in the cloud when your Son was transfigured before his disciples,
Not only in the cloud leading your people through the Wilderness,
But also in the terrible cloud of death that arose over Hiroshima, the cloud arising from the latent murder in each of our hearts. Speak to our hearts that they may bear the fruit of peace, and that our cities may receive the gentle descent of your Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, written by Mary Miller and the Rev. Gary Commins

The Vine Newsletter (July 2007)

2007-07-01T20:47:00.000-04:00

The Search Begins…
On the evening of Tuesday, June 12, 2007, the first meeting of the Rector Search Committee was held in the Parish Hall at Emmanuel Church, under the direction of the Venerable Faith Perrizo, Archdeacon and Deployment Officer of the Diocese of West Virginia.
Now that the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) results are back – those special surveys that the members of Emmanuel Church were asked to fill out earlier this year – Venerable Faith will be assisting the Search Committee in its very important and detailed work of selecting candidates for consideration as the next rector of our church. The next step in the process will be for the Committee to create special profiles, one which will be sent to prospective priests, and the other will be uploaded to the deployment database at the Church Offices in New York City. Once the profile has been submitted to the database, priests who have qualifications that match the needs and vision of the church (as determined by the CAT) will be selected for consideration and provided to the Committee. Additionally, inquiries and resumes will be accepted by the Search Committee from all Episcopal priests who might be interested in serving our community in Keyser.
The members of the Rector Search Committee are: Beverly Davis (Prayer Chaplain), Kenneth Dyche (Chairperson), Spring Fertig, Andrew Rankin, Sue Riley (Recording Secretary), Francine Shanahan, Ralph Smith, Michael Summers (Correspondence Secretary).
From The Book of Common Prayer –
For the Selection of a Minister
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:
Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Pot luck brunch on Sunday, July 8, and Dining In for the MDGs
Celebrate summer with a pot luck brunch after the 10 o'clock worship on July 8.
In addition, with the halfway mark in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) [listed below] upon us, to raise more awareness and contributions to the cause we are "Dining In for the MDGs" on the 8th. As part of our parish pot luck brunch, everyone is invited to contribute the amount of money they would have spent if they had dined out that day. We'll give that money and any additional contributions to help achieve the MDGs.
At the 74th General Convention in June, the Episcopal Church set the MDGs as a mission priority for the Episcopal Church. In 2000, 191 nations—including the United States—agreed on a plan to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015. They identified eight goals:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
2. Achieve universal primary education for children.
3. Promote gender equality and empower women.
4. Reduce child mortality.
5. Improve maternal health.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
7. Ensure environmental sustainability.
8. Create a global partnership for development.

A quick note from Kim, senior warden
Many thanks for all members who helped with the installation of the carpet. It is beautiful!
Also, keep your eyes open for construction in Patchett Hall. The vestry has approved the funding of an elevator! Installation should begin late summer and should be complete before Christmas. We give thanks to God for all these blessings.

Jottings by Joyce
We are settling into the long "green" season of the church year, the Sundays after Pentecost when we hear about events in the life of Jesus and how we are to be disciples following his example. We may consider how we can be more Christ-like with the people we encounter in our daily lives, ranging from store clerks to family members.
The Rector Search Committee is beginning their work of discernment, first in presenting Emmanuel in a profile and then in selecting rector candidates. Let us keep them and their work in our prayers.
I will be in Texas for my father's ninetieth birthday celebration in mid-July. Call Kim Pifer in case of emergency.
I give thanks for the vitality I see in this church.
Blessings on your journey,
Joyce

Youth (a vital part of Emmanuel) news
Do you like parades, fire and serving at God’s table? Become an acolyte!
Acolyte training will be on Sunday, July 15, at 9:00 led by Sonny Rhodes.
Youth are meeting after coffee hour every other Sunday in the A-frame loft with Michael Miller, Sue Riley and David Rankin as sponsors.
We thank the Youth for helping with coffee hour on July 1.
Peterkin camp is blessed to have so many of our youth participating this summer. Katie Rankin and Codi Gourlay recently returned from senior camp. Anticipating intermediate camp are Ian Rankin, Shawnee Gourlay, Carrie Miller, Alyssa Williams, and maybe some of their friends.
We give a great big "THANK YOU" to Sue Riley and Bud and Mae Summers for transporting children and youth to and from church each week.

Congratulations to Russell Miller and Kristen Gough on the birth of Layla Marie on Thursday, June 21, weighing 5 lbs. 15 oz.

John D'Elisa, Marcy and Dawn thank Emmanuel for the prayers, care and concern during his illness. Even as we miss John's humor, the Johns Hopkins medical personnel are enjoying his wit. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

In the spotlight – YOU: Join the Showcase highlighting a repertoire of talent

From the young to the not so young: Lots of diverse kinds of talent can be found among the people of Emmanuel, and we want to showcase its many forms. You all have varieties of talent: artistic ability, craftsmanship, musical talent, storytelling, and who knows what else!

So we want to spend a couple of hours having a Talent Showcase one Sunday afternoon in August. What talent you will share with us? Tell the Rev. Joyce, Kim, or call the church office so we can put you on the list.

Outreach report for the first half of '07

Our Outreach Committee takes very seriously how we distribute ten percent of the Patchet Fund. We have had three requests for help from parishioners and friends of parishioners amounting to $750.00 for the first half of the year. We weigh each case and how much we can afford out of what we have set aside for this purpose.
We also give regularly to community agencies that help others who are in need. So for this year we have given Faith in Action $1,000.00, Helping Hands $400.00, and Energy Express $1,125.00.

We also sponsor Activities for minimal expenses under $100.00 while supporting youth. We gave $300.00 for the Teal Steel Band who entertained us May 19, 2007; and we supported the Keyser High School Softball Boosters as we have two young parishioners on the team. We gave them $250.00.
We have several larger projects in the planning but we are careful of the money we are given to responsibility take care.
Respectfully,
Sharon Floyd

Golf tournament fund raiser for Helping Hands, July 28 at Polish Pines golf course.
Cost is $30. Sign up by contacting Sharon Floyd or the golf course.
Faith in Action food pantry is in special need of canned meat and peanut butter. They also need canned vegetables, rice and pancake mix. They are at 112 Center St., and are open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1-3, and Tuesday from 10-3, or place your food in the basket by the door of the church.

Sunday school learns about people in other countries
Sharon Floyd's class of 2-9 year olds learned about people in other countries. They constructed houses representative of Ethiopia, the back country Indians of Canada, Indonesia, Thailand, Israel, Ireland, Greece, and Japan and made presentations to parishioners after coffee hour.

They had eye-opening experiences in learning that some Ethiopian children put fresh animal dung on the walls of their houses each day. They also learned that while some local children may consider themselves poor, they do have a house, food, and toys, while many children in other countries do not.

Vestry minutes are posted on the parish hall bulletin board.

One Nation Under God – In honor of Independence Day, quotes from US presidents
-It is impossible to govern the world without God. He must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith.... - George Washington
-I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. - Abraham Lincoln
-It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow. - Calvin Coolidge
-Without God the world would be a maze without a clue. - Woodrow Wilson
-No one can worship God or love his neighbor on an empty stomach. - Woodrow Wilson
-We could find no more appropriate way to begin our days and our duties than to pray." ... I find for myself...a sustaining strength from moments of prayer. – Lyndon Baines Johnson
-Prayer reminds us that a great people must be humble before God, searching for wisdom – constantly searching for wisdom – from the Almighty. - George W. Bush

Pentecost as “ordinary time”
In some liturgical traditions, Pentecost is known as "ordinary time." Although the word "ordinary" comes from the word, "ordinal," "to count," we think of ordinary as boring, uneventful. Seen in that way, I am bothered by the term "ordinary time" because as Christians, there is no ordinary time. All time is marked by God’s presence and grace in our lives, making all time extraordinary. Then again, it’s perhaps good to have time in the Church year officially referred to as ‘ordinary time’ as a way of reminding ourselves that God can be found in the ordinary, everyday of our lives. — The Rev. N. DeLiza Spangler, Anglican Digest, Pentecost 2003, 13.