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.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The Vine Newsletter (August 2007)
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 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
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The Vine Newsletter (July 2007)
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.
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.
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