The Beacon, February 2011

February 2011 Church Calendar

Father George's Message

Dear Friends,
Just to mention several upcoming events of the parish in the next few weeks:

1. Confirmation Classes begin this Sunday, January 30th, at St. Stephen’s from 10:45 AM-noon.  Classes prepare adults for Confirmation and Reception into the Episcopal Church.  Anyone interested in participating in any or all of these classes “review” are welcome.  The Bishop’s Visitation and Confirmation will be Sunday, May 1st, at 9:30 AM.  The first class is entitled “An Historical and Theological Perspective”.
2. Lent: begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9th.  Services will be announced in forth-coming bulletins and the March Beacon.  We’re looking forward to our traditional soup and bread meals with programs to be announced.  The Stewardship Committee is also planning a special program on “Life from 50 – 100+” which will begin during the Lenten season.  Also, our traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be held the evening prior to Ash Wednesday.

I most certainly continue to enjoy my time with you as your Interim Priest.  This is a formative and interesting time for all of us as you prepare for the calling of a Rector.  Initial plans are being made for a “parish discussion” meal during our Lenten series of conversation and learning.  I always enjoy Lent as a wonderful time for disciplined review and spiritual introspection and growth.
Hopefully we can anticipate sunshine and flowers for this coming Easter on April 24th.
     
Faithfully yours,
The Rev. George H. Warren

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From the Editor's Desk

Sharyn and I have just come back from spending five days at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA, attending the graduation of our oldest grandson Dereck. It was a very special occasion. There was a goodly number of family there including David and Tammy and their children; Tammy’s sister Lori with her husband and sons; Sandy and Charlie, Tammy’s mother and step-father; Tammy’s father Roger; and the two of us. We occupied three cabins on the post with Sandy and Charlie   sharing a cabin with Sharyn and me. We were quite a crew, to say the least.

It was a memorable occasion in many respects. First and foremost, of course, was Dereck’s graduation. And surely God’s hand was a large part of this. Dereck’s adolescent years were difficult, for him and for his family. Dereck dropped out of high school after his freshman year. He tried some online courses offered by the state of Florida but couldn’t follow through on them. He eventually got his GED through an adult ed night course.

At some point, Dereck decided that he wanted to join the US Marines. He was discouraged when he found out that less than 2% of marines had a GED and that he would have to get fifteen college credits before they would even consider him.

So Dereck tried the Army. He was told that the army did accept GED’s but soldiers were selected through a lottery system. However, he was told that if he could earn fifteen college credits, he would then be accepted.

At this point came the turning point in this young man’s life ­– the turning point that we all and many others had been praying for. Dereck enrolled in Tallahassee Community College and in two semesters completed his college credits with outstanding grades. At the same time he was working with the local Army recruiter following a program to get him in proper physical shape.

Finally the time came for Dereck to go to Fort Benning for Basic Training. There was a big send-off party for him, to which Sharyn and I made a surprise appearance. We were all so proud of what he had accomplished. His mother Tammy kept us apprised of his progress at Benning, then came the time for his graduation.

We flew in to Columbus, GA by way of Atlanta, and drove to Fort Benning where we connected with the others. We got our passes and other paper work and went to our cabins, got settled, and rested.

The next morning was the first part of the graduation. All the soldiers were awarded their blue braided bands that signifies that were now infantrymen. In this ceremony, parents were invited to put the braid on their soldier. Very moving.

The next morning was the formal graduation ceremony. One of the highlights for the family was being invited to sit in the VIP seats. Sandy’s husband Charlie has a great deal of difficulty walking. One of the officers spotted this and invited us to sit in the VIP section. Pretty cool!

Later that day, we went to the Infantry Museum on the Post which was an impressive display of the history of the infantry from the Revolutionary War to the present.

There were many highlights to this weekend: Sharyn and I got to know Sandy and Charlie better, we spent extended time with other family members, and we learned a little bit about an area which we had never visited before. We are so proud of the fine young man Dereck has become.

And through this time were able to reflect with gratitude on God’s loving hand in Dereck’s life. There is definitely a Prodigal Son parallel here. We know that Dereck will be successful. He has a new sense of purpose and knows what he wants to do with his life.

                                    frp
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Prayerful Notes

For the past few months now, one of the aspects of my devotional time has been a daily written reflection on the psalm of the day, specifically one verse in particular. I have found the psalms to be a meaningful resource for healing, guidance and discernment on my spiritual journey.
   Our Forward Day by Day booklet, found in our church tract rack, lists the assigned Lectionary scriptures for every day. After finding the psalm appointed for the day, I first just sit in silence, being present to the Lord and ask for His guidance. Reading the holy scriptures differs greatly from other kinds of reading, which we read mainly for content only. To really hear the message in God's word, we need to, as one of our collects so beautifully explains, read, mark and inwardly digest the words. You might liken it to the difference between grabbing a quick lunch at a fast food place or savoring a gourmet meal at a fine restaurant.
   After settling myself in a peaceful space, I slowly read the psalm through in its entirety, three times. By the third reading, usually one particular verse will seem to speak to me. I repeat it over and over again, meditate in silence on it, then write a written reflection on what it says to me.
   Recently, my reflection was on Psalm 16: 8 - I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
   The truth of the matter was, I had been feeling shaken, anxious and fearful about a couple of things going on in my life. My primary concern was a mysterious little blue light in my car, which had the letters ESC Off written on it. I noticed it one evening, when I turned on my headlights. Of course, my instrument panel, with all the various gauges, illuminates when I turn the headlights on. This car is relatively new to me and since this blue ESC Off (Electronic Stability Control) button is located some distance below the regular panel, I had never noticed it before. I read my owners manual over and over and could not understand it. I could feel my anxiety level rise. I stopped by my local garage. They of course were busy but took a quick look at it and assured me all was fine. "Don't worry, just enjoy your new car," he said. I tried to push it out of my mind but like a boomerang, it kept coming back. This was the state of mind I was in, as I read this verse. Then as I sat in the silence, my body began to relax and ever so slowly, a beautiful feeling of peace came over me. As I began to write my reflection, another verse of scripture came to mind. I thought of the story of the two sisters, Mary, who quietly sat at Jesus feet and listened to Him and Martha, who was so distracted in her busyness. For me, it was the busyness that had been in my mind. I heard Jesus words of admonishment to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her. Luke 10: 41-42  These two unexpected visitors came to teach me that both Mary and Martha reside within me and I have to choose which one I will be, on a daily basis.
   I finished my reflection, picked up my car owner's manual and in my now peaceful state, God gave me clarity of mind. I understood that this was a safety device, that automatically activated to slow my engine down, when I ran into dangerous road conditions, like a slippery road or being stuck in a rut. It was much like shifting to a lower gear had been in my old car. I called my Hyundai dealer and spoke to the salesman I had dealt with and he confirmed my understanding.
   On my own, I can go into the panic zone and when that happens, I can't think clearly, my mind becomes a maze of confusion.
   When I sit with the Lord in prayer, He does for me, what that little blue ESC button does for my car. He is my stability control. When I slip off course and fall into fearful situations, I need to activate the source and plug into the power of Jesus, to get me back on a safe course. Who knew the Lord could use even my new car to teach me about his power, my Spiritual Stability Control!
Isaiah 23 : 3 - You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in you.

           Blessings Always,
                                      Phyl Endicott

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Announcements

The next Vestry Meeting will be held on Monday February 21, 2011. All vestry meetings are open to the entire parish. Parishioners wishing to include items on the agenda are asked to contact one of the wardens or the rector no later than two (2) weeks before the meeting. Vestry meeting agendas and minutes will be regularly posted on the bulletin board between Fay Hall and the narthex.

Confirmation classes start Sunday, January 30th.  It isn’t too late to sign up!  If you want to be Confirmed or Received by Bishop Scruton on Sunday, May 1st, please see Fr. George or call the parish office with your name and phone number.  Also, please note that all are welcome to participate in any or all of these classes.

College Grants The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts grant applications for parishioners planning to enter their first year in college as an undergraduate.  See Fr. Warren if you would like a copy of the information.

Nancy will be taking vacation the week of February 20 thru 26.  Would someone or someones please volunteer to keep the church office open from 9:00 AM to at least 11:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?  Bob Lewis covers the office on Tuesdays (Thanks, Bob).  All you need to do is answer the phone.  It is a wonderful opportunity to catch up on your reading.  Please let me know if you would be willing to take one (or more) of the days.

It's not too early to begin thinking about your congregation's stewardship formation activities in 2011.  An ecumenical stewardship conference will be held in Marlboro, MA on March 18-19, 2011 that will feature plenary speaker Mike Slaughter, author of "Money Matters: Financial Freedom for All God's Children" and "Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus."  There will be workshops as well as plenaries.  If you are interested, please contact Bob Jarvis at 508-366-1979.

The Communications Group’s Used Book Shelf in Fay Hall is a way to recycle our books and enjoy our church community by sharing with each other.  Please bring in any books you would like to donate and check the shelves for any books you might be interested in reading.  A basket is on the shelves for free-will donations.

Please check to make sure your e‑mail address(es) and phone number(s) are correct in the Parish Directories.  If you find errors or omissions, please let Nancy Harris know.  If you have an old directory, please return it to the office so the paper can be recycled and the spine reused.  Thank you.

What?  Fined for not wearing my name tag??  Please make an effort to wear your name tag.  This will make it easier for Fr. George to get to know our names and for us to know each other.  If you misplaced or lost yours, or are in need of a name tag, please let the office or Bev Boyer know so we can get you a new one.  Watch out for the Vestry member who suggested a fine!!!

 In memoriam

We are saddened to report that Barbara Field, Mother of Lynne Urso, passed on to her eternal rest on Friday, December 31, 2010 at the Sterling Village. She was the wife of John D. Field, Sr.  In addition to her husband she is survived by her eight children: John Field, Jr., of Sanbornton, NH; Catherine E. Powers of Fitchburg; Douglas Field of Clinton; Barbara Geroski of Derry, NH; Lynne Urso of Shrewsbury; James Field of Gilford, NH; Kimberly Field of Franklin, NH; and Alison Schumacher of Newport, Oregon. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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