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The Beacon, April 2011
Father George's Message
Dear Friends,
Our Lenten experience has been a good one as we have journeyed through each Sunday celebration focused on the meaning of “God’s Peace Within Us”. The prayers and readings have been guiding us from the real sense of our need for God’s love towards the joyous celebration of that presence forever as we go forward as a people of the Resurrection. Our Wednesday evening Soup and Bread presentations have also been most fulfilling as we journeyed through St. Stephen’s Soul Searching towards a rector…to thoughts about “Who God Is” to each of us…to “How Important Life is” as we travel through our latter years. All in all, if we’ve kept the true meaning of Lent personally as well as together as a community of Christians, we shall indeed realize a joyous Easter.
Holy Week observances will begin on Palm Sunday as we begin to focus on Jesus’ final days on earth. On Maundy Thursday, we’ll observe the Last Supper; The Garden of Gethsemane; the Youth Group service; and The Way of the Cross on Good Friday. From Holy Saturday prayers we’ll begin to focus on a glorious Easter celebration. Observances and times will be announced in forthcoming Sunday bulletins.
Looking forward now also to the Bishop’s visitation on Sunday, May 1st, we are prepared to present to the Bishop a mature group of young people for Confirmation. The Bishop will be with us for the 9:30 AM Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. A reception for Confirmands and Bishop Scruton will follow the service in Fay Hall.
Happy Spring to all!!!
Faithfully yours in Christ,
From the Editor's Desk
It’s about mid-way through Lent; I’m sitting at my computer about to write my column. I’m late, as usual. I though I’d be in good shape this month; for the last week or so I’ve been looking for things I might write about, things appropriately Lenten. But yesterday, when I sat down to write, I couldn’t remember any of the things that I had come up with.
“Well,” I thought, “maybe God has something in mind.” And he did. Yesterday as I walked into my doctor’s office with its usual array of tattered old copies of People, Time, and other assorted popular magazines, on top of the stack was a copy of The American Scholar, not your usual doctor’s office fare. Out of curiosity, I thumbed through it, stopping first at the letters readers had sent in. They usually give a good feel as to what the magazine is like.
Among the letters was one written by a reader who had taken exception to a column that had appeared in the previous issue. What caught my eye was the name “William Zinsser.” I immediately recognized the name; Zinsser was the author of two books that had a profound influence on the way I taught writing.
I also recalled an essay he had written about an experience he had accompanying Willi Ruff who was a noted professor of music and a musicologist much interested in acoustics. Willi had obtained permission to play in St Mark’s cathedral in Venice. Now St. Mark’s had about 25,000 visitors each day during the summer, but Ruff had persuaded an old monsignor to let him play all alone in the chapel for two hours after the 7:30 Mass. Ruff wanted to study the acoustics when the chapel
was empty. He asked Zinsser to accompany him.
Zinsser wrote an account of the experience which moved me deeply. His description of the music captured the magnificence of those two hours, especially when he described how Ruff ended the session by playing “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” Zinsser wrote: the note[s] seemed to seek out every crevice in the five immense domes and to linger long after [they] should have died away. I recalled how I had reacted many years ago to this description; it was no less moving reading it today.
I knew right then that here was my Lenten connection. His description of that spiritual, which has become so much a part of the Christian observance of Lent resonated with me. I have been struggling with Lent this year, wondering where had I lost the meaning of the season. Now it was back. My appreciation of the solemnity of these 40 days has returned.
I know it was God’s hand that had led me to this moment; I knew why I had forgotten those other ideas. Maybe they’ll come back some day; maybe not. But I am grateful. Thank you, Lord.
frpPrayerful Notes
I am a life-long Episcopalian. While I love our church and the beauty and richness of our traditions, I also enjoy learning about other faith traditions.
My goddaughter Katherine, is a Baptist and one of the things I have learned about the Baptist tradition is that from a young age, they stress memorization of Bible verses. When Katherine was only about 3 years old, her mother would sit her down during their quiet time each day and ask her if she had practiced the fruits of the spirit that day. They are listed in Galatians 5: 22. Had she been loving, joyful, patient, kind and so on? I was impressed that at such a young age, she not only knew the verse of scripture but more importantly knew how to apply it to her own life.
As a child, I had learned the more familiar Bible stories in my Sunday School classes: however, I did not read the King James Bible we had at home. The language was beautiful but rather daunting for a child.
Later in life, as an adult, after experiencing a spiritual renewal weekend, I bought myself one of the newer, more modern translations of the Bible and began reading in earnest. I came to see that this was really God's guidebook for life. I got involved in Bible Study groups and took the 4-year Education For Ministry (E.F.M.) course at St. Stephen's. I continue to do a lot of personal study of the Bible at home.
I have found so much in God's word: comfort in times of sorrow, direction and discernment in decision making, strength and renewal, hope in times of despair and so much more. It has become like a "spiritual bank account," that I draw from on a daily basis. Certain verses of scripture have stayed with me and God seems to bring them to mind, just when I need them most.
One of my favorite collects is proper 28, found on page 236 of our Prayer Book. Regarding the words of scripture, it says we are to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them. To me, that speaks of memorization.
A couple of months ago, I discovered how memorization can be a valuable aid in calming ones mind to focus on prayer. Have you ever sat down in quiet to pray and found your mind racing ahead, thinking of all you had to do that day? I sure have. It can be a real challenge to heed the words of the psalmist; "Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46: 10.
I realized that when we are memorizing something, there is no room in our mind for other distracting thoughts. I am a morning person. I cherish that predawn hour. I love to sit in the darkness, with just the soft glow of my vigil candle and wait for God to turn up the dimmer switch on a new day. For me, it is a holy time. A time to clear my mind and get into a prayer mode, I have been memorizing the creation story from the first chapter of Genesis. I spend about 20 minutes each morning on it. It totally clears my mind of everything else. As the darkness turns to light, I feel a sense of partnership with God in the creation of another new day. Then I am ready to pray.
I am particularly drawn to this scripture because I am experiencing that setting; however, I think it is a personal thing. Whatever part of the Bible you are drawn to will work. I think the psalms would probably be a good focal point as well.
Last month marked the 8th year anniversary of writing my Prayerful Notes column. I sent in my first edition at the suggestion of and with the encouragement of my late friend Peg MacMillan. Thanks Peg. At that time, I have invited others to join me in sharing their insights and ideas on special ways that they pray. I know we have a lot of "prayer warriors" out there. The offer still stands.
Happy Easter everyone!
Blessings Always,
Phyl Endicott
Announcements
The next Vestry Meeting will be held on Monday, April 11. 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.
Food for thought from your Search Committee:
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine. – 1 Timothy 5:17
Lord, help us to appreciate
The work that others do,
The service given from their hearts,
Their sacrifice for You. -Sper
The Adopted Soldier Project is moving forward quite quickly. I am very happy to have Linda Johnson on board with me. I do need help in packing and mailing off packages. The Church has sent out 12 care packages in the past year and I would like to send out more. Courtney is a name I received from AnySoldier.com. He is willing to pass items through to the troops and he is a Chaplain’s Assistant in Afghanistan. He writes:
“I am Spc. Courtney Pool the 5-25 Chaplains Assistant. My Chaplain and I provide religious and moral support for our soldiers in the outlaying COPS. We travel regularly to meet, counsel, and provide services for the units (mostly men since they are a combat unit). We would also like the opportunity to bring these soldiers some morale boosters. Our soldiers have two hot meals served daily and MRE's for lunch. Their meals are prepared on MKT's (portable kitchens). Most of them have no access to a PX/BX. The one we do have on our FOB is poorly stocked and is often out of even basic hygiene items. Some of the things that our soldiers go through are Fire Retardant Patrol gloves (Black or OD Green), Batteries AA and AAA, Quality Basic Hygiene items for men, Muscle Magazines, sports Magazines, Common Interest Magazines like Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, National Geographic, and some news Magazines. Some times we don't get to hear what’s going on back home as far as news goes. Treats and snacks are always welcomed. Also popular books are appreciated, as well as popular music on CDs and current movies. Some of our soldiers don't get many care packages from home because they come from unsupportive families. Please keep these soldiers in mind when preparing care packages. These soldiers are just looking for anything to brighten their day and bring a piece of America to Afghanistan. Thank you for what you guys are doing. All of us appreciate it and are thankful to have supportive citizens that ’Have our Backs’ while we are deployed so far from home and living in less than ideal conditions and often running on little to no sleep.” By the way, Courtney is a male. He asked that you address letters to ANY SOLDIER and NOT to him (Courtney).
ANY SOLDIER
HHB 5-25 FA
FOB Shank
APO AE 09364
The parish has committed to writing at least one letter of support a week and sending a minimum of one or two care packages a month. The soldiers love to receive these gifts and letters, which help keep their spirits up. A list of suggested items to go in the “care packages” which consists of the most requested supplies such as toothpaste, Frisbees, sunscreen, etc., although almost anything is appreciated by the soldiers. The list is available at the Peace and Justice table set up in Fay Hall. Please contact Ruth Beck at 508-485-5338 with any questions
Mothering Sunday - The United Kingdom holds the prestige of being the first country in the world to dedicate a special day for mothers, as early as 17th century. In the UK, Mothering Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in the month of Lent. Since the days of Lent are not fixed, the date for Mothering Sunday keeps on changing as well. However, the emotions remain the same. The feelings associated with the day are much alike those in the US on Mother’s Day.
The occasion has a long history, which dates back as far as the year 1600. During that time, the poor used to send their children to work as domestic servants or trainees in the homes of higher class people. Once a year, these children were given leave for a day, so that they could visit their Mother Church as well as their own mother. The day coincided with the middle Sunday of the fasting period of Lent.
The children would visit their Mother Church and then head straight to meet their own mother, with some fresh flowers. While the boys would present their mother with flowers, girls would go a step further by presenting them freshly baked handmade cakes, which were also called ‘Simnel Cakes’. With time, the holiday came to be known as “Mothering Sunday”.
To honor Mothering Sunday at St. Stephen’s this year, we will dedicate altar flowers to our Mothers and our Mother Church. Please sign your mother’s name and/or someone who was like a mother to you, to the chart in the narthex with the suggested donation of $5. All names will be listed in the bulletin on April 3, 2011. This in the only time we will have altar flowers during Lent. See Michele Mongeon for more information
The 2011 Youth Confirmation Retreat will be held at St. Francis’ Church, Holden, MA, starting Friday, April 8th, at 7:00 PM and ending Saturday, April 9th, at 3:00 PM. Registration deadline is April 1st. The cost of $25 per person which includes food, materials, and an air mattress for the evening is covered by St. Stephen’s. For more information, please see either Fr. George or e-mail Jill Williams at jwilliams@diocesewma.org
As you know, Japan has been devastated by the recent tsumani and earthquakes. If you wish to donate to the relief fund for them, please make your checks payable to The Episcopal World Relief Fund and note it is for Japan. To those St. Stephen’s parishioners who have donated to the relief fund thank you for your generosity. Just think: If every parish throughout the U.S.A. has contributed to such a fund, the outcome will have been heartening.
Easter Week Schedule:
7:00 PM-Maundy Thursday Service
7:00 PM-Good Friday Service
7:00 PM-Holy Saturday Service
8:00 AM-Easter Sunday Rite II Holy Eucharist
9:30 AM-Easter Sunday Rite II Holy Eucharist with Music
We welcome into the family of God Mateo David Borgia, son of Thomas and Marianna Borgia and Grandson of Carmen and Valerie Borgia
Simnel Cake
This recipe is for one 7x11 cake pan and is to be baked at 300 degrees.
Ingredients:
3 cups currants
½ pound butter
2 cups regular flour
4 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
Cream butter and half of the sugar. Add beaten egg yolks. Mix currants with 4 tablespoons of flour. Add remaining flour to butter mixture, then stir in currants. Beat egg whites until stiff, then add remaining ½ cup of sugar. Fold into currant batter. Bake at 300 degrees until done. Serves 24 small pieces.
In Memoriam:
Former parishioner Michael Ackerman recently passed away. Our condolences and prayers go to to his wife Joy, and daughters Mary and Rachel.
Also our condolences go out to Meta Mitchell on the passing of her mother Mary Angela Mitchell.