Chronicles of Canterbury
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Chronicles of Canterbury november 2018
From the Rector
Pledging Is Not a Burden, but a Delight
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ollowing Jesus requires that we trust, listen, talk, join, imitate and serve the Lord. Stewardship is an essential Christian discipline which touches on all of these faithful actions. At In the past decade, we’ve St. Michael’s, we are trying added people — 635 to be the kinds of disciples registered communicants Jesus has called us to be, as — and our transept living members of the Body space and a world class of Christ. organ. Despite what many individuals in this country may privately believe, the Bible and the Church have always taught that one cannot truly consider oneself a “Christian,” let alone a real disciple of Jesus, without joining the communion of the faithful in the Body of Christ – which is the Church. In our classes this fall, Robert and I talked about Paul’s theology of faith and grace and how both are God’s gift for individuals to become part of Christ’s mystical body. To be sure, the gifts of God are for the people of God as a WHOLE ... not to private individuals.
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n joining the Body of Christ, because it is a body and not merely an ideological movement, we are called to give bodily not just mentally. That means time, talent, skill, and yes, treasure. We are to offer “ourselves, our souls and bodies” to God in thankful sacrifice. This bodily giving is what stewardship is about. It’s about dedicating all that we have and all that we are to Christ’s Body. We are again at the time of the year when we are asking every member of the parish to make a commitment, a vow, a pledge to the Body of Christ here at St. Michael’s. It is not supposed to be a burden, but a delight, and yet it is also supposed to be significant. In the past decade, the Lord has really grown this church. We’ve added people — 635 registered communicants — and we’ve added our transept space and a world-class organ. We’ve updated the kitchen and renovated our sacristy and rest rooms. See RECTOR on page 3
The Gift of a Church Community what’s inside 2 Claim Your Life 4 OWLS for October
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harlotte, wake up. Something is happening,” I heard Rob say through the fog of sleep. I sat up in our hotel room bed in time to see the second plane fly into the tower.
5 Why Do I Love SMEC? It was Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 6 10 Run for Vestry
Everyone remembers where they 8 For All the Saints: Watts were and what they were doing that horrible morning. Rob and I were 9 Gifts of Grace Nov. 11 in Las Vegas for a conference. I had 10 Briefly tagged along for fun. Rob’s dad was caring for our boys at home. The 11 Lifelong Disciple twins were 9 and Sam was 6. 12 Afternoon Tea
Remember the fear and chaos flowing across our nation? Your tears as you watched in horror people falling to their deaths? The impossibility of buildings collapsing? Wanting to gather your family close. “Let’s roll.” The certainty that life as we had known it was irrevocably changed.
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Now imagine you are across the country in a city that promotes fantasy not reality, without your children, not knowing how, or if, you will make it home. Irrationally cabbing to the airport the next day for your previously scheduled flight to find the airport barricaded. Hotel guests renting cars, and groups of strangers renting RVs to travel cross country. A man collapsing of an apparent heart attack as you re-enter the hotel. Rebooking flights not once, but countless times, unsuccessfully, because crews were scared to fly, or they’d timed out. I wish I had a dollar for every boarding pass we tore up. We watched the horror unfold on the bar TV because we were too stunned to do anything, and we became increasingly frustrated as all options out fizzled. See ANNUAL FUND on page 6
Chronicles of Canterbury The People of St. Michael’s Church Phone: (919) 782-0731 All area codes are 919 unless otherwise noted.
The Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones, Rector ext. 117 • jones@holymichael.org (c) 559-2004 The Rev. Holly Gloff, Associate Rector ext. 127 • gloff@holymichael.org (c) 612-7228 The Rev. Robert Fruehwirth Associate Rector ext. 105 • fruehwirth@holymichael.org (c) 475-0082 The Rev. Meta Ellington, Deacon ellington@holymichael.org (c) 210-9123 The Rev. David Crabtree, Deacon (c) 614-2164 Marion B. “Chip” Chase, Verger (h) 851-9576 VESTRY John Constance, Senior Warden • 332-2258 Anna McLamb, Jr. Warden • 848- 9012 Debbie Reed Treasurer • 783-8978 Joe Warenda, Clerk • 602-0839 Kristin Lingo, Recording Secretary Class of 2018 David Bull • 785-9860 | John Constance • 332-2258 Anna McLamb • 848- 9012 | Allen Marshall • 720-4236 Joe Warenda • 602-0839 Class of 2019 Tim Berry • 785-9573 | Dan Cahill • 785-1610 Valerie Jackson• 917-5164 Robin Kennedy • 571-3633 | Lee Walker • 232-7726 Class of 2020 Ashleigh Black •789-8284 John Connell • 336-407-891 | Rob Griffin• 510-9982 Marty Munt • 847-6780 | Karen Wagoner• 601-2881. STAFF Stella Attaway, Director of Christian Education attaway@holymichael.org • ext. 106 Ann Garey, Publications garey@holymichael.org • ext. 103 Charlotte Griffin, Director of Development griffin@holymichael.org • ext. 121 Lee Hayden, Director of Operations & Newcomer Ministry hayden@holymichael.org • ext.108 A bby Van Noppen, Director of Youth Ministry vannoppen@holymichael.org • ext. 115 Kevin Kerstetter, Director of Music kerstetter@holymichael.org • ext. 101 Susan Little, Financial Administrator little@holymichael.org • ext. 113 Carolyn L’Italien, Assitant to Children’s Ministres & Operations litalien@holymichael.org Jean Olson, Parish Secretary olson@holymichael.org • ext. 112 Susan Rountree, Director of Communications rountree@holymichael.org • ext.122 FACILITIES STAFF Jesús Epigmenio, Groundskeeper Marcela de la Cruz, Housekeeper PARISH DAY SCHOOL 782-6430 Mandy Annunziata, Director annunziata@holymichael.org • ext. 110 Cason Maddison, Assitant Director • ext.114
OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm CANTERBURY SHOP HOURS Monday - Friday 10 am -1 pm Sundays 9 am – 9:30 am & 10:30 am-noon
Lifelong Disciple
Claim Your Life. Daily Plans are nothing. Planning is everything.— Dwight D. Eisenhower
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ife no longer “just happens.”
I was talking recently with a friend, a priest intent on living an authentic spiritual life. Along with prayer, an authentic spiritual life for him included study, physical exercise, sabbath time, and time with his wife and children. In the course of our conversation, he said something that has stuck with me. He said that when he was in his 20s, life just happened to him. Great times with his friends just came out of nowhere. He was physically fit and never got injured no matter what he did or did not do to his body. He was doing fine in graduate school. Now, 15 years later, he has come to realize that if he wants anything for his life now, he has to plan for it. He has to make it happen, and make space for it, whether it’s health, friendship, or a life of prayer. Part of this change is due to waning physical energy and physical changes, the aches and pains that creep up in our 30s. Part of this is due to family commitments. Part of it stems from occupying a position of responsibility in a community, highly connected and highly visible. But even mental acuity begins to drop off in middle age. My friend reflected that if he didn’t plan for what he really cared about, he could spend the rest of his life responding to what other people cared about — riding a froth of emails and tweets through his day, reacting to crises, and putting on weight in donut-laden committee meetings. If he cared about study, he had to give three or four hours a week to serious scholarship. If he wanted to stay married, he had to plan date nights and pay for babysitters. The 1% Challenge In September, I invited people in the parish to take the 1% challenge. This means giving 1% of your day to God. It’s not much, just 14.4 minutes. Most people I know who are serious about their faith will spend around an hour a day in prayer, spiritual reading, and reflection. One percent of your day, giving every day to God, day in and day out, is, however, enough to get started. One percent of your day given consistently to God is enough to mark your life with Christian intent. It is enough to give you a chance of discovering what is really important for the rest of life and to plan for that. It is enough to give God a toe-hold in your life. See the sidebar for what you might do in your 14.4 minutes for God. Becoming disciples of Jesus is, after all, not something that just happens to us. It doesn’t just fall into some lucky peoples’ laps and not into others. It is something that is patently cultivated. And it’s not just a matter of having profound spiritual experiences. I had a conversion experience that shook me to my core when I was 18 years old, but soon after that, I had abandoned God, only to come crawling back. I have spent the whole of my adult life learning how to be faithful to that original experience, and I’ve discovered that slow and steady persistence is just about the only thing that matters. Take the 1% challenge. Live for God. Live for the Real. — The Rev. Robert Fruehwirth
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Chronicles of Canterbury from page 1
That doesn’t include the almost constant upkeep of our facilities. We’ve also added classrooms and a music suite to serve the needs of a growing Sunday School program and Day School. With our growth we have been able to go deeper and reach out farther into our community and world in mission and outreach. Thankfully, we are not planning on adding to the campus, though maintaining it is an annual job. I believe we are called to expand our ministries, however, especially in areas of mission, outreach and evangelism. But we need to fund that of course. If you have not yet pledged to our Annual Fund, we’d like you to engage in the process. Take a look at the Generosity & Thanksgiving booklet mailed to you and consider the questions. And pray before you make your pledge to Christ’s growing and life-giving body – and remember that stewardship is a primary spiritual discipline expressing faithful conviction, commitment and communion in Christ Jesus.
In the past decade, St. Michael’s has added the new transept space, above, and a world class Nichols and Simpson organ, left, in addition to growing by more than 600 people. (File photos from 2011)
14.4 Minutes a Day for God •
Hold your closest loved ones in mind, one after another, and ask for God to protect and inspire them. Do the same for one person, project, or group you are finding difficult.
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Read the upcoming Sunday Lectionary. See www. lectionarypage.net
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Pray the Our Father with extreme slowness, letting each phrase sink in.
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Read a book to learn how to pray: Anthony Bloom’s, Beginning to Pray is classic. More advanced reading: Julia Gatta’s Life in Christ.
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Download the Headspace App and learn how to meditate.
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Write down in a journal how you feel, what you see, or what happened to you yesterday that still seems significant.
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Make a list of what is most important in your life, and revisit it weekly. What sticks? What is ephemeral? — The Rev. Robert Fruehwirth
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Chronicles of Canterbury
ANNUAL FUND
from page 1
On Thursday, I called my brother who lives in southern California to see if he could bring us a rental car. Instead, he asked someone from his Vegas office to bring us one of their cars. It was a little long in the tooth, but the bearer of this gift promised it would get us to Irvine. So, we drove across the desert to Irvine and spent the night with my brother.
What Rob and I didn’t know then was how she spread the prayers and concern for our well-being and safe return throughout St. Michael’s. Rob and I felt those prayers as we struggled to get home. When we arrived for the 9:30 a.m. service the day after we returned, we were greeted with hugs and welcomes. We did not cry until we entered the Parish Hall for Sunday School. Gil Greggs, Claudia’s husband and the leader that morning, stopped us as we entered and announced our return to the parishioners in attendance, with a prayer of thanksgiving for our safe arrival home. Everyone clapped and hugged us. Rob and I were moved to tears. I still am.
We had seats on several flights out Friday until finally, a crew showed up that wasn’t close to timing out. They flew us to Dallas, where we experienced the hospitality of a few sleepless hours in an airport hotel before returning to the airport to try to make a Saturday flight we had booked. After more crew timeouts, different planes and a delays from weather and mechancial issues, we finally flew home.
Not a Sunday goes by where I don’t bend my knees, thanking God for this church and its people. St. Michael’s is our church home. All that God created it to be supports, sustains, loves, challenges and nurtures us wherever we are. My heart overflows. How could I not support St. Michael’s? How could I not return a portion of the gifts God gave us to the church that has given so much to us and continues to do so?
I kissed the door frame of the terminal as we walked out of the jet way. We clung to our children and friends waiting for us at home. There’s something I haven’t told you. Rob had a meeting scheduled with Claudia Dickson, our then associate rector, upon his return to Raleigh. Seeing the obvious, Rob called her on Tuesday and told her he most likely would not make that meeting. She was concerned and promised she’d pray for us.
We will always pledge to St. Michael’s. I pray you will be moved to do so, too. — Charlotte Griffin, Director of Development
Older, Wiser, Learning, Sharing
Art & Music Mark November for the OWLS This month, our OWLS will be enjoying a couple of wonderful cultural opportunities. On Thursday, Nov. 8, we will visit the NC Museum of Art. We’ll meet at Bella Monica at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. Please sign up at the reception desk so we know how many seats to reserve. Transportation will not be provided, as the art museum is an easy drive with accessible parking. Following lunch, we will attend the new exhibit, “The Beyond: Georgia O’Keeffe and Contemporary Art.” Please procure your own tickets. Many of you are members of the museum, and your tickets will be free; however, you do need to call or visit ncartmuseum.org to get tickets. Our tour is at 1:30 p.m., so if you choose not to join us for lunch, you may come only for the tour. Scotty Steele will be one of our docents, and we are grateful to her for sharing her vast knowledge of art with us. Scotty always presents fascinating commentary. After Thanksgiving, on Thursday, Nov. 29, our very own Tim Stewart will be speaking to us at 2 p.m. in the Convocation Room. Tim will perform a few numbers for us, share with us some of his favorite recordings, and tell us about his life as a musician.
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Tim is a native of Oak Park, Ill. He is a graduate of Northwestern University with degrees in education and music. He received his orchestral training as a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and as an extra member with the Chicago Symphony. Joining the North Carolina Symphony in 1972, he has been featured as a soloist on several occasions. In addition to his work with the Symphony, he has taught at East Carolina University, Duke University, the University of Illinois and the Brevard Music Center. He has also maintained an active freelance career, covering a wide range of musical genres from “Trumpet Voluntary” to the Temptations. At St. Michael’s, he has served on the Vestry, taught Sunday School, served as a youth ministry volunteer and participated in Education for Ministry. Tim also often performs during our Easter and Christmas services. Please join us for these exciting programs. — The Rev. Holly M. Gloff
Chronicles of Canterbury
St. Michael’s is designated a corporate church, which recognizes the size of a parish and the professional level of its clergy and staff. As you might imagine, a church of our size requires a sizeable budget. Our 2018 budget exceeds $1.7 million, 93 percent of which comes from your pledges. Other than the Day School’s contribution for the use of our facility, the remaining 7 percent is collected from sources that can only be estimated, such as the cash in the offering plate and the credit card convenience fee. It is a fair assumption some of our expenses will increase for 2019. Our corporate church designation — along with the size of our budget — makes contributions received from pledging vitally important to the life of our church. If you have any questions about pledging or the Annual Fund, please contact Charlotte Griffin, Director of Development, 919-782-0731, ext. 121, or griffin@ holymichael.org. Thank you for supporting St. Michael’s.
Why Do I Love St. Michael’s? It’s a Piece of Heaven on Earth St. Michael’s is my happy place — the place that keeps me full of joy and celebrates with me. It’s also my safe space from the uncertainty and sadness life can bring. I often arrive at church with my brain on fire, a jumble of thoughts and questions, yet I leave feeling so at peace and full of thanksgiving for the spiritual food I’ve been fed. St. Michael’s is a piece of heaven on earth, spiritually and physically. Each church service I attend, each adult education session and every hymn remind me of this. The Bible Study sessions I attend — even if I’m too tired to go — leave me so glad I did, as I needed it more than I knew. I hear sermons from the pew and often must hear again online when, by Wednesday, I’ve forgotten God’s grace or patience, or have been too selfish. I feel it with the friendships made here. And in the post communion prayer — praying for strength, not only for myself, but for all my loved ones.
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At St. Michael’s, I can be my whole self, my true self, the self God intended me to be, and that, my friends, is a slice of heaven. Relief and gratitude pour over me when I pull in the parking lot and see our beautiful church in all her glory. Sometimes I pinch myself: How is this my church? I am blessed to worship here and blessed to be among remarkable people who extend God’s grace every day. Why am I so blessed? When I think of everything St. Michael’s gives to me, how can I not give to St. Michael’s, the place that cares for and is home to so many? We are called to care for His kingdom here on earth, and with that, I look forward to pledging for 2019.
— Sarah Beck
Chronicles of Canterbury
Ten Running for Vestry Class of 2021 On Sunday, Dec. 2, we will hold our Annual Meeting, when we will elect five new members of our Vestry. Here’s a look at the candidates. All members in good standing at least 15 years old are allowed to vote. The 9:30 a.m. service will be the only service that day, and the Annual Meeting will take place within the context of the Eucharist. Lee Costa Lee and his wife, Jane came to St. Michael’s in the fall of 2013, joining their family, Pat Thacker and her late husband, Ed Thacker, who was Jane’s brother. Lee enjoys ushering, Band of Brothers, Habitat House building, and the annual Oyster Roast. Before moving to Raleigh, he served as junior and senior warden and on the Capital Building fund for Christ Episcopal Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Lee and Jane’s daughter, Katherine, son-in-law, Andrew Goldfaden, and grandsons Ben & Luke are also members of St. Michael’s. Daughter, Emily, lives in Ramestein, Germany. Lee retired after 50 years in the men’s clothing industry. Now he has time for travel and “making sawdust – thus my love for Habitat projects! It would be an honor to contribute to the growth of our church family,” Lee says, “through my time and service, so we may remain vibrant, relevant and a special place for all.” Liz Driscoll Liz and her husband, Jarred, joined our parish in the spring of 2010, expecting their first child. When daughter Cora was old enough to attend the Day School, Liz joined the Board and served for four years. Son Aiden joined the family six years ago. “My heart is with all the children’s ministries,” Liz says. She created learning gardens for the Day School and she teaches the First Grade communion class. Liz is currently ECW president, a member of St. Margaret’s and serves on the Flower and Flower Delivery guilds. The Driscolls live on an
“urban homestead” in Raleigh with a big garden, fruit trees, chickens and bees. “As a family we love spending time in nature, hiking among rhododendron fields of the Smokies, mucking around in the pond looking for tadpoles or catching fireflies in the summer.” Liz is a 4-H Youth Development Specialist in Crop and Soil Sciences, Entomology and Plant Pathology and Horticulture. “My heart is rooted in service,” she says. “When I am connecting with other people, building relationships, and supporting the good work of organizations that serve our community, I can amplify the Lord’s voice. St. Michael’s brims with kind-hearted and generous souls who care deeply, and I would love to encourage more ‘hands to larger service.’” Her ministry interests include Mission and Outreach and the Parish Day School. Charles George Since joining St. Michael’s in 2008 with his wife, Catherine, Charles has been active on the Grounds Committee, the Memorial Garden Committee and served two terms on the Parish Day School Board. He’s an usher and a greeter, and a mainstay in the kitchen at the Day School’s annual Spooky Spaghetti Supper. The George family participated in St. Michael’s Family Promise — hosting for the past two years — and now Charles serves on their board. His ministry interests include community outreach, finance and grounds. Charles is an attorney at Wyrick Robbins, and he and Catherine have two daughters: Rebecca, 10, and Rachel, 8, who attended the Day School. Catherine served as president of the ECW. “St. Michael’s has been a very important place for my family and me,” he says. “I felt that it would be an opportunity for me to give back to the church and continue the great work done by those who’ve served before me.” Gretchen Hardage A longtime member of our parish, Gretchen joined in 1974 and has been active ever since. She has served as chair of the Altar Guild and has previous Vestry experience. She’s a Canterbury Shop
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volunteer and serves at the Shop s greeting card buyer. She is a member of St. Elizabeth’s , and she also volunteers at the front desk. If elected to the Vestry, Gretchen is most interested in our Outreach and Mission ministries and the Altar Guild. “There is a never-ending financial need for the Outreach programs St Michael’s supports, as well as for volunteers,” she says. Retired after 26 years in the admissions office at Saint Mary’s School, Gretchen has two adult children and three grandsons. She is also mother to a fat Cavalier King Charles spaniel. An avid reader, she also volunteers for Wake Relief. “I feel a closeness to God every time I’m here,” she says. “St. Michael’s gives me love, support and a feeling of being one with God that I feel nowhere else. Being on Vestry would allow me to give back.” Ben Ipock Ben and his wife, Mary Devon McWilliams, joined our parish in early 2016 and felt at home immediately. Ben is a member of the Young Adult Ministry and has attended the Men’s Ministry events and retreats, Habitat builds, and has volunteered with our Rise Against Hunger events. “My goal as a parishioner is to support all the ministries and missions of St. Michael’s,” he says. “This same goal is even more important as a member of the Vestry.” He’d like to become more involved. Ben and Mary Devon welcomed their first child, Eliza Bennett, in July, and are thrilled to be new parents . A cradle Episcopalian, Ben spent most of his “pew time” growing up in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. While “dad” is his newest title, Ben serves as title counsel for a statewide title insurance company. “God has called us each to serve,” he says. “Now is my time to accept the call to serve on Vestry. St. Michael’s has a rich history of leading the way through its many ministries and the connectedness of the parish family. I
Chronicles of Canterbury hope to be a part of the next generation of leadership to help continue that great legacy.” Matt Marchione If you’ve been a visitor at St. Michael’s over the past few years, you’ve likely met Matt. As a lead usher and greeter, he’s often the first person visitors see when they walk through our doors. Lately, he’s been joined by his son, Nicholas, who at 7 is already an usher in training. Matt and his wife, Jen, joined our parish in 2006, and in addition to Nicholas, have daughters Rachel, almost 10, and Kendall, almost 5. Since he has been here, Matt has also served as an EYC leader and a Sunday school teacher. His interests include Youth, Outreach & Mission and Newcomers. Matt is a Divisional Chief Human Resources Officer with Duke University Health Systems, with responsibility for working with groups across Duke Health, “with the important mission of saving and improving lives,” he says. “I consider St. Michael’s a wonderful church home, with outstanding clergy, staff and parishioners who support each other and our community. My children are extremely blessed to be growing up in St. Michael’s, and I’d be happy to give back and represent our vibrant congregation.” Katherine Poole Katherine was expecting her first child when she joined St. Michael’s with her husband, Jon, in 2007. Since that time, she’s spent many an hour here, serving on the Parish Day School Board, St. Margaret’s and the ECW — as President, member-at-large and Ways and Means Chair. She co-chaired the Annual Fund and now co-chairs the Canterbury Shop. She taught 7th grade Sunday school and created graphics for The Gathering. Her parish interests include ECW Missions, the Green Team initiative, the Canterbury Shop. She volunteers in the community through StepUp and the Camden Street Learning Garden. The Pooles have two sons, Joe (14), and Davis (11). “I also consider my
St. Michael’s friends to be my family,” she says. Katherine is a graphic designer and writer, and serves as an editorial assistant at Walter magazine. “I enjoy being immersed in what’s happening in our community,” she says. “I also love meeting new and interesting people and sharing their stories,” she says. “It has been my privilege to serve the church in many capacities,” from graphic design, and cold-calling parishioners to request a pledge, to planning the ECW Spring Event and renovating the Canterbury Shop. “With this experience, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to the Vestry, as I have been active in facilitating our church’s mission to Go Forth with God.” Logan Price Logan may be the only Vestry candidate who can claim a life-long parish history. The son of Virginia and Bob Price, Logan first sat in the pews of All Angels Chapel, then moved up to Beckwith before taking his place in “Big Church.” Since that time, he’s been a member of the choir and in high school served on the Search Committee that called Greg Jones to St. Michael’s. Today he is a life insurance underwriter with State Employees’ Credit Union and he married his wife, Kristin, at St. Michael’s in April. Logan has previously served on the Music Committee, the “It’s Your Call” Committee, and he currently serves as an Acolyte Advisor, is on the Communications Committee and is active in the YAMS. If elected, his interests include Music and Children/Youth. “St. Michael’s has been a special place for my family and me since I was a kid,” Logan says. “We are blessed with a growing membership, vibrant programs and excellent staff. I want to ensure St. Michael’s continues to thrive in doing God’s work for generations to come.” Melissa Raley Longtime member Melissa Raley joined St. Michael’s in 1987 with her husband, Mike, and has immersed herself in the musical community here. She and Mike have two adult children and their first grandson on the way. Melissa has been a member of the handbell choir and now directs Beckwith Choir. She
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has been a leader in Beckwith Chapel, has served on REACH mission trips, has been a board member of the Episcopal Campus Ministries and a host for Family Promise. She also serves as an usher and is a lay Eucharistic Minister. Melissa retired in June after 43 years as an elementary music specialty teacher. Her passions are for music, children and outreach, and she and Mike have a great interest in our beautiful grounds. “When Mike served on the Vestry, I saw how he grew as a parishioner, becoming a much more integrated member of St. Michael’s,” she says. “I would love to have a similar experience.” Adam Whitesell Adam and is wife, Zoe, officially joined St. Michael’s when confirmed in January of 2016. They began attending in the summer of 2015 and participated in newcomer classes. Their children, Zayne and Adalyn were baptized here. He’s been active in Mission & Outreach, and if elected to the Vestry, he is most interested in that and in our children’s ministries. “We are all so fortunate with what we have in life,” Adam says. “Sharing our gifts to help our neighbor is the most direct way to impact our community positively, and spread the Christian faith.” The children’s ministry, he says, helps instill Christian values within the next generation, in hopes to make our world a better place. “ Adam leads a private wealth advisory practice, helping families fast track their financial goals. “St. Michael’s is a special place,” he says. “You feel it the first time you join. You feel it in the parishioners. You feel it in the clergy, and staff. It’s in the music, and ministries, and morning worship. I’m running for Vestry to provide my small part to help continue keeping St. Michael’s special, and to spread the joy our family has in our church home to others.”
Chronicles of Canterbury For All the Saints
Isaac Watts — Father of English ‘Humnody’
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any of you are aware that the theology of the Episcopal Church is found not only in the Bible and our Book of Common Prayer, but it is also found in The Hymnal.
Watts is best known for creating hymns by rewriting the Psalms for use in liturgy, opening up a new era of Protestant hymnody, in which many other writers followed. “My Shepherd Will Supply my Need,” based on the 23rd Psalm, is a popular example of this type of hymnody.
Over the centuries, countless people have taken comfort in singing hymns as they worked, prayed or comforted themselves in times of pain, suffering, joy or trial. I remember Nell Finch, a longtime parishioner of St. Michael’s, saying that singing hymns was one of her favorite ways to pray. She had dozens of hymns memorized, and I remember hearing her sing them as she lay dying. What a powerful way to pray.
“O God Our Help in Ages Past,” another example, was played on the BBC radio in London at the outbreak of WWII. I also remember hearing it at Winston Churchill’s funeral. It is based on Psalm 90. We have over a dozen of Watts’ hymns in our Episcopal hymnal alone. They are thought to be reflective of his own personal faith: quiet, gentle, sturdy and deeply devout. While living at the estate of a friend in 1719, he wrote The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament. In it, he worked his way through most of the 150 Psalms in the Bible, rewriting them so they could be sung. Below is a quote from him explaining his unique approach to this massive project.
We remember Isaac Watts as the “father of English hymnody.” He is known for such well-loved hymns as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” And who doesn’t know his Christmas classic, “Joy to “Where the Psalmist describes religion by the the World” or a Sunday favorite fear of God, I have often joined faith and love entitled “I Sing the Mighty to it. Where he speaks of the pardon of sin Power of God?” Isaac Watts, poet, by an unknown artist. Source: through the mercies of God, I have added the Wikipedia merits of a Savior. Where he talks of sacrificing Every Sunday, we sing what is goats or bullocks, I rather choose to mention the sacrifice of known as the Doxology – “Praise God from whom all blessings Christ the Lamb of God. Where he promises abundance of flow” – it’s the third verse of Hymn 380, and Isaac Watts wrote wealth, honor and long life, I have changed some of these typical the words for it. He is credited with having written 750 hymns! blessings for grace, glory, and life eternal, which area brought to Isaac was born in 1674 and died in 1748 age of 74. He was born light by the gospel and promised in the New Testament.”2 in Southampton, England and died in what is now a part of The hymn “Jesus Shall Reign Where’re the Sun,” has often been London. called the first missions hymn, and for those of you who loved Apparently, he began writing verse at a very young age and when the movie, “Chariots of Fire,” you may remember the runner and missionary Eric Liddell singing as he departed after the he got in trouble for keeping his eyes open during prayers at Olympics for Japan. The hymn he chose, of course, was “Jesus school, he quipped, Shall Reign.” “A little mouse for want of stairs I think that as we approach Thanksgiving, this hymn is a good ran up a rope to say its prayers.” fit, because it acknowledges our dependence on Jesus as our shelter from the stormy blasts of life, of how God is our hope Upon receiving corporal punishment for his poem, he thus and our help. It asks for guidance, which we all need even as responded, we express our thanks to God for all he has given us, and for the hope that he gives us through Jesus Christ. “O father, father, pity take, And I will no more verses make.”1
— The Rev. Holly M. Gloff
Clearly excellent preparatory work for later hymn writing.
Some information taken from Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints.
Watts was not an Anglican. Because of his family’s nonconformist religious beliefs, he was not permitted to attend either Oxford or Cambridge. Instead, he attended the “Dissenting Academy” at Stoke Newington.
New York: Church Publishing, 2010
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1
Mable, Norman, Popular Hymns and their Writers, p. 179.
2
Robert J Morgan, Then Sings my Soul, Nashville: Nelson Pub. P. 37
Chronicles of Canterbury
November Is All about Gifts of Grace Gifts of Grace is nearly here and at St. Michael’s, we are gearing up for it! Last year, we raised $47,800 and distributed that money to 29 agencies. Let’s make it our goal to raise $50,000 this year! Together, as a community, we can do this.
We meet many of our community’s needs during Gifts of Grace. Donations contribute to food, clothing, shelter, medical care, disaster relief and opportunities for independence for those people served by these agencies.
As we approach Gifts of Grace, let’s remember Robert’s words to us about kindness, love and giving, and our Annual Fund theme of “Generosity is Thanksgiving to God.” When we give to Gifts of Grace, we reach out in kindness and love as we grow toward a more Christ-like life. We share what we have with others and are enriched as a result. In thanksgiving to God for the many blessings we have, we can give generously to Gifts of Grace to ease the burden others are shouldering at this time.
Gifts of Grace this year falls on the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. Traditionally, members of the VFW sell poppies in remembrance of all of our fallen servicemen and women. We will be offering these poppies for a minimum donation of $1. Look for them at Gifts of Grace. Even our children participate. They are on a mission — a scavenger hunt, to be precise! They visit agency tables to find answers to their questions and report back to their Sunday School teachers. We feel it is important to introduce Gifts of Grace to our children and begin to sow the seeds of kindness, love and generosity in them at an early age. “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Some of our newer members may not know about Gifts of Grace or its purpose, so we’d like to enlighten you. Gifts of Grace is an alternative Christmas gift-giving market to support those less fortunate in our community. Instead of giving a friend/ loved one a present, you can make a donation to one or more of 21 agencies. When you donate to an agency, you receive a card to give to your gift recipient that indicates that a donation to an agency has been made in their name.
JOIN US FOR GIFTS OF GRACE SUNDAY, NOV. 11 8:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. in the Parish Hall
Q. There are so many worthwhile agencies that I don’t know which one or ones to give to! They could all use the money!
Hope to see you at the 2018 Gifts of Grace on Sunday, Nov. 11. — Karen Wagoner, Gifts of Grace Committee
GIFTS OF GRACE 2018
While some have favorite agencies, many struggle with where to give money. If you don’t know which agency to donate to, consider making a donation to Gifts of Grace. Those donations are divided among the agencies equally.
Alliance Medical Ministry Community Music School Episcopal Campus Ministry (Cheshire House) Episcopal Farmworker Ministry Family Promise Families Together (formerly PLM Families Together) FIGS (Filling in the Gaps) Healing Transitions Hilltop Home InterAct Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Loaves & Fishes MATCH of NC (Mothers And Their Children) Meals on Wheels of Wake County Oak Ranch/Children’s Homes of NC SAFEchild Saint Saviour’s Center StepUp Ministry Urban Ministries of Wake County Wake Relief Wheels4Hope
If you’ll be out of town that day, don’t worry. You’ll soon receive a brochure with donation instructions. Hungry? We will be serving breakfast/brunch items in the kitchen ranging in price from 25 cents to $1 — a real bargain! Donations are not the only way to support Gifts of Grace. The ECW chapters traditionally sell food items, including pimento cheese, yeast rolls, soup mix and holiday cookie jars. Proceeds from those sales are divided equally among the agencies. The Gifts of Grace Committee sells “Dohme’s Own” Gorgonzola salad dressing. These items raise about $4,000 during the event. Our EYC sells frozen food items from Mrs. Pumpkin’s Bakery, including baked spaghetti, Moravian chicken pies, chicken pot pies, and cream cheese brownies. Place an order the day of Gifts of Grace and then pick up the items a week later when they are delivered to church. Proceeds from those sales go toward the summer EYC mission trip.
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briefly
Chronicles of Canterbury
Author Kate Bowler 7 p.m. Thursday Nov. 1 White Memorial co-sponsored by St. Michael’s
Words & Wisdom 7 p.m., Wed., Nov. 14 The Mockingbird Next Door Home of Amanda Martin 6849 Middleboro Drive 27612
Organist Eric Plutz in Concert Don’t forget that organist Eric Plutz, university organist at Princeton University, will be at St. Michael’s on Friday, Nov. 2. The concert will be dedicated to the memory of choir member Paul Elliott, who died suddenly a few months ago. Eric will be playing “Revelations of St. John the Divine,” a difficult organ piece loved by Paul. Join us as we celebrate Paul’s life with some extraordinary organ music played by an outstanding organist. Admission is free. Contributions will be welcomed in support of music at St. Michael’s.
Friday, Nov 2, 7:30 p.m. dedicated to the memory of Paul Elliott
Join us for Choral Evensong Choral Evensong 4 p.m., Sunday, November 18
Choral Evensong is one of the liturgical treasures of our Anglican/Episcopal tradition. Some of the most beautiful choral music ever written was composed specifically for Evensong. Join us on Nov. 18 as our Adult Choir offers Evensong, singing the music of John West, Charles Wood, William Byrd, and others. The anthem will be Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s sublime setting of the Beatitudes, from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, as found in Matthew 5:3-12. Pärt’s setting of this text, which is enormously important to Christians, was premiered in 1990 in Berlin. Although nearly all of the Evensong liturgy is sung by the choir, the congregation participates fully by being present as the choir sings prayers, psalms and canticles on behalf of everyone.
Kate Bowler Event Nov. 1
Eric Plutz, organist
Oyster Roast Nov. 16 If there’s an R in the month, that means oysters are on the menu, and the Men’s Ministry plans to make sure you enjoy some. Plan now to shuck a few and peel some shrimp at the annual Men’s Ministry Oyster Roast, Friday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. -10 p.m. Tickets are now on sale on Sunday mornings in the lobby. Tickets are $40 per person. This year, the location has changed to 4501 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 124, in Raleigh. Contact Tim Berry, tberry56@gmail.com to volunteer. The Gathering 2019
Tropical Storm Michael swept in last month and author Kate Bowler rescheduled her event. Kate is a mom, a historian at Duke University Divinity School, a self-described optimist and a chronicler of the Prosperity Gospel. She’s an expert in the history of Christianity in America and also has stage IV cancer. Kate has written a new book about her journey through cancer called Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved. St. Michael’s, White Memorial and Hayes Barton United Methodist will host Kate Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. at White Memorial. There is no charge and registration is not required. Reservations are required for child care. (Visit www. whitememorial.org/register.)
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The Gathering: Feb. 1 & 2 Plans are in the works for the women of St. Michael’s to host The Gathering, our premiere women’s event, Feb. 1 & 2, 2019. The event will feature Amy Julia Becker, author of White Picket Fences, a new spiritual memoir. Amy Julia is an Edenton native and now lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children. Her book examines privilege and race. In the book, Amy Julia “shows how a life behind a white picket fence can restrict even as it protects, and how it can prevent us from loving our neighbors well.”
After an opening reception, Amy Julia will present a keynote on Friday night. We will end the evening with Compline. On Saturday, we’ll gather for Morning Prayer and a Hymn Sing, followed by a workshop. The event will end before noon. Watch for more information in the December Chronicles of Canterbury.
Chronicles of Canterbury
november November 4 We Grow Hope: Working with Children in Honduras with Michael Miller of Hope Farm Coffee Founded by Michael Miller and his wife Liz, Hope Farm supports orphaned, abandoned and abused children in Honduras, caring for them when no one else will. They also grow and sell amazing coffee. Come hear Michael Miller talk about the ways that God has worked in their lives, empowering them for this amazing work.
Meeting God in Saint Paul by Rowan Williams. Mondays Beginning Oct. 29 6:15-7:15 p.m, Room TBD Following up our Sunday Forum on Saint Paul, this book group will meet weekly for 4-6 weeks to read and discuss an amazing, short and accessible book by Rowan Williams, Meeting God in Saint Paul. Sign up at front desk or by writing Robert at fruehwirth@holymichael.org. Maximum: 12 people.
lifelong disciple
November 11 GIFTS OF GRACE November 18 Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives with Molly Painter and Ann Catalano When ordinary people are open to God, extraordinary love can flow through them. Every life, old or young, healthy or less able, has this possibility. Come hear Molly Painter and Ann Catalano describe how they got involved in Jesus’ work of loving and caring for people in Raleigh and South Africa. November 25 No Sunday School or Children’s Programs
Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved by Kate Bowler Thursdays, Beginning Nov. 8 4 pm, Room TBD Nationally acclaimed author and Duke professor Kate Bowler is speaking at White Memorial, Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. The book explores her experience, as a young mother, devout Christian and rising academic, of being diagnosed with stage IV cancer. This book group will follow her address by reading and discussing her book. Sign up at front desk or by writing Robert at fruehwirth@holymichael.org. Maximum: 12 people.
Pot Luck Supper Tuesday, Nov. 13 6-8 p.m. St. Michael’s Parish Hall Gather with our friends at St. Matthews AME Church for an old-fashioned pot luck supper. A-F: Entree G-K: Vegetable L-P: Salad Q-U: Dessert V-Z: Bread Sponsored by the Racial Reconciliation group. Sign up at the front desk.
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St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 1520 Canterbury Rd. Raleigh NC 27608-1106 Phone: 919-782-0731 Fax: 919-782-5085 www.holymichael.org
NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID Raleigh, NC PERMIT NO. 696
Chronicles of Canterbury is a publication of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Editor: Susan B. Rountree Phone: 919-782-0731, ext. 122 Email: rountree@holymichael.org
During November, the children in our Children’s Ministry are collecting non-breakable Christmas ornaments to donate to families who are recovering from hurricanes Florence and Michael. We’d love for everyone in the parish to participate in this effort to bring joy to these families, some of whom have lost everything. Please bring your unwrapped ornament to church and place in the
Questions? Story Ideas? Susan Rountree, Director of Communications rountree@holymichael.org • 919-782-0731, ext. 122 www.holymichael.org, Chronicles of Canterbury, ThisWeek@St. Michael’s & Rector’s Weekly Epistle & Archangel Susan Rountree, Editor rountree@holymichael.org Canterbury Tales/brochures/bulletins: Ann Garey, Publications Coordinator garey@holymichael.org
Deadlines: • Canterbury Tales: noon Wednesday before Sunday publication December Chronicles of Canterbury deadline: Nov. 12