Chronicles of Canterbury
the
Chronicles of Canterbury september 2019
From the Rector
Dedicated Mentors Raise Ourin that Children in Christ y rector growing up once told me that the journey, as it brings us into the living
M
purpose of the Church is reconciliation. I wasn’t sure what that meant, and so he explained it to me, as a young seeker. He said the good news of God in Jesus Christ is that by grace those who follow Jesus may become reconciled to God. He said our whole hope is that we might live together with God in the Kingdom. My childhood rector told me this begins by following Jesus, and never ends.
community in which Christ most fully dwells in this world. Individuals are called to do more of course than just be born, or born again. We must also grow up. And whereas baptism (also called ‘regeneration’ or ‘new birth,’) brings people into the Church, that’s not the end of the journey. Baptism into Christ is the beginning, but not the whole story.
When I went to seminary, after having grown up in the Church, I learned a lot of fancy theological words and ideas. One of the ones I learned actually sounds just like what my rector had told me. The idea is called “theosis.” Theosis has to do with the process of becoming holy. In a nutshell, “theosis” is the process by which God has poured out His Grace upon the Creation, so that ultimately we may become fully one with God. By Grace we become what God already is.
No, by being baptized we enter into membership in Christ’s mystical body, but it is just the beginning of a whole new life in the Kingdom. What comes next is growing up into the full stature of Christ. This is what disciples are doing. They’re growing into the full stature of Christ. And it doesn’t happen alone. It requires mentors. Clergy. Teachers. Parents and siblings and uncles and aunts. At St. Michael’s, we have a large team of dedicated people who see themselves as mentors in this way. We call them youth group leaders and Sunday School teachers.
The journey toward holiness begins thus in each human being who has responded to the prodding or calling of the Holy Spirit working within. Entrance into the Body of Christ through the rite of Holy Baptism is a vital step
what’s inside
Jamie Pahl Returns To St. Michael’s as New Vicar
T
he Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. James L. Pahl Jr. has been named new Vicar of St. Michael’s. 3 Anna Page, Seminarian Dr. Pahl, who grew up in our parish, 4 House of Grace returns after years of parish ministry in 6 Love. Give.S erve Wilmington and in Oxford. 2 For All the Saints
7 Annual Fund Chairs 8 OWLS 9 Refugee Team 10 Briefly 11 Lifelong Disciple
See RECTOR on page 7
Most recently, he has served as rector of St. Stephen’s in Oxford for 11 years and was associate at St. James’ in Wilmington. The Rev. Dr. James L. Holding both a Doctor of Ministry and Pahl Jr. the Master’s in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, he is also an alumnus of N.C. State and Broughton High School. His wife, Susie, and their four children will be joining us at St. Michael’s on their first Sunday, September 29. Dr. Pahl will join the staff in the role of Vicar, a senior
1
assisting clergy role which reflects his many years as a priest, but also as rector of a parish. He will focus on adult Christian formation and family ministry, which will mean working to develop and strengthen our work with children’s ministries and their families. He will also be involved with outreach and missions, refugees, racial reconciliation and other groups. He attended Virginia Theological Seminary, receiving his Master in Divinity (M.Div.) degree in 2005 and his Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min.) in 2018. His dissertation is titled, Community Backyard Relationship-Building: A Partnership between the Church, Government, and Local Stakeholders. He serves on several community and diocesan boards, which focus on the faith community, government and local stakeholders partnering to address socio-
See PAHL on page 3
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. Dr. James Pahl, Vicar ext. 105 •fpahl@holymichael.org (c) 475-0082 Anna Page, Seminarian page@holymichael.org Marion B. “Chip” Chase, Verger (h) 851-9576 VESTRY Kristen Lingo, Recording Secretary Valerie Jackson, Sr. Warden Dan Cahill, Jr. Warden Robin Kennedy, Clerk 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. Class of 2021 Liz Driscoll • 886-3424 | Matt Marchione • 426-8504 Katherine Poole • 623-3498 Logan Price • 270-3700 | Melissa Raley • 219-2746
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, Assistant to Children’s Ministries & 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, Assistant Director • ext.114
OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday, 9 am-5 pm Friday, 9 am-2 pm CANTERBURY SHOP HOURS Monday - Friday 10 am -1 pm Sundays 9 am – 9:30 am & 10:30 am-noon
For All the Saints
Our Lady of Fatima, in Icon & Prayer
A
s I am writing this article continuing my series of “Saints” or “Holy Men and Women,” the Church is celebrating the feast of “Mary the Virgin.” There has been no woman more revered in either the Bible or throughout church history than Mary, the mother of Jesus. A few weeks ago, I once again escaped for a week of prayer, reflection and icon painting. It was an incredibly holy week full of peace, quiet contemplation and prayer. While there, I created an icon of Our Lady of Fatima. Some of you may have seen the movie made in 1952 about her. Briefly, the story goes, that in 1917, Mary —or in this case more formally known as “Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Fatima” — appeared to three shepherd children at the Cova de Iria, in Fatima, Portugal. Fatima is located about 100 miles northeast of Lisbon. The children were Lucia dos Santos, and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Mary appeared three times to the children in apparitions and told the children they must pray the rosary diligently for the peaceful conclusion of WWI. There were six apparitions between May 13 and October 13, 1917. Since Mary had promised a miracle on October 13, a huge crowd of between 30,000 – 50,000 people, the story goes, showed up. What happened was included in what is now called the “Miracle of the Sun.” That day was there was a period of torrential rain, then the clouds broke, and the sun appeared as a significantly duller than normal sun. It cast multicolored lights across the entire area, including on the people and the clouds. People were instantly healed, and everyone noticed their clothes were miraculously dry, as were the puddles and the surrounding earth. The sun was reported to have careened toward the earth before zig-zagging back to its normal position in the universe. Hence the name “the day of the dancing sun.” I’m not here to pass judgment on this story or its veracity. But while painting the icon, I had time to reflect on who Mary is, what her role is in the church, and how we more protestant folks might think of her. And what about the whole idea of the rosary? First of all, when painting an icon, we are not praying TO the icon. That would. of course, be idolatry and quite heretical. Icons are windows through which we can peer into heaven. The proportions are reversed, and those depicted in the icon are actually looking at us. We are the subject of the picture. In pondering Mary, it dawned on me that while she is known as the Theotokos or Mother of the Incarnate God, Jesus, the word “theotokos” (which is Greek for God-bearer), is also the role to which we are called. Mary brought about God incarnate, Jesus, but we, too, are called to be bearers of God to this world. So Mary provides the best possible role model.
Continued on page 8
2
VICAR
Chronicles of Canterbury Continued from page 1
economic issues. In addition to his ministry, Jamie is a singer/songwriter who loves spending time in the Virginia mountains. He recently completed a life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land. “ I was baptized at St. Michael’s in 1972,” Jamie says. “I have a particular history at St. Michael’s, as it’s where I found faith.” “Jamie represents a rare combination: he has been rector of a church,” says the Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones. “He also holds an advanced degree in the study of ministry, and yet he maintains a youthfulness and kindness that don’t always go with somebody who’s been a priest for nearly 20 years. We are excited that he will be part of our clergy team, and we look forward to his ministry with us.” Jamie and Susie are the parents of 19-year-old twin boys (Henry and Jonah – heading into the Vance-GranvilleNC State University Program; a 16-year-old daughter, Caroline – a rising Junior at Falls Lake Academy, and an 11-year-old daughter, Eliza – a rising 5th grader at Falls Lake Academy. Welcome home, Jamie and family, to our St. Michael’s!
The Pahl Family: from left: The Rev. Jamie Pahl and wife, Susie; son, Jonah, daughters Eliza and Caroline, and son Henry. Jamie’s parents are parishioners Alice and Larkin Pahl.
Anna Page, New Seminarian Joins Staff St. Michael’s welcomes seminarian Anna Page, who will join our staff in mid-September. She joins the St. Michael’s family from Duke Divinity School, where she is in the final semester of the Master of Divinity program. She is a Candidate for ordination to the priesthood and an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. At Duke, Anna is involved in the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies and Duke Student Veterans. When not studying, Anna can be found lifting weights in the gym or running in the woods. She is passionate about topics pertaining to the intersection of identity, culture, theology, and ethics. Before coming to Duke, Anna studied history at Wellesley College. She commissioned into the Army from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Army ROTC Paul Revere Battalion. Anna considers both Massachusetts and Michigan to be home, but is quickly making Raleigh home, too. Anna is extremely excited to be starting part-time at St. Michael’s this fall and then join St. Michael’s as the full-time curate in January. She cannot wait to get to know the congregation and would love to grab a cup of coffee with anyone in the parish! Anna’s primary responsibility will be the Young Adult Ministry. Contact her at page@holymichael.org
3
Anna Page, Duke Divinity seminarian, new on staff.
Chronicles of Canterbury
Belize Priest’s House — “House of Grace” — Nearly Complete
“House of Grace” will provide a residence for full-time visiting and permanent clergy for the Holy Cross Community.
team’s arrival. In addition, local professionals were hired to provide trade work for plumbing and electricity.
By John McHenry and Lydia Brown, Holy Cross Anglican School
A
fter a spring and summer of hard work by many volunteer teams, construction and furnishing of the “House of Grace,” named after Grace Williams, the beloved first Principal of Holy Cross Anglican School, is nearing completion. House of Grace will provide a residence for fulltime visiting (and ultimately indigenous) clergy who will support the development of a faith community within and alongside the Holy Cross “family.” St. Michael’s two-week mission team this past April provided a launching pad.
The Holy Cross Education Foundation — the 501c-3 nonprofit that supports day-to-day operations and development at the school — reports that all funds have been raised to complete House of Grace for occupancy. St. Michael’s played a pivotal role in making this happen by contributing nearly $20,000 (including proceeds from Robert’s Run!) toward the purchase of building materials (out of a total cost of about $70,000) and another $4,000 to support our mission team expenses. The Rt. Rev. Philip Wright, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Belize (Province of the West Indies), along with a Foundation sub-committee and a number of US Episcopal Church dioceses, has begun the process leading to the call of Holy Cross’ first clergy person.
Starting from nothing more than 4x4 hardwood pylons, eight feet above grade level, our dedicated group of missionaries laid floor, erected walls, framed interior rooms, installed porch decking, constructed roofing joists and completed roof decking. All Saints Episcopal Church from Fort Worth, Texas sent the next mission team, enclosing the exterior walls in water-proof “wrapping” and completing back-side roofing. Following the All Saints Team, Christ Church, Raleigh, repaired gates on the newly plowed “road” leading back to House of Grace, while continuing work on the roof and siding.
Meanwhile, fund-raising is beginning for the second phase — expansion of school classrooms and construction of a chapel for worship in a multipurpose building that will also serve as a hurricane shelter. St. Michael’s next Belize Mission is scheduled for April 4-11, 2020. Current plans are to begin construction on the multipurpose facility. Contact John McHenry (john.mchenry@ baronams.com; 919-306-3659) for additional information.
St. Simon’s Anglican Church from Oakville, Ontario, completed the tedious tongue and groove siding task, while also working on porch posts, railings, and other details. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church from El Dorado, Arkansas, installed interior insulation, followed by the team from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount, N.C, who added interior sheetrock, stairs, and balcony railings. Between teams, Mr. Freddy and local labor continued to make progress and coordinate materials purchases so that tasks would be “ready to go” for the next
4
Chronicles of Canterbury
Several churches joined the St. Michael’s Belize Mission team in separate missions over the summer, working toward the completion of House of Grace in San Pedro, Ambergis Cay, Belize. This long-term effort, helped in large part by more than $20,000 from St. Michael’s, will bring a badly-needed clergy residence to the village.
A team effort: Missioners from St. Michael’s, St. Andrew’s Rocky Mount, All Saints Episcopal Church from Fort Worth, Texas, Christ Church Raleigh, St. Simon’s Anglican Church from Oakville, Ontario, and St. Mary’s, Eldora, Arkansas, worked together over several months on “House of Grace.” They installed sheetrock, enclosed exterior walls, completed the roof decking and more on the structure, which is part of a two-phase mission for Holy Cross Anglican School. Phase Two — classroom expansion and a multipurpose building that will house a chapel and hurricane shelter — will be part of our 2020 Belize Mission.
5
Chronicles of Canterbury Be Doers of the Word
Annual Fund 2020: LOVE.GIVE.SERVE
Thank you to the 550 parishioners who pledged to the 2019 Annual Fund campaign last fall for a record $1.7 million! Your pledged gifts continue to support our 2019 budget, including increased insurance costs this yea,r as well as an increase in our Diocesan assessment. In addition, your generosity has allowed us to hire a seminarian to assist with extra pastoral needs. Our seminarian, Anna Page, will start this month. Thank you for making this possible!
St. Michael’s 2020 Annual Fund campaign will begin soon. Once again, we will ask parishioners to pledge to support our budget for the coming year. We expect some of the same increased expenses in 2020, and we are eager to learn of any additional needs or programs the Vestry may be considering for 2020. Last year we set a record goal for participation of 550 pledges. The number of pledges received in an Annual Fund campaign is indicative of parishioners’ engagement with St. Michael’s. We encourage even more participation in this vital ministry to support St. Michael’s!
ST. MICHAEL'S 2019 BUDGET ALLOCATIONS
11%
9% Salaries and Benefits Office Expenses Operations and Management
10%
Building and Grounds Programs
4%
63%
Diocesan Assessment
3%
Our theme for 2020 is “Be Doers of the Word: LOVE.GIVE.SERVE” Our logo, the beehive, is taken from one of St. Michael’s stained glass windows. It is known as the Pentecost window and features a beehive and mustard seeds. Of course, Pentecost is the beginning of the Church, and the beehive represents a vital community. St. Michael’s’ community is one that worships together, and supports and serves its church community, and the community at large. Your community includes St. Michael’s, as well as your family, friends, neighbors, community activities and workplace. The beehive is a metaphor for us. We leave the hive to work, gather and serve, returning to the hive to share and grow within our community. This year, the Annual Fund’s focus is “doing” for God. We encourage you to focus more deeply on how you manifest God’s hope in your everyday life. It is about what you already do, and what you would like and hope to do in the future. In October, you will receive your LOVE.GIVE.SERVE booklet along with your pledge card. This is your guide on this journey to read, make notes, highlight and pray about. We hope its Scripture, prayers and questions will lead you and your family to greater understanding of what it means to be a doer for God. We hope you will be led to enthusiastically love, give and serve more. Let’s discover our capacity to love, and give and serve together. Thank you for supporting St. Michael’s! — Charlotte Griffin, Director of Development
6
St. Michael’s 2019 budget totals just over $1.8 million. Some 93 percent of that is funded by your pledges. Revenue comprising the remaining 7 percent can only be estimated from unpledged collections, loose offerings, credit card convenience fees and kitchen income. Of other revenue sources, only the Day School’s contribution is a definite number. Your pledges are vital to ensure St. Michael’s is healthy financially while supporting our clergy and staff, programs, building and grounds and other operating expenses. St. Michael’s is designated a corporate church, which recognizes the size of a parish and the professional level of its clergy and staff. It should come as no surprise, then, that a church of our size requires a sizeable budget, making contributions from pledging vitally important to the life of our church. Our operating expenses are referenced in the graph.
Chronicles of Canterbury Love.Give.Serve — Annual Fund 2020
Moms, Sisters-in-Law, Chair Annual Fund 2020
T
hey are sisters-in-law who are truly worker bees for the Kingdom of God. They are mothers and professional women, and they are devoted to St. Michael’s. Louise Warenda and Claren Englebreth have known each other since they were children growing up in Wilson, and they have brought their friendship — and their love for serving Christ — to our parish as chairs of our Annual Fund 2020 campaign. Between them they have seven children, two husbands and one dog, and a true understanding of what it means to give to the church in time, talent and treasure.
Louise and her husband, Joe, joined St. Michael’s 10 years ago as a young couple before they had children, and now they are they parents of three daughters — Beasley, 8, Mary Bruce, 5, and Emily, four months. Louise is Operations Manager in Economic Development for Research Triangle Regional Partnership, and Claren is a Career Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments. The Warendas quickly joined in the work of the parish. Louise has served on the ECW Board — as Guild of the Christ Child liaison to families with new babies, as Ways & Means chair and as treasurer. “St. Michael’s is a part of my family’s life in every aspect,” Louise says. “It’s a second home for my girls through its programs and spiritual fellowship opportunities. It’s those programs that would not be possible without the Annual Fund. It also made it easy when Claren said, ‘Yes’, too. We’ve learned anything is possible with family support, especially in a community like St. Michael’s.” Claren and her two boys joined her brother and his family three years later, and since that time, she married husband Wes and welcomed two new baby boys — Blake, 3, and Samuel, 1, into their family that already included Matthew, 13, and James, 11. “I love being a part of such a great community of believers,”says Claren, “and have had the opportunity to help and learn about several areas of our church.” She and Wes taught 4-year-old Sunday School for seven years, and she served on The Gathering Committee and the St. Michael’s Parish Day School Board among many other things. Claren is also a recent breast cancer survivor. “I want to give back to our church community that has given so much to me and my family, especially this past year,” Claren says. “I love who we are and what we want to accomplish as a church. The people make it easy to step up to the challenge. We have an excellent staff, clergy and parish — we are so fortunate to be in this place doing God’s work.” “Your gifts to St. Michael’s make ministry happen,” Louise says. “We are so fortunate to be in a parish where there is tremendous energy, talent and commitment. Not every church has that, and I’ve especially learned that through work with the ECW. We should be proud of our ministries that touch so many lives. We’re a growing membership with innovative outreach programs, and a sound church budget will enable us to live more fully and be “doers” of God’s word. “Pledging any amount is vital for a thriving community,” she adds. “Making a pledge is committing to God and St. Michael’s and is a statement of intent. While making a weekly plate contribution without a pledge is also very important and appreciated, a formal pledge helps our team get an idea of the total expected income and plan for expenses.”
7
Louise Warenda and Claren Englebreth lead our LOVE. GIVE. SERVE Annual Fund team for 2020.
Both the Warendas and the Englebreths approach pledging similarly. They make time to discuss and to pray about what they will pledge toward the work of the church. “We want to make an impact on not only St. Michael’s growth, but our spiritual growth, as well,” says Louise. We personally look at our pledge from the past year and how it can grow in the next, just as we want our children to spiritually grow at St. Michael’s in the coming years, too.” “We talk about how we serve God, and how it helps our community and others to advance God’s Kingdom,” says Claren. “And then we fill out the card and send it in as soon as possible.”
RECTOR
from page 1
It is one of the great gifts of St. Michael’s that so many have chosen to help raise your children into the full stature of Christ, from the nursery through high school. Help your child grow in their faith by seeing to it that they are raised up in the Children’s and Youth ministries of this parish. They grow up so fast — mine have and it blows me away. But in the dozen or so years between birth and adolescence, they will be formed in the deepest possible way. This is the key time when they will come to know something of God, of his son Jesus, and of the Kingdom of God, which on earth is supposed to be the Church. — The Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones
Chronicles of Canterbury Older, Wiser, Learning, Sharing
Elder Care, Art Museum on Tap for September OWLS Many of our OWLS banded together last spring and asked if someone could speak to us about senior care and the differences between continuing care, senior living and assisted living. There are many options for care as we age, and some of us would like a bit of help sorting out the differences. Also, how do we find out about all these options without getting slammed with hundreds of phone calls, emails and snail mail? I have found the answers to all of your questions. His name is Brad Roland of Care Patrol, nation’s largest Senior Placement organization helping families find safer care options including assisted living, independent living, memory care, in-home care and nursing homes.
NCMA Tour September 26 Please join the OWLS for a highlights tour at the North Carolina Museum of Art focusing on the Medieval and Renaissance galleries. Our tour will be led by Scotty Steele and her friend/co-docent. During the tour, we’ll see Giotto’s Peruzzi Altarpiece, one of the most valued artworks in the U.S. Four altarpieces by the master remain, and the NCMA has the only one in this country. Also, we will identify signs and symbols of the saints in Christian art. A look at Counter Reformation art will inform us how important these works of art were for the Roman Catholic Church during this era. We will ask you to obtain your own ticket in advance. There is NO CHARGE for the tour. Some of you may be members, others not. The gallery has a limit to the number of people who can tour at one time, so please be sure to have your ticket in hand.
(Care Patrol services are free for those seeking help with finding elder care.) Brad will speak to us at our opening OWLS lecture, on Thursday, Sept 12, at 2 p.m. in the Convocation Room.
We will meet outside the front door to the museum.
Brad is very personable and thoroughly knowledgeable in his field, so bring your questions and come have a cup of coffee with us!
FATIMA
— The Rev. Holly Gloff
Continued on page 8
At Fatima, Mary asks the children to pray the rosary religiously. I know not a lot of Protestants pray the rosary, but there is a mistaken understanding of what the Rosary is, and its purpose. The Rosary is a collection of prayers which include the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle’s Creed, the Hail Mary and the Fatima prayer. Here’s how the Hail Mary goes: “Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” That bit comes directly from the Gospel of Luke. The next part, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.” Some Episcopalians are OK with asking Mary to intercede on their behalf, others not. (A Roman Catholic friend explained to me that just as one can ask a dear earthly friend to pray for them, so why not ask a friend in heaven?) But the church has historically taught that there is only one mediator between God and mankind, and that person is Jesus. The prayers are said not so much for the sake of repetition, but just to keep our mind busy enough so we won’t resort to shopping lists when we should be meditating on the mysteries of our faith. Those mysteries include all the Gospel stories you’ve read in the Bible over the years. For example, on Mondays, you would meditate on the “joyous mysteries” while saying the Hail Mary 10 times (known as a “decade”) for each story or “mystery” which would include the Annunciation, the Visitation (to Mary’s cousin Elizabeth), the birth of Jesus, the Presentation of Jesus by his parents in the temple, and the Finding of Jesus in the temple after he had gone missing.
8
Another day, you would meditate on the “Sorrowful” mysteries, which include the flagellation of Jesus, the crowning of Jesus with thorns, the casting on the cape after the flagellation, the carrying of the cross, and finally the crucifixion. After each decade of beads, you’d say the “Fatima prayer” which says, “O my Jesus, save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls into heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy.” Nothing wrong with that. There are other mysteries for other days, but you get the drift. The whole concept is to meditate on Jesus’ life and what he did for us; it is certainly NOT about praying to Mary. So that’s her story, and thinking of her as someone who brought Jesus into the world so that we could bring him to others was an illumination I can carry with me for many years. She brought him into the world for us, and now our role is to carry his love and his message to the world. — The Rev. Holly Gloff
Chronicles of Canterbury Call to Action
Refugee Team Nurtures, Encourages as Family Settles By Danielle Hensley, Leadership Team Member
I had no intention of doing it. But Robert Fruehwirth’s appeal to the Adult Forum in October 2018 was too compelling to ignore. When guest presenter and Lutheran Services outreach coordinator Adrienne Morton spoke about their refugee program based in Raleigh, I knew I had to act. And I was not alone. At the end of the presentation, Robert asked us to consider supporting refugees by forming a Circle of Welcome at St. Michael’s. “If you’re interested,” he said waving a white sheet of paper, “please sign your name on this list.” He provided the pen, and the Refugee Ministry was born. By January 2019, we had our first informational meeting for potential members. While seated in a circle so we could see each other clearly, Robert asked us to introduce ourselves and indicate why we were there. Response came from all areas of our church, yet the common thread was to instill hope in a very unstable landscape. Congolese refugee Dusabe, second from left, and sons Pitie, Cedric and Frank,
are welcomed by refugee team members Robert Perry, left, Robert Fruehwirth,
Team training began on March 7, 2019. As a group, we read Kathy Crawford and Michele Murphy, in the early spring. through the Lutheran Services refugee packet, filled out the monitor arising health issues by coordinating doctor application, and the background check release form. That was it. The real appointments and follow-ups. We have spreadsheets, work was just around the corner. email chains, and monthly meetings. Through it all, we have come to love Dusabe and her boys. Ultimately, Because of St. Michael’s ability to financially and emotionally support the goal is to equip the family to become self-sufficient, the most vulnerable, we decided to help a Congolese mother with three and thanks to the dedication of 25 parishioners, they young children. Within 13 days, members quickly transformed the stark are well on their way. apartment into a cozy home by collecting couches and chairs, cleaning the apartment from toilet to sink, stocking the refrigerator—all in lightening We are always looking for more volunteers, if you speed. The exhausted family arrived at RDU to a welcome sign in their are interested in helping in any capacity large or native tongue, lots of hugs, grins, and creative communication modes to small, we welcome you to the village. Please contact convey “Welcome Home.” Danielle Hensley at dhensley07@hotmail.com for more information. Currently, our Refugee Ministry offers ESL tutoring, life skills lessons like budgeting, grocery shopping and navigating public transportation. We
FIGS Fills Medical Need By Providing Prescription Assistance Paying for life-giving medications is often difficult, even for those who have private medical insurance. Imagine if you are a member of the working poor — those in our midst who work sometimes two hourly jobs, none providing medical benefits. And then imagine if you have diabetes or heart disease. In Wake County alone, more than 100,000 people are without health insurance, but help is there, and it’s called F.I.G.S — Filling in the Gaps. The non-profit, which is represented each year at St. Michael’s Gifts of Grace — provides support for those our community who can’t afford badly needed prescriptions. “The largest need we see is for diabetes and cardiac-related illnesses,” says Ann Thomas, executive director of F.I.G.S. “The average monthly cost for diabetes medication and supplies is $280/monthly, and blood pressure medicine is $300/monthly and cholesterol lowering drugs is $20.” F.I.G.S. partners with other non-profits like Alliance Medical Ministry and Urban Ministries Open Door Clinic to round out the care needed, largely for the working poor.
9
“My husband lost his job and with only my parttime work, we could not afford my medicine. I was so scared that I would get sicker,” says Teresa, an Alliance Medical Ministry patient. “I was so grateful for FIGS because Alliance Medical Ministry was able to get my medication for free during this crisis. “ This year, F.I.G.S has a goal of serving 2,750 patients. “Typically,” Thomas says, “clients are typically uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid or ACA (Obamacare). Additionally, we have a large number of clients who are underinsured with high deductibles or co-pays.” Since 2014, St. Michaels had donated more than $18,000 in mission grants and at Gifts of Grace. F.I.G.S. will be at Gifts of Grace again this year, Sunday, Nov. 10. Give generously. You may help save a life.
briefly
Chronicles of Canterbury
Organ Concert: David Arcus Friday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Words & Wisdom Book Club
The Words and Wisdom Book Club of St Michael’s Episcopal Church is a group of parishioners dedicated to reading selected books to critique and discuss how they relate to our common life. We meet for fellowship, knowledge of different genres of writing, and practice listening skills in a safe setting. Since 2005 Words & Wisdom members have held meetings in their homes where volunteer hosts serve refreshments and members take turns facilitating. The group meets every 2nd Wednesday from September to May at 7 p.m. This year starts on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the home of David & Diana Sendal, featuring David McCullough’s new book, The Pioneers, on how the Northwest Territory (Ohio) was settled. Others in the list are The Coddling of the American Mind (Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt), Aristotle’s Way (Edith Hall), Prisoners of Geography (Tim Marshall), A Gentleman in Moscow (Amor Towles), Leaving the Church (Barbara Brown Taylor), The Radium Girls (Kate Moore), When I Found You (Catherine Ryan Hyde) and Twelve Rules for Life, an Antidote for Chaos (Jordan Peterson). Members recommend and select books from a list at a planning meeting in May. The goal is for members to read at least half of the books, but busy members don’t always get to read them. As Ron Smith said, “I can’t read all on the list, but I learn a lot in the conversations about them. I’m amazed at how many ways people can approach a book.” For more information: gregoria@identitywork.net or patsy.matusiak@gmail.com.
Words & Wisdom Wed. Sept. 11 7 p.m. The Pioneers by David McCullough Home of David and Diana Sendall
Find Comfort & Fellowship with the ECW I have always eagerly anticipated the coming of autumn. I love the crispness of the air, the brightness of an October blue sky, the thrill of a fall football game, and the sweetness of the ever popular Pumpkin Spice Latte. Fall is a time of comfort — big sweaters, warm fires, and a return to the familiar routines of back to school, back to church, and back to the fellowship of the ECW. The ECW of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is for every woman in our parish. Our board works throughout the year on a variety of outreach efforts including The Helen Wright Center, Meals on Wheels, and Backpack Buddies and provides support to a number of other parish initiatives including Gifts of Grace. We host our largest parish fundraiser and in the spring raised more than $47,000 to benefit Backpack Buddies at two local elementary schools. We host General Membership meetings in the spring and fall to gather all women of St. Michael’s for a meal and a speaker. Our four unique chapters enrich the Christian lives of their members through fellowship, outreach, and prayer. I invite you to find comfort and fellowship with the women of the ECW and to add attendance to one of our unique chapter meetings a part of your fall routine. — Brantley Springett, ECW President
— Gregoria Smith
Which Chapter is for You?
Fall Women’s Bible Study
St. Elizabeth Women of all ages who prefer to meet at night. Chairs: Katharine Davies, katharinedavies@ bellsouth.net + Elizabeth Reynolds, elizabethreynolds@juno.com
All the women of St. Michael’s are invited to join our fall Women’s Bible Study: A Woman’s Heart — God’s Dwelling Place — A Beth Moore Study
St. Madeleine Women of all ages who prefer a lunchtime meeting. Chairs: Sara Perdue, perduesara@yahoo. com + Missy Keravuori mkeravuori@gmail.com
Tuesday evenings: Sept. 10 - Nov. 19 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday mornings: Sept. 13 - Nov. 22 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
This in-depth biblical study by Beth Moore explores the fascinating account of the building of the tabernacle, the significance of its intricate design and its pivotal role in God’s eternal plan. As we journey through this Old Testament account, we are encouraged to prepare our hearts, like the Holy of Holies, to become a home for God’s love and glory. Contact: Frances Penick. Fhpenick@nc.rr.com. Workbook Cost: $17. Child care available on Friday mornings.
10
St. Margaret Younger women and mothers with young children who meet during choir practice. Chair: Anne Singerman, anne.singerman@gmail. com St. Mary Empty Nesters and older women who meet on the first Monday of the month at church. Chair: Pat Prather, pprathernc@gmail.com
Chronicles of Canterbury
september lifelong disciple September 8 The History of the Bible with the Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones Join Greg Jones as he explores the origins of the Bible. September 15 Outreach and Missions Sunday with Michele Murphy and the Outreach & Missions Team Hear from a few of our parishioners who will share what it means for them to volunteer in some of the Outreach and Mission opportunities at St. Michael’s. You may just find one in which you would like to participate.
lifelong disciple
September 22 Baptized into Christ, I with the Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones The rector will explore Baptismal Belonging and Belief, an introduction into the beliefs of the apostles September 29 Baptized into Christ, II — Pray without Ceasing with Christopher Beeley, Duke Divinity School A look at how prayer shapes our lives, from our most mundane affairs to our loftiest experiences of God. We will examine Jesus’ teaching in the Lord’s Prayer and the central act of Christian worship, the Holy Eucharist. October 6 Love. Give. Serve: The 2020 Annual Fund Join director of Development Charlotte Griffin and our Annual Fund chairs to hear about our Annual Fund campaign: Be Doers of the Word: LOVE.GIVE. SERVE. Hear more about how God has worked in their lives to love, give and serve. October 13 with Helen Moses As Episcopalians we tend to avoid sharing what God in Christ means to us personally. That’s witnessing. That’s evangelism. That’s too showy. That’s too public. If you feel uncomfortable proclaiming the Good News, you will be in the right place in this session. Helen will share how she has and is still overcoming the fear of evangelism and will teach us how to find comfort and peace.
11
Organ Concert: David Arcus Friday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m. David Arcus is Director of Music and Organist of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Hillsborough, North Carolina, where he presides at the 1883 Hook & Hastings organ in the early nineteenth century church. He previously served as Interim Director of Music at All Saints Parish Church, Northampton, England, where he conducted and played organ for seven choral services weekly. He was at Duke University for nearly 30 years, where he served in various capacities in the Department of Music, Divinity School, and Duke Chapel. Dr. Arcus holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the School of Music at Yale University, where he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He is in demand as a solo recitalist, having performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Great Britain. He has appeared as organist with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Arcus’ recitals have included premieres of new works by well known composers such as Aaron Jay Kernis, Dan Locklair, and Marianne Ploger. He is frequently commissioned to write new works for organ and choir, and he is also active as clinician, teacher/ lecturer, and conductor. Admission is free. More info. at www.HolyMichaelChoirs. org/concerts Concert: Katherine Posner, soprano with pianist Margaret Singer Sunday, October 13 at 3 p.m. Katherine Posner was called by Metropolitan Opera Conductor Kurt Adler, “One of the voices of her generation.” After winning the Metropolitan Opera National Auditions at the age of 20 she made her professional debut at the Santa Fe Opera. She also appeared at the San Francisco Opera as Lisette in La Rondine, sang four trans-continental tours with the Goldovsky Opera Theatre as Rosina in Barber of Seville, Micaela in Carmen, and as both Mimi and Musetta in La Boheme. Katherine completed a Master’s degree in Opera Theatre from Manhattan School of Music and sang performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. She was a frequent recitalist and oratorio soloist in the New York area. She is a teacher of singing, as well as an expert in coaching musical styles, teaching singer’s diction, acting and stage movement. She has a private voice studio in the Triangle. Admission is free. More info. at www.HolyMichaelChoirs. org/concerts
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 1520 Canterbury Rd. Raleigh NC 27608-1106 Phone: 919-782-0731 Fax: 919-782-5085 www.holymichael.org
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
Police Bags “Thank You” Part of the St. Michael’s Family St. Michael’s parishioners prepared 1,065 snack bags and thank-you notes for the Raleigh Police Department on Aug. 25, an annual tradition to thank and support some of our city’s public servants. The program began about 10 years ago, when former deacon, the Rev. Meta Ellington, was chaplain of the police department. Lt. Haywood Alexander grew up at St. Michael’s; his mother and stepfather are parishoners Beki and Verne Schmickley. Lt. Alexander, a 41-year-old graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Woodberry Forest School, has worked for the department for 15 years — as a beat cop, a human-trafficking detective and a sergeant overseeing the fraud division. He now is a lieutenant overseeing the Northeast Raleigh quadrant. The Alexanders attend Christ Church. Their 3 year-old son Branch attends St. Michael’s Parish Day School. “I grew up going to St. Michael’s from birth, really. I was confirmed there and went there up until high school, and my mom still goes there. I went into police work because I wanted to do something that was not behind a desk all day and that would hopefully make me feel good at the end of the day. And it has. “I thought I might do it for a little while and do something else, but I like the excitement and the variety of it, and there’s so much room to grow and do different assignments. And it does make me feel satisfied at the end of the day, to know I am doing something productive and good for Branch (3 years old), Jennifer, Marguerite (8 years old) and Lt. people. Haywood Alexander Even before his mom and stepfather got involved, Lt. Haywood knew about the project. “We would see these snack bags with nice notes on them, and it was probably the most consistent yearly thank you we would get. I can’t recall anything this large and this consistent. “Everybody really appreciates it,” he says. “It makes them feel good. Cops are hidden with their emotions sometimes, but they get tired of feeling like they’re hated. So when they get tidbits of love or compassion it really picks them up. I really do think that. “My bag says, ‘Lt. Daddy, thank you, I love you so much.’ It’s got handcuffs and a duty belt on it. And of course, the thank-you note from
St. Michael’s. My daughter knows I like Butterfingers, and I have two in my bag. She knows I love sour candy so she put in some Sour Patch Kids, too. “Police officers appreciate having some good vibes once in a while,” he says. “It makes their day better when they go out and face some pretty tough situations. So thank you, St. Michael’s. Truly.” — Valerie Jackson, Senior Warden