July/August 2013 by St Pauls Episcopal Church

July and August 2013

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL’S In recognition that all that we have are gifts entrusted to us by God, it is the purpose of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to work and pray and give for the spread of God’s kingdom.

It is hard to have patience with people who say There is no death or death doesn’t matter. There is death. And whatever is matters. And whatever happens has consequences, and it and they are irrevocable and irreversible. You might as well say that birth doesn’t matter. C. S. Lewis

Dear Friends, Yes, birth matters. Profoundly. And death matters, too. As Christians we believe that at the moment of death life changes, and that we go on from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in the next world. Our departure from this life matters to God, to us and to our loved ones. Over the years I have been the first, or close to the first, on the scene of death in many places. Generally I know what to say and do, all the while ministering to the grieving loved-ones, and pleading with God on the inside to guide my thoughts, words and deeds. The few days that elapse between the moment of death and the burial can be critical and tense for everyone. Even today when cremation, a sensible and appropriate alternative to embalming, often allows a bit more time before a service in the church, there is still much to do and many loose ends to coordinate. One of the benefits of membership in our St. Paul’s parish family is the ministry at death of the women of the church, who upon request provide a reception for family and guests following the service. The time and confusion saved by this ministry alone is a true blessing. There is another important matter to determine at the time of death, and in this each one of us can act now and save our closest and dearest much anguish. Dozens of issues arise at the time of death requiring attention from somebody. Usually the next of kin are called upon for decisions in these many matters. Anything we can do now to assure that we have prepared as well as possible, and that our loved ones will be spared as much anguish as we can manage, is the right thing on our part to do. To this end, St. Paul’s Church provides a simple document titled Instructions to be Fol-

lowed at my Death. Copies are available in the parish office at any time. This form is a selfguided list of questions with spaces for you to write in your answers and preferences concerning your own funeral. It covers all matters, such as the lessons you prefer, whether you want a brief sermon or not, what hymns you wish to be played, your choice of a funeral home, flowers, whether or not you have made a will and, if so, its location (never, ever in a safe deposit box, but in a place where it can be easily found) , and many additional, common-sense issues. Unless you take the time to express your wishes and preferences now, you will force some unfortunate next of kin to have to do so for you in the midst of the sorrow surrounding your death. Also, completing one of these forms now enables the priest and parish secretary to proceed with the planning of your service without plaguing your next of kin with questions to which he or she may not know the answers. The kindest thing you can do for the loved ones you will leave behind is to complete one of these simple forms. In my ten years at St. Paul’s I have tried in many ways to encourage parishioners to do so. We have made them available on Sunday mornings and scheduled group times with the rector to complete them. For years we kept copies available in a special envelope on the bulletin board. Brenda always has copies to give out. Those who complete them are welcome to change them at any time. Currently our files contain a grand total of six competed forms. Won’t you please consider completing one of these valuable forms and turning it in to the parish office to keep on file? For your convenience we have included a copy in this newsletter. The peace of mind in knowing you have done so will be a great comfort to you and your next of kin. Faithfully yours, Jack

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Shrine Mont Committee news MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR: Parish Family Weekend Retreat begins Friday evening, October 18 with dinner and ends Sunday October 20 with lunch. (Look for more info & details in the September newsletter. For questions call Ann Long) AND A fun filled evening at A Night in Hollywood on September 14th. Parish Hall doors open at 5:30 with a silent auction and dinner, followed by a live auction along with various games, “chances”, and prizes. Once again we have our very own entertaining auctioneer, Kevin Pauley assisted by “Vana” (Michelle Pauley). Walk the red carpet, avoid the paparazzi, tell us “who” you are wearing, have your picture taken, and maybe win a St. Paul’s Oscar for most glamorous or an Oscar for best celebrity impersonator. As a committee, we welcome anyone who is willing to donate their time, cooking skills or ideas for the auctions so look for signup sheets this summer in the parish hallway. Remember donations of items in excellent condition, donations of your skills (art, cooking, lessons, woodcrafts, etc.) and donations from business you know are all acceptable. (For questions, call Ann Long, 994-2134)

2014 Stewardship Campaign During the summer, discussions about Stewardship may seem far away, but the 2014Stewardship Campaign is just around the corner. In preparing for the campaign, we need your help through taking some time this summer, as you lie on the beach or float down the river, to share some of your thoughts on how St. Paul's and your church community affects your life. Send us these stories so we can share them in the newsletter and weekly bulletins. In the past, these testimonials have been heartfelt, impactful lessons of what a church can achieve, and have truly helped your fellow parishioners understand the far-reaching effects of stewardship. As we move into the fall we will again ask some of you to share your stories in person on occasional Sundays, so let us know if you would prefer to share your insights in person. (Hint: If you send us a story for the newsletter we won't ask you for a Sunday sermon too!) Please forward to Greg Price e-mail: price.greg@comcast.net (10944 Founders Place, Mechanicsville, VA. 23116) or Hamilton Holloway: hamilton.holloway@gmail.com Regards, Greg Price and Hamilton Holloway

CRAFTERS Yes, summer vacations, trips and good times are here. Due to so many activities in the planning by our club members, we will have a light schedule for the summer. Meetings are on Fridays at 10am at the home of Janet Kencitzski (phone 550-1805). Following is the schedule for the next few months: July 12th, August 9th, and September 13th. In October, we will go back to our regular schedule of two Fridays per month. Hope to see you soon at one of our meetings! THE ST. PAUL’S WOMEN’S GROUP Our group will pick back up on Wednesday, September 11th with another book study. We start with Liz Curtis Higgs, Bad Girls of the Bible. This book gives us an introduction of the women of the Bible and how their life stories fit into the big picture of the Bible and how they parallel our lives now. In this book, Higgs offers a unique and clearsighted approach to understanding those "other women" in Scripture, combining a contemporary somewhat comical retelling of their stories including their mistakes and lessons learned. We’ll see how these infamous sisters show women how not to handle the challenges of life with her trademark humor and encouragement, and joyfully embrace grace. I look forward to yet another venture with the wonderful women of St. Paul’s and see where this journey leads us. So, go ahead and start your Summer reading now! Books are available on-line, in bookstores and can be ordered through the library. Happy Reading Ladies! Sandra Heins Next steps for Shrine Mont camps Dear Friends, As we complete a year of discernment activities surrounding the next 50 years of Shrine Mont Camps, we're excited to embark upon the next steps of our journey. In July, we'll distribute an electronic survey as part of a feasibility study to determine if we will undertake a diocesan-wide campaign for Shrine Mont Camps. For this survey to be successful, we need our churches' voices to be heard! We encourage your parishioners to visit our website at thediocese.net/SMcampdiscernment/ so they can sign-up to participate - or even volunteer! Faithfully, The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston One is very crazy when in love. Sigmund Freud

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View from the Back Pew by Scott Harris . In professional golf Saturday is known as moving day. It’s the day when those golfers still remaining in the tournament attempt to position themselves to be able to win on Sunday. That’s a good explanation of the image that kept coming to mind several weeks ago when all of the area high schools were holding their graduations. The end of high school can be a tumultuous time for everyone involved. The child is anxious to push their independence to the next level and complete preparations for being self-sufficient as parents begin to realize they will no longer be the major influence in their child’s life. That’s a hard pill to swallow for some parents and creates an unbalanced dynamic in the household that is only rectified by the child’s departure and at least some acceptance on the part of the parents that a new phase has begun in everyone’s life. I remember well my own high school graduation and how much I anticipated leaving home. I also vividly remember my feelings of sadness as I watched each of our children leave for good. It’s a bittersweet transition for everyone involved. To one degree or another we all face this journey. We experience it again in one form or another each year when another group of St. Paul’s youngsters moves on. It’s natural that we invest a lot emotionally into our church family and no matter how much time passes we feel that familiar hitch in our chest when we watch another graduation pass. As I sat in my seat the Sunday after graduation I thought of the generations of families that have experienced the myriad of emotions as we’ve watched our children grow up and on. Our church has been witness to the ritual many times in the past 300 years. It is rich with the images and voices of children as they grew to adulthood. It is also full with the memory of parents trying, with some uncertainty, to embrace a new direction and perhaps a redefining of self-worth as empty nesters. When I was young I seldom worried about the future. It seemed wide open, as far as the eye could see. I expected to succeed and had yet to face any of the realities of doubt or failure. I see the same characteristics and feelings in the faces of St. Paul’s youth today. I’ve come to the realization that the confidence and bearing of our children is not universal, nor is it coincidental. There is something about a church environment; about raising children in a place where faith and love are hand in hand that makes a difference. It is a lot of work and to the parents of our most recent graduates I offer a heartfelt thank you for making the commitment and sacrifices associated with being an effective parent. To the graduates, I commend your accomplishment and encourage you to embrace all of the opportunities before you. It’s taken me years but I’ve come to understand that the relationships we make in our early years are the ones that stand the tests of time. Try to remember that the most important relationship you or I will ever have is with God. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” I’m proud of each one of you and know you’ll make the most of your “moving day”. Faithfully, Scott If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother and hope your guardian genius.-- Joseph Addison

Vestry News The Vestry met on June 3rd for their monthly meeting. The main topic of the evening was the upcoming youth mission trip to South Carolina. By the time you receive this, the participants will be making their last minute preparations for the trip. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported this effort. I hope you will join me in praying for our youth and their adult guides’ safe travels. You will soon be seeing the start of construction for the patio area in front of the parish hall. This area is being transformed through a generous donation made by an anonymous donor. Thank you, thank you, thank you! The long range planning committee will begin its’ work soon. The early goal is to establish ways to receive input from every aspect of church life, including their visions of the future, both near and far. As you know, Brenda Boldin will be moving to Winchester soon. I personally can’t stand the thought of her leaving. She has become an integral part of life here and a huge help to me. I will reluctantly be looking for her successor soon. Please wish her well! If you have any questions or concerns about the news above, or any part of life at St. Paul’s, I hope you will feel free to discuss them with me or another vestry person. Thanks to everyone for all they do! Kindly submitted by your Senior Warden, Colleen Stevens Hewitt

Page 4 Words of thanks Dear people of St. Paul’s, While I’m not certain of my last day in the office, I want to make sure these words are said. It is with a heavy heart I bid you all farewell. I know you will continue to grow and flourish and serve God in this wonderful place, and I wish you God’s peace and blessings as you do. I think you have spoiled me for further church office work. I’m not sure I will ever again find a congregation as warm and caring as you have been to me. I thank you once more for that. I hate to name names, but I simply don’t feel I can go without holding forth some of the wonderful people who make this place so special.  Jack Sutor and Colleen Hewitt for hiring me in the first place.  Jack for being a caring, calm presence in all times, supportive in all things, and always thankful and kind.  Colleen Hewitt and Scott Harris, for their unwavering support and assistance as Senior Wardens.  Jim Moore, Charlie Young and Tom Lambert, always there in their position as Junior Warden whenever there was an issue that needed handling. And sometimes when there wasn’t!  Anne Cross for saying yes to any request, always helpful, always lending a listening ear and an open heart. For sharing her gardens, her love and her devotion to St. Paul’s. For becoming a dear friend.  Garnett Cross for his dedicated service as my newsletter labeler, trash remover, heavy lifter and a kind young man in all things.  All members of the Vestry, past and present for your support and openness to listening to my thoughts, suggestions and requests. With a special thanks to Scott Beaudin and Paul Cash for their tireless work as treasurer.  Ann Long and her art group for providing bright Tuesdays filled with laughter and beauty.  Andrea Kent, Ashley Palmer and Michelle Pauley for one week each summer bringing the joy of VBS into the building and the laughter, love and running feet of all the happy children. What a bright spot in my year.  The Nelsons, Dillons and Rices, for being right down the street, just a phone call away whenever I needed you. For your prayers and encouragement always.  The Pastoral Care and Prayer groups for keeping me and my family in prayer and close to your hearts. We have always felt it.  Anyone who ever received one of my nagging reminders about newsletter and other deadlines, for taking it with patience and following through. I’ve never had a group of people meet deadlines so consistently and well. Thank you.  To all who stopped by the office for any reason and just said hello. Some days it’s very quiet here and your presence was a bright spot to cheer me up. You have a special place here, and I know you will show the same love and support to whoever may come after me. I pray that they realize what a blessing they have in you. Brenda Boldin P.S. If you’re ever in Winchester, give us a holler!

Hospitality and Parish Life Hospitality at St. Paul’s is an important ministry and sometimes taken for granted. Those of you who have joined St. Paul’s in the past few years may be surprised to learn that having refreshments after both of our services is a relatively new practice. Under Jack’s leadership we began to have a coffee hour after our 10:30 am service and a lunch the second Sunday of most months. Not too long afterward Patsy and Joel McPherson began to serve and organize refreshments after the 8:00 am service. We ask for volunteers to host each week. The food does not have to be elaborate and you may be reimbursed by the church (give your receipts to me). Sometimes people ask me “why don’t we all just bring something?” I answer that there is a reason we organize it the way we do. If it was just a “you all bring”, those who had not prepared something would tend to stay away. Newcomers would be particularly put off. So we ask for hosts and hostesses to sign up to provide the food .Sometimes one of the Sunday school classes is the host. Other times if someone is not ready to host one alone they team up with another family. It is particularly easy in the summer when weather permitting we just have lemonade and cookies outside. Coffee and lemonade for these events is kept in the kitchen, as well as paper supplies. Our congregation comes from all parts of Hanover and several other jurisdictions. We come from different backgrounds; go to different schools; have different circles of friends; have different jobs and situations and (dare I say?) different political opinions. Some have deep roots in the local community. Many are or were relatively recently newcomers. We have come together at St. Paul’s in the love of Christ to serve God. Being able to stay after our formal worship services and get to know each other better; catch up on news; chat with a vestry member and greet visitors is important. I hope that you will volunteer to host refreshments after a service. Thank you to all who have provided refreshments after our services in recent weeks. My special thanks to Sandra Heins and all who assisted her in setting up, serving and cleaning up after the parish picnic. Another aspect of the Hospitality Ministry is the “Last Friday Social”. These events occur every few months and are designed to be a fun and inexpensive evening out for adults in the parish. This summer our Last Friday events are not falling on the actual last Fridays for various reasons. Mark your calendars for The Wine and Cheese Party hosted by Jerry and Mary Owen on Friday , July 12. On Friday, August 23 we will make a return visit to The Center of the Universe Brewery. Watch for details. In addition the Young family is having their Annual Pool Party for the Parish on Saturday, July 20. Yoga classes continue on Tuesday nights at 6:30. The cost is $5 per class. All levels of experience are welcome. On Tuesday mornings Ann Long teaches the St. Paul’s Adult Art Class in the parish hall. Faithfully, Anne Cross, Chairman, Hospitality and Parish Life

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July 2013 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Church Office Hours: Monday—Thursday 9:00AM-1:00PM

2:00PM Prayer

9:30AM SPAA

Noon Pastoral Care

4 Church

Office Closed

Youth leave on mission trip; return July 13

6:30PM Vestry 6:30PM Yoga

7 8:00AM Worship 8:45AM Fellowship 10::00M Worship 11:00AM Fellowship

8 2:00PM Prayer

2:00PM Prayer

9:30AM SPAA

6:30-8:30PM Wine & Cheese @Owen’s home

6:30PM Yoga

8:00AM Worship 8:45AM Fellowship 10::00M Worship 11:00AM Fellowship

12 10AM Crafters @ Janet K’s home

9:30AM SPAA

2-7PM Pool Party @ Young’s home

6:30PM Yoga

8:00AM Worship 8:45AM Fellowship 10::00M Worship 11:00AM Fellowship

2:00PM Prayer

9:30AM SPAA 6:30PM Yoga

8:00AM Worship 8:45AM Fellowship 10::00M Worship 11:00AM Fellowship

2:00PM Prayer

31 Noon Pastoral Care

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August 2013

SUN

4 8:00AM Worship 8:45AM Fellowship 10::00M Worship 11:00AM Fellowship

MON

5 2:00PM Prayer

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

10AM Crafters @ Janet Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home

9:30AM SPAA 6:30PM Yoga

8:00AM Worship 8:45AM Fellowship 10::00M Worship 11:00AM Fellowship

2:00PM Prayer

9:30AM SPAA

6:30PM Yoga

18 8:00AM Worship 8:45AM Fellowship 10::00M Worship 11:00AM Fellowship

2:00PM Prayer

9:30AM SPAA 10:00AM Newsletter deadline

6:30pm Last Friday Social @ Center of the Universe Brewery

6:30PM Yoga

8:00AM Worship 8:45AM Fellowship 10::00M Worship 11:00AM Fellowship

2:00PM Prayer

28 Noon Pastoral care

6:30PM Vestry 6:30PM Yoga

SUNDAY MINISTERS FOR JULY 07 14 21 28

Lector-8

Lector-10:00

Chalicer

Greeters__

J. Sutor H. Brockenbrough H. Ford P. Cash

N. Rowland R. Evans S. Heins C. Heckel

L. Snively A. Long M. Pauley C. Dillon

A. Palmer H. Holloway A. Holliday, M. Lavender M. Young, G. Price

Crucifer

Server

Psalm

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Torches

E. Beaudin

B. Rowland

L. Rowland

A. Sadler

W. Sadler

L. Farrell

S. Walker

J. Farrell

J. Farrell, C. Kent

E. Price

J. Price

L. Rowland

M. Young, G. Temple

Altar Guild: Paulette Longan, Anne Cross

SUNDAY MINISTERS FOR AUGUST 04 11 18 25

Lector-8

Lector-10:00

Chalicer

Greeters__

J. Sutor H. Brockenbrough H. Ford P. Cash

C. Hewitt H. Holloway R. Wortham A. Cross

R, Evans T. Moniot H. Rice L. Snively

C. Hewitt, A. Palmer H. Holloway, T. Lambert A. Holliday, A. Cross C. Hewitt, G. Price

Crucifer

Server

Psalm

Torches

V. Ransone

C. Kent

H. Barber

L. Holloway

P. Lambert

E. Beaudin

E. Beaudin, K. Walker

H. Barber

E. Drudge

L. Rowland

C. Kent, R. Young

J.J. Sadler

A. Sadler

V. Ransone, G. Temple

Altar Guild: Anne Cross, Anne Carroll King EXCITING NEW ADDITION TO THE GROUNDS! Don’t be surprised when you see workmen in front of the parish hall during July. A generous donor has made possible the addition of a patio complex in the sloping area in which we have always had trouble growing grass. It will connect the parish hall terrace, the Winston Garden, and the children’s playground in a way that harmonizes the whole while occupying the former often muddy ground between the parish hall and playground fence. These innovations should make parish picnics, “lemonade on the lawn” and other parish events so much nicer, convenient and easier to manage. Watch for the changes in this area, which are sure to enhance our parish home.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church P. O. Box 441 Hanover, VA 23069

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Phone: 804-537-5516 E-mail: stpaulshanover@comcast.net www.stpaulshanover.org

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8 0 5 0 S t . P a u l ’ s C h u r c h R o a d H a n o v e r C o u r t H o u s e

Summer dates to keep in mind: July 4— Office closed for Independence Day 12– Wine and cheese @ the Owen’s home 6-13— Youth on mission trip, keep them in prayer 20— Pool party at the Young’s home August 23— Last Friday Social 26— Vestry meeting

In The Diocese of Virginia

Parish Secretary

Mrs. Brenda Boldin

Junior Warden

Mr. Tom Lambert

Senior Warden

Mrs. Colleen Hewitt

Rector Emeritus

The Reverend Alwin Reiners, Jr.

Rector

The Reverend Jack Sutor

Bishop of Virginia

The Right Reverend Shannon Johnston

Christian Education Director

Ms. Andrea Kent

Organist and Choir Director

Ms. Sarah Cothern

Sunday Services are at 8:00 a.m., Holy Eucharist (Rite I) and 10:30a.m. Holy Eucharist (Rite II). Christian Education for all ages begins at 9:15AM. A nursery is available for the later service. Further refreshments follow all services. Parish office hours for the Administrative Assistant are Monday – Thursday 9:00AM—1:00 PM unless otherwise published.