a letter from our Rector - Saint Margaret's · PDF file · 2017-02-28What should...
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What should you give up for Lent? a letter from our Rector Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season where we are offered the chance to journey with Christ and to take on disciplines that serve to reorient our lives towards Christ. The Church in- vites us during this season to a time of examina- tion and repentance, to prayer, fasting and self- denial, and the reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word. (BCP 265) I am often asked by parishioners what is appropri- ate to give up for Lent. As I began to sit down and write a list to answer this question, I was made aware that a fellow pastor of the Lutheran Church had already created his own list. After reading it, I realized that he encapsulates those things that we should give up much better than I ever could. Therefore, I share his wise words with you in an effort that it might touch each of you and move you to a truly deep experience along your Len- ten walk. It comes from the book 40 Things to give up for Lent and Beyond by Reverend Phil Ressler. 1. Fear: God is on my side. In Him I am more than a conqueror. (See Romans 98) 2. The need to please everyone: I can’t please everyone anyway. There is only one I need to strive to please. 3. Envy: I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father. 4. Impatience: God’s timing is the perfect timing. 5. Sense of entitlement: The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace. 6. Bitterness and Resentment: The only person I am hurting by holding onto these is myself. 7. Blame: I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions. 8. Gossip and Negativity: I will put the best con- struction on everything when it comes to other Mark Your Calendars for 3/26 St. Margaret’s Lenten Food Packaging event will be on SUNDAY, 3/26. We are trying something new for the whole family: Stop Hunger Now, renamed RISE AGAINST HUNGER, will take place intermixed with our regular Sunday worship services at 7:45, 9:00, and 11:15. Depending upon the service you attend, you will have op- portunity to participate in set up and/or packag- ing and/or clean up. This will be Sunday School for all ages. Attend worship and be fed spiritu- ally in Word and Sacrament and then go to the Parish Hall and package food to feed those who suffer daily from hunger…a chance to immedi- ately “live the sermon”! REMINDER: Maggie’s Monthly people. I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic and bring oth- er people down. 9. Comparison: I have my own unique contri- bution to make and there is no one else like me. 10. Fear of failure: You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fall for- ward. 11. A spirit of poverty: Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack. 12. Feelings of unworthiness: You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator. (see Psalm 139) 13. Doubt: Believe God has a plan for you that is beyond anything you could imagine. The fu- ture is brighter than you could ever realize. 14. Self-pity: God comforts us in our sorrow so that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 15. Retirement: As long as you are still breath- ing, you are here for a reason. You have a pur- pose to influence others for Christ. That does not come to an end until the day we die. 16. Excuses: A wise man once said, if you need an excuse, any excuse will do. 17. Lack of counsel: Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum. 18. Pride: Blessed are the humble. 19. Worry: God is in control and worrying will not help. May God bless you and keep you, and may all of our burdens be lightened during this Holy season of Lent. -Fr. Todd FIND THE HIDDEN PICTURE Find the hidden “Episcopal shield” in this newsletter. Be the first to email the office at: [email protected] with I FOUND IT in the memo line, and include a description of where you found it in the email...and win a special prize. January Winner: NO EMAIL RECEIVED [email protected] Make a joyful noise... Join the choir for Lent and Easter! Partic- ipate more fully in this sacred season and give back to your parish by joining the choir during Lent, Holy Week and East- er. In addition to singing for the 11:15 service during Lent, we will also sing for Maundy Thursday, the Easter Vigil ser- vice, and the 9 and 11:15 on Easter morning. If you can't commit to regular practices and Sundays but are interested in singing for Holy Week and Easter please see the choir director for more information about how you can get in- volved! You can contact Mara DeLuca at: [email protected]. SAGES Lunch & Learn, 3/8 " All You Always Wanted to Know About Music and Were Afraid to Ask (Well, Almost Every- thing!)" will be presented by Mr. Richard Dill at SAGES March gathering on 3/8. This is an introduction to some of the "tools" composers use in creating their works. Music genres will include classical, some non-classical and some church music. The topic hopes to spark interest in classical music and expand the interest of those who already have an interest in classical. Good idea to bring something to write with as you might want to write a few " notes!” Sign up and $10 for lunch required to attend. IT’S COOKIE TIME! Please support the Kairos ministry by baking Chocolate Chip Cookies. Package a dozen per clear plastic bag and have to church office by noon on Wednesday 3/22. Thank you!
Transcript of a letter from our Rector - Saint Margaret's · PDF file · 2017-02-28What should...
What should you give up for Lent? a letter from our Rector
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season where we are offered the chance to journey with Christ and to take on disciplines that serve to reorient our lives towards Christ. The Church in-vites us during this season to a time of examina-tion and repentance, to prayer, fasting and self-denial, and the reading and meditating on
God’s Holy Word. (BCP 265)
I am often asked by parishioners what is appropri-ate to give up for Lent. As I began to sit down and write a list to answer this question, I was made aware that a fellow pastor of the Lutheran Church had already created his own list. After reading it, I realized that he encapsulates those things that we should give up much better than I ever could. Therefore, I share his wise words with you in an effort that it might touch each of you and move you to a truly deep experience along your Len-ten walk. It comes from the book 40 Things to give up for Lent and Beyond by Reverend Phil Ressler.
1. Fear: God is on my side. In Him I am more than a conqueror. (See Romans 98)
2. The need to please everyone: I can’t please everyone anyway. There is only one I need to strive to please.
3. Envy: I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
4. Impatience: God’s timing is the perfect timing.
5. Sense of entitlement: The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace.
6. Bitterness and Resentment: The only person I am hurting by holding onto these is myself.
7. Blame: I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions.
8. Gossip and Negativity: I will put the best con-struction on everything when it comes to other
Mark Your Calendars for 3/26
St. Margaret’s Lenten Food Packaging event will be on SUNDAY, 3/26. We are trying something new for the
whole family: Stop Hunger Now, renamed RISE AGAINST HUNGER, will take place intermixed with our regular Sunday worship services at 7:45, 9:00, and 11:15. Depending upon the service you attend, you will have op-portunity to participate in set up and/or packag-ing and/or clean up. This will be Sunday School for all ages. Attend worship and be fed spiritu-ally in Word and Sacrament and then go to the Parish Hall and package food to feed those who suffer daily from hunger…a chance to immedi-ately “live the sermon”!
REMINDER: Maggie’s Monthly
people. I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic and bring oth-er people down.
9. Comparison: I have my own unique contr i-bution to make and there is no one else like me.
10. Fear of failure: You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fall for-ward.
11. A spirit of poverty: Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack.
12. Feelings of unworthiness: You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator. (see Psalm 139)
13. Doubt: Believe God has a plan for you that is beyond anything you could imagine. The fu-ture is brighter than you could ever realize.
14. Self-pity: God comforts us in our sorrow so that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
15. Retirement: As long as you are still breath-ing, you are here for a reason. You have a pur-pose to influence others for Christ. That does not come to an end until the day we die.
16. Excuses: A wise man once said, if you need an excuse, any excuse will do.
17. Lack of counsel: Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.
18. Pride: Blessed are the humble.
19. Worry: God is in control and worrying will not help.
May God bless you and keep you, and may all of our burdens be lightened during this Holy season of Lent.
-Fr. Todd
FIND THE HIDDEN PICTURE
Find the hidden “Episcopal shield” in this newsletter. Be the first to email the office at: [email protected] with I FOUND IT in the memo line, and include a description of where you found it in the email...and win a special prize. January Winner: NO EMAIL RECEIVED
Make a joyful noise...
Join the choir for Lent and Easter! Partic-ipate more fully in this sacred season and give back to your parish by joining the choir during Lent, Holy Week and East-er. In addition to singing for the 11:15 service during Lent, we will also sing for Maundy Thursday, the Easter Vigil ser-vice, and the 9 and 11:15 on Easter morning. If you can't commit to regular practices and Sundays but are interested in singing for Holy Week and Easter please see the choir director for more information about how you can get in-volved!
You can contact Mara DeLuca at: [email protected].
SAGES Lunch & Learn, 3/8
" All You Always Wanted to Know About Music and Were Afraid to Ask (Well, Almost Every-thing!)" will be presented by Mr. Richard Dill at SAGES March gathering on 3/8. This is an introduction to some of the "tools" composers use in creating their works. Music genres will include classical, some non-classical and some church music. The topic hopes to spark interest in classical music and expand the interest of those who already have an interest in classical.
Good idea to bring something to write with as you might want to write a few " notes!” Sign up and $10 for lunch required to attend.
IT’S COOKIE TIME! Please support the Kairos ministry by baking Chocolate Chip Cookies. Package a dozen per clear plastic bag and have to church office by
noon on Wednesday 3/22.
Thank you!
Fr. Lito’s Letter by The Reverend Father Lito Santos+
-Fr. Lito+
Assistant to the Rector for Pastoral Care & Christian Formation
“while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” Mark 1:35 Lent is a time of prayer. Prayer time is holy time. It is the time we set aside to lift our heart, mind and soul to reach out to the Throne
of Grace and intimately converse with God. Early on during my years in the seminary, we were told that when we pray the Spirit comes and inspires us. Inspire is from the Latin “inspirare” which means to stimulate, motivate, encourage, influence, move, stir, energize, rouse, incite. I personally add to breathe and to fill with life.
When the Spirit fills us with grace and stimulates our true image (of God) and nature (His beloved and good), we cannot help but be changed and be closer to God every time we pray.
Our Hearts for Hope fundraiser on 2/10 for Out-reach & Missions was a huge success, raising $19,000!
The committee is so grateful for the outpouring of sup-port from St. Margaret’s parishioners and friends.
All the funds raised will be put to very good use helping those in need in our community, our country and the world.
From the Deacon’s Desk
Moses was on the mountain with God for forty days and forty nights; Jesus was in the wilderness with God for forty days and forty nights, all the while being tempted by Satan…and you and I will be immersed in the busyness of our daily lives and surrounded by the values of the world, with God, for forty days and forty nights as we journey through Lent. Lent…a season of self-examination, re-pentance, and renewed centering on God.
At the heart of Lent is PRAYER; yet as I proofed the meditations for St. Margaret’s Lenten booklet, FROM DUST TO GLORY, it became apparent that all of our lives are very busy. Recently I received an email from a friend directing me to a Guideposts article by Bob Hostetler on “Breath Prayers”…short, easy, simple prayers that can be spoken in a single breath, regardless of where we are, and repeated throughout the day. Each is scripturally based; and the more often each is repeated, the deeper it becomes rooted in our hearts. So, let’s “pray without ceasing”:
Lord, have mercy.
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Here I am!
Show your power.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Not my will, but yours.
Bring your kingdom.
Say the word.
Come, Lord Jesus.
As you find yourself in different circumstances, take a deep breath and pray one or two of
these; or select a different one each day to pray; or perhaps there is one that will be your per-
sonal mantra for Lent 2017. No matter where you are or what is going on around you, you
must breathe…so make each breath a prayer that draws you closer to God, the God that is
ALWAYS with you, ALWAYS loves you, and is ALWAYS ready to hear you.
A holy, prayerful Lent, -Deacon Susie
Growing up, a prayer that even now inspires and helps me is the beautiful prayer of Saint Ignatius of Loyola best known as the “Anima Christi” (Soul of Christ):
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O Good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds hide me. Permit me not to be separated from you. From the wicked foe, defend me. At the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to you That with your saints I may praise you For ever and ever. Amen.
This is a wonderful prayer anytime we are moved to focus on Jesus in our lives. This type of prayer reminds us about the sacrifice of Jesus and His daily invitation to remain close and intimate with Him.
During this Holy season of Lent let us make a personal commitment to devote a portion of our day to pray for a specific need or a particular person trusting in the power of God’s grace and blessing.
May your Lenten journey be filled with wonderful moments of inspiration as fruits of your devotion and prayers.
by The Reverend Suzanne Lee Bruno Assistant to the Rector for Outreach & Missions
Architectural renderings of a potential new campus expansion, Hansen Hall addition and aerial campus views were presented and discussed.
Minutes approved from October & No-vember 2012 and January 2017 meetings.
Appointment of Warren McDonald as Treasurer was approved.
Gratitude expressed to Jerry DeBerry for years of service in the Treasurer role.
Eagle Scout project idea for Ben Scott reviewed and group in agreement to invite him to next meeting for a formal presentation.
Upcoming Bishop Election discussed.
Financial Policy update
Important dates coming up were re-viewed: Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednes-day, Holy Week and Bishop Anne visita-tion.
Floor opened to discuss how might Sun-day School Program look different until we can fund a Children’s Ministry Coor-dinator.
VESTRY This column has been requested by parishioners to inform the
parish on votes taken at recent Vestry Business meetings.
a view from the VESTRY Janet Mills, Worship & Music
Vestry Business meetings are held in the Choir Room on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. *Business meeting minutes are kept in the church office and are accessible to anyone inter-ested in reading more about the motions and votes discussed at recent meetings.
The youth at St. Margaret’s have lots of upcoming opportuni-ties for fun, fellowship, service and more. Youth 2th-12th grade and their friends are invited to all activities (unless age is oth-erwise noted).
EYC will meet every Sunday in March! Please make plans to join us on the following Sundays: 1th, 12th, 19th and 22th from 1-2:30pm with dinner 2:30-7:00pm.
EYC Lenten Service Projects: This Lent, youth are invited and encouraged to participate in an assortment of service projects during the Lenten season. The projects have been selected for youth to engage with organizations that serve a variety of populations in both the Monroe and Charlotte areas. Service projects are set for a range of days and times so youth can find one to fit their schedule; we challenge youth to carve out time in their schedule for at least one of these projects. For more information and a full listing of projects, visit:
https://stm.breezechms.com/form/eyclent
We will have a High School Lock In on Fri, March 17th at 7:30pm. Lock ins are off -site activities and then a sleepover at the church. We will play two games of Laser Tag and then go bowling. We’ll head back to the church to be locked in for the remainder of the night. Saturday morning youth will be out the door at 6:15am! Youth have the option to head home and back to bed OR head to get coffee and then to Monroe where EYC will work a water station for the Follow Your Heart 1K that supports Union County Community Shelter and Union County Title I Schools. Youth can be picked up at 10:30am at the church. Cost is $31 (scholarships available, contact Eliza-beth). For more information and to register and pay online visit https://stm.breezechms.com/form/hslockin.
by Elizabeth Pfeifer, Assistant to the Rector for Youth Ministries
YOUTH Spotlight
-Janet Mills
Sunday, March 5 10:11 am-1:11 pm Preparing and serving lunch at the Union County Community Shelter Sunday, March 5 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Prepping the StM Giving Garden for spring planting during our regular EYC time
Saturday, March 18 2:11 am-10:30 am Water station at Follow Your Heart 5K in Monroe
Wednesday, March 22 3:11 pm- 7:11 pm Mobile food pantry at Briarwood Elementary through Second Harvest Food Bank
Monday, April 10 Time TBD Serving at the Union County Community Shelter
Wednesday, April 12 Time TBD Serving at the Union County Community Shelter
*Youth MUST SIGN UP in advance.
www.saintmargarets.net
Wednesday service goers pose with Flat Maggie
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 0.23.12
Love Jesus. Love your neighbor.
Bless the world.
MARCH Calendar
Hearts for Hope Committee members, February 10, 2017
COMING THIS SUMMER:
MUSIC CAMP
Mark your calendars for August 14th-18th for St Margaret's mu-
sic camp! The camp will be open to all kids ages
4 through rising 8th graders. Middle
schoolers can participate in the produc-
tion or volunteer as helpers. We will be
putting on a musical, so join us for a fun
week of singing, acting, and prop and
costume design!
Cost will be $25 per child (max $75 per
family).
For more information contact Mara
DeLuca at [email protected].
HEALTH TIP of the month by: Jane Knight, Parish Nurse
Lent is a time of discipline in our daily lives and
in our service to God. This is a perfect time to
take stock of how of our daily activities: do we
get enough movement throughout the day? Are
we eating enough healthy foods? See if you can
improve in these two areas this month.
Good Luck!
Jane Knight, RN
Faith Community (Parish) Nurse
3/1 Ash Wednesday: services at 12:00 noon & 7:00 pm
3/2 New Session of Living Your Strengths begins
3/0 Bishop’s Election
3/1 St. Margaret’s 101 class begins for newcomers, 10:11 in the connector hall
3/8 SAGES lunch & learn, 12:00 in the Parish Hall
3/8 Confirmation Class, 7:00 pm in the Youth Room
3/11 Men’s One Day on-site Lenten Retreat, 9:00 am-1:00 pm
3/11 DOK monthly meeting, 10:00 am in the Rainy Day Room
3/11 Saturday evening Chapel Mass, 1:30 pm
3/12 Blood Drive
3/12 Acolyte Training after the 11:00 service
3/13 Finance Committee Meeting
3/11 Lenten Series, class 1 of 3, 12:00 noon in the Parish Hall. Soup lunch provided.
3/17-18 High School Lock In
3/18 Banner Guild Meeting
3/18 Knots of Love monthly meeting, 10:00 am in the Prayer Room
3/19 Altar Ministry NEW MEMBER Training, following the 11:11 service in the nave
3/22 Lenten Series, class 2 of 3, 12:00 noon in the parish hall. Soup lunch provided.
3/22 Cookies for Kairos Prison Ministry, due to church office by noon
3/23-21 Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby prep & event
3/22 Rise Against Hunger Food Packaging Event
3/28 Union County Community Shelter Meal Prep & Serve day
RECTOR
THE REVEREND FR. TODD R. DILL [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
FOR PASTORAL CARE & CHRISTIAN FORMATION
THE REVEREND FR. LITO SANTOS [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
FOR OUTREACH & MISSIONS
THE REVEREND SUZANNE LEE BRUNO [email protected]
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
MARA DELUCA
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
JOANIE CAMERON [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
FOR YOUTH MINISTRIES
ELIZABETH PFEIFER [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR
FOR PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES
DANA PLATE’ [email protected]
ASSISTANT TO THE RECTOR FOR
FINANCE & ACCOUNTING
DENISE KILINISKI [email protected]
2017 VESTRY
KATHARINE CORNELL
MASON ALEXANDER
PHIL HEJL
LINDA JENSEN
DEBBIE MARCHAND
JANET MILLS
KIM OWENS
MATTHEW SAUNDERS
TRICIA SMITH
WARREN MCDONALD, TREASURER
