St. Mary’s Episcopal Church203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, Virginia

The MessengerVolume 38, Issue 2 March 2016

Interim RectorThe Rev.

Thomas R. Hughes, Jr.

Deacon

The Rev. Deacon

Edward W. Jones

MusicDirector: Bonnie Trahan

Organist: James Edwards

Vestry & Commissions

Mary C. Parker

Sr. Warden

Mary Barber

Erin Bartley

Donna Derry

Lewis Ray

Mary Coombes

Gladys Johnson

Janet Markwith

Jack Gaines

Treasurer; Register

Julie Irving Chuhta

Assistant Treasurer

ECW Officers

President: Ella Johnson

Vice President: Mary Barber

Secretary:

Donna Derry

Treasurer: Mickey Moore;

Bonnie Trahan

Altar Guild

Karna Sparks

Sunday School

Point of Contact

Ann Swope

Newsletter Editor

Barbara Anthony

Webmaster

Mickey Beard

From the Rector’s Desk

Easter

The principles of lex orandi, lex credendi - as we worship, so

we believe – lies at the core of Anglican identity.

What does our worship have to do with spreading the gospel? How does our

liturgy express our attitude toward the gospel? In a service of Holy Eucharist, when we

hear the gospel reading, we don’t sit down, we stand up. Ideally a deacon – who

interprets the gospel to the world and who symbolizes the Church’s calling to live the

gospel in the world – reads the gospel. Some congregations use elaborately

embossed or adorned gospel books. Or they cense the gospel book before the

reading. Some train acolytes holding candles and a cross to solemnly process the

gospel into the midst of the congregation. The very act of reading the gospel from the

center of the church shows just how much the gospel forms our foundation as

Episcopalians. We have reverence for the gospel. The good news of God’s

reconciling love in Jesus lies literally, even geographically, at the center of who we are.

Crazy Christians by The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry

As Episcopalians, Worship Defines Us

Coming up on the twenty-fourth of March, Maundy Thursday, Saint Mary's

will come together for the Passover meal, the Seder. As we reach back across

time to try to more fully appreciate the confluence of meanings that center

around this event, there are two important themes to grasp.

The first is that as they were being freed from slavery, our religious ancestors were

spared by Yahweh, and the angel of death passed over their houses as the Egyptians were

struck down. Hence, Passover. Deliverance. Thanksgiving.

The second is that it was as Jesus was celebrating the Passover Seder with His

disciples that Our Lord instituted the eucharist, the communion, the mass, when, holding

the bread and then the cup of redemption, He said "Do this in remembrance of me." It was

a command, which is what "maundy" means. He didn't say to think about it or have

committees to talk about it or devise theologies about it, He said to DO it.

But why do we still remember that night in Egypt? Why do we remember Jesus in the

celebration each Sunday? Because to remember is to re-member, to be rejoined with, to be

put back together with, to be a living part of God's deliverance of creation from slavery and

the constant presence of the Messiah in the world and in our hearts.

All this in one meal together? Yes, and you will see just how it is that each week as we

come together around the altar, we are doing just as Jesus said, and are given the

opportunity to be awakened to His Holy Presence and experience deliverance from all the

blows that death can deliver.

Make your reservation now and, oh, there are scholarships available,

too. Do this.

Blessed Easter, blessed spring,

Tom+

Passover Seder

The MessengerPAGE 2203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, VA 22443

The Messenger is issued

approximately seven times during the church

calendar year.

Jan-Feb (Epiphany-Lent)

Mar-April (Holy Week & Easter)

May-June (Pentecost)

Jul-Aug (Mid-Pentecost)

Sep and Oct (More Pentecost)

Nov (Thanksgiving-Advent)

Dec (Christmas-New Year)

The MessengerSt. Mary’s Episcopal Church

203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, VA 22443

(804) 224-7186 / Fax-(804)224-4059

Email: stmarys_church@verizon.net

or visit us on the web:

http://stmaryscolonialbeach.org

Also click the “Like”

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We welcome submissions concerning

family, community and church news.

There are many people at St. Mary’s that I admire. For example, how can I not have the utmost respect for

our over eighty seniors, the parishioners who have seen us through thick and thin – good times and bad –

contributors of time, talent and treasure? How can I not esteem our volunteers, without whom our outreach and

fellowship efforts would not exist?

However, there are two people who especially deserve accolades. Being on the Vestry during this time of

transition has not been easy. To name a few challenges: there is a fine balance between recognizing the need to

identify the necessity to revisit and heal the past while simultaneously moving forward. There has been a pursuit

for more transparency. There has been a quest, in keeping with the Book of Common Prayer, to inspire

leadership among the laity. There has been an attempt to create sustainable and accountable goals that can be

accomplished regardless of future vestries.

Ann Swope and Kristine Guido vacated the Vestry this year. Both of them could envision possibilities, to

initiate, to ask difficult questions, to support tough decisions. They brought their individual gifts to the Vestry table

and shared openly and generously. The Vestry stood upon their shoulders on many an occasion to see further

than we could see without their contributions. Together, they helped us ‘to dream more, learn more, do more, and

become more.’ John Quincy Adams

Thank you, Ann and Kris. You are indeed true and faithful servants.

I am also so appreciative of our new vestry members: Gladys Clark-Johnson, Mary Coombes and Janet

Markwith. They bring rich backgrounds and a true love for and dedication to St. Mary’s. Together, the eight of us,

will continue to be productive and committed vestry members who strive to be worthy and wise temporal and

spiritual leaders.

Gratefully,

Mary C. Parker

From the Senior Warden

St. Mary’s held its Annual Meeting on February 7, 2016. Attending congregants witnessed the vestry oath

by new members Mary Coombes, Gladys Clark-Johnson, and Janet Markwith. Jack Gaines received the

Rector’s Award for his dedication as a parishioner and Ann Swope accepted the Rev. William Latané Award

for her outstanding vestry service. Father Tom gave his interim rector report and Kristine Guido led the

attendees in a discussion about St. Mary’s future.

Annual Meeting

Gladys Johnson,

Fr. Tom, Janet

Markwith and Mary

Coombes reading

the vestry oath

Jack Gaines

receiving the

Rector’s Award.

Congratulations

Jack!

324 Beth Peed25

PAGE 3203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, VA 22443 The Messenger

Birthdays &

Anniversaries

St. Mary’s Church Mission

We at St. Mary’s are called to be a visible sign of Christ’s presence in our community. We are a family of God’s people committed

to nurturing spiritual growth in ourselves, our families, this community and the world in which we live and serve.

MAY

Please Note: There is a list of

birthdays and anniversaries in the

church. Check to make sure your

special day is on the list and make

corrections as necessary.

APRIL

Story Telling

On February 14,

Kim Cannady shared some

significant events in her life.

She attended nineteen schools

before graduating high school.

She suffered the deaths of her

first husband and son but

prevailed as a person of faith

who remarried and feels

blessed with the gifts of her

daughter, two grandchildren

and three step grandchildren.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blessings

2 Rosemary Gill

3 Jane Bergeron

7 Martha Okrasinski

9 Gladys Clark-Johnson

13 Joe Kelly

15 Michael Camlin

15 Bill Trahan

16 Bobby Duke

20 Irene Ketterer

22 Mary Norton

24 June and Jack Gaines (A)

25 Phyllis Beavers

27 Claudette & Father Ron Okrasinski

1 Patti Gluchowski

2 Ashley Ketterer

3 Ben Peed

4 Kathy Morgan

5 Susan Mack

8 Glen Bartley

8 Mark Peed

10 Sue Coulson

12 John Barber

13 Cordelia Ray

14 David Coombes

15 Deacon Ed Jones

18 Jay Bergeron

18 Mary & Bill Parker (A)

21 Bill Parker

23 Glenn Chuhta

23 Madeline Nicho

23 Kathy Greenlaw

26 Susan Lozinyak

26 Kendra & Steven McDougal

Deacon Jones engaged

Mary Parker in a conversation

on Sunday, March 13. Mary

described her first encounter

with Father Ron, standing on

a receiving line at a wake. His

invitation to visit St. Mary’s

influenced her life changing

decision to become an

Episcopalian.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gladys Clark Johnson will be the story teller on April 10, 2016. Gladys has

had numerous travel experiences that enabled her to value and respect other

cultures and religions. We will hear about the ways in which Gladys faced the

challenges of being a Black woman in America before the Civil Rights

Movement. We will learn about her years in the classroom as a Special

Education teacher before moving on to administration in the District of

Columbia.

Due to Mother’s Day, storytelling in May will take place on May 15 instead

of May 8, 2016. We will hear from our oldest parishioner, Alberta Parkinson.

She was baptized, confirmed and married at Our Savior Episcopal Church in

Washington, DC. Almost immediately after moving to Colonial Beach, she

became the custodian of the Beach House and preparer of snow cones and

frozen custard. That job followed by being named First Mate on her husband’s

boat, a story to behold since she never fished before.

“There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there

have been no societies that did not tell stories.” Ursula K. LeGuin Join us

each month in the Parish Hall at 9:15am.

One shawl is lovelier than the next in colors and sizes

appropriate for men, women and children. Nursing homes

throughout the area and beyond have received these gifts of love.

Additionally, some parishioners have been recipients either for themselves or

for friends and relatives in need of the comfort that these shawls offer. The

prayer shawl team will continue to knit and crochet these items and present

them to locations that service the sick and needy. Moreover, as quick as their

hands can produce, shawls will also be available to parishioners with

knowledge about a person or persons in need of the solace that these items

bring.

Prayer Shawls

324

PAGE 4203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, VA 22443The Messenger

Announcements

Parish Hall Use - Remember to schedule your event for the

Parish Hall by calling the church office at 224-7186

Bible Study – Every Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. , Hart Hall

Centering Prayer – Every Tuesday, 10:30 p.m., Hart Hall

Adult Sunday School – 9:15, Parish Hall

Aerobics every Monday and Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Parish Hall

Wednesday Eucharist at 10:30 am

Alcoholic Anonymous meets every Tuesday and Saturday – 8

p.m., Parish Hall

Food Pantry – Monday, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon; Thursday

evening, 6:00-7:00 pm, Parish Hall

Mark Your Calendar

Food Pantry

MARCH

APRIL

7 Community lunch in the Parish Hall at 12:00pm to

2:00pm.

8 Mother’s Day Tea in the Parish Hall at 12:00pm.

9 ECW meeting in the Parish Hall at 1:00pm.

A group of eight parishioners met

during February to engage in a discussion

using The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry’s book,

Crazy Christians. We began and ended

with a prayer, song or thoughtful reflection.

The atmosphere was inviting to extraverts

and introverts alike. Participants received

all opinions with respect and appreciation.

Some of us came together as acquaintances but left

with gratitude for having been given the chance to get to

know other parishioners on a deeper level. One step at

a time – one person at a time – we are becoming a closer

community.

We will meet again in April, beginning on the 5th, at

6:15pm to 7:30pm in the Parish Hall. We will conclude

on April 26. Our book for this round is Accidental Saints:

Finding God in All the Wrong People. You can purchase

this book either new or used at Amazon.com.

If you are interested in participating in the Book Club

during April, please call the church office at 804-224-

7186 or sign the sheet on the piano.

On Sunday, April 10 at 3:00pm, the Parish Hall will

come alive with the do-si-dos and circling left and

circling right of square dancing followed by a baked

potato bar filled with such choices as cheese, chili,

chives, bacon, and sour cream. There is no charge, but

a contribution is appreciated. Call the church office at

804-224-7186 to express interest in attending.

The finances collected from our annual

yard sale have been gradually diminishing

year after year. The Vestry considered the amount of

volunteer hours required for this event and compared it

to the income generated. After doing so, the Vestry has

decided to look at a new venue. On May 28, St. Mary’s

will host a yard sale but on a smaller scale. It will share

its space with area residents who are interested in

hosting their own yard sale but lack the room to do so.

For a set price, interested townsfolk will rent a space

and/or tables from St. Mary’s and sell their wares using

our property. If you would like to rent an area and use

this opportunity to sell your own goods, please contact

Erin Bartley at 540-850-3166 or

ebartley911@gmail.com.

Our own Colonial Beach flea market is planned for

May, July and September. We are giving it a try and

hope for success.

Christian Book Club Fun and Finances

MAY

24 Maundy Thursday Seder Dinner in the Parish Hall at

7:30pm.

25 Good Friday Service at 12 noon.

27 Sunrise Service at High Tides at 6:30am.

27 Easter Services 8:00am and 10:30am.

2 Community lunch in the Parish Hall at 12:00pm to

2:00pm.

10 Story Telling in the Parish Hall at 9:15am

10 Square Dancing and Baked Potato Bar in the Parish

Hall at 3:00pm to 6:30pm.

11 ECW Meeting in the Parish Hall at 1:00pm.

17 Ministry Fair in the Parish Hall at 9:15am.

19 Vestry Meeting in Hart Hall at 6:00pm.

23 ECW Spring Fling in the Parish Hall at 9:00am to

12:00pm.

23 Community lunch fund raiser at CB Community Center

at 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

324 Beth Peed25

PAGE 5203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, VA 22443 The Messenger

The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston will confirm, reaffirm or receive St. Mary’s congregants on

June 26, 2016 at our 10:30 service. Parishioner, Kathy Waltermire, will provide all interested

parties the necessary preparation. Kathy is well equipped to be the instructor as she has prepared

confirmands at St. Mary’s in the past and has completed four years of course work in Education for Ministry (EFM).

She is a life-long Episcopalian who enjoys the history and theology of the church and strives to understand the role

of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our church.

Kathy anticipates needing six weeks for this preparation, which can be done on a week night or a Saturday,

morning or afternoon, or Sunday after the 10:30 service. She would like to start in May and conclude in the early

part of June.

If you have never been confirmed and are interested in becoming a confirmed Episcopalian, this is your

opportunity. If you wish to be received as an Episcopalian, after having been confirmed in another Christian

denomination, this is your chance. If you are already confirmed as an Episcopalian but wish to reaffirm your faith

and commitment to the gospel, this is your opening. Additionally, all parishioners are welcome to attend these

classes just to glean more knowledge about your faith and Episcopal teachings.

If you are interested in being confirmed, reaffirmed, or received, please contact the church office at 804-224-

7186 no later than April 15 alerting us of your intent and informing us if a night or weekend class works best.

Hello Dudes and Disco Queens!

The Colonial Beach Community Center (the Old

Lions Club) located at 717 Marshall Avenue, is

the place to be on Saturday April 23 from 3:00 pm 6:00

pm. You'll be able to "Shake Your

Grove Thing", "Turn the Beat Around" and "Ring My

Bell" all while supporting the monthly free

Community Lunch hosted by St. Mary's Episcopal

Church.

Dr. E. V. Rockem will be playing all

your favorite Disco hits! Fun and funky

food will be catered by our very own

Bill Hall! Costume prizes will be awarded.

Wine and a signature disco cocktail will

whet your whistle all while the glitter ball spins! COME

dressed in Disco era attire if you like...or COME just to

watch the crazy ones that do! But...COME!!

We are all looking forward to this far out boogie!

So "Keep On Truckin" all the way to the DISCO

FEVER FUNDRAISER!!

Please call (804) 892-2456 or see Kris Guido, Ann

Flaim, Gladys Clark-Johnson, or Susan Mack for

tickets.

Despite the snow piles and cold temperatures,

townsfolk and parishioners found their way to the Parish

Hall on January 29 to sample delicious vegetarian, beef,

chicken and turkey chili. The food and fellowship were

warming on the inside and out.

We are ready to put winter behind us and are well on

our way to prepare for our ‘Spring Fling’, scheduled for

April 23, 2016. This year features some surprises. The

doors will open at 9:00am when attendees can purchase

breakfast and close at noon. Annuals and tomato plants

will be available for sale along with knickknacks and

keepsakes never seen before and too valuable to pass

up.

Not only do I hope that you plan on attending, but I

ask that you help us to get ready. Look around your

closets, basements, garages, attics and find those

treasures too precious to keep. Call me at 804-224-0440

if you require help with delivery, or drop your donations

off at the Church Office, not the Thrift Shop.

Yours in Christ,

Ella Johnson (President)

Confirmation at St. Mary’s

Community Lunch Disco Event From the Desk of the ECW

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5)

If you are unable to participate as assigned, please attempt to find a substitute. If you are unsuccessful, please call the church office (224-7186) without delay. Thank you for your service to St. Mary’s and your contribution to this ministry.

PAGE 6203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, VA 22443The Messenger

St. Mary’s will host a Ministry Fair on April 17 at

9:15am between services. Parishioners not yet

involved in any worship ministries such as lecturing,

serving as LEM, reading the prayers of the people,

greeting, singing in the choir, or working on the altar

guild will be given the opportunity to learn more

about ways in which to participate in these ministries.

Interested parishioners can ask questions of those

already involved in these areas of worship.

Following this meeting, specific groups of our

worship ministries will be invited at a future date to

enjoy breakfast while engaging in a mutual

discussion with like minded ministers.

We are still hoping to get our Lay Eucharistic

Visitors up and running. This ministry requires more

training than others, but Father Tom is aware of this

goal and hopes to assist us in this area of lay

leadership.

For the first time in St. Mary’s history,

we participated in the town’s second

Friday Art Walk. Students from the

Colonial Beach High School generously

April Ministry Fair February Art Walk

shared their work for display in our Parish Hall.

Musicians, Dave Croson played the acoustic guitar

and Melissa Gross the flute while over thirty visitors

enjoyed hot beverages and a fine array of varied

sweets while on route to other stops along the way.

St. Mary’s hopes to participate again in the Colonial

Beach art walk, perhaps with work from our artistic

parishioners and surrounding high schools in King

George and Westmoreland Counties.

Art by Colonial

Beach art

students on

display at St.

Mary’s during the

2nd Friday Art

Walk in February

324 Beth Peed25

PAGE 7203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, VA 22443 The Messenger

Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016 - 8:00 Service and Eucharist – The Reverend Thomas R. Hughes, Jr.

LEM – The Reverend Deacon Jones

Greeter – Mickey Moore Lector – Kathy Greenlaw

Reading of the Passion – Luke 22:14 – 23:56 * Narrator and Jesus on Altar – All others read from pews

\

*Narrator – Erin Bartley *Jesus – The Rev. Deacon Jones

Peter - Tim Burgess Disciples – Congregation

Servant Girl – Natalie Kelly Bystander – Charlette Queen

Soldiers – Congregation Priests - Congregation

Pilate - Ann Swope Crowd - Congregation

Criminal 1 – Janet Markwith Criminal 2 – Vicki Roberson

Centurion - Joe Kelly

Prayers of the People – Mickey Moore Altar Guild – Mary Barber

Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016 - 10:30 Service and Eucharist – The Reverend Thomas R. Hughes, Jr.

LEM – Julie Irving Chuhta

Greeter – Karna Sparks Lector – June Gaines

Reading of thePassion – Luke 22:14 – 23:56 * Narrator and Jesus on Altar – All others read from pews

*Narrator – JohnL Johnson *Jesus - The Rev. Deacon Jones

Peter – Lewis Ray Disciples - Congregation

Servant Girl – Madelyn Nichols Bystander – Gladys Clark Johnson

Soldiers – Congregation Priests – Congregation

Pilate – Kristine Guido Crowd – Congregation

Criminal 1 - Mary Adams Criminal 2 – Sue Coulson

Centurion – Donna Shelar

Prayers of the People – Bonnie Trahan Altar Guild – Mary Barber

Maundy Thurdsay, March 24, 2016 – 7:30 Seder in the Parish Hall – Advanced reservations required

Good Friday, March 25, 2016 – 12:00 noon – The Reverend Thomas R. Hughes, Jr.

Lector – Mary Barber

Reading of the Passion – John 18:1-19:42 - * Narrator, Jesus and Pilate on Altar – All others read from pews.

*Narrator – Mary Parker *Jesus – The Rev. Deacon Jones

Congregation Peter – Kim Cannady

Pilate –Peggy Johnston

Prayer of the People – Carol Birmingham Altar Guild – Mary Parker/Karna Sparks

Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 – 6:30am Sunrise Service: Homilist, Reverend David Cunningham

On beach adjacent to High Tides

Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 - 8:00 Service and Eucharist – The Reverend Thomas R. Hughes, Jr.

LEM- Tim Burgess

Greeter – Joe and Natalie Kelly Lector – Tim Burgess

Prayers of the People – Natalie Kelly Altar Guild – Ella Johnson

Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 - 10:30 Service and Eucharist - – The Reverend Thomas R. Hughes, Jr.

LEM – The Reverend Deacon Jones

Greeter – Carol Birmingham Lector –Jack Gaines

Prayers of the People – Peggy Johnston Altar Guild – Karna Sparks

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

If you are unable to participate as assigned, please attempt to find a substitute. If you are unsuccessful, please call the church office (224-7186) without delay. Thank you for your service to St. Mary’s and your contribution to this ministry.

PAGE 8203 Dennison St.

Colonial Beach, VA 22443The Messenger

March 20 March 27 April 3 April 10 April 17

L.E.M.

8:00 Deacon Jones Tim Burgess Deacon Jones Mary Barber Deacon Jones

10:30 Julie Irving Chuhta Deacon Jones Kristine Guido Deacon Jones Bill Hall

Greeter

8:00 Mickey Moore J. & N. Kelly Phyllis Gallahan Ella Johnson Kathy Greenlaw

10:30 Karna Sparks C. Birmingham Barbara Megee Steve Cannady Karna Sparks

Gifts Greeters Choose Volunteers Before the Service

Crucifier Graham Darcy Graham Darcy Owen Darcy Graham Darcy Owen Darcy

Lector

8:00 Kathy Greenlaw Tim Burgess Mary Parker Mary Barber Erin Bartley

10:30 June Gaines Jack Gaines Kyle Allwine JohnL Johnson Kathy Waltermire

Intercessions

8:00 Mickey Moore Natalie Kelly Mary Barber Ella Johnson Kathy Greenlaw

10:30 Bonnie Trahan Peggy Johnston Barbara Megee Gladys Johnson Beth Peed

Coffee Hour Parkers

Altar Flowers Palm Sunday Parkers Macks Kellys Warners

Altar Guild Mary Barber Johnson & Sparks Pat FitzGerald Kathy Greenlaw Mary Barber

April 24 May 1 May 8 May 15 May 22

L.E.M.

8:00 Tim Burgess May Barber Deacon Jones Tim Burgess Deacon Jones

10:30 Jack Gaines Deacon Jones Beth Peed Deacon Jones Deacon Jones

Greeter

8:00 J. & N. Kelly Phyllis Gallahan Kathy Greenlaw Mickey Moore Ella Johnson

10:30 C. Birmingham Barbara Megee Steve Cannady Karna Sparks C. Birmingham

Gifts Greeters Choose Volunteers Before the Service

Crucifier Graham Darcy Owen Darcy Graham Darcy Owen Darcy Graham Darcy

Lector

8:00 Natalie Kelly Mary Barber Erin Bartley Tim Burgess Mary Parker

10:30 James Peed Heather Trivett Beth Peed Kristine Guido Bill Hall

Intercessions

8:00 Tim Burgess Erin Bartley Kathy Greenlaw Mickey Moore Ella Johnson

10:30 Ann Flaim Mary Adams Steve Cannady Peggy Johnston C. Birmingham

Coffee Hour

Altar Flowers Ella Johnson Ella Johnson Pat FitzGerald

Altar Guild Johnson & Sparks Pat FitzGerald Johnson & Sparks Mary Barber Lynn Speight

Schedule of Servers, March 20 through May 22

If you are unable to participate as assigned, please attempt to find a substitute. If you are unsuccessful, please

call the church office (224-7186) without delay. Thank you for your service to St. Mary’s and your contribution

to this ministry.