December 2015 THE RED DOOR - Amazon S3December 2015 THE RED DOOR S t . A l b a n ’ s E p i s c o p...

December 2015

THE RED DOOR S t . A l b a n ’ s E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h

The Mission of St. Alban’s Parish is to exemplify Christ’s love, using our gifts to connect people to God, each other and creation through worship, service, education and outreach.

You, Your Family and Friends are Invited

To the Annual St. Alban’s Advent/Christmas Pageant

When: December 13th at 10:15 a.m.

Where: St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

333 South Drexel Ave., Bexley, OH 43209

Upstairs in the Education Building

Join the St. Alban’s church family as we sing and prepare for the coming of Christ, with the

assistance of our children and youth. A festive coffee hour will follow the worship service.

Share the spirit of the season and forward this invitation to others.

INSIDE

From the Rector 2

Worship and Music 3

Inreach 4

Spiritual Growth and

Formation in Christ 4

Outreach 7

Extra! Extra! 10

Calendar 14

WORSHIP

SCHEDULE

Sundays

Holy Eucharist Rite I

8:00 AM

Nursery Open / Adult

Formation

9:15 AM

A.R.K. Sunday School

10:00 AM

Holy Eucharist Rite II

10:15 AM

Mondays

Morning Prayer

11:15 AM

Wednesdays

Holy Eucharist and Healing

Service

10:30 AM

December 2015 P a g e | 2

FROM THE RECTOR

The following letter was sent to members of the congregation on

November 17, 2015. It is reprinted here for friends and family of

St. Alban’s. Please feel free to join Amma Susan for a “stage-

side chat” upstairs in the Ed. Bldg Sunday, Nov. 29, 9:30 AM –

10:00 AM, for conversation, questions, and sharing.

November 17, 2015

To my beloved Congregation at St. Alban’s Parish:

It is with a full heart that I share with you that I have decided to make a plan for my retirement

from St. Alban’s in 2016. Last night, the Vestry accepted this plan. I want to share my schedule

for departure with you so that we may finish our work together in a grace-filled way. As St.

Paul said to the Philippians, “I thank my God each time I think of you, and when I pray for you,

I pray with joy. There is one thing I am sure of: the One who began a good work in you will see

that it is truly finished by the day of the Lord.”

TIMETABLE:

a) I will work through St. Alban’s Day, 2016, completing the school/ program year, and

then begin transition work and vacate the office by July 31, 2016.

b) I will be gone on vacation and sabbatical August 1 – December 31, 2016. My tenure as

rector is concluded at the end of the sabbatical.

c) We are in touch with the diocesan office, and they will help us begin the search for an

experienced interim.

During my final months here, I call us to be faithful in being Church which is itself a way of

being faithful to Jesus Christ. Rectors come and go; no rector can meet all the hopes and

expectations and needs of a congregation. Our true stability and peace comes from one place:

our mighty God who has shown us how much we are loved through the self-giving love of

Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who knows what we need and what will make St. Alban’s thrive. It is

our God who will sustain us and increase the maturity of our hearts as he did the first

disciples’.

God has deeply blessed us. Let us not be distracted from our true purpose for existing, which is

to let Christ sanctify us so that we may mediate Christ’s love in a world hungry for faith, hope,

and love. In the sacraments, we are (amazingly) given forgiveness and reconciliation with God

and each other – so let us be faithful in worship. We have good things going on – so let us be

faithful in ministry. I expect us to move forward together, now as in the future, as the team we

must be as Church in service to God’s Kingdom. This includes affirming our oneness in Christ

through celebration and laughter and appreciation of each other.

As we witness what evil can do in the world, it is essential that we who follow the Prince of

Peace practice standing in solidarity and connection, one with another, and practice prayer

and unity in Christ. Against this Light, no darkness can prevail. May the joy of the Lord be ever

our strength! It is a joy to be among you.

Sincerely in Christ by the Spirit,

- Amma Susan+

ST. ALBAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

333 South Drexel Avenue

Bexley, OH 43209

Phone: 614.253.8549

Fax: 614.253.8191

[email protected]

www.stalbansbexley.org

STAFF

The Rev. Susan Marie Smith

Rector

Dr. Karen Eckenroth

Organist and Choir Director

Deb Parker

Children’s and Youth Ministries

Coordinator

Robert Hill

Interim Parish Administrator

Bob Sweeney

Financial Administrator

Charlene O’Donnell

Registrar

Eileen Becknell

Pastoral Care Coordinator

Ernestine Ujah

Chaplain to Pastoral Visitors

Jerry Becknell

Building & Grounds

Coordinator

Kay Holley

Altar Guild Chair

Brad Swiniarski

Sexton

Christopher Crawley

Assistant Sexton

VESTRY

Steve Brown, Sr. Warden

Bob Philips, Jr. Warden

John Luehmann, Treasurer

Jerry Becknell

Tom Brigdon

Ryan Burgess

Carolyn Christy

Anne Dotson

Kristen Fout

Michael Kilbourne, Sr

Dan Williamson

http://www.stalbansbexley.org/


WORSHIP AND MUSIC

LITURGICAL SPOTLIGHT

Join us for The INCARNATION Cycle: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany

ADVENT – Waiting – Coming

Happy New Year! Our church year begins again with the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 29.

We prepared for Advent with ADVENT LESSONS and CAROLS at both services Nov. 22 – and the

choir was magnificent!

Lighting the Advent Wreath – Last year, we tried a rite of Lighting the Wreath with young

people leading the congregation, and it worked so well we’ll do it again this year! If you or your

Children would like to light the candles, or read the prayers, please let the church office know.

Reading the Bible: The 3-year lectionary we use, which can be found at www.lectionarypage.net, provides a way for folks who don’t

read the Bible, but only hear it at church, to hear most of the Bible every three years. In Year A, we hear mostly from Matthew’s

Gospel; in Year B, which we are just completing, we hear from Mark – and because Mark is so short, we also hear from John. In Year

C, which we start on Advent I, we hear from Luke. –and on holy days, and Eastertide, we hear from John every year.

Propers: The parts of the spoken liturgy that change weekly include:

Lections (Old Testament, response (usually a psalm), Epistle, and Gospel – from the lectionary)

Collects. Have a look at the Book of Common Prayer, starting on p. 158. It’s fun!

ADVENT: November 29 Sermon on the church year

December 6 Guest preacher: Ernestine Ujah

December 13 8:00 AM, Rite I, nave. 10:15 AM, PAGEANT, Education Building.

Names due of those for whom Christmas poinsettias are given, to appear in Christmas Eve bulletin.

December 20 Regular services

No Wednesday healing service December 23; will resume January 6.

CHRISTMAS EVE: December 24 (Thursday night)

4:00 PM (prelude, 3:45 PM). Family-friendly; Choir; Deaf interpreter.

Birthday cake for Jesus following.

11:00 PM (prelude, 10:30 PM). String quartet. Candlelight blessing.

Glass of cheer following.

CHRISTMAS MORNING: December 25 10:30 AM, Christ’s Mass (Eucharist)

CHRISTMAS I: December 27 Regular services

No Wednesday healing service December 30; will resume January 6.

CHRISTMAS II: January 3 Regular services

The EPIPHANY: Wednesday, January 6, 10:30 AM. Come welcome the Wise Ones!

http://www.lectionarypage.net/


INREACH – Caring for Our Own and Strengthening Our Family of Faith

Pastoral Care

ABOUT PASTORAL CARE: Caring for our own: It’s what a church does. This is what our pastoral

visitor team is striving to do. We are making visits in the home and in the hospital, taking

Communion to those who want it, sending cards to those who are ill or celebrating a special

occasion, and taking flowers to home-bound members of our parish.

We welcome anyone who would like to be a Pastoral Visitor. This is not a closed group and

you are really needed. We want you to choose how you wish to be involved. Everyone does

not have to do everything. If you have questions and/or desire additional information, please contact Eileen Becknell (cell: 614-512-

6335; or email: [email protected])

If you don’t want to commit to being a Pastoral Visitor, but are willing to help out occasionally, we can still use your help. Some

people have already helped in this manner by delivering the altar flowers to parishioners.

DELIVER POINSETTIAS: We would like to share our lovely poinsettias with parishioners who are unable to attend church services

during the Christmas season. The hope is that there will be a sufficient number of volunteers for each to deliver one plant. If you

would be willing to deliver a poinsettia Christmas day or in the first few days of Christmas, please sign up on the bulletin board in the

Living Room or contact Eileen Becknell (cell: 614-512-6335; or email: [email protected]).

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND FORMATION IN CHRIST

ADULT FORMATION

St. Alban’s Book Club

Our book club meets on the first Monday of the month, hosted by members either at their home or in the Adult Library at St.

Alban’s. The venue for January is not yet determined.

The book we will be discussing at the meeting on January 4, 2016, is Accidental Saints: Finding God in All The Wrong People, by

Nadia Bolz-Weber.

“This is a collection of stories about how liturgy (who would have imagined?), ritual (what?), church (really?), and a bunch of flawed

people (like us?) can catch the light of grace and catch fire with the beauty of God. For so many reasons, you really should read it." -

Brian D. McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christianity and A Generous Orthodoxy

Here’s a link to the author’s interview with Terry Gross on “Fresh Air” (radio program):

http://www.npr.org/2015/09/17/441139500/lutheran-minister-preaches-a-gospel-of-love-to-junkies-drag-queens-and-outsiders

All are welcome! Please RSVP to Laura Piazza ([email protected], 614-239-0346) if you have questions or comments.

January Film and Discussion Series - Dogma

In January, the Faith Formation committee will be presenting the 1999 film 'Dogma', starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as our

2016 film.

The three-session film series will offer an opportunity to view the film together, then Marjorie Menaul will lead a discussion of the

theological aspect of the film. Annual favorite Rikki Santer will use the 3rd session to discuss how the director makes meaning in the

film.

First released in 1999, the Kevin Smith film “Dogma” (R) has both captivated and angered many.

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.npr.org/2015/09/17/441139500/lutheran-minister-preaches-a-gospel-of-love-to-junkies-drag-queens-and-outsiders



Some think the film too irreverent because it includes a heavy dose of vulgar language, sexual

references, fallen angels, and even a ‘13th apostle’ played by Chris Rock.

Others, however, laud the film, claiming that this type of cinematic ‘parable’ can help the

church think more deeply about matters of faith and religion in an increasingly secular society.

What are we, as Christians, to make of a film such as “Dogma;” a film that pushes the

envelope, yet is often the only introduction to faith that young Americans, who have grown

up in our post-Christian society, will have?

Together, over a three week period in January, Reverend Marjorie Menaul will lead us in

asking tough questions about some of the themes brought up by this film and our responses

as a church.

Can a film such as “Dogma,” through irreverent but thoughtful comedy, help us as Christians

to think more deeply about our faith? What does it mean, for example, to worship a God who

can redeem even the harlots such as Rahab (Josh. 2) and the demon-possessed such as Mary

Magdalene (Luke 8)? What do we make of a God who told Ezekiel to bake bread cooked over

human feces (Ezekiel 4), and who uses the most vulgar and ‘earthy’ elements of society, such as shepherds and tax collectors, for His

own purposes?

And, yes, could it be true, as the film suggests, that “God has a sense of humor”?

Some Reviews:

Roger Ebert:

“Kevin Smith's "Dogma" grows out of an irreverent modern Catholic sensibility, a byproduct of parochial schools, where the

underlying faith is taken seriously but the visible church is fair game for kidding. . . . As someone who values his parochial school

education and still gets into interminable debates about church teachings, I enjoyed the "Dogma" approach.”

Mark Bourne:

“It's push-the-envelope coarse, thematically ambitious, and -- most dangerously -- self-consciously respectful and thoughtful on

matters of faith and religion.”

Brad Francis:

"But many of the ideas presented in this movie, particularly by Chris Rock’s character, are things that Christians could really do well

to think about. I think the best thing about “Dogma” (except for the fact that it is quite funny), is its theology—more intriguing than

offensive. . . . But if you do see it, let it question your faith and make you think. You may find yourself coming away stronger for it.”

CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH MINISTRIES

Children’s and Youth Ministries 2015/2016: Focus on Families Special Upcoming Children’s and Youth Events in December

The Nursery is open starting at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday morning

December

6 ARK* Sunday School 10:00 AM, Education Building downstairs. PK through 4th graders. We will be practicing for

the Pageant.

Youth Group. 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM. All youth grades 5 through 8 are invited to attend, have refreshments, and focus

on service within St. Alban’s. We will be planning for participation in the pageant.

9 Youth Group. 3:30 PM. Education Building upstairs. After school the youth will be decorating Christmas cookies for

the Homeless Shelter. Youth, 5th grade and up, are invited. Friends are also welcome. Please RSVP to Ms. Deb so

we know how many to expect for refreshments and cookie decorating ([email protected]).


12 Pageant Dress Rehearsal 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM, Education Building.

13 Pageant 10:15 AM. All ages are encouraged to participate in this special worship service and celebrate as we

prepare for Christ’s birth! Following the pageant will be a festive coffee hour.

20 ARK* Sunday School 10:00 AM, Education Building downstairs.PK through 4th graders are invited for the final

Sunday in Advent.

24 Christmas Eve Service (family friendly) 4:00 PM. with music starting at 3:30 PM. Nursery will be open for

preschool children.

27 No ARK Sunday School and no babysitters (Capital University is on break). Parents are welcome to use the nursery

in the main building, but will need to remain with their children.

January

3 ARK* Sunday School 10:00 AM, Education Building downstairs. PK through 4th graders.

10 ARK* Sunday School 10:00 AM, Education Building downstairs. PK through 4th graders.

Youth Group. 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM. All youth grades 5 through 8 are invited to attend, have refreshments, and

participate. We will be selecting the movie for our Film Festival.

*Alban’s Remarkable Kingdom

Youth Group 2015/2016 and Beyond

The 5th

– 8th graders have entered the Confirmation process. In 2015/2016 we are focusing on the Spiritual, Service and Social

relationships as followers of Christ.

Fall 2015 began with a burst of activity. The youth are playing important roles as they live into our Baptismal Covenant to “seek and

serve Christ in all persons” and strive “for justice and peace among all people” including respecting the dignity of every human

being. To do this we are...

Making posters and volunteering to help with the Turkey Trot, where the Mid-Ohio Food Bank benefits.

Decorating Christmas cookies on December 9th (starting at 3:30 p.m.) for the Homeless Meal ministry.

Assisting in sharing the joy of Christmas, through the annual pageant. The youth will participate in a variety of ways from

acolyting to reading to tech and set crews for the pageant (dress rehearsal is December 12th at 9:45 a.m. and the pageant is

on December 13th at 10:15 a.m.). We look forward to seeing friends and families both for the worship service and

afterwards for a festive coffee hour.

Other service activities are being planned, both within St. Albans and in the world beyond our church. July 2016 will include another

youth mission trip to Mountain TOP.


We are not forgetting to build new relationships, too! The St. Alban’s youth joined the Broad

Street Presbyterian Church Youth Group, at BSPC, for “Food and Fun” on November 15th. This

is the first of a variety of social activities planned for the year. January’s social calendar

includes a film festival.

Importantly, the 7th and 8th graders have begun preparing for Confirmation. Identifying

sponsors and starting to expand faith relationships, as well as developing leadership roles on

the faith journey, will be part of the focus in 2016. Next school year the older youth will build

on this foundation with additional study and spiritual practices. If parents or other family

members are interested in learning more about the youth group or Confirmation preparation,

please contact Deb Parker ([email protected]).

Contact Deb Parker ([email protected]) - Children’s and Youth Ministries

Coordinator - if you have questions or suggestions.

OUTREACH – Caring for Others and All Creation

The Neighborhood House

It has come to our attention that there continues to be a need for food to stock The

Neighborhood House (NH) Food Pantry, especially for canned vegetables. While the NH is able

to purchase some items from the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, they cannot afford to purchase

vegetables. We are asking that when you go grocery shopping that you purchase a couple of

cans of vegetables. While canned vegetables is the focus of this collection, there is also a need

for staples such as rice, spaghetti, cereals, and peanut butter. There is a box in the Living Room

for you to leave your contributions.

For those who do not know, The Neighborhood House, Inc. is a settlement house on

the Near East side of Columbus. Founded in 1909 by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The

Neighborhood House is a JUBILEE MINISTRY OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, through

which the church addresses domestic poverty by providing direct services, such as

food.

For many families, it is a hardship or an impossibility to buy food. More than ever, hunger and

food scarcity is a problem and is occurring at the same time as a cut in the food stamp

program. Anything we contribute is really needed and helpful. This food pantry serves people

in five zip codes, and serves patrons regardless of zip code at least once.

The Neighborhood House Christmas Food Baskets

As we have done for over 30 years, St. Alban’s will collect food for Christmas baskets for the

Neighborhood House Food Pantry. For many families, it is a hardship or an impossibility to buy

food. As you shop for your own Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, please consider

shopping for The Neighborhood House Food Pantry. This pantry serves people in five zip

codes, and serves any patrons regardless of zip code at least once.

A basket for a family of 4 or 5 includes the following items:

Instant coffee 2 cans green beans evaporated milk

2 lbs. stuffing 2 cans cranberry sauce powdered milk

4-5 boxes macaroni & cheese 2 cans corn jelly or jam

2 lbs. rice 2 cans soup peanut butter

2 boxes instant mashed potatoes pie crusts

Caring and Sharing: December

THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

FOOD PANTRY

The Social Concerns Committee

selects an organization to

receive the loose plate offering

each month on Caring and

Sharing Sunday. Contributions

can also be made using the

envelopes in the pews.

The Neighborhood House, Inc.

is a settlement house on the

Near East side of Columbus

offering a variety of programs

to assist children, families, and

single adults to become self-

sufficient.

Although The Neighborhood

House provides many services,

St Alban’s concern this month

is the FOOD PANTRY. Please be

generous. More than ever, The

Neighborhood House is

depending on our contribution

to feed people. This offering

will supplement our traditional

Christmas food basket

collection. This food pantry

serves people in five zip codes,

and serves patrons regardless

of zip code at least once.

Caring and Sharing Sunday is

December 6. Beverly

Richardson, Director of

Essential Services, will share

information about The

Neighborhood House during

Announcements.

If you are writing a check,

make it payable to St. Alban’s

and write Caring and Sharing,

The Neighborhood House Food

Pantry in the memo line.




a treat (candy, cake mix/icing, cookies)

Bring your donation of food to the Living Room now through December 14. If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of

turkeys or chickens, make your check payable to St. Alban’s and write “Christmas Baskets” in the memo space. Shopping lists are

also available on the table in the Living Room.

Please be generous in continuing this wonderful St. Alban’s tradition. More than ever, The Neighborhood House is depending on

our contribution to feed people.

The Homeless Families Foundation Christmas Gift Collection

The Homeless Families Foundation has a Holiday gift “store” where the mothers and fathers can go “shopping” to choose gifts for

their children. Last year, with help from St. Alban’s and others, HFF provided a wonderful holiday for approximately 235 children,

helping over 100 families.

Social Concerns is again collecting donations of new toys and clothing for newborns through the age of 18 from November 15

through December 6.

They can also use donations of giftwrap, tags and tape.

Suggested items:

Clothing

New sweatshirts/sweatpants/ jeans and tops all sizes both boys and girls

New underwear all sizes toddler to teenager both boys and girls

New socks all sizes toddler to teenager both boys and girls

Toys

Fisher Price toys

Lego sets

Learning toys (all ages)

Board games (monopoly, sorry, checkers, operation)

Popular DVD’s

Basketballs, Footballs, Soccer balls/ pumps

Diaries with gel pens

Scrapbooking items

Books (Harry Potter, Junie B Jones, Box Car Children, Hunger Games, Twilight series, etc.

Make-up and Hair accessories

Bath and Body Lotion Sets

Teenagers and Tweens tend to get left out so we are asking for gift cards from:

Target, Wal-Mart, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, AMC Movies, Best Buy, McDonalds etc.

Shopping lists are also on the table in the Living Room.

CARING AND SHARING for December: THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE FOOD PANTRY

St. Alban’s Social Concerns Committee selects an organization to receive the loose plate offering each month on Caring and Sharing

Sunday. Contributions can also be made at any time using the envelopes in the pews.

The Neighborhood House, Inc. is a settlement house on the Near East side of Columbus offering a variety of programs to assist

children, families, and single adults to become self-sufficient.

Founded in 1909 by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The Neighborhood House is a JUBILEE MINISTRY OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

One of the ways the Episcopal Church addresses domestic poverty is through its Jubilee network, which consists of over 600

Jubilee Ministry Centers. These centers empower the poor and oppressed in their communities by providing direct services,

such as food, shelter, and healthcare, and also by advocating for human rights.


Although The Neighborhood House provides many services, St Alban’s concern this month is the FOOD PANTRY. Please be generous.

More than ever, The Neighborhood House is depending on our contribution to feed people. This offering will supplement our

traditional Christmas food basket collection. This food pantry serves people in five zip codes, and serves patrons regardless of zip

code at least once.

Caring and Sharing Sunday is December 6. Beverly Richardson, Director of Essential Services, will share information about The

Neighborhood House during Announcements. In addition to this very brief time, there will be an opportunity to learn more about

this organization, St. Alban’s involvement, and volunteer opportunities during the Adult Formation time (9:20 AM – 10:05 AM).

If you are writing a check, make it payable to St. Alban’s and write Caring and Sharing, The Neighborhood House Food Pantry in the

memo line.

B.R.E.A.D. = Building Responsibility, Equality, And Dignity

The issue selected at the Annual Assembly as B.R.E.A.D.’s focus for 2016 is Jobs and Economic Opportunity. St. Alban’s had 11

people in attendance and each had a vote.

Save these dates:

Rally: Monday, April 11, 2015

Nehemiah Action Meeting: Monday, May 9, 2015

Millennium Development Goals

With the Millennium celebrations behind us (15 years ago), what happens to the MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDGs)?

As you know, our Social Concerns committee has adopted the eight Millennium Development Goals put forth by the United Nations

as guidelines for our outreach commitments:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

2. Achieve universal primary education

3. Promote gender equality and empower women

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Develop a global partnership for development.

On November 14, 2015, the Convention of our Diocese of Southern Ohio passed a resolution to affirm a resolution passed last

summer at the Episcopal General Convention in Salt Lake City to continue a commitment to contribute 0.7% of our income toward

the MDGs. Further, since the MDGs expire at the end of 2015, we resolved to adopt the United Nations’ new goals for the next 15

years, called SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. Some of these are specifications of the MDGs. You can see that the effort is to

enable our abundant Earth to provide for all, in order to respect the dignity of every human being. For your information, here they

are:

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.

4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation.

10. Reduce inequality within and among countries.

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.


13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (taking note of agreements made by the UNFCCC forum).

14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

15. Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial eco-systems, sustainably manage forests, combat

desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective,

accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

EXTRA! EXTRA! – News From The Pews

This is the place to tell us what’s on your mind, ask a question (or two) and have it answered, or offer insight into something that supports your spiritual life.

Attention All Current and Potential Homeless Meal Volunteers

Thank you for your service at the homeless shelter, or considering volunteering at the shelter! To

ensure we have enough volunteers each month, we would like to offer you the opportunity to sign up

to serve as many times as you are able over the next six months. St. Alban's is responsible for

providing and serving the meal at the shelter the second Wednesday of every month.

You may sign up to help cook the food at the church in the afternoon (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM) and/or

load up the food at the church and then serve it at the shelter (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM). You may either sign up online or on the sheet in

the living room at the church. To sign up online, please visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4da4ab29a7f58-stalbans. Once

you have signed up online, you will receive an email confirming your sign up, and you will also receive a reminder five days before

the meal. If you sign up and a conflict arises, please notify me (Kelly Tomkies) as soon as possible. We need at least 10-12 people

(between cooking and serving) each month.

Also, please add your name and contact information to the Google spreadsheet I've created of homeless meal volunteers. We can

use this list to call substitutes as needed. The link to the Google spreadsheet is

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1suDOIWjCvwdN58S36f5GxUpLYwdkqUL4kVMY3q9pcRE/edit#gid=0.

If you do not have access to the Internet, you may add your name and contact information using the sheet in the living room at the

church.

Remember, children (age 7 and older) are welcome to serve at the shelter. So feel free to make it a family event!

Thank you again for your service!

Reflections on the 141st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio

The 141st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio met Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14, 2015, at the Dayton

Convention Center. St. Alban’s was well-represented at convention: not only did we have our Rector, Amma Susan, and our

delegates, Steve Brown, Charlene O’Donnell, Mike Bissel, and Connie Schalinske, we also had Mary Bissell and Robert Hill as guests

and Marjorie Menaul and Michael Jupin as retired clergy, and Deb Parker running a booth in the exhibition hall. We had a blessed

and uplifting time connecting with people from around the diocese and sharing our challenges and dreams. In gratitude for our time

spent together, each of your lay delegates (and some guests and clergy) has submitted reflections on the Convention.

From Connie Schalinske, lay delegate:

Refresh Your Soul: Hospitality At 141st Convention

“From the time of check-in to the invitation for 142nd Columbus Convention, the hospitality we received was warm, welcoming, and

accessible.

We felt the warmth.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4da4ab29a7f58-stalbans

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1suDOIWjCvwdN58S36f5GxUpLYwdkqUL4kVMY3q9pcRE/edit#gid=0


Friendly familiar and new faces met us throughout our two days in Dayton. From the loading on the shuttles to and from the

Convention Eucharist at Christ Church, we were greeted by a helpful and kindly man. To the many exhibitors, who offered candy and

neighborly advice.

We felt welcome.

Attention to minor details such as water and coffee was provided through out the conference. For the duration the of convention, a

chapel was set up in a room for attendees. Ask Robert Hill about the chapel.

Nominees and Bishop Thomas Breidenthal were accessible.

A Nominee Forum and Deacons Meeting were open to delegates to meet the nominees and ask additional questions before the

opening of the conference. Throughout the convention, Bishop Breidenthal was accessible to the entire group. Patiently he spent

time walking among the Diocesan Listening Groups and listened during voting.

Unequivocally, the hospitality we received while attending the 141st Dayton Convention was Refreshing to the Soul.“

From Mike Bissell, lay delegate:

Bishop Breidenthal’s Address to the 141th Diocesan Convention

“In the midst of a stately and prayerful Holy Eucharist held in the light-filled and spacious nave of Christ Church in downtown

Dayton, before an assemblage of over 300 convention delegates, spouses and guests, Bishop Breidenthal’s address to the 141st

Diocesan Convention was characteristically moving, learned and thought-provoking. By happenstance we were there on the feast

day (November 14) of Samuel Seabury (1729-1796), first American bishop, whose story framed the overall theme of the address,

namely the deep and enduring importance of ‘connection’ to the identity and soul of the Episcopal Church. Embodying the Anglican

“middle way”, the US Episcopal Church was begun by American Anglicans after the Revolutionary war as “the Reformed Catholic

Church in America”, maintaining in its liturgy and outlook a connection with Catholicism unique among Protestant denominations.

The Bishop recalled for us the story of how Seabury, candidate for the first bishopric who ironically had been a well-known Loyalist

during the Revolution, thereafter became a patriot whose refusal to swear allegiance to King George III prevented Parliament from

allowing the Church of England to consecrate him. His eventual consecration resulted from his resourceful forging of a connection to

three of the ‘illegal’ Anglican bishops in Presbyterian Scotland, who as such and as loyal Jacobite supporters of deposed King James

II, were, like himself ‘non-juring’, i.e., unable to swear allegiance to the Hannoverian English monarch. Being the canny Scots that

they were, Bishops Kalgour, Petrie and Skinner, exacted a promise from Seabury in exchange for his episcopal consecration, namely,

that the Prayer of Consecration of the host during the Eucharist in the American version of the Book of Common Prayer would be

modeled on the Scottish rather than the English prayer book, thus incorporating the scholarly Scots’ knowledge of the Orhodox

Christian concept of epiclesis, or invocation of the Holy Spirit, a connection which was lacking in the English prayer book. Upon

learning of Seabury’s consecration, Parliament, alarmed at the prospect of the American church becoming Jacobite, reversed its

former position and agreed to the consecration of two more American bishops, William White and Samuel Provost, thus providing

the American church with the requisite three bishops necessary to be able to consecrate its own bishops henceforth under the rules

of apostolic succession. Thus Seabury had indirectly furthered a continuing connection between the Church of England and the US

Episcopal Church, which was so- named in honor of its historic connection to the Scottish Episcopal Church, the only other Anglican

church known by that name at the time. Having so effectively reminded us of how completely connection is ‘in our DNA’ as

Episcopalians, the Bishop went on to outline the many opportunities for new connections represented by the programs and

initiatives, new and continuing, of the Diocese of Southern Ohio at its 141st Convention.”

From Charlene O’Donnell, lay delegate:

Paperless Convention

“This was the second year that the convention decided to vote electronically. The process was much better this year, as practice

does seem to make perfect. Additionally this year, each attendee could see the convention agenda, nominees for the various

positions, resolutions to be voted on and could follow along with the presentation right on their electronic device. These advances in

communication allowed the participants to feel a part of the convention. Perhaps in the future we might be able to telecommute for

people unable to attend.”


From Mary Bissell, guest:

Nominees’ Forum, Affinity Groups, and Exhibition Hall

“The convention was a thought provoking and enriching experience for me, teaching me about the committees of the larger

community, the very important work they do and an opportunity to reflect about my own participation within the church. I

especially benefitted from attending the "Meet the Candidates," session, by gaining some insight about the Diocesan committees

and the many issues facing the Church today.

The Affinity Groups and mingling conversations throughout the convention were filled with the sharing of ideas, new things we

might like to think about or even try here at St. Alban's,

The Exhibit Hall was filled with many opportunities to spend,spend,spend! I picked up a great book by Adam McHugh, titled,

Introverts in the Church. This is an insightful read that would benefit both introverts and extraverts as we work together to build a

stronger community at St. Alban's. Maybe a good choice for our Book Club to read!

I am so glad that I attended the 141st Convention!”

From Mary Bissell, guest:

For me personally the highlight of the Convention was when Brianna Smith, one of our own young people from St. Alban’s, gave her

“Youth Witness” to the entire assembly after lunch on Saturday. Brianna spoke confidently and eloquently, sharing with all of us

what it means to her as a young person to be an Episcopalian disciple of Christ. Brianna spoke of finding God and community in the

church, where she also finds and shares God’s love. For me this is a perfect summation of why I spend Sunday mornings in church

rather than sleeping in, why I spent a weekend at a convention in Dayton, why I’ve given much of my time and treasure to the

church. This is where we find community, God, and love.

Next year the 142nd Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio will be held in Columbus on November 11 and 12. Mark your

calendars. Come, connect, and share the love.

Upcoming Events

ANNUAL REPORT articles due by Monday, January 18.

ANNUAL MEETING, February 7, noon, upstairs in Education Building. (Super Bowl kick-off 6:30 PM – home in plenty of time.)

2016 VESTRY RETREAT, Procter Center, Feb. 26-27, for new and current vestry members.

Sharing Good News

Stories, websites, photos that bring tidings of hope and gladness

A Story from Ernestine Ujah:

My Heating-and-Cooling Angel

LAST WINTER, at the end of the season, my furnace began to give me problems,

and eventually stopped working. Being very concerned about the cost of repair

or replacement, I was reluctant to call even for an assessment. Finally I had no

other choice but to find a repair person. After calling a few heating and cooling

places, I determined that the least cost for an assessment was $75 just to come to the door.

My son gave me the name of a friend who is in the heating and cooling business. I phoned him and set a date for him to come out.

On the date set, he did not show nor call. I thought it was the end of it. However, he phoned a week later with an explanation as to

why he hadn’t come.

We set up another appointment and he did show. He made an assessment and did the repair.

When I asked him the cost, he asked me, “Do you know what today is?” I looked at him, puzzled. “No,” I said. He went on, “Today is

Jubilee Day! And in honor of my Jewish brothers and sisters, I would like to honor you by not charging for the repair or my trip out.”


This Christian minister would not accept any money, though I pressed him. Then I did offer him a basket of vegetables from my

garden, the last harvest of the season. He seemed pleased and thanked me.

At this season of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share this story to show my gratitude to the heating-and-cooling angel, and ask God to

bless him for his love and goodness shown me.

-Ernestine Ujah

[JUBILEE is the Sabbath of Sabbaths. The 7th day is a day of rest; and after seven Sabbaths (49 days), the 50th day is a JUBILEE DAY

when all is forgiven. Since the 7th year is a year of rest, after seven Sabbath years (49 years), the 50th year is a YEAR OF JUBILEE,

when debts are forgiven, land reverts to its original owner, and people may start again, freed and restored. –ed.]

Red Door Reminder

We encourage everyone at St. Alban’s to share information and photos reflecting our life together. Please send any stories,

questions or ponderings you would like to have published to the Communications Committee ([email protected]). The

deadline is the 15th of each month. Articles submitted after that date may be held for the next regular issue of The Red Door. Should

your article arrive after that date, but is time sensitive, please be sure and convey that to the communications group. We look

forward to having new contributors!

January/February (Double Issue) Red Door

All articles to be included in the January/February (Double Issue) Red Door should be submitted to [email protected] on or

before the 15th day of December.

Visit us on the Web:

St Alban's Episcopal Church http://www.stalbansbexley.org

St Alban's Episcopal Church on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StAlbansBexley

St. Alban's Bexley Conversations on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/54987337

1739580/




https://www.facebook.com/StAlbansBexley

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549873371739580/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549873371739580/

Regular Office Hours: Tuesday—Friday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

*AL (Adult Library), CL (Children’s Library), DR (Dining Room), Ed (Education Building), LR (Living Room), MG (Memorial Garden) St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 333 South Drexel Avenue, Bexley, OH 43209 – Phone: 614-253-8549 – Web: http://www.stalbansbexley.org

CALENDAR - DECEMBER 2015

Sundays (except as noted): 8:00 AM Eucharist – Rite 1, 9:15 AM Nursery Open, 9:15 AM Adult Formation, 10:00 AM A.R.K. Sunday School, 10:15 AM Eucharist – Rite II

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Dec 1 10:00 AM Staff Meeting

6:00 PM Aerobics (Ed)

8:00 PM NA Meeting (Ed)

2 9:15 AM Aerobics (Ed)

10:30 AM Eucharist and Healing Service

5:30 PM Al-Anon (Ed)

7:00 PM ACOA (Ed)

7:30 PM Bible Study (AL)

3 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal


10:00 AM Al-Anon (LR)

10:30 AM Yoga (Ed)


10:30 AM ACOA (Ed)

6 Caring and Sharing Sunday 8:00 AM Rite I Eucharist

9:15 AM Nursery Open

9:15 AM Choir

10:15 AM Rite II Eucharist

4:30 PM Youth Group

7:00 PM “Who is Jesus?” Advent Series w/Jason Fout


11:30 AM Morning Prayer I

3:30 PM Kids in Harmony (Ed)

7:00 PM AA Meeting (Ed)

8 11:00 AM Communion at Kensington

4:30 PM Great Staff Meeting





3:30 PM Youth –Cookie Decorating

3:30 PM Cooks: Homeless Meal (Ed)

5:30 PM Servers: Homeless Meal (Ed)


7:00 PM ACOA (Ed)


10 2:00 PM Bible Study (DR)

7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

7:30 PM Social Concerns Committee (DR)



10:30 AM Yoga (Ed)


9:45 AM Pageant Dress Rehearsal

10:30 AM ACOA (Ed)

6:00 PM Foyer Fellowship

13 -Names for Poinsettias

Due- 8:00 AM Rite I Eucharist


9:15 AM Choir

10:15 AM Christmas Pageant (Ed)






15 -Red Door Submissions

Due for January/February- 10:00 AM Staff Meeting

12:00 PM Parish Care Committee



16 10:30 AM Eucharist and Healing Service


7:00 PM ACOA (Ed)


17 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal



10:30 AM Yoga (Ed)


10:30 AM ACOA (Ed)

20 8:00 AM Rite I Eucharist


9:15 AM Choir







7:00 PM Vestry (LR)

22 10:00 AM Staff Meeting

11:00 AM Communion at Kensington



23 No Healing Service


7:00 PM ACOA (Ed)


24 Christmas Eve 4:00 PM Family Service

11:00 PM Candlelight Service

25 Christmas Day 10:30 AM Christ’s Mass (Eucharist)

26


Regular Office Hours: Tuesday—Friday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

*AL (Adult Library), CL (Children’s Library), DR (Dining Room), Ed (Education Building), LR (Living Room), MG (Memorial Garden) St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 333 South Drexel Avenue, Bexley, OH 43209 – Phone: 614-253-8549 – Web: http://www.stalbansbexley.org

Sundays (except as noted): 8:00 AM Eucharist – Rite 1, 9:15 AM Nursery Open, 9:15 AM Adult Formation, 10:00 AM A.R.K. Sunday School, 10:15 AM Eucharist – Rite II

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

27 8:00 AM Rite I Eucharist


9:15 AM Choir






29 10:00 AM Staff Meeting

12:00 PM Parish Care Committee



30 No Healing Service


7:00 PM ACOA (Ed)


31 New Year’s Eve

Jan 1 New Year’s Day

Jan 2 8:30 AM Aerobics (Ed)

10:30 AM ACOA (Ed)

Jan 3 8:00 AM Rite I Eucharist


9:15 AM Choir






Jan 5 10:00 AM Staff Meeting



Jan 6 Epiphany 10:30 AM Eucharist


7:00 PM ACOA (Ed)


Jan 7 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal



10:30 AM Yoga (Ed)

-Annual Report Drafts Due-


10:30 AM ACOA (Ed)

6:00 PM Foyer Fellowship

Jan 10 Caring and Sharing Sunday 8:00 AM Rite I Eucharist


9:15 AM Choir


4:30 PM Youth Group





Jan 12 11:00 AM Communion at Kensington

4:30 PM Great Staff Meeting





3:30 PM Cooks: Homeless Meal (Ed)

5:30 PM Servers: Homeless Meal (Ed)


7:00 PM ACOA (Ed)


Jan 14 2:00 PM Bible Study (DR)

7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

7:30 PM Social Concerns Committee (DR)



10:30 AM Yoga (Ed)


10:30 AM ACOA (Ed)


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