Bishop Skirving’s Visit to St. Francis: October 25Bishop Skirving’s Visit to St. Francis: October 25Bishop Skirving’s Visit to St. Francis: October 25Bishop Skirving’s Visit to St. Francis: October 25

The Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint FrancisThe Song of Saint Francis

It’s a Date!It’s a Date!It’s a Date!It’s a Date!

9/9 Prayer Shawl

Ministry

9/11 Summer concert #5

9/13-

20

African Team

Ministries sale

9/20 Fall labyrinth

program

9/23 Prayer Shawl

Ministry

9/23 ECW Evensong and

pot luck

10/3 Blessing of the

Animals

10/10 Lobster Fest

10/25 Bishop’s visit

12/13 Celtic Christmas

12/20 Children’s pageant

12/26 Messiah Sing-Along

The Bishop is coming – again! We have been delighted about four times already by informal “off-duty” visits from Rob and Sandy, along with the magnificent visit recently for the Church Music Conference at which he preached and celebrated. All of us, clergy and lay people alike, are amazed by his gentle way of being with us as well as the outstanding leadership he is offering our diocese. We are lucky as a diocese and as a parish church to have Rob and Sandy Skirving among us.

So I am delighted to announce that we will have an Episcopal visitation on October 25. Bishop Skirving will be here to preach, celebrate, baptize, receive and confirm – and to dedicate the labyrinth altar. I am excited about this visit in two distinct ways.

First, I am proud to present Rob to you as our bishop. He is already making a big difference in our diocese by his valuing of groups large and small, and his obvious relishing of being here. This will be his first Episcopal visitation to our parish, and I can’t wait.

Second, I am proud to present you to

Rob. This is one of the most unique parishes in the diocese. We have increased in strength and faithfulness. And we will have quite a class to present to him of people who have decided that they want to be formally a part of this parish church. Their heart is already here. Now it is time to make it official.

Most of the group will be received into the church. When you come from another denomination in which you have had a vital faith experience, we simply receive you into the Episcopal church, just as you are. If you have not had such an experience or simply want to be

confirmed, as I did, then you can be confirmed.

I will want you to be involved in choosing the experience that is right for you. Our goal is for you to feel totally involved in this community of faith, and to be free to contribute to the life of this church as it seems right to you.

Please talk with me about this soon. We have a list of names of those who have already let us know of their

(Continued on page 2)

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church ● Salter Path, North Carolina September 2015

Page 2

This month I wanted to speak to you as a fellow church member and Brother in Christ. Ephesians 4:2 of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, “Will all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another

in love.” The New Living Translation (NLT) states, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s fault because of your love.”

The NLT translation goes onto say, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace . For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”

There have been instances within the church where perhaps we have not held our opinion and thoughts to ourselves, as we should have. Our quick tongue has unknowingly hurt our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ . We all have burdens that we bear; furthermore, not all burdens are known to the

church congregation. I ask that we go forth in the future carefully considering how we speak and what we say.

We all have a common goal to see the Church grow and prosper. Look around you and think before you speak or make a quick judgment. If you know you have hurt someone, whether that person has said or done something to hurt you or not, ask forgiveness and seek to understand him or her. Imagine the good we can accomplish for St. Francis by the Sea if we would put our own feelings and egos aside. The Church is the body of Christ and not meant to reflect our selfish ways.

I leave you with this verse to ponder. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (KJV Matthew 6:14)

Peace be with you, Larry Castle

Vestry View by Larry CastleVestry View by Larry CastleVestry View by Larry CastleVestry View by Larry Castle

interest. I am hoping that there will be even more.

There will be a series of classes about what it means to be an Episcopalian that will culminate with Bishop Skirving’s visit. I will be talking with those who will be taking the class about the times that will work best in their schedule. Most often

that is on Sunday evening, but not necessarily.

I think the class will be large, an appropriate welcome to our new bishop, and a signal to each other than we are ready to do wonderful things.

Everett+

Labyrinth Gathering: September 20, 6 pm by Everett ThomasLabyrinth Gathering: September 20, 6 pm by Everett ThomasLabyrinth Gathering: September 20, 6 pm by Everett ThomasLabyrinth Gathering: September 20, 6 pm by Everett Thomas

Angels at the Labyrinth: The Thinning of the Veil

Once each quarter I plan to offer a learning experience at the labyrinth. A different person will join us each time to share the leadership. The first one will be on September 20, and the co-facilitator will be Kathryn Hudson.

Quite often at St. Francis we talk about “thin places,” places in which we feel especially close to God and to all who have been in our lives. Heaven and earth seem united.

Kathryn and I plan to talk about those times when the veil seems especially thin, even non-existent. It will be a unique discussion, and I hope you will come and bring a friend.

Endowment Fund Match

$6,700 to go!

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Grace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorGrace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorGrace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorGrace Notes by Linda Laughton, Music Director

Before we begin September events (see page 6), we first express gratitude for all the blessings of August:

• To Julie Miller Money, harpist, for her world-class summer concert performance; thank you!

• To Judy Matzke for her flair at setting the table for the musician receptions following summer concerts; thank you!

• To Charlie McCurry for his talent and enthusiasm in leading the children in music in this year's VBS, and for adding his guitar music into the mix at Wednesday Celtic Eucharist; thank you!

• To Frances Kohut for sharing her magical flute with us on Sunday mornings; thank you!

• To Pinky Porter for providing rousing organ music on Sundays; thank you!

• To Libba Shelton for faithfully ringing every Sunday; thank you!

• To the liturgical planning commission of the Diocese of East Carolina and those who led the Twenty-seventh Annual Conference on Church Music in the Anglican Tradition at Trinity Center from August 20-23; thank you!

• To Schola Cantorum, Kevin Kerstetter, director, for once again providing Choral Evensong at St. Francis; thank you!

•To Betsy Randall and Linda Davies who worked diligently with The Rev. J. M. “Sonny” Brown, III, to print and fold bulletins for the closing Eucharist of the conference; thank you!

•To Dr. David Flood, Organist and Choirmaster of Canterbury Cathedral, for his talent and gifted leadership; thank you!

•To Mary Beth Bradbury and her staff at Trinity Center for the meeting space and for all the yummy food; thank you!

•To my dear St. Francis family for sponsoring my attendance at the conference in this, my sixth year; thank you!

•To the twelve choristers from St. Francis by the Sea who attended the conference; thank you!

•To Bishop Skirving for his presence and leadership always but especially at the conference, and for his sermon at the closing liturgy; thank you!

•And last, to the gracious and welcoming family of St. Francis by the Sea and to Father Everett for opening this beautiful sanctuary to the 170+ musicians and choristers who participated in the conference; thank you!

L to R: George Hirasawa, Gary Frame, Terry Smith, Craig Grif-fin, Donna Standley, Dr. David Flood, Linda Davies, Linda Seale, Korin Gagnon, Meg Bradford, Betsy Randall, Pinky Porter and Linda Laughton.

L: Schola Cantorum at St. Francis by the Sea

R: Dr. David Flood and Linda Laughton

R: Rehearsal in the sanctuary with a

choir of 170+

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September BirthdaysSeptember BirthdaysSeptember BirthdaysSeptember Birthdays

1—Terry Smith

6—Jim Turner

8—Rick Watling

16—Ron Helwig

18—Scott Shelton

24—Hank Ingram

24—Frances Jenkins

25—Donna Standley

29—Jasa Ellis

Meredith Westbrook has planned, organized, and directed Vacation Bible School for the past 4 years. She does a fantastic job and starts planning for the next year almost immediately after each one. I know I say it every year but 2015 was the best Vacation Bible School ever! Please tell Meredith how important her ministry is and pray that she’ll continue with it.

Last year we realized we had several “little” Kids of St. Francis coming up and we needed to add a preschool group. When bribes and threats did not produce a leader for that group, I grudgingly agreed to do it. I was blessed beyond measure by the six little ones who came last year and began relationships that I will nurture and treasure for-ever. This year I had ten children ages 2 to 4. Meredith had sixteen 5 to 12 year olds for a total of 26 children. The number increases each year.

The majority of our Vacation Bible School chil-dren are our regular children. Some of the others are grandchildren of our members, community children who are un-churched, and friends of our children. Many have been with us each of the 4 years and look forward to it all year.

Charlie McCurry joined our youth leadership team this year, teaching songs to the children every day. He separated them and had two groups. He was really a “natural” with the kids. I’m not sure they even realized that he was not just an oversized “kid.” At the end of the week, the songs they were singing were amazing, Charlie was still excited and we knew we had a new team member. You can hear the children sing in church on Youth Sunday, August 30. You will be blessed by it.

(Continued on page 5)

For the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian Goetzinger

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Charlie, Meredith and I were there every day that week but we had many other wonderful volun-teers. Thank you Roger, Carol, Brian, Amy, Heather and Leann. Father Everett was with us most days and the older children helped with the little ones, making the whole thing work. Won’t you join us for one day next year?

Working at the church facility every day for a week helps me really focus on our program and identify things that will help our kid’s program flourish and grow. This year, with four 2 year olds, I realized how wonderful it would be if we had a fenced in play area. We also saw that the picnic tables the children paid for three years ago and use every day during VBS are getting pretty shabby. The tables were inexpensive, paid for by the children’s yard sale, and have served us well for three years. We really need new “poly-

wood” ones that will last forever.

If you want to support our kids’ program, con-sider making a donation in addition to your pledge amount and note it is for the Kids of St. Francis designated fund. I assure you the kids and leaders will continue to host good fund-raisers and designate much of the money to that fund for a fenced in area and new picnic tables.

August 30 is our next Youth Sunday. There will be several changes to the format this time and I think you will love the changes. Additionally, Father Everett will be “blessing the backpacks”. We hope all our children will come and bring their backpacks and a friend. Please invite all the children in your life to bring their backpacks and join us.

For the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian GoetzingerFor the Kids of St. Francis by Marian Goetzinger

Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus!Prayer Shawl...Plus! The Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather on Wednesday, September 9 and 23 Wednesday, September 9 and 23 Wednesday, September 9 and 23 Wednesday, September 9 and 23 at 10:00 in the

parish hall. Come and share your talent, whether or not your item is intended for the

Prayer Shawl Ministry. All are welcome to join the gathering to “knit one and pray too.”

Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome!Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome!Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome!Yarn is available free of charge. Beginners are always welcome!

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September Music Concert by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorSeptember Music Concert by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorSeptember Music Concert by Linda Laughton, Music DirectorSeptember Music Concert by Linda Laughton, Music Director

On Friday, September 11, we present the next and last concert of the 2015 summer concert series. Katherine Lynn Anderson will deliver a repertoire of arias and art songs from works by Purcell, Handel, Strauss, Debussy, Puccini and Verdi, Britten, Copland and more. As accompanist for this concert, it has been a joy to prepare these intricately woven piec-es for performance. It has also been a wonderful opportunity to work with this Boston Conservatory trained coloratura soprano.

Sherryl Janosko will again be showing her paintings, art gifts and jewel-ry in the gallery. Gallery opens at 5:30. Concert begins at 6:30. A musi-cian reception follows the concert. All are welcome to this end of sum-mer event.

Stay tuned! Linda Laughton

Transitions by The Rev. Carol Eaton, DeaconTransitions by The Rev. Carol Eaton, DeaconTransitions by The Rev. Carol Eaton, DeaconTransitions by The Rev. Carol Eaton, Deacon

When my husband decided to leave his business career in order to attend seminary over twenty years ago, I was given the book titled, Transitions, Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William Bridges. Although this book spoke to me then, I

have found it most helpful recently as a newly-ordained deacon.

During the last three years I saw myself as a lay person and a student with deadlines and expecta-tions. Now being seen as clergy with new and different expectations has been a challenge as well as personal growth for me.

All of us face changes throughout our lifetime. When Henry Wadsworth Longfellow returned to his hometown of Portland, Maine, he composed these first stanzas of his poem, “Changes”:

“From the outskirts of the town, Where of old the mile-stone stood, Now a stranger, looking down, I behold the shadowy crown Of the dark and haunted wood. Is it changed, or am I changed? Ah! the oaks are fresh and green, But the friends with whom I ranged Through their thickets are estranged By the years that intervene.”

The changes we experience in our life may include: becoming a parent, starting a new career, retirement, or a windfall of unexpected financial gain. Fearful changes such as a sudden alteration in our health, a loss of a job, an un-desirable move, or bereavement often occur. Some changes seem good while others not so good. Yet these new circumstances in our lives are almost always followed by a transition period where we find ourselves “in between the past and what lies ahead”.

Bridges states that there are three stages in the transitional period: endings, the neutral zone, and the new beginning. Although it is a time of letting go of the past, it’s how we handle the past that affects the new beginning and aides us in our growth. It is in the neutral zone where we strug-gle, question, and try to rush through these feel-ings of being in the unknown. We desire to get on with our life. However, we must not rush through this stage as the whole transitional period can lead to new perspectives on our situation. This lays the groundwork for a beginning.

So how do I deal with this new transition in my life? I pray, listen to God’s call, and I stop getting ready to do it, and just do it! Knowing God is always with me, I embrace this new role as dea-con and now get on with my life. How about you?

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Lay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry ScheduleLay Ministry Schedule

If you are unable to fulfill an assignment, please let us know the name of your replacement.

Opportunities remain to serve next month. Please see the sign-up sheet at the Parish Office window.

October 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25

Youth Sunday

Vestry Tom Tempel Larry Castle Terry Griffin Harold O’Briant/Kids

Lector Kids

Prayers Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton

Chalice Jolene McCann

Pat Jones

Altar Guild

Crucifer Pat Jones Kids

Bible Bearer Kids

Torch Bearers Kids

Sound System

Nursery Jeannie Baxter Sam Baxter

Children's Class Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger X

Children's Class Assistant

Coffee Hour Bobbie Hill &

Harold O’Briant Margaret & Bob Hunt Robin & Terry Smith Jami Turner

September 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27

Youth Sunday

Vestry Heather Pace Tim Bradford Robin Smith Donna Standley/Kids

Lector Joe Nelson Libba Shelton Mary Kurek Kids

Prayers Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton Carol Eaton

Chalice Andy Smetana

Marilyn Smetana Mary Anne Ragland

Jolene McCann Jolene McCann

Marilyn Smetana Pat Jones

Marian Goetzinger

Altar Guild Linda Davies Bobbie Hill

Linda Davies Mary Anne Ragland

Betsy Randall Bobbie Hill

Meg Bradford Pat Jones

Crucifer Larry Castle Pat Jones Scott Shelton Kids

Bible Bearer Kids

Torch Bearers Martha Edwards

Linda Davies Scott Shelton Beth Beswick

Linda Davies Clark Edwards

Kids

Sound System John Clarke Stover Morris John Marriott Kyle Venable

Nursery Betty Watson Jeannie Baxter Bobbie Hill Beth Beswick

Children's Class Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger Marian Goetzinger X

Children's Class Assistant

Mary Kurek

Coffee Hour Ginny Harley Terry & Craig Griffin Layne & Ron Helwig Marian & Ted

Goetzinger

The Song of Saint Francis is a monthly publication of

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church.

North side of NC 58 between Mile Marker 10 and 10½

PO Box 7 ● 920 Salter Path Road, Salter Path, North Carolina 28575

(252) 240-2388 ● © 2015 All rights reserved

stfrancisbts@gmail.com ● www.stfrancisbythesea.org

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church

PO Box 7

Salter Path, NC 28575

The Rev. Everett Thomas, Ph.D. Phone: (252) 240-2388 Email: stfrancisbts@gmail.com Sharon Watling—Parish Administrator Phone: (252) 240-2388 Email: stfrancisbts@gmail.com Linda Laughton—Music Director

Vestry Class of 2015 Terry Griffin Robin Smith Tom Tempel

Vestry Class of 2016

Tim Bradford Stover Morris, Senior Warden

Heather Pace

Vestry Class of 2017 Larry Castle, Junior Warden

Harold O’Briant Donna Standley

Sharon Watling—Clerk of the Vestry

David Shapiro—Sexton

Adult Forum at 9:00 am; Sunday Service and Children’s Class for ages 4 and up at 10:00 am

Wednesday Celtic Eucharist at 12:00 noon

Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church is a parish in the Diocese of East Carolina

The Right Reverend Robert Skirving, Bishop

First Class Mail

Save the dates!

Buy a brick to commemorate

something special to you! More info at www.stfrancisbythesea.org

or contact the church.