www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
It
Hello All Saints,
It has been a very busy time with the church wide meeting followed by all of the
“cottage conversations” meetings over the last few weeks. Much of the “thanks
goes to Sue Keith, our Stewardship leader, for all the work she did organizing
this program. Also special thanks to our Treasurer and the Finance Committee
for their support and to all of you who hosted/attended these functions.
I am sure that you did get the message that we have dropped too far behind on the amount of contributions to the church and had to supplement with funds
from our reserve account. As it was pointed out, we are not in a full blown
crisis, but we need to take action to correct this deficit or it will become a
financial crisis. This is not to say that everyone must put forth a major increase
in their pledges. Some cannot afford to give more, and some have other
priorities. That means, therefore, that the rest of us will need to dig a little
deeper to accomplish our goal. At any rate, PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PLEDGE
CARD even if you cannot make a pledge at this time, and know that all cards
will be treated confidentially.
During the meetings several things were discussed consistently that you felt
were important for All Saints and important for consideration by the Search
committee. One recurring theme about who we once were, however, kept
coming up and that it should be part of who we will be. The theme was about
all the wonderful social times we shared in the past such as spaghetti dinners,
trips to Valle Crucis, game or movie nights, Seasoned Saints, etc.
We already have Restaurant Raiders, which is enjoyed by many, but it is not
for everyone, so let’s quit talking about it and do something about it. It
doesn’t have to be expensive or even repeated on a regular schedule, but if
what I heard is right, it needs to be done. Put on your thinking caps and let’s
get organized and enjoy each other’s company.
Ron Alexander, Senior Warden
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
Art–A-Faire Coming December 5 p. 2
Several All Saints Artists will be showcased at the Fifth Annual All Saints Art-A-Fair on December 5, 2015. They are Diane Cotton, Teresa Sullivan, Gale Robins and Anne Cassity. They are among the 32 artisans who will show and sell such artworks as pottery, unique-designed jewelry, oil and watercolor paintings, photography, fabric painting, pottery, hand-painted note cards, fused glass jewelry, stained glass designs, woodcarving and other woodworking designs.
This event is definitely the place to be on the first Saturday in December from 3 to 6 p.m. Below are pictures of some of their exhibits.
Diane Cotton’s landscape
Gale Robin’s linoleum print note cards: Teresa Sullivan’s distinctive pottery:
a
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Lighting Project Put on Hold
The vestry has been evaluating concerns about safety on the church grounds during evening events, as well as security for the buildings and grounds. A committee was formed to request cost estimates for enhancing the exterior lighting, and a vendor submitted detailed plans. The vestry has tabled plans because of budget planning until next year when a report for the parish will be presented.
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
Vestry Nominations p. 3
During the weeks of October and November, you are all especially welcome to be “name droppers,” filling out a card with the name(s) of anyone you think might serve well as a member of the vestry for the next three years.
Cards will be available in the church entryway and Gathering Space, or you can share your suggestions with any member of the vestry or the rector.
No need to check with the people you suggest: that will be taken care of through “official” channels. Just “drop the name(s)” — and you can include your own — and the vestry will do the rest.
Elections will be held in January, 2016
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Thank you All Saints Choir! Thank you for the praise and love you give through song each Sunday. Thank you to Toney for unswerving dedication and outstanding musicianship. Over the past few months, we have lost nearly half of our choir members due to moves or job changes. We are very fortunate that Shirley Kroohs has joined us and we invite anyone who likes to sing to join, as well. We are preparing for Advent and Christmas, always a special time for us. We are
small but filled with spirit and love, eagerly praising our Lord and God.
We are a cast of a play to unfold We have a part at the heart of the Gospel Action that speaks as the story unfolds Shirley Brenna Murray
Stewardship at All Saints
Leaves are changing and falling, but the "Saints Alive" stewardship campaign is still in season! Our goal has been set at $175,000, and we are creeping toward that goal. Every pledge matters, of course, but the finance committee has made clear that our need is great, if we are to meet our budget.
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
Deadline for returning your pledge cards is November 8, allowing us time to build a budget for the new year. Pledge cards have been sent to those unable to attend one of the conversations. Please prayerfully consider your pledge, returning it by November 8.
In the meantime, check out the candle in the Gathering Space, to check out our progress in the campaign. Help us build a larger and brighter flame!
Thanks to those who hosted our recent Cottage Conversations, our finance committee for repeatedly and skillfully explaining our monetary realities, vestry members who took notes, and all who were able to attend.
Some things we know about ourselves: we enjoy talking to each other, delight in digging around in our history, treasure breaking bread together, and believe this "little church on the edge of Sedgefield" has a bright and innovative future ahead of us! ONWARD!
Thanks, all! Sue Keith
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ALL SAINTS’
Restaurant Raiders! Fall/winter Dates & Hosts
Nov. 13, 2015……….Gene Simpson and Jim Baulding
Dec. 11, 2015……….Joyce Smithers
Jan. 8, 2016…………..Faith & Charlie Hawes
Feb. 12, 2016…………Verna Hurley
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Search Committee Update
At the September Vestry meeting the following were approved as members of the Search Committee: Eugene Simpson, Jane Davis, Pamela Alexander, Fran Pollock, James Keith, William Sullivan, Gail Parker, Sally Brannan with Tom Robins being elected as Chairperson. Verna Hurley, Stephen McCollum, Charlie Hawes, Anne King, Linda Bedell, and Teresa Sullivan were approved as alternates.
The newly formed committee met on Wednesday, October 7th to prepare for the visit by Catherine Massey, the newly appointed Canon for Transition and Pastoral Care. Gene Simpson was elected as Vice Chair. Canon Massey then met with the Search Committee on October 14th and reviewed the results of our meeting, including updating the church website and newsletter, and holding Cottage Conversations combined with discussions about stewardship. All of these are necessary components of our Parish Portfolio. She reminded us that this is a Spiritual Process, not a hiring process. We are not hiring an employee, but calling a Priest, Pastor, and Spiritual leader.
The committee will continue to refine the Parish Portfolio and be prepared to begin conducting discernment conversations with various candidates early next spring. Stay tuned as we move through this exciting time!
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
Blessing of the Animals On October 25, 2015 the two-legged, four-legged and all other fans of St. Francis gathered at All Saints for a special blessing by Rev. Ken Kroohs and thanks to Stephanie Tucker’s organization.
Kyle Hemauer and friend
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Cottage Conversations Kickoff Stewardship Drive
Our “cottage conversations” have been completed. Not all members were able to attend, but
these meetings were ones in which we not only learned some of the specifics of our financial
health but also brainstormed together about what we value about All Saints, what we hope to
continue, and what new activities and approaches we envision, given our realities. Groups also
talked about what we are looking for, even longing for, and praying for in our next rector. The
search committee will benefit from these conversations.
Many thanks to the saints who hosted these conversations, at home or at church. Many thanks,
too, to our informed and intrepid finance committee members, who attended the conversations
and translated our fiscal realities —patiently answering questions, giving us the facts, and
hopefully leaving us better prepared for making personal decisions about our pledges to All
Saints. A vestry member attended each meeting and contributed immeasurably by taking notes,
which will be useful in many ways.
Our “Saints Alive!” stewardship drive ends on November 8. Pledge cards are being sent to
members who did not receive one at a “conversation.” They are also available in the narthex. If
you have questions or concerns, please contact Sue Keith ([email protected] or
Wondering how the pledge drive is “going”? Check out the candle and its growing flame, in the
Gathering Space!
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www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
Lobstarahma Brings in October On October 1, All Saints raised $1,747.23 for Servant Center with 212 live lobsters sold. Of those, 32 were donated for veterans’ dinners. Special thanks go to Pam Alexander, Barbara Carrano and Gene Simpson for spearheading this event. Extra special thanks go to Ron Stowers as Chief Lobster Boiler.
Why Are Church Doors Red?
We have a beautiful red door at All Saints, and although not all Episcopal churches have red doors, many Lutheran and Episcopal churches do. Obviously the red doors are meant to be noticed, but why red?
There are many theories, but several are repeated by clergy, historians and lay people. At its simplest, the red door indicates the Holy Spirit’s presence. But the most popular reason seems to be that the red door signified a place of safety and refuge. For example, a soldier could not pursue an enemy who had entered the red doors of a church.
Today many churches proclaim with their red doors that our churches are a haven for emotional and spiritual healing and are a place of refuge and safety, forgiveness and reconciliation – in other words, red doors invite the passer-by into a space filled with the Holy Spirit.
Historically, the doors of Wittenburg Cathedral in Wittenburg, Germany where Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses were red, symbolizing today a church of the Reformation.
Another red door tradition goes back to cathedrals in the Middle Ages where red signifies the Blood of Christ painted on the north, south and east doors of a church. This symbolized making the sign of the cross – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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All Saints’ red doors at Blessing.
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
November Calendar Notables p.8
Adult Conversations and Coffee for Christmas Starting Nov. 1 we prepare for the real Christmas by studying the Biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth. Come learn whether what you thought was true, really was! The video series we will use is one by one of my favorite Bible teachers, Dr. M. Efrid.
Knitting Opportunity Shirley Kroohs has offered to teach loom knitting on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at noon and 7 pm. She will bring the necessary looms and yarns.
Return Pledge Cards by Sunday, Nov. 8
Chili Cook on Nov. 7, 11-2 p.m.
Held at Our Father Lutheran Church . All Saints is defending its two year championship. Please come and purchase tickets for a delectable chili treat . Proceeds go to the Servant Center.
Special Art-A-Faire Raffle Mike Tiddy, weel-known Asheville artist and long time supporter of All Saints has donated a watercolor to be raffled off. Valued at $500, the painting is a sepia pen and ink drawing with a watercolor wash. It depicts a shed in a vineyard in Provence, near Gordes, France. The image is 10.5” x 14”, and is matted in a tan mat and framed in a simple gold frame. You will be able to buy raffle tickets for $20 beginning Nov. 1. Buy as many tickets as you like as soon as they go on sale.
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
Out and About All Saints in October p.9
Stephanie Tucker at the Blessing of the Animals.
Ron Stowers is the Chief Lobster Boiler.
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
How Dark is the Dark?
“Even when light fades and darkness falls – as it does every single day, in every single life – God
does not turn the world over to some other deity.” Barbara Brown Taylor has written a book about
exploring our preconceptions about darkness, and some surprising ideas about its value and comfort.
LEARNING TO WALK IN THE DARK is Brown’s look psychologically, emotionally and theologically
about how we seem to be programmed since early childhood to run from darkness, whether it’s that
scary closet when the lights go out at bedtime or the dark monster in the comic book. And she notes
that even in large cities, the affluent areas are always much brighter with lights than poorer sections,
perpetuating our instinct to surround ourselves with light.
In this small book, Brown, an Episcopal priest, physically sets out to find the truth about our
possible relationships with the dark and how we really need it. She visits a restaurant in Amsterdam
made for the experience of blindness where all patrons are masked. She also explores a large cave and
writes of her own personal darkness at her home in the woods.
The Bible, she notes has very little positive to say about darkness at first reading, but she finds
several passages where very important things happen at night. I suspect most people have favorite
times when darkness is comforting, simpler and just what we need. A rainy dark day with a hot cup of
coffee and a good book, the dark brilliance of a starry sky in a wooded area or just the simplicity of a
silent dark room when you need to sleep without commotion interrupting.
Brown chiefly asserts that darkness is a natural and needed part of the earth’s cycles as well as
our cycles, literally and metaphorically. It is there, a fact, and we need to learn its value.
-Anne King
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
A Parish of the Episcopal Diocese of North
served by The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple, Bishop Suffragan The Rev. Ken Kroohs, Interim Rector
The Rev. Paula C. Rachal, Priest Associate
THE VESTRY 2015
Ron Alexander, Rector’s Warden
Gale Robins, People’s Warden
Faith Hawes, Education & Formation Missioner
Sue Keith, Stewardship Missioner
Alison Mercier, Community Outreach Missioner
Chris Persson, Congregational Care & Worship Missioner
Lou Pollock, Buildings & Ground Missioner
Gene Simpson, Communication Missioner
Sue Starr, Hospitality & Membership Missioner
Jane Davis, Lillian Kortheuer, Verna Hurley, Alternates
Rhonda Campbell, Treasurer
Sue Mercier, Clerk
OTHER MINISTERS & MINISTRIES Gene Fayssoux, Altar Guild
Edwin Powell, Acolytes Bill & Teresa Sullivan, Ushers
Sue Mercier, Hosts Lind Tranchetti, Prayer.Net
Ron Stowers, Jack Kramer, Men’s Fellowship
Pam & Ron Alexander Restaurant Raiders Gail Parker, Web Sexton
Verna Hurley, Daughters of the King
Stephen McCollum, Linda Bedell, Augustine Literacy Project
STAFF Jacque Stowers, Secretary
James Thompson, Bookkeeper Bob Dietzen, Groundskeeper
Gale Robins, Choir Director
Toney Yancey, Organist
A Collect for All the Saints
O God, who led your people through the wilderness for forty years, guide us, the people of All
Saints, as we continue our journey of discovery and love.
We ask for the faith to trust You and each other as we seek a new pastor and discern our path. We pray for these things in the name of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.
1. Sue Keith and
Fr. Charlie Hawes
www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org
Inside this issue:
Sr. Warden Letter p. 1
Art A-Faire. Light project p. 2
Vestry Nomination, Thank You p.3
Stewardship, Rest. Raiders p.4
Search Comm., Animal Blessing p. 5
Cottage Conv., Lobstaramah p. 6
Church Doors p.7
November Calendar p.8
Oct. Happenings p. 9
4211 WAYNE ROAD
GREENSBORO, NC 27407-7314
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