Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 | 1
T h e A l b A n o r TheNewsletterofSaintAlban’sEpiscopalChurch Lent2010
L e n t e n We d n e s d ay s a t S a i n t A l b a n ’s
Every Wednesday evening of Lent we will gather as a community to observe the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This year, our Wednesday evening Lenten programs will center on hunger – both physical and spiritual. On three of the Wednesdays, we will offer “Simple Suppers” (soup and bread only). On those days, we ask that attendees fast as much as possible - eating only what is needed to allow you to complete your required tasks - and to donate whatever else you would have spent on food that day to support various organizations that address hunger in the U.S. and overseas.
On three Wednesdays we will offer evening worship services, but we encourage everyone to continue the fasting and almsgiving on your own those days. The complete schedule is as follows:
February 17th: Ash Wednesday Services at 9am & 7pm
February 24th: Contemporary Eucharist with Fr. Jim Adams at 7pm Join Fr. Jim for an informal service of Holy Eucharist in the choir chancel. The service will include a brief homily, prayers and contemporary music ala Fr. Jim’s I-Pod.
March 3rd: Family Lenten Supper at 6pm Join us for a simple supper of soup and bread followed by a short presentation designed for school-age children on Heifer International, an organization that works with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. By giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out, Heifer empowers them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into ones of self-reliance and hope. This Simple Supper will be hosted by our Sunday School children and parents.
March 10th: Lenten Supper to Benefit Haiti at 6pm Join us for a simple supper prepared by our R.O.P.E. youth. A brief presentation on hunger in Haiti will follow the supper. Contributions will benefit our sister parish in Tru du Nord, Haiti.
March 17th: Evening Prayer with Music at 7pm Join us for a traditional service of evening prayer which will include a short reflection, prayers and hymns. (Don’t worry, at least one will be Irish!)
March 24th: Lenten Supper with Passion Reading at 6pm Join us for our final Simple Supper. An informal discussion of the events of Holy Week and a short chancel play centered on the Passion of Jesus will follow the supper.
“Climbing the Cross of the Moment”
MondayEvenings:March8th,15th,&22nd
AttheRectoryfrom7pmto9pm
InpreparationforthecomingofEaster,ourFaithMattersdiscussionswillexplorehowthechangingseasonsoflife,thoughoftenfilledwithuncertainty,presentopportunitiesforgreatblessings,fortremendousgrowth,andfornewlife.WewillgatherattherectoryonthreeMondayevenings:March8th,March15th,andMarch22ndfrom7until9pm.
WewillrelyontheScripturesaswellasscenesfromcontemporaryfilmstoprovideacommontouchstoneforourdiscussions.WewillspendtimetakingthemeasureofJesus’lifeaswellasourown.Inaddition,attentionwillbegiventoprayersfromtheBookofCommonPrayerthatengageourtopicbeautifullyaswellaswritingfromcontemporarypoetsandtheologians.Ourrectorwillhostourgatheringsandfacilitateourdiscussions,but,asalways,wewilldoallthatwecantolettheHolySpiritleadus.
Allarewelcomeandinvited.Ifyouhavequestions,pleasecalltheparishofficeat799-4014orsendemailtostalbans@stalbansmaine.org.
Dates to Remember .....................2
Rector Letter ..................................3
The Spoken Word .........................4
Worship ......................................... 7
Parish Life .......................................9
Mission & Outreach ................... 10
Christian Education ................... 12
Youth News ................................. 13
Adult Education .......................... 14
Vestry News ................................ 14
Announcements ......................... 16
Calendars................................ Insert
Inside this issue…
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The Albanor is the official monthly newsletter of Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church, a Congregation in the Diocese of Maine.
Saint Alban’s Vestry Connie Babcock, Steve Etzel, Philip Hamilton, John Hartley, Jay Houghton, Rose Kennealy, Heidi McInerney, Don Shire, Scottie Wellins
Gordon Gayer Senior Warden
Jim Croft Junior Warden
Frank Governali Treasurer
Linda Howard Assistant Treasurer
Greg Hicks Sexton
Kirsten Helfrich Parish Administrator
Debbie Fisher Christian Education Director
Sarah Poirier Youth Director
James Strand Organist/Choirmaster
The Venerable Audrey Delafield Archdeacon
The Reverend John Balicki Associate Rector
The Reverend James Adams
Rector
Submissions are invited and are
subject to editing. Please send
materials, announcements and
address changes to:
The Albanor, 885 Shore Road,
Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107,
or call 799-4014, or e-mail
T h e A l b A n o r
Dates to REMEMBERSundaysFeb. 14 Holy Eucharist 8am & 9:30am
Last Sunday After the Epiphany
Feb. 21 Holy Eucharist 8am & 9:30am
First Sunday in Lent
Feb. 28 Holy Eucharist 8am 9:30am & 5:30 pm
J2A Eucharist 9:30 am
March 7 Holy Eucharist 8am 9:30am & 5:30 pm
March 14 Holy Eucharist 8am 9:30am & 5:30 pm
March 21 Holy Eucharist 8am 9:30am & 5:30 pm
Deadline for Easter Flower Memorials
March 28 Holy Eucharist 8am, 9am, 11am & 5:30pm
Palm Sunday
April 4 Holy Eucharist 8am, 9am, 11am & 5:30pm
Easter Sunday
MondaysMarch 8 Faith Matters 7pm
March 15 Faith Matters 7pm
March 22 Faith Matters 7pm
TuesdaysFeb. 9 Betsy Ross Service 2pm
Feb. 16 Shrove Tuesday Supper 6pm
Feb. 23 The Spiritual Dimension of Aging 7pm
Talk by author, Dr. Fred Brancato
March 9 Essentials Pantry 8am
Betsy Ross Service 2pm
March 16 Book Group 7pm
Wednesdays Men’s Coffee Group every Wed. 7am
Centering Prayer every Wed. 8am
Holy Eucharist every Wed. 9am
Chancel Choir rehearsal every Wed. 2pm
Feb. 17 Ash Wednesday Services 9am & 7pm
Holy Eucharist & the Imposition of Ashes
both services
Feb. 24 Contemporary Eucharist 7pm
Book Group 7:30pm
March 3 Family Lenten Supper 6pm
March 10 Lenten Supper to Benefit Haiti 6pm
March 17 Evening Prayer with Music 7 pm
March 24 Lenten Supper with Passion Reading 6pm
Thursdays Handbell Choir rehearsals every Thurs. 6pm
Chancel Choir rehearsal every Thurs. 7:30pm
Feb. 25 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am
Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki
Village Crossings Service 2pm
March 4 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am
Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki
March 11 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am
Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki
March 18 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am
Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki
March 25 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am
Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki
Village Crossings Service 2pm
April 1 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30 AM
Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki
J2A Maundy Thursday Seder 6pm
Maundy Thursday Children’s Program 6:30 pm
Maundy Thursday Service 7 pm
(an all-night prayer vigil follows this service)
April 8 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am
Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki
April 15 The Final Week of Jesus of Nazareth 9:30am
Adult Education Class led by Fr. Balicki
FridaysApril 2 Good Friday
Meditation on The Seven Last Words of Christ
Noon to 3 pm
Compline 7 pm
SaturdaysFeb. 13 Soup Kitchen
March 13 Soup Kitchen
April 3 The Great Easter Vigil 7:11 pm
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DearParishFamily,
First,Iwanttothankyouforyourletters,e-mails,phonecalls,andwordsofencouragementandappreciation.IthankGodforyouandIwantyoutoknowthat,betweennowandApril14th,Iintendtosavorandmakethemostofourtimetogether.
WoodyAllentellsthefunnystoryofthemanwhogoestothepsychiatristcomplainingthathisbrother-in-law,wholiveswithhim,thinksheisachicken.
“Describehissymptoms,”thedoctorsays,“MaybeIcanhelp.”
“Well,”themanreplies,“mybrother-in-lawcacklesalot,hepecksattherugandthefurniture,andhemakesnestsinthecorner.”
Thedoctorthinksforamoment,thenhesays,“Itsoundslikeasimpleneurosistome.Bringyourbrotherin-lawtoseemeandIthinkIcancurehimcompletely.”
“Ohno,Doc,”themansays,“Wewouldn’twantthat!Weneedtheeggs!”
AswebegintheseasonofLent,thisistheheartofthematter.ItissodifficulttoletgoofOURways,eveniftheydon’tworkverywellforus.Wehavebecomeattachedtoacertainwayoflivingand,moreimportantly,acertainwayofthinkingaboutGod.Ourreligionisalittlevague,andwewouldliketokeepitthatway--keepingGodatadistancewherewecanprayandpraiseabitbutnotreallyletGodin,notreallyletGodchangeanythingaboutthewayweareliving.
ThepoetWendellBerrysays,“ThequestionbeforemenowthatIamoldisnothowtodie,whichIknowfromtoomuchpractice,buthowtobealive.” ThisistheheartofthematterinthisholyseasonleadinguptoEaster.DuringLent,Godknocksonthedoorandwaitsforustoanswer.Nomoreexcuses~weeitheranswerthedoororwedon’t.So,willwegothroughthemotionsforyetanotherLentormightthisbethemomenttoopenthedoortoforgiveness,healing,andanewbeginning?
ThepagesofthisAlbanorarefilledwithopportunitiesto“answerthedoor”thisLent.IhopethatyouwillbepartofFaithMatters,ourWednesdayLentenprograms,orFr.John’sclasses.IthankGodthatwewillhavethisseasonofLenttogether,and,attheend,IlookforwardtocelebratingEasterjoywithyou.
Peace,
TheRev.JamesAdams
From Our RECTOR
i carry your heart with me
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling) i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
e e Cummings
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The Spoken Word We a r e t h e B o d y o f C h r i s t
Text of the Sermon Delivered on January 24, 2010 at Saint Alban’s Church, Cape Elizabeth by Rev. James P. Adams
Whennewlyengagedcouplescometoseethepriestabouttheirwedding,theyareusuallyalittlenervous.PerhapstheyareafraidthatIwillbejudgeandjuryastheymustprovethattheyarewellsuitedforoneanother.Indeed,thatisajobwhichisabovemypaygradeanditisnotthepurposeofourmeetings.Thebetrothedwalkintomyoffice,and,almostalways,thebride-to-beiscarryingalittlenotebookthatholdsallthesecretsoftheweddinguniverse---phonenumbersfortherightcaterer,thecoolestband,andthemostelegantflorist.
OurfirstmeetingbeginswithalittlesmalltalkbeforeIaskthequestion.Itisthefirstquestionandit’swhatIreallywanttoknowaboutcoupleswhocometogetmarried.
“Willyoutellmethestory?”–Iask.
“Thestory?”
“Yes,willyoutellmethestoryofhowyoumet”Isay.“Tellmethestoryofhowitallbeganforthetwoofyou.”WithTHAT,themoodintheroomgrowslighterandwarmer.Theylookateachother,andtheygrin,andmaybeshesays“Doyouwanttotellhim?”andhesays“No,youtellit,youtellthestorybetterthanIdo,”ormaybehesays“Sure,I’lltellit,”andturnstome,andtellsthestory.Onewilltellitandtheotherwillmakesurehe/shegetsitright.Littledotheyknowthatthisishowitwillbeforever.
“IwasinanEconomicsclass,”shebegins,“andtherewasthisguysittinginfrontofme,andhekeptturningaroundandtalkingtomeinthemiddleofthelecture.Theprofessor’stalkingandthisguyisturningaroundandtalkingtomeoutloud!”Heblushesandtheylaughoutloudtogether.
Anothercouple...
“Wewerefixedupbymysister,”hesays.“Itwasourfirstdate--ablinddate--andIcamedownwiththefluthatday.Assoonaswesatdownattherestaurant,IknewIwasgoingtobesick.ItwasawfulandIspenthalfthedinnerinthebathroom.ThewholetimeIwasthinking‘thiswomanissogreatandIamblowingmychance”butsheseemedokay.
“No,Ididn’tmind,”shesays,“Iwasalreadyfallingforhim.”
“That’showitbeganforus,”shesays.
Anothercouple...
“ItwasDecember19th,”theguysays,“Wemetatadinnerpartyandhadthemostwonderfultime.Webothknewwhatwashappening.WhenIgothome,IrealizedthatIhadforgottenmy
wintercoat.So,Iwentback.Shewasthereinthekitchen,andwhenshesawmeshesaid,“Oh,mygosh.”
Shepicksupthestory,“Andhewalkedstraightacrossthekitchenandtookmeinhisarms.That’sourstory.”
Thesearethestoriesthatwillsomedaybetoldtotheirchildrenandgrandchildren.Mychildrenlovetohearthestoryofhowtheirgreat-grandparentsmet.Mygrandmotherdeliveredthedailynewspaperonherbicycleandmygrandfather--justateenageboy---figuredoutprettyquicklythathehadacrushonthepapergirl.Thatwas75yearsago,andwestilltellthestoryofhowitallbeganforthem,forus.
Thereissomethingabouttellingthestorythatremindsthem,thatremindsus,whatit’sallabout,whatwe’reallabout,anditgivesusaclueaboutwhereweareheading,too.
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The Spoken Word InourGospeltoday,SaintLuketellsushowitbeganwithJesus.Aftertheamazingbirthonthatsilentnight,thestoryisfast-forwarded�0yearstothestartofJesus’publicministry.Heisinthesynagogue,andhestandsuptoread,andwhathereadsisfromtheprophetIsaiah,thepromiseofasavior.“TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme,becausehehasanointedmetobringgoodnewstothepoor,releasetothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,andtolettheoppressedgofree...”
Today,Jesussays,“Ibeginmyworkwiththishope,withthispromise--goodnewsforthepoor,releasetothoseincaptivity,sighttotheblind,andforthosesufferingoppression,FREEDOM.”
Everyonceinawhile,abignewsstorybecomesasymbolofallthatiswrongwiththeworld.Thesedays,theearthquakethatstruckinHaitihasbecomethatkindofstory.Wehaveallstruggledtotakeinthemagnitudeofthelossthere,andtomakesomesenseofthatcataclysmicevent.TheHaitianpeoplewerealreadyontheirknees,andthisissounfair.
Itisthelittlestorieswithinthelargerstory,though,thatmakeitrealforus.Ithinkofthestoryofafatherwhoapparentlywrappedhimselfaroundhis�-year-oldsonsothatthefallingconcretethatkilledhimwouldnottouchhislittleboy.Thesonwassavedbythefather’ssacrificiallove.
Justyesterday,weheardthenewsthata24-year-oldhotelclerksurvived11daysbysippingjustalittlebiteachdayfromacanofsoda.
“It’samiracle,”wemightbetemptedtosay.Maybehecouldbeourhero,onehappystoryinarock-pileofdisaster~ahero,asurvivortohelpusforgetalltheothersthattheearthswallowedup.ThatwouldbeonewayofdealingwithalltheuncertaintyandsadnessthattheHaitiearthquakeshakesupinsideofus.
Anotherwayofdealingwithitwouldbetodismissitasafreakeventthat,becauseofourlocationandoursophisticatedwarningsystems,etc.,couldnothappenhere.Maybeso.Andyet,wehavelearnedthehardwaythatintoeverylife—includingyoursandmine—comestormsweneverimaginedwouldcome,challengesandlossesforwhichweneverplanned.Tosomedegree,wecanprotectourselvesfromfeelingtheimpactoftheearthquakeinHaiti,butthereisnodenyingthefear,theuncertainty,andtheseaoftearsthatcomewhenlife’spersonalearthquakesshaketheveryfoundationsofourlifeandouridentity.
“Therecomesamidnighthourwhenallmen,allwomenmustunmask,”thephilosopherKirkegaardsaid.
Let’sbehonest;theearthquakeinHaitiandthepersonalearthquakesofourlivesstrainourbeliefinGod’sgoodness.These
eventsforceustoquestionwhetherwearesafeintheworld,whetherthereisapurposetoourlives,whetherGodisreallywatchingoutforus.Ifwe’rewillingtogetreal,tragedyisalwaysgoingtochallengeourfaith.
Ifwesetasideourautomatic,“go-through-the-motions”religion,whatwouldwehaveleft?Ifwereallyandtrulylooktoourfaith,willwefindanyanswers?Ormaybeanotherwayofaskingthesamequestionisthis:Iftheearthstartedtoquakehereandsuddenlyturnedonus,ifwehadamassiveearthquakehereinMaine,whatwouldweactuallydo?WhatwouldhappentoSaintAlban’sChurch?
Ifyou’relookingforthefaceofhopeinHaitithisweek,lookatthefaceofthat7yearoldboy--KikiJoachin--whowasrescuedwithhis10yearoldsisterSabrinaafterbeingtrappedundertherubbleforeightdays.Whenheemerged,thecamerascapturedthemoment.Iamsuremanyofyousawit.Kikiisliftedfromtheholeintheground--fromthatconcreteprison.HeislikeLazaruscomingoutofthegrave.Kikiisliftedbyhiswaistandasheislifted,hisfacelightsupwiththemostamazing,beautiful,radiantsmileandheraiseshisarmsoverhishead.Maybeitisasignofvictory,maybeasignofpraise,asignaltotheworldsaying,“Iamstillhere.”MaybeKikispeaksforalltheHaitianpeople,“WEarestillhere!”Maybehespeaksforallofus.
Lateron,areporteraskedKikiafewquestions:
“Whywereyousmiling,Kiki?”
“IsmilebecauseIamfree.IsmilebecauseIamalive.”
“Howdidyoufeelwhenyousawyourparents?”
“Icriedforthem.Icriedforthem.”
“Kiki,”thereporterasked,“Howdidyousurviveallthattimewithnofoodorwater?”
Thatbeautifullittleboylookedrightatthereporterandsaid,“Godheldus.Godheldus.”
Kikiwasright.Goddidholdhimbothinthespiritualsenseandintheveryphysicalsense.GodheldlittleKikiinthepersonofaNewYorkCityfirefighterbythenameofChrisDunic.WhenyoulookatthephotographofKiki,lookatthefirefighterthatisholdinghim.That’sChrisDunic.HelearnedhowtocutthroughtwistedmetalandtodigthroughrubbleattheWorldTradeCenterafter9/11.Afterthat,hewentofftoAfghanistanwiththeUSArmytodefendourfreedom.
ChrisDuniclivesinBrooklynandworksatafirestationinQueens.Hesaysthekeytotheunit’ssuccessisthat“eachmancanstepintoanother’sshoeswithoutevenapauseintherescueprocess.”
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The Spoken Word
“IwasjustluckythatIwasatthefrontwhenKikicameout,”hesaid,“Anhourlater,itwouldhavebeensomeoneelse.”
WhenIgrowup,IwanttobelikeChrisDunic.Ibetyoudo,too.
Inthemiddleofthelongestofthepsalms,Psalm119,thereisaversethatmayspeaktoustoday.“Yourword,OGod,isalanterntomyfeetandalightuponmypath.”Wemaywishthattheroadaheadofuswasasbrightasdaybecausethatwouldmakeusfeelmoresecure,morecertainofthefuture.WhatweDOhaveinourfaithisalanternthatwecanrelyupon,thatwecantrust,anditwillprovideenoughlightforustofollowthepaththatisgiventous,onedayatatime.Acircleoflightthatwillallowustostepforwardinfaithandthatwillbelightenoughforthewholejourney,stepbystep.“Yourword,OGod,isalanterntomyfeetandalightuponmypath.”
Andso,what’stheanswertothe$�4,000question?Ifthetherewasanearthquakehere,iftheearthshookandrumbledandturnedonushereinMaineasitdidinHaiti,whatwouldweactuallydo?Whatwouldhappenhere?
Whileit’shardtopicturethathappening,myfaithandtrustinwhatwouldhappenhereiscertain.Whatwouldwedoifweweresurvivorsofamassiveearthquake?
Youknow.Wewouldhelpeachothersortthroughtherubbleofourlivesandandwewouldbeginrebuildingourfuture.Ibelieve,beyondtheshadowofdoubt,thatinthewakeofadisaster,wewouldmakeatablefromrubbleandwewouldbuildanaltar.In
thatwreckage,wewouldfindsomebreadandsomewineandatthealtarwewouldbreakbreadtogetherandwewouldbeginagain.Together,wewouldvisitandcareforthesickandthewounded.Together,wewouldhonorandburythosewhohaddied,andwewouldsupportoneanotherthroughthesadness,andwewouldcircletogethertoprotectandstrengtheneachother.Wewouldgoonbecauseweknowthereisnothingmoreimportant.Wehavelearnedthateverydayisawindfalltobelivedforthepreciousgiftthatitis.AndwewouldtelloverandoveragainthestoryoflovethatJesustaughtus,“notonlywithourlipsbutinourlives.”
Hisstoryofloveisaboutgoodnewsmaderealforthepoor,releasetothecaptive,healingforthesickandsighttotheblind,andtothosesufferingoppression,hisstoryoflovecallsoutFREEDOM.
ThisiswhatGodhasbeendoingwithusandthroughusallalong.Goodthingswillhappenandbadthings,too.Thereisauniquepowerattheheartofcreation,andthatuniquepoweriscurledupinsideofyouandmeaswell.Itisthepowertobeginagain~tousherinthemorning,towelcomethespring,andtoreceivethelifeandlightthatisbornevenoutofdeepestdarkness.Wewerebornbylove,forlove.Thisisourfaith.Thisisourpurpose.Thisisourhope.
“Yourword,OGod,isalanterntomyfeetandalightuponmypath.”
“I smile because I am free. I smile because
I am alive.”KiKi
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M AU N DY T H U R S DAY S E RV I C E
April1st:7pmHolyEucharist
Fr.Jim’sSermon:“LoveAlone”
TheliturgyofMaundyThursdaytiestheeventsoftheLastSupperwiththoseofGoodFriday.WewillcelebrateHolyEucharist,stripthealtarofdecoration,andleaveinsilenceorremaintokeepwatchinprayer.Followingtheservice,thechurchwillbeopenforanall-nightprayervigil.
Maundy Thursday Children’s ProgramApril1stat6:30pm
FatherJimwilltalkwiththechildrenaboutthesignificanceoftheLastSupper.ThechildrenwillthengatherinthekitchentobakethebreadtobeservedforHolyCommunionthatevening.WeinvitealloftheparishchildrentoparticipateinthebelovedHolyWeektradition.
“Remain Here, and Keep Awake…”Onthenightbeforehisdeath,JesusaskedthedisciplestostayawakewithhimasheprayedintheGardenofGethsamane.SaintAlban’sparishionersareinvitedtokeepvigilonMaundyThursdaybytakinganhourtocometothechurch,watchwithChristandpray.Therewillbeasign-upsheetonthetableoutsidethesanctuary.Thevigilwillbeheldbetween9pmonMaundyThursdayand8amonGoodFriday.
WORSHIP
Grace Chapel at Saint Alban’sBeginningFebruary28that5:30pm
BeginningonSunday,February28th,SaintAlban’swillofferathirdSundayserviceat5:�0pm.SaintAlban’swillwelcometheGraceChurchcommunityfromPortlandtoacandlelightEucharistwhichwillalsoprovideSaintAlban’sparishionerswithaneveningalternative.The5:�0pmservicewillbeofferedonatrialbasisuntilmid-June,andatwewillevaluatewhethertocontinuethisserviceatSaintAlban’sorsomeotherlocation.
Inordertoretainthelow-key,mission-churchfeelofGraceChurch,thiseveningservicewillbeheldintheannexofBonoffHall,whereourWednesdaymorningservicesareheld.Pianoaccompaniment,withhymns,willbeprovidedbyGraceChurchmusicianTomKovacevic. TheservicewillbelessformalthanourSundaymorningservicesbutwillincludethesamesermon.Itwillbea“comeasyouare”informaldressservice.Giveitatry,andletusknowwhatyouthink.
Ash Wednesday Services of Holy Eucharist and the Imposition of Ashes
Wednesday,February17that9am&7pmFr.John’sSermon:“Ashes,Ashes,WeAllFallDown”
TheAshWednesdayserviceofHolyEucharistandtheImpositionofAshesbeginsLent,aseasonofself-examinationandprayer.ThisquietserviceisoneinwhichweareaskedtoconfessoursinsandtoaskGodtoremakeourheartscleanandrenewourrightspirits.TherewillbetwoservicesofHolyEucharistandtheImpositionofAshesonWednesday,February17th,at9amand7pm.
Join Saint Alban’s Sunday, March 28th
S u n d ay o f t h e Pa s s i o n : Pa l m S u n d ay
8amHolyEucharist,RiteI
9amHolyEucharist,RiteIIWithChoir
11amHolyEucharist,RiteIIWithChoir
5:30pmCandlelightEucharist
Fr.JimAdams’SermonTitle: “IntheRightPlaceattheRightTime”
PalmSundaybeginsHolyWeekandpointsustowardEaster.ThisuniqueserviceincludesadramaticreadingofthePassionGospel,whichtellsofthesufferinganddeathofJesus.
Please Join Us Sunday, February 21st
The First Sunday in Lent8amHolyEucharist,RiteI
9:30amHolyEucharist
DeaconAudrey’sSermon:“BelievingWiththeHeart”
TheseasonofLentlastsforfortydays.WhileLentisoftenseenasadarkseasonofself-denial,onemayalsoseetheseasonasaninvitationtoliveourlivesinamorereflectiveandmeaningfulway,andtoopenourselvestoGod’spresence.JoinusaswebeginourjourneythroughLent.
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EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES8amEucharistwithHymns
9amHolyEucharistwithChancelChoir
11amHolyEucharistwithChancelChoir
5:30pmCandlelightEucharist
Fr.Jim’sSermon:“DeadorAlive”
OnEasterSundaywewillcelebratethereturnofChrist’slighttoourliveswiththesingingoffavoriteEasterhymnsandwithspecialsacredmusicfororganandtrumpet. Nurserycarewillbeavailableforinfantsandtoddlersbeginningat8:45am.
THE GREAT EASTER VIGILSaturday,April3rdat7:10pm
Fr.JohnBalicki’sSermon:“HeOnlyComesOutatNight”
TheGreatVigilisthefirstserviceofEaster.AtSaintAlban’s,ourservicewillbeginonSaturdayevening,April�rdat7:10pm,theexacttimeofsunset.Theservicewillbeginoutdoorswiththelightingofthe“FirstFire”,thenthecongregationwillenterthedarkenedchurchtogether. TheprocessionwillmoveintothechurchbycandlelightwhileanancienthymncalledtheExsultetissung.AslidepresentationofartworkbyourSundaySchoolchildrenwillaccompanyreadingsfromtheOldTestament.TraditionalEasterhymnsaresung,andwewillcelebratethelightofChristwiththefirstjoyous“Alleluia”ofEaster.
WORSHIP
From the Organ Bench Serving Through Music by James Strand, Organist/Choirmaster
PSALM SINGINGEach Sunday in the worship service at Saint Alban’s we participate in the psalm for the day. Generally, the psalms are read responsively by leader and congregation. During Lent, the psalm is sung by the choir.
Many of the psalms are attributed to King David, and since ancient times they have played a central role in the worship of synagogues and churches. They have also inspired later writers to compose psalm-like prayers and hymns for use in public worship and private devotions. The word “psalm” goes back to the Greek psalmos, used by translators to render the Hebrew mizmo or song - a word that appears in the titles of some psalms. Another name for the book of Psalms, “Psalter,” goes back to the Greek psalterion, a stringed instrument.
In the English-speaking Protestant and Reformed churches of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, the singing of Psalms was according to published metrical Psalters. In the Anglican and Calvinist-rooted denominations, psalmody provided an approximate equivalent to the earlier use of chorales in the German Lutheran Church. Around 1790, psalmody began to give way to the increased use of hymns and choral singing in the Anglican cathedral style (anthems, responses, etc.), a tradition which persists today. A few metrical Psalms still survive as hymns, e.g., “Old Hundredth” (“All people that on earth do dwell”). There are a total of 35 metrical Psalms and hymns based on Psalms found in the Hymnbook 1982.
When the Pilgrims and Puritans came to North America, they brought with them a thorough background in psalmody, which provided their sole musical form both for recreation as well as for devotion. The first book of psalmody printed in North America was The Whole Booke of Psalms Faithfully Translated into English Metre (Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1640). In 1698 the ninth edition was published, which included settings in two parts for 13 tunes, the first music printed in America.
The choir will use a variety of psalm tones during Lent, many of which are found in the hymnal. They consist of a simple melodic line to which alto, tenor and bass parts have been added. The tradition of psalm singing goes back to the third century, when Gregorian Chant was used. The use of four voices in harmony is a tradition which began in England during the 19th century, as a result of the Oxford Movement.
Good Friday at St. Alban’sApril2nd
The Seven Last Words of ChristNoonto3pm
JoinFr.Jim,Fr.JohnandDeaconAudreyforthisbeautiful,extendedservicethatincludesreadings,silentmeditation,musicandreflectionofJesus’lastwordsfromthecross.Thismovingservicewilltakeplacebetweennoonand�PM.Stopinandparticipateforafewminutesordothemarathon.
Complineat7pm
JoinusforatraditionalserviceofCompline,ornightprayer.Complineisacontemplativeservicethatemphasizesspiritualpeaceattheendofabusyday.
8 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 9
Parish LIFE
New Book Will Honor Our Most Beautiful Memorial Gifts
Gloriousstainedglasswindows,glowingbrass,goldandsilver,pristinefairlinens,andeleganthandcraftedneedle,woodandironworkallsignificantlyenhanceourworshipserviceseverySundayatSaintAlban’s.Mostoftheseextraordinaryartifactsweregiveninlovingmemoryofparishionersorasspecialgifts.AltarGuildmembersGailRiceandLouiseValati,alongwithArchiveCommitteememberShirleyGrange,areembarkingonaresearchprojecttodocumentinsightsintothehistoryofSaintAlban’sthroughthegiftsgiventotheChurch(aslistedintheMemorialBookbythesanctuaryentrance)witheveryitem’sdescription,location,photograph,historyofuseandpresent-dayapplication.Inaddition,thegroupwillattempttocreateashortbiographyconnectingthehonoreetoSaintAlban’s.StaytunedformoreinformationintheAlbanorastheprojectprogresses,andletusknowifyou’dliketojointhisinterestingendeavor.
Wednesday, February 24th at 7:30pm
ThebookgroupwilldiscussSame Different as Me,byRonHallandDenverMoore
Tuesday, March 16th at 7pm
ThebookgroupwilldiscussLet the Great World Spin,byColumMcCann
SaintAlban’sBookGroupmeetsonthesecondfloorintheyouthlounge.Weinviteyoutocometoallourgatheringsorjustthoseyourscheduleallows.Youarewelcometoengageintheconversationorsimplysitbackandenjoylisteningtoothers.Allarewarmlywelcomed.
“ G i v i n g B a c k ”ByRickPeterson
Hello!IattendGraceChurchandamaprofessorofEnvironmentalStudiesattheUniversityofNewEngland.IrecentlyreturnedfromanamazingtriptotheDemocraticRepublicofCongo(DRC)andwantedtosharewiththeSaintAlban’scommunityabitaboutthegoodworktakingplaceinthatcountry,despiteallthebadnewsthatwehearinthepress.
IspentthreeweeksinKinshasa,theDRC’steemingcapital,workingwithGivingBacktoAfrica(www.givingbackafrica.org),anonprofitorganizationdedicatedtothelong-termmissionofeducatingyoungpeopleintheDRC.Since2007,GBAhasbeenrunningaScholarsProgramattheProtestantUniversityofCongo(UPC)basedupontheconceptsandpracticeofservantleadership.Eachyear,GBAselectstwoScholarsandprovidesthemwiththeresourcestoearntheirMasters-leveldegreeatUPC,whilepreparingthemfortheprincipalfocusoftheprogram:a4-�monthGivingBackProjectdesignedandimplementedbyeachGBAScholarinanunderservedareaoftheDRC.
Whatapleasureitwastoworkwiththeprogram’sfirsttwoscholars,MasaniMatshiandMalivoKagaba,astheydesignedtheirGivingBackProjectstobecarriedoutatPAID(ProgramofAidandIntegrationtotheUnderprivileged),asmallschoolandorphanageontheoutskirtsofKinshasawithwhichGBAhaspartnered.MalivoandMasaniarecurrentlyresearchingandbeginningtoimplementseveralsmallmicro-enterprisesthatwillallowPAIDtosupportchildrenfromthecommunitywhoarecurrentlynotgoingtoschoolbecausetheirparentssimplydonothavethemoneytopayeventheverylowschoolfeesthatPAIDcharges.Oneoftheseenterprisesisaraised-bedorganicvegetablegardenandrabbit-raisingprojecttohelpfeedthechildrenattheorphanage.Surplusproduceandmeatwillalsobesold,alongwithotherbasicnecessities,inasmallstorestaffedbyPAIDstudentstoraisemoneyfortheschool.
HowhumbledIwastobesowarmlyreceivedbythechildren,teachers,andstaffofPAIDandtoseeandexperiencepeople’sdeepdesireanddrivetoachieveabetterlifeforthemselvesandforothers.AllthepeopleatPAID,alongwiththefourGBAscholars,askedmetogreetfriendsbackhereintheU.S.AndsoIbringyougreetingsandinviteyoutolearnmoreabouttheworkofGBAandabouthowyoumightbeabletohelpyoungpeopleinDRCbecomeservant-leaderscapableoftakingcontroloftheirownliveswhileservingaschangeagentsintheirlocalcommunitiesandthroughoutthenation.Pleasefeelfreetocontactmeviaphone:774-07��,ore-mail:[email protected],ortocontactGBAthroughtheirwebsiteifyouwouldliketolearnmoreand/orbecomeinvolved.
10 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 11
Update on Haiti and Our Partnership with St. Luc’sBySaraMerrill
Mission & OUTREACH
OnJanuary12th,anearthquakestrucktheislandofHaiti,leavinginitswakeatrailofdevastationandheartbreak.Priortothequake,lifeinHaitiwasastrugglethatmostofuscouldbarelyfathom.Now,asimagesoftheaftermathstreamintoourlivingrooms,weareoverwhelmedbytheextentofthecalamity.ItistoohardtoimaginewhatlifemustbelikeinHaitirightnow.
Weareconnected,though,andcannotturnaway.WeareconnectedtoourfriendsandpartnersatSt.Luc’sthroughpicturesandvideos,throughanaltarclothwiththecolorfulhandprintsofHaitianchildren,throughwishesbroughtbackfromHaiti,throughourfaithandloveforeachotherandourGod.AndthroughthispartnershipweareconnectedtoalltheHaitianpeople.
FellowparishionerAmberBurksandI,alongwithMichaelCooperfromSaintLuke’s,Wilton,hadplannedtraveltoHaitionJan.1�.Wehavehadtopostponeourtripindefinitely.Wearewaitingtobringthechildrenthesoccerballs,jumpropes,andcoloredpencilsyouallgenerouslydonated,aswellasavideoofourchildrenwhichwasrequestedbytheschoolchildrenduringourvisitlastyear.Children’sbooksinFrench,careofPondCove’sScholasticBookFairandJaneAnderson,willalsohavewaittobedeliveredtothechildren.Thetripwastocontinueourworktowardbuildingourrelationshipandunderstandingofeachother.Inthiswaywecanworkalongsideourpartnerstoassisttheminachievingtheirlongtermgoalstoimprovethephysicalplantoftheschool,providealunchprogram,secureteachers’salaries,andprovidequalityeducationtostudents,pre–Kthroughhighschoolandontotechnicalortradeschool.TothatendweweregoingtoresearchandconnectourpartnerstogroupssuchasSOIL(Irecommendyoucheckouttheirwebsitewww.soil.org,andreadthestoryentitledKourajCherie.),andFonkoze,amicroloanorganizationthathelpswomenstartbusinesses,teachingthemliteracy,moneyhandlingskillsandbusinessskills.We’dalsohopedtocontacttheWorldFoodProgramtoassistwithgettingfoodtoSt.Luc’sforalunchprogram.Allthiswillhavetowaitabitduetotheearthquakeandthedevastationitleftinitswake.
Asmanyofyouknow,incrediblywehavereceivedseveralpiecesofgoodnews.PereLouisisfine.St.Luc’sSchoolasfarasweknowwasnotaffected,andthechildrenandstaffaresafetoo.ThankGod.Wehavealsoreceived
wonderfulnewsthatPereLouis’wife,Erline,and4sonsPascal(4),Valeri(8),Leonelle(12)andSamuel(14),whoallliveinPortauPrince,aresafe.PereLouis’familyhomewasdestroyed.Itistrulyamiraclethatallareok.HolyTrinitySchool,homeofLesPetitsChanteurs,collapsedintheearthquake.Miraculouslyallbuttwoofthestudentsandstaffattheschoolsurvived.Manyarenowhomeless,andalltheinstrumentswerelost,buttheDioceseandallinvolvedwithHolyTrinityarecommittedtorebuildingtheschool.Inthewordsoftheschool’sdirector,Rev.DavidCesar,“Ifwearealive,webelieveGodhasaspecialmissionforus….NowthetimeistorebuildtheMusicSchoolandConcertHallandgetmusicbacktolifeinordertoshowthefutureofHaiti.”
AllofHaitiisaffected,asPortauPrinceandtheentirecountrymustnowrebuild.Itisgoingtotakealongtime.TheHaitianpeoplehaveadeepfaith,deeperthananythingI’veeverexperienced.IthasseenthemthroughthistragedythusfarandIknowitwillsustainthemastheyrecover,asinthestoryFr.Jimtoldusaboutthe8-year-oldboy,Kiki,rescuedafter8days,whowhenasked,“Howdidyousurviveallthattimewithnofoodorwater?”answered,“Godheldus....Godheldus.”WehavebeengiventhegiftoffaithfromtheHaitianpeople.Theywillneedourcontinuedprayersandhelpinthemonthstocome.TheRev.KesnerAjax,PartnershipProgramCoordinator,tellsus“Yournotesandemailsofsympathyareveryimportanttous.Pleasecontinuetosendyournotesofencouragement.….DonotforgetyourpartnersinHaiti.”
AswelearnmoreofthespecificneedsofHolyTrinityMusicSchoolwewillletyouknowhowyoucanhelp.OurpartnersatSt.Luc’swillneedourhelpmorethanevertopaystudenttuitions,asthecostoffoodandgasolineandothersupplieshaveskyrocketedforpeoplewhowerealreadygoingwithout.Thecostofachild’stuitionis$50ayear;$75includestuitionandauniform.YoucanmakeoutachecktoSt.Alban’sandputHaitiFundinthememotocontributetothiseffort.Wewillalsobeseeingwhatwecandotofacilitatealunchprogramassoonasconstructiononthethreeroomsiscompleted.
IamgratefultobeapartofthislovingcommunityatSaintAlban’s.Thankyou.
10 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 11
Shrove Tuesday Supper Benefits Haiti ReliefTuesday,February16that6pm
SaintAlban’sShroveTuesdaysuppersarememorablecelebrationsofgoodfoodandgreatcompany,withMardiGrasmasks,beads,andactivitiestodelightkidsofallages.Thisyear,ourShroveTuesdaybashwillbehostedbytheMission&OutreachCommitteeasafundraiserforearthquakereliefeffortsinHaiti.Suggesteddonationsare$5perperson/$15perfamilycap.
Essentials Pantry Kitchen DriveEndsSunday,March7th
Manyofthemorethan�00familiesservedbytheEssentialsPantryarerecentimmigrantstoMaine.Hailingfrommorethan1�countries,theyareworkinghardtoestablishthemselveshereandsetupnewhomesfortheirfamilies.DonatedkitchenitemsarealwaysgratefullyandenthusiasticallyreceivedbyPantryclients.SO,wearecurrentlyseekingdonationsofgentlyusedkitchensuppliesandappliances.Ifyouhavepots,pans,dishes,glassware,flatware,kitchenappliancesorcookingutensilsyouwouldliketodonate,pleasebringtheminbetweennowandSunday,March7th.Acollectionboxwillbesetupintheparishhall.YourdonateditemwillbedeliveredtothePantryonTuesday,March9th.Thankyou!
Soup KitchenSaturday,February13th
Saturday,March13th
SaintAlban’svolunteersprovidelunchatthePrebleStreetSoupKitchenonthesecondSaturdayofeachmonth. Volunteersareneededtocook,serveandclean.Ifyouwouldliketolearnmoreaboutvolunteeringatthekitchenorwouldliketohelpononeoftheabovedates,pleasecallScottScharfat�29-5784,[email protected].
Essentials PantryTuesday,March9th
EveryTuesdaymorningtheEssentialsPantrydistributesmuch-neededhouseholdessentialstoapproximately�00families.SaintAlban’snextdatetoserveatthePantryisTuesday,March9th.WewillleaveSaintAlban’sat8amandreturnby11am.PleasecontactAlleneCooleyatcapecooley@aol.comifyouhavequestionsorwouldliketohelp.
Mission & OUTREACH
12 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 1�
Come and Join the Fun on Shrove Tuesday!
It’sreallybecomeahighlightofthechurchyear–havingdinneratSaintAlban’sonShroveTuesday.Thisyearwe’llcontinueourtraditionoffunandgames,includingmask-making,variousarts&craftsprojects,andgamesledbythe10thgradeROPEgroup.Ofcourse,thehighlightoftheeveningwillbesettingalightthepalmsfromlastyear,whichwe’lluseastheashesfortheImpositionofAshesonAshWednesday.PleasejoinusonFebruary1�th!
March 3rd Evening Prayer & Simple Supper Especially Well
Suited for FamiliesAsyouknow,everyWednesdayeveningduringLentweholdasimpleserviceat7pm.OnMarch�rd,thefocusofthedaywillbethetroublingbutalltoorealtopicofworldhunger.Duringtheday,weinviteeveryonetoeatonlywhatyouneedtofulfillyourdailyduties.Then,cometochurchat�:00pmforaverysimplesupper,whenwe’lldiscussworldhungerandhowthisexperiencefitsintotheseasonofLent.Pleaseconsiderdonatingwhateveryourdon’tspendonfoodthisdaytoHeiferInternational,aChristianhumanitariancharityorganizationthatisdedicatedtoshowingChrist’sunconditionallovetopoorchildrenallovertheworld.Aftersupper,everyoneisinvitedintochurchforabriefandsimpleserviceofcompline,basedonthethemeofGod’scareandloveforthepoorandthehungry.SundaySchoolteachersandchildrenarepreparingthesupper.PleasecallDebbieFisherat799-4014ifyouwouldliketohelp.
“Journey to the Cross” Rotation Begins March 7th
TheOurPLACEchildrenwillbeginanewrotationonSunday,March7th.We’llstudyindetailtheeventsthattookplacebetweentheLastSupperintheupperroom,tothecrucifixionatGolgotha,aspanofjust12hours.We’llexaminehowthedramaticeventsofJesus’finalweekonearthrevealthecentralEastermessage–thatGod’sloveisgreaterthanourhumanfailings,andmorepowerfulthansufferingordeath.Andwe’llseehowJesusemergesasaSaviorwhosharesmanyofourownhumanemotions.Yetdespitefear,doubtandbetrayal,hetrustsinGodhisfather,andfollowshislife’scalling.
Maundy Thursday to Feature Children’s Bread Baking
ThisisanotherwonderfulHolyWeektraditionthatfocusesonourGodlyPlayandOurPLACEchildren.Allchildrenareinvitedtocometochurchat�:�0,whenFatherJimwillspeaktothemaboutthesignificanceoftheLastSupper. We’llthengatherinthekitchentobakethebreadthatwillbeservedforHolyCommunionthatevening.
Easter Vigil to Showcase Children’s Artwork
Asisourtradition,theEasterVigil(Saturday,April�rd,at7:11pm)willshowcasechildren’sillustrationsoftheVigil’sOldTestamentreadings.OnthefirsttwoSundaysinMarch,thechildrenwillwieldtheircraypas(vibrant,oil-basedcrayons)tobeautifullycreatetheirinterpretationsofthereadings.We’llscanthepicturesintoaPowerPointpresentationthatwe’llprojectontoascreeninthesanctuary.Ifyou’reartisticallyinclinedandcanlendahandduringOurPLACEonMarch7thor14th,pleasecontactDebbieFisherat799-4014.
Children’s Alleluias to Fill the Church!
Callingallchildren–Oneofthehighlightsofthisyear’sChristmaspageantwashearingtheChoirofAngels’beautifulvoicesfillthesanctuary.AttheEasterVigilonApril�rd,allchildrenareinvitedtosingachildren’sversionofHymn178,Alleluia,whichwesangonthelastSundayaftertheEpiphany.ComeandwelcomebacktheAlleluia!
Christ ian EDUCATION
12 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 1�
J2A at the Root CellarJ2AmemberscontinuetobearegularpresenceattheRootCellar’safter-schoolmentoringprogram.Inadditiontoourusualgamesandactivities,wehostadifferentprogramforthechildreneachmonth,rangingfromart,Biblestoriesandsports.Caretojoinus?WeleaveSaintAlban’sat�pmandreturnby5:20pm.Emailj2a@stalbansmaine.orgformoreinformation.Youthofallagesarewelcometoparticipate!
Upcoming dates:
Friday,February26th Friday,March19thFriday,April30th
J2A Eucharist with Fr. Jim: Sunday, February 28th at 9:30am
TointroduceourLentenprogramonSunday,February28th,Fr.JimwillleadJ2AyouthincelebratingtheEucharisttogetherdirectlyafterthesermoninthe9:�0amservice.PleasejoinusforthisveryspecialEucharist!
J2A at the Soup Kitchen: Saturday, March 13th from 11:30am to 2pm
UnderthedirectionofScottScharfandotherregularsoupkitchenvolunteers,ourmiddleschoolstudentsenjoyhelpingsetup,serveahotmealandcleanupatSt.Luke’sSoupKitchen.OurnexttriptothesoupkitchenwillbeSaturday,March1�th.We’llleaveSaintAlban’sat11:�0amandtopofftheafternoonwithatriptoColdStoneIceCreamintheOldPortbeforereturningtothechurchat2pm.PleaseRSVPtoj2a@stalbansmaine.orgbyWednesday,March10th.
J2A Maundy Thursday Seder: Thursday, April 1st at 6pm
Backbypopulardemand,J2AmemberswillonceagaincelebratetheSedertogetherandlearnaboutitssignificanceastheLastSupper.Followingthemeal,wewilljointherestoftheparishinthesanctuaryfortheMaundyThursdayservice.
Youth NEWS
The Other There are nights that are so still
that I can hear the small owl callingfar off and a fox barking
miles away. It is then that I liein the lean hours awake listening
to the swell born somewhere in the Atlanticrising and falling, rising and falling
wave on wave on the long shoreby the village that is without light
and companionless. And the thought comesof that other being who is awake, too,
letting our prayers break on him,not like this for a few hours,
but for days, years, for eternity.
R.S. Thomas
14 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 15
February23,2010~7pmto9pm
AdmissionisFree,
DonationsAccepted
TransportationAvailableifNeeded,
PleaseCallSteveEtzel,838-4122
Dr.FredBrancato,authorofanewbooktitled“AncientWisdomandtheMeasureofOurDays”willbegivingafreetalkonTuesday,February2�,2010at7pm.
Combiningfiftyyearsofongoingstudyofworldreligionswithhisownpersonalexperiencesofaging,Dr.Brancatorelatestheviewsandinsightsofsages,mystics,andsaintsfrommanyoftheworld’sdiversespiritualtraditionstotherealitiesofchangeasweallage:ourshiftingpersonalities,inevitablediminishingofphysicalandmentalcapacities,loss,andtheincomprehensiblenatureoftheInfinite.
FredBrancatohasbeenaprofessionalbaseballplayer,socialworker,teacher,foundationexecutive,executivedirectorofachildwelfareassociation,andconsultantonmattersofraceandorganizationaldevelopment.Nowretired,Dr.BrancatoholdsaPh.D.fromNewYorkUniversity’sDepartmentofCultureandCommunication.Hehasbeenstudyingtheworld’sdiversespiritualtraditionsforoverfiftyyears.HenowteachesTaiChiandconductscontinuingeducationcoursesattheUniversityofSouthernMaineinPortland.
Pleasejoinusinwhatissuretobeathought-provokingandinterestingevent.
ForMoreInformationcall799-�412
SponsoredbytheSaintAlban’sSpiritualMen’sGroup.
T H E S P I R I T UA L D I M E N S I O N O F AG I N G
By:Dr.FredBrancato
The Final Week of Jesus of NazarethAday-by-daywalkthroughHolyWeek
AnadulteducationclassledbyRev.JohnBalicki
Thursdays,9:30AMto11:30AM,February25throughApril15
JoinusonThursdaymorningsthroughLentandthefirstThursdaymorningsoftheEasterSeasonforaday-by-daywalkthroughHolyWeek.UsingThe Last WeekbyMarcusBorgandJohnDominicCrossanasourguide,wewillexploreasingledayofHolyWeekeachclass,beginningwithPalmSundayonFebruary25andendingwithEasterSundayonApril15.TheclasswilluseMark’sgospelandbeamixtureoflectureanddiscussion.Pleasejoinus.
Adult EDUCATION Vestry NEWSDiocesan Council
Diocesan Council is the “convention between conventions” of the Episcopal Church. Attending are the Bishop, the four Executive Canons, heads of the Finance Committee and the four Commissions (Diocesan Operations, Ministry, Congregational Life, Deployment and Ministry) two elected representatives from each of the eight areas of the diocese, and the four Bishop’s appointees. It meets about five times a year at different churches around the state.
I have been honored to be the Area 7 (Cumberland County) Representative to Council. It has been interesting and given me a different view of the Episcopal Church and how we operate in Maine. We discuss budget issues and needs that arise at various churches and oversee the work of the four Commissions.
There are some extremely important issues to be considered in the next few years. The Bishop has appointed four Study Groups to consider Mission Strategy, Mission Priorities, Convention Delegate Apportionment, and Clergy Compensation. Council will be hearing their reports and making decisions about the future of our Diocese.
I have enjoyed my time on Council, but have termed out. The term is two years with possible re-election for two more terms. Since Saint Alban’s is in the Diocese, I hope one of our parishioners will volunteer to stand for election in the fall. This is a great way to contribute to the Diocese that doesn’t take an inordinate amount of time! If you want more information about Council, please talk with me.
If you would like to volunteer as a candidate or nominate someone, please speak to Fr. John or Gordon Gayer. The Representative will be elected at the Pre-Convention Hearing in the fall.
Barbara Hall 799-2136 or [email protected]
14 | Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 www.stalbansmaine.org Lent2010 | 15
What is your background?
AlthoughIhaveallofthetruecharacteristicsofatrueMainer,Ireallycan’tclaimtobeingbornhere.IwasborninDover,NH,asthatwastheclosesthospitaltoSouthBerwick,whereIspentmyfirstfiveyears.IthenmovedtoJay,Maine,whereIspentmyformativeyears. Ididn’treallylikeitatallthere,asIalwaysfeltlikeamisfit.AfterattendingtheUniversityofFarmington,ImovedtoPortland,whereIhaveprobablyworkedfor15differentcompanies.Imetmywife,Gretchen,onablinddate18yearsago,andwehavebeenmarriedforalmost14years,thehappiestofmylife.Youmayrecognizeourdaughters,GraceandLulu,whenwegoupforCommunion.Theyaresosweetandfunny,andbeingtheirdadismyhighesthonor.
How did you find your way to the Episcopal Church?
AlthoughtheCatholicchurchwaspartofmylifegrowingup,itwasonlyafterourgirlswerebornthatwetriedchurchlifeagain.
What are the most important things in your life?
Myfamilyandfriends.WeareinsuchagreatplacewithSt.Albansandreallylovethecommunityandallofthefriendswehavemadehere.
How long have you been at St. Alban’s?
It’sbeenfiveyearsnow.
How did you find St. Alban’s?
Fiveyearsago,Gretchen’sfriend,HopeLeBlanc,askedhertofillinforheronthebellchoir.Subsequently,Gretchenjoinedthebellchoirandwebecamemembers.
What do you love most about this church?
Thesmileithas...soundscornybutIquicklygetasmilewhenIcomeinthroughthedoors.
Do you have a favorite St. Alban’s memory?
ThreeyearsofdoingtheChristmaspageantwithJustinLeblanchasbeenareallyfuntime.Iseemasunlikelyacandidatetobeapartofiteachyear,butitiswithoutadoubtverysatisfying.
What do you feel is the role of the vestry?
TorepresentSt.Alban’sinitsoperationandmissionandtobringanyone’sconcernstolight.
What do you like most about being on the vestry?
IfeelourleadershipatSt.Albansisinverygoodhands,fromourwardenandjuniorwardentotheclergyandthevestrymembers.It’sagroupofveryconnectedpeoplewholoveSt.Alban’sandwanttobegoodstewards.
What are some of the most exciting things happening at St. Alban’s?
Therearesomanyopportunitiestoserveortotakeaclassorjustbeapartofthisgreatvibrantparish.AftereverySunday,Itaketheleaflethomeandalwayslooktowhat’scomingup.
What do you most look forward to in St. Alban’s future?
WatchingmyfamilygrowandbepartofSt.Alban’sformanyyearstocome.
What is your...
Favorite movie? Fargo
Favorite “children’s” book?OneMorninginMaine.
Favorite sound?MagaretChaseSmithleavingtheFerryLandingfromLincolnvilleheadingtoIslesboro.
Least favorite sound?MargaretChaseSmithleavingtheFerryLandingfromIslesboro.
What do you want to hear God say when you enter heaven?
Wehaveallbeenwaitingforyou!
Getting to know…John
Hartley
Th e Al bA n o r Lent 2010 | 1
TheNewsletterofSaintAlban’sEpiscopalChurch Lent2010
SaintAlban’sChurch885ShoreRoadCapeElizabeth,Maine04107
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID
PORTLAND, ME PERMIT NO 70
“God’s heart is the most sensitive and tender of all. No act goes unnoticed, no
matter how insignificant or small.”
Richard J. Foster
E a s t e r F l o w e r M e m o r i a l s
EnclosedinthisissueoftheAlbanoryouwillfindanenvelopethatyoumayusetomakeadonationforaltarflowersinmemoryoflovedonesandfriends.InorderforyourmemorialstobelistedintheEasterbulletins,pleasereturnyourenvelopewiththenamesofthoseyouwishtomemorializebySunday,March21st.YoumaydosobymailingyourenvelopetotheparishofficeorplacingitintheofferingplateatanySundayservice.Youarealsoinvitedtosubmittheinformationviaemailatstalbans@stalbansmaine.org.
“You must love the Lord your God
with all your heart, all your soul, and
all your mind. This is the first and
greatest commandment.
A second is equally important:
Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire
law and all the demands of the prophets
are based on these two commandments.”
Jesus of Nazareth
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat.1 2 3 4 5 6
7
8am, 9:30am Holy Eucharist
8 9
2pm Betsy Ross Sevice
10
7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice
11
6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
12 13
Soup Kitchen
14
8am, 9:30am Holy Eucharist
15 16
6pm Shrove Tuesday Supper
17
7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Ash Wed. Service 2pm Choir Practice 7pm Ash Wed. Service
18
6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
19 20
21
8am, 9:30am Holy Eucharist
22 23
7pm Spiritual Dimension of Aging
24
7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice 7pm Contemporary Eucharist 7:30pm Book Group
25
9:30am The Last Week 2pm Village Crossing 6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
26 27
28
8am, 9:30am, 5:30pm Holy Eucharist 9:30am J2A Eucharist
Saint Alban’s FEBRUARY CALENDAR
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat.1 2 3
7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice 6pm Lenten Supper
4
9:30am The Last Week 6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
5 6
7
8am, 9:30am, 5:30pm Holy Eucharist
8
7pm Faith Matters
9
8am Essentials Pantry 2pm Betsy Ross Sevice
10
7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice 6pm Lenten Supper
11
9:30am The Last Week 6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
12 13
Soup Kitchen
14
8am, 9:30am, 5:30pm Holy Eucharist
15
7pm Faith Matters
16
7pm Book Group
17
7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice 7pm Evening Prayer
18
9:30am The Last Week 6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
19 20
21
8am, 9:30am, 5:30pm Holy Eucharist
22
7pm Faith Matters
23 24
7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice 6pm Lenten Supper
25
9:30am The Last Week 2pm Village Crossing 6pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
26 27
28
8am, 9am, 11am, 5:30pm Holy Eucharist
Palm Sunday
29 30 31
7am Men’s Group 8am Centering Prayer 9am Holy Eucharist 2pm Choir Practice
Saint Alban’s MARCH CALENDAR
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