ST. PETER’S PARISH POST
September 2010
Growing Together in God’s Love
First of all, I’d like to thank each and every one of you for welcoming me in such an unforgettable way to St Peter’s at the beginning of August. Ben and I were overwhelmed by the beautiful reception given on August 1. I’m very grateful for everything that all of you have done to help me settle into my calling as your Deacon-in-Charge. I am thrilled to be with you all, and I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you better as the months go by.
Phillips Brooks, one of the most influential Episcopalian preachers of the 1800’s, who is widely known for having composed the words for “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” has the following to say about what it means to have a deep knowledge and true love of Christ.
We come to know and love Christ through the experience of life itself. In a letter to a friend written in 1891, Brooks says that “All experience comes to be but more and more of pressure of His life on ours. It cannot come by one flash of light, or one great convulsive event. It comes without haste and without rest in this perpetual living of our life with Him. And all the history, of outer or inner life, of the changes of circumstances, or the changes of thought, gets its meaning and value from this constantly growing relation to Christ.”
Brooks tells his friend in the letter that “less and less, I think, grows the consciousness of seeking God. Greater and greater grows the certainty that He is seeking us and giving Himself to us to the complete measure of our present capacity. That is Love,–not that we loved Him, but that He loved us. I am sure that we ought to dwell far more upon God’s love for us than on our love for Him. There is such a thing as putting ourselves in the way of God’s overflowing love and letting it break upon us till the response of love to Him comes, not by struggle, not even by deliberation, but by necessity, as the echo comes when the sound strikes the rock.”
My prayer for all of us is that as we get to know one another more deeply and experience life together at St Peter’s as the months go by, we will find that the new relationships that we create with one another are taking their meaning and value from our growing relationships with Jesus. I pray that we will grow ever more closely together as we dwell on God’s love for each one of us and God’s love for this community that we are and will become together.
Peace,
Catherine D. Hicks
Midweek Bible Study moves to Wednesday and resumes on September 8
Due to various standing conflicts on Tuesdays for the Deacon-in-Charge, the midweek Bible Study will be meeting on Wednesdays and will resume on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. We will continue to meet from 10AM until noon each Wednesday.
This fall our Bible study will focus on the following question that Jesus asked his disciples. “Who do YOU say that I am?” The New Testament presents us with wonderfully complex answers to this very question. Each of the gospels, the letters of Paul, and the great book of Revelation all focus on different aspects of the identity of Jesus. Our Bible study group will be reading through the New Testament while asking how each text addresses the question of who Jesus is, what the particular focus on Jesus’ identity meant to the readers of the time, and how their understandings of who Jesus is continue to influence the ways in which we live as Christians today. We will begin with the gospel according to Matthew. In addition, we will continue to take a look at the lectionary each week for thirty minutes of our time together. Please call Catherine if you have any questions–home phone is (540) 898-1586, and cell phone is (540) 809-7489.
Evening Book Group to begin on Tuesday evening, September 28
A new opportunity for adults who are busy during the day but who would like to gather for study and reflection in the evening will begin at the end of September. The group will meet every other Tuesday night from 7PM until 8:30PM in the Parish House, beginning on Tuesday, September 28. Linda Beck and Catherine Hicks are in the process of developing a list of books that the group can read and discuss over the course of a month. If you are interested in joining this group, please let Catherine know. Watch the Sunday bulletin for more details as they become available.
Children’s Program begins on Sunday, September 5
Our children’s program is growing! This fall we will have a multi-age class for school age children that will meet at 10AM each Sunday morning. The class will be led by Elizabeth Heimbach and Terri Harrison. The children will be meeting upstairs in the Parish House in the room above the kitchen.
A nursery will be available for little ones from 10AM to 12 noon each Sunday. Many thank yous to the Fishers and to Cookie Davis who took the time to turn the space in our one room building into an area that is safe for small children. The nursery will be staffed by Judy Fox.
School age children are invited to become acolytes. Kimberly and Tucker Fisher will be joining our acolyte team as the Bearers of the Altar Book during the month of September.
Catherine will be meeting with school age children each month on the fourth Tuesday afternoon of the month. Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, September 28th. We will spend time playing and eating and learning together. Watch the Sunday bulletin for more specific information regarding this weekday gathering.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is one of my passions. I worked as a Medical Social Worker for Mary Washington Hospice for seven years before leaving to go to seminary. My professional background is in working with people who are experiencing the challenges and transitions that come with the process of aging. I have a great deal of experience in working with people who are dealing with struggles around end of life issues. I have a Certificate in Aging Studies from the Medical College of Virginia/VCU, as well as a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I also have experience with spiritual direction, and serve several people as a spiritual director. I completed Clinical Pastoral Education at Mary Washington Hospital. I want to be available to you in whatever way you may find helpful. You can reach me at any time at either (540) 898-1586, (540) 809-7489, or at either of two email addresses—stpetersrev@gmail.com, or at fredgirl@hotmail.com. Catherine D. Hicks
Adult Education Begins Sept. 12 – “Embracing an Adult Faith”
Join us at 10:00am, beginning Sept 12 for a study based on the works of Marcus J Borg. Borg is Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland, Oregon, having retired from Oregon State University in 2007. He is the author of 19 books and is one of the leading theologians of our time.
The study is a DVD and guide around 5 essential Christian subjects – God, Jesus, Salvation, Practice and Community. In each of the 5 sessions, Borg speaks alone for 10 minutes followed by 12 minutes of thoughtful discussion by Borg and a small group. We plan to devote two Sundays to each session to allow time for ample discussion and reflection on what we have seen. We will also look at an alternative viewpoint through the writings of N. Thomas Wright.
This offering will also be excellent preparation for Dr. Borg’s visit to Fredericksburg in March, 2011 at the beginning of Lent for talks and services to which we are invited.
Please email me at goatcheeta@verizon.net to let me know if you plan to attend or for questions or more information. Thanks, Ben Hicks
Region 1 Initiatives
Retreat at Belmont, August 21, 2010
Catherine, Bill Wick, and Elizabeth Heimbach attended an all day retreat at Belmont for representatives of Region 1. Here are the ideas that were discussed.
- Explore the possibility of reviving Region 1 dinners. Plan these events well ahead of time. Find interesting speakers, such as the Bishop. Look for attractive venues, such as Belmont. Consider variations on the dinners, such as a seafood festival in Colonial Beach. These events would offer the opportunity for fellowship, while also raising the profile of Region 1.
- Increase participation in Region 1 events. Currently, eight to 12 of Region 1’s 19 churches regularly participate in region meetings and events. Raise that number to 16 or 17 at least. Since there is a wide diversity of churches in the region, look for programs and issues of interest to as many churches as possible.
- Involve other regions in our meetings and discussions. The addition of a representative of Region 2 was a real plus to our retreat. Look for other opportunities for such sharing, particularly with Region 14 (the Shenandoah Valley), which, like Region 1, is quite large geographically.
- Review our budget to see if it matches the Bishop’s priorities for ministry and mission. Being aligned with the Diocese’s priorities will make our efforts more effective.
- Stay open to the possibilities for how we can help the Bishop communicate more effectively with those in the Diocese. This will involve knowing more about the Bishop’s approach to deans and regions. It also will require us to better define the role of a Region 1 delegate—as a liaison between the Diocese and the parish.
- Determine if we are properly framing our approach to dealing with local issues in the region in a way that reflects a social conscience. Region 1 has a long history of outreach projects, but do we need to be more systematic in the way we stay on top of key local issues?
- Explore the possibility of adding new Region 1 youth activities. Our region already offers financial support for youth activities. Should we consider reviving a Region 1 youth weekend at Shrine Mont?
- Enhance the Region 1 communications effort. We already have a useful newsletter, the Harbinger, and a Web site. If we answer the questions and use the tools suggested by Emily Cherry during the retreat, can we make our communications more effective? What is the right combination of Web vs. print? Who is our target audience for each communication outlet? Can we bring onboard a Web master with the ability and time to regularly update our Web site? What are the types of information we can provide that are not already being offered by the Diocese and by parishes?
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY OCT. 3
Soon you will be asked to make your pledge in support of your church for the upcoming year, 2011. Perhaps you don’t feel you can give as much as you would like or did for the current year. While each of us must make the decision as to how much we feel comfortable to give, hopefully you will push your comfort level and increase your pledge amount.
As things stand now the church’s expenditures for 2011 are projected to be 30% above this year’s level and so your support is needed.
Will you be ON BOARD as your church moves in to 2011?
A message from your Stewardship Chairman
Call for Historic Pictures
I have been adding some historic pictures to the Web site (http://www.churchsp.org) from the records of the Heritage Center in Fredericksburg. For those not familiar with the fine work of this organization, it is an archive from businesses, churches and individuals in the local area which is searchable online or in the premises in Barton Street, Fredericksburg. The staff is always very helpful.
Besides pictures I have added a 1978 Free Lance-Star article on St. Peters. You can see the history section – http://www.churchsp.org/node/133. See the growing list of articles on the left.
I was wondering what other historic pictures other people have. If you have older pictures of the Church inside or out, cemetery, etc. please let me know at the following email webmaster@churchsp.org. Many of the better inside pictures are taken at weddings, for instance. You can see what I have – http://www.churchsp.org/node/134. I will be glad to scan any of your pictures for you and give your photograph back along with a scan.
Speaking of the cemetery, there is a separate web page on that along with pictures of almost every grave, some history from Ralph Fall and a number of general pictures – http://www.churchsp.org/node/89. No, it is not finished but it’s getting there. Ben Hicks
“Gospel on the Rivah”
Another wonderful chance to relax together and sing the old hymns! Join the crowd at Portobago’s Reynolds Pavilion at 4pm. Talk to Nancy Long for details.
Free Sewing Class at Fall Hall
Have you ever thought of having a custom made 18th century dress/gown, a personally made Halloween costume or maybe even making a garment for someone else (for example Christmas robes for St. Peter’s three kings of the orient)? If you are not sure if that is of interest to you, then you can simply come to the first fact-finding meeting on Thursday, September 9 at Fall Hall at 1:00 p.m. We’ll talk about the process, the time frame, understanding patterns and answer questions that you might have. No materials are needed for this first meeting. I look forward to this being a fun and rewarding experience. If there are any questions, call Eunice Key at 804-633-2165.
Health Matters – Protein
Pick Your Protein Carefully: Your body needs many different proteins for various purposes. It makes them from about 20 ‘building blocks’ called amino acids. Nine of these are essential amino acid, which means you must get them from food. The others are nonessential. This does not mean you do not need them. You just do not have to eat them because your body can produce them.
It is easiest to get protein from meat, chicken, turkey, fish and dairy foods. Cooked meat is about 15 to 40 percent protein. Foods from animal sources provide complete protein, which means they contain all the essential amino acids.
Next to meat, legumes – beans, peas and peanuts – have the most protein. But they are called incomplete proteins because they are lacking some essential amino acids. You can get complete protein if you combine them with plant foods from one of these categories – grains, seeds and nuts, and vegetables. Eat any two or more of these plant foods, with or without beans, and you get complete protein.
Cooking protein foods with moist rather than dry heat, perhaps boiled in a stew rather than fried, or soaking meat in a marinade using wine, lemon juice, or vinegar makes it easier to digest.
Set Healthy Limits: Since protein is so important to your body’s survival, you may think you need to eat a lot of it. Fortunately, your body actually recycles protein from tissues that break down and uses it to make new ones. So you do not need more than 10 to 15 percent of your total calories from protein.
While most high-protein foods contain plenty of vitamin B12 and iron, they are low in other vitamins and minerals. Only a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and grains supplies the other nutrients that keep you healthy. Eunice
Village Dinners –September 1st
Join our lively crew for some Chicken ala King, tossed salad,carrot pennies and rice pudding. Let Susan know if you can come! 742-5233
Mission News from the Dominican Republic
The formal retirement date of Bob and Ellen Snow, our missionaries in the DR, is August 31, 2010 but it is really only semi-retirement because after a couple of months back in the States, they plan to return to the DR where they have made many friends. Bob will spend more time at Epiphany and help in the Diocese, especially with Mission Exploration Trips, the scholarship program and other areas of interest. Ellen will help Karen Carroll with mission teams.
Karen Carroll, from the Diocese of Southwest Florida, will replace Ellen as mission team coordinator for the Diocese. In the past five years she has served as the founding director of the “Hogar,” the diocesan Home for the Elderly in Boca Chica. Ready for a change and a new challenge, Karen will move to Santo Domingo in the new year.
Virginia Norman was recently made Honorary Canon of the Diocese of the DR. She was recognized for her many years of service to the diocese (Diocesan Treasurer, ECW, Daughter of the King, Companion Diocese Committee, Micro-loan Program, etc.).
Virginia was the first Latin American woman to serve on the Pension Fund Board and has also served at national levels for the Executive Council, ECW Board, and UTO.
Luis Garcia, a scholarship student we have supported, continues to study at the Seminary in Santo Domingo. His faith is evident in his emails as he studies and works to serve others. (Luis adopted me as his new grandmother because his own grandmother with whom he lived had died just before Ann Upshaw and I spent a week at Jesus Nazareno School working with youth.)
I share this news with you because these are all friends in Christ that I have met and gotten to know on my 4 visits to the Dominican Republic. Never have I seen more dedicated or more faithful people! The Vestry, the ECW and many of you as individuals have contributed to the student scholarship program that I have worked with. I hope you will keep them in your heart as another school year approaches. Remember $300 gives a child in the DR food for both body and soul. I have seen first hand what a difference the Episcopal Church Schools have made. Checks may be made to the ECW Diocese of Va. and mailed to me. Blessings to each of you, Cookie
HISTORY CORNER-
- 1834 Bishop Moore announced at Diocesan Council in Staunton that a church would be “immediately erected” in Port Royal
- April 26, 1836 a Congregational meeting was held to elect the first Vestry. Members were Robert Hord, John G. Lawrence, Dr. Samuel C. Dickerson, Dr. Charles Urquhart, Robert Gilchrist Robb, Robert Catlett, Augustine Fitzhugh and John Taylor, Jr.
- Hord was elected secretary and wrote in his minutes that “all pews in St. Peter’s would remain free of charge, but some members of delicate health desired pews exclusively for their own use and would be allowed to place an appropriate mark to reserve them.”
- Sunday, May 15, 1836 Bishop Moore consecrated the new church at Port Royal referring to it as “a building which is a great ornament to the town, reflecting the greatest credit upon those by whose munificence it has been erected.” He also mentioned “a very handsome large silver cup which was presented for use on the altar by a benevolent gentleman of the parish.” (Today this cup may be seen on the shelf above the living room door in Fall Hall.)
- Sunday, May 15, 2011 St. Peter’s will have a Celebration of the Consecration with a “Homecoming and Picnic” to praise God for being with us in this place for 175 years.