The Ministry March 2013 - St. Paul`s Episcopal Church

Volume 21, No. 3
March, 2013
Looking ahead to Easter and the Bishop’s Visit
Palm Sunday is March 24th
Over the years the Sunday before Easter has acquired rich devotional meaning. As Palm
Sunday, it recalls the only recorded instance of Jesus’ riding (on a donkey, in the style of
oriental royalty) into Jerusalem before Passover.
Acclaim turns to rejection before the week is out. This is also known as the “Sunday of
the Passion,” when the account of the “Passion” (i.e., suffering) of Jesus is read. The
congregation will gather in the Lucy Walters Memorial Garden where branches of palm
will be blessed and distributed. The Liturgy of the Palms will take place in the garden
and the Liturgy will continue in the church.
March 31st is Easter Day
The day begins in the Lucy Walters Memorial Garden with the Great Vigil of Easter at 6:00 am where we light
and bless the Paschal Candle for 2013/2014. The Deacon, carrying the Paschal Candle, will lead us into the parish
hall where Old Testament stories of deliverance are read and we renew our Baptismal vows.
“Christ is risen!” “The Lord is risen indeed!” The ancient cry of triumph is what the Christian faith is all about. It takes on
an added dimension when we say, as in the Eucharist, “Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.” Past,
present, future—we are to give thanks for the past, to celebrate the present, to anticipate the future with hope. God has
acted in history to give us life. This is cause for rejoicing, and we shall celebrate the resurrection in two services.
A Festive Easter Eucharist will be celebrated at
8:00 am and 10:30 am.
Bishop Scott Benhase will be with us for this Feast Day!
At the 10:30 service, the younger children may bring a
bouquet of flowers to adorn their large cross.
“Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and
opened to us the gates of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day
of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God now and for ever. Amen.”
Words from Fr. Lee Lowery
T
hank you so much for the warm welcome and reception. As you can
imagine, it continues to be a wonderfully busy time for me. As I write this,
I am preparing to meet with the vestry March 15 and 16 for us to get to know
each other better, for me to get to know more about the parish, and to see
how we can meet the present and future needs of the parish.
Of course one of my priorities is to get to know the people of the parish. You can help
by continuing to remind me of your name and wearing name tags when we have them
available. I’m getting a lot of information very quickly, and it
may take me awhile to get to know you as well as I would like—
but getting to know you is important to me.
Looking at the parish records, I find that Easter is very well
attended and Holy Week services are not. You’ve probably
heard this from 18 other rectors, but it is a lot like buying a
great novel and only reading the last chapter. It would
probably mean a lot more if you took the time to read the
whole story. Easter is better if we get the whole story.
St. Francis De Sales once said something like this, “Everyone
should pray a half an hour a day, unless they are busy; and
then they should pray an hour.” It seems counterintuitive in a
world where we feel as if there are not enough hours in the
day or those days are much too long that adding something
will make life better.
Worship helps to put life in perspective, helps us set priorities,
helps us find joy, and gives us time to build up our spiritual reserves.
I look forward to seeing you soon—and often.
Lee
Saturday, March 30th
2705 Michael Rd.
(Home of Fr. Lee & Linda Lowery)
11:00 am - Egg Hunt and Picnic
(Remember your Easter Baskets!)
An old-fashioned picnic will follow the egg hunt. Please
bring a picnic basket with lunch for your family and a
picnic blanket or folding chairs.
Welcome to New Members:
Amy & Chuck Jones, 907 W. Third Ave., Albany 31701 Phone: 432-0170
transferred from St. John/St. Mark’s Episcopal Church;
Mrs. Linda Toole, 500 Pension Rd., # G-8, Albany 31705 Phone: 200-4601
transferred from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Marianne, Fl;
Bradley Brock, 3919 Moultrie Rd., Albany 31705 Phone: 773-9363
transferred from St. John/St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
We encourage you to send the new parishioners a note of welcome or give them a
phone call. Thanks.
Shepherding Our Seniors
Kathleen Cunningham: DWS Senior Off to UGA in June
Deerfield senior Kathleen Varn Cunningham is the daughter
of Catharine Varn Cunningham and Kern Cunningham. She
spent her early years in Covington, Georgia, where she was
confirmed at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd,
which is in the Diocese of Atlanta.
On Wednesdays, Kathleen volunteers as a Girl Talk leader,
meeting with middle school girls to talk about their problems and situations that need to be solved.
For two years Kathleen has worked four afternoons a week
as a nanny for the Herrbolt family, which includes three
Kathleen and her mother,
Catharine, and two brothers,
Pearson, a senior at the University
of Georgia, and Varn, a sophomore
at the university, moved to Albany
when Kathleen was a sophomore
in high school. Moving is tough
any time, but especially during
high school years. Kathleen’s
positive experiences at DeerfieldWindsor School have made the
move from Covington much
easier. She was welcomed right
away, made lots of friends, and has
been happy and successful in her
studies.
Kathleen has strong family ties to
St. Paul’s. Her maternal grandparents, Kitty and Huddy Varn, were
long-time members before they
moved to Cordele. Diane and Hugh Cunningham are Kathleen’s paternal grandparents. Hugh was confirmed in 2012,
and Diane has been an active and talented member of the
choir since the fall of 2002. She was confirmed in May
2004.
High school seniors are super busy, and Kathleen is no
different. She is at school by 8:00 a.m. She takes four AP
classes, Latin, Biology, English Literature, and European
History, plus Calculus.
This year, Kathleen is president of the Latin Club. Her Latin
teacher, Katherine Norton, who attends St. Paul’s and sings
in the choir, said of her student, “Kathleen is a joy to have in
the classroom. She is always very enthusiastic about grasping new ideas and participating in class, as well as the Latin
club. As the president, she has never failed to lead and encourage her peers in several activities, both in school and
out. She is a natural-born leader who will continue to do
great things and accomplish much in her life.” Kathleen
recently designed a t-shirt for the Latin Club members.
Kathleen Cunningham, left, with Honey Hanson
active boys ages eight through 13. On any given day, she
might drive the boys to sports practices, help with homework, cook supper, and hang out with the kids. “A friend
recommended Kathleen to me,” said Kelly Herrbolt.
“Kathleen is a wonderful girl who has become a member
of our family. Our sons love her. She will shoot baskets,
play baseball, and help with their projects. We will really
miss Kathleen next year,” said Mrs. Herrbolt.
When Kathleen has free time, she likes to do things with
her friends. They go to Harvest Moon, Moe’s, or House
of China for dinner; see movies—she recently saw Pitch
Perfect…, which she called “a great movie.” Her music
of choice is by Mumford & Sons, Ingrid Michaelson, and
Florence and the Machine. Another down time activity is
jewelry making.
(Continued on next page)
Saint Brigit: Companion of the Holy Family
In recent issues of “The Ministry,” All Things Episcopal has
focused on Celtic saints, most of them not widely known in
the modern church. The source for these articles is “Holy
Companions, Spiritual Practices, from the Celtic Saints,” by
Earle and Maddox.
God is very near when we are in the company of a true soul
friend. Such relationships transcend both time and place.
From the beginning of her life, Brigit, also known as Bride
or Brigid, and as Ffraid in Wales, was touched by God. She
was born of a king and a slave around the year 452 and is
said to have been raised by a teacher who saw in her a radiant daughter who would shine like the sun among the stars
of heaven.
From an early age, Brigit showed compassion for the poor
and a generous responsiveness to those in need. The fire of
the Holy Spirit appeared to
All Things Episcopal
accompany her wherever she
traveled; numerous stories
tell of a flame of fire that
others would see about her
head. When Brigit went forward to receive the veil of
religious life, the fire of the
Holy Spirit seemed to be with
her. As she knelt to receive
the veil, the bishop said the
words of ordination for a
bishop. When his assistant protested that such a prayer
should not be said over a woman, the bishop replied: “No
power have I in this matter. That dignity has been given by
God unto Brigit, beyond every other woman.”
Brigit took this blessing and founded the great monastery at
Kildare. Here both men and women received her guidance
and leadership as abbess and soul friend. She was recognized in all of Ireland as one aflame with the intensity of
Christ’s love for the poor. Her spiritual discernment was
manifest in seeing even the smallest needs of another’s body
and soul.
Because she was fostered by another family and nurtured as
a Christian, Brigit had a distinctly Irish perspective on
friendship. She honored and lived out the tradition of having an anam cara, or soul friend. Her life was typified by a
profound sense of Christ’s friendship with us, a sense that is
foundational to Christian soul friendship.
In the Irish tradition, the earthly soul friend was always
accompanied by heavenly soul friends. Those holy souls
who had entered the gates of eternity were perceived to be
alive in Christ and readily accessible to those on earth.
One of the more significant traditions about Brigit depicts
her as the midwife and nursemaid at the birth of Christ. To
the Irish, Brigit abides in eternity; this seemingly fanciful
belief reveals a perception that Brigit’s way of caring and
ministering were learned at the manger, amid the oxen and
cattle. She is seen as the companion of the Holy Family, as
Mary’s trusted friend and aid-woman, and as the kind and
faithful nurse to the Christ Child.
(Continued from previous page—Kathleen Cunningham)
Kathleen makes jewelry and accessories out of silver and
gold wire. “It takes forever to make a bracelet,” she said.
“Last year, I made my friends key-rings for Christmas.”
She showed me one she had made in the shape of a cross
with gold wire and turquoise-colored stones.
This summer, Kathleen will join her brothers at the University of Georgia. She will attend Junior College to have the
experience of taking a college course and learning her way
around campus. Her ultimate goal is to attend medical
school.
Kathleen’s shepherd is Honey Bolton Hanson. “Kathleen is
very much like I was at her age,” said Honey. “She works
hard in school, babysits a lot, and is very self-directed. I am
really excited about getting to know Kathleen. Molly Swan
has an incredible ability to put the right seniors and
shepherds together. I think the Shepherding Program is a
wonderful part of St. Paul’s.”
Nealy Stapleton
If you have a pet’s ashes that you
would like to have scattered in
Barney’s Corner, please let the
church office know. Also, send
photos of deceased pets to Dwayne
Summar for adding to the memorials book.
[email protected]
We Said Thank You to Fr. Jim and Mary Bullion . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . and Then Welcome to Fr. Lee and Linda Lowery
Kari Middleton, chair of the
Rector Search Committee,
presents thank-you gifts to
members of the committee.
Fr. Lee Lowery and Linda join the Search Committee.
Senior Warden Billy Mayher introduces Fr. Lee Lowery, St. Paul’s 19th rector.
February & March Memorials
In Memory of
Given by
George (Spec) Dozier
Janet & Hank Goodyear
William Creveling
Laura Smith
Janet C. Woods
Lee & Evie Bettis
Judy Cowart
Dr. & Mrs. John Inman, Jr.
Carol & Greg Fullerton
Peggy Summar
Molly & Bill Swan
Dwayne Summar
Judy Theidel
Cathy & Greg Patterson
Sunny Zeese
Carol & Greg Fullerton
Susan & Gary Kay
In Memory of
Given by
Thomas M Finn, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Lint Eberhardt
Gail & David Watson
Dr. & Mrs. Tim Ward
Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Kelly
Jay & Nancy Ventulett
Evie & Lee Bettis
Dr. & Mrs. John S. Inman, Jr.
• • • • • •
Barney’s Corner Memorials
Memory of “Maggie Dozier” by Dwayne Summar
Memory of “Sweet Pea Purks” by Molly & Bill Swan
Memory of “Lucy Miles” by Molly & Bill Swan
DOWNTOWN HOLY WEEK SERVICES
March 25 - 29, 2013
Hines Memorial CME Church
408 N. Madison St.
(Parking: Enter from Madison Street on your left. Parking is also available across the street from
the Church on Madison and at curbside on Madison. Assistance with street crossing will be
provided. Also, van shuttle service will be available from the parking lot of First United
Methodist Church beginning at 11:15 am and continuing until 12:00 noon Monday through
Thursday.)
Daily Schedule
11:45am—12:15 pm
12:15pm—12:45 pm
12:45pm—1:15 pm
First Lunch
Worship Service
Second Lunch
Fr. Lowery will preach on Wednesday, March 27th
Remember there will be no mid-week healing service on Wednesday,
March 27th due to these services!
The Bulletin Board
•
Happy Birthday
The flower calendar for 2013 is on the bulletin
April 3 Melody Sheffield
April 4 Tina Moye
April 6 Jeanette Hoopes
Barrett McEwen
Ned Newcomb
April 7 Charlie Hawkins
Chris Rodieck
April 10 Edward Newcomb
April 11 Bill Divine
Curt Harrison
April 12 Constance Wehner
April 13 Monica Allen Bell
Caroline Hawkins
Don Shiver
Caden Woodcock
April 15 Scott Jarzen
April 17 Mills Pickett
April 18 Catharine Cunningham
April 19 Mary Thomas Pickett
April 20 Barbara Concilio
April 22 Suzanne Bettis
April 23 Kay Rodgers
April 29 Jeff Hoopes
Gaylon Ramsey
Tiffany Winn
April 30 Kelly Wesselman
board. Please remember that the cost is $86.00. When you
give us your check for altar flowers, please be sure to note
“for altar flowers” and the date for which you are
giving the flowers. Thank you!
Please remember to let us know when someone is in the
hospital.
Our Congratulations to. . . .
Jessica and Tim Morris at the birth of daughter, Sadie
Bea. She was born Thursday, March 14th at Phoebe
and weighed 6 lbs. Miss Sadie decided to make her
appearance in the world about four weeks early, but
Mamma and Baby were both fine. Congratulations to
all!
Our Sympathy to. . . .
Dr. and Mrs. Billy (Jo Anne) Mayher at the death of
her sister, Maureen Peterson.
2013 High School
Seniors
We will honor our high school seniors on Sunday, May 5th at the
10:30 service.
Our list includes:
Frances Bell, Win Bell, Kathleen Cunningham,
Maggie Greene, Nathan Greene, Oliver Hedrick,
Zach Jarzen, Pete Langstaff, Chris Rodieck, Kaitlyn
Yarborough.
Are there others? Please call Judy at the church office
if there are (436-0196). Thanks.
Happy Anniversary
April 1
April 9
April 9
April 11
April 18
April 19
April 24
April 24
April 25
April 30
Mr. and Mrs. Julian Price
Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Knight
Mr. and Mrs. Burt Sorrells
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Theidel
Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hoopes
Dr. and Mrs. William A McPeters
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Durden
Mr. and Mrs. Crisp Gatewood
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Bush
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Racey
Holy Week at Saint Paul’s
The richness of our Anglican tradition is never more evident than during the Holy Week
before Easter, beginning Palm Sunday, March 24th.
We believe that the historical events by which Christ Jesus won our salvation through his
death and resurrection are not merely commemorated or recalled. What has happened in
history happens in mystery. And so we have the “Sacrament of Holy Week,” an opportunity
to immerse ourselves in these sacred events to experience in a more special way the saving
power of our Lord’s “passage” from death to life.
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 24th.
8:00 am—Reading of Passion Narrative and Holy Communion.
The 10:30 am service will begin in the Memorial Garden.
There we each receive palm branches. We hear the Palm Gospel. The palms are blessed, and
then we enter the church in procession just as Christ made his triumphant entry into
Jerusalem. This sort of procession is a real act of witness - involving the whole congregation,
not just the clergy, choir and acolytes - whereby we pledge our loyalty to Christ, enroll
ourselves among his followers, and publicly commit ourselves to follow him along the Via
Dolorosa of his sufferings to the triumph of his resurrection. In the Eucharist, the sacred
Passion Gospel is proclaimed and again we all participate as if we were there. Of course, we
are!
The Downtown Churches’ Celebration of Holy Week, March 25th through
March 29th.
Monday through Friday, the pastors of downtown churches will conduct services at Hines
Memorial CME Church. At 12:15 each day we will worship with hymns, prayers, and
sermon. Lunch will be available both at 11:45 before the service and at 12:45 just afterwards.
We urge you to attend these services throughout the week.
Tuesday evening of Holy Week at St. Paul’s, March 26th
7:00 pm - Service of Reconciliation. This offers us an opportunity to focus on the need for
our repentance - both as individuals and as community - and to experience reconciliation
with God in a special way during this Holy Week. This service, conducted in semi-darkness,
is marked by its spirit of repentant silence. We stop to notice our brokenness and sin as part
of a broken community and thus more fully open ways to God’s mercy and loving-kindness.
Maundy Thursday of Holy Week at St. Paul’s, March 28th
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of man is about to be handed over to the
chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the
gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised up
again.”
(Matthew 20:18-19)
12:15 pm—We gather for the Downtown Service at Hines Memorial CME Church.
7:00 pm—We will celebrate the Maundy Thursday Liturgy with foot washing and Holy
Eucharist. We will end in silence for the “stripping of the altar,”a final preparation for Good
Friday.
Good Friday of Holy Week at St. Paul’s, March 29th
12:15 pm—We gather for the Downtown Service at Hines Memorial CME Church.
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm—Stations of the Cross
7:00 pm—Good Friday Liturgy
Easter Day/Bishop’s Visit, March 31st
Easter Sunday Morning at St. Paul’s
6:00 am—Easter Vigil The Easter Vigil is a nocturnal celebration, beginning in the darkness of
night. This is surely the most important service of our Church year. It is filled with symbolism
designed not to impress us but to involve us. We are at the tomb, very early in the morning.
We hear again the stories of God’s saving deeds in history. The Paschal candle is lit, then our
candles. We celebrate Eucharist. We will celebrate the sacrament of Baptism. “Alleluia. Christ
is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.”
8:00 am—Easter Holy Eucharist
10:30 am—Festal Holy Eucharist
We pray that you will take part in these marvelous and important celebrations of our Lord’s
resurrection, the highlight of our liturgical year. “Christ has died: Christ is risen: Christ will
come again.”
Please note: Childcare will be provided for all services at St. Paul’s
212 N. Jefferson Street * Albany, Georgia 31701
Non-Profit Org. U. S.
Postage Paid
Albany, GA
Permit No. 147
Forwarding Service Requested
The Parish Staff
The Reverend H. Lee Lowery, Rector
The Reverend Jim Purks, Deacon
Marcia Hood, D.M.A., Director of Music
Kenneth Williams, Organist
Schedule of Regular Worship Services
Sunday
Judy Williams, Parish Administrator
Mary Herndon, Financial Secretary
Rite I Eucharist at 8:00 am
Rite II Eucharist at 10:30 am
Velma McClary, Housekeeper
Robert Clay, Sexton
Wednesday
Holy Eucharist & Healing Service at 12:00 noon
Vestry
Terms ending in 2014
Terms ending in 2015
Terms ending in 2016
Dave Davies
John Dixon
Billy Mayher, Sr. Warden
Tripp Morgan
Walter Kelley
Lillian Parkman
Fred Sharpe
Ed Dozier
Tony Blakey
Virginia Gray
Liza Pickett
Dwayne Summar, Jr. Warden