The Net

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
The Net
V O LU M E
1,
I SS U E
5
LENT, 2015
The Season of Lent Is Quickly Approaching
Mission Statement
We strive to
strengthen the faith of
all people as we share
the good news of
Christ’s unconditional
love through prayer,
study, worship
and service —
responding
courageously and
compassionately
to the needs and
hopes of the world
around us.
Inside:
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
2
Bishop Singh’s Visit
3
Bible Series
3
Vestry
4
Ushers & Greeters
4
Living Our Faith As...
5
Social Ministry
6
Photos
7
Vestry Members
8
Reminders
8
We mark the end of the Epiphany season with
“Shrove Tuesday” on February 17, 2015. St.
Peter’s will celebrate at 6:00 p.m. with a
pancake supper, hosted by our capable teens,
that evening. Come join the Mardi Gras fun!
Shrove Tuesday … Mardi Gras … what?
“Shrove” comes from an old English verb “to
shrive,” meaning to hear a confession, to repent of one’s sins.
Shrove Tuesday reminds us that we are entering a penitential
season. “Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday,” and that fits into the
theme of entering a season of penance. As part of preparing for a
time of repentance and fasting, some households would use up all
the fat in the house, so it is appropriate to feast on foods that use fat,
such as pancakes. In other areas, such festive foods include
“fasnachts,” “Paczkis,” and other treats. (A Fasnacht is a jelly-filled
donut from the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, and a paczki is a
similar Polish pastry.) There are many traditions surrounding
festivities before Lent. In general, we feast before we fast.
Lent begins the next day, Ash Wednesday. The word “Lent”
signifies the forty days before Easter; its derivation is from various
archaic words meaning “spring.” We begin Lent by observing Ash
Wednesday, a day on which we remember our mortality with the
imposition of ashes on our foreheads: “remember that you are
dust, and to dust you shall return.” Receiving ashes is a tradition
from at least the tenth century, and in some areas dates back to the
fourth century. On Ash Wednesday we are invited to observe a
holy Lenten time, one of fasting, repentance, and almsgiving.
Blogger Matt Marino gives a good answer to the question “why do
we observe Lent?”
Why?
Contrary to common opinion, Ash Wednesday and Lent are not
about spiritual brownie points, impressing God, nor making
belated New Year’s resolutions – like dropping that last five
pounds by cutting chocolate. It is instead about mindfulness. When
we think about God, well that is a good thing.
(article continued on page 2)
PAGE 2
BELIEVE. BECOME. BELONG.
The Season of Lent Is Quickly Approaching (continued from page 1)
By the way, Christians are penitent during Lent because we are grateful for God’s
provision in his Son, Jesus. We go to church on Ash Wednesday to be marked outwardly
with ashes as we remind ourselves inwardly of our need for the unquenchable, fierce
love of God to enliven us.
There’s more: on Ash Wednesday, we hear words from 2nd Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, in
which Paul entreats us “be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who
knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – A
righteousness not from us: It is “of God.” This passage begins with the completion of a
sentence in which Paul is exhorting the Church to be “Christ’s Ambassadors,” bearers
of the message of reconciliation.
Seriously?
Did the gravity of that sink in? The holy Lord of all creation…the God whom the
Israelites in the wilderness trembled at a distance as he hid his holiness in a terrifying
cloud atop a mountain…the God whose moral perfection and purity was such that
Moses could only see God’s back as he passed by…the God whose ark representing his
presence couldn’t be touched, even in its defense, without the offender being struck
down…THAT holy God makes us to be THAT righteousness in his sight. …Even more,
that same God calls us to the high and holy calling of reconciling other broken humans
to himself.
So the reason Christians are penitent at Lent is that our spiritual life isn’t just a nice
experience for ourselves. We acknowledge a calling far beyond human reason or
human capacity. Our hope is that, by being increased in love and mercy as we pursue
Christ, we would be a help to others in their journey toward the Savior. Lent is an
opportunity for God to call us deeper into himself and his high and holy purpose of
pointing our friends, families, neighbors, and co-workers to the great mercy of the
Triune One.
And so we will go to church on Ash Wednesday to be marked outwardly with ashes as
we remind ourselves inwardly that, “We are dust.” But we are redeemed dust. Grateful
dust. Dust with a purpose. (http://thegospelside.com/)
I invite you to a holy Lent.
In Christ, Catherine+
Happy February Birthday to:
Rita Moufarrege (5), Chris Atwood (8), Charles Creamer (9),
Rachel D’Angio (10), Zoe Sargeant (11), Ajia Alexander (15),
Olivia Crosby (15), Ethyl Steffens (16), Carrie Moufarrege (18),
Audra Bourne (19), Bill Hendrick (22), Shawnna Sparro (28)
Happy February Anniversary to:
Wendell & Hazeldene Hercules (17)
Wayne & Andrea Alexander (20)
BELIEVE. BECOME. BELONG.
PAGE 3
“Boots, Blue Jeans and the Bishop!”
Bishop Prince Singh’s Visitation is
Sunday, March 1, 2015.
He will meet with the Vestry and then
join us for our regular worship service.
Join us in welcoming Bishop Singh to St. Peter’s!
The Bible's Greatest Hits:
the E100 Essential Bible Series
Please plan to join us on Thursday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. for an introduction to our
new, ongoing Bible Study. We'll be using the E100 Essential Bible Study Plan, which
will lead us through 100 of the crucial portions of the Bible. We'll discuss the format,
hand out materials and do a guided reading and discussion of the first selection.
If you've been wanting to read the Bible, but didn't know where (or how) to start, or
even the Bible is an old friend with whom you'd like to have a deeper conversation,
please plan to join us!
Lenten Series: Sinners and Saints
Some of the greatest heroes of the Bible have some of the darkest pasts. Come hear
about the woman who laughed at God, but became the mother of our race; about the
densest disciple of all, who became the founder of the church. We'll explore stories
that show how God can make an earthen vessel shine like gold.
The series will meet at 7:00 p.m. every Thursday during Lent, beginning February
26. Sessions include these sinners and saints: Sarah, Jacob, David, Peter and Paul.
Please plan to join us and bring a friend if you wish.
PAGE 4
BELIEVE. BECOME. BELONG.
From All of Us…
Thank you for participating in St. Peter’s Annual Meeting and Potluck Lunch, held on
January 25th. It was nice to get together and to share in the life of our parish.
We are grateful to our outgoing Vestry: Susan Woodhouse (Sr. Warden), Mary Beth
Parker (Jr. Warden), Hazeldene Hercules, Kathy Warner and Treasurer Al
Baughman. Thanks for sharing your time, your many talents and your incredible gift of
commitment to St. Peter’s.
Welcome to our 2015 Vestry: Dr. Carl D’Angio (Sr. Warden), Tobin Foryt (Jr. Warden),
Andrea Alexander, Harry Cooke, Doug Elsbree, Bill Hallman, Arnie Lewis, Joan
Phillips, Shawnna Sparro, and Vivian Youshaw. Welcome also to Treasurers Pat
Michael and Dick Pascucci and to Jeanne Panek who is returning as Clerk. We are so
glad that you are with us and we just know this is going to be a great year!
Celebrating Life at St. Peter’s!
Story telling, Peace and Full Tummys collection
Ushers and Greeters Update
Wow!!! Where is the time going? Suddenly, I am creating the
schedules for February and March!
Reminder:
Daylight Savings
Time starts on
Sunday, March 8th
The Liturgical Seasons are changing rapidly. In addition to
scheduling Ushers and Greeters for Sundays, we are also serving
on Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
I am pleased to announce that we have Bill and Jeanne Hallman joining us as Ushers
and Greeters. Welcome aboard!
Thinking of getting more involved here on Sundays? We would welcome your help as a
Greeter. Training is provided and scheduling is based on your availability.
Thank you to all of our current Ushers and Greeters. You are a welcoming presence to
all who come to St. Peter’s! Have a beautiful Lenten season.
- Bob Shepherd, Chair
BELIEVE. BECOME. BELONG.
PAGE 5
Living Our Faith As…
Rosary Outreach
My first Anglian Rosary (Circle of Prayer) was given to me by the Rev.
Canon Julie Cicora when she was Rector here at St. Peter's Church. I
was fascinated by it yet ended up giving the rosary away to someone
in need. When I asked Julie how I could obtain another Rosary, she
said that Rev. Dahn Gandell made them for a donation. Because I had
given mine away, Dahn gave me another one.
She also offered to hold a workshop at St. Peter's on how to make the knotted Rosaries.
I was able to create the Rosaries after much practice. I have been making Rosaries
since then except for a time after surgery and a coma when I had to reteach myself.
In creating this outreach, I wanted the Rosaries to benefit others as well. To that end, I
researched them on the Internet and found some background information along with
sample prayers. After I make each Rosary, I place it in a bag along with this
information and then Mother Catherine blesses it.
I have given workshops on making the Rosaries at St. James Church (Canandaigua)
and at Advent and Lenten Series at St. Peter's. I also gave a presentation on the
development and use of the Rosary at a St. Peter's Woman's Retreat.
The Rosaries have also travelled to others. Parishioners have sent them to out-of-state
relatives and friends and I gave Rev. Gandell 30 for an overseas trip. In addition, 20
were given to Rev. Peter D'Angio in Covington, Kentucky. In Rochester, Immanuel
Baptist Church used the Rosaries twice during a Middle School Summer program. A
supply was recently sent to Omaha, Nebraska where they will be used in personal item
bags for women in homeless shelters. The Rosaries are also carried in the Episcopal
Church Home Gift Shop where proceeds go to the Auxiliary.
Here at St. Peter’s, the Rosaries are hanging on the bulletin boards in both the Narthex
as well as in the Parish Hall. Those that wish can make a donation to the Rector’s
Discretionary Fund.
My prayers are that these Rosaries have helped, and will continue to help, spread the
blessing of regular prayer to many Christians.
Humbly,
Judith (Judy) Shepherd
PAGE 6
BELIEVE. BECOME. BELONG.
Memorial
Garden
Commission
Social
Ministries
News for January/February 2015
Habitat for Humanity – Roger Cross House to Start Build this Summer
St. Peter’s is a member of the Harvest Home Coalition of churches (formerly called the
Southwest Coalition) which has been building Habitat houses roughly one every three
years. As things stand now, we’re hoping to have enough financial resources to begin
construction of the Roger Cross House sometime this summer in Rochester’s JOSANA
Neighborhood. The house is named in honor of Roger Cross, the late founder of the
Flower City Habitat Chapter.
The Flower City Habitat for Humanity Chapter was founded in 1984. With the support
and generosity of donors in our area, Flower City has accomplished many things that
benefit our community, including:
 Moved 210 families into decent, affordable homes;
 Removed 458 children from lead-based paint and other environmental hazards;
 Given children an increased chance of graduating from high school (98% of Habitat
children graduate from high school or earn their GED);
 Provided 61 Quality of Life scholarship awards;
 Impacted 3,000 residents through Neighborhood Revitalization projects like
Josana’s Gateway Gardens;
 Added over $7 million dollars back into our city tax rolls.
Home ownership for low income families is a “hand-up”, not a “hand-out” program.
To be eligible, recipients must put in many hours of sweat equity into Habitat Projects,
attend financial literacy classes, home maintenance classes, and participate in other
community service projects. Your gift then multiplies, as families pay their non-profit
mortgage which is then used to fund construction of additional houses.
Keep posted as we progress through 2015 for opportunities to volunteer and to give
financial support for this project.
Full Tummys Received Generous Donations of Food Items for RHAFT
Thank God and you all for the blessings of 135 Full Tummys collection items in January
and 268 in February. Our next collection/offering will be Sunday March 1st.
- Thank you from The Full Tummys Ministry Team
Next Social Ministries’ Meeting Date:
The date and time of our first Social Ministries meeting for 2015 will be announced
soon. Our meetings are open to all who have an interest in our work, or who would
like to join our commission.
- Britt Hopkin, Chair
BELIEVE. BECOME. BELONG.
Stewardship Prayer
My church is composed of people like me.
I help make it what it is. It will be friendly,
if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help
fill them. It will do great work, if I work.
It will make generous gifts to many causes,
if I am a generous giver.
It will bring other people into its worship
and fellowship, if I bring them.
It will be a church of loyalty and love,
of fearlessness and faith, a church
with a noble spirit, If I, who make it
what it is, am filled with these same things.
Therefore, with the help of God,
I shall dedicate myself to the task
of being all the things
that I want my church to be. Amen.
(Photos taken by Allison Bourne and posted on our Facebook page.)
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
BELIEVE. BECOME. BELONG.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
3825 E. Henrietta Rd.
Henrietta NY 14467
www.stpetershenrietta.org
585-334-1110
The Rt. Rev. Prince Singh, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester
The Rev. Catherine Tatem, Rector
Vestry
Dr. Carl D’Angio, Sr. Warden
Tobin Foryt, Jr. Warden
Andrea Alexander
Harry Cooke
Doug Elsbree
Bill Hallman
Arnie Lewis
Joan Phillips
Shawnna Sparro
Vivian Youshaw
Pat Michael, Treasurer
Dick Pascucci, Treasurer
Jeanne Panek, Clerk
Get Involved!
Looking for ways to meet new people, share in the life of St. Peter’s Church,
and have a ball at the same time? Help out in the Church Office!
Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks and your time would be so appreciated!
Contact Mother Catherine for details.
Reminders:
Our Community Coffee Break meets on the first Wednesday of each month from
9am - 11am. Meet new people; enjoy some treats!
We have scheduled CPR/AED training on Saturday, February 21st from 9:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m. at Henrietta Ambulance. The course is open to those who want to
renew their certification as well as to others who may want to attend. Sign-up sheets
are on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall or you can contact Arnie Lewis (334-6059)
for details.