Dove Winter 2014 2015 WEB - Holy Comforter Episcopal Church

Nonprofit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Tallahassee
Florida
PERMIT NO. 17
Holy Comforter Episcopal Church
2015 Fleischmann Road,
Tallahassee, FL 32308-4593
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Winter 2014-2015
TIME CHANGE
The Season of Giving Thanks
The holiday season will soon be upon us. It begins formally with Thanksgiving
Day and, for most people, will conclude with New Years day (for Christians it is
supposed to continue through Epiphany). For people of faith and for secular
people we tend to think of this as a season for being grateful and giving thanks.
Our secular brothers and sisters might be thankful to family and friends for the
joy they bring into their lives. People of faith are grateful to God for all of His
blessings.
The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11
I can’t help but reflect upon the fact that a big part of thanksgiving is “giving.”
When we are truly grateful, we find within ourselves the need to express that gratitude by giving something of ourselves to the
object of our gratitude. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. For Christians it is supposed to be a way of life!
In our Stewardship Campaign this year we have chosen to focus on the old response from our liturgy: “All things come of thee, O’ Lord
and of thine own have we given the.” This prayer, first uttered by King David when supporting the building of the new temple in Jerusalem, was his way of demonstrating a belief that his gratitude for the blessings God had given him had to be expressed by giving. In
our liturgy we used to pray these words as our collection, our collective act of thanks-giving was placed upon the altar.
Be sure to “fall back” 1 hour
Saturday night, Nov. 1st,
before you go to bed.
Our response to the stewardship campaign is our way of expressing our thanks-giving. What we return to the Lord is our way of
showing the depth of our gratitude. Our Thanksgiving Day feasts tend to be grand affairs demonstrating the bounty that we have
shared in. Our sharing in stewardship should also be a grand affair, done not in fear or in scarcity, but in joy and generosity.
WELCOME TO HOLY COMFORTER!
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
OFFICE HOURS
Holy Eucharist Rite I, 8:00 am
Adult Sunday School, 9:15 am
PRK—5th grade, 10:30 am
Holy Eucharist Rite II, 10:30 am
Child Care, 9:15 &10:30 am
Monday—Thursday
9:00 am—3:00 pm
WEDNESDAYS
Winter 2014
Our Mission
Living Our Faith by
Serving God and Others
Email: [email protected]
Website: holycomforteronline.org
Phone: 850-877-2712
Bible Study—Mtr. Teri, 10:00 am
Quiet Prayer Time, 4-5:15 pm
Eucharist & Healing, 5:30 pm
Dinner, 6:00 pm
HYC, 6:00-8:00
Bible Study—Fr. Ted, 6:45 pm
Chancel Choir Practice, 7:00 pm
BUCK BREAKFAST
Every first and third Sundays
Between services
Friday
9:00 am—12:00 noon
TAIZE PRAYER
SERVICE
As we prepare our hearts and homes for the season of giving thanks, let us also prepare our spirits. God, the giver of all good gifts,
has blessed us with all that we are, all that we have and all that we will ever be. Our return to the Lord makes possible every ministry that takes place at Holy Comforter. We ask everyone to return their stewardship pledge to the Church on or before November
9th. My prayer is that our ingathering this year will be a truly remarkable event. I know that we will be able to continue to do great
things because I know the generosity of the people who call Holy Comforter home. I also know that we all share in the common
belief that all things come of thee, O’ Lord and of thine own have we given thee.
~ Fr. Ted Confirmation ~ Sunday, Nov. 2
Join us for our
BISHOP’S VISIT
The Rt. Rev. Samuel
Johnson Howard
Blessings for Confirmation
Lisa C. Allen
Ryan Rumana
Joshua E. H. Tudor
Anneliese Williams
First Sundays, 7:00 pm
PRAISE
COMMUNION
Sunday, Nov. 2, 10:30 a.m.
Including Confirmation
Third Sundays, 5:30 pm
Featuring Ignite! Praise Band
Loose Plate Offering to go to
Bishop’s Discretionary Fund
HEALING SERVICE
Buck Breakfast 9:15 a.m.
Third Mondays, 7:00 pm
(No 8:00 service so we can all be together
for the Bishop’s visit)
Blessings for Reception
Elizabeth Jane Oliver
The
Vicar’s
Corner
Mtr. Teri
In the Life of Our Church
Today's Teenager
How would you define a teenager today? For those of us who are fully grown adults, the
word 'teenager' can connote words such as 'unpredictable', 'frustrating', 'experimenters',
and so on. But, teenagers are young adults trying to forge their way in a complicated but
very exciting world. To be a teenager in today's society is no small feat and, for some, it
can either empower or destroy.
I have the privelege of working with teens on a weekly basis and I find it one of the most
fascinating and joyful times in my ministry. The teens of today are very interested in social justice and the needs of the less fortunate. Our teens are open to new ideas and want to understand a particular concept by looking at all the the angles instead of just
what a particular social group has determined. We are raising young adults who are concerned about our natural resources as well as
the plight of the poor and want to reach out and become a part of creating a world where all can live in safety and in peace.
With that said, I feel strongly that our teens should be encouraged to be a part of outreach ministry. If we consider the whole picture, we are training them to take care of one another as grown adults and make the world we live in a place where all people are
considered equal and significant. Christian witnessing is an integral part of overall growth and maturity and a vital aspect of spiritual
growth.
St. Augustine Plantation has invited us to minister to their residents once a month on the first Monday at 4pm. I encourage all parents to strongly consider having your teen serve.
Join us for a dinner each week,
Wednesday nights, 6:00 p.m. with our
amazing cook, Ernie Roaza! Cost is
only $5/person, maximum $15/
family.
Bible Studies
Bible Studies are held each Wed. Mtr.
Teri’s class is studying the Gospel of
Matthew from 10:00 a.m. through
Dec. Fr. Ted’s class will be studying
Galatians and James from 6:45-9:00
p.m. through Nov. In Dec., Fr. Ted
will lead a class to answer questions,
called “Down the Rabbit Hole.”
Grace Mission is a ministry that we have been serving at for several months now. We prep and serve dinner to about 150 homeless
every 4th Tuesday at 5pm. Please contact me with the month that your child can serve.
As Christians, we are called to reach out to those on the fringes of society and serve them. This is exactly what Jesus did when he
walked this earth and He calls us to do the same. Many of our teens are waiting for the opportunity! As parents and ministers, let's
make this a reality!
~ Mtr .Teri ~
Grace Mission Update
Looking for a place to do some volunteer work? Grace Mission might just be the place for you! Volunteers are regularly needed
to help in the office, sort donated clothes and toiletries, serve meals and help with the children’s program. Special holiday volunteers
are needed to help with the annual Children’s Family Christmas at St. John’s on December 16th and the Christmas Dinner at
Grace on December 23rd. A coordinator is needed for the Christmas Dinner at Grace. This person will be responsible for coordinating the volunteers for the event, as they decorate and set-up for the dinner, serve the meal, help with the clothing giveaway and
clean-up. If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please call Grace Mission at 224-3817 or contact Nancye Rubin.
Later in November, the Angels for Grace will once again be available on the Christmas tree in the Narthex. Each Angel will either identify a particular gift item for one of the 34 children that attend the after school and Christian Education Program or name an
item to be given to Grace for general operation. All donated items will need to be collected by December 8th.
Don’t forget Grace Mission as you are cleaning out your closets. As the weather is beginning to turn cold, they are in need of
sweaters, coats, sweatshirts and blankets. As always, adult socks, under ware and large and extra-large white t-shirts, are also needed.
Finally, at the Annual Grace Gala in September, the Bishop presented Pastor Amanda with a check to pay off the mortgage for the Grace Mission building. This blessing will further Grace Mission’s ministries to the “least of these”.
The Men's Prayer Breakfast
The Men's Prayer Breakfast that meets at Tally's Grill on the 4th Wednesday of each month is being suspended. This was discussed
with Fr. Canon Ted Monica and a few others who supported this action. Since we usually don't meet in November and December due to conflicts with the busy family holidays, we feel it is best to have October be the last meeting. No meetings are planned
after the October 2014. We hope those who have participated over the years enjoyed the time, prayers, group sharing. Maybe in
the future a new group may emerge.
Many thanks and God bless. Bill Reineking.
Year to Date Financials
Wednesday Night Dinners
Teri’s Tea
Tea time is a delightful way to connect the old-fashioned way! Come
and join us on the first Tuesday of
each month from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in
the Parish Hall for fellowship and tea!
2014 VESTRY
Call any Vestry Member for
emergencies when the office is closed
The Rev. Canon Ted J. Monica
[email protected]
The Rev. Teri Monica
[email protected]
Wayne Makin, Senior Warden
[email protected]
Mary Nielsen, Junior Warden
[email protected]
Gail Faughn
Joe McCann
Brandy Luce
Mary Nielsen
Granger Russell
Hollie Maddox, Treasurer
Carolyn DiSalvo, Clerk
January 1 - September 30
4th Sunday Potlucks
Mark your calendars to join us for
great food, fun, and fellowship!
Jan. 25, Feb. 22, Mar. 22
(No 4th Sun. potlucks in Nov. & Dec.)
Pledged Giving per Budget:
Actual Pledged Giving:
Total Income per Budget:
Actual Total Income:
Total Expenses per Budget:
Actual Total Expenses:
Net Income per Budget:
Actual Net Income:
$274,020
$260,487
$314,443
$301,628
$316,694
$321,446
$-2,251
$-19,818
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew
meets on fourth Tuesdays @ 6:00pm
in the Mercy Lounge. All men interested in being a part of the Brotherhood and deepening their faith
through, prayer, study, and service are
invited. Mark your calendars for
Nov. 25 and Dec. 23.
Thanks. Ed Babcock
Stephen’s Ministries
Stephen's Ministers meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm
in the church office work room. The
dates for upcoming months include::
• November 13
• December 11
• January 8
STAFF
Rector: The Rev. Canon Ted J. Monica
Vicar: The Rev. Teri Monica
Intern: Joe Bakker
Office Manager: Betsy Lynn Goehrig
Office Assistant: Jeannie Pierce
Finance Manager: Gina Resavage
Sunday Morning & Wedding
Coordinator: Bonnie McHugh
Child Care Staff:
Arlene Porta, Adele Porta
Organist/Chancel Music:
Olivia Ahyoung
Contemporary Music: Betsy Gray
Sexton: Lindy Ritch
Assistant Youth Ministers:
Emily Hadden, Adam Pryor
The Dove is a quarterly publication distributed to parishioners and school families for the purpose of
INSPIRATION, for spiritual growth and encouragement;
INVITATION, for opportunities to participate and serve;
INFORMATION, from parish, leadership, and clergy.
Betsy Lynn Goehrig, Editor
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Lectionary Readings
Year A (Until Nov. 30) — Year B (Beginning Nov. 30)
November
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1
Nancy MacDonell
1
Jesse Wright
2
William D. Salmon
3
Julianne Chester
6
Sarah Brunger
6
Elane Porta
6
Merline Power
6
Ben Sturges-Watts
8
Wayne Kiger
9
Carolyn DiSalvo
9
Devin Weinrich
10
Nancye Rubin
13
Diane LoCastro
15
Scott Smiley
16
Nicki Smith
20
Thomas Mitas
20
Maria Pitner
22
Andy Granger
23
Anne Wells
25
Chris Antworth
25
Kathy DuBose
25
Dave Wengert
26
Cay Schleich
27
Andrew Williams
28
Paula Kiger
28
Mike Lynch
28
Rob Smith
29
Hollie Maddox
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
9
Cynthia & Chris Jester
21
Rhaena & Shawn Coughlin
21
Susan & Robert Parmalee
24
Patsy & Lewis Killian
25
Jeannie & Tom Pierce
25
Elaine & Glen Yaege
30
Lynda & Wayne Makin
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1
Alice Bejnar
1
Ralph Mancuso
2
Alexis Huntley
4
Kay Carraway
6
Casey Howard
8
Tor Bejnar
9
Eunice Filar
11
Debra Porta
13
Pamela Lovell
14
Terry Lewis
15
Sarah Skelton
16
Patricia Brough
16
Brandon Smiley
16
Abigail Weinrich
17
Andrew Bevan-Thomas
17
Sandra Cartwright
17
Tim Wolff
19
Emma Finnegan
20
Deirdre Stafford
21
Wes Haber
22
Tom Harrison
22
Jack McHugh
22
Joe Travis
24
Barbara Denis
24
Mary Anne Smiley
24
Dorothea Syleos
27
Charles Futch
27
Judi Kendrick
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
3
Claire & Guiseppe Balbo
7
Anne & Gregory Parker
17
Samantha & Tom Harrison
20
Sue & Ralph Mancuso
31
Sarah & David Skelton
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
1
Janis Sell
2
Shirley Aaron
2
Joseph S. McCann
3
Janice Dann
3
Jay Kessinger
4
Jim Spear
4
Mary Perry Sturges
7
Tucker Riordan
8
Fred Kinch
11
Paisley Wolff
12
Charles Rosenberg
14
Betty Coxe
14
Kasi Salmon
17
Paul Bevan-Thomas
17
Mary Schwantes
20
Jennifer Kessinger
23
Sheila Griffin
23
Jonathan Parmalee
24
Charlie Osborn
25
Rachel Rumana
25
Emily Williams
26
Betty McAvoy
26
Phoebe Roach
29
Samantha Kopple
30
Logan Harrison
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES
7
Mara & Chris Rumana
19
Corinne & Jason Johnston
Special Services
THANKGIVING
Thur., Nov. 27
10:30 a.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Wed., Dec. 24
7:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
CHRISTMAS DAY
Wed., Dec. 25
10:30 a.m.
EPIPHANY
Tue., Jan. 6
7:00 p.m.
November 2
Twenty-first Sunday after
Pentecost—Proper 26
Micah 3:5-12
Psalm 43
I Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:1-12
November 9
Twenty-second Sunday after
Pentecost—Proper 27
Amos 5:18-24
Psalm 70
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Mathew 25:1-13
November 16
Twenty-third Sunday after
Pentecost—Proper 28
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 90:1-8, 12
I Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
November 23
Last Sunday after Pentecost
Christ the King—Proper 29
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 95:1-7a
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46
November 30
First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
I Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
January
December
January 4
Second Sunday after Christmas
All Years
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm 84:1-8
Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-19a
Luke 2:41-52
December 7
Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
II Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
December 14
Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
I Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
January 11
First Sunday after the Epiphany
Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11
December 21
Fourth Sunday of Advent
II Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Canticle 15
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
December 28
First Sunday after Christmas Day
All Years
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 147:13-21
Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
John 1:1-18
November 27
Thanksgiving Day
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Psalm 65
II Corinthians 9:6-15
Luke 17:11-19
January 18
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
I Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17
I Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51
January 25
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 62:6-14
I Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20
December 24/25
Christmas Eve/Day
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14(15-20)
January 6
Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7,10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Service of
Healing & Remembrance
Monday, Dec. 22, 7:00 p.m.
PARISHIONER FEATURE: JASON & CORINNE JOHNSTON
Upcoming Events at Holy Comforter Episcopal School:
November 1 – Run for Lawson
November 11 – Closed for Veteran’s Day
November 14 – Low Country Boil – Parents’ Night Out
November 19 – The Brown Bag Lunch Series - “Protecting yourself
in an Online World”
November 25 – Grandpeople’s Day
November 26- 28 – School Closed for Thanksgiving Holidays
December 12 – First grade nativity chapel
December 19 – Lower School Christmas programs
December 22- Jan. 5 – School closed for Christmas Break
By Jeannie Pierce
The Winter edition of the DOVE highlights Jason and Corinne Johnston, a friendly couple who
married at Holy Comforter, and who have become very active in the church family. Jason and
Corinne are both Tallahassee natives. Corinne’s parents still live here and her mother Nancye Rubin, a retired teacher, attends Holy Comforter. Her father is a counselor at FSU. Corinne has a
younger brother, Eric, who lives in Birmingham with his wife and son.
Jason’s family lived in Tallahassee until he was 13 when his family built a house in Wakulla. His
parents are high school sweethearts; his father is a Viet Nam War veteran. After his dad was honorably discharged from the Army, his parents moved to Tallahassee, where Jason was born. Jason
shares, “I was the longest newborn on record at TMH the day I was born.” He has a younger sister,
Chelsea. Jason’s family attended Faith Baptist Church and his mom taught at the church’s day care.
Please check the school’s website for dates and times for upcoming
athletic competitions for our Crusaders! www.holy-comforter.org
After high school, Corinne attended FSU. She graduated with a degree in political science with a minor in communications. Jason
attended TCC and FSU and obtained two Bachelor degrees, one in Entrepreneurship and one in Managing Information Systems.
Corinne says, “After college I worked in politics three years, then took a job with the American Cancer Society organizing Relay for
Life events. Two years later, I was asked to work in the Senate and ended up spending 7 years there as a legislative analyst. Last year,
I was ready to leave politics and obtained my real estate license, joining Keller Williams Realty. I love it!”
Jason shares, “While attending college I was making sandwiches at Hobbit Hoagies and filing scholarships for the Florida Activities
Association when I got a contract with Children’s Medical Society upgrading and repairing computers. Before I realized it I started
my own business. I now work on everything from residential computers to large business computer networks of 1000 pc. I work for
private businesses, non-profits, and state and federal organizations.”
When asked what brought them to Holy Comforter, Corinne responded, “My mom, brother and I went to Holy Comforter when I
was growing up. Somewhere in college I quit going. Four or five years ago I found myself really missing church. Mom and I started
church-shopping but when we came to Holy Comforter, we knew we found our church home.”
Jason candidly says, “A hot Christian woman brought me to Holy Comforter (Corinne). Part of what I liked about Corinne when we
dated was that she had a deep faith in God and I quickly came to realize she had a wonderful church where she regularly worshipped.
After going to services with her a few times, I knew I also had found a church home.”
Corinne and Jason have been very active at Grace Mission. Corinne says, “Until I attended a service at Grace, I had been blissfully
unaware that such poverty existed in my town. I knew I had to be a part of this organization.” She served on the board for three
years, and still volunteers by serving breakfast there every Wednesday morning. She is known as the “Grit Queen”.
In addition to helping at Grace Mission, Jason has also helped with a Habitat build, and has restarted the Adult Bible Study on Sunday mornings. He works with the youth group. (He says if you know him, that just makes sense.) He also has begun singing in the
Chancel choir.
Their dreams for the future include the continued flourishing of their real estate and IT businesses. Corinne says, “After 39 years, I
hope Jason and I will be as happy in our marriage as my parents are in theirs. Above all else, my hopes are focused on the little baby
boy growing inside of me right now. My biggest hope is for a healthy baby to bring up in the church and teach to love Jesus.”
What are their favorite prayers or scripture? For Corinne it was easy to choose something she includes in her daily prayers. She says,
“There is a sentence in the final prayer each Sunday that I love. “Grant me Strength and Courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.” It perfectly sums up what I need from God every day.”
Jason chose Psalm 119:105. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”. Jason says, “It reminds me God does not illuminate
the whole of entirety, but He does show me the next step and it will always be on the correct path.”
Holy Comforter is fortunate to have such a vibrant and fun-loving couple serving the church. Thank you, Corinne and Jason, for
sharing your faithful, energetic and loving talents!
Tour of the British Isles
Fr. Ted and Mtr. Teri will be leading a 9-day tour of the British Isles beginning June 15, 2015. The tour begins in London, England and ends in Edinburgh, Scotland. We will visit such sights as Buckingham Palace,
Stonehenge, Canterbury, Norwich, York, Hadrian's Wall, and many other sites. The cost for the tour is determined by the number of pilgrims. $4,548 for 15+ passengers, $4,198 for 20+ passengers or $3,998 for
30+. The journey features: round-trip air from Tallahassee; hotels, land transportation; professional guides;
breakfast and dinner daily; entrance fees to all sites. Brochures are available in the narthex.
Chancel
Choir
News
On Sunday November 2 at 10.30 am, members of the
Contemporary Choir will join the Chancel Choir to sing
and play uplifting music as the church welcomes the
Bishop who will be administering the sacrament of Confirmation during the service.
♦ On Sunday November 16, music at the 10.30 am service will highlight the organ as a solo instrument and in
an accompanying role with other instruments to perform
works by Craig Courtney.
♦ This year’s Advent Lessons and Carols will depart
from the traditional evening celebration. It will take place
during the 10.30 am Eucharist service on Sunday December 7, the second Sunday of Advent.
♦ On Christmas Eve night, the Chancel Choir will lead a
Carol Sing beginning at 10.30 pm, followed by the
Christmas Eucharist celebration at 11 pm.
♦
Book
Club
The Holy Comforter Book Club will meet on Sunday,
November 9, at 5:00 p.m. in the lounge. The book
chosen for November is The Invention of Wings, by Sue
Monk Kidd. It is based on the true story of nineteenth-century abolitionist Sarah Grimske and her
relationship with Handful, a slave in the Grimske
household. We will skip December and meet again on
Sunday, January 11, 2015, at 5:00 p.m., in the
lounge. For January we chose Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver, a novel that explores the effect of
global warming on the migration habits of butterflies. For more information contact Nancy Mazek at
[email protected]
Why do you come to church?
From the Evangelism Commission
Everyone is busy — Always too much to do! And people say that the weekend is the only time they have to “catch up.” Yet
some people are at Church almost every Sunday, so we asked a few friends “what are the reasons why you DO come to
Church?” The replies have been uplifting, inspiring … (some are included below.) So we are sending out this request to everyone: Would you please reflect on this question, and send us one or two reasons why you _do_ come to Church so regularly? Please
send an email to the Church Office or drop it in the alms basin on Sunday. Thank you so much.
Some responses so far, from different people:
♦ I go to church to be encouraged, inspired, and lifted up by my church family, who show their love as no other family, and then try
to do the same for them in their life journey.
♦ I come to church each week because I have found it to be true that on those Sundays that I really want to sleep in, but I force myself to "get up and go", well, those are usually the Sundays that I come away from church with some amazing insight or experience. In other words, the less I feel like going, the more I need to be there!
♦ Is there anything more beautiful than the prayers in the Prayer Book? “Most merciful God…that we may delight in your will
…" Holy Comforter is my family: the family nurtures, helps, and celebrates with one another.
♦ Sometimes, in the middle of the Communion Service, an awareness of the Presence of the Holy Spirit is so powerful that I feel
tears of joy running down my cheeks.