All Saints’ Episcopal Church Reisterstown Parish
February 2011
The Bell Tower A Letter from Father David “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. “(Jeremiah 29:11‐13) Dear All Saints’ family,
Volume 11,Number 2
Vision Statement: All Saints’ strives to be a place where people come to know Jesus Christ, are transformed to His glory, and become witnesses to God’s unchangeable word.
I want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s annual meeting that was held on Sunday, January 23rd. Our officers and vestry worked very hard to prepare for the meet‐ ing to try to make it both pleasurable and meaningful. We listened to your suggestions concerning the budget and labored to cut spending in every area possible while supporting the ministries that are so important to our common mission. Balancing the 2011 budget is contingent on increasing our giving by at least 3%, having good fortune with maintenance and repairs, and having our diocesan pledge reduced through the appeals process. Please pray that God will allow us to move forward without the financial anxiety that has hindered us in the past. I said in my rector’s report that God is present and purposeful in every aspect of the lives of His people. I truly believe that our past struggles have both taught us some important les‐ sons and have strengthened our faith and reliance on God alone. God wants us to have hope, to prosper, and to be intimately involved with Him in ministry. I love the promise we have from the prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise is for all who call upon God, come and pray to Him, and to those who seek Him with all their heart. Let us do just that, together.
Inside this issue:
Ministry Updates
2
Stewardship Corner
3
Article
4
Congratulations
4
Calendar of Events
5
At the annual meeting I set forth four goals that I feel the Lord has for us before I retire from parish ministry. First, that everything we do for Christ has meaning and significance and fulfils at least one of the criteria in our vision statement. We should always value spiri‐ tual significance above all else. Second I pray that we experience God’s healing power to restore any and all disappointments, hurt feelings , or missed expectations between my‐ self and the congregation as well as any brokenness among our members. Third, I pray that we can articulate our core values and core purpose in order to better communicate what our priorities will be for the rector who follows me. Finally that we become finan‐ cially stable for the future. These goals are articulated in more detail in the annual report which will be available electronically or in paper form very soon. God promises hope and a prosperous future. May we seek Him together as we watch His grace and mercy unfold before us. Faithfully,
Closing
6
Fr. David
Newsletter Title Volume 11,Number 2
Page 2 ‘Ministry
Updates– Prayer Shawl, Haiti Funds and God’s Older Children
PRAYER SHAWL Here is a lovely note of encouragement that was received by the prayer shawl ministry. “On behalf of my mother who recently died at Sea‐ sons In‐Patient Hospice Unit, let me say thank you. My mother loved pretty things and the day she got to choose a prayer shawl was the last and yet happy time she got to choose something pretty. I am a knitter and she chose a soft knitted teal blue lap robe that was perfect. I know the time and love that goes into your work. Please know that you made a difference for her and for me and my sisters. Please continue this ministry and be assured each knitted item impacts those in need in all sorts of ways. Thank you from our hearts to yours. All the best”
GOD’S OLDER CHILDREN STAY OUT OF THE HOSPITAL The bad news? A recent survey found that one in five Medicare patients had to return to the hospital within a month of being released. The good news? That sec‐ ond trip can often be avoided. The Agency for Health‐ care Research and Quality says that one of the most important things that a patient can do to avoid return‐ ing to the hospital is to prepare themselves for dis‐ charge. So before you agree to that final wheelchair ride out the front door, be sure to: • Discuss your long‐term diagnosis with your doctor. • Make sure you understand how to take any medi‐ cations you’ve been given‐and how they may af‐ fect any other medicines you’re already taking. • Schedule any follow‐up doctor visits that are needed • Find out what steps to take if a problem comes up. • Repeat all the instructions back to your doctors to make sure you understand them correctly.
HAITI FUND UPDATE Sometimes I feel like our trip to Haiti was more like a dream. As I look at pictures, I often think that I look so out of place among the other faces in them‐ the faces of the children. Jim from STEM said that the easiest and most efficient way to get the extra money to Haiti would be to wire the money directly to Pastor Guillomettre. Jim has said that there is still so much need down there, especially as they rebuild old churches and construct new ones. So the money was wired and Alison sent me this email. Here is an excerpt from Pastor Guillomettre. Enjoy! I hope it makes you smile. God is amazing! Really, I would never have guessed He would bless this trip like He did. Blessings, Katie P.S. Also, please continue praying for me and this job opportunity in Ecuador. I just got the reference let‐ ters I needed and will be sending them off shortly. They keep emailing me, so I guess that means they are interested. I know I am! I will let you know how it progresses. —————————————————————————— Subject: Funds wired to Haiti Katie – Here’s an extract from an email from Pastor Guillomettre about the funds that have now arrived in Haiti. Please share my thanks to the Episcopal church for me on behalf of the Haitians. May God bless you, Million Thanks Guillomettre We appreciate our partnership with your church! We hope you will consider sending more teams with STEM, whether to Haiti or any of our other destinations.
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Stewardship Corner Over the past year the Vestry has heard from you on several points which appear to be roadblocks to tithing. I want to answer these concerns, as I did at the Annual Meeting, in this column. First the Diocesan Allocation – We must pay it. If we don’t they can fire the Rector and Vestry and take over the property. There are many benefits to belonging to the Epis‐ copal church/diocese. They arrange for a very good pension for the Rector; we are able to get good group insurance rates for property and health; counseling is available on many levels; 11% of the Diocesan budget goes to outreach; and perhaps more impor‐ tantly we can remain a light of Orthodoxy to the rest of the parishes. In the words of retiring Bishop Rabb, “Continue doing what you are doing.” Second the investment portfolio – It was conceived as an endowment anticipating a 5% withdrawal toward general and administrative expenses. More recently we have used these funds to balance the budget. The finance committee is recommending two accounts. One as an endowment (restricted funds), and two a rainy day fund for emer‐ gencies. Third is 201 Chatsworth Ave – After the Tutons’ moved to New Mexico the house stood empty for some time. This was not good and invited vandalism. When the Jona‐ than Stenner family was coming east they needed a place to stay for several months. We were glad to have the house occupied. Jonathan’s job in North Carolina fell through and continuous attempts to find employment were unsuccessful. During this period Jonathan did some repairs to both 201 and the church. Recently, he found a good job at the University of Baltimore. He and Tirzah are looking for a new residence, and they expect to move by this summer. We thank them for the improvements they did and wish them Godspeed. Hopefully the resolutions of these concerns will move those who had them to return to tithing or at least their best attempt at tithing. In His Service and Your Service, Erik Ewertz
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will.” ‐Romans 12:2
The Bell Tower
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THE SOURCE OF SELF‐WORTH excerpts from Thriving Family article by Alex McFarland
Volume 11,Number 2
How do we help teens arrive at a God‐honoring balanced sense of self? “The kids we’ve seen flourish are the ones who accurately understand who they are in Christ,”…. ”They must draw their identity from Jesus. Parents should try and steer their kids away from allowing peer pressure, social posturing or media to sour their perspective.” Christian teens have clear and tangible reasons to feel OK about who they are. Their self‐worth should be grounded on, and bolstered by, the following realities: •
They are made in God’s image.
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Jesus personally cares about them.
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They’re worthy of unconditional love in your home.
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They can find a haven of acceptance among other believers.
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God has a plan for their life.
Our teens’ self‐esteem must come from their knowledge of who Jesus is and from the assurance of His love and care. Parents have the privilege of emphasizing these truths as they model acceptance, forgiveness and love. These truths provide lasting purpose and clear direction even to those traversing the heady and often challenging years of adolescence.
NOTE FROM PARISH OFFICE: If your birthday or anniversary is not listed, we may not have correct informa‐ tion on file. Please provide the appropriate information to the Parish Office so we may update our records. Thanks!
SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS Ms. Edith Harnish will celebrate her 81st birthday on Tuesday, February 2, 2011 (306 Cantata Court, Unit 209 Reisterstown, MD 21136-2567) Mrs. Kathleen Burnham will celebrate her 92nd birthday on Sunday, February 20, 2011 (107 E. Chestnut Hill Lane, Reisterstown, MD 21136)
Belated January Happy Birthdays Gregory Mace – January 4 Erik Ewertz – January 7 Joe Mitchell – January 13 Jean Robinson – January 17 Erin Bolgiano – January 22
Belated January Happy Anniversaries
Mrs. Jean Worthley will celebrate her 86th birthday on: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 (939 Wesley Road, Finksburg, MD 21048-1220)
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Henshaw – January 1 Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Johnson – January 1 Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Hicks – January 8
Mrs. Blanche Shipley will celebrate her 88th birthday on Saturday, February 26, 2011 (225 Parkholme Circle Reisterstown, MD 21136-3413)
Other February Happy Birthdays Stan Ryder – February 3 Alex Daly – February 4 John Rogers – February 11
Note from the Parish Office: If you know of anyone who will celebrate their 80th birthday or older– or who will have a 50th wedding anniversary or higher, please call the parish office to make sure we are aware of the information. Thank you.
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February 2011 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 10:00a Bible Study
2 7:00p Youth Study 8:00p Choir Reh.
3
4
5
10 10a-3p Franklin Garden Club, GH
11
12
19
Epiphany 7
Epiphany 6
Epiphany 5
7:00p Women/FH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship 8:30p A.A. 6 11:00a Young Adults 12:00p Youth for Truth 7:30p Alanon 8:30p A.A.
7 7:00p Prayer meeting, GH Prayer Room 7:30p R.O.G./GH
8 10:00a Bible Study 7:00p Vestry Planning 7:00p Women/FH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship 8:30p A.A.
9 7:00p Youth Study 8:00p Choir Reh.
13 11:00a Young Adults 12:00p Youth for Truth 12:30p G.O.C. 7:30p Alanon 8:30p A.A.
14 15 7:00p Prayer meeting, GH 10:00a Bible Study Prayer Room 7:00p Women/FH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship 8:30p A.A.
16 7:00p Youth Study 8:00p Choir Reh.
17 7:30p Catonsville Kennel Club
18
20 11:00a Young Adults 12:00p Youth for Truth
21 President’s Day PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
23 7:00p Youth Study 8:00p Choir Reh.
24
25
26
2
3
4
5
7:30p Alanon 8:30p A.A. .
Epiphany 8
27 11:00a Young Adults 12:00p Youth for Truth 7:30p Alanon 8:30p A.A.
22 10:00a Bible Study
7:00p Vestry
1p-3p Prayer Shawl Workshop, FH
7:00p Women/FH 7:00p Prayer meeting, GH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship Prayer Room 8:30p A.A. 28 1 7:00p Prayer meeting, GH Prayer Room 7:30p Catonsville KC Board
Schedule of Special Events
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Mar 9—Ash Wednesday Service at 10 am & 7:30pm
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Mar 12 ‐ Meeting of ALL Ministry Leaders of All Saints’
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Mar 16 ‐ Lenten Soup Supper begins
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Feb 27—Meeting ALL Acolytes, Chalice Bear‐ ers and Lectors
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Mar 4‐6 Mission Confer‐ ence and Retreat
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Mar 5‐ Blood Drive 7:45am‐1:45pm
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Mar 5‐6 Youth for Truth 30‐hour famine
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Mar 8 ‐ Pancake Supper
March 4‐6, World Mission Conf. Sunday, March 6th Service by Kevin Callaghan
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
203 E. Chatsworth Ave. PO Box 279 Reisterstown, MD 21136-0279
Permit No. 45 Owings Mills, MD.
Phone: 410-833-0700 Fax: 410-833-2352 E-mail: allsaints_church@verizon.net
We’re on the web: www.allsaints.ang‐md.org
YOUTH GROUP What an awesome group of youth we have here at All Saints’. Thank you for always stepping up to the task. Thanks to the dedicated leaders; Heidi Conley, Steve Kratz and Mark Bradshaw who give themselves and their time every Sunday and other times. On December 12th, this group went to the Northminister Presbyterian Church which houses the Sykes Toy Project and separated 1500 toys that had been delivered by the Department of Social Services. They put the toys in age appropriate areas for the giveaway on that Tuesday and Thursday. This was an awesome task but they did it and had fun. The director stated that she has never seen a greater group of people. She thanks you very much. We are so proud of you and we love and support you!