November 2010
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
The Bell Tower
Reisterstown Parish
A Letter from Father David I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10) Dear All Saints’ family,
Volume 10,Number 11
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.
Inside this issue: Vestry Nominations
2
Stewardship Corner
2
Christmas Memorials Form
3
Get INvolved, ReachOUT
4
Highlighted Events
5
Congratulations
6
Calendar of Events
7
Closing
8
The Apostle Paul was faced with a dilemma, how to get the church in Corinth all on the same page. I suppose he was not the only one facing such a challenge. Our society cher‐ ishes diversity and rightly so. It has been said that our nation’s strength, resilience, and richness are based on the diversity of its citizens. The bible also declares that the Body of Christ (i.e. The Church) is made up of many parts (members), each with specific gifts in order to work together for the good of the Kingdom of God. On one hand our differences are applauded, on the other hand our differences often lead to opposing opinions, and worse yet division. So what are we to do? St. Paul gives us the answer, “that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” Was Paul a dreamer or is there a way we can be perfectly united in mind or thought? Almost every one of Paul’s epistles deals with this subject and he gives us Godly advice. Paul speaks of having true affection and love for one another, humility, respect, cooperation, but first and foremost, having the mind of Christ. “Let the same mind be in you that is in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) So how do we attain the mind of Christ? First we must seek God in prayer. Prayer is not about telling God what we think, or how He should operate the universe, or the church for that matter. Prayer is humbly entering into the very presence of the Almighty Creator and asking that ‘your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’. Prayer is not just about our words to God, even more importantly it is about God’s words to us. Yes, God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, the scriptures, circumstances, and people. Why am I saying all of this? There is a troubling diversity of opinions on how All Saints’ should move forward especially with financial matters, a diversity that threatens to divide us. I don’t mean to oversimplify but, some feel it is important to support outreach, others don’t. Some want fundraisers to help our operating budget, others don’t. Some think we should not touch our investments, others feel they are a hindrance to faithful stewardship. I want to assure you that the officers and vestry spend a good portion of every meeting in prayer and study to seek the mind of Christ. We listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit, deliberate, pray some more, and then come to consensus. None of the decisions are a matter of opinion, nor do they come by split votes. Right now we are discerning how to pay the assessment that must be caught up by the end of the year. If you have indeed been in prayer and have heard a word from the Holy Spirit please share that with a vestry person. My prayer is that we are perfectly united in mind and thought. I hope it is your prayer also. Faithfully, Fr. David
The Bell Tower Volume 10,Number 11
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Vestry Nominations
Stewardship Corner
Vestry elections for three new vestry members will be held at the annual meeting on January 16, 2011.
The season of Thanksgiving is here once again and we all have so much for which to be thankful‐‐‐our families, our friends, our health, our homes, our church and church family‐‐to name but a few. God has blessed us with these gifts and for that we give Him thanks and praise. Having been given these gifts, we are reminded in 1 Timothy 6:17 "...to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and will‐ ing to share." ; and in 2 Corinthians 9:7‐8 "Each man should give what he has de‐ cided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." God bless you all, Jane Johnson
According to our By‐laws, nominees must be “Voting Members” as defined in the By‐laws: At least 16 years old, and “communicants in good standing” which mainly means being faithful in worship and being a financial contributor (any amount) of record. Vestry terms are for three years. Faithful attendance at the Thursday evening monthly meetings and retreats is expected as well as the ability and willingness to use e‐mail. Also, please note that vestry members must sign the Vestry Oath of Office, regarding faithfulness to traditional Episcopalian doctrine, and should also be aware of the All Saints’ Vestry Stewardship Cove‐ nant and the Resolution to Remain a Constituent Member of the Anglican Communion (all posted in Groff Hall) which we renew every year. Please see a member of the vestry nominating com‐ mittee (Dave Bott, Jane Johnson, and Dave Waite) as soon as possible if you are interested in serving on vestry or in making a nomination. Last minute nomi‐ nations and nominations from the floor are not per‐ mitted by our By‐laws. Please contact Nancy Athey or the posted materials in Groff Hall for more information.
Advent Dinners Hosted by Inn of the Shepherd Tuesday, November 9, 2010 Wednesday, November 10, 2010 $24 per person Please RSVP with Barb and Doug Stiegler 410‐922‐0712 Directions can be found at http://www.innoftheshepherd.org/directions.htm
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Christmas Memorials and Thanksgivings Remember friends and loved ones this holiday season by purchasing a poinsettia for the church or by giving to the Rector's Discretionary Fund. SUBMIT THIS FORM AND YOUR CHECK FOR
CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCES ON OR BEFORE: SUNDAY, December 5, 2010 PLEASE PRINT Given by__________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ { }
Poinsettia – Make check payable to ALL SAINTS' ALTAR GUILD
$________
Choose one:
Print Names: use Christian names only Example: John and Mary Doe
(Notation Line: Poinsettia)
□ In Loving Memory of
□ In Thanksgiving for
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ { }
Rector's Discretionary Fund – Make check payable to ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH
$________
Choose one:
Print Names: use Christian names only Example: John and Mary Doe
(Notation Line: Rector’s Disc. Fund)
□ In Loving Memory of
□ In Thanksgiving for
__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Please submit separate checks. Thank you.
DEADLINE TO TURN IN FORMS IS SUNDAY, December 5, 2010.
The Bell Tower
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Volume 10,Number 11
Last Stop , London Town
Friday, November 12, marks the final ALSoTour group excur‐ sion of the year for members and friends of All Saints’ Church. We invite you to join us on a day trip to Historic London Town – no, not in England, but in nearby Anne Arundel County! If you like Virginia’s Williamsburg, you’ll also enjoy Maryland’s ver‐ sion in miniature. Officially recognized in 1683, this “lost town,” once a tobacco port and stopping point between Wil‐ liamsburg and Philadelphia, features an urban tavern, hand‐ some gardens, and a reconstructed archeological site. Reservations for lunch are being made at nearby Coconut Joe’s overlooking the beautiful South River. And on the way home we’ll be stopping at Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville. Known as the largest enclosed garden and home furnishings center in the Baltimore‐Washington area, Homestead Gardens is the place to find that perfect Christmas gift. If you’re interested in participating in this, our 18th adventure, please pick up a brochure in Groff Hall for more details. Group size may be limited. Anticipated cost is $20 plus lunch. Contact Neal Haynie at 410‐833‐4331 or by email, hayneal@verizon.net .
God’s Older Children Presents THE ANNUAL ALL SAINTS’ TALENT SHOW Nov. 6, 2010 at 7:00 in Groff Hall
Fill out this form and return it to the church office. NAME(S) OF PERFORMER(S):
PHONE NO. OF CONTACT PERSON: _________________________________________ APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF YOUR ACT:
minutes
DESCRIPTION OF ACT: (sing, instrument, comedy, skit) Props and costumes are the responsibility of the performers. Depending on the number of acts, time limits may apply. Questions? Susan Ryder 410‐848‐5662.
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FREE Crab Cakes!
Ok, NOT crab cakes, but FREE SPACE in the All Saints’ Newsletter! That’s right free!
Share how God is working around and in you. Submit stories and pic‐ tures to Jonathan and Tirzah Stenner. Take this job and leaf it... Save the Date: Saturday, No‐ vember 20th we will once again rake, blow, sweep and any other method available, gather our leaves and dispose of them. As we did last year, we will bag or haul away the leaves ourselves in order to save money on dis‐ posal. I encourage as many pa‐ rishioners to please attend. This is a fellowship event as much as it is a stewardship event. If I re‐ ceive enough promise of atten‐ dance there will also be break‐ fast. Questions? Call John Rogers at 443‐421‐5116 .
By: Renie Britenbucher
The Bell Tower is edited by Jonathan and Tirzah Stenner. The deadline for submissions will be the 15th of the prior month. Please email all submis‐ sions to allsaints_church@verizon.net and mention “The Bell Tower “ in the subject line of your email. Thanks
The Bell Tower Volume 10,Number 11
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DEATHS Our Facebook
Group Page is your WEDDING ANNIVERARIES chance to share, join up and start posting!
Friends of All Saints’ Episcopal Church of Reisterstown
Laverne and Gordon Harden will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 (1000 Weller Circle, Apt. 214, Westminster, MD 21158-4341)
Jeffrey Lane Parke died October 7, 2010 (Bette and Bill O’Connor’s son-in-law) (Bette and Bill O’Connor 9739 Sherwood Farm Road Owings Mills, MD 21117) David McNamara died October 25, 2010 (Rich McNamara’s dad) (Rich & Kerry McNamara 12636 Ivy Mill Road Reisterstown, MD 21136-5137)
Note from the Parish Office: If you know of anyone who will celebrate their 80th birthday or older– or who will have a milestone wedding anniversary, please call the parish office to make sure we are aware of the information. Thank you.
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November 2010 Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1 All Saints Day
2 10:00a Bible Study 7:00p Women/FH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship 8:30p A.A.
10 10:00a Craft Workshop 7:00p Experiencing God 7:00p Youth Study 8:00p Choir Rehearsal
4 5 10:00a Experiencing God 7:00p Bible Study, 7:00p Vestry Mtg. McNamara’s home
6 Setup all day (GROFF hall) 7:00p Talent Show (GOC), GH
7 ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY Keyser Family Reunion 11:00a Young Adults 12:00p Youth for Truth 4:00p ASEC/Ascension Concert (All Saints’) 7:30p Alanon 8:30 A.A.
8
9 10:00a Bible Study Pm, Advent Dinner, Inn of the Shepherd 7:00p Vestry Planning 7:00p NO Women/FH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship
10 10:00a Craft Workshop Pm, Advent Dinner, Inn of the Shepherd 7:00p Experiencing God 7:00p Youth Study 8:00p Choir Rehearsal
11 12 10:00a Experiencing God 10a-3p Franklin Garden 7:00p Bible Study, Club (card party)/GH McNamara’s home
13
14 11:00a Young Adults 12:00p Youth for Truth 12:30p G.O.C. 7:30p Alanon 8:30p A.A.
15 7:00p Prayer meeting, GH Prayer Room 7:30p R.O.G./GH
16 10:00a Bible Study 6:00p A.A. Dinner GH 7:00p Women/FH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship 8:30p A.A.
17 10:00a Craft Workshop 7:00p Experiencing God 7:00p Youth Study 8:00p Choir Rehearsal
18 19 10:00a Experiencing God Setup for Wedding & Wedding Rehearsal 7:30p Catonsville Kennel Club 7:00p Bible Study, McNamara’s home
20 Church Work Day Setup for Wedding & Reception, GH/Church 1-3p Prayer Shawl Workshop 5:00p Wedding
21 11:00a Young Adults 12:00p Youth for Truth 7:30p Alanon 8:30p A.A.
22 23 7:00p Prayer meeting, GH 10:00a Bible Study Prayer Room 7:00p Women/FH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship 7:30p Catonsville KC 8:30p A.A. Board
24
25
27
7:30p Thanksgiving Eucharist
Thanksgiving 10:00a Holy Eucharist
Advent 1
Last Pentecost
Pentecost 25
Pentecost 24
Sun
Bell Tower Deadline
Itunes.lnk
Fri
7:00p Vestry Mtg.
26
Parish Office Closed 28 11:00a Young Adults 12:00p Youth for Truth 7:30p Alanon 8:30p A.A.
29 30 7:00p Prayer meeting, GH 10:00a Bible Study Prayer Room 7:00p Women/FH 7:00p Men’s Fellowship 8:30p A.A.
Schedule of Special Events •
Nov 6th – 2010 Talent Show
•
Nov 7th – Choir concert at All Saints’
•
Nov 9th & 10th —Advent Dinners
•
Nov 12th —ALSo Tour– London Town
•
Nov 20th—Leaf clean up
•
Nov 24th ‐ Evening Thanksgiving Eucharist 7:30pm
•
Nov 25th ‐ Morning Thanksgiving Eucharist 10:00am
Sat
Special Event, GH (BD Party, D. Brumfield)
All Saints’ Episcopal Church 203 E. Chatsworth Ave. PO Box 279 Reisterstown, MD 21136-0279
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID 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
"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first."
Hebrews 3:12-14