Transforming Lives Through Jesus
Sword Points ww.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
November 8, 2012
† Hurricane Sandy: How to Help
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(203) 775-9587
St. Elisabeth-by-the Sea, Ortley Beach, NJ was completely destroyed.
ooking for a church for us to partner with, the Diocese of New Jersey directed us to Rev. Ron Pollock of St. John's Church in Somerville. We were the first call he received since the storm (they have been without power). St. John's is serving as a Resource Center in response to last week's storms and working with clergy throughout the Diocese of NJ to respond to the needs in all areas affected. It is awful to learn At this point their biggest need is about the stories of cleaning supplies and gift cards. We also inquired about clothing and food people whose (they have no place to accept it right now) or helping in a more physical way homes are gone; (they are still working through a lot of logistics), but we will keep in touch. and, at least one So, if you would like to help start brining cleaning supplies and/or gift cards church was in to St. Paul’s and we’ll pass them along. A collection area will be setup in destroyed.” the parish hall.
† This Week at St. Paul’s Thu., Nov. 8
- 1:00 pm - Dorothy Day Ministry, Danbury 7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary Fri., Nov. 9 - 7:30 pm - Joanne Ellison, Crossing the Jordan Sat., Nov. 10 - 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Parish Hall 9:30 am - Joanne Ellison, Crossing the Jordan Sun., Nov. 11 Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist 9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study, Youth Lounge 9:30 am - Rector’s Forum, Guild Room 10:30 am - Sunday School 10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist 4:30 pm - Youth Group 6:00 pm - Vespers with Communion Mon., Nov. 12 Veterans Day (Parish Office Closed) 6:30 pm - Altar Guild Meeting, Guild Room Tue., Nov. 13 - 9:15 am - Ladies Bible Study, Guild Room 7:00 pm - Grief Group Wed., Nov. 14 - 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist and Healing 6:30 pm - Staff Meeting 7:30 pm - Vestry Meeting Thur., Nov. 15 - 7:00 pm - Healing Team, Guild Room 7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary
Have you seen our new stained glass window brochure yet? Click on the cover to the left.
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† Veterans’ Day
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hough the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, November 11 remained in the public imagination as the date that marked the end of the Great War. In November 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The day's observation included parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business activities at 11 a.m. On November 11, 1921, an unidentified American soldier killed in the war was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.; the U.S. Congress had declared the day a legal federal holiday in honor of all those who participated in the war. On the same day, unidentified soldiers were laid to rest at Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. American effort during World War II lmighty God, on this Veteran's (1941-1945) saw the greatest Day we commend to your mobilization of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air gracious care and keeping all the men and Force in the nation's history (more than 16 million women of our armed forces at home and people); some 5.7 million more served in the Korean abroad. Defend them day by day with War (1950 to 1953). In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans’ service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress your heavenly grace; strengthen them in amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a their trials and temptations; give them holiday, striking the word "Armistice" in favor of courage to face the perils which beset "Veterans." President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the them; and grant them a sense of your legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 abiding presence wherever they may be; became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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† Announcement Deadlines For the Sunday bulletins please submit your information by the preceding Monday to bethmiller.stpaul@gmail.com. For Sword Points please submit it by Wednesday afternoon each week to stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com.
Vespers Sundays 6:00 pm
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† Saints of God November 14th
Samuel Seabury First American Bishop, 1796
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amuel Seabury, the first Bishop of the Episcopal Church, was born in Groton, Connecticut, November 30, 1729. After ordination in England in 1753, he was assigned, as a missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, to Christ Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1757, he became rector of Grace Church, Jamaica, Long Island, and in 1766 rector of St. Peter’s, Westchester County. During the American Revolution, he remained loyal to the British crown, and served as a chaplain in the British army. After the Revolution, a secret meeting of Connecticut clergymen in Woodbury, on March 25, 1783, named Seabury or the Rev. Jeremiah Leaming, whichever would be able or willing, to seek Episcopal consecration in England. Leaming declined; Seabury accepted, and sailed for England. After a year of negotiation, Seabury found it impossible to obtain episcopal orders from the Church of England because, as an American citizen, he could not swear allegiance to the crown. He then turned to the Non–juring bishops of the Episcopal Church in Scotland. On November 14, 1784, in Aberdeen, he was consecrated by the Bishop and the Bishop Coadjutor of Aberdeen and the Bishop of Ross and Caithness, in the presence of a number of the clergy and laity. On his return home, Seabury was recognized as Bishop of Connecticut in Convocation on August 3, 1785, at Middletown. With Bishop William White, he was active in the organization of the Episcopal Church at the General Convention of 1789. With the support of William Smith of Maryland, William Smith of Rhode Island, William White of Pennsylvania, and Samuel Parker of Boston, Seabury kept his promise, made in a concordat with the Scottish bishops, to persuade the American Church to adopt the Scottish form for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. In 1790 Seabury became responsible for episcopal oversight of the churches in Rhode Island; and at the General Convention of 1792 he participated in the first consecration Seabury home in New London of a bishop on American soil, that of John Claggett of Maryland. Seabury died on February 25, 1796, and is buried beneath St. James’ Church, New London.
† Transforming Stewardship “I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.” (Mark 12:43)
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otice that in the story of the widow’s mite Jesus did not reach into the treasury box and give the widow back her coins. If He did not exempt her from giving, surely He expects each of us to share what we have to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and promote the work of the Church here on earth. 5
†Happy Birthday to You!
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ail Crisalli celebrates on Sunday! Monday is the big day for Sheri Brought & Walter VonEgidy. Have a blessed day each one of you!
Mail‌..Send us photos and info about your travels, your home group, your pets, your sports teams to stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com.
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utwardly itnessing the
ews ews!
† This Flock Gets Around!
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either snow nor hurricanes nor gloom of news stays these pink flamingos from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Our lovable pink friends found themselves flapping to at least four different landing spots last week bringing cheer and laughter where ever they go.
The Lost Bird I was coming home one night last week only to be surprised by a flock of flamingos in my yard. What a surprise! Nice to see them grazing on my beautiful lawn. However when I went out to vote on Tuesday they were all gone, except one lone bird hiding behind a bush. I realized that he/she loved my yard so much that it did not want to leave. What to do? I heard that the flock had moved to Clayton Ferry's house so I decided that he/she should join the flock in spite of how much it loved my yard. I hated to do it, but he/she has to be part of the flock, it's the right thing to do. So I gently took the pink bird over to Clayton's house. Clayton, he/she likes to be fed twice a day. Take good care of him or her, whatever. George Crocker
† Work Day This Saturday
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t Paul’s OWN will be having its fall work day this Saturday, November 10th. If you or a loved one is in need of some helping hands in the yard or around the house, please email us St. Paul’s OWN at stpaulsown@gmail.com Nov 11th - Youth Group 4:30-7 pm or speak to Patrick or Shane. We’re Nov 18th - Youth Group 4:30-7 pm primarily looking to Nov 25th - No Youth Group help those who aren’t in a position to help themselves, nd Dec 2 - Youth Group 4:30-7 pm but will consider all requests that come in.
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† Scholarly Speaking Another Question
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rom a mother of teenagers: Are there logical (as well as theological) reasons for avoiding premarital sex? [Spoiler alert – this column avoids graphic material but parents of younger readers might want to preview it.] In an era when few people are prepared to accept “The Bible says so,” as a sufficient reason for almost anything, it seems especially appropriate to look to nature and logic for explanations of why moral teachings are important for our living. In his 1967 book, The Naked Ape, and in later books, the zoologist Desmond Morris explored several aspects of human nature, including sexuality and societal development, from the standpoint of a zoologist, tracing the relationship to animal, and especially primate, behaviors. In the process he notes several functions that sexual activity can have. Some of these are universal among sexually reproductive creatures, others are more strongly if not exclusively human. In the first group, we find procreation - the Biblical imperative to “be fruitful and multiply” is also a biological one.* Also widespread is relief of physical/sexual tension, but in many cases this is accomplished through substitute activities, as for example a dog’s ‘humping’ behavior. For humans (and apparently many apes) it is self-rewarding as a source of pleasure beyond just relief. Another function, though one that strikes me as in opposition to some of the others, is as an expression of status or dominance.† He goes on to suggest that the most important function for humans, however, is pair bonding and maintenance. Although these are less germane to this inquiry he also lists exploratory (experimental) sex, occupational (therapeutic) sex, tranquillizing sex, and commercial sex (often linked to one or more of the other functions). The bonding function also occurs among many birds (in some species for a single nesting season but in others for life) but is rare among other mammals. While imperfectly realized, it is so common among humans - especially as an ideal: ‘living happily ever after’ that it seems to be a major factor in human sexuality. To my mind the strongest practical reasons for refraining from pre-marital sex are interference with future bonding when a pair does form,‡ procreation (the risk of unwanted pregnancy can be reduced but not eliminated by contraception), and (though in this case not based on a function of sex) the increased risk of disease that accompanies casual sexual activity. Two of these three are negative reasons (but then eight of the ten commandments are also negative), and there are enough examples of successful second marriages to show that the first is not an absolute. Taken together, however, they do imply a ‘counsel of perfection’ (i.e. a better way than merely following the minimum requirements) in favor of traditional chastity. In closing, we can turn back to what the Scriptures o you have a question you do say on the subject. In the Old Testament the would like answered by our question is not directly addressed, but there is a clear Scholar-in-Residence? Send your rule that when a man does have sex with a virgin he must pay the bride price for her and must marry her ecclesiastical, liturgical, doctrinal, unless she (or her father) refuses the marriage (Exodus historical or other inquiries to: 22:16-17). In the New Testament there are clear Stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com. injunctions (e.g. Acts 15:19-20, and Ephesian 5:1-4) to avoid porneia (fornication or sexual immorality) but the meaning of the word can vary with the context from all forms of such immorality to specifically prostitution (the original Latin/ Greek meaning) or to idolatry (which was often associated with cult prostitution) that might
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(Continued on page 9)
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† Saints of God November 8th
James Theodore Holly Bishop of Haiti, and of the Dominican Republic, 1911
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ames Theodore Augustus Holly was born a free African American in Washington, D.C., on October 3, 1829. Baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, he later became an Episcopalian. Holly was ordained deacon at St. Matthew’s Church in Detroit, on June 17, 1855, and ordained a priest by the bishop of Connecticut on January 2, 1856. He was appointed rector of St. Luke’s, New Haven. In the same year he founded the Protestant Episcopal Society for Promoting the Extension of the Church among Colored People, an antecedent of the Union of Black Episcopalians. He became a friend of Frederick Douglass, and the two men worked together on many programs. In 1861, Holly resigned as rector of St. Luke’s to lead a group of African Americans settling in Haiti. Although his wife, his mother, and two of his children died during the first year, along with other settlers, Holly stayed on with two small sons, proclaiming that just “as the last surviving apostle of Jesus was in tribulation … on the forlorn isle of Patmos, so, by His Divine Providence, [Christ] had brought this tribulation upon me for a similar end in this isle in the Caribbean sea.” He welcomed the opportunity to speak of God’s love to a people who needed to hear it. On November 8, 1874, James Theodore Holly was ordained the first bishop of Haiti at Grace Church, New York City. This made him the first Black man to be raised to the office of bishop in the Episcopal Church, and only the second Black bishop of any major denomination. In 1878, Bishop Holly attended the Lambeth Conference, the first Black to do so, and he preached at Westminster Abbey on St. James’ Day of that year. In the course of his ministry, he doubled the size of his diocese, and established medical clinics where none had been before. Bishop Holly served the Diocese of Haiti until his death on March 13, 1911. He had charge of the Diocese of the Dominican Republic as well, from 1897 until he died. He is buried on the grounds of St. Vincent’s School for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince.
† Official Prayer of the Sword Points Editorial Board
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lmighty God, keep us, we pray thee, from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, and ready at all times to step aside for others, that the cause of Christ may be advanced; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Continued from page 8)
Another Question
or might not involve sex. Once again, though, we have good reason to look at this as at the very least another ‘counsel of perfection.’ Fr. Bill Loring, Scholar in Residence * The connection, however, is not intuitive and is apparently not consciously recognized by any non-human species, although many animals seem to have no desire for sex except during their fertile periods. † It would appear that much prison sex belongs to this category, as well as to the relief of tension. ‡ In contemporary culture stable pairs are not necessarily formed by a formal marriage, but do involve a degree of commitment comparable to traditional marriage.
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† Congratulations to the Lady Bobcats
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ongratulations to our Jackie Letizia and the rest of the Brookfield High girl’s swim team that won the SWC championship for the first time ever!
† The Rector’s Forum
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dult Education meets each Sunday from 9:30-10:15am in the Guild Room and is led by Fr. Shepley. "The Rector's Forum," has started an in-depth study of the Book of Genesis. With Tara Shepley assisting, this class will bring participants deep into the Word of God, verse by verse, further extending our parish mission of "Transforming Lives Through Jesus Christ."
† Israel 2013
For the last seven months you’ve been reading about the Holy Land each week in Sword Points. Next April you’ll have your chance to “walk where Jesus walked.” Every Christian should make this trip.
Flights and hotels have been finalized for our St. Paul’s trip to Israel in April, 2013. If you would like to be part of this lifechanging spiritual journey, contact David or Pam Szen or send an e-mail to StPaulsBrookfield@gmail.com. 10
† Thanksgiving Baskets
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or the November food baskets, please bring items you would enjoy at Thanksgiving. We will make up baskets for the same families who will be receiving the gifts from our Christmas Giving Tree. We will need two family-sized turkeys to be donated. While you shop, if you could please choose any items from the following list: Gravy/Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie Mix, Bread, Cranberry Sauce, Fruit Pie Fillings, Juices, Canned Vegetables, Pie Crust, Potatoes, Fresh Sweet Potatoes, Cake Mix, Soup, Paper Products/Decorations, Brownie Mix, Nuts. All food donations are due by Sunday, November 18th. Once the food donations have come in, we will need volunteers to divide the food into the baskets for the families. Please speak with Barbara DeAnzeris, 203-775-3722.
† Choir Practice for Sword Points Readers (click on the red links below to begin your personal practice) Opening Hymn Gradual Hymn Offertory Hymn Closing Hymn
Eternal Father, Strong to Save Blest Are the Pure in Heart Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing O Beautiful for Spacious Skies
America The Beautiful
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t was the early summer of 1893. The Columbian Exposition in Chicago, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America, was in full swing. A group of teachers and professors from Wellesley College, stopped off in Chicago enroute to Colorado. Among them was thirty-fouryear-old Katharine Lee Bates, a professor of English. The young women were profoundly impressed by all they saw in and about “The Windy City.” Soon they left Lake Michigan behind them as they continued their journey westward. Once in Colorado, they made the trip up the famous peak which was named for the American general who discovered it about 1806 (Zebulon Montgomery Pike). While in Colorado, the group compared the Exposition (a manmade spectacle) with the magnificent Rocky Mountains and the view from Pike’s Peak (fashioned by the hand of God). They also discussed about the two stones that played important parts in the nation’s history - the Ten Commandments and Plymouth Rock - and agreed that their fellow-citizens could couple the daring of the Pilgrims with the moral teachings of Moses. Later that night, with the events of the trip vividly in her mind, Miss Bates sat down and expressed her dream of a Christian nation in this hymn starting with these familiar words, “O beautiful for spacious skies….” 11
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† This Sunday’s Readings Giving All Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 n our Hebrew scripture reading we hear how Naomi helps Ruth to secure her future as she gives instruction as to how she may make herself attractive and available to her rich and well-connected kinsman Boaz. The success of Naomi’s intercession comes in Ruth’s marriage to Boaz, and in her subsequent delivery of a son. God’s providential intercession is seen in this conception and in the birth of a male, who will one day become the grandfather of the future king David. Ruth the foreigner is now in every way incorporated into the people and community of Israel. Psalm 127 Proverbs 5:7 The Lord is the source and foundation for all successful human endeavor, and a growing family is a blessing from the Lord. And now, O sons, listen to Hebrews 9:24-28 me, and do not depart from This reading tells how Christ, the eternal high priest, has entered into the heavenly sanctuary to present the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of himself for the words of my mouth. sins. It is the author’s theme that Jesus has superseded the need for all other priestly offerings such as were made annually on the Day of Atonement. These were never more than foreshadowings of what Christ was to accomplish. The earthly temple, which was but a copy of the true sanctuary in heaven, is no longer of significance. As the end of the ages draws near, our brother Jesus, who died like we must, appears before God on our behalf and will appear once more to save those who wait for him. Mark 12:38-44 In the gospel lesson Jesus warns against religious officials who love honors and flattery, and he then points out a poor widow who makes an offering of what little she possesses. Together the two stories stress a theme found often in the gospels: those who think themselves religious are in great danger of living a life of hypocrisy, while genuine trust in God may be found among the least obvious. The religious officials take advantage of people like widows, and wealthy persons make a show of giving large sums of money, but the woman herself is an example of the greatest generosity. Her gift of all she has points forward to Jesus’ selfoffering.
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† Pick Up Your Copy Today! Synthesis CE Study Guides for each weeks readings will be available at the back of the church.
† Photo Contest for December Sword of the Spirit
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alling all photographers! We are looking for a cover photo for our next monthly Sword. The November Sword covers Advent and Christmas. Have fun, be creative. The deadline is November 26th. Send your pictures to stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com. 13
†Christmas Giving Tree
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nnually, Saint Paul’s adopts families from Brookfield who are financially struggling. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, there will be a tree in the back of the church with gift tags attached listing items requested by the families. If you would like to bring some extra joy to the families, please take a tag or two from the tree. The wrapped gifts are due back to church by Sunday, December 9th, with the tag attached (most important!). Please keep the maximum limit of $15-$20 per gift. Thank you in advance for showering Christmas blessings on the families.
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† Your Prayers Are Requested For…
t is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and such a privilege. The people that we lift up to The Lord are part of our hearts for all time. Please pray for… …..Dot Blake, convalescing from a stroke at Filosa in Danbury. …..Marvin Self, healing of his kidneys. …..Doug Azzarito, healing of blood cancer. …..Paul Estok, healing of his broken leg. …..Peace in the Middle East. …..Joan Kirner, complete healing and strength. …..Cy Dennerlein, recovering from a fall. …..Barbara Kast, continued healing of her back. …..Peggy Bauer, a miracle of healing. …..Randy A., healing of blood clots. …..Tom Balash, strength and mobility. …..a job for Mary Ellen. …..Ralph D., successful acceptance of his heart transplant. …..Ginny Beck for healing for bulging neck disc and relief from pain. …..David P., continued strength and peace as he recovers. ..…St. Paul’s, Windham; Grace Church, Windsor; St. James, Winsted; All Saints, Wolcott. …..David Wilson, strength, peace and a miracle of healing as he battles brain cancer. …..Bill Mayers’ daughter, for recovery from a heart condition. …..Walter B., a miracle of healing, the Lord's loving presence to surround him and his family. …..Kelly & Tim Malloy, their children and their team, safety in their ministry in Jos, Nigeria. …..Kay Tucker who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, a miracle of healing. …..Clergy of the Diocese whose ministries are carried out ministries in other countries or states; missionaries; young adults in the Young Adult Service Corps and Episcopal Service Corps. …..Tim H., successful acceptance of his liver transplant. …..Jaxson, healing of seizures. …..Michael for-protection in Afghanistan, in the service. …..Linda P., healing and regular heart beat. Ingredients: 1 egg 1 c. milk ½ c. fine dry bread crumbs, plain ¼ c. onion, finely chopped 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 1 ½ lbs. ground beef ½ lb. ground pork 2 T. water 2 T. flour 1 ½ c. milk ½ c. heavy cream
† Grandma Flo’s Swedish Meatballs (She’s Swedish you know!) Directions: Beat egg. Add milk and bread crumbs. Brown onion in 2 T. butter. Combine crumb mixture with cooked onions, salt, black pepper, ground beef and pork. Make 1 inch meatballs. Brown meatballs. Add water, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove meatballs with slotted spoon. Remove all but 1 T. grease. Put pan on low heat and stir in 2 T. flour. Slowly add milk and cream, stirring continuously. When it is heated, add meatballs. Bring back to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. From “What’s Cooking at Saint Pauls” and Ken Perry. 15
† Sermon Shorts
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his past Sunday’s 8 am sermon (video) focuses on the single Beatitude, "The pure in heart shall see God," with depth, and the 10:30 am sermon (audio) looks at each Beatitude, one by one. Both sermons reflect on All Saints' Day and its meaning for our lives in consideration of the uniqueness of Christ. To replay or watch Fr. Shepley’s sermon, follow this link for The Sunday Sermons.
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Just For Fun !
(And Christian Fellowship)
† It Takes An Editorial Board Contributors to this Weeks Sword Points: Chris Barrett, Drew Crocker, George Crocker, Lynne Donnelly, Lynn Ecsedy, Carol Ferro, Roseann Capanna-Hodge, Bill Loring, Heather Melody, Beth Miller, Patrick O’Connors, Lori O’Hara, Linda Pendergast, Kirsten Peterson, Joe Shepley, Tara Shepley, David Szen and Pam Szen
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