Transforming Lives Through Jesus
Sword Points ww.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
November 15, 2012
(203) 775-9587
† The AC Gets A New ABC
W
hat’s that? Last Friday it was announced that Bishop Justin Welby had been appointed to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury. He is expected to take over the position in March, 2013 following the retirement of the current archbishop, Rowan Williams. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In some ways the Archbishop of Canterbury is to the Anglican Communion, what the Pope is to the Roman church. One little known fact about Bishop Welby is that before he went into the ministry his spiritual journey was influenced by taking the same Alpha course that we have offered here at St. Paul’s. Click on the links above for more detailed information.
† This Week at St. Paul’s Thu., Nov. 15 - 7:00 pm 7:30 pm Sat., Nov. 17 - 7:30 am 10:00 am 10:00 am Sun., Nov. 18 -
-
Healing Team, Guild Room Music Night, Sanctuary Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Parish Hall St. Paul’s Quilters, Parish Hall House of Prayer, Sanctuary
Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am 9:15 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 10:30 am 4:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm Mon. Nov. 19 - 7:30 pm Tue., Nov. 20 - 9:15 am Wed., Nov. 21 - 10:00 am 7:30 pm
-
Traditional Eucharist Young Adult Bible Study, Youth Lounge Rector’s Forum, Guild Room Sunday School Contemporary Eucharist Youth Group Vespers Young Adult Program Stephen Ministry, Guild Room Ladies Bible Study, Guild Room Holy Eucharist and Healing Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Thu., Nov. 22 -
Thanksgiving Day 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist
w
† The Christmas Pageant is Coming
e are beginning preparations for our annual Christmas pageant. The pageant will take place on Sunday, December 16th during the 10:30 am service, and children should arrive at 9:30 am. All children will participate so we will not hold Sunday School or Nursery that Sunday. Our one and one only rehearsal for the pageant will be held Saturday, December 15th from 10-11:30am. We ask that you make every effort to attend this rehearsal. Children will rehearse the music for the pageant on December 9th at 9:45 in the Level One classroom in the Sunday School wing. We look forward to seeing you at all of these exciting events.
The Advent Brunch Following the Pageant We would like to invite the entire church parish to attend the annual Advent Brunch following the Children's Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 16th. We will gather down in the parish hall to celebrate. We ask that you would use the following guide, by last name, to help us in providing the food for this grand event: Last Names A-M… Finger foods, veggie platter, fruit platter, PB&J platter, or egg salad/ tuna salad platter. Last Names N-Z…. Please bring desserts. Mark Your Calendars! No Sunday School classes or Nursery will be held Sunday, December 30th.
† Thanksgiving Baskets
F
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.
2
3
O W N
It’s beginning to look a lot like…
utwardly itnessing the
ews ews!
Temporarily we will NOT be collecting Bottles & Cans. Thank you for your help!
S
t Paul’s OWN will be taking Christmas wreath orders starting this Sunday, November 18th through Sunday December 9 th. Wreaths are $12 each and can be picked up between December 2 nd and December 9th. Proceeds from the wreath sales will go towards the upcoming winter retreat to Monadnock Bible Conference in Jaffrey, NH.
† This Flock Gets Around!
O
ur flock has been busy these past couple of weeks, dodging hurricanes, snowstorms, and trick or treaters! The Biscardi’s awoke last week expecting snow in the yard, and found a whole lot more when they saw this flock huddled close to stay warm. We have some busy birds as they try and make as many friends as possible before the winter fully settles in. Watch your front yards to see where they might go next before our flocks turn to flakes! Our Sword Points Investigative Team (S.P.I.T.) does not go out of it’s way (and we’ll be careful with our wording here) to disprove childhood myths or even some adult myths. And, we’re not saying that there isn’t a flock of pink flamingos that seems to have a fondness for bedding down each night in different St. Paul’s parishioners yards. All we’re saying is that they seem to be getting some type of covert, organized direction and encouragement.
† Work Day Success St. Paul’s OWN Nov 18th - Youth Group 4:30-7 pm Nov 25th - No Youth Group Dec 2nd - Youth Group 4:30-7 pm Dec 9th - Youth Group 4:30-7 pm
4
L
ast Saturday St Paul’s OWN had its fall work day. They enjoyed great weather, fellowship and food and received many thanks for the work they did
† The Rector’s Forum
A
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."
Good Morning, St. Paul’s, I just saw the particular video you sent me and, of course, was saddened, as I was seeing so many other videos. You can Google other videos in NJ, such as the one I just viewed on YouTube on Seaside Beach. May I say thank you to you and your congregation for your sustained love, thoughts and prayers. We, and countless others, need every prayer you can offer for solace, hope, relief, love and compassion In Jesus, Fr. Ron Pollock, St. John’s, Somerville, NJ
5
† Where Did You Go to Church Last Sunday?
C
ristina and her daughters are settling into their new home in Germany “The girls and I went to the English speaking Episcopal/ Anglican ‘Church of the Ascension’ in Munich, Germany.” (www.ascension -munich.com). Missing St. Paul's. Love and blessings, Christina
See the Sea of Galilee See where Jesus walked on water See where Jesus calmed the storm Join us next year on this life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This is a trip every Christian should make
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. 6
† Sea of Galilee People By Bruce Rockwell
I
first became aware of a piece written by Bruce Barton entitled “Two Seas” quite a few years ago. Over time I have modified the language a bit and find myself arriving at a somewhat different place than my namesake, Mr. Barton. I’ve used this many times to point out what being a steward is all about and how it suggests our journey as baptized persons. There are two inland seas in the Holy Land. One is fresh, and fish live in its waters. Splashes of green adorn its banks. Trees spread their branches over it and stretch out their roots to sip of its healing water. Birds nest in the trees. Along its shores the children play. The River Jordan makes this sea with sparkling water from the hills. So it laughs in the sunshine. And people build their houses near it, and birds make their nests, and every kind of life is happier because it is there. The River Jordan flows on south into another sea. Here there is no splash of fish, no fluttering leaf, no song of birds, no children’s’ laughter. No towns are found on its shores, which are rocky and hard. Travelers chose another route unless on urgent business. The air hangs heavy about its waters, and neither humankind nor beast nor fowl will drink. It is a desolate place. What makes this difference in these neighbor seas? Not the River Jordan. Not the soil in which they lie; nor the country round about. Here is the difference. The Sea of Galilee receives but does not keep the River Jordan. It gives from what it receives so that life may abound. For every drop that flows into it, another flows out. The giving and receiving go on in equal measure. The other sea is shrewder, hoarding its income jealously. It will not be tempted into any generous impulse. It swallows up and keeps every drop of the Jordan that it receives. The Sea of Galilee gives and lives. The other sea gives nothing. It is named the Dead Sea. Barton concluded with these words: There are Two Seas in the Holy Land. There are two kinds of people in the world. As I said at the outset, I think this piece describes our journey as baptized people, and as stewards of all that God entrusts to us. We often begin our journey as “Dead Sea people.” At least I know I did. I was what I like to call a miserly banker. But we are called to be “Sea of Galilee people.” Being created in the image of God, we are created to be generous, as God is generous. As I strive to be a “Sea of Galilee Person” I have been become what I now call “a recovering banker.” We are indeed called to be “Sea of Galilee People.”
† Transforming Stewardship “And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory…” (Mark 13:26)
S
ome people think that we should give until it hurts. However, true stewards give until it feels right. Our giving feels right when we know that we can stand before God when He comes in His glory and say to Him, “Lord, I gave all that You asked me to give.” 7
† Not So Scholarly Speaking Some went down to the sea in Ships*
A
s many of you know Diane and I have been fond of cruising, and I write this while sailing from Jamaica to Grand Cayman. This time it is not a scholarly essay, but a more personal reflection. What you may not know is that I (mis)spent a disproportionate part of my youth sailing small boats and reading and watching movies of sea stories (from Treasure Island to The Caine Mutiny, even a history of the US Navy, as well as a movie with the same title as this essay). I still do these things occasionally, and enjoy them greatly. I even did a couple of larger ship cruises during my school days but didn’t do that again until a few years ago. In all of this, however, I find a certain fascination with the sea itself that must be much like that of the Psalmist. There are references to the call of the sea throughout the Psalms. In the continuing verses of Ps. 107 we read a whole description of a storm at sea calmed by the Lord; in Ps 93:4 there is the lifting up of the waters; and Psalm 78:13 tells of the passage through the Red Sea, “The waters stood up like walls.” In Genesis, creation begins with the Spirit hovering over the waters; and Jonah tells of a sea voyage interrupted by a great storm. Jesus encountered and calmed a storm on the Sea of Galilee; and Paul was shipwrecked by a ‘hurricane’ while traveling to Rome. There is a romance to the waters, but there is also a real struggle which is by no means risk-free. While the larger and faster ships of today make it easier to avoid or endure storms, they still come. Our first scheduled port call had to be abandoned for rough weather (too difficult to transfer into small boats for going ashore) but there were no real safety issues on board. Two years ago we were on the Mediterranean (at about the same time of year as Paul’s shipwreck) and had the experience of a good buffeting by hurricane force winds even on a very large ship we could get a sense of the power of wind and water. That power, in fact, is probably the source of the Biblical author’s fascination, for it can easily be seen as an expression of the power of the God who created it all. On a calm day’s sailing (as we are enjoying now) there is a different kind of power at work - one of soothing and sustaining as the waters actually hold us up and the slight motion of the sea (further reduced by our modern stabilizers) creates a feeling of well-being. More than all this there is, I think, an instinctive recognition that at some far distant time, our life had its origin in the sea (this hit me many years o you have a question you ago when I learned that would like answered by our our blood has much the Scholar-in-Residence? Send your same makeup as sea ecclesiastical, liturgical, doctrinal, water though with historical or other inquiries to: plasma and other elements added). Stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com. And so we choose, periodically, to refresh body, mind, and soul by going down, once again, to the sea, from which we came, in ships. -Fr Bill Loring, Scholar in Residence *Psalm 107:23
D
8
† Come Make a Joyful Noise!
A
lthough Christmas may seem far away, it is never too early to start preparing for the various musical activities associated with the season. Here are two: Our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols is scheduled for Sunday, December 16 at 5:00 pm. We always put together a special choir for this occasion, and all are welcome (and encouraged) to join. This service features traditional Christmas carols and choral anthems intermingled with scripture readings telling the story of Christ’s birth. This year’s rehearsals are Wednesday, November 28th and Mondays December 3rd and 10th - all from 7:00-9:00. Please let Kirsten know if you are interested so that she can put together a book of music for you! Brookfield’s annual Community Christmas Concert at St. Joseph’s is on December 2 at 2:00 pm. The choirs of the area churches combine for this special event which includes a children’s choir as well as a special presentation by the Congregational Church’s Handbell choir. Anyone interested is welcome to participate. There is a required general rehearsal involving all the choristers on Saturday, December 1 from 9:00 to 12:00 at St. Joseph’s. Even if you don’t plan to sing, put it on your calendar to attend this wonderful community concert. Please contact Kirsten Peterson at (203) 775-5623 for more information and music.
† Choir Practice for Sword Points Readers (click on the red links below to begin your personal practice) Opening Hymn Gradual Hymn Communion Communion Closing Hymn
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come Help Us, O Lord, to Learn Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees We Gather Together All My Hope on God is Founded Music: Lauda anima
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
T
his is a traditional harvest song that we associate with Thanksgiving Day. It speaks of things unfamiliar to most city dwellers today - the harvest "safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin." Anyone who has ever lived in a farming community knows the urgency associated with the harvest. The fruit of a whole year's work hang on the harvest, which cannot be accomplished until the crop is ready and which must be accomplished quickly then lest it be spoiled by pests or weather. During the busy harvest season, farmers literally work day and night to get the job done. Only after the harvest is there time to relax and celebrate. But even if we aren't farmers, we can appreciate the urgency of deadlines - the joy of an important job well done - the relief of a respite after a busy time at work. This hymn was written by Henry Alford, a 19th century Anglican clergyman. Alford was quite a remarkable person. At age six, he wrote a biography of the Apostle Paul. At age ten, he wrote a pamphlet entitled, "Looking Unto Jesus the Believers' Support Under Trials and Afflictions." When Alford was sixteen years old, he wrote these noble words upon the fly-leaf of his Bible: “I do this day, in the presence of God and my own soul, renew my covenant with God, and solemnly determine henceforth to become His, and to do His work as far as in me lies.” Committing his life to Christian service, he served nearly half a century as an Anglican clergyman. For the last 14 years of his life, he served as dean of the Canterbury Cathedral. Alford wrote 48 books - the most important being a four-volume commentary on the Greek New Testament. He wrote several hymns, but this is only one that is widely sung today. Richard Niell Donovan 9
† Transforming Saints of God November 15th
Francis Asbury and George Whitefield Evangelists, 1816, 1770 Two of the great figures to emerge from out of the religious fervor of colonial and post-revolutionary America, George Whitefield and Francis Asbury, shared a common tie to the Methodist movement of John Wesley. eorge Whitefield entered Pembroke College, Oxford as a servitor, one unable to pay tuition and who thus served higher ranked students in exchange for free tuition. There he came under the influence of John and Charles Wesley and was a member of the “Holy Club.” In 1736, he was ordained a deacon, and in 1738, he followed John Wesley to Savannah, Georgia. He returned to England in 1739 to obtain priest’s orders to raise funds for his Bethesda orphanage in Georgia. His preaching attracted a wide following in England, Wales, and Scotland. Whitefield, who subscribed to the Calvinist position then prevalent in the Church of England, broke with the Wesleys, the latter being theologically drawn to Arminianism. Whitefield formed and was president of the first Methodist conference, but left that position after a short time to focus on evangelistic efforts. Whitefield returned to America several times, and his preaching sparked the Great Awakening of 1740. Whitefield preached to thousands throughout the colonies, riding from New York to Charleston on horseback. ike Whitefield, Francis Asbury was also renowned for his preaching, and also like Whitefield, he rode many miles on horseback each year and preached throughout the colonies. Asbury was sent to America by John Wesley in 1771 and was the only Methodist minister to remain in America when the War for Independence broke out. When the newly independent Methodist Episcopal Church was formed, he and Thomas Coke served as its first two bishops. Like his mentor John Wesley, Asbury preached in courthouses, public houses, tobacco fields, or wherever a large crowd could be gathered to hear him. Among those he ordained was Richard Allen (March 26), the former slave and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
G
L
† Emergency Housing Need Hello Fellow Parishioners
I
am writing because I am trying to help out a friend who is looking for a furnished rental in Newtown. She had a house fire last week that completely destroyed the interior of her home thus leaving her family (she and her husband plus two children) homeless. Currently they are staying with her mom in Bridgewater, but they want to settle back into Newtown so the kids lives aren't disrupted even more by having to switch schools. They have already been through a lot - this breaks my heart and I just wanted to see if I could help in some way. So - if you know anyone - or have a friend of a friend of a friend who may know of something - please pass it along. Thank you all! Grace and Peace, Marie Williams 10
† This Sunday’s Readings God’s Final Victory Daniel 12:1-3 n our Hebrew scripture lesson Daniel is given a vision of the end of human history: after a period of great distress, some will be brought to their salvation and others to eternal disgrace. This was a time of persecution for Israel which took place two centuries before the life of Christ. This oracle of hope makes use of imagery common to apocalyptic visions. Evil will mount up in a last desperate effort before Michael, Israel’s patron angel, intervenes to bring justice. The names of all who will be saved are written in the book of life, which must for now remain sealed. In what is a new idea for Judaism, even the faithful dead will be raised to receive their reward. Mark 13:5 Psalm 16 Then Jesus began to say Contentment, refuge, and joy are found in the presence of the Lord. To the faithful one, God will show the path of life. to them, "Beware that no Hebrews 10:11-25 In this New Testament lesson we learn that Christ’s sacrifice, supplanting one leads you astray.“ those of the early offerings of the people, is the effective provision for all time and all people, and he has become a new and living way offering access to God, who may now be freely approached. The Holy Spirit confirms within all disciples that what was promised by the prophets has now been fulfilled; God’s eternal law is now inscribed on human hearts and minds. Believers who has been washed in baptism must continue in the faithful way, encouraging each other to love, good deeds, and frequent assembly. Mark 13:1-8 In our gospel lesson Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, and tells of what is to come. One of the disciples expresses awe at the grandeur of the temple built by Herod. Then, while viewing the temple complex from the Mount of Olives, four of the disciples privately inquire as to when Jesus’ prophesy might come to pass. Jesus responds that wars and imposters, political upheaval and natural disasters will come, but they are but birth pangs of the end.
I
† 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
C
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. 11
† Christmas Giving Tree
A
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.
B
† Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service rookfield’s Ecumenical Thanksgiving service will be held on Wednesday, Nov.21 at 7:30 pm at the Peace of Peace Lutheran Church on Route 133.
† Sermon Shorts
L
ast weekend we were blessed to have Joanne Ellison teach and preach on the theme: Crossing the Jordan. Her Sunday sermon is currently on our website. The rest of her teachings will be available soon. To replay or watch Fr. Shepley’s sermon, follow this link for The Sunday Sermons.
† Young Adults Meet Sunday “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20) This Sunday, Nov 18th, the Young Adult group will meet in the Guild Room from 7-8pm. We will continue discussing chapter one from John Piper’s “Don’t Waste Your Life” If you are planning to attend but don’t already have a copy of the book, please contact Patrick O’Connors. If you need child care for the hour, please email Patrick O’Connors oconnorspatrick@gmail.com
Vespers Sundays 6:00 pm
12
I
† 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, Woodbury; St. John the Evangelist, Yalesville; Grace Church, Yantic. …..David Wilson, strength, peace and a miracle of healing as he battles brain cancer. …..Bill Mayers’ daughter, for recovery from a heart condition. …..People still dealing with damage and recovery efforts from recent storms. …..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. …..The health and well-being of all persons employed by the Episcopal Church. …..Jaxson, healing of seizures. …..Bishop Bishop Sadock Makaya and the staff, committee members, employees and volunteers at parishes and missions in the Diocese of Western Tanganyika. …..Michael for-protection in Afghanistan, in the service. …..Linda P., healing and regular heart beat.
† Thanksgiving Sweet Potato & Apple Soup Ingredients: 1 3/4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch dice 1 small parsnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch dice 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped 2 T extra-virgin olive oil Salt to taste 6 cups vegetable stock or lowsodium broth 1 cup apple cider 1 tsp green Tabasco sauce Finely diced Granny Smith apple
Directions: Preheat the oven to 375°. On a baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes with the parsnip, garlic, olive oil and salt. Bake for 45 minutes, or until tender. In a blender, puree half of the vegetables with 3 cups of the stock; transfer to a large saucepan. Repeat with the remaining vegetables and stock. Add the apple cider and Tabasco and heat through. Season with salt. Serve with the diced apple and minced parsley. Makes 6 servings. 13
†Happy Birthday to You!
P
amela Altemus celebrates Saturday! Sunday is the big day for Ryan Sampson. Have a blessed day each one of you!
†Official Prayer of the Sword Points Editorial Board
A
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.
14
Just For Fun !
(And Christian Fellowship)
We are updating our photo directory. Do you think it might be time to take a new picture? Contact the parish office our one of our ever-present Sword Points photographers. We can make you look up to date. † It Takes An Editorial Board Contributors to this Weeks Sword Points: Chris Barrett, Drew Crocker, Barbara DeAnzeris, Lynne Donnelly, Lynn Ecsedy, Bill Loring, Heather Melody, Beth Miller, Patrick O’Connors, Lori O’Hara, Linda Pendergast, Kirsten Peterson, Joe Shepley, Tara Shepley, David Szen, Pam Szen, Christina Willeford and Marie Williams.
15