The Canticle
July 2011
THE CANTICLE
2011
14700 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73134
JULY
St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church
(405) 751‐7874 http://staugustine. episcopaloklahoma .org/
Pentecost and Ascension Sunday were two ‘visual’ events at St. Augustine’s in June! Page 3‐4
Church member spotlight: David L. Coffman, M.D.
My formative years were spent growing up in a very small town in Washington State and attending the Methodist Church followed by the Lutheran church. After college, I married my wife 32 years ago in the Catholic Church. When we moved to Edmond in 1995 we joined St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where I was confirmed. I have a doctorate in Medicine, specialty of Diagnostic Radiology with Subspecialty certification in Neuroradiology. Before I went into private practice, I was a Clinical Associate Professor of Radiology for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. In addition to continuing my education for my profession I have always had an interest in biblical studies. My religious training includes Education for
Ministry by extension from the University of the South School of Theology. In addition, I completed a one‐semester course in the Hebrew Bible at St. Paul's Seminary at Oklahoma City University. Moreover, I have an insatiable curiosity leading me to read various books and commentaries on the Bible and the Episcopal Church including the use of various Greek and Hebrew texts, translations and even some Jewish commentaries on the Old worked with my wife in various ministries and I taught one year of bible study. A couple of year ago I felt a strong call to write a book of prayers and reflections that follow the lessons in the revised common lectionary for one year. I continue to write and reflect. Continued on page 5
Editor’s note: The Canticle will run mini profiles on church members. If you would like to be considered, please email Yvette Walker at: yvettebwalker@gmail.com
The Canticle
July 2011
VBS is coming, July 30‐31. How can you help? Make Lentil soup (using the recipe provided. Recipes will be at St. Augustine’s for pick up!) Make Hummus (using the recipe provided) This year’s Vacation Bible School focuses on the Provide ingredients for Pita Bread – Yeast, flour, salt “Life and times of Jesus” ‐‐ July 30 starting at 1 Provide boiled eggs p.m., and ending July 31at conclusion of 10:30 Make banana nut bread loafs or provide whole loaf service. Sabrina Evans, Director of Christian Formation for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, purchased from store Provide bananas, milk, pineapples is planning this year’s event. Donate a tent According to Sabrina, “We will sleep in tents on the Make a donation to help fund our crafts Come and help us set up prior to VBS property and each tent will be a business or shop.” Sabrina asks the members of St. Augustine Help make our well area Help sort out costumes to help make this year’s VBS a success by assisting Help us take down after the 10:30 a.m. service on with the following: July 31 ‐‐ AND Pray for us! By Yvette Walker and Sabrina Evans
UTO Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent UTO (United Thank Offering) Ingathering. However, UTO is a year‐round event. A daily devotional program that is a way to express our thanks to god in a tangible way for our blessings. You are encouraged to pick up a “blue box” and give thanks for your blessings each day.
ECW MEETING There will be a special luncheon meeting for election of officers and Canterbury Faire planning on Saturday, July 16th at the home of Diana Lauffer, 14509 Brasswood Boulevard, Edmond. Please RSVP to Diana at 302‐ 0370 or g.lauffer@sbcglobal.net today!
EMPTY NESTERS July Empty Nesters will be on Friday, July 29th. Time: 6:30 pm. The site is, Caffe Pranzo Restaurant. The location is 9622 N May Ave in Oklahoma City, 755‐3577. Caffé Pranzo is the premiere neighborhood Italian Restaurant in Oklahoma City. The secret to their success? "Excellent food and service at a very reasonable price." Please RSVP to Wes or Jackie Ballinger at jwballinger@sbcglobal.net no later than Wednesday, July7, 27th.
SACRAMENT, SUPPER & STUDY Continues the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 at the church.
BIRTHDAYS
7/9 Luke Schwartz 7/14 Bill Larson 7/18 Ted Zweifel 7/19 Bill Collins 7/20 Jaiden Campbell Tison 7/22 Kurt Smith 7/28 Eric Chamberlain 7/31 Wes Ballinger
ANNIVERSARIES 7/10 Carol & Chad Yarbrough 7/20 Pam & Jim Neville If your birthday or anniversary is not listed here, please let Yvette Walker know.
Guild of St. George July: Dry or canned beans
7/8 Elliot Faulk 2
The Canticle
July 2011
Pentecost at St. Augustine. June 12, 2011
“Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And lighten with celestial fire.”
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The Canticle
July 2011
Feast of the Ascension at St. Augustine’s. June 21, 2011
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The Canticle
July 2011
Writings of David L. Coffman: Teologia Globo Editor’s note: David likes to write reflections and prayers. Here is one of his recent writings: Roughly translated from Spanish, Teologia Globo means “Theology Balloon.” Props: 2 identical balloons tied with ribbons and the ribbons tied to the lectern. One balloon filled with air, the other with helium. Although the official Ascension day was the Thursday before Sunday June 21, we celebrated Christ's ascension during our Sunday worship service by releasing helium filled balloons within the Nave. We are here today to celebrate Pentecost, which means 50 days. This celebration commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. The Holy Spirit is literally the Spirit of God, one of the three manifestations of The Holy Trinity of God. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and counselor and may bestow spiritual gifts, or charismata, upon people such as: Wisdom, Knowledge, Discerning various spirits, Speaking in tongues, Interpretation of tongues, Prophecy, Faith, Working of miracles, Healing. The Holy Spirit was sent to help guide us since our teacher, our Savior, ascended unto heaven. By now you should be asking yourself why are there 2 balloons tied to the pulpit? The short answer is: Because I like balloons. The long answer is: B e e e c a a u s s s e I ‐ I ‐ I ‐ I L l l i i i i ke B a a a a l l o o o o o n n n s s s ! Actually they remind me of my childhood. It was common for balloons to be involved in celebrations especially birthdays. Even today, in big celebrations, including some of our largest parades, balloons are used. More importantly, balloons are fun. Balloons are very diverse coming in all sizes, shapes and colors. They are fun to play with. You can use them with
static electricity, or play with them like ball, or even make water balloons. With some patience and training, balloons can be transformed into various shapes. As children, long before we discover politicians, we learn that balloons may be wind bags. Also at a young age, we learn that balloons are transient. They may be very short lived especially when we play ruff or when the family pets get involved. Now, back to our 2 balloons. What do you immediately notice? They are both tied down, both are filled, but one is dangling, the other is floating. This would make one think that they are not filled with the same thing. That is true. One is filled with regular air, the other with a noble gas, which you have probably guessed is helium. Did I not say balloons are fun? Here we are in church playing with some chemistry and physics... and balloons!! What more could you ask for on a Sunday morning? What is that I hear? Some whisperings of wanting relevance. We people come in many shapes, sizes and colors. We are tied to this Earth by our fleeting lives. Many of us follow the path of least resistance, essentially, going whichever way the wind blows. Some of you may think, "Is he back talking about balloons?" Truly, I tell you... we are like balloons. Similar to balloons we are envelopes, or vessels, that can be filled. Unlike these two balloons at the lectern we have a choice. We may fill our hearts with things of this world, weighing us down and shackling us tighter to this world. Or, we may choose to be filled with something nobler, the Holy Spirit. We like the balloons are still tethered t o Earth by this life; but being filled with the Holy Spirit is to be uplifted by God. Counseled and nurtured by the Holy Spirit we may be transformed into the people God meant us to be. Guided by the Holy Spirit we may develop our gifts to better serve God. So that our time and talents may work within God's plans to help spread the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ the Son of God. By working together and with the Grace of God, we may be a productive force on Earth demonstrating the power of God's love while we strive for the greater Glory of God.
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