February 2015 T he M i s si o nar y St. James Church An Episcopal Church in the City of West Bend and Diocese of Milwaukee Joyfully Proclaiming, Living and Sharing Christ’s Love The Missionary, February 2015 Page 1 A Note from Father Richard "... and so it goes" That is the signature closing statement or signoff uttered by Linda Ellerbee, an American journalist. It speaks to our existence and the traditions and customs we follow as Christians. No sooner has Christmas ended for us in the West than we enter a green season of Epiphany, the season when the Christ child is manifested to the world (Wise men greet the child in Bethlehem), the season when we look to see how God has manifested himself in the Person of the Christ. I will attempt to put that in context in my sermons throughout this season. Lent and Easter are early this year, and once again, a group of us is working to give you a tool you can use as you observe a holy Lent. This will be our fourth devotional booklet for use in the "weekdays of Lent." By this time, you may have experienced the annual parish meeting and read or heard all the reports about us and our existence as the people who are St. James' Episcopal Church. The vestry may have been installed and had its first meeting of the year. Christian formation classes continue under Lisa Simmelink’s guidance. We will have begun winding down our use of Eucharistic Prayer D, an iconic and fully expressive prayer of thanksgiving that presents the Faith in a nutshell. In Lent, we will turn to the historicallybased Rite One services of the Holy Eucharist. This will be for all men and women on all Sundays. In the depths of those 40 days, on the Fourth Sunday in Lent, we will once again conduct a healing service at the Sunday morning worship time. The greatest of all the feast days, Easter, is just around the corner, but leading up to it we will have The Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Inside those seven days, we will celebrate the institution of the Holy Eucharist on Maundy Thursday, and the crucifixion of Our Lord on Good Friday with the traditional three-hour service at noon. On Easter, we will encourage you to participate in our now annual group sermon. Surely that is one time when Christians, young and old, have something to say about that great feast day and what God has done for us. We look forward to what you have to say. While I am the first person in 2015 to tell you that soon it will be Christmas, a number—a plethora in fact—of very important events will occur before we get to that distant feast. "... and so it goes." Richard + a servant of God The Missionary, February 2015 Page 2 A Note from Clergy Associate Anna Doherty Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Last Lent, my husband Jeremy and I gave up watching television. Yes, you saw that right. Even though Downton Abbey was on television, Jeremy and I didn’t watch it. Now, giving up television may seem like a pretty silly Lenten discipline. We weren’t watching anything harmful or bad. We were just relaxing in the evenings like so many people do. We might have done something more edifying for Lent, like taken up a prayer practice, or given up something even more potentially harmful, like alcohol. So why, you might ask, did we choose to give up something as trivial and harmless as television for Lent? Confession time: Television, for my husband and me, had gotten to be somewhat addictive. It was like we were incapable of relaxing of an evening, if we didn’t have some TV time. Television was actually taking us away from some important things, like rushing through dinner, or neglecting to call a family member. That’s why we chose to give it up for Lent. Instead of watching television as family in the evenings, we laid in a supply of board games. We played games together. We both got caught up on our reading. I knit a blanket. Jeremy played the piano. We had nice conversations. We went to bed earlier. You get the idea. Some nights felt a little long, but it was never unpleasant. In fact, Lent was a restorative time, a time of reconnection and renewal. I share this story with you, not to tell you to give up television for Lent. I share this story with you in order to show you what Lent is meant to be—a time of reconnection with God, and with those we love. A time of restoration into who were are meant to be as human beings. A time of renewal, whether spiritual or physical. If you are the kind of person who likes to give something up for Lent, give up something that is taking you away from living a little more fully as the person God has called you to be. For me, it was television that was addictive, and was keeping me from being free to do other things. For you, it may be something else—a kind of food or drink for example. It may be another kind of habit like sleeping too late, or not making time for exercise or prayer. If you give something up, chose to give up something without which, you may find yourself needing to live with a little more intention. If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with changing a habit or a routine, Lent is a great time to do that! If you are the kind of person who chooses instead to add something for Lent, chose also with intention. What will reconnect you with God or your loved ones? What will lead you to a sense of renewal in your spiritual or physical life? A lot of people choose to take up a prayer practice for Lent. That’s a wonderful thing to do! I had one friend who chose, instead of taking up prayer, to call someone each week, who she hadn’t spoken to in a while. And, if you’re the kind of person who chooses to observe Lent not by giving up or adding things, but instead simply by awareness and observance, then do that also, with intention. Be aware of the ways in which you feel connected to God in your life, and where also you feel farther away from God. Just being aware of God’s presence in our life can change the way we live in this world. Have a blessed Lenten season! Peace, Pastor Anna The Missionary, February 2015 Page 3 A Note from Deacon Cathy Milliken It’s barely begun, but 2015 is already a difficult year. We are mourning several parishioners and other special people associated with St. James who recently died in the span of just a few weeks. As individuals and collectively as a parish, we feel their absence acutely and miss them dearly. St. James isn’t the only congregation dealing with multiple deaths. Other clergy have told me that they, too, have had funerals in quick succession. It’s a rough start to a new year. With one funeral after another, we are affected, directly or indirectly, by lingering sadness. It may be harder than usual to recover and keep a bright outlook in this cold season that leaves us in more darkness than light. So how do we stay upbeat when grief brings us down? The standard response is that things will get better if we just “hold on in faith.” This is a simple but true statement. It can also be pastorally unsatisfying as a trite and pat answer to the pain and struggles in life. Hold on to what? How do we hold onto something that is intangible? Or grasp something that is incomprehensible? How do we keep our eye on the “prize” when we’re not even sure what it looks like or where it is. Lost in the complexity of how God works, it’s as if we’ve been thrown a lifeline that we can’t find. From a distance (or so it seems), our Savior keeps saying, “It’s over here.” So we move in what we think is the right direction only to hear once more, “No, go that way.” Our relationship with God doesn’t have to be so complicated. All we have to do in the first place is reach out. We need to be ready to catch the lifeline before we can hold on, and trust that God always hits the target. The beauty of grace is found in simplicity. There is no need to analyze or to impose our own understanding. We don’t have to know – and we’re not meant to know – how grace works in order to be blessed. That’s not in our part of the covenant. In our dark hours, we only need to be still (ready to make the catch) and know that he is God. That’s it. God will handle the rest. Jesus taught us to have faith like a child. And how does a child believe? Openly, with wonder and joy, not with convincing and logic. It’s not a hard sell. But, eventually, most children put their parents to the test and begin to question. Whenever we doubt and ask why we should believe, because human reasoning can go only so far, may grace allow us to accept the answer given time and again: “Because your Father said so.” The Christian faith is based on life, not death. We aren’t Christians only because Jesus died on the cross. While that was indeed the greatest act of love that humanity has ever known, we call ourselves Christians because Christ rose from the dead and defeated death. We know that Christ died, but we believe that he lives so that we might have everlasting life – and that’s something you can hold on to. Faithfully yours, Deacon Cathy The Missionary, February 2015 Page 4 Senior Warden’s Report I am writing this right after our annual meeting. A few people asked me if I was nervous about being ‘in charge” and I could actually say “no.” I compared it to my first pregnancy. I wasn’t nervous at all. I was a bit apprehensive but excited more than anything. I really had no clue of what to expect. That’s how I felt about this meeting. I’ve attended the meetings but I have never been in charge of one. I really had no clue of what to expect so how could I be anything but a bit apprehensive and more than anything, excited. There were 42 people at the meeting, a better showing than last year. The room was full. There was so much food, so many desserts, a BIG THANK YOU to all who participated in bringing the goodies and for showing up!! In my opinion, I thought the meeting went very well. There were many questions raised; most of them Jim Knaak or I could explain, but there were some that may need more consideration whether it be by the Vestry or the Finance Committee. I think it showed that many people really care about what’s going on. (By the way, for those of you who don’t know, the financial statement and minutes of the Vestry meetings are always posted on the bulletin board outside the office). THANK YOU, Jim, for your continued dedication in your administrative duties. One thing I’d like to mention is that your concerns and questions do not have to wait for the annual meeting. The Vestry meetings are open for anyone to come and share their thoughts, to observe what we do, and to watch how the meetings are run. It is also an opportunity to see if it’s something you would interested in doing in the future. This is an open invitation for all of you. On a personal not, I had every intention of not putting my name in for nomination up until this last week. I was looking forward to having more free time to venture out and see what God would bring into my life “out there.” As the week unfolded, and I truly listened to what God’s messages were, through conversations with certain people, through my quiet time and meditation, through Father Richard’s past two sermons, and most importantly the Holy Spirit working within, I knew deep down that the position of Senior Warden was where I was to stay. God was very clear with me, and that is what I pray for most. I pray he is clear with me, because I am not good with subtlety!! I hope I have your total support as Senior Warden. I will try my best to fulfill this role with St. James’ best interest at heart. I hope my love for this church and for all of you shows through in all of my words and by my actions. Jennifer Cechvala, Senior Warden Church Record February Birthdays 9 Chuck Milliken 14 Scott Heibler Jeff Kylar 25 Diane Jordan Laurie Wagner Mackenzie Janisch 28 Kathy Michaels February Anniversaries 16 Pam Sheppard 14 Rich & Mary Miller 21 Mary Janisch 16 Jim & Gale Scott 25 James Scott The Missionary, February 2015 Kurt & Jenny Opelt Page 5 What’s Happening Annual Parish Meeting Women’s Friendship Circle News The St. Annual Parish Meeting took place Sunday, January 25th, following the Eucharistic service. The meeting was led by Senior Warden Jennifer Cechvala, and there were forty-two adult parishioners in attendance. Jennifer called the meeting to order, and Fr. Richard Craig led the Opening Prayer. Minutes from last year’s meeting were read and approved. Clergy, Junior, Senior, and Vestry Clerk Reports were made available in the meeting booklets. The Annual Parish Statistics were read by Parish Administrator, Jim Knaak, as well as the year end financials, and the 2015 Approve Annual Budget. The yearend financials for the St. James Foundation were presented by Tom Wagner, the Foundation Treasurer. Committee reports from Harvest House, The Friendship Circle, Hospitality, and Acolyte were also made available in the handout. Elections took place to fill the Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and three regular Vestry positions. The Senior Warden position was once again filled by Jennifer Cechvala, while Laurie Wagner was elected as Junior Warden. The Three newly elected Vestry members for three year terms are: Nina Radcliffe. Sue Opelt and Clare Groh. Congratulations to all, and thank you for your dedication and service. Elections also took place for delegates to the 2015 Annual Diocesan Convention, for a two year term. Nina Radcliffe and Betty Kendgia were elected as Lay Deputies, as well as Lisa Simmelink and Clare Groh as Alternate Lay Deputies. The meeting ended at 12:20 p.m. with a Closing Prayer, once again by Father Richard, and was adjourned by Senior Warden, Jennifer Cechvala. Jim Knaak Men's Study Group The Men's Study Group will be meeting on the third Saturday of every month at 9am in the Common Room. All men in the parish are invited to participate. The Missionary, February 2015 The women of the church met on Monday, January 26th to set the calendar for 2015. The upcoming events are as follows: Victorian Tea - Saturday, May 9th Pot Luck at Sue Opelt's - Monday, May 18th Salad Lunch - Wednesday, September 23rd Heavenly Bake Shoppe - Saturday, December 5th We've been meeting the second Monday of the month at 9am for breakfast out. We are changing our meeting place from Perkins to Idle Hour cafe (same day, same time). This will start on March 9th. All women of the church are invited to join us. We have fun sharing stories and laughing a lot. It's great therapy! On Monday, February 9th we will not be meeting for breakfast, but will be meeting for lunch at noon at the Idle Hour. Deacon Cathy holds a service at 10:30am at Cedar Bay West on the second Monday of the month that makes it difficult to do breakfast and attend the service. On February 9th, some of us will be attending the service at Cedar Bay and then going to the Idle Hour for lunch with Cedar Bay residents who can make it. You can join us at noon for lunch even if you don't go to the service at Cedar Bay. Please call Sue Opelt at 262-338-0058 if you plan on going to the Idle Hour for lunch so she can make reservations. Our meeting dates for the year are on the forth Monday of the following months: March 23 - discuss the "Victorian Tea" April 27 - finalize tea and plan May 9th pot luck August 24 - salad lunch planning September 28 - salad lunch report October 26 - cookie sale planning November 23 - finalize cookie sale details December 14 - distribute funds from 2015 Note of interest: from 2008-2014 the Friendship Circle has given a total of $23,010 to 18 local, national and international organizations. Thank-you to St. James' Parish for helping us raise money for many worthy out-reach programs. Sue Opelt, President Page 6 In Remembrance of St. James Book Catherine Rutledge Club The passing of Catherine has been a loss to all who knew her. She is missed greatly for her sweet nature and her kindness to others. Not a Sunday went by without Catherine bringing several items for the Sunday morning food basket offering. In remembrance of Catherine, her friends in the Friday morning prayer group are donating $100.00 in her name to the Food Pantry. The Friday Morning Prayer Group Missionary Deadline All articles for the March Missionary should be submitted no later than Wednesday, February 18, 8:00 am. You can either leave the articles in the Secretary mailbox in the Common Room or email them to the Parish Office. Thank you! St. James' Book Club will be reading, "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova. It is a moving story of a woman in her 50's who develops Alzheimer's disease. We will meet at The Idle Hour on Friday, February the 13th at 1:00. Please join us for lunch and discussion. No cheating and going to the movie. Any questions call Geri Kelly @262-6857774. Vestry Clerk Needed We are looking for someone to step-up and fill a one year term as St James’ Clerk of the Vestry. This position was vacated by Pam Rose after 2 ½ years of service, so she could take on more duties as Parish Treasurer. The position requires that the Clerk attend monthly Vestry meetings and take and record meeting notes. The Clerk also takes the minutes at the Annual Parish Meeting. Please contact Sr. Warder Jennifer Cechvala if you are interested. Treasurer’s Report as of January 28, 2015 Actual Budgeted Difference YTD INCOME $7,483 $7,491 ($8) YTD EXPENSES $4,812 $4,849 ($32) The Missionary, February 2015 Page 7 St. James Episcopal Church 148 South 8th Avenue West Bend, WI 53095 262-334-4242 www.stjameswb.org Sunday Service 9:00 a.m. 1st Sunday of the month: 9:00 a.m. Rite 1 What’s inside this issue: MESSAGES FROM FR. RICHARD, REV. ANNA DOHERTY & DEACON CATHY ANNUAL MEETING RECAP BOOK CLUB The Missionary, February 2015 Page 8