Life Together

February 2007 Volume 11, Issue 2

16457 Old Frederick Rd, Mt. Airy, MD 21771 - 410-489-4411

Website - http://www.stpauls-poplarsprings.ang-md.org

Email - stpaulsemail@comcast.net

Contents:

Page numbers indicated printed version

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Schedule of Events
February 2007

February 14^th -

Valentine’s Day (Remember Loved Ones)

February 20^th -

Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Supper Parish Hall, 5:00-8:00 PM

February 20^th – Kids Mardi Gras Party during Pancake Supper Parish Life Center, 5:00-8:00 PM

February 21^st -

Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 PM

February 24^th -

Vestry Retreat Parish Life Center 9:00 AM -5:00 pm

February 24^th -

Absalom Jones Celebration 8:30-4:00 PM – Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Baltimore

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Rector’s Seedlings:

Epiphany season posits the question: “Who is Jesus?” The lectionary answers the question beginning with the Baptism of Jesus (First Sunday of Epiphany) and ending with the story of the transfiguration of Jesus on the Last Sunday of Epiphany. In the Baptism account from the Gospel of Luke the identity of Jesus is revealed by the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the voice of God from heaven speaking: “This is my beloved Son.” In the transfiguration, Peter, James, and John observe Jesus while he talks with Moses and Elijah (the symbols of the law and the prophets of the Hebrew Covenant).

Peter wanted to memorialize the event by building booths, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. We can understand why Peter was inclined to mark the place as a holy place, to fix in time a mystery that transcends time. We like symbols and reminders of God’s presence among us. There are many symbols in Christian tradition – the various crosses, adornments on vestments and in liturgy, the design of the buildings and in stained glass windows.

Look for a short series in this and future newsletters about the meaning of the symbols that are part of our life together at St. Paul’s.

The Christmas season teaches us that the Word of God became the Incarnate Word as a part of the eternal plan of God for humanity. Epiphany helps us more fully understand who Jesus is as the Son of God and the Son of Man. On Feb. 21, Ash Wednesday, we move into Lent, a season of preparation for the climax of the liturgical year, Easter. During the season of Lent we will have a special series on mission during the adult forum (look for details in this edition of Life Together). The Wednesday evening services will continue with teaching on contemporary topics and Eucharist.

Through all times and all seasons of our lives, God is with us. That is the promise of Christmas, the revelation of Epiphany, and the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection. God, by an abundance of grace has reached out in love to all of us, has come among us, and continues to move in and through us reaching out to spread the Good News of God

Ann+

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Lent Adult Forum: Exploring Mission

During the five Sundays of Lent (Feb 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, & 25) the adult forum will host several individuals whose experience of mission involves outreach to our neighbors near and far. All baptized persons promise “to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself, and to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being” (BCP 304-5). Furthermore the Catechism defines the ministry of the laity as follows: “to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church” (BCP 855). The Presiding Bishop clearly equates evangelism with the pursuit and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. What we do for the least of these our sisters and brothers, we do for the service of Christ and the ongoing work of the Kingdom of God.

The schedule is tentatively as follows:

Feb 25: Ann Boyd will speak about AIDS in Kenya

Mar 4: Michelle Ridgley and Jim Harry will share their experience with KERMIT

Mar 11: Robin Taylor will speak about the Mission to Panama

Mar 18: Karen Softy will speak about Rainbow Camp

Mar 25: Melanie Galtieri will speak about Prayer Shawls &

Phyllis Weston will speak on the Thrift Shop

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Diocesan Discernment Program Intern at St. Paul’s

The discernment program in the Diocese of Maryland begins when an individual experiences a sense of call to a ministry beyond their present engagement in the Church and the world. The first year is called “Exploring Ministry” in which individuals meet with three mentors on weekend retreats and are invited to read, pray, and share what the yearning of their spirit is saying. Finding words to express the transcendent is always challenging. The year ends with each candidate meeting with a subcommittee of the Commission on Ministry. Based on what the candidate is able to articulate about call and what the commission members hear, the candidate is invited to continue the exploration in the segment called Finding Our Way (FOW). During FOW in addition to weekend retreats with three different mentors, the candidates do two internships: one in a parish for 12 weeks and one in the world for 12 weeks.

We welcome Robin Taylor to St. Paul’s for her internship in the church. For the next twelve weeks (Jan 7-March 31) she will be doing a variety of things in order to test as many facets of parish ministry as we can offer. She will preach on two Sundays, teach the children’s class twice, lead the teaching on two Wednesday evenings, help with confirmation class, and serve at the altar. It is important that the laity retain their usual positions, so Robin will be added to the altar servers in ways that will help her in discernment while honoring our volunteers.

A parish lay committee has been formed to meet with Robin and reflect with her as she journeys through this internship. The purpose of the lay committee is to help Robin articulate her sense of call and to give her feedback in the form of active listening. The committee consists of Laurie Hager, Trudi Lawson, Melanie Galtieri, Al Yeager. The rector will also meet with Robin. The lay committee and the rector will send reports to the Commission on Ministry. Please join me in welcoming Robin and in supporting her prayerfully throughout this important period of discernment.

Ann+

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Symbols of God the Son

Ann Boyd

Symbols communicate what we as human beings struggle to capture in language. Jewish religion, at the time of Jesus and the formation of the early church used public symbols such as the tefillin (phylacteries), small boxes containing scriptural texts worn on the forehead and on the arm. Additionally, the sacred name of God could not be spoken but a person could think in terms of symbols. The first letter, yodh, of Yahweh was the symbol of the name of God. Influenced by close association with Jewish tradition and the praxis of Jesus the sacred traditions of the Jewish faith led Christians to use chi or chi rho of Christos. They marked the X-shaped letter chi on everything: their cups, their foreheads, their food and their drink.

In the New Testament as in many prayer books, we find the word LORD – written with an initial large capital letter and followed by smaller capitals – it is intended as a translation of the unutterable name. In Hebrew texts indicated by its consonants, YHWH, underneath which are placed the vowels of the word Adonai, allowed any devout Jew to read the divine Name. Western scholars did not understand this, and so combined the two generating the word Jehovah.

Photo Credit: Laurie Hager Ansorge

One of the more common is IHS, the first three letters of Jesus in Greek (IHCOYC in Greek is transliterated Jesus). You will find this symbol in the window behind the altar. There are six interpretations for the letters IHS or IHC. IHS is historically correct but IHC also has centuries of tradition. The Greek word, IHCOYC, means Jesus. As familiarity of Greek became rare, the Greek C was changed to the Latin S thus the abbreviation was often IHC instead of IHS. The Latin words, Jesus Hominum Salvator translates as Jesus, Savior of Mankind. This however is a later interpretation of the original symbol for the name of Jesus. In German translation, Heiland, Seligmacher, means Jesus, Lord, Savior. The English sometimes say IHS means “I (Christ) Have Suffered.” The Latin reference is In hoc signo: in this sign (the cross). Notice that the IHS letters are placed on the cross in our stained glass window. The symbolism in our window reminds us that the central teaching of the cross is God’s suffering love for humanity as it is revealed in Jesus Christ. In many ways the symbol in the window is very close to the symbol in the Christus Rex currently hanging over the front door.

Photo Credit: Laurie Hager Ansorge

(Canon Edward West, Outward Signs: The Language of Christian Symbolism, 1989.)

(to be continued next month

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ECW Event Planning (tentative) Schedule

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On Being a St. Thomas Choir School Parent

Stephen Jones

First, on the off chance that a newsletter reader doesn’t know about St. Thomas Choir School, detailed information about the school can be found at http://www.choirschool.org. In a nutshell, the School is part of St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City (http://www.saintthomaschurch.org), and is a boarding school for boys in grades 3-8. There are currently ~32 boys at the school. Andrew, our younger son, is in grade 5, where there are a total of 9 boys. The boys sing in the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys. The men in the choir are all paid, professional singers. The choir tours 1-3 times a year, domestically and internationally, gives concerts in NYC, records, and sings at 6-7 services a week. You can listen to recordings of the past week’s services at http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/stream.html.

I think I first attended the church in 1967, when I was a VISTA volunteer working on the Upper West Side. The choirmaster who retired in 2004, Gerre Hancock, is a family friend. Through a wonderful series of coincidences, I learned more about, and Andrew auditioned for, the School during the Spring and summer of 2006. After seeing the School’s video, Andrew decided he wanted to go and, apart from worrying that his absence might cause his mother, Mei-Ling, an undue amount of distress, he has never had any second thoughts. Mei-Ling and I bought a long laundry list of clothing during the summer, and on Sept 7 Andrew became a student at the School.

Andrew has remained very happy with the School. He is fond of his teachers, and especially fond of the Headmaster, the Rev. Charles Wallace. Another very important consideration for Andrew is the School’s food, which is wonderful. The School also has a very active physical education program, which Andrew enjoys. Andrew is very talented musically, and is having a wonderful time singing with the choir. The boys rehearse Tuesday-Saturday mornings from 8-9:30, have an individual vocal lesson with a vocal coach weekly, and also are required to study piano or an instrument (Andrew plays the tuba). The level of musical performance is for me amazingly high. The boys prepare approximately 30 minutes of music specific to each service in addition to the hymns; the music is not repeated from one service to the next; and, as I said above, the boys sing 6-7 services a week. The current choirmaster, Mr. John Scott, came to the church from St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and obviously is an incredibly talented choirmaster, in addition to being a world-class organist (the church employs two other full-time organists, who also work with the boys).

Andrew has encountered some difficulties due to the high academic standards, the frenetic pace of life at the school and the choir, and the occasional social difficulties resulting from 32 very bright, artistically inclined young boys living in fairly close quarters. But the staff at the School are some of the hardest working and most skilled I have ever encountered, so the School operates both efficiently and with great love and concern for the boys.

For me personally this has been an exhilarating experience and also one of great sadness. I had not expected to be as sad as I have been at Andrew’s being away from us because I knew from the start that it would be a wonderful place for him. But for the first month to six weeks I found myself crying every morning, which seemed to be the toughest time of the day. Then the several days before he went back after his Christmas break the tears returned at the prospect of his leaving. And now I am sad that he has gone. But this is what all parents must go through at some point

The exhilaration is multi-faceted. Because parents are allowed to pitch a sleeping bag in the School’s former weight room on weekends and use the gymnasium shower, the normal expense of staying in NYC is greatly reduced, so frequent visits are possible. During the Fall semester, I went to the School most weekends, and was rewarded both with Andrew’s company and with the splendid music the Church provides at Matins (the morning services at 9 and 11) and Evensong. I think almost anyone would be swept away by the quality of the music at the Church. I’ve been a musician since I was 10, so for me the music is especially rewarding. Another benefit of staying at the School is that I’ve gotten to know a number of the other parents, who are wonderful people who also love their sons dearly and love music as well. And though there are many other benefits, a somewhat down to earth one is Sunday lunch, which parents are invited to without charge. The School employs wonderful chefs and kitchen staff, and the Sunday lunches are the best meals of the week.

If you know of a boy who might also like the School, I would be happy to talk to him and his parents. The School is heavily endowed, which means that the tuition is a fraction of what it costs for a boy to attend the School (tuition, room and board, music lessons, and tour expenses total ~$10,000/year; most boys receive at least partial scholarships).

It is difficult for a parent to send a young boy away to school, but for boys like Andrew it is a wonderful experience that I believe stays with the boys the rest of their lives. And though it is frequently a source of sadness for Mei-Ling and me that Andrew is not at home, it is nonetheless a great honor and privilege for me that he is there.

Stephen Jones

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From the Altar Guild

Our thanks to everyone who made possible the decorating of St. Paul's for the festive Christmas season.

Some of you contributed money, poinsettias, greens, and or time to put everything together. It was the combination of all of these that made the church glorious for the celebration of Christmas. Thank you each and everyone.

Now for the New Year, once again we would like to have flowers on the Altar (except for Advent and Lent). If it is possible for you to help in this way, there are forms on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall for "Special Gifts 2007"

Dottie Streaker, Altar Guild Chairman

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Absalom Jones Celebration

On Saturday, February 24, 2007, the  Maryland Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) will host the annual Diocesan wide commemoration of Absalom Jones (February 13).

"Embracing and Celebration Black Spirituality in the 21st Century"

Saturday, February 24, 2007   8:30am-4:00pm,

Church of St. Mary the Virgin

3121 Walbrook Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21216

410-383-1575

Key Note Speaker: the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown-Douglas

Preacher and Celebrant: the Rev. Gerald S. Collins

Workshop Consultants: the Rev. Angela F. Shepherd, Mrs. Reba Bullock, and the Rev. Vincent Harris

This event is free and open to all. Lunch provided.

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We are STILL hiring!!

Join St. Paul's Thrift Shop Staff

Become a sales/stock/maintenance associate and realize a multitude of benefits:

- Flexible hours

- Fabulous Fellowship

- Opportunities for spiritual and personal growth

- Great bargains

Apply Today - Guaranteed Position Placement !!!

St Paul's Nearly New Thrift Shop

Equal opportunity employer

Contact Phyllis Weston at 410-442-2422 or 410-489-4411

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Vestry Meeting

December 21, 2006

(Approved by Vestry on 01/18/07 )

In attendance: Helen Tuel, Al Marquis, Ann Boyd, John Softy, Pete McIntosh, Linda Sharp, Ellen Zior, Nancy Landry, Stephen Jones, Ron Alexander, Becky Rocco

Meeting was called to order, at 6:35pm with a prayer by Ann Boyd.

The minutes of the November meeting were approved modified by updated information about cost of memorial board being $600 plus engraving, taken from Memorial fund, a donation of $1560 for 6 months therapy for Joe Newgent to TRRC, and $350 for deposit for Sophie to participate in the Honduras mission.

Rector’s Report: The rector reported on her time and the 2006 average for each month. Looking toward the vestry retreat set for Feb 24, she requested permission to invite a facilitator since the retreat will deal with strategies for reaching the goals of the parish in the context of mutual ministry (lay-clergy). The vestry agreed. To reach some of the set goals where percentage increases are specified, attendance and other quantitative data are needed. One piece involves average Sunday attendance, which was graphed and distributed to the vestry as a handout. For 2006 the average Sunday attendance was 74.

Senior Warden’s Report: Ron spoke about the wonderful commitment by members of the vestry in building up the work of Christ through St. Paul’s parish. He feels sure that things will continue as we work together to grow into the full statue of Christ as a community of faith.

Junior Warden’s Report: Pete said he repaired the secretary’s desk, cleaned the gutter around the church and will likely schedule an all parish clean up for early spring. A modification to the front door step will be done to facilitate anyone in a wheelchair to gain access to the church. Several members made positive comments regarding the great lighting in the parking lot and back of the church in the evenings.

Treasurer’s Report: see attached. Pete McIntosh made a motion to accept the report as presented, Stephen Jones seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Other finance items:

Compensation review committee recommendations were discussed. Some modifications were made and the proposed budget will be adjusted accordingly. Being thankful for the talent and dedication of the staff, the vestry approved bonus stipends to recognize the commitment of each one.

The vestry, after discussing the amount to be paid to the Rector as a housing allowance, on motion duly made by Nancy Landry and seconded by Stephen Jones, adopted the resolution to designate $1000/month of the total compensation package as housing allowance for 2007 within the meaning of that term as used in Section 107 of the IRS code.

Motion was made by John Softy to approve transfer of another $5000 of 2006 net income excess to building fund to cover 2007 mortgage payment and the remainder paydown loan on the Parish life center. Pete McIntosh seconded motion. Motion was approved.

Motion was made by Stephen Jones, for the preliminary approval of the budget proposal for 2007,with adjustments to be made for the compensation changes noted above and other changes in specific line items based on additional pledges received and December 2006 final income/expense totals. Final approval will take place at the January 2007 vestry meeting. John Softy seconded the motion. Motion was approved.

Nancy Landry made a motion to designate the funds generated from Basket Bingo to go toward funding mission activities. Helen Tuel seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Old Business:

Vestry nominations for the three vacancies now have 4 names of willing candidates.

Parish outreach is a new line in the budget and will be used for local needs in similar manner to the rector’s discretionary fund. The vestry has set the goal of tithing on the pledge income for outreach to model good stewardship for the whole parish.

New Business:

Annual Meeting of the parish will take place on Jan. 28 after the 10:15 service.

Vestry retreat will be Feb 24 in the Parish Life Center.

New copier is in place as the result of upgrading the equipment and maintenance contract of previous lease contract. Some discussion followed because it has been noticed that the new one does not collate and that is a challenge during reproduction of newsletters and bulletins. The treasurer will contact the company and investigate the matter further.

The treasurer reminded all members that any outstanding invoices for 2006 should be submitted as soon as possible.

Comments were invited for the good of the parish. The vestry meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm with prayer.

The Vestry

The Vestry is the governing body of the parish, with the rector as Vestry president, they manage the property and coordinate the organizations that carry on the ministry of the church. Members are elected at the annual congregational meeting. They meet the 3^rd Thursday of each month. Vestry members serve 3-year terms, which are staggered so that 3 members retire each January.

• Bob Fitterer

• Jim Harry

• Stephen Jones

• Nancy Landry

• Al Marquis

• Michele Ridgley

• John Softy

• Helen Tuel

• Ellen Zior

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MARDI GRAS PARTY!!!!

SHROVE TUESDAY

FEBRUARY 20, 2007

5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

YOUTH OF ALL AGES!!!!

PARTY WHILE YOUR PARENTS EAT PANCAKES!!

COME TO THE AMANDA CENTER

BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

SODAS, PIZZA, COOKIES, SUNDAES, MUSIC AND

GAMES, GAMES, GAMES!!!

Located behind St. Paul's Church

16457 Old Frederick Road, Mount Airy

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COFFEE HOUR HOSTS

Robin Mooney and Karen Softy

Phyllis Westin and Lee Hajek

Nancy McIntosh and Norma Prentice

Joanne Honsberger and Celeste Humphreys

Carrie Brown and Phyllis Heffner

Dixie Fitterer and Sue Thompson

Michelle Ridgely and Becky Rocco

Linda Barnes and Barbara Larrimore and Pat Marquis

Ellen Zior and Nancy Landry

Suzanne Bourg and Jean Meissner

These couples will rotate through the Church Schedules as posted in the monthly newsletter.

Our goal is to have our parish family united by providing opportunities to socialize. Please provide drinks and refreshments on your designated Sunday. Refreshments may be set up prior to the Sunday forum and Sunday school, prior to the 10:15 service or after communion. Please make sure there is adequate coffee made. If supplies are running low please notify the secretary. Be sure to tidy up afterwards. If you are unable to help on your assigned Sunday please arrange in advance to switch with someone.

Thank you all for making St. Paul’s Church a warm and inviting place for all.

Any other persons who would like to be a hostess or would care to help please see me.

Pat Marquis

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Many of our St. Paul’s Church Family are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this month.
Do we have your special day on the calendar?
If you would like to update your family’s information, please contact
the church office by phone (410-489-4411) or email (stpaulsemail@comcast.net).

Birthday List

Kayleigh McIntosh Feb 03

Pat Marquis Feb 04

Lauren Prentice Feb 05

Olivia Elisio Feb 08

Missy Wald Feb 11

Sophie Wilmot Feb 13

Becky Rocco Feb 14

Laura Wieder Feb 16

Jared Domangue Feb 17

Colin Toole Feb 18

Norma Prentice Feb 19

Vincent Sigillito Feb 20

Guy Moore Feb 23

Dottie Streaker Feb 23

Laurie Wilmot Feb 23

Kevin Dugard Feb 23

Andrew Jones Feb 25

Wyatt Vanlandingham Feb 26

Laurie Gordon Feb 27

Aron Domangue Feb 27

Anniversary List

Merle & Lynn Ricketts, III Feb 08, 2003

Prayer List

• Donna Alexander

• Gordon Barnette

• Charles Beck

• Ernest Bellaire

• Agnes Bevacqua

• Paul Bourg

• Horace & Gloria Boyer

• Maurice DeWalt

• Sian Evans

• Patsy Green

• Norman Hager, Sr.

• Mary Harris

• Phyllis Hefner

• Joanne Honsberger

• Douglas & Leslie Johnston

• Deborah Lamb

• Bryan Landry

• Suzanne Ley

• Grey Mayer

• Bobbie Miller

• George Natoli, Jr

• Marshall Peters

• Cheryl Primrose

• Pat Rocco

• Dorothy Streaker

• Michael Swain

• Don Switzer

• Olen Thompson

• Bob Unger

• Bill West

• John Wilmot

• Karlyn Yeater

• Terry & Bryan, Jared & Holly and Deanne

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Church Staff

Rector Dr. Ann Boyd

Administration / Senior Warden Ron Alexander

Administrative Assistant Lynda Sheckels

Altar Guild Chair Dottie Streaker

Amanda Center Program Michele Ridgley

Building/Grounds / Junior Warden Pete McIntosh

Christian Ed Facilitator Ellen Zior

Communications Melanie Galtieri

Hospitality Pat Marquis

Mission/Outreach Phyllis Weston

Newsletter Design John Softy

Newsletter Editor Stephen Jones

Organist Jennifer Newgent

Registrar Becky Rocco

Service Schedule Suzanne Bourg

Sexton Cindy Clarke

Stewardship Karen Softy

Thrift Shop Phyllis Weston, Pat Jones & Paul Bourg

Treasurer Linda Sharp

Welcoming / Evangelism Kathleen Alexander

Worship/Ministry Bob Fitterer

For all other questions/comments, please contact the Church Office

Website Address
http://stpauls-poplarsprings.ang-md.org

Church Office Telephone Number 410-489-4411

Email Addresses

Dr. Ann revannboyd@comcast.net

Church Office Email stpaulsemail@comcast.net

Support our Outreach Program by Shopping at St. Paul’s Thrift Shop

There are new items such as stemware, dishes, small kitchen appliances, frames,

lamps, stuffed animals, toys and books for children, teens and adults.

Bargains are everywhere!!

Come in and check out the quality merchandise at affordable prices!

Please call Phyllis Weston at 410-442-2422,

or Paul Bourg at 410-442-1350 to volunteer.

Regular Service Schedule

Sunday

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I & Sermon

9:15 a.m. Christian Education for all ages

10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II & Sermon (Family Service with hymns)
Coffee Hour Following Service

11:45 a.m. Choir Practice

Wednesday

7:00 pm Mid-Week Teaching & Eucharist

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Pastoral Care - Emergency Need

Contact Dr. Ann through the parish office Monday-Friday from 9 AM-12 PM at (410-489-4411).

In the evenings Dr. Ann may be reached at () or at Hood College ().

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Calendars are Posted here