Life TogetherApril 2007 Volume 11, Issue 4

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

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

Email - stpaulsemail@comcast.net

Contents:

Schedule of Events - April 2007

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Rector’s Seedlings:

“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).

These powerfully awesome words weave through the events of Holy Week beginning with the passion narrative performed by members of the congregation as a pageant on April 1 during the 10:30 service. With palms branches waving in procession the passion narrative jars us into full awareness of the events recounted liturgically during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Day. The compassion for the many with whom Jesus spoke and those who listened to Jesus propels Jesus steadily, relentlessly, faithfully towards Calvary. The love for the marginalized, the religiously respectable, and those within the smaller friendship group called disciples is made evident on the cross where according to John the mission is accomplished. The verse from John 12 is about life, not death.

Life in all its fullness is the passion of Jesus. Touching and respecting the powerless, the poor, those choked by fear and religious oppression, Jesus’ dying was transformed by the resurrection The person and ministry of Jesus could not be held in check by death. The cross demonstrates the fullness of God’s love revealed in passion for all people and the proof of that passion lies in the miracle of the resurrection. John Humphreys of Scotland wrote the following prayer. I commend it to you as you encounter the mystery of God’s love during Holy Week and the season of Eastertide.

“Holy God, help me to recognize those things to which I must die, the mere routine of church life, the prejudice that lies unspoken and yet shouting within me, the carelessness with which I read your Word in the scriptures, the habits which crowd out spontaneity, the fear of listening too closely to my neighbor. Holy God, you created life, you created me for life, you offer life to be lived with celebration, with joy and with love for the sharing of your kingdom, for the speaking of your justice and in gratitude for your grace. Help me to live for, with and in you freely, willingly and delightfully reaching for the passion of Jesus.”

We are Easter people and ours is an Easter faith. Like yeast rising in our hearts we rejoice that Christ is risen. The joy of Easter ought to ignite our imaginations and set aflame our zeal for mission. We know whose we are and the power of Christ’s liberating love. Therefore we ought to be renewed in the power of the Spirit, in love and understanding, in knowledge and self-giving, not clinging to the status quo but working for justice and peace. The Risen Lord gave new life and new vision to the apostles. Mary Magdalene ran to tell the other disciples and from then on the faith of the small circle of witnesses to the resurrection would steadily progress to form a human community of faith, a community that shared all things in common. Easter liberates us from the fears of limited life in temporal terms and gives us faith to trust God’s love.

Risen Lord, break into our lives and help us to see you afresh.

Ann+

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Adult Forum for Eastertide

The season of Easter occupies the liturgical calendar from Easter Day to Pentecost. Given the interest and enthusiasm for mission in this parish, the Lenten season highlighted diverse ways in which this parish does mission in the world. Presenters from the parish covered many facets of our mission program. During Eastertide the Adult Forum will focus on how we live as Resurrection People based on Rowan Williams’ book, “Resurrection: Interpreting the Easter Gospel” (2002). In the preface, Archbishop Williams explains that the book represents a series of Lent lectures to clergy in London. The theme and content of the book is how we read the resurrection stories in the four gospels not simply as narratives but as reflections on what the raising of the crucified Jesus does to the human spirit and imagination.

The resurrection accounts vary considerably reflecting different theological intentions of the four gospels. Many elements however are common, revealing a significant pattern that invites us to ponder what new life in the risen Christ means not only then but now. For Luke the encounter with the risen Lord prompted the beginnings of Christian proclamation. The encounter by Peter meant radical forgiveness and transformation. For Magdalene as a grieving human being, the risen Christ meant reassurance and hope. For Paul, the persecutor, encountering Christ meant a new understanding of God’s new creation and an expanded covenant.

Ann +

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The Symbol of the Cross

Part 4 in a series on Christian Symbols

The primary symbol for Christianity is the cross, yet the symbol used in the time of the New Testament writings was derived from the first letter of Christ’s name in Greek – the chi, an X-shaped letter. This sign was used on furniture, clothing, cups, plates. Interestingly, the X is still used as a signature of an illiterate person. The permutations and variations of forms of the cross exceed four hundred of which fifty or sixty are in common use.

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Vestry Meeting Minutes

January 28, 2007

A short meeting was held following the Annual Meeting at 1:35pm.

Ann asked if everyone approved of keeping the third Thursday of each month for vestry meeting days. Everyone approved.

On February 24, 2007, a vestry retreat will be held at the Parish Life Center from 9am to 4pm.

There will be a Small Parish Vestry Workshop on March 23-25 in Frostburg, MD. Ellen Zior and Pete McIntosh volunteered to attend on St. Paul’s behalf. Al Marquis made a motion to approve monies to pay for their accommodations. Bob Fitterer seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Al Marquis made a motion that the vestry affirms Rev. Ann’s selection of officers. Bob Fitterer seconded the motion. Officers were approved.

Michele Ridgley made a motion to accept the proposal of $5500 to paint the inside of the church. Ellen Zior seconded the motion. Motion was approved.

February 24, 2007

A short meeting was held during the Vestry Retreat at the Parish Life Center.

It began at 12:55p.m.

A motion was made by Michele Ridgley to accept the Parochial Report that is ready to be sent off to the Dioceses. Greg Prentice seconded the motion. Motion was approved and report will be sent.

Linda Sharp passed out the treasurer’s report, see attached. Phyllis Weston made a motion to accept the report. Jim Harry seconded the motion. The treasurer’s report was approved.

Meeting was adjourned at 1:10p.m.

Addendum: Bob Fitterer received an offer from the company that painted the church to do the floors (clean and wax) for a price of $350. He called and polled the vestry to get approval. Linda Sharp, Michele Ridgley, Jim Harry, Pete McIntosh, Ellen Zior , Al Yeator and Bob Fitterer approved on March 1^st.

Thanks to those who helped remove the altar, pews and church equipment on snowy Sunday, February 25th for the painters. Thanks also to everyone who put the church together again for services on 3/4/07. What a beautiful place to worship !!!

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Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish,

An institution that has lean budget revenue often cuts expenditures by deferring maintenance. Certainly St. Paul’s has functioned on a lean budget for the past several years. The income and membership is increasing and the parish is dedicated to serving the community in an effective way.

At the monthly vestry meeting members discussed the need to continue improvements to the physical property. We have painted the inside and contracted for gutter replacements. These two items nearly depleted set aside monies for building repairs. The siding on the church also needs to be replaced which will take us about $10,000 beyond current budget allocations. If you can make an additional contribution beyond your regular pledge to building renewal it would certainly help. Mark your donation “building renewal” so that we can identify your gift in the proper way.

Thank you,

Ann Boyd, Rector

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COFFEE HOUR HOSTS

Robin Mooney and ___________

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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Episcopal Church Women (ECW) News

Remember - this year the ECW will be active with the Yard Sale on June 2nd. Keep that date in mind to help us out; we also will need baked goods to sell at the event.

A craft workshop relating to the Fall Bazaar will be held by Norma Prentice for interested persons. Norma is willing to teach those interested when the times and dates are open for her. We hope to have some new ideas.

We are still planning on taking a trip to the Washington Cathedral. Scheduling will not be until September. Contact Pat Marquis if you are interested. We also may consider visits for special events at other local churches.

The next meeting of the ECW will be in May.

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Many of our St. Paul’s Church Family are celebrating birthdays 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

• Dorothy M. Streaker Apr 01

• Lauren Toole Apr 05

• Karina Fitzgerald Apr 05

• Al Ansorge Apr 06

• Michael Meissner Apr 07

• Kathleen Alexander Apr 07

• Phyllis Heffner Apr 12

• Morgan Harrison Apr 18

• Sue Wilmot Apr 24

• Mark Ridgely Apr 24

• Russell Mayer Apr 28

Anniversary List

• Glenn & Ellen Zior Apr 01, 2000

• John & Sue Wilmot Apr 16, 1983

• Greg & Celeste Humphries Apr 20, 1996

• Jeff & Holly Spaulding Apr 22, 1979

• Al & Pat Marquis Apr 28, 1956

• Eric & Jody McIntosh Apr 30, 2005

Prayer List

• Donna Alexander

• Francis Arffmann & Family

• Gordon Barnette

• Charles Beck

• Ernest Bellaire

• Agnes Bevacqua

• Paul Bourg

• Ryan Conley & Family

• Cris de la O

• Patsy Green

• Phyllis Hefner

• Christopher Honsberger

• Barbara Honsberger

• Douglas & Leslie Johnston

• Deborah Lamb

• Bryan Landry

• Suzanne Ley

• Grey Mayer

• Bobbie Miller

• George Natoli, Jr

• Marshall Peters

• Cheryl Primrose

• Sonya & Eric Richardson

• Joe Rineer

• Pat Rocco

• Gibson Sharp

• Dorothy Streaker

• Ben Strum

• Jill Sturm

• Don Switzer

• Olen Thompson

• Marc Wienner

• Karlyn Yeager

• Terry, Bryan, Jared, Holly & Families

Carolyn Prentice and family would like to thank all who attended and helped with the funeral for her mother, Mary Harris - especially Ann Boyd, Pat and Al Marquis, Joanne Honsberger, Linda Sharp and Mary Jo Grabau. It was a beautiful and memorable celebration.

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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

Or Paul Bourg to volunteer.

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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).

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New Federal Rules –

Rules, that became effective January 1, 2007, require that taxpayers substantiate charitable donations through receipts or official financial records. This will not affect those of you who contribute to the church via checks or by using pledge envelopes, as quarterly & yearly statements are issued to confirm those donations. However, for those who give loose cash, there is no way for the church to verify the contribution.

There are more pledge envelopes available in the parish hall, or the blank envelopes in the narthex can be used if you write your name & address on the outside. In either case the receiving treasurer can then add your name to the database and a statement will be issued.

If you have any questions, please contact Linda $harp

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Jen’s Musical Notes:

Two months of rehearsal certainly paid off for some St. Paul’s youth who performed in Glenwood Middle School’s annual musical play in early March. Emily Moore, Sarah Harshberger and Eddie Van Osterom all had a great time and did a great job singing, dancing & acting in the musical comedy “The Nifty Fifties”.

Eddie Van Osterom also performed in the Howard County Music Festival and received a score of “Outstanding” for his violin solo. This netted him an invitation to perform at the Maryland State Festival in May.

< Please mark your calendars!! >

I'm going to be playing an organ concerto with the Westminster Symphony Orchestra on April 17 at 7:30pm. It will be held in the Scott Center at Carroll Community College in Westminster.

Also, my Senior Recital is May 6 at 4pm. It will be held in Big Baker Chapel at McDaniel College in Westminster. I'll be playing Bach, Mendelssohn, Franck, Lubeck, and others. Please come! I can give you directions to either concert.

Jen Newgent

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Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designated to celebrate survivorship and raise money for your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks. They take turns walking, jogging or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times during the event.

Relay For Life is also a fundraiser. Each team member is asked to raise a minimum of $ 100 before the event. In the case of a school or church, a group effort is made to raise funds. Teams solicit donations; have garage sales, car washes, and more.

Who Participates in Relay?

Friends, relatives, local businesses, schools, hospitals, churches, service clubs and other organizations that organize teams participate in Relay. Anyone can participate in Relay For Life.

When and Where Is The Relay Event Held?

Howard County has two Relay For Life events, one in Columbia at Hammond High on June 1, 2007 and a new event in Western Howard County at Western Regional Park on June 22, 2007. More information and meeting schedules can be found at: www.acsevents.org/relay/westernhoward

OR Call: 410-781-4316.