All Saints Messenger 2-9-17

Last week's preaching experience was both heartbreaking and liberating. Heartbreaking because I never intend on offending or hurting anyone; Liberating because being who God called me to be and speaking MY truth (What the Holy Spirit has moved me to say) means I am being honest and transparent. I struggle with things the same way each of you do. We don't struggle about the same things, we don't feel the same ways...but, the important thing is, we struggle together and we come to the altar rail together raising our palms upward to receive the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood and we are, once again, refreshed, made clean and new.

As Episcopalians we live in a world of dynamic tension. We encompass such a degree of diversity, and that is very good, that all of us are bombarded with issues that tense us and go against some basic understandings and beliefs that have been with us since childhood. When we face these "tensions" one of our natural human responses is fear: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of change, etc.

We follow a Resurrected Savior who was a refugee, rebel, lover of all people who sacrificed himself for these beliefs. If we are to follow Him we have to act in His name.

I grew up believing God doesn't give us a spirit of fear. However, it seems like our nation is acting out of fear more and more each day. For us Christians, who get wrapped up in this fear, we forget who it is we follow and are already saved through Christ's death and resurrection.

In the Gospels, when the disciple Peter is asked if he is associated with Jesus, he denies him, later saying he doesn't even know him. It isn't anything he does that rejects his faith; it's what he refuses to do. Like it or not, we (myself included) are denying Jesus in these times of national discourse (or lack thereof) as we tolerate words, actions and conduct that are entirely opposed to Jesus' life and ministry.

We are The Episcopal Branch of The Jesus Movement. We are on the same side, each and every one of us: the side of love and mercy and justice and gentleness and joy; the side of loving our neighbor and of turning our cheek and washing feet. We need that; our communities need that; our country needs that; our world needs that. If our faith can't surpass man-made politics, it isn't worth much. If we can't be united in love for all people, we will surely become the worst kind of clanging cymbal. May we act, speak and listen in ways that open our hearts and model respect for those with whom we disagree.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

See ya Sunday,

P eace

Fr. Gary+

*Some of these words were inspired by an article by John Pavlovitz

A LENTEN STUDY

So I Send You

A Discipleship Study Based on the 7 Signs in the Gospel of John

Saturday February 18 - Saturday April 8, 2017 - 9 am

All Saint's Episcopal Church - 704.864.7201

Deacons Cris South and Martha Richard

How are we called to serve God in this world he has created? What is it he wants us to do? How do we find the strength to do what he wishes? And we ask ourselves, "Why me?"

So I Send You is an 8 week course, meeting each week on Saturday mornings, Feb. 18 - April 15 for approximately 2 hours, and culminating with the 8th session during which we will share our stories, a meal, and the Eucharist together. It is open to all adults and is non-denominational. All are invited and it is designed to be a welcoming, accepting space. We will explore the lessons Jesus taught through his example and actions in John's gospel. What are we to learn from his feeding of the 5,000, walking on water, or raising Lazarus from the dead? And how do we discern our place in each of the stories? The goal of this course is to dig deep and find - or renew - our call to be Christ's hands, feet, and mouth to all of his people.

Course materials will be supplied but each participant is asked to bring their Bible every week (any translation). Coffee, tea, and light snacks will be provided. Donations to help cover the cost of the course are not a requirement but are considered a blessing.

Space is limited so register as soon as possible by calling All Saint's at 704.864.7201 no later than February 13.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

* Picture Directory: FINAL DATE - March 5th. There is a sign up sheet in the Family Life Center - make your photography appointment now! Emma Butterworth will be our photographer.

* Cooking for the Army: Saturday, February 11th at 9am.

* The Pacesetters will visit the Aviation Museum at the Charlotte airport on Tuesday February 14th. We will gather at the church at 9:45 and our visit will start at 10:30. It is a self-guided tour and the cost is $8.58. Afterwards we will have lunch in Belmont at Cherubs. If you plan to go, please let Jerry Wertz know ( jerrywertz@att.net) and as always we welcome guests.

* Parish Lunch: Next Sunday is parish lunch and help is needed after for clean up. There is a sign-up sheet in the Family Life Center.

* Adult Christian Formation: We are studying "Great Figures of the New Testament." Our guide is the esteemed Jewish scholar Amy-Jill Levine who teaches at Vanderbilt University. What Ms. Levine brings to the table is a unique Jewish understanding of the New Testament, the culture and people of the day. She will take us on a journey of specific characters: who they are, what they do and how they have been assessed across the centuries. We begin at 9:30 AM. Please join us!

* Fr. Gary's Annual Meeting Address: Fr. Gary's address to the Parish at the Annual Meeting is available on the table in the Life Center. If you were not able to make it to the Annual Meeting please pick up a copy.

* Foyers: The group lists are available in the Family Life Center. Contact Jerry Wertz if you have any questions - jerrywertz@att.net or 704-577-9699.

* Outreach: The outreach committee will meet in the conference room on Wednesday 2/15/17 at 6:30 to discuss the upcoming yard sale in April and Parade of Tables in September.

* Parade of Tables: Save the date!! Saturday, September 23rd.

* Family Promise: Family Promise is a program that offers assistance to families who are in need of food and shelter. Our next opportunity to host the families in the program will soon be upon us. The families will be with us again starting Sunday February 19th and will be with us until the next Sunday February 26th. During that week we will be greeting the families when they arrive in the evening on each day, providing activities for the children, preparing and serving meals to the families here at the church, and staying overnight during their stay to provide any assistance they might need. One of the jobs that you may volunteer for is greeting our guests as they arrive at the church at 5pm from Monday to Saturday evening. This includes answering any questions the guest might have and make sure they have access to guest facilities. Currently, there are 2 families in the program. Cheryl Smith and her 2 children, Jeremiah (6) and Victorie (3), and Mary and Billy Black and their son Preston (6). We appreciate any time that you might give to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer for one of the activities or are just interested in finding out more about the program please contact Marc Dudley at 704-718-4044 or at marcdudleync@gmail.com.

* 2017 Pledge Cards: If you have not turned in your pledge card yet, please think about doing so. Pledge Cards are available in the Narthex. The Vestry thanks everyone for their generosity.

* The Bible Study Group began a new study of Paul. The group meets on Wednesday at 10:00am in the Family Life Center. We welcome anyone who would like to join us. You do not have to be a member of All Saints to come. If you would like to learn more about the group, please contact Jerry Wertz at 704-577-9699.

* Choir: Rehearsal weekly on Wednesday at 7PM.

* Pastoral Care Meeting: Tuesday, March 28th at 7PM.

* Parish Nurse Ministry will be taking blood pressures after the 8:00 and 10:30 services on the first Sunday of the month. Nurses interested in the parish nurse ministry please contact Cheryl Saylor, MSN at 803-656-5110.

* Sign Up Sheets for coffee hour, altar guild and altar flowers are on the bulletin board in the Family Life Center. Coffee Hour hosting can be as simple as drinks and cookies. Coffee hour is provided to have fellowship with our parish family. Please sign up or call the church office to add your name to the list (704-864-7201).

* Salvation Army Service Schedule: Monday, February 13th - Team #2. (George Sowersby, Nancy Byers & Alex Haymaker)

* Mid-Week Service: All Saints offers a "Service of Healing with Eucharist" on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 PM. All of us are hurting, in need of healing, or want to be made whole again. Christ comes to us in the quiet times of a contemplative service where we can "be still and know that God is God." Think about joining us and be renewed, refreshed, transformed, and continue your journey towards "wholeness."

* Save The Date: The 2017 All Saints Yard Sale will be on Saturday, April 29th so start collecting items for our sale. Please only donate items that are in good, working condition, clean and no stuffed animals. We will need lots of help the week prior for setting up and pricing, as well as on the day of the sale. The sale is sponsored by the All Saints Outreach Committee. We have no space to store your donations before the sale. We can not accept old tv's - only flat screens that work. If you have large items or furniture that must be moved prior to the yard sale, please call George Sowersby. Contact Claudette Forbes or George Sowersby with questions.

* Cookbooks: $15 each or 2 for $25 - If you don't need a cookbook, but would like to help our Outreach committee reach their budget goal, consider buying a cookbook to donate to our newcomers committee. Any donated cookbooks will be included in the welcome bag we hand out to newcomers.

* Church Financials: The Vestry wants to make sure that all parishioners are aware that the monthly financial reports are posted on the bulletin boards in The Family Life Center. If you have any concerns or questions please contact Phill Wertz or Fr. Gary. Thank You!

* Why Do You Love All Saints? Who here loves All Saints? Do you want to tell the world why you love being a part of the All Saints family? Please help us spread the word about our congregation by telling your All Saints Story. All Saints Stories will be published on our website: AllSaintsGastonia.org as well as our facebook and twitter pages. To submit your story, go to AllSaintsGastonia.org and click "All Saints Stories" under the Parish Life tab. If you can, please submit a photo with your story.

* Prayer List: Our prayer list grows rapidly. We ask all parishioners to keep the office informed so that our prayer list remains current and manageable.

* Ministry Schedule: The 2017 February through April Ministry Schedule is on the table in the Family Life Center.

* Fr. Gary's Blog: theway2016blog.wordpress.com

* Gaston Library is sorely in need of used books etc. for their annual book sale held next year. Paperbacks, hardback, fiction, nonfiction, children's, magazines, DVD and CD's are needed. If you're cleaning out, now's a good time to give those old books a new home. Books can be left at the dock at the library or at the church and I'll see they get over there. (Put them next to the CAM box). Please no wet, moldy or books with broken spines. Thanks, Linda Klocker.

* Food Pantry: Please help us keep our food pantry stocked. If you would like to give a monetary donation, we'd be happy to do the shopping for you.

* Flower Ministry: We are looking for a volunteer to head up our Flower Ministry. It entails breaking down the large Sunday flower arrangement into smaller arrangements on Monday mornings. These smaller arrangements are then delivered to parishioners who are home bound or sick. Please let Debra know if you would be interested in this ministry.

* New Partnership: All Saints has entered into a new relationship with the YMCA's Resource Connection Gateway. This new relationship enables us to help those in need more rapidly and efficiently while also addressing long-term needs versus only addressing immediate concerns. If you would like more information please see Fr. Gary.

* Salvation Army Serving: If anyone is interested in serving at the Salvation Army on Mon. nights from 5:00 to 6:00, please contact Candy Albergine at 704-868-8691 or email calbergine@gmail.com. We have a couple of spots open and you will find this ministry is a true blessing to all involved. The schedule is on bulletin board in Family Life Center.

* Christian Formation for Youth. If you have questions please ask Laura Tilly, Phill Wertz, or Fr. Gary.

* All Saints Sermons online: Thanks to John Woodward, our sermons are available in audio and video on our website at: www.allsaintsgastonia.org/sermons

* Free Mulch: There are several piles of mulch in the upper parking lot that you are welcome to take. We need to free up some parking spaces in that upper lot. Please do not take the mulch by the shed as that is intended for the garden.

* Church Directory: Available on the table in the Family Life Center.

* Towel Ministry: We are excited and thankful that Vic Cooper and Jim McCarthy have taken over the coordination of our Towel Ministry. Please approach them and let them know your talents and availability when projects arise.

* Building Use Policy: Our buildings are being used more and more and scheduling conflicts are occurring. Effective immediately, all rooms/buildings will be scheduled by the Parish Administrator by the submission of a form which is available at the office and will soon be available on the web site. We appreciate your understanding realizing that this will improve our ability to serve our parishioners and ministries.

* Planned Giving: Programs for Outreach Ministries are an important part of our parish. You can ensure the continuation of these programs by setting up an endowment or including a bequest in your will. The Episcopal Foundation of Western Carolina has set up "The Living Stones Society" to provide Education and training to all clergy and parishioners about setting up a program. For more information see Fr. Gary or call the foundation at 828-225-6656.

* Ministry Opportunities: There are a variety of Ministries available at All Saints including feeding at The Salvation Army, tending the Garden, Family Promise where we take care of those without a home for a week at a time, Altar Guild, Readers, Lectors, Acolytes, Chalicers, and many more. Everyone at All Saints is encouraged to serve in some way. Please let us know what you are interested in and we will put you in touch with the ministry coordinator. You can call the office (704-864-7201), email (secretaryallsaintsgastonianc@gmail.com) or speak to Fr. Gary.

Upcoming Schedule

February 11th: Cooking for the Army

February 14th: Pacesetters

February 15th: Outreach

February 18th: Lenten Study

February 19th: Family Promise

February 21st: Vestry Meeting

February 28th: Shrove Tuesday

March 1st: Ash Wednesday

March 28th: Pastoral Care

April 29th: Yard Sale

September 23rd: Parade of Tables

This Sunday's Scripture Readings

The Collect

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Reading: Sirach 15:15-20

If you choose, you can keep the commandments,
and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.

He has placed before you fire and water;
stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.

Before each person are life and death,
and whichever one chooses will be given.

For great is the wisdom of the Lord;
he is mighty in power and sees everything;

his eyes are on those who fear him,
and he knows every human action.

He has not commanded anyone to be wicked,
and he has not given anyone permission to sin.

Psalm 119:1-8

1 Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
who walk in the law of the Lord!

2 Happy are they who observe his decrees *
and seek him with all their hearts!

3 Who never do any wrong, *
but always walk in his ways.

4 You laid down your commandments, *
that we should fully keep them.

5 Oh, that my ways were made so direct *
that I might keep your statutes!

6 Then I should not be put to shame, *
when I regard all your commandments.

7 I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgments.

8 I will keep your statutes; *
do not utterly forsake me.

The Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human?

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building.

The Gospel: Matthew 5:21-37

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

"It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

"Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.' But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be 'Yes, Yes' or 'No, No'; anything more than this comes from the evil one."

Saint Day / Feast of the Week

Charles Freer Andrews
Priest and "Friend of the Poor" in India, 1940

Affectionately called "Christ's Faithful Apostle" by his friend, the

Mahatma Gandhi, Charles Freer Andrews dedicated his life's work to

relief and justice for the oppressed and poor in India and around the

globe.

Born in Birmingham, England in 1871, he converted to the Church

of England while studying at Cambridge and was ordained a priest

in 1897. An active member of the Christian Social Union since his

college days, Andrews was inspired by the cause of social justice

throughout the British Empire, particularly in India. In 1904 he joined

the Cambridge Brotherhood in India and began to teach philosophy

at St. Stephen's College, Delhi. His Indian students and colleagues,

with whom he had grown close, referred to him as Deenabandhu, or

"Friend of the Poor."

Andrews openly criticized the racist mistreatment of the Indian people

by British officials and, in 1913, he successfully mediated a cotton

worker's strike in Madras which had the potential to become violent.

He traveled to South Africa to help the Indians there in their dispute

with the Government, and it was then that he met a young lawyer

named Mohandas Gandhi. Andrews was impressed with Gandhi's

teaching of non-violence and with his knowledge of the Christian

faith, and helped him establish an ashram, or Indian hermitage,

devoted to the practice of peace. In 1915, Andrews helped convince

Gandhi to return to England with him. He also aided Gandhi in

his efforts to negotiate matters of Indian autonomy with the British

Government.

Andrews' work also took him to Fiji, where he advocated for

indentured Indian workers and for the rights of oppressed sugar

workers. He eventually returned to England, where he continued to

teach about social justice and radical discipleship until his death in

1940.

Prayer List

We pray for Anne Dalton, Page Lee, Adam Barnes, Cathy Harvey, Laura Beth Murray, Joshua Scruggs, Jack Dixson, Charles Clamurro, Courtney Birk, Charlie Metcalf, Madison Krontz, Linda Stanford, Joseph Colarossi, Vic Cooper, Maureen Cooper, Art & Chong Saile, Brendan McKiernan, John, Owen Harpold, Johnny Featherston, Carolyn Healy, John King, Jim & Glenda Carpenter, William Knowles, D onald & Sadie Woody, Susan Lamb, Linda Klocker, Walter Frazier, Jane Tucker, Maxine Justice, Aiden, Tony & Liz Butler, Michael Driscoll, Rita Ensminger, Mary Lou Butterworth, Sharon Alzner & Jamison Barr .

February 11th - Cary McWhirter

February 19th - Kirsten Witry

February 22nd - Dennis Stewart

February 24th - Sydney Wertz

February 26th - Katie Huskins

March 2nd - Kyle Tilly

March 4th - Marian Watts

March 5th - Sid Brandon

March 5th - Christina Solis

March 9th - Anita Elgin

March 9th - Linda Stanford

March 14th - Chong Saile

March 14th - Larry Kish

March 24th - Jocelyn King

March 28th - Debra Sayles

March 29th - Jerry Wertz

March 30th - Kelly Eckard

March 31st - Millie English

March 31st - Bruce Kiser

Please let the office know if we have missed your birthday!

MINISTRY SCHEDULE

2017	February 12	February 19
CHALICE/LECTOR 8:00 AM	Jim McCarthy	Susan Maxon
CHALICE 10:30 AM	George Sowersby Kyle Tilly	Lee wells Bob Forbes
LECTOR	Adam Nygren	Susan Stroud
ACOLYTES	Lee Wells Noelle Martin Randy Mullins	Lydia Kish Sophie Martin Cheryl Richard
GREETER/USHER 8:00 AM	Linda Boyd	Jim Howard
GREETERS/USHERS 10:30 AM	John & Jessica Woodward	Priscilla & William Graham
ALTAR GUILD	Allison Wells	Marc Dudley
BREAD	February Gay Lindsey	March Chris Butterworth
ALTAR FLOWERS	Kelly Morris
COFFEE HOUR	Erin Balco	Parish Lunch
MORNINGSIDE 10:30 AM	Pete Laine Eileen Klimkowski	George Sowersby Morningside Resident
SOUND TECH	Marc Dudley	Terry Eckard
LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS	Jerry Wertz Chong Saile	Adam Nygren David McDowell
VPOD 8:00 10:30	Jerry Wertz Lee Wells	Linda Klocker William Graham

Blessings & Peace,

Fr. Gary+

phone: 704-864-7201

e-mail: secretaryallsaintsgastonianc@gmail.com

web site:
www.allsaintsgastonia.org

Fr. Gary's blog:
http://thevenite.blogspot.com

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