This Week at St Timothy's
Episcopal Church
June 20, 2018
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Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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From the Rector | Fr Steve Rice
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I have gone on record in homilies and in various parish publications explaining why I rarely comment on political matters, but I think it's helpful to restate why. Essentially the reasons boil down to two: 1) I am not qualified to speak to specific policies, or to be more specific, I am not qualified to speak to legislative solutions, and 2) we have become so polarized, we are either looking for someone to affirm our positions or we are daring someone to disagree with us. Rather than avoid the topics that are so important to our nation and world, my aim as your parish priest is to look for more helpful ways to encourage real engagement with Jesus Christ as our lens in viewing the world. By focusing on the fundamental principles of our faith, we can speak a common language, agree on universal truths, and then have a framework to address the challenges of our time. In my experience, church folk struggle to understand, let alone agree, on these very important and basic blocks to a theological foundation. We have some work to do. The good news is, this is our calling.
The principles, language, and universal truths are revealed primarily in Holy Scripture and interpreted by the Church Catholic. As we have seen in recent days, Holy Scripture is often quoted, even by political leaders, but rarely in a larger theological context. Without even a rudimentary biblical literacy, we are left not knowing what to think, much less believe.
The responsibility is on us, as Christians, to know the story of our faith as revealed in Scripture, and how these stories form our values and ultimately, our actions. Bishop Curry has said on television that if it doesn't look like Jesus of Nazareth, you can't call it Christian. We can only know what looks like Jesus of Nazareth by knowing Jesus in the Gospels.
From now until Advent, the Gospel reading on Sunday will come mainly from Mark. Mark's Gospel is both the shortest and earliest Gospel written. It's only 16 chapters long and can be read in one sitting. Why not read this Gospel each month? Immerse yourself in this one account of the life of Our Lord and when Sunday comes, you will have already prayed the Scriptures and engaged with the Lord of Life. I will look for creative ways this summer we can engage Scripture together and expand our faith vocabulary so we can humbly and passionately engage a broken world.
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Social Media Sermon on the Mount
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I posted the following on social media this (Wednesday) morning after hearing the Gospel (Matthew 6.1-6, 16-18) at mass. Fr Steve+
When you post on Facebook, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in their posts and comments to win the likes of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you post on Facebook, question your motivation.
When you tweet, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to retweet snark so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you tweet, do so with charity and humility, knowing the limitations of 140 characters.
And when you critique others on social media, beware of using the words of Jesus to make your own point (like this) instead of conforming your points to the words of Jesus.
Amen, I say to you, you have received your reward.
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Lord Jesus Christ,
who hast built thy Church
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets:
mercifully grant that building upon thee, the chief
cornerstone, with beauty and substance,
we may raise here at St Timothy's a
faithful people and a holy temple to thy glory.
May we and generations yet to come learn to praise thee
more and more in spirit and in truth.
Amen.
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Summer is here and travel plans are ready! We all deserve time away and rest to heal body and mind. If you are in town, however, let's make a commitment this summer to be in church. Let's set a goal to average 300 in worship this summer.
Summer average beginning June 3: 263
Average Attendance for the year: 319
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Adoration: Liturgy, Prayer, & Devotion
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Looking to Sunday, June 24, 2018 | The Nativity of John the Baptist
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This Sunday we are keeping the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist.
Preacher: Fr Steve Rice
Celebrant: Fr Steve Rice
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Homily from June 17, 2018
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Fr Steve's homily from past Sunday can be found
here.
The story of Ty Koen and Jack Kocon referenced in the homily can be viewed in the video to the left.
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From the Choir Loft | Christin Barnhardt
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This Sunday as we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist, we will have the opportunity to sing "Comfort, comfort ye my people," a favorite around St Timothy's that we usually only sing during Advent. It is a paraphrase of Isaiah 40:1-5, in which the prophet looks forward to the coming of Christ and to the coming of Christ's forerunner, John the Baptist.
Hark, the voice of one that crieth
in the desert far and near,
calling us to new repentance
since the kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
let the valleys rise to meet him,
and the hills bow down to greet him.
Sunday's Gradual Hymn "The great forerunner of the morn" is most likely an unfamiliar text because it was written specifically for The Nativity of John the Baptist, which doesn't often fall on a Sunday. The choristers and Adult Choirs have sung this hymn's tune
The Truth From Above the past few years during Advent, though, so hopefully it will sound familiar. It is a beautiful melody, and the text reminds us of John the Baptist's importance in our faith story.
Also on the playlist Sunday is the "Benedictus," which is the Song ("Canticle") of Zechariah from Luke 1:68-79. One of three canticles, along with the "Magnificat" and "Nunc dimittis," in the opening chapters of Luke, it is the song of thanksgiving Zechariah sang when his son, John the Baptist, was circumcised. We call it the "Benedictus" because the first words in Latin "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel," “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.” The "Magnificat" and "Nunc dimittis" are used at Evening Prayer, the "Benedictus" is the canticle sung or said during Morning Prayer.
Voluntary:
Toccata quarta ("alla levatione"), Girolamo Frescobaldi
Hymns:
Comfort, comfort ye my people, No 67
The great forerunner of the morn, No. 272
The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus Dominus Deus), S-190
Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness, No. 339
All glory be to God on high, No. 421
Voluntary:
Fugue #6 in G Major, George F. Handel
See you Sunday,
Christin
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Every single day we pray for those on our parish prayer list. You are welcome to add names each Sunday to the list in the narthex or you may do so online by clicking
here. Please note this list is not a request for pastoral care. To speak to a member of the clergy and/or request counseling, visits, and/or a sacrament, please call or email Fr Steve Rice or Fr DJ Griffin directly.
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Parish Devotional Societies
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Other Anglican Devotional Societies
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Our altars in the Church and Chapel are adorned weekly with flowers beautifully arranged by St. Timothy’s Flower Guild. Frequently the flowers are given in honor and/or memory of loved ones. The suggested donation to sponsor the flowers is $60. Is there a date coming up when you would like to honor someone or remember someone with a flower dedication? If so, please contact Ellen Turner at ellen@sttimothys.ws.
Also, are you interested in assisting the Flower Guild in arranging the flowers? If so, please contact Lea Thullbery at lea@sttimothys.ws.
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The Abraham Project | Becky Johnston
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To my dear church family,
These last few weeks have been painful, to say the least. Being faced with the reality that The Abraham Project was going to need to suspend operation has worn on my heart, my body, and my spirit. I am grateful for the support of you all who uphold all of my weary parts and stand in the gap for me... and for our whole organization.
TAP fell in my lap shortly after we began our time at St. Timothy's. Actually, Parker Hunt (TAP 5.0) was the first new person I met here- he was the facility greeter the night I served at the overflow shelter. He told me about TAP and I was intrigued. Our family immediately began attending, and I reached out to John Roberts about how I could help with the program. I knew that I liked what TAP was doing, and wanted to see about being involved. During the summer of 2016 as we were talking about my involvement, John was called to The Canterbury School, and I quickly stepped in to the role of TAP Director.
In a lot of ways, I felt like I was stepping onto one of those moving sidewalks you often see in airports... I was able to quickly catch up with the momentum, but knew I was on something that was already rapidly moving. John trained me, connected me with the director of the ESC program in Chapel Hill, and we welcomed TAP 6.0 for orientation. Emily, Jemi, Karley and I learned the ropes together. We figured out what things looked like and navigated the TAP year fluidly. Many people commented through that year that the 3 of them were such an "easy" class... I am certain that was one of God's many gifts to me in the year of transition.
Recruitment was difficult for TAP 7.0. To be completely honest, I struggled last year wondering what *I* had done wrong with recruiting. We had such a great program, why were people not flocking to us? Previous years hadn't had this much difficulty... so I evaluated that and began the recruitment process for 8.0 a lot earlier and worked at it "harder". During that same time, we rode the roller coaster of navigating a difficult year in community of losing an intern. We struggled this year. I am a little worse for the wear, but at the same time, I am strengthened by the experience. There has been so much grace present. And I am thankful.
When we made the decision to press pause on TAP, I was both devastated and a bit relieved. Father Steve has been key in reminding me the Biblical cycle of growth- which also includes letting something die in order than something new can come. Our board, especially our chair- Jonathan Halsey- have all been so encouraging and supportive. The national ESC network has reached out to me with words of encouragement and friendship. I am forever thankful for those relationships.
And most of all, I am grateful. I am grateful that John Roberts took a chance on me in asking me to be involved. I am grateful that Adrienne and the Board trusted me to be a leader. I am grateful for the time I've spent with Emily, Jemi, Karley, Michelle and Cassie. I am grateful for each one of you that have donated, hosted, asked about, and prayed for The Abraham Project. We have been in the Parish's daily prayers... and those have been felt. Thank you, people of St. Timothy's, for allowing TAP to be forever part of my journey of faith. I am so very, very humbled and thankful to have done this work with you.
Grace and peace,
Becky Johnston
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The Society of St Joseph of Arimathea
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The
Society of St Joseph of Arimathea (SoJA) began in December 2016 at St Timothy's. Our mission is to provide funds and space for the burial of children. SoJA has helped 13 families in the burial of their children by covering the cost of cremation. We are also creating a place for burial and national shrine for this ministry. Read
this article published in The Living Church for more information.
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St Michael Law Enforcement Chapel
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The St Michael Law Enforcement Chapel is a place of prayer (chapel) and rest (hospice) for members of our law enforcement community and first responders. The Chapel is located directly below the narthex and is accessible 24/7 via keypad. The kitchen is restocked daily thanks to financial donations from friends and members (we make a regular Costco run with a list of our officer's favorite items). We also provide devotional items for our officers, especially St Michael pendants. To date, 34 officers are wearing the pendants and numerous others wear the St Michael velcro patch.
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Hospitality for Officers on Sunday Mornings
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Please help welcome our Winston Salem police officer to services on Sunday mornings. Follow the link below to sign up to provide a snack. The officers enjoy homemade baked goods or breakfast items such as bagels, muffins, or pastries. If items contain nuts please label them. Snacks should be delivered to the basket at the welcome counter in the narthex on Sunday mornings. If you have questions please contact Megan Farrell at mrfarrell@triad.rr.com or 336.408.7779. Thank you for extending a warm welcome to our officers!
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Formation: Study, Learning, & Knowledge
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The Mission of the Church | Fr DJ Griffin
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Our annual youth mission trip, Veram Vitam, is here! I am happy to be embarking with our kids, my fellow staff members, and our adult volunteers on this adventure of formation, worship, service, and fellowship.
We call it a “mission” trip because we are carrying out the mission of the Church in a particular way and in a particular place. When we hear the word “mission,” we think of a special task or assignment given to someone, or a particular person’s or company’s goal, ethos, or calling. These both capture something of what we’re talking about when talk about a mission trip, and about the mission of the Church in general.
“Mission” comes from the Latin word missio, meaning “a sending out.” We on the mission trip are being sent to carry out the mission of the Church in the mountains. It will be carried out in a particular way in a particular place, but it’s a mission in which all of us as Christians participate.
According the Catechism of our Book of Common Prayer, “The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (p. 855). This is actually Jesus’ mission, first and foremost, for which he was sent to live and die as one of us. But, it also says that the Church “carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.” When we are baptized into the Body of Christ, we are given this mission, too.
Furthermore, “mission” shares a common origin with another word: Mass. Through a game of linguistic telephone, “Mass” comes from the dismissal at the end of the service, ite missa est – “Go, it is the dismissal.” It’s appropriate because, in a way, the whole Mass is, indeed, a sending out. We hear again and again about Christ’s mission in the world, we receive Christ in the Eucharist, and then, having been strengthened by so great a gift, we ourselves are sent into the world again “to love and serve the Lord.”
Let us all see ourselves as carrying out this mission – that when we say “Thanks be to God” and go on our way, we would carry the truth and love of Christ into the world with us in a real way. And please pray for us who are going on the mission trip.
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Wednesday Morning Bible Study
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On most Wednesdays (check this space for updates), Fr Steve Rice leads a Bible Study based on the readings for the coming week. We meet in the Gribbin Building Conference Room from 10:30-11:30am. Please bring your Bible.
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A Serious Study on the Holy Eucharist
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This summer Fr Steve will lead a study on the Holy Eucharist. He will be using Ascar Vonier's book
A Key to the Doctrine of the Holy Eucharist. This will be a serious study that will require reading and preparation. Please make your interest known to Fr Steve and he will publish the day and time of the study that works best for those interested.
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VBS 2018--July 29-31 | "Believing Takes Practice"
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Vacation Bible School this summer is taking an exciting twist! We will be exploring Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time" and considering our God-given gifts that help build up the Kingdom of God. All ages are invited to participate--there will be something for everyone. We'll have a movie night in June so that all can see the new movie "A Wrinkle in Time" together. Email katie@sttimothys if you would like to help with planning VBS--a planning meeting TBA soon!
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Click
here for larger version.
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Why do we report giving and attendance?
Following Jesus Christ is about faith and not figures. However, figures do shed some light on how we are living out our faith. There are many places in the Gospel where Jesus makes the connection between one's spiritual health and their relationship with monetary wealth. Generosity is a gift of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.22). By reporting the giving, we shed light on the practicalities of supporting ministry and mission and these numbers remind us of our responsibility in generously giving to the spread of God's kingdom. The same is true with attendance. We have to be present to receive the Sacraments. Our priorities are best demonstrated by our bodies. If we want to see what matters the most to a person - we look at where their spend and where they stand.
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Giving for the Week of June 17, 2018
Offering: $18,374.18
Weekly Need: $18,099.81
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See below for more information regarding online giving.
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This new portal is easier to use and, once you create an account, you can keep up with your giving history. You can also give via check online.
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Give by Text -
336-697-6543
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This is amazing. I never have cash or a check, but I always have my phone. You can now give to the work of St Timothy's just by texting. Here's how it works:
1. Text an amount to
336-697-6543
2. You will be sent a link to set up your debit/credit card (take a few seconds)
3. Once complete, your transaction will go through and you number will always be associated with the card.
Plus, you can text "Funds" to see a specific fund. If you want to sponsor a lamp, you can text "25 st timothys" and it will go the St Timothy's Lamp, etc. If the fund isn't recognized, you'll get a list of all the funds and you text back the number of the fund you wish to give to
PS: This is not connected to your phone bill. It it connected to a card of your choice.
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Holiness of Beauty | Capital Campaign
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Starting this summer and continuing all summer long, you can join us for Lemonade on the Lawn between the 9am and 11am masses. Stop by the lemonade stand outside Gribbin Hall and enjoy fellowship with our parish family. If you'd like to help host, sign-up at
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0F4BA9A92BA3FB6-lemonade or contact Kristen Machado at kpmachado@gmail.com
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Write to Graham Green
Our own Graham Green is a Lt Col in the Army National Guard and is currently deployed in Iraq. We are proud of Graham, his wife, Shannon, and children Garrison and Julia. We will continue to surround them with prayer. He is able to receive letters at the address below. Please use the address exactly as it is printed.
LTC Graham Green
HHC 449th CAB
Camp Taji
APO, AE
09378
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Attendance and Stewardship
June 17, 2018
Morning Prayer: 4
7:30 Low Mass: 47
9:00 Low Mass: 145
11:00 Solemn Mass: 68
Sunday Mass Total: 260
Offering: $18,374.18
Weekly Need: $18,099.81
Average Sunday Mass Attendance: 319
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The
altar arrangements are given to the Glory of Almighty God and in honor of the 25th wedding anniversary of Charles & Marsha Ware by Charles & Marsha Ware and in memory of Anthony & Josephine Guglielmi by John & Chiquita Guglielmi.
The
Our Lady of Walsingham Lamp is given
in memory of a wonderful colleague and friend, Debra Thrash by Kristen Machado.
The
Sanctuary Lamp is not sponsored at this time.
The
St. Timothy Shrine Lamp is given to the Glory of God and in thanksgiving for 30 years of married bliss by Kenny & Beth Morphis.
The
St. Michael the Archangel Lamp is given to the Glory of God and with prayers for the protection of LTC Graham Green and all those in our armed forces by the women of St. Timothy’s.
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