church notes - church of the apostles

CHURCH NOTES

News, Events, and

Notes of Interest

for the week ending

September 25, 2015

CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES

170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816

We are

Christians who Worship

in the Anglican Tradition.

Our Mission is to

Obey, Follow

and Bear Witness

to

Jesus Christ.


Evangelical Anglican

Church of The Apostles is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.

Walking to Bethlehem!

Save the Date!

Saturday, October 24th at 5:30 p.m.

Turkey Dinner and

Kickoff of a Walking/Activity Program

Sponsored by

The Health & Wellness Ministry

Learn about an incredible journey

we can undertake as God’s people

to prepare for the birth of our Savior.

If not interested in the walking initiative, come anyway and enjoy good food and fellowship!

Watch for a sign up sheet in the Narthex.

2

The Deacons’ Corner ...

Stewardship Sunday is coming … November 15th !

Our Stewardship Booklet is in the making.

Does anyone feel called by the Holy Spirit to speak about your

Faith in Jesus Christ and how it has impacted your stewardship;

how, through Him, you have offered your soul and body to be a

living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1)? Each year we hear our people’s

testimony on how their Faith in the Lord has impacted their lives.

Perhaps you are that person this year who would like to share

your story. If sharing your story by the written word is more

suitable for you, then please consider sharing it in the

Stewardship Booklet. Please see Deacon Deb Adams.

“Let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works

and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:16)

Annual CareNet Banquet

The Bible tells us in The Book of Genesis, Chapter 1, that God

made man “in his own image” (v. 27). In Psalm 139 the Psalmist

tells us that … “you created my innermost being; you knit me

together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am

fearfully and wonderfully made” (v. 13, 14). When God calls the

prophet Jeremiah he tells him, “Before I formed you in the womb

I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you

as a prophet to the nations” (1:5). In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter

1, we learn that when Mary visited Elizabeth who was pregnant

with John the Baptist, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,

the baby leaped in her womb…” (v. 42).

Consistently throughout the Bible we are reminded how precious

we are to our Creator and that life begins in God’s mind even

before our conception. Consistently through our news cycles,

our government and most of the world, the enemy bombards us

3

The Lord Sets the Paradigm

Paradigm:

a model or pattern for something that may be copied

a theory or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made, or thought about (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Some twenty years ago or so, Brown and Sharpe hired a

motivational speaker to work with its employees in an effort to

turn business around. The gentleman was very good. His name

was Carl Henry and his slogan was, “Carl Henry takes the stress

out of continuous education.” His program focused on the

with messages and with situations that tell us differently.

The Carenet Pregnancy Center of Rhode Island is a Biblically

based pregnancy center located in the heart of South Providence,

fighting that enemy tooth and nail to get God’s message out about

the sanctity of life from conception until final breath. Their goal:

“To put Planned Parenthood out of business, and to rid the

state of Rhode Island of abortion altogether.”

The Church, God’s body under Christ its Head, is responsible for

fighting that same enemy and the same battle, getting the same

message out, and ending abortion altogether. To that end, the

Carenet ministry calls upon churches each year to walk along side

and join them in fighting this fierce battle. On Thursday,

November 12, 2015, the Pregnancy Center will be hosting its

annual banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (801 Greenwich

Avenue, Warwick). There is no cost for attending, however an

opportunity for making a financial contribution is offered.

Our support is not only needed, but imperative, and can be

offered in time, talent and/or treasure. Spend some time in prayer

over the above Bible scriptures. If you feel so called to attend the

banquet or to learn more about this ministry, please speak to

Deacon Emerita Cathy Morgan or

Deacon Deb Adams.

4

acronym P.E.O.P.L.E. (come talk to me about that!); colored

buttons for different personalities; and the word “paradigm.”

I was fascinated with his use of the word “paradigm” and his

insistence that paradigms had to be broken in order to succeed.

The basis of his argument was that the worn out methods of

“Tribal Knowledge” could not compete with “Thinking out of the

Box.” He used an example of a bicycle seat manufacturer that

redesigned a bike seat from a pear shape to sleek banana shape.

Why does the seat need to be shaped like a pear?

I like new ideas. New ideas are good. Peanut-butter with

chocolate is good. Refrigeration is cool. And the internet rates

up there with the flat screen TV. However, some ideas were

better left in the round file: like selling Babe Ruth to the

Yankees, a bad idea; the AMC Pacer, not a good idea; a new

Coke formula, not so good. But in the grand scheme of things,

these ideas, good or bad, are trivial.

There are the tried and true ideas; the ideas which keep order in

our lives and give glory to God. They are the “model” for

success. These are the rules which God has set down; God’s

Paradigm. For us who search for righteousness, the Ten

Commandments are the “no brainer.” For example, building a

golden calf was not a good idea, looking back at Sodom, not so

good either. And David’s affair with Bathsheba did not go over

so well.

Then consider this; Jesus was sent by the Father not to change the

paradigm, but to add to it. He tells us: “‘Love the Lord your God

with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind

and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your

neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than

these” (Mark 12:30-31).

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in

the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and

teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And

surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew

28:18-20).

5

The “group of ideas” or Commandments can be “done” with ease

from the confines of our homes. However, Jesus’ Great

Commission tells us to leave the comfort zone and seek out the

lost, to make disciples. This is the real challenge. This is the

paradigm for success.

Unlike a business, success in discipleship is not measured by a

bottom line. So how do we measure the true level of success? Is

it the number of pews filled on Sunday or simply the number of

people saved? It is the people who come to know the peace that

is Jesus Christ, the people we love, the family members we care

about, our friends and coworkers. They are the ones we are

called to save. If I only save one soul, is there success? Yes! For

the peace in that one will manifest to his or her family and friends

and so on.

For what it’s worth, ten would have been a success for Abraham.

May the peace of the Lord be with you,

Doug Stomberg

Abraham Intercedes for Sodom

“The LORD said, ‘Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.’ ...Then Abraham said, ‘Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.’ He answered, ‘For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.’ And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham.”

(Genesis 18:20-21, 32-33)

6

God of Creation, All Powerful

God of creation, all powerful, all wise, Lord of the universe rich with surprise,

Maker, Sustainer, and Ruler of all, We are Your children—You hear when we call.

God of the ages, through time’s troubled years

You are the One in whom history coheres; Nations and empires your purpose fulfill;

Moving in freedom, yet working Your will.

God of redemption, who wrought our rebirth, Called out Your Church from the ends of the earth,

Still You are Savior— put darkness to flight; Overcome sin by salvation’s pure light!

God of Your people, Your Word still stands fast—

Do for us now as You’ve done in the past! Yours is the Kingdom— Your triumph we claim,

Challenging evil in Jesus’ strong name.

God of our now, all our trust is in You, Covenant God, ever faithful and true;

Sovereign Creator, Redeemer and Lord, Now and forever Your name be adored!

Edith Margaret Clarkson (1915-2008)

7

Protecting yourself, family, and the Congregation by getting the flu vaccine!

Health and wellness means taking care of the whole person:

body, mind, and spirit. But due to busy schedules we may put our

own well-being last. The Health & Wellness Ministry once again

would like to make it easier for you and your loved ones to put

your well-being first, by making vaccination more convenient.

Save the Date!!

FLU SHOT CLINIC Sunday, October 18th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

(Please bring your insurance card, if you have one.)

What is influenza (also called flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza

viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to

severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to

prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Signs and symptoms of flu

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and

symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue (very tired)

• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this

is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Health & Wellness Ministry

8

How flu spreads

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets

made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets

can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less

often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object

that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or

possibly their nose.

Complications of flu

Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they

get the flu. Complications of flu can include bacterial

pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and

worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart

failure, asthma, or diabetes.

When to get vaccinated against seasonal flu

Yearly flu vaccination should begin soon after flu vaccine is

available, and ideally by October. However, getting vaccinated

even later can be protective, as long as flu viruses are circulating.

While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as

October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or

later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for

antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza

virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are

protected before influenza begins spreading in their community.

(The above information was compiled from the Center for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov.)

9

Dear Jesus, as we begin this new school year,

please walk beside us and keep your loving hand

upon us that we might learn

and grow as you want us to.

We don’t know yet what this

year will bring, but we ask

you please to show us how

to love and respect our new

teachers and classmates.

Open our minds and hearts

to all that we will learn

from them. Help us to make good friends and to

be good friends to those who need us.

Most of all, please help us to be open to all the

new knowledge that this year of learning holds

for us. Help us to be the best students we can be

and in this way to give you praise and thanks

and glory. Amen.

A STUDENT’S PRAYER FOR

A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

10

Prison Ministry

In the twelfth chapter of Saint Paul’s first letter to the

Corinthians, he speaks of the gifts of the Holy Spirit or the Fruit

of the Spirit. It states: “There are different kinds of gifts. But

they are all given to believers by the same Spirit. There are

different ways to serve. But they all come from the same Lord.

There are different ways the Spirit works. But the same God is

working in all these ways and in all people” (v. 4-6).

I believe that these verses tell it all. They are called gifts from the

Spirit but they are also ways to serve the one true God. I know

that I heard the first part, the part about getting gifts of the Spirit

but I didn’t hear the rest of the message, that all the gifts are ways

to serve.

When I was asked by a dear friend how did I get into the prison

ministry at the ACI, I found that I really could not answer her

question. When I thought back to the day that I called the warden

of the prison I cannot tell you what prompted me to make that

call. But I can tell you that it was on that day that my relationship

with the Holy Spirit began to soar.

Through my first year of this work I tried so hard to conduct

myself just like the other two facilitators with whom I worked

and it was a feat of futility. In my head I was saying “what do

you think you’re doing, you’re no good at this, you’re a wreck

when it comes to be your turn to lead the group, your stress builds

as Tuesday nights get closer and closer.” When I was just about

to quit, I let go. It was like I was trying to do this on my own

strength. Oh, I would pray and ask the Lord to give me the ability

to serve Him. And then I suddenly got it: this is not me who is

doing the doing. I can’t save anyone! There is only one Savior,

Jesus Christ. It was at that moment that I let go and allowed the

Holy Spirit to use me, speak through me. A gift is something you

are given. You don’t have to do anything. You just need to say

“here I am Lord, do with me as you will.”

I cannot tell you the incredible joy I am experiencing in the prison

with the women who come and go through these classes. We

11

have Christian workbooks covering many subjects that we go by.

It’s hard to even explain how it feels to watch the Holy Spirit

move and flow, weaving a most beautiful happening that always,

I mean always, brings glory to the Father. When we speak of

“gifts of the Holy Spirit” there are no words that could ever

encapsulate the enormity of the true gift that we are given by a

Holy, Holy, Holy Father who loves us and only wants good for

us. And when God uses the word “good”, it’s not just good, it is

phenomenal! People say that I have a gift but the truth is that I

have been given the greatest gift ever and I sing praises to my

Lord God every Tuesday night as I drive home after these classes

where I have just been sitting in the presence of Almighty God.

Cheryl Lewis

God has taught us that we cannot love

without giving and that giving includes

our time, talent, and treasure.

If we give ourselves to God and let the

Lord Jesus use our talents to serve others,

we will be amazed by the results.

Not only will our lives be changed

but so will the lives of others.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served

but to serve, and to give his life

as a ransom for many.”

(Mark 10:45)

12

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:7-12)

Saint Michael

and All Angels

September 29th

The Collect for Saint Michael and All Angels

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

13

Mark Your Calendar ...

September

Monday, Sept 28 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal

Tuesday, Sept 29 6:30 p.m. Truth Project

Wednesday, Sept 30 12 noon Wednesday Eucharist

Wednesday, Sept 30 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer

October

Saturday, Oct 3 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study

Monday, Oct 5 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal

Tuesday, Oct 6 6:30 p.m. Truth Project

Wednesday, Oct 7 12 noon Wednesday Eucharist

Wednesday, Oct 7 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer

Saturday, Oct 10 7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast

Monday, Oct 12 Office Closed: Columbus Day

Monday, Oct 12 Church Notes deadline




Saturday, Oct 17 8:00 a.m. Joyful Women Bible Study

Sunday, Oct 18 9:00 a.m. Flu Clinic




Saturday, Oct 24 5:30 p.m. Turkey Dinner

Monday, Oct 26 7:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal

November

Sunday, Nov 1 All Saints’ Day

Sunday, Nov 15 Stewardship Sunday

Sunday, Nov 22 The Feast of Christ the King

We thank you, Lord, for minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve.

14

Notices ...

Sunday Brunch is served each week following the 10:30 a.m.

Service. This Sunday tradition is a potluck mid-day meal that

provides an opportunity for Congregants to gather and catch-up

on the lives and events of other members of our church family.

There is no signup or schedule for the food. Just bring a dish to

share. If you would like to volunteer to help with brunch

(about once a month), there is a signup sheet on the bulletin board

outside the kitchen. For further information please speak with

Barbara Bickerstaff.

Joyful Women Bible Study meets the first and third

Saturdays of the month at 8:00 a.m. Each study is self contained

and all women are welcome! For further information, please

speak with Barbara Bickerstaff (828-7216).

The Men’s Fellowship Breakfast and Bible Study is offered on

the second Saturday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Please join with your brothers in Christ to share food, fellowship

and the Word of God. Bring a friend. The next breakfast is

scheduled for October 10th. For further information, please speak

with Deacon Bill Sexton (726-4549).

The deadline for information for the next edition of Church

Notes is Monday, October 12th.

Church Register

Burials

July 11, 2015

Charlotte F. Luther

August 28, 2015

James F. Doyle

15

Dear Friends,

Thank you for all the prayers, cards, care and concern that you

offered for me, and by extension to my family, during the final

months of my mother’s life on this side of Glory. Thank you also

for joining with us at her funeral services. Your support was

beyond measure! “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; [s]he that

has found one has found a treasure” (Ecclesiasticus 6:14).

With love,

Barbara Bickerstaff

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Thank you for the wonderful celebration of ministry on August

30th. It was a glorious day! Thank you, too, for the many cards,

gifts and personal sentiments that my family and I received.

As I wrote to you last month, I will repeat again: I feel I am

called to carry every one of you in prayer, as gifts given to me

from God’s grace, where I recall every conversation, every

meeting, every visit, every sharing in Word and Sacrament. I

gather all of you in prayerful recollection, in order to give glory to

the Father: so “that you may be filled with the knowledge of his

will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a

manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in

every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”

(Colossians 1:9-10).

With all my affection,

The Reverend Mark R. Galloway

Bishop-retired

In the mail ...

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

(1 Peter 4:10)

16

Francis of Assisi

Friar, 1226

October 4th

A Prayer attributed to St. Francis

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where

there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

The Collect for Francis of Assisi

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES Evangelical Anglican


Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Church Office: (401) 821-7609

website: apostlesri.org • email: [email protected]

The Holy Eucharist Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 12:00 noon Sunday Brunch Sunday 12 noon Evening Prayer Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Morning Prayer Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.

Church Staff

Church Administrator Erin Mead Communications Officer Barbara Bickerstaff Director of Christian Education Linda Jones Youth Mentoring Coordinator Rebecca Galloway Health and Wellness Minister Sharon Galloway, RN Organist and Music Director Marianne Salisbury Assistant Organist Shyanne Slinko Sacristy Minister Barbara Battey Sexton Mike Edwards Treasurer Bob Bickerstaff Clerk Joan Clarke

Board of Elders

The Rev. Rob Geoffrey 943-4661 The Rev. Mark Tellier 580-6199 The Rev. Blessing Jacobs 588-0006 The Rev. Chad W. Tvenstrup (Licensed Presbyter)

The Rev. Conrad Ruppert (Elder Emeritus) The Rev. Mark Galloway (Bishop-retired)

Ecclesiastical Dignitaries

Lady Linda Greco 228-3060 Lady Sue Pillsbury 884-2947

Board of Servants

Archdeacon Bill Sexton Congregational Care Minister 726-4549 Deacon Tom Bourn Servant Evangelism Minister 294-4186 Deacon Kathy Kettle Outreach Minister 573-0773 Deacon Deb Adams Stewardship Minister 828-7998 Deacon Doug Stomberg Buildings and Grounds Minister 397-5508

Deacon Emerita Cathy Morgan



Church Notes A publication of Church of The Apostles. Edited by Barbara A. Bickerstaff,

Communications Officer.

September 25, 2015 Volume 10, Number 8

church notes - church of the apostles

Documents