church notes · judson went out as a congregationalist, and later identified as a baptist, but he...
TRANSCRIPT
C H U R C H notes
A publication of
CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES
170 Fai rv iew Avenue • Coventry , RI • USA
JUNE 2017
volume 12 - No. 6
2
We are
Christians who Worship
in the Anglican Tradition.
Our Mission is to
Obey, Follow
and Bear Witness
to
Jesus Christ.
CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES
Evangelical Anglican
Church of The Apostles is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
3
A Message from Pastor Steve...
“The Gospel For The World”
For many who witnessed it, one of the more surprising realities
of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring on the Day of Pentecost was that
God was proclaiming His gospel and revealing His glory in
diverse languages and to so many people groups. From the birth
of the Church the Holy Spirit has communicated the good news
of Jesus Christ for all nations and peoples. This was startling to
many Jews in that time, as they wrongly presumed God was only
interested in people who spoke their language and were of their
culture and lineage.
Despite the Lord’s clearly expressed love for the whole world
and for all peoples, a false notion often remains among God’s
people that God cares more for people who are like us than for
people of other cultures and nations, so we are prone to have the
same perspective. Christians often have little concern for people
who do not yet know the Lord, especially if they are of nations
we know little about. But God’s Word teaches otherwise.
Long ago God promised Abraham, Father of the Hebrew people,
that (Genesis 12:3), “in you all the families of the earth shall be
blessed.” Jesus taught in John 3:16, “For God so loved the
world, that He gave His Only Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus promised His
disciples (Acts 1:8), “But you will receive power when the Holy
Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth.” And Jesus commissioned His Church (Matthew 28:19),
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Clearly, the
Lord wants us to join Him in doing our part to bring the gospel
to the world.
4
On a Saturday afternoon in August 1806, five Williams College
Students in Williamstown, Massachusetts met in a grove of trees
near the Hoosack River to pray and discuss the teaching of God’s
Word about missionary service. When their meeting was
interrupted by a thunderstorm the students took shelter under a
haystack until the sky cleared. This became known as “The
Haystack Prayer Meeting”, for the Lord met them there in a
powerful way. They then went to the leadership of the
Congregational Churches of New England and asked to be sent
out as missionaries of the gospel. This sparked the establishment
of the first mission sending agency in America, “The American
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions” (ABCFM). In
1812 the first missionaries were sent to India. Over the next 50
years 1250 missionaries were sent by ABCFM to nations around
the world. Adoniram Judson was one of the first to go, as the first
Christian missionary to Burma. He entered that country in July
1813 and invested the next 38 years of his life, living and
proclaiming Christ where He had never before been named.
Judson went out as a Congregationalist, and later identified as a
Baptist, but he was first and foremost a follower of Jesus who led
people to Christ in the land of Burma, which is now called
Myanmar.
As I travel to Myanmar, to encourage and come alongside the
Church there I realize I will be walking in the footsteps of
Adoniram Judson. How blessed I will be to meet brothers and
sisters there, including precious children, who love the Lord Jesus
and who follow and proclaim Him in their language and culture.
Please pray for them with me, as we praise God that the Gospel is
for the Whole World!
In Christ’s love and service,
Pastor Steve
5
Deacon’s Corner...
Being Slow and Quick
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)
“Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but who rejects reproof leads others astray.” (Proverbs 10:17)
At the Men’s Breakfast in March of this year, the theme of our discussion was “Communicating Sensitively”. This is directly connected to the question; are you able to teach and are you teachable? The illustration used that morning had to do with a man who was wrongly accused, by a crowd of angry protestors who were actually picketing in front of his home, of profiling neighborhoods concerning the granting of loans. Instead of getting defensive and shutting them out, the bank executive invited his adversaries into his home to share coffee and proceeded to tell them the truth in a calm, sensitive manner. At the end of their time together the protestors were thanking him for his hospitality and graciousness. It was a teachable moment. “Able to teach” is not only having the gift to stand in front of a group of people and lecture but is having the ability to recognize an opportunity to correct in a non-defensive, non-threatening manner.
In the book “Celtic Daily Prayer” contributor Bill Hybels writes the following:
“Be quick to hear the hard words that people bring to you. Then be slow to react. Don’t rush into denial, retaliation and rationalization. Our challenge is to convert the energy once used by our self-defense machines into listening power, vulnerability power and contemplation power. We need to say to ourselves, before I flare up, I’m going to quiet myself and listen. I’m going to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. I’m going to search for the truth in what this person is saying, and learn from it.” This is being teachable. Are we able to teach? Are we teachable?
God’s Peace Be With You, Deacon Bill Sexton
6
Truth, Talent and Trust
On May 13, 2017, my family and I celebrated the graduation of my son Nathan from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The day was full of the typical pomp and celebration one would expect when a group of young adults complete a milestone in their lives. The day before, Friday, May 12, was what is called the Baccalaureate Ceremony. This ceremony is fully developed by the Senior Class. It is quieter more intimate opportunity to pause and reflect the rite of passage, known as college graduation. At this ceremony a young man, Robert LaFlamme, gave a reflection essay entitled “Impact”. He spoke of WPI’s two towers, Boynton and Washburn. These towers which have stood on Tech Hill for one hundred years represent the ideals of “theory” and “practice”. In his commentary, Robert LaFlamme suggests there should be a third tower representing “impact”. His reflection of his college life and the accomplishments of his fellow students of the class of 2017 was that after four years of exercising theory vs. practice, they would go out into the world and make an impact.
It happens several times in our lives we hear someone speak to inspire and we are just that, inspired. And I have no doubt that a majority of those young people graduating that day will go into the world and make an impact, doing something that will change the lives of many people.
In her book, “The Two Towers Tradition”, Mildred Tymeson Petrie tells of “the proverbial conflict of between hand and mind and of the aching travail of the heart to reconcile the two.” In one tower, Boynton Hall was where the theories were developed. Theories would then be brought over to the Washburn facility where they would be put into practice. But I cannot help myself to look at Robert LaFlamme’s explanation of “theory, practice, and impact” with a Christian view. “Practice” for the Scientific and Christian views remain the same.
What is Practice? Practice is “to carry out or to apply,” (Merriam-Webster). However, if we put Truth (Scripture) in place of theory, we see the formula still works. If we put “Truth” into “practice” we will create an “impact”. We must practice what Scripture teaches us every day. Or as the old adage goes, “You must practice what you preach. I have come to the conclusion that “Christian impact” contains three elements.
The first element is Truth, aka, Scripture. From the scientific view, theory is defined as a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena, a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation (Merriam-Webster). From a Christian view, there is no theory, only Truth. Scripture is our workbook or textbook so to speak. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
7
The second element is Talent. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains we are given a variety of gifts from the Spirit. There are a variety of services and variety of activities, coming from the Lord and God, all of which empowers them all in everyone. “Through the Spirit some are given wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, the ability to distinguish between spirits, and interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:9-10). We are given these gifts if we are in the Spirit. So how do we know we are in the Spirit? We know because we can honestly and truly say ‘Jesus is Lord’ if we are in the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul says, “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” When our gift is revealed to us, we must then put it into “practice”. We must use them as God wills to make the “impact”. Not to use them would separate us from the body. (See also 1 Corinthians 12:12-14.)
The third element is Trust. Trust is probably the most important element. We must always put our trust in God in all that we do. We must understand that God is in control; we are not in control and we must let him guide us. Once we understand this, we can be at ease with our path. God can be trusted. Think about it. If he couldn’t be trusted, would he be God? “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations”
(Deuteronomy 7:9). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We must also trust Him with our prayers. We cannot pray, and then say, “I said it, but it won’t happen.” And does this not put God to the test. Know that all which happens is God’s will. (See also 2 Peter 1:19-21.)
Finally, what is impact? “To have a direct effect or impact on: impinge on. To strike forcefully; also: to cause to strike forcefully” (Merriam-Webster). When I think of “impact”, I think of a stone hitting a pool of water, when tossed as so to hit directly to the surface, a splash is made and ripples are made, transmitting outward from that point; or an asteroid hitting the surface of a planet or moon creating a crater. The object hitting the surface makes the greatest impact when it hits the surface straight on, unlike the object which hits from a wide angle, it will skip, leaving little or no impact.
“Impact” is when we go into the world and change the lives of others.
Let us go into the world with the “Three Ts”, (Truth, Talent and Trust) and make an “Impact”.
God’s peace to all,
Deacon Doug Stomberg
8
Health & Wellness
Got Gypsy Moths?
There has been much talk recently about the April hatching of the gypsy moth eggs. According to the Department of Health, there is no public health threat associated with the natural, temporary phenomenon.
The Process: Currently the larvae (caterpillars) have settled into the trees to feed, crawling up and down, and eventually will deforest the tree. There is a natural fungus with long-lasting spores located toward the bottom of the tree and soil, which requires rain to germinate, infect, and kill the caterpillars. We have not had enough rain the past two years to allow the fungus to germinate. This year, the Lord has blessed us with abundant rain, so this natural process of fungus germination will take place this year.
Reaction to Exposure: The gypsy moth caterpillar does not bite. It does have two types of hair that they use to defend themselves which can create a stinging sensation. Reactions to these stinging hairs can vary from mild to moderately severe itching with an accompanying rash to larger bumps and even blisters. The onset of discomfort is usually 8-12 hours after contact, often becoming more pronounced 1-2 days later.
Delayed hypersensitivity reactions sometimes result in irritation to the eyes, inflammation of the nasal passages, and shortness of breath. This is especially common in the case of airborne hairs of the adult caterpillars.
What You Can Do: There are no state programs for spraying. Since they are not a threat, there is concern that spraying could be more harmful to us and the environment. We should start to see germination of the resting spores of the gypsy moth fungus. The fungus will provide natural control of the gypsy moth caterpillars this year.
As for treatment, time and maybe topical creams – like cortizone – can help relieve the itching. Doctors say the best solution is prevention –wearing long sleeves, pants, and a hat when outside. Deacon Deb Adams
9
A Helpful Household Hint
A few weeks ago, one of our smoke alarms started beeping when there was no smoke. This normally means that the battery is low so I changed the batteries in all four alarms. The beeping continued. It was then that I saw the embossed message on the alarm that it was good for only TEN years. I guess that the chemicals used to detect problems must deteriorate over time. SMOKE ALARMS (AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS) NEED TO BE REPLACED BY TEN YEARS. The next time you replace the batteries in your alarms, check to see when the alarm has to be replaced.
Ed Farrell
Health & Wellness Continued...
10
Espere Kay - Helping Haiti’s Orphans...
On Wednesday, May 17th, Dave and Deb Kreysigg joined us for fellowship at a Potluck Supper and then shared their ministry experiences at Espere Kay with us at Evening Prayer. Dave and Deb, who had resided in Richmond, Rhode Island, moved to Haiti almost a year ago to open a home to support young adult orphans. Regulations in Haiti require that orphans leave orphanages at the age of eighteen. The Kreysiggs had made numerous mission trips to Haiti and saw the need to continue support for young adults who are no longer eligible to remain in the Haiti orphanage system. Deb and Dave opened Espere Kay (which means Hope House) to eight young adults who now have the opportunity to continue their education, learn a trade or skill and live in a safe, Christian environment.
The Kreysiggs’ stories of their experiences and challenges were both moving and heartwarming. Providing a home for young adults is always a challenge. Providing it in a different culture where everything is a process, 24 hour electricity is not a given and language is a barrier, creates even greater challenges! These young adults are learning about maintaining a home, working, praying and playing together, sharing Scripture and praising God for his many blessings.
Please pray for Dave and Deb as they shepherd these young people and pray for the young residents as they continue in their studies. Pray for God’s protection, for good health for everyone and that these young adults will continue to grow in Christ. A year ago, our Church Council voted to support Espere Kay, a ministry of “Helping Haiti’s Orphans,” with a commitment of $100 per month from the Missions Fund. The Council recently renewed that commitment for another year.
If you would like to learn more about this ministry, make a donation to Espere Kay or sponsor one of the residents, please visit the website below or speak with Deacon Kathy Kettle (573-0773).
www.helpinghaitisorphans.org/our-ministries/espere-kay
11
“THANK YOU for the wonderful celebration for completing 50 years as your organist. You, the congregation have
made it a great 50 years. Many thanks for your gifts, cards, and well wishes. I have enjoyed my time with you
and look forward to the future.” - Marianne
June 4, 2017 - Celebrating Marianne’s 50th Anniversary as our Organist.
12
Summer Schedule Breakdown
June 11 8:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m. Service
18 8:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m. Service
25 8:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m. Service
July 2 9:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour
9 9:00 a.m. Service Myanmar Presentation & Pot Luck Cookout
16 9:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour
23 9:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour
30 9:00 a.m. Service Church Family Picnic - Gammons’ Home
August 6 8:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m. Service
13 8:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m. Service
20 8:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m. Service
27 8:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m. Service
September 3 8:00 a.m. Service Coffee Hour 10:00 a.m. Service Last Sunday of Summer Schedule
10 8:00 a.m. Service 9:15 C. Ed 10:30 a.m. Service First Sunday of Fall Schedule
13
June
Sunday, June 11 Trinity Sunday
SUMMER SCHEDULE BEGINS
Wednesday, June 14 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
Thursday, June 15 7:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting
Wednesday, June 21 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
Wednesday, June 28 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
July
Wednesday, July 5 NO EVENING PRAYER Saturday, July 8 NO MEN’S BREAKFAST Sunday, July 9 Myanmar Presentation after 9:00 a.m. Service, Followed by Church Cookout Wednesday, July 12 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Wednesday, July 19 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Wednesday, July 26 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Sunday, July 30 Church Family Picnic at Gammon’s Home following 9:00 a.m. Service
Calendar...
Morning Prayer Offered each weekday morning at 9:00 a.m.
14
What is your passion?
Do you volunteer in the community?
Maybe at the library or in a school or a nursing facility?
The Outreach Committee is interested in know what the
members of our Congregation are passionate about
and where the needs are. Can we assist you in some way? How can we pray for you?
Please let us know about your ministries and activities. Speak with Deacon Kathy Kettle (573-0773) or forward your
information to her at: [email protected].
Outreach Notes...
PLEASE be in prayer for Deacon Kathy & Elder Blessing for their upcoming mission trips.
Deacon Kathy will be visiting Haiti June 15-22 and asks us to pray for her health and favorable weather for this medical mission since it will be outdoors. Elder Blessing asks for our prayers and donations of medical supplies, as he is planning a trip to Nigeria in August. Please see the suggested medical supplies donations list on the Narthex table.
15
Highlight ofCoTA Ministries... Planting Seeds...
Thank you to the children and teens of our Congregation for your faithful service to God, and your Church Family, as Junior Ushers and Sound Engineers: Blessing Jacobs, Jr., Aiden Felice, Alana Asan, Harrison McMahon, Nick Kanaczet, Emma St. Martin, Amber Courtney, Levi Jacobs, Gbassah Doman and Kyleigh Felice. God’s Blessings on Katelyn Fitzgerald and her family. Kaitlyn received her First Holy Communion May 21, 2017.
16
Thank You...
“We would like to thank all of you for your thoughtful prayers, visits, and gifts to help get us through Norma’s surgery. Norma is recovering slowly but surely, thanks to God’s miracles! God Bless You All,” - Norma & Jeff Stomberg ……………………………………………………………….…... We would like to sincerely thank our Christian Education
teachers: Cathy Morgan, Roger Hall, Matt Felice, Doug & Donna
Stomberg, Beth Sexton, Scarlett St. Martin, Rebecca Craig and an
extra special thank you to our Christian Education Director
Linda Jones! We would also like to thank our small group
leaders, who made our new Adult Education format a great
success.
Friday, June 16th - 6:30 p.m.
Quidnick Baptist Church’s Glory Café
484 Fairview Avenue, Coventry
Presents Music by Patrick DeStoop & Sons
• free-will offering taken • food available to purchase
• all proceeds to benefit “Tanks a Lot” Fund
(to replace 2 fuel heating oil tanks)
Music • Chicken, Pasta, Salad, Dessert • Raffles... Saturday, June 17th - 5:00 p.m.
at Quidnick Baptist Church, 484 Fairview Avenue, Coventry
Tickets $20 - Call Mike (401) 525-1901 * proceeds from the event will go towards replacing 2 fuel heating oil tanks.
17
35th Annual LOVE LIFE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE St. Louis, MO - September 21-23, 2017 To register for the conference and to view hotel and airfare reservation information please go to: www.joycemeyer.org/Events.aspx and click on Love Life Women's Conference. For more information please contact Linda Lee Trahan [email protected].
Announcements...
Wanted: Soda and Water!
It’s time for us to restock! We have several events and activities coming up over the
summer months when we will be using cold drinks. This time of year the grocery and discount stores have cases of water and 12 packs of soda on sale. If you would like to donate
either soda or bottled water, please leave your donations under the coat rack near the kitchen.
Thank you!
Join with us as we Witness the Vows and
Celebrate the Marriage of
Barbara Miller and David Allegretti
on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Blood Drive! Church of The Apostles is Sponsoring a Blood Drive for
t h e m o n t h o f J u n e 2 0 1 7 ! at the Warwick Donor Center 615 Greenwich Avenue.
Visit www.ribc.org to make an appointment,
Sponsor Code 1140 (or Church of The Apostles).
18
Save the Dates! Sunday - July 9th
Pastor Steve’s Presentation of his mission trip to
MYANMAR
Schedule of Day: 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist • Brief Coffee Break • Presentation in the Sanctuary • Cookout : Hot Dogs, Burgers & Drinks will be provided.
Please bring side dishes, salads or desserts to share. *Sign up sheet on Narthex Table.
………………………………………………………..
Sunday - July 30th
Church Family Picnic at the Gammons’ Home
22 Weaver Hill Road - Coventry Following the 9:00 a.m. Service
Main Dish & Drinks will be provided. Please bring a side-dish or dessert to share. *Sign up sheet on Narthex Table.
19
CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES Evangelical Anglican
170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Church Office: (401) 821-7609 • Superintendent’s Residence: (401) 397-5703 website: apostlesri.org • email: [email protected] • fax: (401) 826-1858
The Holy Eucharist (for the month of June) Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. (*see page 11 for complete Summer schedule) Coffee Hour Sunday 9:15 a.m. Evening Prayer Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Morning Prayer Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.
Church Staff
Superintendent The Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Gammon Church Administrator Erin Mead Communications Officer Barbara Bickerstaff Communications Assistant Kerri McMahon Director of Christian Education Linda Jones Organist and Music Director Marianne Salisbury Assistant Organist Shyanne Slinko Sacristy Minister Paulette Donovan Sexton Mike Edwards Treasurer Bob Bickerstaff Clerk Barbara Miller
Board of Elders
The Rev. Rob Geoffrey 943-4661 The Rev. Blessing Jacobs 588-0006
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 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
20
CH
UR
CH
OF T
HE A
PO
ST
LE
S
170 F
airvie
w A
venue
Coventr
y, Rhode I
sland 02816
Ch
urc
h N
ote
s
A p
ublic
ation o
f Churc
h o
f The A
post
les
Revie
wed b
y T
he R
ev. D
r. S
tephen A
. G
am
mon,
Superinte
ndent
Edited b
y K
err
i E. M
cMahon,
Com
munic
ations
Ass
ista
nt
June
11, 2017
Vo
lum
e 1
2,
Nu
mb
er 6