staff - 215 north 6th street : 479.782.9912stjohnfs.org/uploads/news/id109/holy babble sept....

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Vestry Members Jean Kolljeski, Sr. Wdn. 479-252-1360 2017 Pat Klahr, Jr. Wdn. 479-670-3147 2019 Jim Walcott, Clerk 651-1898 2017 Eden Buergler 462-8892 2017 Bill Chandler 883-9576 2017 John Cross 459-0303 2017 Tony Flippin 629-6044 2018 Becky Ibison 650-2833 2018 Steve Irby 479-434-3523 2019 Pettus Kincannon 479-651-0718 2019 Ron Lawson 918-962-2436 2018 Susan McCluney 479-414-7455 2018 Karen Orite 870-404-3891 2019 Kandice Poirier 479-414-5719 2019 Doug Shadell 479-462-1026 2018 PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY TEAM Mary Ann Arnold Team Leader – 452-1359 Neighbor to Neighbor Coordinator Pettus Kincannon Eucharistic Visitors - 651-0718 Staff Fr. Mike Lager, Rector 221-4030 [email protected] Jeannie McCabe 221-4032 Children/Youth Ministries Tim Hess Parish Minister of Music Vickie Phelan Administrative Assistant David Arnold Parish Treasurer Harold Braswell Financial Secretary Gordon Albritton Sexton Dorothy Love Saturday Receptionist Judy Trowbridge Nursery Angel Hallmark Nursery Assistant Mary Ann Arnold Volunteer Ministries Coord. Worship Schedule Sunday 8:00 am Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II Contact Information Parish Office: (479) 782-9912 Fax: (479) 782-4369 Office Hours Mon.-Fri., 8:00am--5:00pm Website Stjohnfs.org Email [email protected] NEWSLETTER EDITOR Mary Jane Mustard 479-883-1488 Sack Lunch Relocation! Dear St. John’s Ministry continues to grow from the seeds that are planted at our parish. In 1986, Mary Wise began bringing peanut butter crackers and Vienna sausages for our neighbors who knocked on the church kitchen door and said they were hungry. Soon several of the women in the church began making sack lunches for those who were hungry. The need turned into a small ministry. To accommodate the rising need, the first floor of the Secrest Building was restructured to make a Sack Lunch Program a daily ministry. The need has overwhelmed the ability of the space. Plans for a relocation began when the Community Rescue Mission purchased a warehouse and offered the SLP space to expand. The new location offers twice the square footage, and is de- signed with efficiency in mind. We are still located in our neighbor- hood at the corner of N. 3 rd St & N. F St, and are blessed to continue to serve our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity. This ministry, now serves nearly 50,000 sack breakfasts and lunches a year, and is nothing short of an ecumenical wonder. There are over 300 volunteers, from 27 churches and businesses across the River Valley. When people see a genuine ‘heart of compassion’ minis- try, they go out of their way to participate. We are excited about the next stage of growth for this ministry. Thank you for being a part of this great harvest for this outreach pro- gram. If you are looking for a ministry to be a part of, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Jean Kolljeski at 479-252-1360. Last, but certainly not least, we will have an Open House and Reception for all volunteers, churches, donors/benefactors and friends on Sunday, October 8th, 2PM-4PM at the new location! Blessings, Father Mike Lager September 2017 EVENTS TO REMEMBER MIND STRETCHERS Sept. 19 KICK-OFF & ICE CREAM SUNDAE Sept. 10 CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED Mon., Sept. 4 Buck-A-Book For the third time, a need has arisen for our children’s books both children and youth. Each time this occurs, more donations arrive to more than fill the need. The receipt of many boxes recently is overwhelming. We strongly suggest that our parents take advantage of this windfall and check out the selections in the Buck-A-Book room and in the Children’s Corner in the Parish Hall. This generosity only inspires us to work harder, knowing that this is truly “another God thing” with our book ministry. Thank you for your on going support! St. John’s Book Store & Gift Shop As new inventory arrives each week we become more excited about our fantastic holiday items that will follow. We can promise you some of the loveliest nativities, other holiday gifts for you and your friends and relatives. We thank you in advance for your terrific support this year and look forward to the future with so much anticipa- tion. God has truly blessed us with this ministry!

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Vestry Members

Jean Kolljeski, Sr. Wdn. 479-252-1360 2017 Pat Klahr, Jr. Wdn. 479-670-3147 2019 Jim Walcott, Clerk 651-1898 2017 Eden Buergler 462-8892 2017 Bill Chandler 883-9576 2017 John Cross 459-0303 2017 Tony Flippin 629-6044 2018 Becky Ibison 650-2833 2018 Steve Irby 479-434-3523 2019 Pettus Kincannon 479-651-0718 2019 Ron Lawson 918-962-2436 2018 Susan McCluney 479-414-7455 2018 Karen Orite 870-404-3891 2019 Kandice Poirier 479-414-5719 2019 Doug Shadell 479-462-1026 2018

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY TEAM Mary Ann Arnold

Team Leader – 452-1359

Neighbor to Neighbor Coordinator

Pettus Kincannon

Eucharistic Visitors - 651-0718

Staff Fr. Mike Lager,

Rector 221-4030

[email protected]

Jeannie McCabe

221-4032

Children/Youth Ministries

Tim Hess

Parish Minister of Music

Vickie Phelan

Administrative Assistant

David Arnold

Parish Treasurer

Harold Braswell

Financial Secretary

Gordon Albritton

Sexton

Dorothy Love

Saturday Receptionist

Judy Trowbridge

Nursery

Angel Hallmark

Nursery Assistant

Mary Ann Arnold

Volunteer Ministries Coord.

Worship Schedule

Sunday 8:00 am Holy Eucharist,

Rite I

10:30 am Holy Eucharist,

Rite II

Contact Information Parish Office: (479) 782-9912

Fax: (479) 782-4369

Office Hours Mon.-Fri., 8:00am--5:00pm

Website Stjohnfs.org

Email [email protected]

NEWSLETTER EDITOR Mary Jane Mustard

479-883-1488

Sack Lunch Relocation! Dear St. John’s Ministry continues to grow from the seeds that are planted at

our parish. In 1986, Mary Wise began bringing peanut butter crackers and Vienna sausages for our neighbors who knocked on the church kitchen door and said they were hungry. Soon several of the women in the church began making sack lunches for those who were hungry. The need turned into a small ministry. To accommodate the rising need, the first floor of the Secrest Building was restructured to make a Sack Lunch Program a daily ministry. The need has overwhelmed the ability of the space. Plans for a relocation began when the Community Rescue Mission purchased a warehouse and offered the SLP space to expand.

The new location offers twice the square footage, and is de-

signed with efficiency in mind. We are still located in our neighbor-hood at the corner of N. 3rd St & N. F St, and are blessed to continue to serve our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity.

This ministry, now serves nearly 50,000 sack breakfasts and

lunches a year, and is nothing short of an ecumenical wonder. There are over 300 volunteers, from 27 churches and businesses across the River Valley. When people see a genuine ‘heart of compassion’ minis-try, they go out of their way to participate.

We are excited about the next stage of growth for this ministry.

Thank you for being a part of this great harvest for this outreach pro-gram. If you are looking for a ministry to be a part of, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Jean Kolljeski at 479-252-1360.

Last, but certainly not least, we will have an Open House and

Reception for all volunteers, churches, donors/benefactors and

friends on Sunday, October 8th, 2PM-4PM at the new location! Blessings, Father Mike Lager

September 2017

EVENTS TO

REMEMBER

MIND

STRETCHERS

Sept. 19

KICK-OFF

&

ICE CREAM

SUNDAE

Sept. 10

CHURCH

OFFICES

CLOSED

Mon., Sept. 4

Buck-A-Book

For the third time, a need has arisen for our children’s books — both children and youth. Each time this occurs, more donations arrive to more than fill the need. The receipt of many boxes recently is overwhelming. We strongly suggest that our parents take advantage of this windfall and check out the selections in the Buck-A-Book room and in the Children’s Corner in the Parish Hall. This generosity only inspires us to work harder, knowing that this is truly “another God thing” with our book ministry. Thank you for your on going support!

St. John’s Book Store & Gift Shop

As new inventory arrives each week we become more excited about our fantastic holiday items that will follow. We can promise you some of the loveliest nativities, other holiday gifts for you and your friends and relatives. We thank you in advance for your terrific support this year and look forward to the future with so much anticipa-tion. God has truly blessed us with this ministry!

1st Sunday Breakfast is September 3! 9am—9:30am. Come and join us.

1st Sunday Breakfast

Laymen’s League Minutes—August

Girl’s Night Out - September, 2017

Are you adventurous enough to try something new! Lulu’s Bistro is billed as a farm to table upscale dining experience. Figure we should give it a try! We will meet there on Tuesday, September 26th, at 6:00 pm. 9417 Rogers Avenue (Old Mill place). Gather up your friends and bring them to dinner to enjoy fun and fellowship with this group of ladies.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 10th, following the 10:30 service to come and enjoy eating ice cream sundaes as part of St. John’s gearing up for our yearly activities.

8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 03— Sunday Breakfast 03 — Teresa Williamson 10— Dr. Rebecca James 10 — Calline Ellis 17— Jo Ann Flocks 17 — Cissy Goff 24— Sandy McGowan 24 — Patricia Irby

Sunday Hospitality - Sept.

Altar Guild September

8:00 Connie Smith 10:30 Chuck & Larry Bearden

THIS WEEK IN FORT

SMITH HISTORY

In the News...

Aug. 19, 1860 — St. John’s Episcopal Church holds its first confirmations.

“KICK OFF” SUNDAY ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Windows of Hope Jacob Repp, left, helps his father Van Repp with ICU Win-dow Cleaning prepare the Hope Campus, 301 S. E St., on Monday for the Sept. 29 opening. Services to be offered on the Hope Campus will include medical care, mental health care, temporary housing and food when needed, workplace readiness skill development as well as access to a variety of other needed social services for the homeless. [JAMIEMITCHELL/TIMESRECORD] borrowed from SWTR

HOW WE SEE IT

The needy have options

The Next Step Homeless Services provides those in need with shelter, a hot meal, job counseling and other things too numerous to mention. Participants can even take classes on life skills and anger management. The Good Samaritan Clinic provides access to health care regardless of one’s ability to pay. There’s much effort going on within the local school districts as well to get hungry students fed. Children up to age 18 could drop by any elementary school within the Fort Smith School District (as well as many others throughout our region) to have breakfast, lunch or both for most of the summer. We learned last week about Spradling Principal Robyn Dawson, who, along with her husband, runs a food truck in order to make sure chil-dren get something to eat. A grant from Mercy has helped. And Dawson made sure breakfast and lunch were served at Spradling last week after the district’s summer meal program came to an end. Borrowed from SWTR

Church Offices closed for Labor Day

We will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 to observe the Labor Day holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 8:30am. Have a great day!

Single Niche available for sale in

original Columbarium

We have a single niche available for sale in the origi-nal Columbarium. If you are interested please call the church office at 782-9912.

Fifteen were present at the Laymen’s League’s August meeting to enjoy excellent fried chicken, a hash browned potato casserole created by Dave Arnold, baked beans prepared by Mike Orite and with ice cream for dessert. Bill Speer kindly set the tables. It was great to have Bill Chandler in attendance following his successful surgery. Harold Braswell provided the League’s current financial position. Doug Smith recognized Dave and Mary Ann for their 45 years of service to Saint John’s. Dave relayed news that the church is going to begin accepting offerings via electronic payments through credit cards, debit cards or Pay Pal. The men received an update regarding the Building and Grounds Committee’s current discussions with preser-vation architects to prevent further rain water damage and to guide repairs. Wi-Fi is being installed in the worship area which will enable ushers to monitor the security cameras during services and electronic enhancements during events. The next meeting is at noon in the Parish Hall on Thursday, September 28.

RE-AWAKE, MY SOUL: Living the Christian Life A Retreat sponsored by

Arkansas Episcopal Cursillo Secretariat

(AECS) November 3 - 4, 2017

Camp Mitchell, Arkansas Keynote speaker is Jerusalem Greer, author, blogger, and Episcopal lay leader. The cost of the retreat is $85.00, which includes a signed copy of Jerusalem Greer's latest book, "At Home In This Life". Open to all. Registration form is on St. John’s website Home Page : www.stjohnfs.org

3

Vee Chandler The Rev. & Mrs. Bill Wright Mike Smets & Bonnie Johnson

St. John’s Directory Updates: Sandy McGowan 1316 Fianna Pl. Court Fort Smith, AR 72908 Sam Baker 1703 Chinaberry Greenwood, AR 72936

Velora “Vee” Chandler’s inurnment service will follow the Sunday service on Sept. 17 in the Columbarium Garden. Reception in the Parish Hall.

Attending the August Building and Grounds Committee meeting were: Pat Klahr- Junior Warden, Jean Koll-jeski- Senior Warden, Father Mike Lager- Rector, Becky Ibison, Lou Skeen, John Cross, John Dobbins. Pettus Kincannon, Steve Irby and Gordon Albritton- Sexton. Lou and Becky volunteered to repaint the church’s brown entrance doors. The fall campus-wide clean-up is tentatively scheduled from 9-noon on Saturday morning, October 14. Wi-fi coverage will be expanded from the Parish Hall into the sanctuary. Pat reported that Columbarium garden maintenance volunteers have been identified, including Susan and Gene McCluney, Karen and Mike Orite and Lee Cross; Karen will serve as the coordinator. Thanks for this support! Pat updated the team regarding selecting a preservation architect to define roof repair work needed to preserve the church. John Mott has been on vacation since his visit here but Pat contacted two Arkansas men whom Mr. Mott recommended and they will meet with Building and Grounds members here in early September. John described a church roof-top meeting with representatives from FSSI who patched some open flashing and valley areas over the built-up roof covering the pipe organ using EPDM tape; Brian Driscoll with the Ar-kansas Historical Preservation Program approved this action. A gutter scupper was found to be clogged and was cleared. EPDM tape will temporarily seal where rain water is leaking over the gutter’s edge and seeping into the interior walls. The next monthly Building and Grounds meeting will be at 4:30 PM on Thursday, September 21, in the Skin-ner Building.

Building & Grounds Minutes for August

1 Samuel Cloninger

1 Walker Cloninger

2 Ashley Flippin

2 Al Snider

3 Sharon Lowe

3 Catherine Randall

3 Sydney Randall

8 Brooke Montgomery

11 Bill Murray

11 Regina Noel

11 Rick Parham

12 Julain Young

13 Betsy Vicary

14 Polly Cloninger

14 Bentley Lager

15 Patti Gray

16 Susan McCluney

16 Jim Walcott

17 Angela Covey

17 Maddie Petrus

18 Larry Bearden

19 Ian Werthmuller

21 Cindy Cole

21 Jessica Williams

22 Storm Basinger

25 Austin Kolljeski

29 Dennis Goff

30 Millie Meyers

12 - Mike & Jean Kolljeski 17 - Ron & Andrea Sloan 20 - Steve & Sandra Kilpatrick

Water, water, everywhere. 28 cases of water were donated by the Fidelity Women's Club of Fort Smith. Dorothy Love along with Ron & Andrea Sloan delivered and unloaded the water at the Sack Lunch Pro-gram.

Fidelity Women's Club donates water to Sack Lunch

1/2 cup water 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling Grease 9x13 baking dish. Combine water, butter, sugar in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Place a few spoonful's of cherry pie filling just slightly off center on each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Pour hot liquid over enchiladas making sure to cover the tops completely. Cover and refrigerate over night (30 minutes is ok). Bake at 375° for 35-40 min. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon and al-monds.

Cherry Enchiladas by Susan Horton

2 Tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 Tablespoon sliced almonds 5 (10”) Tortillas

St. John’s Fall Clean-Up is coming…..

William Francis Murphy, born on July 30, 2017 to Ricky & Abby (Smets) Murphy. Proud grandpar-ents are Mike & Bonnie (Johnson) Smets.

The St. John’s Fall Clean-up Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th, 9am -12 noon. I hope many indi-viduals, families, friends, Laymen’s League members, Connection Group members, choir members, Vestry, and Building & Grounds Committee members will be able to attend. We will be cleaning inside the church and all around the church grounds.

Community Development Block Grant Program The City of Fort Smith Community Development Department works to assist our low income homeowners with much needed home repairs on a daily basis. The nature of work that could possibly be addressed are typically for health and/or safety repairs that might include: electric, plumbing, roofs, bathroom rehabilitation, founda-tions and much more depending on the need of the household. The grant amount available is for projects up to $15,000 with possibility for a 0% interest loan for projects that exceed the grant amount. The community Development Department will begin taking applications on August 16, 017 at the Planning and Community Development Department located at 623 Garrison Avenue, Room #331. for the Housing Assistance Program . Applications will only be taken for a limited amount of time. Once a sufficient number of applica-tions (approximately two years of projects) have been received, the Community Development Department will not accept any additional Housing Assistance applications. If you have any questions please call the Community Development Office. 479-784-2209

New Faces...

Fort Smith Little Theatre Dark Night

Benefit Performance for The Sack Lunch Program

Tuesday, September 26th

“Making God Laugh”

Tickets Available Online https://www.eventbrite.com/o/sack-lunch-program-14849325721

Click on and purchase tickets

OR

Call or Stop By St. John’s Skinner Building to purchase tickets. 782-9912

Sack Lunch Fundraiser - at Ft. Smith Little Theater

St. John’s Episcopal Church is the home of the Sack Lunch Program (SLP), founded in 1986 by Mary Wise. Mary saw people in the area around St. John’s who were hungry. Distressed by this image, Mary brought crackers, cheese and small cans of Vienna sausages to give to our neighbors in need of food. This humble be-ginning of the Sack Lunch Program was created out of Mary’s love and care for our neighbors. Thirty-one years later, the SLP serves over 50,000 lunches a year. No one is turned away from the SLP win-dow. The simple motto is: If you are hungry, you will be fed! Please support the program with your contribution on Sack Lunch Sunday, September 24, 2017. All donations go toward the purchase of food and supplies for the program since the SLP is staffed solely by the help of 300 volunteers. Checks should be made to St. John’s Sack Lunch Program. On-line gifts are accepted by visiting: www.stjohnfs.org and clicking on “Donate to the Sack Lunch Program”. Thank you. Jean T. Kolljeski, Program Co-Director.

Sack Lunch Sunday - September 24, 2017

JULY 25: The Stinson Family welcomed Madisyn into their home as Foster Family … for now!

AUG. 6: Hailee Elizabeth Grace Moore born to Jessica Williams and Joshua Moore. Hailee is the granddaughter of Deb and Chris Hevner; great-granddaughter of Alice Selby.

5

GROUPS kick off in SEPTEMBER Developing Relationships is KEY to growing in God

and building community

SERVICE— ♦ Casserole of Life "They who eat of it shall not hunger” 4th Fridays, 8:30 am, Parish Hall Kitchen -

prepares hot meal for Next Step Homeless Services clients. Serve meal at 11:30. Coordinator: Jeff Champlin (479) 452-7029

♦ Sack Lunch Program— Contact Jean Kolljeski (contact info on website www.stjohnfs.org or through

church office, (479)782-9912) - MOVING TO NEW LOCATION in September!!! Serving continues at new site.

SOCIAL ♦ Golf— “Friendship on the Fairways” MONDAYS, Resumes SEPT. 11, 5:30 pm Ben Geren course ♦ Vino League “Filled with the Spirit” : Resumes September 9, 7pm at home of Beth and Jody Carson. Welcome them,

our new group Facilitators. Theme is Summer Wines. Check app ViVino for help. Bring a paired food to share. Address: 2023 South N Street Fort Smith, Arkansas (additional parking in Goddard Methodist right around corner).

STUDY ♦ Bible Study—NEW! Forming, weekday, NOON study led by the Rector. Details coming.

♦ Creative Bible Journaling: Meeting time TBA

♦ NEW!! Enneagram— 2nd & 4th Mondays, 5:00-6:30 pm Skinner Bldg. The Enneagram is a spiritual tool that can be useful for all people, inclusive of all denominations and all religions. It is a tool that at its core helps us discover how we, as humans, separate ourselves from the Love of God and provides tools to help us make other choices. Contact Jeannie McCabe if interested 221-4032

♦ Mind Stretchers—Below ♦ Rector’s Study - Wednesdays—5:00 in Skinner Bldg. YOUTH Room; Sunday 9:15 am, Chambers Hall. “The

Church Development on American Soil”

Mind Stretchers topics for 2017-18 Speaker Season: ♦ Archeology: Archeology of Prehistoric Bluff Shelters of the Arkansas Ozarks (Sept) River Valley Archeol-

ogy in the Ozarks (Oct) ♦ Iconography: Norman Rockwell and Religious Iconography – The Religious Imagination (Jan); Images of

Christ – Religious Vision in Nineteenth Century Russian Art, Iconographic theology (Feb) ♦ Ecology: Fake News: Perception versus Reality in Economics: Perception versus Reality in Macroeco-

nomics (Mar) Perception versus Reality in Microeconomics (May ) Save the Dates: 3rd Tuesdays beginning in September!!

Have an idea for a group!! Call/Text Jeannie McCabe, (479) 221-4032 “Connections” Coordinator

Small Groups Ministry SEPTEMBER

S T U D Y

Kid’s Korner SEPTEMBER 2017 Volume 14 Issue 9

Youth Web site: http://www.stjohnfs.org/youth-children/

Symbol: E HWY (eee high-way) E-ducation H-ome W-orship Y-outh Groups

EHWYWY

Kid’s Korner Vol. 14 Issue 9 SE{TEMBER 2017

W-orship

A C O L Y T E S Acolyte Masters: Mike Tickler & Larry Randall

Scheduler: Eden Buergler Commissioning

& TRAINING for ALL!! Sun, Sept. 17—12:00-2:00

Lunch served / Parents attend to discuss schedules

Youth in 1st through 12th grade can serve! Trained for 4 stations

Server—Assistant Server Crucifers —Torches

Youth begin as Torches in 1st-3rd grades. As they get older, youth are trained at additional stations while still being called to serve on occasion at any of the stations. Beaded crosses mark their training progression. Youth are given their crosses upon graduation.

Youth Ministry Mission: To create an environment for youth and their families that gives a sense of com-munity, invites people to belong to the Body of Christ, and empowers each to do God’s work through acts of love and service. Providing Community that Empowers

Y-outh Groups

Dolphins … 3rd-5th gr

&

STARFISH– 6th-12th

FALL Kick OFF- September 10

PARENTS & Youth

Lunch and Childcare Provided

Hope & Worship

2017-18 Themes

Parents & Youth will set meeting time and select some program aspects

CAMP MITCHELL

A Y E - Oct. 20-22 Youth: 6th grade– 12th grade / Cost: $110.00

ALL Registration online at: eycarkansas.org Tab: Events—AYE

For Scholarship Assistance— Contact Jeannie McCabe

St. John’s GIRL SCOUT Group Daisies (K-1st) Brownies (2nd-3rd)

Juniors, Cadets (4th-9th)

Will Start Up Again in SEPTEMBER

Contact Leader: Natalie King-Hyman Or Jeannie McCabe for information

Backpack

Blessing Sunday,

August 20

115 Pairs of shoes donated!!

Five bags of shoes were delivered to Trinity United Methodist Church in Little Rock. These donations will be con-verted to clean drinking water in parts of the world that do not have it. Beginning in November 2010, Ozark Water Projects, Inc. set up partnerships with many Arkan-sas entities to collect donated shoes of all types, sizes, and conditions. When 20,000 pairs are collected in their Little Rock warehouse, shoes are shipped to Miami where a broker pays 37ȼ/lb regardless of condition. All of these cash proceeds are

used by Ozark Water Projects to fund providing wells or purification systems in areas needing either, most often Haiti or Africa.

The Miami broker sorts the shoes and then ships them to countries whose populations need shoes where they are resold according to need, clientele, and affordability to populations who would not otherwise have access.

Karla Allen and her family started this pro-ject and she works tirelessly. Ozark Water Projects, Inc. will receive shoes from all entities wanting to participate. Want to become a Partner, contact infor-

mation is provided on their Facebook page or web-site: www.ozarkwaterprojects.org

Back Packs … … are “outward and visible signs” of the inward formation of students of all ages. It seems the thing to do as a sacra-mental worshipping people to highlight and ask God’s blessing and presence in our efforts. In our country, it is required of all people to spend 13 years of life in the learn-ing process. Not all children receive this privilege. In some parts of the world, only male children can access the edu-cation opportunities. It is a privilege that we have that most of us take for granted until later years. We can hone our gifts in higher education opportunities that equip us for becoming leaders and individuals who can make the world a better place in whatever niche we find ourselves. Our Sunday morning worship experiences are a “refueling” for the weekday aspects of life. We come to be refreshed, renewed, and reminded of our call to serve in the world as “pitchers pouring” out God’s love wherever we find ourselves. This year, HOPE, is our reminder token. HOPE can help keep each of us motivated and moving even when we face daily hardships and challenges. We can share HOPE with others. Our hope is in God!

7

OUTREACH

KAIROS … prison ministry REPORT BACK by Jeannie McCabe

His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy servant(s) (St. John’s)/slave; you have been trustworthy in a few

things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your

master.” Matthew 25:21

Pictured—Over 100 packages of cookies from St. John’s were among the 1200 dozen collected. Team members (at letft) assemble with other volunteers to repackage the cook-ies into bags of an assortment of 1.5 dozen cookies for each of the 1,100 incarcerated women. ` Thank you for sharing your resources with those who have none!

KAIROS (God’s time) prison ministry is a reformatted expression of Cursillo: a weekend of intense teaching and sharing to equip individuals for living intentional, disciplined lives growing in a relationship with God within the Christian tradition. This is offered through a series of talks, small group discussions, creative responses, and singing. I became acquainted with KAIROS in the 80’s living in Houston, TX as a newlywed with my husband, Keith. He was invited to serve on a team for a maximum security federal prison. He continued to serve on teams as we moved from state to state … in Louisiana and Arkansas. I was active in the Cursillo movement and served on those teams. I was invit-ed several times to serve on Kairos teams but lack of calling and time availability prevented me from serving at those times. However, upon receiving a letter of invitation this past spring to serve on a team in June, I had none of the previous obstacles preventing from serving, and so I said YES. A team of 35 women met four Saturdays in April and May to prepare for a weekend to be held at McPherson Unit, one of two women’s units in Arkansas. As an ecumenical program, all denominational doctrine, dogma, and practices had to be stripped from the program elements. This distilled the offering to one of the “purest” presentations of the Gospel I have encountered. The core message was, “Listen, listen, Love, Love” … pretty basic!! Jesus’ message was about the unconditional love of God, acceptance, and forgiveness. We entered the unit on a Thursday afternoon. I passed through 11 check points … either gates, locked doors, or security stations before we reached our weekend “space” deep within the prison. Each of us team members was assigned one of the 30 women participants to mentor and welcome personally each day as we gathered. The team lined the hall-way and waited as the women were called from the 18 different barracks. We sang them in, welcomed personally each woman, and escorted her into the meeting room. We, the team, were given strict orders to wear colorful clothing to be easily distinguished from the “women in white.” Regularly, “counts” were made halting any and all activity as guards en-tered the room to take a head count. Introductions on the first evening revealed that we were all women who had families, children, spouses, ex’s, and life challenges. The main differences were that our choices had produced different sets of consequences. We shared sto-ries, joys, sorrows, regrets, and hope. I joined the “Cookie Crew” to deliver the bags of cookies to the rest of the prison. The prison is divided into four pods, each having five barracks connected to a security post like the hub of a bicycle with extended spokes. Bunk beds filled the barracks. A social space of tables with attached seats in front of a 24-hour TV prevented any silent time for sleeping. The women were extremely grateful for such an indulgent treat of cookies. Conversely, we were required to par-cel out toilet paper during bathroom breaks as participating women went to open hallway facilities with half-walls providing minimal levels of privacy. Any extra toilet paper found in their pockets was considered contraband and subject to punitive consequences. In our Baptismal Covenant, we commit to “respecting the dignity of every human being.” This rationing of TP called this in to question for me. I struggled with this and many other aspects of our punitive system. All women held jobs in the prison; some requiring them to rise at 4:30 am before joining us or reporting after 9:00 pm after we finished our day. Sitting in the room, I witnessed and experienced unity. Leaving on Sunday, I prayed, unity would prevail.

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Su

nd

ay B

reak

-

fast

, 9-9

30am

4

LA

BO

R D

AY

C

HU

RC

H

OF

FIC

ES

C

LO

SE

D

5

NS

HS

Bd. M

tg.,

430p

m

6

7 Hom

esch

ool

Sig

n-u

ps,

5p

m

8

Ves

try

Rp

ts d

ue

9

Vin

o L

eag

ues

, 7p

m

10

Kic

k-o

ff S

un

day

You

th p

lan

nin

g

Ice

Cre

am

Su

ndaes

D

oK

, n

oon

, S

kin

ner

11 G

SC

Ex. B

d,

noon

Golf

re-

sum

es,5

30pm

E

nn

eag

ram

, 5pm

12 V

estr

y M

tg,

530p

m

RV

EC

13

14

Gri

d P

lan

nin

g,

2p

m

PE

O g

rou

p, pm

in P

ari

sh H

all

15

16

17

Aco

lyte

Tra

inin

g,

12-

1:3

0p

m

Inu

rnm

ent -

Vee

Ch

an

dle

r

18

19

MIN

D

ST

RE

TC

HE

RS

,

6P

M

20

21 G

SC

Bd. M

tg.,

noon

NO

Bs

mtg

, 9am

B

&G

mtg

, 430pm

22

New

slet

ter

A

rtic

les

are

du

e

today

Cass

erole

of

Lif

e,

8:3

0am

—n

oon

23

24

Sack

Lu

nch

Su

nday

New

Com

ers

Cla

ss,

aft

er s

ervi

ce

25

En

nea

gra

m,

5pm

2

6

SL

P-D

ark

nig

ht

at

the

Lit

tle

Th

eate

r G

NO

, 6p

m @

Lu

-

lu’s

Bis

tro

RV

EC

27

New

slet

ter

fold

&

mail

ou

t g

rou

p,

1p

m

28

Laym

en’s

Lea

gu

e, n

oon

29

Hom

esch

ool

gro

up,

9am

-noon

30

To

m E

llio

tt m

eeti

ng

in

T

he

lib

rary