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Volume December 2019

E-Mail articles to:

office@carolinechurch.net

The Carillon

Our Caroline Church Vision Statement: To help people encounter the living God together and

live transformed lives for Christ.

Our Mission Statement * We, the parishioners of Caroline Church of Brookhaven, are commit-ted to Jesus Christ, to His teaching, His life, death and resurrection, in our call to serve and worship Him, in the tradition of the Anglican Communion. We strive to share our faith and blessings for the furtherance of His kingdom in an environment of love, understanding, and support,

From The Rector My Dear Friends in Christ, Even just after our Thanksgiving Day celebrations, the season of Christmas works its inexorable charm. It draws on the tide of the soul like the moon draws on the waters of the earth. How silently, how silently, yet how powerfully God works His magic of love and generosity. Theologically speaking that magic is grace. It all reminds me of an incident that happened during World War Two off the coast of northern Africa. The Nazis had abandoned a seaport to the conquering Allies. But first, they endeavored to render the port worthless to the deep-sea battleships by sinking at the port’s mouth several barges filled with cement. The engineers were baffled how to remove these sunken ships. They lacked the power, the strength, to lift the barges now sunk in the sucking mud. Then one young American had a splendid idea. Other ships would be brought forth, and steel cables connecting them would be run beneath the sunken barges. All this would be done at low tide. Then as the tide flowed, the rising ships would pull their brother and sister barges from the deep. And so, God made Christmas. That is what the Feast of the Incarnation, the birth of Our Lord, is all about. He has come into the world to lift us out of our secular quagmires and reveal to us the beginning of a new kingdom of light, peace, and joy. God broke into history with an impact akin to a great comet plowing into Palestine, creating a tidal wave of change that would soon sweep across the globe profoundly changing nations. As we know this event that we celebrate every December 25 has affected millions of people, transforming their lives. God’s greatest act since creation was so far beyond human comprehension that it caught most by surprise. Some ask, why did God come to dwell among us when he did? It is absolute folly to try to predict what God will do or when He will do it because God always does so much more than we expect, and with timing that is so much more perfect than ours. We cannot even guess at His plan, much less his timetable. Christ comes among us to change hearts. We look ahead to the future with hope and joy. As Followers of the Way, we look beyond today’s troubles, keeping our eyes on our Lord. We step forward with the certainty of faith that our Good Shepherd will lead us through any valleys of des-pair, on to green pastures of tomorrow.

What an awesome gift God has given us on Christmas morning. Let us celebrate that gift with family and friends, in the pews of Caroline Church and around the dining room table. With the Christ child in our hearts, Cn. Richard+

Schedule of Christmas Services

Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24 5:00pm Children’s Service

8:00pm H.E. with Adult Choir 10:00pm H.E. with Adult Choir

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Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25 10:00am Holy Eucharist

with Hymns

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ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE OF

ELECTRONIC GIVING

For the past several years here at Caroline Church, electronic giving has been available for parishioners. This form of giving to the ministry of the Church offers church members a convenient, safe and simple way to make regular church offerings without the need to write checks, carry cash or prepare envelopes. Some statistics: 74% of Americans say they write no more than one check per month, 59% of donors over the age of 65 gave a gift online last year, and over 57% of all internet traffic will come from mobile devices. The benefits for you is it provides convenience, keeps you on track with financial stewardship, guarantees your uninterrupted support and provides you today’s most popular payment methods. Electronic giving is good for Caroline Church in that it provides much-needed donation consistency, saves the church staff time, adds greater security in the church office and has a positive impact on the environment. The easiest way to start is to go online from your computer to our church web page, enter donation information on our church’s online donation page once in gets you to Vanco Payment Solutions. You can use any credit or debit card, or checking or savings account. From here you can manage recurring donations and view your online giving history. Electronic giving is actually safer than writing checks or carrying cash. Secure donation services are provided by Vanco Payment Solutions. Vanco processes electronic donations for more than 15,000 churches and nonprofit organizations. A report of your giving is sent to Caroline Church. A new feature this year is the ability to complete your pledge card on-line. Click the link on the home page of our website to fill it out; your completed form will be sent directly to our financial secretary. We hope this fast, convenient and consistent way of giving to the ministry at Caroline Church is something that you will embrace and support.

NEWS FROM THE

BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW

All men and Brotherhoods of St. Andrews: A reminder that we meet on December 11 at 8am. We begin with our Eucharist followed by light breakfast and continue with our Bible study. Bruce Lockerbie will continue and conclude our study of the Acts of the Apostles. Please consider joining us for fellowship and study. Blessings, Mark LaSorsa

OPERATION SHOE BOX

A special thank you to Barbara Tyler for delivering over 30 boxes overflowing with love and blessings to Operation Christmas Child. The generosity of those participating was evident and will undoubtedly be greeted with joy and happiness by the children blessed enough to receive one. Again, thank you for your

PIE SALE

Many thanks to all who ordered a pie either for them-selves and/or donation and many thanks to Bob and Anna McCarrolI of the Good Steer Restaurant for their help and kindness in handling the logistics, i.e. baking the pies for the "sample" coffee hour and delivering the ordered pies. They make it so easy to provide this opportunity to both help the church and ensure a delicious Thanksgiving dessert. The Vestry will distribute the proceeds at the end of the month.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Our Annual Parish Meting will be held on Wednesday evening, January 29, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Marco Smith Building. Please plan to attend this very im-portant event in the life of our church. If you are responsible for writing a year-end report for an area of ministry you have been involved in over 2019, please complete it by January 12 and electroni-cally e-mail it to Catherine at office@carolinechurch.net in the parish office. Supervised childcare and rides to the annual parish meeting will be available, please call the parish office several days in advance of the meeting if you need these services. All parishioners are encouraged to attend this gathering of our parish family.

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EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program of study and spiritual development for lay people. Participants sign up for one year at a time. It takes place in a small group setting. Participation helps us to respond to the question all of us face: How do I respond to God’s call to ministry in the world? By participating in EfM you will:

learn to work together in a small group study the bible, church history and theology engage in theological reflection learn about yourself and your fellow group members deepen your faith discover your call to ministry in the world Participants commit yearly to meet once a week beginning in January 2020. Meetings are led by trained, certified mentors. An EfM group can be formed here at your church, or nearby.

If you are interested in participating or learning more about EfM, speak to Cn. Richard or contact the Diocesan Coordinator of EfM, the Rev. John Musco: johnmusco@gmail.com, 917-519-0422. ***************************************************************************************

YOUTH GROUP NEWS The Caroline Church Youth Group continues with it’s new format. The group meets each week after the 9:30 ser-vice in the downstairs “cave” of the Marco Smith Building, and are led by a member of the Youth Formation Team. Cn. Richard always takes the first Sunday of the month and brings both the Eucharist and the Gospel to the group. November brought the story of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector at Jericho from the Gospel of Luke. You know the young people are listening when hands go up with questions, as several did. It was gratifying to see their interest and know they learned something that morning. The youth have been busy helping at the recent Harvest Dinner and setting up multiple Christmas trees and adjust-ing tables for the Christmas Fair. Who knew they would be so adept at using screwdrivers! The adults have been grateful for their willing enthusiasm and actual physical strength. Some of us are not as young as we once were! The Youth Group will continue to help and participate in the Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 7, as well as the Cookies & Cocoa with Santa event on December 22. December 8 will bring a special event that the group has been interested in for some time. A trip to a local escape room is planned that will allow for team building, strategizing, problem solving and fellowship. Please note that friends are always welcome at any Youth Group events/activities. Continued thanks to the Caroline Church Youth Formation Team of Cn. Richard, Bruce Cash, Maureen Reyes, Adrienne Owen and Virginia Cash.

Virginia Cash, Coordinator

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December celebrations, twinkling lights, candy canes and stockings all hung by the chimney with care. Merry Christmas

everyone! 12/1 Diane Amato Lorelie Whitsit 12/2 Daman Ciccarelli Tony Knapp 12/4 Catherine Gristock 12/5 Erin Frank 12/6 Paula Engel Easton Dean William Romeo Maggie Shimaitis Rachel Suydam 12/7 Reanna Fulton 12/9 Charles Neuls Jr. Otto Schleider 12/10 Carol Fortner 12/14 Bobby Aiello John Cierski Tyler Yarema 12/15 Margaret Gilmore Victoria Savage Taylor Schwab Oliver Rhame 12/17 Jan Visconti 12/18 Randy Manning Jeffrey Morse 12/19 Charlette Freeman Susan LaSorsa Christine Lopez Olivia Schmitt Judith Wieland Aaron Woreth 12/20 Bill Hall Jack Zipfel 12/21 Cecile Pfingston

Christmas 2019 B I R T H D A Y S

12/21 Denise Stubberfield 12/22 Karel Orlowski Alexander Stubberfield Ed Vitale Ryan Worrell 12/23 Cathleen Esernio Jessica Gonzalez John Mastauskas Charlene Seymour 12/24 Craig Massie 12/25 Francis Buchet Tyler LaSorsa 12/26 Patricia Calone Annette Pollert 12/27 Sue Rydzeski Salvatore Semler 12/28 Julia Acker Nicholas Amato, Jr. Garren Engel-DiBartolo Kurt Feldmann 12/29 Irene Ruddock 12/30 Helene Bredes Daniel Klinzing Mark Lukianchuk Robert McCarroll Peter Ruland 12/31 Adrian Gilmore Holly Griesel Laura Hengerle

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

SUPPORT GROUP

Caring for the Caregiver Support Group meets every second and fourth Saturday of the month 9:30 – 11:00am in the Parish House. The group is open to all caregivers in our community and there is no cost to participate; the group is non-sectarian, non-denominational and not disease specific, so all are welcome. Our next meetings will be held on December 14 and 28

….hope to see you there!

VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS

Blessing of Columbarium scheduled Quarterly Town Hall on December 28 & 29 after

each service Adult Education program Wednesdays in Advent Nominating Committee formed for Vestry Election

in January 300th Anniversary Celebration – planning is in progress Anniversary Brunch - January 26th

A CALL FOR ACOLYTES!

All those entering 6 Grade or above, are invited to serve on the Altar at Caroline Church. This is a great opportunity to serve your parish community by helping the priest and the people worship Our Lord at our weekend services. Also, our Acolyte Corp have a fun time together with BBQ’s, game days, and a yearly Paint Ball outing. Acolyte training sessions for new acolytes will be organized as signups come in. Call the parish office and let Cn. Richard know you would like to join the Acolyte Corp!

AN EVENING CONCERT WITH

THE

THREE VILLAGE CHAMBER PLAYERS

Plan to join us on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 7:30pm in the church for a delightful program that is sure to keep you in the holiday spirit. Additional details on the program will be included in future bulletins as they become available.

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OUR ANGLICAN HERITAGE

Lillian Hunt Trasher Lillian Trasher was a missionary in Egypt. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida. Her mother, originally a Quaker, converted to the Roman Catholic Church and reared Lillian in that tradition. After conversion to the evangelical faith, Trasher enrolled at God’s Bible School in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1905 but left after one term to work in a North Carolina orphanage. Following a short time there, she went to Greenville, South Carolina, to study at Altamont Bible and Missionary Institute. She later attended a Church of God (Cleveland, TN) congregation in Dahlonega, Georgia, where she became a Pentecostal. Breaking her engagement to an evangelist who did not share her call to missions and without the approval of her parents, she left for Egypt in 1910 as an independent missionary. With the aid of her sister, Jennie, she began to care for abandoned babies and children and in 1911 established a home for them in Assiut, Egypt, now known as the Lillian Trasher Memorial Orphanage. After 1919, she affiliated with the Assemblies of God. Many of those who grew up and received schooling in the orphanage contributed to the growth of the Pentecostal movement in Egypt. In January 1960, she began a new year. It was her fiftieth in Egypt. She remembered that as a young, happy girl in 1910, she dreamed of twelve children of her own. She did not realize what her life was going to be like when she ended her engagement. Even though she loved him, she said good-bye to Tom, the young preacher who was to be her husband. She wanted to put God first. Now, fifty years later, as a gray-headed woman, she looked out her window to her 1,200 children. This lovely Missionary lady went on to be with the Lord on December 17, 1961, having trusted in the Lord with all her heart and soul. Trasher’s care of thousands of orphans and her heroic faith won the respect of the Egyptian government and gained her international fame. A grateful Muslim village official once said of her, “I believe that when she dies, in spite of the fact that she is a woman and a Christian, God will take her directly to paradise.” She is buried at the orphanage. Lillian is remembered throughout the Episcopal Church every year on December 19.

“Whatever gift each of you may have received, use it in service to one another…” 1 Peter 4:10

PARISH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Eucharistic Ministers

We could welcome a few more Eucharistic Ministers to our dedicated group of adults who administer the Chalice of consecrated wine on Sunday mornings. We have a need to expand our numbers. I would like to invite all Caroline parishioners to consider assisting at the altar in this important and holy ministry. We have a fine core of Eucharistic Ministers who have embraced their calling by Our Lord and have been gifted with the tools to participate in our worship services through this particular altar ministry. Do consider joining this group of dedicated ministers. Please speak with Cn. Richard or call the parish office.

Altar Guild

Caroline Church’s Altar Guild is looking for a few more good women or men to help set God’s table and sanctuary on Sunday’s and other occasional services. Caroline Guild takes loving care of the “house of God” that serves as the “house of God’s people.” These “ladies of the sacristy” are acutely aware that they serve at a privileged place where the liturgical rites are prepared, where the treasured objects that facilitate that prayer are stored. This ministry has been a prime aspect of church life since the year 303 and at Caroline Church from its founding in 1723. If you would like to be part of our sacristan guild, please speak with Director Bobbi Wimmel (631-331-3514) or Cn. Richard. One would be hard pressed to find a more meaningful way to glorify God.

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SUPERMARKET GIFT CARDS:

Purchase your Stop ‘n Shop or King Kullen gift cards through the church. You pay face value, and Caroline Church gets a percentage. And…King Kullen cards can be used at Wild By Nature. Right now, the cards can be purchased in the church office and during Coffee Hour on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays. However, we would like to make them easier to purchase by having the first Sunday of the month designated as “Supermarket Sunday”. Mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec.1 - bring cash or a check and plan to purchase cards. For your convenience, we will be selling them outside the church at all services, (weather permitting) You have to shop anyway, so why not make your money work for you and for Caroline Church! P.S. Gift cards also make great gifts. Easy. **********************************************************************************************

CAROLINE CHURCH PRAYER TEAMS

More than twenty years ago, under the leadership of Fr. Jim Spata, a Prayer Ministry was started at Caroline Church. Although it has moved around to several locations over the years, the ministry has most recently had its base in the front pews under the pulpit at the 9:30 Sunday Service.

The purpose of this ministry is to pray personally with individuals for their needs or the needs of others. Those participating in this ministry have received instruction in prayer, and all requests are confidential. All parishioners are invited to consider becoming part of this unique and gratifying group that faithfully serves our congregation. Interested persons should contact Cn. Richard or speak with any current member of the ministry. Training and ongoing support will be provided; all members serve on a rotating schedule. *****************************************************************************************************************

Mark 11:24

“So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

About twenty years ago, or so, I was led to begin a Caroline Church email prayer chain. This was inspired by my involvement in Cursillo and was encouraged by several of our parishioners who wanted the opportunity to pray for others within our Church community. Such a wonderful way to support each other – to stay close – to lift each other in prayer – in the privacy of our own homes. When I began to use the MailChimp program for these prayer requests in 2013, we were able to keep better statistics on this ministry. For the last six years alone,180 of us have prayed for 415 parishioners or friends of parishioners. That is amazing! Now, since I am leaving Caroline to begin my postulancy field placement, it is time for me to step down as the administrator of the prayer chain. Barbara Tyler has graciously taken on this ministry – which will continue as it always has. If you would like prayer for someone you love, simply contact Barbara via email, phone call or in person and she will circulate it to all who have agreed to receive those prayer needs.

Barbara can also add you to the list of people who pray if you are interested. Or you may go to the following URL and sign up yourself: http://eepurl.com/gKrx3T

Barbara can be contacted at barbwtyler@aol.com, or 631-371-9218 (cell) or 631-928-9534 (home).

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CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

The first of December brings with it the beginning of the church season of Advent. Advent is a four week period of hope and waiting during which time we get ready for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. In preparation for this blessed and joyous event, the Church School will be making Advent wreaths on Sunday, December 1st. Siblings will work together to create one wreath per family. It is encouraged that families light the wreath each night and pray together to give thanks for their blessings and to think of others while awaiting the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Next comes the Church Christmas Fair which will be held on Saturday, December 7th . Part of the fair is a cookie walk where people pay to fill a container with cookies of their choice. Where do the cookies come from? Hopefully, YOU.! As the proceeds of the Cookie Walk benefit the Church School, it is requested that each Church School family contribute a few dozen home baked cookies. Also, if any families would like to staff the Cookie Walk on the day of the fair, let me know. It is very simple and the children enjoy participating. All children and their families are also invited to join some of our Vestry members in marching in the Setauket Electric Parade on December 15th . This is a wonderful opportunity to let the local community know of Caroline Church. Please talk to Jackie Hull (631473-6991) if you are interested in walking with them. Perhaps one of your children can help hold the church banner? As the excitement continues to build towards Jesus' birth in the manger, on Sunday, December 22 nd the annual Christmas pageant will be performed at the 9:30 service. Cindy Schleider and the Schleider family are again directing the pageant. Make sure to touch base with her (631-473-4610) to ensure that your child gets a role. Following the performance, each child will have an individual gingerbread house to decorate. Thank you to Liz Specht and her family for organizing this activity. Finally,on the evening of December 22 nd, all are invited to come to our annual Cookies & Cocoa with Santa event. It is a low tech, warm and inviting opportunity to enjoy some special time with the young people in your life.

Wishing God's blessings to all during this most holy of seasons.

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My Offering for Christmas Memorial Flowers In memory of: _______________________________________________________________________________ As a thank you offering for: _______________________________________________________________________ Name:_________________________________________________________________ Envelope No._________

ADVENT ADULT FORMATION PROGRAM This year’s Adult Education offering is “A Thrill of Hope—The Christmas Story in Word and Art”. Our two week discussion will present the familiar story of Christmas as told in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, illustrated with artwork and commentary by faculty from Candler School of Theology. We will begin our exploration on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm in the Parish House Library; refreshments will be served. Our final session will be held on Wednesday, December 11. *********************************************************************************************

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CAROLINE CONVERSATION ON-LINE

The Caroline Conversation, started in June of 2009, is an on-line discussion group for members and friends of Caro-line Church. The format is a weekly consideration of the Gospel for the week ahead. Many of our discussions have been wonderfully thought provoking, and we look forward to hearing from more Carolinians. All you need is an e-mail address to sign-up! If you would like to join the Conversation, just send an email to Cn. Richard at carolinerector@gmail.com from the e-

mail address where you would like to receive messages, and you will receive an “invitation” to the Conversation with

directions for joining and a covenant shared by participants. Hope to hear from you soon!

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CALLING NEW CONFIRMANDS!

A new confirmation community is forming to explore our Episcopal tradition and help students articulate their Christian faith. Students will be prepared for the sacramental rite of Confirmation in 2020 meeting twice a month through specially designed classes, worship experiences, field trips, and retreats. All young people in the 10th Grade who are fifteen or sixteen by the fall of 2020 and their parents are cordially invited to an orientation session with the clergy. Please let Cn. Richard or the parish office know of your interest as either a student or mentor. We look forward to hearing from you!

THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF LONG ISLAND 153RD

DIOCESAN CONVENTION

On November 15 and 16, 2019 lay and clergy delegates from Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties met in Melville, New York to reflect on the life of our diocese over the past year. Cn. Richard, Ginny Apmann, Frank Wieland , Gary Mis and Youth Delegate Amelia Callahan were Caroline Church’s official delegates. The main or-der of business on Friday afternoon after Midday Prayer were nominations for various Diocesan Boards and Bodies. Following that was a presentation about the upcoming national Episcopal Youth Event in Washington, DC. The remainder of the afternoon involved participating in a special program on “Transforming conflict for congregations” presented by Rev. Richard Blackburn, Executive Director of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, located in the Chicago area. Many helpful suggestions to most effectively deal with conflict in a church setting were presented. After Evening Prayer, the Convention was in recess until Saturday morning. On that day we began our time together with the Convention Eucharist and the Bishop’s Address. You can see excerpts of his remarks in this issue of the Carillon. We heard about the Diocesan Church Development Institute that our parish participated in over the past two years. A presentation about the possibility of a $30 million-dollar Diocesan-wide Capital Campaign with tie-ins to local parishes was made. After lunch most of the afternoon involved balloting and electing nominees to General Convention and other diocesan offices. A report on the activity of the Cathedral of the Incarnation was made and the Diocesan 2020 Ministry Plan was voted on and approved. Updating Clergy Compensation Guidelines for the Diocese was approved and a couple of housekeeping propositions were approved updating Diocesan Canons. After a few courtesy resolutions were passed, an abbreviated Evening Prayer brought us to the close of another Diocesan Convention. Thank you to Caroline Church’s delegates for representing us on a diocesan level and letting our voice be heard on the issues that affect our lives as a faith community. RDV

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Live each day as a steward. Love your neighbor as yourself.

This year’s stewardship drive was a success in many ways. The Sunday school became involved and created a beautiful poster of our church and community that was used to track the number of pledges as they came in. Thanks to the Specht’s who took on the task and involved the 6, 7 and 8th graders in making the lovely poster. Sue Rydzeski designed and made a big banner to highlight all the ministries and outreach of Caroline. Several people remarked on the extensive list, not realizing all that we do. Sue also redesigned the pledge cards and worked on creating an electronic version as requested by several parishioners. Nice job on all three counts! Mark Lasorsa was instrumental in helping Triumf create the electronic pledge card as was Canon Richard. Jackie Hull took it upon herself to make calls to almost every member of the parish to encourage them to come to the Harvest Dinner. Nice outreach and gave us a better idea of how many people to expect. The kickoff barbecue began with a very well attended concert by The Three Village Chamber Group. It was a rainy night but we persevered with the barbecue with the support of many members of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. Thank you Brothers for all your effort and hard work. Many hands made light work! Next came the witness talks. Barbara Russell spoke about the importance of keeping up our buildings and grounds to create a safe and welcoming feel of our church. Bev spoke about the historical significance of Caroline to the community and how many visitors we have had over the years exposing both young minds and adults to our local his-tory. They gave that talk atall three services. An important job well done! Nick Amato and Virginia Cash were next on the list of speakers and their topic was the importance of religious education for children and their families. Nick cited data of how advantageous religious education is for families also using his own vast experience in education to bolster the point. Virginia spoke about what Caroline offers such as Sunday child care, Children’s Chapel and Sun-day School classes. Her warm and passionate speech affirmed the need for parishioner support to maintain and continue those services. They also spoke at all three weekend services. Thank you for your time and expertise! The last witness talk on Veteran’s Day weekend was given by Reanna Fulton, a veteran and mother of two young boys. As a relative newcomer to the church she spoke of how she felt welcomed and how much her boys enjoyed Children’s Chapel and Sunday School, even wanting to take piano lessons to be able to play for Children’s Chapel. Thank you for your heartfelt talk and a warm welcome to our community. The roast pork loin Harvest Dinner was a great success due to our Chef Rhames, much kinder and nicer than Ramsey! Bill Rhames is not only a chef extraordinaire but also takes great pride in his artistic food presentations. We all en-joyed the fruits of his skill! Thank you Bill! We were also entertained by Ed Mocko and friend on guitar and the Bu-chet Brothers playing two spirited Irish songs. They got a rousing ovation! A dinner that size requires much labor to prepare and to clean up afterward. Again, many hands made light work.Bruce Cash, Sue Rydzeski, Jackie Hull, Bar-bara and Michael Russell, Nick and Diane Amato, Mark LaSorsa, Carolyn Martezian and the youth group all were instrumental in the dinner being on time. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone! Thank you all for knowing what to do and simply giving of yourself to create an event that people were reluctant to leave!

To sum up, all the above is a perfect example of living each day as a steward and loving your neighbor as yourself. A big thank you to all the above. Hopefully you have made your pledge so that we can create a budget for the following year. If not, it is not too late.

2019 ADOPT A FAMILY– update

Thank you to all who have taken wish requests. Remember, all gifts must be wrapped and returned to the church office or church vestibule no later than Sunday December 8th. Any questions, contact Barbara Russell at 631-689-9434 or bmr83@optonline.net

Thanking you in advance, Barbara M, Russell

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A message from Claire Mis, Postulant for the Deaconate in the Diocese of Long Island

Dear Caroline Family, Yes! Indeed, you have been a family to me for the last 34 years. My husband, Gary and I have raised our two sons, Jeremy and Eric, both of whom served as acolytes and had perfect church school attendance! Caroline has been a large part of our lives. I have served our church with joy, in many capacities over those 34 years: singing in the choir, VBS, Order of St. Luke Healing Ministry, the Prayer Ministry, the Vestry, Bible Study, Adult Ed – to name some. All those activities and ministries helped me to grow as a Christian and led me to discern that I was being called to be a deacon. Confirmed also by the Diocesan Commission on Ministry, Bishop Provenzano invited me to begin my postulancy last February. Formal studies began this past September and will continue for three years. At some point, God willing, I may be ordained as a deacon. The process also includes a field placement – directed by our Bishop. Bishop Provenzano has asked me to do my field placement at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Huntington, and I will begin on December 1st. You may wonder why the Bishop did not assign me to Caroline Church. Most often, when in formation, it is best to gain experience in a different parish and to work with a different priest. This broadens one’s understanding of the variety of ways worship can be done along with learning about new or different ministries. So, I will not be at Caroline Church on Sundays and will no longer serve in any leadership capacity. This transition has not been easy for me because Caroline Church has been my spiritual home. You may see me at church dinners and other social occasions, but for now, I must focus fully on my awaiting field placement. While I will miss seeing all of you, I am truly excited to continue to grow in my faith and to serve into my calling.

ANNUAL CAROLINE CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR The Christmas Fair, which will be held on Saturday, December 7th from 9:30-3:00, is almost upon us and help is still needed. Is there something that you can do?

Set up tables on Thursday, December 5th (early evening) Set up merchandise on Friday, December 6th . (9:30 until Staff a table for an hour or the whole day on Saturday, December 7th

Bake cookies for the Cookie Walk.

Come to the Fair with friends, shop and have lunch.

Break down the tables at 2:45 on the day of the fair.

Donate Christmas items through the day of the fair.

Donate boutique items, i.e. ties, jewelry, scarves, higher end clothing, etc Bake anything that is yummy and will sell. There is no such thing as too much help for this churchwide event. We need you and we’re praying that you will join us for some fun, faith and fellowship, Please contact Virginia Cash at (631)751-3541 or virginia@virginiacashcares.com

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THE COLUMBARIUM AT CAROLINE CHURCH

On the First Sunday of Advent, December 1 Cn. Richard will bless and dedicate our newly constructed columbarium. An attractive circular paving surrounds the structure. We believe the columbarium will be an integral part of the life and ministry of our Caroline Church Graveyard. The cremated remains of parishioner Dorothy "Dottie" Galloway will be the first to be inurned with a Committal Service within a niche of the columbarium. For nearly three hundred years generations after generations have dedicated their lives to this faith community and at the end of their faithful journey on this earth have been laid to rest in the churchyard. The need for a columbarium has been evident as our graveyard is low on the number of traditional grave sites. This compared with the increase in families opting for cremation as environmentally and theologically sound provided a need for a columbarium. In discussions with Bryant Funeral Home we were informed that in 2016 those opting for cremation was 50%, and that by 2021 the figure is expected to be 60% or higher. Following several years of research and planning, the Columbarium Committee petitioned the Vestry, and in June of 2018 the Vestry, after hearing presentations from two columbarium companies earlier, approved the recommendation of the Committee to hire Creter Vault Corporation of New Jersey to build a 120 niche octagon columbarium in the center of the in-ground cremains area. (A niche is a square shaped box, 12 " x 12" within the columbarium and can hold the cremated remains of one or two persons.) Creter Vault is a one-hundred year company that has designed and manufactured thousands of niches for cemeteries throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States. A letter and a colorful brochure titled, "Your Legacy, Your Church" was mailed to parishioners last year explaining the Columbarium Ministry and comparing the financial benefit of a cremation memorialization over a traditional burial. A 60-day pre-construction discount was offered for those electing to purchase a niche as an elegant resting place and convenient location for family and friends visitation. Twenty parishioners took advantage of this opportunity, and along with a very generous donation from the Rommel Wilson Memorial Fund, Inc. helped defray the cost resulting in minimal financial expense to the church. While our church and its grounds are a reflection of the historic nature of our community, the introduction of a modern Columbarium unites the historic with the present. Well maintained and secure, it allows parishioners and their loved ones to remain within the faith community where they worshiped, lived and raised their families. Perhaps the planning and construction of the columbarium may have caused some to consider end of life procedures. For such specifics you may speak with Cn. Richard or your local funeral director, who can help you make the necessary arrangements. If you wish to purchase a niche in the Columbarium, please call the Parish Office: (631 941-4245) A representative will contact you directly.

THE CAROLINE CHURCH CHOIR NEEDS YOUR HELP!

And speaking of music and our choir, we are always interested in welcoming new members to the Adult Choir. We sing at the 9:30am service on Sundays as well as other special services throughout the year, and hold rehearsals on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm. Are you interested but not sure you can commit to attending the 9:30 every week? No problem! Talk to Kalina anyway, as we will do our best to be flexible. Come join us, and praise God by sharing the gift of your voice!

CAROLINE CHURCH WREATH SALE!

DON’T FORGET! LAST DAY TO PLACE YOUR

ORDER IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

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NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR THE VESTRY

AND

CONVENTION DELEGATES

The Vestry Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the Vestry and for Delegates to Diocesan Convention. According to our church's bylaws, this year there will be three (3) three-year Vestry positions to be filled and one (1) two-year warden position to be elected at the Annual Parish meeting held on January 29, 2020. The Vestry is the legal board of directors for The Caroline Church of Brookhaven exercising corporate and budgetary authority. The Vestry of Caroline Church is comprised of twelve (12) members. Lay members of the Vestry are elected for a three-year term. Wardens are elected for a two-year term. The Vestry will elect Three (3) At-Large Delegates to the Diocesan Convention and their alternates for one year. Two youth may also attend from each parish with voice but no vote. These delegates along with the clergy represent our par-ish at the annual convention that is tentatively scheduled for Friday and Saturday on November 13 and 14, 2020. If you would like to recommend yourself or someone you know to the Vestry Nominating Committee, please complete the following Nomination Form. Completed forms should be in the Church office by December 9. If you are interested in serving but are unsure if you meet the qualifications listed below, or have any questions regarding the election process, please speak with Cn. Visconti. Thank you, Barbara Russell, Chair

NOMINATION FORM I nominate ________________________________________ to serve God as _____ A Member of Caroline Church’s Vestry _____ An At-Large Delegate to Diocesan Convention I certify that I am a communicant of the Church, eighteen years of age or older, who has been enrolled in the Parish Register for the past twelve months and have communicated in the parish in the year preceding, and that I am and have been a stated contributor in my own name to the support of the parish for the past twelve months. _____________________________________ Signature of Nominator I accept nomination to serve God in the ministry indicated and I pledge that: • I have a strong personal commitment to Jesus Christ, and to carrying out His ministry in our community. • I am a confirmed or received communicant of the Episcopal Church in good standing, regular in prayer and worship. • I will attend Vestry meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. • I will attend the Vestry retreat on February 8, 2020. • I will be active in the life of the parish, willing to assume leadership and other positions. • I am a stated contributor of record who is working toward a tithe as minimum goal of Christian giv-

ing of time, talent and treasure. • I agree with and am willing to sign the Vestry Covenant. • I will be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. ______________________________________ Signature of Nominee

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CAROLINE CHURCH WREATH SALE

Our wreaths are two feet wide, florist quality double-faced balsam pine. They will be decorated with either a red, ivory or burgundy velvet bow, pinecones and seasonal picks and/or ball clusters. Grave pillows are 20” by 30” and are

decorated with a red velvet bow, pinecones and ball clusters. American flags can be added for honoring our veterans.

Samples of our wreaths will soon be hanging on the slype. The last day to pre-order is Sunday December 1st. All greens will be available for pick up on Saturday, Dec. 7th (10am-12pm and after the 5:pm service) and Sunday, Dec. 8th (after both services.) Please contact Susan Rydzeski (631-751-7693) if you have any questions or have any special-order requirements. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (cut here)

Name________________________________________________ Tel. No. ___________________________________

Qty. Red

Qty. Ivory

Qty. Bur-

gundy

2’ wreath

#_____of 2’ Wreaths @ $27=

$

Grave pillow

#_____ of Pillows @ $28 =

$

Total Amount Due Please make your check payable to Caroline Church.

Check #________

$

I would like to pick up my order on: ________ Saturday, December 7th, 10am-12pm ________ Saturday, December 7th after 5pm service ________ Sunday, December 8th after 8am or 9:30am service (Remember, the last day to pre-order is Sunday, December 1st)

Christmas Decorations

Christmas is coming up very quickly and as we begin to think about Christmas presents, let us not forget about adorning our church with the beauty of Christmas flowers. If you would like to make a gift of flowers for the altar on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, please fill out the form the form on page 7 and return it to the Parish Office, One Dyke Road, Setauket, NY 11733, no later than December 9, 2019 Please make checks payable to CAROLINE CHURCH, with “Christmas Flowers” noted in the memo portion of the check. Let us not only remember our loved ones who have gone before us, but let us be thankful for the loved ones in our midst now, and for the joy of family and friends around us.

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GIFTS TO CAROLINE CHURCH

Did you know that taxpayers age 70 1/2 and older can make tax-free charitable gifts to eligible charities such as Caroline Church of up to $100,00 per year, directly from their IRA? To make a gift via the IRA Charitable Rollover, please contact your plan administrator to obtain their specific transmittal form. If you have been considering a gift to Caroline Church, be sure to speak with your tax advisor prior to the end of the calendar year.

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The Episcopal Church joins ecumenical partners in addressing human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

[October 21, 2019] At their fall meeting in Montgomery, Ala. the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church adopted and implemented a human rights investment screen to respond to a 2018 General Convention resolution, which directs The Epis-copal Church to “join with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s action, CA 16.06.31, “Justice for the Holy Land Through Responsible Investment.”” The screen draws from the actions of General Convention and Executive Council over the past seventy years and directs the Church not to invest in companies that support or benefit from human rights viola-tions. Establishing a human rights investment screen adds to the list of screens the Episcopal Church uses for other issues such as tobacco, fossil fuels and certain military contractors. At the recommendation of Council's Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, three companies were identified for removal from the Church's investment portfolio and placement on its No Buy List: Caterpillar, Motorola Solutions and the Israel Discount Bank. Further, Council asks CCSR “to pursue continued engagement with Facebook, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor, urging them to address human rights violations through complicity in the occupation of the OPT, and seeking to assure that the companies take all necessary steps to end their complicity in the occupation.” "This is a stewardship issue," said the Rev. Canon C.K. Robertson, canon to the presiding bishop for ministry beyond The Episcopal Church. "The Church does not want to make profits from companies that contribute to the suffering of oth-ers." The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church, the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ have all previously taken similar actions. The decision to address human rights violations in the 52-year-old occupation of the Gaza Strip and West Bank (including East Jerusalem) is an important step in addressing longstanding human rights violations. “The Church does not support the global boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign, but we do take seriously the rights of human beings to live free of hu-man rights violations. We have engaged companies about the occupation since we first filed a shareholder resolution with Motorola in 1994," said Bishop Doug Fisher, chair of the committee on corporate social responsibility.

Several Jewish organizations distinguish economic campaigns against companies involved in the occupation from the BDS campaign which targets Israel itself, including J Street and Americans for Peace Now (APN). J Street notes on its website “We do not oppose boycott, divestment, or sanctions initiatives that explicitly support a two-state solution, recognize Is-rael’s right to exist, and focus only on occupied territory beyond the Green Line.” APN calls for “recognizing the legitima-cy and potential value of activism and boycotts that squarely target settlements and the occupation.”

The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, said, “"I appreciate the hard work done for so many dec-ades by so many to promote the Church's commitment to justice for all the peoples of the Holy Land." In calling for the screen at the 2018 General Convention, the Church also called for safeguarding the rights of Palestinian children in detention, pursuing justice in Gaza, , reaffirmed Jerusalem as the shared capital of Israel and a future Palestinian State, called for renewed aid to Palestinian refugees and renewed negotiations for a just peace.

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The Christmas shopping season is in full swing! If you’re like many folks, shopping on line has become a fact of life, and Amazon makes online shopping a breeze! But did you know that Amazon also supports thousands of charities nationwide, and by using Amazon Smile, you can help support Caroline Church? So the next time you’re shopping on Amazon, look for the Amazon Smile link, and click on Caroline Church to have a percentage of your purchase (approx. .5%) donated to the church. It’s really that simple! Happy shopping!

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BISHOP PROVENZANO'S ADDRESS TO THE 153RD CONVENTION November 16, 2019 [Below are some excerpts from Bishop Provenzano’s address to the Diocesan Convention. The full address can be found on the Diocesan Web Site.] As I begin, I want to express my deep and abiding gratitude to my colleagues in ministry in the Diocesan Center. I am so proud of this team of some 50 people who work tirelessly to promote and support living the gospel of Jesus Christ in the parishes, missions and ministry centers from the Brooklyn Bridge to Montauk Point. There are a few initiatives I would like to highlight at this point in support of our more deeply embracing this founda-tional element of our diocesan DNA. To begin with I am calling upon the clergy and people of our diocese to return to a basic Anglo-Catholic ecclesiology, that is to measure our actions and motivation for ministry as a direct response to a life of prayer, worship, and study. We should not be viewed as a social service agency, advocacy or lobbying group, or seen as just another special interest group or political movement. Our programs, our statements, our actions must be the result of serious prayer, worship of God in Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, and our study of A call for us to return to serious prayer has been a part of the last five convention addresses. I have asked for every-one to pray an hour a day, to set apart one day a month for prayer, and to set apart eight days for retreat: prayer, study and rest each year. To those who have embraced this practice and made it a part of your rule of life, I thank you for your witness and faithfulness. This must become our practice. We cannot allow ourselves to be tossed about in this crazy culture, without the anchor of intimate time in prayer. Rachel Evans, a young, progressive Christian writer, who tragically, died earlier this year, wrote these words con-cerning the efforts of the church to work for justice in the world, “The only way to work for justice in a sustainable way is to be rooted in the nourishing soul of contemplation and community”. Today I am encouraging all of us, to be so nourished for the ministry to which we are called. Our gospel call to “social action” as understood 151 years ago, as is today, comes from the center of our worship life, prayer, and study. Our liturgical life cannot be free of the concerns of God’s people. The very liturgy, a work of the people, must be a weekly (if not daily) celebration in which each person is further equipped to live in the world as a member of the Body of Christ. Our liturgical experiences (that is what happens in the church service) must encapsu-late a legitimate, sacramental encounter with God, a binding together of God’s people and the offering of prayers representing the genuine needs of the world. Liturgy, especially on Sunday, should never be reduced to a community meeting, a cult of personality of the particular clergy person, or a concert of favorite music, especially solo performances. Worship should motivate and support action, and action should be an outflow of prayer and study. Liturgy is never to be seen as an end in itself. If worship, prayer and study are designed to motivate our actions in and for the world, then we must take action. Or as they say in common parlance, “one must put one’s money where one’s mouth is…” To that end, later in this convention the Diocesan Ministry plan will be moved by the Diocesan Treasurer on behalf of Diocesan Council. It is once again this year, the largest diocesan ministry plan (budget) in the history of the diocese—almost seven million dollars, representing of course, only one-sixth of the combined ministry of all dioce-san corporations. The Diocesan Council’s ministry plan is predicated on an understanding that there will be an increased effort for parishes to contribute a tithe to shared ministry under the banner of “One Diocese, One Mission”. Voting for the passage of this ministry plan is an indicator that your parish is prepared to support the plan. In as much as each person is asked to tithe, and each parish is asked to tithe to wider ministry, our diocesan institutions must do the same. In the event of unrestricted bequest to the diocese or the sale of property, it is the practice of the Trustees of the Estate Belonging to the Diocese to tithe money received by the diocese. An initiative I am announcing today has to do with the complicated and overly politicized issues of reparations. I am keenly, sometimes painfully, aware of my ignorance of my own privilege. I am aware, as bishop of the most diverse diocese in the country, that many, if not a majority of the people I serve as bishop, do not enjoy the same privilege as me.

16

BISHOP PROVENZANO (continued from previous page)

[We will] start a reparations fund to be held by the trustees of the diocese, and administered by an appointed commit-tee of Diocesan Council, the income from which will be distributed in the form of scholarships, and incentives to mi-nority young adults seeking opportunity in education and business within the geography of our diocese. This could be one way of our faithfully addressing the privilege issue and help those still adversely effected by the long-lasting reality of our sinful and ignorant past. Faithful stewardship of resources and planning for the future is an ongoing and important work in each generation. In our time it has fallen to us to imagine how we accomplish ministry and reimagine how we sustain the buildings, programs, and structures upon which the future will be built. Later during the convention business, we will hear an initial report on the feasibility study that has been conducted by our consultants for a possible diocesan-wide capital campaign. I am already very encouraged by the level of engagement and the honest and enthusiastic participation in this work. We are reminded in St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelist, some pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry. No longer to be children, tossed to and fro, blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.” A crisis in the ministry of the church today is our inability to clearly and faithfully articulate the impact of Jesus’ message—his life and teaching, his death and resurrection in the midst of a complex and fractured world. Many people of the diocese are engaged in ministry every day. We know what motivates these important acts of loving service, we know the commitment of each individual and congregation. We also know the frustration many feel as this work continues in the face of a culture and society fixated on greed and selfishness. In the absence of our clear articulation of the faith, the people of God to whom we are called to serve, are tossed to and fro and blown about. The Church must return to being the Church. We must say no to the distractions of clever schemes and shallow experiences, the mistake of using technology in place of substance, rather than technology being used to build depth. There is no substitute for real community, actual—not virtual—prayer, conversation and study, liturgical action and sacramental encounter. Sisters and brothers, I am calling upon each of you once again, to return to the basics of our common life and common prayer, our formation and education and our sharing with everyone around us. Literally return to church. Be together more. Teach our children how to be together, “One Diocese, One Mission” remains only a vague and hollow phrase if we do not engage the truth of our calling as a diocese to seek justice for all of God’s people from the foundations of prayer, study and worship. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you...” is absolute lunacy! It makes no sense apart from knowing—really knowing—the heart of Jesus Christ. That takes prayer, worship and study. The world needs the church to be the church. The people from the Brooklyn Bridge to Montauk Point and beyond, need our witness, our ministry, our faithful prayer and teaching. We need each other, bound together in love—a people confronting and resolving conflicts, trusting one another, healing broken hearts and teaching a broken world the way of love in Jesus Christ. One Diocese, One Mission. Amen.

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T h e C a r i l l o n C a r o l i n e C h u r c h o f B r o o k h a v e n

The Rev. Cn. Richard D. Visconti, Rector One Dyke Road Setauket, NY 11733-3014

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT #53 East Setauket

New York

C a r o l i n e C h u r c h o f B r o o k h a v e n Sunday Services: 8:00 am and 9:30 am

Saturday Service: 5:00pm Tel. (631)941-4245 Fax (631)941-0280

Parish Office E-mail: office@carolinechurch.net

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

DECEMBER CALENDAR Joy to the World!

December 1: Church School Advent Wreath Making

December 4/11: Advent Adult Faith Formation December 7: Annual Christmas Fair

December 7/8:Wreath Pick up December 22: Christmas Pageant (9:30am service)

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa (6pm) December 24: Christmas Eve Services at 5pm (Children’s Service);

8pm H.E. Service (w/Adult Choir); and 10pm H.E. Service (w/Adult Choir)

December 25: Christmas Day 10am H.E. with Hymns December 28/29: Town Hall Meetings

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DECEMBER 2019

1 8:00am, 9:30am Services SUPERMARKET SUNDAY 11:00 AM CYC Youth Group

2 7:30pm Bible Study

3 9am Montessori 10:30 AM ECW meeting 3:30 PM Mann Studio

4 7:45 am Mann Studio 9am Montessori 9:30am Foley Baker organ tuning/service 11:30am Staff Meeting 3:30pm Mann St. 6:30pm Membership Mtg 7pm Advent Adult Faith Formation

5 8am Mann Studio 9am 3Village Home-makers 9am Montessori 10:30am Pastoral Team to Sunrise Asst 12pm H.E & Healing Service 3:30pm Mann St. 7pm Choir Rehearsal

610:30am Fire Marshall Montessori In-spection 7:30pm OSL Healing Service (Bethel)

710am Christmas Fair 5pm H.E. Service

8 8am, 9:30am Services 11 amCYC Youth Group

9 6:30 PM Bible Study Christmas Party off site

109 Montessori 3:30pm Mann St.

117:45 am Mann Studio 2:00pm Deanery mtg 9am Montessori 3:30 pm Mann St 7pm Advent Adult For-mation Program

12 8am Mann St 9am 3Village Home-makers 9amMontessori 10:30am Pastoral Team to Woodhaven 12pm H.E & Healing Service 3:30 pm Mann Studio 7 pm Choir Reh.

13 14 8am Brotherhood of St. Andrew meets 9:30amCaregivers Support Group meet in Upper PH 5:00pm H.E. Service 7:30pm 3VCP Concert

15 8am, 9:30am Services 11am CYC Youth Group

16 179 Montessori 10:30am ECW meeting 3:30 pm Mann Studio

18 7:45 am Mann Studio 9 Montessori 3:30 pm Mann St 7 pm Vestry Meeting

19 8 am Mann Studio 9 am 3Village Home-makers 9 Montessori 10:30 am Pastoral Team to Water's Edge 12 pmH.E & Healing Service 3:30pm Mann St 7 pm Choir Reh.

20 Carillon Deadline

21 5pm H.E. Service

22 8am, 9:30am Services 9:30am Christmas Pageant 6PM Cookies and Cocoa with Santa

23 24 CHRISTMAS EVE / OFFICE CLOSED 5pm H.E. Children’s Service 8pm H.E. w/Adult Choir 10pm H.E. w/Adult Choir

25 CHRISTMAS DAY / OFFICE CLOSED 10am Holy Eucharist w/Hymns

26 OFFICE CLOSED Day after Christmas 10:30 AM Pastoral Team to Jefferson Ferry

27 28 9:30 am Caregivers Support Group meet in Upper PH 5 PM H.E. Service Town Hall Meeting

29 8am, 9:30am Services 9:30am Prayer and Praise Town Hall Mtgs. 11am CYC Youth Group

30 9:30am Carillon Assembly

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday