The Springs' Spiritual Newsletter – March 2007

March 2007, Volume 16, Issue 2

Contents:
Church Whys and Church Wise
Parish News and Events
The Wider Church
Lay Ministers
Contact Information

From the Vicar

Have you ever been in the presence of a person who simply “had to be right” at any cost? I’ll wager you have, and you probably were simultaneously annoyed and baffled.

When we encounter people possessed with an overwhelming need to be right, in the sense that they claim to understand a given issue fully and have a solution at hand, we scratch our heads and hurry to disengage ourselves from further discourse. Or, at least that’s the way we’d like to deal with such folks. In reality, people who believe they are right about what they think, believe, or practice, are more numerous than we may realize and may be verbally (or otherwise) combative. So it’s difficult to escape their clutches.

For some time, I’ve been wondering about the personal need to be “right” in the context of faith and practice. I’m obviously not the first or only one who’s wrestled with this issue; you, the readers, have also done so. For example, the proliferation of sects within the Christian faith, not to mention the varieties of religious expression across the globe, precipitates thinking about who’s “right” when it comes to God-talk, personal faith, and spiritual experience.

Some years ago I met a European intrigued by the sheer number of churches he observed in his travels in Tennessee. “Why so many?” he asked. “Are they all different?” I told him the churches were, indeed, separate from one another but all claimed to be Christian. My response elicited a knowing smile that said to me, “Isn’t that a bit silly?”

Discerning and articulating theological and practical differences among the myriad denominations and sects within the Christian church is no small task. In fact, it may be impossible. But the situation gives rise to cynicism on the part of believers and non-believers alike who ask, “What does this prove?” After all, Christians claim “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism”.

At the risk of being a reductionist, I think much of the division within the church of Christ proceeds from an attitude of “I’m right; you’re not”. And we don’t have to go far to find examples of this thinking. In our particular brand of Christianity, many voices are trying to enunciate what “Anglicanism” really is. We have folks on one extreme who would take us back to the English Reformation in the way we look at the world and do our theology while some, on the other end, accommodate secularism to a degree that makes many of us uncomfortable.

Living successfully in community means understanding that no person has a lock on what is “right”. If someone did, we would have no controversy about anything at all. We’d all live harmoniously, or at least compliantly, and probably would expire from sheer boredom.

God has given us the ability to live with nuance and understanding. God also gives us grace, when we seek it, to back off from extreme positions and to compromise for the good of the community as well as the health of our individual souls. In this Lenten season as we look inward, let us seek to be faithful, not right. Being “right”, like vengeance, is a transitory state. Being faithful leads to peace, joy, good works, and our ultimate salvation.

Faithfully,

George

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The U. N. Millennium Development Goals

by Don Palmer

In our one-world, someone dies from extreme poverty every three seconds. Comes close to incredibility, but true. The U.N. Millennium Development Goals — the MDG — is a campaign whose ambition matches the need. Worldwide, 991 nations, including our own, have signed on to the MDG. The campaign in our Church is the ONE Episcopalian Campaign, and we are joined with the Lutheran Church with its ONE Lutheran Campaign. We are part of a movement which is called the Global Call for Action Against Poverty. The Episcopal Church at its 2006 Convention adopted the MDG as the top mission priority for the Church over the next three years. Our Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, has sent a pastoral letter urging our support. We have partnered with ONE — the Campaign to Make Poverty History.

There are the eight goals of the Millennium Development program:

- To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. More than 800 million people go to bed hungry. Every one of those 800 million is one of God’s family.

- The second goal is to achieve universal primary education. More than 113 million children in the developing world will never set foot in a school. Education reduces deprivation and vulnerability, it lifts earning power, promotes health and reduces child mortality.

- The third goal is to promote gender equality and empower women, seeking ways for women and men to have equal opportunities and equal roles in decision-making in church and society.

- The fourth goal is to reduce child mortality. Nearly 11 million children, less than five years old, die annually and over a third of them, four million, die in the first month of life. Reducing such a dreadful death rate depends not only upon health intervention, but also on progress along the other MDGs of eradication of poverty, bettering education, empowering women, and the others.

- Improve maternal health. Maternal mortality in the U.S. is about 17 deaths per 100,000 live births. In Zambia, it is 729, 43 times as many. Zambia has the ambitious undertaking of planning to reduce this to 162 per 100,000. Still ten times our own. Zambia’s problems are the world’s problems. We must reduce the life-endangering hazard of childbirth.

- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases. More than 15,000 people die daily from AIDS, TB, and malaria, over half of them from AIDS. The World Health Organization estimates that a child dies from malaria every 20 to 30 seconds. Much of this is preventable.

- Ensure environmental stability. “Let us pray for an end to the waste and desecration of God’s creation, for equal access to its fruits, and for communities and nations to find sustenance in the gifts of earth and water.”

- And we must “develop a global partnership”. If we are serious about these goals, all — government, business, rich, poor, — we individuals all must work together in partnership.

The Millennium Development Goals seek to end the deep poverty that limits human flourishing. This is deed-based evangelism. Our Presiding Bishop’s pastoral letter ends with that most meaningful, audacious prayer: “Send us into the world in peace and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart, through Christ our Lord.”

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Parish News and Events

News from around the Chapel

St. Paul’s Chapel Lenten Series 2007

“Profiles in Ministry”

The theme of our Lenten series this year is not “ordained” ministry but the un-ordained! Some of the most effective “ministering” is done by men and women who are not “of the cloth” but a deeply committed to their individual ministries and causes and make the world a far better place by their devoted endeavors.

Every Wednesday during Lent at 5:30 pm in the Parish Hall, St. Peters in Bon Secour will be joining us for these interesting and inspiring talks. Enhance your Lenten experience — join us!

The Speakers are:

March 7 Steve Schottenden, The Lighthouse
March 14 Dorothy Curry, Murray House
March 21 Pam Meredith, Ecumenical Ministries
March 28 Jean Franz, Mary’s Shelter

5:30 p.m. Dinner (soup and sandwiches) will be served, 6:00 p.m. Program Begins

Everyone is welcome – we look forward to having Cindy McCrory, Editor of The Coastline, at one of our Lenten suppers. Contact Don Palmer for further information.


Ladies Spring Luncheon

The Ladies Spring Luncheon and Program “Moving into Spring”, will be held Friday, March 9 at 12:00 Noon.

This year’s event is slated to be hosted by Joan Guthrie and Worth Van Zandt and includes a Spring Program by Susan Alsup and Marguerita Riggall. Enjoy greeting friends and making new acquaintances; learning what’s coming up this spring besides daffodils, and how you can become part of the new season’s excitement.

Please RSVP to say you’re coming, the names(s) of your guest(s), and what special salad or hors d’oeuvre you’ll be bringing. RSVP 965-7452


Men of St. Paul’s

The next monthly men’s luncheon will be Thursday, March 29, l:00 p.m. at Wentzell’s in Fairhope. For further information call Dick Dees.


Dear EWOC,

Thank all of you so much for providing food to my family after Mom’s death. My Dad is overwhelmed with the outpouring of kindness from everyone. Please know how much I appreciated the kindness and support that has been shown to my Dad.

Fondly,
Kate Schindler
(Katherine Martin’s daughter)


Vestry Meeting

This month’s Vestry Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m.


Low Country Boil

Instead of the monthly Pancake Breakfast, the Men of St. Paul’s will have a “low country boil” on Saturday, March 31, between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The price per person has not yet been determined but advance tickets will be available. Further information will be announced in upcoming St. Paul’s bulletins and on the Parish Hall bulletin board. Mark your calendars now for this delicious and fun event. Don’t forget to include your friends and family!!!


Sunday School News
by Mary Lou Cothran

As our church family grows, so does our Sunday School. We are beginning to feel a little crowded. So put on your thinking caps, and help us come up with a way to solve our space issues. The main problem is that we do not have enough children of similar ages on any given Sunday to split them into groups. We also need a place to put the risers so we can practice our singing and playing the bells. All suggestions will be appreciated.


The Flea-tique is Coming!

The Flea-tique is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

Ways to Participate:

- Rent a table for $25 and sell your “stuff”— the profits belong to you! Call Sue Dees for reservations.

- Donate to the Church Tables — garden bulbs, plants, cookbooks, furniture, antiques, decorative items, etc. (no clothing or appliances), call Kathy Damico.

- “For Men Only Table” — guy stuff only, all proceeds go to the church, call Dick Dees.

Enjoy Jennifer’s sausage biscuits and baked goods, Shirley’s famous rumcake, plus hotdogs from the grille… and a surprise raffle!


New Senior Warden

The outgoing Senior Warden congratulates and welcomes the new Senior Warden, Dick Dees, and will turn over to him the Keys to the Kingdom, both front and back doors. Janie, superlative Junior Warden, will continue in the post.
Don Palmer


Annual Parish Meeting Report

After a delicious luncheon, Vicar George Riggall began the meeting with “where we are” — Saturday and Sunday services in 2006 averaged 143 with attendance at 5,006, an increase of over 11% from 2005; other services totaled 117, with attendance at 917, an increase of over 3%. Financial updates will be posted monthly on the parish bulletin board and copies of the proposed 2007 budget were distributed.

As we grow, we need to address the impact growth will have on our sense of community. We need to continue to be a “welcoming” congregation, making sure visitors are greeted and urged to come back.

We are an involved congregation: women’s activities, men’s activities, outreach (ERD, Wilmer Hall, Ecumenical Ministries). We need to increase and improve our efforts in attracting young families. The question was raised by Charlie Houser regarding a previous five-year plan leading to full parish status — the Vicar stated that he hopes we will become the newest parish in the diocese in 2007.

The Vicar thanked the outgoing Vestry members — Dr. Don Palmer, our Senior Warden, Mary Riis, and Burt Kwitzky — and welcomed the three new Vestry members — Lyle’ Reed, Guy Rankin, and Bill Spradling. Both the Vicar and Don Palmer expressed gratitude to the Vestry members and to the congregation for all we have accomplished.

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The Wider Church

News from the Diocese and beyond

South Alabama Tornadoes
by Vince Currie, Diocesan Administrator

You are all aware of the devastating storms that went through our Diocese yesterday afternoon. Although there were bad winds and rains all over the Diocese, the hardest hit by a severe tornado was Enterprise. The Bishop and I have both been in contact with The Rev. Tom Nixon, the priest in charge at Epiphany, Enterprise, who reports that there is no serious physical damage to the church properties. They lost a couple shingles and a shutter, but that’s about it! Because of the severe and almost total damage to the communications systems, Tom has not been able to be in touch with all his communicates, but he thinks they are all okay. He is continuing to assess their situation and will give an update the first of the week, or sooner if necessary. In the meantime, he reports that, thankfully, the Army is doing a lot of the debris removal as well as search and rescue. He said they do not need any volunteers at this time.

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has contacted the Bishop and our office and is providing an emergency $25,000 grant for Enterprise. They, of course, are standing by to assist in any other ways if necessary. As we have appealed in the past, the best help that we can provide now would be financial assistance to those in need. ERD is the most logical vehicle for that purpose, with gifts designated for Enterprise, Alabama tornado relief. We also have a Disaster Relief Fund in the Diocesan Office which will accommodate the same results. Checks to ERD or the Diocesan Fund can be forwarded to the Diocese and will be processed as requested.

If any of you have information about damage or need, about which we have not heard yet, please let us know. The most important thing we can do at this time is pray for those who are suffering though this awful natural disaster.


Annual Convention of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
By Don Palmer

The 36th Annual Convention is history. A great occasion! The convention was hosted by beautiful St. James’ Church in Eufaula, with larger meetings held in the friendly Baptist church down the street. It is a stirring sight indeed to see the procession of vested clergy and choir, followed by our chief pastor, Bishop Duncan.

Following morning prayer and the Bishop’s address, new clergy were welcomed, including a very pleasant priest from Tennessee, whom our Vicar helped recruit. Report of a financial shortfall for the Diocese of $48,000 last year brought a modest adjustment to the 2007 budget, including, unfortunately, some personnel changes. Reports from the various institutions of the Diocese included a report on Wilmer Hall by our Vicar, who has become a leader in that area. Other reports from Camp Beckwith, Murray House, and the several other organizations and commissions were presented. Abandonment of the Episcopal ministry by Robert Sewell was noted, and prayers offered for his spiritual journey.

A sterling presentation was made by Bob Radtke, the President of ERD. ERD is the major outreach arm of the Church. Its mission is a compassionate response of the Episcopal church to human suffering in the world, and serves to bring together the generosity of Episcopalians and those with needs.

The U.N. Millennium Development Goals, MDG, are a major thrust of ERD. The past two General Conventions of our Church have endorsed the goals and I commend to you the article in this newsletter. The goals are auspicious, heroic, and long overdue.

We were favored with a remarkable presentation by the Tuskegee Institute Choir. They were magnificent!

Elaine and I appreciate the opportunity of having been the Chapel’s delegates.


Summer Schedule for Camp Beckwith

“There’s still time to register for camp! Registration brochures have been mailed to all clergy. Applicants are encouraged to register as soon as possible as camps fill up quickly.”

Grades 9—12 June 3—9
Grades 8—9 June 11—17
Grades 7—8 June 19—25

Special Ministries June 27—30

Grades 5—7 July 5—11
Grades 4—5 July 13—19
Grades 3—4 July 22—25
Grades 6—7 July 27—Aug 2
Grades 2—3 Aug 3—5

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Lay Ministers

Notes:
(1) If at all possible, please notify Don Palmer, at the number in the directory, if you cannot serve on the date(s) shown.
(2) If you are the Lector, please call the alternate listed if you cannot serve.
(3) Ushers are requested to ring the church bell (10-15 times) about 15 minutes before the service begins.

Altar Guild Jurkiewicz and Reagan

Sunday, March 4, Lent 2

8 AM
LEM Dees
Lector Jeffers
Alt Nobles

10 AM
LEM Spradling
Lector Mitchell
Alt C. Morris
(3)Ushers B. & E. Slay

Wednesday, March 7

LEM Damico

Sunday, March 11, Lent 3

8 AM
LEM Dees
Lector Nobles
Alt Olson

10 AM
LEM Palmer
Lector C. Morris
Alt Jurkiewicz
(3)Ushers E. Bullock & F. Cleverdon

Wednesday, March 14

LEM Palmer

Sunday, March 18, Lent 4

8 AM
LEM Persons
Lector Olson
Alt Harwell

10 AM
LEM Houser
Lector E. Palmer
Alt D. Palmer
(3)Ushers S. Mitchell

Wednesday, March 21

LEM Dees

Sunday, March 25, Lent 5

8 AM
LEM Palmer
Lector Harwell
Alt Antoine

10 AM
LEM Damico
Lector Palmer
Alt Norris
(3)Ushers C. Houser

Wednesday, March 28

LEM Dees

Sunday, April 1, Palm Sunday

8 AM
LEM Dees
Lector Special Schedule
Alt

10 AM
LEM Reed
Lector Special Schedule
Alt
(3)Ushers J. & M. Godwin

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St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel

Post Office Box 2 (mailing)
14755 Oak Avenue (street)
Magnolia Springs, AL 36555

Office Telephone:
(251) 965-7452
Website Address:
http://stpaulsms.org

Service Schedule
Sunday
8 and 10 AM Holy Eucharist
9 AM Church School
Wednesday
10 AM Holy Eucharist & Bible Study
Saturday
5 PM Holy Eucharist

The Rev. George G. Riggall, Vicar
(251) 923-6310 (cell phone)
stpauls at gulftel dot com (e-mail)

Donna Esslinger, Administration
Joan Dykes, Treasurer

Vestry
Dick Dees, Sr. Warden
Janie Houser, Jr. Warden
Dennis Groebe
Joni Loock
Guy Rankin
Bud Stallworth
Ann West
Lyle’ Reed
Bill Spradling

The Springs’ Spiritual Newsletter
The official newsletter of St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel. The newsletter is published on a monthly basis; please forward your articles and items no later than the 3rd Sunday of the month – thanks!

Publishers
Donna Esslinger, donna at stpaulsms dot org (e-mail)
Sarrah Rankin

Editor
Don Palmer, dande99 at gulftel dot com (e-mail)

Webmaster
Chuck Persons, chuck at stpaulsms dot org (e-mail)

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