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| CHIMES June 2013 |
| 667 Mount Road, Aston, PA 19014 610-459-2013 |
| Our Mission: To worship the Lord To serve the community To grow the church |
| Small Parish - Big Heart - Inclusive The little church you've been looking for! All are welcome! |
| Come and worship with us - all are welcome! |
| The CHIMES - June 2013 Calvary Episcopal Church, Rockdale For a PDF version of the Chimes, please click here. |
To contact us: Calvary Episcopal Church 667 Mount Road Aston, PA 19014 610-459-2013 OFFICE The Rev. Charles Messer, Rector Fr. Chuck: frbigman@gmail.com Website: mail@calvaryepiscopalrockdale.org Office: calvaryoffice1@verizon.net MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 452 Glen Riddle, PA 19037 |
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Upcoming Events in June
There is a wonderful quote about family from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch I like. “Ohana
means family,” Lilo says. “Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.”
At the start of this summer season, I would like for us a community to reflect on our
greatest treasure we have a members of Calvary: that sense of belonging purpose we
experienced within community. It is in our shared life together that we know and
experience God.
Within a family everyone has a voice, everyone has a place, all are wanted. Love and
affection; the sense of belonging a person experiences within community compels all,
out of love for all, to leave no one behind or forgotten.
How do we as a congregation practice community? The answer is found among us.
People must feel wanted and welcomed before they belong. Programs, resources, and
clergy do not keep the curious and jaded coming back to Calvary. The warmth and
affection of a community where God is made real is, as Jesus says, “seed sown on
good soil.” As pastor, I must always remember that our congregation exists for those
who are not yet members. As members of a welcoming community, strangers become
friends and friends become family. In family, we find home.
Out of gratitude for finding home, this congregation gives of itself. Love for each
other and commitment of support become central tenets of accountability to the
community. Through our stewardship, we give (our time, talent, and treasure) to the
mission of God at Calvary because we, ourselves, have found God within the Calvary
community. We give out of our love for Calvary. We give because we know that we’re
apart of the mission
of Jesus. We give because everything we have is a gift of God.
Providing care to the hurting and suffering; being there for people without condition
endears us to strive for unity at all costs. Through non-anxious and non-judgmental
presence, we rush into the world’s pain. When our faith in Christ is enacted on behalf
of others, it celebrates our bonds of connectedness that hold us together, especially
in times of illness and tragedy.
When unity flowers into a tangible reality, the sense of meaning and purpose
reenergizes us each time we gather in Jesus’ name. Within unity, we are free and safe
to explore new ways of worship, practice hospitality, and serve all people. Within
unity, all work for together for the good for the sake of all -- because God loves all.
However, when members of a community feel isolated and ignored, discord and
conflict arise. Anxiety and fear are contagious, easily spread, and difficult to heal.
Growth is painful. Facilitating change within is never easy. For the sake of our church
home, we rely on our desire for unity by focusing on what binds us together than what
separates us in times of conflict. We are, in the end, all seeking the same goal: to keep
Calvary healthy and to make sure it is doing God’s work.
Anxiety and fear are not immune to clergy, especially within myself. As I strive to focus
on the mission of Calvary, I reflect continually on how to deal with conflict
appropriately. Imperfect and flawed, I have hurt others in trying to manage conflict;
something I truly regret. With the help of professionals, I am in constant process of
being mindful of my own internal struggles and need for affirmation. Being self-aware
of my own perceptions of reality enables me to hear others better and see clearly what
“the problem” really is.
In the freedom we know through Jesus Christ, let’s entrust God to do the hard work of
changing hearts and minds of others. Let’s begin to shed the stoic sense of private
faith that longs to cry out to others but stays silent. Let’s begin to drop shame or
sense of failure that our faith isn’t strong enough to go it alone. Our faith is anything
but private and we cannot go it alone. Our faith is founded upon the foundation that
God, through Jesus, is always with us and will never leave us. Baptism is the sign that
you and I are sealed, together, forever, as Christ’s own. We are one community of
millions of other communities seeking, through love and prayer, family. In family, we
find home.
Ohana: you who have been members of Calvary for a lifetime. Ohana: you who have
found this church home recently. Ohana: to the anxious, the fearful, lonesome and
isolated of Calvary. “Ohana means family, “ Lilo says. “Family means no one gets left
behind or forgotten.”
means family,” Lilo says. “Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.”
At the start of this summer season, I would like for us a community to reflect on our
greatest treasure we have a members of Calvary: that sense of belonging purpose we
experienced within community. It is in our shared life together that we know and
experience God.
Within a family everyone has a voice, everyone has a place, all are wanted. Love and
affection; the sense of belonging a person experiences within community compels all,
out of love for all, to leave no one behind or forgotten.
How do we as a congregation practice community? The answer is found among us.
People must feel wanted and welcomed before they belong. Programs, resources, and
clergy do not keep the curious and jaded coming back to Calvary. The warmth and
affection of a community where God is made real is, as Jesus says, “seed sown on
good soil.” As pastor, I must always remember that our congregation exists for those
who are not yet members. As members of a welcoming community, strangers become
friends and friends become family. In family, we find home.
Out of gratitude for finding home, this congregation gives of itself. Love for each
other and commitment of support become central tenets of accountability to the
community. Through our stewardship, we give (our time, talent, and treasure) to the
mission of God at Calvary because we, ourselves, have found God within the Calvary
community. We give out of our love for Calvary. We give because we know that we’re
apart of the mission
of Jesus. We give because everything we have is a gift of God.
Providing care to the hurting and suffering; being there for people without condition
endears us to strive for unity at all costs. Through non-anxious and non-judgmental
presence, we rush into the world’s pain. When our faith in Christ is enacted on behalf
of others, it celebrates our bonds of connectedness that hold us together, especially
in times of illness and tragedy.
When unity flowers into a tangible reality, the sense of meaning and purpose
reenergizes us each time we gather in Jesus’ name. Within unity, we are free and safe
to explore new ways of worship, practice hospitality, and serve all people. Within
unity, all work for together for the good for the sake of all -- because God loves all.
However, when members of a community feel isolated and ignored, discord and
conflict arise. Anxiety and fear are contagious, easily spread, and difficult to heal.
Growth is painful. Facilitating change within is never easy. For the sake of our church
home, we rely on our desire for unity by focusing on what binds us together than what
separates us in times of conflict. We are, in the end, all seeking the same goal: to keep
Calvary healthy and to make sure it is doing God’s work.
Anxiety and fear are not immune to clergy, especially within myself. As I strive to focus
on the mission of Calvary, I reflect continually on how to deal with conflict
appropriately. Imperfect and flawed, I have hurt others in trying to manage conflict;
something I truly regret. With the help of professionals, I am in constant process of
being mindful of my own internal struggles and need for affirmation. Being self-aware
of my own perceptions of reality enables me to hear others better and see clearly what
“the problem” really is.
In the freedom we know through Jesus Christ, let’s entrust God to do the hard work of
changing hearts and minds of others. Let’s begin to shed the stoic sense of private
faith that longs to cry out to others but stays silent. Let’s begin to drop shame or
sense of failure that our faith isn’t strong enough to go it alone. Our faith is anything
but private and we cannot go it alone. Our faith is founded upon the foundation that
God, through Jesus, is always with us and will never leave us. Baptism is the sign that
you and I are sealed, together, forever, as Christ’s own. We are one community of
millions of other communities seeking, through love and prayer, family. In family, we
find home.
Ohana: you who have been members of Calvary for a lifetime. Ohana: you who have
found this church home recently. Ohana: to the anxious, the fearful, lonesome and
isolated of Calvary. “Ohana means family, “ Lilo says. “Family means no one gets left
behind or forgotten.”
For what it's worth, here's my two cents...
The St. Elizabeth Guild - Monday, June 3 - 7:00 PM
The St. Elizabeth Guild will be meeting on Monday, June 3 at 7:00
PM. This will be the last meeting of the Guild until the fall. All
women of the church are members of the Guild and are
encouraged to take part in this important ministry. Please join us
for great fellowship and fun as we apply our talents and time to
serve the Lord and work for our church.
The St. Elizabeth Guild will be meeting on Monday, June 3 at 7:00
PM. This will be the last meeting of the Guild until the fall. All
women of the church are members of the Guild and are
encouraged to take part in this important ministry. Please join us
for great fellowship and fun as we apply our talents and time to
serve the Lord and work for our church.
Whine and Cheese - Monday, June 8 - 7:00 PM
The monthly meeting of the women’s support group will be
gathering at Judi Wale’s house on Monday, June 8 from 7-9 PM. All
are welcome. If you can, bring a snack to share, it would be greatly
appreciated. For more information call Judi at 610-306-3119. The
group meets regularly on the second Monday of each month. This
June meeting will be the last for the summer. Whine & Cheese will
then resume in September
The monthly meeting of the women’s support group will be
gathering at Judi Wale’s house on Monday, June 8 from 7-9 PM. All
are welcome. If you can, bring a snack to share, it would be greatly
appreciated. For more information call Judi at 610-306-3119. The
group meets regularly on the second Monday of each month. This
June meeting will be the last for the summer. Whine & Cheese will
then resume in September
A Park Bench - Saturday, June 15 - 2:00 PM
Bruce Warren has written and will be directing A Park Bench at
Calvary on Saturday, June 15. The play will be featuring many
familiar faces and voices. Please join us for a great afternoon.
There will be refreshments served following the performance. A
freewill offering will be collected for the benefit of Calvary.
Bruce Warren has written and will be directing A Park Bench at
Calvary on Saturday, June 15. The play will be featuring many
familiar faces and voices. Please join us for a great afternoon.
There will be refreshments served following the performance. A
freewill offering will be collected for the benefit of Calvary.
Bishop’s Visit - June 16 - 10:00 AM
The Rt. Rev. Edward Lee will be visiting Calvary on
Sunday, June 16 for the 10 AM service. The Rite of
Baptism will be celebrated. Adults interested in reception
into the Episcopal Church (former Orthodox and Roman
Catholics) or confirmation (everyone else) which is done
through the laying on of hands by a bishop, please see Fr.
Chuck ASAP. There will be a reception following the
service.
The Rt. Rev. Edward Lee will be visiting Calvary on
Sunday, June 16 for the 10 AM service. The Rite of
Baptism will be celebrated. Adults interested in reception
into the Episcopal Church (former Orthodox and Roman
Catholics) or confirmation (everyone else) which is done
through the laying on of hands by a bishop, please see Fr.
Chuck ASAP. There will be a reception following the
service.
Sunday Night Worship Service -
Beginning June 23
Sunday evening worship begins June 23 at 5PM. This
quiet and contemplative service of Holy Eucharist is a
wonderful way to begin your week after a long weekend
at the beach or you've decided to sleep in that morning.
Interested in helping out? See Fr. Chuck.
Beginning June 23
Sunday evening worship begins June 23 at 5PM. This
quiet and contemplative service of Holy Eucharist is a
wonderful way to begin your week after a long weekend
at the beach or you've decided to sleep in that morning.
Interested in helping out? See Fr. Chuck.
Shrubbery for the Children’s Cemetery
The Children’s Cemetery, located along the Pennell Rd. driveway, is
in need of some beautification. Donations are now being taken to
purchase shrubbery. Please place you donation in an envelope
and place it in the offering plate. Label your envelope
“shrubbery”. You can also give your donation to any vestry
member.
The Children’s Cemetery, located along the Pennell Rd. driveway, is
in need of some beautification. Donations are now being taken to
purchase shrubbery. Please place you donation in an envelope
and place it in the offering plate. Label your envelope
“shrubbery”. You can also give your donation to any vestry
member.
Summer Nursery Help Needed!
Providing a nursery program is an important part of our
Sunday worship experience. Your help is needed to
continue this wonderful activity. We must have two people
for each Sunday to provide this service - two adults or one
teenager + one adult. Please sign up in the undercroft.
Providing a nursery program is an important part of our
Sunday worship experience. Your help is needed to
continue this wonderful activity. We must have two people
for each Sunday to provide this service - two adults or one
teenager + one adult. Please sign up in the undercroft.
Summer Bible Study - Interested???
Would you be interested in a summer Bible Study for
those who work? This would take place in the evening.
(Day and time to be decided.) If you are interested,
please signup in the undercroft or see Fr. Chuck.
Would you be interested in a summer Bible Study for
those who work? This would take place in the evening.
(Day and time to be decided.) If you are interested,
please signup in the undercroft or see Fr. Chuck.
Coffee Hour - Help Needed!
One of the best things about Calvary is its hospitable
and welcoming atmosphere. One of the best places for
Calvary to shine and welcome new members and to
renew and restore friendships is at its coffee hour.
Please help with providing treats for this important
ministry. Coffee hour goes on all year long. Please
signup to help!
One of the best things about Calvary is its hospitable
and welcoming atmosphere. One of the best places for
Calvary to shine and welcome new members and to
renew and restore friendships is at its coffee hour.
Please help with providing treats for this important
ministry. Coffee hour goes on all year long. Please
signup to help!
Sunday School Teachers Needed !
Calvary’s Youth Education is one of the most important
ministries of the church. Calvary will be needing help
in the fall when the Sunday School resumes. Your help
is greatly needed - and will be greatly appreciated.
Rewards - Priceless. If you are interested or would like
more information, please contact Jill at 610-459-5854.
Calvary’s Youth Education is one of the most important
ministries of the church. Calvary will be needing help
in the fall when the Sunday School resumes. Your help
is greatly needed - and will be greatly appreciated.
Rewards - Priceless. If you are interested or would like
more information, please contact Jill at 610-459-5854.
Noteworthy Items
