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| CHIMES Our Newsletter January 2010 |
| 667 Mount Road, Aston, PA 19014 610-459-2013 |
| Our Mission: To worship the Lord To serve the community To grow the church |
From the Rector:
I have this poster of Martin Luther King Jr. in my office. It’s placed on
my window, just to the right of my computer. He stares at me. No matter
where I am in my office, his gaze never leaves me. Dressed in a black
robe for preaching, he is sitting in a pew of Ebenezer Baptist Church.
With his back to the pulpit, a cross sits on top and just above it there is a
stained glass image of Jesus praying in the garden of Gestheme. His
expression is calm, yet behind his eyes is sorrow. The sorrow of Jim
Crow, lynching, and billy club wielding police; his eyes seem to carry
the pain of those anonymous Africans brought to this country in chains.
Though there is sorrow in his expression, it in no way communicates
despair. His eyes are full of hope of things to come.
Growing up in the Deep South, MLK wasn’t seen as the American icon of
equality and freedom as he is today. My hometown was, and is, divided
into “white town,” and “colored town.” The border that separates these
two “towns” was a street named, ironically, Lincoln Avenue. In “white
town,” MKL symbolized the annoyance of “uppity blacks” never leaving
well enough alone. On the other side of Lincoln, this man who believed
that “the arc of the universe is long but it bends toward justice”
embodied for those in “colored town” that one day they, as a people,
will get to the Promised Land.
On January 18th, we’ll commemorate the ministry and sacrifice of this
modern day American prophet. We’ll more than likely hear the “I have a
Dream” speech in one form or another and gauge ourselves in how far
we’ve come in making that dream a reality. Millions will pause to
remember a man who took the words of Jesus seriously by loving his
neighbor as his self, praying for his enemies, and never returning evil
for evil.
January 20th is the first anniversary of Barack Obama, an African
American, as the 42nd President of the United States. As our nation
endured the 8th year of war and a worsening economic recession, the
expectations of millions all were placed on this man from Illinois. The
significance of MLK and the historic event of the inauguration of Barak
Obama not only made me proud to be an American, but in some way
somehow redeemed the sins of my ancestors and the heritage I was
raised in. I believe that those who bound millions of Africans into chains,
those who lynched and burned churches, who are now on the other side
of eternity, rejoice in the significance of the ministry of Martin Luther
King Jr. and the presidency of Barak Obama.
I feel his gaze boring into my head. I can’t seem to shake the feeling that
Martin Luther King Jr. is in here with me. Transported through this
poster that hangs in my office, just to the right of this computer, I hear
him say – in a language that only my soul can understand – “one day,
you; you, Chuck, you as a people will get to the Promised Land.”
Glory to God in the highest! On Earth, peace and goodwill to all people.
Chuck+
Lenten Program
Lent is right around the corner and Calvary will be offering a program
each Wednsday throughout the season. Beginning on February 24th at 6:
30, we'll share a covered dish meal together followed by a discussion
using the Nooma DVD series followed by an informal Eucharist. Those
who attend the weekly Bible study will be familiar with the Nooma
series; a series of short films that explore our world from the
perspective of Jesus. This is an invitation to search, question, and
discuss matters of how our faith intersects our day to day lives.
Childcare will be provided so families with small children may take
advantage of this offering to deepen our faith. Look for details to come
in the near future. During the season of Lent there will not be
Wednesday morning or evening Bible study sessions.
Confirmation
We are looking for interest in having an adult and teen confirmation
classes. If you are interested in either an adult or teen confirmation
class, please sign up in the parish hall.
Lectors, Intercessors, Ushers, Acolytes, and Chalicers
We are in need of all of the above. See Fr. Chuck or contact church
office if you are interested in serving.
Many Thanks
Thank-you
Calvary expresses its heartfelt gratitude for all who participated in the
Christmas Eve services, especially those brave souls who helped with
the 5PM Children's Tableau. Many thanks to Carol Brunner, Jill Graham,
Kelly McNerny, and Bob Johnston. Special appreciation goes to Bruce
Warren who directed and Bob the Cat who made a special guest
appearance. Looking forward to next year!
Youth Group
Calvary Youth Group will be sponsoring a Coffee House/Open Mic Night
on Saturday, February 6 from 7PM to 10PM in the Undercroft. Adults and
teens 13 and older are invited to participate or just enjoy the music.
Judge and Jury will be playing a few sets and will provide backup for
anyone who wants to sing, play guitar, etc. The Youth Group will be
providing flavored coffees and teas as well as dessert goodies.
THE ST. ELIZABETH GUILD
The St. Elizabeth Guild will serve a take-out turkey dinner,
Turkeyw/stuffing, mashed potatoesw/gravy, green beans, cole slaw,
dessert (Pumpkin Cake). $10.00 from Noon to 4:00PM. Delivery and or
reservations are available, call Dale Tibbetts, 610-566-4866.
The Guild will meet on Monday, March 1st at 7:30PM. Plans will be made
for a spaghetti dinner to be held in April.
We plan to keep a Holy Lent with prayer and discipline. Ash Wednesday
is February 17th and Easter is April 4th. The Guild will also host the
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 16th from 4:00-
7:00PM. Adults $5.00 and Children up to 10 years will be free.
My New Year prayer for all our church family: I wish to you love and
peace. A time to dream, a time to relax and a time to reflect on all our
blessings.
Wishing you everything that will make you feel peaceful and content for
the New Year and new decade, 2010.
In Christian Love, Dale Tibbetts
| Small Parish - Big Heart - Inclusive The little church you've been looking for! All are welcome! |
MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 452 Glen Riddle, PA 19037 |
| Come and worship with us - all are welcome! |
| CHIMES January 2010 |
| To contact us: Calvary Episcopal Church 667 Mount Road Aston, PA 19014 610-459-2013 OFFICE The Rev. Charles Messer, Rector Fr. Chuck: frmesser@calvaryepiscopalrockdale.org Website: mail@calvaryepiscopalrockdale.org Office: calvaryoffice1@verizon.net |
