All Souls Weekly                 
Volume 1, Number 4, March 2, 2008

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From the Rector:  Dying to be Generous

Last week my mind and spirit were stretched.  As I attended the meeting of the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, I felt challenged as a rector and leader.  I was challenged as an Anglican.  And I was challenged as an individual Christian—encouraged to think more about the connections in my life between confession (what I say I believe) and mission (the way my beliefs are expressed and either affect or don’t affect the world around me).  At the concluding Eucharist on Saturday the Presiding Bishop preached a great sermon in which she encouraged us to think about confession in light of the resurrection.  She asked: What are we called to let go of, to allow to pass away, to let die, so that new life can be experienced and resurrection known? 

In blunt terms, we “die to self” when we forgo a little bit of money or give up time for someone else.  We do this when we give to our church, to a person on the street, or to any other charity or mission.  But some people also do this quite literally: they die and leave resources to a church.  This is what helps create an endowment and it is one way in which death can be transformed into resurrection. 

Years ago, when All Souls was about to die, money from our small endowment worked as life support.  It was a statement of faith, a confession, by the leadership of this church, and it allowed for new life and growth.  An endowment is a lively thing and it is appropriate that we continue to discuss its structure, its uses and its interaction with our mission and ministry.  I’m confident that we will continue to learn how to be faithful stewards even as we learn how better to be sisters and brothers, one family, in this stewardship.  We all have room to grow and learn.

Last week I attended a variety of workshops on future trends, shared leadership, stewardship, and planned giving programs.  These were all helpful, but by far the most helpful thing was in meeting other clergy and laypersons who are smart people doing all they can to be honest about the ways God has blessed them, while looking for ways to be increasingly faithful for the Kingdom of God.  Next year, I hope several of you will join me at the Consortium’s meeting in New Orleans.  This Lent and always, may we find new ways to allow God’s generosity to be reflected in our lives.  – John Beddingfield

Your prayers are asked for . . . Veronica Horn, Walter Jason, Martha Holdgate, Chip Meyers, Mary Backus, Mike Berman, Xavier de la Renaudiere, Trent, Owen Basil, Regina Dading, Julia Gutierrez, Ted Field, and for the repose of the soul of Carol Berman.  In addition to this prayer list, if you wish to participate in our ongoing Internet Prayer Circle please contact Vicki Lowe.


The parish extends its sympathy and love to Josie Martin upon the death of her father, Pierre Martin, on February 26.  Please pray for the repose of the soul of Pierre, for Josie and for all who mourn.

Around the Parish . . . Thanks to Mark Hoffman for coordinating the Wise and Mature Lunch on Wednesday and thanks to Gary O’Neill, Robin Jones and Susan Morrison for the Lenten dinner . . . The nursery is still looking for another paid attendant.  If you know of anyone please speak with the Rector or Heidi Fritschel . . . The Vestry asked Susan Morrison and Stephen Rhody to look at the storage spaces downstairs and the Undercroft and suggest ways in which space might be better utilized, communication made clearer and hospitality extended more easily.  Look for changes to take place over time.  As a part of this process the Rector has asked Ray Myrtle, Junior Warden, to oversee the bulletin boards and information kiosk in the Undercroft.  If you have things you would like to post, please get them to Ray . . . There will be an Undercroft clean-up and Garden Guild Day on Saturday, March 15 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  The most important area to be cleaned is the area behind the stage and in the storage rooms.  If you have things in any of these areas, please take them before they are removed . . . A special thanks to Stephen Jacobs who has agreed to serve as Registrar for the Vestry . . . The Heifer Project seeks your support.  Look for the display and table in the Undercroft . . . Attendance Friday, February 22 for Stations of the Cross: 10; Sunday, February 24, 8:30 a.m.: 47; 11:00 a.m.: 122. . .Total pledge offerings received this week were $8,324.52.  Total plate offering received was $880.00.

“How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?”(Proverbs 6:9) Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 9, 2008.

Liturgical Notes . . . We have new kneelers at the altar rail, in place while our needlepoint kneelers are being appraised, cleaned and restored.  Thanks to Ed Perlman and Ed McAllister for helping to make this possible . . . A new Rose Frontal and antependia (literally: what hangs in front of, such as the pulpit covering and lectern Bible markers) will be dedicated and used on Sunday . . . Father Worthley will preach and celebrate the High Mass on Sunday, March 9 . . . The altar flowers this week are given to the Glory of God and in thanksgiving for All Souls parish by Martha Domenico . . . The Sanctuary Candle burns this week to the Glory of God in celebration of the founding of All Souls Parish on March 5, 1911.

Join the Episcopal Men’s Fellowship for a celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Undercroft.  The festivities include corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes, Irish soda bread and (you guessed it) beer.  The cost is $15 for the food and entertainment.  Parishioner Dan Davis (who may or may not be Irish) will be our speaker and moderator.

The Adult Forum at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, will be a Town Hall meeting with the Vestry and Rector.  Come and bring your (gentle) questions and concerns.  Also be prepared to think about your own hopes and dreams for the future. 

Our Lenten Series continues on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Undercroft.  Join us for a simple soup and bread dinner and the series, “Pioneers of the Spirit.”  This week’s video and discussion will be on the life and teachings of William Blake (1757-1827).  Blake was a visionary, mystic, engraver, printer, poet, artist and writer.  Come see how his use of poetry and Biblical imagery continues to inspire.

Parish Photo Directory . . . Select a time on either April 3rd, 4th or 5th by signing up on Sundays in the Undercroft or on the main page of our parish website.    

Readings for the Daily Office come from the lectionary in the back of the Book of Common Prayer.  Psalms are traditionally read according to the headings in the Prayer Book corresponding to the day of the month. 

 

March 2, 2008	Morning Prayer	Evening Prayer
The Fourth Sunday in Lent	Gen. 48:8-22, John 6:27-40	Romans 8:11-25
Monday	Gen. 49:1-28, Mark 7:24-37	1 Cor. 10:14—11:1
Tuesday	Gen. 49:29—50:14, Mark 8:1-10	1 Cor. 11:17-34
Wednesday	Gen. 50:15-26, Mark 8:11-26	1 Cor. 12:1-11
Thursday	Exod. 1:6-22, Mark 8:27—9:1	1 Cor. 12:12-26
Friday	Exod. 2:1-22, Mark 9:2-13	1 Cor. 12:27—13:3
Saturday	Exod. 2:23—3:15, Mark 9:14-29	1 Cor. 13:1-13