Epiphany Episcopal Church, Sedan
St. Matthew’s Church, Cedar Vale
The STAR
October 2014
My Dear Brothers and Sisters of Light,
The last month has been full of lots of questions! This has been a wonderful and holy thing! However, I didn’t always feel
this way about questions.
I have lived in mortal fear of being asked questions because I was afraid I wouldn’t know the answer. And I have been
afraid to ask questions because I didn’t want to appear stupid. Perhaps you have had the experience of being put on the spot
by a question you couldn’t answer; or worse, perhaps someone has told you, “That’s a stupid question.”
Helpfully, there have been people to reassure me that the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. All the same, it has
taken a long time for my curiosity to overcome my hesitancy; but once it did it was “Katy bar the door!” It is liberating to
be able to ask questions, especially about our faith and God’s purpose for us. Such asking and seeking nourishes our minds
and spirits, especially when we are able to really listen to the response.
I am delighted by both the questions and responses I have heard beginning with the Vestry retreat and continuing with the
Bible Challenge. It is invigorating to be confronted by curious minds.
Such a willingness to question and respond is vital not only for our individual well-being but also to our corporate wellbeing as a Parish. That is why I am excited by the conversation begun by the Vestry and to be continued in several
gatherings over the weeks to come. These gatherings we will be lively and fun; and yes, having fun is a holy thing too!
These gatherings will also give us the opportunity to hear good questions and thoughtful responses.
When you receive your invitation, I hope you will respond as Matthew did to Jesus’ invitation – immediately, on the spot,
and without hesitation. And don’t forget to bring your questions!
Yours in Christ’s Light,
Foster+
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
In remembrance of St. Francis of
Assisi & the blessings of God’s
created order
Saturday, October 4
10:00 a.m.
Bring your friends and pets.
We will bless the pets and learn about the
Chautauqua County Animal Shelter.
PARISH WORK DAY
Sunday, October 12
Wear your work clothes to the 10:30 a.m.
service. Afterwards we will have a list of
chores that need to be done inside and
outside. Something for everyone of all
abilities. Bring your rakes, clippers, dust
cloths, dust mops, etc...
A light lunch will be served.
EXPLORING THE FUTURE
Each member of Epiphany will soon be invited to a vestry member’s home for a small group
discussion. These discussions are a time for each of us to share our perceptions and feelings on
the direction Epiphany church should grow.
The conversations will be based around conversations such as: what does Epiphany church do
well? What can Epiphany church do better? How does Epiphany church get there? And what else
is on your mind?
These conversations may very well take us out of our comfort zone but they need to happen. And
we really want every member to attend even if we rarely see you in church. We need to talk through
our past and future. We need to dream big and figure out how to make it happen.
So when your phone rings with the invitation please say yes. We need and want you to attend.
DIOCESAN CONVENTION
Gather, Equip, Send
October 23-25
Father Foster, Linda and Nick Mays and Bryon
and Sally Newton will attend this year’s convention.
The FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
For more information on the convention, you can
download the convention book at:
Monetary Donations
http://www.episcopal-ks.org/life/documents/2014Convention-book-web.pdf
For more information call —
Deanna Faler at 620-725-5399
Sunday, October 5th — Morning Prayer
We will celebrate morning prayer on October 5th. Father Foster will be presiding at St.
Timothy’s in Iola. On September 25th, St. Timothy’s Vicar The Rev. Jan Chubb died of
cancer. She was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas in 1997.
May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in
peace and rise in glory with the saints in light.
THE BIBLE CHALLENGE
Questions of the Month
The Good Book Club meets Wednesday night and Sunday am to discuss the weekly Bible passages.
Participants are asked to bring their questions. Here are some of the questions that have been asked.
How would you respond?
Is Genesis a rule book? What is the significance of Rebekah having a ring in her nose? Why is it they
lived so much longer than us?
Exodus 22:3 “...but if it happens after sunrise, bloodguilt is incurred.”
Psalm 19 — name that tune?
Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given you; search and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened
for you.” Why doesn’t this happen all the time?
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Why isn’t he
with us when we are alone?
Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Really, how do I get chosen?
You are welcome to join us on Wednesday and/or Sunday for The Good Book Club. It is okay if you did
not start at the beginning; just join us as we go.
You Are Invited To
A Night to Remember:
A Diocesan Gala Dinner & Dance
Friday, November 7th
Cocktails 7:00 p.m., Dinner 8:00 p.m. provided by Culinary Cornerstones
Dancing 9:00—11:00 p.m. music by the acclaimed Michael Beers Band
At St. Thomas, Overland Park
Cost is $65 per person — Black Tie Optional
To reserve a seat, send the names of those attending, plus a check, to
Jay Currie, Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, 835 SW Polk Street, Topeka, KS 66612
Make checks payable to “Episcopal Diocese of Kansas”
with a "Night to Remember” in the memo line.
9:00 am “TGBC”
10:30 am HE Sedan
26
9:00 am TGBC
10:30 am HE Sedan
19
9:00 am TGBC
10:30 am HE Sedan
12
9:00 am TGBC*
10:30 am MP Sedan
5
SUNDAY
8:00 pm Grateful AlAnon Group
27
8:00 pm Grateful AlAnon Group
20
8:00 pm Grateful AlAnon Group
13
8:00 pm Grateful AlAnon Group
6
TUESDAY
15
7:00 pm TGBC
12:00 pm Naomi
Lunch
8
7:00 pm TGBC*
5:00 pm Choir
1
WEDNESDAY
7:00 pm Closed
Narcotics Anon Grp
28 8:15 am MP
7:00 pm Closed
Narcotics Anon Grp
21 8:15 am MP
7:00 pm Closed
Narcotics Anon Grp
7:00 pm TGBC
29
7:00 pm TGBC
22
7:00 pm TGBC
Fr. Foster Fresh Start 5:00 pm Choir
14 8:15 am MP
7:00 pm Closed
Narcotics Anon Grp
Fr. Foster Clericus
7 8:15 am MP
OCT OBER
20 14
MONDAY
7:00 pm Narcotics
Anon Group
10
7:00 pm Narcotics
Anon Group
30
Fr. Foster will be at
convention Thursday
afternoon through
Saturday afternoon
Eucharist & Healing
Service
Fr. Foster will be on
vacation Friday
through Monday,
November 3
31
7:00 pm Narcotics
Anon Group
23 9:00 am Simple 24
6:00 pm Vestry
Meeting
Eucharist
FRIDAY
7:00 pm Narcotics
Anon Group
3
16 9:00 am Simple 17
Eucharist
9 9:00 am Simple
1:30 pm Guild
Meeting
Eucharist
2 9:00 am Simple
THURSDAY
Book Club — a
discussion of the
weekly Bible
Challenge readings
*TGBC—The Good
25
18
5:00 pm St.
Matthew’s Healing
Service with
Eucharist
11
10:00 am Blessing of
the Animals
4
SATURDAY
OCTOBER LECTIONARY READINGS
DAY
PSALM
LESSONS
GOSPEL
October 5
Pentecost 17
Psalm 118
Hosea 13:4-14
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Matthew 14:1-12
October 12
Pentecost 18
Psalm 106:1-6,19-23
Exodus 32:1-14
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
October 19
Pentecost 19
Psalm 99
Exodus 33:12-33
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
October 26
Pentecost 20
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
LITURGY STEWARDSHIP
Sunday, October 5 — MORNING PRAYER
Officiant: Jackie Jones
Lectors: Charlie Meadows, Mary Simpson
Acolyte: Timory Hiills
Usher: J.D. Rector
Sunday, October 19
Lectors:
Lois Cain, Pat Jones
Intercessor: Jill Gray
Chalice:
Sally Newton
Acolyte:
Jake Mills
Usher:
Bryon Newton
Sunday, October 12
Lectors:
Charlie Meadows, Dee Farris
Intercessor: Jane Meadows
Chalice:
Jackie Jones
Acolyte:
Nick Mays
Usher:
J.D. Rector
Sunday, October 26
Lectors:
Jane Meadows, Charlie Meadows
Intercessor: Kate Stettler
Chalice:
Dee Farris
Acolyte:
Timory Hlls
Usher:
J.D. Rector
HOSPITALITY STEWARDSHIP
Sunday, October 5
Sunday, October 12
Sunday, October 19
Sunday, October 26
Cookies
Pat Jones
Maria Kinkaid
Sally Newton
Jane Meadows
October Altar Guild: Lois Cain and Kate Stettler
Coffee
Mary Simpson
Dee Farris
June Mendenhall
Shirley Myers
October Linens:
Jane Meadows
Vestry Minutes – September 18th — 6:00 p.m.
Present: Mary, Kate, P.J., Jill, Reta, Charlie, and Fr. Foster
Following an opening prayer, the attendees updated each other about what was going on in
their lives. The minutes of the August meeting were reviewed and approved unanimously on
motion by Kate and second by Jill.
Charlie presented the Treasurer’s Report, which was received upon motion by Jill and second
by Kate.
With respect to old business, Fr. Foster reported that the Trustee of Don Cox’s Trust was
prepared to distribute the bequest made by Don in his final wishes. Following discussion it was
decided that Fr. Foster would contact Sharon Clark at Chautauqua Hills Abstract & Title about
handling the transfer. In addition, Fr. Foster suggested that the Vestry members who were
available should visit the property on Sunday (9/21/14) following the service at St. Matthew’s.
As for new business, much of the meeting was taken up with discussion about follow-up to the
Vestry Retreat.
This discussion included the talking points for the small group conversations. These were
distilled to four questions that can be used to guide the conversations: 1) What do we do well?
2) What can we do better? 3) How do we get there? and 4) What else?
As for the dates for the gatherings, this will be determined through the sorting and pairing
process, which is being supervised by Mary and will be completed by Sunday, September 28.
We expect the gatherings to occur by November 16th. P.J., Charlie, and Mary agreed to host
the gatherings.
Fr. Foster shared his vacation schedule through the end of December. Friday, Oct. 31 –
Sunday, Nov. 2; he will secure supply clergy for All Saints’ Day. Wednesday, Nov. 26 –
Sunday, Nov. 30. And Friday, Dec. 26 – Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Other new business included the continued leaking of the Rectory roof (the relatively flat
pitched areas in particular), and the broken handrail on the ramp to the parish hall entrance.
With respect to the first, it was recommended that Rick South be contacted for a bid. As for the
second, P.J. will contact Cameron Williams about replacing the railing.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. following the Lord’s
Prayer.
The next Vestry meeting is scheduled for October 16th at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Foster Mays +
Assets as August 31,
of:
2014
Cash
Bank of Sedan CD
Scottrade Investments
Vanguard Investments
Armstrong Trust
Total Assets
18,261.17
166,569.56
420,730.59
92,714.93
196,694.00
894,970.25
Receipts and Disbursements:
Receipts:
Pledge Payments
4,120.00
Donations
150.00
Plate Offering
136.00
Transfer from Investments
8,500.00
Rent Received
500.00
Armstrong Trust
1,000.00
1,473.60
Div. & Int. Received
Total
15,879.60
Disbursements:
Diocesan Apportionment
Discretionary Fund
Utilities
Insurance
General Expense
Clergy Salary
Clergy Benefits
Supplies
Maintenance
Rental Expense
Total
Surplus/(Deficit)
2,440.00
100.00
853.62
2,214.22
625.22
4,166.67
2,028.59
192.25
297.70
463.53
13,381.80
2,497.80
Div. & Int.
Received
9%
Armstrong
Trust
6%
Rent
Received
3%
Receipts
Pledge
Payments
Transfer
26%
from
Investments
54%
Donations
1%
Plate
Offering
1%
Epiphany Episcopal Church
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
PO Box 367
Sedan, KS 67361
THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
309 West Elm Street, Sedan, Kansas
[email protected] ~ 620.725.3701 ~ www.epiphanysedan.org
Holy Eucharist: Sundays, 10:30 a.m.
Morning Prayer: Tuesdays, 8:15 a.m.
Eucharist: Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.
The Reverend Foster M. Mays, Rector
[email protected]
C: 215-284-9160 H: 620-725-3170
The Vestry
Jill Mills, Mary Simpson, P. J. Buck,
Reta Pipher and Kate Stettler
Treasurer: Charles Meadows