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
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