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The Bulletin
A Newsletter of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
October, 2014
As the fall program year gets into full swing, the Church again returns to an active and vibrant place. My
reflection this month is more like an update on some of the important things going on at St. Paul's.
"Rain, rain go away" has become our theme song for the New Wing. The summer rains slowed down the
project, but our contractor is confident that this time can be made up. In the next weeks you will see the
foundation of the building being laid. As soon as the foundation and footers are in place, the building will
quickly go up. We continue to receive pledges toward the project, but your participation is still needed.
There are many new and returning program offerings that are all starting up. We want you to take full advantage of all that is being offered. Do you have an idea for a program or a ministry that you would like to
see at St. Paul's? I welcome your input and ideas! I ask that, before you bring us your suggestions, you
consider who could lead or facilitate this offering. The staff and clergy can help you coordinate, but we
need volunteers who can take the lead.
At the beginning of the month I encouraged you to share with others the spirit of St. Paul's. I have heard
and read examples of how God is at work among us from many of you. Let's take it one step farther and
invite someone to come to church with us. Why not share what you experience with someone else?
That is what disciples do—share the love of God by spreading the Good News of Jesus. What better way
is there to do this than bringing someone to Church with you! That is how the Church grows!
Vestry Nominations
Nominations for the 2015 Vestry Class are being accepted. Nominees must meet the following guidelines:
· You are a confirmed member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, at least 18 years of age
· A member in good standing who is known to the treasurer
· In regular attendance
 Willing to attend monthly vestry meetings and serve on a committee
Nominations may be submitted to the Church Office. Before nominating someone, please verify the nominees’ willingness to serve.
Deliberations From Your Deacon
Recently, Nancy and I hosted our two and a half year old grandson from Atlanta for eleven days while his
parents enjoyed a much deserved vacation. In addition to being thoroughly infatuated with him, we each lost
weight during that period due to a significantly increased level of physical activity. Repeated stooping and
picking up 45 pounds are great forms of exercise. We now miss that little tornado since his departure, but
anticipate another round of weight loss when we again entertain him for a week in December. Thank the
Good Lord he takes an extended nap and sleeps through the night. In addition to the much needed shedding
of pounds, another terrific benefit of all this is that we are now more familiar with Thomas the Tank Engine
and rocks and sticks than we ever have been. Grandchildren are one of God’s true blessings.
As part of the fun, we took him to downtown Roanoke to see the many child-friendly sights there. As we were
crossing that pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks between the Market area and the Hotel, by the grace
of God, a very long train was passing beneath. JD was mesmerized, even though it was not Thomas. As
luck would have it, a small group of middle school students was on a field trip and was on the bridge with us.
In addition to grandchildren, pre-teens are one of God’s blessings too. As we were all standing there observing the powerful train passing below, one of the boys exclaimed, “Wow, it’s just like a video game.”
To set a game as the standard and reality as the copy is quite intriguing. But I guess that is a commentary on
the times and on my advanced station within my allotted years. I am hoping we never lose sight of the real
McCoy. Norfolk Southern engines chugging and roaring beneath me are so much more genuine and impressive than Thomas the Tank Engine, even if the real thing doesn’t talk and blink his eyes. Reality imitating
entertainment. Are we ready for this?
The Bulletin
Missioner Minutes
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word, dream, as an idea or vision created in your imagination. As the
clergy, shepherds and I go to visit and have our monthly Eucharistic Services in adult care facilities, I am
struck by those residents who not only remember the good old days, but still are excited about the happenings of today and, in some cases, their dreams for the future. To say that is the case for all would be false,
but the excitement and the appreciation for life are more evident than one can imagine.
In one facility, a winning gingerbread house is made each year with ideas and construction by the residents.
They are so delighted and proud to display the winning blue ribbon! This is just one example of looking forward, having dreams of being a winner, to be in the game of life, indeed to still be a part!
Yes, as we age, dreams may be a bit harder to achieve, but dreams do not stop just because we reach a certain age! So dream on my friends…life awaits us all. Thanks be to God! Mrs. Nancy
Children and Youth Choir Rehearsals
Guild of Martha & Mary
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The Guild of Martha & Mary will meet at 9:30 on
Wednesday, October 22, at the home of Judy Phillips. Sharon Logan will be the co-host. The program will be "Terrorism Today" presented by The
Very Reverend Robert E. Brodie. Bob is currently
serving as Chaplain to the Richmond Division of the
FBI. Come and learn about what is happening in
our world today.
Caroler’s Choir: Pre-K to Grade 1, Sunday, 9:00am
Chorister’s Choir: Grade 2 - Grade 6, Sunday, 11:30am
Westminster Singers: Grades 7 - 12,
Time to be determined
Rehearsals begin October 5, 2014
UTO 2014 Fall Ingathering—Sunday October 19, 2014
This year marks the 125th Anniversary of the United Thank Offering in the Episcopal Church
USA. Its roots go back even earlier. In 1871, the Board of Missions, known today as the
Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, was authorized to establish the Women’s Auxiliary to increase funds for mission in the Church. The following year, Mary Abbott Emery, the eldest of five
daughters in a family of Boston Episcopalians, was hired as secretary of the Women’s Auxiliary and worked
diligently for five years until her marriage to The Rev. A. T. Twing. Through faith and determination Mary Emery Twing continued with other members of the Auxiliary to raise funds for mission.
When at the 1886 Triennial Meeting the offering came to $82.71, Mary and her colleague Ida Soule explained
to the male church leaders that women would be more generous if they knew how and where the money
would be used. With persistence, the women proved their point when enough money was collected to build a
church in Alaska and to send Miss Lisa Lowell as a missionary to Japan. Finally, in 1889 the new funding was
named the United Offering. The Blue Box for thank offerings was introduced in 1891, and when the triennial
collection in 1919 reached more than $1.3 million, the name United Thank Offering was written in stone.
A milestone in the history of UTO occurred in 1967, when Presiding Bishop John Hines, inspired by the Gospel and seeking help for his Urban Crisis Fund during an era of racial and social unrest, addressed the Triennial Meeting of the Episcopal Church Women with urgency: “I need one million dollars for each of the next
three years!”
“But, Bishop, you can’t do that! You have to apply!” came the retort from the ECW president. At that time the
ECW, not a UTO Board as it is now, decided how to spend the offerings then accumulated over the period of
three years between meetings. Before the end of the meeting, however, the matter was resolved. After the
Bishop returned with a welcomed request instead of command, and the ECW set a plan to vote on the measure by diocese, the Bishop’s application was granted. The triennial funds already collected of $2, 265,917.47
were satisfactory for a down payment, and the ECW made good on the remainder as requested.
In the mid-sixties the role of women in the church was to be reckoned with. Much of the credit goes to the
United Thank Offering. No longer is this mission arm solely a concern of the ECW. It is a concern of parishes,
of dioceses, and of provinces in the Episcopal Church. Our humble offerings from our Blue Boxes with prayers of thanksgiving every day do make a difference in a suffering world.
Thanks to all of you for celebrating this milestone year in UTO. Jim Robertson, Parish UTO Coordinator
Guild Two
met September 15 for our opening meeting. Thank you to our guest speaker Bertha Rosson!
Our next meeting will be October 20, 2014. We look forward to seeing you there!
October 2014
Several people have asked me questions about the Ebola virus infections in Africa.
Here is some information on Ebola.
Ebola infection, once known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often
fatal infection, primarily seen in Central and West Africa. It has a very high mortality rate—in some outbreaks, fatalities ran close to 90% of those infected. It was
first seen in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, in Sudan and in Congo. The Congolese outbreak was near
the Ebola River, which is where the disease got its name.
The Ebola infection in humans was thought to have occurred through close contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected animals such as monkeys. Some of the first people infected were
involved in the care and sale of exotic pets. Once Ebola entered the human community, it was spread human
to human through human secretions and body fluids. Persons who care for a sick person or bury someone
who has died from the disease often get it. Despite the high profile cases seen recently in the news, the Ebola virus is not as contagious as more common viruses such as the common cold, influenza, or measles.
The signs and symptoms of Ebola include fever over 101.5 degrees, severe headache, muscle pain,
vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, and unexplained bleeding or bruising. It may be hard to diagnose Ebola
until it enters the later stages of the disease, when a person may have massive internal and external bleeding, including through the eyes, ears, and nose. Tests of blood and tissue can differentiate between Ebola
and other diseases such as cholera or malaria.
Given that Ebola has been around for nearly 40 years, why is there so much publicity about it now?
The main reason is the sheer numbers involved and the high mortality rate of those infected. For example,
in the original Congo outbreak in 1976, 318 were diagnosed with Ebola. Of these, 280 (88%) died. Similarly,
the 1976 outbreak in Sudan saw 284 diagnoses, with 151 deaths. In subsequent years, most cases were isolated (with the exception of several clustered outbreaks). However, since March of 2014, an unprecedented
2600 cases have been diagnosed, with a fatality rate so far running about 50%. The current outbreak is
spread across Guinea, northern Liberia, and eastern Sierra Leone, with new cases being discovered almost
weekly in other African countries.
Ebola was introduced into the United States on three occasions in 1989, 1990, and 1996 by monkeys
imported from the Philippines. Four American animal lab workers developed asymptomatic Ebola infections.
Since 1996, the only cases of Ebola infection in the United States were those of American aid workers in Africa who were flown here recently for treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are working together
to address and contain the current outbreak in Africa. Precautions include warnings to U.S. citizens to avoid
non-essential travel to countries where Ebola infections are currently present. The CDC is screening passengers at ports of entry such as international airports. U.S. healthcare facilities are also being prepared to safely
manage patients with suspected Ebola disease. It is very unlikely that Ebola will be an issue here in the U.S.
Walk to Sudan Report...We reached our goal of 15,557 miles in August!
We now have 310.97 extra
miles to apply to our next goal—the missionary journeys of St. Paul. His three missionary journeys and final trip to
Rome total 10,282 miles. Judy
Save the Date…Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 3:00pm
A Community-Wide Program to Honor All Veterans
A Reception in St. Paul’s Parish Hall will follow the Program
We invite you to join us as we remember the men and women who have so nobly
served us throughout the years in in our military ranks. Speakers will include veterans who will share their thoughts about the meaning of this day. Bernard Marie, a
dual citizen of the United States and France, will also address us.
The program will include music by the Roanoke Chamber Brass, and St. Paul’s
Chancel Choir, Canterbury Ringers and Chorister’s Choir.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the death of General William Rosson, who
commanded the troops in World War II and Vietnam. In his retirement he lived in
Salem and was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A special tribute will be
given in his memory.
A reception will follow in the Parish Hall of the church. We welcome you! Please
bring a guest who has served in our military.
October 2014
First Wednesday Supper
The next First Wednesday Supper is on Wednesday, October 1, at 5:45pm. Join us for a potluck supper in
the Parish Hall and bring a dish to share. Come enjoy good food with good friends!
St. Paul's Family Night
On Sunday, October 12, families with youth and children through grade 12 are invited to family night.
At 4:30pm, the Junior SPY will help with a children's activity and Senior SPY will have their regularly scheduled meeting at Mill Mountain Coffee. Meanwhile, the adults will cook dinner! Everyone will come together for
dinner at 5:30pm. On that day, the children's activity will be painting pumpkins. There is a sign-up sheet in the
Parish Hall so we know how many pumpkins are needed.
Joy!
Joy. What is Joy you may ask? Joy is what you will experience when you come to St. Paul's new and improved time together as adults over the age of 55. Our kick-off luncheon will be Wednesday, October 15 at
11:30am in the Parish Hall. Please bring a sandwich and the church will provide sides and drinks. Father Jim
will be our speaker. See you there!
St. Paul's Women's Retreat
The women of St. Paul's are invited to a day-retreat at the church on Saturday, October 18 from 8:30-4:00.
Paige Grimball from Christ Church, Greenville, SC will be our facilitator. The cost is $10/person, which will
cover a light breakfast and a boxed lunch from 2nd Helpings. See Gail Walkley or Sarah Lusk to register.
Dinner and Line Dancing
Save the date! Plan to join your St. Paul's friends on Friday, November 14 for dinner and
line dancing. At 6:00pm there will be a baked potato bar for dinner in the Parish Hall. No
experience needed—just come have fun! Childcare will be provided for children who don't
want to dance or are too small. More info coming soon.
Thank You!
During the month of September, special thanks is given to
Valerie Dick for being our Coffee Hour Coordinator.
Judy Spruhan will collect the Walk to Sudan
pledges when she returns to St Paul's in
SPY Speak
October. So far, we have a total of $481.14 in
September saw SPY get off to a great start! We will continue pledges. Anyone who did not pledge initially is
with our regularly scheduled meetings in October. There are also welcome to contribute to our final gift for
lots of fun service and fellowship opportunities coming up...
the work of the Episcopal Church in Sudan.
Thanks to all of our walkers and exercisers
October 17-19: Happening will be held at Christ Church in who made this gift possible!
Martinsville. Happening is a diocesan retreat for grades 9-12.
The theme for Happening #9 is Embrace What Makes You Different. If you're interested in going, let Sarah Lusk know!
MEN’s CLUB
On October 19 there will be a joint SPY Halloween service in
the cemetery! Meet at church at 4:30pm to walk over. After- On Thursday, October 9, 2014, our Deacon,
The Reverend Dr. David Dixon, will share his
wards we'll enjoy dinner together at Katy Hening's house.
experiences during a recent trip to our western
October 26: Both Jr. and Sr. SPY will again participate in National Parks. All men of St. Paul's are
Trick or Treat SOME (So Others May Eat), along with other welcome.
area churches. We'll meet at church at 4:30pm, then head over
Social Time will begin at 6:00pm
to Shanks St. to drop-off paper grocery bags for the residents
Dinner will be from 6:30-7:00pm
to fill with canned-food items for the Salem
Guest
speaker will start at 7:00pm
Food Pantry. The following Sunday (November
2) we will pick-up the bags and have a fellowship dinner with College Lutheran and Salem You may sign up Sunday, October 5, or call
Presbyterian's youth groups (more info about the church office by Tuesday, October 7. Cost
is $5.00.
this event coming soon!).
The Bulletin
Children’s Chatter St. Paul’s Church School
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven
belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14 NIV
Sunday School News
… and a little child will lead them. Isaiah 11:6 NIV
Several months ago, George Snead gave Father Jim the idea that each member of the congregation should
invite one other person to church this year. The idea to “Invite One” has spread to the Sunday School! Blake
Shaner invited a friend to come to church with him and his friend decided he’d like to make more visits. Our
Sunday school is a warm and welcoming place, so don’t be afraid to invite your children’s friends to join us.
There’s always room for more!
Mrs. Lisa (Gardner) and Mrs. Sarah (Williams) have a way with the preschool/kindergarten class that is magical. On the first day of class three year old George Hening was pretty sure he didn’t want to leave the nursery and join the older kids. However, when class time was over, he and his best friend, Caleb Lusk, came out
with the biggest smiles on their faces! It was the best time ever!
Mrs. Gail (Walkley) and Mrs. Sarah (Lusk) have a full house with the first– third grades this year. One Sunday’s story time was spent sitting around a pretend campfire listening to a ghost story! It was a creative way
to tell the story of Jesus walking on the water to this class of predominantly boys! The game of Hangman using words from the day’s story remains a favorite of this class.
Mrs. Tracy (Schaefer) and Mrs. Christine (Barker) are teaching the fourth and fifth grades again this year.
While last year’s fifth graders have moved up to SPY, a good core group remains. Lively discussions are the
norm for this class of tweeners as they prepare to join a vibrant and active SPY in years to come.
This and That
Does your child need offering envelopes this year? Just let his/her teacher know and they’ll send some
home. These little envelopes help the children keep track of their weekly offering and it helps prevent the
coins from running away from them in chapel!
Soon the stairwell from the parking lot to the parish hall will have artwork from the Sunday School hanging on
its walls, brightening up the entry. Watch for it! We are sure the children will want to show you their handiwork.
St. Anne’s Day School
St. Anne’s students have been very busy this fall! We have enjoyed getting to know our teachers and classmates, attending chapel, music, physical education, and computer classes.
We welcome several new teachers to St. Anne’s. Nicole Woodall is our new three day Pre-Kindergarten
teacher. Our new three day Preschool teacher is Rachel Beamer. Holly Davis is our two day Preschool
teacher and Sandy Hart is our new physical education teacher. We know that each of these women will be a
blessing to our school!
During the month of October we will focus our learning on “Welcome to the Woods” and “Halloween”. Students will enjoy reading books, singing songs, doing crafts, and playing games centered on these subjects.
In October we are looking forward to many special activities! The students will have a special program called
Father’s Coffee. During this program the students perform a dance to a song taught to them by the physical
education teacher, sing songs taught to them by the music teacher, and present the dads with a gift made by
them in their classrooms. In October, students will enjoy story time with Amelia Ross from the Glenvar Public
Library. We are happy to welcome back Judy Spruhan and Judy Paxton. Ed and Linda Griffin will visit the
students to enjoy singing with “Sally the Camel”.
Note: St. Anne’s has some openings! Please call 389-4087 for information about our Pre-Kindergarten programs for four year olds!
And a thank you…..St. Anne’s would like to thank all members of St. Paul’s who have graciously do-
nated food to support our program! Each time a new bag of food arrives, it is a wonderful surprise! It has
been a blessing to the employees of St. Anne’s to feel your love and support through these donations. Please continue to support St. Anne’s with your snack supplies. A list is available on the St. Paul’s
website. The school year has only just begun, and we have hungry mouths to feed for many months to come!
Non-Profit Org.
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There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one
in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Dates to Remember:
October 1
First Wednesday Supper
October 12
Family Night
October 15
Joy Lunch
October 18
Women’s Retreat
October 19
Bread Sunday
October 20
Bulletin Article Deadline
October 27
Annual Meeting Reports Due
November 9
Veterans Service
November 14
Dinner and Line Dancing
November 16
Annual Meeting
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
540-389-9307
www.stpaulssalem.org