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January
Old Donation Episcopal Church
The Bell Ringer
Old Donation Episcopal Church is a family: Welcoming All  Growing in God’s love 
Joyfully worshipping Jesus Christ  Serving in the power of the Spirit
Sunday, January 25
9:15am to 10:20am
Vestry Elections & the Year in Review
Vestry Nominee Bios on
page 5
Youth Ski Retreat
16-18 Jan
See page 7 for details...
Romancing the Song
2015
Saturday, January 31
7:00pm
see page 10 for details
From the Rector
Happy New Year to you, each and every one! So far, I have
not been guilty of my normal mistake of writing 2014 on
everything. We had a wonderfully blessed New Year’s Eve
worship service this year with twice the number of folks we
anticipated. There were so many in the kitchen for mussels,
meatballs, salmon, & shortcake that we gravitated people
into the parish hall. Next year let’s start out in the larger
space as it appears to be a good way for more and more of
us to end one year and move into the next.
Master Facilities Planning
Your team, headed by David Burt, has moved into an
important and interesting phase. We have invited a number
of architects for informal presentations. We’ve now had 3
firms come in, with a few more expected. Our process is to
first review our mission, growth, and the needs discerned in
last year’s parish surveys. After a tour of the campus, the
architects are presenting their strengths and approach. By
the end of January, we hope to have narrowed down the
firms to 2 or 3 at most who we believe can best serve us.
I began my homily that night with two panels of a Calvin
The MFP team and vestry will evaluate and hopefully be
and Hobbes New Year’s cartoon strip. In the first panel
Calvin is saying, “I asked Dad if he wanted to see some New able to select an architect by the end of February. At the
Year’s resolutions I wrote. He said yes. And said he was glad Annual Meeting, January 25, we will have an update with
more details for the parish.
to see that I was taking an interest in self-improvement. I
told him the resolutions weren’t for ME. They were for
Stewardship and Budget
HIM.” In the second panel Hobbes is looking at Calvin as
You have responded very faithfully to the annual pledge
Calvin says, “That’s why we are outside now.”
solicitation campaign. We still are waiting for some pledges
that are promised, but already we have 245 pledges for
As I begin another year and hope for ‘better things’ it is
$611K. Both are significant improvements from last year.
helpful to remember that change starts with my own self.
The vestry will meet January 20 to set our budget for 2015.
We can’t necessarily count on ‘better things’ from the rest
of the world, but we sure can prepare ourselves to live
differently. How we feel about life can be independent of
what others choose to do with it, even when their actions
“trespass against us” or disappoint us. I will choose a base
attitude built upon JOY and PEACE regardless of what goes
on because I have HOPE. That base will permit every one
of us to not only experience “better things” but will produce
a harvest of “better things” in others. I guarantee your life
will change lives around you if you are filled with joy, peace
and hope, especially when you are able to sustain that way
of living despite what the world throws at you.
Annual Meeting
Our Parish Annual Meeting will be Jan 25 in the historic
church, beginning at 9:15, ending in time for the 10:30
services. The 9:15 worship service is held in the Parish Hall
because the church is the only space we have large enough
to hold the number of people who attend the meeting.
The agenda includes election of our new vestry members,
review of the budget for 2015, a look at the Master Facilities
Planning progress, and a review of last year’s
accomplishments and goals for 2015. Nominations for the
vestry election are open during the meeting, so please
So, this year — rather than making resolutions for someone continue to pray about whether you might be called to be
else or even for your own self — try asking God’s Holy Spirit on our vestry during these very important next few years.
to help you with those ‘fruits of the Spirit.’ My bet is that this Finding a 2nd priest
will be a very good year.
I am actively recruiting a full-time priest from this year’s
seminary class. The plan is to have someone who will join
Health and Hope
Many of you know I have had heart disease (since 2 months the team mid-summer & Fr. Fred can focus on pastoral
after I moved here 10 years ago — a coincidence?). I’ve taken care. All seniors are taking General Ordination Exams this
week and then the business of finding a place for their first
a couple different medications over 10 years for atrial
priestly ministry becomes high on the priority list. I’ve had
fibrillation. When the second stopped being effective last
Spring I had an ablation procedure in September. The good conversations & email exchanges now with several possible
news is that I’ve now gone 15 weeks without any registered candidates, coming from three different seminaries.
afib and my doc is taking me off the anti-arrhythmic
Drew Foisie
medicine. I am doing it in two stages as a precaution, so will Drew has invited me to come and preach at his Celebration
still have a beta-blocker for 6 weeks. But if all remains well, of A New Ministry. Chris and I will be with Drew the last
I can eliminate that and a blood thinner! Thanks for all
week of January and miss you on Feb 1. I will bring your
your prayers. Keep them up for another couple months and love and support for Drew as he is installed as vicar of St.
I may be back to normal (as much as that is possible for me) Aidan’s, Camano Island, WA.
before Easter!
Peace and blessings,
2
Associate Rector
LISTENING FOR AN EPIPHANY.
At Christmas the church celebrates the birth of Jesus, when
God entered fully into the human experience. The Feast of
the Epiphany takes us the next step, to the divine
revelation of God among us in Jesus being revealed to the
world as the Magi come from the East.
It is quite easy for the story of the Magi to become mixed
into the story of the Nativity. You’ve probably noticed here
at church the figures have progressed toward the manger
scene. The shepherds made their trek through Advent, the
baby Jesus arrived on Christmas Eve. The Magi arrived with
the opening procession at the Gathering liturgy last Sunday
announcing our celebration of the Epiphany. Beyond the
church, most manger scenes have displayed all the
characters from the beginning and that tends to mix the
stories together.
It is significant that the shepherds at the Nativity are
Israelites; the Magi at the Epiphany are gentiles. It may
seem like a small thing but it’s integral to the progression
and deeply enriches the story. Christmas announces the
fulfillment of Jewish prophecy; the arrival of the long
expected Messiah, while Epiphany tells the story of the
gentile Magi searching to worship the Christ. When Jesus is
presented at the Temple on February 2nd, Simeon seals this
progressive story, taking the baby Jesus in his arms and
praising God, saying,
Deacon Notes
When my daughter, Sarah, was first diagnosed with breast
cancer, my mother and I went back and forth with "It
should have been me, not Sarah", "No, it should have been
me." We were two mothers trying desperately to hold onto
our sick child. At first we were led by fear as we tried to
process unimaginable information. We exchanged wasted
words until we could come to our senses. Powerlessness.
I think my mother and I (not one athletic accomplishment
between us) would rather run laps rather than sit quietly
and "do nothing." Our first response to most problems is to
start planning. For us, being still is counter-intuitive. Alas,
we had forgotten the lessons of caring for a sick child. Be
still -- be calm. Allow the light of Christ to permeate the
moment. Refrain from allowing fear to hold us captive.
During Sarah's arduous battle with cancer, my mother and
I went back and forth with prayers, scripture readings,
meditations, mindfulness, and books such as Mind the
Light: Learning to See with Spiritual Eyes by J. Brent Bill.
Around the end of October we were on top of the world.
Her tests showed no cancer. We were filled with gratitude.
The elation has been short-lived. Sarah just received new
test results which indicate her breast cancer has returned.
This time around my mother and I took the opportunity to
pray together. We were able to give positive support to each
other and we experienced our own epiphany: The living
Christ is real, and He reveals himself to us again and again.
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according
to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have
prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the
Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
This week is the beginning of the Epiphany season, and it
continues until mid-February. “Epiphany" means "to make
known", to "reveal." We celebrate the manifestation of
God through Jesus to all people everywhere.
Epiphany is a time for listening for how God among us is
revealed to all people in the person of Jesus. This Sunday
(11th) the Baptism of Jesus anchors this revelation in God’s
own voice: “this is my Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well
pleased.” Later, as Jesus begins to gather his disciples, we’ll
hear an Israelite, Nathanael, recognize Jesus as the Son of
God and the King of Israel. Then, as Jesus proclaims the
Good News that the Kingdom of God has come near His
miracles reveal what He is all about.
That means we focus on developing the practice of noticing
God. St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits,
encouraged a daily practice of stopping all activity and
examining where you are and where God is in relation to
you and your life at that moment. St. Ignatius said that
God can be found in all things.
afraid.
Blessings and Healing Prayers to All this Epiphany season.
Fr. Fred+
Peggy+
If I practice seeing God in my daughter, Sarah, I see her in
a positive light. If I practice seeing God continuing to work
miracles in her life, my fears diminish. Sarah reminds me
Finally, Epiphany transitions into Lent with a mountaintop that, with God, all things are possible.
revelation, the Transfiguration. The voice of God we heard "I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to
see what is the hope of God's call, what is the richness of
at the baptism directs us; "This is my Son, the Beloved;
God's glorious inheritance among believers, and what is the
listen to him!"
overwhelming greatness of God's power that is working
So dear friends, be listening. God has made His house
among us believers" (Ephesians 1:18,19).
within you. If you think you’re hearing things, do not be
Healthy Living
From Our Youth Minister
Greetings,
Another month has gone by, and still Elizabeth and
I are amazed at how we continue to grow in love with Old
Donation. December was a busy month with several events
that managed to keep Elizabeth and me busy. We went to
St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children early in the month
with a group of 7 youth, and taught the story of the nativity
through drama. While there, one of our youth found
himself in a conversation about wrestling with one of the
young men from St. Mary’s. I was touched to watch them
connect over a common interest.
That following Sunday we went ice skating and had
a great time with the group. We ended the month with a
Christmas party in Alfriends and had a great turn out - 29
youth participated. On top of this Elizabeth was part of the
team that helped with the Pageant, so we were running all
over the place getting supplies and making sure that little
odds and ends were taken care of. We had such wonderful
times with the youth and children that showed us again
why we love this church.
Here is a look ahead at the next few months for
EYC. January will be a fun and busy month with everyone
going back to school after break, and we have several events
occurring spread throughout the month. EYC will resume
on Sunday Jan. 11th, and the following Wednesday the
14th will be our first Bible Study of the month. We also
have the Ski Trip on Jan. 16-18th, so please let me know if
your youth are interested in attending.
We will elect a new youth liaison to the Vestry for
this coming year in January, so please think about whether
or not your youth might be able to participate. Our current
liaison is Blair Hood, whose term ends in January, and we
must find another student to fill this role. Please talk to me
if you would like more information about the
responsibilities and requirements for being the youth
liaison.
We will have our annual youth Sunday on February
8th - please be thinking about the ways your youth can help
participate in making this service happen. I will be going
around searching for people to fill the various roles that are
required to make the service happen. There will also be a
J2A Valentine’s Dinner to help raise funds for the next
group going on pilgrimage in 2016. Please show your
support for our youth by participating if possible. Other
than that I will continue to keep you updated on a weekly
basis about what else is going on for the youth program.
God Bless,
~AJ
As I am sitting in our living room, watching IU vs Georgetown basketball, my blood pressure may be fluctuating. It is
a nail biting game!! Blood pressure does fluctuate so don’t
be concerned if you get an occasional high reading. What
you are looking for is consistency, which means taking it at
a similar time, each day, in the same arm. For most people,
your blood pressure is lower in the morning and peaks midafternoon.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, “hypertension,” is a serious medical
condition. It happens when the force of the blood pumping through your arteries is too strong. When your heart
beats, it pushes blood through your arteries to the rest of
your body. When the blood pushes harder against the walls
of your arteries, your blood pressure goes up. Having
higher blood pressure for short amounts of time is normal.
However, when your blood pressure stays high for most of
the time, it can cause serious health problems. Stress, food
allergies, and emotional upsets play a role also. Right now
in the midst of the stress of this game, I can guess that
mine may be rising!
What problems can high blood pressure cause?
Having high blood pressure for a long time can hurt your
heart and lead to heart failure. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or
other serious health problems. The greatest dangers of
high blood pressure are not being aware of it and not treating it. By knowing if you have high blood pressure and
seeking treatment, you can reduce your risk of heart attack,
heart failure, stroke, and other health problems caused by
high blood pressure.
What do the numbers mean?
A blood pressure measurement has two parts—a top (first)
number and a bottom (second) number. The top number is
the “systolic” pressure and the bottom number is the
“diastolic” pressure.
Systolic pressure is your blood pressure when your heart
beats and pumps blood through your arteries. Your blood
pressure is higher while your heart is pumping, so the systolic number is higher.
Diastolic pressure is your blood pressure in between heartbeats when your heart is not pumping. Your blood pressure
is lower while your heart is not pumping, so the diastolic
number is lower.
Continued on page 9...
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Vestry Candidates 2015
Sharon Payne
I have been a member of Old Donation for 6 years
since I attended a community meeting in the Parish
Hall and literally felt the Spirit, energized and thriving
in this place. I have worshipped at the 9:15 service
since its inception where serve as a lector, usher and
Eucharistic Visitor. I also serve on the Hospital
Visitation Ministry team and as a member of the Prayer
Chain.
Carol M. Gurioli
In Fall 2013 I was asked to serve on vestry in Vicki
Dorsett’s position after she joined the office staff. During
2014 I developed a deep bond with the members of the
Congregational Care commission as their Vestry liaison.
Since coming to ODEC in 2008, I have found many
opportunities to serve and grow in my own spiritual life. I
am a chalicer, lector and healing prayer minister at the
Gathering. Oyster Roast is near and dear to my heart; this
year I introduced the Secret Santa Workshop with the
I have served on vestries in many capacities to include
help of my family and several youths who served as elves
leadership, stewardship, pastoral care and worship
committees. My love of music has drawn me to worship for the day!
committees—music at Old Donation is one of its many I am thankful for the fellowship, beach time and study
superlatives! While I am not a cradle Episcopalian, the that my new semi-retired schedule has made possible this
liturgy whether traditional or “not so” is important to
year.
me.
I would like to have the chance to serve a full 3-year term
I am a Professor of Social Work at Virginia Wesleyan
on vestry so that I can make good use of the knowledge I
College and a psychotherapist in private practice part
have gained in the last 15 months to support the capital
time. I volunteer time to a number of community
campaign and implementation of the master facilities
agencies which serve persons experiencing
plan.
homelessness, persons with
life threatening illness and
Jeff Hood
persons in crisis. Serving
Our family began attending Old Donation in fall of 2012
others is what I believe I have when we moved to Virginia Beach. My wife Gretchen is
been called to do with my life the Parish Administrator and my older son Blair will finand adding my energy to Old ish his yearlong term as the youth representative to the
Donation’s vestry may be
vestry this month. Our family regularly attends the 10:30
another extension of that call. services. I grew up in the Presbyterian Church and attended a Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college.
Gretchen and I were married in the Episcopal Church 25
years ago, and I have attended Episcopal services with her
since then. Last winter I taught a three-part Wednesday
evening course on Israel. In December, I was received, and
2014 Vestry
our son Blair was confirmed, into the Episcopal Church.
Boo Burroughs, Senior Warden
Bill Dullaghan, Evangelism
Stacey Howeth, Outreach
George Butler, Parish Life
Tom Cantrell, Finance, People’s Warden
Rob Galvez, Buildings & Grounds
Carol Gurioli, Congregational Care
Phyllis Haas, Worship
Sally Dudley, Stewardship
Michelle Browning, Christian Formation
Michael Improta, Day School
Steve Kamperschroer, Historic Traditions
Blair Hood, Youth Representative
I am a retired Air Force Colonel, and now work for a defense contractor in Suffolk. Gretchen and I spent almost
12 years overseas, which meant a mixture of church availability. We attended an Episcopal church in Rome, but a
hodgepodge of services elsewhere: Anglican services in
Naples, Lutheran in Israel, and Dutch Reformed in Germany. For many years, we were summer attendees at Eastern Shore Chapel when we vacationed here with family.
As we were moving here from Israel, we heard about Old
Donation. It was a difficult time for us as I was getting
ready to retire and the boys were moving into new schools.
The welcoming and love we received at Old Donation
was, and continues to be, a true blessing in our lives.
Sunday School
Adult Forum in January
Jan 11: The Rev. Don Wilson — Church architecture:
Why form is so important to function; different styles
and designs for church worship space; understanding
the furniture and theology. Don will give us looks inside some classic churches, some beautiful churches
and some that are notable primarily because they are
very different. We will look at how these function and
what seems to be emphasized.
Jan 18: Bob Randall — Stump the priest and updates.
Bob will talk about the search process for an assistant
rector, asking your input about what the parish thinks
are important qualities and capabilities. We will talk
about the building process, and then Bob is open to
questions about everything and anything.
Jan 25: Annual Meeting in the Church
9:15am—10:20am
the 9:15am service will be in the Parish Hall
Wednesday Night Series
Jan 14 and 21: Philippians — Fr. Bob is teaching as we
conclude the series we began last Fall. We will look at
the last sections of St. Paul’s letter of encouragement
and counsel. We will finish up our study of this most
important letter for churches. Paul shows us how important the church is for God’s work in the world and
how the faithful community becomes a place of healing, strengthening and hope for each of us. We will
study some of our most favorite quotes in Scripture in
these final weeks
Under the Hill
Sunday mornings in the Library we have some dynamic
discussions of current events. Using the “Wired Word”
curriculum, each
week a story
“ripped from the
headlines” is analyzed and some relevant Bible passages
recommended. Suggested questions guide the class of
adults in the 30-50 age range. To participate, use the
link in the Thursday “Shaping the Saints” email to prepare and show up in the Library at 9:30 on Sundays.
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Happy 2015 to all!! I would like to thank the teachers
and mentors for making the Sunday school classes
here at Old Do the most remarkable, spiritual, cool
classes ever!! With half of the year now completed, a
lot of work has gone into preparation and class
time. There are still the remaining months to
come which will also be filled with a diverse subject
matter - all ultimately pointing the children down the
path which Jesus took. We will continue to pray that
the words and actions of the teachers will always affect the children in the same way the words and actions of Jesus affected all that He taught. I spend
every Sunday walking down the halls of the day
school and over in Alfriend House & I am privileged
to be able to listen to what emanates from the
rooms — you will hear laughter, singing, serious discussion, Bible passages being read, questions being
asked, etc., etc.,….it is God at work and it is indeed
GOOD!! So, on behalf of myself, the staff here at
Old Donation, and all of the parents, we would like
to thank all of the teachers and mentors for doing
the work that God has hand picked for you to do.
I cannot let slip by a thank you for the Christmas
Eve “Best Ever Pageant”. The saying “It takes a village…..” sure applies here. With everyone working so
well together, the end result was magnificent!! Thank
you to the Pageant Director: Michelle Galvez, the
Creative Coordinator: Elizabeth Lambert, and the Set
& Costume Coordinator: Denise Wilkinson.
AND...thank you to all the many volunteers who
spent countless hours pulling everything together and
to the parents who brought their children to the practices. By bringing the children to practice, it alleviated so much confusion at “show time” and provided
the children with a sense of comfort - knowing where
they belonged, where they needed to go and at what
time. Fabulous job to every one involved!
In January we will continue with Sunday School
classes on: January 11th, 18th, & 25th. Please “Let
the Children Come!!”
Please contact me if I may be of assistance!
~Carolyn Gerace
Director, Sunday School
[email protected]
A Little Humor…
A dying granny tells her granddaughter, "I want to leave
you my farm. That includes the villa, the tractor, and
other equipment, the farmhouse and $22,398,750.78 in
cash."
The granddaughter, absolutely floored and about to become rich says, "Oh granny, you are SO generous! I didn't
even know you had a farm. Where is it?"
With her last breath, Granny whispered, "Facebook..."
Youth Ski Retreat
January is back! And that means it’s time for the Youth
Ski Retreat - this year at Massanutten Ski Resort! (Jan 1618) If you’re a person between the ages of 12 and 18 and
love to ski, want to learn to ski, or just want to go on an
awesome retreat with church
friends, this is for you! We will
stay at Emmanuel Episcopal
Church in Harrisonburg, where
Father Bob attended during his
High School years. There are a couple more spots available. Email AJ to register. Cost: $100. The van pulls out
at 6:00 Friday night, returns at 5:00pm on Sunday.
HAPPENING #63
10th, 11th & 12th graders: the greatest high school youth
retreat EVER is coming your way—Happening #63,
March 6-8! Going to Happening can change your life and
give you an experience of God like never before. You will
have an amazing time. Register today! Online at
Diosova.org.
Youth Sunday! — Feb 8th
Some say the youth are the future of the church. The
truth, however, is that our youth and young adults ARE
the church. Like the octogenarians
and young families and twentysomething singles, they are one
many who make up this amazing
community of God’s people. To
celebrate this awesome truth we
plan a Youth Sunday each year so that the ministry of our
young people gets brought into the heart of our worship
and blesses all. If you’re a youth (6th-12th grade) and are
ready to sign up for a ministry role as a reader, greeter,
chalice bearer, acolyte, or prayer leader see AJ and he will
get you plugged in. Your pre-teen will love it.
Episcopal Youth Community
January Dates:
Sun 11 Jan - EYC
Mid High - 4:30-6:30pm
High School - 5:30-7:30pm
Wed 14 Jan: Youth Bible Study, 7:00-8:00pm (AFH)
Fri 16 - Sun 18 Jan: Winter Ski Retreat
Open to all ODEC youth and friends—with or
without skiing ability! We leave on Friday Jan
16th at 6:00pm and will return around
5:00pm on Sunday. Cost is $100/person
Sun 18 Jan: NO EYC
Wed 21 Jan: Youth Bible Study, 7:00-8:00 pm (AFH)
Sun 25 Jan: EYC Mini Golf
Mid-High & Senior-High, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Wed 28 Jan: Youth Bible Study, 7:00-8:00pm (AFH)
Fri 30 Jan - Sat 31 Jan Middle School Lock-in:
Drop-off @church: 9:00pm
Pick-up @ church: 8:00am
Save the dates...
8 February: Youth Sunday,
Make sure you sign up to help lead all services for our annual
Youth Sunday!
9 February: Registration Deadline for Happening #63 Participants and Staff
If you are in the 10th-12th grade,
you don’t want miss this lifechanging weekend! Cost is $165 / person. Scholarships
through the diocese are available as we want YOU to go!
14 February: J2A Valentine’s Dinner
Advent Retreat
The Rev. Jeri Bishop, with assistance from Judy Kuhns,
designed and led a wonderful retreat for about 20 of us
the weekend prior to Christmas. With a combination of
reflections, Scripture meditations, quiet time and discussions, Jeri helped us prepare for a holy Christmas.
This year’s Christmas Eve pageant was one of the best
for sure. The actors and readers clearly were well prepared and could be heard better than ever. Angels,
sheep, shepherds and Magi were perfectly costumed
and choreographed. MANY THANKS are due for the
team who made this happen. Michelle Galvez, Elizabeth Lambert & Denise and Brooke Wilkinson are at
the top of the list! All the parents who got their children to practice are next. Finally, all those who showed
up for the pageant at 5:00 on Christmas Eve despite a
horrible driving rain all day get special thanks. The rain
stopped about 4:30, validating their faith in showing
up, but it took FAITH & COMMITMENT to show
up. THANKS!
Elizabeth Lambert joins the staff
Our Youth Ministry program continues to grow
stronger. Since AJ Lambert began as our Youth
Minister this Fall it is healthier than ever. Part of the
credit for that is that AJ has a wonderful wife,
Elizabeth, who has been able to partner with him on
many of the events and regular programming. So,
recognizing her gifts for ministry and importance to
what we want to do in the future, we’ve added her to
the staff as Assistant Youth Minister, effective January
1. Elizabeth will continue to be a vital part of what we
do this year, working with AJ and the other members
of the YM team. THANKS, Elizabeth!!
Following is a short part of the reason why she loves
youth and youth ministry. From Elizabeth:
"I have worked several years of summer camp, but I’ll never
forget the day I knew I had to do more. As the kids loaded up
their luggage and we counselors said our goodbyes, I was
struck with a twinge of envy: I realized that the youth leaders
climbing into driver’s seats would get to spend the rest of the
year with these kids, while I would likely never see them
again. This was my
moment of truth. I
will always love camp;
but I am so glad for
the opportunity to
really minister on
whole new level. I look
forward to serving here
Old Donation and I
am grateful to be
joining this truly
amazing team!"
The worship at 8 and 11:00PM was glorious as well. It
is hard to beat the hymns of Christmas, (except maybe
by the Easter hymns!) and as always our St. Cecilia
choir made the experience grand. Jeannie DeDominick
added her beautiful violin to several pieces.
INSPIRED GIVING
Everyone has something to share. Whether we have
much to give or a small amount to share, leaving a
gift through an estate plan can have a long lasting impact. The ODEC Endowment Fund will assist you
with a plan that speaks to your passion.
You can give to ODEC online
It’s easy, fast, and convenient. Make a one-time gift, or set
up a recurring donation. No need to worry anymore if you
go on vacation, miss a Sunday, or lose your offering envelopes!
Gifts made by bank transfer will cost us a nominal fee
(31¢). Payments by credit card cost a 3% fee. Some members might add that fee to their offering if they are using
credit card giving to pay towards a pledge. We’ve had many
requests for these features since many
folks don’t write checks or use cash.
Our only caution is that we hope you
will not add to credit card debt, and
end up paying interest charges to
your bankcard company! THAT
would be poor stewardship.
Valuing our Blessings
As of November 2014
Total Pledge and Plate Budget
548,014
Total Pledge and Plate Received
571,135
Number of Pledging Units To General Fund
230
Contributions to Julia Tucker Scholarship
129
Mission of the Holy Spirit
13,778
Outreach (all other)
6,266
Fine Arts and Music
7,063
Clergy Discretionary Fund
17,431
Altar Flowers, Gifts, Weddings
6,971
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Old Donation Episcopal Day School
Registration for 2015-2016
Classes for Ages 2 – Kindergarten
Early Drop and Extended Day Available
Parishioners Registration date is
January 28, 2015
Beginning at 8:30am in the Day School Office
Registration forms are available
online at www.olddonation.org
or in the office.
Call anytime for a tour!
Janet Brown
499-2283
[email protected]
What’s in a Name? - Plenty!
ODEC Parishioners - We Need Your Vote!
Vote Adam Thoroughgood Bridge
After 57 years, the Lesner Bridge will very likely be
renamed. As your Church Historian, I solicit your
participation on the website referenced below, sponsored by the Bayfront Advisory Committee with a
place for you to fill in a suggested name. They make
the following introductory statement:
“The Bayfront Advisory Committee of the City of Virginia
Beach has been tasked with exploring whether the new
Lynnhaven Inlet Bridge should retain the name of the existing bridge Lesner or whether there should be a new name.
The Committee feels that civic input is essential for this
process to be successful. Therefore the committee is asking
residents and businesses alike, especially those businesses
and residents of the Shore Drive Corridor, to assist them in
making a recommendation to City Council by voting below.”
To get to this website and vote, go to Google and type
“Lesner Bridge Renaming Responses”
or visit –
http://www.thepropertyshoppeco.com/
LesnerBridge/index225.php
Thank you for your participation,
~Bob Perrine
Your blood pressure numbers
are given one on top of the other, with your systolic pressure “over” your diastolic pressure.
A normal blood pressure is less than “120 over 80,” or
120/80. This means the systolic pressure is 120 and the
diastolic pressure is 80.
A blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called
“prehypertension.” This means that your blood pressure
is higher than normal and that you are at risk for having
high blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher most of the
time it is measured, you have high blood pressure.
Healthy Living, continued...
Why is blood pressure measured?
The only way to know if blood pressure is high is to regularly measure it several times a day over several months.
High blood pressure itself may not have any symptoms,
so it is important to regularly check your blood pressure
even if it does not feel like it is high. To help you better
control your blood pressure, your doctor might suggest
measuring your blood pressure at home.
Monitoring your blood pressure is not a treatment for
high blood pressure. To help treat your high blood pressure, you need to eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy
weight, get enough exercise, and not smoke. Prayer and
meditation can be beneficial. Your doctor may also suggest medicines to help lower your blood pressure.
Now IU only has a 3 point lead so I can guarantee my
blood pressures is up!! 51 to 50 now, Georgetown is
within a point and IU sinks a 3 pointer…….. Georgetown
takes the lead!! Blood pressure may be in danger zone.
Taking Michael’s blood pressure……good to know I am in
“good” company for our increasing pressures.
Ok, it is the following day. IU did lose to Georgetown. At
the finish, the game was tied and went into overtime. We
gave it the good fight but ultimately Georgetown played
the better game at the end. So what did I do about our
blood pressure, you may ask? I did what any supportive
wife and fellow IU fan would do. I suggested we take a
five-mile hike!!
~Kelly Good
RN,BSN, Faith Community Nursing Coordinator
"Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore, we must be saved by hope...Nothing we
do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is
from our standpoint. Therefore, we must be saved by the
final form of love, which is forgiveness.” ~Reinhold Niebuhr
What’s Going on...
JOY
Paws, Prayers & Praise
Dinner Group
Friday, 23 January
5:30pm
Details to come!
Holy Eucharist
January 11th at 5:00pm
This is a great opportunity to bring a guest,
furry or otherwise, who might not attend a
regular Sunday service!
Acolytes needed for the Historic Church services!
The church services are 8:00am & 10:30am
Coffee Hour by Alphabet
Calling all 10:30 & Gathering attendees!
Everyone has an opportunity to support the Coffee
Hour ministry, according to your last name!
All sweets & supplies are provided by ODEC and are
located in the kitchen and pantry.
11 January: H
18 January: I, J, K
25 January: L, M
1 February: N, O, P
Contact David King to join this ministry!
[email protected]
Visit North Carolina to See Joyce Pettet
Each 4th Wednesday, leaving promptly at 11:30am.
Please join us to see the smile on Joyce’s face! Sue
Stephenson brings communion and Ruth Ann Campbell
brings music for singing or dancing.
Questions? Call Sue: 321-4737 or Ruth Ann: 464-4084
First Circle
14 January, 10:00am
Thomas Cole’s paintings, The Voyage of Life, will be
presented by Linda McGraw in the Parish Hall. These
four paintings are currently at the Chrysler Museum in
Norfolk and represent the four stages of life as interpreted by Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River
School. Please join us and share your thoughts as we
study these paintings and our own passages of life.
Cookies & Carols at Joyce & Jack Barry’s home!
presents
Romancing the Song
A Celebration of the American Standard
Songs by Gershwin, Porter, & from Broadway Musicals
Mark Your February Calendar...
Saturday, 31 January
7:00pm
J2A Valentine’s Dinner
Free admission, donations welcome.
Saturday, 14 February
This is a J2A Pilgrimage
Fundraiser Event!
Mission of the Holy Spirit
Servers are needed every 4th Sunday for the MOHS
feeding at St. Stephen’s Episcopal church in Norfolk.
No experience necessary!
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper & Follies
17 February, 5:30pm
Eat, Enjoy, & be Entertained!
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January Celebrations
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
John Brown, Sr.
Betty Sherman
Janet Neumann
Ronald Hall
Fred Poteet
Ruth Ann Campbell
Darden Purrington
Boo Burroughs
Samantha Brittain
Dillon Miller
Cassie Wellford
Brenden Jones
Scott Poteet
Mike VecerKauskas
Harry Lustig, Jr.
Dave Wilkinson
Robert Johnson
Robyn Waltrip
Tom Gerace
Michele Purrington
Patti Somers
Allison Small
Irene Span
Page O'Flaherty
Zachary Suttle
Barbara Drew
Benjamin Perry
Jerry Cerqua
Ainslie Anderson
Christina Merry
David Beach
14 Patricia Wilson
Mary Roberts
15 Nancy Arnold
Joan Miller
16 Terri Piston
17 Keith Moore
18 Rob Brown
Alexia El-Attar
19 Char Rusnak
20 Karen Ludwig
Mary Jo Bradley
Sawyer Halvorson
21 Mark Erickson
22 Kathryn Cintron
23 Tom Ackiss
Eleanor Ste Croix
24 Mike Jones
George Weeks
Tony Osterman
Susan Crockett
25 Stuart Forbes
26 Will Walker, III
Dick Bolen
Don Gibboney
27 Carrie Liverman
28 Jacob Miller
30 Bethany Jones
Brian Wubker
31 Paul Verburg
Anniversaries
4
12
14
22
27
28
30
Tony & Joyce Osterman
Tom & Joan Crockett
Dan & Janie Bowen
Timothy & Christina Merry
DiAnn & Lew Friedrichsen
Bob & Chris Randall
Gary & Katherine Kline
Risen in Glory:
Bruce Watterson
Welcome & Congratulations!
Our newly Baptized:
Bruce Woodhouse
Sterling Taylor
Zachery Taylor
Finnegan Malcom
Confirmation Class — THANKS be to GOD and to
our new confirmed members!
Bishop Hollerith was pleased with one of our largest
groups for Confirmation on his visit December 21.
We had 11 youth and 11 adults for confirmation and
reception. Most of the youth had been through the
three year J2A class for preparation, including the
spiritual pilgrimage to Ireland. Adults participated in
the 10 week class offered in Adult Forums this Fall.
We give thanks for these folks who have made their
mature adult commitment to Christ and received
prayers for the Holy Spirit to strengthen them for
ministry.
Our newly Confirmed:
Lily Burroughs
Issy Brown
Adam Daley
Juliana DeDominick
DiAnn Friedrichsen
Bella Galvez
Sam Ghormley
James Hardin
Blair Hood
Bryan O’Donoghue
Olya Osterman
Matthew Piston
Darden Purrington
Michael Reynolds
Bruce Woodhouse
Our newly Received:
Lew Friedrichsen
Jeff Hood
Matt Chory
Tracy Chory
Betty Sherman
Brian Wubker
Katie Wubker
Old Donation Episcopal Church
Weekly Worship Schedule
8:00am
9:15am
9:30-10:15am
10:30am
10:30am
Holy Eucharist, Rite I
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Christian Formation
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
The Gathering
Jesus Christ, Head of the Church
The Rt. Rev. Herman Hollerith, IV, Bishop
The Rev. Robert J. Randall, Jr., Rector
The Rev. Fred Poteet, Associate Rector
The Rev. Peggy Luhring, Deacon
Mr. AJ Lambert, Youth Minister
Mr. Paul Hudgins, Organist & Choirmaster
2nd Sunday of the Month
5:00pm
Paws, Prayers & Praise
4449 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, 23455
Phone: 757-497-0563 Fax: 757-497-9291
Church E-mail: [email protected]
Parish Web Site: www.olddonation.org
Thursday
Holy Eucharist
Bible Study
Old Donation Episcopal Day School
Janet Brown, Day School Director
Phone: 757-499-2283 Fax: 757-497-9291
Ages 2, 3, 4 and Kindergarten
Day School Hours: 9:00 am – 12:20 pm
Monday – Friday
Early Drop Off & After School until 2:20 pm
[email protected]
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
10:00am
11:00am
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