he word St. Alban’s Episcopal Church February 2015 Volume 15, Issue 2 From the Rector The season of Lent is one of the oldest traditions in the church calendar. In the early 3rd century church, Father Irenaeus wrote about a time of fasting, penitence and self-denial building up to Easter. Irenaeus noted that a season of preparation had been observed since the time of the forefathers of the Church – possibly during the lifetime of the twelve Apostles themselves. We continue that ancient tradition when Lent begins on February 18, Ash Wednesday. We will have four services with Imposition of Ashes: 7:00 am, noon and 7:30 pm, with a service for children at 6:00 pm. The season of Lent is, indeed, a time when we give up and take on – give up those things which lead us away from God or create obstacles to being disciples of Jesus. And we take on those things which are beneficial to us and to our relationship with God. And so the time to be thinking of a discipline for Lent is now – before Lent. Spend some time now, before Lent begins, and take a spiritual inventory – scrutinize your spiritual life. What are my strengths and where am I weakest in my spiritual life? Ask yourself the question, “What habit or way of living comes between God and me, and how can I strengthen and deepen my relationship with God and others?” St. Alban’s has a variety of resources and programming to help you this Lent. Look for two booklets in the narthex, “The Sanctuary for Lent 2015” for adults, and “What you should know about Lent” for youth and children. “The Sanctuary for Lent” is a Lenten daily devotion and brief message to think about throughout the day. “What you should know about Lent” is a great resource that helps take us deeper into the meaning and purpose of Lent – to go beyond the idea that one just gives up candy for Lent. And I hope you will read through the “Lent, Holy Week and Easter at St. Alban’s” brochure included in this edition of The Word to see what we have planned for the coming weeks. Fr. Jeff greeting Cole and friends at the 8:15 am service on January 4. From Fr. Andy’s Wednesday evening Lenten Soup and Study program to the Lenten Quiet Morning, our Food Stamp Challenge and another “Stop Hunger Now” event, there truly is something for everyone this Lenten season at St. Alban’s. As always, if you are struggling with a meaningful Lenten discipline, please do not hesitate to speak with Fr. Andy or me – we are here for you and are delighted to speak with you. -Fr. Jeff January 31 Annual Chili Cook-off February 1 Youth Group Sub Sale Stewardship The Warden’s Pen Making Space for God’s Call Your new Vestry was commissioned in January and is already thinking about ways to keep St. Alban’s an active and vibrant community. Each year, the budget process gives us a chance to set priorities: maintaining the parish’s physical infrastructure, taking on outreach and mission activities, supporting local and international causes such as Bethany House, ACCA, and Our Little Roses in Honduras. We are also looking at how we can assist Fr. Jeff in mentoring our Seminarian Mark and our deacon-in-training Theresa. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 17 at 6:00 pm for the Vestry-sponsored Shrove Tuesday pancake supper! We look forward to seeing everyone there to kick off the Lenten season. -Betsy Anderson, Senior Warden What does it mean to live as a Christian in this time and place? What does God want you to do with your time? Your talents? Your money? Your life? How much time have you spent pondering these questions? There have been some recent news stories about the benefits of boredom and how, in our tech-centered, entertainment-on-demand society, we are cheating ourselves out of creativity because our brains are always engaged with some distraction or other, so we miss out on the daydreaming that leads to innovative thinking and the pursuit of new goals. I think we are also cheating ourselves out of hearing God’s call. Or perhaps we are trying to cheat God by constantly distracting ourselves to the point that His call is crowded out. Of course, God cannot be cheated, and fortunately for us, He is persistent. God loves us. His will for our lives will bring us joy, if only we take the time to be still and quiet and open. Lent offers an opportunity to unplug, for an hour, a day, for a week, for the entire season, to give ourselves free time to think and pray about the questions I posed at the beginning. What is God calling us to do, to be? What does it mean to live as a Christian? Thanks to everyone who made a pledge to St. Alban’s to support our ministries and our life in community and worship. If you would like to fill out a card, there are some in the narthex. It is never too late. -Allison Blanchard, Stewardship Chair Passages Larry Schrag, husband of Lynne, and father of Jeanne Foster, Debra Schrag, Rebecca Lane and Phillip Schrag, passed away on January 19. Larry was a long time parishioner of St. Alban’s, and over the years, volunteered for many committees and activities. He usually played some important role in most everything going on at St. Alban’s. Larry will be best known for his work to manage and coordinate the St. Alban’s major expansion construction, which included the installation of an elevator, reconfiguration of offices, and the beautiful, welcoming, light-filled narthex we have today. Larry’s memorial service was held at St. Alban’s on January 26. Contributions in memory of Larry may be made to St. Alban’s Memorial Grove. Ellen Kennedy, wife of Stu, died on January 22 after a long illness. Ellen was a long time parishioner of St. Alban’s. A memorial service is planned for Ellen in February; more details to come. Please hold the Schrag and Kennedy families in your hearts and prayers. Larry Schrag, in hard hat, with thenrector Grayce O’Neill Rowe, at a ceremonial ribbon cutting for new narthex. 2 "Receive, O Lord, your servants Larry and Ellen into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light." Choir Notes February 1. American composer Everett Titcomb (1884-1968) was influenced by the Second New England School of musicians (George Chadwick, Horatio Parker, et al.), French music, and most notably the plainchant and polyphonic traditions of 15th-16th century Italy. Indeed, he was largely responsible for reintroducing the latter forms into the Episcopal Church. Titcomb served for 50 years as organist and choirmaster at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Boston, whose choir is now merged with that of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. We will be singing Titcomb’s anthem, O Love, How Deep. February 8 . This Sunday’s anthem, taken from the Methodist Episcopal Anthem Book (1864) is Hearken unto Me, by the English composer Samuel Chapple (1775-1833). Blind from smallpox at the age of 15 months, Chapple was apprenticed to an organist in 1790. By 1795 he had been appointed organist at Ashburton, a post he held for the rest of his life. Chapple wrote three volumes of church music dedicated to the Ashburton choir, as well as secular songs. February 15. England’s preeminent 16th century composer, Thomas Tallis, was born in 1510, William Levi Dawson or perhaps as early as 1505, probably in Kent, which at last report was still in England. By the time of his death in 1585, he had lived under four monarchs, both Catholic and Protestant. Church musicians during this period faced a difficult time trying to reconcile their personal religious preferences with those of their monarchs. While Tallis’ leanings were probably toward Catholicism, he managed to adapt his composing to the often-confusing prevailing winds, as well as to the influences of composers from the European continent. During the reign of Elizabeth I (15581603), Tallis was generally free to compose in both Latin and English. O nata lux de lumine (O Light Born of Light) is one of about 15 Latin motets written during this period. February 22. William Levi Dawson (1899-1990) was a composer, trombonist, educator, and choir director. Born in Anniston, Alabama, he graduated from Tuskegee Institute and then received a Master’s degree from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. In classical music circles, he is best known for his Negro Folk Symphony (1934). Dawson headed the Music Department at his alma mater from 1931 to 1956, during which time the Tuskegee Institute Choir developed an international reputation. We will be singing his spiritual, Ain’-A That Good News, composed in 1937. -Clarence Zuvekas Seminarian’s Corner When you read this I will just be returning from two weeks in the Holy Land. I have never been before and truly look forward to the experiences in the land were Jesus lived and walked. In February we move through Epiphany which is a season of worship where the whole world follows the Wise Men to find and honor Jesus into the season of Lent, a time of self-examination and quiet contemplation of the mysteries of God. Let us all reflect on the journey we have with Jesus Christ, Emanuel, God with us! -Mark Chambers Publisher: The Very Rev. Jeff Shankles Muldoon Concert Series Managing Editor Photo Editor, Design & Layout: Barbara Hallman February 1 4:00 pm Production and Distribution: Monica Beniste; Sharon Belanger David Kelley Organ Contributors: The Very Rev. Jeff Shankles; Betsy Anderson; Allison Blanchard; Gail Coleman; Mark Chambers; Clarence Zuvekas. Photographers: Barbara Hallman; Fred Holmes; Kristy Hudson Articles/photos welcome! email to: [email protected] Deadline Next Edition: February 15 St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Annandale, VA 22003 Phone: 703-256-2966 www.stalbansva.org 3 March 1 4:00 pm Malarky with Debbie Rosse April 12 4:00 pm Brass of Peace May 3 7:00 pm Carmina early music vocal ensemble Dinner for the Parish The Youth Group said thanks to parishioners of St. Alban’s and Peace Lutheran for their financial and spiritual support over the year with a “thank you dinner” on Sunday, January 25. The Youth Group prepared and served a taco dinner for all. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Youth Group function without some fun and games and fine entertainment by the talented members of the Youth Group. A good time was had by all! 4 5 Robby is baptized Robert (Robby) Bradley was baptized on January 11 by Fr. Jeff. Robby is the brother of Heath and son of Peter Larson and Bob Ensinger. Robby’s Godparents are Robert Kennedy England III and Susan B. England. Congratulations to Robby and his loving family! February 1 Youth Group Sub Sale Super Bowl Sub Sunday! Support the Youth Group Mission Trip to Appalachia. Order subs made the way you like them during both services and coffee hour. It’s time for the World Famous, 11th Annual St. Alban’s Chili Cook-Off sponsored by the Parish Life Committee. January 31 Annual Chili Cook-off 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tasting and judging will be between 5:00 and 6:30 pm and winners will be announced at 7:00 pm. We need you to come taste and judge these wonderful dishes. Fabulous prizes are offered to contestants! ACCA Clothing Drive Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 17 at 6:00 pm And pancake games! 6 There will be a second ACCA collection of winter outerwear for day laborers. Bring any donations and put them in/near the ACCA food totes, preferably by February 7, but at least by February 12. They will be distributed on Friday, February 13. Items requested include jackets and coats, hooded sweat shirts, heavy sweaters, stocking type hats, gloves, and heavy scarves. Questions? Fred Holmes 703-5605234, [email protected]. Youth Group Fun! De-Greening the Church Youth Group on a high note. Up in the rafters removing the Christmas greens, then back on the ground for refreshing snacks. Helping ACCA Help Those in Need Although the economy has improved, demands on ACCA for food and monetary relief continue at a very high level. Food requests continue at an unprecedented level, and the family assistance program experienced requests in December that were 80 percent higher than the year before. As a result, ACCA badly needs assistance in its food program. ACCA particularly needs additional food captains. This position is ideal for someone who is retired and has some flexibility in his or her schedule. Food captains serve one week each quarter and coordinate referrals between the County and volunteers who deliver the food. Some days, referrals are light and other days, they are heavy, but on average the job requires 30 minutes to an hour a day. You can also deliver food to needy individuals and families, or stock pantry shelves. These tasks do not require that you commit to a particular schedule but can be done as your time permits, a few times a year, monthly, or weekly. They are also activities for which your children can receive community service credit, working with a parent or by themselves. If you would like to help out, please contact Gail Coleman, 703-354-0656, [email protected], or Ginger Caress, 703-256-3665, [email protected]. –Gail Coleman 7 February Birthdays Marty Barringer DeeDee Payne Ted Blanchard Gina Clune Jayden Baer Emily Koppelman Parker Koppelman Ed Caress Gwen DeFilippi Solange Beniste Bethia Sherman Marta Hyde Wendy Cleland-Hamnett Harris Andrews Robby Bradley Kit Ryan Michael White Kelly Perduk Bob Ensinger Trish Lese Han Binkholder Lara Wulff Mikyoung Cho Stu Kennedy Ann Gamber Jinny Jennings Paul Lavrakas Sarah Rutherford Lana Hardeman Henry Clune Kevin Moore Maggie Barker Linda Cummings Malcolm White Jean Stonesifer Cathy Casey Sipho Kargbo Eleanor Irish William Nelson Dave Wildes Dennis Cook 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 14 14 17 18 18 18 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 26 29 First Friday of the Month Lunch Bunch February 6 Yves’ Bistro 235 Swamp Fox Road Alexandria (703) 329-1010 Please RSVP to Lynne Schrag 703-941-9174 [email protected] St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 6800 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Annandale, VA Permit No. 38 Calendar Highlights New Look on Columbia Pike Our new presence on Columbia Pike was installed in December 2014. Thank you, Jim Kilby, Chris Martin and Nancy Harrell for all your hard work! January 31 Annual Chili Cook-off February 1 Youth Group Sub Sale Muldoon Concert David Kelley, Organ; 4:00 pm February 7 ACCA Outwear Clothing Drive deadline February 17 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6:00 pm February 18 Ash Wednesday Services 7:00 am, 12:00 pm 6:00 pm (children’s service) and 7:30 pm Youth choir meets after the 10:15 am service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. A full Lenten Schedule is provided in a handy insert to this edition of The Word. 8
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