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Kenbridge VA 23944i
Saints Alive! -4-
Saints Alive!- September 2013
The Reverend Virginia “Gini” DiStanislao, Priest in Charge
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
One of my favorite authors is Joan Chittister, a Benedictine nun in Pennsylvania. This week a friend of mine, Kathy Wootton, posted the following on Facebook from Joan.
“To know our gifts is to know our role in life. We are what we are. But the gift of self unfolds as we go, often slowly, always with surprise. It can take years before it becomes clear—the real gift that is hidden within us. Finding the gifts that God has given you takes courage; it takes risk; it takes exploration; it takes failure as we stumble from one arena to the other. But in the end what I get back is the wholeness of myself.
We all come with a gift in our hand designed to make life a better place. The only question is whether we spend it on others or only on ourselves.
It is learning that the gifts we have been given are given for the rest of the human community that makes us more human ourselves. Everyone does some things better than other things. What I have to give is always that one thing that is most needed in every situation because no one else can give it. The obligation is to pour it out like oil on the head of the universe.
Don’t be afraid to follow the dreams of your heart. They are the sign of what should be, of what you must do to be whole, of what you down deep really believe the world must taste to be true to itself.
Clearly, what we are asked to give is only what we are—and that is more than nothing.”
As summer comes to a close and a new season begins, may we take this time to assess our gifts to see what we can offer the world to make it a better place. Please stay tuned for a spiritual gifts workshop being offered to you this fall.
Blessings, Gini+
SEPTEMBER - WORSHIP ASSISTANTS SCHEDULE
Lay Readers Acolytes Music
9 -1 Sallie Ann & Vyta Libby & Emily Mary Lou
9- 8 Sid & Sallie Ann Jeb & Jakob Nikki
9-15 Jim & Eileen Tucker & Mattie Ann Margaret
9-22 Margie & Nikki Emma & Jackson Pat
9-27 Vyta & Gabe Luke & Jeb Margie
If you cannot serve on the day assigned, please secure a substitute to cover.
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GODLY PLAY
Teachers are needed!!! Please contact Nikki Amos if you are willing and able to help!
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RALLY SUNDAY - sEPT. 8
Church School resumes with Godly Play for pre-school children and Dr. John Allen’s classes for our older
learners. Commissioning and recognition of our lay readers, choir, teachers and acolytes will be held during
the service.
Picnic and Fellowship will follow the service in the Pavilion. We will have hamburgers and hot dogs – please
bring a side dish or dessert to share.
Please join us and bring a friend!!!
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EYC
Meeting and Election of officers – Sunday, Sept. 8th. Following the cookout we will go to Farmville to the Adventure Park at Sandy River where we will have fun on the ropes course and zip line. Sign up and forms need to be completed prior to going.
Please see the bulletin board and Gini for more information.
Attention Youth! Happening #60 - November 8-10, Chanco on the James. Happening- A Christian Experience is a Christian renewal program designed for youth in grades 10-12. The focal point of the weekend is learning and experiencing the love of Christ. The weekend format includes series of talks, movies, small group activities and worship, as well as opportunities for fellowship, fun and making new friends. Click here for details and registration. Click here for event flyer.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE DIOCESE
Bishop's Days for Everyone! - October 5 at Redeemer, Midlothian and October 12 at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach. Bishop's Days 2014 is a whole new experience - new ways to teach, learn, and share. Our Bishop's Days this year will be modeled on the popular TED Conferences. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a nonprofit devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading." It brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers in order to present a series of inspiring talks, each less than 18 minutes long. The creators of TED believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. There are "Ideas Worth Spreading" in Southern Virginia, so we're having our own TED-style conference. The talks are short, but long on inspiration. The day should give you new perspectives, ideas and ways of thinking. If you let it, it could change YOUR world. Click here for all the details and online registration.
The Bishop is coming to Blackstone!
The Rt. Rev. Herman Hollerith will visit St. Luke’s in Blackstone on October 27th. Anyone seeking baptism, confirmation, or reception into the Church, please see Gini+ for more information. Since the Bishop is only in our area every other year or so, this is a great opportunity.
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Outreach
According to a recent article in the local newspaper, Madeline’s staff and volunteers have been packing, moving and unpacking since July to get their new facility ready for operation. They actually now have two homes instead of one: an office location and a shelter location. There is still much left to be done, but they are hopeful that the shelter will be fully House operational in its new location by early September. We have some things ready to take to the shelter, but with this new move they could surely use some routine needs items and, as always, money. You can visit them on their Web site at www.madelineshouse.org and I will post their new wish list in the parish hall.
Also, don’t forget donations to our regular Salvation Army food needs and plastic bags.
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TREASURER’S REPORT
July 2013 / Year to Date / Overall % of AnnualPledges Received / 4,559 / 30,041 / 63.20%
Building Fund / 20 / 900 / 52.94%
Open Plate / 248 / 1,901
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ECW – Yard Sale – HUGE Success!
Thanks to the hard work of MANY people, the ECW yard sale was a resounding success. We cleared $1,366!!
Thanks to all who donated items, organized, set up, sold, and cleaned up! Truly a TEAM effort!!!
Left-over items have been donated to Good Will and to the Honduras mission.
Special thanks to Jim D. for breakfast biscuits and Gary K. and Lynn N. for lunch sandwiches! They were a
special treat!!!
Set Up – approx. 6:30 a.m. Inspecting the goods!!!
Lots of stuff!!! It’s over! Approx. 1230 p.m.
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CHOIR
Wishing Trish a fond “farewell” at Kahill’s.
Don’t forget . . . See Eileen if you’d like to join the choir! All are welcome!
Welcome to Sidney Long
Sidney will be sharing his musical talents by playing the organ for us once a month. Sidney (for those who don’t know him already) lives in South Hill and works in the Lunenburg County Public School system. He has been sharing his musical talents in Southside Virginia for many years and is very well known for his abilities.
We are very happy to have him join us. Please be sure to say “hello”!
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Welcome to THE BOY SCOUTS
The Kenbridge Boy Scouts lost their meeting house due to a change in building ownership recently. With vestry discussion and approval, they will now meet twice a month on Monday evenings in our parish hall.
What a great way to share our blessings and resources with these young people and with the adults who work with them in developing good citizens!
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PRAYER LIST
Please keep the following parishioners and friends in your daily prayers for healing in mind, body or spirit:
Saints Alive! -6-
v Ann
v Maebelle
v Joe
v Paul and Dolly
v Timmy
v Cookie
v Charlie
v Myra
v Emily
v Sherry
v Melanie
v Richard
v Ellen
v Joan
v Gee Gee
v Mama Helen
v Neil
v Kate
v Owen
v Doris
v Jennifer
Saints Alive! -6-
We commit to God’s gracious care and keeping all the men and women of the armed forces at home and abroad, especially Aaron, Tyler, Rodger, and Jody. We pray that their courage and sacrifice may bring lasting peace wherever they serve.
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COMMUNICATION - Thanks, Burt, for your photography!!! S.
Facebook Link:
Website: http://www.stpaulandstandrew.com/
Church Directory Updates: None for this month.
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MISSION STATEMENT of The Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew
It is the mission of the Parish to be present in our community as living examples of Christ’s love; to be good stewards of God’s creation, to seek out the needy, and to bring others to know Christ.
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew
512 S. Broad St.
P. O. Box 248
Kenbridge, VA 23944