In the Autumn 2005 issue:
From Rachele
|
Welcome Tim Grayson and Bartholomayo Bol Deng
|
From Father Jack
|
Yard Sale
|
From the Delbridge Family
|
In the Atrium . . .
|
Building Project
|
International Festival
|
Program on Healing Prayer
It seems truly incredible to me that we have already begun another year together. I am now into my eighth year as your Rector. I keep thinking I must be counting wrong! But, unless you give sabbaticals to rectors after just two years' service (which is what it feels like), indeed, seven years have speedily gone by.
One of the questions clergy are asked when they return from sabbatical — in fact, it may be the #1 question — is whether we go to church when we are "let loose from the office." I would like to be able to tell you that I was in church every Sunday I was gone, but I cannot; sometimes even I just rolled over. I can say, however, that I was in church for most of them.
The next question we are usually asked is whether going to church while on sabbatical/vacation is like a busman's holiday. Do we find ourselves sitting there taking notes, if you will, rather than worshiping? Well, I must admit, sometimes it's just one of the hazards of the vocation; but often those notes are positive and full of ideas as to what we might introduce into our own parishes - stamped with our own unique style, of course.
Where did I go? The very first day of sabbatical, Sunday, May 1, found me at the National Cathedral in Washington. The new Dean there, Sam Lloyd, is the former Rector of Trinity, Boston, where I once served. It was so good to hear Sam preach again and to renew my friendship with the Lloyd family.
After some time with my family in New York, I headed to Little Rock, Arkansas, and St. Margaret's Church where I attended worship on two Sundays. St. Margaret's is where I served immediately after Trinity, Boston, and before All Saints-Sharon Chapel. When I arrived there in 1995, this new mission plant was meeting in a movie theater (very different from Trinity's magnificent edifice). Instead of mugs, we gave popcorn to newcomers each week, a tradition which has continued in the new building. I was surprised to find how much the congregation of St. Margaret's has changed; I thought that only happened in Washington, DC! It was wonderful to catch up with so many special friends. They were, after all, the ones who convinced me to take the plunge into "rectorhood."
I then turned my car (gas was a bit cheaper then) toward Los Alamos, New Mexico, where I spent June with Mary Mahler and Steve Younger whom, you may remember, were parishioners at AS-SC during Steve's stint in Washington. They whisked me off, almost immediately, to Hawaii for nine wonderful days. In Maui, the closest church had only an 8:30 a.m. Sunday service which Mary and Steve attended. Alas, I rolled over. Back in Los Alamos, the next two Sundays saw me at Trinity, Steve and Mary's home parish. It was the only church I have ever attended with a majority of physicists in the pews! In the note taking department, I asked why the hangings in the sanctuary were red. The former director of the Altar Guild told me it was because the Pentecost season was so long and they tired of the color green, so they continued to use the color' of the Day of Pentecost and would change to green in mid-August!
On to Germany (by airplane), where the two Sunday church services I attended could not have been more different from each other. The first Sunday I was to be found at St. Augustine of Canterbury, the American church in Wiesbaden. St. Augustine's is a parish of The Convocation of American Churches in Europe. It was a straight Rite II Holy Eucharist and, other than the German flag hanging next to the American flag in the loft, I never would have known that I was outside the United States. In fact, the Rector, Mother Hubbard (yes, it's true), and I attended the same seminary and were ordained in the same Diocese.
The following weekend we spent visiting friends in Darmstadt. Our hostess's father was once the leader of the Lutheran Church in Germany and, on Sunday, off to her Lutheran church we went. The building itself was about half the size of AS-SC. The service was similar to our service of Morning Prayer, except that it was all in German, of course. Fortunately, I was with three other people who spoke German and every few minutes one of them would lean over and summarize what was being said. But I needed no help recognizing when the Creed was recited or the Lord's Prayer was prayed. The pastor was away on vacation, so the leader of the service and preacher was the organist! I couldn't wait to get home and add our own Lutheran organist to the preaching rota!
When all was said and done, the church I most wanted to revisit was All Saints-Sharon Chapel in Alexandria, Virginia. We have a busy Fall before us filled with many exciting programs and ministries. Our weekends are filled with the Parish Retreat, Yard Sale, International Dinner and Parish Clean-up. Bishop Jones will be visiting us for Confirmation and Reception on Sunday, November 6, All Saints Sunday, and our Patronal Feast Day. We will see three babies (as of this writing) receive the Sacrament of Baptism and become members of the Body of Christ. We will welcome two new seminarians and introduce a new group of children to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. We will continue our journey toward building additional space. We will continue to worship and fellowship and pray for those who need our prayers. If you are new among us, we welcome you and invite you to join us in listening for those new opportunities to which God will be calling us. And we invite you to join us in serving Him by serving our brothers and sisters, whoever and wherever they may be.
We welcome among us this year two students from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Tim Grayson, our official seminarian, is a Middler and a transfer student. He is from North Palmerston, New Zealand, and spent the last year and a half in seminary in his home country. Before returning to New Zealand, Tim spent twenty years in Baltimore working in medical publishing and, just before leaving, was introduced to a woman by the name of Kathy. Two months ago, Tim returned to marry Kathy and is now a candidate for ordination in the Diocese of Maryland. Tim's learning goal is to gather experience in Christian Education and working with youth.
The Rev. Bartholomayo Bol Deng comes to us from the Church in the Province of Sudan, where he serves as an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Bar, the Church of Sudan's largest Diocese. "Bol" is one of "The Lost Boys" who fled the war in southern Sudan to Ethiopia, separated from families and seeking refuge under the harshest of conditions. Through his work, schools are now being built in communities which have been without educational resources for 20 years. Bol will be preaching and celebrating the Eucharist regularly, as well as learning about the administrative procedures of a local parish church in this country. One weekend a month, Bol will travel to other churches and venues to share his experiences.
We are truly blessed by the presence of these two men and welcome them to All Saints-Sharon Chapel!
September 14, 2005
Dear friends in Christ,
Thank you so much for opening your hearts and hands to me as your supply priest.
Rachelle greatly deserved this sabbatical and time away from the day to day work-load of the church. I know that you will continue to support your Rector as she leads you forward in the expansion of Gunnell Hall, faithfulness in the Christian formation of every parishioner, more involvement in the liturgical life and recommitment to the needs of the people and community.
May God continue to bless her and you as you bless Him in your reaching out into-the world in His Name,
Jack Weise +
Feast of the Holy Cross, 2005 A.D.
The Outreach Committee is having a Yard Sale on Saturday, October 15th, 2005, at the Delbridge home at 6127 Redwood Lane, Alexandria, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is little room for clothes — little room to display them — so we plan to sell good baby or children's clothing primarily. But if you have a dynamite adult clothing item which is sure to sell, bring it on. We will have some room for really great pieces of clothing. All other desirable items are welcome. Sporting equipment, bikes, household items, jewelry, toys, books, tools, etc. You may bring small items over to Redwood Lane any time after October 1st. Please bring larger items (too big for the not-so-empty garage) the week before the sale, but preferably on Friday before or early Saturday morning the 15th. We can also use happy hands on the day of the sale to help display our wares and handle the throngs of neighbors clamoring for our treasures. Dig deep in your closets and contribute to the cause — the Outreach fund. And come on October 15th and buy and visit with Sharon Chapel friends.
To Our Parish Family,
Dick and I, our sons and family, would like to thank our many friends from All Saints who prayed for my mother, Martha Jane Becker, during the last months of her life and for our family. Your prayers supported us mightily! And your calls and cards and hugs and heartfelt wishes at the time of her death and since have brought all of us such comfort. We also want to thank the Outreach Committee and others who contributed to the memorial gift made to the Logan County Charitable and Educational Foundation, Inc., which mother helped to establish in Logan, West Virginia. We are all honored by your thoughtful gift which will continue to bring support to those in need of a helping hand. Thank you so very much for all your love and support.
Sincerely, Jane and Dick Delbridge and Family
The Voyage to Narnia program for young people is scheduled for five Wednesday evenings, October 12th through November 9th. Children, and adult volunteers, will explore the world of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. Participants will choose from a variety of activities based on characters and events in the book: arts, crafts, games, book discussions, video viewing, etc. Everyone is invited to attend these evening programs or volunteer to help. Thanks to all who have already volunteered. Aslan is on the move! (The first meeting, on October 12th is a "get organized" meeting for adult volunteers to plan the program.)
A Status Report
The Congregation decided in January 2005 to redirect Sharon Chapel's. building project from sanctuary expansion to adding onto Gunnell Hall. This decision was reinforced by generous financial support which, to date, indicates that we will have the wherewithal to pay for the project.
We have retained a local architectural firm of good reputation, Sheridan, Behm, Eustice and Associates, and their preliminary design concept was discussed with the Vestry and approved.
That concept is for the removal of the current roof from Gunnell Hall and building up the side walls to provide approximately 2500 square feet of new usable space on a second floor. A hip type roof with high ceilings is contemplated. A hip roof will accommodate an adjusted height limit on the side adjacent to our neighbor's property and thereby meet the required building code. The provision for an elevator is included and will be used for storage until it is decided to install elevator machinery at a future date. All bathrooms in Gunnell Hall will be constructed or brought "up to code". Two stairways will be provided. The main stairwell will be on the southwest side, adjacent to the current furnace room and slightly encroaching on patio space (just a few feet). The other stairway will be on the outside face of the building in a position over the current outside door.
Since the current project involves expanding our facility by just under one-third of the total space and exceeds the county approved area of about 800 square feet by a significant amount, we are required to obtain approval of the Board of-Zoning Appeals, a revised site plan and actual construction drawings (building plans). This process has been started. Our request for an amendment to our approved Special Permit was filed with the county on July 14 and was hoped to be straightforward based on our already documented and approved plan. Unfortunately, Fairfax County requirements in the interim have been changed and our original civil engineering firm's (Stevenson and Stewart, Inc.) current workload is such that they are unable to provide the necessary revisions to the information/documentation required by Fairfax County at this time.
So our current situation is that we are asking Stevenson and Stewart to review their position to help us. If circumstances are such that this proves impossible, we will need to identify an alternate resource. This is not preferred since that resource would need to revalidate much of the work that has already been done.
After the revised documentation is accepted by the board's staff, a hearing will be scheduled for approval of our permit amendment request within 90 days. Site and construction plans approval will follow that action.
I am distraught that a valid time table cannot be stated for the completion of this project. There are just too many variables which are out of our direct control in order to make that estimate. Rest assured, however, that everything is being done, short of uneconomical actions, to proceed with the technical and administrative aspects of this project. I hope that my next report to you will include the construction schedule.
Dick Delbridge
20 September 2005
Saturday, October 22nd
International Festival Dinner
You are invited to participate in our International Festival Dinner and Auction on Saturday, October 22nd.
International Dinner
This year, along with delicious food from all over the world, folk dancing, and a children's film festival, we are planning games and other entertainment. Wear your fancy foreign clothes, bring a favorite family dish, a photo of yourself when you were in another country, and think of a funny story about your travels.
We will have prizes for the person who can name the most countries in pictures and for the person who tells the funniest travel story. Please bring the recipe for the dish you bring and we'll copy it for anyone who would like to have it. Food will be arranged buffet style in Gunnell Hall so we will have lots of room for socializing.
There is no charge for the evening but we need your participation to make the evening a success. Here are some ways you can help.
Please contact Juanita Illera, Pat Taylor, Sharon Field, Vicki Sharp, or Patty Ballard, or drop a note in the collection plate.
Silent Auction
AS-SC is gearing up for the Silent Auction. Yes, it will be similar to last year's; thanks for all the support. Sorry, this may be a bit late - hopefully we can "make this happen."
Please set aside your treasures and talents for the AS-SC Silent Auction. The event will be on October 22 - yes, we will share the date with the International Festival! The goal is to raise funds for the Outreach program. Items should be brought to the church on the previous Sunday or by 5:00 PM on Festival Day. The shoppers will be able to bid (closed) for items and services during the Festival. Questions? Please contact Linda Ysewyn. Remember, to ensure a smooth evening, please get your "donations" in early!
Psalm 145:7:
They shall PUBLISH the remembrance of your great goodness; they shall sing of your righteous deeds.
In chapter 5 of John's Gospel, we read that Jesus saw an invalid lying beside the pool at Bethesda. The man had been an invalid for 38 years. Jesus asked the man, "Do you want to get well?" The man's response was a vague excuse for why he had not been healed. How would we respond to Jesus' question? Are there things we do and ideas we have that prevent us from the healing that Jesus so compassionately offers to us?
This program will explore habits and attitudes that can potentially inhibit our physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and offer insights on what we can do to become more receptive to God's healing. Come, learn, and receive healing prayer.
The program is offered by The Order of St. Luke the Physician, an ecumenical organization dedicated to the Christian heading ministry. The speaker is the Reverend David Harper. November 5, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., at St. Albans Church, Washington, D.C. The cost is $30 and includes lunch. Contact Paul Rae or see www.osl-washingtondc.org for more information or to register.
September 25, 2005