Sharing in Blessings

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

West Point, Mississippi

The Incarnate Word

29 September 2011

In Act 1, scene 4 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet the following exchange takes place between the minor characters, Horatio and Marcellus (lines 87-91):

Horatio                  He waxes desperate with imagination.

Marcellus              Let’s follow.  ‘Tis not fit to obey him.

Horatio                  Have after.  To what issue will this come?

Marcellus              Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Horatio                  Heaven will direct it.

This exchange occurs when the characters have seen the young Hamlet run off after the ghost of his father, and debate whether they should stay where they are–as he has ordered–or follow.  Notice that Marcellus says that something is rotten in the state of Denmark, rather than in Denmark.  The fish is rotten from the head down.  The king is corrupt, and therein lies the problem.

In our Old Testament lesson this week (Isa. 5.1-7) we encounter rot of another sort in “The Song of the Vineyard”.  The prophet sings of a vineyard planted with care by the Lord which, despite this care, has yielded “wild” grapes.  Actually, in Hebrew the word here translated as “wild” means “rotten”.  It derives from the verb root “to stink”.  In other words, something stinks.  But the rot is not here head down.  The Lord of the vineyard here, and the landowner in Jesus’ parable of the vineyard and the wicked tenants, are righteous.  It is those who inhabit the vineyard who are rotten.  The wickedness is in each case a bottom-up phenomenon, a wickedness which results from the willful violation of the top-down design intended.

We cannot complain of rot within this parish, as much as we might complain of rot in the world at large.  But what the Song of the Vineyard reminds us of is that God has entrusted us with His world.  “All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thin own have we given thee.”  When we remember that we are but stewards, and that the blessings we enjoy are to be shared, then stewardship becomes straightforward, because we keep in mind that the head of the Church is righteous, and invites us into His own righteousness.

Adult Education:  The 5 p.m. session on Scripture will not meet this Sunday, 2 October, due to a conflict, but will resume as scheduled on 9 October.

EYC Breakfast:  The first EYC monthly breakfast meets this Tuesday, 4 October, at 7:15, at the Trulove House.  Bert and Sharon Falkner are graciously hosting.  We will provide a full breakfast.  If you are interested in hosting a breakfast (the next one will be on 1 November, All Saints’ Day, no less), please contact Debbie.

Coffee hour sign-ups:  We need people to sign up to host coffee hour.  Snacks can be very simple.  Please sign up on the sheet in the kitchen.

Stewardship:   The stewardship campaign is in full swing.  Whether or not you intend to pledge, please complete a pledge card and return it to your box camptain, or to the parish office.

New to the prayer list:  Brenda Holcombe, Beverly, Will.

Thanksgivings:  Thanksgivings are due to Michelle Easterling and Carolyn Jane Hay for hosting the stewardship luncheon, and for then truning around the same day to provide food at the evening adult education class!.

Eucharistic Visitors:  Kathy Dyess, Thomas Easterling, Keith Mooney, and Ron Powell have been licensed by Bishop Gray as Eucharistic Visitors.  This means that in addition to Deacon Patricia and Rufus Wrad (licensed as a Worship Leader), they four visitors can take communiion to any home or hospital-bound person in the absence of a priest.  When a supply priest is present at Incarnation, he or she will consecrate extra Holy Eucharist to be kept in the tabernacle.

Upcoming conferences:  The conference schedule for The Center for Formation and Ministry at The Gray Center can be accessed at http://cffm.dioms.org  .  The schedule includes a 7 to 9 October retreat for men, led by The Rev. Patrick Gahan, “Does God really have a dream for you ... or is destiny overrated?”  This conference centers on the role of men in the Church, in an era when women comprise the majority in most parishes.  Cost is $150, including meals and lodging.

Music this week:  The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

Psalm 80.7-14, A Hymn Tune Psalter

Pro.      518, Christ is made the sure foundation

Seq.     495, Hail, thou once-despisèd Jesus

Anthem:  To Mock your Reign, O Dearest Lord (Hymnal 170)

Rec.     372, Praise to the living God!

Com.   458, 474

Giving and an Active Faith

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

West Point, Mississippi

The Incarnate Word

22 September 2011

This Sunday we kick off the 2012 stewardship campaign.  We will abbreviate the process this year, to have all pledges received by Sunday, 30 October.  The budgeting process is running in parallel, to allow for a good appreciation of the financial picture before Fr. Karl leaves.  The most likely scenario for calling a new rector does not involve having a priest in residence before mid-summer 2012.  In the interim the plan is to have Holy Eucharist twice a month, using supply clergy, with Morning Prayer being offered during the other Sundays of each month.

It is vitally important that you not assume any material decrease in budget needs for 2012.  Even assuming that a priest is in residence for only half a year, significant costs will arise.  Moving Fr. Karls’ family 5 years ago cost over $11,000.  We were fortunate that year to receive a $6,000 cost contribution from the diocesan budget (money which had been budgeted to move graduating seminarians), but no such funds are included in the 2012 diocesan budget.  In addition, we have had the benefit of Fr. Karl’s family health care costs being covered under a spousal plan.  We cannot assume this for a new priest, and the yearly cost for a family plan is now over $20,200.  There will be some recruiting costs, and the diocesan minimum compensation package has been raised.  The net result of these 2012 costs is to make the budget demand unchanged, in a year when we will lose 2 pledges due to moves.  Continued giving at at least a 2011 level is needed.

Giving in support of the ministry of the Church is not optional.  We cannot be consumers only.  Our Lord enjoins us to an active faith, and this activity is expressed partly in the giving of time, talent, and treasure.  Remember, Jesus does not say that our treasure will be where our heart is; He says that our heart will be where our treasure is (Mtt. 6.21).  In other words, we must choose where we invest value, and we are called to invest value in the mission of the Church.

The biblical standard for giving is the tithe.  Whether you choose to calculate this on a gross or net basis is your decision, although recall that when Jesus enjoins that we are to “render unto Caesar the things that are Casear’s” (Mtt. 22.21) He is talking about taxes, and He makes clear that this reckoning is separate from rendering unto God the things that are God’s.

Finally, however you calculate your support, consider that our campaigns have focused on current needs, but you can plan your giving for future needs by naming the parish in your will or in a charitable remainder trust.  Building an endowment remains a long-range goal for the parish.

Adult Education:  The History of Christian Art course is offered at 9:15 on Sunday mornings by Kathy Dyess.  Beginning this Sunday, 18 September, we will offer a 5 p.m. course, An Introduction to Holy Scripture.  This will be a six-week course designed to familiarize the student with the study of the Bible in a systematic fashion.  Each class will begin with a light supper and will last for 90 minutes.

The 5 p.m. class (with pot luck supper) will include child care. 

EYC Breakfast:  Beginning on October 4, EYC will hold an extra monthly meeting, as a brekfast and devotional meeting.  The meetings will take place at 7:15 a.m., to last until 7:55, and will include food, fellowship and prayer.  The model of this ministry is the weekly prayer breakfasts of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  The breakfast (which will be at the fellowship hall) will allow EYC members an additonal opportunity to build community together.  (That’s the “C” in EYC.)

Coffee hour sign-ups:  We need people to sign up to host coffee hour.  Snacks can be very simple.  Please sign up on the sheet in the kitchen.

Stewardship Sunday luncheon:  The stewardship campaign kicks-off this year on Sunday, 25 September.  The luncheon is pot-luck. 

New to the prayer list:  Parker, Perry.

Civic Prayer:  Members of Gospel Lighthouse Pentecostal Church meet every Monday at 9 a.m., at the gazebo in Sally Kate Winters Park to pray for the city and for city leaders.  All are welcome to join in this civic prayer.

Thanksgivings:  Thanksgiving is offered to Susan Chandler for organizing a very successful meeting of and supper for the Altar Guild.

Upcoming conferences:  The conference schedule for The Center for Formation and Ministry at The Gray Center can be accessed at http://cffm.dioms.org  .  The schedule includes a 7 to 9 October retreat for men, led by The Rev. Patrick Gahan, “Does God really have a dream for you ... or is destiny overrated?”  This conference centers on the role of men in the Church, in an era when women comprise the majority in most parishes.  Cost is $150, including meals and lodging.

Music this week:  The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

Psalm 25.1-8, A Hymn Tune Psalter

Pro.      492, Sing, ye faithful, sing with gladness

Seq.     439, What wondrous love is this

Off.     Anthem:  O God Beyond all Praising (WOV no. 797)

Rec.     477, All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine

Com.   339, 305

Hospitality and Evangelism

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

West Point, Mississippi

The Incarnate Word

15 September 2011

The word “evangelism” is heard by many Episcopalians in a way that causes unease.  Mental pictures arise of standing on a street corner and haranguing passers-by.  In reality, however, evangelism involves no more (and no less) than presenting the Good News of God in Jesus Christ, which we have each promised to do in our baptismal covenant.  This can be done in words, but is often better done in action.

Last Sunday we experienced evangelism at work.  The parish picnic and open-house included no less than 11 adult guests and 6 or 7 children.  The event included our guests getting to know us a bit as individuals, getting to know how we come together as a group, and learning more about the spiritual life of the Church in this place.

Evangelism is not about getting new members (although a couple of adults asked me about our worship times).  It’s about winning souls for God; about allowing people to experience how God reaches out to them through our invitation, hospitality and testimony.  If somebody does not have a church home, and because of our example is prompted to explore, and then becomes better connected to God through worship at any church, our evangelism has been effective.  We may (rightly) believe that we have unique strengths to offer as a church, but it must remain paramount that the person evangelized has some experience of God that calls him or her to seek the full experience of God, and if God leads them to another worshipping community, then His will be done!

Notice that evangelism was not difficult or threatening.  It involved inviting people to come share with us.  We can do this at all times; to invite people to worship with us, to visit with us, to ask questions.  Just think, if anyone asks you what you do at church, you can tell them you are an “evangelical minister”.

Altar Guild meeting:  Altar Guild will meet on Tuesday, 20 September at 6 p.m. for a light supper to include refresher training and a question-and-answer session.

Adult Education:  The History of Christian Art course is offered at 9:15 on Sunday mornings by Kathy Dyess.  Beginning this Sunday, 18 September, we will offer a 5 p.m. course, An Introduction to Holy Scripture.  This will be a six-week course designed to familiarize the student with the study of the Bible in a systematic fashion.  Each class will begin with a light supper and will last for 90 minutes.

The first class will include a course overview, and a review of the study materials.  This session will be led by Dr. Will Hay.  The subsequent classes will include in-depth discussion, and will be facilitated by Fr. Karl.

Please indicate your intention to attend, so we can prepare the necessary copies of the curriculum.  Supper is pot-luck.

Coffee hour sign-ups:  We need people to sign up to host coffee hour.  Snacks can be very simple.  Please sign up on the sheet in the kitchen.

Stewardship Sunday luncheon:  The stewardship campaign kicks-off this year on Sunday, 25 September.  This is a week later than described in your parish directory.  The campaign is compressed this year, to end on All Saints’ Sunday, 6 November.  In considering your giving, please keep the following steps in mind:

1. Pray:  Our Lord invites us to pray and to keep on praying.
2. Focus:  We are each called to the work of the kingdom of God.  We are each called to be messengers of the Gospel in what we do as well as in what we say.
3. Give thanks:  Recognize that God has blessed and does bless us.  His will for us is blessing.  Give thanks every time and for all that you receive.  Even if you earned it, the talents and abilities that allow for earning are gifts of God.
4. Recognize abundance:  Jesus fed thousands from five loaves and two fish.  God’s blessings provide abundance even in times and places of scarcity.
5. Cultivate holy habits:  Habits of holiness are more important than meeting our budget!  One of these habits is the sharing in blessing, the giving of self.  The biblical standard of giving is the tithe.  If you cannot  tithe, consider how you can take the next “step up” from the level at which you currently give.
6. Testify by example:  Your pledge is confidential, but in pledging you provide an example to yourself, and an example in your family, about what you invest value in.  To “invest value in” is the meaning of the old Anglo-Saxon phrase weorth scipe, which we render as “worship”.  In giving, we invest value in the kingdom, in God’s purpose.  Giving is an act of worship.

New to the prayer list:  Wayne Mathis.

Civic Prayer:  Members of Gospel Lighthouse Pentecostal Church meet every Monday at 9 a.m., at the gazebo in Sally Kate Winters Park to pray for the city and for city leaders.  All are welcome to join in this civic prayer.

Thanksgivings:  Thanksgivings are due to all who helped make the parish picnic and open house such a success on Sunday, 11 September.  Many, many helped.  Particular mention is offered to Shurley Sugg for organizing the event, and for Bill Sugg and Matt Molina for organizing the grilling.

Upcoming conferences:  The conference schedule for The Center for Formation and Ministry at The Gray Center can be accessed at http://cffm.dioms.org  .  The schedule includes a 16 and 17 September conference offered by Sewanee on An Anglican Perspective on C. S. Lewis.

Music this week:  The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

Psalm145.1-8, A Hymn Tune Psalter

Pro.      414, God, my King, thy might confessing

Seq.     617, Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round

Off.     Anthem:  A Repeating Alleluia (St. James Press)

Rec.     541, Come, labor on

Com.   694, 314

Love as a Verb

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

West Point, Mississippi

The Incarnate Word

8 September 2011

The welcome change in weather this week reminds us that life involves continual change, with the exception that–however various life and its challenges may be–God’s love remains the same.  But, let us recall that God’s love is not a feeling.  When John tells us that “God is love” (1 John 4.8), and that “God so loved the world that he gave his only son ...” (John 3.16), he is telling us that love is not about how we feel but about what we do.  In all changes in our lives, God always reaches out to us, calls us to Himself, sends His Spirit to comfort and guide us, and sends His Son to abide with us when we gather in His Name.  God’s love is active, it is His being in action, and we are called to mirror and extend this love by acting to care for one another.  We can only do this by remaining grounded in God’s own love.  This is why Jesus sums up the law as involving our complete love of God first, that only then can we love our neighbor as ourselves.

In a busy season of the Church, in a time of change in the parish, focusing most on the “vertical,” on the transcendent presence of God, will allow us to better focus and act on all that we are called to do for each other and for our neighbor.  In all the things that we are called to do in a busy season, let us “keep the main thing the main thing” and focus on worship.  Remember, when we pray the Sanctus and sing “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” we are welcoming Jesus into our midst.  Welcome Jesus into your own life by gathering in the worship of God.

Kick-off barbeque and Open House:  Don’t forget to join us on Sunday, 11 September, at 5 p.m. for a parish barbeque.  The Men’s Fellowship will manage grilling.  ECW are managing vegetables, side dishes and desserts.  Shurley Sugg is coördinating planning.

Invite your friends to join us.  We will have an open house, with information available about church programming.

Please sign up to bring a side dish or dessert. (Debbie has the list.)  The meats offered will include chicken and beef kebobs.  Please come to the parish kitchen at 3:30 p.m. to help in preparing the meats for grilling, and to help with set-up.

Fall programs:  Fall programs kick-off on Sunday, 11 September.  This includes EYC, Sunday School and Adult Education.  EYCS details will be provided in a separate communication.  Sunday School will include the existing age group programs.

Adult Education programs will be offered on both Sunday mornings and evenings.  Course offerings will last 6 weeks, and will rotate from morning to evening, with new courses added first in the morning cycle.  Morning classes will last from 9:45 until 10:00.  Evening classes will begin with a light supper at 5 p.m., and will conclude by 6:30 p.m.

The first offerings will be:  Morning, A Survey of Christian Art (K. Dyess); Evening, A Critical Survey of Holy Scripture (K. Schaffenburg).  The second offering (beginning 23 October) will add The Acts of the Apostles (K. Schaffenburg, curriculum developed by N. T. Wright), with the art course rotating to the evening time slot.

Coffee hour sign-ups:  We need people to sign up to host coffee hour.  Snacks can be very simple.  Please sign up on the sheet in the kitchen.

Stewardship Sunday luncheon:  The stewardship campaign kicks-off this year on Sunday, 25 September.  This is a week later than described in your parish directory.  The campaign is compressed this year, to end on All Saints’ Sunday, 6 November. 

We sometimes get embarassed to talk about money, but giving is a part of our spiritual life; it is an essential part of Christian living, and we ignore it at our peril (Mtt. 25).  The Church has work to do, and the Church cannot do this work without her members giving.  How you measure your gift can be determined with reference to the biblical standard of the tithe, or you can look at what you are doing now and decide to take the “next step upward”.  The point is that if you give only out of abundance your gift is less an offering and more a luxury.  When giving has an impact on other choices in expenditures–when I have to say “no” to something else that I want to acquire or do–then my gift becomes an offering to God.

New to the prayer list:  Those who suffer from hunger in West Point and Clay County.  (Yes, this is a problem locally.)

Thanksgivings:  Thanksgivings to Christy White, and the Falkner, Hay and Stevens families for organizing the Prairie Arts Festival parking at the parish.

Upcoming conferences:  The conference schedule for The Center for Formation and Ministry at The Gray Center can be accessed at http://cffm.dioms.org  .  The schedule includes a 16 and 17 September conference offered by Sewanee on An Anglican Perspective on C. S. Lewis.

Music this week:  The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

Psalm103.1-13, A Hymn Tune Psalter

Pro.      390, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation

Seq.     677, God moves in a mysterious way

Off.     Anthem: Ubi Caritas et Amor (WLP no. 831)

Rec.     347, Go forth for God, go to the world in peace

Com.   593, 581