Advent Edition – December 2013

From the desk of the Priest-in-Charge

Dear friend:

Happy New Year!

Let us pray. ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness,

and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day,

when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who lives and reigns with

you and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

I welcome you into this beautiful season of Advent – the new year of the Christian church. Before I proceed, I would like to use this medium to thank each and every one of you who immensely

contributed to the positive ministries we were able to accomplish in the name of Christ as the Gregorian Year 2013 winds up. I join Solomon in the Book of Lamentation to affirm that it is because of the LORD's great love that we are not consumed, for his compassion never fails. It is

renewed every morning; great is God’s faithfulness. As a church family and community, we had our share in ups and downs that associate with life itself. In the year under review, we lost several friends

and family, in particular Arthur Anderson and George Suber, devoted members of our church. Amidst our sadness in their demise, there is a

consolation that they lived fulfilled and great lives that touched many, in one way or another. May they continue to rest in peace with hope of

rising in glory at the resurrection morning. We keep praying for our sick and homebound members and friends for the healing grace of God to

befall them in a shortest possible time. In the meantime, we have a lot to be grateful and thankful for, especially God’s sustenance, healing, grace,

health, protection, and the expansion of the ministries we do for Him under this roof – ministry of love, inclusion, and outreach. May His name

be forever praised!

As this year winds up, I call on all to forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead, and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, even as the

Advent season of the Christian Year entails. Advent which means expectation and preparation for arrival begets Christmas. Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the hope of the world.

St. Alban’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2014, at 12:30 pm, in the Parish Hall. The meeting will be governed by Canon 51 of the Episcopal Church (Anglican Communion). http://newjersey.anglican.org/DiocesanConvention/ConstCanons/Canons-Part4.html

Duties of Rectors, Vicars, Wardens, and Vestry members or Mission Committee Members

SECTION 1. The Rector or Vicar has exclusive charge, under the Canons, of all things affecting

the spiritual interests of the Parish, subject only to the Bishop. It is the Rector’s or Vicar's duty to give orders concerning the worship of the Church, together with all that appertains thereto.

The Rector or Vicar may from time to time appoint fit and proper persons to perform under his or her supervision, such duties relative to the service and the decoration of the church buildings as may be properly done by laity. The Rector or Vicar shall be at all times entitled to access to

the church buildings, to open the same for public worship, for catechetical or other religious instruction, marriages, baptisms, funerals, and all other offices authorized by the Church. The

Rector or Vicar shall have spiritual direction and control of all Sunday Schools, Parish Schools, and other educational and charitable associations connected with the Parish, and shall preside,

with right to vote, at all Parish and Vestry meetings or Mission and Mission Committee meetings.

In it, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Blessed Joseph the Carpenter as a fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. According to popular tradition, the birth took

place in a stable, surrounded by farm animals and this signifies absolute humility. The birth of Christ

is the birth of peace, joy, happiness, love, inclusion, charity, humility, forbearance, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

As we prepare ourselves – body, mind, and spirit for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which connotes an expectation of something greater, let us be mindful of who we are, the children

of the Light and people of mercy, knowing that nothing should separate us from the love of God found in Jesus Christ.

Let us gear up ourselves for the greater ministries we anticipate doing in 2014, making this church

community and beyond a place where the true love of Jesus Christ is indeed experienced, because to whom much is given, much is expected!

Your Priest and friend, Fr. Gideon

What We Believe About Stewardship

Good stewardship centers upon the conversion of people, not the

collection of more dollars.

Good stewardship means recruiting leaders, not taking

volunteers.

Good stewardship enables church leaders to talk about money in ways that transform lives.

Good stewardship values the time and talent of volunteers.

Good stewardship means accepting that the difference between what we say and what we

do is reconciled by Jesus. Joseph Tinley, Senior Warden President, Finance/Stewardship Committee

St. Alban’s Church Launches Basketball Team

The St. Alban’s Basketball Team, “The Revivers,” had its official launch in front of cheering members of the congregation on Sunday, November 24. Father Gideon, who is passionate about bringing his ministry of outreach and service to the streets of New Brunswick, has been working with neighborhood youths to get them engaged and off the streets. He’s thrown himself wholly into

working with these young men, whose next goal is to participate in a Winter Tournament in December. So passionate is Fr. Gideon about this mission that he even got his own practice jersey with “Father G” printed on the back! The Revivers’ practice jerseys were purchased through the kind donation of $260 by Mr. Korbid Thompson from King James radio Network, North Brunswick, whose wife saw the recent Home News Tribune article about the team and brought it to his attention. Father Gideon thanked Mr. Thompson and indicated that God is blessing this ministry, which will spread and influence other young men to join the team and be engaged in a positive way. Other individuals have also indicated an interest in helping the team in cash or kind.

GO TEAM!!!

NB Theological Seminary Welcomes Bishop “Chip” Stokes

The New Brunswick Theological Seminary’s Thursday Worship in the Seminary Chapel welcomed

the then Bishop–Elect, Chip Stokes, on October 24 to celebrate the Feast of St. James of

Jerusalem. Under the imposing cross that dominates the chapel,

Father Gideon and a few members of the St. Alban’s Church

participated in this special service hosted by the Episcopal Campus

Ministry at Rutgers.

Anniversary of First Couple Married at St. Alban’s On September 22, members of St. Alban’s were treated to a special reception to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the first couple married at the church, Gladstone and Estelle Belnavis who were married on September 22, 1928. Sponsoring this special event was Mrs. Evelyn “Sis” Belnavis, #1 daughter and longtime member of St. Alban’s, now living in North Carolina, and “the #3 son” Walter Morris, Jr., and current member of St. Alban’s.

Mrs. Evelyn Belnavis welcomed a full house of family, friends, and St. Alban’s members, expressing her particular appreciation to all her nieces, nephews, their spouses, grand nieces, and young cousins for coming out for such a happy occasion. She gave a special shout out to Pearl Gatling, who served as flower girl at her parents’ wedding 85 years ago.

When she was reached at her home in North Carolina, Sis said, “St. Alban’s is the church of my youth, and one of the things that my mother had really wished for was for St. Alban’s to become a parish. It seems you’re well on your way.”

“Sis” Belnavis, who is the sole survivor of her parents’ children, expressed deep gratitude and love for her “brother” Walter Morris, Jr., who provided the Caribbean luncheon enjoyed by all and who worked with Mrs. Enid Atkins, coordinator of the Coffee Hour and the Radical Hospital Ministry.

“I’d like to thank Joe Tinley for bringing to my attention that my parents were the first couple married at St. Alban’s and that it was in fact the 85th anniversary of my parents wedding.” She added, “My sincere thanks to Enid Atkins for the wonderful job she and her crew did and for presenting such a great reception.”

NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH AWARENESS DAY In partnership with St. Alban’s Church, the Raritan Valley Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, held its National Donor Sabbath Awareness Day at the church on Sunday, November 17. St. Alban’s

own Dr. Katye Monroe served as the Liaison – and provided a wonderful hot luncheon -- to this service organization that seeks to make the wider community aware of the great need for donors. Chair of the Human Services Facet of the Raritan Valley Links Mrs. Shirley A. Smith-Downie shared with the attendees the sobering statistics that 18 persons die every day waiting for organs; in NJ, more than 5,000 persons are on the waiting list for organs; and in the African-American community,

there is added pressure of high need due to the prevalence of certain types of diseases combined with low availability of organ donors.

Mrs. Smith-Downie introduced a panel of eight speakers who shared their personal stories of either being organ or stem-cell recipients; living organ donors; a donor family representative; a doctor who has experienced working with both donors & recipients and who currently does a lot of education about treatment options; and a representative of the NJ Sharing Network and the offspring of an organ donor, her mother, whose untimely passing has made it possible for multiple recipients to receive tissue and organ donations that gave them the gift of life. The congregation and other attendees were visibly moved by the uplifting stories and they were encouraged to consider being a donor by signing up when renewing a driver’s license or by visiting the New Jersey Sharing Network.

THRIFT SHOP HOLDS HUGE SIDEWALK SALE

On September 21, the St. Alban’s Thrift Shop held a big Sidewalk Sale, opening its offerings to

the community to browse and shop for bargains. Thrift Shop Manager Mr. James Simmons, Jr.

reported that the sale was very successful, bringing in much needed funds for the church’s

operation. He thanked the faithful and hardworking members of St. Alban’s, including the youths,

who helped to move the items from the undercroft, stage the items in the Parish Hall, and set-up

and break-down the displays on the sidewalk. Members of the New Brunswick community took full

advantage of the range of clothing, household items and toys on sale.

Every week, great bargains for adults and kids are available at the Thrift Shop. Its hours of

operation are Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make a

donation or to volunteer at the Thrift Shop, contact Mr. James Simmons, Jr. at 732-979-5082.

St. Alban’s Seniors Honored by Diocese

On September, 28, the Diocese of New Jersey held a special event, “Celebrating Age, Wisdom & Eservice Evensong” at Trinity Cathedral, in Trenton, NJ, honoring the ministries of Older Adults and publicly launching the Committee for Ministry with Older Adults. The Vestry of St. Alban’s proudly nominated Mr. Joseph Silcott and Mrs. Kathryn Roach to be honored at this special service. Officiating at this celebration was then XI Bishop of New Jersey, the Right Reverend George E. Councell, D.D. Each nominee received a special letter from the Diocese, inviting them to be specially recognized for their “ministry and leadership” and to receive a certificate from the Diocese.

Praise & Worship!

The Passionate Worship Ministry has unveiled a number

of new initiatives to improve the experience of worship

at St. Alban’s Church, including Praise & Worship, led by

the Music Ministry’s Gibson Okafor, Mrs. Nkeruka

Uzomechina and Ms. Millie Haughton. The St. Alban’s

Choir and members of the congregation show their

approval by joyfully joining in song and energetic clapping

before the readings!

Look for more on the Passionate Worship Ministry, and

the other ministries that make up the Five Practices of a

Fruitful Congregation, unveiled in 2013 by Fr. Gideon.

In Memoriam

In 2013, the community of St. Alban’s lost several beloved members, including the Rev. Harroldean Ashton, Mr. Arthur Anderson, and Mrs. Lillian Johnson. Mr. Arthur Anderson - Sunrise February 27, 1944 & Sunset June 26, 2013 -- was an active member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church where he served on the Usher Board and the Finance Committee. He is survived by his wife Deborah, three children, three step-children, 10 grandchildren, and a host of other family. Mrs. Deborah Anderson will be hosting a memorial event on December 8 at the St. Alban’s Church. Mr. George Suber, a devoted homebound member of St. Alban’s Church, who recently passed away.

The Rev. Canon Harroldean Ashton was the first African-American female Priest to be ordained in the Diocese of New Jersey. She began her ministry at St. Alban's Church on April 1, 1990 and served as the Vicar until her retirement in August 2008. In 2009, she was one of the recipients of the honorary title of "Canon" from the Diocese of New Jersey. She passed away on September 10, 2013, in Pleasantville, NJ. She is survived by a sister, Myra Ashton Gaynor (Eugene), of Atlantic City, NJ.

Mrs. Lillian Johnson – August 12, 1927 to October 19, 2013 – was a faithful servant of God, first as a member of St. Alban’s Church, which she joined after her retirement from a full life of music, poetry and prose, and later as a member of Christ Church, in New Brunswick.

Food Pantry Gets Donations from Rutgers Staff & AA Flight Attendants

The St. Alban’s Food Pantry was blessed in November with two generous donations from staff from the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) and the Newark Chapter of the Kiwi Club, which is made up of retired and working flight attendants of American Airlines.

Father Gideon was on hand to receive delivery of the Rutgers donation in the Church Hall and expressed gratitude for the generosity of the SEBS staff from Martin Hall and select offices within the ASBII building. This annual, one-week food drive at SEBS was held between October 28 and November 1 and amassed a total of 1,377 items, a record since the challenge began in 2010. Staff members were urged in an email by Mrs. Kathy Goundrey, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, to “open your hearts, pocketbooks, and shopping bags to feed our local hungry.”

Thank YOU!

The Food Pantry ministry continued to be blessed in November when Mrs. Enid Atkins, Manager of the St. Alban’s Food Pantry, accepted delivery of a large donation of items from the Kiwi Club, via her neighbor Nancy Waller, a retired flight attendant of

American Airlines. Mrs. Atkins thanked the flight attendants for making the church one of its beneficiaries of this food drive. This local chapter plans another donation to benefit the church’s food pantry. Thank YOU!!

The St. Alban’s Food Pantry has been serving about 200 clients every month on Wednesdays, from 7-9 p.m. The Food Pantry needs volunteers, as well as both perishable and nonperishable items; monetary gifts are also accepted. Please contact Mrs. Atkins at 732-846-9684 to donate your time or food items.

Celebrating the Patron Saint of Animals

2nd Annual “Blessing of the Animals” Service

On October 5, St. Alban’s Church celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi by holding a Blessing of the

Animals Service on the front lawn of the church. Joined by members of the St. Alban’s Choir, Fr. Gideon

celebrated St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals, and offered prayers for all God’s creatures. This is

the second year in a row that St. Alban’s has welcomed our

four-legged friends for benediction!

Rio, 12 ½ year old short-hair pointer Austrian Vizlea

Birddog, and owners, James and Glenda Simmons.

Mariah, eight-week old kitten, and owners, the Shepherd

Family.

Bubba, Scottish Terrier, and owner Lois Yank, a member of

Christ Church, New Brunswick.

Banzai, almost 2 year old Japanese Shiba Inu, and owners,

the Quintin family.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN MINISTRY

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) held two major events in the last quarter: an HIV/AIDs

Workshop and a Community Health Fair.

HIV/AIDS Workshop with Hyacinth’s AIDS Foundation The ECW presented an HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis-C Workshop, sponsored by community partner Hyacinth AIDS

Foundation, in collaboration with the National Association of University Women, Plainfield-Brunswick

Branch. The workshop was held at the St. Alban’s Church Hall

on Saturday, October 26, and attendees were welcomed by

ECW President Mrs. Pauline Chandler. Delivering the prayer

was St. Alban’s Senior Warden Mr. Joseph Tinley. Presenters

included Dr. Eddie Jumper, who is affiliated with North

Jersey Community Research Initiative, an organization that

offers treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and

offers HIV education. He offered an in-depth discussion on

the viral alphabet soup of Hepatitis A to G; symptoms of

Hepatitis, especially Hep C; and in-depth information on co-

infection rates between Hep C and HIV. He was followed by

Ms. Evangeline Washington who has worked with Hyacinth’s

Aids Foundation for the past 9 years. She shared information designed to remove the myths and stigma

about HIV/AIDS. The Rev. Gerald Bailey, who has been serving for 14 years in a statewide role with the

Foundation, spoke candidly about the realities of STD transmission, especially in the African-American

community. ECW President Mrs. Pauline Chandler, along with members Maxine Young, Claudia McGowan, and

Joan Steele donated the food for the event. Thanks to Mrs. Eloise Tinley for

helping the ECW prepare and

display the food, and the

members of the Plainfield-

Brunswick Branch of the

National Association of

University Women, and other

members of St. Alban's Church

for attending.

Community Health Fair with RWJ Hospital On Saturday, November 9, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) collaborated with the Robert Wood

Johnson (RWJ) University Hospital on a community Health Fair at St. Alban’s Church. Pauline A. Chandler,

President of ECW, and Joan Steele, ECW member prepared the food. Mrs. Chandler thanked the members

of the Plainfield-Brunswick Branch of the National Association of University Women, members of St.

Alban's Episcopal Church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Metuchen, Metuchen Catholic Cathedral, and

other friends for attending the Health Fair.

CELEBRATING OUR CHURCH SCHOOL The St. Alban’s Church School has been enjoying its new, larger space in the Undercroft. Mrs. Deborah

Anderson, who directs the Church School Ministry, had expressed the need for a location that would allow the

kids to be creative and engaged in their activities, without impacting the Mass. The Passionate Worship Ministry

did some rearrangement in the Undercroft, which also accommodates our Thrift Shop, and made room for the

Church School Ministry to thrive and grow. On multiple occasions in the last quarter, the space was bursting at

the seams with a large turnout of young ones, doing creative activities while learning the Bible. Church School

teachers include Ms. Millie Haughton, Ms. Shanique McGowan, and Mrs. Nkeruka

Uzomechina.

Two of our Church School youths, Trenyce and Njeri, are budding songwriters

and singers and they treated the congregation to a song that they wrote,

arranged, and delivered A cappella, “We Should Just Be Thankful,” the words to

which appear below. We are so proud of them all!

WE SHOULD JUST BE THANKFUL

If there wasn’t God, we would not be here. We should thank him for all the things he does;

he’s right in the sky looking down at us.

CHORUS We should just be thankful We should just be thankful We should just be thankful

Let’s just bow down and praise the Lord.

There’s a congregation listening to us on this very day, singing about God.

CHORUS

Let’s just bow down and praise the Lord, for what we have today.

CHORUS

If there wasn’t, we would not be here. We should just be thankful, we should just be thankful,

we should just be thankful.

We should thank him for all the things.

He’s right in the sky looking down at us.

Floral Bounty by the Altar Guild! The St. Alban’s Altar Guild is led by Mrs. Pauline Chandler, who serves as Directress, and Mrs. Judith

Haughton, Mrs. Eloise Jasmin, and Mrs. Clara Haynes, who has

been the creative force behind the floral decorations on the

altar since the early summer months of this year. The Vestry

has praised the dedication of Mrs. Haynes for her

steadfastness and her creativity, week after week, bringing her

own floral creations to grace the

altar of St. Alban’s Church. Her

diligence and service have saved

the Church a significant amount of

money that would otherwise go to

florists. Her creations add to an

overall wonderful worship

experience and are enjoyed by all.

Thank You!

The Altar Guild is appealing to church members for flowers. Please consider placing flowers on the Altar in celebration of your birthday, your child's birthday, in memory of a loved one, or your wedding anniversary, among other special occasions. You will be blessed!!

St. Alban’s Birthday Club!!

On most first Sundays of the month, the post-

service Coffee Hour held in the Parish Hall in

honor of the birthday celebrants for that

particular month, is coordinated through the

Birthday Club.

For additional information, contact Patricia James,

Birthday Club Coordinator, at 732-463-0043.

Van Needed! The St. Alban’s family is looking for a van that will allow it to expand its

Food Pantry Ministry, among other activities. We’re seeking a

partnership with several Community Food Banks outside of our area

and a large capacity van, owned by the Church, will facilitate our

growth. We’re praying to be blessed with the donation of such a

vehicle or a contribution, in part or in whole, towards its purchase.

If you are the individual to bless our ministry in this way, please

contact St. Alban’s Senior Warden Mr. Joseph Tinley, Jr., Junior

Warden Mr. James Simmons, Jr., or Father Gideon at 732-247-0808.

Mr. Irvin Perrin celebrated his 95th birthday on

November 1! Fr. Gideon and several members of St.

Alban’s joined his children, family members, and friends

to mark this special occasion! Congratulations!

NOTICES!!

NEW MINISTRY, NEW PATH

OPERATION ANDREW, MARY

MAGDALENE, AND PHILLIP

(OPERATION AMP) December 1, 2013!

THE HEALING MINISTRY OF ST. ALBAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Presents

HER ANNUAL CROSSOVER NIGHT FROM 2013

INTO THE YEAR OF GOD’S EXTRAORDINARY FAVOR 2014

“Hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19: 5) Featuring

GLORIOUS PRAISE AND WORSHIP *ANTHEMS *TESTIMONIAL *WORD OF

PROPHECY *DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL ATTACK *PRAYER SERIES *HEALING AND

ANOINTING *EUCHARIST

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

9:00 pm

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 148 Lee Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Phone: 732.247.0808

Join us and experience more of JESUS’ presence in your life and home in 2014

JESUS CHRIST IS THE LORD!!!

HOLD THE DATE

Upcoming events in the calendar of St. Alban’s - Advent to Lent 2014

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1: Advent Sunday and gathering the end-of-year SACRIFICE to God, and LAUNCHING OF OPERATION AMP, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3: Northern Convocation Clericus, St. Peter’s Parish, Spotswood, 10 am.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7: Operation AMP (Outreach in the Streets) with short prayers in the Church, 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10: Diocesan Board of Missions, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11: Pre-Vestry, 8 p.m.

THURDAY, DECEMBER 12: Advent Clergy Day, Trinity Cathedral, Trenton, 9:30 a.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14: Operation AMP (Outreach in the Streets) with short prayers in the Church, 4 p.m.

MONDAY, DECEMBER16: Vestry Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24: Carols of Nine Lessons and Christmas Eve Mass, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25: Christmas Mass, 11 a.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29: Last Sunday of 2013. Community Hymn Singing, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31: Music Night and Crossover into 2014, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1: Gregorian New Year’s Day. Naming of the Child, Jesus, 11 a.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5: First Sunday of the Year, 2014, and Food Pantry Sunday, 11 a.m.

MON.-Wed., JANUARY 6 – 8: Joint Clergy (Newark/New Jersey) Retreat at Community of St. John the Baptist, Mendham, NJ.

SUNDAY, January 19: Annual Meeting of St. Alban’s Church, immediately following Mass, 12:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5: The First Day of Lent: Ash-Wednesday. Ashes-to- go, New Brunswick Train Station, 7 am. Ash-Wednesday Mass in the Church, 6 p.m.

Please share your comments, story ideas, and events for the “The Voice of St. Alban” quarterly newsletter

with Editor-in-Chief Paula Walcott-Quintin, by sending an email to office@stalbansnewbrunswick.org.

Tuesday, May 28: Ministry to the Imprisoned @GSYCF, Yardville

PLEASE NOTE

St. Alban’s Food Pantry opens Wednesdays, 7 – 9 p.m. To volunteer, contact Mrs. Enid

Atkins, Coordinator.

St. Alban’s Thrift Shop opens Wednesdays 6 – 8 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

To volunteer, contact Mr. James Simmons Jr., Manager.

Family Counseling Program on Wednesdays 11 a.m.; Healing Service 6 p.m.

Call 732-247-0808 for an appointment, please!

Office Hours are Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

Phone: 732-247-0808 Fax: 732-249-5818

Email: office@stalbansnewbrunswick.org Website: www.stalbansnewbrunswick.org

TO:

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

148 Lee Avenue

New Brunswick, NJ 08901