volume 22 | issue 10 october 2017 thenet · deb england in the art of just sittin’ and rockin’...
TRANSCRIPT
VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2017
The Monthly Newsletter of
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Burke, Virginia TheNet
Letters from the Vestry | Family Ministry | Preschool News | Outreach | Prayer List
Upcoming Events | On the Bookshelf | Lectionary Readings | Parish Birthdays | Directory
I remember my first semester of seminary when I looked at the academic calendar and saw this for the first time: a Michaelmas term. What is that kind of term? How do you pronounce it? Is this
some highfalutin word reserved only for seminaries? Most importantly: did I sign up for it or completely miss this during orientation? I quickly learned that Michaelmas refers to the autumn term for many universities and seminaries around the world, with its origin coming from the United Kingdom and such schools as Cambridge and Oxford. Many schools in the states adopted the British vocabulary and perhaps you attended a school with a Michaelmas term?
The word is religious in nature, and refers to the day we remember the angel Michael and all other angels. Just today, on the day of writing this, I preached about angels at the Wednesday morning Eucharist. (By the way, I invite you to join us on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.).
People who have had their heart and ear inclined to God have written about angels for centuries. Angels are mentioned in the book of Daniel and the Christian scriptures speak of them, especially in the Revelation to John. Michael and Gabriel are even exalted in the Qur’an.
Episcopalians may be a tad nervous when it comes to angels. We—present company included—have a reputation to spend more time in our head and talk about faith in terms of the intellect. We tend to be a “heady” group, even taking pride in our denomination’s reputation for schools and test scores.
Talk of angels could make us nervous because it forces us to think beyond ourselves. We may be more comfortable in defining our lives and ourselves through our brain and our own self-making and self-talk, and the
talk of angels suggest “there is something beyond me.” There may be someone—a creator God—that is way beyond me, and this is hard for many to accept.
In these days we need reminders that we are not the center of the universe, and angels could very well help us get outside ourselves—and be present or others. As we say in our service, we join with angels and archangels in a different chorus that goes beyond ourselves. Angels remind us that God is at center, therefore keeping us humble.
The prophet Isaiah entered the temple one day and, struck by God’s complete “otherness,” could only respond “holy, holy, holy is the Lord” (Isaiah 6:3). These words of humility are sung at each service, and they are good to remember each day.
I offered this prayer, which comes from an anonymous abbess, at the Wednesday morning Eucharist about angels and humility, and I think these words are so needed today:
Release me from the idea that I must straighten out other people’s affairs. With my immense treasure of experience and wisdom, it seems a pity not to let everybody partake of it. But you know, Lord, that in the end I will need a few friends. I will not ask for improved memory, only for a little more humility and less self-assurance when my memory doesn’t agree with that of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong. Let me discover merits where I had not expected them, and talents in people whom I had not thought to possess any. And, Lord, give me the grace to tell them so.
Wishing you a good Michaelmas term,
RECTOR
THE VERY REV. TIM HEFLIN [email protected]
The Net
2 | October 2017 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Worship Services Wednesdays @ 9:30 AM
Saturdays @ 6 PM Sundays @ 8 & 10 AM
Sunday School Sundays @ 11:20 AM
Adult Forum Sundays @ 11:20 AM
Bible Study Wednesdays @ 10:15 AM
Sundays @ 9 AM
Choir Practice Mondays @ 4:30 PM (Youth)
Thursdays @ 7:45 PM (Adult) Sundays @ 11:45 AM (Cherub)
Needlework Group Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM
AA Meetings Tuesdays @ 7 PM
Fridays @ 8 PM
ESOL Class Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM
Office Hours Monday 9 - 4
Tuesday 9 - 4 Wednesday 9 - 4
Thursday 9 - 4 Friday 9 - 2
Net Submissions If you have an article for the
Monthly Net, please email it to Emily ([email protected]) no later than the 20th of the month. All submissions are
subject to approval.
LETTERS FROM THE VESTRY
Well it is that time of the year when we see pumpkins, falling leaves, and mugs of cider. It also means a busy month at St. Andrew’s. Make sure you read the Net for lots of fun activities for all ages—including your pets! Two big events planned for this month: Oktoberfest (Saturday, October 14th) is a time of great German food, cooked by some of our fabulous cooks, with music by “Alte
Kameraden,” the German Band unit of the Fairfax Band. Plenty of food, drinks, desserts, and music. Always a fun time.
Then, from October 27th-29th we have our annual Shrine Mont Retreat! This is a time to distance ourselves from our busy lives at home and to be in the moment with our St. Andrew’s family. There is no formal program this year—just time to sit in on a yoga class or two, talk about prayer with the Clergy, have fun singing with the folk group, or follow Deb England in the art of just sittin’ and rockin’ on the porch! Go into Mount Jackson for the annual Apple Festival, check out the crafters, the antiques, the museum and St. Andrew’s church, play golf, or drive to one of the local vineyards or apple orchards—or just drive around and see God’s glory in the mountains. A time to stop, reflect, and just be in the moment with your fellow parishioners and, of course, feel the closeness of God and His love for each one of us as we eat together, pray together, play together, and just be together! There is plenty of time just to walk the mountains and reflect and be with yourself. There is something for every age and for every need. So I hope to see you on the mountain!
As always, I am available by email or a tug on my sleeve. May this fall bring you peace and a smile!
SENIOR WARDEN
BARBARA KLIX [email protected]
FAMILY MINISTRY
Parents' Night Out | December 8th, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. $10/child (please bring a bagged dinner)
Join Saint Nicholas as we spend the evening creating Advent crafts, shopping at Santa's Workshop*, and more!
* We're bringing back a popular Christmas event and we need your help! Between now and Thanksgiving clean out your cabinets, closets, and plastic storage bins and bring in used items you no longer need/want as a donation to Santa's Workshop. Young children will "shop" there (at no cost) during our Parents’ Night Out to find presents for their parents, grandparents, and siblings.
Donations can be books, appliances, pottery, perfume, scarfs, jewelry, notepaper, etc. Nothing too big, as the children will need to carry the item. We also need donations of wrapping paper, bows, empty gift boxes, gift tags, and Scotch tape. Girl Scout Troop 707 will organize the shop and assist the youngsters.
Please place your donations in the "Santa's Workshop" bins located outside the Sunday School/Family Ministry office. Thank you!
DIRECTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRY
AMY DUTTON [email protected]
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church October 2017 | 3
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The start of the school year has been fairly smooth with only a few tears at drop off time. I do have to say that the preschool staff are very talented at helping students adjust to new classrooms and routines. The children are already busy making friends, investigating the science room, learning new songs in music, and having fun on the playground.
October is a busy month beginning with Preschool Sunday on October 1st during the 10:00 a.m. service. We invite any interested families to attend this special “kid-friendly” and interactive service.
Our Food for Friends program continues to be stronger than ever. We are committed to providing over 200 bags of food each month for students at Bonnie Brae Elementary School. The preschool students packed 150 bags on September 19th and did a wonderful job. We have Family Pack Night on Wednesday, October 18th from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. so that our
preschool families can participate in this wonderful outreach project.
Also on the 18th, we have a fundraiser at the Burke Chipotle from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., where a percentage of the food sales goes to benefitting the Food for Friends program.
Welcome to a new school year, we are off to a great start!
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
JEANNE JONES [email protected] (703) 455-8458
PRESCHOOL NEWS
Jim Ayling
Kay Boles
Bob Bornschein
Patty Bradshaw
Rand Brinkman
Andy Cizek
Sammie Clifton
Mary D'Amato
Alisha Daugherty Bauman
Susan Elliot
Sandi Hammond
Harper Hellems
Anne Hudgens
Jim Kingsbury
Al Kraker
Joyce McCarty
Sarah Merriam
Ginny Morton
Karen Murray
Sean Mykietyn
Claire Palmer
Connie Pettit
Louise Scheurich
Milo Thomas Sher
Claudette and Lloyd Sterling
Gaye Stuart
Virgina Thomas
Brianna Wagner
Peggy White
Janet Williams
Prayer List
George Layman (uncle of January Layman-
Wood)
Departed
Cameron Bouton
Alec Horan
Jim Howard
Andrew Palmer
Craig Ryan
Michael Wissemann
Deployed
OUTREACH ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others) Marlies Durso | [email protected]
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic and very generous support of our annual ECHO food drive. We set a new record and collected 252 bags of food and toiletries so far. That is a fantastic effort and will really help restock the shelves at ECHO.
A special thank you goes to our friends at the Church of Latter Day Saints Ward 6, and the community at Keene Mill
Woods II, who offered to help with the food drive and contributed a substantial amount.
Thank you also to all who helped setting up for the food drive, handed out bags, and transported the loaded bags to ECHO. It is truly a community effort.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 1, 2017
FoMA Concert Series: The U.S. Army String Quartet Aaron Goen | [email protected]
On October 1st at 4:00 p.m., Friends of Music and the Arts at St. Andrew’s (FoMA) presents a concert by The United States Army String Quartet. A premier ensemble of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, the quartet provides musical support for many of the country’s most notable events. Since its inception, the group has provided musical entertainment at the White House for every president since Eisenhower. They have performed for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, kings, queens, and heads of state from countries worldwide as well as at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center (NYC), Strathmore in Bethesda, and the Schlesinger in Alexandria. The hour-long concert will be followed by a reception. Childcare will be provided and admission is free.
ADULT FORUMS 10/01 – No Forum [Preschool Sunday] 10/08 – Vestry Update (Q&A) 10/15 – Rector’s Forum: Talking to Children About God (w/ Fr. Tim & Amy Dutton) 10/22 – Episcopal Veterans’ Fellowship (w/ VTS seminarian Jeff Stevenson) 10/29 – No Forum [Shrine Mont Weekend]
Adult Forums take place in the Multi-Purpose Room after the Sunday 10 a.m.
service. Forum topics are subject to change, so check the Weekly Nets for
the most up-to-date listings.
OCTOBER 4, 2017
Parents and Littles (PALs) Amy Dutton | [email protected]
PALs is starting up again! Our first date is Wednesday, October 4th, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Drop in for a bit or the whole time. Have some coffee and refreshments and get to know other church/preschool parents while the kids play! We meet in the Parish Hall. No RSVP necessary—just show up!
OCTOBER 7, 2017
Blessing of the Animals Emily Nein | [email protected]
All creatures great and small, with exception of snakes, are invited to St. Andrew’s on Saturday, October 7th for our annual Blessing of the Animals! We will gather at 4:00 p.m. in the wooded area next to the front parking lot (or in the Multipurpose Room if it’s raining). Hope to see you there!
OCTOBER 8, 2017
Adult Confirmation/Reception/Inquirer's Class Margaret Peel | [email protected]
Adult Confirmation classes start next week. If you ever wondered what it means to be an Episcopalian and/or wanted to become an “official” member of St. Andrew’s, this class is for you. Mother Margaret will lead these classes on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided) starting October 8th and ending on November 26th (no class on October 29th). Confirmation/Reception is scheduled for December 3rd. Please contact Margaret with any questions or to sign up.
Youth Group: Second Sundays Margaret Peel | [email protected]
This year St. Andrew's youth, 7th-12th graders, are invited to join us for a monthly event. We're calling it Second Sundays! On the second Sunday of each month we will gather and watch a portion of an age-appropriate movie and have a discussion afterwards followed by dinner as a group. Our goal is to provide time and space for youth to have fun, get to know each other and grow in their faith. Our first meeting is coming up on October 8th. Be sure to join us in the Parish Hall from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. that day.
Throughout the year we will have a total of four weekends where the event will include other Episcopal churches in the area. Some of those events will occur on Saturdays. Contact Rev. Margaret for the full schedule.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church October 2017 | 5
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OCTOBER 27-29, 2017
Shrine Mont: A Retreat About Nothing Tim Heflin | [email protected]
This year’s parish retreat at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, VA will be more laid back than it has been in years past. With no theme or speaker, this year’s retreat allows parishioners to schedule their free time how they choose, while still offering classes in a variety of areas in which they can participate. Be sure to read Barbara Klix’s letter to get an idea of the wide range of possible activities Shrine Mont has to offer.
Registration forms are available on the bulletin board outside the church office and on our website at standrews.net/church-forms. Registration and final payments are due by Sunday, October 15th .
OCTOBER 14, 2017
Plan on a great time at our traditional German Oktoberfest. We’ll have social time in the multipurpose room at 7:00 p.m. followed by a traditional German meal with Bratwurst and Sauerbraten in the parish hall starting at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy traditional German music from the City of Fairfax Band “Alte Kameraden.”
Sign-up sheets are available following each weekend service. Plan on a great evening socializing with old friends and making new friends, while laughing and feasting together. Childcare will be provided. See Jonathan Withington, Pete Kirkham, or Lori Foster for more details or how to get involved.
Oktoberfest Jonathan Withington & Lori Foster | [email protected]
OCTOBER 29, 2017
Sunday Services Tim Heflin | [email protected]
Due to Shrine Mont weekend, we will alter some of Sunday morning. We will offer Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m. (no Eucharist) and our usual Rite II Eucharist at 10:00 a.m., with Father Tim returning from Shrine Mont. There is no Sunday School or Adult Forum.
NOVEMBER 2, 2017
Parents and Littles (PALs) Amy Dutton | [email protected]
Join us for a PALs (Parents and Littles) gathering on Thursday, November 2nd from 9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring your child(ren) and meet other parents from our parish and preschool. Parents can socialize while kids play. Refreshments will be provided. Stop in anytime!
All Souls Service Margaret Peel | [email protected]
On Thursday, November 2nd, bask in the beauty of candlelight and choral music of the Anglican tradition in a service of choral Evensong to remember our departed. This service (new to St. Andrew’s) will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Nave and conclude with a reception in the Parish Hall. Childcare will be provided.
NOVEMBER 19, 2017
2017 CROP Walk and Fundraiser Stacey Thomas & Elaine Runkel | [email protected]
Join the annual Hunger Walk, Sunday, November 19th at 2:00 p.m. It is a 3.7 mile easy walk through Fairfax. Sam Palmer will be leading a group of 5th and 6th graders again this year. More details and online fundraising will be available soon.
You can help support the Walk right now! Eat at Glory Days in Burke; save your receipt and turn in to Stacey Thomas or Elaine Runkel (or put in envelope on Outreach bulletin board) and Glory Days will donate 10% of the total purchases to the CROP Walk. This fundraiser runs from now until December 31, 2017!
Thanks for your support! Your efforts will make a difference! www.burkecropwalk.org.
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ON THE BOOKSHELF LECTIONARY READINGS
OCTOBER 1, 2017 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32
OCTOBER 8, 2017 18th Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 19
Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46
OCTOBER 15, 2017 19th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
OCTOBER 22, 2017 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 99 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
OCTOBER 29, 2017 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
With all the recent focus on North Korea I have read a number of books that reveal everyday life for millions in that country who suffer from electrical and food shortages, poverty, political incarcerations and executions, and the secrecy of the state.
This is a tale like so many others, a young girl (age 11) and her family that risk the unknown to flee what they do know: certain death by starvation.
Before finally reaching South Korea and freedom, Eunsun and her family would live homeless, fall into the hands of Chinese human traffickers, survive a North Korean labor camp, and cross the deserts of Mongolia on foot.
I am left grateful for all the blessings I enjoy in this life and in this great country. Protest against government policies—speaking
one’s mind in responsible ways—is the hallmark of our country; reading this book is a dose of reality, when we might take for granted all we enjoy. I know that I did not have the determination and strength at age 11 to do what this young woman had to do every day in search of freedom and a better life.
A Thousand Miles to Freedom: My Escape from North Korea Eunsun Kim | 2012 | Father Tim
Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening is a simple and sophisticated read. In it we learn about the life of Vigen Guroian as he experiences the joys of gardening beginning in early childhood and continuing with his own garden as an adult. The seasons of his life and the seasons of the garden overlap for Guroian. He describes being raised in the Armenian Orthodox tradition incorporating memories, liturgy, and faith amid stories of trimming asparagus, plucking grapes, and managing earthworms. He brings God into the reflections through scripture, story, and poetry thus connecting us to the divine experience.
Gardening for Guroian is not simply a hobby but part of his faith and his journey with God. Within the stories of the literal garden he points us to the original garden—The Garden of Eden. He
writes of springtime and Pentecost,
Adam and Eve were cast out from Paradise, but the memory of Paradise remains. So gardeners try to recreate Paradise in their own yards. The Christian who gardens knows that on Easter the curse and the prohibition imposed upon the first couple have truly been removed. And so at mid-spring Pentecost, as the azalea and irises flame the earth in red, blue, and gold, he is in his imagination transported to a transfigured territory.
Vigen Guroian’s book has both depth and delight as he skillfully brings the garden to life, both the physical experience of working with soil and plants as well as a life lived fully. Striving for a hobby that connects us to God in the way Guroian relates God and the garden would be a worthy goal for us all!
Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening Vigen Guroian | 1999 | Mother Margaret
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church October 2017 | 7
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Lesley Bubenhofer
Mikey Eckman
2
Drew Peters
Aidan Fernandes
Jack Spitzer
Andrew Davis
3
Claudia Brady
4
Margaret Ryan
5
6
Sam Palmer
Christian Pohlmann
Ben Kosowski
Ben Lewis
7
Rebecca Umberger
8
Paul Foley
9 COLUMBUS DAY
John Corbett
10 11 12 13 14
John Bernhards
Elaine Runkel
15 16
John Heyer
Judie Prentiss
Charles Sisson
Sam Withington
17
Fred Kalema-Musoke
Corene Froede
Vanessa Parks
18
Ron Gumbert
Doug Connell
19
Liam Hattingh
Anne Crosby Reddy
20
Anne Kosowski
21
Libby Hassler
22
Erik Pohlmann
Colin Jones
Thea Hattingh
Autumn Haubner
23
O’Brian McKinley
Sam Reddy
24
Dave Carruth
25
Jim Howard
26
Bruce McWilliams
Marshall Withington
27
Pam Hauge
Doug Wood
28
Jesse Hill
Joe Steele
Emma Jones
29 30
Pat Conrad
Meredith Horan
Ripley Coates
31 HALLOWEEN
Korie Gondek
Don’t see your name on your birthday? Let us know! Contact Emily ([email protected]) and we’ll get you added to the list.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
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The Very Rev. Tim Heflin | Rector [email protected]
The Rev. Margaret Peel | Associate Rector [email protected]
Michelle Ramsdell | Parish Administrator [email protected]
Emily Nein | Communications Director [email protected]
Amy Dutton | Director of Family Ministry [email protected]
Aaron Goen | Organist/Choir Director [email protected]
Jeanne Jones | Preschool Director [email protected]
Carlos Guzman | Sexton
Stephen Shortess | Seminarian
Rod McFadden | Diaconal Intern
Clergy & Staff
Barbara Klix | Senior Warden [email protected]
Paul Foley | Junior Warden [email protected]
Chris Conrad | Treasurer [email protected]
Ann DiMisa | Register [email protected]
Jonathan Withington & Pete Kirkham | Fellowship [email protected]
January Layman-Wood & Pam Rozelsky | Formation
Donna Daugherty & Elaine Runkel | Outreach [email protected]
Pat Brown & Tom Longin | Stewardship [email protected]
Julie Morgan | Welcome & Worship [email protected] [email protected]
2017 Vestry
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 6509 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, VA 22015
www.standrews.net | (703) 455-2500
DIRECTORY