Thoughts from Lori
I expect that most of you have heard or seen reports on the news about the tragedy in Baltimore, the See City of the Diocese of Maryland. Their newly consecrated suffragan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Heather Cook, has been charged with manslaughter, driving under the influence, texting while driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. On December 27th she was involved in an accident which resulted in the death of cyclist Thomas Palermo. Mr. Palermo is survived by a wife and two young children. Bishop Cook is now in jail, having failed to post the 2.5 million dollar bail set by the court.
There is no end to the commentary that has filled social media, much of it laced with vitriol and judgment, not only toward Bishop Cook personally, but also directed toward the process that led to her election and toward The Episcopal Church in general. There have been a few who have dared to express sadness and concern for her (while of course maintaining concern for the Palermo family), but these have often been met with accusation of cheap grace. Any way you look at this, it’s a tragedy. Period.
For the latest and most accurate information, please see this link to a statement from Bishop Eugene Sutton, the Bishop of Maryland: http://latestnews.episcopalmaryland.org
So far, I have resisted writing about all this. And even now, I’m not going to comment on the situation itself. I will, however, say something now about the feature of this event that is so difficult for us to discuss; that is, alcoholism. By that, I mean the disease of alcoholism. Make no mistake, it is a disease. It runs in families and appears to have a genetic link. It can be treated but not cured. It results in devastated relationships, and more frequently than we know, death.
Despite some slick advertising to the contrary about so-called cures, there is only one treatment that has proven effective: AA and its Twelve Step program. What AA offers is not a cure. It is “recovery.” And recovery isn’t accomplished and done with; it is a life-long process. That’s one of the reasons it’s so hard to accept that AA is the only reliable route.
There is a difference, of course, between addiction and abuse. But that’s a slippery slope, and the consequences are often the same. How many times have you (or I) gotten behind the wheel knowing that we had a bit too much wine at dinner? Or a few too many beers during the game? Or after realizing that even that one drink was a little stronger than you thought? Did you know that McHenry has a “no tolerance” policy? Do you know what our diocesan and parish policy is about serving alcohol?
Here are the basics of that policy:
No alcoholic beverages are allowed at business meetings.
Wine or beer may be served at social gatherings. Spirits or so-called hard liquor is not allowed.
Non-alcoholic alternatives are to be served as prominently and attractively as the alcohol.
I believe we should add this:
Each car must have a designated driver who does not drink any alcohol.
As a friend and colleague pointed out recently, it’s time to retire the jokes about Episcopalians, including nicknames like “Whiskeypalians” as we’ve often been called. We aren’t absolutists or teetotalers as a demonization. But that is no excuse for ignoring the fact that we are a church that sometimes turns a blind eye when it comes to alcohol and addiction.
Please take the time to read Bishop Sutton’s letter and reflection. Then join me in prayer for the Palermo family, for Bishop Cook, and for our beloved church.
Faithfully,
Lori +
The St. Paul’s Women’s Tea at “The Rectory”
On Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock February 8, 2015Tickets go on sale this Sunday!
Tickets are $20 for parishioners and $10 for their guests. Proceeds will be used through Episcopal Relief and Development to benefit women in developing countries as they work to establish small businesses.
FLU SEASON IS HERE
This is likely to be one of those years when the flu season is particularly threatening. For the next six to eight weeks, I am asking that we take precautions to protect ourselves and each other.
Let’s temporarily curtain our exuberant Passing of the Peace. Instead of hugging – or even shaking hands – let’s bump elbows or simply speak the words of Christ’s Peace to each other. Yes, the elbow thing feels silly, but if it keeps us all safer, it will be worth it, and it’s only for a while.
There will be safe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer in each pew. Use it as frequently as you like, but especially before coming forward for Communion.
Even though it sounds counter-intuitive, please refrain from receiving Communion by Intinction. (That’s when you dip the edge of the wafer in the wine.) The silver of the chalice and the fortified wine we use reduces the spread of bacteria and viruses, and fewer are spread by sipping from the chalice than by hands hovering over the wine.
If you prefer, you may receive only the bread and be assured that you have received the sacrament. Or, if you would like me to dip the wafer for you (mine being only one hand rather than multiple hands), keep the wafer so that I can see it, and I’ll do it for you.
All of these requests are just for the time being; they are not permanent. Your patience and cooperation are much appreciated. Let’s do all we can to STAY WELL!
Coffee and Conversation
We’re continuing the “The Thrill of Hope” art series this Sunday. Come for the fellowship and interesting discussion.
Reminder!
Please remember to pick up your pledge envelopes if you have not already done so. They’re located on the table in the narthex.
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
January 25th following morning worship
As is our custom, we will enjoy fellowship and a covered dish luncheon before beginning our business meeting. There is a big sign-up sheet on an easel in the narthex for dishes that you plan to bring. No assignments by alphabet this time. The sign-up is just to help us all see who’s bringing what.
The business meeting is our local version of “the councils of the church,” an ancient phrase that goes all the way back to Jerusalem and the early church. This is your opportunity to take part in such a council! We will elect new vestry members and wardens, hear (or in most cases, read) reports about the state of the parish. Even so, the business meeting only takes about an hour. Please make plans to attend.
Flower Chart for 2015
Please contribute to the beauty of our worship by dedicating the altar flowers. The suggested donation is $35, and your dedication may be “in memorial for…” or “in thanksgiving for…” There is a calendar of Sundays on the bulletin board in the narthex where you can sign up. Your dedication will be listed in the Sunday service bulletin on the appropriate date. Thank you so much for adding to our worship in this way.
On the Calendar
Women’s Wednesday – Feb. 4th, 7:00 p.m. Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, Feb. 7th, 8:00 a.m. Women’s Tea – Sunday, Feb. 8th, 4:00 p.m. Endowment Committee – Wed., Feb. 11th, 6:30 p.m. Shrove Tuesday – Feb. 17th Ash Wednesday services – Feb. 18th, noon, 7:00 p.m. Vestry – Thursday, Feb. 19thLessons and Hymns for Sunday, January 18th
(Second Sunday after Epiphany – Year B) by the Rev. William McLemoreTHE SCRIPTURE LESSONS:
The First Reading: Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20). Samuel is serving as a minister with the elder Eli and the event involves some dramatic visions on Samuel’s part, but eventually Eli recognizes Samuel as being commissioned by God.
The Psalm: Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17. This psalm is in the first person and acknowledges God’s dominion and wondrous personal presence and grace.
The Epistle: I Corinthians 6:12-20. Paul sternly warns against the misuse of the body and reminds the church at Corinth that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you.”
The Gospel: John 1:43-51. Philip tells Nathaniel about Jesus and he says, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” And then, Nathaniel meets Jesus and after talking with him, says, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God.”
THE HYMNS:
Processional Hymn: No. 542. “Christ is the World’s True Light.” This hymn was written by George Wallace Briggs to express the true nature of Christian mission work. “In Christ all races meet, their ancient feuds forgetting, the whole round world complete, from sunrise to its setting.” The hymn reflects the evangelistic aspect of the season of Epiphany. The tune, “St. Joan,” was composed in 1941 by Percy E. B. Coller and is named for his wife.
Sequence Hymn: No. 538. “God of Mercy, God of Grace.” This hymn was written by Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847) who was a Scottish poet who at one time considered studying medicine, but opted for theology. He was ordained in 1817. The tune, “Lucerna Laudoniae,” was composed by the Welsh musician David Evans (1874-1948).
Presentation Hymn: No. 550 “Jesus Calls Us, O’er the Tumult.” This is a hymn for St. Andrew’s Day which was first published by the Anglican Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge (SPCK) in 1852. It was written by the prolific Frances Alexander, the wife of Archbishop Alexander of Ireland, who is reputed to have written over 400 hymns and poems in her lifetime (1818-1895). The tune, “Restoration,” is a melody from “The Southern Harmony,” (1835).
Communion Hymn: No. 439. “What Wondrous Love is This.” This is a beautiful American folk hymn, the words and music of which date back to the early 19th century. It first appears in the “Southern Harmony” of 1835 compiled by William ‘Singin Billy’ Walker, a shape note and tune book. The book contained 335 songs, went through several editions, and became one of the most popular southern tune-books of the century.
Recessional Hymn: No. 535. “Ye Servants of God.” Charles Wesley, the son of Samuel Wesley, was born at Epworth, Dec. 18, 1708. He was educated at Westminster School and afterwards at Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated M.A. In 1735, he took Orders and immediately proceeded with his brother John to Georgia, both being employed as missionaries of the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel of the Church of England. He returned to England in 1736. For many years he engaged with his brother in preaching the Gospel. He died March 29, 1788. This great hymn calls forth our outreach, sharing Christ with others-a prominent aspect of the Epiphany season. This spirited tune is from a 1765 melody in a German Catholic hymnal.
January 18th Servants
Ushers: Don Jaworski, Rick Carlstedt Lector: Judy Robel Intercessor: Ann Byers Eucharistic Ministers: Pam Dietmeyer, Deb Lang Vestry Persons of the Day: Bev Jannotta, Kathy Biggerstaff101 Reasons to be an Episcopalian
Reason 43
“We welcome the faithful, the seeker, and the doubter.”
Diana Smith, Diocese of Washington
From the cartoons created by the Rev. William P. McLemore
1965 – 2014
