DIOCESAN MISSION STATEMENT
The
Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts: Inviting, Forming, Sending, Serving
As members of the Episcopal Diocese
of Massachusetts we believe God in Christ is working everywhere in the world to
heal, to reconcile, to love every person and all of creation into wholeness.
Through the life, cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the power of
sin and death has been broken; life and hope is the new reality.
It is our mission to join God’s transforming mission.
We will form our children, our young people, and our adult members, through
prayer, worship and scripture, to become followers of Christ, that we might
discern where God is carrying out this mission in our world. And we will send
our people to serve with Christ, inviting everyone and all of creation to share
in the just reign of God.
ST.
DAVID’S MISSION STATEMENT
The people of St. David's Episcopal Church
are committed to a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Our worship, centered in the
Holy Eucharist, nurtures us to be a community engaging with an ever-changing
world, living a faith of spiritual growth, mutual support, and outreach through
service in our everyday lives.
ST.
DAVID’S WELCOME STATEMENT
"St. David's extends a warm welcome to all visitors and newcomers. We,
the people of St. David's, believe that God's love is expansive and
unconditional and that through Christ, God has called us to love one another as
God loves us. We welcome all people regardless of race, gender, age, culture,
ethnic background, affectional orientation, economic circumstances, family
configuration or difference of ability. We celebrate the worth, dignity and
gifts of every person as a child of God."
Follow us on at
St. David's Episcopal So. Yarmouth.
.
From the
Rector
The Great Feast of Pentecost
(second most important day in the church calendar) Acts 2.4: “They were all filled with the Holy
Spirit.”
Throughout the ages humankind has tried to capture God. In the Christian world,
the most famous attempts to contain the divine are the creeds—patterns of words
which to this day are claimed by some to reflect essential truths about God. A
central truth of Pentecost is that God cannot be a possession. Whatever walls
we build, whatever boundaries we set, whatever rules we make, God is always
outside our imposed limits.
Foolishly, theologians and others attempt to contain God in concepts about the
Holy Spirit.
The spirit, Luke is saying as he interprets what happened on Pentecost day, is
God's gift. A new law of love has come through Jesus. The new people of God are
venturing out towards a new city of God which will one day be founded by the
risen Lord.
Meanwhile, their leaders have been selected and the ecstasy of Pentecost is the
sign that God is with them— that they have received God's spirit, just as in
the old times when God inspired the seventy Hebrew leaders.
The idea that specially selected humans are inspired has persisted in the
Christian Church ever since. Mechanisms and ceremonies have been created by
which a selected few officially receive the spirit, whether than be from
Baptism and Confirmation or Ordination to Sacred Orders. From that, has in turn,
sprung a multitude of elaborate ecclesiastical structures designed to
perpetuate the idea and contain the Holy Spirit has a possession to be
dispensed by the institution rather than a gift freely given from God.
For others, the Holy Spirit may come upon them in utterances, physical
movements or just passing out (Slain by the Spirit). This is sometimes used as
a litmus test if one can claim to be a Christian or not. Again, in attempts to
keep others out rather than welcomed in.
Whatever the case, the word "spirit" refers not to some sort of ghost
or non-material power but to that, in life, which cannot be captured or
defined.
The Hebrew and Greek words used in the Bible for spirit mean something like
"wind" or "breeze". Just as the winds of our world blow on
all peoples, on just and unjust alike, on rich and poor, on wise and foolish
alike, so also does God move amongst us all. A breeze which is confined or a
wind which is contained ceases to be a breeze or a wind. Attempt to capture God
in structures or formulas or words or metaphors - and God immediately ceases to
be God.
Another way of putting this is to say that the Good News is that life cannot be
extinguished. To say this is to imply that change is normal and natural, since
life requires constant change. Life cannot be frozen. If, as Paul claimed,
death has been conquered, then life and change have triumphed.
The only time we can truly say that something — a person, or an idea or an
organization — is dead, is when it has
ceased to change. Just as planet earth would quickly die if the weather didn't
change, if the breezes and hurricanes were to stand still, so also will
humanity die if we attempt to bottle up change. Life is the purpose of the
universe. When change ceases, life ends and the universe dies.
So Pentecost isn't only or even primarily about miraculous happenings or
speaking in tongues. It's about our Creator and the nature of the creation. The
gift of the spirit conveys to us that life is in constant flux, that the
universe of which we're part has heights and depths beyond anything we can imagine. Conversely, we are warned against those who
claim to possess absolute truth, a final answer, a definitive way to live. God
as spirit, who underlies everything in some mysterious way, will always bypass
limits. Our God is outside the limits.
These are large and dramatic claims. They have equally large and dramatic
consequences and implications. When they are brought down to earth, their
practical effects are great beyond description. For if each one of us attempts
to embrace life - and therefore to embrace change― in a constant and enduring
manner, many of our priorities must also change.
Do we seek security? Only death is safe. Do we claim absolute truth? New
questions will always arise to be answered. Do we hang on to power? Revolution
will come. Is money our priority? We will be robbed of it. Are we pillars of
society? Jesus died outside the city walls on a rubbish heap. Have we received
the Holy Spirit? God comes and goes.
May our individual and collective Pentecosts blow through us with refreshing
wind, set us on fire with the love of God and excitement about the changes God
continues to grant us.
WARDEN’S WINDOW
Welcome Spring! I
can't believe we are actually having one on the Cape this year. It is always
nice to see the renewal of life outdoors. Speaking of renewal and rebirth,
St David's certainly continues with an abundance of it! The Faith Alive
Weekend, Holy Week and two services on Easter were unbelievable. We are
alive, and joy abounds. We also have many new faces each Sunday, always a most
welcome sight.
St. David's has several ministries
which are ongoing. If you are looking for a way to serve, pay forward, or
help out (whatever you want to call it), We need you! Here are a
few ministries:
St. David's Homeless Overnight Program:
One
Friday night a month St David's welcomes 4 - 6 homeless men to Nelson Hall for
a meal, some fellowship, and an air mattress. Aaron Dunigan-atLee has
been hosting the men's overnight for some time and he needs help. If you
can spend a Friday night with him and the group, or prepare a meal, please let
him know.
St. David's Paper Pantry:
This
ministry started approximately 2 years ago when it was discovered that
individuals receiving food stamps are not allowed to purchase personal paper
products with them, nor are they allowed to purchase paper towels or toilet
paper. We have clients who line up hours before the door opens,
regardless of the weather, for assistance. If you are able to help out, please
speak with Paula Tanzi.
St. David's Senior Ministry:
This is a new ministry to St. David's which has been very well
received. The idea is to provide temporary assistance to parishioners who
find themselves in need. One area of
assistance is to provide a meal, another is a ride to church for someone who
may live near by, but just can't get themselves to church any longer.
Perhaps they just need a visit, providing respite for a caregiver. We are
especially in need of people to cook a meal occasionally. Or, if you are
as good a cook as I am, perhaps you could donate the fixins' so someone who
actually knows what to do with it can prepare a meal. I am happy to
report that members of our parish family who have been away for some time have
found their way back to St. David's through this ministry. I am humbled
to have had the opportunity to get to know them. If you are interested, please
speak with me and I can point you to the right coordinator.
Fundraising:
In order to try and stay afloat
financially, St. David's has several fundraisers during the year, along with
the pledges from the parish family. In the past this has included the carnival,
a summer fair, and bar-b-que. I am happy to report that Rob and Bev Parke
have offered to spearhead an auction this year, Marsha Fredericks has offered
to chair a Rummage Sale, and Larry Johnson will be back with his world famous
bar-b-que. All of these are major undertakings and require a lot of
help. Please think of where you might be most useful and speak to either
Rob, Bev, Larry, or Marsha. You will be hearing more as we get into the summer
season.
As you can see, there continues to
be a lot going on at St. David's. Please consider this your invitation to
pitch in and get involved. I wish you all a happy, healthy and safe summer
season!
Kate Hansen, Co-Warden
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SUNDAY HOSPITALITY DINNER
We have
begun to host our hospitality dinners on the third Sunday of each
month. Our guests are picked up from the Salvation Army between 12:15
-12:30. Lunch is generally served at 1:00. We have had an average
of 22 guests the last two months. The committee needs additional help in
all areas of this long standing ministry.
Brian Rixham
needs some new drivers to pick up and drop off guests. Guests are ready
at the Salvation Army around 12:15. Lunch and recreation time are usually
done no later than 2:30pm. Please call Brian at 508-385-7450 if you are
willing and able to drive. You need not commit to EVERY month; drive when
you are available.
Irene
Fergusen needs some new bakers. Our guests really do appreciate home made
pastries--cakes, cookies, pies. Please call Irene at 508-394-5350 if you
have a special recipe you would like to share. Again, you are not
committed to one hundred cookies every month--two dozen, or one cake or pie when
you can.
Elizabeth
Rixham arranges for vegetables and salads as the menu requires. We have
had some wonderful veggies on the buffet line and our guests really relish
them. We were scraping the pans last month! Please call Elizabeth
at 508-385-7450 if you would like to help supply this important part of the
meal. Plain veggies OR casseroles are needed each month and we'd love to
see some new recipes.
We thank Len
Solomon, our faithful dishwasher. He does a great job month after
month. If you have some time and would be willing to "learn the
ropes" Len would be happy to show you how it's done. A back up
dishwasher is ALWAYS a good thing!
We have a
few regulars who come monthly to set tables, prepare the appetizer table,
serve, and clean up after dinner. Most months we could use a few
more (new) hands! Those who attend the 10am service often just stay
and get things going. Everyone is welcome to come and help--11:45 is
usually early enough. Also, I would really like to have a back up cook
(or two). The cook prepares the meat and carb portion of the meal and
oversees the appetizers. This is not a terribly difficult job--think of
it as a large family Christmas dinner times three! If you are interested
and able to help, even occasionally please contact Marsha Fredericks at busywomancc@comcast.net or call
508-694-6279 (leave a message!)
Thank you and God
Bless all who make this outreach ministry a success. Marsha
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VESTRY NOTES
April 21, 2012
Treasure’s Report: Finance reports we are in very good
shape. Pledges are up.
Commission Reports:
Hospitality: May 19th at 10:00 AM meeting
scheduled for ushers and greeters.
Property: Pond fund money earmarked for roof. Need to look at aging boiler and see if that
is a priority. Will continue to
explore. Sound system problems need to
also be addressed.
Worship: Meeting will be scheduled prior to Bishop
Shaw’s visit.
Pastoral Care: 7 people are being seen on a regular
basis.
Communications: People who have previously attended St.
David’s have expressed a desire to receive Shore Line. Suggestion made that we ask them to pay for
postage or read on line. Directories are
here and can be picked up. Wifi is
having some problems, Gene is on top of this and hopefully it will be corrected
soon [It is working again as of Tues, April 24].
Co-Wardens Report: Report from Cotuit Solar was negative because
they only looked at half of the space. Creative solutions from North Falmouth gave a very impressive view. We are waiting for a proposal.
Rector’s Report: Bishop Tom Shaw will visit on June 17,
2012. He has requested one service and
wishes to meet with congregation and vestry separately after the service.
Old Business: Diocesan assessment is being addressed by
Wendy Katz and Faith Santiago, will re-file 2010 parochial report.
Capital Campaign- congregation will get a presentation then
will be given envelop which they may enclose a pledge if they wish.
New Business: Chapel- Armand made a proposal that we
reconfigure the south transept (Altar Guild side) to seat 35-40 people. The pews would be split and an altar
built. There would be minimal cost (much
of the work being donated) and a Cross and Candle Sticks found in basement
used. Pews would be movable for large
services. Suggestion to call it the
Kimber Memorial Chapel.
Nelson Hall upkeep will be looked into.
There will be no church fair this summer. Looking into doing a yard/rummage sale. Maybe craft venders also. We need a coordinator for this event.
April 20th concert was well attended.
Next vestry meeting May 19, 2012
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHAPEL PROPOSAL: At their retreat last month, the vestry was
charged with considering a proposal by the rector to reconfigure the south
transept into a chapel seating 40-45 people. This would be used for smaller
weekday services and devotions. Currently, the transept is used by two or three
members of the Altar Guild during the Eucharist and for major events of which
we have perhaps three other than Christmas and Easter. The plan would be to
make the pews moveable to accommodate larger congregations at those times. The
cost to the parish would be minimal since we are graced with an abundance of
altar wear and talents. A smaller altar for the chapel will be built as a gift.
We would like to hear comments from the congregation. Please speak with a
vestry member or the rector.
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MOTHERS’ DAY
SPECIAL!
On Sunday, May 13th, Mothers’ Day, we will again be
collecting for “A BABY CENTER”, a Cape Cod Council of Churches’ program which
helps mothers in need. We have been
asked to focus on Diapers for newborns and sizes 4, 5, or 6; Wipes; Baby Wash;
and Pajamas, sizes 12 months through 3T.
NO BABY FOOD OR TOYS,
PLEASE.
Here is an excerpt from the letter
which we received after our Christmas collection, “Thank you so much for the
wonderful Christmas donation of diapers, wipes and new PJ’s. You all have been so fantastic with support
and we send our sincere thanks… A Baby Center distributes about 15,000 diapers
(30 per family) every month! We hear so
many heartbreaking stories from families who cannot provide enough goods for
their children.” Let’s keep up
the good work!
WEDNESDAY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP has begun a new book, “The
Underground Church: Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus,” by Robin Meyers.
The author is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He is a
well-known professor and speaker and is the author of several other books on
Christian life and spirituality. Come join the discussion each Wednesday in the
March Room at 9:00AM right after the mid-week Holy Eucharist.
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DYECH Cards: Thank You! Do you have a food card for your grocery
shopping this week? If not, why not? You can purchase a card after both
services today and 5 percent of the sale will go to Housing Assistance
Corporation for homeless prevention. You can also get cards for CVS, Dunkin
Donuts, Ardeo's (20 per cent) and the 99. As a reminder, DYECH (made up of 19
churches and banks) sold a total of $163,230.00 in cards from January through
March this year, donating to HAC over $8,200 (at 5 percent or more). Were you a
part of the total sales? The 1500 Club
now has 500 members. If you haven’t
joined at $12.00, please pick up an application at the table after both
services. Thanks for all you do.
Claire Tyner, for DYECE
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MONDAY EVENING DINNER AND BIBLE DISCUSSION: We are a small, warm
and friendly group of women who meet
every Monday at 6PM to share a meal followed by stimulating Bible
discussion. We currently take turns
meeting in one another’s homes, sharing food and fellowship. If you are interested in joining us, please
call Nancy at the church office.
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Z GOOD
FRIDAY OFFERING: The offering from both services on Good Friday are missing.
They were stored in a plastic bag in
a cabinet in the sacristy. If you know the whereabouts of the offering,
please notify the Church Office or the Rector.
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NOT A MEMBER? WANT TO RECEIVE THE SHORE LINE?
If
you are not a contributing member of St. David's, but would like to receive the
Shore Line newsletter, we will be happy to send it to you. Please send your e-mail address to Gene
Monay, genesweb@comcast;net. If you do
not have an e-mail address, and would like a printed copy, please send your
request to: St. David's Episcopal
Church,205 Old Main St., S. Yarmouth, MA 02664, ATTN: Gene Monay. We ask
that you include a contribution of $15 (per year) to cover the cost of printing
and mailing. Note that the Shore Line
is also available on our web site, http://www.stdavidscapecod.org/
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Prayer Group Meets on Tuesday at 1 PM: We invite you to come and
pray with us. Regular attendance is not
required. Please continue to fill in the prayer request cards in the pews, and
place them in the Prayer Box on the table at the back of the church. Updates on
prayer requests are much appreciated. Confidentiality is assured.
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X X X X
OVERNIGHTS: Aaron and Doreen need help for the Overnights of Hospitality.
We host men on the Third Friday of every month. If you can drive, prepare a
meal or sleep over, please check the orange folder and sign up. If you have any
questions please call Aaron Dunigan Atlee 508-744-6137.
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THERE ARE UPDATED Directories on the table in the Common Room.
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X X X X
HOSPITALITY/10:OOAM COFFEE HOUR:
Please, we need additional people added to the schedule. Please call Nancy
Gerry at
508-333-5189.
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St.
David's Summer Fair is going on hiatus! There will be NO big time, normal fair this summer.
Instead, we will host a YARD SALE. It will be held on Saturday July 14
from 9am-2pm. As you begin your spring clean out, please put aside those
items that would be suitable for the yard sale. We will accept kitchen
items, tools, decor, small furniture, vases, baskets, children's toys, sport
and game items. Please NO electronics, linens, worn out holiday
decorations, or anything that won't fit in your car. Remember, the test
is...would I use this? Would I let my grandchildren use this?
Please note, these are the same guidelines that have been established for
the White Elephant portion of the fair. Watch this space for details on
collection dates and times. Thank you and God Bless! Marsha
Fredericks
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X X X X
EBBS AND FLOWS
DEATHS
None reported
BAPTISMS
None
reported
Please pray for those who are ill or infirm or in need of our prayers
Lisa Ward, Kimberly Norton, Betty
Norton, Richard Norton, Megan McNaughton, John Brewer, Mark Halvorsen, Meg
Barros, Joyce Jacobson, Peg Gigger, Richard Gigger Jr., Irene Ferguson, Ethel
Marino, Wendy Taylor, Chris Karras, Dutch Nelson,
Jackie Lewis, Barbara Hall, and Barbara Waas.
Please pray for those who are
absent: Laura Gurney, Jeanne Fitton, Barbara March, and Ruby Lovell.
Please pray for families and friends of St. David’s: Karen, Marissa and Diana
Milkey, Denise H. Detotto, Mary Corliss, the Graham Family, Patricia McKenzie,
Peter Conner, Janet Metner, Jean Hudson, Janice Stoeckle, Jan Wiley, Gladys
Wiley, Alex Baker, Patrick Baker, Karen Pistoreno, Allison McCutchen, Sue
Mercer, Pat Bernardin, Cheryl & Carter Bryan, Lois Wade Shaw, David
Robinson, Irvan Donahue, Phil Goodwin, Tammy Andrews, Bess Wilson, Bennett
Hartley, Jane Ambrose, Dee Forst, Paige Green, Michael, Carlene Duprey, and
Brian, Brenden Dorothy Pettibone. List current as of 4/20/12
On the Funny Side
A little girl was sitting on
her grandfather’s lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she
would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She
was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up,
“Grandpa, did God make you?”
“Yes, sweetheart,” he answered. “God made me a long time ago.”
“Oh,” she paused. “Grandpa, did God make me too?”
“Yes, indeed, honey,” he said. “God made you just a little while ago.”
Feeling their respective faces again, the little girl observed, “God’s getting
better at it, isn’t He?”
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IN THE MILITARY
We would like to list the names of all members and friends of St.
David’s who are currently serving in the military, in any capacity. If you know someone you would like to
include, please contact the editor, Lyn Solomon.
(lynard21@hotmail.com). I have deleted
out of date information to save space. If you wish to update your service member’s information, please contact
me. New entries are in italics.
St. David’s friends and family
members currently serving in the military (listed alphabetically):
MSgt. Allen Bachand, Jr.
USAF, husband of Emily J. Bachand,
both members of St. David’s.
SGT Michael Bremer, USA,. Grandson of Elizabeth Van Steen
QM1 Spencer Calvin, USN, Cousin of Diane Amaducci
Machinist Mate 1st Class Matthew Capparra, USN. He is the grandson of Loretta and Bill
Gannon. He was recently promoted to
Petty Officer First Class.
SGT Christopher Carlson, USAF, is an
Electronics Technician now assigned to Hickam AFB, Hawaii. He is the son of David and Carol Carlson
.Dale Cochrane,USA; finshed basic
training and has been deployed to Afghanistan.
SSGT Airman Kirstin Daniels, USAF. completed
her tour in Italy and is now stationed at Kirkland Air Base in Albuquerque. She
is the granddaughter of Loretta and Bill Gannon.
SPC Samuel Fanning, USAREUR, V-Corps. .
The son of Linda and James Fanning.
SPC Heather E. Fitch USA, Grand‑niece of Marjorie Jones.
SSGT Robert L. Flinchbaugh USA Robert is the son of Richard and Virginia Flinchbaugh.
SGT Daron Hogan, USMC, Sgt. Daron
Hogan, USMC, 24, is now stationed at Camp LeJeune, NC. He is the grandson of Claire Flynn.
.
CPL Stephen M. Lewis, USA, He is
the grandson of Dorothy Cutting. Stephen was recently promoted to Corporal, and
will soon begin training as a medical corpsman.
SGT Alan J. Lowe USA
, nephew of
Jackie Frasier, Grandson of Carol Jenney.
LCPL Christopher Metner, USMC, grandson
of Jessie Mazzur.
SGT 1C James N. Miller, USANG Son of Mollie Miller
SGT 1C Angel A. Miller USANG Daughter-in-law
of Mollie Miller
PFC Andrew Scherbarth, grandson of
Loretta and Bill Gannon, is in the Army
National Guard.
PFC Meghan Scherbarth, granddaughter of
Loretta and Bill Gannon has completed her tour of duty in Korea, and is
stationed in Ft Levenworth Kansas.
SN Aaron J. Scullion, USN, graduated
from New London Submarine School assigned to the USS San Francisco based out of
San Diego, CA Son of Gary and Jamie
Ann Scullion, grandson of Dutch and Anne Nelson.
SPC Bryan T. Tolley, USANG. is back
home from Afghanistan and attached to 182nd US National Guard out of
Braintree Armory. Son of Chuck and Donna Tolley, grandson of Dutch and Anne
Nelson.
Major General Jonathan T Treacy,
Commander, Joint Task Force and Civil Support, United States Northern
Command. Son-in-law of Bobbie Lecke
Sgt E-5 James M. White, A Co.@-8
inf.4ID, Alpha company, 2nd Brigade, 8th infantry, 4th Infantry Division, Fort
Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cousin of the Rev. Armand Kreft.
Maj. Heath Wimberley USAF, 308th
Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, AZ. Promoted
to to "Lt Colonel Select Wimberley" Cousin of the Rev. Armand Kreft
Lord God of grace and power, stretch forth your almighty arm to
strengthen and protect all those in the armed forces of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in
times of peace keep them safe from evil. Endue them with courage and loyalty, and grant that they may serve
without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen (From A Prayer Book for the Armed Forces, Domestic and Missionary
Society of the Episcopal Church, 1988)
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The Bishop is coming !!
The Bishop is
coming !!!
On Sunday, June 17, The Right
Reverend Thomas Shaw, Diocesan Bishop
of
Massachusetts will pay his "official" visitation to St. David's
Church.
There will be ONE SERVICE
THAT DAY beginning at 9:00 a.m. when the
bishop
will lead a discussion with the congregation. The bishop will meet with
the
Rector and Vestry after the Eucharist.
If you have not yet been
baptized and would like to be baptized at this service,
please
speak with the Rector.
This visitation is required by
the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal
Church
of the United States.
Please join together as we
welcome him to our community.
