Spirit of the Eagle – February 2012
Installation Mass of Rector Bryan Newman to be held Saturday, February 25 at 10:30 a.m.
After a unanimous vote of confidence in Priest-in-Charge Bryan Newman’s ability to lead us into the future, the Vestry of St. John’s sent a letter of recommendation to Bishop Starks in December. We are most pleased to announce Bishop Starks’ decision to fill the vacancy of our Rector’s position with Fr. Newman at an Installation Mass to be held on Saturday, February 25, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
From the time of his ordination to the Diaconate and Priesthood, to his long period of mentorship with Fr. Neuroth and subsequent role as Priest-in-Charge, Fr. Newman has proven to all that he is ready to accept the challenges of effectively leading us on our spiritual journey for many years to come. His patience and endurance have been rewarded by an infusion of enthusiasm, hope and ministry among members here at St. John’s.
As an example of his understanding of the Church, when we inquired about changing his installation date to a Sunday so everyone could attend his ordination, he deferred stating, “Like Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox, the A.C.C. uses the Calendar of the Church Year to teach the Christian faith. There is an importance for every Sunday of the year; some are more important than others, but every Sunday is a little “Easter”. The Installation Mass of a new Rector does not rise to the level of importance that would allow it to take precedence over any given Sunday”.
That being said, three weeks is ample time for everyone to plan ahead so they can attend this very important event in the history of our Church. A luncheon is planned afterwards in the Church hall, so please make plans to attend the Installation Mass of Fr. Bryan Newman, as well as the celebration that follows on February 25.
Sincerely,
The Vestry of St. John’s
February Vestry Meeting
Our Vestry Meeting for February will be Wednesday, February 15, at 7 p.m. If you are a parishioner with particular business you would like discussed, please approach any member of the Vestry or Fr. Newman and let us know that you will be attending
Spiritual Tidbits for February from Fr. Tim
It is said in the Canticles (viii. 6): “Love is strong as death and love is hard as hell.” Death truly kills the quick; hell soothly spares not the dead. So, certainly, the love of God not only utterly kills the love of this world in the man that it perfectly ravishes, but also, being slain to the world and quickened to heaven, it stirs him to suffer full mickle tribulation and worldly wretchedness for God.” Richard Rolle, 14th Century English Christian Mystic, The Fire of Love, Chapter X
Yes, this came from one of my old out of print edition dusty books that my wonderful wife Janet purchased for me from half way around the world. And I know the above excerpt on love is not exactly the same spin you will normally hear in the month of February. Valentine’s Day roses, chocolates, cards, pajamas, and you name it abound in every store, catalog, and internet site imaginable. The global god Consumerism ravishes the local god Almighty Dollar in the person’s wallet or purse. Depressing at times isn’t it. You would think there would be better ways to show ones love?
Let me put the above excerpt from Rolle in some simpler words. If you truly love God the way you should, you will love absolutely nothing of the world more than God. If you truly love God the way you should, you will suffer any tribulation or any hardship (including death) you find yourself in each day for God (without complaining one tiny bit).
If we love anything of this corrupted world it will stand between us and God. When we suffer hardships in this life willingly (without complaining) we will be taught meekness in this world and thus spared some correction in the Intermediate State after death – for God will not punish the righteous twice.
Now read the above excerpt once again and substitute “truly” in the place of the olde english “soothly” and substitute “much” for “mickle”. I think then you will agree with Richard Rolle that “Love is strong as death and love is hard as hell”. Sure makes those little candy hearts with those mushy love messages like “be mine” look even smaller does it not? But I guess they still taste pretty good…
Parish Hall Update
Great News…the Vestry approved replacement of the deteriorated windows in the parish hall. After entertaining several bids, it was decided the new windows will be Pella Windows that are all vinyl, almond in color, double pane, and energy efficient. Expect to see the new look in the next 4-6 weeks! We would like to thank Lori and Rich Seyberth for their efforts in handling this project from start to finish.
In addition to replacing the windows, we are still looking into pricing stained glass overlays which can be purchased by family members as memorials to honor loved ones who have passed on. If you think this is something you would be interested in, please contact a Vestry member. With a total of 8 overlays available, window overlay locations will be offered on a first come, first served and first paid basis.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is responsible for making the sanctuary ready for all services. Its members maintain the church’s liturgical requirements for services by preparing the altar, laundering linens, preserving the sacred vessels, and arranging the floral displays that beautify the church. If you would be interested in serving on the Altar Guild, or if would like to give flowers for a Mass in memory of a loved one, please contact Joyce Murray.
The Altar Guild will need a few good men to bring the Lenten Cross from the storage shed and install it in Church after mass on Sunday, February 19.
End of the Month Club
The End of the Month Club is a chance for parishioners and friends to meet at a local restaurant to share a meal and fellowship. All are welcome. The only requirement is that you like to eat out and want to socialize with and get to know your fellow parishioners better. Most times, we meet for lunch on the last Thursday of the month. A few times a year we meet for dinner, so people who can’t make the luncheons have a chance to share in this fellowship. We will not hold a gathering for the month of February, so please check this newsletter in March for the time and location of the next EOM Club get together. Call Fr. Al and Kathy Houghham at (859)331-2951 to make your reservation. If you want to come, but need a ride, please call them. Usually, we can make arrangements so all who want to attend can come.
Good News from the Neuroths!
Father and Mary Anne Neuroth wish to announce the ordination of their son, Michael, into the Ordained Ministry of the United Church of Christ. Michael’s ordination will take place Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Westmoreland United Church of Christ in Washington, DC. Michael’s current position is Minister for Policy Advocacy for International Issues/Justice and Witness for the United Church of Christ. Prayers are requested for Michael as he moves forward to become an ordained minister in his denomination. If you wish to send greetings to Michael, his address is: 825 Sixth Street – Northeast, Washington DC. 20002
On February 12, 2012, Michael and his wife, Amber, will baptize their two sons, William and James, at Hope Church in Alexandria, VA where Amber is currently sole Pastor. Please keep Father and Mary Anne in your prayers as they travel to Washington, DC to celebrate these blessed events.
“Welcome to St. John’s”
When people come to church they are sometimes burdened, sad or discouraged. Each person, member or newcomer, comes with the hope that the Sabbath will be an experience of uplift and inspiration, a time of renewal and celebration. The ministry of ushering is one of the most crucial because it is one of the most visible in the church.
We are happy to announce that for the first time in many years, we now have a complete rotation of ushers for our Sunday services. They are as follows: Week 1: Liz Robbins and Mike Lenz, Week 2: Lori and Rich Seyberth, Week 3: Bob Schmerge and John Lipscomb, and Week 4: Joyce and Jack Murray. Together, they look forward to sharing the joy of worship to everyone who enters St. John’s Church one bulletin, one smile, one greeting, and one handshake at a time.
Anglican Church Women
The Anglican Catholic Women meet after Mass in the parish hall the second Sunday of each month and our next meeting is Sunday, February 12th. All women of the parish are members and invited and encouraged to attend! Dues for the 2012 year are $5 payable to Treasurer Brenda Strong. ACW sponsors the coffee hour the second Sunday of each month as well, so join us for coffee, treats and fellowship on February 12th. The ACW would like to also encourage others to participate in sponsoring a coffee hour the other weeks of the month. Coffee hours do not have to be elaborate, simple coffee and donuts suffice! Please see Judy Hulsey if you or a group are interested in sponsoring on the 1st, 3rd or 4th Sunday of the month.
Please mark your calendars for St. John’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, April 28th. Invite your family and friends and all are encouraged to bring in a donation of a dessert. ACW will also be selling hostas and African violets during the dinner and ideas or donations of any other craft to sell are welcome. ACW will be sponsoring a Women’s Retreat at Judy Hulsey’s home on Saturday, May 19th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This retreat will feature morning devotions, lunch, and afternoon devotions, led by women of our parish. A signup sheet will be provided in the parish hall and all women are encouraged to attend.
Interfaith Hospitality Network NEWS
The Board of Directors of Interfaith Hospitality Network of Northern Kentucky is pleased to announce that Lisa Desmarais has been appointed Executive Director effectively immediately. Ms. Desmarais, previously President of IHN’s Board (2011) and Treasurer (2009 & 2010), has recently started working with the staff as she transitions into this role.
Ms. Desmarais brings over twenty-seven years of business experience, working in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management & Computer Science from Rhode Island College and is nearing completion of a Masters of Public Administration: Non-Profit Management degree from Northern Kentucky University. Lisa is excited to take on her new role as Executive Director and will continue
To share her enthusiasm about the IHN across our community.
The next turn for SJC is the week of February 26, 2012.
Thank you,
Brenda
Why Anglicanism?
The Anglican Catholic Church began as a restorative effort on the part of concerned Episcopal bishops, priests, and laity who were unwilling to accept the concept that the Christian faith could be amended to fit the current social agenda. The membership of the Anglican Catholic Church now includes people from a broad spectrum of church backgrounds and is found worldwide. We are…
ANGLICAN… because we use the Book of Common Prayer (1928) and follow the path taken by the Church of England in the sixteenth century.
CATHOLIC… because we adhere to the faith accepted by all Christians before the church separated into its eastern and western branches in the Great Schism of 1054. We confess the truth of the faith as established by the apostles and the Nicene Creed.
CHURCH… because we are a community that finds comfort and nourishment in coming together to worship God.
Anglicanism seeks to coalesce the best of the scriptural, instructive, individual approach of Protestantism and the sacramental, worshipful, churchly approach of Roman Catholicism avoiding the extremes of both influences. It is the moderation of our approach which distinguishes our church from others, and in our moderation we believe that we most clearly represent and validly continue as instituted by Christ.
In 1563 Queen Elizabeth I summed up the essence of Anglican faith: We and our people—thanks be to God—follow no novel and strange religions, but that very religion which is ordained by Christ, sanctioned by the primitive and Catholic Church and approved by consentient mind and voice of the early Fathers.