Spirit of the Eagle – March 2013
Rector’s Reflections
As I write this, we are just about mid-way through Lent. How are you doing with what you resolved to do at its beginning? If it is a struggle I recommend you make some quiet time for prayer and also join us at Church for the special services this time of year, like Stations of the Cross. There are few ways better to strengthen one’s resolve than silent reflection and contemplation on Our Lord’s sacrifice for each one of us.
As you know, we lost one of our members this month, Madeline Wright. She had been a St. John’s parishioner since early childhood. In my visits with her I found her to be a genteel and dignified lady of who might have come from an earlier, more refined age. I am told she grew up in the Church and it was very influential molding her character and outlook on life. She will be missed. Godspeed Madeline.+++Yours-In-Christ, Fr. Bryan Newman
Healing Service for March
Our monthly Healing Service will be conducted on, Sunday, March 10th, after Mass. It is inspired by St. James words, in his New Testament Epistle, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. Pray for one another, that you may be healed.” If you wish to be Anointed and offer your prayers for any that are suffering or are ill please join us after Mass on the 10th for this rewarding and reassuring service.
Vestry Meeting
Our Vestry Meeting for February will be on Tuesday, March 19th, at 6:30 PM. If you are a member of the Vestry please make plans to be present. All are welcome.
Student of the Month Award for Creativity
Our very own Avery Michelle Moore, daughter of Kenneth and Becky Moore, and great niece of Margo Nienaber, was recently awarded the coveted Student of the Month Award for Creativity at Grandview Elementary for the month of February. This award was given by the Bellevue Board of Education during their monthly meeting held on the 27th of February. The award was given in recognition and acknowledgement of Avery’s unique creativity and ability to “think outside the box” during Grandview Elementary’s 1st Grade Art Class and activities. Let’s applaud Avery’s outstanding efforts and congratulate her on a job well done. Keep shining Avery!
Spiritual Tidbits for March from Father Tim
The Father, therefore, through the Son reconciles us to Himself, not taking into account our offences (cf. 2 Corinthians. 5: 19); and He calls us, not in so far as we are engaged in unseemly works, but in so far as we are idle; although idleness is also a sin, since we shall give an account even for an idle word (cf. Matthew 12: 36). But, as I said, God overlooks former sins and calls us again and again. And what does He call us to do? To work in the vineyard, that is, to work on behalf of the branches, on behalf of ourselves. And afterwards – O the incomparable grandeur of His compassion! – He promises and gives us a reward for toiling on our own behalf. “Come,” He says, “receive eternal life, which I bestow abundantly; and as though in your debt I reward you in full for the labour of your journey and even for your very desire to receive eternal life from Me.” Saint Gregory Palamas (1296-1359) – To The Most Reverend Nun Xenia
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Easter is upon us! Glorious Easter! Death is defeated through death by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Eternal life is ours for those who choose it. The above 14th century passage from Saint Gregory Palamas to the nun Xenia moves me deeply when I read it, especially the words in bold print. Think about it. What does God owe us? He gave us our very existence. What more could He possibly owe us? And now look what we chose to do with this gift of “existence” of “being”. Each of us chose to be prodigal sons and daughters until we collapsed in the pig sty from the weight of our own sins. Exhausted, humiliated, and dirty we start the long trek back home. And what happens when we arrive? We reach with open arms to our Father and, as though in our debt, He comes running down the path to meet us and reward us. Reward us with eternal life simply for making the journey back.
~Father Tim
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St. Cyril of Jerusalem: Biography and Writings
Early Church Father and Doctor of the Church
Feast Day March 18th
St. Cyril of Jerusalem was born just about the time the Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire (313 AD) and became bishop of the Holy City of David about 349AD. St. Cyril was banished from his Jerusalem see a total of three times for his bold proclamation of faith in Christ’s full divinity during a time when many bishops and emperors favored various forms of the Arian heresy.
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem is one of the most important sources we have for how the church celebrated the liturgy and sacraments during the first few decades after the legalization of Christianity. In his famous 24 lectures commonly known as the Jerusalem Catecheses, Saint Cyril instructs new Christians in the days immediately before and after their initiation into the life of the Church at the Easter Vigil. In these catechetical instructions, which are the only documents that survive by St. Cyril, we find very strong insistence on the value and efficacy of the sacrament of baptism as well as heavy emphasis on the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the sacrament of the Eucharist. St. Cyril of Jerusalem is considered to be one of the Early Church Fathers and is also reckoned among the number of the Doctors of the Catholic Church. St. Cyril of Jerusalem died about 386AD, shortly after the First Council of Constantinople which completed the Creed often known as the Nicene Creed.
Several of you have recently asked me about the correct way to receive Holy Communion at the altar rail. I though it proper, since Saint Cyril is noted above, to use an excerpt from his own writings from the early Church:
Next you hear the cantor inviting you, with a sacred melody, to the Communion of the Holy Mysteries, and saying, “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” Trust not the judgment of your tongue, but rather unwavering faith. For those who taste are invited to taste, not bread and wine, but the fulfillment of the types, the body and blood of Christ.
In approaching, then, do not extend your wrists or spread your fingers; but make your left hand a throne for the right, as if to receive a King. Then hollow your palm, and receive the body of Christ, saying over it, “Amen.” Then, after carefully blessing your eyes by the touch of the Holy Body, consume it, careful not to lose any small particle; for whatever you lose is as much a loss to you as if were one of your own limbs. Tell me, if anyone gave you grains of gold, would you not hold them with utmost care, on guard against losing any? Will you not take greater care not to lose a crumb of what is More Precious than gold or jewels?
Then, after partaking the body of Christ, draw near to the cup of His blood – not stretching forth your hands, but bowing reverently saying “Amen.” Then bless yourself by partaking the blood of Christ. And while the moisture is still upon your lips, touch it with your hands, and bless your eyes and forehead and the other organs of sense. Then wait for the prayer and give thanks to God, who has counted you worthy of such great mysteries. St Cyril of Jerusalem – Mystagogical Lecture 5
Let us at Saint John’s, like the early Church of the 4th century in the Holy City of David, keep these traditions undefiled and never cut ourselves off from Holy Communion and these spiritual mysteries. ~Father Tim
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Whoever fears the Lord will not fear the sickly attacks of demons or the threats of evil people. Like a flame or a burning fire, he goes about day and night through dark and hidden places, and instead of fleeing from the demons he makes them flee from him, so as not to be scorched by the flaming rays of divine fire that pour from him. St. Symeon the New Theologian (949- 1022 AD) – Practical and Theological Texts.
St. Cuthbert 634-687 AD Feast Day March 20th. Although tradition says that Cuthbert was the son of an Irish king, it is most likely that he was born in the vicinity of Melrose, in present day Scotland, of poor parents. Certainly we know that he tended sheep on the hills above the abbey when he was older.
The young Cuthbert may have been influenced by the nearby monks of Melrose Abbey in his choice of vocation; when he was sixteen he received a vision of the soul of St. Aidan being carried to heaven by angels. This vision may have convinced him to enter holy orders at Melrose, but he did not rush to fulfill his calling.
Instead, Cuthbert spent several years as a soldier, probably in the service of the Kingdom of Northumbria against the attacks of King Penda of Mercia. After that conflict had ended, Cuthbert entered the monastery at Melrose, where his devotion earned him high praise. When the monastery at Ripon was founded, it was Cuthbert who acted as master.
These were years of conflict between the traditions of the Celtic Rite and the Roman Rite in the Catholic Church. In 661 Ripon adopted the Roman approach, and Cuthbert and his followers returned to Melrose. In 664 Cuthbert became Prior of Melrose after the death of Biosil. His reign as prior did not last long; in that same year of 664 the Synod of Whitby settled the ongoing dispute between Roman and Celtic Christianity in favour of the former. Cuthbert acquiesced with the Synod’s decision, and adopted Roman rule. He was sent to the Priory of Lindisfarne to ease the transition to Roman tradition in that house.
Cuthbert was a perfect choice for such a sensitive role; his reputation for devotion and sanctity, and the fact that he himself had been raised in the Celtic tradition and now supported Roman rule made his gentle leadership ideal for the job at hand. He spent a great deal of his time at Lindisfarne evangelizing among the people of the area, and exercising the tact and patience for which he was renown to lead the conversion to Roman Christianity.
Cuthbert’s time at Lindisfarne was short, however. He desired the peace of a life of contemplation, and in 676 the abbot granted him leave to retire to take up the simple life of a hermit. Just where Cuthbert chose for his retreat is uncertain. Some traditions say that the rocky islet of St. Cuthbert’s Island, near Lindisfarne, was the spot. Other traditions place him in St. Cuthbert’s Cave, near Howburn. In any case, he did not stay long, and soon moved to Farne Island, opposite Bamburgh.
After several years of austere life on Farne, Cuthbert was reluctantly persuaded to return to a more active role in the church, and became Bishop of Lindisfarne. His consecration was held at York on Easter, 685. He returned to Lindisfarne, but his time was short. By Christmas, 686 he felt his death approach, and Cuthbert resigned his see and returned to Farne Island. He died on March 20, 687.
Spirituality Class in March
Please join us in the Spirituality Class after Holy Mass on the 24th of March as we gather to watch the film The Passion of the Christ. Rich Seyberth will once again set up the large screen and projector and this time we have comfortable, plush, and soft chairs! If you have seen this film, please join us anyway, and add some extra input in our discussion after the film. If you have not seen this film it will be the perfect opportunity to view it with your church family. It is a powerful and moving film that, after viewing, inspired Pope John Paul II to say “it is as it was”. Please bring your favorite “movie dish” or “movie snack” to share with the group!!!
Let us pray that the hope of resurrection never dulls our duty to act as good stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to each of us at Saint John’s. Pray that we are delivered from indifferently waiting for Christ to accomplish outside of history what He would have us accomplish within our own lives. Pray that His resurrection power – to redeem and restore broken creation – be unleashed in and through each of us at Saint John’s. Your kingdom come, Your will be done. Have a blessed and glorious Easter. ~Father Tim
March Birthdays & Anniversaries
Paul Hamilton – Birthday – March 6
Mary Ann & Father Neuroth – Anniversary – March 13
Joanna Barnett – Birthday – March 16
Judy Hulsey – Birthday – March 28
Kay & Kevin Matthews – Birthday – March 31
Paul Hamilton – State Champion
Congratulations to Paul Hamilton, a senior on Campbell County’s Wrestling Team, for being awarded a State Champion Title in the 138 lb. Class of the KHSAA Wrestling State Championships held at Alltech Arena at the KY Horse Park. After finishing 3rd in the state as a sophomore and 2nd in the state as a junior, Paul’s effort in defeating two-time State Champion Jayce Carr of Union County proved that hard work and dedication really do pay off. So the next time you come across Paul at the dessert table during coffee hour and there’s only one piece of cake left, whatever you do, don’t wrestle him for it!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Dear SJC Church Family,
Thank you so much for your donations for my company. With your contributions, we were able to raise over $100 worth for food and $200 in gas cards. All of the donations have been put to great use with the brave Soldiers we are in charge of. Thank you again for your generosity and I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.
Devan Smith
End of Month Club
Due to it being Maundy Thursday, The St. John’s End of the Month Club not be meeting in the month of March. We will however meet at 1 p.m. on April 25 at The Green Derby Restaurant on York Street in Newport. We look forward to seeing you at on April 25 to share fellowship and a good meal!
Paige Smith’s Sorority Fundraiser at W.K.U.
Worldwide, 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. And in the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease—more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital abnormalities and diabetes combined. Two-thirds of children treated for childhood cancer will suffer long-term effects from treatment including loss of hearing and sight, heart disease, secondary cancers, learning disabilities and more.
In support of the fight against childhood cancer, Paige Smith and her sorority sisters at W.K.U. have decided to hold a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser. St. Baldrick’s is home of the head shaving event. It is an easy and fun way to raise money for the very serious cause of childhood cancer. Sort of like a walk-a-thon (minus the blisters!), Paige’s goal is to raise $300. While she hasn’t agreed to shave her head, she has pledged to cut off 10 inches of her hair to try and get to her goal. She will then be donating her hair to an organization called “Locks for Love”, which makes wigs for cancer survivors.
If you would be interested in helping in the fight against childhood cancer, Paige has a page set up to accept donations: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/607463/2013
Lenten Soup and Salad Dinners
Lenten Soup and Salad Dinners will be held on Wednesday’s during Lent, after Mass and Stations of the Cross. There will be a sign up sheet in the parish hall for volunteers to contribute a soup and salad dinner. Please consider signing up to volunteer as well as joining us for prayer, reflection and fellowship. Dates of dinners are below:
March 6: Judy Boughner, Eileen Hanson, Kim Marshall, Brenda Strong
March 13: Edie Brady, Sally Whalen, Margo Nienaber
March 20: The Men of SJC
Junior Warden’s Report
The new stoves have been installed to kick off the kitchen project and the next step will be having new countertops and a new sink installed in the very near future. Before the remaining work is completed, Judy Hulsey will be looking for a couple of volunteers to help her go through all of the kitchen cabinets to eliminate many of the glassware items that we no longer use. These items will be boxed up and stored in the shed until they are sold in the City Wide Yard Sale.
Speaking of the City Wide Yard Sale, while in the past it is has been held in early May, they have opted to hold it this year on Saturday, August 10. So please remember SJC between now and August 10 the next time you come across something us that hasn’t been used in your house for a couple of years.
At our vestry meeting held on Tuesday, February 19, we decided upon and voted to accept a bid of $5000 from Thompson Roofing to tear off and replace the parish hall roof. The new roof will be installed within the next two weeks. Thanks to Tim Lenz, who will be overseeing this project from start to finish.
Our daylight hours are getting longer and many sure signs of spring are beginning to appear out of nowhere. Before long I will be concentrating on whipping the Church garden into tip-top shape in time for our Easter service. I am also looking for some volunteers to help me paint the black wrought iron rails on the Church steps and wheelchair ramp. This is a tedious job unless you have a group of people take it on. If you would be interested in helping out sometime in the garden this year, please call me (859-491-1555) or you can email me (mike.lenz@zoomtown.com).
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~Winston Churchill
Happy Easter to all of you,
Mike
The Flight of the Eagle
In Fr. Stork’s original newsletter ‘the Spirit of the Eagle’ he had a section called the ‘Flight of the Eagle’ where he related his activities for the past month. Below are the visits and other events, I made in the month of February. I prayed with them and gave them Holy Communion and Anointed them when needed. +++Fr. Newman+++
2/3 visited Madeline Wright @ St. E’s Ft. Thomas
2/4 visited Geneva Schmitt @ Bridgepoint rehab center
2/10 visited Madelivne Wrignt @ St. E’s Ft. Thomas
2/12 visited Geneva Schmitt @ Bridgepoint rehab center
2/16 assisted Fr. Neuroth @ Madeline Wright’s funeral
2/17 visited Jim & Toy Hall @ their home
2/24 visited Geneva Schmitt @ St. E’s Edgewood
St. John’s By-Law Update
The Vestry is putting the final touches on proposed changes and updates to the existing by-laws of St. John’s Parish. As discussed at the Parish meeting last fall, these changes are required to bring this important corporation document up to date and better align with canonical requirements.
When the document is finalized, an electronic document will be distributed to those parishioners with e-mail addresses for their review. For those without an e-mail address, hard copies will be available at church for review. Shut-ins will be provided copies by mail.
In an effort to minimize postage expenses, we will be asking parishioners to place their votes into a box in the rear of the church over an approximately one month period. Those being provided information by mail will receive a return envelope to submit their vote.
Stay tuned for more information coming shortly. It is important that we update this critical document, and that everyone be given the opportunity to participate with their voice/vote. Per the by-laws, these changes/updates must be approved by 2/3rds of the eligible voting members of the parish.
Thank you for your patience and we look forward to a solid turnout. Any questions, please feel free to discuss with a vestry member.
St. Patrick’s Day
This year St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday, so we will be having our annual St. Patrick’s Day Party during the Coffee Hour. My thanks to the ladies of the A.C.W. for agreeing to move their monthly Coffee Hour to the third Sunday of the month (from the second) to sponsor this great event. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is a tradition at St. John’s, so I hope all of you can join us…..and remember to wear your green!
St. Joseph’s Day
Wednesday, March 20th, we are starting a new tradition at St. John’s, that of staging a special celebration of St. Joseph’s Day. There is no better human example of a husband and father in the New Testament, than St. Joseph and he should be an inspiration to every Christian man. I am calling on the Men of the Parish to step up and provide the Soup and Salad dinner, (the last one this Lent) that night in honor of St. Joseph. Ladies and children we need you there too, let’s make this one of our bigger celebrations of the year!
Easter Is Really for Jesus
Easter is not just for the Bunny,
With goodies and treats that he brings,
Easter is when we must celebrate
And Alleluia is the song that we sing!
Easter is really for Jesus,
Who died and then rose from the dead.
We must always remember the love Jesus showed
And all of the things that He said.
So, remember this Easter when you go to Church,
And this message is for everyone:
Easter is all about Jesus,
The Bunny and treats are just fun!
