Return to home page
Altar Guild
|
From the Rector Dear Friends, I came across an anonymous quote last week that declared,
"Volunteers are unpaid, not because they are worthless, but
because they are priceless." You know how true that is at the
Chapel of the Cross! Just take one area of our ministry, the one most fully
experienced by most of us: our worship. Although staff members,
clergy and lay, play key roles in organizing and planning our
worship, assigning roles and providing necessary training, printing
bulletins and schedules, and officiating and preaching, without
volunteers our worship would be greatly impoverished and
ineffective. The lectors proclaim the word of God in a way to help
us hear and engage with it. The intercessors lead us in praying for
the Church and for the world. The lay Eucharistic ministers nourish
us at the Lord's table. The choirs and musicians lead us in
singing God's praise and in heeding God's presence. The
acolytes assist with practical tasks and symbolic rituals. The
ushers facilitate the smooth order of the service and the
atmosphere of reverence. The greeters welcome people into God's
house and into the hospitality of God's people. The Buildings
and Grounds Committee attends to and maintains our worship spaces,
including lighting, sound, and temperature. The Altar Guild handles
a myriad of details from flowers to missals to sacred vessels to
hangings and vestments, which allows the whole congregation to
enter into a deeper level of worship. It is this last group which is the focus of this issue of Cross
Roads. Since their work is largely hidden, happening well before
and after worship services, we thought it would be helpful to all
of us to understand the nature and scope of their duties. Since
their work is done so consistently and effectively, it is easy for
us to take it for granted; but it is vital to our worship of God,
for which we are most grateful. Because we maintain two worship spaces and a variety of service
formats, including a number of different special services and more
weddings and funerals per year than any other parish in the
diocese, the Chapel of the Cross makes great demands on its Altar
Guild. But "many hands make light work"; so the Altar
Guild is divided into teams and special tasks.While membership is
by invitation of the rector, if you (male or female) would like to
serve on the Altar Guild, please contact me or Helen Corry, our
Altar Guild chair. - Stephen Vestry Actions - September 16, 2004 At its September meeting, the vestry:
Inter-Faith Council Award Fran Finney, Social Ministry Committee Member On September 23rd members of the Chapel of the Cross joined
other organizations and friends at the Senior Citizens' Center
to recognize the many and diverse efforts of community volunteers
in Chapel Hill. The six representatives of our parish were there to
receive, on behalf of the congregation, a plaque for our part in
welcoming homeless men to our building during the renovation of the
Inter-Faith Council shelter structure. We were one of a number of
congregations to open our doors to provide a welcoming place for
men to sleep in safety and peace and to be a part of our church
family. Many parishioners participated in this endeavor by
providing evening snacks, fellowship, preparing breakfast, and
staying the night to assist the staff from the shelter. Bob
Millikan and Sandy McClaskey led this effort with many hours of
careful and creative planning so that we were able to do Our
Lord's work with joy and thanks. You can learn more about the Inter-Faith Council on its website at www.ifcweb.org St. Hilda's Altar Guild Helen Corry, Altar Guild Chair As the rector noted in his sermon on Sunday, August 29, Altar
Guild service may be described as hospitality, as its members work
quietly behind the scenes to prepare "God's House"
for worship. In addition to preparing the altar and church for each
service and cleaning up afterward, the Altar Guild makes or
purchases linens, vestments, and hangings and keeps them clean and
mended; manages flower funds and orders; arranges flowers for the
altars, rearranges and delivers flower arrangements to parishioners
as designated by the rector; maintains the supplies of bread, wine,
and candles; and makes and cares for decorations such as Christmas
wreaths. To accomplish all this, Altar Guild members offer their
considerable gifts of time and talent. Our Guild is divided into
four teams, each team serving two-week intervals, starting Friday
morning when the church and chapel are cleaned and prepared for
Sunday services. The four Sunday services, Wednesday morning, and
Thursday afternoon services are assigned to various team members.
Each Monday, flowers are rearranged and delivered. If there is
anything from Sunday that needs to be further cleaned, it is done
at this time. Members are trained in the customs particular to this parish, in
addition to learning about the elements of the Eucharist. A very
important quality for a member to possess is attention to detail.
Knowing the meaning of the symbols and elements and making sure the
linens and vessels are prepared properly is very important. Members
need to be ready to learn what to do and be willing to be available
to give the time necessary. Two seasons that are especially busy are Advent/Christmas and
Lent/Easter as there are numerous extra services during these
seasons as well as extra decorations for the church and chapel. Two
other types of services that call for Altar Guild help are funerals
and weddings. There are three wedding coordinators who assist with
weddings, and they are very valuable and busy members of our Guild.
Funerals are staffed by the team on duty at the
time. Traditionally, Altar Guild membership has been open only to
women, but that is not the case at the Chapel of the Cross. We have
several men who are very active members of our guild. We always
welcome new members who would like to join us in this special
service to our Lord and to the Chapel of the Cross family. Should
you be interested in joining us in providing this type of
hospitality, please notify the parish office. Many hands make light
work! Altar Flowers Barbara Modisett To the glory of God, in memory of a loved one, and in
thanksgiving for a marriage or other significant blessing, are all
dedications expressed by the altar flowers placed every Sunday in
the church and in the chapel. Using glorious flowers to beautify the chancel is one of the
assigned tasks of the Altar Guild. Each of the four teams has
members who enjoy arranging flowers and who are responsible for
putting flowers on our altars. All altar flowers for weddings and
funerals as well as for Sunday services are arranged by them. There
are often special requests for specific flowers on a given Sunday,
and especially for weddings and funerals. It's always new and
inspiring to see what kinds of flowers arrive, with their different
colors, textures, sizes and shapes. Styles and forms vary among the arrangers, but one form everyone
must follow is to keep the height of the flowers no higher than the
arms of the cross on the altar. To guide this measurement, each
sacristy has a wooden cross hanging over the work space,
replicating the height in the church and in the chapel from the
altars to the arms of the cross. On Mondays the flowers are made into eight or more small
arrangements and delivered to a list of parishioners designated by
the rector of those with pastoral needs or those celebrating a
special event. During Lent no flowers, only greens, are used for a more somber
display. Exuberance takes over on the two festival days - Christmas
and Easter- when abundant masses of poinsettias at Christmas and
lilies at Easter fill the altars and baptismal
fonts. Occasional workshops at The Summit and Kanuga offer flower
arranging techniques by noted flower arrangers. And Grace Church in
Charleston, SC, holds a two-day biannual fall arts festival
featuring a nationally or internationally renowned floral arranger
who focuses on church flowers. The premier seminar, however, is at the Washington National
Cathedral held every January. The Cathedral Altar Guild conducts a
marvelous five-day flower arranging workshop for thirty-six altar
guild members from across the country. These coveted spots are
snapped up during an autumn sign-up. The attendees stay at the
College of Preachers on the Cathedral Close, each morning observing
a demonstration by Cathedral altar guild members and in the
afternoon having "hands-on" with flowers to practice what
was taught in the morning. On the last day, a Friday, each student
is given an assigned space within the Cathedral, buckets of
flowers, and the go-ahead to create an arrangement for that space,
under the guidance of Cathedral altar guild members. It's a
thrill for each student to see her own arrangement in place on a
pedestal, a rood screen, a baptismal font, or on altars throughout
the cathedral - arrangements that remain in place through the
following Sunday. Several of our Altar Guild members have attended
over the years, and each of them has expressed great enthusiasm for
the week. Working with flowers is a happy experience and it is with much
joy they are presented each week. Monday Flower Deliveries Aimee Peden Burke An extension of the lay ministry of the Altar Guild is the
Monday morning delivery of the altar flowers. Each Monday morning,
altar guild members can be found in the church sacristy
re-assembling flowers from the altar into individual bouquets to be
delivered to parishioners. When an altar guild team member takes a floral arrangement to
the home of the parishioner, I see it as an extension of the Sunday
service itself. The flowers that have been on the altar are now
being sent out to comfort or to cheer, and the recipients know they
are being thought about and prayed for. Flower deliveries are made
in times of grief and in times of joy - for milestone birthdays,
significant
anniversaries, and to those who are in pastoral
need. When the recipient answers the door and is greeted by a bouquet
of beautiful flowers, the response is always one of appreciation,
and it is particularly meaningful that the flowers are from the
church. It is a privilege to be a member of the
Altar Guild and to serve the parish in this capacity. Within each
of the four teams, many wonderful friendships are made, and a there
is a true sense of faith, caring, and dedication to both the church
and our church family. Monday morning flower deliveries provide a
tangible extension of our shared faith. Polishing Brasses and Silver Ridley and Diane Kessler When we first volunteered to polish the church altar brass some
18 years ago, we looked on it as an opportunity to do something for
the Altar Guild and the church. Little did we realize just what we
were letting ourselves in for! We have polished brass for weddings
and for funerals, as well as for regular Altar Guild rotations. Our
primary responsibility is the church candlesticks, but we also have
polished the altar cross, the processional cross, flower
containers, and the candleholder for the Paschal
candle. In the midst of all this polishing we have received much more
than we have ever given. Working with the Altar Guild is an
experience that is both public and private, both significant and
mundane. Most of the duties and activities are out of the limelight
and shared only with other Altar Guild members and God. We have
joined in fellowship with a group of dedicated men and women who
take great joy in maintaining our common worship space.
In addition to the brasses polished regularly by the
Kesslers, Altar Guild team members keep chalices, patents, flagons,
ciboria, alms basins, and baptismal ewers clean and polished for
each service (810 in 2003.) Carolina Meadows Service Laura Benedict Carolina Meadows residents Patty Hairston, Phyllis Dowd, and
Mariechen Smith were the organizers of our congregation. At our
first service, Patty wondered if we would have as many as eight
people, and chose the Library in The Fairways room accordingly. (We
had 18.) As our participants grew in number, we moved to the
Fireplace Room and later to our present location in the Living
Room. It was a joy for all of us to see our family grow. The
service is held the first Sunday of each month at 10:00
a.m. The Rev. Grayson Clary, retired, served as our principal
celebrant from October of 1998 until May 1, 2004. The Rev. Vicky
Jamieson-Drake recruited him and is our liaison with the Chapel of
the Cross. The parish has provided our 1940 Hymnals and the Service
Booklets. While we use Episcopal service materials, we have always
welcomed all who want to participate in the worship service with
us. The purchase of the cross and the communion vessels was made
possible by our own contributions. The Chapel of the Cross gave us
the candlesticks and the small communion set used by our Lay
Eucharistic Ministers. The burse and veil which cover the chalice
and paten are also gifts of the Chapel of the Cross. Our lovely
hanging was made by Phyllis Dowd. In the beginning, members of the congregation arranged the
chairs and the altar table for our service. Later, Carolina
Meadows
graciously installed the living room entrance doors and had their
personnel arrange the room for the service. A sound system was
installed and a podium was built. Publicizing our services and providing leaflets for the
Scripture Readings is a contribution by Claire Hardy and Phyllis
Dowd. Our Altar Guild members, Jane Connelly and Laura Benedict,
are faithful in their preparation duties. The service is made more
meaningful by many lectors and intercessors. We are fortunate to
have a number of volunteer pianists enhance our
worship. The Lay Eucharistic Ministers Mariechen Smith, Bob Comey, and
Marion Peterson have been invaluable in helping in the service and
taking Communion to those persons unable to attend. Until recently, the late Andy Lunde served as our capable
treasurer and he will be missed. Residents' generous
contributions have been used to support a number of worthy causes:
Flood Relief, Calvary Church, Tarboro, 1999; National Episcopal
Church Relief and Development, Oct. 2001; Chatham County Council on
Aging, 2002; Inter-Faith Council, 2002 and 2004; Habitat for
Humanity, 2002; Community Outreach Alliance, 2004; and Thompson
Children's Home, 2004. The total of these gifts is $5,500.
Altar Guild at Carol Woods Sara Hill The Altar Guild at Carol Woods is small. There are four of us
and a couple of people who help out as needed. The housekeeping
department sets up for the service in our assembly hall. They put
the big wooden cross on the stage and the table we use as an altar
on the floor in front of it. All our equipment for the altar is
stowed in a large wooden box on wheels, made by Jane Sussman. The
person doing the setup puts this box in the kitchen of the assembly
hall. We use this room as a combined sacristy and vesting room for
the clergy. We have no side tables so everything goes on the altar
- fair linen, vested chalice, bread, wine, water, candles, and
missal stand. After the service, we clear the altar, wash the
utensils, and stow everything back in the box. Having services at Carol Woods is a wonderful thing, and we are
very grateful to the Chapel of the Cross for supplying the clergy
as well as the bread, wine, and candle wax. Many of us no longer
drive, and the services are a real blessing. We usually have 35 to
40 people in attendance; not all are Episcopalians. We invite all
of you to come to our services on the second and fourth Sundays of
each month at 4:00 p.m. Wedding Coordinators Lynne Burns Three years ago while sitting in church one Sunday, I read a
notice in Crossings for new positions in the church, wedding
coordinators. Instantly, the job description jumped out to me as
one in which I would be interested. Having been married at the
church in 1994, I knew I was coming into the position with just my
own personal experience of an Episcopal service, but I soon found
out there was much to learn. Dozens of weddings later, the
coordinator role continues to witness every wedding as different
but always the same. More on that later.... The position of wedding coordinator is one shared by three
people - Holly Phelan, Linda Howden and myself. Throughout the
calendar year each of us take turns in assisting couples with the
elements of the wedding rehearsal and the ceremony. All three of
the coordinators come from different educational, work, and social
backgrounds, but all have the same desire to fill this role of
wedding coordinator. Correspondence with brides begins soon after the couple's
initial meeting with the clergy. All brides come into the planning
of their wedding with preconceived notions about how the ceremony
will unfold. There may be different religious upbringings that come
into play or an experience at a friend's wedding that they
would like to recreate. I enjoy meeting face to face with brides
that live locally to explain the church policies and symbolic
elements of the ceremony. Sketching it out on paper for the bride
often elicits an "Ah Ha" moment for the couple looking at
the ceremony from a contemporary mindset. When they are able to see
that it is not about the perfect picture moment or the adornment of
flowers throughout the church that makes the ceremony special, then
I feel my role takes on a deeper meaning. Conveying what is really
important in the ceremony makes the role of wedding coordinator
more than just someone who cues people down the aisle and cleans up
after the service. Each wedding I assist with has its own uniqueness - color
scheme, number of attendants, fashion trends, music selection - but
in the end the Blessing of the Marriage is what links them all
together. Reflection on Altar Guild Service Diana Robinson When Stephen invited me to become a member of the Altar Guild, I
said yes without understanding what I was committing to. I did not
have any idea what I would be doing as an Altar Guild member. I had
been a member of the Episcopal Church for a very short time and was
still learning what it meant to be an Episcopalian. Living and working in a 'hurry, hurry' society, I soon
volunteered for tasks where I would be alone, such as setting up
the altar for the week-day services and the 5:15 Sunday service.
Although through the years I have done many others things, I am
most comfortable doing the tasks and services where I am alone and
it is quiet. Before a service begins I am able just to sit and
think or kneel and pray. At a 12:00 noon Easter week-day service there were only two
people present, the priest and me. Standing at the altar, the
priest did the complete service with just me. For me that will
always be a very special service. I cannot put into words the privilege I feel in making the
church or chapel ready for a service regardless of what the
individual task may be. As Stephen reminded us in a recent sermon,
the book of Luke says it all, "We are unworthy servants; we
have only done what was our duty." If you are interested in joining the Altar Guild, please contact
the parish office at 919-929-2193 or e-mail
info@thechapelofthecross.org. Advent Quiet Day Mark the Date: The Spiritual Life Committee is sponsoring
an Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. The Rev. Vicky Jamieson-Drake and parishioner Teri Danner
will be our leaders for praying with icons and religious art in
preparation for the coming of Christ. The event will include
teachings, prayers, and meditations, with much of the day being
spent in silence, an opportunity to reflect on the season. We will
close with Holy Eucharist. If you have a favorite icon to share, please bring it; if you
don't, please don't be dissuaded, we will have many. If you
wish, we recommend reading this small book before the retreat:
The Dwelling of the Light: Praying With Icons of Christ by
Rowan Williams As in the past, the event will be held at Camp New Hope,
offering a serene 'woodsy' setting with a large fireplace
in a rustic but cozy cabin. Please bring warm clothing and other
'creature comforts,' especially if you wish to spend some
time outdoors roaming or meditating by the lake or in the woods. We
will provide lunch; a $6 donation is requested to cover the
cost. Please call the parish office to sign up; directions to Camp New
Hope are available. For more information, contact Vicky
Jamieson-Drake (919-929-2193,
vjd@thechapelofthecross.org
) or
Trenna Corey. Pre-Lenten Retreat at Kanuga Register Now: Rooms are reserved for a group from the
Chapel of the Cross to attend a Pre-Lenten retreat at Kanuga
Conference Center in
Hendersonville, January 30 - February 2. The retreat is entitled
"Listening for the Heartbeat of God." Its leader is J.
Philip Newell. Dr. Newell is an author in
spirituality living in Edinburgh, Scotland. Formerly Warden of Iona
Abbey and Scholar in Spirituality at St. Giles Cathedral, and is
currently Writer Theologian for The Cathedral of The Isles on
Cumbrae. He is a Church of Scotland minister with a breadth of
ecumenical experience. Canadian by birth and Scottish in his higher
education, Newell's doctoral research at the University of
Edinburgh was in Scottish spirituality. Since then he has played a
leading role on both sides of the Atlantic in the recovery of the
Celtic tradition for today. Dr. Newell is an
internationally acclaimed lecturer and writer, his best-selling
titles include
Listening for the Heartbeat of God and Celtic
Benediction. This retreat will offer time for contemplation,
worship, creative dialogue, and meditation. Participants will have
an opportunity to explore deeply their faith journey and move into
Lent with a renewed passion for truth and clarity in the midst of
our hectic world. If you would like additional information or would like to claim
one of the rooms already
reserved, contact Gretchen Jordan as soon as possible at
gjordan@thechapelofthecross.org or 919-929-2193 . The 2005 rates
are not yet determined but last year's rates would place the
cost at approximately $400/person for program fee, room, and
board. Service Schedules Sundays 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II - 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th
Sundays Holy Eucharist, Rite I - 3rd Sundays 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I and II alternate, at Carolina
Meadows - 1st Sundays 11:15a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I - 1st and 3rd
Sundays Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist, Rite I - 2nd and 4th
Sundays Holy Eucharist, Rite II - 5th Sundays 4:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I - 2nd and 4th
Sundays 5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II 9:30 p.m. Sung Compline - during academic term Weekdays 5:15 p.m. Evening Prayer - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, 1928 Prayer Book -
Wednesday 5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Thursday The Chapel is open daily for prayer and
meditation. Name Change for Publications Coordinator Since her recent marriage, Publications Coordinator, Anne
Altaffer, has changed her name to Anne Asplin. Her new e-mail is
now
aasplin@thechapelofthecross.org. Please make note of this change
and please use it for future communications. Stewardship of our Global Climate Linda B. Rimer, Environmental Stewardship Committee
Chair In May 2004, our Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold, along with
30 national religious leaders and prominent scientists, sent a
letter to the Congress of the United States pleading for action to
address global climate change. Noting in the letter that the United
States, which represents approximately 4% of the world's
population, contributes 25% of the increased greenhouse gas
concentration, these leaders wrote the following: "When 'discernable human influence' is determined
to be a cause of destruction, we are dealing with moral and ethical
concerns . . . for many, these are shaped by religious
conviction. "In Judeo-Christian scripture, all creation, by
God's handicraft, is deemed "good". Because "the
Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (Psalms
24:1), its gifts are intended for the benefit of all. Humans are
called into covenant with their creator as stewards of life. In
love, we care for the conditions of one another's well-being;
in justice we attend first to the needs of the most vulnerable.
When significant danger threatens, the traditional value of
prudence requires us to prevent damage to the common good. All
these obligations apply to the protection of future
generations."
(http://ecusa.anglican.org/1829_39883_ENG_HTM.htm?menu=undefined) The subject of this letter, global climate change, is being
described as the greatest challenge of the 21st Century. Yet it is
not a new issue. Over 100 years ago, Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius first
predicted that carbon dioxide, from the burning of fossil fuels and
the felling of trees, would accumulate in the atmosphere and bring
about man-made changes in the global climate. Scientific studies
since the 1950s have documented the rise in so-called "green
house gases," most notably carbon dioxide and methane. As the
science grew, consensus gradually formed on the reality of these
changes, but debate continued on whether or not these changes were
actually caused by human behavior. Today, there is a broad
consensus both on the reality of climate change and the source. As
Pogo told us long ago, "We have met the enemy and he is
us." In 2001, the U.N.-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) concluded that worldwide temperatures have climbed
more than one degree Fahrenheit over the past century. More
significantly, the panel cited "new and strong evidence that
most of the observed warming of the last 50 years is attributable
to human activities."
(http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/vol4/english/019.htm) Human-induced warming and associated sea-level rises are
expected to continue through the 21st Century. Secondary effects .
. . include increases in rainfall rates and increased
susceptibility of semi-arid regions to drought." (National
Research Council, 2001). The US Environmental Protection Agency notes: "Human
activities have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere
through the buildup of greenhouse gases - primarily carbon dioxide,
methane, and nitrous oxide. Fossil fuels burned to run cars and
trucks, heat homes and businesses, and power factories are
responsible for about 98% of US carbon dioxide emissions, 24% of
methane emissions, and 18% of nitrous oxide emissions.Increased
agriculture, deforestation, landfills, industrial production, and
mining also contribute a significant share of
emissions.(http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/climate.html). Many scientists are saying that unless these emissions are
greatly reduced, average US temperatures could rise another three
to nine degrees by the end of this century - with major
consequences. Sea levels will rise, flooding coastal areas. Heat
waves will increase in frequency and intensity. Droughts and
wildfires will occur more often. Warmer weather is expected to
bring an increase in the range and number of disease-carrying
insects, such as mosquitoes which in turn, may cause a greater
incidence of life-threatening diseases such as West Nile virus and
malaria. Our Presiding Bishop is taking action. So should we. The
environmental stewardship article in the December Cross
Roads will explore actions that each parishioner of the Chapel
of the Cross can take to counter global climate change.
+ From the Parish Mailbox Dear Stephen and Members of the Guild of
the Christ Child, I feel so fortunate to be a member of such a kind, thoughtful,
and loving church. You all have been so generous and supportive
with the birth of Christopher. I was thrilled to receive the
beautiful flowers from the altar; and when Sally Slack came to
visit and brought all of her gifts, I couldn't believe my eyes.
The handmade sweater and cap will be perfect this winter and will
be put in a special place once they are too small along with the
beautiful wooden cross so Christopher always knows how much he was
loved by the people of the Chapel of the Cross. I am so glad I have
chosen to raise my boys in such a wonderful church. The dinner was
delicious and a huge help, and meeting Sally was a very special
treat also. Thank you for all you have done. Drewry Mitchell August 12, 2004 Dear People of the Chapel of the
Cross, Greetings from Connecticut. This update will be largely devoted
to answering some of the most frequently asked questions about my
hike along the Appalachian Trail. What do you drink? I get water from streams, ponds and springs.
I treat most of it with Aqua Mira, a chemical combination similar
to municipal water treatment. I carry the water in two cycling
bottles attached to my pack and, when necessary, in a plastic water
bladder. What do you eat? A typical day might consist of four packets of
oatmeal for breakfast, two peanut butter and honey bagels for
lunch, and some noodle or rice dinner with foil-packaged meat. I
also eat the equivalent of eight energy bars and several handfuls
of nuts per day for snacks. Snickers, Hershey's with almonds,
or gorp can substitute for some or all of the energy bars. All
together, I eat about 4,000 calories per day on the trail and more
when I enter a town. Favorite town foods include pizza, bacon
cheeseburgers, pints of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and fresh
fruits and vegetables. Where do you sleep? Shelters are located about every eight miles
on the Appalachian Trail. These three-sided structures with a roof
are generally next to a water source. I carry a 14-oz. tarp in case
I want to camp away from a shelter, and I stay in a hostel in town
about once per week. What do you carry? Food, water, a homemade stove, fuel, spoon,
cooking pot (which also serves as bowl and mug), sleeping bag,
sleeping pad, bug screen, tarp, warm clothes, rain gear, trekking
poles, headlamp, map, BCP and bible excerpts, severely limited
toiletries, ultra-light first aid kit, disposable camera, and
vitamins (including vitamin I - ibuprofen). My luxury items are a
book (currently The Sun Also Rises), a journal, and a camp
pillow. My pack weighs between 22 and 32 pounds, depending on how
much food I have. How do you cook? My stove is made from a coffee can, hardware
cloth and a tuna can. The tuna can sits on the hardware cloth
inside the coffee can and burns denatured alcohol (normally used as
a paint thinner). How far do you walk each day? In Maine and New Hampshire, 12-18
miles per day. South of New Hampshire, 15-25 miles per
day. What is the wildest thing you have encountered on the trail? A
toss-up between two bears, two rattlesnakes, several hikers, and
the entire State of Maine. What made you want to hike the AT? I wanted to follow a dream,
to have an adventure, and to encounter God in nature and in
people. I am pleased and a bit surprised to still be out here. Most
aspiring thru-hikers leave the trail within the first six weeks,
and most of those within the first two weeks. Reasons include
illness, injury, loneliness, depression, unmet expectations, and
running out of money. Only 10 to 15% of us finish. It took me six
or seven weeks to adjust to trail life, and I am enjoying the
journey very much now. The terrain has become much more hospitable.
The spectacular alpine ridges of New Hampshire have given way to
the gentler ski slopes of Vermont and the long, smooth ridge walks
of Massachusetts and Connecticut. I am hiking with two people I met
in Glencliff, NH. One of these hiking partners is from Chapel Hill,
just finished a M.Div. at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem,
is friends with several of my Sewanee acquaintances, and is the son
of one of Gretchen Jordan's friends. This comes with continued prayers for God's blessing upon
you and with warm wishes from Connecticut. Faithfully, David Liturgical Readings and Preachers for November Sunday, November 7 The Sunday after All
Saints Psalm 17; Job 19:23-27a; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5; Luke
20:27(28-33)34-38 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Ms. Lee 9:00 a.m. Baptism and Holy Eucharist Rite II Mr. Elkins-Williams 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II The Rev. Sam Mason(Carolina
Meadows) 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Mr.
Elkins-Williams 5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Ms.
Jamieson-Drake 9:30 p.m. Sung Compline Sunday, November 14 The Twenty-fourth Sunday after
Pentecost Psalm 98; Malachi 3:13-4:2a,5-6; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke
21:5-19 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Mr.
Elkins-Williams 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Ms. Lee 11:15 a.m. Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist Rite I Ms. Lee 4:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Ms. Jamieson-Drake (Carol
Woods) 5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Ms. Lee 9:30 p.m. Sung Compline Sunday, November 21 The Last Sunday after
Pentecost Psalm 46; Jeremiah 23:1-6; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke
23:35-43 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Dr. Pfaff 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Ms. Lee 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Ms. Lee 5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Ms.
Jamieson-Drake 9:30 p.m. Sung Compline Sunday, November 28 The First Sunday of
Advent Psalm 122; Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew
24:37-44 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Ms.
Jamieson-Drake 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Ms. Hart 11:15 a.m. Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist Rite I Ms. Hart 4:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Ms. Lee (Carol
Woods) 5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Dr. Morley 9:30 p.m. Sung Compline |