NEWSLETTER OF THE CHAPEL OF THE CROSS - April 2007
Connecting With Others
In This Issue:
- Connecting with Others
- From the Rector
- On Being a Greeter
- Vestry Election Results
- Vestry Actions
- Loaves and Fishes Guild
- Shepherds
- Bread Ministry
- Funeral Receptions
- Making a Difference
- Newcomer Orientation Sessions
- "The Peace of the Lord...."
- Asked at the Church Door
- The Ministry of Christian Hospitality: Transition from Welcome to Apostleship
- Parish Dialogues - A Success
- Thanks to Barbara Hastings
- Goodbye and Thank You
- New Publications Assistant
- Diocesan Convention
- Junior Choir
- Senior Choir
- Volunteer Organists
- Global Missions
- The Three "Rs", the Three "Es": The ABC Sale Has It All!
- Join Us for the ABC Sale
- Adult Education Opportunities - April 2007
- Rector's Recommendations
- Walking the Labyrinth
- April Programs & Meetings
- April Service Schedule
Connecting with Others
By Patty Courtright
Sometimes it's as simple as extending a warm handshake and heartfelt smile to friends and strangers alike. Maybe it's escorting the parents of young children to the nursery, or calling newcomers to welcome them and shepherd their transition to the Chapel of the Cross, or perhaps it's delivering freshly baked bread.
Whether spontaneous or planned, simple or elaborate, every overture we make toward someone else is a symbol of our hospitality and a way of connecting with that person. And how we invite people into our lives says much about who we are.
"Christian hospitality is derived from the reality that we are all outsiders whom God has invited into the divine community; we are called by God to extend that welcome to others likewise," says the Rev. Vicky Jamieson-Drake, Associate for Pastoral Ministry. "When we welcome the outsider into our midst, we are communicating the Divine Host's invitation to the Feast, and we signify that we are all connected in Christ's body, with God and with one another.
"At the core of this belief is a commitment to care for one another and for the stranger who walks through the church door. Essentially, hospitality is the way we invite people into relationship with us," she adds.
"It means going the extra mile to help visitors know what to do during the church service or to help them find the right place in the prayer book," Vicky says. "And it is equally important to reach out to people outside the structure of the liturgy, to be open to folks during coffee hour and to introduce ourselves to people we don't know - to make that connection. By breaking down social barriers, we exemplify what Christian hospitality is all about."
At the Chapel of the Cross, we have many avenues for inviting people into our lives:
Equally important are the accommodations that make church hospitable to everyone. From sharing the facilities with other groups and keeping the chapel open until late at night, to providing hearing aids on request and including the full text of the readings and psalms in each bulletin, the goal is to be inclusive.
Essentially, hospitality is about making people feel welcome. "Our commitment to Christian community asks of us openness of heart and mind as we welcome the stranger into our fellowship. It is not always easy, but it's an absolutely vital part of our Christian discipleship," Vicky says.
From the Rector
Dear Friends,
Jesus valued hospitality. When the self-righteous host criticized Jesus for letting the woman of dubious reputation touch him, Jesus answered him, "I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment." (Luke 7: 44-46) Clearly, these welcoming gestures and expressions of respect and affection were important to Jesus, and he praised this woman, who "loved much."
I am not suggesting that as Jesus' followers we should necessarily lather up each other's head and feet! But we should pay a high degree of attentiveness to one another. We should take special care to welcome the stranger among us. We should value hospitality.
Growth in showing hospitality to others can happen in two ways. One way is by praying and reflecting more deeply on the divine image in ourselves and in others. By grasping more deeply the presence of God in each human being, we are moved to honor that mystery in the way we treat one another. We are thus motivated to "respect the dignity of every human being," in part by making others welcome and looking after their needs.
Another important way to grow in hospitality, however, is simply by doing it. By putting ourselves in position to welcome and look after others, e.g. by volunteering as a greeter or for Loaves and Fishes or simply by seeking out those after our services who are not already engaged in conversation, we practice and develop the discipline of hospitality. In so doing, our inner respect for and appreciation of the importance of each person (created in God's image) grows. Recognizing our human tendency to postpone action until our faith and our understanding completely support it, we begin by doing. Rather than think ourselves into a new way of acting, we act ourselves into a new way of thinking. As Jesus reveals, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be." If we invest ourselves (and our time and our money), our hearts catch up with our investment.
In these pages, you will read more about our parish embodiments of hospitality. I am most grateful to so many of you who make special efforts to greet those who come to our parish and to make this a welcoming and nurturing place. I encourage all of us to "grow into the full stature of Christ" by valuing hospitality and by learning it through doing.
- Stephen
On Being a Greeter
By Rob and Kim Sullivan
We have been greeters for a number of years and find it rewarding to be a part of the hospitality ministry at the Chapel of the Cross. There are five components associated with this ministry: greeting people at the door of the church before the service begins, joining the priests at the door after the service to escort newcomers to the coffee hour, minding the newcomers' table at the coffee hour, helping the rector with the newcomers' orientation classes which are held periodically throughout the year and occasionally helping with a newcomers social event.
If you are a greeter at the door of the church, you need to be there about 20 minutes before the service starts. After the service, you stand with the clergy at the door of the church and escort newcomers to the coffee hour. Generally, you are not assigned to be both a "door greeter" and at the newcomers' table on the same day. The schedule for greeters is published in the Liturgical Calendar. On a quarterly basis, you are asked to let the chairman know what services you prefer and when you are not available to serve. If you are scheduled to serve on a date and you discover you have a conflict, it is easy to switch with another person (the list of greeters is also in the Liturgical Calendar). Generally one serves once or twice a quarter.
Minding the newcomers' table at the coffee hour provides an excellent opportunity to watch for anyone who appears to be alone or uncertain of what to do. A polite inquiry will usually open the opportunity to answer questions and share information about the multiple and varied activities at the Chapel of the Cross, while getting to know them a little better. It is not unusual to meet another long-time parishioner with whom you were previously unacquainted who shares your interest and support for our mission.
Helping with the newcomers' orientation classes is fun. There are usually a series of three classes. We learn something about the people who have accepted the invitation to hear more about our parish and we hope, as a result, they feel more connected to our congregation.
Helping with a newcomers' social event offers another opportunity to extend our hospitality to those with an interest in making the Chapel of the Cross their "parish home."
Given the number of services we have, there is a need for more parishioners to share this ministry. We encourage your participation and urge you to call the parish office and volunteer!
Vestry Election Results
David Dill
Ele Ross
Tony Hawkins
Jimmy Satterwhite
Term begins during the May 18-19 Vestry Retreat
Term ends 2010
Vestry Actions
At its February 15 meeting, the vestry:
Loaves and Fishes Guild
By Liska Lackey
The miracle of the loaves and fishes is told repeatedly in the gospels. A large number of people have gathered with Jesus and he has been teaching them all day. The people become hungry but the apostles do not have enough money to feed the crowd. Then a young man steps forward with his five loaves and two fishes and offers them to Jesus. From this offering the whole crowd is fed.
Similarly, we all gather at the Chapel of the Cross for learning, growth and fellowship. And while we are gathered together, the Loaves and Fishes Guild is asked to "feed the multitudes." Through the simple act of offering refreshment in a variety of settings, our mission is to nurture parish hospitality.
Secular notions of 'hospitality' may conjure images of throwing good parties, graciously hosting and entertaining, demonstrating proper etiquette, or striving to be Martha Stewart. But for a community of faith, hospitality is kindness to guests and strangers. For a parish, it is a serious duty and responsibility. Sipping lemonade together in the heat of the summer, passing syrup for Shrove Tuesday pancakes-these are all opportunities to share and create ties with one another. If successful, these shared events foster a sense of fellowship.
In writing this article I was asked to comment on the variety of events sponsored by Loaves and Fishes. Of course, there is the traditional 'coffee hour' found in every church on Sunday morning. The coffee is not Starbucks, but the half and half hides its imperfections and the company is great. We also coordinate parish dinners and receptions throughout the year. Parishioners are familiar with the traditional receptions and dinners where parishioners bring treasured foods to share. What a gift people bring! When you bite into a homemade deviled egg at a summertime dinner-on-the-grounds or a rich pecan-laden brownie at the Easter reception, you know that someone's time, energy and love is nestled in the calories.
But sometimes the Chapel of the Cross has stepped away from the traditional idea of "church food events." For Epiphany this year a wonderful catered breakfast was provided after the Saturday morning service. Margaret Wainwright, who coordinated the event, commented on how appreciative parishioners were: not having to bring anything, not even having to pay, was seen as an act of kindness.
Sometimes it is not a parish decision, but powers beyond our control, that have led to non-traditional receptions. Those who attended this year's Christmas Eve Pageant were the guests of a special reception. When the power went out, Teddy Lovejoy, Sally Rohrdanz and Katherine Dauchert created a memorable fellowship event with the power of candlelight and good cheer. When I asked Teddy her reflections on the evening, she responded, "Awesome!" The pleasure and opportunity to work with great people while creating memorable fellowship were her fondest memories.
That is what I hear from all who serve on the Loaves and Fishes Guild; the camaraderie of working with fellow parishioners and the joy in offering hospitality to all who gather together are indeed awesome. We're always looking for more great people to share in our mission. If you would like to help or if you have any questions please email Liska Lackey at liska.lackey@gmail.com or call (call office for number).
Shepherds
By Barbara Pipkin
As members of the Hospitality Guild, Shepherds are assigned to newcomers or visitors who have registered at the Newcomer's Table following a Sunday service. Shepherds contact newcomers by telephone to invite them to church activities and to church-related social events, thereby allowing them to connect with parishioners and vice-versa.
A popular event has been a dinner party in Nancy Tunnessen's home to allow all to become better acquainted in a social setting. Other social events with food and fellowship are being considered for future formats to welcome newcomers into our parish. Shepherds maintain contact by telephone for three, or more, months, if necessary. Many of the current members of the Hospitality Guild were served by a shepherd when they were new arrivals.
This ministry of showing hospitality to strangers is the mission of the Shepherds. In a sermon on "Showing Hospitality" [available on the parish web site at http://www.thechapelofthecross.org/serms/s03-04/s04aug29.htm] Stephen Elkins-Williams stated that genuine hospitality lies at the heart of the ministry God calls us to do.
He continued that true hospitality, which requires our time, our money, and our openness to others, embodies and expresses God's love for all and makes it known in concrete ways. In the words of the scripture, "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Shepherds currently serving newcomers with me include Audrey and Darrell Andersen, Bob and Mary Chase, Patti Courtwright, George and Blair Evans, Teddy Lovejoy, Marty Hunter, Susannah and Ralph Smith, and Karen Taylor.
Bread Ministry
By Cynthia Crittenden
Bread. "The staff of life." Almost every culture includes bread in some form as a staple in its diet. Bread engages all of the senses: the aroma of fresh-baked bread as it comes from the oven, the sound of the crunchy crust, the feel of the pillow of dough that it surrounds, the taste of sweet or savory-rich or plain, the visual delight and anticipation at the bread's presentation.
"Jesus took bread, broke it, and gave it to his disciples." Bread has always played an important part in our Judeo-Christian tradition including the unleavened bread that the Jews took into the wilderness, to the miracle of the loaves and fishes, to the last meal that Jesus shared with his friends. As I consider my own life and that of my family I realize that our closest friends have been those with whom we frequently have shared meals, broken bread. The Last Supper was indeed a Eucharist, a Love Feast. Jesus' last meal was taken with his disciples, his friends with whom he had shared so much. When I look around a table shared with friends, I understand Jesus' choice to spend his last hours eating with his friends and sharing wine and bread with them.
The Bread Ministry is a sharing of loaves of bread with visitors and newcomers. When I take bread to homes of our visitors I believe we are offering to share a meaningful part of our parish community with friends that we have not yet met.
Currently there are five of us delivering bread to newcomers, so each of us delivers bread approximately once a month. How do we implement this sharing of bread with newcomers? It's quite simple. Information from the newcomers' table at the reception following the services is put into a mailbox in the parish office. I bake the bread and put it into the freezer in the parish kitchen. The person delivering the bread gets the newcomer information from the office and retrieves the frozen loaves necessary for delivery. Welcome notes to include with the bread have also been prepared to be included with the bread and are handy in the parish kitchen closet.
A number of years ago when we relocated to Palo Alto, CA, and were searching for a church home, a member of one of the churches we visited brought bread to us. We were very touched by this token of welcome and by the opportunity it provided for us to become more intimately acquainted with the parishioner bringing the bread as well as with the church. One of our parish leaders who has delivered bread for many years tells of her welcome by our bread ministry: "Bread was delivered to my husband and me the week after we visited the newcomer's table. Having always been part of small congregations and a tad tentative about the size of the Chapel of the Cross, we thought it was a warm and welcoming gesture that reminded us that the size of the parish was irrelevant; it was the care and love shown by its people that mattered in forming community.
Another bread ministry participant, Frances Widmann, says, "Part of the appeal of the Bread Ministry is the suspense. Will there be newcomers who have filled out a card? Will the address they've listed be on a current map, or on MapQuest? Will the directions on MapQuest prove to be correct? And then, the biggest suspense of all-will anyone be home when you arrive? My batting average is about .500. I've enjoyed every one of the people I've found at home-all ages, backgrounds and previous places of residence. For the ones that I leave the loaf, along with a note, on the front porch-at least I've seen interesting residential areas and know that the newcomers know that we care about them."
As a newcomer to the Chapel of the Cross several years ago, I thought the bread ministry would be a meaningful way to become involved in the life of the church community and that I might be the person fortunate enough to bring the bread. Indeed, I feel that I have made friends and have been able to touch people's lives in a very special way. Why not contact me at crcrittenden@bellsouth.net to participate in this very meaningful and rich ministry in our parish? Do join us.
Funeral Receptions
By Betsy Elkins-Williams
A few years ago when a friend's elderly father died, the clergy asked the family the usual questions concerning the reception. "Do you have a family friend who could take care of a reception?" Because the gentleman was very old and most of his close friends had already died and the family was from out of town, the answer to this question was no. After finding friends of her own to take care of a reception, my friend decided to approach the clergy with her idea of the parish providing a simple reception to those in a similar situation. Those working on the reception would not need to know the family or the deceased. It would simply be an act of kindness to provide a reception where the family could gather after the funeral and greet friends. Thus the Funeral Reception Committee was born.
The original group of women who provided this service was very small and after a few years of over-extension by this dedicated few, a larger and more organized committee was formed under the direction of Barbara Day. Today over 50 volunteers serve on the Funeral Committee. Each team of two or three serves for two weeks a year. When a death occurs in the parish, the clergy are able to offer this wonderful option for the family.
What exactly does the Funeral Committee offer? Several options are presented to the family and, by working with the team on board for that particular time period, the family decides on the type of reception they want. Options include a simple reception with coffee, lemonade, and light fare provided by the church; or if the family wants more, the committee may work with a caterer of the family's choice, for which the family would pay the expenses. Each reception is individual and the desires of the family met.
Working with this committee is a very rewarding experience. Often times you do not know the family or anyone attending. It is simply a matter of providing a loving service to those in need. Sometimes I see the family before the service as they gather in the parlor. They are often tearful, shoulders slumped and very saddened. After the reception when they have been embraced by their friends, their entire demeanor is changed. It is wonderful to see this transformation and see how the love of friends can heal. By providing the reception, we are able to provide a place where this healing can happen. It is a wonderful, quiet ministry, somewhat like being the Good Samaritan. You can be a stranger offering kindness to people in their darkest hour.
The Funeral Reception Committee is open to all. We need as many volunteers as we can get. It is not a big commitment and one where you will get back far more that you will give! Contact Barbara Day or Mary Schoenfeld if you would like to be part of this fulfilling ministry.
Making a Difference
By Peggy Quinn
Legend has it that if you hear others say your name five times in a day, you will not go crazy. This has been a comforting thought at times, but in reality I consider it more of a commentary on the depths of loneliness felt by many. Each of us wants to know that wherever we go and, especially when we go to church, that we are welcomed, we matter, and that our presence makes a difference to others. And that somebody knows our name.
The Hospitality Committee has been effective in helping us all to reach out to others through Loaves and Fishes, coffee hours, foyer groups, special events, funeral receptions, and other all-parish events. The 12:30 Social Hour, created as a special hospitality event for newcomers, friends and old-timers, has now been offering fellowship and food for the last three years after the 11:15 Sunday morning service. Each week volunteers bring food to share with others, and worshippers-newcomers and old-timers-gather together for a short time. During this time my own life has been personally enriched through the extensions of friendship and caring that I have felt by so many. I've enjoyed especially getting to know the dedicated people who work quietly and tirelessly on behalf of the hospitality outreach at the Chapel of the Cross. I hope you will volunteer in the welcoming mission of the hospitality committee. We would welcome your support and assistance at the 12:30 Social Hour as we extend to all who travel our way the knowledge that they are cared about and loved. We will remember your name. And do have a bite to eat with us before we go out into the world on our next adventure.
Newcomer Orientation Sessions
By Mary Schoenfeld
The Newcomer Orientation Sessions are another aspect of hospitality at the Chapel of the Cross. The sessions are held once or twice a year between the 9:00 and 11:15 am services and are organized by the rector. They provide opportunities for newcomers, or for those who still feel like newcomers (no matter how long they have been at the Chapel of the Cross), to meet with Steve, other clergy and staff, other newcomers and 'oldcomers'. Those attending the sessions learn about the ministry and the history of the parish, receive copies of the Directory of Parish Ministries, the Pictorial Directory, recent copies of Cross Roads and have the opportunity to ask questions. Those who wish may also take a guided tour of the parish facilities. Pictures are also taken of all the newcomers attending the sessions and posted on the bulletin board outside the parish office. This gives all of us the opportunity to recognize the newcomers in our midst and to greet and welcome them to the Chapel of the Cross. As an 'oldcomer', I have found these sessions very informative and helpful, and I've learned a lot about the parish and its history myself. I have enjoyed meeting the newcomers and finding out where they are from, what brought them to Chapel Hill and what attracted them to the Chapel of the Cross. I have also enjoyed taking the tour, and I must say, as often as I have done this, I still find the Battle and Yates buildings somewhat confusing. However, I have been impressed with the Sunday school rooms, the office space, and the youth rooms. They are nicely decorated, well kept and certainly give an impression of brightness and cheeriness. Newcomers have also found the sessions helpful and informative. In fact, one couple said how pleased they were with the way Steve answered a controversial question, that this confirmed their decision to become members of the Chapel of the Cross. The Newcomer Orientation Sessions are one more way in which hospitality is practiced at the Chapel of the Cross, which is to care for the parish and welcome the stranger.
"The Peace of the Lord...."
By Lee Thomas
In the August, 2003 Cross Roads, we explored the theme of "Welcoming the Stranger," including an article suggesting practical ideas for making newcomers feel at home at the Chapel of the Cross. Among the suggestions there: At the Peace, offer the intention to strangers as simply, warmly, and directly as to friends or acquaintances, remembering that it's a liturgical, rather than a social, act.
In this April, 2007, issue, which revisits the happy theme of our practice of intentional Christian hospitality and inclusion in this parish, it seems appropriate to expand a little on that most human and interactive of liturgical actions we all perform at each service of the Holy Eucharist: The Peace.
To the affectionately nicknamed "Cradle Episcopalians" among us, this greeting may seem a recent innovation. Actually, the appearance of the Peace is a restoration to our liturgy, not an innovation. It was present in the 1549 Church of England Book of Common Prayer, but deleted from the 1552 prayer book not to appear again for 427 years. As you know, Episcopalians pass the Peace following the liturgy of the Word (in our local practice, this also places it just before the pastoral welcome, announcements, and Offertory Sentence, strongly implying its importance in the Eucharistic liturgy: "...if you are offering your gift at the altar...first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24).
The passing of the Peace as liturgical rite almost certainly has its roots in biblical sources: "Greet one another with a holy kiss" (Romans 16:16), also appears in other New Testament epistles, and Galatians 2:9 refers to "the right hand of fellowship." According to The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, the rite itself is mentioned as early as the second century by St. Justin Martyr. Therefore, we may take comfort in knowledge that the Peace is not a recent formulation designed to torment the introvert, but an integral and historic part of our liturgy.
How we observe the liturgical practice can differ widely from parish to parish, and the Chapel of the Cross is as diverse as any in its expression, from polite smile and handshake to warm hug, from spousal kiss to that friendly flash of two fingers in "V" shape across pews. In one tradition, instruction calls for the Celebrant to remain in the Sanctuary (the altar area) during the Peace, lest the liturgy be disrupted. Many of us can tell you from what we know by getting around (weddings and funerals, mainly) that this instruction is far more often honored in the breach than in the observance! And, of course, our own affectionate clergy make it a point to connect with the congregation present.
Indeed, it has been noted that over the 28 years we have had the current Book of Common Prayer, there has been a decided escalation in the warmth and "kind affection" with which the Peace is practiced at the Chapel of the Cross. At these times, most people speak the standard "Peace be with you," "The Peace of the Lord," or simply "Peace," but "Good Morning" or "So glad that you're back and well" or "I was saddened to hear of your mother's illness" express much the same thing, do they not? The important thing is remembrance that we are in the midst of liturgy, and that the peace we pass is "the peace of God, which passes understanding."
Therefore, one response which probably is not appropriate was innocently spoken by an acquaintance of mine back when the 1979 prayer book really was new, and a certain confusion and embarrassment were palpable in many parishes: on being bade the peace by someone nearby, the young fellow, well-schooled in his Alabama manners, replied, "Why, thank you so much!!"
Asked at the Church Door
I read that Bill Joyner had been appointed as archdeacon of the diocese. What does that mean? What is an archdeacon?
Bill Joyner's answer:
In the early church, the bishop selected a deacon as an assistant in the work of administration and the care of the poor, and as supervisor of the other deacons. In the fourth century, the term archdeacon began to be applied to this office. Later, as the church grew, dioceses were sometimes subdivided into archdeaconries, and archdeacons, then usually priests, administered these areas and supervised the clergy. Such archdeacons are still active in the Church of England and other parts of the Anglican Communion - see especially the novels of Anthony Trollope and Susan Howatch. In writing, archdeacons are addressed as "the Venerable" instead of "the Reverend." Extending into the twentieth century, archdeacons and bishops in England wore gaiters (protective garments for the ankles and legs), symbolizing their former need to ride horseback across their archdeaconries and dioceses.
Today, many dioceses are recovering the use of deacons as archdeacons in their earlier role. In the Diocese of North Carolina, the archdeacon assists the bishop in the care and deployment of deacons, in diocesan liturgies, and in making the order of deacons more fully understood. The diocese now has 38 deacons, with eight postulants in the diaconal formation process. In keeping with the practice of all clergy and people being part of a worshipping community, I will still be at the Chapel of the Cross (and still have my day job at IBM). And I will not be wearing gaiters!
There was an archdeacon who said,
"Can I take off my gaiters in bed?"
But the bishop said "No. Wherever you go, You must wear them until you are dead."
The Ministry of Christian Hospitality: Transition from Welcome to Apostleship
By Lee Thomas
"Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but ours. Ours are the eyes with which he looks with compassion on this world Ours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Ours are the arms with which he blesses all the world. Ours are the hands, ours are the feet; we are his eyes; we are his body.Christ has no body now on earth but ours." (Ancient prayer by St. Teresa)
On Sunday, March 4, at our annual parish meeting, our rector began by saying, "God is love and love enfolds us." Following this meeting at our 11:15 worship service, our guest speaker and world lecturer on Celtic Spirituality, the Rev. J. Philip Newell, said, "The desire to give one's self in love is at the heart of our very being. It is living in the image of God. When we share ourselves and give ourselves away in love, we will find ourselves. When we open our hearts to one another we allow the passion of God to flow within us and one another." Saint John of the Cross said, "Where there is no love, put love and you will find love".
The ministry of hospitality at the Chapel of the Cross is our way of living out Jesus' call to love one another and connects us to our baptismal promises. Genuine hospitality lies at the heart of the ministry God calls us to do. As the Body of Christ we are called to love one another. The Book of Common Prayer baptismal covenant says: "Continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers; proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ; and seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself." "The House of God has many doors. Hospitality is about the crossing of thresholds, the re-imagining of boundaries and the negotiation of space."
God's house is a "house of love" where we are loved by God and by others. The first and greatest of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17) is that God is the focus of all of our relationships; the nine remaining Commandments tell us about how we are to be in relationship with each other. Many times Jesus tells his followers to love one another as he has loved them (John 15:12). Embracing and extending unconditional love with over-flowing hearts is fundamental in Christian hospitality
Our 2006 Annual Report lists fourteen different programs under Love One Another and eight under Care for Those in Need. These are all wonderful services with many people who have hearts open and over-flowing with God's eternal love. Genuine hospitality, however, is not just a program or a series of programs; it is the central practice of the Christian faith where strangers become friends and where all are welcome. Hospitality to strangers is part of both Hebrew and Christian scriptures. In the Old Testament, Abraham's hospitality to strangers was hospitality to God. We serve Christ when we extend hospitality to the stranger: "I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35) Hospitality is our mission, to be an outward and visible sign to the world; Jesus' many offers of hospitality in the New Testament are concrete examples of the Mystery of God.
As we 'become' hospitality at the Chapel of the Cross, welcoming the stranger into the heart of God's transforming love and embracing the loving presence of Jesus Christ, we move from welcome to apostleship or full engagement into the life of the parish. Building meaningful relationships within the total parish facilitates the process. Many people come to church on a journey of self-discovery and meaning. To find meaning they must "connect" to a church practicing Christian faith and living out the "core" of Christianity. As apostles, we devote ourselves "to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and the prayers." During this Lenten season particularly, may we become a more passionate person of prayer, learn to rest in the hand of God, expand our image of God, develop the gift of forgiveness, and cultivate more fully generosity of heart.
"Lord, you have given us but two commandments, to love you with all our being and to love our neighbor as our self; be with us and teach us how to love you with all our heart and how to love one another while respecting the dignity of each human being, we pray.
A Hospitality Bulletin, titled: "Welcoming the Stranger, Caring for the Parish" can be found in the Tract Rack in the dining room. Check an area where you might like to serve, and leave it in the parish office. We will be in touch with you.
Parish Dialogues - A Success
By David Ross Chair, Capital Giving Committee
During January, February and early March 2007, a series of parish dialogues sessions were held to inform members of the Chapel of the Cross about the current master plan which documents parish needs over the next 20 years and beyond as well as facility enhancements required to accommodate these needs. The plan includes a new parish hall and renovations and improvements for the education and administrative areas of our parish.
More than 300 parishioners attended one or more of the 19 dialogue sessions. A facilitator was at each session to expedite the meeting and to make sure there was an opportunity for all questions on parishioner's minds to be asked and answered to the extent possible. A presenter, often Terry Eason, Chair of the Master Plan Committee, or Rob Sullivan, an active member of that committee, reviewed a PowerPoint presentation of the history of the Long-Range Planning, Next Step and Master Plan Committees which included drawings of master plan design concepts.
A timeline was discussed and projections made on the anticipated schedule if a capital campaign is approved by the vestry. Questionnaires were distributed to each attendee and all were encouraged to write their questions and concerns for analysis by Whitney Jones, Inc., of Winston-Salem, Fundraising Counsel for the Chapel of the Cross.
Key issues often raised were cost, parking plans, scheduling of meetings and events during construction and renovation, impact on the ongoing operating budget of the Chapel of the Cross and the cost of maintaining new facilities.
The many volunteer hosts for the parish dialogue home gatherings deserve a special commendation: Greg and Boykin Bell, Bill and Laura Benedict, Vince and Bunnie Collura, Jim and Mary Dondero, Tom Henkel and Teddy Lovejoy, Sara Hill, Ed and Carol Hollowell, David and Sharon Kolk, George and Paula Meyer, Ted and Peggy Pratt, Alan and Linda Rimer, Paul and Sidna Rizzo, David and Ele Ross, Henry Thomas and Linda King-Thomas, Kevin and Jennifer Trapani, Nancy Tunnessen, and Robert Wright and Lee Thomas.
Arrangements for the various aspects of the dialogue sessions were handled by Virginia Carson, Jim Dondero, Stephanie Perun, and Alan Rimer. Other facilitators and presenters in addition to Virginia Carson, Terry Eason, and Rob Sullivan included Linda Rimer, Martha Dill, Dick Taylor, Ramsey Terhune, Karen Taylor, Mary Schoenfeld, Nancy Tunnessen, and Lila Wolff. A member of the vestry, Master Plan Steering Committee and clergy attended each session.
There were many positive comments about the special effort to inform parishioners about the current plans and the added benefit of meeting and getting to know other members of the congregation on a more personal basis in an informal setting.
A summary of each session along with a list of attendees, questionnaire results, and questions raised were provided to Whitney Jones and Lisa Luzwick, our capital giving consultants, in preparation for their written report and recommendations to the Capital Giving Committee and the vestry. The consultants will compile the results of all the questionnaires and share a summary with the Capital Giving Committee and the vestry.
A very special thank you goes to Barbara Hastings, Parish Administrator, for coordinating this process and to all who attended and participated in the planning and execution of the parish dialogues.
Thanks to Barbara Hastings
The Rector's Tribute to the Parish Administrator, sung at the Annual Parish Meeting, March 4, 2007 Sung to the tune of Hymn 541
1. She labored on. She was not idle for her seven years.
Now she's retiring, leaving us in tears.
Yes, to our Barbara does the Master say,
"It's time to play!"
2. She labored on, with our computers, keeping us on line.
New print equipment: mailings look so fine.
And with our vendors, she has stood the test.
It's time to rest!
3. She labored on, nothing could flap her, not a winter storm.
When we lost pow-er, she stayed true to form.
She found good people, ready for the hire.
It's time to retire!
4. She labored on, welcoming people, caring for the staff,
Quick with a smile, and ready with a laugh
We sing to Barbara, hearts full to the brim:
"Enjoy with Jim!"
Goodbye and Thank You
By Barbara Hastings
Seven years ago when I came to the Chapel of the Cross, it was the end of my discernment process. (That's not a word we use often in Baptist vocabulary.) I asked what God wanted me to do with the rest of my life. I was leaving the Durham school system after 32 years where for the last 10 years I had eight different job titles and seven different offices. I was looking for a little stability! But during those years, I learned many things, had many varied experiences, and gained many skills. I asked God how I could use all that to serve Him. I truly believe that He brought me to this parish so that we could do kingdom work together.
During my seven years here, we've had some successes. (We've had some other events that we won't talk about now.) We've had success because of the wonderful staff here. As parishioners, you see the clergy and program staff each Sunday. But working behind the scenes Monday through Friday are administrative staff members who provide support for the things that happen on Sunday and for your ministries. They ensure that bulletins are printed, that the building is ready, that you are greeted warmly when you call or come to the office, and that your financial affairs are properly managed. There are also many volunteers who do the little tasks that are so important-count the money, stuff and post mailings, label newsletters, hold ladders when light bulbs are changed, and many other tasks too numerous to name. Our successes are due to everyone's work. And all of these staff members and volunteers see their work as a calling from God to serve Him and through service bring Him honor and glory.
I want to say thank you for seven wonderful years. You've taken care of me when I needed caring for. You've given me room to grow and learn. You've taught me new ways of worship and service. And you've allowed me to serve God with you in this community.
Thank you.
Barbara
New Publications Assistant
By Marty Rogers
On February 22, I was elated to join the support staff at the Chapel of the Cross, replacing Chip Matteson, who moves on to other endeavors. Since my graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2006, I have been filling my days helping family with various projects and now I look forward to using my love of the written word to work for the glory of God. As the new publications assistant, I am here to ensure that printed information is readily available to the congregation and clergy. My responsibilities include printing and dispensing bulletins, sermons, parish flyers and Cross Roads magazine. If a parishioner has questions or would like an announcement printed in the bulletins, I can be reached at 929-2193 or mrogers@thechapelofthecross.org.
The four articles that follow this note were inadvertently omitted from the March issue of Cross Roads. Our apologies go to the writers of the articles and the readers of Cross Roads.
Diocesan Convention
By Hugh M. Morrison Delegate
On January 26 and 27, clergy and lay delegates attended the 191st Annual Convention of the Diocese at Greensboro's Koury Convention Center. It was interesting to note that Bishop Curry is only the 11th Bishop in those 191 years.
This was the first of five years that the convention will be held in Greensboro and it was the first two-day convention in diocesan history. Attendance had been decreasing as delegates found it increasingly difficult to put aside the time to attend a three-day convention.
The Chapel of the Cross was ably represented by your delegates: Stephen Elkins-Willliams, Victoria Jamieson-Drake, David Frazelle, Martha Hart, William H. Joyner, and William Morley, clergy; and Syd Alexander, Paul Carew, Joe Ferrell, Hugh Morrison, Vivian Varner, and Robert Wright, lay.
The Chapel of the Cross was also well represented in the hierarchy of the diocese. Joe Ferrell was re-elected Secretary of the Convention and the Diocese, and John McGee was re-elected Diocesan Treasurer. Dick Taylor was elected to a three-year term on Diocesan Council and, in a moving and elaborate ceremony at the Eucharist on Friday night, Bill Joyner was installed as Archdeacon of the Diocese.
Clergy and parishioners continuing to serve on diocesan and convention committees are: Stephen Elkins-Williams, Diocesan Council; Syd Alexander, Committee on Constitution and Canons as well as Trustee of the Diocese; Paul Carew, Administration of the Diocese; Robert Wright, Faith and Morals; Vivian Varner, Social Concerns and Committee on Communications; Martha Hart, Commission on Ministry; and David Frazelle, Trustee of the Francis Murdoch Society.
In addition to the elections and appointments on Friday, 19 resolutions were considered on Saturday. Many of them had to do with resolutions passed on first reading last year and primarily dealt with the counting of parish members to set the number of delegates to the annual diocesan convention. In addition, since work on Diocesan Council is so involved and time-consuming, members of council are now eligible to run for a second, successive three-year term. The largest turnout for the hearings on Friday afternoon was on the resolution to support the National Episcopal Church welcoming gay and lesbian Baptized members. The vast majority of attendees spoke in favor of the resolution and, on Saturday, it passed.
There were many exhibit booths, and material was handed out and discussed regarding the Mission Action Plan (MAP) and the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce world poverty and hunger. The Bishop's address Friday was well organized well delivered, and moving.
This was my first Convention in this Diocese. I had been a delegate and Chancellor to many in the Diocese of Bethlehem, PA in the 1970s and 1980s. My impression was that it was much less antagonistic and much more civil than those up North where it was not unusual to have a whole delegation walk out. Of course, it was a different time and it was not the South where people are better behaved.
In addition, a two-day convention requires a great deal of organization but it would appear that our Secretary, Joe Ferrell, is well suited for the task. I would, however, suggest that we, at least, go back to a big dinner Friday night with smaller buffet lunches. We could have used more time for fellowship.
Finally, I continue to be amazed by the preaching ability of Bishop Curry. He has a rare talent.
Junior Choir
By Marsha Pate
When Dr. Quinn asked if Andrew and I would volunteer to be "choir parents" for the junior choir, we agreed immediately. Music has always been a big part of our lives and especially at church! All our children have been in choirs at church and their involvement has been a key part of how we practice our faith. We have learned to love and respect each of the choir members and stand in awe of their commitment and gift to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dr. Quinn is the best. He has taken the good parts of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) methods and combined them with his own skill and experience. The result is a structured, educational, fun and glorious program for children. In addition to being in the choir at 9:00 am services weekly, there are opportunities for the youth including solos, ensembles, and singing with the adult choir.
The older choristers, now young women, often provide guidance that sets a spiritual example for the younger choristers. The Wednesday rehearsal is serious, but not competitive. However, when it is time to audition for special musical solos, the air is filled with a specific energy. The pre-Christmas auditions were no exception. The dining room was abuzz as the choices were announced. Again, I was proud of the support and encouragement they gave to each other upon the final selection. In a way, they are like a football team ... they all win when a teammate gets a touchdown!
Mind you, the junior choir has an expectation for their team that includes no fainting, no boasting and complete respect for Dr. Quinn and others. Did I forget, "on time is late and early is on time?" (Thank you parents.) I often hear words of genuine concern for those who are ill and joyous celebration for birthdays and personal achievements after rehearsals and at our weekly Wednesday potluck supper. What else would we expect from our children? Of course, at the annual sleep-over, practical jokes are allowed!
Whatever the moment with the junior choir, they always recite in spirit and faith at rehearsal's end:
Bless, O Lord, us Thy servants, who minister in Thy temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips, we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts, we may show forth in our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Senior Choir
By Roberta Van Ness
The Chapel of the Cross Senior Choir is no ordinary church choir. I found this out in August of 1981 at my audition with Van Quinn. My sight reading exercise was singing an excerpt from Handel's Dixit Dominus (a very ambitious work as all singers know) which the choir was performing later in the year. I knew then that this choir must be something special and I wanted to be a part of it. Because of the high caliber of talent and skills within the choir, it is sometimes easy to forget just how special and unique we are. Over the past 26 years, I have had occasion to hear other church choirs, always with the expectation that surely they would be as good as if not better than ours. Rarely has that been the case. Each of those times, I was, once again, reminded of this exceptional group's extraordinary abilities. Thanks to Van's far-reaching vision with music selection, we have the privilege of not only singing challenging music in English but also in Latin, German and French. The music chosen always reflects the content of the service, making for a meaningful worship experience for the entire congregation.
My choir family is very special to me and I cherish the relationships that have developed through these many years. We are more than a group of 40 people that only comes together to rehearse once a week and sing on Sundays and occasional special services. We are truly a family that gains strength and connectedness through our music making. There are no words to express the thrill of singing the Durufle Requiem or John Rutter's Requiem on Good Friday or Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium at Lessons and Carols, especially knowing that it is all for the glory of God. Being part of such an extraordinary group also means that you are supported through good times and bad. While my late husband, Len, and I were dealing with his terminal illness in 1995, every member of the choir went out of their way to help. What a tremendous gift this was. I truly experienced the power of God's love through their unselfish acts.
It is an exceptional privilege to be a part of the Senior Choir at the Chapel of the Cross. I thank God every day for giving me the precious gift of singing, and for providing the opportunity of being part of a group of individuals who, through their singing, bring much joy to so many.
Volunteer Organists
By Tom Bloom
Sing unto the Lord a new song: play skillfully with a loud noise. (Psalm 33:3)
Playing skillfully is just one of the roles of the volunteer organists at the 5:15 pm Sunday Eucharists at the Chapel of the Cross and also at 8:00 am Eucharists during the summer. Other roles are to set the tone of worship through the opening voluntary and to lead the congregation in song.
Volunteer musicians have played for these services for several decades. We are very fortunate to have a dozen organists who serve in rotation. In addition, a few of us also play for weddings and funerals when Dr. Quinn in not available and accompany anthems for the Junior and Senior Choirs.
This is not a casual commitment. To prepare to play the hymns and service music (and sometimes an anthem for the Parish Choir) for the average 5:15 pm service or 8:00 am summer service takes a minimum of two to three hours.
Indeed, this is my 26th year as a volunteer organist. When I arrived in Chapel Hill in 1981, volunteers covered not only the Sunday 5:15 pm service (which, during the university term, was preceded by a short choral evensong), but also the very popular Wednesday 10:00 pm service for the Anglican Student Fellowship and for several holy day services (e.g., Michaelmas and Tenebrae). Through the years, several of us have also been regular performers in the Bach's Lunch concert series. Dr. Quinn's gracious hospitality to the organists in his more than 30 years of service to the parish has served as a fine example to those of us who have church jobs of our own.
Service playing in the Anglican tradition is a balancing act. We must help to create a reverent atmosphere for the worshippers as they enter the nave. At the same time, we ourselves must praise God in His sanctuary and "praise Him with the sound of the trumpet." (Psalm 150) We strive both to convey the text and also to unify the congregation in singing.
The arrival of the new Dobson organ has been a great joy for the parish organists. The result of the kind generosity of the donors and the tireless work of Dr. Quinn and the organ committee, the new organ enhances worship for nearly 100 parishioners each Sunday afternoon (and another 100 at the Sunday morning summer services), and for those who may only worship there at a wedding or funeral.
One of my most meaningful experiences has been playing funerals. (I had never attended a funeral until Peter Lee asked me to play one in 1982.) When the family grieves the loss of its loved one and celebrates God's gift of that person's life, "music . . . can go beyond words - which are too precise. Music can express what there is in the soul." (Olivier Messiaen) What a privilege it is to offer such a gift at such a time.
To play the organ properly one should have a vision of Eternity. (Charles-Marie Widor)
Global Missions
By Ann Henley Global Missions Committee Chair
"In Christ there is no East or West, / In him no South nor North." We sang this familiar hymn recently at the Holy Eucharist commemorating the first mass celebrated by the Rev. Pauli Murray. Whenever we sing it, it reminds us of an essential truth of Christian mission: that-no matter where we are located on the globe, no matter how much or how little access we have to wealth and power-we are all equal members of the body of Christ and equally treasured and beloved children of God the Father.
The Global Missions Committee has endeavored since its inception two years ago to define itself in terms of a co-equal partnership engaged with believers from other cultures in the realization of God's dream for mankind. Our work is not to transport our "cargo"-resources, technology, problem-solving strategies-in a top-down fashion to our brothers and sisters in South Africa and Honduras. Rather we seek to form partnerships in which we not only give time, talents, and gifts to the people of South Africa and Honduras, but also stand ready to receive their abundant gifts, both material and spiritual. We go not just to speak but to be spoken to by those we serve.
We experienced this kind of "Pentecost of the ears" in February when we were visited by the Rev. Sharron Dinnie and her group of parishioners from St. Peter and St. Paul. How our spirits were lifted and our ears and hearts opened as Sharron related the story of the establishment of the Kwasa primary school, as Dinah and Promise laughed and joked with new friends here, and as they all sang a Zulu song of thanks in the dining room after our luncheon together.
In April Honduras will come to the Chapel of the Cross-two representatives, that is, of our mission projects there. Fr. Eduardo Monzon, rector of San Patricio, our 2007 mission destination, will pay a brief visit to the parish as part of his annual SAMS (South American Missionary Society) trip to the US. He will provide our mission team invaluable guidance as we finalize the Vacation Church School and other plans we'll be implementing during our week in El Pogreso. And he will give the Chapel of the Cross a face-the first of many, we hope-to associate with that parish we name weekly in our prayers.
On April 29, the Rev. Richard Kunz, an Episcopal priest and Executive Director of El Hogar, the Home of Love and Hope in Tegucigalpa, will present a Sunday School program for all ages and preach at the 9:00 and 11:15 worship service. This time with Eduardo and Richard, like the weekend with our friends from South Africa, can open our eyes to the challenges and opportunities we face as we engage in cross-cultural missions and strengthen our conviction that "Who serves my Father as his child / Is surely kin to me."
The Three "Rs", the Three "Es": The ABC Sale Has It All!
By Linda B. Rimer Chair, Environmental Stewardship Committee
So what's with the alphabet soup? It's all about combining our care for creation with the outreach mission of the Chapel of the Cross.
Do you remember the first time you heard about those three Rs, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle? For many, this may have been your first exposure to environmental stewardship.
First, reduce. Shopping is a favorite American pastime. We are huge consumers, both of things we need and many things we don't need. At its most basic, this R encourages us to buy less. But for those things we do buy, we should buy only what we need; purchase durable, long-lasting goods; look for products with minimal packaging; buy products that can be re-used; and find safer alternatives to hazardous household products.
Then, before you throw a product away, consider its potential for reuse. You can reuse items by repairing them for a second tour of duty, either to be used by you or by donating them to community groups or charity, or by selling them. Other ways to practice reuse: use newspapers as packing material; buy rechargeable batteries, and build a compost pile. The practice of reuse also reduces waste, and in many cases, is actually better than recycling because items do not need to be reprocessed before being sold and used again.
Then, recycle. This practice makes it possible to turn materials that would otherwise go to the landfill into valuable resources. In addition to environmental benefits, recycling also creates financial benefits. Materials such as glass, metal, plastics, and paper can be reprocessed into new materials or products. So participate in local recycling programs both at home and at work; buy products that can be recycled; buy products made from recycled materials; and avoid buying products that contain hazardous materials because those components frequently render a product non-recyclable.
Less well known than the three Rs are the three Es - which are shorthand for the environment, the economy, and social equity. These Es come from the concept of sustainable development, a term that was first used in 1987, in a report of the World Commission on Environment and Development called Our Common Future. In this report, the Commission called on the governments of the world to promote "sustainable development", a term which they defined as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
Sustainable development, or sustainability for short, is a term that is fairly easy to grasp conceptually (e.g. if you earn $1000/month and you spend $1500/month, that is not sustainable) but harder to implement on the ground. The three Es remind us to seek and promote the kind of human development that supports a sound economy, provides good and safe work for people at all income levels, while protecting the environment.
Finally to our own ABC sale, celebrating its 45th anniversary this April. Just imagine! What started out in 1962 as a simple rummage sale that generated less than $1000, has evolved to become the largest outreach ministry of our parish, generating $25,000 last year.
The ABC sale provides a wonderful opportunity for us to exercise our Rs and Es. Many of the things that we have accumulated in our attics, basements and closets, can be reused gratefully by others. The market created by our ABC sale protects the environment because the items sold are not going to a landfill and are not being produced from raw materials. The "social equity leg" of our three leg sustainability stool, has two components. The first is reflected in the 'good prices for good merchandise' that is a hallmark of our ABC sale. Quoting from the article on the sale published in the March Cross Roads, "there are families in our community who need our sale. They need clothing, sports equipment, household goods, baby items, furniture that is in good condition and all priced for those on very tight budgets."
The second aspect of social equity is the fact that funds from the ABC sale are used for our parish outreach. Funds from sales flow into many worthwhile organizations, as recommended by the Social Ministry Committee to the vestry. Last year, that $25,000 was distributed to 19 organizations in our community.
So exercise your alphabet skills! Demonstrate your environmental stewardship and commitment to sustainable development by supporting the ABC sale.
Join Us for the ABC Sale
BY Ellen Cole and Allison Worthy Co-Chairs, ABC Sale
On Saturday, April 21, the Chapel of the Cross will hold its 45th annual Attic, Basement, and Closet sale. The ABC Sale is a much loved tradition in our parish. It started, as these things do, small, with a vision to raise money for outreach. From the first year (when the sale raised $1,000) to last when $25,000 was provided to 19 organizations, the ABC Sale has held true to the founders' original purpose; to raise money for causes outside the parish.
The sale, however, has come to mean many things to many people. There are those in our community who need quality goods at an affordable price. There are those who love to find a treasure. There are those who love the idea of buying and making use of an item that could end up in the landfill. Finally, there are those who love the sense of community within the parish that the ABC Sale provides.
Many of our volunteers have done so for years, they know just what to do when. Others are new to the parish and cannot imagine how it all works! Here is a general outline of what April holds for the ABC sale:
Wednesday, April 11, 5:00-7:00 pm - A Treasured Affair. An early evening gathering, to which you are asked to bring an extra special item for donation to the ABC Sale.
Sunday, April 15, 2:00 pm - ABC sale set-up. Youth and Department Chairs meet to transform the parish into a multi-roomed department store.
Monday, April 16 - Donations and sorting begin. Donations of rummage begin arriving Monday morning and continue
through 2:00 pm on Thursday according to the following schedule:
Monday, April 16, 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, April 17, 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, April 18, 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday, April 19, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
No donations will be accepted after that time, except items for the Bake Shop and live items for the Garden Department,
which should be delivered on Friday, April 20.
Friday, April 20, 12:00 pm - The day of final preparations to bring the departments into shape for the sale. It is also
a day of fellowship and fun as volunteers enjoy Doris Cotton's fabulous bean lunch. Volunteers also have the opportunity
to acquire one sale item that has captured his or her fancy, by submitting a sealed bid for the item to the sale chairmen.
Saturday, April 21, 7:00 am - Volunteers begin arriving for the sale day. The ABC Sale is open to the public 9:00 am - 2:00
pm. At 2:00 pm clean up begins. By early evening, we will have transformed our "department store" back into our familiar
parish house.
A few notes on the matter of donations: We accept almost any type of merchandise, from furniture to clothing, household items to antiques, books to toys. Please, however, donate only items that are truly saleable; no torn, dirty or broken items. Please be aware that some items do not sell well, among them are encyclopedias, medical and law texts. If you have any questions about an item, please check with us first.
That being said, we cannot accept the following: Computers, printers, mattresses, futons, car seats, sleeper sofas, metal bed frames (without headboards), or large appliances. If you have any of these items, please chat with us when you drop off your other merchandise, we will have a list of places that will take the items we cannot accept.
We have found that the Holiday Department is not popular with our customers. In past years, it took valuable space and manpower for very little, if any, return. So, this year, we will not have a dedicated holiday room. Because of this, we ask you to bring only those holiday items that are considered collectable and are suitable for the Treasure Room.
While we do arrange for various community service agencies to take unsold merchandise for the use of those in need, what we do not sell or give away we must dispose of and pay, by the pound for the privilege. Please remember that we try to offer quality goods to our customers.
The ABC Sale is a treasure of a sale. Everything about it supports community, within our parish and beyond. It provides a valuable service and fellowship. We cannot do it without your help. Please bring quality goods for donation. Please bake for the Bake Shop. Please publicize the sale. Please donate your volunteer time to the sale. If you are unable to help this year because of scheduling conflicts or other reasons, you can also help by making a contribution to the sale to help defray our operating costs.
Co-Chairs, Allison Worthy (aworthy@nc.rr.com, call office for number) and Ellen Cole (call office for number, ehc430@aol.com) hope you join us for the ABC Sale, April 21, 2007
Adult Education Opportunities - April 2007
Sunday Mornings 10:20-11:05 am
April 1
Orientation to the Labyrinth
Gretchen Jordan
During Holy Week, our parish joins eight other local churches to sponsor a labyrinth for meditative walks. A 40' x 40'
canvas labyrinth, a replica of the famous Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in Chartres, France, will lie on the floor of
the sanctuary at Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church adjacent to University Mall. The labyrinth schedule is on
p. 20 of this issue of Cross Roads. Today's session will introduce participants to the ancient practice of walking a
labyrinth and provide suggestions for using the labyrinth as a tool for meditation.
April 8
Easter
No Adult Education classes
April 15
Changes, Chances, and Vocation: Conversation with a Seminarian
Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown, guest preacher this morning, is an Asheville native and 1991 graduate of Duke University (Mathematics & Psychology).
Following a five-year enlistment in the Air Force, during which he served as a Financial and Project Manager while completing
his M.B.A., Kevin joined the FedEx firm, working in corporate finance and marketing. After five years at FedEx, he co-founded
a money management firm in Memphis, during which time he felt a growing vocation for the priesthood. Kevin will graduate in
May from The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City, and is scheduled for ordination as a
transitional deacon in June and as priest in December. Kevin and his wife, Caroline Brown, a noted artist, live with their
two daughters on the General Seminary campus; following his graduation, they will return to the Diocese of West Tennessee,
where his new parish awaits. His avocations include athletics, music, and literature.
April 22
Songs and Poetry of Creation and the Earth
Many of our most uplifting and beautiful hymns and poetry celebrate God's creation. This Earth Day Sunday, we will sing
those hymns and hear several favorite poems offered by parishioners reflecting on this great gift we are given to love
and protect.
April 29
El Hogar: An Oasis of Joy and Peace
The Rev. Richard Kunz
Come hear the Rev. Richard Kunz, Executive Director of El Hogar, one of our parish Global Missions projects. A parish
priest for 24 years, Rich began his tenure with El Hogar in July 2004. "I have found El Hogar Projects luminous with
the presence of God's Kingdom. The staff and boys give us a glimmer of the realization of the beatitudes. In a gritty
city struggling with poverty, El Hogar is an oasis of joy and peace." Don't miss this opportunity to hear how the
outpouring of Christ's love is providing miracles in the lives of these boys and how you can be part of this story.
Weekdays And Evenings
Tuesdays through May
8:30 - 9:30 am
Mary Harris Bible Study
Join a group of seekers as they continue reading and discussing the New Testament letters.
Tuesday evenings, April 10, 24, and May 1, 8, 15, 22
7:30 pm, parlor
Eradicating Global Poverty: A Christian Study Guide on the Millennium Development Goals, published by the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. This study is sponsored by the Micah Group as we continue to deepen our
understanding of our engagement with the MDGs and is open to all parishioners The six sessions are structured around
the eight internationally agreed upon goals to end extreme poverty, hunger and disease by 2015. The study includes
human-interest stories, facts and figures, Bible passages, questions for discussion, and action steps. The book's
author, Lalli Lloyd, Chair of the Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism, will
be with us at our first session. Copies of the book are $8.50 but can be provided without charge if needed. You
may sign up in the parish office or by contacting Patricia Watts Hill (call office for number) or
pawatts@earthlink.net.
Thursday, April 12, 10:00 am and 7:30 pm
Living the Questions, Session 8
The rector will lead this make-up session from the winter quarter entitled "A Kingdom without Walls". This video segment
and discussion deals with prejudices, the walls they impose, and a Christian response.
Thursdays, April 26 - May 17, 10:00 am and 7:30 pm
Living the Questions
Join the clergy for this video and discussion series either morning or evening sessions. This 12-session program
concludes with the final four-Lives of Jesus, Compassion, Passion for Christ, and Out in the World. Sign up in
the parish office to indicate which sessions you will attend.
Thursdays, April 19, May 17, and June 14
7:30 pm, parlor
Short Story Reading Group
Faith: Stories, edited by C. Michael Curtis, is our source of short stories to contemplate and discuss, looking
for good literature and an enjoyable read, but also for the insights of others in what it means to live a faithful
life. April's story is "My Son the Fanatic" by Hanif Kureishi, May's story is "The Comedian" by John L'Heureux and
June's story is "Voyage Four: 1661" by James A. Michener.
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm
Centering Prayer, Room 1
New members are welcome! Join a group of parishioners and guests who gather to support one another in the discipline
of centering prayer. This time includes discussion following silence.
Rector's Recommendations
Dear Parishioners,
Periodically I shall recommend informational and/or inspirational readings from beyond the parish for your consideration.
Since these readings are too long to reprint in the paper copy of Cross Roads; the links to them are listed below.
Stephen
Bishop Porter Taylor's Ash Wednesday sermon:
http://www.thechapelofthecross.org/serms/s06-07/s07feb21.pdf
Primates' Meeting and Reflections from the Presiding Bishop, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Bishop Curry
http://www.thechapelofthecross.org/2007/PrimatesMeeting/
Statement from the Diocese of Utah about Primates' Meeting
http://www.episcopal-ut.org/pdf/responsetoprimates07.pdf
Rector's Annual Address
http://www.thechapelofthecross.org/2007/AnnualAddress2007.html
Philip Newell's sermon
http://www.thechapelofthecross.org/serms/s06-07/s07mar04b.htm
Bishop Curry's announcement of new Assisting Bishop
http://www.thechapelofthecross.org/2007/AsstBishopAnnouncement.html
Bishop Leo Frade's sermon from the annual meeting of the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes
http://www.thechapelofthecross.org/serms/s06-07/s07mar01_frade.htm
Walking the Labyrinth
The Sanctuary of the Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church, 1712 Willow Drive, Chapel Hill
Times for entering the labyrinth are listed below. The walk takes at least 30 minutes.
Sunday, April 1, 4:00-8:30 pm
Youth Walk with orientations at 5:00 and 6:00 pm
Monday, April 2, 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
Tuesday, April 3, 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
Special Children's Walk 4:00-6:00 with orientation sessions at 4:00 and 5:00
Wednesday, April 4, 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday, April 5, 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Friday, April 6, 6:30 am - 12:00 pm
Good Friday Service 12:00-1:00 pm
Following the service, people may walk but must finish by 2:00
Binkley is under renovation and control of construction noise is not feasible. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
Bring socks to wear when walking
A Love Offering Will Be Received
April Programs & Meetings
Sundays Weekly
12:30 pm Social Hour, 5:30 pm Episcopal Youth Community, 8:30 pm Compline Choir Rehearsal
Mondays Weekly
7:00 pm Parish Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm Edge of Adventure
7:30 pm Adult Education
Tuesdays Weekly
8:30 am Mary Harris Bible Study
9:30 am Staff Meeting
3:30 pm Girl Scout Troop 378
5:30 pm Episcopal Campus Ministry
6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 9
9:00 pm Tuesday Night Worship
7:30 pm Young and Restless
Wednesdays Weekly
4:00 pm Junior Choir Rehearsal
4:00 pm Cantus Choir Rehearsal
5:00 pm Junior Choir Potluck
5:00 pm Centering Prayer
6:30 pm Girl Scout Troop 47
7:30 pm Senior Choir Rehearsal
Monday, April 2
7:00 pm UNC Habitat for Humanity Partnership
Tuesday, April 3
6:00 pm Environmental Stewardship
6:00 pm Personnel Committee
Wednesday, April 4
9:00 am Lenten Prayer Group
4:00 pm Lenten Prayer Group
5:30 pm Building & Grounds Committee
Thursday, April 5
Deadline for Cross Roads submissions
9:00 am Lenten Prayer Group
12:00 pm Lenten Prayer Group
7:00 pm Lenten Prayer Group
Friday, April 6
9:00 am Lenten Prayer Group
Monday, April 9
7:00 pm Global Missions
Tuesday, April 10
7:00 pm MDG Meeting (Adult Ed)
7:30 pm Finance Committee
Friday, April 13
10:00 am Servant Leadership
Monday, April, 16
7:00 pm Website Committee
7:30 pm Adult Inquirers Class
Sunday, April 22
11:30 am Website Committee
Monday, April 23
7:30 pm Adult Inquirers Class
Tuesday, April 23
7:00 pm MDG Meeting (Adult Ed)
7:30 pm Spiritual Life
Wednesday, April 25
11:30 am Prayer Chain
Friday, April 27
10:00 am Servant Leadership
Monday, April 30
7:30 pm Adult Inquirers Class
April Service Schedule
Sunday, April 1 (Red), The Sunday of the Passion, Palm Sunday BCP p. 914
Luke 19:29-40; Isaiah 45:21-25; Philippians 2:5-11; Psalm 22:1-11; Luke 23:1-49
7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Chapel) Ms. Jamieson-Drake
9:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) Mr. Elkins-Williams
10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Carolina Meadows) Ms. Jamieson-Drake
11:15 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Church) Mr. Elkins-Williams
5:15 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II (Chapel) Mr. Elkins-Williams
9:30 pm Sung Compline (Church)
Thursday, April 5 (White), Maundy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-14a; Psalm 78:14-20, 23-25; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (27-32); John 13:1-15
5:15 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II (Chapel) Ms. Hart
7:30 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II & Foot Washing (Church) Dr. Joyner
Friday, April 6 (Black), Good Friday
Wisdom 1:16 - 2:1, 12-22; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 10:1-25; John 18:1-40
12:00 pm The Three Hours (Church) Ms. Lee, Dr. Pfaff
7:00 pm Stations of the Cross (Chapel) Ms. Hart
Saturday, April 7 (White), Holy Saturday
9:00 am Liturgy of the Word (Chapel) Ms. Lee
Job 14:1-14; Psalm 130 or 31:1-5; 1 Peter 4:1-8; Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42
9:00 pm The Great Vigil of Easter (Church) Mr. Frazelle
Genesis 1:1-2:2; Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13; Exodus 14:10-15:1; Ezekiel 37:1-14;Romans 6:3-11
Sunday, April 8 (White), The Resurrection, Easter Sunday, BCP p. 915
Acts 5:29a, 30-32;10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4;5:6b-8; Luke 24:1-10,13-35; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 28:1-10
7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Chapel) Dr. Pfaff
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) Mr. Elkins-Williams
11:15 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Church) Mr. Elkins-Williams
4:00 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I (Carol Woods) Ms. Jamieson-Drake
5:15 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II (Chapel) Dr. Morley
9:30 pm Sung Compline (Church)
Sunday, April 15 (White), The Second Sunday of Easter, BCP p 916
Acts 5:12a, 17-22, 25-29 or Job 42:1-6; Psalm 111 or Psalm 118:19-24; John 20:19-31; Acts 5:12a, 17-22, 25-29
7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Chapel) Mr. Frazelle
9:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Church) The Rev. Kevin Brown
11:15 am Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) The Rev. Kevin Brown
5:15 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II (Chapel) Ms. Lee
9:30 pm Sung Compline (Church)
Sunday, April 22 (White), The Third Sunday of Easter, BCP p. 916
Acts 9:1-19a; Psalm 33 or 33:1-11; Revelation 5:6-14; John 21:1-14
7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Chapel) Ms. Lee
9:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) Ms. Lee
11:15 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Church) Ms. Lee
4:00 pm Holy Eucharist Rite I (Carol Woods) Mr. Elkins-Williams
5:15 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II (Chapel) Mr. Frazelle
9:30 pm Sung Compline (Church)
Sunday, April 29 (White), The Fourth Sunday of Easter, BCP p. 916
Acts 13:15-16, 26-33 (34-39); Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30
7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (Chapel) Mr. Elkins-Williams
9:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II (Church) The Rev. Richard Kunz
11:15 am Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist Rite I (Church) The Rev. Richard Kunz
5:15 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II (Chapel) Dr. Pfaff
9:30 pm Sung Compline (Church)
Last updated: July 2, 2007
