The Courier

April 2002

Volume 55, Issue 4

 

Reflections on Lent

In February I spent time in this Courier trying to prepare everyone in the parish for our Lenten liturgies, which were admittedly “out of the ordinary”.  Now that we have completed Lent, I feel it is equally important to reflect back on the season with all of you, to share what effect it had on me, and begin a process for sharing your reflections with others.  As you know, instead of following the prayer book lectionary (suggested readings), which allows us to walk with Jesus as he moves from his home in Galilee to the gates of Jerusalem and the events of Holy Week, I decided that this year we would go directly to Jerusalem and linger over the Passion story during the Sundays in Lent.  I know that some people in the parish greeted this approach with enthusiasm while others found it distressing, and still others held no opinion one way or the other.  My first and most important reflection is to thank everyone for letting this occur at all.  I know it was different and unusual, and not what some people may have expected or wanted.  I truly appreciate everyone’s willingness to “hang in there” with me and their fellow parishioners without major conflicts or mutiny!  I did not depart from the norm frivolously.  I am keenly aware that Christ Church is one of those special places that can support an “exploratory” approach to worship without coming apart at the seams.  This is one of the reasons that I continue to be excited about serving the church in this place.

 

During the course of Lent, some people asked me, “So why are we doing all of this?  What’s the point?  It’s all very interesting, but I thought that ‘history’ was not all that important, and that the ‘story’ was all that mattered.”  These are excellent concerns, so let me address them from my perspective.

 

Ultimately, the “story” is what’s important, not verifiable historical data.  We can never be scientifically certain of what actually occurred to Jesus and his companions two thousand years ago.  However, there is a delicate balance between history and faith, and the “story” (the biblical text) blends those two disciplines as it goes along.  At an Adult Forum I said that “history” and “faith” are like two strands of a single rope.  A “simple faith” is made of just one strand: “God said it, and I believe it!”  During Lent we have pulled the two strands apart in order to look more closely at the “history” strand, which is the one most neglected in church communities that naturally tend to emphasize the “faith” strand.  By putting the “Christian divinity” of Jesus off to the side for these few Sundays, and look closely at his life as a faithful Jewish male, we can then wind the strands back together, making it a much stronger rope.  A double-strand rope is stronger than a single strand.  Hopefully, our faith has been strengthened and matured.

 

Another benefit of our approach this year has been our ability to hear the Jewish reality of the first century that constitutes one of the many “voices” which can be heard in the New Testament.  A gospel is a work of a single, faithful individual.  Yet it contains a number of distinct voices:  the voice of Jesus is central to the story, of course, but also the voice of the writer, and the “voice” of the community in which the writer lived.

 

Over the past few weeks, I have become aware of a voice that is often overlooked – the voice of the first century Jewish community.  I will admit that before this Lenten season, I did not know much about first century Judaism.  However, I have learned that the context and therefore the “voice” of Judaism plays an important, if not crucial, role in understanding New Testament writings.  For example, phrases such as “I desire mercy, not sacrifice …” from Matthew’s gospel take on a richer meaning now that I have a feel for the importance of sacrifice in the worship life of Judaism during Jesus’ day.  I am developing a deeper understanding of Christ as “lamb” in New Testament theology now that I can see the specific role sacrificial animals played in the context of Jesus’ life and spirituality.

 

The apostle Paul, who was a Diaspora, Pharisaic Jew, abandoned his training in favor of this new brand of Judaism called “Christianity”.  When we read his epistle to the “Romans” we see him address the role of Abraham, David, covenant, Law and circumcision, etc., but shows how the Gentile population can now enter into God’s salvation history without discarding these Jewish categories.  Or read the epistle to the “Hebrews”, Chapter 4:14-5:14 in light of what we have learned about Temple sacrifice and the role of the priests in that act.  There are many more examples beyond these few.

 

Finally, I have found that some of the characters in the Passion story such as Caiaphas and Pilate have taken on three dimensions and become real people to me, people with fears and wants, responsibilities and goals.  In the past, the minor characters of the Passion story seemed father flat.  Caiaphas seemed arbitrary and shallow.  Pilate seemed to ask peripheral questions, which led to discussions that made no sense.  Bruce Chilton’s book has helped me see them as living, feeling, and thinking human beings.  Rather than being “villains” they have turned into people pursuing goals inconsistent with the values of Jesus.  In that clash, they held the power and, as a consequence, Jesus died.

 

It is my hope that as we move forward in our ministry and in our spirituality, we will be able to discern the Jewish voice in New Testament writings with greater understanding, that this will enrich our reading of scripture and, ultimately, add depth to our faith.  Paul and the other New Testament writers were able to interpret the love of God and the possibility of a new and holy life to the people of their world.  Having an example of how they accomplished it, we are encouraged to do so for ourselves and for those around us who are hungry for a spirituality that nourishes us completely.

 

Michael

 

A Note from God

Easter II

April 7

Genesis 8:6-16, 9:8-16; Acts 2:14a, 22-32

Psalm 111

Easter III

April 14

Isaiah 43:1-12; Acts 2:14a, 36-47

Psalm 116:10-17

Easter IV

April 21

Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60; I Peter 2:19-25

Psalm 23

Easter V

April 28

Acts 17:1-15; I Peter 2:1-10

Psalm 66:1-8

Easter VI

May 5

Isaiah 41:17-20; I Peter 3:8-18

Psalm 148:7-14

Easter VII

May 12

Ezekiel 39:21-29; Acts 1:1-14

Psalm 47

 

From the Warden

The March Vestry meeting was canceled because of inclement weather.

 

Our new warden was elected at the end of February.  Peggy Kraft is already moving into her new role with important contributions of energy and insight.  Both wardens attended the diocesan Wardens’ Conference, held this year in Tarrytown.  In addition to the orientation for new wardens, we heard an inspirational keynote address from the Rector of St. Bartholomew’s in Manhattan on church growth, and helpful workshops on change, stewardship, planned giving, and stained glass window restoration.  There were opportunities for networking, meeting with our Bishops Sisk, Roskam, and Taylor and had a wonderful lunch.

 

Some of the comments from the Rev. William McD. Tully’s keynote:

  • “We will grow and you will not like it.”
  • “The message of the New Testament is growth.  Growth is what fuels the church.  Growth is change.”
  • “The church exists for the next person who walks through the door.”
  • “You belong before you believe.”
  • “If you and I (know) all the people (we see in church every Sunday), this place (is) in decline.”  (Response when people ask “who are all these [new] people?”)

 

Food for thought!

 

Notice:

There will be a meeting on Sunday, April 28, 2002, at 9:00 a.m. to “create” a Christ Church calendar of annual events, which can be used to remind all of us not only of events, but also when notices need to go in the “Courier”, which behind-the-scenes activities occur, deadlines for fiscal and diocesan responsibilities, etc.  Episkopos leaders, Wardens emeriti, and others can expect to receive invitations prior to this date.  The hope is that such a record will provide a corporate memory and continuity for changing leadership and ministry team membership.

 

Phyllis George, Senior Warden and Peggy Kraft, Junior Warden

 

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat does not build a house on speculation.  Once land is acquired, the Family Selection Committee starts screening the applicants for that lot.  If the Committee is satisfied, then the chosen family, the committee, and a volunteer architect start defining the specifics in order to meet the wishes and needs of the family for that location within the bounds of the budget.  One of the requirements for the Habitat family is to put in 500 hours of labor for their house or some other Habitat project.  This is called “Sweat Equity”.  Then the project is turned over to the Build Committee, and the build will begin.  Two houses are planned so far this year on Garden Street in downtown Poughkeepsie.  These are the opportunities for the volunteer builders.

 

Normally, Saturday is the most frequent day of the build because many of the volunteers have regular full-time jobs.  A professional carpenter, who is also a volunteer, is designated to head the project, and this person schedules the phases of construction, estimates the material requirements based on the architectural drawing, and places order for the materials.  Of course, all of the paperwork needed for the permits and inspects has to be filed on time.

 

If you wish to be a volunteer, the registration form can be picked up at the Parish Office.  I will describe some of my experiences of being on build sites next month.

 

Sam Im

 

Climb The Beanstalk

The April 7th Sunday Parish Breakfast will be cooked and served by the Board Members of Climb the Beanstalk, our after-school program for first graders.  Remember to set your clock ahead so you’ll have time to enjoy the food and company, and support our community programming.  See you there about 8:45 a.m. or later.

 

New Church Website

If you haven’t checked out our new website, you’re missing a lot!  Our new web address is www.christchurchpok.org.

 

You will now be able to access information such as upcoming church and music events, Michael's sermons, information on church activities, a “virtual historical tour” of the church’s architecture, and even read The Courier on-line!  Carol Lundergan, a member of our choir, created the site and is the “official” Christ Church webmaster.

 

If you have any news and/or information that you would like to see on the website, please contact Carol at 256-1841 or e-mail her at soprano.one@verizon.net.  You can also send Carol any comments, suggestions, complaints, or ideas on improving the site.  Happy surfing!

 

Newsletter Deadline

The DEADLINE for the May “Courier” is Sunday, April 21.  Please bring items to the parish office, or you may e-mail articles to me at christchurch@mindspring.com.   Thank you!

 

Michele Haynes

 

From the Desk of Jean K. Stevenson, M.D.

The following note was received form Jean Stevenson:

 

I am happily settled at The Whitney Center.  There are approximately 200 residents here, a considerable number of whom taught at Yale!  Many activities are available – trips, lectures, classes, concerts, exercise, and parties.  So far I’ve met two Vassar graduates and one Episcopalian.  She promises to take me to Trinity Church on the Green in New Haven.  I think I’ll visit several churches before I decide.  There is a chaplain here at the Center, also.

 

My son, David, lives in Hamden and works with the physician on call for Whitney Center.  Woodi and Joan and daughters live within an hour’s drive.  This morning I had visit from a lady who is over 100 years old and “sharp as a button”.

 

Mary Flad has been involved in using one of my watercolors of Maple Grove on note paper which will help to raise money for the preservation of this old building as an historical treasure.  Please help!  Maple Grove is situated on the hill east of Route 9 opposite the Poughkeepsie Cemetery.

 

Christ Church has meant a lot to my family – baptisms, weddings, and funerals.  I was senior Warden when the huge old parish house burned down!  That was a night I won’t forget!

 

Warmest greetings.

 

Jean Stevenson

 

Address:  The Whitney Center

               Apt. 436

               200 Leeds Hill Drive

               Hamden, CT 06715

 

Notes for a Welcoming Church

“Angels Unaware, Sojourners and Strangers”

 

Our Christ Church community is striving to find fresh insights into our ministry of welcoming newcomers to our services and into our community.  Contemporary theologian Christine Pohl invites us to re-examine the Biblical roots of the meaning of hospitality, the key to bringing new families and individuals into the fold.  In Genesis 18, Abraham and Sarah welcomed three guests who proved to be angels.  The passage connects hospitality with the presence of God, with promise, and with blessing.  Pohl declares that “embedded within the covenant between God and Israel was Israel’s identity as alien and its related responsibility to sojourners and strangers”.

 

The New Testament links hospitality, race, and sacrifice in deep and personal ways:  Romans 12, “Let love be genuine … outdo one another in showing honor … extend hospitality to strangers.”  Romans 15, “Welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you …”  And Hebrews 13, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for my doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”  Hospitality is a living ministry tied to the ministry of Christ welcoming believers into the Kingdom.  Hospitality begins and lives through each of us.  May we, like Martin Luther, declare, “welcome angels unaware”.

 

Newcomers Ministry Team

 

15th Anniversary:  First AA Group Established at Christ Church in March 1987

Shortly after his arrival at Christ Church, The Rev. David Toomey expressed surprise that the Church was not home for at least one Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.  That set the wheels in motion for the establishment of AA’s first registered group, The Thursday Serenity Lunch Brunch.  This group is officially registered with the General Service Office in New York City, which is the world headquarters of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Currently six meetings are held at Christ Church, four at noontime and two at night.  See the Church Calendar for listing of the times and place.

 

As stated in AA’s preamble, “Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism”.  In the process, the individual, with group nurturing, grows in a new and meaningful way, but understands it is only realized through using AA’s 12-Step Program and practicing the daily maintenance of their spiritual condition.  The Rev. Michael Phillips, in last month’s “Courier”, aptly likened the AA Community to that of the early Christian communities where the emphasis in each community is on replacing the former life with that of an entirely new and more meaningful one.

 

For further information or questions about support programs, feel free to call Jeanne Richards at 471-6488.  All calls are strictly confidential.  Thank you.

 

Jeanne Richards

 

Christ Church Summer Camp - 2002

Summer means fireflies, ice cream cones, picnics at the beach, and the Christ Church Summer Camp.  Now in its 37th year, our neighborhood camp will again be offering crafts, games, songs, stories, meals, and field trips for up to 55 children.  How can you help Christ Church be a loving witness to the children of our community?  Provide a full or partial campership (each child pays \$260) or make a donation toward operating expenses.  Contributions of any size are welcome!  Make your checks payable to Christ Church with a memorandum to the Summer Camp.  Later this spring we will be providing more details about this year’s program and asking for volunteers to offer services.  Thank you for your help!

 

The Summer Camp Committee

 

Youth Catechumenate

The following are the dates that the Youth Catechumenate Group will be meeting:

v     April 14, 2002

v     May 5, 2002

Please mark your calendars.

 

Thank you,

Jackie Vierno

 

A Celebration in Memory of Bob Raymond

  1. Bob’s Bike Benefit – A celebration in memory of Bob Raymond to support our homeless shelter, Saturday, May 18th 4:00 p.m. at Christ Church.  Please plan to attend.  For information call Michele at the Church Office at 452-8220.
  2. Seek Peace and Pursue It (1 Peter 3:11):  The following organizations work directly for peace.  Your donations do make a difference:

·        African Medical Mission

P.O. Box 2756

Hendersonville, NC 28793

 

·        ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid)

1522 K St. NE, #202

Washington D.C. 20005

 

·        Churches for Peace in the Middle East

100 Maryland Avenue NE, #313

Washington D.C. 20002

 

·        The Fellowship of Reconciliation

P.O. Box 271

Nyack, NY 10960

 

·        AFEDJ (American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem)

3203 West Alabama

Houston, TX 77098

 

·        SABEEL (Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, Jerusalem)

c/o Friends of SABEEL, North America

2036 SE Jefferson Street

Milwaukie, OR 97222

 

As always, thanks, thanks!

 

Evie Fortna

 

Upcoming Events

A Community Eucharist and Potluck Supper will be held on Saturday, April 20th:

            4:30 p.m.          Eucharist Service

            5:30 p.m.          All-Parish Potluck Supper (board games to follow)

Free and open to the community.

Attendance at the service Saturday evening satisfies any “bounden duty” for worship that weekend.

 

The Fauré Requiem

            Christ Church Choir and Orchestra

            Saturday, April 27th at 3:00 p.m.

            Reception to follow

            Tickets:  \$10 for adults; $8 students/seniors

 

Kairos: A Consort of Singers

            Saturday, May 11th at 3:00 p.m.

            Tickets:  \$10 for adults; $8 students/senior

 

Tie-Down Kit

If anyone can use a portable storage shed “tie-down kit”, I have one that is available at no charge.  It is brand new – I did not have a use for it and cannot return it.  Please e-mail me at barbara@harringtoned.com or call me at 845-229-0188.

 

Barbara

 

Stand for the Dignity of All Farmworkers Advocacy Day

Farmworkers Advocacy Day will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2002 in Rochester and Albany.  For additional information please contact:  The Rural & Migrant Ministry, P.O. Box 4757, Poughkeepsie, NY 12602, telephone 845-485-8627.

 

 

From the Baton of Laura Russell, Choir Director


LOOKING BACK AT A MUSICAL LENT – When Michael told me of his plan to spread the events of Holy Week out over the entire six weeks of Lent, I was thrilled! Why? Because there is such a wonderful wealth of hymns, anthems, and organ works that deal with the moving events of Holy Week, and there is usually not enough time in the Holy Week services to do more than touch on a couple of these musical riches.

Looking over all the musical possibilities, I felt like a kid in a candy shop. Here I was, thinking that Lent was a time to abstain from some beloved activity, and I was being given the opportunity to explore all the musical riches in our choir library! The only problem was limiting ourselves to what we (the choir and I) could master musically during the six weeks. Many Sundays the choir sang two anthems, and each week the anthems and hymns were carefully coordinated to reflect the theme and readings for that particular Sunday. We even included anthems by two woman composers, reflecting the month March as a time to celebrate women’s accomplishments!

Choir Anthem highlights of the season for me include: Create in me a clean heart O God by Brahms, two settings of Ave verum corpus by Mozart and Elgar, O pray for the peace of Jerusalem and Taste and See by Goss, Sing Hosanna by Ellen Armitage, Panis angelicus by Franck, Solus ad victiman by Leighton, I waited for the Lord by Mendelssohn, Crucifixus by Bach, My God, Why has thou forsaken me? by Laura Russell, and Locus iste by Anton Bruckner.

My deep appreciation goes to Michael for giving the choir and me this wonderful opportunity, and to the choir for all the extra time and energy they put into lovingly preparing all this wonderful music. Thank you!

SPRING CHORAL CONCERT: The Christ Church Choir will present a beautiful and moving concert of the Fauré Requiem on Saturday, April 27th at 3PM in the church. An ensemble of strings, harp, and organ will accompany the choir. The Fauré Requiem is a quiet, meditative, and intimate work that stresses tenderness, pardon and hope. Fauré himself called it a “lullaby of death”. It sees death as a joyous deliverance, a reaching for eternal happiness, rather than a mournful passing.

For most of his life, Fauré served as a church organist, succeeding his composition teacher, Saint-Saëns, as organist at La Madeleine, one of Paris’s largest churches, in 1877. In 1896 he advanced to the position of choirmaster. His career as church musician, which lasted until he resigned to become director of the Paris Conservatory in 1905, spanned forty years. Fauré began work on The Requiem was begun in 1886 and finished it in early 1888. Fauré later added two movements several years after its premier. The offertory, O Domine Jesu Christe, was added to the original five movements in 1889, and the beautiful baritone solo, Libera me, was added in 1892. The entire work was performed at La Madeleine in 1924 at Fauré’s own funeral service.

The choir has been working hard on this piece since January. Please encourage your friends and family to attend the performance of this beautiful work.

 

 

The Fauré Requiem

 

Choir and Orchestra

 

Saturday, April 27th at 3:00 PM

 

Christ Episcopal Church

Academy and Carroll Streets, Poughkeepsie

(Handicap-accessible from Carroll Street)

 

Suggested Donation:  $10 for adults; $8 students/seniors

 

 

 

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