The Courier

June 2002

Volume 55, Issue 6

 

“Episkopos” Means “Supervision”

 

One result from our visit to the Cathedral in Sacramento last September was a reflection about what structures need to be in place in order to provide responsible ministry in the Name of Christ.  A Christian community is not about busy-ness, or a frantic set of activities.  Christian ministry is in relationship to the Holy Spirit who calls us in certain directions (and away from other directions).  Once the wishes and will of the Spirit have been discerned, a responsible community then puts in place a well-thought-out system which will enable ministry to be delivered and to be effective.

 

Reflecting upon the structures of the Cathedral in Sacramento it occurred to us that we were missing an important level of management in the delivery of our ministries.  We were placing two functions on our “episkopos” groups when they could only be expected to fulfill one.  The word Episkopos is Greek for “oversight” (epi – upon or over; and skopos – to view or see).  Since the first of this year, the Episkopos members have been meeting as a group with Wardens and the Rector monthly to look at the role of those groups within the structure of our parish and our responsibility to provide ministry.  In the past, the Episkopos groups were not only providing “oversight” for ministry such as setting the ministry agenda (what we would do and not do), and how we would pay for those ministries (budget), but they were also taking responsibility for the execution of ministry with activities such as making phone calls, advertising, rounding up volunteers to help, etc.

 

We have decided to focus the work of the Episkopos groups for oversight, by reducing the number of people who serve at that level, and by restricting their activities to seeking volunteers to execute ministry and making sure that those volunteers have the support they need to fulfill their call.  We expect that the Episkopos groups will consist of about five members, each of whom will take the Vision, Mission, and Values Statements of the Vestry and turn them into active ministry by the people of Christ Church and others outside of the parish with whom we have built partnerships.

 

Our organizational levels then look like this:

 

Vestry – Responsible for discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit for Christ Church, producing Vision, Mission and Values Statements, and holding the other levels accountable for their tasks.

 

Rector and Wardens – Executive function and working with Vestry to produce Vision, Mission and Values Statements.  Will ensure proper administration of the parish.

 

Episkopos – Provide oversight in the three major areas of ministry: Parish Life, Community Ministry, and Property.  Each area will have a fundraising strategy, and establish and work within an annual budget.  Episkopoi will recruit parish volunteers to execute ministries which are consistent with the Vision, Mission and Values Statements set by the Vestry, and will make sure that volunteers are trained and empowered to accomplish the ministries they undertake.

 

Ministry Teams – These groups will undertake and complete the ministries of the parish.  The ministries may be ongoing such as Altar Guild or Acolytes, or they may be focused around a single event such as the Plant Sale or Jazz Concert.  Ministry Team members will receive clear guidance from the Episkopoi regarding the ministries they are being asked to fulfill, including budgetary guidelines, purposes and goals, and evaluation.

 

Parishioners – The pool of volunteer ministers who will step up to ministry initiatives as they are called by the Spirit according to their gifts and talents.  Parishioners may serve at any of the levels listed above.

 

By adding the structural level called “Ministry Teams” we hope to energize the ministries of the parish without draining or depleting the members of the Episkopos Groups.  In the future, as the word “Ministry Team” is added to our common vocabulary and used, I hope everyone will understand that it refers to a group of people who are undertaking a particular ministry within the parish, and in the Name of Christ.

 

Michael

 

A Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of New York

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

 

I have this week released a Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of New York on Sexual Abuse.  The events of the past few months require comment, clarification, reassurance and encouragement.  The Letter states the following:

 

  1. We have asked all vestries to renew their acquaintance with our diocesan policy and procedures;
  2. A review is given of what we have done in the past, outlining in summary form the essential elements of our policy;
  3. We need to be sensitive to, and supportive of, the gay and lesbian men and women of this Diocese – people who have contributed so significantly to our common life, and join the struggle to overcome the perception that homosexuality is the same as pedophilia; and
  4. Our Roman Catholic friends need our support and prayer during this time of anguish.

 

Faithfully yours,

The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk

 

From the Wardens

This Spring has been a busy time at Christ Church, with many activities:

 

  • The Fauré Requiem Concert, so beautifully presented, and part of a continuing music concert series planned by our co-music director Laura Russell for our benefit and the benefit of the local community.
  • The Feasibility Study to determine the likelihood of a successful Capital Campaign.  This is a really important step in the planning of the ongoing stewardship of our physical plant in the service of our Christ Church ministries;
  • The bigger and better plant sale for the benefit of the Summer Program and Climb the Beanstalk;
  • The beginning of work on a new floor surface in the Community Room, which we hope will enhance the many, many activities that take place there, including our community ministries;
  • A special birthday celebration for Alejandra Marañon from the Virgin de Guadalupe congregation, and attended by many from the Christ Church congregation;
  • The memorial celebration for Bob Raymond’s ministry for the Homeless Shelter.

 

There are many other activities in the works.  Watch for announcements.  We hope you will participate in as many as you can, for while some of the motivation for these activities is ministry in our community and the world, there is an important element of social ministry in our own Christ Church community, which helps to enhance our sense of being in community with one another as part of God’s community and as part of God’s presence in Poughkeepsie.  In the next few weeks, we will have two more concerts, one presented by Laura Russell and Company, and the Jazz Concert presented by the Poughkeepsie High School Jazz Band as a benefit for the Summer Program and Climb the Beanstalk.

 

It has surely been a beautiful Spring.  Every time I pass the Courtyard Garden, I give thanks to Ann Conrad and Ellie Vermillion.

 

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat needs funds to purchase materials to build houses.  It is now estimated to be $60,000 per house.  Large sums are raised through corporations and individual donors.  The local Habitat volunteers annually help raise some of it by making and selling the bird houses and feeders during the summer.  I have recently spent five weeks making them for five different species: bluebird, wren, barn swallow, warbler and finch.  They will be sold in front of J.C. Penney’s at the Galleria on June 9 (Sunday).  I understand that some species cannot sustain their existence without human help for their dwellings due to ever-shrinking forests; the bluebird is an example.  I hope you mark your calendar and come out and support this cause.

 

The Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) 2002 is being held this year in Durban, South Africa from June 2 through 7.  My wife Louise and I will join 1,500 other Americans to build 100 houses there.  Actually, there are nineteen countries on the African continent concurrently building a total of 1,000 during the week.  Much is uncertain there is my mind, but I know I will be glad when it is over because we will have made some lives better.  While we are flying back on June 8 the bird house sale will be taking place in Poughkeepsie, and I will be hoping and praying that Christ Church members will be well-represented in supporting this good project.

 

Sam Im

 

Test Your Bible Knowledge

I promised you the answers – here they are!

 

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible.  It was a lulu; kept people looking so hard for facts.  For others, it was a revelation.  Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized.  But the truth finally struck home to numbers of our readers.  To others it was a real job.  We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you.  Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot.  Others may require judges to help them.  I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found.  A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so that she can concentrate better.  See how well you can compete.  Relax now, there really are sixteen names of books of the Bible in this paragraph.

 

Michele

P.S.:  I left one out; can you find it?

 

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 June “Courier” is Sunday, June 16.  Please bring items to the parish office, or you may e-mail articles to me at christchurch@mindspring.com.   Thank you!

 

Michele Haynes

 

Housing Needs

The Rural and Migrant Ministry is in need of an apartment (studio or shared) for a person that will be joining them for one year beginning in July.  Emma is twenty-two, a non-smoker, and needs a place for under $400.  Please contact Rural Migrant Ministry at 485-8627 if you can help.

 

Dutchess Interfaith Council

There will be a Tour of Houses of Worship on Sunday, June 9 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.  The tour includes the following places of worship:

 

  • Gurdwara Mid-Hudson Sikh Cultural Society – Ketchamtown Road, Wappingers Falls, NY
  • Fishkill Church of the Nazarene – 201 Main Street, Fishkill, NY
  • Native American Spirituality – Geering Town Park, Route 52, Fishkill, NY

 

The tour begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Sikh Temple; traveling south to Route 9D, turn left onto Ketchamtown Road and continue .4 miles south of the light at 9D and Old Hopewell Road (Basket shop on corner); go 2 miles on Ketchamtown Road; the Sikh Center is on your right just before you come to Osborne Hill Road.  At 3:00 p.m. we will meet at the Nazarene Church.  The Town Park gathering is at 4:00 p.m.  At each site we will be greeted by a knowledgeable leader who will speak with us and answer questions.

 

Youth Catechumenate

The final session for our Youth Catechumenate will be held on Sunday, June 2, immediately following the 10am service. N Catechumens and their sponsors need to complete their projects by then.  Also, put October 5, 2002 on your calendar for our visit with Bishop Sisk at his office in New York City.

 

Schedule of Summer Services

Starting Sunday, July 7 through Sunday, September 2, there will be one Sunday morning worship service in English at 9:00 a.m., except on Sundays when we share the Eucharist with St. Paul’s.  The Eucharist in Spanish will be celebrated at l:00 p.m. as usual.

 

First Shared Eucharist – July 14 – 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s, Mansion & Hamilton Streets

 

Summer Schedule:  July, August, Labor Day – 9:00 a.m. Eucharist

 

Jazz Concert on June 7th

The second annual Poughkeepsie High School Jazz Ensemble concert will again fill Christ Church with joyful noise.  The young musicians are very good and inspiring.  As we support them, they support the programs Christ Church offers for the younger city children – Climb the Beanstalk, and the Summer Program.  Please buy tickets for yourself, and sell them to neighbors, and any family you know that has budding musicians.  You can obtain tickets from the volunteers who read or help with the children at Climb the Beanstalk.  This includes Alice Bunnell, Jean Menuez, Art Dutton, Ruth Fairbanks, Sally Taylor, Norma Johnson, Austin Ehleider, Lillian Garret-Thomas, James Monteith or A. J. Williams-Myers.  Leonard Lewis has designed the tickets - $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and kids under 12.  Ask any of the above people for tickets.  Checks shouldb e made out to Christ Church with Jazz Concert on the memo line.  Give money or checks to the person who gave you the tickets.  We are trying not to overburden our wonderful secretary, Michele, in the church office.

 

A Note from God

June 2

June 9

June 16

June 23

Deut. 11:18-21, 26-28; Romans 3:21-25a, 28; Matthew 7:21-27

Psalm 31

Hosea 5:15-6:6; Romans 4:13-18; Matthew 9:9-13

Psalm 50

Exodus 19:2-8a; Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-15)

Psalm 100

Jeremiah 20:7-13; Romans 5:15b-19; Matthew 10:(16-23) 24-33

Psalm 69:1-18

June 30

Isaiah 2:10-17; Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 10:34-42

Psalm 89:1-18

 

 

From the Baton of Laura Russell, Choir Director

 

CDs of the Spring Choir Concert are now available.  To order one, leave a message for Laura Russell in the church office.

 

Christ Church Summer Concerts

We have launched an exciting new concert series at Christ Church this year – please come this summer and enjoy our musical offerings!  For more information, visit the Christ Church website at www.christchurchpok.org or call (845) 452-8220.

 

Saturday, June 1st – 4:00 p.m.:  “88 Plus Four” *PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIME* (Previously announced as a 3PM starting time):

Chamber music for clarinet, voice and piano by Schubert and Brahms

·        Brahms’ delightful Liebeslieder Waltzes (Love Song Waltzes)

·        Brahms’ Clarinet Sonata in F minor – first and second movements

·        Schubert’s Die Schöne Müllerin – selections

·        Schubert’s “Shepherd on the Rock”

·        Solo songs and duets by Schubert and Brahms

Carol Lundergan, Trish Agar, Edward Lundergan, Paul Frazer – voice; Jonathan Russell, guest clarinetist; Laura Ramsey Russell, Ruthanne Schempf – piano

 

Friday, June 7th – 7:00 p.m.:  Jazz Concert

Poughkeepsie High School Jazz Ensemble – conducted by William Gillespie

Proceeds from this concert will benefit Climb the Beanstalk – Christ Church after-school reading program, and the Christ Church Six-Week Summer Day Camp Program.

 

Tickets:  Adults $10; Seniors and Students $5

 

Saturday, August 10th – 2002 BachFest at Christ Church

3:30 p.m. Concert:  Choral and Instrumental Works by J. S. Bach

Cantata #106, Jesu Meine Freude, Wedding Cantata, motets, works for organ, flutes, strings, and trumpets

 

7:30 p.m. Concert:  Highlights from “The Passion According to St. Matthew”

BachFest Choir and Orchestra

 

Tickets: $7 general admission to each concert.  For information about the entire BachFest 2002 weekend or to sing in the BachFest choir, visit the BachFest website at www.hudsonvalleysocietyformusic.org or call Laura Russell at 485-1648.

 

Inter-Faith Choir – A Sacred Bridge

Since early this year, I have been meeting almost weekly with Rena Shapiro, cantor at Temple Beth-El.  We have been exploring the development of an Inter-Faith Choir which will sing music with texts common to both the Christian and Jewish traditions.  Our plans at this point involve the collaboration of our choirs on a concert of music set to texts from the Psalms.  We hope to make our “debut” in October as a special combined choir within the Dutchess County InterFaith concert.  Tentative plans beyond that include a joint concert with our two choirs later in the fall and participation in the proposed New Year’s Day Arts Event here at Christ Church.  I am looking forward to exploring the common ground of our shared religious traditions!

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Parish Picnic

End-of-Year

All Parish

Pot Luck Picnic

To be held

Sunday, June 23

After 10:00 a.m. service

(approximately 11:30 a.m.)

Entertainment and End of Year Recognitions

See what the kids have been working on all year!

COME AND JOIN US!

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The Welcoming Church

When I was asked to write about the importance of welcoming new church members, I thought about all the times I entered a church as a stranger.  Whenever I have moved to a new area, I have become entangled in the anxiety and frustration of moving and adjusting to a new environment, especially to the pace and culture of the area.  The one consistency in all of this – the one “saving grace” – has always been church.  At least for one hour or so a week, I could be someplace familiar, someplace safe and relaxing.  While the building and the faces in a new church are different, the format of the service is familiar and comforting.  Whenever I see a new face in church, I try to talk to the person in order to let this newcomer know that he or she is welcome, and that I too have been new in many churches and know the importance of feeling wanted by the congregation.

 

Making strangers feel wanted and welcome is a valuable gift not found in all houses of worship.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christ Episcopal Church becomes known for it?

 

The Deacon’s Bench

Virginia is a 94-year-old resident of the Vassar Warner Home, who has capably and joyfully played the piano for religious services at the home for many years.  Now Virginia feels that her failing eyesight causes her to make too many mistakes and wants those that organize the services each Sunday to provide their own pianist.  Frankly, I think Virginia still plays better than most people, but she is much harder on herself than that and no longer wants the responsibility.  With that in mind, I am asking that all people who can play hymns on the piano volunteer to take a turn in rotation, of course, to accompany one of Christ Church’s Lay Readers to the Vassar Warner Home on the third Sunday of each month.  This is a wonderful opportunity, as the Lay Readers will tell you, to spend time with some vital and engaging elder members of our neighborhood.  They love to sing hymns they remember from their youth and you will be very glad you took an hour of your day to join them.  Call me, sign on.

 

On another topic, all license renewals have been received and will be sent off to the diocese.  Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers will be notified when new paperwork is received.  Lay Eucharistic Ministers should pick up their packets of Communion Under Special Circumstances from me on Sunday, June 2.  Your packet will include two copies of each format; you will need to have them all available for your visits to ensure that you can make the best choice for the person(s) you are visiting.  Make more copies as you need.  The ministries both Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers pursue on Christ Church’s behalf in our larger community are vital to us and rewarding to them; please keep them and their ministry in your prayers.  If you believe that you are called to participate in one or both of these ministries yourself, please don’t hesitate to call and talk with me about it.

 

Yours in Christ,

Mary

 

Lay Eucharistic Minister Schedule – June 2002:

June 2:              Julia Dutton / Lillian Garrett-Thomas

June 9:              Leonard Lewis

June 16:            Becky Nielsen

June 23:            Phyllis George

 

Acolyte Schedule – June 2002:

June 2:              Irene Currie, Robin Angstrom, Derek Easton

June 9:              Andrea Easton, Jason Gregorius, Alice Freidl

June 16:            Chris Morgan, Nick Currie, Tiffany Shepherd

June 23:            Johanna Kraft, Michael Shepherd, Gracie Phillips

 

 

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